Day 42 in a Year of my Life

Well, my Tawny Frogmouths are no longer cute little chicks ...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8252895383/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8253947962/in/photostream/

... but the curious chick is still curious and he watched me as I walked around under the branch that he was perched on, just as he did when he was tiny.

Three weeks is a long time in the life of a bird.  It's now only their size that distinguishes them from adult Tawnies.  They are very much smaller than their parents.

I thoroughly enjoyed my coffee from the bakery this morning and even though I arrived quite a bit later than usual at the Seat of Knowledge, it was good to catch up with my boys.

On the way home, I stopped at a garage sale where Aussie H was helping out and found some colourful crockery, which I bought nice and cheap.

I've been thinking for a long time about creating a big colourful ceramic collage on the floor of our outdoor area.

This is going to take a LOT of crockery!

So while I collect a lot of inexpensive mixes of crockery from various garage sales, I'll start playing with different ideas in a sketch pad.

There is plenty of time to play with at this rate and I have lots of different ideas swimming around in my head.

Hopefully, it will all come together beautifully in the end, and it will be a work of art to be proud of!

Today, I am grateful to Aussie H for taking such good care of everything that is important to AH and I, while we had our holiday.

The psychotic dogs are happy and healthy.  The only lovely layer that we have left is looking fine.  Our home is happy and the job is still steady.

It's a huge responsibility to take on and I hope that she knows how much we appreciate her efforts.

We have lots of little ways to show her in the coming weeks how much it means to us.

Nite all.

Day 41 in a Year of my LIfe

There are no words to describe how happy AH and I are with our new Mitsubishi Outlander.

We both purred like pussy cats all the way home today and it was lovely to hear AH announce "I LOVE THIS CAR!" a number of times along the way.

There are no photos for today.

We caught the courtesy bus to the Bowls Club this afternoon and got to catch up with everybody and hear all the local news.

We are very grateful to be home safe n sound - thanks to our NEWWWWW CARRRRRR!

I'm looking forward to seeing my boys in the morning :D

Nite all.

Day 40 in a Year of my Life

And here it is ...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8248677077/in/photostream

We drove it out of the car yard at lunch time today and almost immediately named the female voice on the inbuilt GPS "Genie".

The car feels like it's floating instead of driving and Ah and I are both still swooning over it.

We drove from the car yard to Noosaville to see Chicklet and Vegan Chickie for lunch and then a quick visit to the pirate park, before heading back to the van park, so that AH could figure out how he was going to pack the car in the morning before we drive home.

Yes, the holiday is over.

Time to go home. It will be less than a week before I return, for a couple of days with the family and then a night in Brisbane for a night shoot with the photography group, followed by the Christmas gathering on Sunday.

Today, I am grateful that 'Jimmy the Salesman' came through with the car and put a smile on AH's face and so that we can finally go home.

I'm sure that Aussie H will be grateful that she can return home to her own bed and that her duties are finally over!

Nite all.

Day 39 in a Year of my Life

http://www.bohemianbungalow.com.au/

This is where Adoring Husband and I had lunch today.

It all started when we decided that we would go searching for Wappa Dam and Wappa Falls.

For the first time, Adoring Husband didn't use the inbuilt GPS in the car and we headed towards the town of Yandina, knowing that Wappa Falls was near the town and then we would follow the signs.

We got very close, but we took a right turn at a t-junction, that should have been a left turn.

We drove for a few kilometres and just as AH decided he wanted to turn around and I told him to keep going, and we came over a rise and found the turn off to Eumundi.

AH suggested we go there for coffee.

We found a free parking spot on the main road, which was lucky because the markets were still open, and it was busy.

As we got out of the car, AH noticed some signs to a restaurant saying 'Now Open', so we walked across the road and up the steps into this beautiful new restaurant.

We didn't know it at the time, but it was their first day open.

A beautiful bohemian style decor, with both very new/expensive, and very old/vintage furnishings and knick knacks everywhere.  Bright and colourful, spacious and warm, musical and arty, friendly and comfortable, light and airy ... so many ways to describe a lovely place to spend some time.

The food was amazing, the service warm and friendly, the prices reasonable and on our way out the owner introduced himself and asked us if we had enjoyed our meal/experience.

He told us that he frequents 'Fratellinis', where the Bare-chested Chef is currently working!

So, thanks to a wrong turn earlier in the day, we got to enjoy another excellent 'foodie' experience.

We've been so lucky with our eating experiences on this holiday!

Here are a couple of photos from where we sat.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8247199710/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8246132551/in/photostream/

We did eventually find Wappa Dam and Wappa Falls.

There were no 'falls' due to recent dry weather.  The Dam was old and fenced off with warning signs posted everywhere, although there were nice little barbecue and picnic areas nearby.

So today, I am grateful for travelling adventures that take you where you least expect.  Wrong turns.  Getting lost.  Taking a risk, by not turning back.  Finding holiday gems and creating happy memories together.

Nite all.

Day 38 in a Year of my Life

S O   H O T!!

Today, my iphone weather app told me that it was 32 degrees.  I could have sworn it was hotter and I kept looking at the app, waiting for the temperature to rise.  It didn't.

Then the news this evening reported that it was 38 degrees here today!  I KNEW IT!!

I've been trying to think about what to write in tonight's post, but my mind is blank.

I received an email from Fergies wife an hour ago telling me that he lost his battle and passed away on Saturday.

I'm sad, but I am grateful that Fergie is no longer suffering.  May he rest in peace.

Nite all.

Day 37 in a Year of my Life

The temperature is gradually rising here and I don't know if it was the heat or if the holiday has suddenly caught up with me, but this morning at around 11am, I needed to sleep.

Sleep I did, not soundly, due to all the activity in the park, but I dozed on and off for about three hours!

When I finally raised myself from the comfort of my bed, Adoring Husband went for a drive to the fish markets and came home with a huge feed of sand crab, Morton Bay bugs and prawns.

When I woke up, I found a couple of texts from The Nikonian suggesting that storms may develop this afternoon, or perhaps a nice sunset, so we got together at 4pm and drove to a beach at Coolum.

We got coffee and walked down to the beach to take in the sights and enjoy the salt sea air.

There were two other photographers already on the beach.  One on a pregnancy shoot and the other on a romantic couple shoot, which also included the three children at the end.

So we watched them for a while and then grabbed our cameras and began snapping away at all the activity going on down there.

Surfers on the waves, people walking their dogs, a young woman stretching on the rocks, kids skipping stones, reflections in the water, clouds stretching across the sky ... so many things happening ... every time we turned around, we found something new to photograph.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8241714880/in/photostream/lightbox/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8241715304/in/photostream/lightbox/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8241715702/in/photostream/lightbox/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8241716354/in/photostream/lightbox/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8241716712/in/photostream/lightbox/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8241717124/in/photostream/lightbox/

Neither the storms or the sunset eventuated, but we were both happy with our shots for the afternoon and went home feeling pretty pleased with ourselves.

What a nice afternoon.

Today I am grateful for the chance to rejuvenate.

Even with the hot weather, the breeze blowing through the windows of our van, was cool enough to allow us to sleep comfortably in the middle of the day and I woke up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Our holiday continues for a few more days.  I am ready!

Nite all.

Day 36 in a Year of my Life

We took a drive south today for 90 minutes to visit the 'other' granddaughter 'Poppit' whom I met for the very first time.

She is a gentle little soul, perfectly at ease being placed in the arms of whoever her parents choose to pass her to.

It's noticeable, as she is placed in your arms, how she relaxes into your body and at times even rests her head against your cheek or your shoulder.

She has the biggest bluest eyes and a little strawberry birthmark on her left cheek (or right cheek as you look at her).  Thin brown hair, that her Daddy reckons is turning grey and an apetite that apparently is sending them broke.

She takes short 30 minute catnaps during the day and according to both Mum and Dad, she has a very short attention span.

She was a delight to spend time with, and Poppy (aka Adoring Husband) sat down and fed her at the table.  Shredded chicken then pureed peaches and then pureed blueberries.  Milo, the Jack Russell, sat under the table and enjoyed the meal just as much as little Poppit.

After Poppit finished her lunch, we all drove to the local Tavern and had a delicious lunch ourselves, on the deck, overlooking the marina.

Here are a few little happy snaps of Poppy and Poppit.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8237770930/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8237758974/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8236692341/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8236692795/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8236693403/in/photostream/

So today, I am grateful that Adoring Husband got to spend some quality time with his little 'Poppit' and that his son and daughter-in-law are so relaxed about sharing her with us.  It was a lovely day and Poppy drove home feeling very proud and happy.

Nite all.

Day 35 in a Year of my Life

It's been a fabulous day with the family.

A delicious lunch at our favourite Noosaville eatery and then some fun at the park with my Chicklet.

Delightful to see that Poppy (aka Adoring Husband) is now in favour and was lured all over the playground to test out the equipement!

Chicklet loved the Octopus toy that we got for her from Underwater World and dragged it all over the place and in the dirt and down the slide.

I remembered to take photos!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8234858066/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8234857794/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8234857596/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8234869402/in/photostream/

Today I am grateful for family time, Chicklet smiles, Poppy playtime and watching my happy hippy family loving each other.

It warms the cockles of my heart :D

Nite all.

Day 34 in a Year of my Life

It's been a funny kind of day.

The first half was so pleasant.

Adoring Husband and I had breakfast overlooking the ocean at a little cafe called Olivers at Mooloolaba.  Fabulous coffee, good food and very friendly service.

Then we did some window shopping along the Esplanade.

A bit of grocery shopping and a new book to keep Adoring Husband out of my hair for a little while.

But then the mood changed.

Unfortunately, this afternoon when I checked my emails, I received bad news about the amazing gentleman that I met back in July.  He rated a special mention in my blog that day ...

http://agechallengedrqqzy.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/funny-how-life-happens.html

... today, his wife informed me that his brain tumour has continued to grow and he is no longer responsive.  It is just a matter of time before his body completely shuts down and he passes away.

Such sad news.

So today, I am grateful to have met Fergie when I did.  Before his stroke and before the diagnosed brain tumour.

He was larger than life and I'm so glad I got to spend a little time with him and learn a little something about the man before he left this earth.

He had so much energy and his excitement and enthusiasm for his massive shell collection and his fabulous garden was contagious.

His presence was just a fleeting moment in my life but his effect on me was overwhelming, even for that fleeting moment.

This is the last photo I took of him after his first surgery for the tumour and while he was in Maryborough Hospital.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8052465066/in/photostream 

I will always remember that twinkle in his eye.  Such a cheeky man.

Thanks Fergie for inviting me into your life and sharing a little bit of yourself with me.

Nite all.

Day 33 in a Year of my Life

Oh how I love the quiet days!

I spent the entire day sitting at my laptop today.

I deleted almost 2000 photos from my library, played around with some recent photos and looked at some old photos yet to be edited.

Tomorrow will be another reasonably quiet day, ahead of a big weekend visiting family, both here, and at the Gold Coast.

So, since it has been such a quiet day, I have nothing to report!

Oh ... except a lovely phone call from my little Chicklet, even though she didn't say anything, I could hear her breathing lol.

A couple of photos from yesterday ...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8228784360/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8229665452/in/photostream/

... and that is all!

Nite all.

Day 32 in a Year of my Life

We tried for another sunset tonight and the cloud formations were looking very promising.

Adoring Husband and I planned on heading out to Caloundra to try for the sunset and then possibly some 'night lights' shots for one of this months flickr challenges.

'The Other One' messaged me earlier in the day to say that she was leaving work early and asked if we had any plans for a sunset shoot.  So we invited her along.

The reason that we chose this particular spot, was because 'The Nikonian' had suggested it on Monday, when we were in the area, but we got side tracked and never made it to the boardwalk.

It's a great spot for photography with a nice winding timber boardwalk along the edge of the beach, great rock formations all along the beach area, beautiful surf with swimmers and surfers everywhere, kind of a mini city skyline and then the Glasshouse Mountains off in the distance, just where the sun sets.

As the sun got lower towards the horizon, the sky to the south appeared to be growing darker and darker, until we noticed that the very dark stormy clouds were banking up and getting closer to the sun.

About twenty minutes before the sun was due to set, the dark bank of cloud covered it and all hope of a pretty sunset were dashed.

The evidence seems to be pointing fairly and squarely towards 'The Other One'.

It seems that every time she joins anyone for a photo shoot, the rains come, the clouds close in, the birds disappear and the photoshoot is doomed to failure.

Her one saving grace tonight, was that the full moon was rising in the East, so as we gave up and turned away from the sunset, we were greeted with a bright ball of a moon rising through the trees.

She then took us for a walk along the boardwalk to where I could get a good shot of colourful night lights reflecting over the water.

So all is forgiven.  I am very happy with my shot.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8226030327/

However, the failing sunsets are becoming a regular occurrence, so I'm going to suggest some kind of natural healing process to clear away that negative energy.

An enema would cleanse the toxins, but that seems a bit harsh lol.

So I suggest that about 5 minutes before arriving at the shoot, she winds down her car windows and let the wind blow through the car and remove all bad energy before she parks the car.

The final step to creating harmony in a sunset is to do a little pirouette immediately after locking the car.

I'm afraid that if there is another failed shoot ... the title "Anti-EVERYTHING" will stick permanently!

We were all going to have dinner, but the cafe that 'The Other One' suggested was closed (yet another example!), so she headed home and Adoring Husband and I went off in search of dinner.

We found a great little place in Mooloolaba called 'Fish on Parkyn'.

http://fishonparkyn.com.au/

AH had a barbecued seafood dish and I had rolled pork belly.  Absolutely delicious!

Now it's after midnight and I am yawning uncontrollably while listening to AH snoring behind his bed curtains.

Today I am grateful for the glorious full moon that appears every month and that magical feeling as it slowly rises and makes it's way through the twinkling stars into the dark night sky.  It reminds me of my childhood and the nursery rhymes that my grandmother used to read to me at bed time.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8226234299/in/photostream

Nite all.

Day 31 in a Year of my Life

This afternoon, Adoring Husband suggested that we stroll up to the lily pond to feed the ducks and see what the pond looked like on sunset.

Just as we arrived, Adoring Husband spotted a little Azure Kingfisher, so I grabbed my camera and quietly followed it around the boardwalk that surrounds the pond.

Unfortunately, it was very skittish and the ducks and water fowl frightened it, as did I, so after a while he disappeared.

While AH fed the ducks with the enthusiasm of a small child, I watched and waited for the sky to change, hoping for some lovely reflective light off the pond water.

Sunset, was again, a bit of a fizzer.

Just before we left the lily pond, the kingfisher reappeared on a branch that was sticking out of the water near the island in the middle of the pond.

I struggled to get my camera out of the bag again, but he had flown by the time I raised the camera to get a shot. **sigh**

Adoring Husband then suggested that we take a walk around the van park to see how big it was.

WELL!  Was I surprised?!

I'm sure it should have it's own postcode!

There are streets and streets of permanent cabins and caravans.  A dozen or more sites with little brick ensuites and storage rooms.  Another large amenities block on the other side of the park.  A large camping area for tents.

We walked down to the pool area and for the first time, I stepped inside the gate and walked around the very large resort style swimming pool where there are various kids areas like the big buckets that fill with water and then spill onto the kids below or the mushroom that kids can stand under and the water flows around them like a waterfall.

Little picnic areas around the pool and bubbling areas like mini spas.

Through to the other side of the pool and through the pool gate, there is an enormous play area for kids.

• A fenced park with a seesaw, slide, swings, merry-go-round, monkey bars, bouncing animals and sand pit.
• A giant chess board.
• A mini soccer field with goal net.
• A mini basket ball court with hoop.
• Two colourful hopscotch games painted on concrete.
• A par three mini putt putt course.
• A games room with a pool table, table tennis, foosball, big old electronic games, a mini kitchen and a blackboard.
• A gymnasium.
• A giant colourful jumping bubble.
• Giant outdoor movie screen.
• Bali Huts.
• Skipping rope - like a pole that the skipping rope winds out of so that one kid has the rope while one skips.

I think that's all.

Such an amazing place for a family holiday.  I am gobsmacked!

Earlier today, we took an Ecotour on the river and experienced three different eco systems.

We sat in folding chairs on the shaded top deck of the flat bottomed river boat and enjoyed the views and the happy, jovial commentary by the captain.

There was a beautiful breeze all day and we saw White Breasted Sea Eagles, Whistling Kites, Brahminy Kites, an Osprey that had just caught a fish as we came around the bend, White and Grey Herons among many other birds.

We got to walk through natural mangroves and rainforest on a winding boardwalk and upon our return, the captain of the boat had cooked our steaks (he asked us how we liked our steaks before we went for our walk) and there were salads and bread rolls and a fruit platter for lunch.

It was licenced, so there was wine and beer and other alcoholic beverages available, as well as soft drinks and cold water.

Morning tea was provided too, which consisted of chocolate brownies and lamingtons.

Unfortunately, the combination of the vibrating engine, boat movement, wind, the long lens and distance, none of my photos turned out well enough to share.

I really didn't mind and I think I'd be happy to go on the tour again without the camera, just to enjoy the experience on it's own.

Highly recommend the tour ...

http://www.cruisemaroochyeco.com.au/tourist-cruises/2/

I am grateful for today.  A day of soaking up so much of what nature has to offer, feeling the wind in my hair and breathing in the fresh sea air.  A perfect day for which to be grateful.

Nite all.

Day 30 in a Year of my Life

Photo-free day today - not by choice - just nothing of interest to photograph and it was a bright hot sunny day with bad light.

We drove to Golden Beach where we found a nice little cafe for breakfast, then we headed for Glasshouse Mountains and up to the lookout for a very disappointing view.

We took a few side streets along the way to sticky beak at some out of the way places, but nothing that piqued our interest.

On the way home, we decided to stop at the cinemas and we watched Breaking Dawn Part 2.  It was my second time and I enjoyed it just as much as the first :D

To get back to the car, we had to walk through Sunshine Plaza, so we happened to come across a little stall in the middle of the centre where I picked up some gifts for Aussie H and myself :D

We arrived home in time to watch the last half hour of the cricket on TV.  It was a nail biter of a finish, but the game ended in a draw.

Adoring Husband is now cooking dinner and I think I am going to have a very early night.

I've been up since 5am and it has well and truly caught up with me.

Today, I am grateful for Adoring Husband's ability to make a quick, healthy dinner and then serve it with a smile, when I am feeling too tired to do much of anything.

Nite all.

Day 29 in a Year of my Life

Just to clarify (for those who read yesterday's post) ... last night after midnight, I was not feeling so grateful for happy laughter.

At 1am, Adoring Husband was not feeling so grateful either - he was still awake listening to the party.

Today, other neighbours have made comment about the noise and apparently have complained in the office.

The noisy party people are still in the park and by the looks of it, are gradually gathering on the porch of their cabin ready to start again lol.

Let's see what happens tonight!

(Hours later)

All is quiet tonight.  The only noise I can hear are the frogs.  A lovely sound to fall asleep to!

I have posted a few photos to flickr today.  Some from Underwater World and one for the 'Reflection' challenge which closes on 28th November.

I still have to find a good shot for 'City Lights/Night Lights'.

Here are the links to my photos on flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8215919485/in/photostream  Seahorses

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8215908661/in/photostream/  Three Sleepy Otters

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8216980804/in/photostream/  Magnificent Lobster

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8214294729/in/photostream/  Reflection

Today I am grateful for surprisingly good sleeps in our campervan beds.  The soothing soft sounds of the night that lull me into a relaxed state and the gentle breeze that acts like a hypnotic massage and sends me off into dreamland.

I am sleeping more soundly in the van than I do at home!  Ya gotta love that!

Nite all. 

Day 28 in a Year of my Life

After a very full day, we returned to the caravan park at about 4pm and there was a party well in progress at one of the cabins diagonally across the road behind us.

Much laughter and hilarity was floating across the park and settling all around us.

We left to go out for dinner at 5.30pm and returned at 7.30pm.

The party was still in progress.  Laughter and hilarity continued - one woman in particular with a very distinctive and loud laugh.

It is now 9.40pm and the party continues still.  The laughter is louder and the wind is not in our favour.  The language is now turning a lighter shade of blue.

I am curious as to how long this party continues, considering the number of signs posted at various parts of the park requesting that we all consider other patrons, by keeping the noise to a minimum and making sure social gatherings don't go too late.

However, aside from the language beginning to creep in to the conversations, tonight I am grateful for happy laughter.

The happy laughter that rings out loud indicating that everyone is having a good time.  The laughter that sounds like friendships are being cemented.  The socially happy laughter that makes you wish that you were invited to the party.

People having a good time and being together.  BE HAPPY ... that's what it's all about!

Nite all.

Day 27 in a Year of my Life

Sitting here with the last dregs of a glass of wine, watching Mama Mia on TV, after a disappointing sunset shoot on the beach with 'The Other One' and 'The Bird Whisperer' from our flickr group.

Still, we got to spend a very pleasant hour or more over coffee beforehand. where we caught up with all sorts of goings on and solved a few problems of the world.

Even though the sunset was a fizzer, it was nice on the beach in the fresh air and listening to the waves crashing and watching the dogs chasing each other and feeling the wind in my hair.

We all scattered over the beach trying to find a good spot in preparation for the sky changing colour, but alas, it never happened!

So we parted company on dark, all looking forward to catching up again in about a month for our Christmas break up.

Earlier in the day, Adoring Husband and I visited the Ginger Factory and Nutworks and the Chocolate Factory, where we stocked up on all things sugary and delicious.

Fudge, nougat and macadamia nuts for dinner tonight - dreadful, but we forgot to pick something up for dinner.

We had a cooked breakfast and then Saltnpepper Squid with salad for lunch at the Ginger Factory, so a little sweetness for dinner, instead of a cooked meal won't hurt for a day.

Here is another photos from last night's sunset shoot.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8209091039/in/photostream/

Tonight, I am grateful for cool breezes on the coast.

It was quite warm today and threatened to be a muggy night, but the breeze has sprung up and is delicious and cooling as it sweeps through the open windows of the campervan.  I love the sound of the wind swishing through the palm leaves of the trees behind us.

It will be a very nice way to fall asleep tonight.

Nite all.

Day 26 in a Year of my Life

After I return from holidays, I will rethink my blogging options.

Google has decided that it will cost me $10 per month if I wish to continue posting photos.

If I'm going to pay money, then perhaps there are better options out there.

I'll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, we moved towns today.  Only twenty minutes away from Mapleton, which is where we stayed for the last five nights.

This is a lovely park.  Clean and spacious and we got a site right by the amenities, so that I don't have to run far to the loo in the morning!

Nice clean showers and a full sized mirror so now I can see how I look each day!  It's been most disconcerting walking out the door and not knowing whether I'm presentable or not!

This afternoon, the Nikonian picked me up and we got coffee, sat on the beach and chatted, then headed off to Moffat Beach to meet up with Mellylicious to try for a sunset.

It was a bit of a fizzer, but there was a moment when some colour came into the sky and the clouds looked a little interesting.

It didn't matter.  Great company of course and it was fabulous to catch up with the girls.

I've only posted one photo so far to flickr and MAY post one more later, but here is the link ...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8207457849/in/photostream/

Trying for a reasonably early night tonight.

Today I am grateful for chocolate.  I don't have a photo of it, but it brings so much happiness to so many and as I sit here at (almost) 11pm typing out this post .. I am enjoying a row of Cadbury Hazelnut chocolate as it melts in my mouth.  Heavenly.

I would also quickly like to make special mention to Maleny Dairy again.

Adoring Husband and I tasted their full cream milk today.  People from our generation remember what milk tasted like when we were at school?  Oh the memories that came flooding back.  Absolutely delicious.

Tonight we had some of their cream on a big fruit salad of blueberries, raspberries, mango and banana.  It is just the way that cream should be - thick, creamy and almost the colour of butter.  It's enough to consider moving to the area!

Nite all.

Day 25 in a Year of my Life

Today had a cow, a nikonian and a waterfall and 6 million steps.

Adoring Husband was hanging out to visit the Maleny Dairy and do the Factory Tour **yawn** this morning.

He and about 6 other children under the age of 4 all enjoyed playing with the animals, learning about the milking machines, inspecting the processing line and then tasting the yoghurt, flavoured milk and custard.

He even stepped forward to have warm cow's milk squirted from the udder into his hand so that he could taste fresh milk.

I remember doing that as a child and turning my nose up then, so I stayed at the back of the small crowd.  No thanks :)

I did, however, taste the strawberry yoghurt, strawberry milk and the custard.  It was all very tasty.  It's not that 'strawberry' is my favourite ... but it was gluten free and the chocolate was not.

Unfortunately, they don't distribute further north than Gympie, so we won't be able to access this deliciousness after we get home.

After the dairy, we met the Nikonian at Montville for lunch.  It was a most enjoyable afternoon.  Good food, good laughs, good company.  She makes me laugh.  Crazy lady.

On the way home, it was about 3.15pm, so we decided to do the Kondililla Falls walk.

Big mistake :/

It was a long walk with lots of steps ... I mean LOTS of steps.

We got to the lookout for the falls and looked down to where the rest of the track would take us ... which was a LONG way down and decided that if we went all the way down, we might not make it back up again!

So we turned around and climbed all those gozillion steps back up the hill, with many stops along the way.  I wasn't sure if it was my heart or my lungs that wanted to explode out of my chest!!

Narrow winding tracks, some uphill and some flat and some even sloping downward.  The tracks sloping uphill just seemed very steep and never ending.

After all of that, I sent a text to the Nikonian telling her what we did.  She thought it was hilarious and told us that if we had done the complete circuit, instead of going back up the steps, it wouldn't have been such a hard slog coming back.

Ugh!!

I bet she is still laughing!

I think it would have been easier if I wasn't carrying 10 kg of camera gear in my back pack.  Not to mention a certain number of extra kg that I am carrying around my mid section.

Some Underwater World photos from yesterday ... cl

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rqqzy/8204960237/in/photostream/  (click on the link to see them in flickr.  Google won't let me add any more photos.

So today, I am grateful for having lungs and a heart strong enough to withstand such self abuse!  I'm grateful that I was able to slowly, but surely make it back to the car without collapsing lol.  I am grateful to be feeling surprisingly good tonight - as if the walk/climb was somehow cleansing.

It was a beautiful walk.

Nite all.

Day 24 of a Year in my Life

Underwater World = AWESOME!

I am truly convinced that I was a marine animal/mammal in a previous life.

I feel most alive when I am near the water.

Today, walking through the underwater tunnel was one of the more emotional experiences in my life.  I struggled to hold back tears for much of it and I just didn't want to leave.

It made me feel so safe and secure, and brought such overwhelming joy, like it's where I was meant to be.

It's so weird that I am too afraid to swim in the ocean because of my fear of sharks, yet I felt so comfortable there today.

MAYBE!!!  Whatever I was in my previous life, got eaten by a shark!!  Ha!  lolol

I took heaps of photos today, but I'm saving them for another day, when I have time to go through all 350 of them properly.  I'll have so many photos to go through when I get home - you will be inundated!

Tomorrow we are off to the Maleny Dairy in the morning and then into Maloolaba for some window shopping and lunch.

Today, I am grateful for new educational experiences.  Even after 52 years of living on this earth, there is still so much to learn, to see and to do.

Adoring Husband and I learnt a LOT today.

Nite all.

Day 23 in a Year of my Life

Today, instead of "I am grateful for ...",

I am grateful THAT ... my legs held me up for the entire five hours that we were at Aussie Zoo today in 33C heat.

I haven't been through all the photos yet, so there will be more to come over the coming weeks.

Exhaustion has set in and I my bed beckons.

Nite all.