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 !!!!

A very busy 3 weeks!!!

Well, it seems forever since I sat down and added to this blog, not sure where each day has gone, but they are going ever so quickly, so here's a rushed overview. (I'm actually writing this on November 1st - not October 12th as it says above!) Had a lovely day out on my birthday, went to a charming cafe with my Godmother, her daughter and my cousin, Ailsa, Mum's youngest sister, and her daughter in law, Sue and of course the Brig, representing the male species. Great food and conversation, as always, finished off back at my Godmother's for birthday cake. A great group to spend the day with.

At my Godmother's (left) - (Mum's 2nd youngest sister) celebrating the day and the Beatle's hit "when I'm ..??"

Not long after this event, our Sponsor Child in Brazil, became a sponsor "teenager" - seems like a nice kid, writes lovely little letters and sends us photos, here she is on her big day.!!

Now in between all of this we have still been renovating, some success stories, and a few near disasters, however our furniture arrived from the Bay on October 20th, early - the kitchen people were still here futsing around, the carpet layers had just left, and the tiler was still up and running. Anyway all was unloaded, the garage was packed with boxes and we put the large pieces where they would fit or were supposed to go. The goal was to downsize, and this we did, but hell is it hard deciding what to keep and what to get rid of. The Salvation Army have made a couple of happy calls over the past two Friday's and we still have a load more to sort out. Of course if I didn't save everything from 30 years ago, and the Brig is not much better, then this particular stage of our life would be just a tad smoother. We have been aided a bit by some fading of books, prints and furniture due to the amount of "soleil" the old house tolerated. We will get there though!. While this is going on, the painting of the outside of the house is now under way, so not long now till we can get back to normal.

The Brig is really happy now that he can barbeque and cook outside every night - I don't mind it either!!!. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous every day. and even though most of the coast and Brisbane suffered during, and after, a horrendous storm the other night (thousand of lightning strikes), we could see it, the garden got some rain, house didn't suffer at all and we generally relaxed through it.

What's next? Looking forward to our Christmas down south, then of course we have our reunion with my old Kiwi flatmates in Napier, N.Z. in March, sooh looking forward to that, then depending on currency, health and everything, we may just head further on next year - Who knows!!

Hope everyone is well and happy.

Reno - nearly finished - I hope.

Things have been on the go for awhile now with this reno thing we are doing - no joking, this will be the absolute last one!!!! Still waiting for the plumber, not impressed with the electrician in the long run either, but that's still to be sorted!!! Good side, great young landscaping guys, originated from Bowral, went to Chevaliar College opposite Mum's cottage there. They sort've tolerated my whims, camelia sasanqua's and magnolia port wine hedges with sandstone pavers - in the damn tropics. These plants do work in the area, so here's hoping mine do as well!!! Fortunately we do have a water tank at the side of the house!!!. The new front door and bi folds are done and painted - oh goodness that painter!!! The window shutters and venetians are installed, with the exception of a couple that have been lost (not complete, no pay yet)!!!. The kitchen gets ripped out tomorrow, so another exciting day, pest man sprayed in and out today, and Frank and his new mate Pete have a couple of jobs to do at the end of the week, plus a few other things are waiting. Carpets soon, and then eventually the furniture will attack us from the south. Anyway, nearly over I think and hope. Our brick camphouse should end up as a small cottage sooooon.! In the meantime the weather has been absolutely superb, certainly no complaints there, though I am sure the tropical variations will hit soon.

The "big" Christmas fish!!!

I have just received some photos from my cousin Nalda (she lived behind us down in Batemans Bay) to show off her husband (Ross) , son (Matt), and son-in-law (Rod)'s great catches last weekend. Nal, her daughter Tanya, and daughter-in-law Belinda, had organised this trip for their 3 blokes as a Christmas present last year, but for one reason or other they only got to do it last week - and with great success. They boarded the craft at the Batemans Bay Bridge and mozied on up the Clyde River - famous for its Oysters, but I had no idea it housed these huge creatures as well. Of course Ross was the first to land a monster 12 kg Jewish (sometimes called Mulloway) number - within the first hour, and I think he and son Matt are holding this below.

Then of course came No. 2, not sure who caught it, but it was a whopping 14kg poisson!!

Four good sized flathead were also landed, before this very merry bunch returned home to show off their score to their thoughtful maidens and the 2 grand daughter's, Katie and Molly. I believe the freezers are full of their catch, and I know the Christmas (late or early) cheer would've been flowing well into the night to celebrate.