Saturday 23 December 2017
Drive up to Port Macquarie with Janet, Fiona.
Evan, Aunty Cath and Uncle David also joined us.
Bindy and Ange joined us later in the week.
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Lights of Christmas
Wednesday 13 December 2017
Went out after work to check out the Christmas Lights
Went out after work to check out the Christmas Lights
Saturday, December 9, 2017
Japanese Matsuri Festival and Lights of Christmas
Saturday 9 December
Japanese Matsuri Festival and Lights of Christmas
Japanese Matsuri Festival and Lights of Christmas
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Martin Place Lighting of the Christmas Tree
Saturday 25 November 2017
Went out to see the lighting of the Martin Place Christmas tree, but by the time we arrived, the place was jam packed and they weren't letting anybody in.
Janet and Evan bought fish cocktails, crumbed calimari and chips @ Costi's to share at the MLC Centre food court for our dinner.
Decided instead to walk to Hyde Park where there was another Christmas concert on. Stayed on to watch the 8.30pm fireworks.
Went out to see the lighting of the Martin Place Christmas tree, but by the time we arrived, the place was jam packed and they weren't letting anybody in.
Janet and Evan bought fish cocktails, crumbed calimari and chips @ Costi's to share at the MLC Centre food court for our dinner.
Decided instead to walk to Hyde Park where there was another Christmas concert on. Stayed on to watch the 8.30pm fireworks.
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Fiji Day 8 - Saturday 4 November
Fiji Day 8 - Saturday 4 November - Time to leave - Another rainy day
Yes another rainy day, no sunshine for us. A last look up and down the beach to see whether the ocean gave us back Ange's glasses - not quite like Moana, the ocean did not give it back.
Breakfast of the remaining fruit and vegies and boiled eggs.
Clean up. The jigsaw is destroyed and put back into it's box - to be donated to the resort.
One last look around - photos of the resort.
Cars are packed with the luggage. Keys have been returned.
10am we checkout and head to Nadi. Looks like a whole lot of other people are heading that way too. Bumper to bumper traffic. Pull over at a village to let cars past as we are in no hurry. Stop at Korolevu-i-wai, just outside of Maui Bay. A long jetty overlooking coral reefs. Would have stopped here the other day on the way to Sigatoka, but they had blocked it off for road works. It's very picturesque. Will have to come here next time and spend longer. Water is very shallow.
Back on the road, past road works and stop at Baravi Handicrafts centre - it's a Jack's souvenir shop, but no sign of Janet's shirt here. I buy a dress and a wooden boat - Lily pays for it as she has money, I don't, at least not enough. Discover it is just before the "hot corn" village. See tourist buying the "hot corn" hot it is, but sweet it is not. Back on the road, we get to Nadi - now to look for parking. Main street parking is non-existent, so we take a side street and find some parking, just a short walk to the main street and the shops. Bindy has spied a Jack's outlet, so we head there. End up buying Fijian shirts - buy 3 get 1 free for FJ$15 each. Bargain.
Then we walk around looking for a place to eat. Janet says she saw a review for a bakery/restaurant - so we go in search because we do not Chicken Express again. Find several asian bakeries, but walk into Wing Hing Bakery and Restaurant, filled with locals. Not sure what to do, do we seat ourselves? A waitress comes over and seats us and gives us menus. Looks like you can order from menu, or from the counter which has prepared meals. We order 2 plates of
vegetable stir fried noodles, 1 plate of vegetable fried rice and a chicken chop suey with white rice - the first 2 are fine, but the last one is very salty - maybe that's why there is a lot of white rice. Stuck with vegetables as they are fresh, meat is questionable. Not bad and very filling. As we are having our meal we notice that bread is selling like hot cakes. They keep refilling the counter with fresh buns. So Lily buys 2 buns on the way out. Kaylene loves them.
Walk back to the car and head off in search of a petrol station. Fill up - they come and serve you - as in we sit in the car whilst they fill up. Up to you how much you want to fill up, can be an amount or in our case "fill er up". Head to airport to return the cars. Get them checked over and we hurry to check-ins. Lily is worried but we have plenty of time. Get checked in. Go through security and immigration. Check out duty free - spend out dollars - buy more body lotion. Bindy treats us all to an ice cream cone. Plane is delayed boarding - still raining. Have to go through another bag check before boarding the plane - they confiscate my bottle of water, oh well didn't like the taste of Fiji water. Bindy takes a while - they questioned her about her walkie talkies - but she smart said they were charged by USB. Get served chicken curry with rice, beans and potato salad and a custard cake dessert.
Arrive back in Sydney, go through self check in at immigration and waved through customs. Mark comes to pick us up. get home and discover our bags have been opened and searched. My lock is missing from my bag and Kaylene's bag zipper has been tampered with, but they manage to fix it. Bindy also has had her bag opened and searched, they actually cut the zipper lock bit so she can't use it again. Lucky we didn't have anything they could take in the bags except clothes and shoes.
Yes another rainy day, no sunshine for us. A last look up and down the beach to see whether the ocean gave us back Ange's glasses - not quite like Moana, the ocean did not give it back.
Breakfast of the remaining fruit and vegies and boiled eggs.
Clean up. The jigsaw is destroyed and put back into it's box - to be donated to the resort.
One last look around - photos of the resort.
Cars are packed with the luggage. Keys have been returned.
10am we checkout and head to Nadi. Looks like a whole lot of other people are heading that way too. Bumper to bumper traffic. Pull over at a village to let cars past as we are in no hurry. Stop at Korolevu-i-wai, just outside of Maui Bay. A long jetty overlooking coral reefs. Would have stopped here the other day on the way to Sigatoka, but they had blocked it off for road works. It's very picturesque. Will have to come here next time and spend longer. Water is very shallow.
Back on the road, past road works and stop at Baravi Handicrafts centre - it's a Jack's souvenir shop, but no sign of Janet's shirt here. I buy a dress and a wooden boat - Lily pays for it as she has money, I don't, at least not enough. Discover it is just before the "hot corn" village. See tourist buying the "hot corn" hot it is, but sweet it is not. Back on the road, we get to Nadi - now to look for parking. Main street parking is non-existent, so we take a side street and find some parking, just a short walk to the main street and the shops. Bindy has spied a Jack's outlet, so we head there. End up buying Fijian shirts - buy 3 get 1 free for FJ$15 each. Bargain.
Then we walk around looking for a place to eat. Janet says she saw a review for a bakery/restaurant - so we go in search because we do not Chicken Express again. Find several asian bakeries, but walk into Wing Hing Bakery and Restaurant, filled with locals. Not sure what to do, do we seat ourselves? A waitress comes over and seats us and gives us menus. Looks like you can order from menu, or from the counter which has prepared meals. We order 2 plates of
vegetable stir fried noodles, 1 plate of vegetable fried rice and a chicken chop suey with white rice - the first 2 are fine, but the last one is very salty - maybe that's why there is a lot of white rice. Stuck with vegetables as they are fresh, meat is questionable. Not bad and very filling. As we are having our meal we notice that bread is selling like hot cakes. They keep refilling the counter with fresh buns. So Lily buys 2 buns on the way out. Kaylene loves them.
Walk back to the car and head off in search of a petrol station. Fill up - they come and serve you - as in we sit in the car whilst they fill up. Up to you how much you want to fill up, can be an amount or in our case "fill er up". Head to airport to return the cars. Get them checked over and we hurry to check-ins. Lily is worried but we have plenty of time. Get checked in. Go through security and immigration. Check out duty free - spend out dollars - buy more body lotion. Bindy treats us all to an ice cream cone. Plane is delayed boarding - still raining. Have to go through another bag check before boarding the plane - they confiscate my bottle of water, oh well didn't like the taste of Fiji water. Bindy takes a while - they questioned her about her walkie talkies - but she smart said they were charged by USB. Get served chicken curry with rice, beans and potato salad and a custard cake dessert.
Arrive back in Sydney, go through self check in at immigration and waved through customs. Mark comes to pick us up. get home and discover our bags have been opened and searched. My lock is missing from my bag and Kaylene's bag zipper has been tampered with, but they manage to fix it. Bindy also has had her bag opened and searched, they actually cut the zipper lock bit so she can't use it again. Lucky we didn't have anything they could take in the bags except clothes and shoes.
Friday, November 3, 2017
Fiji Day 7 - Friday 3 November
Fiji Day 7 - Friday 3 November - Janet's Birthday
Our second to last day. Was another rainy and windy morning. Time to clear the fridge and pantry.
Lots of fruit for breakfast - pawpaw, pineapple and mango. Cold soba noodles with carrots, avocado and cucumber, tinned fish and boiled eggs.
Took a walk to PAcific Habour Cultural Centre - looking for souvenirs. Took an umbrella, but the rain held off. The cultural show was just starting - but you had to pay - they had like 2 bus loads of people from a cruise ship. Bindy bought Janet some FJ$8 pearl earrings for her birthday and some for others. Prices seemed expensive and they didn't have anything that caught my eye. Walked back to the shops which are across the road from the resort. Checked out Veejay Supermarket, Harbour Restaurant and the Deuba Minimart. Before heading to the bridge - crossed over and walked back through The Pearl - Janet found out that it is owned by a PNG person. Not too many people staying there - saw more staff than tourists. Checked out the souvenir shop. LIly and Bindy both bought Fiji shirts here. Then we walked back via the beach, just as it started to rain again.
Puzzle time - nearly there. Afternoon fruits and young coconut drink.
A last swim in the pool for KC and I, whilst Bindy and Ange "crazy ladies" go for a dip in the ocean. Bad mistake, both Bindy and Ange gets dumped and Ange's glasses are lost.
Get ready for dinner at the Fiji Palms bar for Janet's birthday. Ange needs to wear her prescription sunnies to see. No sharing tonight, we each order a dish from the menu with drinks and cocktails. Kaylene has the Bula Pot with rice, Janet has the Walu Steak with lemon sauce and rice, Ange has the Tenderloin steack with Garlic Prawns and chips, Bindy and Lily both have the pan fried fish but with different sauces, butter and tomato salsa with potato and I have the Garlic prawns with chips. Yummy and delish. Kaylene does not like her very alcoholic cocktail - so I end up drinking it as well as my own. Walking back to the unit, the grass looks like jigsaw puzzle pieces and only I can see it, am I drunk? I don't think so. Kaylene and I in our drunken state manage to finish the jigsaw, tadah!
Our second to last day. Was another rainy and windy morning. Time to clear the fridge and pantry.
Lots of fruit for breakfast - pawpaw, pineapple and mango. Cold soba noodles with carrots, avocado and cucumber, tinned fish and boiled eggs.
Took a walk to PAcific Habour Cultural Centre - looking for souvenirs. Took an umbrella, but the rain held off. The cultural show was just starting - but you had to pay - they had like 2 bus loads of people from a cruise ship. Bindy bought Janet some FJ$8 pearl earrings for her birthday and some for others. Prices seemed expensive and they didn't have anything that caught my eye. Walked back to the shops which are across the road from the resort. Checked out Veejay Supermarket, Harbour Restaurant and the Deuba Minimart. Before heading to the bridge - crossed over and walked back through The Pearl - Janet found out that it is owned by a PNG person. Not too many people staying there - saw more staff than tourists. Checked out the souvenir shop. LIly and Bindy both bought Fiji shirts here. Then we walked back via the beach, just as it started to rain again.
Puzzle time - nearly there. Afternoon fruits and young coconut drink.
A last swim in the pool for KC and I, whilst Bindy and Ange "crazy ladies" go for a dip in the ocean. Bad mistake, both Bindy and Ange gets dumped and Ange's glasses are lost.
Get ready for dinner at the Fiji Palms bar for Janet's birthday. Ange needs to wear her prescription sunnies to see. No sharing tonight, we each order a dish from the menu with drinks and cocktails. Kaylene has the Bula Pot with rice, Janet has the Walu Steak with lemon sauce and rice, Ange has the Tenderloin steack with Garlic Prawns and chips, Bindy and Lily both have the pan fried fish but with different sauces, butter and tomato salsa with potato and I have the Garlic prawns with chips. Yummy and delish. Kaylene does not like her very alcoholic cocktail - so I end up drinking it as well as my own. Walking back to the unit, the grass looks like jigsaw puzzle pieces and only I can see it, am I drunk? I don't think so. Kaylene and I in our drunken state manage to finish the jigsaw, tadah!
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Fiji Day 6 - Thursday 2 November
Fiji Day 6 - Thursday 2 November - Rainy day
Stormed last night and this morning - surf was rough, very choppy - no walk on the beach this morning, at least not for KC and me. Bindy and Ange went out.
KC and I worked on the jigsaw puzzle.
Brunch was 3 min noodle with boiled egg, cucumberand carrots and choy choy.
After brunch we all piled into the Rav and drove into Suva. Filled up at the Pacific Harbour petrol station. Looks like petrol costs the same everywhere. This time we were on the lookout for crabs and prawns. Lucky for us, there seemed to be quite a number of natives with crabs for sale. We stopped for one which at first we thought was just trying to hitch a ride, but driving more slowly this time we could see he had bags of something - turned out to be crabs - 13 crabs in total ranging in size - first offer was like $180 for the bag, then came down to $100 - we didn't want 13 crabs, only 6 would be enough, but he wouldn't sell them to us for $10 each, so we bought the whole bag for $100, less than $10 each. They don't know there maths. Drove a bit further and another guy was selling, he had 2 bags, 1 with smaller ones and 1 with bigger ones, but most of their claws were missing. Unfortunately for him, we already had enough so he didn't sell any. Saw him on the way back still trying to sell them.
It was raining as we got into Suva. Bindy wanted to visit the handicrafts centre, but we circled around and around looking for a parking spot, couldn't find a way to get into the parking lot, so decided to go try our luck parking at MHCC - car park was full. So we went for a drive through to the gardens, still raining so didn't stop. Drove past the ocean parks and around to the other side. Stopped at lights and there was a Maccas on the corner (Grantham Rd and Laucala Bay Rd), so we drove into their parking lot and had lunch. Had a small chicken & aioli wrap meal for $11.75. There was also a Cost U Less shop, like our Costco, but you don't need to be a member. Some things were cheap, other things not. I bought a local body lotion which I had seen in Jacks Souvenirs shop. Walked to another smaller Nayan's Supermarket, but didn't buy anything, then back to the car and drove back the way we came - stopped at the city park to take some photos. Then headed back to Suva. Tried our luck in chinatown, again no street parking, so we head back to resort.
Put crabs into freezer to put them to sleep, before cleaning them. Kaylene and I head down to the beach.
Crab dinner with lettuce, paw paw, beans, choy, tomato - a very colourful dinner. Happy early birthday Janet!
Stormed last night and this morning - surf was rough, very choppy - no walk on the beach this morning, at least not for KC and me. Bindy and Ange went out.
KC and I worked on the jigsaw puzzle.
Brunch was 3 min noodle with boiled egg, cucumberand carrots and choy choy.
After brunch we all piled into the Rav and drove into Suva. Filled up at the Pacific Harbour petrol station. Looks like petrol costs the same everywhere. This time we were on the lookout for crabs and prawns. Lucky for us, there seemed to be quite a number of natives with crabs for sale. We stopped for one which at first we thought was just trying to hitch a ride, but driving more slowly this time we could see he had bags of something - turned out to be crabs - 13 crabs in total ranging in size - first offer was like $180 for the bag, then came down to $100 - we didn't want 13 crabs, only 6 would be enough, but he wouldn't sell them to us for $10 each, so we bought the whole bag for $100, less than $10 each. They don't know there maths. Drove a bit further and another guy was selling, he had 2 bags, 1 with smaller ones and 1 with bigger ones, but most of their claws were missing. Unfortunately for him, we already had enough so he didn't sell any. Saw him on the way back still trying to sell them.
It was raining as we got into Suva. Bindy wanted to visit the handicrafts centre, but we circled around and around looking for a parking spot, couldn't find a way to get into the parking lot, so decided to go try our luck parking at MHCC - car park was full. So we went for a drive through to the gardens, still raining so didn't stop. Drove past the ocean parks and around to the other side. Stopped at lights and there was a Maccas on the corner (Grantham Rd and Laucala Bay Rd), so we drove into their parking lot and had lunch. Had a small chicken & aioli wrap meal for $11.75. There was also a Cost U Less shop, like our Costco, but you don't need to be a member. Some things were cheap, other things not. I bought a local body lotion which I had seen in Jacks Souvenirs shop. Walked to another smaller Nayan's Supermarket, but didn't buy anything, then back to the car and drove back the way we came - stopped at the city park to take some photos. Then headed back to Suva. Tried our luck in chinatown, again no street parking, so we head back to resort.
Put crabs into freezer to put them to sleep, before cleaning them. Kaylene and I head down to the beach.
Crab dinner with lettuce, paw paw, beans, choy, tomato - a very colourful dinner. Happy early birthday Janet!
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Fiji Day 5 - Wednesday 1 November
Fiji Day 5 - Wednesday 1 November - Nice day
Brunch - Left over fish, boiled egg, string beans, pawpaw, lettuce, capsicum, carrot, cucumber
Drive to Sigatoka - Just 1 car, Bindy sits in the boot area. More spacious with cushions taken from the resort.
First shop we walk into is a Just Jeans, which sells sari's in the back. Kaylene spends over an hour here - trying on a sari which she ends up buying.
Then we head to the markets - Janet is looking for a place to eat. Shiva's was recommended, but doesn't look great. End up finding the local Chicken Express and go there for late lunch. 12 pieces of fried chicken, 12 nuggets and chips to share. Followed by an icecream each.
After lunch back to the markets, Janet buys more pineapples and paw paws. Just can't resist because so sweet and cheap. Go into 2 supermarkets looking for snack foods.
Pass a material shop. Buy several lengths to make into dresses. Lily want's more table cloths. When we walked in there was no one, as soon as we were inside, they got busy and everyone decided to come in and buy material.
Then it's time to head back.
Back at the resort, Janet bakes chicken drumsticks for dinner. Kaylene and I go for a swim in the pool.
Brunch - Left over fish, boiled egg, string beans, pawpaw, lettuce, capsicum, carrot, cucumber
Drive to Sigatoka - Just 1 car, Bindy sits in the boot area. More spacious with cushions taken from the resort.
First shop we walk into is a Just Jeans, which sells sari's in the back. Kaylene spends over an hour here - trying on a sari which she ends up buying.
Then we head to the markets - Janet is looking for a place to eat. Shiva's was recommended, but doesn't look great. End up finding the local Chicken Express and go there for late lunch. 12 pieces of fried chicken, 12 nuggets and chips to share. Followed by an icecream each.
After lunch back to the markets, Janet buys more pineapples and paw paws. Just can't resist because so sweet and cheap. Go into 2 supermarkets looking for snack foods.
Pass a material shop. Buy several lengths to make into dresses. Lily want's more table cloths. When we walked in there was no one, as soon as we were inside, they got busy and everyone decided to come in and buy material.
Then it's time to head back.
Back at the resort, Janet bakes chicken drumsticks for dinner. Kaylene and I go for a swim in the pool.
Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Fiji Day 4 - Tuesday 31 October
Fiji Day 4 - Tuesday 31 October - Another nice day
Morning walk on the beach. Today we have everyone out.
Brunch
Drive into Suva - 2 cars as Bindy doesn't want to be squashed. Janet rides in car with Bindy and Ange. Pass a stand selling crabs but didn't stop. Should have. No one else saw it but me.
Get into Suva and I take a wrong turn end up stuck behind a truck which stops in the road and the guy comes out to have lunch. So we have to reverse back into traffic. Not sure where I am going. Follow directions given to me by Janet in the other car. Suppose to go to MHCC parking, but end up in a different parking lot, may have been the Prouds Shopping Complex. $2.50 an hour which is ok. Head down and out. Janet is looking for a Jacks of Fiji to check out sari's for Kaylene. On a mission. But we head off in the wrong direction. Have to back track. A native tried to give us directions and directs us into a local store. Finally manage to find the shop in the MHCC shopping centre. But Kaylene looks at the prices and decides they are too expensive. So we head to the food court for a late lunch. End up buying 2 plates to share with Kaylene and Lily. Janet buys her own nuggets and tenders from Chicken Express. Bindy and Ange also buy their own spicy noodle plate. After lunch we head down to check out the markets. End up buying more vegies. Janet spies the fish stalls, so we head there and end up buying a bunch of fish - 5 large parrot/coral fish for $23 or something like that. Pass lots of big fish which is going cheap.
By this time it's getting late - no time to check out Chinatown, so we head back to the resort.
Bindy and Ange clean the fish, while Janet preps the vegies.
We have all the fish that night.
Morning walk on the beach. Today we have everyone out.
Brunch
Drive into Suva - 2 cars as Bindy doesn't want to be squashed. Janet rides in car with Bindy and Ange. Pass a stand selling crabs but didn't stop. Should have. No one else saw it but me.
Get into Suva and I take a wrong turn end up stuck behind a truck which stops in the road and the guy comes out to have lunch. So we have to reverse back into traffic. Not sure where I am going. Follow directions given to me by Janet in the other car. Suppose to go to MHCC parking, but end up in a different parking lot, may have been the Prouds Shopping Complex. $2.50 an hour which is ok. Head down and out. Janet is looking for a Jacks of Fiji to check out sari's for Kaylene. On a mission. But we head off in the wrong direction. Have to back track. A native tried to give us directions and directs us into a local store. Finally manage to find the shop in the MHCC shopping centre. But Kaylene looks at the prices and decides they are too expensive. So we head to the food court for a late lunch. End up buying 2 plates to share with Kaylene and Lily. Janet buys her own nuggets and tenders from Chicken Express. Bindy and Ange also buy their own spicy noodle plate. After lunch we head down to check out the markets. End up buying more vegies. Janet spies the fish stalls, so we head there and end up buying a bunch of fish - 5 large parrot/coral fish for $23 or something like that. Pass lots of big fish which is going cheap.
By this time it's getting late - no time to check out Chinatown, so we head back to the resort.
Bindy and Ange clean the fish, while Janet preps the vegies.
We have all the fish that night.
Monday, October 30, 2017
Fiji Day 3 - Monday 30 October
Fiji Day 3 - Monday 30 October - Lovely day
Another early morning.
Walk on the beach - Bindy goes fishing. Find the same tree that Bindy climbed back in 1995 - take photos.
Later joined by Kaylene
Brunch is soba noodles with boiled egg, string beans, choy, boiled ham, carrots and cucumber with vegie (bitter) soup.
Take a walk down to check out lovo prep after brunch. Find Merci or Mercy grating coconuts. Kaylene tries it and is a natural but only grates 1 coconut. He is joined later by Tui.
We take a drive to Navua in the one car, 4 in the back and Ange in the front with me driving. Buy some frozen river prawns. Can't seem to spot anyone on the roadside with fresh river prawns.
Stop in Navua, find parking off the main street, lock all windows and doors and check out the local shops. Just like New Guinea - bars and grills. Some products so old. Janet buys more tinned fish. Lily buys material from a "New Look" shop. Bindy is looking for her hot bread shop.
Walk to local markets which is past the bread shop. Check out the prices, but will come back when we go to the car. Buy more fruit and vegies at the market. Wake up a guy who was deep in slumber. The ladies in the next stall kept calling him to wake up. Could have just walked away with the choy.
After the others check out the supermarket we walk back to the bread shop and end up buying 5 chicken pies @FJ$3.95 and 1 mutton pie @ FJ$3.95 takeaway, cheese and onion rolls FJ$3.10 and a loaf of bread FJ$2.25 from The Hot Bread Kitchen - seems it's a franchise - saw them everywhere after Navua.
Drive back to the resort and have our pies. Not bad, although Janet complains that she only had 1 piece of chicken and more potato in her pie.
Sun is shining - take another walk on the beach. Lily spies a worker collecting young coconuts - so she goes up to him and finds out his name is Saucy or is that Soci, who is the tree climber - asks him for 6 young coconuts, He delivers 2, the rest we have to collect from the bar. End up collecting them when we have helped plait some baskets and food for the lovo.
Kaylene and Bindy plait the 2 huge fish. Lily is busy making her own head band. Tui helps us make head bands which we later decorate with flowers picked from the garden.
Lovo starts at 6.30pm, but it seems they are running behind schedule - probably due to us holding up the prepping process.
Have cocktails before the food comes out. Then when the food is all out on the table, the kava ceremony is held down the back, but we're just interested in the food. Pile our dishes up. Can go for seconds and thirds. All through dinner, we are serenaded by a Fijian singer/guitarist. Kaylene, Bindy and Ange try the kava, but I miss taking photos of them as the dancers are performing.
After dinner, the entertainment arrives. Fijian dancers and singers who put on a show for us. All included in the dinner payment. Even get us up to dance.
Just about the last ones to leave. A nice night of good food and excellent entertainment..
Another early morning.
Walk on the beach - Bindy goes fishing. Find the same tree that Bindy climbed back in 1995 - take photos.
Later joined by Kaylene
Brunch is soba noodles with boiled egg, string beans, choy, boiled ham, carrots and cucumber with vegie (bitter) soup.
Take a walk down to check out lovo prep after brunch. Find Merci or Mercy grating coconuts. Kaylene tries it and is a natural but only grates 1 coconut. He is joined later by Tui.
We take a drive to Navua in the one car, 4 in the back and Ange in the front with me driving. Buy some frozen river prawns. Can't seem to spot anyone on the roadside with fresh river prawns.
Stop in Navua, find parking off the main street, lock all windows and doors and check out the local shops. Just like New Guinea - bars and grills. Some products so old. Janet buys more tinned fish. Lily buys material from a "New Look" shop. Bindy is looking for her hot bread shop.
Walk to local markets which is past the bread shop. Check out the prices, but will come back when we go to the car. Buy more fruit and vegies at the market. Wake up a guy who was deep in slumber. The ladies in the next stall kept calling him to wake up. Could have just walked away with the choy.
After the others check out the supermarket we walk back to the bread shop and end up buying 5 chicken pies @FJ$3.95 and 1 mutton pie @ FJ$3.95 takeaway, cheese and onion rolls FJ$3.10 and a loaf of bread FJ$2.25 from The Hot Bread Kitchen - seems it's a franchise - saw them everywhere after Navua.
Drive back to the resort and have our pies. Not bad, although Janet complains that she only had 1 piece of chicken and more potato in her pie.
Sun is shining - take another walk on the beach. Lily spies a worker collecting young coconuts - so she goes up to him and finds out his name is Saucy or is that Soci, who is the tree climber - asks him for 6 young coconuts, He delivers 2, the rest we have to collect from the bar. End up collecting them when we have helped plait some baskets and food for the lovo.
Kaylene and Bindy plait the 2 huge fish. Lily is busy making her own head band. Tui helps us make head bands which we later decorate with flowers picked from the garden.
Lovo starts at 6.30pm, but it seems they are running behind schedule - probably due to us holding up the prepping process.
Have cocktails before the food comes out. Then when the food is all out on the table, the kava ceremony is held down the back, but we're just interested in the food. Pile our dishes up. Can go for seconds and thirds. All through dinner, we are serenaded by a Fijian singer/guitarist. Kaylene, Bindy and Ange try the kava, but I miss taking photos of them as the dancers are performing.
After dinner, the entertainment arrives. Fijian dancers and singers who put on a show for us. All included in the dinner payment. Even get us up to dance.
Just about the last ones to leave. A nice night of good food and excellent entertainment..
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Fiji Day 2 - Sunday 29 October - Overcast day
Fiji Day 2 - Sunday 29 October - Overcast day
Woke up early - everyone else still sleeping. Went for walk on the beach. Water was calm as.
10am and Kaylene is finally up. Walk the beach again with her.
Brunch of cucumber, carrots, boiled eggs, biscuits
Others go down to the bar for the Fiji Palms orientation and tour run down. Miss out on the samosas and spring rolls. I stay back to do dishes.
Take it easy day.
Drive down to PH shops to buy tin fish for lunch - salad with fish.
Laze by the pool
Have dinner at the FJ Palms bar
Lobster Mornay FJ$65, Lobster Curry FJ$65 and Grilled Lobster $65 and 2 Supreme pizzas FJ$22 each, to share.
Better than the dinner last night. Lobster curry is spicy - but yummy. Served with rice and coleslaw. Order drinks as well - Virgin pina colada FJ$16, beers, lemon lime bitters and lemonade.
Also order dessert - Passionfruit cheesecake with icecream FJ$10 and 2 scoops of vanilla icecream with chocolate topping FJ$10
After dinner we stick around to use free wifi. Bindy and Ange play pool. We end up playing mini mahjong.
Woke up early - everyone else still sleeping. Went for walk on the beach. Water was calm as.
10am and Kaylene is finally up. Walk the beach again with her.
Brunch of cucumber, carrots, boiled eggs, biscuits
Others go down to the bar for the Fiji Palms orientation and tour run down. Miss out on the samosas and spring rolls. I stay back to do dishes.
Take it easy day.
Drive down to PH shops to buy tin fish for lunch - salad with fish.
Laze by the pool
Have dinner at the FJ Palms bar
Lobster Mornay FJ$65, Lobster Curry FJ$65 and Grilled Lobster $65 and 2 Supreme pizzas FJ$22 each, to share.
Better than the dinner last night. Lobster curry is spicy - but yummy. Served with rice and coleslaw. Order drinks as well - Virgin pina colada FJ$16, beers, lemon lime bitters and lemonade.
Also order dessert - Passionfruit cheesecake with icecream FJ$10 and 2 scoops of vanilla icecream with chocolate topping FJ$10
After dinner we stick around to use free wifi. Bindy and Ange play pool. We end up playing mini mahjong.
Saturday, October 28, 2017
Fiji Day 1 - Saturday 28 October
Fiji Day 1 - Saturday 28 October
Wake up at 3am in the morning.
Nathan drops us off at the airport - get there early with enough time to checkin. 3 and 1/2 bags - I bring my cabin bag, the rest have the big suitcases.
Self checkin through immigration. Security check, body scan xray - no swabbing for once.
Daz has given us complimentary tix to the Qantas Business Class lounge. So we head there, but we are early, doesn't open until 5am. Even Duty Free isn't open yet.
Once the lounge opens, the guy in front of us is rejected - he is on codeshare flight. So we check and look and I think we will also be rejected, so no lounging for us. Lily didn't join, only 3 tix, she went to the departure gate.So we head to the departure gate. Kaylene buys Macca's on the way. Meet up with Bindy and Ange. Apparently they are seated in the row in front of us.
Get served breakfast on the plane. Egg fritata with mushrooms, sausage, tomato, potato, muffin and yogurt. No personal movie screens, still old style plane with drop down screens from above. Read plane magazine and doze.
Arrive in Nadi. Singers greet us as we go through customs and immigration. Collect our bags. Bindy heads to Vodaphone outlet to buy wifi package. Collect cars from Avis rental. They bring the cars around to parking area and we check for damages - which is then noted. Last min toilet run, before we head off. We have a red Toyota Rav 4 - large car, can fit all our bags in the back seat. Bin and Ange have rented a sedan - white. Bin has brought along walkie talkies. So I lead with them following, Ange is driving. Not long before JT loses where we are on her Mapsme, so we turn off side street. Ange and Bin takeover, as Bindy has offline google maps. As we head out onto main road, I spy a local market, so we pull in to check it out. Man selling live chickens, which he is also killing for a buyer. Buy okra, mangoes, string beans. Heavy rain passes overhead - so we wait it out until it's not too hard. Then it's off again, this time to Nadi markets. Get there, but traffic is chaotic, parking is non-existent - drive around and eventually park on the side of the road, but not game enough to leave the car with luggage, so only Bindy and Janet head down to buy the rest of the green stuff. Parked near local bus terminal - Kaylene notices that they have a tap on system on the buses, but the buses have no windows - thrid world or first world?
Once Janet and Bindy get back, we head off again - this time with me leading. Follow the main road through villages with their speed humps. Pass lots of natives selling mangos on the side of the road as we head out of Nadi. Raining on and off.
Approaching Maui Bay, we pass stands selling Hot Corn - "Sweet" - in the village of Vatukarasa, so we stop at one and Janet enquires - FJ$1 a cob, so she asks for 10, 6 for our car and 2 for the car behind $10 in total. By this time we are hungry - only having had breakfast on the plane. Thinking the corn would be sweet, like the ones back home - how wrong were we. No taste, no flavour, very chewy - worse than popping corn - oh well, chalk this one up for experience, do not buy corn in Fiji.
Finally get to Pacific Harbour and we turn into the wrong driveway - looks like construction has closed the driveway I am used to and the out is now the in. Do a u-turn and head back in.
Find the office, park our cars and Janet goes in to check-in. Given a choice of units. Unit 2, 3 or 7. Unit 2 is an old unit closest to the beach. Unit 3 has been renovated. Unit 7 is a new unit. Settle for 2 and 3. Bindy, Ange and I are in Unit 2, Lily, Janet and Kaylene are in Unit 3. Check it out and then head out to Pacific Harbour shopping to buy water and snacks, end up walking as drivers do not want to drive. Check out the prices - wow - so expensive. Buy water, and not much else. Bindy and Lily buy some chips to snack on. Most of the shops have closed for the day. Only the bars and restaurants are open.
Head back and stop at The Establishment for dinner. Had passed it on the way to shops, and checked the menu out - Not up to cooking tonight so we settle on getting the Seafood Platter - includes 1 hot (Tempura Mahi-Mahi, Grilled Slipper Lobster, Slat and Pepper Squid, Prawn Skewers, Seared Scallops with paw paw salsa) and 1 cold platter ("Kokoda" - marinated fish in coconut milk and lime, Smoked Salmon with lemon and capers, Prawns & Greenlip mussels) served with green leaves, fries and condiments (sauces) for FJ$85 - supplement this with a Tuna poke salad (Tuna Sashimi, avocado, seaweed, lettuce, tomato, spring onion and sesame dressing) FJ$22. Plus a jug of Fiji Gold beer FJ$16, Total is FJ$123.00. Food looks ok, but lobster is not a lobster, oysters don't look fresh - but we eat cause we hungry.
Walked back to units and had our own fruits for dessert - pineapple - very sweet and mango - stringy, not that sweet - Filo mangos. Time to hit the sack, it's been a long day.
Wake up at 3am in the morning.
Nathan drops us off at the airport - get there early with enough time to checkin. 3 and 1/2 bags - I bring my cabin bag, the rest have the big suitcases.
Self checkin through immigration. Security check, body scan xray - no swabbing for once.
Daz has given us complimentary tix to the Qantas Business Class lounge. So we head there, but we are early, doesn't open until 5am. Even Duty Free isn't open yet.
Once the lounge opens, the guy in front of us is rejected - he is on codeshare flight. So we check and look and I think we will also be rejected, so no lounging for us. Lily didn't join, only 3 tix, she went to the departure gate.So we head to the departure gate. Kaylene buys Macca's on the way. Meet up with Bindy and Ange. Apparently they are seated in the row in front of us.
Get served breakfast on the plane. Egg fritata with mushrooms, sausage, tomato, potato, muffin and yogurt. No personal movie screens, still old style plane with drop down screens from above. Read plane magazine and doze.
Arrive in Nadi. Singers greet us as we go through customs and immigration. Collect our bags. Bindy heads to Vodaphone outlet to buy wifi package. Collect cars from Avis rental. They bring the cars around to parking area and we check for damages - which is then noted. Last min toilet run, before we head off. We have a red Toyota Rav 4 - large car, can fit all our bags in the back seat. Bin and Ange have rented a sedan - white. Bin has brought along walkie talkies. So I lead with them following, Ange is driving. Not long before JT loses where we are on her Mapsme, so we turn off side street. Ange and Bin takeover, as Bindy has offline google maps. As we head out onto main road, I spy a local market, so we pull in to check it out. Man selling live chickens, which he is also killing for a buyer. Buy okra, mangoes, string beans. Heavy rain passes overhead - so we wait it out until it's not too hard. Then it's off again, this time to Nadi markets. Get there, but traffic is chaotic, parking is non-existent - drive around and eventually park on the side of the road, but not game enough to leave the car with luggage, so only Bindy and Janet head down to buy the rest of the green stuff. Parked near local bus terminal - Kaylene notices that they have a tap on system on the buses, but the buses have no windows - thrid world or first world?
Once Janet and Bindy get back, we head off again - this time with me leading. Follow the main road through villages with their speed humps. Pass lots of natives selling mangos on the side of the road as we head out of Nadi. Raining on and off.
Approaching Maui Bay, we pass stands selling Hot Corn - "Sweet" - in the village of Vatukarasa, so we stop at one and Janet enquires - FJ$1 a cob, so she asks for 10, 6 for our car and 2 for the car behind $10 in total. By this time we are hungry - only having had breakfast on the plane. Thinking the corn would be sweet, like the ones back home - how wrong were we. No taste, no flavour, very chewy - worse than popping corn - oh well, chalk this one up for experience, do not buy corn in Fiji.
Finally get to Pacific Harbour and we turn into the wrong driveway - looks like construction has closed the driveway I am used to and the out is now the in. Do a u-turn and head back in.
Find the office, park our cars and Janet goes in to check-in. Given a choice of units. Unit 2, 3 or 7. Unit 2 is an old unit closest to the beach. Unit 3 has been renovated. Unit 7 is a new unit. Settle for 2 and 3. Bindy, Ange and I are in Unit 2, Lily, Janet and Kaylene are in Unit 3. Check it out and then head out to Pacific Harbour shopping to buy water and snacks, end up walking as drivers do not want to drive. Check out the prices - wow - so expensive. Buy water, and not much else. Bindy and Lily buy some chips to snack on. Most of the shops have closed for the day. Only the bars and restaurants are open.
Head back and stop at The Establishment for dinner. Had passed it on the way to shops, and checked the menu out - Not up to cooking tonight so we settle on getting the Seafood Platter - includes 1 hot (Tempura Mahi-Mahi, Grilled Slipper Lobster, Slat and Pepper Squid, Prawn Skewers, Seared Scallops with paw paw salsa) and 1 cold platter ("Kokoda" - marinated fish in coconut milk and lime, Smoked Salmon with lemon and capers, Prawns & Greenlip mussels) served with green leaves, fries and condiments (sauces) for FJ$85 - supplement this with a Tuna poke salad (Tuna Sashimi, avocado, seaweed, lettuce, tomato, spring onion and sesame dressing) FJ$22. Plus a jug of Fiji Gold beer FJ$16, Total is FJ$123.00. Food looks ok, but lobster is not a lobster, oysters don't look fresh - but we eat cause we hungry.
Walked back to units and had our own fruits for dessert - pineapple - very sweet and mango - stringy, not that sweet - Filo mangos. Time to hit the sack, it's been a long day.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Cirque de Soleil - Toruk
Darren helped me buy tickets which were on sale for Cirque de Soleil's Toruk. Ended up with 8 of us going. Lily, Janet, Kaylene, Justin, Sophia, Evan, U. Cath and myself.
So on Thursday 26 October at 6pm, we got Mark to drop us off at Qudos Arena using the "blue bus".
Lucky for us Janet is tiny.
Going in we had to have our bags searched - no opened water bottles and no chewing gum - had to ditch my water bottle and A. Cath had to give up her chewing gum.
Toruk is based on the Avatar movie. In the arena setting, it wasn't as up close and personal as other Cirque de Soleil shows we'd been to. At least our seats were ok and not up in the nose bleed section.
So on Thursday 26 October at 6pm, we got Mark to drop us off at Qudos Arena using the "blue bus".
Lucky for us Janet is tiny.
Going in we had to have our bags searched - no opened water bottles and no chewing gum - had to ditch my water bottle and A. Cath had to give up her chewing gum.
Toruk is based on the Avatar movie. In the arena setting, it wasn't as up close and personal as other Cirque de Soleil shows we'd been to. At least our seats were ok and not up in the nose bleed section.
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Granny May Festival - Eastwood
Saturday 21 October
Kaylene and I had appointments to get our hair done at Simply My Hair, Macquarie Centre at 1pm, so Lily, Janet, Kaylene and I took the train to Eastwood in the morning, left home around 10.30am. Got to Eastwood around 11am. Walked around for 1 hr to check things out before catching another train to Macquarie Uni station, via Epping. When we got to the centre, we looked for somewhere to eat. Foodcourt was packed - no tables, so we headed back to Simply Noodles and ordered 3 dishes to share. A Char Kway Teo, Fukien fried rice and combination fried noodles.
Kaylene went first, as she takes longer - we swapped our appointments - I was suppose to go first. I hung around Myers. It took more than the 1/2 hr they had given between, more like 1 hr. Janet and Lily went to look at the other shops in the centre, like Daiso. Took longer than we thought it would. On the way back to the train station, we bought ice tea with jelly.
Janet had had enough so she continued on to Strathfield, whilst, Lily, Kaylene and I went back to Eastwood. But most stalls have closed or were in the process of closing. All the food ones had packed up and were loading their cars. Visited Casey's stall and said hi, although he was busy.
Decided to buy some pork rolls - Normally $5.50 a roll, but they were selling 2 for the price of one. So I bought 2 and Lily bought 2. Tried their crispy bbq pork roll - had nice crunchy crackling. Not bad. Had that for dinner with leftovers.
Kaylene and I had appointments to get our hair done at Simply My Hair, Macquarie Centre at 1pm, so Lily, Janet, Kaylene and I took the train to Eastwood in the morning, left home around 10.30am. Got to Eastwood around 11am. Walked around for 1 hr to check things out before catching another train to Macquarie Uni station, via Epping. When we got to the centre, we looked for somewhere to eat. Foodcourt was packed - no tables, so we headed back to Simply Noodles and ordered 3 dishes to share. A Char Kway Teo, Fukien fried rice and combination fried noodles.
Kaylene went first, as she takes longer - we swapped our appointments - I was suppose to go first. I hung around Myers. It took more than the 1/2 hr they had given between, more like 1 hr. Janet and Lily went to look at the other shops in the centre, like Daiso. Took longer than we thought it would. On the way back to the train station, we bought ice tea with jelly.
Janet had had enough so she continued on to Strathfield, whilst, Lily, Kaylene and I went back to Eastwood. But most stalls have closed or were in the process of closing. All the food ones had packed up and were loading their cars. Visited Casey's stall and said hi, although he was busy.
Decided to buy some pork rolls - Normally $5.50 a roll, but they were selling 2 for the price of one. So I bought 2 and Lily bought 2. Tried their crispy bbq pork roll - had nice crunchy crackling. Not bad. Had that for dinner with leftovers.
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Concord Festival - Jump to the Beat
Sunday 15 October
Lily and I walked to the Concord Festival which was held at Greenlees Park. Took her through a short cut I discovered, although we did walk the long way around to get to the short cut. Had to get the steps up.
Lots of stalls giving away free stuff, a whole lot better than Strathfield's Festival.
There was an amusement area with free rides for kids. Downside was the queues.
Lots of food stalls to choose from. We tried out a new iced tea - "tea bags". I had the passionfruit and Lily had lychee. Then we shared a garlic prawn roll. Was going to try a salad but was feeling full.
We had been given free raffle tickets from the Chambers of Commerce stall, so at 12noon, we rocked up to the main stage to see whether we would have any luck. Settled ourselves into the slingback chairs and waited. No luck for us, but when we saw the giveaways - big trays of fruit and vegies, we decided it was for the best as we would have to trudge home carrying those - unless we called someone to come pick us up.
Walked around a few more times. Put my name down to get free driving lessons for Kaylene - no luck there too.
Would have bought more food, but that would mean carrying them home. But couldn't resist buying some Tella Balls to try. Probably best eaten fresh, but took them home for arvo tea.
Lily and I walked to the Concord Festival which was held at Greenlees Park. Took her through a short cut I discovered, although we did walk the long way around to get to the short cut. Had to get the steps up.
Lots of stalls giving away free stuff, a whole lot better than Strathfield's Festival.
There was an amusement area with free rides for kids. Downside was the queues.
Lots of food stalls to choose from. We tried out a new iced tea - "tea bags". I had the passionfruit and Lily had lychee. Then we shared a garlic prawn roll. Was going to try a salad but was feeling full.
We had been given free raffle tickets from the Chambers of Commerce stall, so at 12noon, we rocked up to the main stage to see whether we would have any luck. Settled ourselves into the slingback chairs and waited. No luck for us, but when we saw the giveaways - big trays of fruit and vegies, we decided it was for the best as we would have to trudge home carrying those - unless we called someone to come pick us up.
Walked around a few more times. Put my name down to get free driving lessons for Kaylene - no luck there too.
Would have bought more food, but that would mean carrying them home. But couldn't resist buying some Tella Balls to try. Probably best eaten fresh, but took them home for arvo tea.
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Supporting the Solomon Islands Hockey team
Saturday 14 October
Apparently Mare's uncle had free tickets to the hockey, so Mare asked if we wanted to go see.
So Lily and I walked to her place, as she was going to the markets in the morning and didn't want to swing by our place.
She had her 2 aunts/cousins? there as well. Find out that there may not be enough free tickets to go around. After much discussion, the aunties asked to be dropped off at Newington, where A. Joy was helping the other aunties prep lunch for the team.
So it's just the three of us. We stop at Maccas to buy our lunch first. But find out we can't bring the food into the stadium. Leave it in the car to eat later.
Uneventful games, but we seem to be the loudest supporters. Don't know what the team thought of the cheer squad.
Eventually other cousins turn up, Nicola with her 3 daughters, Linda and Jordan.
Apparently Mare's uncle had free tickets to the hockey, so Mare asked if we wanted to go see.
So Lily and I walked to her place, as she was going to the markets in the morning and didn't want to swing by our place.
She had her 2 aunts/cousins? there as well. Find out that there may not be enough free tickets to go around. After much discussion, the aunties asked to be dropped off at Newington, where A. Joy was helping the other aunties prep lunch for the team.
So it's just the three of us. We stop at Maccas to buy our lunch first. But find out we can't bring the food into the stadium. Leave it in the car to eat later.
Uneventful games, but we seem to be the loudest supporters. Don't know what the team thought of the cheer squad.
Eventually other cousins turn up, Nicola with her 3 daughters, Linda and Jordan.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Great OTEN Bakeoff
Tuesday 10 October
Entered 2 mini lime cheesecakes into the OTEN bakeoff - unfortunately did not win a prize, but they sold them for charity. I did however get a participation certificate.
Entered 2 mini lime cheesecakes into the OTEN bakeoff - unfortunately did not win a prize, but they sold them for charity. I did however get a participation certificate.
Hunt for a new hairdresser
So today I had an 2pm appointment at Unique Hairdressing in Burwood. Just to get a shampoo, wash trim and blowdry for $70 with Tash and Kaylene had a 3.30pm with Sera for $85.
Kaylene liked her hair, but I wasn't impressed. Guess my expectations were high.
Tried it twice and wasn't that happy with it. The next time I had my hair coloured, but again, cut and blowdry didn't quite gel.
So, Bindy mentioned that Vanita got her hair cut at Macquarie Centre and so I vibered Vanita and asked her some questions.
Eventually made an appointment at Simply My Hair, Myer's Macquarie Centre on 28 July for 9.30am. Took the train and met Amelia who coloured, shampooed, cut and blow dried my hair for $117 - a special package. I was happy with the results, so made another appointment for 6 weeks later.
On 21 October I had my roots coloured and half a head of foils, plus shampoo, cut and blowdry for $155.
Kaylene also had her hair done by Amelia and likes it too, so we have started a new relationship.
Kaylene liked her hair, but I wasn't impressed. Guess my expectations were high.
Tried it twice and wasn't that happy with it. The next time I had my hair coloured, but again, cut and blowdry didn't quite gel.
So, Bindy mentioned that Vanita got her hair cut at Macquarie Centre and so I vibered Vanita and asked her some questions.
Eventually made an appointment at Simply My Hair, Myer's Macquarie Centre on 28 July for 9.30am. Took the train and met Amelia who coloured, shampooed, cut and blow dried my hair for $117 - a special package. I was happy with the results, so made another appointment for 6 weeks later.
On 21 October I had my roots coloured and half a head of foils, plus shampoo, cut and blowdry for $155.
Kaylene also had her hair done by Amelia and likes it too, so we have started a new relationship.
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Burwood Festival and Bindy's Birthday.
Sunday 8 October
I had volunteered my services to help Casey man his Aussie Bricks Lego stall at the festival. By the time I got to Burwood Park, he had already erected and set up everything. Apparently he was there at 6am.
Did a once over of the park to check out other stalls and then donned my Lego shirt and got to work.
Casey had also enlisted a teen boy to help out.
Shirley and kids arrived later, in time for lunch - I sent her off to Macau Kitchen - where she came back with Singapore noodles and flat noodles for the kids. She bumped into Lily having lunch there with the Chans.
Janet later came by on her way to the Seeto's to help out for Bindy's birthday dinner. Got her to buy some drinks for us.
Left them around 5pm to walk back home. Bought some fish balls on sticks and another sugar cane drink.
Got home, showered and changed. Went with Lily and Mark to the Seeto's.
Bought a necklace (present for Bindy) and a ring for myself.
Gave Bindy the necklace and a set of Maggie Beer condiments.
I had volunteered my services to help Casey man his Aussie Bricks Lego stall at the festival. By the time I got to Burwood Park, he had already erected and set up everything. Apparently he was there at 6am.
Did a once over of the park to check out other stalls and then donned my Lego shirt and got to work.
Casey had also enlisted a teen boy to help out.
Shirley and kids arrived later, in time for lunch - I sent her off to Macau Kitchen - where she came back with Singapore noodles and flat noodles for the kids. She bumped into Lily having lunch there with the Chans.
Janet later came by on her way to the Seeto's to help out for Bindy's birthday dinner. Got her to buy some drinks for us.
Left them around 5pm to walk back home. Bought some fish balls on sticks and another sugar cane drink.
Got home, showered and changed. Went with Lily and Mark to the Seeto's.
Bought a necklace (present for Bindy) and a ring for myself.
Gave Bindy the necklace and a set of Maggie Beer condiments.
Monday, October 2, 2017
Lily's Birthday
Monday 2 October
Labour Day holiday, no tennis.
We took Fiona out for the weekend for a BBQ dinner on Sunday night for Lily's birthday.
I was busy that day cooking up a storm.
Made chicken and mushroom pastries
Then for lunch bbq'd chicken skewers they had bought at Flemington markets. Made a salad to have with. Laid out a cheese and crackers platter to munch on.
For dinner, Janet had marinated pork ribs the night before, which she slow cooked in the over, before I basted it with my honey garlic sauce with additional orange, on the charcoal bbq.
I made a Thai beef salad and a beetroot with sweet potato and feta salad to accompany the ribs and leftover skewers.
I had made a big cheesecake as well as 4 mini cheesecakes (trial run for OTEN bakeoff and Kaylene needed 2 for her girls night get together with the Chans)
So on Monday we dropped Fiona back to Kirrawee after lunch with the Seeto's and then head back home. Lucky we did, as the rest of the family were heading out to Macau Kitcken for more birthday celebrations.
This was our second time that month, as Darren shouted the family to a birthday dinner on 28 Sep because he wouldn't be home for his mum's birthday.
Labour Day holiday, no tennis.
We took Fiona out for the weekend for a BBQ dinner on Sunday night for Lily's birthday.
I was busy that day cooking up a storm.
Made chicken and mushroom pastries
Then for lunch bbq'd chicken skewers they had bought at Flemington markets. Made a salad to have with. Laid out a cheese and crackers platter to munch on.
For dinner, Janet had marinated pork ribs the night before, which she slow cooked in the over, before I basted it with my honey garlic sauce with additional orange, on the charcoal bbq.
I made a Thai beef salad and a beetroot with sweet potato and feta salad to accompany the ribs and leftover skewers.
I had made a big cheesecake as well as 4 mini cheesecakes (trial run for OTEN bakeoff and Kaylene needed 2 for her girls night get together with the Chans)
So on Monday we dropped Fiona back to Kirrawee after lunch with the Seeto's and then head back home. Lucky we did, as the rest of the family were heading out to Macau Kitcken for more birthday celebrations.
This was our second time that month, as Darren shouted the family to a birthday dinner on 28 Sep because he wouldn't be home for his mum's birthday.
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Justin's Birthday
Tuesday 12 September
Celebrations went for days.
Starting on Saturday, after getting my hair done at Macquarie, I took the train to Chatswood to check out the Japanese Festival - not a lot happening, food stalls had queues, so bought Maccas and an iced tea and headed home to go and put my vote in for election day.
Kaylene was working at the polling centre, the church where we usually got to vote.
Then we went to pick Fiona up.
On Sunday 10 September we had a BBQ lunch/dinner for Justin's birthday
Lunch - chicken kebabs, warm salad - sweet potato, potato, zucchini, beetroot, garden salad
Then on his actual birthday, Lily and Darren bought KFC chicken, nuggets, chips, potato and gravy with salad, as well as McDonalds and we constructed a "Heart-Attack" cake. Sophia also bought a chocolate oreo cake.
Celebrations went for days.
Starting on Saturday, after getting my hair done at Macquarie, I took the train to Chatswood to check out the Japanese Festival - not a lot happening, food stalls had queues, so bought Maccas and an iced tea and headed home to go and put my vote in for election day.
Kaylene was working at the polling centre, the church where we usually got to vote.
Then we went to pick Fiona up.
On Sunday 10 September we had a BBQ lunch/dinner for Justin's birthday
Lunch - chicken kebabs, warm salad - sweet potato, potato, zucchini, beetroot, garden salad
Then on his actual birthday, Lily and Darren bought KFC chicken, nuggets, chips, potato and gravy with salad, as well as McDonalds and we constructed a "Heart-Attack" cake. Sophia also bought a chocolate oreo cake.
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Strathfield Festival and HKTVB Festival
Saturday 2 September 2018
In the morning, Lily, Janet and I walked to Strathfield Park. A. Catherine and Evan met us at Strathfield Park, driving from home. Checked it out but there wasn't much going on.
Got a lift back home with the Seeto's.
Walked to Burwood Park to check out the HK TVB festival. Had a late lunch at Macau Noodle
In the morning, Lily, Janet and I walked to Strathfield Park. A. Catherine and Evan met us at Strathfield Park, driving from home. Checked it out but there wasn't much going on.
Got a lift back home with the Seeto's.
Walked to Burwood Park to check out the HK TVB festival. Had a late lunch at Macau Noodle
Sunday, August 6, 2017
Sculptures at Barangaroo
Sunday 6 August
Although Fiona was out for the weekend, all she wanted to do was stay at home and colour in, so the rest of us, took the train out to Wynyard and walked to Barangaroo to check out the sculptures. It's second year at Barangaroo, features 14 sculptures by 9 artists.
Dinner that night was at Macau Noodle, Burwood. No reservations made, so we waited at least an hr for a table. Had dinner and returned Fiona back after dinner.
Although Fiona was out for the weekend, all she wanted to do was stay at home and colour in, so the rest of us, took the train out to Wynyard and walked to Barangaroo to check out the sculptures. It's second year at Barangaroo, features 14 sculptures by 9 artists.
Dinner that night was at Macau Noodle, Burwood. No reservations made, so we waited at least an hr for a table. Had dinner and returned Fiona back after dinner.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Hudson's 1st Birthday
Sunday 23 July 2017
Today we helped Hudson celebrate his 1st birthday at the Panania Digger's Club.
Tresan and Michael went all out - catering was provided by the club, which had set aside seating area. Tresan and Renee decorated with Fox and Woodland theme.
Food on offer were party pies, sausage rolls, dim sum, sandwiches, tempura fish cocktails, spinach and ricotta triangles, chips, wedges and drinks.
Cake was supplied by a friend
Today we helped Hudson celebrate his 1st birthday at the Panania Digger's Club.
Tresan and Michael went all out - catering was provided by the club, which had set aside seating area. Tresan and Renee decorated with Fox and Woodland theme.
Food on offer were party pies, sausage rolls, dim sum, sandwiches, tempura fish cocktails, spinach and ricotta triangles, chips, wedges and drinks.
Cake was supplied by a friend
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Mark's 62nd Birthday
The family went out for dinner on Thursday 20 July to Wei Kee, a small family owned run Chinese restaurant to celebrate Mark's birthday. He'd been wanting to go to this restaurant but every time he rang to book they would have nothing available. So this time, we got him to ring the day before and he finally got a reservation at 6.30pm.
Lily, Janet, Megan, Justin, Sophia, Darren and Kaylene left home in the blue bus and got to the restaurant just at 6.30pm. Mark arrived later with his mum and Nathan arrived just in time for the food to be served. It took them over an hour to decide what to order.
The dishes came out one at a time. Guess they only have a very small kitchen and just 1 cook. But the plates of food were plentiful, but just a bit saltier than we'd like. Must be because we don't use as much salt in our home cooking.
All up, the total was like $180, but they paid $195, I contributed $50 to the meal. Darren also put in some money.
So we had:
Scallops with snow peas
Gai lan
Steamed whole barramundi with ginger and shallots
Golden prawns (fried prawns coated in salted egg)
Garlic pork - garlic pork fillets with wood ear, mushroom, snow peas, bok choy
Steamed egg white with seafood combination
Salt and pepper calimari
Fried king prawns in peking style sauce (more like sweet and sour)
Although I had prepared a lemon strawberry cheesecake, by the time we got home, everyone went their own way - to bed, so no cake was cut.
Lily, Janet, Megan, Justin, Sophia, Darren and Kaylene left home in the blue bus and got to the restaurant just at 6.30pm. Mark arrived later with his mum and Nathan arrived just in time for the food to be served. It took them over an hour to decide what to order.
The dishes came out one at a time. Guess they only have a very small kitchen and just 1 cook. But the plates of food were plentiful, but just a bit saltier than we'd like. Must be because we don't use as much salt in our home cooking.
All up, the total was like $180, but they paid $195, I contributed $50 to the meal. Darren also put in some money.
So we had:
Scallops with snow peas
Gai lan
Steamed whole barramundi with ginger and shallots
Golden prawns (fried prawns coated in salted egg)
Garlic pork - garlic pork fillets with wood ear, mushroom, snow peas, bok choy
Steamed egg white with seafood combination
Salt and pepper calimari
Fried king prawns in peking style sauce (more like sweet and sour)
Although I had prepared a lemon strawberry cheesecake, by the time we got home, everyone went their own way - to bed, so no cake was cut.
Sunday, July 16, 2017
Dinner @ Royal Treasure Seafood Chinese Restaurant
Janet picked Fiona up on Saturday 15 July, and they had dinner at the Seeto's.
On Sunday 16 July, Mark reserved a table at the Royal Treasure Seafood Chinese Restaurant. Since Fiona was out, and his birthday was coming up, we thought a night out would be great. He had tried the Homebush Wei Kee restaurant but they had no tables available. Janet was primed for us to have dinner at Pine Inn. But then Mark said he got a table at this newish restaurant in Burwood - behind the plaza.
So we went out and tried their food.
Ordered the:
Crab with ginger and shallot
Deep fried duck with mash taro $29.80
Deep fried pork ribs in Peking sauce $25.80
Seafood bean curd hot pot $26.80
Steamed egg white with combination seafood $25.80
Beef brisket with tangy special sauce hot pot $26.80
Beef ribs with BBQ sauce?? had snow peas $24.80
Stir fried vegetables with Chinese mushrooms in oyster sauce $19.80
Stir fried king prawns with snow peas in xo chilli sauce $33.80
They served us hot soup to begin and finished up with cookies and oranges
All up about $300
On Sunday 16 July, Mark reserved a table at the Royal Treasure Seafood Chinese Restaurant. Since Fiona was out, and his birthday was coming up, we thought a night out would be great. He had tried the Homebush Wei Kee restaurant but they had no tables available. Janet was primed for us to have dinner at Pine Inn. But then Mark said he got a table at this newish restaurant in Burwood - behind the plaza.
So we went out and tried their food.
Ordered the:
Crab with ginger and shallot
Deep fried duck with mash taro $29.80
Deep fried pork ribs in Peking sauce $25.80
Seafood bean curd hot pot $26.80
Steamed egg white with combination seafood $25.80
Beef brisket with tangy special sauce hot pot $26.80
Beef ribs with BBQ sauce?? had snow peas $24.80
Stir fried vegetables with Chinese mushrooms in oyster sauce $19.80
Stir fried king prawns with snow peas in xo chilli sauce $33.80
They served us hot soup to begin and finished up with cookies and oranges
All up about $300
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Frozen - a night out with friends
Wednesday 12 July
Last minute decision to go and see Disney's Frozen on Ice with Jacq, Mare, Juliette and Oliver, Lily and I.
Quick dinner before we got Darren to drop us off at QUDOS arena, Homebush, where we met up with the Cheong's and Mare. Gave Juliette a "glow" light wand, which we got in Orlando.
Our seats were kind of in the nose bleed section - quite empty up there, so we were told we could sit anywhere - should have moved down a level.
Last minute decision to go and see Disney's Frozen on Ice with Jacq, Mare, Juliette and Oliver, Lily and I.
Quick dinner before we got Darren to drop us off at QUDOS arena, Homebush, where we met up with the Cheong's and Mare. Gave Juliette a "glow" light wand, which we got in Orlando.
Our seats were kind of in the nose bleed section - quite empty up there, so we were told we could sit anywhere - should have moved down a level.
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Security Cameras
Saturday 1 July 2017
So today I helped Justin install cables for the security cameras to be installed outside the house.
Started with the one out the front. Not an easy job. Justin had to find a route from the outside to the control room. Then we had to thread the network cable, from down light hole to down light hole.
So over the next weekends we have been slowly installing cameras.
There are now 3 cameras on the outside.
So today I helped Justin install cables for the security cameras to be installed outside the house.
Started with the one out the front. Not an easy job. Justin had to find a route from the outside to the control room. Then we had to thread the network cable, from down light hole to down light hole.
So over the next weekends we have been slowly installing cameras.
There are now 3 cameras on the outside.
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Good Food and Wine Show 2017
Sunday 25 June 2017
Having purchased the tix early on, the day finally arrived.
Evan, A. Cath, Janet, Lily, Kaylene and I headed out to the ICC. Newly built, we had a chance to check out the new convention centre.
Got our free Citibank wine glasses, then weaved our way through the food stalls.
Did the Colgate experience early, before the lines got to long.
Lined up for Heston's BBQ steak sandwich.
Bought Lychee Gold drinks.
Others bought bread and spreads - which we ate when we got home.
Having purchased the tix early on, the day finally arrived.
Evan, A. Cath, Janet, Lily, Kaylene and I headed out to the ICC. Newly built, we had a chance to check out the new convention centre.
Got our free Citibank wine glasses, then weaved our way through the food stalls.
Did the Colgate experience early, before the lines got to long.
Lined up for Heston's BBQ steak sandwich.
Bought Lychee Gold drinks.
Others bought bread and spreads - which we ate when we got home.
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Free Museum Day
Saturday 24 June 2017
Kaylene applied for and got us free tix to the Powerhouse museum.
So Lily, Janet, Kaylene and I met up with Mare at the museum and spent the morning exploring the museum.
It's been years since we visited. Checked out all the exhibits.
Then walked to Chinatown, Market City and had lunch at one of the new food outlets on the lower floors, since the foodcourt upstairs was closed and no longer operating.
That night, we checked out the Flemington Markets Fork n' Flava - food trucks event. So noisy because of the Knafeh Bros, but food was yummy. Managed to find a spot to sit and eat, but the music was too loud.
Kaylene applied for and got us free tix to the Powerhouse museum.
So Lily, Janet, Kaylene and I met up with Mare at the museum and spent the morning exploring the museum.
It's been years since we visited. Checked out all the exhibits.
Then walked to Chinatown, Market City and had lunch at one of the new food outlets on the lower floors, since the foodcourt upstairs was closed and no longer operating.
That night, we checked out the Flemington Markets Fork n' Flava - food trucks event. So noisy because of the Knafeh Bros, but food was yummy. Managed to find a spot to sit and eat, but the music was too loud.
Monday, June 12, 2017
Vivid 2017
Each year Vivid gets bigger and bigger and the crowds also get bigger and bigger.
This year we started our Vivid exploring on Thursday night 1 June, at the Botanic Gardens. Aunt Cath and Evan came over, we had dinner at home and then headed out. Caught the train to Wynyard and walked via Circular Quay and the Opera House to the gardens.
The giant "Waratah" was first to catch our eye. Then further up the path were the row of "The Sunflowers", with their rotating heads.
Our favourite was the lightbulb kiwis or "Birds of Lumos" with their ever changing colours.
Then it was a case of following the path and the general flow of people through the garden of lit trees.
"Dipping birds", "You Looking at Me" and "Reflection"
Finally ending at the gates near the Conservatorium of Music.
From here we walked to Martin Place to see what was there.
At Martin Place, they had piano players at "Twelve-Tone", "Urban Tree 2.0" projection on the round building, another giant "Waratah" which reacts to sound and "re/Fraction" a lighted fountain.
On Saturday night, 3 June, only Lily, Evan and I ventured out to explore the installations hidden in the city laneways near Circular Quay. Walk down Angel Place and finally find "100 Ways to Say I Love You" - what a let down, doesn't look anything like the photo on the Vivid site. Check out the "Interactive Human Light Clock" and "Cradle" outside Custom's House, then back up the side street, to "Light of Thoughts" and "Helix", then "Supernova"
After which we walked past the colourful display on the facade of the MCA. People traffic barriers were up and it was only one way traffic. Bit crowded so hard to take good pics.
Stopped at the Overseas Passenger Terminal to take shots of the Opera House, before continuing on the Campbells Cove where we take photos of "Fractal", "Light Waves" , "Landscape of the Mind" and Crystallise" and finally ended at the Hickson Road Reserve at the foot of the harbour bridge. Circular swings "Freedom of Movement", swinging to music was the highlight. A great way to end the night, because it was 11pm and lights went out on the dot.
Tuesday night 6 June, Marion gave Lily, Kaylene and myself a lift to Chatswood to check out the lights there. Parking near Coles entrance of Westfields (3hr free parking). Walked through foodcourt to our first light installation - "The Octopoda". Lily and Mare got distracted by Mini Daiso. Then Mare led us to Marukame Udon - Japanese noodle fast food restaurant. I ordered a bukkake wagyu beef and egg udon large bowl with sides of 2 crumbed prawns and a tempura squid. The noodles were yummy, but the sides were cold.
After dinner we went to check out the light show "Steampunk: Waterworld". Followed the signs to a lantern making area - supposedly for kids, but they had adult area as well, so we had 10mins of colouring in before they closed up shop.
Mare wanted to get Ben and Jerry ice cream - she had a buy 1 get 1 free voucher from Ent book, so we had our 2 scoops of chocolate ice cream in a choc coated waffle cone. Mare and Kaylene shared one and Lily and I shared the other, although I think I had most of it since I was holding it.
It was starting to sprinkle as we made our way up the mall to the train station. Took photos of "Crosswords", then up to level 3 to take photos of the lights in the Interchange, "Voxelscape", and the walkway. It was only 9.30pm when we finished up and Mare dropped us home around 10pm.
Thursday night 8 June, Lily, Kaylene, Evan and I journeyed out again, this time to Darling Harbour and Barangaroo. Started off at Tumbalong Park and checked out the "Tumbalong Lights", an exhibit of 32 lights, then made our way to Darling Harbour, on the way, we checked out the "Glow in the Dark Illumination", which showcases black light luminescence. Cracked up laughing when taking a photo of Lily and her teeth were glowing, but 1 wasn't - it had a filling. Set up our cameras for the Magicians of the Mist light and fountain show. Then we made our way to Barangaroo. Stopped on the way to take some photos of the light show on the Maritime Museum. Then followed the "Migration" of Manta Rays to the end of the wharf. The line for Trapdoor was non-existent, so Lily and Kaylene had a go, but they were with another couple, so Kaylene and I went in and had a play on our own, riding the wooden logs, sailing a ship and dancing with penguins. Next up, we walked past "What Lies Beneath" but there weren't any roving performers. Continued on to "A Day in the Light" - lots of scattered mystical universe projections on the floor. By this time it was around 10pm, so we headed to Wynyard. Kaylene wanted some shots of the Opera House, so we set a cracking pace to get to the Overseas Passenger Terminal and managed to get the last half hour of the projections before lights out.
Monday night 12 June, 6 of us headed out, Lily, Kaylene, Evan, A. Cath, Janet and I. This time we got off at Circular Quay and walked up past the MCA and Campbells Cove to Hickson Road Reserve. Stopped along the way so that Kaylene could take some photos. Stopped at "Freedom of Movement" and managed to get some good shots of the swings in motion. Then headed to The Rocks and took in "Ethereal Columns", "Spectral House" and "Under my Umbrella". Took in "Vivid Dreams" and "MailboX" and then headed to Barangaroo and Darling Harbour. This is where we finished the night, watching the "Magicians of the Mist" show.
This year we started our Vivid exploring on Thursday night 1 June, at the Botanic Gardens. Aunt Cath and Evan came over, we had dinner at home and then headed out. Caught the train to Wynyard and walked via Circular Quay and the Opera House to the gardens.
The giant "Waratah" was first to catch our eye. Then further up the path were the row of "The Sunflowers", with their rotating heads.
Our favourite was the lightbulb kiwis or "Birds of Lumos" with their ever changing colours.
Then it was a case of following the path and the general flow of people through the garden of lit trees.
"Dipping birds", "You Looking at Me" and "Reflection"
Finally ending at the gates near the Conservatorium of Music.
From here we walked to Martin Place to see what was there.
At Martin Place, they had piano players at "Twelve-Tone", "Urban Tree 2.0" projection on the round building, another giant "Waratah" which reacts to sound and "re/Fraction" a lighted fountain.
On Saturday night, 3 June, only Lily, Evan and I ventured out to explore the installations hidden in the city laneways near Circular Quay. Walk down Angel Place and finally find "100 Ways to Say I Love You" - what a let down, doesn't look anything like the photo on the Vivid site. Check out the "Interactive Human Light Clock" and "Cradle" outside Custom's House, then back up the side street, to "Light of Thoughts" and "Helix", then "Supernova"
After which we walked past the colourful display on the facade of the MCA. People traffic barriers were up and it was only one way traffic. Bit crowded so hard to take good pics.
Stopped at the Overseas Passenger Terminal to take shots of the Opera House, before continuing on the Campbells Cove where we take photos of "Fractal", "Light Waves" , "Landscape of the Mind" and Crystallise" and finally ended at the Hickson Road Reserve at the foot of the harbour bridge. Circular swings "Freedom of Movement", swinging to music was the highlight. A great way to end the night, because it was 11pm and lights went out on the dot.
Tuesday night 6 June, Marion gave Lily, Kaylene and myself a lift to Chatswood to check out the lights there. Parking near Coles entrance of Westfields (3hr free parking). Walked through foodcourt to our first light installation - "The Octopoda". Lily and Mare got distracted by Mini Daiso. Then Mare led us to Marukame Udon - Japanese noodle fast food restaurant. I ordered a bukkake wagyu beef and egg udon large bowl with sides of 2 crumbed prawns and a tempura squid. The noodles were yummy, but the sides were cold.
After dinner we went to check out the light show "Steampunk: Waterworld". Followed the signs to a lantern making area - supposedly for kids, but they had adult area as well, so we had 10mins of colouring in before they closed up shop.
Mare wanted to get Ben and Jerry ice cream - she had a buy 1 get 1 free voucher from Ent book, so we had our 2 scoops of chocolate ice cream in a choc coated waffle cone. Mare and Kaylene shared one and Lily and I shared the other, although I think I had most of it since I was holding it.
It was starting to sprinkle as we made our way up the mall to the train station. Took photos of "Crosswords", then up to level 3 to take photos of the lights in the Interchange, "Voxelscape", and the walkway. It was only 9.30pm when we finished up and Mare dropped us home around 10pm.
Thursday night 8 June, Lily, Kaylene, Evan and I journeyed out again, this time to Darling Harbour and Barangaroo. Started off at Tumbalong Park and checked out the "Tumbalong Lights", an exhibit of 32 lights, then made our way to Darling Harbour, on the way, we checked out the "Glow in the Dark Illumination", which showcases black light luminescence. Cracked up laughing when taking a photo of Lily and her teeth were glowing, but 1 wasn't - it had a filling. Set up our cameras for the Magicians of the Mist light and fountain show. Then we made our way to Barangaroo. Stopped on the way to take some photos of the light show on the Maritime Museum. Then followed the "Migration" of Manta Rays to the end of the wharf. The line for Trapdoor was non-existent, so Lily and Kaylene had a go, but they were with another couple, so Kaylene and I went in and had a play on our own, riding the wooden logs, sailing a ship and dancing with penguins. Next up, we walked past "What Lies Beneath" but there weren't any roving performers. Continued on to "A Day in the Light" - lots of scattered mystical universe projections on the floor. By this time it was around 10pm, so we headed to Wynyard. Kaylene wanted some shots of the Opera House, so we set a cracking pace to get to the Overseas Passenger Terminal and managed to get the last half hour of the projections before lights out.
Monday night 12 June, 6 of us headed out, Lily, Kaylene, Evan, A. Cath, Janet and I. This time we got off at Circular Quay and walked up past the MCA and Campbells Cove to Hickson Road Reserve. Stopped along the way so that Kaylene could take some photos. Stopped at "Freedom of Movement" and managed to get some good shots of the swings in motion. Then headed to The Rocks and took in "Ethereal Columns", "Spectral House" and "Under my Umbrella". Took in "Vivid Dreams" and "MailboX" and then headed to Barangaroo and Darling Harbour. This is where we finished the night, watching the "Magicians of the Mist" show.
Friday, June 9, 2017
Fiona's 44th Birthday
This year, Fiona celebrated her birthday twice.
On the 6th May, we had a dinner for her at home and on 9th June, we had a dinner at the Hurstville RSL.
The 9th of June was earmarked for Jo and Jeremy's wedding reception, but in light of the fact that we don't consider her family anymore, we didn't attend the reception, instead we went out to dinner and celebrated Fiona's birthday, again.
Lily, Kaylene and I had gone to Chatswood for some retail therapy, and on the way home we bought a Tiramisu cheesecake from Breadtop for $37. I bought a nice grey jumper and a summer top from TJ Maxx and a wind jacket and turtleneck heat tech top from Uniqlo.
Had lunch with Nathan at Greek Street, in Westfields, before heading home as we had to pick up Fiona. Although when we got home, Janet was still not ready, she had problems with the printer.
When Janet was finally ready, we (Lily, Kaylene, Janet and I) drove to the Seeto's first to drop of the cake, and LC and KC, before we went to pick up Fiona. Traffic was bad. Start of the long weekend.
By the time we got back to the Seeto's, there was just enough time to have some waffles.
Got to the RSL early, and managed to get parking. A. Cath ordered the food for both tables with some of our suggestions.
After the food we had the birthday cake for Fiona, even the other guests joined in a sang. Fiona was so happy.
Didn't go back to the Seeto's after the cake, long and tiring day for Fiona so we went home.
On the 6th May, we had a dinner for her at home and on 9th June, we had a dinner at the Hurstville RSL.
The 9th of June was earmarked for Jo and Jeremy's wedding reception, but in light of the fact that we don't consider her family anymore, we didn't attend the reception, instead we went out to dinner and celebrated Fiona's birthday, again.
Lily, Kaylene and I had gone to Chatswood for some retail therapy, and on the way home we bought a Tiramisu cheesecake from Breadtop for $37. I bought a nice grey jumper and a summer top from TJ Maxx and a wind jacket and turtleneck heat tech top from Uniqlo.
Had lunch with Nathan at Greek Street, in Westfields, before heading home as we had to pick up Fiona. Although when we got home, Janet was still not ready, she had problems with the printer.
When Janet was finally ready, we (Lily, Kaylene, Janet and I) drove to the Seeto's first to drop of the cake, and LC and KC, before we went to pick up Fiona. Traffic was bad. Start of the long weekend.
By the time we got back to the Seeto's, there was just enough time to have some waffles.
Got to the RSL early, and managed to get parking. A. Cath ordered the food for both tables with some of our suggestions.
After the food we had the birthday cake for Fiona, even the other guests joined in a sang. Fiona was so happy.
Didn't go back to the Seeto's after the cake, long and tiring day for Fiona so we went home.
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
We Was Robbed
Tuesday May 9 2017
It had probably started when she, Joanne first came to stay with us. But it wasn't until today that Janet discovered most of her jewellery had been stolen, as well as cash and other stuff.
Things had been going missing, but we were all blaming each other instead of the culprit. Cutlery, mugs, plates. And then Lily and Janet discovered liquor had disappeared from the liquor and wine cabinet. Food had also been found to disappear - but we just figured someone ate it or we used it up.
But when Janet discovered her jewellery was no longer where she hid it, and none of the family would have taken it, because for so many years, nothing had gone missing. She reported the theft to the police, but because she had been living with us, there wasn't much they could do and without any proof that she had done it, Janet could only file a police report of the things that had been taken.
We blamed her fiance, which we found out had stayed a night, when we were holidaying in WA in March. It couldn't be family. Family wouldn't do that to other family. How wrong we were.
That night Mark and Justin confronted her, but of course she denied everything. They threw her out. She had to pack her bags and go. No way was a thief or someone who was going to marry a thief be allowed to stay another night longer. As it was she had been staying with us for 2 years - all because she had the same surname. One month before her wedding. Don't she was expecting that we would do that to her. She even posted to FB that she had been accused of stealing but there was no evidence
The following days, Janet found more and more of her stuff had gone. I checked my jewellery and they all seemed to be there. But who knows she may have taken some. She did take my travel money - all my European cash. Now I wish I had checked it earlier when Darren was going to Europe.
Janet reported her to the immigration department, but they will probably just sit on it, until it's too late to deport her.
Seems she took all of Mark's cash which he kept in his dresser drawers. Probably took Darren's and Nathan's as well, but they don't keep track of their stuff.
Then just the other day Lily, found that all her jewellery had also been taken. So many sleepless nights. Every night, they would discover something else had been taken. Every night we would lose sleep.
Then we checked Janet's coins collection - the boxes all seemed to be there. But we didn't open them thinking she wouldn't have had the time to go through them. Janet couldn't sleep. So we pulled the boxes all out again and began cataloguing what she had in each box. Again not sure if she took anything, but at least most of it's still there.
I was so exhausted - going to work, kept my mind occupied, but I was always thinking, what if.
Decided I couldn't take it and asked for a flex day on Wed 17 May. Stayed home and catalogued some of the boxes, whilst Janet, Evan and A. Cath went out to the city to check her safety deposit box. They have been coming over every day to help out. Seems either she or someone else had used Fiona's frequent flyer card to book airfares - Janet had received a letter from Centrelink saying they would be cutting her payments as she was not in the country. How could that be, she hadn't gone anywhere. More phone calls - more hassles.
Seems she had gone through all Janet's paperwork - her ABN certificate was missing. Her signed Stat Dec of her certificate of birth was also missing. Seems she probably had gone through all the files on the kitchen PC. We gave her the opportunity and she took it to fleece us. Who could have seen it coming? You wouldn't even read about it. It's so unbelievable, but it happened to us. She pulled the wool over all our eyes. We all thought she was helpful and a "good" girl. Guess her travelling around solo for all those years turned her into a crook.
What is it with the "Tsui" family - or is it Hong Kong people. Janet has lost all faith in people and who can blame her. I would to, but I'm not going to let it get to me. All those things she took are materialistic - yes they are expensive stuff, but it's just stuff. So long as we have our health and each other, we will survive.
I don't think we'll be inviting anyone to stay at our place anymore - whether they are family or not. Just can't trust anyone these days.
She even had the gall to send us a wedding invite, as if nothing had happened. No way! Who does that? She thinks we haven't discovered all the other things that were taken? OMG!!! She even had the hide to msg Nathan and ask him if he knew what had happened. I don't like to say this, but I wish she gets hit by a bus, or she gets cancer or some other misfortune gets her - because of what she has put our family through. Hope Karma comes and bites her in the ass, big time! May not be today, may not be tomorrow, but one day KAPOW!!!
It had probably started when she, Joanne first came to stay with us. But it wasn't until today that Janet discovered most of her jewellery had been stolen, as well as cash and other stuff.
Things had been going missing, but we were all blaming each other instead of the culprit. Cutlery, mugs, plates. And then Lily and Janet discovered liquor had disappeared from the liquor and wine cabinet. Food had also been found to disappear - but we just figured someone ate it or we used it up.
But when Janet discovered her jewellery was no longer where she hid it, and none of the family would have taken it, because for so many years, nothing had gone missing. She reported the theft to the police, but because she had been living with us, there wasn't much they could do and without any proof that she had done it, Janet could only file a police report of the things that had been taken.
We blamed her fiance, which we found out had stayed a night, when we were holidaying in WA in March. It couldn't be family. Family wouldn't do that to other family. How wrong we were.
That night Mark and Justin confronted her, but of course she denied everything. They threw her out. She had to pack her bags and go. No way was a thief or someone who was going to marry a thief be allowed to stay another night longer. As it was she had been staying with us for 2 years - all because she had the same surname. One month before her wedding. Don't she was expecting that we would do that to her. She even posted to FB that she had been accused of stealing but there was no evidence
The following days, Janet found more and more of her stuff had gone. I checked my jewellery and they all seemed to be there. But who knows she may have taken some. She did take my travel money - all my European cash. Now I wish I had checked it earlier when Darren was going to Europe.
Janet reported her to the immigration department, but they will probably just sit on it, until it's too late to deport her.
Seems she took all of Mark's cash which he kept in his dresser drawers. Probably took Darren's and Nathan's as well, but they don't keep track of their stuff.
Then just the other day Lily, found that all her jewellery had also been taken. So many sleepless nights. Every night, they would discover something else had been taken. Every night we would lose sleep.
Then we checked Janet's coins collection - the boxes all seemed to be there. But we didn't open them thinking she wouldn't have had the time to go through them. Janet couldn't sleep. So we pulled the boxes all out again and began cataloguing what she had in each box. Again not sure if she took anything, but at least most of it's still there.
I was so exhausted - going to work, kept my mind occupied, but I was always thinking, what if.
Decided I couldn't take it and asked for a flex day on Wed 17 May. Stayed home and catalogued some of the boxes, whilst Janet, Evan and A. Cath went out to the city to check her safety deposit box. They have been coming over every day to help out. Seems either she or someone else had used Fiona's frequent flyer card to book airfares - Janet had received a letter from Centrelink saying they would be cutting her payments as she was not in the country. How could that be, she hadn't gone anywhere. More phone calls - more hassles.
Seems she had gone through all Janet's paperwork - her ABN certificate was missing. Her signed Stat Dec of her certificate of birth was also missing. Seems she probably had gone through all the files on the kitchen PC. We gave her the opportunity and she took it to fleece us. Who could have seen it coming? You wouldn't even read about it. It's so unbelievable, but it happened to us. She pulled the wool over all our eyes. We all thought she was helpful and a "good" girl. Guess her travelling around solo for all those years turned her into a crook.
What is it with the "Tsui" family - or is it Hong Kong people. Janet has lost all faith in people and who can blame her. I would to, but I'm not going to let it get to me. All those things she took are materialistic - yes they are expensive stuff, but it's just stuff. So long as we have our health and each other, we will survive.
I don't think we'll be inviting anyone to stay at our place anymore - whether they are family or not. Just can't trust anyone these days.
She even had the gall to send us a wedding invite, as if nothing had happened. No way! Who does that? She thinks we haven't discovered all the other things that were taken? OMG!!! She even had the hide to msg Nathan and ask him if he knew what had happened. I don't like to say this, but I wish she gets hit by a bus, or she gets cancer or some other misfortune gets her - because of what she has put our family through. Hope Karma comes and bites her in the ass, big time! May not be today, may not be tomorrow, but one day KAPOW!!!
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Matty's 9th Birthday
Sunday 30th April
Shirley invited myself and Evan to join in and celebrate Matty's 9th Birthday as a thankyou for helping out at Izzie's birthday.
She organised an archery and laser tag day at the Archery Centre at Homebush.
I joined in the archery session, but opted out of laser tag - too old to be running around shooting at kids or being shot at.
This is my very first time to do archery and it turns out I can shoot a arrow. Although quite a few missed the target - I did manage to get some on the board as well as shooting a small balloon - must have been by luck, but most of my arrows had been going just above the target so it was inevitable that I would hit that balloon. Pity there aren't any photos to prove it.
It was a fun day and I think most of the kids enjoyed themselves as well as some of the parents who joined in.
Shirley invited myself and Evan to join in and celebrate Matty's 9th Birthday as a thankyou for helping out at Izzie's birthday.
She organised an archery and laser tag day at the Archery Centre at Homebush.
I joined in the archery session, but opted out of laser tag - too old to be running around shooting at kids or being shot at.
This is my very first time to do archery and it turns out I can shoot a arrow. Although quite a few missed the target - I did manage to get some on the board as well as shooting a small balloon - must have been by luck, but most of my arrows had been going just above the target so it was inevitable that I would hit that balloon. Pity there aren't any photos to prove it.
It was a fun day and I think most of the kids enjoyed themselves as well as some of the parents who joined in.
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Izzie's 6th Frozen Birthday Party
Saturday 22 April
My how quickly they grow up. Shirley's little girl will be 6 and she wanted a "Frozen" party. Shirley initially wanted to buy some templates online, but why buy when you have friends who can do it for you.
So easy to google or search in Pinterest for ideas and free templates.
So I was enlisted to make the banner and drink labels and I offered to make her a pinata.
Evan was enlisted to make the invitation.
I started off with balloons and paper mache, but then I came across a 60cm template for Olaf, the snowman. Printed the template which was over 20pages.
I had thought I had time to do decorations, but our WA holiday was right in the middle of it all. Lost 2 weeks of prep time.
Anyway, when we got back I spent every week night, either working on the banner, making 3d paperdolls or working on the Pinata.
But once I started constructing Olaf I figured he would make a great pinata but would need reinforcing.
And when I finished him, he looked too good to be destroyed, so I converted him into a ribbon pulling pinata.
He was a hit, but unfortunately my Pinata making skills and reinforcing made for an indestructable Olaf. The kids pulled the ribbons, but the hatch didn't open. Bugger - fail, Casey had to rip open the bottom and throw the lollies. Oh well, at least Olaf survived to live another party,
Besides my pinata, Shirley put her savings in the decorations into hiring an "Elsa" performer who entertained the kids for at least 2hrs, music, games and prizes, lots of aerobic dancing and face painting at the end.
Food served was chicken nuggets, popcorn, curry puffs, cheese and crackers, jelly for the kids and lots of chips and lollies.
My how quickly they grow up. Shirley's little girl will be 6 and she wanted a "Frozen" party. Shirley initially wanted to buy some templates online, but why buy when you have friends who can do it for you.
So easy to google or search in Pinterest for ideas and free templates.
So I was enlisted to make the banner and drink labels and I offered to make her a pinata.
Evan was enlisted to make the invitation.
I started off with balloons and paper mache, but then I came across a 60cm template for Olaf, the snowman. Printed the template which was over 20pages.
I had thought I had time to do decorations, but our WA holiday was right in the middle of it all. Lost 2 weeks of prep time.
Anyway, when we got back I spent every week night, either working on the banner, making 3d paperdolls or working on the Pinata.
But once I started constructing Olaf I figured he would make a great pinata but would need reinforcing.
And when I finished him, he looked too good to be destroyed, so I converted him into a ribbon pulling pinata.
He was a hit, but unfortunately my Pinata making skills and reinforcing made for an indestructable Olaf. The kids pulled the ribbons, but the hatch didn't open. Bugger - fail, Casey had to rip open the bottom and throw the lollies. Oh well, at least Olaf survived to live another party,
Besides my pinata, Shirley put her savings in the decorations into hiring an "Elsa" performer who entertained the kids for at least 2hrs, music, games and prizes, lots of aerobic dancing and face painting at the end.
Food served was chicken nuggets, popcorn, curry puffs, cheese and crackers, jelly for the kids and lots of chips and lollies.
Friday, March 31, 2017
Fri 31 March: Checkout and flight back to Sydney
31 March Checkout of Silver Sands Resort, flight back to Sydney
Breakfast and then load the car - before heading to Freemantle to kill time.
Seeing as it was a Friday, we stopped off at the markets again. This time I bought 3 glass pendants. Ended up buying pies from a bakery which we took with us to the airport and ate it there after checking in.
No problems with checking in and the flight was non eventful.
Got back to Sydney and Justin came to pick us up, but caused dramas and made us walk from the free pickup area to the paid pickup area, and eventually the actual parking lot - Lily was fuming.
Breakfast and then load the car - before heading to Freemantle to kill time.
Seeing as it was a Friday, we stopped off at the markets again. This time I bought 3 glass pendants. Ended up buying pies from a bakery which we took with us to the airport and ate it there after checking in.
No problems with checking in and the flight was non eventful.
Got back to Sydney and Justin came to pick us up, but caused dramas and made us walk from the free pickup area to the paid pickup area, and eventually the actual parking lot - Lily was fuming.
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Thu 30 March: Perth free buses "Cats"
30 March Perth
Drive to King's Park and we park our car there.
Take the opportunity to check out the Lottery West Federation Walkway, which we missed first time around taking the lower river walk to head out of the park.
Walked to what we thought was the nearest bus stop for the free Cat and hopped on a Red Cat which took us to Elizabeth Quay bus terminal where we hopped off and hopped on to the Blue Cat to take us to Chinatown.
Got off on one of the stops and walked a seedy street, wrong side of Chinatown? Anyway looking for a place to have our late lunch. Decide to go into a Dim sum place which looks like it's frequented more by "gwai lo's" than chinese. After starring in through the window, two aussie men give us the thumbs up as their recommendation, so we go in. I approach the men and say to them, if the food is crap, they will have to pay our bill.
We order a couple of dim sum dishes, from the trolley, but looks like most of the dishes need to be selected from the menu, so instead we order a hokkin fried rice and a beef chow hor. Lily pays for the meal.
Then we continue walking and finally round the block we stumble upon the lion gates of Chinatown - a U-shaped alley with lots of little chinese shops and restaurants - but none open. Looks like they open late and close late 3am.
Seen Chinatown, we hop on the Yellow Cat and take a tour of the city.
Decide to hop off at Elizabeth Garden's but it's getting into the late afternoon and Lily is worried there won't be any buses to take us back to the park, so we head back into the city and hop on the bus back to the gates of King's Park.
I think it's great they have the free buses. Would have loved to have spent more time seeing the city, but we need to head back, so I drive back to the resort.
Drive to King's Park and we park our car there.
Take the opportunity to check out the Lottery West Federation Walkway, which we missed first time around taking the lower river walk to head out of the park.
Walked to what we thought was the nearest bus stop for the free Cat and hopped on a Red Cat which took us to Elizabeth Quay bus terminal where we hopped off and hopped on to the Blue Cat to take us to Chinatown.
Got off on one of the stops and walked a seedy street, wrong side of Chinatown? Anyway looking for a place to have our late lunch. Decide to go into a Dim sum place which looks like it's frequented more by "gwai lo's" than chinese. After starring in through the window, two aussie men give us the thumbs up as their recommendation, so we go in. I approach the men and say to them, if the food is crap, they will have to pay our bill.
We order a couple of dim sum dishes, from the trolley, but looks like most of the dishes need to be selected from the menu, so instead we order a hokkin fried rice and a beef chow hor. Lily pays for the meal.
Then we continue walking and finally round the block we stumble upon the lion gates of Chinatown - a U-shaped alley with lots of little chinese shops and restaurants - but none open. Looks like they open late and close late 3am.
Seen Chinatown, we hop on the Yellow Cat and take a tour of the city.
Decide to hop off at Elizabeth Garden's but it's getting into the late afternoon and Lily is worried there won't be any buses to take us back to the park, so we head back into the city and hop on the bus back to the gates of King's Park.
I think it's great they have the free buses. Would have loved to have spent more time seeing the city, but we need to head back, so I drive back to the resort.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Wed 29 March: Mandurah
29 March Mandurah
Drive into town. Parked in the street where it was a 3hr parking. Walked the shops again. Mark and Lily went to check out the asian grocery store, while I checked out the other shops in the mall.
Back to resort for lunch.
After lunch, Lily, Janet and I went to check out new shopping centre. Will be big once it's finished.
Drive into town. Parked in the street where it was a 3hr parking. Walked the shops again. Mark and Lily went to check out the asian grocery store, while I checked out the other shops in the mall.
Back to resort for lunch.
After lunch, Lily, Janet and I went to check out new shopping centre. Will be big once it's finished.
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Tue 28 March: Perth, King's Park and Elizabeth Quay
28 March Kings Park and Elizabeth Quay, Perth
After breakfast, drove to Perth and Kings Park and Botanic Gardens. Parking in parking lot close to Information centre. Turns out parking is free. Kings Park is one of the largest and beautiful inner city parks.
As we were walking to the information centre we could see people gathering for a guided walk. Turns out these walks are for free and led by volunteers, so we join in for a guided tour of the native gardens. So informative, find out that gumnuts are called "honky" nuts. We travel the State in the Botanic Garden. Wander among the unique Western Australian flora and discover the glorious diversity of the plants to be found from the coast to the desert, from the rugged north to the southern forests. Our guide is very knowledgeable.
Guided tour takes about an hour, so after the tour we take a look in the information centre and gift shop. I buy some charms, to add to my collection. A silver gumnut and ? and a small silver etched plate.
Decide before we walk some more to have lunch so have fish and chips and wedges.
After the park we drive down to Elizabeth Quay, Park on the street. Pay meter parking for 1hr.
They are setting up for night noodle markets. Check out the bell tower but as it's on closing, we don't go up, just take photos of it from below.
After breakfast, drove to Perth and Kings Park and Botanic Gardens. Parking in parking lot close to Information centre. Turns out parking is free. Kings Park is one of the largest and beautiful inner city parks.
As we were walking to the information centre we could see people gathering for a guided walk. Turns out these walks are for free and led by volunteers, so we join in for a guided tour of the native gardens. So informative, find out that gumnuts are called "honky" nuts. We travel the State in the Botanic Garden. Wander among the unique Western Australian flora and discover the glorious diversity of the plants to be found from the coast to the desert, from the rugged north to the southern forests. Our guide is very knowledgeable.
Guided tour takes about an hour, so after the tour we take a look in the information centre and gift shop. I buy some charms, to add to my collection. A silver gumnut and ? and a small silver etched plate.
Decide before we walk some more to have lunch so have fish and chips and wedges.
After the park we drive down to Elizabeth Quay, Park on the street. Pay meter parking for 1hr.
They are setting up for night noodle markets. Check out the bell tower but as it's on closing, we don't go up, just take photos of it from below.
Monday, March 27, 2017
Mon 27 March: Harvey
27 March Stirling Cottage, Harvey, Big Orange, Harvey Dam, Thrombolites at Lake Clifton and Port Bouvarde
Drive to Harvey and stop off at Stirling Cottage, visitor centre and home of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie author, May Gibbs.
Check out the visitor's centre which has a display of May Gibbs paraphernalia. Then check out the gardens surrounding Stirling Cottage.
Walk to the memorial
Lunch at Stirling Cottage kitchens - quite busy
We have homemade pie of the day with chips and salad $16, homemade sausage roll with chips and salad $14, seafood basket with chips and salad $16, flat white $4, cappuccino $3.70, ginger beer $7 and an iced chocolate $5.70. Had to wait a while as there were only 2 ladies cooking and serving and they would make sure a table had been served before doing another table. But it was worth the wait. Food was fresh and plentiful. So glad we stayed for lunch.
Then we drove into Harvey, which is a small town to the Big Orange. Unfortunately it was closed for renovations - painting. So no climbing up the big orange. Had to make do with photos of it from below and checking out the winery that's attached to it. Drive back through the town of Harvey to the Harvey Dam. Not very well signposted and we past the turnoff. End up going to the lookout first and then down to the dam amphitheatre. It has a nice picnic, bbq area. Couldn't find the path that takes you to the dam wall, all fenced off.
Stop at the Ha Ve Cheese Factory - try some cheeses. Check out the animals in the paddock - camels, emus.
Drive back to Mandurah, via Lake Clifton. Stop off to check out the Thrombolites. Living fossils. So many all along the edge of the lake.
Detour to Port Bouvarde to check out this new suburb which straddles the river - a great fishing spot.
Then head back to the resort.
Walk to the beach to catch the sunset.
Dinner is a fried egg with soy chicken wings with canned button mushrooms, beans and gai lan.
Drive to Harvey and stop off at Stirling Cottage, visitor centre and home of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie author, May Gibbs.
Check out the visitor's centre which has a display of May Gibbs paraphernalia. Then check out the gardens surrounding Stirling Cottage.
Walk to the memorial
Lunch at Stirling Cottage kitchens - quite busy
We have homemade pie of the day with chips and salad $16, homemade sausage roll with chips and salad $14, seafood basket with chips and salad $16, flat white $4, cappuccino $3.70, ginger beer $7 and an iced chocolate $5.70. Had to wait a while as there were only 2 ladies cooking and serving and they would make sure a table had been served before doing another table. But it was worth the wait. Food was fresh and plentiful. So glad we stayed for lunch.
Then we drove into Harvey, which is a small town to the Big Orange. Unfortunately it was closed for renovations - painting. So no climbing up the big orange. Had to make do with photos of it from below and checking out the winery that's attached to it. Drive back through the town of Harvey to the Harvey Dam. Not very well signposted and we past the turnoff. End up going to the lookout first and then down to the dam amphitheatre. It has a nice picnic, bbq area. Couldn't find the path that takes you to the dam wall, all fenced off.
Stop at the Ha Ve Cheese Factory - try some cheeses. Check out the animals in the paddock - camels, emus.
Drive back to Mandurah, via Lake Clifton. Stop off to check out the Thrombolites. Living fossils. So many all along the edge of the lake.
Detour to Port Bouvarde to check out this new suburb which straddles the river - a great fishing spot.
Then head back to the resort.
Walk to the beach to catch the sunset.
Dinner is a fried egg with soy chicken wings with canned button mushrooms, beans and gai lan.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Sun 26 March: Fremantle
26 March Fremantle, Fremantle Markets, Round House, Rockingham
After breakfast we drive to Fremantle.
Park in a parking lot below the Fremantle prison and around the corner from the markets. 3hrs free parking, with an extra 1 hr free parking
The markets only operate on Friday, Sat and Sunday.
Check out the markets first. Lots of stalls, but don't buy anything.
Walk streets of Fremantle - checking out local shops. End up walking to the Round House.
Get there in time to see them fire the cannon and have access to the cannon. Entry to the Round House is by gold coin donation, but some people just walk in.
The Round House use to be a former prison. It's very windy.
Walk down to the harbour front. Lots of seafood restaurants.
Time is ticking - Head back to markets and mall.
Have lunch at the Old Shanghai Food Court - plate of Char Kway Teoh $12.50 which I share with Janet. Lily and Mark also share a plate.
Then it's time to head back to the car via the Fremantle Prison. No time to take a tour.
Eat corn and apple in the car as I have taken a free 1hr ticket.
Then we drive back via Rockingham.
Dinner is braised pork with vegies, zucchini, carrot, onions and corn.
After breakfast we drive to Fremantle.
Park in a parking lot below the Fremantle prison and around the corner from the markets. 3hrs free parking, with an extra 1 hr free parking
The markets only operate on Friday, Sat and Sunday.
Check out the markets first. Lots of stalls, but don't buy anything.
Walk streets of Fremantle - checking out local shops. End up walking to the Round House.
Get there in time to see them fire the cannon and have access to the cannon. Entry to the Round House is by gold coin donation, but some people just walk in.
The Round House use to be a former prison. It's very windy.
Walk down to the harbour front. Lots of seafood restaurants.
Time is ticking - Head back to markets and mall.
Have lunch at the Old Shanghai Food Court - plate of Char Kway Teoh $12.50 which I share with Janet. Lily and Mark also share a plate.
Then it's time to head back to the car via the Fremantle Prison. No time to take a tour.
Eat corn and apple in the car as I have taken a free 1hr ticket.
Then we drive back via Rockingham.
Dinner is braised pork with vegies, zucchini, carrot, onions and corn.
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Sat 25 March: Mandurah
25 March Mandurah
After breakfast, Lily and I check out the markets across the road.
Then Lily, Janet and I walk from the resort into town to check out the local markets and shops.
Mark joins us later
We end up eating half a watermelon, which Lily couldn't resist buying by the waterside.
Check out the shops again - this time walk into some of them, before heading to Woollies and then to Aldi, before walking back to the resort.
After breakfast, Lily and I check out the markets across the road.
Then Lily, Janet and I walk from the resort into town to check out the local markets and shops.
Mark joins us later
We end up eating half a watermelon, which Lily couldn't resist buying by the waterside.
Check out the shops again - this time walk into some of them, before heading to Woollies and then to Aldi, before walking back to the resort.
Friday, March 24, 2017
Fri 24 March: Checkout of Dunsborough and checkin to Mandurah
24 March Checkout of Wyndham Dunsborough Resort and Spa and drive to Silver Sands Resort, Mandurah.
Stopped at Capel
Stopped in Bunbury to checkout the lighthouse and lookout. Look for parking to check out city, but all metered, so give up and head out of town to Mandurah.
Silver Sands Resort was a step down from the Dunsborough Resort. Not as fancy, aged and amenities lacking. Went from 5 star to 3 star. But at least I can still walk to the beach.
Check in and move stuff from car. Very secure. Locked gates for entry to units, then units also have gate as well, but not lockable, then screen door and door. They must have a lot of thefts.
Make ourselves at home then check out resort - outdoor pool, indoor pool, adult lounge - but we don't make use of these facilities during our stay.
Walk down to beach to check out sunset.
Check in and move stuff from car. Very secure. Locked gates for entry to units, then units also have gate as well, but not lockable, then screen door and door. They must have a lot of thefts.
Make ourselves at home then check out resort - outdoor pool, indoor pool, adult lounge - but we don't make use of these facilities during our stay.
Walk down to beach to check out sunset.
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Thu 23 March: Busselton Jetty
23 March Busselton Jetty and Underwater Observatory
Overcast day with frequent showers
After breakfast we drive to Busselton. Check out Jetty from a side park, before driving closer.
It is raining on and off. Do we go or not. Since we've come all this way, why not. So I buy tickets for all of us to take the train out to the Underwater Observatory at the end of the pier.
It's a pretty long train ride 1.7km and it starts to shower while we're on the train, but stops as we pull up to the end.
Join a tour of the Underwater Observatory. The guide takes us down through the various levels, six flights of ten stairs. We descend 8m down beneath the water's surface and view the amazing corals and fish life of Geographe Bay. After the tour we are free to take photos and explore the end of the jetty.
Just as we are waiting to boarded the train back, another cloud of rain passes over, so we take refuge in the souvenir shop above the observatory.
The rain subsides in time for us to board the train back. Janet and I take a short walk out on the Jetty. Then we look for somewhere to eat. The cafe near the jetty looks too expensive. As usual Mark say's he isn't hungry. Take more photos of the jetty from the beach.
Drive into town and check out the local shops instead. Park in Coles carpark and eat our corn, before walking through the shopping centre and back out onto the street. I look in Hoolee Dooleez, like a $2 craft shop, they have lots of craft stuff - I buy "Frozen" happy birthday banner, tablecloth and tiaras. They also have goggly eyes - so I buy a coupe of packs.
Walk some more shops and up and down the streets, before we head back to the car. Pass a bakery, Kent Street bakery, so we end up buying pies and pasties.
I drive to a parking spot overlooking the bay and we sit in the car and eat our pies.
We then head back to the resort and prep for dinner.
Overcast day with frequent showers
After breakfast we drive to Busselton. Check out Jetty from a side park, before driving closer.
It is raining on and off. Do we go or not. Since we've come all this way, why not. So I buy tickets for all of us to take the train out to the Underwater Observatory at the end of the pier.
It's a pretty long train ride 1.7km and it starts to shower while we're on the train, but stops as we pull up to the end.
Join a tour of the Underwater Observatory. The guide takes us down through the various levels, six flights of ten stairs. We descend 8m down beneath the water's surface and view the amazing corals and fish life of Geographe Bay. After the tour we are free to take photos and explore the end of the jetty.
Just as we are waiting to boarded the train back, another cloud of rain passes over, so we take refuge in the souvenir shop above the observatory.
The rain subsides in time for us to board the train back. Janet and I take a short walk out on the Jetty. Then we look for somewhere to eat. The cafe near the jetty looks too expensive. As usual Mark say's he isn't hungry. Take more photos of the jetty from the beach.
Drive into town and check out the local shops instead. Park in Coles carpark and eat our corn, before walking through the shopping centre and back out onto the street. I look in Hoolee Dooleez, like a $2 craft shop, they have lots of craft stuff - I buy "Frozen" happy birthday banner, tablecloth and tiaras. They also have goggly eyes - so I buy a coupe of packs.
Walk some more shops and up and down the streets, before we head back to the car. Pass a bakery, Kent Street bakery, so we end up buying pies and pasties.
I drive to a parking spot overlooking the bay and we sit in the car and eat our pies.
We then head back to the resort and prep for dinner.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Wed 22 March: Margaret River
22nd March: Margaret River and Cowaramup (Cowtown)
9am breakfast - cereal and 1 boiled egg with lettuce, avocado and ham.
11am meeting with Wyndham consultants - selling concept - Mark and Lily have their own consultant. Janet has her own and I have one too. They are all trying to sell us the Wyndham concept of time share, but we have too much already and we're on a good thing. So after an hour, we receive out $100 vouchers which we can use to spend at the resort.
12:30pm have a bit of something to eat, before we head out.
1pm head to Margaret River.
1:30pm Along the way we stop for some cheese tasting at the Margaret River Dairy Company. Janet buys a block of cheese.
2pm Get to Margaret River. I park in a parking lot off the main street. Walk main street of Margaret River, up one end and back down the other. Doesn't look like there are many places to eat. walk into a nick nack shop - so many odd and ends - houseware - decor - you name it they got it.
Janet buys some woollen slippers, ends up buying like 3 pairs.
Still looking for somewhere to eat. Not many options, and we finally settle for Subway at 3:11pm Margaret River - Janet and I share a meatball sub, and I think Mark and Lily do the same.
After the sub, we check out the information centre and use their toilets.
4pm Not much else in the area, so we drive to the Margaret River Mouth. Past Surfer's Point - where it looks like they are preparing for a surfing carnival on the weekend. Park in the car park and check it out. Not much to see - beach and it looks like the river doesn't meet the sea - sand is blocking the flow and the river is pretty much dried up.
On the way back we drive through Cow town or Coawaramup. Statues of cows line the streets and they had a golden cow balancing high up in the park before the main street. Park and take photos.
5:30pm Stop off at Coles in Dunsborough, to do some shopping.
6pm back at the resort. Make a reservation at Toby's restaurant to use up our $100 vouchers, we have $300 to spend.
6:30pm Dinner at Toby's restaurant. Lily and I order the Grill T-Bone steak with garlic prawns and Mark and Janet order the Fish. Mark also orders a dozen oysters. So much food, I can't finish the mashed potato.
The bill comes to $216.50 and Janet gives and extra $5 tips
So full. head back to our room holding our bellies.
9am breakfast - cereal and 1 boiled egg with lettuce, avocado and ham.
11am meeting with Wyndham consultants - selling concept - Mark and Lily have their own consultant. Janet has her own and I have one too. They are all trying to sell us the Wyndham concept of time share, but we have too much already and we're on a good thing. So after an hour, we receive out $100 vouchers which we can use to spend at the resort.
12:30pm have a bit of something to eat, before we head out.
1pm head to Margaret River.
1:30pm Along the way we stop for some cheese tasting at the Margaret River Dairy Company. Janet buys a block of cheese.
2pm Get to Margaret River. I park in a parking lot off the main street. Walk main street of Margaret River, up one end and back down the other. Doesn't look like there are many places to eat. walk into a nick nack shop - so many odd and ends - houseware - decor - you name it they got it.
Janet buys some woollen slippers, ends up buying like 3 pairs.
Still looking for somewhere to eat. Not many options, and we finally settle for Subway at 3:11pm Margaret River - Janet and I share a meatball sub, and I think Mark and Lily do the same.
After the sub, we check out the information centre and use their toilets.
4pm Not much else in the area, so we drive to the Margaret River Mouth. Past Surfer's Point - where it looks like they are preparing for a surfing carnival on the weekend. Park in the car park and check it out. Not much to see - beach and it looks like the river doesn't meet the sea - sand is blocking the flow and the river is pretty much dried up.
On the way back we drive through Cow town or Coawaramup. Statues of cows line the streets and they had a golden cow balancing high up in the park before the main street. Park and take photos.
5:30pm Stop off at Coles in Dunsborough, to do some shopping.
6pm back at the resort. Make a reservation at Toby's restaurant to use up our $100 vouchers, we have $300 to spend.
6:30pm Dinner at Toby's restaurant. Lily and I order the Grill T-Bone steak with garlic prawns and Mark and Janet order the Fish. Mark also orders a dozen oysters. So much food, I can't finish the mashed potato.
The bill comes to $216.50 and Janet gives and extra $5 tips
So full. head back to our room holding our bellies.
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Tue 21 March: Augusta
21st March: Yallingup Maze, Providore, Margaret River Chocolate Factory, Bettenay's Nougat, Vasse Felix, Gracetown Beach, Augusta, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Breakfast at 9:25am - Fried egg, pork sausage, spaghetti, onion, tomato, avocado and lettuce.
Head to Augusta. On the way we stop off at the Yallingup maze. It looks just like the one in New Zealand that we went into. I buy 2 crystal puzzles at $16 each.
Next stop 11:05am we pull into the Pukara Estate where they have oil tasting. But we don't buy anything.
At 11:18am we stop at Providore. Check out their gardens before heading into the shop. Lots of stuff to taste. I end up buying sweet chilli sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, and 3 packs of herbs and spices for cooking - get the recipe sheets that go with them as well.
11:57am we stop off at the Margaret River Chocolate Company. Free tasting of choc buds. I buy chocolate bars to distribute to people at work.
12:52pm stop at Bettenays Nougat. Janet buys several different bars. Definitely a lot cheaper here than anywhere else.
Then we stop at Vasse Felix. Check out the winery but looks too posh for Lily and Mark, so we don't have lunch here.
End up driving to Gracetown Beach where we stop for lunch at 1:37pm. Have our cheese and bacon rolls, Corn, carrot and cucumber which we packed.
Then it's back on our way to Augusta. which we reach at 2:40pm
Drive down to the Town Jetty at 2:47pm. As we're parked there, we notice an asian lady fishing on one of the jetties. She's just putting her line in and reeling the fish in. Lily and Mark go down to take photos and end up walking up to her to check her out. Scares her off and she stops fishing.
Drive to the boat ramp and harbour, which looks very new. very windy. Drive along the coast, very smelly. Stop at the Landing Place memorial to take photo, then on to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse which we get to at around 4pm.
Very, very windy at the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. $8 entry, but we just take photos outside. Doesn't seem like much and we've been up a lighthouse already. We check out the museum/shop, take photos and then head back to the car. Eat an apple. Then back on the road.
Get to Margaret River at 4:45pm. Raining so we don't stop. Drive through Cowararup. Lots of cow statues. Good for photos but it's still raining, so we continue driving.
5:17pm and we're back at the resort.
6:08pm Dinner - pork ribs with scrambled crab and egg and brocolli
Breakfast at 9:25am - Fried egg, pork sausage, spaghetti, onion, tomato, avocado and lettuce.
Head to Augusta. On the way we stop off at the Yallingup maze. It looks just like the one in New Zealand that we went into. I buy 2 crystal puzzles at $16 each.
Next stop 11:05am we pull into the Pukara Estate where they have oil tasting. But we don't buy anything.
At 11:18am we stop at Providore. Check out their gardens before heading into the shop. Lots of stuff to taste. I end up buying sweet chilli sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, and 3 packs of herbs and spices for cooking - get the recipe sheets that go with them as well.
11:57am we stop off at the Margaret River Chocolate Company. Free tasting of choc buds. I buy chocolate bars to distribute to people at work.
12:52pm stop at Bettenays Nougat. Janet buys several different bars. Definitely a lot cheaper here than anywhere else.
Then we stop at Vasse Felix. Check out the winery but looks too posh for Lily and Mark, so we don't have lunch here.
End up driving to Gracetown Beach where we stop for lunch at 1:37pm. Have our cheese and bacon rolls, Corn, carrot and cucumber which we packed.
Then it's back on our way to Augusta. which we reach at 2:40pm
Drive down to the Town Jetty at 2:47pm. As we're parked there, we notice an asian lady fishing on one of the jetties. She's just putting her line in and reeling the fish in. Lily and Mark go down to take photos and end up walking up to her to check her out. Scares her off and she stops fishing.
Drive to the boat ramp and harbour, which looks very new. very windy. Drive along the coast, very smelly. Stop at the Landing Place memorial to take photo, then on to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse which we get to at around 4pm.
Very, very windy at the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. $8 entry, but we just take photos outside. Doesn't seem like much and we've been up a lighthouse already. We check out the museum/shop, take photos and then head back to the car. Eat an apple. Then back on the road.
Get to Margaret River at 4:45pm. Raining so we don't stop. Drive through Cowararup. Lots of cow statues. Good for photos but it's still raining, so we continue driving.
5:17pm and we're back at the resort.
6:08pm Dinner - pork ribs with scrambled crab and egg and brocolli
Monday, March 20, 2017
Mon 20 March: Ngili Cave, Canal Rocks
20th March - Ngilgi Cave, Torpedo Rocks, Slippery Rocks, Yallingup, Canal Rocks, Shearing Shed, Dunsborough
7:41am It's a nice day today. Walk down to the beach.
8:40am Breakfast - bowl of cereal with blueberries and milk. Cruskit with ham, lettuce and 2 boiled eggs.
Drive to Ngilgi Cave and Janet gets us our entry tickets for 10:30am tour of the cave.
Ngilgi Cave is located in the Geographe Bay and Margaret River Region just off Caves Road, a short distance north of Yallingup. Discovered in 1899, Ngilgi Cave (formerly known as Yallingup Cave) is home to stunning stalactite, stalagmite, helicitite and shawl formations.
The fascinating association with a rich Aboriginal legend describing the battle between a good spirit (Ngilgi) and an evil spirit (Wolgine) gives Ngilgi Cave its name.
We meet our guide at the designated spot and she takes us to the entrance of the cave, which is below the path that we take. The entrance is gated and locks behind, so that you need a key to go in, but can go out anytime.
We head down and she explains the different areas and what we can and cannot do, like no touching. There are several passageways and chambers, but there is only one way in and out.
In one chamber you can pretend to be a singer and hear the acoustics or you can lie on the floor and look up at the ceiling and see the caves from a different point of view.
They have a section for kids - crawling in the dark and ending with a slippery slide. I venture in and end up having to scoot through it on my bum - knees won't take it if I crawl.
Then we are given free reign to explore the other sections of the cave and take photos.
By the time we have explored the cave, it is 12:15pm. We head to the souvenir shop. I buy a wooden Australian souvenir and postcard to send back to work.
Then we check out Torpedo Rocks 12:56pm and Slippery Rocks 1:11pm, before stopping at Yallingup for lunch in a park by the beach. More corn, fruit and cucumber and carrots.
At 2:18pm we check out Canal Rocks.Thousands of years of the Indian Ocean surging and crashing against this section of granite coastline has chiselled out a narrow channel between the granite rocks. A narrow timber walkway allows for easy access and great views of the rushing ocean beneath. It is always impressive no matter what the weather, but breathtaking when the big storms and swells roll in. The timber pathway meanders around and across the rocks, taking in grand seascapes with swirling water to little pools and lagoons where you can look for marine creatures like cheeky crabs to brightly coloured starfish. For something more challenging there are areas to climb over rocks, which we see people doing, but I'm not a mountain goat, I'd be more likely to break a leg,
3pm we stop at the Shearing Shed - Janet wants to see if they have any nice wool, but Lily ends up buying a bright pink woollen poncho top.
4pm again we stop at Coles in Dunsborough.
4:46pm back to the resort. Have a snack of ham with lettuce and boiled egg.
6pm go for a walk down to the beach to catch the sunset.
6:45pm Dinner - Roast pork with gai lan and chicken. Apple. Watch MKR.
Janet spends her time taking meat out of the crabs.
7:41am It's a nice day today. Walk down to the beach.
8:40am Breakfast - bowl of cereal with blueberries and milk. Cruskit with ham, lettuce and 2 boiled eggs.
Drive to Ngilgi Cave and Janet gets us our entry tickets for 10:30am tour of the cave.
Ngilgi Cave is located in the Geographe Bay and Margaret River Region just off Caves Road, a short distance north of Yallingup. Discovered in 1899, Ngilgi Cave (formerly known as Yallingup Cave) is home to stunning stalactite, stalagmite, helicitite and shawl formations.
The fascinating association with a rich Aboriginal legend describing the battle between a good spirit (Ngilgi) and an evil spirit (Wolgine) gives Ngilgi Cave its name.
We meet our guide at the designated spot and she takes us to the entrance of the cave, which is below the path that we take. The entrance is gated and locks behind, so that you need a key to go in, but can go out anytime.
We head down and she explains the different areas and what we can and cannot do, like no touching. There are several passageways and chambers, but there is only one way in and out.
In one chamber you can pretend to be a singer and hear the acoustics or you can lie on the floor and look up at the ceiling and see the caves from a different point of view.
They have a section for kids - crawling in the dark and ending with a slippery slide. I venture in and end up having to scoot through it on my bum - knees won't take it if I crawl.
Then we are given free reign to explore the other sections of the cave and take photos.
By the time we have explored the cave, it is 12:15pm. We head to the souvenir shop. I buy a wooden Australian souvenir and postcard to send back to work.
Then we check out Torpedo Rocks 12:56pm and Slippery Rocks 1:11pm, before stopping at Yallingup for lunch in a park by the beach. More corn, fruit and cucumber and carrots.
At 2:18pm we check out Canal Rocks.Thousands of years of the Indian Ocean surging and crashing against this section of granite coastline has chiselled out a narrow channel between the granite rocks. A narrow timber walkway allows for easy access and great views of the rushing ocean beneath. It is always impressive no matter what the weather, but breathtaking when the big storms and swells roll in. The timber pathway meanders around and across the rocks, taking in grand seascapes with swirling water to little pools and lagoons where you can look for marine creatures like cheeky crabs to brightly coloured starfish. For something more challenging there are areas to climb over rocks, which we see people doing, but I'm not a mountain goat, I'd be more likely to break a leg,
3pm we stop at the Shearing Shed - Janet wants to see if they have any nice wool, but Lily ends up buying a bright pink woollen poncho top.
4pm again we stop at Coles in Dunsborough.
4:46pm back to the resort. Have a snack of ham with lettuce and boiled egg.
6pm go for a walk down to the beach to catch the sunset.
6:45pm Dinner - Roast pork with gai lan and chicken. Apple. Watch MKR.
Janet spends her time taking meat out of the crabs.
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Sun 19 March: Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
19 March Sunday - Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
8am walk on the beach. Had a mini hot cross bun on the way. Lots of little pippees.
Breakfast 9:51am. Fried egg. Pork sausage. Fried tomato. Lettuce. Avocado. Spaghetti.
Wait for Mark to finish breakfast before we head out.
11:25am drive to Dunsborough town centre. Visit beachside.
Walk around town. In the information centre, JT buys tix to lighthouse and caves (Above and Below). $30 per person. Walk streets and shops.
Shop in IGA, Janet buys a pork roast.
Buy pies from Tas bakery $16.90 chicken (MT), steak and veggie (JT) and steak and mushroom (LC) and sit and eat our pies.
Fill up petrol at Shell station. Mark pays.
Drive back to resort to drop off pork roast.
2pm drive to Cape Naturaliste lighthouse which is only 13kms from Dunsborough.
2.30pm exchange receipt for tix to lighthouse tour @ 3pm
Tour guide takes us into lighthouse and up to top balcony for breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, Cape Naturaliste, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and he beautiful Geographe Bay coastline.
Built from limestone quarried from nearby Bunker Bay, at it's highest point the lighthouse is 123 metres above sea level.
The friendly tour guide provides a fascinating insight into the functions of the working lighthouse, history of the area and stories of by gone days.
This is a good place to watch migrating whales - but March is not the time.
After lighthouse we drive to Sugarloaf Rock. Still too early and sun is directly over head.
Then stop by Meelup Beach
Before heading home at 5.30pm
Head down to beach. Walk along beach
Sunset on beach at 6.30
Head back at 6.45pm to make dinner
Dinner at 7:40pm 3min noodles, lettuce with prawn gyozas and left over roast chicken
8am walk on the beach. Had a mini hot cross bun on the way. Lots of little pippees.
Breakfast 9:51am. Fried egg. Pork sausage. Fried tomato. Lettuce. Avocado. Spaghetti.
Wait for Mark to finish breakfast before we head out.
11:25am drive to Dunsborough town centre. Visit beachside.
Walk around town. In the information centre, JT buys tix to lighthouse and caves (Above and Below). $30 per person. Walk streets and shops.
Shop in IGA, Janet buys a pork roast.
Buy pies from Tas bakery $16.90 chicken (MT), steak and veggie (JT) and steak and mushroom (LC) and sit and eat our pies.
Fill up petrol at Shell station. Mark pays.
Drive back to resort to drop off pork roast.
2pm drive to Cape Naturaliste lighthouse which is only 13kms from Dunsborough.
2.30pm exchange receipt for tix to lighthouse tour @ 3pm
Tour guide takes us into lighthouse and up to top balcony for breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, Cape Naturaliste, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and he beautiful Geographe Bay coastline.
Built from limestone quarried from nearby Bunker Bay, at it's highest point the lighthouse is 123 metres above sea level.
The friendly tour guide provides a fascinating insight into the functions of the working lighthouse, history of the area and stories of by gone days.
This is a good place to watch migrating whales - but March is not the time.
After lighthouse we drive to Sugarloaf Rock. Still too early and sun is directly over head.
Then stop by Meelup Beach
Before heading home at 5.30pm
Head down to beach. Walk along beach
Sunset on beach at 6.30
Head back at 6.45pm to make dinner
Dinner at 7:40pm 3min noodles, lettuce with prawn gyozas and left over roast chicken
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Sat 18 March - Mandurah Crab Festival
18 March Saturday - Mandurah Crab Festival
Breakfast of Sultana and berry with crisp cereal and bran with milk
10:15am leave for Mandurah. Mandurah Crab Fest is the largest free community event in WA. Fresh food, live music, performances, cooking demos & aquatic entertainment.
Arrive 12:15pm park in a 2hr spot in the side streets and we go for walk.
After 1hr I head back to car to try and find another spot. Eventually after driving around I get a spot in all day parking.
Walk and check out the stalls.
Having snack no crab - curry puff $6 and satay $10 stick 1.53pm
Crab sliders $15 and
Hot chips $5 at 2:55pm
JT buys crabs
Check out food stalls most selling paella style with crabs but we don't buy any.
3.30pm watch waterski show in the bay. Looks deceiving - water is so shallow,
Left Mandurah 4:30pm drive to Busselton Coles 6pm to buy more groceries.
7:30pm back at resort
Have a plum x 2
Dinner was crab, roast chicken, carrots and lettuce
Breakfast of Sultana and berry with crisp cereal and bran with milk
10:15am leave for Mandurah. Mandurah Crab Fest is the largest free community event in WA. Fresh food, live music, performances, cooking demos & aquatic entertainment.
Arrive 12:15pm park in a 2hr spot in the side streets and we go for walk.
After 1hr I head back to car to try and find another spot. Eventually after driving around I get a spot in all day parking.
Walk and check out the stalls.
Having snack no crab - curry puff $6 and satay $10 stick 1.53pm
Crab sliders $15 and
Hot chips $5 at 2:55pm
JT buys crabs
Check out food stalls most selling paella style with crabs but we don't buy any.
3.30pm watch waterski show in the bay. Looks deceiving - water is so shallow,
Left Mandurah 4:30pm drive to Busselton Coles 6pm to buy more groceries.
7:30pm back at resort
Have a plum x 2
Dinner was crab, roast chicken, carrots and lettuce
Friday, March 17, 2017
Fri 17 March - Flight ot Perth
17 March Friday - Flight to Perth
Left home just after 7am. Daz drove us to airport. Got there after check in had closed. Went to service desk. Baggage drop closed. Could not check in. So sent us to sales area. The lady said she could get 2 on the plane and 1 would have to pay extra fee on next plane with luggage. So JT volunteered to stay behind as it's her fault we are late and she gets the 10.30am next flight. Lily and I got our boarding passes. Queued through security.
Got to gates as they were announcing final call. Problems with our boarding passes - mix up?? but eventually allowed through to board the plane.
8.30am on the plane. Sat on Tarmac for 20mins before we could take off.
Watched Suicide Squad on iPad entertainment unit and a bit of storks before the battery died. Charging unit not working.
Had scrambled eggs with over heated pork sausages and beans. Eggs not nice. For snack had muffin.
Met up with Mark. Pick up car at Thrifty. Walk to car all the way at end of rentals to check it out and put Mark's luggage in the boot.
Having lunch (salt and pepper squid salad and a fish and chips with salad) at Dome waiting for JT to arrive.
JT arrives just as we finish eating 12.30pm
After fitting all our luggage in the car, had to use the back seat as well. Janet rides shotgun and Mark and Lily are in the back like kids separated with a bag in the middle.
Stopped at Aldi for shopping 3.30pm at Australind.
Checked in to Wyndham 5.30pm. Given free bottles of wine and an appointment is made for us to listen to their resort sales on Wyndham points.
Our Room is 2202. An upstairs room with 2 bedrooms, kitchen, lounge, 1 bathroom with tub and shower and separate toilet. Laundry is in the hall as you enter behind cupboard doors.
5.48pm having a hot cross bun after having ham with lettuce and a glass of orange juice
Janet prepares pasta with broccoli for dinner.
Too late to explore outside.
Left home just after 7am. Daz drove us to airport. Got there after check in had closed. Went to service desk. Baggage drop closed. Could not check in. So sent us to sales area. The lady said she could get 2 on the plane and 1 would have to pay extra fee on next plane with luggage. So JT volunteered to stay behind as it's her fault we are late and she gets the 10.30am next flight. Lily and I got our boarding passes. Queued through security.
Got to gates as they were announcing final call. Problems with our boarding passes - mix up?? but eventually allowed through to board the plane.
8.30am on the plane. Sat on Tarmac for 20mins before we could take off.
Watched Suicide Squad on iPad entertainment unit and a bit of storks before the battery died. Charging unit not working.
Had scrambled eggs with over heated pork sausages and beans. Eggs not nice. For snack had muffin.
Met up with Mark. Pick up car at Thrifty. Walk to car all the way at end of rentals to check it out and put Mark's luggage in the boot.
Having lunch (salt and pepper squid salad and a fish and chips with salad) at Dome waiting for JT to arrive.
JT arrives just as we finish eating 12.30pm
After fitting all our luggage in the car, had to use the back seat as well. Janet rides shotgun and Mark and Lily are in the back like kids separated with a bag in the middle.
Stopped at Aldi for shopping 3.30pm at Australind.
Checked in to Wyndham 5.30pm. Given free bottles of wine and an appointment is made for us to listen to their resort sales on Wyndham points.
Our Room is 2202. An upstairs room with 2 bedrooms, kitchen, lounge, 1 bathroom with tub and shower and separate toilet. Laundry is in the hall as you enter behind cupboard doors.
5.48pm having a hot cross bun after having ham with lettuce and a glass of orange juice
Janet prepares pasta with broccoli for dinner.
Too late to explore outside.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
My 51st Birthday
Sat 4th March
Celebrated my birthday with family at home this year.
On the 7th I had a Stampin' Up! workshop at Maria's - she baked a cake - 2 cakes, 1 didn't turn out.
Maria gave me a shoulder bag
Sue gave me a cosmetic bag (using it as a pencil case) which she filled with handmade soaps
Received the following for my birthday:
Aldi single sheet set from LC
Bracelet from Bindy
Red packet from U. David
Panda jigsaw from Ken and Angel
Celebrated my birthday with family at home this year.
On the 7th I had a Stampin' Up! workshop at Maria's - she baked a cake - 2 cakes, 1 didn't turn out.
Maria gave me a shoulder bag
Sue gave me a cosmetic bag (using it as a pencil case) which she filled with handmade soaps
Received the following for my birthday:
Aldi single sheet set from LC
Bracelet from Bindy
Red packet from U. David
Panda jigsaw from Ken and Angel
Friday, February 24, 2017
Wooden shelf DIY
I'm currently in the process of making a little wooden shelf for our bathroom.
In the recent Council cleanup, I saw some wooden slats which someone had thrown out. Evan was kind enough to collect them after a game of tennis (needed the car).
So I picked out 10 slats and I drew up my plan.
So far it's coming along nicely, although lining up the wooden dowel joints has not gone to plan on some of my pieces. But I think I'm getting there.
Once put together, I will varnish and hopefully put it to use.
Finally got around to varnishing it on the Anzac long weekend (I took a flex day to make it an extra long weekend)
I think it looks great.
In the recent Council cleanup, I saw some wooden slats which someone had thrown out. Evan was kind enough to collect them after a game of tennis (needed the car).
So I picked out 10 slats and I drew up my plan.
So far it's coming along nicely, although lining up the wooden dowel joints has not gone to plan on some of my pieces. But I think I'm getting there.
Once put together, I will varnish and hopefully put it to use.
Finally got around to varnishing it on the Anzac long weekend (I took a flex day to make it an extra long weekend)
I think it looks great.
Growth on my face
Since mid December I have had a sore (lesion) on my face, which would neither heal or go away. I think it started as a pimple, maybe a sebaceous cyst - but having picked at it, it got infected and just looked like a mole or skin tag which would not go way.
After numerous comments from friends and family, I went to Dr Brinda Wienman to get it checked out on 31/1/2017 - she got me to apply Bactroban ointment (was suppose to be cream, but chemist didn't have cream) and take antibiotics (chemist supplied Doxycycline Sandoz) for 1 week before going back to see her.
After a week it was still on my face. Went back to see Dr Brinda on 09/02/2017. She said it looked better, but I didn't think so. So she gave me a referral to go see Dr Geoffrey Lyons - a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Suite 20, Level 3, 12 Railway Parade, Burwood 9745 3625. Could have got Dr Darryl to cut it out - would have been cheaper, but not sure about scarring.
So I made an appointment for 20/02/2017. After inspecting the lesion, his diagnosis was, it wouldn't require stitches - he would razor cut the offending sore from my face - apply a dressing and hopefully, the wound would heal without a scar. He could also do it straight away. So after signing off on the costs $520 all up ($200 consult fee and I would get around $100 back from health insurance), I was prepped with local anaesthetic and the cut the thing off my face. Dressing was applied by the nurse, who checked if it would need to be replaced, if there was too much bleeding, but all was good. Paid the fee and told to call back on Monday to find out results of biopsy (offending lesion sent off to pathology - which would also cost).
At least I no longer have a bump on my face and it looks like it's healing nicely. Just have to apply vaseline to it.
After numerous comments from friends and family, I went to Dr Brinda Wienman to get it checked out on 31/1/2017 - she got me to apply Bactroban ointment (was suppose to be cream, but chemist didn't have cream) and take antibiotics (chemist supplied Doxycycline Sandoz) for 1 week before going back to see her.
After a week it was still on my face. Went back to see Dr Brinda on 09/02/2017. She said it looked better, but I didn't think so. So she gave me a referral to go see Dr Geoffrey Lyons - a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Suite 20, Level 3, 12 Railway Parade, Burwood 9745 3625. Could have got Dr Darryl to cut it out - would have been cheaper, but not sure about scarring.
So I made an appointment for 20/02/2017. After inspecting the lesion, his diagnosis was, it wouldn't require stitches - he would razor cut the offending sore from my face - apply a dressing and hopefully, the wound would heal without a scar. He could also do it straight away. So after signing off on the costs $520 all up ($200 consult fee and I would get around $100 back from health insurance), I was prepped with local anaesthetic and the cut the thing off my face. Dressing was applied by the nurse, who checked if it would need to be replaced, if there was too much bleeding, but all was good. Paid the fee and told to call back on Monday to find out results of biopsy (offending lesion sent off to pathology - which would also cost).
At least I no longer have a bump on my face and it looks like it's healing nicely. Just have to apply vaseline to it.
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Kaylene's 23rd Birthday
On Thursday 2 February the family went out for dinner at Maenam, Strathfield to celebrate Kaylene's Birthday
Then on Friday 3 February, Janet, Kaylene and I had lunch at Hiroba. Then we went out again to Mori Sushi - all you can eat for dinner.
And finally on Sunday 5 February, we had a birthday luncheon with noodles and lobster, dumplings, etc. I had made a Japanese cotton cheesecake - which miraculously turned out, considering I was baking at 11pm.
Then on Friday 3 February, Janet, Kaylene and I had lunch at Hiroba. Then we went out again to Mori Sushi - all you can eat for dinner.
And finally on Sunday 5 February, we had a birthday luncheon with noodles and lobster, dumplings, etc. I had made a Japanese cotton cheesecake - which miraculously turned out, considering I was baking at 11pm.
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Chinese New Year celebrations
On Saturday 28th January, we had dinner at the Seet's to celebrate the Chinese New Year - Year of the Rooster.
Bindy provided the ingredients for the "lo hei".
A.Cath went all out and made the traditional dishes.
I contributed by making egg custard tarts.
Then on Sunday 29th January, Soph's mum invited us over for lunch.
Lots and lots of lamb skewers, fried rice, stir fried noodles, bbq'd chicken wings. Janet made 2 ducks and Lily provided a fruit platter.
A. Cath and Angel provided desserts.
So much food.
Bindy provided the ingredients for the "lo hei".
A.Cath went all out and made the traditional dishes.
I contributed by making egg custard tarts.
Then on Sunday 29th January, Soph's mum invited us over for lunch.
Lots and lots of lamb skewers, fried rice, stir fried noodles, bbq'd chicken wings. Janet made 2 ducks and Lily provided a fruit platter.
A. Cath and Angel provided desserts.
So much food.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Chinese New Year Lanterns
On Friday 27/01/2017, Lily, Evan and I headed out to the city to check out the City of Sydney's Chinese New Year lanterns.
This year they had rotated the lanterns from last year, but added some new ones, like the rooster located at the Opera House, the snake at Circular Quay and the rats, at Custom House, otherwise the rest were the same as last year.
So we started with the large inflatable Monkeys in the park near MCA, made our way down to the mahjong Ox and the Tiger at the Sydney Overseas Passenger Terminal. At the end of the terminal was the carousel Horses. We stopped here around 7pm to see the lighting of the Opera House sails and the fireworks.
Then we continued around to Dawsons Point - passing the quilted Pig, to get to the group of tai chi Rabbits.
Then made our way back to the Sydney Opera House and the colourful Roosters. Spent a bit of time here.
Then heading back to the station, we passed the porcelain Goat, the colourful Dragon, the huge hanging snake.
Checked out the dancing rats before catching the train back home
This year they had rotated the lanterns from last year, but added some new ones, like the rooster located at the Opera House, the snake at Circular Quay and the rats, at Custom House, otherwise the rest were the same as last year.
So we started with the large inflatable Monkeys in the park near MCA, made our way down to the mahjong Ox and the Tiger at the Sydney Overseas Passenger Terminal. At the end of the terminal was the carousel Horses. We stopped here around 7pm to see the lighting of the Opera House sails and the fireworks.
Then we continued around to Dawsons Point - passing the quilted Pig, to get to the group of tai chi Rabbits.
Then made our way back to the Sydney Opera House and the colourful Roosters. Spent a bit of time here.
Then heading back to the station, we passed the porcelain Goat, the colourful Dragon, the huge hanging snake.
Checked out the dancing rats before catching the train back home
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Australia Day Live Concert
Thursday 26 January
We had all applied for free tickets online to the Australia Day Live concert at the Sydney Opera House and we had enough tickets with spares.
Headed out to the concert after having an early dinner at home. Caught the train out.
Mark, Lily, Kaylene, Janet, A. Cath, Evan and I.
By the time we got there the Opera House steps were already full with people, so we plonked ourselves down in the standing room section. Wasn't too bad when everyone was seated, but as soon as the concert started, people stood up, which meant everybody else had to stand up.
Lineup was Tina Arena, Dami Im, Guy Sebastian, Human Nature and a whole lot of other stars.
Weather was kind to us. Packed some pillows so I wouldn't have to sit on the hard ground.
Aussie and Aboriginal flags were handed out.
A good night of music and entertainment.
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Nathan's Birthday
Thursday 19 January
To celebrate Nathan's birthday, Mark organised dinner at Hurstville RSL, but just for immediate family and Mar Mar.
We all wondered why we had to go to Hurstville, when the Seeto's weren't invited, as we could have just gone someplace closer to home.
No cake as it was a week day and I hadn't organised to bake or make a cake.
To celebrate Nathan's birthday, Mark organised dinner at Hurstville RSL, but just for immediate family and Mar Mar.
We all wondered why we had to go to Hurstville, when the Seeto's weren't invited, as we could have just gone someplace closer to home.
No cake as it was a week day and I hadn't organised to bake or make a cake.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
APIA Sydney International Tennis
Now that Kaylene is back, she is back to volunteering for tennis, so we used her free passes to go check out the tennis.
On Sunday 08/01/2017, Lily, Evan and I went out to check out the free day. Kaylene was working in the morning as umbrella girl.
Lily bought us fish and chips, as well as gozleme. Didn't stay for the whole day.
Then on Wednesday 11/01/2017 - I took a flex day and we (Janet, Evan and A. Cath) used Kaylene's free passes to check out the ladies semis - so hot. How do the players do it - the ladies were playing in the midday sun for at least 3 hrs. We stayed in centre court and watched 2 full matches from 12-5pm.
Finally on Saturday 14/1/2017 - Kaylene and I went to watch the men's finals Evans vs Muller - 2 unknowns - for me that is - Muller won, although I had been barracking for Evans.
On Sunday 08/01/2017, Lily, Evan and I went out to check out the free day. Kaylene was working in the morning as umbrella girl.
Lily bought us fish and chips, as well as gozleme. Didn't stay for the whole day.
Then on Wednesday 11/01/2017 - I took a flex day and we (Janet, Evan and A. Cath) used Kaylene's free passes to check out the ladies semis - so hot. How do the players do it - the ladies were playing in the midday sun for at least 3 hrs. We stayed in centre court and watched 2 full matches from 12-5pm.
Finally on Saturday 14/1/2017 - Kaylene and I went to watch the men's finals Evans vs Muller - 2 unknowns - for me that is - Muller won, although I had been barracking for Evans.
Monday, January 2, 2017
Resurfacing Placemats DIY
Our placemats were getting tatty from being well used, so I made a plan to get them recovered over the holidays.
- Remove the original layers. Had to sand the varnish off and then peel the layers off.
- Prep them for the new cover
- Printed off black and white photos - collage from every year 2009 - 2016
- Cut them to size and stuck them on using PVA
- Then I sprayed them with can varnish.
- As I thought they would require a stronger finish, I got JT to buy a can of varnish
- Painted the placemats and they looked good.
This is where I went wrong - I decided to give them a second coat - and the varnish wrinkled and puckered - I probably didn't give it long enough to cure.
We are currently using them, but I will recover them when they go bad again.
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