Coolangatta Beach Markets

This morning we decided to wander around the Coolangatta Beach markets, we had been told about them by a friend of Susan's who sells his frames and artwork there, it is nearly all local arts and crafts. First off we had to stop and watch the little "nippers" (kiddy lifesavers) in training, they were on every beach we passed. Then it was time to hit the markets - just great, there were also some good food stalls

A little bit of everything for sale

After stretching our legs we drove up to Kirra Point lookout, managed to get a couple of photos before a wedding overlooking the sea took place at 11am.

Coolangatta and Greenmount Beach

And beautiful Kirra Nine Mile Beach

This afternoon we had a great visit from a younger couple we met a couple of years ago camping at Berry Showground, they moved to Alice Springs, love it there, with Darin working for AAT Kings, guiding tours of the outback, and Lisa works for the School of the Air program. Anyway in late September they had their little son (Mikie), he has proven himself to be a real little traveller, they drove from Alice Springs to Rockhampton in 3 days with not only Mikie but their wonderful dog Kahmou, and have been visiting family and friends for the past couple of weeks. Anyway they have picked up their campertrailer and will head back to the Alice straight after Christmas, with Mikie and Kahmou (4 days this time). What a little character Mikie is at 11 weeks, - very calm - he will be a good little camper.!!

The Tree is done!

This week has sort've just zoomed by - quite a few things happening, still some stuff with the house and then of course Christmas is creeping up faaaaast!!!. The tree is up with some lovely new ornaments arriving from England, and then just after I finished it a New Hampshire moose decoration arrived from Bedford N.H., so it also has pride of place on this year's tree.

Wednesday evening we went to the neighbourhood Christmas party at the Colonial Golf Club - very nice indeed, then on Friday evening we had a few neighbours round for drinks and nibbles at 5pm - they left at 11pm. think I overdid the nibbles - no need for anyone to leave for dinner, and one neighbour had made a delicious Christmas mince pie - so we finished that off with ice cream, with some of them consuming a glass each of our next door neighbour - Carol's "1953" Port. I haven't touched port for a couple of decades, but for those that did partake, they all agreed it was superb.

We are still taking an hour walk each morning, and sussing out the different parks and woodlands around. The older part of Robina was originally designed as "1 in 3", that is the original developer left one third of the land clear for woodlands, parks, lakes and the like, and we do benefit from this, always something more to explore. Of course the new developments aren't being afforded this free area, all very squashed.

Bouganvillia hanging over a fence into the woodlands - love this plant, but not to grow myself - far too thorny to handle.

More proof we have downsized!

Well, the plan was to definitely downsize, this we have done, I was reminded again when I had to make the decision to pass on some of our Christmas decorations to one of my cousin's and family, they don't fit in our renovated abode, love passing these little tests! Low maintenance was also a requirement, and the Brig is very happy he has not had to rake one leaf since he has been here, we are settling in very well now!!.

We have actually got back into early morning walks, about an hour each day, this morning we headed to Robina common, plenty of wildlife around, including young Buddy who guards the local newsagency, and then back via the golfcourse and it's glorious poinciana's.

This lizard guy was quite large - lots of them around the lakes

Buddy the "newspaper cocky"

Earlier this week we decided not to drive the 18 hours south in holiday traffic to my Uncle and Aunt's in Bombala for Christmas, just wanted to relax here to be honest, so we will spend Christmas day with my Godmother and her daughter and son in law and family, less than an hour north of here - Ailsa does all cold seafood for Christmas lunch - so that will be great.

A lot is happening around here too, this Wednesday evening is the neighbourhood Xmas party at the Colonial Golf Club around the corner, then another celebration with a few neighbours on the Friday evening, plus more family get togethers pre and post Christmas.

The weather here has been superb, it is time for us to be engulfed with heat and humidity, but so far so good, we do drastically need rain though - things are quite dry - but fortunately we have a water tank for the garden - which still needs some creative charming!.

Hardware and lifesavers

Off to the hardware store early on Saturday morning for another few odds and ends, and were met just outside the front door of Bunnings by a Queensland lifesaver and his fully decked out little mate. The past weekend was their annual fund raising activity - they are all volunteers, get very little assistance from State or Federal Governments, and do an absolutely incredible job - up here, it's 12 months of the year. Couldn't resist the effort this lifesaver and his little mate had made to gather some much needed funds.

Just love his little cap!

Where did the last week go??

This past week has been loads of fun, having cousin Susan's company instead of those tradesmen was just what we needed. We did all kinds of things, which included having a group of neighbours around for drinks and nibbles last Saturday evening - fun time. Some trips to the beach, including the Spit at Main Beach below.

The sand pumping jetty

Susan and Frank devouring a couple of ice creams at the Spit's Kiosk.

Tuesday arvo - lovely tea and far too many cakes at my Godmother's apartment at Broadbeach. Cousin Ailsa came down from Brisbane again, fun time.

Auntie's balcony is like a cottage garden in itself - right opposite the beach.

We followed this up with another dinner - outside. Frank and Susan toasting "something or somone"! We are spending mucho time on the outdoor living Patio we just finished. Then of course there was our trip up to a local winery, en route to Mt. Tamborine in the Hinterland. Susan has an old school friend who lives there now.

Helen and her partner made us most welcome.

(Left to right) Fay, moi, the Brig, Susan and Helen - about to gorge a wonderful vineyard picnic platter full of goodies.

John, Helen's partner manned his gallery while we ate. He has a super gallery where he frames the imported Venetian Masks, Sea shells and many other things.

After coffee and cake back at the gallery, I couldn't resist spending time checking out some of John's work. He is very good.

Frank was more interested in the actual framing portion!!!!

Also spent time looking at the photos from Susan's last trip - Syria, Jordan, Oman etc. Amazing places really. She hit the road early this morning for Sydney, and arrived home safely - again in one leap!!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving is one of those wonderful holidays in the USA that we miss a lot, and this is just a short note to wish all our great friends, grandson Jack and his parents in America, a wonderful celebration on this special day. Enjoy this special day!

Poinciana shines prior to Christmas

The Poinciana tree - known as one of the most outstanding canopy trees in the world, has been in bloom through November all over the Gold Coast. It hails from Madagascar, and flowers in a bright orange mainly, but some are red. These photos below were taken around the corner from our place on the road to the Golf Club yesterday, they are young compared to many and their flowers are slightly past it right now - should've pulled out the camera a couple of weeks ago. The blue Jacarandas have also been stunning, but somehow these poinciana's jump out and take over.

IT SEEMS CHRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER NOW -

time to sort out the tree!!

Life after renovations!!!!

Well apart from hopefully seeing our last workman for awhile, we have Susan staying with us, and yesterday morning at just after 6.30 am we took off for a walk at Currumbin Beach, starting just near Elephant Rock in the photo below. They hold the most incredible ANZAC service at this rock every April, hope we can get to it next year.

Looking south to the New South Wales Border from the Rock

Below - Looking north to the Gold Coast

A quick decision after our great walk was to have breakfast at the Currumbin Life Saving Club

Very relaxing brekkie

Many swimmers for early morning Below - One of the statues along the Beach

Kiwis with Queensland knowledge

Last Wednesday evening friends we met when travelling around Australia in 2004 came down to visit us - they were originally from Auckland, but moved over to Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast 3 years ago. When the sun had set, it seemed our knowledgeable friends needed to instruct us in the "non breeding" program of the dreaded and revolting poisonous cane toad which is spreading rapidly now through the north and insisted on entering our back garden that evening. A weapon was needed, and I found just the thing, it was a wooden menu - some 32 years old, which I had picked up in the USA at the Rusty Scupper Restaurant in New Hampshire. Why I had kept this tool for so long I don't know, but it now stands on the back deck for all to see, including any toads who dare to visit in the evening.

After some training, Colin and Lois declared the Brig was capable of protecting our property from these dreaded creatures, who by the way are a little slow off the mark at times. They are that poisonous though they have been killing crocodiles who eat them. Still a lot better than snakes though!!

Pommie Kiwis

Friday, across the Tasman Sea, also was the day Ethan, Ian and Sarah, became Kiwis!!!

Ethan swearing his Oath of Allegiance to Queen Elizabeth, and New Zealand.

And they were each given a certificate and native plant to take home with them , while the 2 yr old born kiwi watched on - a great day for the Wroes in Auckland.

Family party time

Last Thursday, cousin Susan drove up from Sydney - in one hit, took her about 12 hours, to stay with us for a week, and cousin Wayne and his wife Ann flew up from Sydney for a Wedding at Miami Beach on Saturday. So we all decided to get together for lunch on Friday- very hot day, but the restaurant we chose ovelooked a pond in Robina and we had a great breeze fussing around us for most of the time, and the food was excellent.

There were 11 of us this time (photo above - left to right) Cousin Wayne, C in law Rod, cousins Susan and Ailsa (from Brisbane) Auntie Nalda, Auntie Beryl, c in laws Sue and Ann, moi, the Brig and cousin Ashley. After lunch we came back to our place for coffee and cake, and loads of laughs - just another lovely day for all of us.

And to top it off, we think we have seen the last electrician, plumber and the like for some time.

4 year's old and nearly a KIWI

Grandson Ethan, turned 4 years old yesterday, and this week he and his Mum and Dad will also become New Zealand citizens. Imogen, Ethan's 2 year old sister was born in Auckland, so she is already a Kiwi.

His day started off with opening of presents from family all over, he is about to attack one from OZ in this photo!!

Followed by a party, and a super duper cake made by his Mum and Dad.

Think he liked it !!!!