Holiday

This week began the two week “holiday” for the children. I feel a little guilty that the children are already on break after such a wonderful summer. Just a little guilty, though. I think I will really like this “alternative schedule”, “modified calendar”, or whatever else you would like to call it.

We are only on our fourth day off, but we have stayed quite busy. One of the things we did yesterday was meet some other “mums” and children at one of the many parks in Bulimba. We were halfway there (of course, we were bike riding and walking) when I realized that I didn’t think to bring a water bottle. No problem. We stopped by the Fish and Chips Take-Away on the corner and picked up two Gatorades and a water.  Ten dollars and twenty cents later, we were on our way! When we arrived at the park, I realized quickly that meeting at the park on a Wednesday morning at 10 was a lot different than what I had ever done before. Let’s just say, I was quite unprepared. They all had their blankets and baskets that were full of goodies. One mom brought homemade mini quiches, another brought homemade cupcakes, one brought an assortment of fruit, and another brought a variety of finger foods on fabulous display in a sectioned container along with a thermos of coffee and REAL coffee cups to share. Shew, thank goodness I stopped and picked up those drinks.  All I had to offer was gum.  “Dentyne, anyone?”

 

Next week, Hannah Grace is participating in a golf camp.  That is the great thing about two week breaks throughout the school year. The community gets involved and offers all kinds of activities for the children.  Anyway, she starts golf which means I start driving. This should concern anyone on the roads in or near Bulimba considering I went to practice driving yesterday, hopped in the car, shut the door, and stared at the dash in front of me. Yep, that is right; I was in the passenger seat.  Perhaps I should get one of those signs for my car, “DRIVER IN TRAINING”!

Buffett in Brisbane

I was a young 14 years of age when I attended my first Buffett concert.  It was at Littlejohn Coliseum in Clemson and I was with my best friend, Amy Sefick.  Many, many concerts would follow over the years.  I married a “parrothead”, so the trips to concerts continued. I have seen him in Charlotte, Atlanta, New Orleans, Birmingham, and now Brisbane.  The acoustic concert with Mac MacAnally last night may have been my all-time favorite.  It was not a typical Buffett concert. A stage was literally plopped down in the middle of the botanical gardens. The setting could not have been more beautiful! Instead of the usual crowd of thousands, I would be surprised if the crowd last night reached one thousand. Lawn chairs were tied together for the seating area. Instead of a huge band with dancing girls, the stage held Jimmy, Mac, their guitars, and a percussionist.  The stars were glistening, the moon was shining, and the music was incredible. I have to say, it was a perfect night.

The pictures below don’t do the concert any justice, but I thought I would share. I had to pick the video clips carefully. I need to remember NOT to sing when I am recording a video! I have attached a video to my facebook page of Jimmy's additional lyrics to Margaritaville. The video was too long for me to download to my computer...well, I couldn't figure it out.

 

 

Lunch at Myriam's

Yesterday I was invited to a lunch hosted by the wife of Tony’s boss, Myriam.  My chauffeur (haha, Julie!) had to cancel because her child was sick, so I had to quickly figure out how to get from Harrison St. to Moray St.  Lucky for me, the City Cat (river taxi) was able to drop me just a few blocks from Myriam’s apartment.  Apartment, mind you, does not seem to appropriately describe where Myriam and her husband reside.  It is located just off the river on the top floor of a five floor building with amazing views of the city. Stunning!  Just as wonderful, were the ladies (other wives of Fluor employees) that were there and the food she served!  Of course, having lunch with the wife of Tony’s boss made me quite a bit nervous. I wanted to make sure I was on my best behavior. My only mishap of the day was when I locked myself in the restroom.  When the door did not open after two tries, I glanced over my shoulder to see a look of horror in my reflection in the mirror. My eyes were wide and my mouth more than open.  I cupped my hand over my mouth, holding back laughter and screams.  I thought, “What now, Sherlock?”  I honestly thought I would have to bang on the door for someone to come to my rescue! Just before I yelled for help, I thought, “Surely, I can figure this out.” Thankfully, I did. Who knew that if you pushed the button down on TOP of the doorknob, that you would then push the button UP on the BOTTOM of the doorknob?  Good grief, you can’t take me anywhere!

The following pictures include the view from Myriam’s “apartment” and a group picture. I wasn’t in the picture because I was still trying to decide how to make my escape from the bathroom! (Just kidding, I took the picture)

 

Bulimba Fete

We had a fabulous afternoon on Saturday at the Bulimba Fete (the children’s school festival). As with all school festivals, it was chaos and madness for me and PURE JOY and EXCITEMENT for the children! By the end of the day, we were all pooped! Below are some pictures taken at the festival.

                                         A view from above. Tony wanted me to point out

                                         the 4 X gold tent in the mix. It was a BAR! I don't

                                         know about everyone else, but our school back home

                                         does not serve alcohol. It was a HUGE hit, though!

                                      Hannah Grace working hard at "Cupcake Evolution"!

                                      Sure is a good thing she is wearing those gloves while

                                  she keeps track of the money! The Cupcake Evolution was 

                                      run by Hannah Grace's class. They brought in $3,000!!!

                            

 

                           Hannah Grace and her friend from school that lives down the street.

Ellis made this flower arrangement for me at the flower stall!

Too sweet!