New Years Eve

Wednesday 31 December 2014

This year, like last year was a low key affair, even though Lily and Evan had won tickets for the Cahill, with overseas visitors visiting we had earmarked the tickets for them, so hadn't planned to go out, but have dinner at home and see in the new year watching the fireworks on TV.

The Seetos celebrated at Belinda and Ange's. They ended up not going to the 9pm fireworks, so we gave their tickets to Nathan and Jo. And along with Marion's tickets, they invited some other friends as well.

The Chans celebrated at home, inviting some of the Chans, although only Veronica, Mar Mar, Anne and Tom turned up. Also invited Marion to join us.  Joanne was going out with her friend Jyuka, so they joined us for dinner before heading out with Nathan to the Cahill Express for the 9pm and 12midnight fireworks. Justin and Sophia joined us and made us some fruit mocktails.

Watched the 9 o'clock fireworks on TV and then Marion wanted to go see if she could see the fireworks from the Flemington bridge (links the station to the markets), as they were having some around 10.30pm, so I went with her. Couldn't really see much, but it was fun to get out.

Kaylene went out with friends and enjoyed the fireworks on the north side.

Darren went to a music concert with friends and stayed overnight at a hotel somewhere.

Must be getting old or was just plain tired, because the thought of going out was not even a consideration.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Fiona's home

Tuesday 30 December

Time for Fiona to go back to the group home. Late lunch at Maccas - a favourite of hers, before we drop her off. 

Her room has had a makeover.  Looks very bright and pretty.

Boxing Day at Bindy and Ange's

As usual, after Christmas, come's Boxing Day and more food.  After lunch at home with the family, a few of us went to Bindy's for dinner.

Justin trying out his new camera.

 

 Bindy shucking oysters and Janet cleaning them.

 Thai Beef Salad

 Zucchini and Broccoli

  Yummy Oysters

 Garlic prawns

 Nem nuong, sausages, lamb cutlets

Christmas with the Chan's

Thursday 25 December

This year, it was Mark's turn to host the family Christmas Lunch/Dinner, so all hands on deck.

Some months earlier I had started decorating xmas balls with names in glitter, one for each attendee.

Lily and Kaylene put the Christmas tree up. I strung the outdoor lights.

So glad everyone brings a dish otherwise we would have been so busy.  Also so happy to have an extra hand in Joanne, our second cousin 3 times removed visiting on a working holiday.

On the day, we set up the gazebo with the old lounge set, praying that rain would hold off.  It was fine up until the afternoon around 3pm but just in time for present giving.

The Seeto's had their HK relos (Alan, Queenie, Sophie and Samantha) visiting so they only came for dinner. Poor Samantha was not feeling well.

The outdoor gazebo was a hit. It was cooler sitting outside than in.

After lunch and afternoon tea, it was present giving time 

Poor Mark had to swelter in the Santa suit giving out the Kris Kringle presents. It was so hot!!! But he made a great Santa.

This was then followed by dinner and then by desserts...so much food.

Fiona's Xmas Party

Sunday 7 December

This year we didn't go all out, just made honey soy chicken wings.  

Received a gift card from Fiona.

Cairns 2014: Day 4, Monday 24 November

Monday 24 November, 2014

Drive to Daintree, Port Douglas.

Stop at Daintree Village for lunch.

Catch the Daintree ferry  ($24 return) to cross the Daintree River and drive up to Cape Tribulation.

Stopping at the Daintree Discovery Centre ($32 adults - Mark paid).

Self audio tour.

Alexandra Lookout.

Catch the ferry back and drive to Port Douglas.

Take a walk around the marina.

Drive up to Flagstaff Hill lookout.

Quick dinner after a long drive of rice with sausages, onions, cucumber and tomato.

Cairns 2014: Day 3, Sunday 23 November

Sunday 23 November 2014

Morning drive to the esplanade.

Walk along esplanande, past swimming lagoon.

Also checked out local shops on the street.

Then drove to airport to pick up Kaylene.

Then drive back to city for lunch at Pho Viet.  I have a cold bowl of vermicelli, pork with salad

Back to Rusty's Market - only open Fri - Sun for last min buys.

Walk city some more, before driving back to resort.

Kaylene catches up on zzz's.

Janet preps dinner, roast pork with sweet potato, carrots and choy

Cairns 2014: Day 2, Saturday 22 November

Saturday 22 November 2014

Drive in to city and park at Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 3hr free parking.

Walk to Rusty's Markets for more shopping. Souvenier and fruit and veggies.  More stalls open today, as they were closing up shop when we got there the day before.

Check out the stalls. Locals selling betel nuts and dakka - haven't seen those for a long time.

Spot an Asian Grocery store across the road, so we go and check it out. Not cheap. Don't end up buying anything.

Head back to Cairns Central for lunch in the food court.

Fish and chips with salad for me.

Same shops as Sydney.  Lots of Christmas decorations.

Head back to resort.  Go for a swim in the pool. Nice and warm.

Have rice with prawns, pork, beans and carrots and bok choy for dinner