Last of the birthday celebrations!
Tim and Michele were in town, so I had my whole family for my birthday, for the first time since I was a kid.
We went to lunch at one of my favourite places, Chinta Ria, for some delicious noodles and (for me!) vege dishes.
The Mother’s Day extravaganza rolled around again. We had an insane weekend – Star Trek Gold Class on Friday night with my parents, puppy play time on Saturday, driving to Newcastle for dinner with Alec’s dad on Saturday evening, followed by a full-on Sunday serving lunch to less fortunate people and then lunch for ourselves with Alec’s mum. We arrived home late Sunday evening, completely exhausted!
We went out west today to celebrate my dad’s birthday. Our original plans of driving down the coast were halted due to the extreme heat. It was about 40 degrees out west and my doggies weren’t coping at all.
We took Alec’s mum to Mount Kuringai to check out how the area had changed since she lived there. We packed a picnic lunch and head on into the bush for some nature watching and serious snacking.
We then drove to Bobbin Head just for a look. As we were driving down one of the roads a family of wood ducks or geese (we weren’t sure what they were) stepped out in front of a car going the other direction. Luckily the driver saw them and stopped while mum, dad and all of the babies waddled across the road – straight under our car!
The sun came out and we made the long drive to Newcastle to see Alec’s dad on Father’s Day.
We stopped at a little cafe on Darby Street called Anacapri – it was completely packed, always a good sign.
Open windows, nice airy feel.
Caaakkkeeesss!
Alec ponders his meal choices.
Roasted vegetable salad with rocket, balsamic, fried fetta and pine nuts. The fried fetta was a brilliant addition.
I had a vegetarian breakfast – scrambled free-range eggs with fetta and spinich, corn fritter, grilled tomatoes and thick toast. Delicious and filling.
The outside area leading to the courtyard, where we sat.
Alec’s fish and wedges.
Exit time!
After eating we head on down to Nobby’s for a walk in the lovely weather. I loved this area that was a dog beach – so many happy little dogs all in one area, it really made my day.
We also saw a pod of dolphins in the harbour. An odd choice of venue for dolphins, but it was amazing to see them there.
Stelth shot of an Afgan Hound – with a close hair cut. I’ve never seen one of these as a pet before.
Breach!
Crazy wind makes my hair go nuts.
Alec and his dad – Happy Father’s Day!
My brother Tim and sister-in-law Michele are in town. It’s been so great catching up with them and having my family all together – first time every we’ve all been together. I’m sad they’re going home on the weekend already.
Alec and I took my parents out for dinner last night in Lane Cove. It was great to see my dad 🙂
The day started with an early morning drive to Newcastle.
Water! Such a pretty day.
Alec got soaked on the way to the restaurant. You can’t make funny stuff like this up.
Wet!
Alec and his dad have a lot in common. Such as their mutual dislike of having their photo taken.
Alec and I journeyed far up north to Newcastle to spend Mother’s Day with Jan. We went to the growers’ market in the morning…
Lots of fresh fruit.
We took Amy with us. She’s always a crowd pleaser.
The home-made soaps were divine. They will be appearing in our bathroom shortly.
Freshly ground exotic coffee. Alec was in heaven. The car reeked of coffee all the way home.
A live string band. Nice!
Back in Sydney we took my mum and dad out for dinner. We had delicious Italian food, followed by dessert.
Alec just wanted to eat his profiteroles in peace. I had other plans.
My mango-shaped gelato was heaven.