Ups and downs

The last six weeks has been a series of highs and lows.  Work proved to be a very low point and I started and quit two dodgy jobs before settling down to job hunt seriously.  I missed out on one job which I was disappointed about although it would have meant working every weekend and just when I was getting slightly desperate I secured a job with a stationery firm not far from home.  This job was not advertised and I only heard of the company though my friend Chris.  It was just a very lucky break.  I liked the people and the set up and they obviously liked me too so hopefully it will all go well.  The Sales Manager comes from Birmingham so we can practice our brummy accents on each other!  I start on 23rd January and so have plenty of time to enjoy the Australian summer and get the garden under control before Brenda goes back to US.

Being able to see the kids when I want has been wonderful and to just be able to pop in and have a cup of coffee with Kate on my way elsewhere is such a bonus to my life.  Little Fudge continues to grow as puppies do of course and is extremely well behaved.  He sits, stays and comes on command even when he has food in front of him.  He is very friendly and loves all dogs and there is talk (by Michael) of a second puppy.

Will with Fudge

As always prior to Christmas there have been a number of parties and Brenda and I went to the opening of Amber Werchon's new real estate office (very good Grant Burge white wine and interesting nibbles).  I went to the "old" craft group Christmas lunch at Chris's - delicious food and champagne.  Brenda and I went to the VIP night at Manawee Nurseries for more nibbles and wine and last Sunday we had our street party which ended up being in the neighbours' house due to inclement weather.  The Japanese neighbours brought wonderful food and my lentil kofte and walnut stuffed aubergine went down well.

Friday brought another party which had a bit of a sad tinge to it as it was Heidi's farewell.  She has now headed off to the UK via Dubai where she is visiting sister Louise.  So it is just Brenda and I in the house now.

Brenda

Evie, Brenda's grand-daughter

Brenda, Yazmin and Tiffany's one week old baby daughter

Brenda with Mimi, her mother

The weather has been great - hot and sunny most of the time with a couple of good storms to water the garden.  Paul and I managed a couple of lovely walks, one along the beach at Mudjimba and one in the Noosa National Park, one of my favourite places on earth.  Both days were cool enough to walk comfortably as at this time of year it is really too hot to take daytime walks usually.

Old Woman Island off Mudjimba Beach

Paul and I in Noosa National Park

I went on a walk along the boardwalk from Mount Coolum and on the way back wandering through the new town of Seaside saw cormorants which took me back to watching them fish in China.

Ponds at the Town of Seaside

Cormorant at town of Seaside

Ponds at Seaside

Brenda and I managed a couple of trips to Eumundi Markets.  Eumundi is a sleepy little town in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast which springs to life on a Wednesday and Saturday when the market attracts locals and tourists alike.  I love this market and there is always something new to look at but I was not happy to find that all those precious things I bought on my travels could have been bought at the market!  Still they were a lot cheaper in Cambodia or China even if they did cost a fortune to send home.  There is so much interesting food to be tasted and I even saw the spiral potatoes that were in the market in Melaka.  Roll on working so that I can go on a spending spree and buy all the delicious pastes and sauces to recreate the Thai, Cambodia and Malaysian food (only better).

Pony rides at Eumundi market

Music at the market

Christmas is coming but before that I am off to Port Douglas for Jamie and Jo's wedding but more of that in the next blog.

I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous and safe New Year.