Thursday 26 January 2012

STRALIA DAY

What a country and people! We celebrate a day when we settled a large and inhospitable "Southern land". Miles from anywhere, ships laden with convicts - many of whom had done not much more than steal a loaf of bread to subsist in a grimey and poverty stricken mother land! But they conquered the challenges, and prospered into a cheeky and successful country that punches far above its weight. A multicultural people benefitting from a richness and diversity of ancestral character into a real melting pot of nationalities.


Like many Aussies I celebrate today the contribution many of my ancestors have made to our great country, whether they be Governors or gatekeepers they have contributed their bit. I hope in my small way I can do the same.



Saturday 7 January 2012

CRUISING INTO THE NEW YEAR

We started the New year with a bang! Fireworks in Sydney and a very pleasant party in Rose Bay on the foreshore to celebrate. Only problem was getting back to Rushcutters Bay at two o'clock! Buses full, no cabs - only choice was to walk it. Still, a generous priming and an hour later we were home - made lots of New Year friends along the way who may or may not remember the occasion!


New Years day saw us on the harbour for a pleasant sail - a brisk breeze, not too much drama with only the headsail up and a sobering blast of fresh air.


What a way to start the year!



Is there a better harbour in the world?







CHRISTMAS CAPERS

We have traditionally had Christmas at our home with an extended family of both our clans. This year though we decided to break the large (24+) group up and just have a gathering for our immediate family and their families - 16 in total.


Amy and her lot are in Wagga Wagga midway for us in Sydney and Phils mob in Melbourne. We managed to secure a second home for some of the gang and had good accommodation for us all. As usual, great food and lots of fun, including the now traditional Pinata with the obligatory scramble for the scattered sweets as they got belted into oblivion!! Great fun for young and old.






Father Christmas came of course - we had all been good last year!


BUT, we also had a visit from "Supergirl" who was speeding so fast she was just a blurrrrr !!






Festivities were over far too fast and we all departed to our homes for some peace and much needed diets and exercise.