Australia Day 2012

Today is Australia Day 2012. I tried to remember what we did as small children to celebrate Australia Day but could not think of anything. I guess it has only been since 1988 that the community has been encouraged to
observe such a day.

I do remember back in 1970 there were huge celebrations to commemerate Captain Cook's bi-centenary 1770, when he first landed in Australia. That year I was a ten year old student in year 5 at Holy Trinity Granville. Dad was also in year 5 at the Patrician Brothers Granville.

Again in 1988 we celebrated the arrival of the first fleet . Re-enactments of the tall ships arriving in Sydney Harbour made for a wonderful spectacle. Your Grandmother Mary George and cousin, Sharon Budwee took a picnic and sat on the shores of Landy Macquarie's Chair to watch the celebrations. Thousands of sailing vessels made their way into Botany Bay and on to the harbour. People waved the aussie flag and a wonderful sense of commeradery was everywhere. Dad and I (30 weeks pregnant with Alex at the time) sat at home and watched the television together with a BBQ lunch. Afterall, this was the bi-centenary of the landing of the first fleet. The Aborigines went on to call this day "Invasion Day" and great debate has taken place ever since.


Anyway, Happy Australia Day everyone! Today, January 20th 2012 I am sitting here surrounded by Kookaburras, Loorikeets, Banksis trees, the beach, smiling beach walkers and blessed sunshine...it doesn't get much more "aussie" than that! So whatever your day holds ready for you...have a relaxing Australia Day.

Our Alex is currently in Thailand at a Muay Thai Kickboxing Academy. He use to enjoy Tai Quan Do for many years and achieved a black belt however, he decided to move into kickboxing years later. I have been amazed at his interest in healthy eatting and fitness since changing to mauy thai, this will be good for all the family when it comes to meal preparation too. Alex has had to "unlearn" some of his Tai Quan Do techniques in order to learn new Mauy Thai practices because it makes use of punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes, thus using eight "points of contact" hence, Muay Thai is referred to as the "Art of Eight Limbs" or the "Science of Eight Limbs" as opposed to "two points" (fists) in boxing and "four points" (hands and feet) used in other sports, such as kickboxing, boxing, and Tai Quan Do.

Good Luck in Thailand Alex, we are very proud of all of your achievements. Love Mum and Dad xxx

The photo above was taken approx ten years ago when Alex was competing in Tai Quan Do

After a beautiful day yesterday we woke to the pitter patter of rain outside this morning, the thousands of birds in the surrounding woodlands and forrests would not be silenced by this, they simply whistled on, squawking and chirping an unending stream of chatter amongst themselves. Even as some thunder gently rolled in from Myola and Husskison they increased their beautiful noise as if nothing was happening. Tis a nice way to wake up on a Sunday morning.

The joy of watching a busy Banksia Tree......

I believe in paradise. I am not sure if paradise will be found in Heaven however, down here on Earth it certainly can be found here at Jervis Bay.

This morning J and I walked across to the beach, a slight breeze, the crystal clear water sat like mirrors reflecting the sky and the only movement out on the bay were about

six dolphins gently slicing through the
soft waves. It is so beautiful here. J and I often debate with the locals about the value of tourism to the area; of course the locals hate tourist time each year. J and I love this time as it brings renewed life to the local economy as well as the beach.

I particularly love seeing people enjoy what I love about Jervis Bay, the beaches, the wildlife, the floral and fauna life. It is certainly a beauty to be shared and each time that come and stand in awe of all of this I think about how lucky we are. The sounds of the waves soothe the tension of everyday life in the city; the stressful sounds of construction, traffic and crowds all become alien to this environment. The feel of the waves washes away the tension and strain of being so constantly busy; The gentle breeze and the smell of salt air silently instructs our bodies to wind down and let everything go. A while back we seized watching television whenever we visited here; the stressful news stories about crime, social struggles and war are kept away here. This is a place where life is simple and tranquil. Paradise is where one can do all of this.

Today is Boxing Day and J and I have awakened to the sounds of birds and some sunshine. We are here at Callala and we have wound down from the rush of Christmas and working. Ahhhhhh tis good to be home. I am sitting on the verandah up high amongst the Banksia tress with the birds feasting on the Banksia cones and singing their delight as they go. Across the road the ferns and bush have grown double in size due to the rains and all of the Australian natives as far as the eye can see are flowering in the National park. Behind us the waves hit the beach full force reminding us of how long we have been away. Every now and then I forget about these small pleasures when I am in the city all week working. Tis good to be home

Where have you been?

Wow...has it been six months since I last posted? I will be back shortly I promise!