The Queenslander

Well, I'm back from 'not so sunny' QLD...yes the weather was cr*p...huge winds, grey seas and rain...at least it was warm and humid though...so I did get a dip in the pool and of course I had a great time, staying with my friends.

I even caught a fish...my friend here is holding it up...

Obviously, I didn't catch this huge barramundi....I simply bailed this guy up and snapped a shot...however, it was caught just off the beach in front of my friends' house...

So, what do a couple of girls do when its not beach weather.....shop of course...so off we went to 'Rockvegas' (better know as Rockhampton), for a bit of shopping and lunch....

On the way, we detoured to an area of Rocky, re known for it's beautiful Queenslanders....

Known for their gables and wide verandahs, they are perfect for the hot Queensland climate...

As well as providing shade and helping to keep the interior cool, these wide verandahs provide a terrific amount of living space, which can be utilized year round in this climate.

The elevation promotes cool air underneath and keeps the furniture dry if there is flooding...

Some are very ornate with grand entrances and gates..

this one has a Victorian influence with the decorative wrought iron lacework...

fretwork, both inside and out is common...

whilst some are quite simple, but still very cute...

Having lived up on the Capricorn Coast for three years and loving the climate and lifestyle, I've considered myself a 'Queenslander' at heart....and would love to live in one of these beauties...one day...are you listening Paul....

Turning 50...again!

Did I tell you I turned 50 last year??  In fact I will be 51 in 2 months...but as I am living in England and was not home in Oz for my birthday, we had a lovely dinner with friends and not the party I would have planned with all of my family and Oz friends.

Now, unbeknown to me, my daughter had planned (since before Christmas) a surprise party for me here in Oz whilst I'm visiting...

My sister took me out shopping for the morning...and little did I know that the minute we drove off a frenzy of activity took place....

Washing was stowed away, the kitchen cleaned up for the caterer, alcohol delivered, flowers brought in, bathrooms cleaned, furniture re-arranged, guests ushered in and a big black curtain strung up at the end of the hallway....

and I've never been so gob-smacked in my life!

I then proceeded to talk my way through about 5 hours and 60 odd people...catching up with some that I haven't seen for years...

Our caterer Mark did a fantastic job, churning out amazing looking (and tasting) food...

eye fillet on foie gras mash...

My family...Josh, Jan (my sis), Paul, Dan, Me and Steph (the architect of the whole affair)...

She's amazing...she didn't forget anyone (with the help of hubby) and organized everything...I had a fabulous time and I still can't believe how everybody managed to keep it a secret...and that I didn't catch on (cause I usually pick up on stuff like this)...

My family and friends...

As well as people, the house was full of flowers...

some brought in by my sis for the occasion and some as gifts...

However, during every great party there is the inevitable deterioration...

when we all let down our hair a little...

let the red duck robin off the cake and out to play...

bring my old panda bear, which is as old as me, out for an airing...

hug some good friends...

she's actually older than me (I know..hard to believe)...

put flowers in our hair (or balance on your ear if you have none)...

get the kids together for a photo...

then collapse for a well earned rest....

Thanks Steph! xxx

Catching Up

Well, we got here... by the skin of our teeth I think! The snow came in just a day or so after we flew out of Heathrow... safely landing in a balmy Melbourne some 24 hours later.

Yesterday, I visited my good friend and we exchanged belated Christmas gifts....and...WOW!

As usual, my friend had excelled herself...my little parcels were beautifully and cleverly wrapped...

But, the clever girl had wrapped my present in layers..a bit like a 'pass the parcel'...

with another little treasure in each layer...

I was a bit like a child...oohing and aahing...clapping my hands...

Sorry, don't know how to flip the photo (I'm on my son's laptop)..

Finally the 'piece de resistance'...

In a beautiful old 'Mattons Glaces' box, complete with paper doily lining and a little French letter...

the most amazing lace doily with a vintage plant label thingy...used to name roses...

and in the little parcel..more little rose thingys...cause my dear friend said I had to have more than one!!

I'm going to take some photos of her beautiful house before I leave...because it looks like something straight out of 'Jeanne d' Arc' magazine...stay tuned!!

In the meantime, we're off shopping together today...but don't tell my hubby..

Up, Up and Away!

Just before I take off this afternoon, I thought I would quickly post some photos which I took in London before Christmas.

I dragged hubby through the shops in Oxford Street, and stumbled upon this display in Debenhams...

I was beside myself pleasantly excited to see an amazing array of vintage furniture...

and bits and bobs..

I had no idea that this department store went in for this type of merchandise...

usually only seen at vintage markets or speciality vintage type shops...

It was a quick look as hubby was sooo interested as you can imagine...and was edging towards the coffee shop...

Afterwards, we headed up Regent Street and found a new American shoe store called Sebargo...look at these custom made couches (there was two of em)..

A bit further up...Antropologie had this gorgeous French garden settee, looking very inviting perched in front of their living wall...

Lastly, harking back to our walk around Queen Anne's Gate...I found this amazing cheese shop...

I could almost believed I was in Paris...standing in front of a fromagerie...

I'm hoping (I will) post from Oz as I want to show you some of the sights of my hometown and perhaps a beach or two...