Since my last post we had one more lovely day with Ali and Jess before they headed back to Perth. We took the ferry into the City, walked round to a coffee shop from where we could see the bridge and the Opera House, took the ferry back to Manly and met Robert for a civilised lunch at the Bavarian Beer Cafe - civilised because the children played on the beach whilst we sat and chatted. The kids and I then had a couple of very quiet days catching up on sleep, tidying the house and generally chilling out until New Year's Eve. The chilling out did happen to include an on-line shopping spree with Lisa where we had originally been looking for an off-set spatula which we found on a website that just happened to sell KitchenAid mixers at a very reasonable price so I bought myself one as a late christmas present! I have lusted after one of these for years but felt given my recent oven purchase I couldn't justify another expensive kitchen purchase. However, my existing mixer is just beginning to give up the ghost with the engine making a horrible burning smell whilst in use and given that I use it at least once a week, if not more, I felt that it was actually a necessity rather than an extravagance?!
As I didn't have any other adults staying with me for New Year's Eve I didn't fancy going down to our usual spot on Reef Beach and getting the kids back up the large flight of stairs at the end of the evening on my own so I was delighted when the Mennies suggested that the Jamos and us spend New Year's Eve at their house with their amazing view of Manly Harbour. We had a lovely evening with lots of Moscow Mules (not to their usual standard due to the horrible diet ginger beer Jules had bought before going away!), champagne, amazing food and obviously the fireworks which the adults enjoyed just as much as the kids. I was back home by 10.30 and only groggily aware of the midnight fireworks!
New Year's Day dawned hot and glorious so we went back round to the Mennies and spent the morning by the pool - even I had a dip!! Jules arrived home from Hobart in the early afternoon and it was fantastic to hear all about his adventures and to see some of the amazing photos he took. He has promised to write a blog post soon about the race so keep tuned. Our very good friend Stephen arrived in the early evening and we all celebrated the new year together with lots of champagne (notice the very cool green trainers that Tess is wearing in the bottom photo - a much loved present from Stephen!).
My general feeling about 2010 was that it was a hard year and I'm glad to see the back of it - interestingly many of my friends feel the same way too. I hope that 2011 proves to be a happy and fulfilling year for everyone. Cheers!!
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