Wandering in Wales

Slowly, slowly I'm recording some highlights of our recent holiday. Although I am writing these posts after the event I am predating them to the days they occurred. 

When we docked in Holyhead, Wales we were collected by our friends, Lillian and Ian and taken on a tour around the Isle of Anglesey before heading to their local pub for a traditional British meal. They took us back for coffee and cake at their beautiful new home with its panoramic views before delivering us back to the ship. 

It was wonderful to have a respite from the ship's excursions and to catch up with friends we had met on a cruise several years ago.

We firstly stretched our legs in Beaumaris.

Display in the Garden Centre

Local claim

The last stop for many people in Anglesey

The Pier

Too cold for swimming

Fundraising

We passed on a Beaumaris castle tour as we are seeing many other castles on this trip

After a scenic drive through Snowdonia we reached the pub at Colwyn Bay where we tucked into our meals of sausages and beef pie. 

Our last stop was at our friends house, they were anxious to show us this new abode they had built since our last visit. The views from their home are spectacular.

Sandy Stockton

One of our dear friends sailed into Newcastle, our regional city, yesterday on a mega cruise ship. We took the opportunity to pick him up from the ship and show him some of the local sights. As he had visited Newcastle and the Hunter Valley several times we had to think of some new places to visit.

The megaship which dominated the Harbour photographed from Stockton

As our visitor and I had never been to Stockton which is on the north side of Newcastle Harbour we started our explorations there. This suburb, which has water on three sides, is so close to Newcastle via a short ferry hop across the Harbour but is a 20km drive by road. 

The beach and sand dunes stretch for several miles north

A cargo ship entering th Harbour

The locals care for their environment

The local historical society is active

Stockton has a sheltered beach suitable for families

I was impressed by the natural beauty of the Stockton area and will put it on the itinerary for future visitors to our area. If the weather is kind we will take the ferry.

Celebrating with old friends

Belated birthday celebrations for Robert at "The Newport". Thanks to our very dear friends.

Earlybirds

It's Nijinski the Ballet with the Australian Ballet at the Sydney Opera House tonight with my oldest friend. I'm early as usual.

Nearly empty Opera Theatre at Sydney Opera House

Made with Love

It's always pleasing to receive a gift so I was delighted when my genimate, Audrey, presented me with a lovely Chickeny cushion cover.

When I was chatting with her at breakfast this morning Audrey told me that she had made the item herself. That makes it so much more special.

Thank you so much Audrey for this gift you crafted, I will treasure it.

Best Mates

Taken fifty years ago this is a picture of me with my two best friends from school on a picnic. The image is not so good but my camera wasn't too good in those days either.

3 School Friends 1963 (I'm on the left)

A few times a year we get together in the City to see a movie or visit an attraction and have a bite to eat while we chat. Yesterday we were in the City bright and early to see the 10:00am session of  Behind the Candelabra  a movie about Liberace that we all thoroughly enjoyed. I had seen Liberace when he visited Australia in the early 80s so was keen to see how he was protrayed by Michael Douglas.

 After the movie we wandered around to Circular Quay where we found a restaurant with a sheltered spot in the sun. We ate and we talked and talked. Thankfully the restaurant people didn't move us on so we were able to engage in a 2 1/2 talkfest.

I love these get togethers with my old friends who, like me, just can't work out where those 50 years have gone.

It amused the kids...

...and it's not an electronic gadget or game. It's my newest board game, Blokus.

What I love about this game is that I have played it with kids aged 5 to 12 as well as adults and everyone has a chance of winning. The rules are simple, the game can be over in around 15 to 20 minutes and even the littlies have a chance of winning. In fact, on the weekend, I was beaten by a six year old and a twelve year old in their first few games.

This game isn't kids play or a game of chance - it needs skill. The game requires some spatial skills and assists in the development of strategic skills.

I love Blokus. 

Thanks to my schoolfriend who brought her set away on a weekend trip and got me hooked.

Morton Aboretum

Thanks to Paul and Carol Milner, our mates in Chicago, we had an excursion out of the city to the Morton Aboretum yesterday. 

Our day started with a train trip on the Metra to the town of Park Ridge where Paul collected us for our adventure.

The Aboretum shop was a den of temptation

The Morton Aboretum Library - a stunning facility with a fantastic display of ancient plant books

It wasn't too cold for this man to take a walk in the Aboretum  woods

Breakfast In Chicago...

And then We're Off On A Behind The Scenes Tour of The Aquarium  Thanks To The Milners.

An Adult Meal

Like myself my best friend has been entertaining and keeping company with many people who are aged ten and under during the school holiday period.

In a message this week she said "How about an adults' meal this week?" I think she should have said senior citizens' meal.

We did enjoy our get together with her old man and Mr Geniaus tonight.

Our seafood risotto wasn't too bad either.

Seafood Risotto

Remembering a Dear Friend

Two years ago I lost a very dear friend. 

She talked a lot, she was mischevious, she was a good listener, she was loving, caring and loyal.

 I miss you, Dianne Sue Dwyer,  1950-2010.

Visiting old mates

 Some of our dear friends have retired to Beechworth in Victoria. As one of them has been having a few health issues (and I am off work recovering from my ankle surgery) we took the opportunity to visit them in their lovely new home.

Our better halves both excelled themselves looking after us during our visit.