Tennis till 1 a.m.

Well last night we sat and watched a Queenslander compete against an Italian for the French Open Tennis final. Unfortunately Sam didn't win, the Italian lass was just so geared up and determined, a great match though - but going to bed a 1 a.m. was not all that smart!!! So it was a late get up for "QUEENSLAND DAY" this morning. 6th June is the day that is celebrated by Queenslanders as the day when the new colony of Queensland was established. Queen Victoria gave her approval on 6th June 1859 to separate Queensland from New South Wales. On this day Queensland became a self-governing colony with its own Constitution, Governor, a nominated Legislative Council and an elected Legistative Assembly. This is also the day young Jessica Watson chose to sail back into her home port on the Sunshine Coast - Mooloolaba. She did this on the most beautiful clear day -there was a flotilla of about 50 boats to greet her, and she docked in the Mooloolaba's magnificent boat harbour.

Spectators along the Mooloolah River to the Harbour

Above - the large pink sign reads - "Rudd's a Dudd, Jess for P.M.".

I must say the more I see of this young lady the more humble she seems with her actions, yet quietly confident in herself. I should think Ella Bache are thrilled they took the chance to sponsor her!!! I did get a laugh when she stopped and signed a whole pile of autographs for the little ones, which of course kept the Premier of Queensland waiting - local kids were more important to her than the Politicians!!!!! There was an event being held at the Surf Club this afternoon for her, then it was home to one of her mother's pavlovas and her own bedroom.

******* 6th June is also a sad day - this year it is the 66th Anniversary of D Day, in Normandy. Frank and I were actually there the day after D Day 10 years ago.

Above -The British War Cemetry in Bayeaux - has over 4,000 graves, the majority British, along with some Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans.

Above -The Canadian War Cemetry at Beny-Sur-Mer near Caen has over 2,000 graves

Above - the American War Cemetry on a bluff overlooking Omaha beach has over 9,000 graves.