We left sunshine for fog

We left sunshine and warmth and tropical colour, the lower left photos, for fog, rain, grey skies and its cold, I took the others this morning. The house was like an ice house when we got home, a fire and heaters on to get a bit of warmth, a loaf of bread on and dinner prepares. Max was so excited to see us and this morning when I took his photo he was roaring around the paddock like a mad thing. Then I discovered that the freezer had started to defrost, so a mad panic to make soup, rearrange things and throw out some stuff. Luckily the other freezer is ok but the one I use most must have had a seal not working as most is still ok but it is not what I needed after 2 weeks away, so I have still not got the washing on, but other things are slowly being done. Double click on the photos to enlarge, more from the back paddocks Barry! Not going to make this a long post, too much to do, but just to say we had a wonderful time away, just wish our weather was a bit more welcoming.

the last two days

M and S have a pool table at Rainbow Beach, I dont play pool but John and J do and here is a shot of them, J about to wipe John out, they have played pool against each other for years, and judging by the shrieks of laughter enjoy it, although the eye sight is getting worse. Here is a shot of a new corner I hadnt seen before in M,s lovely garden, she has used a lot of different coloured bromeliads and it works so well up here. A little bit of the country around Amamore where friends live, such a lovely spot, and then finally the Nambour Showgrounds, taken as I struggled up the hill, not realising what a very long walk we would have to the car. I was silly and didnt take any photos of the magnificent plants for sale, there were so many people it was difficult to get my camera out. did I say it was the big garden Xpo? A lovely spot but in a hollow and parking was at a premium and we all got rather hot and bothered. Today, go to my other blog, on my side bar, to see what we did.

Maleny to Rainbow Beach

Yesterday we drove up from the Gold Coast to Maleny where we had lunch and a wander around until we found our way to Barry Smith of Rustnstuff blog and his partner Fiona whose blog at the moment i cant recall (I had to finish the red wine for lunch!!) but she does calligraphy and books while Barry does metal manipulations and brilliant both of them are. I came away with my brain buzzing, probably unfortunately in too many directions, but it was oh so stimulating to see their lovely house and workrooms (studios) Barry looked ok after his heart problems but admitted to being tired after we left. We tried to catch up with Jo Murray who paints the most interesting stuff, her blog is I think Jo Murray Studios, I am typing this under difficulties, and she left me the most amazing small painting. In Barry and Fiona's house I sort of caught up with Robin Gordon as they have an exquisite example of her carving, talk about lusting after something! It was so beautiful. The joys of blogs and meeting like minded and interesting people. A photo of J, Fiona, Barry and john, not the best but a lovely memory, I think somewhere is the photo of their coffee bushes too. Then on to Rainbow and catching up with M and S, photo of J and M walking the beach this morning, I found some lovely shells but my walking is still rather slow, beautiful to be there, so photos of waves, the coloured sands, view from M and S balcony last night, I did get a sand fly bite but found that ti tree oil stops the itch, thank goodness. M's garden and a small shot of the interior that I could see from the deck. We are having a wonderful holiday, at last we are both relaxing, hope those are reading this are enjoying it as much as we are! Double click to enlarge the photos.

Queensland birds and plants

 

Just a photographic update on the last few days, walking in various places including the botanic gardens here on the Gold Coast and the various birds and plants that caught my eye. Off to do more fun things, tomorrow it is Rainbow beach via a few blog friends. Not sure how the reception will be there. Keep well.

Too much! Food wine, beaches etc

 

I have eaten the best food, drunk the best wine, in wonderful surroundings with friends and new friends, been down south of the border below Byron Bay where we had a wander, great food at a place called Harvest in a tiny town called Neurybar, the spelling could be wrong! fabulous place. We have walked the beaches around the Gold Coast, wandered through at night (out for more food!) Had birthdays, played tennis, more walks, more food, this time a birthday lunch down at Burleigh heads, great view and great Tapas. all a bit too much, need more clothes but again the sales are on, 3/4 pants and a t shirt for $20. I never go shopping like this but the weather has warmed up and I now need clothes for warmer weather, must remember next time. Generally having a wonderful time. Not a lot of sewing or knitting or drawing done but so relaxed which is wonderful, and J is looking more relaxed too.

The last few days

 

We left home last Saturday for a day of meetings and a dinner for the Welsh pony and Cob society of Australia annual meeting and the launch of the book on the history of the society for the last 40 years. All rather a rush and went far too quickly, there is a photo in this collage of Mark Bullen, Joan McKinley and Bob Owen holding the book. We then headed down to stay with the family at Beaumaris, more rush and we were so tired we were not sure what we were doing so did very little, had lunch at Ricketts Point where a red wattle bird had decided to investigate the sugar on the table, they are a large honey eater and are not usually as bold as this. I took a few photos as we walked home from lunch. then up to the Gold coast via Sydney and 2 1/2 hours late but did arrive eventually, even more tired, to have family and friends in for dinner, poor Jill had been running all day. It was her 70th birthday the next day and it sheeted down with rain all day. A photo of John reading his speech a photo of all the birthday people in that week, Kay, June, birthday girl Jill, her brother Scott, 2 years older and also born on the same day as Jill and Andy. I think the odd photo of the rain sheeting down, and then to lunch the next day, a typical gold Coast house on the water, lovely. Today we shopped and not a lot has been done, thank goodness. i am off for a short zizz.

Back Valley Creek in flood

 

It seems such along time ago that the creek came down in flood.It has rained solidly from late yesterday afternoon and we have had about 40mm or more. everything is saturated, dams are overflowing, rainwater tanks are doing the same, its wet wet and very muddy. Love it like that for a little while but I have no doubt we will get sick of it soon. At the moment Whoopee!!! double click to enlarge the photos.