Early Birthday Dinner with ACCA Friends

On Sunday 28 February, we celebrated my birthday, as well as Evan and Shirley's belated birthday at Mori Sushi Cafe, Glebe. Who doesn't love all you can eat sushi.

Evan got a Lego set for boys and I got a Lego set for girls. I gave Shirley an Events Cinema movie voucher for $80. Bindy and Ange gave me 2 Thomas Sabo charms. Vanita gave me a Kate Spade bracelet.

My sushi cake. As we weren't going to have a birthday cake, I brought my own candles to put into the sushi. Unfortunately the fan at the back of me kept blowing the candle out.

Also put candles into a roll for Shirley.

Lots of grilled salmon and scallops, Karage chicken, agadashi tofu, salmon sashimi salad, soft shelled crab salad, dragon rolls, sushi platters - you name it, we got it.

And for someone who said they were already full at the start of the night, Izzie ate her share as well as Matty's.

But at the end of the night, the waitresses dimmed the lights and they brought out a carrot cake lit with candles and sang "Happy Birthday". What a surprise.

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me!

A group photo to end the night - memories captured of good times with friends.

 Casey, Shirley, Izzie, Matty, Bindy, Vanita, Mare, Evan, Ange, Ken, Richard, Jacq and Megan

Disney in Concert Under the Stars

Sat 27 February

Jacq invited me to accompany her to go and see Disney Under the Stars, starring David Campbell, Lucy Durack, Rikki-Lee Coulter and Harrison Craig at the Sydney Opera House forecourt.

Jacq came over around 5pm and we trained it out to the city.  Had a light dinner at Buckley's: beetroot and pumpkin salad, salt and pepper squid, crispy duck spring rolls.

Then we had to go through security and the gated off area to locate our seats. Not quite front row, but I had packed us some cushions to sit on, so we had a bit of a booster.

It was a nice night filled with Disney music, some we knew and could sing along with, some we hadn't heard.

Finished the night with ice cream from Gelatissimo.

A wonderful birthday gift from Jacq and Richard for my special 50th birthday.

CNY Dragon Boat Races and Tsui Relos Visit

Sat 20 February

Evan and I went out to Darling Harbour to watch the Dragon Boat racing.

We had lunch at Blue Fish restaurant. Ordering a plate of fish and chips, salt and pepper squid and a Greek salad to share. Early birthday celebrations for us both.

 Then we watched the races, or I should say I watched, Evan took photos.

 As we were walking past, this guy recognised Evan and it seems they both formerly paddled with ACCA a long time ago.  

 As we were leaving, the lion dancers came out.

 That night we were hosting dinner for the visiting Tsui relatives from Canada, Hong Kong and Australia.

 So we put on a barbie, yes with shrimps and nem nuong.

 Here I am having my share as I cook.

 Justin helped out, cooking the octopus.

 Alex Chui, Kenny and Lily

 U. David with Lily and Yat Keung

 The Tsui's with a Seeto thrown in.

 Andy and Sherman, Yat Cheun and Ann

 Jean Yeung, Man Ling and Sam Yeung

 Here is Ann with Jo.

Jenni's Retirement Farewell

Monday 15 February

Our team put on a farewell morning tea for Jenni who is retiring and will be travelling with Ian around the countryside.

I put my artistic skills to the test and made a small "retirement banner" as well as a bigger "Oh the Places You'll Go". The smaller banner was tired to 4 long jars filled with sand and sea shells. And the bigger banner went on the side of the table.

 I also went out and bought blue themed decorations and table cloth, which I can reuse.

We presented her with a very nice watch as a USB charge pack. I made the card as well. We also presented her with a "Retirement Survival Pack" which had batteries, marbles, candles, etc. and a Dr Seuss "Oh the Places You'll Go" book signed by the team.

Everyone contributed to the tea. Helen supplied the fruits, Ronald brought in healthy vegetables with dip, Iveta supplied the cheese and crackers, Katherine supplied some home baked cookies and I made a variety of cupcakes which I iced as well.

Cabramatta Lunar New Year Festival

Sunday 14 February

Took a train ride out to Cabramatta to see how they celebrate Chinese New Year.

How unfortunate that the restaurant we wanted to have lunch at was at that very moment having a very long lion dance right outside. So we had to wait until it finished before we could go in and grab a seat.

Having my usual Bun Thit Nuong (Vermicelli with pork and salad). After lunch we walked the shops and streets.

Not as big as the Moon Festival later in the year. But there was quite a bit of lion dancing going on, even where they were up on the awnings.

 Have a guess what this year is..yep it's the Year of the Monkey and here I am monkeying around.