Monday 31 December
I had a very low key new years eve this year. No party, no outing.
Justin and Sophia were in Venice.
Kaylene went out to party with friends.
Daz and Jen also partied with friends.
Nathan and Eva went out to watch the fireworks around Luna Park side.
The Seeto's stayed home (as in Evan and U. David)
We (Lily, Mark, Janet and I) stayed at home and watched the revellers on TV.
Lily and Janet ended up going to bed before the midnight fireworks. I watched it on the big TV with Mark.
We must be getting old :(
Happy New Year!!
Monday, December 31, 2018
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Boxing Day 2018
Wednesday 26 December 2018
Boxing Day lunch and dinner at our place.
Lily suggested and I invited the Seeto's (U.David, Evan; Bindy with Ange), the Li's (Mare and A. Joy), the Cheong's (Jacq, Richard, Oliver and Juliette), the Tham's (Casey, Shirley, Isabelle, Matty, A. Tracy and U. Jimmy) and Jenly.
Bring a plate and we also put on a spread.
I made fried wontons, prawn crackers, sushi and sashimi, thai beef salad and air fried chicken wings with honey garlic sauce. Lily made her curried eggs. We had sliced ham, cheese platter. Jacq brought mini quiche pastries, Jenly brought a salmon salad, the Tham's brought more cheese for the cheese platter, Ange brought a guacamole dip, Janet made a roast duck, I got Evan to bbq some satay chicken - lots of food.
Lots to eat.
Just sat around and talked - catch up on the gossip. Jenly got engaged...wowsers.
Mahjong table came out and Richard, Ange, Casey and Bindy played.
Jacq and Juliette helped Fiona complete a jigsaw puzzle.
The Thams and Jenly didn't stay for dinner, but the rest did. Both Janet and Evan made pork roasts - one in an air fryer and one in an oven and we had a lot of left overs from lunch.
Boxing Day lunch and dinner at our place.
Lily suggested and I invited the Seeto's (U.David, Evan; Bindy with Ange), the Li's (Mare and A. Joy), the Cheong's (Jacq, Richard, Oliver and Juliette), the Tham's (Casey, Shirley, Isabelle, Matty, A. Tracy and U. Jimmy) and Jenly.
Bring a plate and we also put on a spread.
I made fried wontons, prawn crackers, sushi and sashimi, thai beef salad and air fried chicken wings with honey garlic sauce. Lily made her curried eggs. We had sliced ham, cheese platter. Jacq brought mini quiche pastries, Jenly brought a salmon salad, the Tham's brought more cheese for the cheese platter, Ange brought a guacamole dip, Janet made a roast duck, I got Evan to bbq some satay chicken - lots of food.
Lots to eat.
Just sat around and talked - catch up on the gossip. Jenly got engaged...wowsers.
Mahjong table came out and Richard, Ange, Casey and Bindy played.
Jacq and Juliette helped Fiona complete a jigsaw puzzle.
The Thams and Jenly didn't stay for dinner, but the rest did. Both Janet and Evan made pork roasts - one in an air fryer and one in an oven and we had a lot of left overs from lunch.
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Christmas Day
Tuesday 25 December
This year, although Lyn had invited us to the Chan's family Christmas, we (Janet, Fiona and I) declined and spent it with the Seeto's.
I made sushi and sashimi for lunch and supplied mini pavlovas for dessert after dinner, forgot to bring the cream, so after lunch I drove home, which gave me a chance to continue prepping some food for Boxing Day, which we were hosting.
So for lunch we had, sushi, sashimi, air fried drumsticks, couscous, pumpkin, mushroom and eggplant salad, and skewered bbq prawns.
Janet caused some tension with Kengel - asked why Angel hadn't found a job yet.
So I fled and drove home to get the cream and prepped for an hour or two at home before heading back for dinner
For dinner, Kengel provided ribs, Bindy provided oysters, air fried takoyaki balls, silken egg tofu with seafood combination. Janet made a baked fish. For dessert we had my mini pavs, Angel's swiss roll, and Bindy's coconut jelly with mango puree.
n.b. A. Cath was still in U.S. with her relos.
This year, although Lyn had invited us to the Chan's family Christmas, we (Janet, Fiona and I) declined and spent it with the Seeto's.
I made sushi and sashimi for lunch and supplied mini pavlovas for dessert after dinner, forgot to bring the cream, so after lunch I drove home, which gave me a chance to continue prepping some food for Boxing Day, which we were hosting.
So for lunch we had, sushi, sashimi, air fried drumsticks, couscous, pumpkin, mushroom and eggplant salad, and skewered bbq prawns.
Janet caused some tension with Kengel - asked why Angel hadn't found a job yet.
So I fled and drove home to get the cream and prepped for an hour or two at home before heading back for dinner
For dinner, Kengel provided ribs, Bindy provided oysters, air fried takoyaki balls, silken egg tofu with seafood combination. Janet made a baked fish. For dessert we had my mini pavs, Angel's swiss roll, and Bindy's coconut jelly with mango puree.
n.b. A. Cath was still in U.S. with her relos.
Monday, December 24, 2018
Lights of Christmas
Monday 24 December
Evan and I ventured out to take photos of the Christmas lights at St Mary's.
The show itself is separated into three segments: a Christmas-inspired, kaleidoscopic feast of light and colour, a story written and narrated by actor and writer Simon Pryce (AKA the Red Wiggle), and finally a collection of artworks of the Madonna and Child.
This year, the animated Wiggle story was very entertaining.
They also had a heavily lit Christmas Bauble which you could walk into and have your photo taken but they charged $10 per photo.
The Christmas tree was moved to the back where the reflection pool is.
We stood and sat through several loops of the light show.
Evan and I ventured out to take photos of the Christmas lights at St Mary's.
The show itself is separated into three segments: a Christmas-inspired, kaleidoscopic feast of light and colour, a story written and narrated by actor and writer Simon Pryce (AKA the Red Wiggle), and finally a collection of artworks of the Madonna and Child.
This year, the animated Wiggle story was very entertaining.
They also had a heavily lit Christmas Bauble which you could walk into and have your photo taken but they charged $10 per photo.
The Christmas tree was moved to the back where the reflection pool is.
We stood and sat through several loops of the light show.
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Christmas Gift Wrapping
Saturday 22 December
Arranged to help "The Generous and the Grateful" gift wrap at Westfield Chatswood with Vanita and her friend.
Had to catch train to Wynyard and then bus it to Chatswood. No trains running to Chatswood that day.
Met her before 1pm for lunch at Sushi Kaido - shared a soft shell crab, special sashimi and had dishes from the conveyor belt. I paid for lunch.
The set up for gift wrapping was adhoc - only 1 table, not much space at all, and there were 4 of us, including a guy, who had no clue how to wrap - but was happy to volunteer his time - Vanita and I ended up having to teach him. I had put my foot in my mouth when I criticised his wrapping - but I am certain the person who asked for the gift to be wrapped would not have been happy.
But he was a big help, getting another table from the co-ordinator, Carmen, so that we weren't so cramped.
We ended up staying an extra hour as it got busy on the changeover.
After wrapping we went to have dinner at Spago, Chatswood - Italian place. By coincidence, Steve, Marisa, Tess and Connor were also having dinner there and they got seated next to us. Vanita paid for dinner. I had the lobster tagliolini and we shared a tiramisu. Something I ate did not agree with me - had to go toilet straight after I said my goodbyes to the Huyhns and Vanita. Found my way back to Westfield toilets, before catching the train out into the city to check out the Christmas lights at St Mary's on my own.
Watched the lights and managed to see some of the Carols by candlelight fireworks before heading home.
Arranged to help "The Generous and the Grateful" gift wrap at Westfield Chatswood with Vanita and her friend.
Had to catch train to Wynyard and then bus it to Chatswood. No trains running to Chatswood that day.
Met her before 1pm for lunch at Sushi Kaido - shared a soft shell crab, special sashimi and had dishes from the conveyor belt. I paid for lunch.
The set up for gift wrapping was adhoc - only 1 table, not much space at all, and there were 4 of us, including a guy, who had no clue how to wrap - but was happy to volunteer his time - Vanita and I ended up having to teach him. I had put my foot in my mouth when I criticised his wrapping - but I am certain the person who asked for the gift to be wrapped would not have been happy.
But he was a big help, getting another table from the co-ordinator, Carmen, so that we weren't so cramped.
We ended up staying an extra hour as it got busy on the changeover.
After wrapping we went to have dinner at Spago, Chatswood - Italian place. By coincidence, Steve, Marisa, Tess and Connor were also having dinner there and they got seated next to us. Vanita paid for dinner. I had the lobster tagliolini and we shared a tiramisu. Something I ate did not agree with me - had to go toilet straight after I said my goodbyes to the Huyhns and Vanita. Found my way back to Westfield toilets, before catching the train out into the city to check out the Christmas lights at St Mary's on my own.
Watched the lights and managed to see some of the Carols by candlelight fireworks before heading home.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
LTS Xmas Dinner 2018
Wednesday 19 December 2018
This year, our LTS Christmas dinner was held at Sud in Concord. It's an Italian, pizza, pasta place.
Unfortunately, Jenni Giles couldn't join us, but Pat O and Jenny B. did.
I had made the booking online, but when I arrived, apparently they didn't have a record of my booking. And it seems that Helen had arrived before me and was seated at another table, but I hadn't noticed, until the others arrived.
Shared the Fiori di zucca (lightly battered zucchini flowers filled with cheese served on broad bean puree, and ordered the gnocchi all'anatra (potato gnocchi with slow braised duck) was delish. Followed by dessert of Hazelnut gelati - and we got given 2 free tiramisus.
Rains came as we were dining.
Exchanged gifts.
When there was a break in the rain, we left.
This year, our LTS Christmas dinner was held at Sud in Concord. It's an Italian, pizza, pasta place.
Unfortunately, Jenni Giles couldn't join us, but Pat O and Jenny B. did.
I had made the booking online, but when I arrived, apparently they didn't have a record of my booking. And it seems that Helen had arrived before me and was seated at another table, but I hadn't noticed, until the others arrived.
Shared the Fiori di zucca (lightly battered zucchini flowers filled with cheese served on broad bean puree, and ordered the gnocchi all'anatra (potato gnocchi with slow braised duck) was delish. Followed by dessert of Hazelnut gelati - and we got given 2 free tiramisus.
Rains came as we were dining.
Exchanged gifts.
When there was a break in the rain, we left.
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Carol's surprise 70th birthday
Saturday 15 December 2018
I was invited to Carol Eylander's 70th birthday, organised by her daughter, Liz at the Sydney Rowers club, Abbotsford at 12.30pm.
So I had booked my hair appointment for that morning and it turned out well. Got my hair done and then rocked up to the club.
Gave Carol a pashmina and a pewter bracelet, bought in Dorrigo.
Was finally introduced to the rest of her family, but sat with the library people. Gaye and her husband, David. Maria and Chris, Sue and Bruce, Shobana, Chris Mancini and was joined later by Bich and Simona.
Ordered the scallops, but didn't think that would fill me up, so also ordered the salmon salad with soba noodles - $50 all up.
Liz organised the birthday cakes - cheesecakes - went for the chocolate one.
Was a nice day spent catching up with them all.
I was invited to Carol Eylander's 70th birthday, organised by her daughter, Liz at the Sydney Rowers club, Abbotsford at 12.30pm.
So I had booked my hair appointment for that morning and it turned out well. Got my hair done and then rocked up to the club.
Gave Carol a pashmina and a pewter bracelet, bought in Dorrigo.
Was finally introduced to the rest of her family, but sat with the library people. Gaye and her husband, David. Maria and Chris, Sue and Bruce, Shobana, Chris Mancini and was joined later by Bich and Simona.
Ordered the scallops, but didn't think that would fill me up, so also ordered the salmon salad with soba noodles - $50 all up.
Liz organised the birthday cakes - cheesecakes - went for the chocolate one.
Was a nice day spent catching up with them all.
Sunday, December 9, 2018
Sophia and Justin's Reception Day
Sunday 9 December 2018
Today was the big day. After days of wedding preparations, today was finally the day, everything would come together.
So early in the morning, Evan came over so we could load his car with stuff. We loaded the Tarago with stuff, we loaded Justin's car with stuff and we loaded Darren's car with stuff.
So I drove the Tarago with Lily, Evan drove the Rav, Justin drove his car with Soph, Darren drove his car with Jen and we all headed to the venue, the Chipping Norton Boatshed, off Homestead Ave, Angle Park, Chipping Norton.
When we got there, a car was parked in front of the gates, blocking our way to get in. So we all parked in the parking lot. We started carting stuff to the door, and found that the car belonged to a man that was going through the dumpster for used bottles/cans etc. So we asked him to move his car. He took his time and that did not sit well with me, so I honked my horn for him to hurry up, waiting for him to exit, so that we could go in. Apparently the gate was not locked, so Justin opened the gate and we drove in. Unloaded the cars one by one. Lots of up and down the stairs.
Soph's friends also arrived to help out. Lily started getting them to set up the tables and chairs.Evan got busy setting up his stuff. I got busy setting up the backdrops, curtains, lights, hoops and greenery. Justin set up the fairy lights overhead. Daz and Jen help set up the drinks, then the fairy lights on the balcony and stairwell and then the lanterns, but got fed up - was too hot and they left after that. Left it to Soph's friend to finish off hanging the lanterns.
Soph and bridesmaids then got ready - hair, make up.
I was still busy, working out where to put hooks, hang frames. Distribute the flowers, which soph's friends managed to put into the wrappers.
In the meantime, Janet was home with Bindy, Nathan and Eva - doing the floral arrangement for the main table.
Setting up the cake table, the signing table and the photo booth table. So much to do and so little time. No time at all to worry about the food. Hopefully Soph's mum has it all sorted.
Ken and Angel arrived with U.David and helped set up the cheeseboard and antipasto.
By then, guests started arriving and it was time to change into the formal gear.
Tick tock - left it to Daz to organize the outdoor arch and table and chairs. Had no idea who was doing what.
Then it was time for the ceremony to begin, so dropped everything and went out to see Justin and Sophia renew their marriage vows.
Trying to look for stuff in the kitchen was a nightmare. Boxes went missing, we couldn't find things.
You could say that everything after that was a blur. Janet and Bindy were left to do the air frying of the appetisers. The suckling pig was chopped up by Uncle Alan, and devoured just as quickly - don't think any of the family really got to eat it. Janet's roast ducks also disappeared.
The entrance of the bridal party was stuffed up with the announcements followed by the entrance, but no music. Only Darren managed to come in with the music.
I must say, the hall had been truly transformed.
I missed most of the speeches and the cake cutting. Think I was in the kitchen preparing the pav, which we could have done without.
We did have a lot of ice cream, pav and fruits left over. Lots of drinks. Soph's mum managed to dole out all her food. Ended up throwing out the pav and ice cream. Ended up throwing out a lot of food.
Anyway, lots of guests left early - school/work the next day. So we managed to pack up and clean the hall before the time given, although the security lady was there early overseeing things.
Got lots of help from the Chans - good or bad, not sure, but they managed to stuff everything into the cars - not in an orderly fashion, but it took about 6-7 cars (including Bindy's and Evan's). Lucky we have that many.
Got home and had to unpack the cars - so much to do. So tired.
And then the next day, which I took off as a flex day, was spent washing and drying up.
Today was the big day. After days of wedding preparations, today was finally the day, everything would come together.
So early in the morning, Evan came over so we could load his car with stuff. We loaded the Tarago with stuff, we loaded Justin's car with stuff and we loaded Darren's car with stuff.
So I drove the Tarago with Lily, Evan drove the Rav, Justin drove his car with Soph, Darren drove his car with Jen and we all headed to the venue, the Chipping Norton Boatshed, off Homestead Ave, Angle Park, Chipping Norton.
When we got there, a car was parked in front of the gates, blocking our way to get in. So we all parked in the parking lot. We started carting stuff to the door, and found that the car belonged to a man that was going through the dumpster for used bottles/cans etc. So we asked him to move his car. He took his time and that did not sit well with me, so I honked my horn for him to hurry up, waiting for him to exit, so that we could go in. Apparently the gate was not locked, so Justin opened the gate and we drove in. Unloaded the cars one by one. Lots of up and down the stairs.
Soph's friends also arrived to help out. Lily started getting them to set up the tables and chairs.Evan got busy setting up his stuff. I got busy setting up the backdrops, curtains, lights, hoops and greenery. Justin set up the fairy lights overhead. Daz and Jen help set up the drinks, then the fairy lights on the balcony and stairwell and then the lanterns, but got fed up - was too hot and they left after that. Left it to Soph's friend to finish off hanging the lanterns.
Soph and bridesmaids then got ready - hair, make up.
I was still busy, working out where to put hooks, hang frames. Distribute the flowers, which soph's friends managed to put into the wrappers.
In the meantime, Janet was home with Bindy, Nathan and Eva - doing the floral arrangement for the main table.
Setting up the cake table, the signing table and the photo booth table. So much to do and so little time. No time at all to worry about the food. Hopefully Soph's mum has it all sorted.
Ken and Angel arrived with U.David and helped set up the cheeseboard and antipasto.
By then, guests started arriving and it was time to change into the formal gear.
Tick tock - left it to Daz to organize the outdoor arch and table and chairs. Had no idea who was doing what.
Then it was time for the ceremony to begin, so dropped everything and went out to see Justin and Sophia renew their marriage vows.
Trying to look for stuff in the kitchen was a nightmare. Boxes went missing, we couldn't find things.
You could say that everything after that was a blur. Janet and Bindy were left to do the air frying of the appetisers. The suckling pig was chopped up by Uncle Alan, and devoured just as quickly - don't think any of the family really got to eat it. Janet's roast ducks also disappeared.
The entrance of the bridal party was stuffed up with the announcements followed by the entrance, but no music. Only Darren managed to come in with the music.
I must say, the hall had been truly transformed.
I missed most of the speeches and the cake cutting. Think I was in the kitchen preparing the pav, which we could have done without.
We did have a lot of ice cream, pav and fruits left over. Lots of drinks. Soph's mum managed to dole out all her food. Ended up throwing out the pav and ice cream. Ended up throwing out a lot of food.
Anyway, lots of guests left early - school/work the next day. So we managed to pack up and clean the hall before the time given, although the security lady was there early overseeing things.
Got lots of help from the Chans - good or bad, not sure, but they managed to stuff everything into the cars - not in an orderly fashion, but it took about 6-7 cars (including Bindy's and Evan's). Lucky we have that many.
Got home and had to unpack the cars - so much to do. So tired.
And then the next day, which I took off as a flex day, was spent washing and drying up.
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Fiona's Xmas Lunch
Sunday 2 December
We, Lily, Mark, Janet and I went to pick up U. David and Evan to go to Fiona's. Sophia and Justin would meet us there.
Lily made her curried eggs, Janet made Costco air fried spring rolls and I made spinach/ricotta and chicken/mushroom puffs.
The house provided roast chicken, buns, salad, coleslaw.
For dessert there was pavlova and fruit salad.
Present giving and then it was time to go.
We, Lily, Mark, Janet and I went to pick up U. David and Evan to go to Fiona's. Sophia and Justin would meet us there.
Lily made her curried eggs, Janet made Costco air fried spring rolls and I made spinach/ricotta and chicken/mushroom puffs.
The house provided roast chicken, buns, salad, coleslaw.
For dessert there was pavlova and fruit salad.
Present giving and then it was time to go.
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Light Up East Ryde
Sunday 25 November 2018
I arranged to borrow some tables from Casey for Justin and Sophia's wedding, and in return offered to help him out, manning his lego stall at the Light Up East Ryde festival.
I also managed to talk Evan into coming with me, so that he could fit the tables in the Rav.
The festival went from 3-8pm. But it was very small - a local community festival.
Poor Evan, he ended up looking after Matty and Izzie. There wasn't much for him to photograph.
Shirley treated us to the food as thanks for helping out.
Anyway, turns out after the festival, the tables we were taking were at the Tham's home, not the one's he had been using. So we ended up getting 4 tables, 2 big folding ones, 1 small folding one and 1 square one.
I arranged to borrow some tables from Casey for Justin and Sophia's wedding, and in return offered to help him out, manning his lego stall at the Light Up East Ryde festival.
I also managed to talk Evan into coming with me, so that he could fit the tables in the Rav.
The festival went from 3-8pm. But it was very small - a local community festival.
Poor Evan, he ended up looking after Matty and Izzie. There wasn't much for him to photograph.
Shirley treated us to the food as thanks for helping out.
Anyway, turns out after the festival, the tables we were taking were at the Tham's home, not the one's he had been using. So we ended up getting 4 tables, 2 big folding ones, 1 small folding one and 1 square one.
Saturday, November 24, 2018
Christmas in the City
Saturday 24 November 2018
Went out to the city to check out the Christmas lights and the lighting of the Martin Place Christmas tree.
This year they had mini stages set up along George Street with performers, singers and stalls.
Had dinner at Hiroba before heading out on the train.
Janet again bought the $5 Variety Christmas bags to give to Fiona's housemates.
Managed to see the lighting of the tree - although Martin Place was packed - so beautiful. Better than previous years.
Jacq and family was also out to see the lights, but it was hard meeting up, until we had just about finished, managed to catch up with them in Pitt Street Mall. Just as we were heading home.
Went out to the city to check out the Christmas lights and the lighting of the Martin Place Christmas tree.
This year they had mini stages set up along George Street with performers, singers and stalls.
Had dinner at Hiroba before heading out on the train.
Janet again bought the $5 Variety Christmas bags to give to Fiona's housemates.
Managed to see the lighting of the tree - although Martin Place was packed - so beautiful. Better than previous years.
Jacq and family was also out to see the lights, but it was hard meeting up, until we had just about finished, managed to catch up with them in Pitt Street Mall. Just as we were heading home.
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Sophia and Justin's Wedding Day
Sunday 18 November 2018
Today was the day Sophia and Justin get married in their little Russian Orthodox church.
We were told we had to be a Soph's mother's place by 9am. So once everyone was ready, we drove our 3 cars to Soph's place. Evan had already arrived earlier to take pics of bride.
Justin and his family was not allowed in the house. Soph was still getting ready. So they waited outside. Soph had decorated the front entrance with a balloon archway.
Inside the house, there was also decorations - flowers, and balloons. We had brought 3 large floral arrangements with us, as well as a box of fruit as offerings.
Soph's mum, aunt and uncle were busy prepping food. Apparently there tradition is to have a big breakfast before heading to the church.
Once Soph was ready, Justin had to ask permission to be invited into the house. Then he had to knock on her bedroom door and ask the bridesmaid permission for her hand. Once this was all done, they then performed blessings with the grandma and grandpa and then we could eat. So much food. She had made russian salad, fried rice, fried chicken, fried prawns, noodle salad, fried breads. Trying to eat and not mess up your finery was a bit hard, but we did it.
Then it was time to leave for the church at 11.15am
I would have driven by the church and not even known it, if Justin hadn't said the parking was across the road from it. Still didn't see it, until after I had parked. It was a very small church. They had just finished their mass and people were cleaning it up.
Most of us standing outside the church had no idea what was going on. They had already started the ceremony, but we couldn't get inside the church, because the bridal party was blocking the entrance. Eventually when the bridal party moved in a bit more, we could get inside. Looks like they had already been blessed and exchanged rings by the time we got in. Anyways - not much room to sit, so I was going in and out to take photos from different angles.
After the wedding, photos were taken outside the church, before we parted ways. We went home for lunch and snacks - Lily, Mark, Darren and Jen went to Costco to buy sandwiches, sushi.
Late afternoon, Soph's family came over, before we all headed out to the restaurant for dinner.
Informal reception at the Royal Treasure Seafood Restaurant at 5.30pm in Burwood. They had 4 tables booked with selected dishes by Soph and her family. A banquet, but not a wedding banquet.
10 courses - BBQ meats, abalone, corn crab soup, ginger and shallot mud crab with E-fu noodles, salty egg prawns, prok ribs in peking sauce with deep fried mango flavoured milk, steamed live barramundi, fillet steak cubes in honey and black pepper, royal steamed free-range chicken in homemade sauce (no one ate this one), vegie soup with mushrooms, jasmine rice and complimentary cookies and fruit (watermelon and oranges).
After dinner, Janet and I took Fiona back to her home.
Today was the day Sophia and Justin get married in their little Russian Orthodox church.
We were told we had to be a Soph's mother's place by 9am. So once everyone was ready, we drove our 3 cars to Soph's place. Evan had already arrived earlier to take pics of bride.
Justin and his family was not allowed in the house. Soph was still getting ready. So they waited outside. Soph had decorated the front entrance with a balloon archway.
Inside the house, there was also decorations - flowers, and balloons. We had brought 3 large floral arrangements with us, as well as a box of fruit as offerings.
Soph's mum, aunt and uncle were busy prepping food. Apparently there tradition is to have a big breakfast before heading to the church.
Once Soph was ready, Justin had to ask permission to be invited into the house. Then he had to knock on her bedroom door and ask the bridesmaid permission for her hand. Once this was all done, they then performed blessings with the grandma and grandpa and then we could eat. So much food. She had made russian salad, fried rice, fried chicken, fried prawns, noodle salad, fried breads. Trying to eat and not mess up your finery was a bit hard, but we did it.
Then it was time to leave for the church at 11.15am
I would have driven by the church and not even known it, if Justin hadn't said the parking was across the road from it. Still didn't see it, until after I had parked. It was a very small church. They had just finished their mass and people were cleaning it up.
Most of us standing outside the church had no idea what was going on. They had already started the ceremony, but we couldn't get inside the church, because the bridal party was blocking the entrance. Eventually when the bridal party moved in a bit more, we could get inside. Looks like they had already been blessed and exchanged rings by the time we got in. Anyways - not much room to sit, so I was going in and out to take photos from different angles.
After the wedding, photos were taken outside the church, before we parted ways. We went home for lunch and snacks - Lily, Mark, Darren and Jen went to Costco to buy sandwiches, sushi.
Late afternoon, Soph's family came over, before we all headed out to the restaurant for dinner.
Informal reception at the Royal Treasure Seafood Restaurant at 5.30pm in Burwood. They had 4 tables booked with selected dishes by Soph and her family. A banquet, but not a wedding banquet.
10 courses - BBQ meats, abalone, corn crab soup, ginger and shallot mud crab with E-fu noodles, salty egg prawns, prok ribs in peking sauce with deep fried mango flavoured milk, steamed live barramundi, fillet steak cubes in honey and black pepper, royal steamed free-range chicken in homemade sauce (no one ate this one), vegie soup with mushrooms, jasmine rice and complimentary cookies and fruit (watermelon and oranges).
After dinner, Janet and I took Fiona back to her home.
Friday, November 16, 2018
Coffs Harbour Day 8 - Friday 16 November 2018
Friday 16 November 2018 Drive back to Sydney
After breakfast of omelette with mushrooms, cucumber and tomatoes, we packed the car and checked out at 10am.
Stopped at Beresford to fill up at 7-Eleven and have late lunch at McDonalds at 4pm
Arrived back into Sydney at 5pm.
Had chicken wings and poke bowl - Daz had bought ingredients.
After breakfast of omelette with mushrooms, cucumber and tomatoes, we packed the car and checked out at 10am.
Stopped at Beresford to fill up at 7-Eleven and have late lunch at McDonalds at 4pm
Arrived back into Sydney at 5pm.
Had chicken wings and poke bowl - Daz had bought ingredients.
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Coffs Harbour Day 7 - Thursday 15 November 2018
Thursday 15 November
After breakfast of leftover chicken corn soup with leftover chicken wings, we drove out to town and parked at Coffs Central.
Checked out the growers market - same stalls as at the jetty.
I had arranged to meet up with Jenni and Ian (former work colleague and her husband) who were also in Coffs and had just arrived that day. So we killed time, walking the shops and around the block, until it was time to meet up at a local place for afternoon tea/coffee, or in my case an iced chocolate. Janet paid for our drinks. Sat and talked and caught up with her travels, and told her news about TAFE.
After we said our goodbyes, we drove to Spotlight, before heading back to resort for one last walk on the beach.
Dinner that night was microwave lasagne with salad.
Then packing for our checkout tomorrow.
After breakfast of leftover chicken corn soup with leftover chicken wings, we drove out to town and parked at Coffs Central.
Checked out the growers market - same stalls as at the jetty.
I had arranged to meet up with Jenni and Ian (former work colleague and her husband) who were also in Coffs and had just arrived that day. So we killed time, walking the shops and around the block, until it was time to meet up at a local place for afternoon tea/coffee, or in my case an iced chocolate. Janet paid for our drinks. Sat and talked and caught up with her travels, and told her news about TAFE.
After we said our goodbyes, we drove to Spotlight, before heading back to resort for one last walk on the beach.
Dinner that night was microwave lasagne with salad.
Then packing for our checkout tomorrow.
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Coffs Harbour Day 6 - Wednesday 14 November 2018
Wednesday 14 November
After breakfast of omelette with mushroom and tomatoes we drove into town. Parked at Coffs Central and walked the shops and main street.
Lunch was back at the resort - 3min noodles with ham and salad greens.
In the afternoon, we drove to the harbour and went for a walk on Mutton Bird Island. Checked out the locals - kangaroos - didn't see any mutton birds.
Dinner we had steak with garlic prawns, salad and corn.
After breakfast of omelette with mushroom and tomatoes we drove into town. Parked at Coffs Central and walked the shops and main street.
Lunch was back at the resort - 3min noodles with ham and salad greens.
In the afternoon, we drove to the harbour and went for a walk on Mutton Bird Island. Checked out the locals - kangaroos - didn't see any mutton birds.
Dinner we had steak with garlic prawns, salad and corn.
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Coffs Harbour Day 5 - Tuesday 13 November 2018 - Grafton
Tuesday 13 November
After breakfast of fried eggs with cocktail franks, we drove to Grafton to see if we could capture the last of the purple Jacaranda trees in bloom. Managed to track some down. Then stopped at the local shopping centre for lunch.
Lunch at Grafton Shopping World food court - Subway seafood sensation.
Next we drove to Arrawarra and Woolgoolga, stopping at beaches and lookouts, on the way back to the resort.
Dinner was pan fried chicken wings with chicken corn soup and carrots.
After breakfast of fried eggs with cocktail franks, we drove to Grafton to see if we could capture the last of the purple Jacaranda trees in bloom. Managed to track some down. Then stopped at the local shopping centre for lunch.
Lunch at Grafton Shopping World food court - Subway seafood sensation.
Next we drove to Arrawarra and Woolgoolga, stopping at beaches and lookouts, on the way back to the resort.
Dinner was pan fried chicken wings with chicken corn soup and carrots.
Monday, November 12, 2018
Coffs Harbour Day 4 - Monday 12 November 2018 - Dorrigo
Monday 12 November 2018
After breakfast of omelette with mushrooms and tomatoes, we drove to Dorrigo. Stopped in Bellingen, the Yellow Barn where Janet bought some succulents, then - stopped in Dorrigo for information - on the trail of waterfalls - and bought pies from the Dorrigo bakery for lunch - which we ate at the Dangar Falls - only saw it from above - didn't walk down to the bottom of the falls.
Then backtracked to the Dorrigo National Park Skywalk and Rainforest Walk.
Dinner - brown rice, steak, gwa mui, carrots, sweet potato and corn.
After breakfast of omelette with mushrooms and tomatoes, we drove to Dorrigo. Stopped in Bellingen, the Yellow Barn where Janet bought some succulents, then - stopped in Dorrigo for information - on the trail of waterfalls - and bought pies from the Dorrigo bakery for lunch - which we ate at the Dangar Falls - only saw it from above - didn't walk down to the bottom of the falls.
Then backtracked to the Dorrigo National Park Skywalk and Rainforest Walk.
Dinner - brown rice, steak, gwa mui, carrots, sweet potato and corn.
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Coffs Harbour Day 3 - Sunday 11 November
Sunday 11 November
After breakfast off fried eggs with cocktail franks, we drove to the Growers Market by the Jetty.
Lots of stalls, food trucks, but couldn't find any good buys. Janet bought some lady finger bananas.
Went for a walk on the Jetty to the end and back.
Then drove back to town, but decided to visit the Botanic Gardens. Didn't realise it was so big. Was a hot day too. Walked most of the gardens.
Back to resort for lunch - Microwave lasagne and salad.
Dinner - Brown rice with carrots, gwa miu, garlic prawns and corn.
After breakfast off fried eggs with cocktail franks, we drove to the Growers Market by the Jetty.
Lots of stalls, food trucks, but couldn't find any good buys. Janet bought some lady finger bananas.
Went for a walk on the Jetty to the end and back.
Then drove back to town, but decided to visit the Botanic Gardens. Didn't realise it was so big. Was a hot day too. Walked most of the gardens.
Back to resort for lunch - Microwave lasagne and salad.
Dinner - Brown rice with carrots, gwa miu, garlic prawns and corn.
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Coffs Harbour Day 2 - Saturday 10 November 2018
Saturday 10 November
Park Beach Plaza
Went grocery shopping at Park Beach Plaza to stock up the fridge for the week.
Big W, Woolworths, Reject Shop, Aldi
Had lunch in the food court, Ridgy Didge pies and a fruit smoothie.
For dinner we had pan fried chicken wings with salad.
Park Beach Plaza
Went grocery shopping at Park Beach Plaza to stock up the fridge for the week.
Big W, Woolworths, Reject Shop, Aldi
Had lunch in the food court, Ridgy Didge pies and a fruit smoothie.
For dinner we had pan fried chicken wings with salad.
Friday, November 9, 2018
Coffs Harbour Day 1 - Friday 9 November
Friday 9 November Sydney to Coffs Harbour
So it was only Janet and I who went up to Coffs for the week. The drive up the coast is now so good, only some parts where they are fixing up the road, otherwise it's a quick trip.
Stopped at Hungry Jacks just outside of Beresford, then filled up at Port Macquarie, before finally arriving at Ramada Resort, Coffs Harbour.
Checked in and was told by resort staff that there was a Twilight food market down near the beach, so after unloading the car, we headed out to check out the food trucks. Lots to choose from. Lots of people having picnics and feeding the mozzies. So we bought our food, Portuguese chicken/pork pita bread wraps and a green papaya salad (very spicy, although Janet asked for mild) and drove back to the resort. Ate in comfort.
So it was only Janet and I who went up to Coffs for the week. The drive up the coast is now so good, only some parts where they are fixing up the road, otherwise it's a quick trip.
Stopped at Hungry Jacks just outside of Beresford, then filled up at Port Macquarie, before finally arriving at Ramada Resort, Coffs Harbour.
Checked in and was told by resort staff that there was a Twilight food market down near the beach, so after unloading the car, we headed out to check out the food trucks. Lots to choose from. Lots of people having picnics and feeding the mozzies. So we bought our food, Portuguese chicken/pork pita bread wraps and a green papaya salad (very spicy, although Janet asked for mild) and drove back to the resort. Ate in comfort.
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Sculptures by the Sea 2018
Wednesday 31 October
So I don't usually take sick days, if I'm not actually sick, but today I took the opportunity, seeing as I wasn't rostered on to do the morning shift.
Organised to go to Sculptures by the Sea. Mare was interested in going, Evan was committed to going. Lily and Janet also decided to go. So when Mare offered to give us a lift there (because she didn't want to go on her own), we jumped at the chance. But Evan had problems with the garage door - it wouldn't close and was delayed. Lucky for us, Mare waited. So she drove us there and we were lucky to get a parking spot, between Bondi and Tamarama.
So we headed towards Tamarama Beach first, before back tracking to Bondi.
We had lunch at the park. Evan, Lily and Mare contributed to the lunch of fish and chips $19.90, calimari and chips $18.90 and a poke salad $18.90. I paid for our organic fruit drinks $5 each, Mare bought her own one.
Mare left us after lunch - had to get back to work (teaching piano), so we continued our walk towards Bondi.
Got to Bondi and caught the crowded bus back to Bondi Junction. Janet got off one stop before the train/bus terminus. We were still on the bus, when we saw her, but the doors closed, so we couldn't jump off. Had to get her to meet us at the station.
Caught the train home. My left foot was feeling sore - was having problems walking.
So I don't usually take sick days, if I'm not actually sick, but today I took the opportunity, seeing as I wasn't rostered on to do the morning shift.
Organised to go to Sculptures by the Sea. Mare was interested in going, Evan was committed to going. Lily and Janet also decided to go. So when Mare offered to give us a lift there (because she didn't want to go on her own), we jumped at the chance. But Evan had problems with the garage door - it wouldn't close and was delayed. Lucky for us, Mare waited. So she drove us there and we were lucky to get a parking spot, between Bondi and Tamarama.
So we headed towards Tamarama Beach first, before back tracking to Bondi.
We had lunch at the park. Evan, Lily and Mare contributed to the lunch of fish and chips $19.90, calimari and chips $18.90 and a poke salad $18.90. I paid for our organic fruit drinks $5 each, Mare bought her own one.
Mare left us after lunch - had to get back to work (teaching piano), so we continued our walk towards Bondi.
Got to Bondi and caught the crowded bus back to Bondi Junction. Janet got off one stop before the train/bus terminus. We were still on the bus, when we saw her, but the doors closed, so we couldn't jump off. Had to get her to meet us at the station.
Caught the train home. My left foot was feeling sore - was having problems walking.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Sun 28 Oct - 7 Bridges Walk
Sunday 28th October
Kaylene had been given (as a farewell gift) - registration to participate in the 7 Bridges Walk. When I found out, I asked, Lily and Janet if they also wanted to do it. I have been interested, but didn't want to walk it on my own, like to City to Surf. Lily said she'd do it, so I registered for her and myself, same start time of 8.30am.
So the day has finally arrived. Not sure if we will complete the course, but the weather is with us. Not sunny, overcast, but no rain, phew. Yesterday was nice and sunny, but in the early hours of the morning, heavy rain fell. So glad it held off and provided perfect weather for walking.
We caught the 7.30am train at Strathfield and got to Milson's Point around 8.10am, this was our starting point.
Got our tickets scanned and our event booklet and began our walk. The booklet was our passport and at every bridge, we got a stamp to say we have crossed that bridge. Our first stamp was at the foot of the Harbour Bridge steps.
Bridge No. 1 Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia's best know and photographed landmark. It is the world's largest (but not the longest) steel arch bridge, with the top of the bridge standing 134m above the harbour.
Crossing the bridge, the sun came out. Stops for photos - great views. Made our way down to Darling Harbour to get to the second bridge.
Bridge No. 2 Pyrmont Bridge
Pyrmont Bridge stands at the entrance to Darling Harbour, regularly opening its central steel swingspan to allow elisure and commercial craft to pass into Cockle Bay.
Kaylene and her friends queued for the portaloos at the Pyrmont Village - Lily and I eyed the gozleme van, but it was still too early. Walk past the Star and Pirrama Park, opposite the White Bay Cruise terminal where a ship was docked and towards the Anzac Bridge. Walking past the dragonboat site - memories of paddling in the bay.
Have never walked across the Anzac Bridge - this was a first for me. The walkway up looped around. It's a pretty impressive bridge. Was also very windy up the top.
Bridge No. 3 Anzac Bridge
The ANZAC Bridge spans Johnstons Bay and is one of Sydney's outstanding landmarks. Opened in December 1995, at a cost of $170 million, it provides a key link between Sydney City and the suburbs to the west. Via the City West Link and Victoria Road, it is the major east-west route to the M4 at Concord and the Homebush Bay Olympic 2000 site.
Walking down the back streets of Balmain and Rozelle to get the the Iron Cove Bridge was nice and quick. We followed Kaylene and friends over the new bridge. Although we probably should have taken the old bridge.
Bridge No. 4 Iron Cove Bridge
The original bridge was constructed of wrought iron lattice girders and opened in 1882 after four years of construction. The area was sparsely populated in the 1880s and the opening of the new bridge not only helped accessibility, it provided a new western route to Sydney via Balmain. The duplication of the Iron Cove Bridge opened on 30th January 2011.
Once we crossed the bridge, we backtracked to Birkenhead Point for our lunch break. At one of the many cafe's here, we ordered our meals and sat down for a nice lunch. Lily and I had a chicken and mushroom filo with salad, Kaylene had the breakfast fritata. Half hour later, we head back to join the walk. Down the back streets of Drummoyne - passed houses down up for Halloween then on to the Gladesville Bridge.
Bridge No. 5 Gladesville Bridge
Gladesville Bridge is an arch bridge that spans the Parramatta River, west of central Sydney. At the time of its completion in 1964, Gladesville Bridge was the longest single span concrete arch ever constructed. Gladesville Bridge is the largest of a complex of three bridges, including Fig Tree Bridge and Tarban Creek Bridge, designed to carry a never built North Western Expressway.
Pretty close to each other the last 3 bridges were crossed and it was time to make out way back to the starting point.
Bridge No. 6 Tarban Creel Bridge
Tarban Creek Bridge is an arch bridge that spans Tarban Creek. Opened in December 1955, Tarban Creek Bridge formed a "missing link" between the existing Gladesville and Fig Tree Bridges.
Traffic between the old Fig Tree and Gladesville Bridges previously had to negotiate the streets of Hunters Hill to cross the creek further upstream.
Bridge No. 7 Fig Tree Bridge
Opened in September 1963, Fig Tree Bridge is a girder bridge that spans the Lane Cove River, west of central Sydney. It is immediately to the north of Tarban Creek Bridge and the more well-known Gladesville Bridge. The bridge carries Burns Bay Road, a footpath, and connects the suburb of Hunters Hill to Linley Point.
Walking back to the start (the last 10kms) would be an effort. We saw others get there last stamp of the bridge, cross to the other side of the road to catch a bus - but we aren't quitters. At this stage, Kaylene and her friends had gone ahead. Lots of hills, ups and downs, I wasn't sure if Lily would make it, but I urged her on. Also seeing others who were older, younger, fatter doing it, urged her on. If they could do it, so could we. The last 2 kms were hard, after stopping at the Wollstonecraft Village for a rest and drink, but we persevered. Not going to quit with only 2kms to go. Although we got our passport stamped just in case we didn't get back in time.
But we got back to Milson's Point around 4pm. Kaylene and her friend was waiting for us having arrived there 30mins earlier. We got our photo taken at the finish and had free fruit.
Not quite over yet - we walked back to the train station to catch the train home. Walked home from the station. We all had a nice hot shower, but we were all walking like older ladies. It was an effort.
Had a rest before heading over to Mare's for a nice home cooked meal. Lamb roast, vegies, pasta - so thankful for the food.
Kaylene had been given (as a farewell gift) - registration to participate in the 7 Bridges Walk. When I found out, I asked, Lily and Janet if they also wanted to do it. I have been interested, but didn't want to walk it on my own, like to City to Surf. Lily said she'd do it, so I registered for her and myself, same start time of 8.30am.
So the day has finally arrived. Not sure if we will complete the course, but the weather is with us. Not sunny, overcast, but no rain, phew. Yesterday was nice and sunny, but in the early hours of the morning, heavy rain fell. So glad it held off and provided perfect weather for walking.
We caught the 7.30am train at Strathfield and got to Milson's Point around 8.10am, this was our starting point.
Got our tickets scanned and our event booklet and began our walk. The booklet was our passport and at every bridge, we got a stamp to say we have crossed that bridge. Our first stamp was at the foot of the Harbour Bridge steps.
Bridge No. 1 Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia's best know and photographed landmark. It is the world's largest (but not the longest) steel arch bridge, with the top of the bridge standing 134m above the harbour.
Crossing the bridge, the sun came out. Stops for photos - great views. Made our way down to Darling Harbour to get to the second bridge.
Bridge No. 2 Pyrmont Bridge
Pyrmont Bridge stands at the entrance to Darling Harbour, regularly opening its central steel swingspan to allow elisure and commercial craft to pass into Cockle Bay.
Kaylene and her friends queued for the portaloos at the Pyrmont Village - Lily and I eyed the gozleme van, but it was still too early. Walk past the Star and Pirrama Park, opposite the White Bay Cruise terminal where a ship was docked and towards the Anzac Bridge. Walking past the dragonboat site - memories of paddling in the bay.
Have never walked across the Anzac Bridge - this was a first for me. The walkway up looped around. It's a pretty impressive bridge. Was also very windy up the top.
Bridge No. 3 Anzac Bridge
The ANZAC Bridge spans Johnstons Bay and is one of Sydney's outstanding landmarks. Opened in December 1995, at a cost of $170 million, it provides a key link between Sydney City and the suburbs to the west. Via the City West Link and Victoria Road, it is the major east-west route to the M4 at Concord and the Homebush Bay Olympic 2000 site.
Walking down the back streets of Balmain and Rozelle to get the the Iron Cove Bridge was nice and quick. We followed Kaylene and friends over the new bridge. Although we probably should have taken the old bridge.
Bridge No. 4 Iron Cove Bridge
The original bridge was constructed of wrought iron lattice girders and opened in 1882 after four years of construction. The area was sparsely populated in the 1880s and the opening of the new bridge not only helped accessibility, it provided a new western route to Sydney via Balmain. The duplication of the Iron Cove Bridge opened on 30th January 2011.
Once we crossed the bridge, we backtracked to Birkenhead Point for our lunch break. At one of the many cafe's here, we ordered our meals and sat down for a nice lunch. Lily and I had a chicken and mushroom filo with salad, Kaylene had the breakfast fritata. Half hour later, we head back to join the walk. Down the back streets of Drummoyne - passed houses down up for Halloween then on to the Gladesville Bridge.
Bridge No. 5 Gladesville Bridge
Gladesville Bridge is an arch bridge that spans the Parramatta River, west of central Sydney. At the time of its completion in 1964, Gladesville Bridge was the longest single span concrete arch ever constructed. Gladesville Bridge is the largest of a complex of three bridges, including Fig Tree Bridge and Tarban Creek Bridge, designed to carry a never built North Western Expressway.
Pretty close to each other the last 3 bridges were crossed and it was time to make out way back to the starting point.
Bridge No. 6 Tarban Creel Bridge
Tarban Creek Bridge is an arch bridge that spans Tarban Creek. Opened in December 1955, Tarban Creek Bridge formed a "missing link" between the existing Gladesville and Fig Tree Bridges.
Traffic between the old Fig Tree and Gladesville Bridges previously had to negotiate the streets of Hunters Hill to cross the creek further upstream.
Bridge No. 7 Fig Tree Bridge
Opened in September 1963, Fig Tree Bridge is a girder bridge that spans the Lane Cove River, west of central Sydney. It is immediately to the north of Tarban Creek Bridge and the more well-known Gladesville Bridge. The bridge carries Burns Bay Road, a footpath, and connects the suburb of Hunters Hill to Linley Point.
Walking back to the start (the last 10kms) would be an effort. We saw others get there last stamp of the bridge, cross to the other side of the road to catch a bus - but we aren't quitters. At this stage, Kaylene and her friends had gone ahead. Lots of hills, ups and downs, I wasn't sure if Lily would make it, but I urged her on. Also seeing others who were older, younger, fatter doing it, urged her on. If they could do it, so could we. The last 2 kms were hard, after stopping at the Wollstonecraft Village for a rest and drink, but we persevered. Not going to quit with only 2kms to go. Although we got our passport stamped just in case we didn't get back in time.
But we got back to Milson's Point around 4pm. Kaylene and her friend was waiting for us having arrived there 30mins earlier. We got our photo taken at the finish and had free fruit.
Not quite over yet - we walked back to the train station to catch the train home. Walked home from the station. We all had a nice hot shower, but we were all walking like older ladies. It was an effort.
Had a rest before heading over to Mare's for a nice home cooked meal. Lamb roast, vegies, pasta - so thankful for the food.
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Book of Mormons
Sat 27 October
We had dropped Kaylene off at her friends place at Rosehill. Headed back to Koch & Co to get floral foam and paper, then to Kmart at Lidcombe. After a morning of driving around, we headed back home. Just in time to grab a bite to eat before Jacq came over to pick us up and take us all to The Star.
Traffic wasn't too bad and we got there with 1/2 hr to spare. The show was at the Lyric Theatre. Kaylene made her own way there, although not without her share of problems - she had forgotten to take her opal card with her.
The show was hilarious. Not quite what I was expecting, but turned out better with lots of laughs and good music.
After the show, Jacq drove us home. I asked her what her plans were for dinner and she mentioned they were going out to dinner at Dooley's in Lidcombe. She then invited us to join her. As we had nothing planned, and since Lily was a member and needed to go collect her birthday points, we said yes.
So dinner was at Dooley's with Richard's and Jacq's family. 16 in total - we managed to put a whole lot of tables together. Lily ordered and paid since she's a member and can get member discount.
We had dropped Kaylene off at her friends place at Rosehill. Headed back to Koch & Co to get floral foam and paper, then to Kmart at Lidcombe. After a morning of driving around, we headed back home. Just in time to grab a bite to eat before Jacq came over to pick us up and take us all to The Star.
Traffic wasn't too bad and we got there with 1/2 hr to spare. The show was at the Lyric Theatre. Kaylene made her own way there, although not without her share of problems - she had forgotten to take her opal card with her.
The show was hilarious. Not quite what I was expecting, but turned out better with lots of laughs and good music.
After the show, Jacq drove us home. I asked her what her plans were for dinner and she mentioned they were going out to dinner at Dooley's in Lidcombe. She then invited us to join her. As we had nothing planned, and since Lily was a member and needed to go collect her birthday points, we said yes.
So dinner was at Dooley's with Richard's and Jacq's family. 16 in total - we managed to put a whole lot of tables together. Lily ordered and paid since she's a member and can get member discount.
Saturday, October 13, 2018
Optometrist Visit 13 October 2018
Saturday 13 October 2018
Got a letter from the optometrists to say it had been 5 years since my last visit, so I made an appointment. Had been meaning to, but just never got around to it.
So my appointment was for 10am.
Lily also got a reminder call, so she booked on the same day but at 11.30am.
As we were both going, I decided that maybe we should go out to yum cha for lunch with Seeto's.
So on the day, Janet also came along. I drove to Hurstville - then Lily took over driving and they went to Seeto's until it was time for her to go.
Went through the standard questions and tests. Any medical problems or medication - no, history of diabetes - no. Then asked if I was having any problems - I told the doc that I hadn't been wearing the bi-focals, last prescribed as I couldn't get used to them, but did wear them only now and then at work. Went through the usual tests - vision and perception. No problems with my eyes - all fine, but script had changed.
Decided to keep my old pair of glasses and just change the lenses. Also ordered a new pair of sunnies and contacts.
212 2 SV Lens $116.00 $60.00
110 Frames $199.00 $75.00
512 Progressive 2 $242.00 $115.00
854 Disposable Toric 2 $160.00 $0.00
Claim total was $717.00 $250.00
Gap Payment was $467.00
Claimed back $250, Need to pay $390.00
After my appointment finished, I msged Lily. They were on the way, just looking for parking. Evan drove, so only one car to park in Westfields. So while she went to optometrist, they went to Aldi, and then we all walked to Hurstville RSL "The Pinnacle" restaurant instead of yum cha - cheaper and U. David paid for lunch.
After lunch, I walked back to their place, Evan gave me key to get in. The others went grocery/fruit shopping on the way back to the car. U. David and Evan went to by siu yook at the chinese shop.
We also went to Bunnings, after Janet saw an ad for cheap fairy lights 200 leds for $10. Got to Bunnings and inside before the rains came bucketing down. So we walked around and got our stuff. I bought 2 wooden planks, some L brackets and the lights. Janet got some plants - Everlastings.
We stayed on for dinner.
After dinner, went home and finished off Justin and Sophia's wedding invites, so they could deliver the next day.
Got a letter from the optometrists to say it had been 5 years since my last visit, so I made an appointment. Had been meaning to, but just never got around to it.
So my appointment was for 10am.
Lily also got a reminder call, so she booked on the same day but at 11.30am.
As we were both going, I decided that maybe we should go out to yum cha for lunch with Seeto's.
So on the day, Janet also came along. I drove to Hurstville - then Lily took over driving and they went to Seeto's until it was time for her to go.
Went through the standard questions and tests. Any medical problems or medication - no, history of diabetes - no. Then asked if I was having any problems - I told the doc that I hadn't been wearing the bi-focals, last prescribed as I couldn't get used to them, but did wear them only now and then at work. Went through the usual tests - vision and perception. No problems with my eyes - all fine, but script had changed.
Decided to keep my old pair of glasses and just change the lenses. Also ordered a new pair of sunnies and contacts.
212 2 SV Lens $116.00 $60.00
110 Frames $199.00 $75.00
512 Progressive 2 $242.00 $115.00
854 Disposable Toric 2 $160.00 $0.00
Claim total was $717.00 $250.00
Gap Payment was $467.00
Claimed back $250, Need to pay $390.00
After my appointment finished, I msged Lily. They were on the way, just looking for parking. Evan drove, so only one car to park in Westfields. So while she went to optometrist, they went to Aldi, and then we all walked to Hurstville RSL "The Pinnacle" restaurant instead of yum cha - cheaper and U. David paid for lunch.
After lunch, I walked back to their place, Evan gave me key to get in. The others went grocery/fruit shopping on the way back to the car. U. David and Evan went to by siu yook at the chinese shop.
We also went to Bunnings, after Janet saw an ad for cheap fairy lights 200 leds for $10. Got to Bunnings and inside before the rains came bucketing down. So we walked around and got our stuff. I bought 2 wooden planks, some L brackets and the lights. Janet got some plants - Everlastings.
We stayed on for dinner.
After dinner, went home and finished off Justin and Sophia's wedding invites, so they could deliver the next day.
Friday, October 5, 2018
Michael Buble closes the Allianz Stadium
Friday 5 October 2018
Earlier in the year, I bought tickets for the closing of the Allianz Stadium, with Michael Buble.
Just our luck, this week has been a wet one and Friday was no exception. It was raining on and off, although Thursday was drier.
Anyway, Jacq arranged to come to Strathfield at 5pm. Then we (Lily, Janet, Kaylene and I) with Jacq walked down to Strathfield to have dinner at Hiroba, before catching the train out to Central.
It was raining when we headed out - a sign of things to come. Had a great meal at Hiroba and then caught the train to Central, got there around 7.30pm. The rain gave us a reprieve as we waited in line for the bus. Once on the event bus to Moore Park at 8pm, it started to rain again. The bus was inching through traffic. Too many cars and the wet weather did not help. Would have been quicker for us to walk. Anyway, we finally got to the stadium, just in time to see Guy Sebastian sing at least 2 songs for his set, and the rains came down again.
Took photos of us in our rain ponchos - it was a sea of ponchos and umbrellas. It was still sprinkling on and off when Michael Buble took to the stage, but then the rain cleared and it held off for the rest of the night.
Only recognised some of the songs, but the Bubes was hilarious. Made references to the Bachelor...(the final was on the night before and the "Honey badger" didn't pick a girl in the end") and to the crowd as a "sea of multicoloured condoms"
The concert ended with a bang - fireworks above us - what a way to finish the night.
We decided not to get the bus and walked to Central - following some of the crowds. Traffic looked bad - it would take ages to get home by car.
Got home around 11.30pm - had to have a hot shower. Lucky tomorrow is Saturday.
Our first and last time at Allianz Stadium, as it is getting torn down and a new stadium going to replace it. probably also our first and last time to see Michael Buble. Seems he is retiring from concerts.
Earlier in the year, I bought tickets for the closing of the Allianz Stadium, with Michael Buble.
Just our luck, this week has been a wet one and Friday was no exception. It was raining on and off, although Thursday was drier.
Anyway, Jacq arranged to come to Strathfield at 5pm. Then we (Lily, Janet, Kaylene and I) with Jacq walked down to Strathfield to have dinner at Hiroba, before catching the train out to Central.
It was raining when we headed out - a sign of things to come. Had a great meal at Hiroba and then caught the train to Central, got there around 7.30pm. The rain gave us a reprieve as we waited in line for the bus. Once on the event bus to Moore Park at 8pm, it started to rain again. The bus was inching through traffic. Too many cars and the wet weather did not help. Would have been quicker for us to walk. Anyway, we finally got to the stadium, just in time to see Guy Sebastian sing at least 2 songs for his set, and the rains came down again.
Took photos of us in our rain ponchos - it was a sea of ponchos and umbrellas. It was still sprinkling on and off when Michael Buble took to the stage, but then the rain cleared and it held off for the rest of the night.
Only recognised some of the songs, but the Bubes was hilarious. Made references to the Bachelor...(the final was on the night before and the "Honey badger" didn't pick a girl in the end") and to the crowd as a "sea of multicoloured condoms"
The concert ended with a bang - fireworks above us - what a way to finish the night.
We decided not to get the bus and walked to Central - following some of the crowds. Traffic looked bad - it would take ages to get home by car.
Got home around 11.30pm - had to have a hot shower. Lucky tomorrow is Saturday.
Our first and last time at Allianz Stadium, as it is getting torn down and a new stadium going to replace it. probably also our first and last time to see Michael Buble. Seems he is retiring from concerts.
Monday, October 1, 2018
Lily's 60th Birthday
Monday 1 October 2018 and Tuesday 2 October 2018
So on Monday we had a last minute birthday dinner for Lily. Being a public holiday, we invited the Seeto's over for dinner. It was just family, but got bigger and bigger. Then there were the girlfriends, then there was Mare, Marmar and Conrad also popped in later that night. Kaylene bought 2 dozen Krispy Kreme donuts for dessert. We went from having no dessert to having too much. I got A. Cath to bake a chiffon cake. Then Mare turned up with an Sara Lee frozen apple danish, and Jen and darren bought her a Messina ice cream cake.
Then on her actual birthday, Tuesday night, we went out for dinner at The Star, trying out the Harvest Buffet. Darren shouted dinner. I ate a whole plate of prawns.
Wednesday night, because Nathan couldn't make it to dinner on Tuesday, he and Eva shouted the family to dinner at Hiroba Japanese restaurant. We also went here again on Friday night before Michael Buble concert.
Then on Friday 12 October, Justin shouted the family (Lily, Janet, Kaylene and I), the Seetoes (U. David, A. Cath and Evan) and David (Soph's brother) to all you can eat sushi at Mori Sushi. Apparently they have changed owners - plates came out plated differently, price had gone up - but we still could eat our money's worth.
So on Monday we had a last minute birthday dinner for Lily. Being a public holiday, we invited the Seeto's over for dinner. It was just family, but got bigger and bigger. Then there were the girlfriends, then there was Mare, Marmar and Conrad also popped in later that night. Kaylene bought 2 dozen Krispy Kreme donuts for dessert. We went from having no dessert to having too much. I got A. Cath to bake a chiffon cake. Then Mare turned up with an Sara Lee frozen apple danish, and Jen and darren bought her a Messina ice cream cake.
Then on her actual birthday, Tuesday night, we went out for dinner at The Star, trying out the Harvest Buffet. Darren shouted dinner. I ate a whole plate of prawns.
Wednesday night, because Nathan couldn't make it to dinner on Tuesday, he and Eva shouted the family to dinner at Hiroba Japanese restaurant. We also went here again on Friday night before Michael Buble concert.
Then on Friday 12 October, Justin shouted the family (Lily, Janet, Kaylene and I), the Seetoes (U. David, A. Cath and Evan) and David (Soph's brother) to all you can eat sushi at Mori Sushi. Apparently they have changed owners - plates came out plated differently, price had gone up - but we still could eat our money's worth.
Sunday, September 30, 2018
Martin & Judy's Wedding
Sunday 30 September 2018
Today we saw Martin and Judy tie the knot.
The ceremony was held at Eden Gardens.
Small and private, but a lot of guest who ended up having to stand in the hot sun. After the ceremony, they had light refreshments - sliders, sandwiches and wraps (bought from Costco) with drinks (water and coke), but not enough for everyone - it was first in, best dressed.
After the ceremony we went out to lunch at Macau Kitchen with Marmar and Teresa.
The Seeto's came over after lunch. Evan drove his parents to our place and he house sat while we all went to the reception at The Eight in Market City.
Full on Chinese banquet meal. Intro, slide show, speeches, live band and lots of alcohol. They also had a photo booth, always fun and lots of dancing.
Today we saw Martin and Judy tie the knot.
The ceremony was held at Eden Gardens.
Small and private, but a lot of guest who ended up having to stand in the hot sun. After the ceremony, they had light refreshments - sliders, sandwiches and wraps (bought from Costco) with drinks (water and coke), but not enough for everyone - it was first in, best dressed.
After the ceremony we went out to lunch at Macau Kitchen with Marmar and Teresa.
The Seeto's came over after lunch. Evan drove his parents to our place and he house sat while we all went to the reception at The Eight in Market City.
Full on Chinese banquet meal. Intro, slide show, speeches, live band and lots of alcohol. They also had a photo booth, always fun and lots of dancing.
Friday, September 21, 2018
WA Day 8 Friday 21 September 2018 Perth to Sydney
Liang and Lorraine have left very early to catch their flight to Darwin.
We get up usual time. Have what ever is left over. Boil the 4 eggs. Some bread left over. Time to clear out the fridge and pack up our supplies.
Finish packing our bags - have been waiting for the others to use what they need, before I can pack everything away. Pack our cheeses and anything that needs to go into the bags.
Clean up our rubbish, sweep the floors - I swear we leave it cleaner than it was.
Evans packs the bags into the car. At least that's one less worry.
9.30am Checkout. Lily and Janet hand back the keys.
Drive to Perth airport.
10.30am Drop the others off at the airport. Was suppose to stop to fill up, but seems the app is not behaving and we end up at the airport. So Evan and I head to the closest petrol station to fill up and then return the car to the Avis car return, same place as pickup.
11.00am - check in. Bag drop and then go in to wait.
12.35pm - board plane
U.David and A. Cath are in premium economy
Evan and I are seated near an exit - lots of leg room
Janet, Fiona, Mark and Lily are seated way up the back of the plane.
I watch "Solo: a Star Wars Story"
Lunch is either a chicken pie, beef pasta or pulled pork salad. I order the pasta, Evan orders the salad and we go halves.
Have 2 lindt chocolate balls.
Watch "I feel pretty" but only get 1/4 of the way in before we are ready to land.
Arrive Sydney 6.30pm
Wait for our bags - seems like the last ones to come out.
Then it's a long walk to Express Pickup.
Ken has been waiting at KFC, so arrives no long after we get to the pickup area. Wait a while longer before Nathan comes to pick us up.
Drops us home, freshen up and then we go out for dinner at Macau Kitchen. Only the travellers. Others are busy or out and Nathan has eaten.
Have Fookien fried rice, Egg sauce noodle, salt and pepper pork chops and a choy dish.
We get up usual time. Have what ever is left over. Boil the 4 eggs. Some bread left over. Time to clear out the fridge and pack up our supplies.
Finish packing our bags - have been waiting for the others to use what they need, before I can pack everything away. Pack our cheeses and anything that needs to go into the bags.
Clean up our rubbish, sweep the floors - I swear we leave it cleaner than it was.
Evans packs the bags into the car. At least that's one less worry.
9.30am Checkout. Lily and Janet hand back the keys.
Drive to Perth airport.
10.30am Drop the others off at the airport. Was suppose to stop to fill up, but seems the app is not behaving and we end up at the airport. So Evan and I head to the closest petrol station to fill up and then return the car to the Avis car return, same place as pickup.
11.00am - check in. Bag drop and then go in to wait.
12.35pm - board plane
U.David and A. Cath are in premium economy
Evan and I are seated near an exit - lots of leg room
Janet, Fiona, Mark and Lily are seated way up the back of the plane.
I watch "Solo: a Star Wars Story"
Lunch is either a chicken pie, beef pasta or pulled pork salad. I order the pasta, Evan orders the salad and we go halves.
Have 2 lindt chocolate balls.
Watch "I feel pretty" but only get 1/4 of the way in before we are ready to land.
Arrive Sydney 6.30pm
Wait for our bags - seems like the last ones to come out.
Then it's a long walk to Express Pickup.
Ken has been waiting at KFC, so arrives no long after we get to the pickup area. Wait a while longer before Nathan comes to pick us up.
Drops us home, freshen up and then we go out for dinner at Macau Kitchen. Only the travellers. Others are busy or out and Nathan has eaten.
Have Fookien fried rice, Egg sauce noodle, salt and pepper pork chops and a choy dish.
Thursday, September 20, 2018
WA Day 7 Thursday 20 September 2018 Mandurah and Serpentine Falls
Have a sleep in today as I have designated today as a rest day. It's a beautiful day today.
We let Janet and Fiona sleep in, as Fiona had a restless night.
The rest of us have breakfast at 8am as usual.
Lily and others, including U. David, decide to head out to Mandurah. We also plan to head out, but wait for Janet and Fiona to have breakfast before we drive to town.
In town, the others have already walked the shops and bump into us in the park area, as we have just parked. U. David decides to join us, saying the others walk to fast for him to keep up.
We walk back to shops. Fiona buys a name plate, I buy some twine in the discount store - Asian shop has closed.
Walk the terrace. Decide to have lunch in town and go back to Cicerellos, after checking prices at Dome. The others buy Red Rooster and have that for lunch. We order a seafood plate (crumbed fish, seafood stick, prawns, calamari, chips and coleslaw) and a quatrorellos (crumbed fish, prawns, oysters, scallops, salad and chips).
After lunch drive, I drive around to other side of Mandurah, before heading back to resort.
Inform others we are going to Serpentine Falls. Fiona and U. David stay at resort, so we just take the one car. Get to the falls park and looks like you need to pay entry fee - need to fill in details on provided envelope, put $7 (conc) in envelope, seal and leave in box. Torn off slip is displayed on car. Could probably park car outside the gates, but not sure how far it is to walk.So we pay and display.
Seems the walk to the falls is a very short walk. Evan spends some time taking his photos. The others go back to discover other trails. As we head back to find them, the ranger comes around. We ask him the way and he informs us that the trail they are heading for will take longer than the time we have left in the park. Also he wants all peoples back in the car by 4.30pm, as gates shut at 5pm.
Go back to car and wait for others. As we head out of the park, we spy kangaroos lazing in the picnic area. Stop the car and take photos. Again the ranger comes around and tells us it's time to head out.
4.30pm drive back to resort.
5.00pm Evan and I head to the beach for our last sunset, joined by A. Cath. Seeing as we'll be eating out tonight, no need to dinner prep.
6.30pm head out to Mandurah to have dinner at Penang House - malaysian, chinese food. Small restaurant but all tables are full. Liang, Lily and Mark do the ordering. 10 dishes. Get served prawn crackers, and food arrives pretty quickly.
8.00pm back to resort - time to pack
We let Janet and Fiona sleep in, as Fiona had a restless night.
The rest of us have breakfast at 8am as usual.
Lily and others, including U. David, decide to head out to Mandurah. We also plan to head out, but wait for Janet and Fiona to have breakfast before we drive to town.
In town, the others have already walked the shops and bump into us in the park area, as we have just parked. U. David decides to join us, saying the others walk to fast for him to keep up.
We walk back to shops. Fiona buys a name plate, I buy some twine in the discount store - Asian shop has closed.
Walk the terrace. Decide to have lunch in town and go back to Cicerellos, after checking prices at Dome. The others buy Red Rooster and have that for lunch. We order a seafood plate (crumbed fish, seafood stick, prawns, calamari, chips and coleslaw) and a quatrorellos (crumbed fish, prawns, oysters, scallops, salad and chips).
After lunch drive, I drive around to other side of Mandurah, before heading back to resort.
Inform others we are going to Serpentine Falls. Fiona and U. David stay at resort, so we just take the one car. Get to the falls park and looks like you need to pay entry fee - need to fill in details on provided envelope, put $7 (conc) in envelope, seal and leave in box. Torn off slip is displayed on car. Could probably park car outside the gates, but not sure how far it is to walk.So we pay and display.
Seems the walk to the falls is a very short walk. Evan spends some time taking his photos. The others go back to discover other trails. As we head back to find them, the ranger comes around. We ask him the way and he informs us that the trail they are heading for will take longer than the time we have left in the park. Also he wants all peoples back in the car by 4.30pm, as gates shut at 5pm.
Go back to car and wait for others. As we head out of the park, we spy kangaroos lazing in the picnic area. Stop the car and take photos. Again the ranger comes around and tells us it's time to head out.
4.30pm drive back to resort.
5.00pm Evan and I head to the beach for our last sunset, joined by A. Cath. Seeing as we'll be eating out tonight, no need to dinner prep.
6.30pm head out to Mandurah to have dinner at Penang House - malaysian, chinese food. Small restaurant but all tables are full. Liang, Lily and Mark do the ordering. 10 dishes. Get served prawn crackers, and food arrives pretty quickly.
8.00pm back to resort - time to pack
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
WA Day 6 Wednesday 19 September Ellis Brook Valley Reserve and Lesmurdie Falls
7.00am Breakfast
Today was planned to go to Rottnest Island, but we decided to revise these plans. So instead we will be going to Ellis Brook Valley Reserve, on the hunt for more wildflowers and waterfalls.
9.30am we head out and drive to Ellis Brook Valley Reserve.
U.David and Fiona stay in the car, while the rest of us hike up to the Sixty Foot Falls lookout. This walk reaches the top of the spectacular Sixty Foot Falls, affording magnificent views of the City and Valley along the way, before descending past the old Barrington Quarry where old workings provide a window into the geology of the area.
While the others go back after the look out, Evan and I decide to continue and do the loop, so we make our way to the top of the falls and then continue back down via the quarry.
Side note: this place has lots of different trails from easy to hard. We did the hardest one. Would be good to visit again. Apparently echidnas can be spied on the easy trail.
12.30pm, Everyone hungry, so we drive to the closest McDonalds at Gosnells - reward for Fiona waiting patiently for us, plus U. David keeps implying to Fiona that she'll get maccas, so we go. As usual, Mark would prefer Hungry Jacks, but we head into McDonalds. Order 2 Family packs and 1 fillet of fish. Evan has already ordered for his family. I have a McChicken, while others have big macs. Family pack also come with nuggets. A treat for Fiona. Lots of food.
1.30pm After lunch we head to Lesmurdie Falls. My navigator steers me in the wrong direction and we end up doing a loop of Gosnells - get held up by a train crossing.
2.00pm The others are already waiting in the parking lot, as we arrive. Again Fiona and U. David wait in the car.
We check out the Cascades trail, before heading to the Lesmurdie Falls. Spy some native birds. Lots of bird watchers in the area. The others spy a bandicoot towards the parking lot.
Side note: this place also has a loop trail to the falls and back, we only got to the falls and had to turn back. Would be good to hike to the foot of the falls.
4.00pm head back to resort. Lily and others go to Aldi to buy sausages and eggs - supplies for breakfast, whilst we head back to resort.
5.00pm head to beach for sunset.
7.00pm dinner has been made by A. Cath and Janet - Sausages, chicken drumstick meat, choy and I make the rest of the zucchini.
Today was planned to go to Rottnest Island, but we decided to revise these plans. So instead we will be going to Ellis Brook Valley Reserve, on the hunt for more wildflowers and waterfalls.
9.30am we head out and drive to Ellis Brook Valley Reserve.
U.David and Fiona stay in the car, while the rest of us hike up to the Sixty Foot Falls lookout. This walk reaches the top of the spectacular Sixty Foot Falls, affording magnificent views of the City and Valley along the way, before descending past the old Barrington Quarry where old workings provide a window into the geology of the area.
While the others go back after the look out, Evan and I decide to continue and do the loop, so we make our way to the top of the falls and then continue back down via the quarry.
Side note: this place has lots of different trails from easy to hard. We did the hardest one. Would be good to visit again. Apparently echidnas can be spied on the easy trail.
12.30pm, Everyone hungry, so we drive to the closest McDonalds at Gosnells - reward for Fiona waiting patiently for us, plus U. David keeps implying to Fiona that she'll get maccas, so we go. As usual, Mark would prefer Hungry Jacks, but we head into McDonalds. Order 2 Family packs and 1 fillet of fish. Evan has already ordered for his family. I have a McChicken, while others have big macs. Family pack also come with nuggets. A treat for Fiona. Lots of food.
1.30pm After lunch we head to Lesmurdie Falls. My navigator steers me in the wrong direction and we end up doing a loop of Gosnells - get held up by a train crossing.
2.00pm The others are already waiting in the parking lot, as we arrive. Again Fiona and U. David wait in the car.
We check out the Cascades trail, before heading to the Lesmurdie Falls. Spy some native birds. Lots of bird watchers in the area. The others spy a bandicoot towards the parking lot.
Side note: this place also has a loop trail to the falls and back, we only got to the falls and had to turn back. Would be good to hike to the foot of the falls.
4.00pm head back to resort. Lily and others go to Aldi to buy sausages and eggs - supplies for breakfast, whilst we head back to resort.
5.00pm head to beach for sunset.
7.00pm dinner has been made by A. Cath and Janet - Sausages, chicken drumstick meat, choy and I make the rest of the zucchini.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
WA Day 5 Tuesday 18 September 2018 Perth
7am Breakfast
9am drive to Perth
10am Arrive at Kings Park. Manage to get a parking spot in upper car park for disabled. Unfortunately, there aren't any spaces, so Liang drives back to lower car park and parks there.
We take photos and wait for the others to park and walk back up to gift shop area. The guided walks have already started, so we just walk on our own - take a group shot before we begin. I take care of Fiona, cause I know Janet wants to explore. We take it slow. Uncle David gives up and offers to take Fiona back to gift shop and cafe area. So we continue walking and taking photos. Liang has wandered off, Janet has wandered off. Eventually, Evan, A. Cath and I also wander off.
12.30pm Meet back up at gift shop. Everyone hungry, except Janet who is still wandering around the gardens. Leave her there and we drive to Northbridge, arrange to meet at Viet Hoa for lunch. Manage to find parking spot opposite the restaurant. Liang finds parking in a laneway close by.
1pm Lunch at Viet. A. Cath, Fiona and I share 2 dishes. Dac biet pho and combination noodles. Also have share some with Evan, who orders the Bun noodle salad, same as Lily, Lorraine and Liang. Mark orders the broken rice and U. David orders the char siu noodles.
2pm After lunch we take a walk to Chinatown. Evan and I leave them at Chinatown, while we go back to get the car. Chinatown is very small and shops don't open until late at night, as they discover. Mark and Lily have also made their way to Chinatown, as Liang and Lorraine arrange to meet with a friend.
Drive back to pick them up, but Lily and Mark walk back to restaurant and wait for Liang and Lorraine to pick them up. We take a driving tour of the city, to Elizabeth Quay and then back to the gardens. Whilst we head back to gardens to pick up Janet, Lily them also check out the clock tower and quay, before heading home.
3.30pm We get back to Kings Park. Janet has finally finished, but I show Evan, A.Cath and Fiona the views of the city. U. David waits on the bench near the gift shop. Take photos at the memorial. Take more photos of the flowers.
4pm We head back. Drive back to Mandurah.
5pm Back at resort.
6pm Head down to the beach to catch the sunset. Then back so that Evan can prep dinner.
7pm Spag Bol for dinner
9am drive to Perth
10am Arrive at Kings Park. Manage to get a parking spot in upper car park for disabled. Unfortunately, there aren't any spaces, so Liang drives back to lower car park and parks there.
We take photos and wait for the others to park and walk back up to gift shop area. The guided walks have already started, so we just walk on our own - take a group shot before we begin. I take care of Fiona, cause I know Janet wants to explore. We take it slow. Uncle David gives up and offers to take Fiona back to gift shop and cafe area. So we continue walking and taking photos. Liang has wandered off, Janet has wandered off. Eventually, Evan, A. Cath and I also wander off.
12.30pm Meet back up at gift shop. Everyone hungry, except Janet who is still wandering around the gardens. Leave her there and we drive to Northbridge, arrange to meet at Viet Hoa for lunch. Manage to find parking spot opposite the restaurant. Liang finds parking in a laneway close by.
1pm Lunch at Viet. A. Cath, Fiona and I share 2 dishes. Dac biet pho and combination noodles. Also have share some with Evan, who orders the Bun noodle salad, same as Lily, Lorraine and Liang. Mark orders the broken rice and U. David orders the char siu noodles.
2pm After lunch we take a walk to Chinatown. Evan and I leave them at Chinatown, while we go back to get the car. Chinatown is very small and shops don't open until late at night, as they discover. Mark and Lily have also made their way to Chinatown, as Liang and Lorraine arrange to meet with a friend.
Drive back to pick them up, but Lily and Mark walk back to restaurant and wait for Liang and Lorraine to pick them up. We take a driving tour of the city, to Elizabeth Quay and then back to the gardens. Whilst we head back to gardens to pick up Janet, Lily them also check out the clock tower and quay, before heading home.
3.30pm We get back to Kings Park. Janet has finally finished, but I show Evan, A.Cath and Fiona the views of the city. U. David waits on the bench near the gift shop. Take photos at the memorial. Take more photos of the flowers.
4pm We head back. Drive back to Mandurah.
5pm Back at resort.
6pm Head down to the beach to catch the sunset. Then back so that Evan can prep dinner.
7pm Spag Bol for dinner
Monday, September 17, 2018
WA Day 4 Monday 17 September 2018 Augusta - Margaret River
7am Breakfast - Evan and Lorraine make breakfast. Evan has boiled some eggs, and Lorraine fries some eggs, but over cooks them.
Have them with the rest of the cocktail franks and sour dough bread
9am drive to Augusta. It is overcast and there are forecast for showers.
Stop at the Margaret River Cheese Factory. Toilet and stretch break.
Cheese tasting. Think Fiona has eaten a block of cheese.
Janet buys some cheeses to take back to Sydney. A. Cath also buys some cheeses and honey.
Other buys coffee to perk them up.
Take photos with the painted cow outside the factory.
Continue our drive to Augusta - drive through Cowarup, but as it is raining, I don't stop and we continue on our way.
It is raining on and off. Hoping that by the time we get to the lighthouse that it isn't raining. We are in luck, in fact the clouds have disappeared and the sun has come out.
Janet, U. David, Fiona, Lily and Mark wait in the coffee shop.
Lorraine, Liang and A. Cath pay to go in, but no tour of the lighthouse. I pay for myself. Evan has somehow snuck in while Lily distracts the man at the counter.
Take photos. There is also a cow here as well.
See where the Southern Ocean meets the Indian Ocean.
Get back to the cafe. Lily has had a scone. So has Fiona. Others are hungry, so we head into town. I noticed a bakery on the way in. So we stop there and buy some pies. It starts to rain heavily again, so we eat our pies in the car.
Drive to Boranup Forest Viewpoint - Liang wants to see the Karre trees - he's seen someone else post pictures of the forest. So we go there before heading to Margaret River.
Stop at the viewpoint. Take photos.
Next stop we drive to Margaret River Providores, via Margaret River - do a big loop, because my navigator says signal keeps dropping in and out - we eventually get there at 3.30pm - I'm hoping they aren't closing yet, phew they close at 5pm. I buy my herbs and spices as well as honey and strawberry jam. Toilet break for some.
Do some taste testing. U. David buys some wine. Evan buys some liquer and herbs and spices as well for A. Cath.
Take photos in the garden.
Drive to canal rocks. Again sprinkling on the way, but seems to hold off when we get there. Take photos. Evan wants to stay longer, but it's time to go, have a long drive back.
Decide to buy takeaway for dinner - so we stop at Mandurah Cicerello's for fish and chips, while the others continue back to the resort. Make a salad when we get back.
Have them with the rest of the cocktail franks and sour dough bread
9am drive to Augusta. It is overcast and there are forecast for showers.
Stop at the Margaret River Cheese Factory. Toilet and stretch break.
Cheese tasting. Think Fiona has eaten a block of cheese.
Janet buys some cheeses to take back to Sydney. A. Cath also buys some cheeses and honey.
Other buys coffee to perk them up.
Take photos with the painted cow outside the factory.
Continue our drive to Augusta - drive through Cowarup, but as it is raining, I don't stop and we continue on our way.
It is raining on and off. Hoping that by the time we get to the lighthouse that it isn't raining. We are in luck, in fact the clouds have disappeared and the sun has come out.
Janet, U. David, Fiona, Lily and Mark wait in the coffee shop.
Lorraine, Liang and A. Cath pay to go in, but no tour of the lighthouse. I pay for myself. Evan has somehow snuck in while Lily distracts the man at the counter.
Take photos. There is also a cow here as well.
See where the Southern Ocean meets the Indian Ocean.
Get back to the cafe. Lily has had a scone. So has Fiona. Others are hungry, so we head into town. I noticed a bakery on the way in. So we stop there and buy some pies. It starts to rain heavily again, so we eat our pies in the car.
Drive to Boranup Forest Viewpoint - Liang wants to see the Karre trees - he's seen someone else post pictures of the forest. So we go there before heading to Margaret River.
Stop at the viewpoint. Take photos.
Next stop we drive to Margaret River Providores, via Margaret River - do a big loop, because my navigator says signal keeps dropping in and out - we eventually get there at 3.30pm - I'm hoping they aren't closing yet, phew they close at 5pm. I buy my herbs and spices as well as honey and strawberry jam. Toilet break for some.
Do some taste testing. U. David buys some wine. Evan buys some liquer and herbs and spices as well for A. Cath.
Take photos in the garden.
Drive to canal rocks. Again sprinkling on the way, but seems to hold off when we get there. Take photos. Evan wants to stay longer, but it's time to go, have a long drive back.
Decide to buy takeaway for dinner - so we stop at Mandurah Cicerello's for fish and chips, while the others continue back to the resort. Make a salad when we get back.
Sunday, September 16, 2018
WA Day 3 Sunday 16 September 2018 Freemantle
7am Evan makes breakfast: boiled eggs with cocktail franks, leftover baked beans and sour dough bread, which Liang has bought from bakery across the road.
Fiona doesn't want to get ready. U. David says he will stay with her.
9am we drive to Fremantle. First stop Fremantle Prison. Park in car park next to prison. Pay for 2hr parking.
10am Get there just as Convict tour is starting. Everyone, except Lily and Mark do the tour. They go to the markets.
Convict tour takes us through the 4 cell blocks. Shown a typical cell, which is just large enough to fit a hammock and wash basin. No toilets, convicts used buckets.
Then it's up the stairs into another block. Then to the prison library which now is devoid of any books, just empty shelves against the walls, the front desk, office and back rooms.
Then it's to another section where the chapel for the Church of England. Then shown another chapel with confessional booths and back room.
Then taken outside and back into another section, which now houses a pictorial museum with timeline of events - start of prison to closing. Also shown morgue and cold storage area which are side by side down below where it is dark and cold.
Then out into the prison yards - exercise yards 1 and 2, then into solitary confinement cells - some which have no windows, so are dark as.
Tour takes over an hour and half. Especially as the group needs to keep waiting for Evan who is busy taking photos.
Once we finish the tour, toilet break then we check out the other free exhibits, souvenir shop before heading back to car.
Message Lily and Mark that we have finished. Decide we will try and park closer to markets. But there is a football game on at the oval near the markets - parking is at a premium. So eventually we head back to parking area below the prison and 5min walk to the markets. Liang has managed to find free parking on the street somewhere close. Pay for another 2hrs and get 1 free hr
Meet up at front entrance of oval and cross over to the markets - walk through the markets and make our way to Asian food court. Get a table and each order separately. Janet, A. Cath, Evan and I decide to share 3 dishes. I buy the Char Kway Teoh, Singapore Noodles and Wonton noodles from same place as last year. Evan buys us fresh fruit drinks from the only drink place in the food court.
After lunch, we walk towards the Roundhouse. Liang and Lorraine get distracted by the bird call man selling his bird call pipes. They end up buying a set. Continue on our way and finally get to the Roundhouse. Evan busy taking photos of historical buildings - looks like a film set, backlot. Others have already entered the Roundhouse. Take photos, toilet break. Then Liang has to go move car. We wait around for him.
Liang and Lorraine arrange to go meet up with a friend. So we leave them here, and walk back to the markets, via the harbour. Mark is complaining his feet hurt, so we head back to the Markets. Janet and Lily buy fruits, strawberries are cheap.
Then it's time to head back.
Get back to the resort and Fiona is now ready to go out. So we take her with us to go shopping for dinner. But the shopping centres are already closed - so we head to the IGA across the road. Buy a roast chicken and ice cream.
We have roast chicken and garden salad for dinner.
Fiona doesn't want to get ready. U. David says he will stay with her.
9am we drive to Fremantle. First stop Fremantle Prison. Park in car park next to prison. Pay for 2hr parking.
10am Get there just as Convict tour is starting. Everyone, except Lily and Mark do the tour. They go to the markets.
Convict tour takes us through the 4 cell blocks. Shown a typical cell, which is just large enough to fit a hammock and wash basin. No toilets, convicts used buckets.
Then it's up the stairs into another block. Then to the prison library which now is devoid of any books, just empty shelves against the walls, the front desk, office and back rooms.
Then it's to another section where the chapel for the Church of England. Then shown another chapel with confessional booths and back room.
Then taken outside and back into another section, which now houses a pictorial museum with timeline of events - start of prison to closing. Also shown morgue and cold storage area which are side by side down below where it is dark and cold.
Then out into the prison yards - exercise yards 1 and 2, then into solitary confinement cells - some which have no windows, so are dark as.
Tour takes over an hour and half. Especially as the group needs to keep waiting for Evan who is busy taking photos.
Once we finish the tour, toilet break then we check out the other free exhibits, souvenir shop before heading back to car.
Message Lily and Mark that we have finished. Decide we will try and park closer to markets. But there is a football game on at the oval near the markets - parking is at a premium. So eventually we head back to parking area below the prison and 5min walk to the markets. Liang has managed to find free parking on the street somewhere close. Pay for another 2hrs and get 1 free hr
Meet up at front entrance of oval and cross over to the markets - walk through the markets and make our way to Asian food court. Get a table and each order separately. Janet, A. Cath, Evan and I decide to share 3 dishes. I buy the Char Kway Teoh, Singapore Noodles and Wonton noodles from same place as last year. Evan buys us fresh fruit drinks from the only drink place in the food court.
After lunch, we walk towards the Roundhouse. Liang and Lorraine get distracted by the bird call man selling his bird call pipes. They end up buying a set. Continue on our way and finally get to the Roundhouse. Evan busy taking photos of historical buildings - looks like a film set, backlot. Others have already entered the Roundhouse. Take photos, toilet break. Then Liang has to go move car. We wait around for him.
Liang and Lorraine arrange to go meet up with a friend. So we leave them here, and walk back to the markets, via the harbour. Mark is complaining his feet hurt, so we head back to the Markets. Janet and Lily buy fruits, strawberries are cheap.
Then it's time to head back.
Get back to the resort and Fiona is now ready to go out. So we take her with us to go shopping for dinner. But the shopping centres are already closed - so we head to the IGA across the road. Buy a roast chicken and ice cream.
We have roast chicken and garden salad for dinner.
Saturday, September 15, 2018
WA Day 2 Saturday 15 September 2018 Mandurah - Busselton - Lake Clifton
7am wake up
8am I cook breakfast: fried eggs with bacon, baked beans and toast.
9am out the door
11am Arrive Busselton Jetty - miss the chance to ride the train - tickets all sold. Next time is 12noon. Janet, U. David and Fiona sit at tables near cafe/takeaway whilst we walk the jetty. Pay $4 each. Walk to end and back. It's a lovely day - sun is shining and it's not windy, bonus.
12.30pm - too late to go to Bunbury markets. Instead go to KFC for lunch. Lily buys food from KFC app - suppose to get seniors discount too, but person at cashier rings it up wrong and only give discount on last item ordered. Lily makes a fuss.
2.00pm - 4.00pm - Late afternoon, decide not to go to Cape Naturalist lighthouse, instead head back and drive to Lake Clifton to see thrombolites - tide is high, thrombolites are submerged, mozzies are out. When we arrive at car park, it's empty. but starts to fill up as we are walking the boardwalk.
Drive back to Mandurah.
Walk to beach with Evan to take photos of sunset - Lily and Lorraine also join us.
A. Cath and Janet prepare dinner
8am I cook breakfast: fried eggs with bacon, baked beans and toast.
9am out the door
11am Arrive Busselton Jetty - miss the chance to ride the train - tickets all sold. Next time is 12noon. Janet, U. David and Fiona sit at tables near cafe/takeaway whilst we walk the jetty. Pay $4 each. Walk to end and back. It's a lovely day - sun is shining and it's not windy, bonus.
12.30pm - too late to go to Bunbury markets. Instead go to KFC for lunch. Lily buys food from KFC app - suppose to get seniors discount too, but person at cashier rings it up wrong and only give discount on last item ordered. Lily makes a fuss.
2.00pm - 4.00pm - Late afternoon, decide not to go to Cape Naturalist lighthouse, instead head back and drive to Lake Clifton to see thrombolites - tide is high, thrombolites are submerged, mozzies are out. When we arrive at car park, it's empty. but starts to fill up as we are walking the boardwalk.
Drive back to Mandurah.
Walk to beach with Evan to take photos of sunset - Lily and Lorraine also join us.
A. Cath and Janet prepare dinner
Friday, September 14, 2018
WA Day 1: Friday 14 September 2018 Sydney - Perth - Mandurah
Friday 14 September 2018
Darren drops us off at the airport.
Spot Lorraine and Liang who have already checked in. They go through security to the gates.
Wait for Seeto's who are being dropped off by Ken.
Check in and drop bags off.
Go through security with no problems.
Go looking for Maccas, but end up at Hungry Jacks, where Lorraine and Liang are seated eating breakfast.
Order breakfast for Fiona, Janet and I. Pancakes and hash browns.
Go to gate.
Boarding on time.
We are all seated in same section, U. David and A. Cath, Evan and I, Janet and Fiona, Lily and Mark. Lorraine and Liang are seated in the section before us.
Served water. Then lunch. Watch 2 movies and ep 1 of jap series, but don't get to finish it.
Arrive at Perth airport. Set clocks back 2 hrs.
Evan and I go to Avis counter to pay and get paperwork for car. The rest go to get bags and have walked to parking lot.
Pack up the car. Lily and Mark stay back to wait. The rest get into the car. We are driving to drop off Liang and Lorraine at their rental car pickup. Get in the wrong car. It won't start. Finally figure out it's the wrong car. Would be too much hassle to change paperwork, plus the car we have been given is newer than the one we have gotten into. Have to unpack and move to the right car.
Finally we drive off to "No Birds" car rental place, in 369 Guildford Road, Bayswater, get there and they find out that it's not the place to pick the car up. Have to drive further to another suburb, 172 Kewdale Road, Kewdale.
Get to the car rental place. By this time, I decide to change our plans, time is ticking and by the time we drive back to airport, we won't have time to go to the Lesmurdie Falls. No waterfall, we will just drive straight to Mandurah and have late lunch, early dinner. So Lorraine and Liang drive back to airport to pick up Lily and Mark, whilst we drive straight to Mandurah.
Drive to Mandurah Terrace and google search place to eat. Decide to eat at Cicerellos - fish and chips. So Janet orders 4 "Fish and Chips" while we wait for others to arrive. When they arrive not long after, they order seafood plates. Everyone hungry.
After our late lunch early dinner, it's off to Aldi to do some shopping. Buy groceries.
Drive to Silver Sands Resort. Janet and Lily check in. We are in units 29 (Lorraine, Liang, Lily, Mark) and 31 (U.David, A.Cath, Janet, Fiona, Evan and I). Lower units, so no need to climb a lot of stairs and right outside the pool. Pity it is cold.
After unpacking car and settling in. Evan and I head down to the beach to catch the sunset. Liang uses the spa.
A. Cath and Janet prepare a light dinner - chicken corn soup, we are all still full from fish and chips.
Early to bed, as we need to be up and out by 9am tomorrow.
Darren drops us off at the airport.
Spot Lorraine and Liang who have already checked in. They go through security to the gates.
Wait for Seeto's who are being dropped off by Ken.
Check in and drop bags off.
Go through security with no problems.
Go looking for Maccas, but end up at Hungry Jacks, where Lorraine and Liang are seated eating breakfast.
Order breakfast for Fiona, Janet and I. Pancakes and hash browns.
Go to gate.
Boarding on time.
We are all seated in same section, U. David and A. Cath, Evan and I, Janet and Fiona, Lily and Mark. Lorraine and Liang are seated in the section before us.
Served water. Then lunch. Watch 2 movies and ep 1 of jap series, but don't get to finish it.
Arrive at Perth airport. Set clocks back 2 hrs.
Evan and I go to Avis counter to pay and get paperwork for car. The rest go to get bags and have walked to parking lot.
Pack up the car. Lily and Mark stay back to wait. The rest get into the car. We are driving to drop off Liang and Lorraine at their rental car pickup. Get in the wrong car. It won't start. Finally figure out it's the wrong car. Would be too much hassle to change paperwork, plus the car we have been given is newer than the one we have gotten into. Have to unpack and move to the right car.
Finally we drive off to "No Birds" car rental place, in 369 Guildford Road, Bayswater, get there and they find out that it's not the place to pick the car up. Have to drive further to another suburb, 172 Kewdale Road, Kewdale.
Get to the car rental place. By this time, I decide to change our plans, time is ticking and by the time we drive back to airport, we won't have time to go to the Lesmurdie Falls. No waterfall, we will just drive straight to Mandurah and have late lunch, early dinner. So Lorraine and Liang drive back to airport to pick up Lily and Mark, whilst we drive straight to Mandurah.
Drive to Mandurah Terrace and google search place to eat. Decide to eat at Cicerellos - fish and chips. So Janet orders 4 "Fish and Chips" while we wait for others to arrive. When they arrive not long after, they order seafood plates. Everyone hungry.
After our late lunch early dinner, it's off to Aldi to do some shopping. Buy groceries.
Drive to Silver Sands Resort. Janet and Lily check in. We are in units 29 (Lorraine, Liang, Lily, Mark) and 31 (U.David, A.Cath, Janet, Fiona, Evan and I). Lower units, so no need to climb a lot of stairs and right outside the pool. Pity it is cold.
After unpacking car and settling in. Evan and I head down to the beach to catch the sunset. Liang uses the spa.
A. Cath and Janet prepare a light dinner - chicken corn soup, we are all still full from fish and chips.
Early to bed, as we need to be up and out by 9am tomorrow.
Thursday, August 23, 2018
Dental filling
Thursday 23 August 2018
I had a 4.30pm appoint with Dr Aidan Tinney to replace a side filling to one of right molar as it had been causing me some pain and sensitivity.
On removal of the old silver filling, there was some decay, which he got rid of before filling in with the new filling. He also filled in the gap in the bottom of the tooth which had worn away.
After claiming back $62.80 from health fund, I paid $203.95 plus visa fee ($205.07) so total was $266.75 for the filling.
I had a 4.30pm appoint with Dr Aidan Tinney to replace a side filling to one of right molar as it had been causing me some pain and sensitivity.
On removal of the old silver filling, there was some decay, which he got rid of before filling in with the new filling. He also filled in the gap in the bottom of the tooth which had worn away.
After claiming back $62.80 from health fund, I paid $203.95 plus visa fee ($205.07) so total was $266.75 for the filling.
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Human Nature - One Night Only
Tuesday 21 August 2018
Had lunch with Sue, Maria, Carol, Simona, Kasia and Chris Mancini (who left before we ate - she had a cold) at Club Burwood Cafe 97. Ordered a chicken schnitzel with chips and salad - was ok, but my schitzels are better. Gave Sue and Maria their birthday presents. For Sue, I gave her a peeping cat mug and kaisercraft washi tape holder and for Maria, I gave her an Alex and Ani birthstone bracelet.
That night, Lily, Janet, Kaylene and I took the train out to Town Hall, walked to The Star to watch Human Nature perform at The Star Event Centre - for one night only. It was a 2hr show.
Seated in the upper balcony, close to nose bleed, but not quite - could still see the stage.
Performance was great - knew most of the songs. Kaylene had no clue. The lady seated beside me must have been a huge fan to have traveled all the way from Melbourne, plus she was sing/shouting to all the songs. She provided entertainment for Kaylene.
Concert finished at 10.30pm - by the time we made our way out to the Light Rail it was past 11pm, and so by the time we got home it was just before midnight.
Had lunch with Sue, Maria, Carol, Simona, Kasia and Chris Mancini (who left before we ate - she had a cold) at Club Burwood Cafe 97. Ordered a chicken schnitzel with chips and salad - was ok, but my schitzels are better. Gave Sue and Maria their birthday presents. For Sue, I gave her a peeping cat mug and kaisercraft washi tape holder and for Maria, I gave her an Alex and Ani birthstone bracelet.
That night, Lily, Janet, Kaylene and I took the train out to Town Hall, walked to The Star to watch Human Nature perform at The Star Event Centre - for one night only. It was a 2hr show.
Sunday, August 19, 2018
Ferragusto Festival
Sunday 19 August 2018
I decided to walk to Five Dock to check out the Ferragusto Festival. From our previous time we went, where we drove and spent a long time trying to find a park, I figured it would be better to walk there. So instead of doing my morning walk, I did a lunch walk. Bad mistake.
The lines for the food trucks were so long, it was not worth the time or the effort. So I walked up Great North Road, from one end to the other and then back again, in the hope that the lines for the food would be short. Mind you, this was around 2pm, but the crowds were thick and the lines were long. There was only 1 drink stand, for lemonade - as I was getting thirsty, I bought a Lemon and limeade drink $6 - made from powder - not even freshly squeezed lemon - very tart. Trying to search for a birthday gift, the stalls selling weren't that interesting.
At 4pm it was getting cooler and late, so I made my way home, via McDonalds and got myself a Fillet of Fish and Loaded Fries before I fainted from hunger or got a headache.
Reminder to self - these festivals are getting to be bigger than Ben Hur and so crowded that it's no fun anymore. Next time just stay home.
I decided to walk to Five Dock to check out the Ferragusto Festival. From our previous time we went, where we drove and spent a long time trying to find a park, I figured it would be better to walk there. So instead of doing my morning walk, I did a lunch walk. Bad mistake.
The lines for the food trucks were so long, it was not worth the time or the effort. So I walked up Great North Road, from one end to the other and then back again, in the hope that the lines for the food would be short. Mind you, this was around 2pm, but the crowds were thick and the lines were long. There was only 1 drink stand, for lemonade - as I was getting thirsty, I bought a Lemon and limeade drink $6 - made from powder - not even freshly squeezed lemon - very tart. Trying to search for a birthday gift, the stalls selling weren't that interesting.
At 4pm it was getting cooler and late, so I made my way home, via McDonalds and got myself a Fillet of Fish and Loaded Fries before I fainted from hunger or got a headache.
Reminder to self - these festivals are getting to be bigger than Ben Hur and so crowded that it's no fun anymore. Next time just stay home.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Family Dinner @ Corbett and Claude
Wednesday 15 August 2018
Darren received a pay rise and to celebrate he wanted to shout the family dinner, so on Wednesday night, we went out to Corbett and Claude at Rhodes for dinner at 7.15pm.
Corbett and Claude is a pizza and pasta restaurant and because Darren booked the apt through Dimmi's he got a special discount at 50% off the meal.
Everyone bar Nathan went, as Mark wanted to take Mar Mar. They arrived late, after we had eaten the appetisers.
Darren ordered 5 appetisers (salt and pepper calimari, mrs C's crispy chicken bites, haloumi chips and sweet potato chips, corbett bruschetta), 2 salads (The Gardener: mixed leaves, quinoa, grilled zucchini, pumpkin, persian feta, fresh lime dressing and grilled chicken), 2 pasta dishes (creamy mushroon gnocchi and pesto cream fettucine) and 5 pizzas (The consultant - potato, smoked ham and pineapple, The forager - crispy prosciutto, The fireman - spicy pepperoni, jalapenos, The botanist - grilled pumpkin and zucchini, Capricciosa). Meal cost less than $130
Darren received a pay rise and to celebrate he wanted to shout the family dinner, so on Wednesday night, we went out to Corbett and Claude at Rhodes for dinner at 7.15pm.
Corbett and Claude is a pizza and pasta restaurant and because Darren booked the apt through Dimmi's he got a special discount at 50% off the meal.
Everyone bar Nathan went, as Mark wanted to take Mar Mar. They arrived late, after we had eaten the appetisers.
Darren ordered 5 appetisers (salt and pepper calimari, mrs C's crispy chicken bites, haloumi chips and sweet potato chips, corbett bruschetta), 2 salads (The Gardener: mixed leaves, quinoa, grilled zucchini, pumpkin, persian feta, fresh lime dressing and grilled chicken), 2 pasta dishes (creamy mushroon gnocchi and pesto cream fettucine) and 5 pizzas (The consultant - potato, smoked ham and pineapple, The forager - crispy prosciutto, The fireman - spicy pepperoni, jalapenos, The botanist - grilled pumpkin and zucchini, Capricciosa). Meal cost less than $130
Sunday, August 5, 2018
Ex-ACCA Reunion Lunch
Sunday 5th August 2018
Angela organised a reunion of ex-ACCA dragonboat paddlers to meet for lunch at Stretch in Chatswood via WhatsApp. Easier for each family to order their own food, than to share the bill.
Altogether 11 tables. Here are the details of the groups
Table 1. Angela, Bindy, Megan, Evan, Ken, Vanita
Table 2. Jacqui, Richard, Oliver and Juliette
Table 3. Susie, Dylan and Nathan(Michal had sports)
Table 4. Wendy, Quan, Eva and Thomas
Table 5. Marisa, Steve, Tess and Connor
Table 6. Chris, Briella and Mikey (Liz MIA)
Table 7. Nick and Jarrod (Kelly MIA)
Table 8. Paul, Trudy, Cleo and Sadie
Table 9. Silvia, Jana, Sam and Harvey
Table 10. Sam, Grace, Charlotte, Iggy (Lance MIA)
Table 11. Casey, Shirley, Matty and Isabelle
So they ordered:
Bruschetta - Grilled asparagus and king brown mushroom bruschetta with fresh ricotta, sage and truffle pecorino $11
Chargrilled calamari - with black garlic puree and a tomato, coriander, garlic and parsley salsa $12.50
Almost famous garlic bread - slow cooked caramelised garlic cloves, bound in organic sourdough and smothered in a herb and butter sauce $14
Cheese Wheel Carbonara - signature carbonara prepared tableside in a 40kg parmigiano Reggiano cheese wheel with award winning smoked Australia bacon, free range egg yolk and freshly ground black pepper $38
Spicy meatball'a pizza $16.50
Queen Margarita pizza $13.50
All up I paid $30 for my meal. Loved the garlic bread, bruschetta and calamari were also good. Carbonara was so so - not much sauce, use to creamy sauce at home, although it looked impressive being cooked in the big cheese wheel.
It was good to catch up with everyone, although some had to leave earlier than others.
Angela organised a reunion of ex-ACCA dragonboat paddlers to meet for lunch at Stretch in Chatswood via WhatsApp. Easier for each family to order their own food, than to share the bill.
Altogether 11 tables. Here are the details of the groups
Table 1. Angela, Bindy, Megan, Evan, Ken, Vanita
Table 2. Jacqui, Richard, Oliver and Juliette
Table 3. Susie, Dylan and Nathan(Michal had sports)
Table 4. Wendy, Quan, Eva and Thomas
Table 5. Marisa, Steve, Tess and Connor
Table 6. Chris, Briella and Mikey (Liz MIA)
Table 7. Nick and Jarrod (Kelly MIA)
Table 8. Paul, Trudy, Cleo and Sadie
Table 9. Silvia, Jana, Sam and Harvey
Table 10. Sam, Grace, Charlotte, Iggy (Lance MIA)
Table 11. Casey, Shirley, Matty and Isabelle
So they ordered:
Bruschetta - Grilled asparagus and king brown mushroom bruschetta with fresh ricotta, sage and truffle pecorino $11
Chargrilled calamari - with black garlic puree and a tomato, coriander, garlic and parsley salsa $12.50
Almost famous garlic bread - slow cooked caramelised garlic cloves, bound in organic sourdough and smothered in a herb and butter sauce $14
Cheese Wheel Carbonara - signature carbonara prepared tableside in a 40kg parmigiano Reggiano cheese wheel with award winning smoked Australia bacon, free range egg yolk and freshly ground black pepper $38
Spicy meatball'a pizza $16.50
Queen Margarita pizza $13.50
It was good to catch up with everyone, although some had to leave earlier than others.
Saturday, August 4, 2018
Tonu's Retirement Dinner
Saturday 4 August 2018
Tonu finally retires from Burwood Library, and the library staff organised a dinner for her at the Royal Treasure Seafood Restaurant in Burwood.
Previous to the dinner they had a morning tea for her at Burwood Library on Monday 9th July 2018. I asked for a half flex and took the morning off to attend the morning tea. For her retirement gift, I gave her a Vera Bradley coin purse $14, a rose quartz bracelet $10 and contributed $20 to the group gift, which was an ipad and hand bag, bought by Sue Hoy. Tonu also gave everyone who attended a scratchie ticket and a Daiso ceramic panda.
Back to the dinner, they had one big table for 15 of us - Tonu, Michelle, Helen, Kerri-Anne, Shoba, Kasia, Carol, Simona, Patrick, Vesna and partner, and 3 other new staff, who I don't know the names of. Kasia was kind enough to give me a lift to and from the restaurant.
Because I attended the dinner I missed Aunty Cath's 76th birthday, which the rest of the family (minus Mark, Nathan and Darren) attended at the Seeto's for a home cooked meal.
Tonu finally retires from Burwood Library, and the library staff organised a dinner for her at the Royal Treasure Seafood Restaurant in Burwood.
Previous to the dinner they had a morning tea for her at Burwood Library on Monday 9th July 2018. I asked for a half flex and took the morning off to attend the morning tea. For her retirement gift, I gave her a Vera Bradley coin purse $14, a rose quartz bracelet $10 and contributed $20 to the group gift, which was an ipad and hand bag, bought by Sue Hoy. Tonu also gave everyone who attended a scratchie ticket and a Daiso ceramic panda.
Back to the dinner, they had one big table for 15 of us - Tonu, Michelle, Helen, Kerri-Anne, Shoba, Kasia, Carol, Simona, Patrick, Vesna and partner, and 3 other new staff, who I don't know the names of. Kasia was kind enough to give me a lift to and from the restaurant.
 |
| Kasia, Carol and I |
 |
| ? Simona and Shoba |
 |
| Patrick, Vesna and ? |
 |
| ? Tonu. Michelle, ? |
 |
| Megan, Kerrie-Anne and Helen |
We had the banquet for $40 a head, but payed $45, $5 tips. So much food that there were leftovers. Tonu had also given everyone a bottle of wine - wow.
Because I attended the dinner I missed Aunty Cath's 76th birthday, which the rest of the family (minus Mark, Nathan and Darren) attended at the Seeto's for a home cooked meal.
Saturday, July 28, 2018
PGHS 35th Reunion
Saturday 28th July 2018
Kerrie Butters organised a get together at the Oatley Pub as Janet Cook was visiting all the way from Sweden, so the reunion was brought forward.
I arrived on time to find that Ruth was the only one sitting alone in the area set aside for our reunion. So we had a good catchup before the others arrived. So many familiar faces, but so hard trying to remember the names.
The one person I couldn't place a name to the face was Julie, she had pink long hair, but I did manage to have conversations with her and catch up on what she's been doing.
Bernice Blom and Julie Moss (nee Thompson) were also present and I managed to catch up with them. Seems Julie use to live across the road from me at Penshurst - so long ago, I don't even remember that.
Kerrie Butters organised a get together at the Oatley Pub as Janet Cook was visiting all the way from Sweden, so the reunion was brought forward.
The one person I couldn't place a name to the face was Julie, she had pink long hair, but I did manage to have conversations with her and catch up on what she's been doing.
Bernice Blom and Julie Moss (nee Thompson) were also present and I managed to catch up with them. Seems Julie use to live across the road from me at Penshurst - so long ago, I don't even remember that.
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Mark's 63rd Birthday
Sunday 22 July 2018
Mark arranged for dinner at Hurstville RSL for his birthday. He invited the Chan's, Lily invited the Liu's. All up we had 3 tables at the restaurant.
I made 2 cheesecakes so there would be enough cake to go around.
After the dinner we had to take Fiona home.
Mark arranged for dinner at Hurstville RSL for his birthday. He invited the Chan's, Lily invited the Liu's. All up we had 3 tables at the restaurant.
Disney on Ice - 100 years
Sunday 22 July 2018
I booked tickets to see Disney on Ice and as Fiona was coming out that weekend, got her a ticket as well. Not that often that we get to take her out to see a show. Mare, Jacq, Oliver and Juliette were also going.
Got Justin to drop us off near McDonalds, where we met up with Jacq and the kids. Lucky for us, Lily ordered on the app, because the queue to order was so long. We ate our burgers and fries before walking to the stadium.
Mare was running late, but made it in time just as the show was starting
I think Fiona enjoyed the show, I did.
After the show we waited for Mark to come pick us up.
I booked tickets to see Disney on Ice and as Fiona was coming out that weekend, got her a ticket as well. Not that often that we get to take her out to see a show. Mare, Jacq, Oliver and Juliette were also going.
Mare was running late, but made it in time just as the show was starting
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Grains Festival, Summerhill
Saturday 1 July 2018
Although I am on a no/low carb diet, a festival is a festival, so when Jacq asked if I was interested, of course I was. Was planning to train it there, but when Jacq offered to give me a lift, who was I to say no.
So the plan was for Jacq to leave home at 10.30am with Oliver and Juliette, however, they slept in and didn't leave home until 11am. So by the time they came to pick me up, we arrived at the festival around 12noon. Roads were closed, and parking was at a premium, lucky for us, we found a park 1 block away. Had to cross a busy road, walk through a housing estate past their playground area to the light rail crossing, and we were there. A line of stalls selling bread, pastries, bagels was busy with people hungry for food. It was lunch time. The Bearded Bakers selling their instagrammable middle eastern dessert, knafeh, had the music blaring. Only one stall was selling pasta.
Taste tested some bread and also bought a fruit loaf from the same stall. Jacq bought some pastries for her and the kids, who gobbled it down.
Mare rocked up after her piano lessons at Haberfield. Jacq and I had lined up and bought knafehs. $8 each, they are like a flat creme brulee, but with pistachio and sweet syrup. Not too sweet, this was my first time to have one, so I did enjoy it. Jacq had Mare buy some pasta (gnocchi) for the kids. After eating, it was time to go, but not before some quick photos at the mural - to enter in a competition.
Jacq had to get Oliver to his 2pm tennis lessons and Mare was headed to the Solomon Islands get together at Narwee. So Jacq dropped me off home before they went off to tennis.
Although I am on a no/low carb diet, a festival is a festival, so when Jacq asked if I was interested, of course I was. Was planning to train it there, but when Jacq offered to give me a lift, who was I to say no.
So the plan was for Jacq to leave home at 10.30am with Oliver and Juliette, however, they slept in and didn't leave home until 11am. So by the time they came to pick me up, we arrived at the festival around 12noon. Roads were closed, and parking was at a premium, lucky for us, we found a park 1 block away. Had to cross a busy road, walk through a housing estate past their playground area to the light rail crossing, and we were there. A line of stalls selling bread, pastries, bagels was busy with people hungry for food. It was lunch time. The Bearded Bakers selling their instagrammable middle eastern dessert, knafeh, had the music blaring. Only one stall was selling pasta.
Taste tested some bread and also bought a fruit loaf from the same stall. Jacq bought some pastries for her and the kids, who gobbled it down.
Mare rocked up after her piano lessons at Haberfield. Jacq and I had lined up and bought knafehs. $8 each, they are like a flat creme brulee, but with pistachio and sweet syrup. Not too sweet, this was my first time to have one, so I did enjoy it. Jacq had Mare buy some pasta (gnocchi) for the kids. After eating, it was time to go, but not before some quick photos at the mural - to enter in a competition.
Jacq had to get Oliver to his 2pm tennis lessons and Mare was headed to the Solomon Islands get together at Narwee. So Jacq dropped me off home before they went off to tennis.
Friday, June 22, 2018
Good Food and Wine Show 2018
Friday 22 June 2018
Early this year I bought 6 tix to the Good Food and Wine show for June. The day came and I too a flex day off work, so that we could go on a Friday, the start of the show and hopefully less crowds.
Evan and A. Cath came over and we trained it out. Kaylene had a dental appointment, so she met up with us at the show. Good timing, because we had just collected our free Citibank wine glasses, when she showed up. Waited for her to get hers too, before we all went in.
Walked past the Everdure stand, but they weren't ready, I think they had just finished serving their first offering and were starting to plate up the next one for 12noon. So I headed for the MasterChef food truck and got into the queue. Although they said it would be a 30min wait, it didn't seem like it.
Tasted the crisped sweet pork, pomelo, mint and fried wai wai noodle salad, which everyone else were choosing over the fig and walnut scone. Then it was back to line up at the Heston Everdure stand for the Chicken Souvlaki with pickled cabbage and garlic mayo.
Then to the Princess Cruise theatre to watch the Chef and the Butcher, Colin Fassnidge and ??
Getting hungry watching them cook, so time to try the Citibank pop up restaurants. I bought 3 dishes from Manu's Duck In Duck Out, (Ducking loaded fries - crispy confit duck, harissa aioli, spring onion, Quack Daddy Burger - Confit Duck, celeriac remoulade, red onion jam, pickles, rocket, harissa aioli and a Nam Duck Salad - confit duck with Vietnamese coleslaw, nuoc cham dressing, herbs, cashews. Evan bought 3 dishes from the Butcher and The Farmer - Pork Burger, Beef Burger and ?? Found a table and seats at the back of the MasterChef van and ate our lunch.
Checked out Manu and his wife at the Princess Theatre, but standing room only. Then it was time to do the rounds. Somehow we end up back at the MasterChef van, the line is short, so we have seconds. Kaylene and I get photos on the recipes whilst we are waiting. Food is just as good the second time around.
More taste testing, crab meat, cheese, mushroom balls, then back to Everdure for the Apple tart tartin. Check out the wines, and cheeses. Kaylene buys apple cider, to be home delivered, as we cannot locate the lychee gold. I get a photo taken with Colin Fassnidge, as Gary Mehigan is not at the show this year. We did see some of the MC contestants, but they were the eliminated ones, so no photos with them.
Head home, but as it is 5.30pm, peak train time, we need to kill time. Take our time walking to Town Hall. Look in Kathmandu. Janet buys a BBQ chicken, for dinner in Woollies, the others buy drinks. Then spend the rest of the time at World Square food court, until it's 6.30pm before we take the train home. Still full from all that grazing. But make a salad and cut up the bbq chicken.
Kaylene enters into the Everdure Instagram contest to win a Cube bbq, and at 7pm that day, she is notified that she is a winner. Woohoo.
I decide to enter the competition on Saturday by posting some pics I took on Friday. Guess what?? I also got chosen as a winner. And to make it a triple. Evan posted his photos on Sunday and won a bbq too. Not bad overall.
Early this year I bought 6 tix to the Good Food and Wine show for June. The day came and I too a flex day off work, so that we could go on a Friday, the start of the show and hopefully less crowds.
Evan and A. Cath came over and we trained it out. Kaylene had a dental appointment, so she met up with us at the show. Good timing, because we had just collected our free Citibank wine glasses, when she showed up. Waited for her to get hers too, before we all went in.
Walked past the Everdure stand, but they weren't ready, I think they had just finished serving their first offering and were starting to plate up the next one for 12noon. So I headed for the MasterChef food truck and got into the queue. Although they said it would be a 30min wait, it didn't seem like it.
Tasted the crisped sweet pork, pomelo, mint and fried wai wai noodle salad, which everyone else were choosing over the fig and walnut scone. Then it was back to line up at the Heston Everdure stand for the Chicken Souvlaki with pickled cabbage and garlic mayo.
Getting hungry watching them cook, so time to try the Citibank pop up restaurants. I bought 3 dishes from Manu's Duck In Duck Out, (Ducking loaded fries - crispy confit duck, harissa aioli, spring onion, Quack Daddy Burger - Confit Duck, celeriac remoulade, red onion jam, pickles, rocket, harissa aioli and a Nam Duck Salad - confit duck with Vietnamese coleslaw, nuoc cham dressing, herbs, cashews. Evan bought 3 dishes from the Butcher and The Farmer - Pork Burger, Beef Burger and ?? Found a table and seats at the back of the MasterChef van and ate our lunch.
Head home, but as it is 5.30pm, peak train time, we need to kill time. Take our time walking to Town Hall. Look in Kathmandu. Janet buys a BBQ chicken, for dinner in Woollies, the others buy drinks. Then spend the rest of the time at World Square food court, until it's 6.30pm before we take the train home. Still full from all that grazing. But make a salad and cut up the bbq chicken.
Kaylene enters into the Everdure Instagram contest to win a Cube bbq, and at 7pm that day, she is notified that she is a winner. Woohoo.
I decide to enter the competition on Saturday by posting some pics I took on Friday. Guess what?? I also got chosen as a winner. And to make it a triple. Evan posted his photos on Sunday and won a bbq too. Not bad overall.
Saturday, June 9, 2018
Fiona's 45th Birthday
Saturday 9th June 2018
We had a belated birthday dinner for Fiona's birthday.
Both Kaylene and I had hair appointments at 1pm, so Janet and A. Cath went to pick Fiona up.
I made a chocolate layer cake for her and decorated it with strawberries.
We had a belated birthday dinner for Fiona's birthday.
Both Kaylene and I had hair appointments at 1pm, so Janet and A. Cath went to pick Fiona up.
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Vivid Taronga
Wednesday 6th June 2018
Vanita organised an outing to see the Vivid lights at Taronga Zoo.
So Evan and I took the train to Wynyard then caught the bus across to the north side to meet up with Vanita and her 2 friends, who drove to the zoo. Evan bought us a pie and sausage roll, which we ate while on the bus. We had missed a bus, because we were standing on the wrong side and had no idea where the bus stop was and by the time we figured it out, our bus had come and gone, so we had to catch the next bus.
Got to Taronga at 7:15pm, in time for the 7:30pm entry on our tickets. We rode the Skypass first, as this was included in the ticket to get a birds eye view, but because it had been raining, the glass was speckled with rain drops. Lucky for us, the rain held off and there were only smatterings of light showers.
Because Evan and I were always busy taking photos, Vanita and her friends went ahead. We walked the light path until closing time and caught the bus back to the wharf to take the ferry back to Circular Quay with most of the volunteers. Walked back to Wynyard station and took the train back home.
Vanita organised an outing to see the Vivid lights at Taronga Zoo.
So Evan and I took the train to Wynyard then caught the bus across to the north side to meet up with Vanita and her 2 friends, who drove to the zoo. Evan bought us a pie and sausage roll, which we ate while on the bus. We had missed a bus, because we were standing on the wrong side and had no idea where the bus stop was and by the time we figured it out, our bus had come and gone, so we had to catch the next bus.
Got to Taronga at 7:15pm, in time for the 7:30pm entry on our tickets. We rode the Skypass first, as this was included in the ticket to get a birds eye view, but because it had been raining, the glass was speckled with rain drops. Lucky for us, the rain held off and there were only smatterings of light showers.
Because Evan and I were always busy taking photos, Vanita and her friends went ahead. We walked the light path until closing time and caught the bus back to the wharf to take the ferry back to Circular Quay with most of the volunteers. Walked back to Wynyard station and took the train back home.
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Osaka Day 8 - Saturday 2 June 2018
Saturday 2 June 2018 - Shinsabashi, America Mura, Dotonbori
Head out to get breakfast. Last day and we haven't had sushi or sashimi. Do we go back to the markets?
Walk past the cute hawaiian drinks store with the swing out front. Why not. Buy our drinks for 1080Y and take our photos.
Head towards the markets, but Kaylene says we should try a sushi/sashimi place, behind the Shinsaibashi street, so we go there. This place is called Jinen Shimizucho. A small wait for a table. The place is busy. Order our sushi and sashimi plates. Yum. Grilled salmon seasoning 432Y. Eel butter 540Y (oh so much better than the markets), Sashimi 7 1944Y, Nigiri set 900Y.
Decide to check out shops in America-mura, as whenever we walk through it's at night and shops are closed.
Kaylene still hungry, we end up at the Life supermarket in Namba, so she buys curry bun, fried chicken bun, sushi which we can eat back at the apartment and snack foods to bring back with us.
Discover that our flight has been delayed. So we shop some more. Go to Don Quijote, and buy kitkats and more snacks. Go to Daiso and I buy my snail glue tapes.
4pm we head back to the apartment. We should have time for a nap, snack then shower, but Kaylene gives me a heart attack. Says the flight is back on schedule. WTF!!! No way. How are we going to pack and get to the airport in time.
Get changed. Start packing. Send msg to JT to confirm. She confirms, it's still delayed. Phew. Oh well, continue packing, and eating.
Have time to have our showers and wash out hair.
Head out at 6pm to catch the train to the airport. Need to carry our bags down 1 flight of stairs, at least it's down and not up. Catch the train to Tennoji. Not quite sure which platform, but Kaylene figures it out. Change to the JR rail and get the train to the airport. Need to make sure you are in the first 4 carriages as the rest of the train shunts off after a particular stop and goes elsewhere. Check that we are in the right carriage.
8pm arrive at the airport. Have to catch the train to the terminal. Check in at the counter - they give us food vouchers (1500Y each to be used only for food and drink) as the flight has been delayed. No queues.
I have a Maccas - ebi fish fillet meal 740Y. Then have a soft serve and hot apple pie. Kaylene gets a McRibs meal with corn (in cup) instead of fries. Kaylene buys another ebi fish fillet meal to have for later.
9.30pm Go through customs and security. No queues. Surrender my tax refund receipt at the counter.
Check out the shops inside. Make way to gate 39 at 10pm
At least we don't have to wait too long.
11:24pm we are on board the plane.
QF34 Flight to Sydney - Depart Osaka 8:40pm Delayed - 11:30pm. Watched movies: Wonder, 12 Strong and The 15:17 to Paris.
We are also served a meal on the plane. I opt for the sushi. But still full, so just eat the fillings.
For breakfast we are served egg, bacon pastry, fresh fruit.
Arrive Sydney Sunday 3 June 7:30 am (or 8:30am daylight savings) Plane delayed - arrived 10:15am.
Mark and Lily come to pick us up.
Head out to get breakfast. Last day and we haven't had sushi or sashimi. Do we go back to the markets?
Walk past the cute hawaiian drinks store with the swing out front. Why not. Buy our drinks for 1080Y and take our photos.
Head towards the markets, but Kaylene says we should try a sushi/sashimi place, behind the Shinsaibashi street, so we go there. This place is called Jinen Shimizucho. A small wait for a table. The place is busy. Order our sushi and sashimi plates. Yum. Grilled salmon seasoning 432Y. Eel butter 540Y (oh so much better than the markets), Sashimi 7 1944Y, Nigiri set 900Y.
Decide to check out shops in America-mura, as whenever we walk through it's at night and shops are closed.
Kaylene still hungry, we end up at the Life supermarket in Namba, so she buys curry bun, fried chicken bun, sushi which we can eat back at the apartment and snack foods to bring back with us.
Discover that our flight has been delayed. So we shop some more. Go to Don Quijote, and buy kitkats and more snacks. Go to Daiso and I buy my snail glue tapes.
4pm we head back to the apartment. We should have time for a nap, snack then shower, but Kaylene gives me a heart attack. Says the flight is back on schedule. WTF!!! No way. How are we going to pack and get to the airport in time.
Get changed. Start packing. Send msg to JT to confirm. She confirms, it's still delayed. Phew. Oh well, continue packing, and eating.
Have time to have our showers and wash out hair.
Head out at 6pm to catch the train to the airport. Need to carry our bags down 1 flight of stairs, at least it's down and not up. Catch the train to Tennoji. Not quite sure which platform, but Kaylene figures it out. Change to the JR rail and get the train to the airport. Need to make sure you are in the first 4 carriages as the rest of the train shunts off after a particular stop and goes elsewhere. Check that we are in the right carriage.
8pm arrive at the airport. Have to catch the train to the terminal. Check in at the counter - they give us food vouchers (1500Y each to be used only for food and drink) as the flight has been delayed. No queues.
I have a Maccas - ebi fish fillet meal 740Y. Then have a soft serve and hot apple pie. Kaylene gets a McRibs meal with corn (in cup) instead of fries. Kaylene buys another ebi fish fillet meal to have for later.
9.30pm Go through customs and security. No queues. Surrender my tax refund receipt at the counter.
Check out the shops inside. Make way to gate 39 at 10pm
At least we don't have to wait too long.
11:24pm we are on board the plane.
QF34 Flight to Sydney - Depart Osaka 8:40pm Delayed - 11:30pm. Watched movies: Wonder, 12 Strong and The 15:17 to Paris.
We are also served a meal on the plane. I opt for the sushi. But still full, so just eat the fillings.
For breakfast we are served egg, bacon pastry, fresh fruit.
Arrive Sydney Sunday 3 June 7:30 am (or 8:30am daylight savings) Plane delayed - arrived 10:15am.
Mark and Lily come to pick us up.
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