Friday, 31 December 2021

December, 2021 Erica & Terry’s place, Woodgate, Qld (Mary Poppins & The Story Bank)

1st - Went for a walk, the sun going in and out of the clouds.

Heavy shower fell of half hour at 9.30. Registered 1 inch of rain!

Back home for lunch. Steve started work on the handrails for the ramp.

Kerry rang about heading to WA next year and to ask Steve’s advice on the new detector available. Steve is planning to get one before we head over.

Thunder rumbles again in the afternoon then down came the rain again.

Wendy texted, she and Dave are in Mackay. Dan rang for a chat too.

 

2nd - Continued with our morning walks - still cloudy but the forecast is it to clear up. 

Did our washing then put the camper back on the truck so Erica & Terry can get their caravan out as they are going to Burnett Heads for the weekend with their caravan club. They will see us in Woodgate when they come down as we will take Dave & Wendy down there over the weekend.

We parked the camper in the driveway with the nose of the truck into the carport so we didn’t hang out over the footpath.

Hot and humid but the washing is drying.

Steve kept on with the handrails - getting good welding practice.

After lunch I got our groceries and put away the dry washing. Steve mowed the lawn.

Wendy texted they had arrived and are booked into a motel. They will return their hire car and pick up their new camper tomorrow so we will see them then.


3rd - Clear blue sky this morning for our walk. We pottered about tidying up etc. 

Steve picked up a cheap security screen from the Buy Back Shop to replace the flyscreen one at Woodgate. It has keys too. 

We watched the Supercars practice then qualifying at Bathurst. A new young gun, Will Brown, is on provisional pole. Jamie’s last drive and he didn’t make it into the Top 10.

Dave & Wendy rang. They were at the free camp near the airport with their new camper trying to fit in their bits & pieces they brought down with them. We went around for a look and said to come around home as we had room for them to park where Terry parks the caravan since they were away. 

They arrived and backed into place then the boys had a good look at the camper. It is a Avan Applause 500. 

We had a lovely afternoon chatting over drinks sitting on the lawn in the back yard - just like we would be if camping somewhere. The sky is still clear. 

Used Erica’s Getz and went to Brothers for dinner.

Back home to bed - lovely to see the stars again after all the rain recently.

 

4th - Clear sky again. Wendy joined us for our walk.  

Went shopping for bits & pieces for the new camper with Dave & Wendy - giving them some handy hints to make things easier when travelling. 

Had lunch then headed down to Woodgate. Wendy was amazed to see how big it is as I had always said it was a little place - well facility wise it is small but there are a lot of houses here but limited growth due to being surrounded by the National Park which is a blessing. 

We set ourselves up in the backyard.

We all watched the Top 10 qualifying for Bathurst then went for a walk with Wendy.

Walked down to the Bowls Club for dinner. Annalise rang so say that Jon had just proposed. So exciting - he waited for sunset in the boat at Tinaburra and got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Thank goodness she didn’t drop the ring. She sent through a photo of the ring on her finger and a video of the proposal as Isaac & his new lady were in the boat too. The wedding is planned for 29th July, 2023 which gives us a year to travel first. Jon will ring Granma and Grandad himself tomorrow. Nana and Papa will be smiling from up above - she had wished Jon and Annalise and happy life together in her last week. (Lovely photo of them both at a recent ball.)


As we walked back to the house we can see lightning flashing in the distance. 

Rang Kaylene to let her know but it was up on Facebook already. I put up the photo etc and received lots of lovely messages for them and us too.

 

5th - Thunder at midnight then some light rain. Checked the BOM site - a big squall is coming but we didn’t get any heavy rain. 

Early walk with Wendy on the footpath along the Esplanade. 

Sam’s birthday today so sent him a message. He will be coming to Woodgate for Christmas this year. 

Settled in upstairs to watch the Supercars race at Bathurst - 2 months later so it is a lot warmer there. Glad we didn’t go as there would still be all the Covid rules etc. A new strain has come in from Sth Africa called ‘Omricon’ which seems to be taking hold quickly.

Great race with an echidna causing the race to stop so they could remove it. Then more safety cars so it ended up a very fast race to the finish. Chaz Mostert and Lee Holdsworth were the victors. 

We went for a drive in Dave’s Avan as it has 4 seat belts. Took them to Walkers Point for a look. The sun was setting - managed to snap these photos with my phone.


Back along the Esplanade to Theodolite Creek and back to the Hotel for dinner. They have cute swing table & chairs outside.

We all had whiting and chips - haven’t had whiting for years. Grandad and I had many wonderful fishing trips when I used to come down for a month over Easter with the boys when they were little.

 

6th - Another lovely walk with Wendy - lots of chatting makes us move quickly. Steve was a good boy and went for a walk too. Dave kept busy reading the camper’s manuals. 

I rang Erica to check she heard about Jon and Annalise’s engagement. 

Dave and Wendy drove back into Bundy to see Searles about the problems with their camper then they were going to see friends near Gympie before coming back to us again. 

I did the washing using a bigger twin tub then mine which is here at the house. Plenty of tank water to use too. Mum had given Erica & Terry more paintings which I found in the bedrooms upstairs.


Steve tried getting the mower going but he lost that battle to start but persevered and the neighbours had to endure all the racket the mower made while he was trying to fix it - they could have come over and offered him one of their mowers! I got the electric whipper-snipper going to tidy up the edges.

Rain fell after lunch so we timed the mowing well. Steve put the new security screen door on - much better.

We walked down to the beach with our drinks. There was a lovely breeze and we just relaxed enjoying the waves rolling in. 

Had dinner then played cards in the camper listening to the waves lapping the beach. Very peaceful.

 

7th - Woke at 4.30am as the sun was rising. Beautiful colours over the house but my camera was up in the house so I didn’t get out of bed. 

Went for our walk again then we had a swim in the sea. It was lovely.



I finished off the whipper-snippering while Steve did the front yard with the screaming mower.

We set up Dan’s pool he bought for the ‘house’ last Christmas and filled it with tank water. Found an old umbrella in the shed so we are all set for cuppas in the pool. Sent Daniel a photo to show it was being used.

Wendy rang - they were getting things sorted with the camper but wished they were back with us as it was so hot and humid in Bundy. The recent rain has made it very sticky - you would think we were back in Cairns. 

The Tuckshop girls rang to say congratulations - oops I forgot to ring them, blame it on holiday brain. They were very excited for Jon and Annalise and just loved her ring. 

I cleaned out the drains that Steve and the boys put in last Christmas just in case we get more rain. Steve put up another towel rail.

We had a lovely walk along the beach before taking our drinks back down to enjoy the view. 

Kaylene & Rick rang - they were in Townsville staying with Emma. 

Clear sky tonight. I have been working on my blog and have finished writing the 1st to 7th November section - will upload it tomorrow. Internet reception isn’t the greatest here so will boost the signal with our aerial. 

 

8th - Dad has been gone 4 months now. We had a long walk to the boat ramp this morning as it is overcast. We usually do the 4km return, this will make it 6km return.

Quite humid still so we had a dip in the pool with our cuppas this morning. 

Connected the phone aerial cable to the truck aerial which boosted the signal up a few more bars. I was able to upload my blog easily then. Steve will put the aerial on the camper so I can use it in there instead of having the lead draping everywhere under the house.

Steve started sanding the uprights of the steps ready for a coat of paint. 

Annalise rang to see what date suited us for the engagement party. Decided on the 5th March and we can combine it as a farewell for us since we will head off at the end of March.  

Ted & Dulcie’s Poinciana tree next door has a spectacular bloom this year.


Had drinks down at the beach again as it is very calm. 

There is a storm building in the west. 

We only got a little bit of rain from it.

 

9th - Lovely sunny morning for our walk. The tide is going out and the sea is flat.



Back to the house for a cool off in our pool as it is shallow for a long way at low tide. 

Kaylene & Rick are on their way down. 

I had some spare pumpkin so decided to bake my Ginger-bread spiced Pumpkin cake but realised I didn’t have any ground ginger. I checked with Dulcie and she had a whole container and she gave me a couple more herbs as she doesn’t use them any more. I baked the cake and some more Anzacs and Date Slice so I made Dulcie up a little ‘yummy’ plate for dessert.

Phil and Brenda called in for a chat and to collect some rain water.

Noticed a note on the ‘We Love Woodgate’ Facebook page that the filtration system for the drinking water here is not working well after the heavy rains recently. They are recommending that all drinking water to be boiled first. 


10th - Went for our walk. I took photos of all the ‘Cousin Itts’ (from Addams Family fame) at one of the houses on the Esplanade. First they just wore sunglasses - now they are ready for Christmas with their Santa hats. They are so cute. When I asked the chap inside if I could take some photos he asked if I wanted him in them - he did look like Santa actually. 





We shifted the pool to a flatter area as it was all going to one end before. We filled it up again and cooled off - still quite humid and warm.

I finished uploading the next week in November of my blog.

Erica and Terry arrived before lunch. 

Kaylene texted that they were on their way to us. There is a storm warning from Mackay to Hervey Bay - we can see the dark storm clouds and hear the thunder but nothing so far.

The storm passed over with only a bit of rain.

Brenda and Phil called in for drinks while we watched the lightning flashing and thunder rumbling as the storm headed for Fraser Island. 

We were just getting dinner ready when Rick rang to say the U-bolt had snapped off the axle. Luckily they were going slowly around the bed at Childers onto the Goodwood Road and were able to turn into a little park. Steve got some tools etc and headed off to help. I followed in Erica’s Getz to bring Kaylene back in case it was going to take the boys a long time to fix it. God was watching over them as if they were going a speed when it happened it could have been a terrible start to their caravanning travels.

They got it sorted quickly and we got them set up in the back yard beside us.

 

11th - Clear sky for our walk - tide out and it is flat. 

Kaylene pottered about sorting out her van. Rick and Steve were looking at what they can do about the axle etc. Rick sent off a message to the company in Cairns who had just replaced his axles for him with ‘supposedly’ better ones. The lady came back saying she would get onto someone in Bundaberg to supply new parts. At least they don’t have to battle to get it fixed. 

Erica and I went to a garage sale - one of the ladies from Bingo here. They are moving to Bribie Island. I got some more books and Erica got a big bucket to use when they wash gemstones. 

When the tide came in Kaylene and Rick joined us for a swim. It was just perfect.

Dave and Wendy arrived so we parked them sideways in the back yard - Geck’s RV Park is open for business!!

Erica is impressed with their camper - just have to convince Terry.

All dressed up for dinner - time for a selfie.

We all walked down to the Bowls Club for dinner for a pre-Christmas celebration. So nice to have our friends visit us here. Erica took 10 games of Keno but only won $5 back for her $10 outlay. She got the girls to join us to put the $5 into the pokies hopping for a better return. Kaylene had the lucky finger and we were up to $9 but then Kaylene left for a bit and the money disappeared. At least we all had a good laugh together. 

A bit of Woodgate history off the menu. I have an old photo of the swimming enclosures with some of the Geck family using it. Steve’s parents bought their block here in 1967. Someone posted this aerial shot up on Facebook.



We walked back then I took Erica, Wendy and Kaylene for a drive in the Getz to check out the Christmas lights. Found a couple of nice ones.



Back home for a group photo - Dave showed me how to put the camera on timer so I could be in the photo too. Rick took the second one on his phone and sent it to me.


 

12th - 6am walk with Wendy and Steve - the sea looks so peaceful this morning. 

Morning tea with everyone. Dave loves my Anzac cookies so I copied out the recipe and the one for the date slice too for Wendy. Dave & Wendy bought a new kettle for the house (the old one just died) and shouted dinner last night to say thanks for our help and to Erica & Terry for the use of the house etc. Rick shouted drinks last night too which so nice of them all.

Said farewell again to Dave & Wendy - will see them next year in Cairns. 

Rick and Steve headed down to Theodolite Creek to try and pump up some yabbies so they can go fishing. Unfortunately they aren’t as plentiful as when we used to go with the kids when they were little. Erica used to say 50 more, just when we were ready to head home! The boys only got 10 so it will only be Rick going fishing - he is willing to get out of bed early too, whereas Steve is happy to stay asleep. 

We had a restful afternoon - the wind has picked up. Went down for a swim but it was too rough for me. Kaylene went in but got shoved around by the waves so didn’t stay in for too long. 

Steve’s cousin, Paul arrived (has the house behind us) at afternoon tea time. Erica & Terry headed back to Bundaberg. 

The boys worked on the van axle preparing it for when they get the parts tomorrow.

Kaylene and I went for a walk then we chatted over drinks. Dinner was a bit later tonight!

Continued chatting outside under the stars - lovely.

 

13th - Steve and I had our walk - the sea is calm but the wind is picking up as we headed back. Rick came back from his fishing excurision - only got a few little fish at Theodolite Creek. 

We had a cuppa then the boys headed to Bundy to pick up the bits for the axle etc. Kaylene and I went to Childers. We had a lovely wander around - Wendy had told us the best ‘shops’ to visit. We checked out the Memorial for the backpackers who died in the terrible fire at The Palace Backpackers Hostel in 2000 where 15 young people lost their lives. It was beautifully presented and very moving (no photos allowed).



Across the road we checked out the sculptures and information about the Kanakas.






We bought a few things then had lunch at the Grand Hotel - huge meal. Around to Woolies for some groceries then back to Woodgate for a cuppa and the yummy cream buns that Kaylene got from the bakery when we first pulled in - smart thinking as they sell out quickly.

The boys got to work on the van. Paul came over for drinks and stayed for dinner.

 

14th - Jakob’s birthday - sent him a message. Went for our walk. 

Paul and his friends joined us all for morning tea. 

Our pool is going down but we can’t find the leak. We had a quiet afternoon. The boys replaced all the U-bolts etc so Kaylene is happy to drive back home again now. 

Blustery swim in the sea - good exercise.

 

15th - Up early and we headed off in two cars to Maryborough (as we both only have 2 seaters now). We parked at the free camp spot then walked up and down the streets pointing out the murals, Mary Poppin lights and historical buildings. I took photos of things I missed the first visit.







Around to the Story Bank where Kaylene met Mary.


The boys continued on to John’s war museum while Kaylene and I went into the Story Bank.



We had a fabulous time. Kaylene was in teacher’s heaven. There were so many great ideas and interesting things to read and look at. The phone rang in the office which we were told to answer. It was very interactive. 


















Secret drawers in the library. Little mice we had to find in each room. Colouring in a picture on the wall. 











The best fun was playing in the silhouette room. 







The old bank vault is used too.











There were computers too where you could write your own story. I never realised there were so many books. We just knew of the one Walt Disney made into the movie. 

We went outside into Mary’s garden.


 

Murals under the stairs.


Upstairs for more rooms full of stories and information.


 

This is the bedroom Helen was born in whilst her father was working at the bank manager downstairs. Reading on those it is a sad story as her father dies and her mother and her are left with no money or anywhere to live.


 





Her Aunt was an inspiration to her.


 

Maryborough holds the Mary Poppin Festival each year in August and one lady was Mary for many years.


 

Info about the movies etc.



 

My favourite song - Let’s Go Fly a Kite.


 

Info about the bank itself and how a committee saved the building.



 

We loved the lights in the Marys’ Room.



 

We checked our heights. Both are very true!!






I took a thread and found the words - explore, travel, adventure etc.


 

A few more mice etc before we sat down for a bit and watched a short video.



 


We were both so impressed with the whole place and will spread the word to all our family and friends. We headed our as we were getting hungry for lunch. Nice mural above the garden too.


Rang the boys and they were heading up Wharf St so we walked down to meet them. A few more older buildings.




 

We went into the old Custom House residence which is now a restaurant. 

 




We had an interesting waiter, not too good on photo taking though. Lunch was delicious.


Outside we read the history information and about the floods of the Mary River.



 




We walked down to the river.


Through the park to the musical instruments for duet by the boys.


A kookaburra has found a good lookout spot.

 

We went to the starting end of the Gallipoli walk this time so I could get a photo of Lt Chapman and the ‘beach and boats’.



 

Back up past the Post Office and hotel opposite spotting a few more murals as we went.





More info - should have come here first.










 

Back to the cars. We went down Lennox Street so Kaylene and Rick could see some of the lovely old homes along here. Stopped at Dave & Amanda’s but they weren’t home. Ella was about to go out with Cody so we said a quick hi then headed off to Hervey Bay. 

As we drove in we were amazed at how big it was. Luckily I had a map in the brochure which showed a long straight road in (Boat Harbour Dr) which was just lined with businesses.

We turned off near the end and headed to the water and went back along the Esplanade to Shelly Beach to have a cuppa.




 

We drove back to Urangan Pier which turned 100 in 2017. We walked out a little way. Quite windy too.




Fraser Island is close here and further around you can catch the ferry across to it.



 

We followed the Esplanade along passed a big whale tail as Hervey Bay is also famous for it whale watching tours.

 

To the northern end, Gables Point - no sandy beaches here. Looking back along the beaches of Hervey Bay.

 

Headed out of town then turned off towards Toogoom then Burrum Heads to show Kaylene Rick the other beach areas as we headed for home at Woodgate.

 

16th - Calm sea with the tide in this morning so we enjoyed a lovely swim after our walk. 

Quiet morning relaxing. After lunch we fixed some of the flyscreens upstairs.

Kaylene and Rick started packing up to head home. 

Another lovely dinner together with our good friends.

 

17th - Early swim with Kaylene and Rick before they headed off. They are visiting Rick’s family on the way which will be nice. 

We pottered about finishing the painting on the window sills, door etc. 

We found the leak in the pool - the smallest of punctures that I think a bird did looking at the position of them. Probably trying to have a drink or get a bug out of the pool. We put on the patches that came with the pool and blew it up again. Filled it with more tank water - using up the excess ready for more rain that will come along soon.

Played cards for a while. The news says we have to show proof of Covid Vaccination from today to be able to get into restaurants, cafes and clubs. From tomorrow we have to wear face masks now as the new variant Omricon is running riot in NSW and Vic and has now come across the border to Qld now we have opened the borders up again. Now everyone is rushing around getting tested and then having to quarantine so we are back to everyone being locked up again which is silly. If you are vaccinated hopefully you will only get a mild case so we should just all get one with it and if you get sick then you go to the doctor and get it dealt with.

 

18th - Two years ago we arrived home to Cairns to help out Mum and Dad. What an amazing two years it has been with all that Steve has achieved with the new camper and truck build and the wonderful time with had with my parents.

Headed up to Bundy to do some shopping. Steve continued with his welding of the handrails for the ramp ready for when the boys arrive so they can help put them up. Replaced the screen on the front door and one in the laundry too - now we are so good at it having done heaps at Woodgate. 

Steve mowed the lawn there and loaded on the mower so we can use it at Woodgate instead of the ‘noisy’ one.

Back to Woodgate for a nice walk along the beach.

 

19th - Mum has been gone 8 months now - think of her every day.

Enjoyed our walk again this morning though it gets a bit hot with the lovely sunshine. 

Cleaned the house. Steve finished the edging around the bathroom walls then mowed the lawn. All ready for Erica & Terry to arrive and relax and enjoy Christmas. 

We ordered a take-away pizza from the Bowls Club which we took down to the beach with our drinks to have dinner overlooking the water. It was lovely though a little windy. The full moon rose which was beautiful to watch. Tried to get the shimmer on the water but it wasn’t too good using my phone camera.


 

20th - Erica & Terry arrived with their caravan and set up beside us. 

I continued with my blog. 

Had dinner then played Sequence - even Terry joined in and he was a very good partner to have.

 

21st - The days are warming up but the early morning is still cool. 

David arrived.

 

22nd - Morning walk as usual then jobs around the house for the boys

 

23rd - Brian and Stephanie arrived at dawn from Cairns, driving through the night. Jon had given him some Spanish Mackerel that he caught recently with Pete so we will enjoy a fish and chips dinner one night. 

Set up for Christmas.

Ella drove to Brisbane to pick Sam up from the airport - they arrived at 4.30pm ready for drinks and a few games of pool.

Had dinner - much bigger mob to feed tonight. A couple of games of Kelly pool finished off a fun night.

 

24th - Took a selfie to put up on Facebook to wish all our family and friends a Merry Christmas. Took a photo of the ‘its’ too as they are so cute.


Stephanie had blown up her paddle board and was just heading back home when we spotted her on our walk.


Stephanie drove Ella and I into Childers to do the last minute food shop for Christmas. There was a line up for the cooked chooks but we managed to get two.

Bradley popped in for a while. He is having Christmas Day with Amanda’s parents in Bundy. Amanda and Ben arrived. Got everything ready for tomorrow. 

Sam and I had a good couple of games of pool - I was impressed with myself I must say but Sam won out in the end. 

Ella showed Steve how to get a personalised number plate like hers. 

 

25th - Christmas Day. We went for our morning walk, only seeing a few people on the pathway this morning. I had sent the boys and girls texts to wish them a lovely Christmas. Annalise rang as she was driving home from night shift. Jon rang after she got home. They were hoping to come down on the 29th but with the Covid outbreak etc I said it wasn’t worth it as they would have to quarantine etc if they came into contact with someone on the plane. Hopefully they can come down through the year to show Granma & Grandad the engagement ring etc as they won’t be coming up for the party.

We all gathered under the house to exchange presents at 9am. Brian was the Christmas Elf to hand out the presents. I was feeling a bit teary not having my parents to ring and the boys not here either but otherwise it was a lovely morning. Everyone enjoyed seeing what presents they each got.




 

Jodie & Bryon video called Brian so we all had a chat. They are now working & living in Orange, NSW.

 

Daniel rang. He was waiting for Fran to finish work then they were off for lunch with her family.

Erica’s brother, Ron, arrived in time for lunch. Put out all the food - too much again of course and everyone popped their crackers ready for the family photo.









 

David took a photo too so I was in this one.

 

Jon and Annalise video called but the signal wasn’t the best but it was great to see them. They are having lunch with Annalise’s family.

We played the parcel game with dice I created last year. This time Erica provided the presents. We all had a great time.

Dessert time - yum.

The three boys were on wash up duty. 

Jon and Annalise had sent down some presents with Brian. They gave us a digital photo frame so we can look at photos as we travel. Also pool toys for everyone to use. I blew this one up to put in the pool! The others are rings to float on in the sea.

Played some Kelly pool then Ella, Steph, Sam and I played the Dice game.

A storm came about 2pm but not heavy rain. It cooled things down a big. 

Went for a walk along the beach as the tide was out. The kids were taking photos of the sunset which was beautiful. There was a rainbow too. I didn’t have my camera but Stephanie sent through her photos for me.




Leftovers for dinner - not that we really need any more food. More games of pool.

 

26th - Overcast this morning so we had a longer walk as it was cooler. Need to walk off the desserts too. 

David, Amanda, Ben and Ella headed up to Bundy for lunch with Amanda’s family.

Played some games of Sequence with Stephanie and Sam. 

After lunch Brian, Steph and Sam went up to Bundy to the Rum Distillery to do the tour. Ella was meeting them there. They had a ‘good’ time - too much sampling! 

I worked on my blog while it was all quiet here. 

Cooked up the Spanish Mackerel with chips for tea. Lucky we have the big stove now with 5 gas hotplates and the big electric oven.

 

27th - Overcast. Wendy sent through a photo of her Anzac cookies she baked - they looked perfect. It will come down to the taste test by David. 

Went for our walk then the boys headed into Bundy to put up the handrails Steve had been welding. David had sent up bricks too recently with a friend to make a better step out of the shed for Terry. Steve will put up the grab rail we have left to help him in and out too. David took some photos which I got off his Facebook page.



 

Steve found his dustpan he made at school.

I finished my blog for November and uploaded it. Now to do December!

Drizzly rain after lunch. 

Robert, Michelle & Riley arrived - more family members who have homes around us down here. Another cousins Dael and her husband Neil are next door with Neil’s parents. They asked if Steve could help them trim the Poinciana as they have lost the sea view now it has grown so much. Ella’s boyfriend, Cody arrived. 

The Geck Pool Challenge was arranged. Ella beat me in the first round and Stephanie beat Steve. Samuel was the champion in the end.

Stephanie had a great star app on her phone so I downloaded it on mine. It shows the planets, constellations, Space Station etc but we couldn’t find Uranus or Neptune - not sure why they aren’t included.

 

28th - David headed off early as he had a work job to do today. Ben went back with him. We had our daily walk dodging all the ones with dogs picking up their ‘poos’.

Amanda took some great photos of the sunrise this morning with the blubber jellyfish that are floating around at the moment. Loved this one.

The tree lopping next door began.


Terry brought over some flowers for Erica which she put in the pot plant bag that Amanda and David gave her for Christmas.

Bradley called in for a visit. 

The boys got the long ladder off Alby so they could send Sam up it to fix the downpipe at the back of the house and fix some flashing at the front. Time for the young ones to do some work!

More Covid appearing in Queensland. NSW and Vic have thousands. We will get our boosters shots back in Cairns and will just try and stay away from too many people in the meantime. 

Charlie and his son, Coen (more family members) arrived with their van after lunch. Parked them down the side of the house. Easy to shuffle the cars around this house. 

More pool games and Sequence were played by everyone. Very relaxed atmosphere. Showers of rain came and went with lots of wind. 

Ella and Sam headed off for Brisbane so Sam could fly back to Mt Isa.

 

29th - Windy morning walk and still overcast - nice and cool which is good. 

Early cuppa as we are heading up to Childers. Said bye to Charlie & Coen. 

Quiet afternoon relaxing, reading etc.

Used up some of the passionfruit off Ted’s vine to make my Passionfruit & Coconut pie for dessert.

More Kelly pool and Sequence games after dinner before saying goodbye to Brian and Stephanie as they will head off at 3am to drive back to Cairns. There has been a low up there dumping a heap of rain but hopefully it won’t affect their drive home.

 

30th - I woke and heard Brian and Stephanie leave at 3am, to drive back to Cairns. Didn’t get out of bed to wave goodbye!

Went for our walk, overcast and very windy - not so pretty on the beach at the moment. 

Amanda was washing sheets. Ella had rung last night to say there is a water leak under the house so they were packing up and heading home to Maryborough to fix the problem. 

Now only the 4 of us left again. Steve still battling with the Tilt-a-door. I continued on with more sheet washing. No sun but the wind is drying everything.

Emptied the pool as it was getting slimy on the bottom and there is rain predicted for the next few days. 

Ted & Dulcie came over for a chat when they came home from Maryborough. Robert & Riley popped in too. This house is always a good meeting spot which is lovely.

Leftovers for dinner then a game of pool - Erica & Terry versus us. We had all the balls in and they still had 4 left when Steve went in off the Black! I changed partners then for Sequence - Terry is the quiet achiever and we beat Steve and Erica 3 games to 2.

 

31st - Last walk for 2021. Still very windy and overcast but no rain. Kids on boogie boards are enjoying the waves. 

Quiet morning doing my blog. 

Steve working on the new fuel water catching thing he had bought for the truck. 

Terry and Erica catching up on their reading. 

I uploaded my blog for Dec 2021 on the last day of the year.  Ready to start afresh next year!

Paul and his son Ben arrived then Robert, Michelle and Riley joined us all for drinks. 

Watched the early fireworks display on Sydney Harbour Bridge. We had dinner then walked down to the beach. Still very windy but there were a few people with torches on the beach. Erica said they had come down one year and saw sparkles in the water from the organisms - apparently it is very big in Tassie. Good excuse to go back and look. Unfortunately nothing was sparkling tonight.

Played a couple of games of pool - boys versus girls. We gave them a run for their money but they got us on the 8 ball each time. 

Erica & Terry headed off to bed so we alternated between Dirty Dancing and New Years Eve movies on TV till 11pm. Sent off text messages and a post on Facebook wishing everyone a great start to the New Year. Had our showers then hit the pillow just after midnight so we made it into 2022.