Christmas Day Lunch 2011

Thanks Chris for forwarding these photos taken at our place Christmas Day.

No party hats on yet, so we are just about to start.

Making memories......

January 1st 2012

We chose the start of a new year to plant my Christmas present -

a Gymea (Giant Lily)

This plant annually sends up a very distinctive shoot, ending with a giant flower head of red flowers.

Ranging from 1 1/2 to 4 + metres

We noticed these plants the first weeks we were in Sydney, and now we have one. Yay!

Julia posing with the lily, and showing off her new lighter hair colour.

Our little honey blonde.

Palm Beach - Dec 2011

Barrenjoey Beach

Perfect

Picnic Day with Duncan , Julia & J's boyfriend Duncan

Photos show the beach, pitt water side and heads out to Pacific Ocean & Barrenjoey Lighthouse.

I just love this beach. It has a tucked away feel, quiet, just the way I like it.

The tide is high on this visit, but you can walk the entire length to the national park where the lighthouse is situated. To the right is a golf course, sand dunes, then Palm Beach. Palm Beach is on the seaward side, with the surf club and shops.

Lots of cafes, restaurants, art shops and general tourist shopping.

Also famous for being the setting for a long running Aust TV series, Home & Away.

All less than and hour from home.

I say this with a smile on my face - as we drive past Mona Vale Beach, Newport Beach, and Bilgoa Beach on our way to my beach......

Not the closest, but the one one I love and feel a real connection with.

Flower Power Child

Julia and a little friend in the grounds of Flower Power, Julia's casual weekend job.

By the look on your face, Julia, you are again impressed with your mother.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

As Christmas draws to a close we would like to wish all our family and friends a

Very Happy New Year

and a

Prosperous 2012

Christmas Memories 2011

Christmas Table 2011

L to R Fran, Chris, Sheryn,{Alana missing}, Duncan (J's boyfriend),

Julia, Duncan, Percy & {Louisa missing} head of table.

Alana has returned in this pic.

We feasted on:

Turkey, Ham, lots and lots of Seafood, Salads, Roasted Vegetables, & all the trimmings.

This was followed by Pavlova with Berries, Baked Stone Fruits with Vanilla Ice-cream, & Chocolate Mud Cake.

Crackers, silly jokes, and sillier trinkets all add to a lovely gathering.

Little touches of Christmas that build our memories of Christmas 2011

Thank you 'old friends', we will see you again next year.

2011 Leverton Close Street Party.

Duncan & Julia positioned our seats at the end of our drive during the street party.

Good turn out for what I hope will be a annual event.

We rolled our BBQ out to add more cooking area. As you can see a 'stubbie' is required equipment while supervising at the grill.