Friends from far and near

This last week or so started with a significant birthday for my friend Elaine. Some of her family made a surprise visit from NZ and I joined them and the other playgroup mums Anne and Ev to celebrate with Elaine.

That night Jeanette and Graham arrived from WA. Elaine and I had met them on our Rocky Mountaineer train trip. Jeanette joined our patchwork weekend and worked very hard both on the weekend and in the following days to learn a few more quilting skills.

We had time for some travels too. Our first was to Kurnell then along the coast to Wanda for lunch. Then on past Cronulla to Miranda for some shopping and Elaine's for dinner.

Pernilla (Sweden) and Julie (Tasmania) joined us for dinner one night and we spent lots of time catching up on musical news.

Then I took Jeanette and Graham to see a bit of southern NSW. First to Underhill where we found the quinces were ripe enough to pick. There were also a few apples ready.

Then on to Fitzroy Falls where the mist was very thick. There we were fascinated for some time by two different Lyre Birds just close by.

 

On to Berry where we stayed two nights with Rauri and Janice. This put Jeanette and Graham in their comfort zone with some fence mending (they are also farmers) but gave them a completely new experience working and living with rich green grass and lots of rain.

 

 

On the way back we stopped off at a few landmarks. The first was Seven Mile Beach which was significant to Jeanette and Graham. Then Gerroa and Gerringong. The Kiama blowhole was showing off and we enjoyed coffee and cake at the cafe there for morning tea.

Following the coast up we drove over Seacliff bridge (in the middle distance) and stopped at Hargraves Lookout at Stanwell Tops for the view. We had lunch at Audley.

 

Home to a visit from Luke who had a sleep over with Ma. We drove Jeanette and Graham to the airport so they could continue their journey. What a wonderful week we all had!

This was all followed by a birthday party for my 2 year old friend Rosalind. William (3) was also very excited and the party was a great success.