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.
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
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.
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