Bellingen River

I have to write more about swimming in the Bellingen River. It was one of those hot days in the country with cicadas and moments under the deep shade of mature trees. The town streets were punctuated by music and friends. Driving to the spot in the river that Paula called 'The Never Never' was a journey through fields of yellow lit green. Walking along the river bank to the swimming hole was just adding to the experience. Then we were there. The air around was dry and hot. The water was cool and moving. From shallows to deep natural pools. I floated through the current wearing my sarong and immersed into the cool rock filtered waters of the Bellingen River.

Door

Through the double doors I lay

Watching, waiting as I stay

Waiting for the one who'll come.

The one with the keys

Seeking the break of dawning day.

Following my soul's path as I lay.

The hand upon the swimming lock

Lifts as if to break and mock.

Then through the trees the new day breaks

As I leave on the path that I will take.

Walking forward from night's grasp

Into the life that holds me fast.

Chinese New Year

Competitor tents at Darling Harbour for the Dragon Boat teams
Year of the Rabbit, Nick and Alex in rabbit masks

Fountain patterns

Dragon Boat team

Chinese New Year lucky red envelopes

Alex and Nick at the Lion Gate entrance to the Chinese gardens of friendship

Chinese Garden landscape

Eastern water dragon at the Chinese Garden, "it must be introduced" remarked Tom

Joanna and Madeline

Joanna (left) and Madeline (right)

We had a visit from Charlotte's sister who is now in Australia with her friend Jo, as they set out on a six month working holiday hoping to travel and see the sights. With the ravages of the summer Australia needs as many young visitors as possible, so I hope that they have a great time and lots of their friends are encouraged to travel this way as well.

Nicholas Peter Pan James loses his first tooth

Everyone knows that Peter Pan always kept his baby teeth throughout his life, this was what made him so appealing to children and kept him apart from the world of adults. Unfortunately I must now reveal to you that Nicholas Peter Pan James has lost his first tooth and will obviously now begin growing up, here is the after shot. And yes even though I confess to tugging it slightly it did fall out on its own. Now the tooth next to this one is loose as well.

The last day of the Summer holidays captured by Nick

the south end of Balmoral Beach under the fig trees
sand pattern

fig tree
kid's spade

seagull

powerboat

bather

summer freckles

self portrait 1

self portrait 2

self portrait 3

Today we went back to Balmoral to skateboard, swim and take photos. This collection of photos were taken by Nick while I sat under the fig trees looking out into the acqua emerald ocean of Sydney Harbour. I hope you enjoyed the last day of our summer holidays.....

Australia Day 2011

Woggan-ma-gule Ceremony (meaning Farm Cove in Gadigal Language) held in the Botanical Gardens Sydney to start Australia Day celebrations. The original custodians of the land.
The Sydney Opera House enshrouded in fog at 7.30am this morning

Sydney Harbour Bridge at the start of Australia Day

Lavendar Bay where we will watch the Ferrython from at 11-12pm today

Retreat Reserve - this morning (the largest Angophora - Sydney Coastal Red Gum)

Boys eating Australia Day Brekkie