Party Time

12/12/2011
  It’s quite a novelty waking up bright eyed and bushy tailed, might try it again sometime.
 09 00  lessons in the pool, Phil filling me in on pool pump house maintenance, basically if anything goes wrong I just ring a number and a man comes and fixes it. In fact the whole job is like that, our managers are in Brisbane, any problems, ring them. Sounds good to us.

  13/12/2011
  We are having the most peculiar weather  lately. We had a howling gale in the night blowing lots of leaves and branches into the pool, clogging up the filter system, yet the temperature didn’t drop below 27 Cal night. Naturally we spent some time clearing up this morning.
 The mozzy screens on the side windows of the van have never been satisfactory, stuck up with gaffer tape mostly.  So, I have set to making a permanent repair while it is sitting in the car park here.  Got my weekly “fix” at Bunnings (B and Q), wandering around the place looking at things I might need sometime! We now have the stuff to do the job which will be my next project ….if I can fit it in between pool duties!!

  14/12/2011
  Today we were invited to Curlew Cottage, owned by some more of Phils friends from his days in the police force, Alan and Cynthia. They are retired but grow tropical fruit on their land and we were given a carrier bag full of lychees straight from the bush. We were there with several others of the circle of friends for morning drinks and nibbles, but not too much to drink  as later we had planned to walk to Kewarra beach resort where they have a beach bar and live music tonight.
 So, ourselves with Phil and Julie  spent a most enjoyable evening sitting with a few beers listening to an excellent girl singer, who we have met before.
 As we sat in the open we had the strange experience of a couple of heavy rain showers, each lasting 20 minutes or more, but we just sat through them and steamed. A very unique experience. We walked home at 9 o’clock, along the beach, in the moonlight, splashing in the surf singing Christmas carols. Bare feet, shirt and shorts and an electrical storm all around. A spectacular sight and another amazing day here in Queensland.

  15/12/2011
  Grass cutting day which we did this morning. It wasn’t as hot as it  has been, we had a torrential downpour around 6 am which cooled it down a bit.  Only 31C today!
  Bought the International Express, more doom and gloom from the UK  with Wayne Rooneys stupid face dominating the sports pages and Clegglet getting in the way of running the country. Best we stay hidden down here.
 We were invited to the McNamaras for an evening BBQ. Turned out to be another lovely evening. The Macs have a very old Queenslander style home with loads of space. Set apart from the house there is a boys room complete with snooker table, fully stocked bar and big screen TV. We watched some vintage rock concerts (Dvd’s) and we had a few coldies watching 60/70/80s groups. A great BBQ and we have another excuse to do it again tomorrow!!

  16/12/2011

  A very wet day which means the temperature has fallen to about 30C. We love it. 

 Tonight’s  party is at Glyns  and Alanas for Alanas birthday, about 16 of us all together. Another lovely night, and we knew everyone there, some better than others. Fortunately nobody jumped in the pool ( I say fortunately because I am convinced it’s late night swimming that gives you a headache the next day!) Home about 2 30!

  17/12/2011

  Julie held a pool party for her workmate from the vet clinic, Phil, Jane and I were banished to Apres bar at Palm Cove. Glyn and Alana joined us late and then gave us a lift back to Clifton, where the party was still  in full swing. The rest of the evening we just sat on the beach with a beer or two listening to the waves.

 18/12/2011

  A nothing sort of a day after clearing up from last nights party, which wasn’t too messy.  Watched an Englishman  (Ian Poulter) win the Australian Masters Golf Tournament on TV this arvo. Don’t suppose I will find an Aussie golf fanatic for love nor money.  Quiet night in as the Dunns have gone to yet another party at Phils tennis club. We are rather relieved that we don’t play tennis!!