Easter Weekend
House sitting in Paradise Point
It's a tough gig being sent to Paradise but someone's got to do it. We have been focussing on house sits on the northern end of the Gold Coast at present, as my dear little grandson was due. He headed into this world a little earlier than planned. So as he was heading in, we headed up to Paradise Point to house sit and wait on his arrival - four weeks earlier than due date. All worked out well with mum and bub, and a very proud dad has been born as well. It's such a delight to be able to house sit for people as we get to see family, stay in lovely homes and help others out in the process. It's win:win all the way.
It's been a very overcast stay so far, but when the light peeks through it is quite beautiful. Even thought it's been so overcast we have been making the most of our stays here with walks, Tai Chi and Yoga in the Park.
We really love our walks around The Broadwater. The view is beautiful, the light on the water is always changing, and it is so easy to walk here. A wide path weaves it's way around the water's edge, and it's great to walk doggies and ride bikes along. Walkers and bike riders seem to be able to co-exist without too many problems. Congratulations to the Gold Coast Council for creating this great park.
There are huge trees, including some lovely old Moreton Bay fig trees (I think that's what they are) to sit under, a netted area to swim in, exercise machines to keep those muscles looking gorgeous - although apparently I need to use them, not just appreciate them on my way past to do that, hubby tells me. I spotted a swim club in the pool one day, eagerly splashing their way lap after lap across the pool. Have you ever watched triathletes burst into the water on top of one another? That's what I noticed that day, and was slightly envious of their stamina and ability and enthusiasm... not enough to jump in and practice laps myself though. I think I'll stick to my walks.
While I was in Paradise Point, I discovered that the City of Gold Coast Council offers Tai Chi in the Park. They are free classes and a big group of enthusiasts gather to practice together. What fun! If you are visiting you can find out more at the: Gold Coast Gov Active Healthy Program - click here
On my way home from shopping at Runaway Bay just before Easter, I noticed the full moon was emerging. I quickly unloaded the shopping and suggested to hubby that we run down to our favourite little club on the water to take in the view. We had a lovely hour or so watching the moon rise. It was one of those moments in life that I'll remember for a long time.
Sadly my little camera struggled to capture the images, but hopefully this will give you an idea of how beautiful it was. From the Hollywell branch of Southport Yacht Club.
Summer Walks
It has been so humid lately that I've been heading out for my walks, either first thing in the morning, or late in the afternoon. Either way, the beach has been such a joy to visit. The cool sea breezes, the amazing light, the ocean and the animals have all been very beautiful. There are so many dolphins to be seen surfing in the waves at present, I never know what delight is awaiting me.
and walks in the cooler part of the day.
I'd love to claim ownership of the brilliant idea to photograph the rocks at dawn, but the truth of the matter is that I spotted a photographer, with a giant lens. So I wandered over to see what he was taking photos of, and spotted the sunlight caressing the seaweed on these rocks.
It reminded me of a scene I'd expect to see in Ireland or some remote Celtic landscape. I'm having a little wishful thinking about possessing one of those cameras aka said photographer, that can give me delightfully haunting, misty seascape images. In the meantime, my trusty, hardy little Olympus will suffice.
Footnote: Sadly our little darling dog friend Candy - in the pics above, passed away in March suddenly of congestive heart failure. Needless to say lots of tears have fallen, and we miss her so much. What a great little friend she was to us both.
Welcoming in 2016
Books, Robert Frost Poetry and Morning Tea
There's no place like home for Christmas and we've been enjoying our local area. Recently a friend asked me to join a local writer's group. The group meet every week for morning tea at Flynn's Beach Book Cafe.
Each week Ann has a different display for our delight, complete with fresh flowers that she grows herself. This is one corner I could disappear into for hours.
Now book stores happen to be one of my most favourite places to visit, and oh my, when I went inside, I felt as though I'd been transported into one of those book shops that you'd expect to see out of a novel or a wonderful movie set.
I was wandering around taking pictures of the lovely arrangements Ann has dotted around the place, and noticed A Prayer in Spring by Robert Frost.
It's amazing how many lovely places are around, yet unless we wander off our usual routes, we may never find them. I have been driving past Ann's book cafe for years and would never have known what a magical place was lurking nearby.
Flynns Beach Book Cafe - 3 Flynn Street Port Macquarie.
Christmas 2015
Love seeing the thong tree appear at Lighthouse Beach... Here it is in all it's Christmassy glory - the Christmas Thong Tree 2015. If you happen to be in Port and you'd like to find it... head down to doggie beach... keep going past the camels... and before you make it to 1st totem, you'll find it.
I'm looking forward to seeing the smiles of delight, as people discover the tree again this year. Thank you so much to Mary who creates the tree (and Santa's Little Helpers who assist).
"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time." ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder
A Christmas House Sit in the Greek Islands?
I haven't been to the Greek Islands at Christmas, although I'd love to experience it - from the postcards that I saw when I was there, it looks like it might get pretty cold at times. On a trip to the Greek Islands, a few years ago and we minded the most gorgeous little villa perched high above the town of Mykonos.
It was one of those memories that will stay in my heart forever. Of an evening we could look down at the sun setting over the harbour. It was a bit of a hike into town, but we didn't care it was marvellous. We used to use the goat tracks to wind our way up the hill of a night back to the villa.
Christmas Baubles to colour, if you're taking part in the current colouring in craze! You are welcome to print the baubles out and colour in.
One night there was no moon to guide us, and with only a cigarette lighter to guide our way (you'd have thought we'd have bought a torch instead) we wove our way back home. Hubby in the lead, I followed close behind, when there was a sudden stop and scream at the feeling of hot breath in the front. Turned out that hubby had come face to face with a donkey on the path. He'd been bent over trying to see the way over rocky terrain, and in that position came face to face with the local. Ah fun times to remember.
Since visiting them, the islands have never been far from my heart, I could have put down roots and stayed there. It was one holiday I never wanted to return from. I have yet to see any images that truly capture the light and beauty of the place.
I just had a text from a friend wondering what to bring for Christmas lunch, which got me to thinking not about lunch, but about Christmas treats. One of my favourite recipes is for Greek Christmas Cookies - Kourapiedes. A while ago now I happened upon a rather magical cookbook called Falling Cloudberries. The title attracted my interest and then once I opened it, I knew it was coming home with me to live at my house. Tessa's book introduced me to these treats and I've made Tessa's recipe many times. They are melt in your mouth wonderful little bursts of buttery delights and friends just can't get enough of them, once they start.
"Falling Cloudberries: A World of Family Recipes, by Tessa Kiros is a gem. The cookbook is full of personal touches and stories. It is a beautiful collection of family anecdotes, history, and traditions all documented with stunning photography, unique illustrations, and a warm dialogue that will simply pull you in. This book trailer will let you into Tessas exotic multi-cultural family gathered around meals, food and fun."
If you are looking for a lovely Christmas present for someone who loves to cook, who also loves soulful stories, you couldn't do better than Falling Cloudberries by Tessa Kiros. Apart from wonderful recipes, I adore how Tessa has woven into the book her family history and images.
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