Up a little later today since we all are still feeling jet lag.
After breakfast we head out to our appointment time with AJ Hackett bungy jump. Perry, Paxton and Hannah have a huge date with the Kawarau Bridge. This is where bungy jumping was actually invented. We take a bus to the bridge and they have their act down to a science! Everyone jumping was weighed and given a number and then it was ...JUMP TIME!!
Out on the bridge they have music pumping and the young guys working are friendly and upbeat and ready to shove you off on the count of three! Ok, maybe they don't actually shove you off, but they are pretty great....
Paxton was first and wanting so bad to go down far enough to be dunked in the river at the bottom. After getting his ankles strapped in and hopping to the edge of the ledge, a quick wave to the cameras for pictures and off he went. No dunking since they had just changed out the bungy ropes that day and they were pretty stiff.
Next up is Hannah, who says she doesn't remember looking down at the river. Once they counted down, off she went. What a trooper!!
Then comes Perry.....strapped in and wanting the dunk also.....3,2,1 and off he goes. No water touched.
After you jump they lower you down to grab a pole from two people in a raft. They then lower you into the raft and unhook your ankles and take you a short distance to the dock.
Pictures are ready to be viewed by the time you are up the stairs and into the building again. Of course Perry and Paxton were not going to leave without the dunk, but more weight was needed. They decide to go again ( I know, crazy, right?) and also to tandem. Up they go and strapped in, out to the ledge and 3,2,1...straight down. Success!! They at least touched the water with their hands.
A dinner of Indian food that night and back to the apartment to pack for our hiking trip.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
November 19-
Dave and I are up early to find breakfast. We end up at the FergBakery, which has a whole case of the most scrumptious looking baked goods. We order breakfast and coffee and eat outside.
With no time to spare we catch a bus to the airport to pick up Perry, Paxton and Hannah. They have caught two flights to get here in New Zealand and it's taken close to 17 hours. Hugs and kisses all around and we grab a taxi to the apartment.
After showers and unwrapping gifts, we head down to town.
FergBurger for lunch, which is the place that is always packed and a "must eat" place here in Queenstown. Shopping for some base layers, signing up for bungy jumping and a short grocery store trip are next on the list.
Walked back to the lake so that Perry and Paxton can stick their feet in and then the uphill walk to the apartment for drinks and UNO.
Dinner at Pier 19 on the water and a bus ride back up the hill. Everyone is tired and hitting the sack early tonight.
17,000 steps today!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
With no time to spare we catch a bus to the airport to pick up Perry, Paxton and Hannah. They have caught two flights to get here in New Zealand and it's taken close to 17 hours. Hugs and kisses all around and we grab a taxi to the apartment.
After showers and unwrapping gifts, we head down to town.
FergBurger for lunch, which is the place that is always packed and a "must eat" place here in Queenstown. Shopping for some base layers, signing up for bungy jumping and a short grocery store trip are next on the list.
Walked back to the lake so that Perry and Paxton can stick their feet in and then the uphill walk to the apartment for drinks and UNO.
Dinner at Pier 19 on the water and a bus ride back up the hill. Everyone is tired and hitting the sack early tonight.
17,000 steps today!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday, November 18, 2013
On the road.....
November 18-
Dave and I are on a two week vacation! We left Brisbane early this morning to catch our flight to Christchurch, New Zealand. Although after checking in and being told to go directly to the gate, we stopped off for a coffee and donuts first. We barely make it through security and to the plane on time. Come to find out, they track you after the check in and will come and find you if you're late. This is the reason our plane was 30 minutes behind schedule...waiting for other passengers to board!
We flew to Christchurch, New Zealand and picked up our bags. The sun was shining and we couldn't resist going outside for a quick picture. We quickly realize that it's 5 minutes until our connecting flight boards, so we run and drop our bags at the domestic flight drop off and go to our gate. Our plane was small, the flight short and we were served tea....so civilized!
We arrived in Queenstown, New Zealand and went to the Platinum Villas to check in. Our apartment is two stories and has a view of the lake on the back patio. Fireplace, kitchen, clean bathrooms and close to the bus stop. Lovely.
Walked UPHILL....capital letters for a reason!....to the VKnow wine Bar and Restaurant. We were greeted by a very nice man and a group of very horrible karaoke singers at the bar. Luckily they finished their song and were done. We ordered wine/beer, Greek salads, Mediterranean pizza and a berry parfait for dessert. Very good and filling for the walk DOWNHILL to the apartment.
7,900 steps today....
Tomorrow we pick up Paxton, Perry and Hannah. :)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Dave and I are on a two week vacation! We left Brisbane early this morning to catch our flight to Christchurch, New Zealand. Although after checking in and being told to go directly to the gate, we stopped off for a coffee and donuts first. We barely make it through security and to the plane on time. Come to find out, they track you after the check in and will come and find you if you're late. This is the reason our plane was 30 minutes behind schedule...waiting for other passengers to board!
We flew to Christchurch, New Zealand and picked up our bags. The sun was shining and we couldn't resist going outside for a quick picture. We quickly realize that it's 5 minutes until our connecting flight boards, so we run and drop our bags at the domestic flight drop off and go to our gate. Our plane was small, the flight short and we were served tea....so civilized!
We arrived in Queenstown, New Zealand and went to the Platinum Villas to check in. Our apartment is two stories and has a view of the lake on the back patio. Fireplace, kitchen, clean bathrooms and close to the bus stop. Lovely.
Walked UPHILL....capital letters for a reason!....to the VKnow wine Bar and Restaurant. We were greeted by a very nice man and a group of very horrible karaoke singers at the bar. Luckily they finished their song and were done. We ordered wine/beer, Greek salads, Mediterranean pizza and a berry parfait for dessert. Very good and filling for the walk DOWNHILL to the apartment.
7,900 steps today....
Tomorrow we pick up Paxton, Perry and Hannah. :)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
October 7th
Labor Day holiday here and we are headed to the beach. James and Di picked us up in their convertible Mini Cooper...top down of course and off we went. First stop on the way was to wine taste, but we forgot that things close for holidays around here. We did find The Pit Stop cafe open so we could grab a drink and a sorry looking/tasting scone. On to Mooloolaba and the beach! After some fish and chips for lunch we laid our towels out and settled in. James and Dave took a swim and us girls did a little sun bathing. Later, under some trees out of the sun, but still on the beach we started playing the card game UNO. They had never played before and James was quite bored until we started ganging up on him and he was losing! Then it was all serious business!! We played for a couple of hours...sneaky Dave won twice!
On to the board walk for a late look around and dinner. It's a great beach town and we really enjoyed ourselves. Top up in the car for the ride home. It was a very satisfying day.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
On to the board walk for a late look around and dinner. It's a great beach town and we really enjoyed ourselves. Top up in the car for the ride home. It was a very satisfying day.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
October 5th
Today we drove to the Glass House Mountains to have a hike. We started at the Lookout with the view of the hills. Of course the driving had me hungry and naturally there is a cafe everywhere, so we stopped for lunch. The Lookout Cafe had a nice view of some hills, kangaroos and some type of orchard.
Onward to the hiking trail. Easy going down to the waterfall, although I did jump when a water dragon came out of the bushes...no scream but a squeak this time! The waterfall was great and there were people swimming, jumping off the rocks even though there was a sign warning of certain death if you did, and picnics set up.
We hiked on to the next waterfall which was even further downhill and not quite so big. Then it was the hike back up this mountain.....not so bad when the path was a gradual climb, but when we hit the stairs it got harder!
There is a cute town called Montville close to where we were and we decided to check it out. Lots of people browsing the stores and sitting in cafes. We watched a couple of guys pulling taffy in the sweets shop, looked at some nice jewelry and saw a small wool shop. No wool came home with me on this trip!
A long day of walking up and down hills.....
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
October 1st
One year anniversary being here in Brisbane. We've had some great times and are looking forward to having many more! We miss everyone and hope to have some of you visit us in the next year....
Xo. Lovey and Dave
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Xo. Lovey and Dave
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
September 29th
Sunday.....and we are still going strong. Lol. Today in Bulimba there is a Shakespeare Festival. Marina and Bob are going to go with us. We have brought enough food and drink to last days, but we don't know how long the play will be. They are acting out "the Taming of the Shrew" at 3pm, with extra activities beforehand. They start the festival with a fencing group showing us all their fancy moves, then we get into the play. Amateur actors, but still very good with just a couple of hiccups with a prop. They have microphones on, so you could hear the whole thing, which was nice since we were towards the back spread out on a huge blanket with our veggies and dip, dumplings and desserts. The event was about 3 hours and when the sun went down it was a little chilly, which is why we ended up walking back to our apartment and having huge mugs of coffee to warm us up. It was a really nice day.
September 28th
This is the big final night to the Brisbane Festival and we are looking to be entertained!! We started out at a party in Dave's office. On the twelfth floor you could look down on the promenade and the surrounding street overlooking the river and Story Bridge and see hundreds of people set up to watch the show. Also there were quite a few boats and yachts that had showed up and were moored right there on the river.
The first part was the F16 fighter jets that swooped down and followed the river. They did several passes and then it was time for the military helicopters to follow the river. There were two of them down so low that they were causing the river water to spray up and hit all those boats moored right there! After they did their maneuvers, it was time for us to leave with another Cerner couple. We had bought tickets at a restaurant called Fridays, for an all you can eat sliders/ mojitoes event. It was packed!! It also had the most amazing view of the fireworks that just went on forever. Seriously I didn't think they would ever stop! They were off the Story Bridge, but if you turned around you could also see a slice of fireworks from South Bank through the skyscrapers. Incredible....
The first part was the F16 fighter jets that swooped down and followed the river. They did several passes and then it was time for the military helicopters to follow the river. There were two of them down so low that they were causing the river water to spray up and hit all those boats moored right there! After they did their maneuvers, it was time for us to leave with another Cerner couple. We had bought tickets at a restaurant called Fridays, for an all you can eat sliders/ mojitoes event. It was packed!! It also had the most amazing view of the fireworks that just went on forever. Seriously I didn't think they would ever stop! They were off the Story Bridge, but if you turned around you could also see a slice of fireworks from South Bank through the skyscrapers. Incredible....
September 22nd
Today we popped into the car and drove south near Caloundra. Dave had set up a tee time at the Pelican Waters golf course. I was going along as his golf cart driver. This golf course is really nice! While he was getting some putting practice in, I went to the clubhouse and bought us lunch, then off we went! There were warnings about snakes on the course that day, but luckily we didn't see any. Instead we saw a lot of kangaroos! They were just sitting or hopping along and through the course. I'm sure somewhat distracting for the golfers, but I was enjoying them.
After golf we drove to Bulcock beach and walked the promenade to Kings Beach, Moffat Beach and Dickey Beach. A long stretch, but at the top of the peak at one point, we were looking out and although a long way away, we saw whales. What a cool sight to see! Kings beach has a small amusement park and was quite crowded with families.
After our walk back to Bulcock Beach, we stopped into La Dolce Vita and had dinner. Dave had a nice conversation with the manager who was from Rome. We left the restaurant with a full stomach and a new friend....
After golf we drove to Bulcock beach and walked the promenade to Kings Beach, Moffat Beach and Dickey Beach. A long stretch, but at the top of the peak at one point, we were looking out and although a long way away, we saw whales. What a cool sight to see! Kings beach has a small amusement park and was quite crowded with families.
After our walk back to Bulcock Beach, we stopped into La Dolce Vita and had dinner. Dave had a nice conversation with the manager who was from Rome. We left the restaurant with a full stomach and a new friend....
September 19th
The Brisbane festival is held over 3 weeks in September. There are a lot of artsy things you can go to and one of them is a fireworks, water spray, light show in South Bank. On Thursday night we decided to meet our friends, Jeff and Julie down there and see the show.
We had a perfect view across the river and the fireworks went off. Not a lot, but some. Then a really amazing laser show started and with the buildings and bridges lit up with lights, it was truly great! Then while all that was happening, the sprays of water were happening and behind them these girls (I think 3-4) were up on these single poles doing amazing bends and artistic moves.
This show lasted about 15 minutes. So you didn't want to blink or you would miss it! Afterwards, like good Aussie people that we are becoming, it was all about dinner and a glass of wine. :)
These pictures do not do justice to how great the show was!
We had a perfect view across the river and the fireworks went off. Not a lot, but some. Then a really amazing laser show started and with the buildings and bridges lit up with lights, it was truly great! Then while all that was happening, the sprays of water were happening and behind them these girls (I think 3-4) were up on these single poles doing amazing bends and artistic moves.
This show lasted about 15 minutes. So you didn't want to blink or you would miss it! Afterwards, like good Aussie people that we are becoming, it was all about dinner and a glass of wine. :)
These pictures do not do justice to how great the show was!
Monday, September 2, 2013
Whale watching
August 23, 2013- Bob and Marina picked us up to drive to Hervey Bay for the weekend. We are staying at the Sanctuary Lake cabins. These cabins overlook a small pond and are clean and simple. Read no frills into the previous sentence! I realized to my horror that I had forgotten my hair dryer and Marina had forgotten the plug adapter for her hair dryer, so we were in panic mode. The front desk could not help us out until later the next morning and since our whale watching tour started at 7:15am, we knew that we would have to get up at 4 am to stick our heads near the heat lamps in the bathroom for any chance of our hair getting dry. Not a good option.
Time for dinner which was a short 10 minute walk. Along the way a car stopped us for directions and after directing them on their way, we asked if they had a hair dryer to loan. No? Oh well, on we walk. Down the road a man grilling in his garage says hi and we ask him for a hair dryer, no luck. By this time we are at the restaurant and getting hungry. It was the Bayaroma restaurant right across the street from the bay. Outside seating and a little chilly, however they had the heaters on and blankets for us. It was a great meal and we were having fun after the 4 hour drive. When we had arrived at Bayaroma, Dave had a chat with the wait staff and as I live and breathe a hair dryer showed up at our table by dessert! The barista had driven to Woolies and bought me one!! Lol. Of course Dave not only paid for the hair dryer, but also gave her a hefty tip! Well worth it for Marina and I the next morning!! What a great husband!
August 24th- Up early to get to the wharf to catch the Blue Dolphin tour boat. It is a 38 foot catamaran and they take 26 people on the tour at a time. I forgot my "calming ginger" and the only thing I had was the wristbands with the pressure point balls that Dave had bought me. It's somewhat choppy getting out of the marina, but after that pretty calm. We get a small informational talk about the humpback whales we will see, then all our eyes are searching the horizon for whales. This tour feeds you about every two hours and the staff are so nice!! We begin seeing whales and it is so exciting! They are just right there by the boat...huge!! Some have babies and others are just swimming by. At one point you are looking at the sea in front of you and down deep in the water you see a dark shape coming towards you and then all of a sudden a whale has surfaced by the boat and you are just speechless with the enormous-ness of it. By about 11am I'm not feeling so great and am one of four people that are sea sick. Lets just say throwing up twice and being ill for about 3 hours is not fun.....sigh. I do rally in the afternoon and the tour was 9 hours long, so I don't feel like I missed too much. I saw plenty of whales before and after.
Later that night we drove down to the wharf again to eat dinner at Cafe Balena. Dave and Bob were entertaining some of the people around us and ordering tons of food...Marina and I were just tired and trying to keep up.
August 25th- up and checked out of our cabin. There are quite a few ducks and birds in the pond and Bob was feeding them by hand. Marina says she saw a turtle also. We go and get breakfast and coffee and walk on the jetty and watch the people on their long boards in the ocean. The ocean is a beautiful turquoise color and pretty calm.
We drive to Peregian Beach on the way home. Looking at the landscape and seeing that there are some wild fires over the hill. We see smoke and the air is hazy in spots. We end up at the Pitchfork Restaurant for some fish and chips with a glass of wine. The outdoor shopping area is cute and we window shop for a while then walk out to the beach. I pick up my 3-4 shells and stick my feet in the ocean and it's time to head home. Stop and go traffic for awhile, then back in Bulimba.
We had a great weekend and the whales were incredible!! More pics will come when Marina sends me a few of hers.
Time for dinner which was a short 10 minute walk. Along the way a car stopped us for directions and after directing them on their way, we asked if they had a hair dryer to loan. No? Oh well, on we walk. Down the road a man grilling in his garage says hi and we ask him for a hair dryer, no luck. By this time we are at the restaurant and getting hungry. It was the Bayaroma restaurant right across the street from the bay. Outside seating and a little chilly, however they had the heaters on and blankets for us. It was a great meal and we were having fun after the 4 hour drive. When we had arrived at Bayaroma, Dave had a chat with the wait staff and as I live and breathe a hair dryer showed up at our table by dessert! The barista had driven to Woolies and bought me one!! Lol. Of course Dave not only paid for the hair dryer, but also gave her a hefty tip! Well worth it for Marina and I the next morning!! What a great husband!
August 24th- Up early to get to the wharf to catch the Blue Dolphin tour boat. It is a 38 foot catamaran and they take 26 people on the tour at a time. I forgot my "calming ginger" and the only thing I had was the wristbands with the pressure point balls that Dave had bought me. It's somewhat choppy getting out of the marina, but after that pretty calm. We get a small informational talk about the humpback whales we will see, then all our eyes are searching the horizon for whales. This tour feeds you about every two hours and the staff are so nice!! We begin seeing whales and it is so exciting! They are just right there by the boat...huge!! Some have babies and others are just swimming by. At one point you are looking at the sea in front of you and down deep in the water you see a dark shape coming towards you and then all of a sudden a whale has surfaced by the boat and you are just speechless with the enormous-ness of it. By about 11am I'm not feeling so great and am one of four people that are sea sick. Lets just say throwing up twice and being ill for about 3 hours is not fun.....sigh. I do rally in the afternoon and the tour was 9 hours long, so I don't feel like I missed too much. I saw plenty of whales before and after.
Later that night we drove down to the wharf again to eat dinner at Cafe Balena. Dave and Bob were entertaining some of the people around us and ordering tons of food...Marina and I were just tired and trying to keep up.
August 25th- up and checked out of our cabin. There are quite a few ducks and birds in the pond and Bob was feeding them by hand. Marina says she saw a turtle also. We go and get breakfast and coffee and walk on the jetty and watch the people on their long boards in the ocean. The ocean is a beautiful turquoise color and pretty calm.
We drive to Peregian Beach on the way home. Looking at the landscape and seeing that there are some wild fires over the hill. We see smoke and the air is hazy in spots. We end up at the Pitchfork Restaurant for some fish and chips with a glass of wine. The outdoor shopping area is cute and we window shop for a while then walk out to the beach. I pick up my 3-4 shells and stick my feet in the ocean and it's time to head home. Stop and go traffic for awhile, then back in Bulimba.
We had a great weekend and the whales were incredible!! More pics will come when Marina sends me a few of hers.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Car buying in Australia
We have decided to buy a car so that it is easier to have spur of the moment trips out of the city. We also do not want to spend over $4000....but we want something that will not require a disguise to drive because we are too embarrassed by the looks of it.
Dave starts looking on gum tree and finds a white Audi. He makes an appointment to go see it and has a friend who knows all about cars and invites him to come along. All set right? Nope! A half hour before he is supposed to be there, Dave calls to confirm that he is on his way and the guy cancels. So they set up another time and Dave gets his friend to come along again. They show up and there's a black Audi sitting there....well it's not such a great car, so Dave and his friend leave disgusted.
On to the next car. Dave makes arrangements to see a VW Passat and takes his friend along again. It's in a backyard covered with debris from the trees but seems to be in good shape, so Dave talks him down in price a bit and buys it. Next stop is the car wash before he comes back to the apartment. It's just the right size and easy to drive. Now all that's left is to get a little practice and we are all set!
P.S. first solo drive out.....I decided to go to my friend Fern's house. Got there easy as anything. On the way home...not so much. There are a ton of traffic circles here and I got off on the wrong street. Turned around and tried again, wrong one! Ok, that's two out of four! But I was too annoyed with myself and just kept driving on the wrong road. I figured I could always ditch the car and take public transport if the stress got to be too much! Lol. Anyway, driving along and trying to drive in the direction I think our apartment is in. Luckily I started recognizing street names and then recognizing where I was. So a slight 30 minute detour until I was safely back.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Dave starts looking on gum tree and finds a white Audi. He makes an appointment to go see it and has a friend who knows all about cars and invites him to come along. All set right? Nope! A half hour before he is supposed to be there, Dave calls to confirm that he is on his way and the guy cancels. So they set up another time and Dave gets his friend to come along again. They show up and there's a black Audi sitting there....well it's not such a great car, so Dave and his friend leave disgusted.
On to the next car. Dave makes arrangements to see a VW Passat and takes his friend along again. It's in a backyard covered with debris from the trees but seems to be in good shape, so Dave talks him down in price a bit and buys it. Next stop is the car wash before he comes back to the apartment. It's just the right size and easy to drive. Now all that's left is to get a little practice and we are all set!
P.S. first solo drive out.....I decided to go to my friend Fern's house. Got there easy as anything. On the way home...not so much. There are a ton of traffic circles here and I got off on the wrong street. Turned around and tried again, wrong one! Ok, that's two out of four! But I was too annoyed with myself and just kept driving on the wrong road. I figured I could always ditch the car and take public transport if the stress got to be too much! Lol. Anyway, driving along and trying to drive in the direction I think our apartment is in. Luckily I started recognizing street names and then recognizing where I was. So a slight 30 minute detour until I was safely back.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Sunday, August 18, 2013
I've been away!
Whew! It's been a while since I've posted anything and many good reasons why....I flew back to the States the end of June to check up/catch up on everyone. I had a fantastic time with family and friends and I was able to spend a lot of time with my incredible boys. I hope that they have survived all my love and attention!! My schedule was absolutely crazy with only a couple of days in KC in between my road trips to see everyone. I think this is one of the main reasons Dave did not come with me! I was having so much fun for the 4 1/2 weeks I was back that I had to buy another very large suitcase. Could be because of the yarn, but probably the clothes too. :).
Now I'm back in Bulimba and my friends are also flying back from their time away in different countries and it's back to the grind...you know, lunches out, craft days, French lessons, bookclub, movie nights and I just signed up for yoga. When I returned I found out a friend of mine has rented a booth from the flea market here. So I'm helping her with some styling and other jobs. Fern is trying to get me to sew up a pillow for her and pretty soon I have a feeling I'm going to be in this up to my eyeballs! It's just great fun and I'm happy to help and then have coffee or lunch, or tea, or......whatever!
We have a trip planned with our friends Bob and Marina, so stay tuned for our adventure!
Xo. Lovey
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Now I'm back in Bulimba and my friends are also flying back from their time away in different countries and it's back to the grind...you know, lunches out, craft days, French lessons, bookclub, movie nights and I just signed up for yoga. When I returned I found out a friend of mine has rented a booth from the flea market here. So I'm helping her with some styling and other jobs. Fern is trying to get me to sew up a pillow for her and pretty soon I have a feeling I'm going to be in this up to my eyeballs! It's just great fun and I'm happy to help and then have coffee or lunch, or tea, or......whatever!
We have a trip planned with our friends Bob and Marina, so stay tuned for our adventure!
Xo. Lovey
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
June 23rd
Up and out of the Wollongbar Motel to walk into town to eat breakfast. We stop at a place called The Bayleaf. Very busy and good food...we all just needed our long blacks, cappuccinos and flat whites! Now we are awake...
The plan for today is to walk back to the motel, but pop into shops along the way, then drive to Bangalow. It's Sunday so few shops are open, however the one Colette and I popped into had some really great clothes. Tee shirts for a mere $99, which is not far off from the norm here. Cute dresses, skirts, pants and jackets...if only we had the time to try on and if only our menfolk made more money! Lol
Packed up and on the road. Bangalow is a cute little town and the market was on. This market is more arts and crafts, than food. Many interesting characters around. Stood and watched an extremely talented busker who had at least 3 instruments playing at a time. He did stop playing one in order to pick up his juggling....I don't know how he did it, but it was fun to watch and the kids loved to dance around him.
After the market we walked the Main Street and stopped for a citron tart and coffee at Choux Choux Cafe. Colette and I also went into a French inspired store, but the prices were just too much..
Back in the car for a drive to Nimbin. This little town is a true hippie hang out, so you know how we stuck out like a sore thumb!! Everything about us was wrong! Lol. We walked the Main Street and because it was getting late, had a bowl of pea and ham soup at the Rainbow Cafe before we left. I'll be honest and tell you that I was approached three times about buying some good "bush" pot....what an experience!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
The plan for today is to walk back to the motel, but pop into shops along the way, then drive to Bangalow. It's Sunday so few shops are open, however the one Colette and I popped into had some really great clothes. Tee shirts for a mere $99, which is not far off from the norm here. Cute dresses, skirts, pants and jackets...if only we had the time to try on and if only our menfolk made more money! Lol
Packed up and on the road. Bangalow is a cute little town and the market was on. This market is more arts and crafts, than food. Many interesting characters around. Stood and watched an extremely talented busker who had at least 3 instruments playing at a time. He did stop playing one in order to pick up his juggling....I don't know how he did it, but it was fun to watch and the kids loved to dance around him.
After the market we walked the Main Street and stopped for a citron tart and coffee at Choux Choux Cafe. Colette and I also went into a French inspired store, but the prices were just too much..
Back in the car for a drive to Nimbin. This little town is a true hippie hang out, so you know how we stuck out like a sore thumb!! Everything about us was wrong! Lol. We walked the Main Street and because it was getting late, had a bowl of pea and ham soup at the Rainbow Cafe before we left. I'll be honest and tell you that I was approached three times about buying some good "bush" pot....what an experience!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
June 22nd
Bill, Colette, Dave and I decided to get out of town and take a small weekend trip to Byron Bay, which is about 2 hours from Brisbane. After a big brekkie here at our apartment we were ready for the trip.
The weather was gorgeous and sunny and mild unlike the previous week, so we were all in a happy mood.
We arrived in Byron Bay and took a quick look around the main street and decided we needed a Bay Kebab. Basically meat and veg wrapped up in a pita with some sauce. We then started down the beach towards the hill that would take us to the lighthouse. Not many people on the beach, however quite a few surfers.
Although I walk everywhere, this hill was killing me! Not only that, but I had an epic headache which didn't get better with the exercise. Ugh. On the trail is the eastern most point of Australia and a Kodak moment. The waves were incredible crashing into the rocks. Then on up to the lighthouse....
I was thinking that I would pop into the museum to see if they had any charms for my bracelet and Colette went with me. True to form for here, the museum sign meant just that....museum. No retail goods available, just a small room with artifacts and a place to sign up for a tour. Lol. I should know this by now, but I always try!
We tried to talk Bill into running down to the town for the car and coming back to pick us up, but he wasn't going for it. So we walked back into town and started searching for a motel. We found a clean one for $300....this is CHEAP! It was called the Wollangbar Motel. Colette, who is a nurse, fixed me up a headache "potion" which is actually two meds that are equal to excedrin. By dinner my head was better and we walked to the town to The Eatery. Ok food, nothing great....but the Baskin Robbins we hit back to the motel was good!
Watched TV for a while then went to bed.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
The weather was gorgeous and sunny and mild unlike the previous week, so we were all in a happy mood.
We arrived in Byron Bay and took a quick look around the main street and decided we needed a Bay Kebab. Basically meat and veg wrapped up in a pita with some sauce. We then started down the beach towards the hill that would take us to the lighthouse. Not many people on the beach, however quite a few surfers.
Although I walk everywhere, this hill was killing me! Not only that, but I had an epic headache which didn't get better with the exercise. Ugh. On the trail is the eastern most point of Australia and a Kodak moment. The waves were incredible crashing into the rocks. Then on up to the lighthouse....
I was thinking that I would pop into the museum to see if they had any charms for my bracelet and Colette went with me. True to form for here, the museum sign meant just that....museum. No retail goods available, just a small room with artifacts and a place to sign up for a tour. Lol. I should know this by now, but I always try!
We tried to talk Bill into running down to the town for the car and coming back to pick us up, but he wasn't going for it. So we walked back into town and started searching for a motel. We found a clean one for $300....this is CHEAP! It was called the Wollangbar Motel. Colette, who is a nurse, fixed me up a headache "potion" which is actually two meds that are equal to excedrin. By dinner my head was better and we walked to the town to The Eatery. Ok food, nothing great....but the Baskin Robbins we hit back to the motel was good!
Watched TV for a while then went to bed.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
June 20
Today I met Heidi and Suzanne at South Bank and we went to the quilt exhibition at Queensland Art Gallery. These British quilts were made in between 1700-1945....by talented women and men! Oh my, the intricate patterns, the fine stitching, the appliqué, and the fabrics! A couple of them were made by convict women on the boat over, one was made with fabrics during WWII which had material from the black out curtains plus other material given at that time, one was made out of what looked like boiled wool by an army man. Most had fabric from clothes or other recycled items. The exhibit was small, but it took a couple of hours to really see all the quilts.
I'm so glad I went!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I'm so glad I went!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday, June 10, 2013
June 6th
Bonjour!
French tonight and we decided to go get dinner down at the end of Oxford Street beforehand. We're walking and talking and about a little more than a mile down the road I realize I have forgotten to wear my glasses. Now mind you, I can't really see without them AND I absolutely can't read my French without them. So we stop and discuss and I decide I'd rather be blind than hungry, so on we walk. Although Sushi Mura is busy, we get our meal pretty quickly and decide we have enough time to walk the 2+ miles back to the apartment before French starts. So back we go. Dave changes his shoes and gets a jacket, I go to the bathroom and check that I have all my French materials and just to make it interesting, we also decide to return a plate to a neighbor. So walking again and I get just a tad further than the last time and I look at Dave and a bloody hell shoots out of my mouth because I have forgotten my glasses again!!! At this point I'm laughing so hard I'm needing to sit down and Dave just looks at me....no time to go back a third time and no guarantee I will remember them if I do, so on to French. Lucky for me we meet in a bookstore that carries reading glasses. So at the beginning of French after asking Mandy the owner if I can borrow a pair, I'm asking Katrina and Fern how I look as I try on different colors and types. As if it matters....and then I have the distraction of the tag hanging down on the side all night. Not my best lesson ever to say the least!
Au revoir!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
French tonight and we decided to go get dinner down at the end of Oxford Street beforehand. We're walking and talking and about a little more than a mile down the road I realize I have forgotten to wear my glasses. Now mind you, I can't really see without them AND I absolutely can't read my French without them. So we stop and discuss and I decide I'd rather be blind than hungry, so on we walk. Although Sushi Mura is busy, we get our meal pretty quickly and decide we have enough time to walk the 2+ miles back to the apartment before French starts. So back we go. Dave changes his shoes and gets a jacket, I go to the bathroom and check that I have all my French materials and just to make it interesting, we also decide to return a plate to a neighbor. So walking again and I get just a tad further than the last time and I look at Dave and a bloody hell shoots out of my mouth because I have forgotten my glasses again!!! At this point I'm laughing so hard I'm needing to sit down and Dave just looks at me....no time to go back a third time and no guarantee I will remember them if I do, so on to French. Lucky for me we meet in a bookstore that carries reading glasses. So at the beginning of French after asking Mandy the owner if I can borrow a pair, I'm asking Katrina and Fern how I look as I try on different colors and types. As if it matters....and then I have the distraction of the tag hanging down on the side all night. Not my best lesson ever to say the least!
Au revoir!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
May 27th
Our last day in Sydney....
We walked down to the harbour and Luna Park to have brekkie. Luna Park is an amusement park, however because apartments were built near it, they had to take down the roller coaster and a few other things because of noise. It's still pretty neat though.
We had scheduled a 3 hour walking tour of Sydney to be started at city hall. We jumped on a train and headed out. Our tour guide had started this company with his wife and it's every day of the week and free! He was so knowledgeable and nice and a few times funny. He took us everywhere and I was so glad Dave had found this for us to do. We were given a short break in the middle of the tour and my hair was driving me crazy! Of course I couldn't find a barrette to put it up, but I did find a big paper clip in my purse. So with a little bending and twisting....voila! A barrette! You always have to be thinking.....someone suggested that I chew a piece of gum until soft, take it and make a flower shape and put that on my paper clip barrette. Now that's going a little too far! Before you think I'm crazy, then you should have seen an odd little man that was with our group. He had a fascination for the corner of buildings. If he saw a crack in the stone he would run his finger down it. He also tried out the handlebars of a parked motorcycle and pulled on the wires and tubes. Other than that he seemed normal....lol.
We ended near The Rocks and had lunch on the roof of the Gilmore hotel before packing up and flying back to Brizzie that night.
We walked down to the harbour and Luna Park to have brekkie. Luna Park is an amusement park, however because apartments were built near it, they had to take down the roller coaster and a few other things because of noise. It's still pretty neat though.
We had scheduled a 3 hour walking tour of Sydney to be started at city hall. We jumped on a train and headed out. Our tour guide had started this company with his wife and it's every day of the week and free! He was so knowledgeable and nice and a few times funny. He took us everywhere and I was so glad Dave had found this for us to do. We were given a short break in the middle of the tour and my hair was driving me crazy! Of course I couldn't find a barrette to put it up, but I did find a big paper clip in my purse. So with a little bending and twisting....voila! A barrette! You always have to be thinking.....someone suggested that I chew a piece of gum until soft, take it and make a flower shape and put that on my paper clip barrette. Now that's going a little too far! Before you think I'm crazy, then you should have seen an odd little man that was with our group. He had a fascination for the corner of buildings. If he saw a crack in the stone he would run his finger down it. He also tried out the handlebars of a parked motorcycle and pulled on the wires and tubes. Other than that he seemed normal....lol.
We ended near The Rocks and had lunch on the roof of the Gilmore hotel before packing up and flying back to Brizzie that night.
May 26th
More to explore in Sydney so we are up and out of the hotel to find a hearty "brekkie". We end up down a few streets at Icoco. Very nice breakfast before a full day. Dave and I decide to go to Darling Harbour to the aquarium, while Bill and Colette go to the Maritime Museum. Jeff and Julie are off to the Bondi beach. Dave and I are in this smallish aquarium for hours! It's crazy how the time flew by. Afterwards we had plans to meet at the Ihelm bar for a beer before we decided what to do next. We ended up not having time for anything else before we had to catch the taxi back to the hotel for dinner.
We ate at a restaurant called Olivo on Blue. We ate outside under the heater and this place had amazing food. We were all stuffed when we left. Caught a taxi to the Opera House for a concert of the Blade Runner music. It was what was available and I really wanted to go and see how fantastic the music would sound. It was incredible! The music wasn't my first choice, however what an experience! Loved every minute of it....
Then a taxi back to the hotel.
May 25th
Vivid Sydney starts this weekend and so it gave us a perfect reason to go. It's a festival of light, music and ideas.
We flew in on Saturday morning at 9:30am with Bill and Colette. There is also Cerner training going on and so we were also meeting Jeff and Julie. We stayed at the Harbourview Hotel in North Sydney and paid extra to get a 12th floor room so we would not be rattled to death by the commuter train that goes under the hotel. We had a great view of he harbour.
We dropped our bags at the hotel and walked across the Harbour Bridge to the oldest part of town called The Rocks. The market was going on and we found a sandwich
wrap for lunch. There was so much to look at!! We went into the Rocks Discovery Museum and looked at all the artifacts and read all the information. Back out to the market and on to the Circular Quay. Stopped into the Museum of Contemporary Art to look and we have decided we just don't get it. Twine hanging from the ceiling wrapped about 5 times around a wadded up plastic bag....please explain how this is art!?! Lol
Back out to the Quay to people watch and take a few pictures of the Opera House before a walk to the Kirribilli Hotel, which was established in 1937, for a quick drink.
Bill had a groupon coupon for a dinner cruise that night. What he failed to read was the fine print that said this terrific 3 hour cruise was a stand up dinner cruise around the harbour to watch the lights. All 6 of us lined up with 700 (this is not a typo!) of our closest Asian friends and boarded the boat. The first 100 or less people took the only seats available on the perimeter of the boat, the rest of us stood. We immediately went to the buffet line and had our pick of pasta with tomato sauce, pasta with cream sauce, salad, bread, and chicken thighs. Then we found a very tiny tall bar table and tried to get the six of us around it. Sigh.....anyway, the lights being flashed on all the buildings, the cruise ship and the Opera House made it all worth it. Amazing!!
Afterwards we walked to the Russell Wine bar and had coffee and a huge chocolate brownie before making our way over the Harbour Bridge and back to the hotel.
Walking 22,000 steps equalling around 11 miles......and they seem to be all uphill! :)
We flew in on Saturday morning at 9:30am with Bill and Colette. There is also Cerner training going on and so we were also meeting Jeff and Julie. We stayed at the Harbourview Hotel in North Sydney and paid extra to get a 12th floor room so we would not be rattled to death by the commuter train that goes under the hotel. We had a great view of he harbour.
We dropped our bags at the hotel and walked across the Harbour Bridge to the oldest part of town called The Rocks. The market was going on and we found a sandwich
Back out to the Quay to people watch and take a few pictures of the Opera House before a walk to the Kirribilli Hotel, which was established in 1937, for a quick drink.
Bill had a groupon coupon for a dinner cruise that night. What he failed to read was the fine print that said this terrific 3 hour cruise was a stand up dinner cruise around the harbour to watch the lights. All 6 of us lined up with 700 (this is not a typo!) of our closest Asian friends and boarded the boat. The first 100 or less people took the only seats available on the perimeter of the boat, the rest of us stood. We immediately went to the buffet line and had our pick of pasta with tomato sauce, pasta with cream sauce, salad, bread, and chicken thighs. Then we found a very tiny tall bar table and tried to get the six of us around it. Sigh.....anyway, the lights being flashed on all the buildings, the cruise ship and the Opera House made it all worth it. Amazing!!
Afterwards we walked to the Russell Wine bar and had coffee and a huge chocolate brownie before making our way over the Harbour Bridge and back to the hotel.
Walking 22,000 steps equalling around 11 miles......and they seem to be all uphill! :)
Driving lesson
I decided that I should probably start driving for real. I can't believe it's been 8 months and I've only been behind the wheel once! I called up Metro Driving School and made an appointment for May 23rd.
Steven showed up at my apartment with a small car that rattled somewhat and had blinkers that had been karate chopped so much by a previous client that they needed not only to be turned on, but off as well.
We sat in the car for a good 10-15 minutes going over the driving rules in a big binder. When he felt as if I knew the Australian terms and rules, off we went.
After not driving for so long, and only being a passenger, it's amazing how you get out of the driving habit. Looking around, making sure you're following all the rules you grew up with, but also new and somewhat more complicated rules. Who would have known that you put on blinkers getting into a traffic circle and then again when you leave one...except when you're going around but straight across. If this makes no sense, I'll have to draw it out!! Lol.
After the hours driving lesson we were driving into downtown Bulimba and a very nice, very brand spankin' new and very expensive Porsche pulled out in front of me. Steven very calmly said....please don't hit THAT car! I think the little clunker I was driving wasn't worthy of hitting such a car!
I was told that I did a perfect job (seriously I hope so!) and to continue on. Now the big decision is whether we should buy our own little clunker......
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Steven showed up at my apartment with a small car that rattled somewhat and had blinkers that had been karate chopped so much by a previous client that they needed not only to be turned on, but off as well.
We sat in the car for a good 10-15 minutes going over the driving rules in a big binder. When he felt as if I knew the Australian terms and rules, off we went.
After not driving for so long, and only being a passenger, it's amazing how you get out of the driving habit. Looking around, making sure you're following all the rules you grew up with, but also new and somewhat more complicated rules. Who would have known that you put on blinkers getting into a traffic circle and then again when you leave one...except when you're going around but straight across. If this makes no sense, I'll have to draw it out!! Lol.
After the hours driving lesson we were driving into downtown Bulimba and a very nice, very brand spankin' new and very expensive Porsche pulled out in front of me. Steven very calmly said....please don't hit THAT car! I think the little clunker I was driving wasn't worthy of hitting such a car!
I was told that I did a perfect job (seriously I hope so!) and to continue on. Now the big decision is whether we should buy our own little clunker......
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Bad karma week...
Sunday we took the 199 bus to the West End to find Mick's Nuts. It's a tiny shop filled to the rafters with nuts, dried fruits, flour, beans, crackers, coffee and a million other things. We had a heaping bag of dried fruit, chocolate covered almonds, chocolate covered espresso beans, black beans and a trio of berries. I'm sure I'm forgetting something cause that bag was heavy!
Ugh....Tuesday I woke up with a screaming headache and just could not go to French. Then Wednesday I was on my way to meet Dave and some friends at the Green Beacon Brewery and as I was walking down the boardwalk my shoe was all weird. I took it off to fix it and when I was putting it back on, I fell down! How utterly embarrassing! I popped up, but my nail had bent back and was bleeding and my hand started puffing up like a puffer fish! I went back to the apartment, applied a big bandage to my hand and found different shoes. An hour later I was at the bar and having fun. Just for the record here because I know that Suzanne is going to ask....I had not been drinking, nor did I have my contacts in or even just one AND I had one earring in each ear with just one backing. Lol. Three days later I can now move my pointer finger but not so much my thumb. I also cannot grip anything with my hand without it aching. Badly sprained is my diagnosis and I'm sticking to it.
Anzac day here on Thursday. It's like our Memorial Day and a public holiday with lots of dawn ceremonies and parades. Anzac biscuits are a hot item and they taste like oatmeal and coconut.
Dave went a half day to work on Friday. On the way home on the CityKat he saw dolphins in the river. The ocean water must be going up river and they came to see what was happening here. Very cool.
Today is Saturday and the New Farm market. We walked about 2 miles down there purchased a bunch of fresh fruits and veg and then had to reward ourselves with a 2foot long bockwurst smothered in kraut!.....but of course since we shared there was room to share a flat white and almond croissant......we had a lovely time. On the way back however disaster struck. Halfway home on the boardwalk and my flip flop broke...bloody hell. So threw them in the first trash can I saw and had to walk barefoot the rest of the way. The sidewalk is gravel in cement, so you can imagine the foot massage I was getting!
Late this afternoon we went down to the boardwalk and sat on the bench to watch the river traffic and the setting sun. Lovely....
Ugh....Tuesday I woke up with a screaming headache and just could not go to French. Then Wednesday I was on my way to meet Dave and some friends at the Green Beacon Brewery and as I was walking down the boardwalk my shoe was all weird. I took it off to fix it and when I was putting it back on, I fell down! How utterly embarrassing! I popped up, but my nail had bent back and was bleeding and my hand started puffing up like a puffer fish! I went back to the apartment, applied a big bandage to my hand and found different shoes. An hour later I was at the bar and having fun. Just for the record here because I know that Suzanne is going to ask....I had not been drinking, nor did I have my contacts in or even just one AND I had one earring in each ear with just one backing. Lol. Three days later I can now move my pointer finger but not so much my thumb. I also cannot grip anything with my hand without it aching. Badly sprained is my diagnosis and I'm sticking to it.
Anzac day here on Thursday. It's like our Memorial Day and a public holiday with lots of dawn ceremonies and parades. Anzac biscuits are a hot item and they taste like oatmeal and coconut.
Dave went a half day to work on Friday. On the way home on the CityKat he saw dolphins in the river. The ocean water must be going up river and they came to see what was happening here. Very cool.
Today is Saturday and the New Farm market. We walked about 2 miles down there purchased a bunch of fresh fruits and veg and then had to reward ourselves with a 2foot long bockwurst smothered in kraut!.....but of course since we shared there was room to share a flat white and almond croissant......we had a lovely time. On the way back however disaster struck. Halfway home on the boardwalk and my flip flop broke...bloody hell. So threw them in the first trash can I saw and had to walk barefoot the rest of the way. The sidewalk is gravel in cement, so you can imagine the foot massage I was getting!
Late this afternoon we went down to the boardwalk and sat on the bench to watch the river traffic and the setting sun. Lovely....
Friday, April 26, 2013
April 20th
Decided to take the train to Caboolture and then a bus to Bribie Island. Dave had said we were going to hike and I was all prepared for that, but somehow we ended up on Woorim Beach. We ate at the Crab Pot Fish and Chips then headed over to the surf shop so that I could get some flip flops. We spread out one tiny beach towel and started to hunt for cool shells and relax. I was wearing capris that got wet up past my knees..but they dried out by the time we headed out on another bus to explore the rest of the town. Not much there and we headed back to the train station to catch the last train back to Brisbane.
Friday, April 12, 2013
April 11 & 12
Found a pizza place that tastes like USA pizza. Obviously a big deal to me if I'm blogging about it! Lol. Found it in Fortitude Valley and it's called Soul pizza. Dave even found a bottle of wine for a BYO that had the name PAXTON. Priceless!
Today we caught the bus to West End to check out a place called Mick's Nuts. Teeny tiny place and the owner who is 81 years old still works there with his family. Line out the door and the store is literally packed to the rafters with goodies. Here's what we could not walk away from...dark chocolate covered espresso beans, dark chocolate covered almonds, dried figs, dried apricots, mixed fruit and nut blend, banana chips and dried black bean which is quite a rare find here. Lovely....we will be going back.
Today we caught the bus to West End to check out a place called Mick's Nuts. Teeny tiny place and the owner who is 81 years old still works there with his family. Line out the door and the store is literally packed to the rafters with goodies. Here's what we could not walk away from...dark chocolate covered espresso beans, dark chocolate covered almonds, dried figs, dried apricots, mixed fruit and nut blend, banana chips and dried black bean which is quite a rare find here. Lovely....we will be going back.
Sunday
Up early to check out with Marge. Dave mentioned the sheet issue and she told him they were still working out the kinks with the new detergent. We just shrugged and headed down to The Coffee Club for a hearty brekkie. Mmmm, poached eggs with toast and a mocha. Little did I know this was the last time I would have an actual meal for the next 12 hours!
While Colette and Dave were picking up hot cross buns at the bakery, Bill asked me if I wanted to drive....yes! No people or animals were hurt, so sit back and relax when you read this next part....of course they drive on the opposite side of the road and the windshield wipers and turn signals are switched and then this....everyone is in the car and I've made sure I've heard the click of seat belts being put on....and I put the car in reverse. Or what I thought was reverse until the three of them with great urgency said to me...Lori! You're in drive!! Okay, note to self, this is also reverse in cars here. I calmly corrected my mistake, looked in all mirrors and backed up. Driving is not so hard! Lol. Down the nearly deserted street and out of town to the highway. I should note here that highways, unless they are 4 lanes, are bumpy, uneven, potholed and otherwise look like they have been laid by people who are just learning this trade. I know it sounds a little harsh, but true. So I'm cruising at 100km (60 miles an hour), and Bill is in the front seat with me. I'm going good and even start chatting along with everyone, when we hit the road to the Bunya Mountain and hiking. This road is about wide enough to handle 1 1/2 cars and obviously I'm going a lot slower although Dave would like me to drive even slower. A few cars pass and I move over in the tall grass...no shoulder here either! And then.....came to a guard rail and was probably in the middle of it and a car comes from the other way and not stopping. So I move over to have us both fit in the road and I have never seen anyone jump faster than Bill! Let's say he cringed and balled up and got really close to my side of the car. And I heard Dave make a sound in the back as well. Lol. Due to my excellent driving techniques and abilities I did not hit or scrape or otherwise harm any part of the car or people inside the car. But I guess I was really, really, REALLY close to the guard rail. I drove on, parked us at the hike we wanted and felt a sense of accomplishment..
We hiked all the trails in the area, 15k in one afternoon. It was beautiful with all the waterfalls, paths, scenery when we were on top of the mountain and the fern covered landscape. There were 48 kinds of birds and 19 mammals that live here. We saw a lot of birds, but only one kangaroo in the parking lot! I looked down a lot for snakes which never materialized, thank goodness! The paths were strewn with some big rocks and dead leaves. We came to a few spots that were muddy and we had to figure out a way around. At one point it looked like the trees and vegetation had grown into a tunnel for us to go through. Very cool! One of the paths even took us through a huge tree. We did munch on some granola I had made, so Bon apetit!
Just as we were coming out of this dense semi tropical hiking path, it started to sprinkle. We were hungry so we decide to head for the cafe and all of a sudden the heavens opened up. This was some serious rain!! Non-stopping, pouring down flooding rain. We are looking at the cafe menu and you know when you're super hungry and nothing sounds good...that's what was happening. So Bill decides to dash for the car and almost wipes out. We wait until he pulls the car closer for our dash.
It's Easter and a Sunday and that's two strikes against finding a restaurant open, but we are hungry and start driving. Nothing, nothing, nothing and the granola comes out again. Nothing, nothing, then the Stanley Hotel. This is a old place, two story, and has slot machines in one room and a dart board in the other. We go in and ask if they are still serving dinner and the man says they have pizza tonight on the menu. Great....although the pizza here is not really what anyone in the States would call pizza, we are used to it by now. We order two pizzas to the tune of $40. No surprise. We go to the back room to wait and order a beer. When the pizza comes out we just look at each other....think about Tony's pizza, the kind you can buy 10 for $5. That's what we got and the sad part is that we were so hungry we didn't even care too much at that point!
Drove on home with Bill finding ticks on him and Colette freaking out. Dave and I were free and clear of ticks.
While Colette and Dave were picking up hot cross buns at the bakery, Bill asked me if I wanted to drive....yes! No people or animals were hurt, so sit back and relax when you read this next part....of course they drive on the opposite side of the road and the windshield wipers and turn signals are switched and then this....everyone is in the car and I've made sure I've heard the click of seat belts being put on....and I put the car in reverse. Or what I thought was reverse until the three of them with great urgency said to me...Lori! You're in drive!! Okay, note to self, this is also reverse in cars here. I calmly corrected my mistake, looked in all mirrors and backed up. Driving is not so hard! Lol. Down the nearly deserted street and out of town to the highway. I should note here that highways, unless they are 4 lanes, are bumpy, uneven, potholed and otherwise look like they have been laid by people who are just learning this trade. I know it sounds a little harsh, but true. So I'm cruising at 100km (60 miles an hour), and Bill is in the front seat with me. I'm going good and even start chatting along with everyone, when we hit the road to the Bunya Mountain and hiking. This road is about wide enough to handle 1 1/2 cars and obviously I'm going a lot slower although Dave would like me to drive even slower. A few cars pass and I move over in the tall grass...no shoulder here either! And then.....came to a guard rail and was probably in the middle of it and a car comes from the other way and not stopping. So I move over to have us both fit in the road and I have never seen anyone jump faster than Bill! Let's say he cringed and balled up and got really close to my side of the car. And I heard Dave make a sound in the back as well. Lol. Due to my excellent driving techniques and abilities I did not hit or scrape or otherwise harm any part of the car or people inside the car. But I guess I was really, really, REALLY close to the guard rail. I drove on, parked us at the hike we wanted and felt a sense of accomplishment..
We hiked all the trails in the area, 15k in one afternoon. It was beautiful with all the waterfalls, paths, scenery when we were on top of the mountain and the fern covered landscape. There were 48 kinds of birds and 19 mammals that live here. We saw a lot of birds, but only one kangaroo in the parking lot! I looked down a lot for snakes which never materialized, thank goodness! The paths were strewn with some big rocks and dead leaves. We came to a few spots that were muddy and we had to figure out a way around. At one point it looked like the trees and vegetation had grown into a tunnel for us to go through. Very cool! One of the paths even took us through a huge tree. We did munch on some granola I had made, so Bon apetit!
Just as we were coming out of this dense semi tropical hiking path, it started to sprinkle. We were hungry so we decide to head for the cafe and all of a sudden the heavens opened up. This was some serious rain!! Non-stopping, pouring down flooding rain. We are looking at the cafe menu and you know when you're super hungry and nothing sounds good...that's what was happening. So Bill decides to dash for the car and almost wipes out. We wait until he pulls the car closer for our dash.
It's Easter and a Sunday and that's two strikes against finding a restaurant open, but we are hungry and start driving. Nothing, nothing, nothing and the granola comes out again. Nothing, nothing, then the Stanley Hotel. This is a old place, two story, and has slot machines in one room and a dart board in the other. We go in and ask if they are still serving dinner and the man says they have pizza tonight on the menu. Great....although the pizza here is not really what anyone in the States would call pizza, we are used to it by now. We order two pizzas to the tune of $40. No surprise. We go to the back room to wait and order a beer. When the pizza comes out we just look at each other....think about Tony's pizza, the kind you can buy 10 for $5. That's what we got and the sad part is that we were so hungry we didn't even care too much at that point!
Drove on home with Bill finding ticks on him and Colette freaking out. Dave and I were free and clear of ticks.
Easter weekend
On the road again...with Bill and Colette. This time we decide to go to the Bunya Mountains to hike. We start out and I have challenged Bill to find me some things along the way...koala, vineyard, yarn, etc. We drive through a town called Blackbutt and we are commenting on how it is spelled black butt and chuckling about it, then we see the shop called Butt Art. We decide that no one will believe us if we don't take a picture of the sign. As we are taking a picture, I spot a fabric store and Colette and I get out of the car to investigate. It's a small shop and while Dave and Bill were looking at fabric (who knew that they had a crafty bone in their bodies!), we looked for yarn. One small plastic bin filled with what was the ugliest, cheapest yarn was sitting on the floor under a table. Not quite what I was looking for and we left. We then passed the Bun Pub....there's a theme here!
Found the Oceanview Winery and had a small tasting, however not a view of the ocean. False advertising. Sigh. They had a lovely vineyard and what looked like a nice restaurant though.
On to Dalby where Marge checked us into the Dalby Manor Motor Inn. This was a certified clean hotel mind you. It was what I would imagine a 1950's hotel would look like. Clean, concrete walls, somewhat industrial. Colette immediately started looking for bed bugs, which seemed like a good idea to me, certified or not you always want to check! Well, the good news is no bed bugs and the bad news is our sheets had a yellow stain on them. Sorry to those that are squeamish .... The sheets were crisp and clean though. So Dave and I took the sheet off the smaller bed and used that instead. The chairs were also stained and looked dirty, but "a little dirt don't hurt" right??! Our standards have gone the way of the dinosaur. This room cost us $130 and Dave talked them down from $160!
We walked about a mile to dinner where Dave and I stayed with the theme and had rump roast. Hahahahahahahahahahaha. It was good and the mashed potatoes were not too bad. Walked back and played a game before going to bed.
Found the Oceanview Winery and had a small tasting, however not a view of the ocean. False advertising. Sigh. They had a lovely vineyard and what looked like a nice restaurant though.
On to Dalby where Marge checked us into the Dalby Manor Motor Inn. This was a certified clean hotel mind you. It was what I would imagine a 1950's hotel would look like. Clean, concrete walls, somewhat industrial. Colette immediately started looking for bed bugs, which seemed like a good idea to me, certified or not you always want to check! Well, the good news is no bed bugs and the bad news is our sheets had a yellow stain on them. Sorry to those that are squeamish .... The sheets were crisp and clean though. So Dave and I took the sheet off the smaller bed and used that instead. The chairs were also stained and looked dirty, but "a little dirt don't hurt" right??! Our standards have gone the way of the dinosaur. This room cost us $130 and Dave talked them down from $160!
We walked about a mile to dinner where Dave and I stayed with the theme and had rump roast. Hahahahahahahahahahaha. It was good and the mashed potatoes were not too bad. Walked back and played a game before going to bed.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Saturday, March 23
Today we are going to the Scenic Rim with Bill and Colette. There is supposed to be a lovely winery and lavender field around the town of Boonah. I say supposed to be because sometimes where there should be something, there is nothing or the address is weird in some way. It's always an adventure though and that's why we're here!
We actually do find the winery and restaurant and it was filled with two huge bus loads of Asian tourists, but luckily they were having their dessert by the time we got there. We decided to eat outside right by the lavender field. The view was terrific and a kangaroo hopped right by us in the field. We weren't fast enough with our cameras to catch that picture!
Fantastic food....lovely view...great conversation. While the guys pay, Colette and I go into the lavender shop and pick up some lavender soap and lavender oil. On to the wine tasting....there were a couple of good ones we liked and the gentleman that was serving us was the owner. Older gentleman and we got the feeling this was all a out having a hobby, not a career.
On to the dam where there was supposed to be a wedding....okay we have not turned into wedding crashers, just heard at the winery that the wedding was there and coming to the winery for the reception. We thought it must be pretty impressive in order for someone to have their wedding there. I was thinking Hoover Dam....mmmm, more like my grandparents dam at their farm. Perhaps a little taller, but seriously a sad place to have a wedding. We didn't see anyone there so we snapped a picture and drove on.
Next winery...cars there, dog there, no people. Odd, but not uncommon so we drive on.
Next winery...Normanby wines in Harrisville. We sat outside on the patio at dusk....and the gentleman that served us sat down with us. He had some stories to tell and we were his designated audience. He had been in WWII and how that and the actor Errol Flynn and his start in movies related to wine is a long and somewhat roundabout story...EPIC really. Wines were good and he did serve us two plates of appetizers for free, but with the mossies (mosquitoes) buzzing around we paid in another way! Lol.
We actually do find the winery and restaurant and it was filled with two huge bus loads of Asian tourists, but luckily they were having their dessert by the time we got there. We decided to eat outside right by the lavender field. The view was terrific and a kangaroo hopped right by us in the field. We weren't fast enough with our cameras to catch that picture!
On to the dam where there was supposed to be a wedding....okay we have not turned into wedding crashers, just heard at the winery that the wedding was there and coming to the winery for the reception. We thought it must be pretty impressive in order for someone to have their wedding there. I was thinking Hoover Dam....mmmm, more like my grandparents dam at their farm. Perhaps a little taller, but seriously a sad place to have a wedding. We didn't see anyone there so we snapped a picture and drove on.
Next winery...cars there, dog there, no people. Odd, but not uncommon so we drive on.
Next winery...Normanby wines in Harrisville. We sat outside on the patio at dusk....and the gentleman that served us sat down with us. He had some stories to tell and we were his designated audience. He had been in WWII and how that and the actor Errol Flynn and his start in movies related to wine is a long and somewhat roundabout story...EPIC really. Wines were good and he did serve us two plates of appetizers for free, but with the mossies (mosquitoes) buzzing around we paid in another way! Lol.
Friday, March 22
French event tonight at 6:30. Katrina organized an event for all of her students/spouses. It's the French Film Festival and we are going to James Street to watch Les Adieux a la Reine (Farewell, My Queen). I caught a ride with Katrina and Debra who were going really early to get things all set up, however they introduced me to their friend, Tracey who was there having a glass of wine beforehand. So I sat and chatted with her. The cinema is very nice and serves "beverages" in glass...nice food also, although I didn't have time to get anything before the movie started. I sat by a really nice girl, Diana that is also a beginner. We were both happy to have the subtitles!
After the movie we all crossed the street to Vroom Bistro for a Kir Royale and some appetizers. Karen and her husband, Jeff saved me a seat and along with Tracey and Murray we all had a great time! There were 26 of us there that night.
After the movie we all crossed the street to Vroom Bistro for a Kir Royale and some appetizers. Karen and her husband, Jeff saved me a seat and along with Tracey and Murray we all had a great time! There were 26 of us there that night.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Stitch and Craft Expo
Thursday was the start of this extravaganza and I went with Lyl. It was a little different than the one I went to in October, although still at the Brisbane Convention Centre.
We left at 9am hoping to get there and lined up to go in by the time it opened at 10. Public transportation and Lyl's bum leg makes the travel time not as fast.
Lined up with the other hundreds of women and ready to sign up for a class or two. You have to go to each individual booth to sign up and pay, which means you have to locate it on the map and walk down aisles upon aisles of booths and a wall of women. Lol
I signed up for just one class, a miniature coin purse. I think maybe I can put about 75 cents worth of quarters in it! I'm talking small!! So while Lyl was signing up for her classes, I started walking down each aisle.....scrap booking, sewing machines, quilting, cross stitch, beads, ribbon, the guilds were there and 3 yarn booths. I'm sure I'm missing a craft..oh yes, doll making and more.
I go into the first booth and see some lovely yarn and the most fantastic crocheted blanket. But it's early yet and I walk on. I buy a few odds and ends, little things and meet Lyl for an early lunch. I have my coin purse class and keep looking around. I go back to the first yarn booth and buy a pattern, look lovingly at the crocheted blanket and walk away. I look at the challenge quilts and talk to a lady from the lace making guild for at least half an hour....I'm in awe at the absolute gorgeous lace they are making!
Then it's 3pm and Lyl needs to go have her physio. I go back and lovingly look at the blanket ONE MORE TIME...when I show up, the man that is working the booth starts laughing at me and says he knew I would be back. So as I'm buying this crochet blanket kit for an outrageous amount of money, we are entertaining the crowd with the fact that I don't know how to crochet and he wants me to stay and have a free lesson with the designer and on and on it goes. Lol. As I'm walking out of the booth, a small group of girls approach me and introduce themselves. They are in an expat group and want me to join....who wouldn't? I do crazy things!! So we are meeting next week and they are going to tell me about this group and all the fun things they do (movies, yoga, bunko, dinners, walks,etc). They seem really quite nice!
Lyl by now is patiently waiting at the front door and when we walk out we smell the greatest aroma of coffee. We walk over to South Bank and have mochas with our $10 slice of cheesecake! Highway robbery is what that is!! Then home.....
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
We left at 9am hoping to get there and lined up to go in by the time it opened at 10. Public transportation and Lyl's bum leg makes the travel time not as fast.
Lined up with the other hundreds of women and ready to sign up for a class or two. You have to go to each individual booth to sign up and pay, which means you have to locate it on the map and walk down aisles upon aisles of booths and a wall of women. Lol
I signed up for just one class, a miniature coin purse. I think maybe I can put about 75 cents worth of quarters in it! I'm talking small!! So while Lyl was signing up for her classes, I started walking down each aisle.....scrap booking, sewing machines, quilting, cross stitch, beads, ribbon, the guilds were there and 3 yarn booths. I'm sure I'm missing a craft..oh yes, doll making and more.
I go into the first booth and see some lovely yarn and the most fantastic crocheted blanket. But it's early yet and I walk on. I buy a few odds and ends, little things and meet Lyl for an early lunch. I have my coin purse class and keep looking around. I go back to the first yarn booth and buy a pattern, look lovingly at the crocheted blanket and walk away. I look at the challenge quilts and talk to a lady from the lace making guild for at least half an hour....I'm in awe at the absolute gorgeous lace they are making!
Then it's 3pm and Lyl needs to go have her physio. I go back and lovingly look at the blanket ONE MORE TIME...when I show up, the man that is working the booth starts laughing at me and says he knew I would be back. So as I'm buying this crochet blanket kit for an outrageous amount of money, we are entertaining the crowd with the fact that I don't know how to crochet and he wants me to stay and have a free lesson with the designer and on and on it goes. Lol. As I'm walking out of the booth, a small group of girls approach me and introduce themselves. They are in an expat group and want me to join....who wouldn't? I do crazy things!! So we are meeting next week and they are going to tell me about this group and all the fun things they do (movies, yoga, bunko, dinners, walks,etc). They seem really quite nice!
Lyl by now is patiently waiting at the front door and when we walk out we smell the greatest aroma of coffee. We walk over to South Bank and have mochas with our $10 slice of cheesecake! Highway robbery is what that is!! Then home.....
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday, March 18, 2013
Sunday 17th of March
Dave went golfing with Dale at the crack of dawn and I had a late breakfast with Ria. We went to a very small nursery that had a cafe to one side. The food was really good and we'll be going back. We also shopped for some herbs and strawberry plants. On the way back to the apartment we stopped at the new Hawthorne market where I talked her into buying a pair of shoes in 5 minutes flat! I really wanted them, but they didn't have them in my size. Ria said she had never bought anything so quick and I replied to stick with me sister cause I can shop! Lol.
Home to throw on more casual clothes and head out for some Sunday barefoot bowling. Oh what fun!!! A short distance away, a mere $5 each for two hours of play and a pitcher of hard apple cider which was ice cold and refreshing! They have a gentleman who tells you the rules and scoring and a few wee tips, then off you go for the afternoon. Dave and Bill were great right off the bat, but Colette and I came back to make it a close game. This is absolutely something we will be doing again! After we played, we sat on the patio overlooking the river.....
Pictures will be coming soon!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Home to throw on more casual clothes and head out for some Sunday barefoot bowling. Oh what fun!!! A short distance away, a mere $5 each for two hours of play and a pitcher of hard apple cider which was ice cold and refreshing! They have a gentleman who tells you the rules and scoring and a few wee tips, then off you go for the afternoon. Dave and Bill were great right off the bat, but Colette and I came back to make it a close game. This is absolutely something we will be doing again! After we played, we sat on the patio overlooking the river.....
Pictures will be coming soon!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday the 16th
Mid-morning we took a bus to the Morningside Tennis Centre. It was very hot and steamy, but there was an open court available and Dave had the desire to run me around for an hour. He on the other hand had to barely move to hit my shots! Annoying to say the least. Clouds rolled by to give us an infrequent break from the intense sun and heat.
For a late lunch we walked over to French Twist for the best turkey, sweet potato, Brie and chutney sandwich. We also had their pomegranate green tea which they put in a mason jar and fill it with blueberries, raspberries, kiwi and a half of pomegranate. Addicting! It's gave us the energy to run the errands that needed to get done.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
For a late lunch we walked over to French Twist for the best turkey, sweet potato, Brie and chutney sandwich. We also had their pomegranate green tea which they put in a mason jar and fill it with blueberries, raspberries, kiwi and a half of pomegranate. Addicting! It's gave us the energy to run the errands that needed to get done.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Friday the 15th
Over to New Farm to a new bar for happy hour. It's called Bitter Suite and the beers on tap were good. There were seven of us and so we decided to stay there for dinner. Not such a great move. The dinner was ok, but not something we would go back for.
While there we had a little bit of excitement....a girl fainted off her bar stool. Huge bang and she was out. Colette, being a nurse, ran over and they called an ambulance. The girl woke up, adjusted her ponytail and left the bar after about 30 minutes. No ambulance showed up in that time! Appalling!
Pics of our group when I figure out how to load them from my iPad.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
While there we had a little bit of excitement....a girl fainted off her bar stool. Huge bang and she was out. Colette, being a nurse, ran over and they called an ambulance. The girl woke up, adjusted her ponytail and left the bar after about 30 minutes. No ambulance showed up in that time! Appalling!
Pics of our group when I figure out how to load them from my iPad.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Sunday, March 10, 2013
March
This past weekend we had friends to dinner. Dale plays golf with Dave, and Ria and I are starting a fortnightly knitting group starting this week. I made US lasagna with Aussie ingredients...sigh. They do not have mild sausage at the grocery like I'm used to, so I bought their version of pork sausage. It doesn't break apart...it was cooking in strips although I took it out of links. So I had to dice it up. The mozzarella seemed a little funky also. However, it did turn out good, if different.
Saturday we got a late start to Mt. Tamborine with Bill and Colette. It's a National Park made up of rainforest and considered the most developed region of the Gold Coast Hinterland and also made up of smaller parks. We went to Witches Falls which is Queensland's first national park. Beautiful.... They also have wineries there, but we just made it to one wine tasting before they closed. Great wines at this winery called, Witches Falls Winery. Clever name, huh? They are the only winery that actually makes their wine on site on this mountain. It was a very quaint place with the Ivy growing over the doorway and the rustic decor. We would have taken more pictures, but like I said we just squeaked into the door as they were closing.
We asked about where to have dinner and they all agreed that The Old Church was the place to go. So they called in a reservation and said we were on the way. We Americans tend to eat earlier than anyone else here. I don't know why, but we do. So although there were cars in the parking lot, we were the first ones there and come to find out from the hostess who was surprised to see us this early, they weren't even open yet! She was very nice and seated us on some sofas at one end of this large dining room and gave us a bottle of wine from the Witches Falls winery to pass the time. For dinner we had Atlantic salmon, risotto, duck, scallops and veg. The portions of these four meals wasn't a lot, but oh so good! We all split a chocolate parfait and chocolate tart for dessert.
On Sunday Dave, Dale and James were up and out to play golf at 5:30 am. Very wet on the course since it has been raining here for 3 1/2 weeks straight. The weather has cooled down and we just passed their first day of fall a week ago. Nice, but wet.
Saturday we got a late start to Mt. Tamborine with Bill and Colette. It's a National Park made up of rainforest and considered the most developed region of the Gold Coast Hinterland and also made up of smaller parks. We went to Witches Falls which is Queensland's first national park. Beautiful.... They also have wineries there, but we just made it to one wine tasting before they closed. Great wines at this winery called, Witches Falls Winery. Clever name, huh? They are the only winery that actually makes their wine on site on this mountain. It was a very quaint place with the Ivy growing over the doorway and the rustic decor. We would have taken more pictures, but like I said we just squeaked into the door as they were closing.
We asked about where to have dinner and they all agreed that The Old Church was the place to go. So they called in a reservation and said we were on the way. We Americans tend to eat earlier than anyone else here. I don't know why, but we do. So although there were cars in the parking lot, we were the first ones there and come to find out from the hostess who was surprised to see us this early, they weren't even open yet! She was very nice and seated us on some sofas at one end of this large dining room and gave us a bottle of wine from the Witches Falls winery to pass the time. For dinner we had Atlantic salmon, risotto, duck, scallops and veg. The portions of these four meals wasn't a lot, but oh so good! We all split a chocolate parfait and chocolate tart for dessert.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
February 23rd
On Saturday we ran down to the market to pick up some goat pies from "The Goat Pie Man" and our tradional smoothie along with our produce.
We then caught the train for a 30 minute ride to Sandgate. We haven't been there and heard that it had a nice boardwalk along the beach.
So we get down to the boardwalk and there are dozens of wind surfers just going crazy! It was a very windy day and they were having a blast. The boardwalk must keep the high tide from spilling over because the sand was throughly wet with big and small puddles all the way down to the ocean. We walked clear to Brighton which was about 4 miles at least and the whole way we could see the surfers.
We ate at Doug's Seafood...Dave had the barramundi and I had calamari, then we headed back to the train and home.
We then caught the train for a 30 minute ride to Sandgate. We haven't been there and heard that it had a nice boardwalk along the beach.
So we get down to the boardwalk and there are dozens of wind surfers just going crazy! It was a very windy day and they were having a blast. The boardwalk must keep the high tide from spilling over because the sand was throughly wet with big and small puddles all the way down to the ocean. We walked clear to Brighton which was about 4 miles at least and the whole way we could see the surfers.
Valentine's dinner
Since I had French class on Valentine's day, Dave and I postponed our dinner until Tuesday. We went to New Farm to Bistro Arlette and had some amazing French food. It's a small house with creaky wood floors which I love and a nice small patio. Very charming and the owners are a crack up!
We started with stuffed figs and wine...followed by the main course of lamb and a tomato galette for me and a roasted spatchcock with tarragon sauce and potatoes for Dave. We split some lovely green beans also. Then for dessert we had coffee and profiteroles with warm chocolate sauce. Mmmmmm..
We have definitely found our new favorite French restaurant and will be returning often!
We laughed on the way home about how "cheap" this great meal was...so we must be fitting into the Australian way!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
We started with stuffed figs and wine...followed by the main course of lamb and a tomato galette for me and a roasted spatchcock with tarragon sauce and potatoes for Dave. We split some lovely green beans also. Then for dessert we had coffee and profiteroles with warm chocolate sauce. Mmmmmm..
We have definitely found our new favorite French restaurant and will be returning often!
We laughed on the way home about how "cheap" this great meal was...so we must be fitting into the Australian way!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
February 13th...and bats!
Every evening around dusk the bats come flying by on their way to the big park on Oxford Street. They swoop along the river from Hawthorne, New Farm, Teneriffe and then here to Bulimba.
Last night Dave and I were walking down the street passing by the park when a HUGE bat came flying by...at this point Dave always ducks as if it's going to take a bite out of his neck! It flew to the tree, grabbed on and was hanging upside down as the limb was going up and down from his weight. It was so cool and a little freaky! I wish I would have had a camera with me because this bat was seriously big and so close you could see his little beady eyes.....
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Last night Dave and I were walking down the street passing by the park when a HUGE bat came flying by...at this point Dave always ducks as if it's going to take a bite out of his neck! It flew to the tree, grabbed on and was hanging upside down as the limb was going up and down from his weight. It was so cool and a little freaky! I wish I would have had a camera with me because this bat was seriously big and so close you could see his little beady eyes.....
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Sunday, February 10, 2013
More entertaining....
Saturday we woke up and met Jeff and Julie at the Powerhouse market....I know! Seems like we are always at a market!! We literally ate our way through the whole thing...olives, curry, ginger beer, baguette, French pizza, smoothie, and I can't remember what else since by that time I was sooo full everything became a blur!
We ended up on our patio nursing a beer for a few hours until almost dinner and then it happened...our new tutti-frutti addiction kicked in and really if you have it more than once on consecutive weekends, isn't it tradition by then?? We walked down to Max Brenner again, but had dark chocolate drizzled on top this time. Much better......
Sunday rolled around and Dale twisted Dave's arm to go golfing with him. I was going to stay home and study, however Colette called and said that her, Bill, Sierra and Kyle were going to the Gold Coast to the beach and did I want to come? Yes... I packed up my bag just like Aunt Betty would do with food enough for 40 and hopped in the car. The undertow was incredibly strong and the lifeguards kept busy with their megaphones telling people to move between the flags. All of a sudden I felt like I was on the show "Bondi Rescue"... A lifeguard came tearing out of the truck he was in, grabbed the surfboard that stands on the beach and seriously with in what felt like 45 seconds was dragging this girl up onto the surfboard. They had been yelling at her, and who I presume was her dad to stay on their boogie board but to PADDLE and not go too far out and to STAY within the flags. Well next thing you know, the girl is tossed off the board and the man with her is likewise tossed and that's when the lifeguard shot into action. It could have also been the half hearted strokes they were both doing to get to shore. Such a scary thing that ended well, thank goodness.
After the beach we went to Waxy's for the Sunday special..$2 steak, $2 steak sauce, $2 salad, $2 mashed potatoes (Dad they were great!), $2 Coronas. My meal cost $10 and was better than bar food usually is. Then the drive home......
Weekend update is done! Whew! Sorry no pis were loaded yet so I'll probably edit this later and add a few.
Cheers! David and Lovey
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
We ended up on our patio nursing a beer for a few hours until almost dinner and then it happened...our new tutti-frutti addiction kicked in and really if you have it more than once on consecutive weekends, isn't it tradition by then?? We walked down to Max Brenner again, but had dark chocolate drizzled on top this time. Much better......
Sunday rolled around and Dale twisted Dave's arm to go golfing with him. I was going to stay home and study, however Colette called and said that her, Bill, Sierra and Kyle were going to the Gold Coast to the beach and did I want to come? Yes... I packed up my bag just like Aunt Betty would do with food enough for 40 and hopped in the car. The undertow was incredibly strong and the lifeguards kept busy with their megaphones telling people to move between the flags. All of a sudden I felt like I was on the show "Bondi Rescue"... A lifeguard came tearing out of the truck he was in, grabbed the surfboard that stands on the beach and seriously with in what felt like 45 seconds was dragging this girl up onto the surfboard. They had been yelling at her, and who I presume was her dad to stay on their boogie board but to PADDLE and not go too far out and to STAY within the flags. Well next thing you know, the girl is tossed off the board and the man with her is likewise tossed and that's when the lifeguard shot into action. It could have also been the half hearted strokes they were both doing to get to shore. Such a scary thing that ended well, thank goodness.
After the beach we went to Waxy's for the Sunday special..$2 steak, $2 steak sauce, $2 salad, $2 mashed potatoes (Dad they were great!), $2 Coronas. My meal cost $10 and was better than bar food usually is. Then the drive home......
Weekend update is done! Whew! Sorry no pis were loaded yet so I'll probably edit this later and add a few.
Cheers! David and Lovey
A week of events....
What a round of events we've had! Cerner had their project kick off last week. So starting the Friday before, Cerner associates started arriving from the US to help out and house hunt. We started off with a dinner at Colette and Bill's house with a couple we had never met, Tom and Cindy. Then Dave's friend Tammy flew in with her husband, Mike on Saturday. They wanted to see a market on Sunday so we met them in the CBD and took the WaterCat to the Eagle Farm Market. After buying some goodies we came back to our apartment and hung out on the patio for a few hours. By late afternoon we were all hungry again and decided to go down to Oxford Street to Max Brenner for an afternoon treat. We split a "tutti-frutti"... 2 Belgian waffles drizzled with milk chocolate, sliced bananas and strawberries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Coffee and mochas to top it off. YUM!!!
Tuesday night we went to the Bavarian Bier Cafe with Tammy and Mike for dinner. We ordered "big beers" to go with the nightly special of Lowenschnitzel. If you finish your huge plate of schnitzel, cole slaw and chips, they will give you a schnapps shot (try to say that fast!). Dave and I split the meal...it was HUGE. And opted out of the schnapps shot and went for the coffee instead.
Long meetings for Dave that went until 9pm for a few days and with the debris still in the river, the WaterCats are still moving slow. He was getting home exhausted!
French started again on Thursday night with a 2 hour workshop. New set of people at all levels and again I am the one who has the least amount of knowledge, however it was such great fun and the hours flew by!
My tennis mate, Lyl came back from a skiing trip in Japan with a torn ACL...argh. No tennis for us for a while and so now I will either go for lessons or do some social tennis with Dave at night.
Friday, Dave came home early and we went over to Teneriffe and picked up Sophia. Such a sight to see him carrying her down the street and onto the ferry, then home. Yes my friends, I now have a dress form that looks amazing!! She's already wearing a knitted item and stands in our living room. Almost had you fooled it was something else, yeah?! Lol
But back to the office for both Dave and I for happy hour and to say goodbye to those that we won't see for a few months while they pack up their things for sea transport. Out to dinner with those that are leaving the next day and some that live here. All eight of us end up deciding Nando's Chicken....Bill, Colette, Tammy, Mike, Jeff, Julie, Dave and I. We all seem to have some interconnecting things in common, so lots to talk and laugh about. After dinner we all start heading for home, but Jeff and Julie just moved here a week ago and are living in the temp apartments we were in and are up for more excitement. What's a friend to do??!! We decide the Bavarian Bier place is on the way back and stop in the bar there. Big beers all around and then the madness of schnapps happens. Let me set the scene....when you order a schnapps they bring it to you on a long, flat board that is about four feet long and 5 inches wide with a handle on the bottom of it so they can carry it. All the while on what seems the long way to your table, they ring a cowbell so everyone knows you're getting schnapps! So they could have one shot sitting on the end of this board or twelve...doesn't matter since it comes to you this way no matter what. Honey schnapps is not bad, Julie opted for blueberry and Jeff some sort of hot and cold one that made his lips numb or something for a second. Great fun and let's also say the waitress had her act down pat even the tight shirt and creamy white boobs right there in your face!!
More to come.....
Cheers! Dave and Lovey
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday night we went to the Bavarian Bier Cafe with Tammy and Mike for dinner. We ordered "big beers" to go with the nightly special of Lowenschnitzel. If you finish your huge plate of schnitzel, cole slaw and chips, they will give you a schnapps shot (try to say that fast!). Dave and I split the meal...it was HUGE. And opted out of the schnapps shot and went for the coffee instead.
Long meetings for Dave that went until 9pm for a few days and with the debris still in the river, the WaterCats are still moving slow. He was getting home exhausted!
French started again on Thursday night with a 2 hour workshop. New set of people at all levels and again I am the one who has the least amount of knowledge, however it was such great fun and the hours flew by!
My tennis mate, Lyl came back from a skiing trip in Japan with a torn ACL...argh. No tennis for us for a while and so now I will either go for lessons or do some social tennis with Dave at night.
Friday, Dave came home early and we went over to Teneriffe and picked up Sophia. Such a sight to see him carrying her down the street and onto the ferry, then home. Yes my friends, I now have a dress form that looks amazing!! She's already wearing a knitted item and stands in our living room. Almost had you fooled it was something else, yeah?! Lol
But back to the office for both Dave and I for happy hour and to say goodbye to those that we won't see for a few months while they pack up their things for sea transport. Out to dinner with those that are leaving the next day and some that live here. All eight of us end up deciding Nando's Chicken....Bill, Colette, Tammy, Mike, Jeff, Julie, Dave and I. We all seem to have some interconnecting things in common, so lots to talk and laugh about. After dinner we all start heading for home, but Jeff and Julie just moved here a week ago and are living in the temp apartments we were in and are up for more excitement. What's a friend to do??!! We decide the Bavarian Bier place is on the way back and stop in the bar there. Big beers all around and then the madness of schnapps happens. Let me set the scene....when you order a schnapps they bring it to you on a long, flat board that is about four feet long and 5 inches wide with a handle on the bottom of it so they can carry it. All the while on what seems the long way to your table, they ring a cowbell so everyone knows you're getting schnapps! So they could have one shot sitting on the end of this board or twelve...doesn't matter since it comes to you this way no matter what. Honey schnapps is not bad, Julie opted for blueberry and Jeff some sort of hot and cold one that made his lips numb or something for a second. Great fun and let's also say the waitress had her act down pat even the tight shirt and creamy white boobs right there in your face!!
More to come.....
Cheers! Dave and Lovey
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Cinema
We went to our first movie here in Bulimba on Monday night. The movie was The Hobbit and we were excited to see it. So we buy our tickets (cash only $8.50au) and find our seats. Not a bad theatre....great price.
Dave decides to get our popcorn and drink before the movie starts. When he comes back he tells me that on the menu there were chips (French fries) with chicken salt! Lol. They do sell food along with the normal movie fare. But what the heck is chicken salt?! Not sure we are going to find out any time soon. Very few establishments offer ice, so when Dave said fill the cup with ice, I think they were a little surprised. And then the popcorn. As we were eating it, it got saltier and saltier until literally the inside of our lips were all puckered up...
So the ads start. Ads that you would see on TV and then a few previews thrown in for good measure. THIRTY MINUTES of ads! Dave and his puckered lips were crawling out of his skin! We were wondering what time we were going to make it home that night. But finally the movie started and we loved it
We will go back, but maybe show up a little later and miss some of the advertising!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Dave decides to get our popcorn and drink before the movie starts. When he comes back he tells me that on the menu there were chips (French fries) with chicken salt! Lol. They do sell food along with the normal movie fare. But what the heck is chicken salt?! Not sure we are going to find out any time soon. Very few establishments offer ice, so when Dave said fill the cup with ice, I think they were a little surprised. And then the popcorn. As we were eating it, it got saltier and saltier until literally the inside of our lips were all puckered up...
So the ads start. Ads that you would see on TV and then a few previews thrown in for good measure. THIRTY MINUTES of ads! Dave and his puckered lips were crawling out of his skin! We were wondering what time we were going to make it home that night. But finally the movie started and we loved it
We will go back, but maybe show up a little later and miss some of the advertising!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Cyclone
We are feeling the effects of the cyclone here in Queensland. We had rain off and on Thursday and then again on Friday. It would rain gently, then harder, and then stop for maybe 30 minutes, then start up again. Friday night we took the ferry across to New Farm with some friends and by the time we were going back across at midnight, we were all soaked. Interestingly enough, James and Diane had just moved here from London and they were not really using their umbrella as much as Dave and I. Used to the rain and getting wet I guess!
Saturday the rain was again heavy and light and Dave needed to get out of the apartment. He suggested a "romantic" walk to our favorite bakery. Ladies, never fall for this line!! It was more like a hike and instead of holding hands and perhaps a kiss or two, I was holding onto my umbrella for dear life in the rain and wind gusts. I guess walking along the boardwalk on the way home was a questionable decision...
Sunday it literally poured down and was so windy no one was out. In fact the TV was announcing that people should not be out because of all the flash flooding. When I say windy, I mean that two trees in the park are down and the few people that did try to get out with their dogs were having a hard time walking. The river is way up and they have suspended ferry and WaterCat service as of yesterday afternoon through today.
Today is Monday and a holiday, Australia Day and everyone has off work. We were supposed to be at the beach, but the beaches closed and the ocean is so churned up the sea foam is flying like big wads of cotton or wool!
They say that the Brisbane river will peak today and then again tomorrow. The park is a mess and might get a little worse if that happens. The Internet went out last night until early this morning...horrors! It's supposed to continue raining for the next 4 or 5 days, but hopefully gently with some breaks.
I tried to get a picture of the trees blowing in the strong wind, but you can see the standing water in the park. The river in the background is even higher than this!
Saturday the rain was again heavy and light and Dave needed to get out of the apartment. He suggested a "romantic" walk to our favorite bakery. Ladies, never fall for this line!! It was more like a hike and instead of holding hands and perhaps a kiss or two, I was holding onto my umbrella for dear life in the rain and wind gusts. I guess walking along the boardwalk on the way home was a questionable decision...
Sunday it literally poured down and was so windy no one was out. In fact the TV was announcing that people should not be out because of all the flash flooding. When I say windy, I mean that two trees in the park are down and the few people that did try to get out with their dogs were having a hard time walking. The river is way up and they have suspended ferry and WaterCat service as of yesterday afternoon through today.
Today is Monday and a holiday, Australia Day and everyone has off work. We were supposed to be at the beach, but the beaches closed and the ocean is so churned up the sea foam is flying like big wads of cotton or wool!
I tried to get a picture of the trees blowing in the strong wind, but you can see the standing water in the park. The river in the background is even higher than this!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
January 19 and 20
Running errands on Saturday....took Dave by a place that sells dress forms, mannequins, and other store type furniture. Trying to talk him into buying a dress form...the price is causing the second thoughts on his part. However, you all know that I have been looking for one at every flea market for years and these are sooo nice. I hope it's just a matter of time before Dave realizes the usefulness of a dress form. Lol. Apartment deco!!
So the dress form place was closed, but a few shops down we saw a sign that said sale. It means that the "sale" items are just above USA prices, however we were out and it was only 90 degrees and we walked down. Bloody hell were we lucky! Lol. This was a furniture place, but not just any old furniture. They get all sorts of things from India and then turn them into other things. Ox carts into beds, windows into coffee tables, etc. Most things were really unique and oh so cool, but what I found were wooden bowls. Big, medium, small all wood bowls that were amazing. I bought a pretty big one and a medium one and paid under $100. You would pay more than that for the small one I bought in the US. The money I would save by buying just a few more would pay for my dress form....or is that funny math?!?!
On Sunday we went to Eagle Street Market. A lot of clothes, food and produce. We bought produce, a great oj that was fresh squeezed and a blanket out of cotton saris.
So the dress form place was closed, but a few shops down we saw a sign that said sale. It means that the "sale" items are just above USA prices, however we were out and it was only 90 degrees and we walked down. Bloody hell were we lucky! Lol. This was a furniture place, but not just any old furniture. They get all sorts of things from India and then turn them into other things. Ox carts into beds, windows into coffee tables, etc. Most things were really unique and oh so cool, but what I found were wooden bowls. Big, medium, small all wood bowls that were amazing. I bought a pretty big one and a medium one and paid under $100. You would pay more than that for the small one I bought in the US. The money I would save by buying just a few more would pay for my dress form....or is that funny math?!?!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Old Petrie Town
Friday night we went to Old Petrie Town with Bill, Colette and Sierra. It's north of Brisbane and about 30 minutes away. We arrived at dusk and found that it was a historical site with buildings that had been restored and some in the process of being restored. There was an old car show going on and many motorcycles also. Not sure if that was related or if the motorcycle gang was just there to see the cars! Each building had a retail store or a eating place in it. First order of business was food....we decided on pizza and ordered a supreme. Let's just say it had a lot of teeny tiny diced ham pieces in it. I have yet to eat a good pizza here, so I wasn't surprised at this. Then we started going into all the stores. One was selling cement items....very cheap! I loved a few things, but to the surprise of Colette and Dave, didn't buy anything. Lol. I'm getting a reputation as a shopper. But in my defense I had to do some power shopping when we moved into our apartment!! Not my fault other things jumped into the shopping cart! Anyway they had also set up a huge screen and played old music videos. Quite entertaining....
No pictures since it was so dark and also a little hazy with the smoke floating around from the fires. I haven't seen any fires around me, but the river brings the smoke to us and some nights it's quite strong and we have to shut the apartment up.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
No pictures since it was so dark and also a little hazy with the smoke floating around from the fires. I haven't seen any fires around me, but the river brings the smoke to us and some nights it's quite strong and we have to shut the apartment up.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, January 3, 2013
End of visit...
Five days with the boys was just not enough! We had frisbee in the park, souvenir shopping, going to the Lone Pine Koala sanctuary to see dingos, hold koalas, and pet kangaroos, a birthday dinner and walk down the boardwalk from New Farm Park to Teneriffe, and last but not least....we sent them out with two of Dave's coworkers who took them to Fortitude Valley to bar hop. Many stories from that event and they must have had a good time cause we didn't see them until 3am! The next time you see them, ask about the strawberry daiquiris they tried to chug to get out of the gay bar that they accidentally went into. Lol.
We wish you all a Happy New Year!
Cheers! Dave, Lovey, Parker, Perry and Paxton
Cheers! Dave, Lovey, Parker, Perry and Paxton
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)