Ally's birthday party

We had a great part outside our flat, on the lawn overlooking the harbour bridge and Opera House. Ally put on the most fabulous spread including blue cheese quiches with caremelised onion, sundried tomato and basil quiches, Satay chicken, salmon in filo pastry, lamb sausages, beef meatballs, prawns in pancetta, fruit galore and crisp fresh veggies to dip into a mint dip. Then up to the flat for Bree Cheese with caremelised macadamian nuts, Kerry's now famous cheesecake, more fruit and coffee. Needless to say, everyone was totally stuffed by the time the party was over!
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Watching "Cocolat" at the Sydney Open Air Festival

We watched "Chocolat" under the stars at the Sydney Open Air Festival. What a great movie! Ally looked after baby Lucas the entire movie, much to mum Claudia's delight.

Life is precious

It was with great sadness that we heard today that Doug's mum passed away after her battle with cancer. She was a vibrant, sunny person who always had a sparkle in her eye and we thought she was absolutely wonderful. We'll always remember the time we went yachting with her and the family, the hospitality she showed us by having us over for Xmas dinner in 2006 and the delicious breakfast we shared with her on Mother's Day 2007. Her warmth was such that in many ways, it felt like she was our mum away from home. It's so sad that she has passed away so young and our thoughts are with Doug and his wonderful family.

It's made me think about how precious life is. It's also reminded me of a lovely poem I first heard when Dad passed away.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

Ally's gift to baby Lucas

In wonderful Ally style, she has made a beautiful handmade gift for Doug and Claudia's new baby, Lucas. An alphabet of animals, each one is painstakingly painted. Beautiful.
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Welcome little Lucas

Doug and Claudia's baby was born on Saturday. Tonight we went round to marvel at him. He is absolutely beautiful with soft blonde hair. Just three days old and a heartbreaker already.

South Africa verse Australia

Weekend at Hunter Valley

We spent a very relaxing weekend in Hunter Valley at Doug and Claudia's house. Set in the middle of the farm lands with unspoiled views, it was the perfect spot to enjoy the sunshine (the weather was perfect!) and relax.

In between lazing in the sun, we visited several wineries where we gorged on cheeses and olives and tried several fair wines.

The most exciting discovery of the weekend was green chili relish - a local delicasy that, mixed with cheese (or most anything) tastes like a dream. We bought a large jar which did not last long. Will definitely be looking out for more.

Ally enjoying the view from the house



... and enjoying the sun

Claudia in her 'sexy' hat

Sitting around the fire (where we toasted many a marshmallow)

Eating cheese and chili relish on the run (between wineries)

Doug and Claudia hovering around the one bush in their garden where there is reception



A local parrot (still to be identified)

Mother's Day breakfast with the Fletchers

All you can eat breakfast buffet at WestIn Hotel...

Doug and Claudia's new "tinnie"

They have been lusting after a boat for a while - and great that they finally took the plunge. We had a fantastic day out on the water with them. Great to have the freedom of the river ways in Sydney - Sydney from any angle is pretty good looking from any angle, from her waterways she is nothing short of beautiful.

Houseboating in Hawkesbury River

We just spent an idyllic 3 days houseboating with Doug and Claudia, Linda and Dan. Amazing food, beautiful scenery and lots of time to chill out. It was a great get away.

Swimming off the boat. The water was suprisingly warm. There were some jellyfish to avoid but all part of the fun.

As with all Dough and Claudia outings, the food was splendid and we did little but eat. Each couple was responsible for a day. Ally excelled with her Yoghurt and Cumin Lamb and prawns wrapped in pancetta ham on the barbie. Went down like a house on fire.

What would a boat trip be without a leap from the boat.

On our final night, we had a Bond night were we dressed up in "costumes" and played poker. Guess who cleaned up? Yes, Ally!! She's quite the poker player and spent the evening accumulating everyone's chips.


Ally and me in our Bond outfits. Can you see my bow tie?



And here is the whole group. We had an enormous boat, equipped for ten people, so were spoiled with lots of space.



Relaxing on the beaches along the river.

We all did a fair amount of fishing. But only Dan caught any fish - 7 of the blighters!! What we were all doing wrong is anyone's guess.

These crabs only have one claw each. Who needs two hands when one will do.

All her fish catching made Dan very popular with the local pelican.

Beautiful it was.

Doug trying hard.

Beautiful sunsets.

Ally's new T-shirt - a present from the Fletchers.

And my boogey board - a Xmas present from Ally. Perfect colour and message for Bondi Beach!

Driving the boat was a lot of fun. Had to be particularly careful aiming through the bridges.

A very cheeky jump in the lake by Dan. Needless to say, she was a lot of fun...

Sydney New Year Celebrations

Oh wow, we had the most fabulous New Year's Eve. Not suprising since we are living in the best place in Sydney to view the fireworks. Ring side seats from our flat window without moving a muscle.

Literally thousands of people descended onto the parks around our flat to watch but we were protected from the hordes by specially erected fences around the property. Doug, Claudia and Mat came to celebrate with us and needed special cards to get in.

We had a relaxing and delicous dinner in the comfort of our flat while the thousands below fought and jostled for position. Then we ambled down to watch the fireworks from our flat parking lot so we could take in the atmosphere.

The anticipation of the crowds was electric and hundreds of boats also arrived in the bay to watch. When they arrived, the firework show was truly breathtaking - 3 tonnes of rockets went into the sky - $ 11 million worth. A pyromaniacs wet dream.

In true organised Aussie style, there were two shifts of fireworks - one at 9 pm for the kids and then the grande finale at midnight. Only problem was that when the families left after the first shift, others were arriving for the late show and there was something of a crush - to the extent that there were parents handing their kids over the fence of our flat to protect them. Then the police moved in and strict laws were enforced. Hundreds were held back and not allowed into the park.

And of course, we were watching all the furore from our safe and spacious confines - oh the life!!

Below you can see the hordes of people - a view from our kitchen window. Many arrived before 10 am in the morning to ensure a good position - some even set up tents. Oh how they suffered through the hot and windy day while we watched from our shady apartment.





Here we are enjoying the atmosphere in the park outside our flat.


Of course, I had my camera out in an attempt to capture the spectacle. Very hard it is capturing fireworks - I had to do some research on the web to find the settings. Mostly its just trial and error - I clicked through the entire show and only got about 5 good shots. Thank goodness for digital!



The bridge of course was a centre piece in the spectacle with the Opera House in the background. Often in the UK we would watch the Sydney New Year celebrations on TV (Australia is of course one of the first to celebrate) - and I had to pinch myself that we were actually now here watching it first hand.



As the show proceeded, the firebursts got larger...

...and larger. The fireworks were not just over the bridge but in dozens of spots along the river and at one time the entire Sydney skyline was lit up. Photos of such event was unfortuntely hopelessly over exposed. Next year!

After the fireworks there was pandemonium as thousands started the hard work of making their way home. The river too was a flurry of activity as all the boats too headed for home. We ambled to the lift and made our own epic journey to the 14th floor.

Ally and I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy 2007 - may it be rewarding, healthy and fun and filled with laughter.

Video Highlights
Mature behaviour at posh dinner party

Before the fireworks

The fireworks show