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Published: January 14th 2010
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Firstly, we hope you have had a wonderful Christmas and wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
Okay, let's get it over with! You know what I am referring to....the weather! Yes that's correct, the weather, the favourite discussion and pastime of all Brits! So in short, it's boiling hot and sunny here, and in the UK and Europe you guys are wrestling with worst winter in decades.
As Christmas approached and the prospect of snow loomed upon you all, I have to say that for once we were jealous of the weather! A white Christmas sounded just perfect and whilst we bake here in the heat, there was nothing we wanted more than the opportunity to partake in some winter sledging, to get cold to the bone, to come into a centrally heated house, have that burning hand and cheek feeling and to have the radiators packed with snow encrusted hats and gloves! I have to say however, this was only a momentary thought as I tip toed across the baking hot sand to take a dip in the Pacific Ocean!!!
So whilst you remain in the grip of winter, I thought I would give everybody
an update on our Summer! I dont mean the weather, that would be boring to mention the fact that every day is in the 30's and the sun is shining......no I mean to enlighten you all as to what we have been up to since the last blog back in September. But before that, lets bottom out this subject of weather and be honest with you all......yes we have had some good rain over the Christmas break here in Brisbane, thanks to a cyclone that originated 4000km away off the north west coast of Western Australia. We were lucky in that we were away for Christmas and saw very little of the rains but more about that trip later. We now have a lush looking, very green Brisbane and it sure looks stunning. Back is the sunshine and blue skies! Okay, that's that subject well and truely wrapped up.
As September was the last blog entry, I will take you back to 2009 and the busy end to the year for us both.
We have VIP visitors in October for a month! Mum and Dad flew into to Brisbane for only the second time in their lives, the
first being over 17 years ago. Twenty four hours travel through numerous time zones and their Singapore Airline 747 touched down at Brisbane Airport. Instead of us greeting a couple of zombies, the spritely pair wanted to drink tea and sit up chatting all night. They were here for a month so both my brother and I were to 'share' them!
So they headed to us in Indooroopilly first, and the first few days of acclimatisation was spent on the River Cat around Brisbane. We introduced them to tall buildings, city life and everything that is the opposite of Appleby-in Westmorland.
The first weekend, we all headed to Sirromet, to walk around the Wineries, giving them a 'taste' of Australia by both allowing them to try our superb wines in a fabulous setting with a platter of cheese and biscuits and a jazz band playing in the background, and spotting kangaroos hopping through the vines.
The start of the next week was a real family affair that saw just myself, my brother and my mum and dad head South to Sydney. We arrived once again at Brisbane Airport and mum and dad were somewhat bemused with the
free food and grogg in the Qantas Club Lounge. Dad still wanted to get out his flask and butties, but when he realised the food and drink was indeed free, a platter of food and glass of wine soon appeared on the table.
The next few days were spent showing mum and dad the delights of Sydney. sailing on the Harbour, walking around the 'Rock' district, marvelling at the amazing Opera House, dining on some fine seafood and even a trip to the Northern Beaches for a swim. They were particulary impressed with the view of the city from our apartment on the 56th floor but mum would not go to the edge of the balcony to look over, and to be fair, neither would I!!!
Back in Brisbane, we had many more lovely nights together and then Carolyn and I took them up to 'The Sunshine Coast' for a week, where we rented a unit overlooking the ocean. On the first day of arriving, we had lunch on the balcony and looking out to sea, saw a Whale breaching. We had a fabulous week, swimming, surfing, sun baking and generally lazing by the Ocean and eating fresh
seafood. We went on a bush walk and even managed to come face to face with a 1.8 metre carpet python, probably not one of mums favourite moments, although certainly memorable!
Mum and Dad spent the final week on day trips with my brother and his family.....I do have to work sometimes! A final meal at a lovely restuarant in the city, overlooking the river, was then met with a tearful departure as they headed back to the UK. All told, they had a great time and I hope we managed to spoil them rotten.
Mum and dad leaving after a month, left a huge hole! So how better to fill this hole, but to take off again. So Caz and I over the weeks leading upto Christmas, seemed to have heaps going on! We flew down to Sydney for another weekend with some friends from Brisbane, we had another weekend on the Sunshine Coast and then heaps of Christmas Parties etc for the commencement of the silly season!
Christmas Eve was a quiet affair with a dinner party on the balcony with another couple. Christmas day was spent at our previous next door neighbours new house.
It wasnt as hot as usual, only 30 degrees and that was nice. I was up at 5.00am to put the 7kg turkey in the oven which we ate late afternoon with some oven roasted veggies. Lunch was typically Australian, a seafood affair, with 4 dozen oysters and a whole heap of prawns consumed. We'll not specifically mention the alchohol, other than to say it was a slow start on Boxing Day!
At lunch time, headache fixed, we packed the car and headed south to Yamba. Yamba is a small town on the New South Wales coast, 3 and 1/2 hours drive from Brisbane. Here we spent 6 days chilling out, swimming in the ocean, walking, golfing and catching up with a few friends. We returned via Byron Bay, the most easterly part of the Australian Mainland, spending a few more days on the beach.....for a change!
And here we are, January 2010 already. We are both back at work now, but have already had a busy weekend! Friday eveing was mens quarter finals at the Brisbane International Tennis Tournament. We had courtside seats and watched Andy Roddick take out Richard Gasquet in a thriller. ( Roddick went
on to win the tournament ). We had a suprise birthday party on the saturday and I was made responsible for keeping the recipient away from the place for half the day......great excuse for golf, so we headed to Bribie Island for a game. Sunday, we were invited to an afternoon BBQ at friends, so I spent the day in their pool playing silly games!
What do we have planned for this year..............too much!!!! There are not enough hours in the day. This week we have visitors from the UK staying with us ( Howard and Kym for those who know them) and we have just had some great news that more friends (Kate & Tris ) are coming out in August and Andrew Billy is visiting in December. Next week we have a weekend on our own, so we may head to the Sunshine Coast again. We are in Sydney for the weekend in early feb as we are going to see the 'Edinburgh Military Tatoo'!!! Yes it is coming to Sydney! The following week we are at the races as a girl from the office is celebrating her engagement there. Then in early March we are New
Zealand bound......me for a week on a conference and then Caz flying out for the second week so we can explore.
Finally, we have booked to visit the UK.....3rd June we arrive so we hope to see you all at some point. Take care and we hope you thaw out, especially by June!!!
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