Brisbane, QLD


Wednesday, August 12, 2015

FRIENDS ARE LIKE FLOWERS THEY BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY

I am a strong believer in that maintaining friendships is good for your health and well being. That is why I enjoy our Birthday Bear Group, where we organise a get together when it is one of our birthdays. Recently, we organised a few days away together on Bribie Island not far from Brisbane. (see last posts) While we were there we looked up other friends that had moved there in the past. 
(L to R) Bill, Mary, moi, Jo, Rob, Paul, Helen, George and Ann took the photo.
Joanne and Rob both used to work at the same school as all of us old chooks girls. She invited us for a cuppa and a catch up chat. Jo loves working with youths and is hoping to get a job at the local high school but in the meantime she has opened up a little fabric shop under her house and she has a stall at the Sunday Markets.

 After we left Jo's place we went to the bayside village of Bongaree for a seafood lunch at the renowned  Savige's Seafood shop. We sat in the warm sun outside and enjoyed a delicious lunch together. Then we walked across the road for a stroll along the bayside beach watching people enjoying the winter sun. The Port of Brisbane on the mainland is in the background.

 A huge Moreton Bay Fig tree framed the pretty scene and provided........

 a resting place for a Corella Parrot. (they can become noisy, hungry pests in some areas).

Then we returned to the other side of the island and our resort. We watched the many ships leaving and entering the bay.
Also living on the island are Maureen and Keith, old friends of ours from Papua/ New Guinea days. We visited them too and caught up with their news and talked about the old days. Silly me forgot to take a photo of them.

While Mary and Helen prepared dinner for our last night, we watched the silvery moon rising.

George's sister Bev also lives on the island so she was invited to have dinner with us. Mary and Helen rustled up a lovely four course meal out of our left over, pooled food items that we had brought with us. Bruschetta, Pumpkin Soup, Aberdeen Sausage and salad, Cheese and crackers and cake. It was a fun last night together.

The next day, before returning home, we stopped by the markets. This colourful busker caught my attention.

 Our old farts boys were browsing through CD's and records.

Then we found Jo and her fabric stall. Hugs and kisses were in store as we said good bye until next time. How could this lovely smile not brighten up your day.

22 comments:

  1. What a nice get together ! I also am the "Friendship" forever type. Fortunately I have them, we go out together and travel together or we visit each other. My "vintage" boy doesn't want to move anymore but I have to go out and see my friends !

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  2. I agree, friends are a true blessing. Wonderful photos again Diane. I am also impressed with the meal you all put together for Bev's visit.

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  3. For a group of old chooks and old farts :) you certainly know how to enjoy life Diane, good for you!

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  4. very pretty fabric stall, looks bright and cheerful. you are so right, friends make life worth living. that moon is wonderful..

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  5. Wow, you had a lovely gathering. The corella parrot is really fantastic and so huge.

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  6. I totally agree, Diane. Friends are a true blessing and more so as we get older! Is that busker Australian ? I loved the moon rising over the water. Awesome post with lots of love and laughter shining through.

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    1. I assume that he was Australian but I didn't talk to him.

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  7. I could not agree more, friends are so important. We have made good friends here, but I miss my friends in Africa so much. They were so much part of my life for so long. Keep well t'other Diane

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  8. Glad to see you are out and about with your friends. I always enjoy seeing the places you visit.

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  9. True friends are to be treasured, they don't pass by that often.

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  10. Hello Diane, it is so true good friends should be treasured forever. I love the pretty Corella Parrot and the tree. And the beach photos are lovely. Great shot of you and your friends. Thanks for sharing your weekend. Have a happy day!

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  11. Yes good friends are a blessing, and can make one feel so happy when around them

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  12. So beautiful and made even better with friends! I love that last night made from leftover meal ... What fun ... And it sounds chef worthy!

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  13. It is a good way to keep in touch, rather than the well meaning, must catch up. You have preset times to gather and do so.

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  14. It's always a special occasion when we can get together with old friends. It looks as if you had a great time on Bribie Island.

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  15. I agree, Diane, that it is nice to hold on to old friends! We tried to visit many when we were back in NYC in July. We have not made too many new friends her e in Colorado as yet. We joined two community clubs that are filled with people our age and enjoy the get together but haven't really formed any close relationships. Hopefully with time we will!

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  16. I see you realy enjoy your gatherings with friends. Good pictures.

    Greetings,
    Filip

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  17. I think your Birthday Bear is a great reason to get together!

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  18. Yup, friends are the flowers in the garden of life. I read that somewhere and thought it was prefect! I love the cherry sundress in your friend's market stall. So cheery, along with her smile.

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  19. Friends are like flowers - they both do better when I give them a drink!!

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  20. There is nothing quite like good times spent among friends and I agree with the post title, Diane. It's why no matter where we happen to be living, I still keep in contact through calls, emails, and visits when we can. You and yiur friends have some wonderful adventures!

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