Big Game Shopping, A Social Event and Mother's Day

All the kids
Hello Possum!
Stephie, Anna, Molly and Zoe

It's Mother's Day here today, so I'm taking advantage of the opportunity to celebrate for the second time. And of course, lots of love to all the other mothers who I know read this blog!

Yesterday was quite a busy day. First of all we went off to the Beadstudio again so that Andrew could buy me a Troll bracelet for mother's day (these are like modern charm bracelets - you register so that they always know which charms you already have, and you add to your collection as the years go on). I chose the lovely fish clasp, Andrew bought me a loveheart charm, Anna chose a beautiful blue and green glass bead, and then we bought the transformation charm as we thought it was appropriate. I LOVE IT! And there are so many gorgeous beads to chose from to add to it. So thanks Andrew!

After this we went off to Harvey Norman and bought - wait for it - a fridge freezer, a washing machine, a hoover, a plasma HD tv and a stereo. Andrew is still in recovery. I had a great time - lol. All we have to do now is buy some more sofas, a desk and a bunk bed. Hehehehehehe. As you can imagine, I'm having a lovely time. Service in Australian shops is extraordinary. People are literally falling over themselves to help you, but not in that sickly sweet way you get in the States. Buying stuff is like a social event - by the time you leave, you know their life story, are on first name terms and feel like they are an old friend. Now you get that sort of service in a few independent shops at home like the lovely Maison - but in chain stores? I think not..

Then we went on to Newport for a BBQ with new friends Sharon and Richard and Maria and Kenton. Both families have 3 children - Sharon and Richard have Eban (yr 6), Zoe (yr 4) and Joel (yr1) and Maria and Kenton have Molly (yr 7), Luke (yr 5) and Sam (yr 4). We were joined by another couple, Rob and Jo who had 2 slightly older children. Everyone was English with the exception of Jo!

Sharon and Richard's house was fantastic - on the top of a headland with far reaching views over the ocean and to Pittwater. We went down to Clareville Beach for a couple of hours before it got dark and drank wine and had nibbles while all the children played. It was marvellous how the children all gelled, with the 4 girls off doing girly stuff while the boys recruited other children to make an army, with Eban in command! Once it was properly dark and a bit chilly we went back to the house and had a very relaxed BBQ whilst chatting and getting to know one another better. The children ate outside, and once they had all gone off to play again, we found a possum on the table, finishing off the scraps! I've taken a picture - its not very good but it does give you a good idea of what they look like!

We got home after 11pm. I can see that we are going to make a good life here. The people are great, and the environment is captivating. I loved where we lived in the UK, and we were very lucky to live there and have such wonderful friends, but I feel more and more positive about being here.

We have a busy week this week. It's Anna's birthday tomorrow, and I've made arrangements to meet up with some people on the beach after school for milkshakes and icecreams. Then on Tuesday we move into the flat at Dee Why. I'm very excited about this, as although it is still very small and bijou, it is near the school, it isn't damp (which this flat is and I think it hasn't helped my health) and it has its own washing machine. I'm a simple lass these days! There isn't an internet connection there, so entries on the blog will be rather spasmodic.....but it's only 3 weeks! Then onto our first proper home in Narrabeen....

Love to you all xxx