Cashing in

Coming from a gambling family (Wyatt that is) we always have to make a bet whenever we play a game.  We play crib quite a bit and one of a recent bet was a home cooked dinner.  With a lot at stake, I really pushed myself and as a result I got to cash in on my win Friday night.  Wyatt cooked lamb ribs, whipped garlic potatoes and salad.  It was really good and I'm quite surprised since Wyatt claims he can't cook and always do the boring stuff like chopping and cleaning up whenever I cook.  I'm looking forward to some more of the same:)

Lovedale Long Lunch

Lovedale is an area in the Hunter Valley Vineyard wine district.  Every year in May, seven of the vineyards organise a long lunch with entertainment, food and wine.  The group of friends we hang out with have gone to this event the last few years dressed up as different characters.  Our theme this year was Star Wars and even though we went on the Sunday rather than the Sunday when nobody dresses up we had so much fun! For some reason you seem to have more fun and let loose a little bit more when you dress up:)

 Pictures taken at Q and Sal's place before we headed off

 Lovely bum!

 Storm troopers on a mission

 Things got a little bit out of hand towards the end

On the bus

Sunny days and freezing nights...

'We finally got to meet little Harry, Sal and Quintin's little boy, last weekend.  He is absolutely perfect and tiny!

Despite nice, sunny days with up to 20C, it's very cold at night and inside our house most of the day. No central heating, single pane windows (enkel-glasfönster) and very poor insulation.  The only source of heat is a couple of hot air fans and two electric heaters that's suppose to look like a fireplace.  They do give a little heat, but it disappears the minute you turn them off and you have to sit right next to them.  I believe this will be a long winter...

 If the sun is out it's way warmer outside so we go outside to heat up:)

Our Place

We've been asked to post some more pictures from our house, particular the downstairs that we never use:) so here you are (mamma!)

 

Our street

 Our place used to be rent out as a holiday accommodation and it's called Tranquility

 Downstairs living area

Entrance from the garage

Beautiful Sun

We're heading towards winter here, and even if it won't be as harsh as the Northern winters we cherish the last bit of sun and warmth we can get.  Today was one of those days.

We went on a lovely walk along the promenade here in Nelson Bay and then spent the afternoon on Zenith Beach.

Busy busy busy

Sorry again for neglecting the blog but I've been busy....working! I'm finally back working and even though it's just a casual position (timanställning) it's great to be back.  I'm working in a Community Participation Programme for a company supporting people with disabilities.  It's only a couple of days a week so far and I'm probably a bit overqualified, but I'm nonetheless happy and grateful!

Apart from the above news, things have been pretty quiet recently.  The rain we kept getting has finally stopped and we've had some beautiful autumn days with sun and almost 20 above.  We spent Anzac Day, Australia's war memorial day, on the beach (but it was a tiny bit too cold to swim...) and have done some snorkling and seen friends since we last kept you updated.

 Relaxing with Lauren

 Our friends the Lorikeets taking cover from the downpour

 

 Anzac Day on One Mile Beach

A view of Nelson Bay!

Melbourne

We didn't take a whole lot of pictures in Melbourne, most of them are from our day trip on the Great Ocean Road.  I did find a few though! The ones taken at night are not the best quality since my camera broke and we now use our iphones.

 Southbank at night

 a funky little cafe in Brunswick

 Captain Cooks Cottage

Pasta at Pellegrinis the coolest Italian Restaurant ever.  The place has looked the same for decades and it really felt like stepping in to a 50's joint.  Chefs with strong Italian accents - Bella, have a seat! and a very laid back friendly atmosphere.