My Contented Life

The past week has been filled with the wonders of spring and family visits. It has been a busy time but so enjoyable. Every morning when I go to check my trees and vines there is new growth. If we get rain I'm sure the whole yard will be a mass of blooms.

Our little home 

The last of the Camellias

It was so nice to have our daughter and her family here. Our son in-law helped PH moved the last of the rocks from under our fruit trees. It's amazing how much a young person can do in a couple of hours. It would have taken us days doing one tree at a time. He also helped construct a rock wall out the back. I feel I get to spend more quality time with them now we live further away. They really enjoy our area which makes me so happy. Our granddaughter loved driving the ride on mower. 

Big smiles

We are so lucky our neighbour keeps bees

Unfortunately before they left we were outside looking at the night sky when I stepped backwards and lost my footing. I now have a broken wrist. PH took me to Stanthorpe hospital and the very kind Doctor realigned and put a cast on. The staff were all lovely and I was home within two hours. They will put a new cast on tomorrow. I'm now just frustrated that I can't cut up my food and do the everyday jobs around the house. This is not my first break so I know the pain gradually goes away and I'll be able to do more before too long. In the meantime PH has taken up the slack and keeps me happy with nice cups of tea.

We both feel so happy and contented here in our little patch of paradise. It's wonderful to have finally found a place to call home.

As I was sitting at my computer this morning there was a thump on the window. I rushed out to see this little fellow lying very still. I grabbed a shoe box and carefully put him inside. He started to come too, so I sat it on the table out on the patio.

After around fifteen minutes he flew away. I was so happy he was ok. The only other time I've seen one of these kingfishers is on the day we moved in. They are such beautiful little birds.

Home and Away

On the home front, I've finally taken my first steps to meeting people in my new community. Moving away from friends has been a big social change. On the Gold Coast I'd go to Tai Chi and have coffee with my friends afterwards. Since moving I haven't done any formal exercise and I can really feel myself tightening up. Last Wednesday I finally joined an over 50s class. It was rather daunting to front up to the first class not knowing who or what to expect. Of course I needn't have worried the other participants were very friendly and the instructor tailored the movements to each persons abilities. Yesterday I enjoyed my class and met another couple new to the area. Now I will look forward to more group activities. Not having children at school means you have to put more effort into meeting people in a new area. Joining a garden club might be nice for PH and I. Next year I plan to be a volunteer and help with different community projects.

 Full moon last week

Last Thursday I drove down to Murwillumbah and stayed with my cousin on her little farm. It was so good to spend some time together. We visited the Swell sculpture festival at Currumbin on Friday. The local cafe gives away its food scraps to people with chickens so we collected one for her girls. What a great idea.

My cousin Lyn with one of her roosters

Wish my orange tree looked liked this one

Lyn has around 20 chickens and 3 turkeys 

On Saturday I went to my daughter's and helped her get ready for the big 18th. PH joined us for  the party. I really only did some running around my daughter is a great cook and her wonderful husband stoked up the BBQ. We had a great time celebrating this big milestone. How could 18 years go by so quickly. I am so proud, he has grown up to be such a beautiful person.

Proud Grandma

It was so nice to drive through the home gate on Tuesday. I couldn't wait to see what was happening in the garden. So much new growth. There are leaves on the peach and apple trees and the grapes are budding. It is so exciting. This is the first spring I've really experienced. It feels like Christmas morning every day.

Sydney

Our anniversary weekend was wonderful. We spent two days exploring and rediscovering this beautiful city. Our hotel was right in Darling Harbour and because we used our loyalty points it only cost us $58 for the two nights. The room was small but the view was spectacular.

The view from our room

On Saturday afternoon we walked around Darling Harbour. Then we indulged in a spot of people watching while enjoying a cool drink. It is such a busy vibrant place.

 Darling Harbour just before sunset

After a nice breakfast at our hotel we walked over Pyrmont Bridge to the Queen Victoria Building. I love this old building with it's beautiful mosaic floors and towering domes.

Pyrmont Bridge

The Queen Victoria Building decorated for spring

There is no trip to Sydney without a ride on the Manly ferry. It was a gorgeous sunny day and there were yachts all over the harbour. The Opera House sails were glittering in the sunshine.

At Manly PH and I enjoyed a walk and an ice cream before getting back on the ferry. There were so many people out and about for Fathers Day. It was lovely to see all the families enjoying themselves.

These two where having bath in the fountain at Martin Place

After such a big day we had a light dinner at our hotel and an early night. Poor PH is still complaining about his calve muscles hurting. He is not used to walking so far. Out to the shed is his preferred distance.

I am so thankful there are no Haigh Chocolate shops in Brisbane. I just can't resist them.

My favourites 

It was a long trip home and I was a bit nervous of the last section between Warwick and Stanthorpe which I call the road of bones because of all the kangaroos. I think next time we will stay with one of our children on the Gold Coast. It will save us the parking fees and we'd get to spend some time with them.

I hope you enjoyed seeing a little of Sydney. We love to travel and now we love coming home to our little acreage. I'll be off again tomorrow. It's my grandson's 18th this weekend so I'm couch surfing for five nights. Two with my cousin Lyn down near Murwillumbah and three staying at my daughters. PH will join me on Saturday for the big BBQ lunch. I love spending time with my family and friends, I miss them all so much. I'm lucky it's not too far to drive. It must be hard for families separated by states or countries.

Gratitude

I want to say a very big THANK YOU to everyone who has read my blog and especially to those who have left a comment. This is a huge learning curve for me and your interest and suggestions are very much appreciated.
Cheers Wendy

One of last years roses