LIFE AT MIRANDA

This is our 5th week living at Miranda and I'm really enjoying being a temporary "Shire" person.  I go for long walks along the cliff path at Cronulla every day with Sally.  We're 10 minutes walk to Miranda Fair a huge shopping centre that I've only been to with the girls before a few times. They have an Aldi store there which seems really out of place in the Shire.  I usually go to Southgate, the local shopping centre which is 10 minutes away by car for groceries and anything quick.  

We've had lots of farewells on this week, Richard's had lots with work, both lunches and dinners. His bosses bought him a voucher for a fishing shop at Drummoyne.  He's already redeemed it for an Uglystick and hopes to catch lots of dinners with it (will get back to you on that one!!). It will take pride of place in his collection that he has to sort out when we get to Budgewoi.  They're all currently stored in our storage shed at Kate and Jeff's house.      

We went to Kirribilli RSL with my first boss in Australia Vance and Julie last Wednesday.  It overlooks the Harbour Bridge and  Luna Park.  Had a lovely meal there.  Friday night we farwelled with Bryan and Margaret Jones (an ex boss of Richard's from Email).  Another great night was had with Martin and Jane there also.  Saturday night we went to a Vietnamese restaurant in Marrickville with good friends Sue and Jeff  Dougas.  Yummy salt and pepper squid, caramelised fish and claypot slowcooked pork were part of the food we tried. 

On Sunday  Hayley, Daniel, Karina and Adam came over for lunch.  We went to Zimzala Cafe right on the beach front and were seated next to Larry Emder (host of The Price is Right - don't know if it's still  on). Had an all day breakfast - knew I shouldn't have as we were going to another farewell dinner at 6pm - this was at 1.30 and I was really full up!  By 6pm I was still rather full but Jeannette that  Richard worked with at Email had gone to so much trouble and the food was beautiful  and I couldn't say no.  Oh well, diet starts Monday!!!

This is our last week at Miranda and the count down is on.  2 more days to go until we leave.  We're having  a farewell dinner with the kids and friends Lorraine, Cliff and Jane on Thursday night - Red Hot Chilli at Milperra - one of our favourite local places when we lived at East Hills.

Friday 1st July the day we leave for Budgewoi is our 33rd wedding anniverary so we've booked a lovely Italian Restaurant over the pub called Little Italy.  We haven't been there before but were recommended by friends. We've been invited to a Christmas in July celebrtion at the caravan park on Saturday evening.  It wll be held under  their big camp kitchen.  It's  being put on free of  charge and we  only need to bring wine - at least it wont  be far to stagger home.

CRONULLA BEACH

We've been in our new home at Miranda for a week now. We've survived very heavy rainfall a lot of  the time.  I've managed to take Sally out for walks inbetween the showers. The rain eased off yesterday and I went for a lovely long walk along the cliffs at our now local beach Cronulla. It was fabulous walking amongst the Shirefolk of all ages jogging, walking with strollers, dogs, friends.  Everyone enjoying the sunshine and making the most of it.  I stopped at a dog friendly cafe on the way back and was entertained by 2 of the regular retirees who swim there every day, then have coffee and read their papers before heading off  to their hectic retiree schedule.  I promised to catch up with them again next week. 

The place was buzzing with the annual trials for Shark Island surfers competition.  Photographers and  stalls and on-lookers filled the clifftops surrounding Cronulla.  The hopefuls were in and out of the water, hoping to catch the right wave to get them noticed by the talentspotters.  It as all so fascinating to watch.

We're enjoying being close to the beach and going for long walks along the dogs off leash are as often as we can.  Sally's enjoying  her new lifestyle and meeting up with lots of new doggie friends.

Dick finishes work on 30th June so we're heading off on our new big adventure officially on 1st July - which appropriately enough is our 33rd wedding anniversary.  We're going to one of our favourite spots at Budgewoi for 1-2 weeks.

LAST SUNAY ROAST AT BROE AVNUE

We had to have the last of the ritual family Sunday roasts before we left the house. No-one's every declined an invitation to join in the Sunday tradition.  We've introduced the kids' friends and many of our friends to the delights of roast beef with compulsory yorkshire puddngs over the years.  Many of them had no idea   
 before tasting a yorkshire pudding exactly what it was or how easy they are to make (once you master a few tips on how to perfct them). We've enlightened many Australians palates to their unique tastenover the years and hope they'll remember us for that if nothing else!!!

We're trying to keep up the tradition in the last few weeks before we head off.  Daniel and Min did a superb pork spit roast one week.  We're off to Hayley and Karina's tomorrow night for roast lamb - my particular favourite.

FAREWELL DRINKS AT BROE AVENE

1. 
   We had quite a few people over for farewell drinks.  They all commented on  how bare the house was and how sad it was that they wouldn't be coming over again.  We've had many many gatherings, parties and special occasions to celebrate in our 23 years here, as you can imagine. We had a great time reminiscing with our friends and telling them all the new things we're looking forward to seeing and doing and sharing with them through his blog.

SOLD AT LAST

It's April and the sold sign has gone up.  23 years of living here about to come to an end. Endings and a brand new beginning for us all  about to happen.  It felt strange pulling into the driveway to see that sold  sticker on the for sale sign for the first time.  Quite confronting that our dream was about to become a reality!!