HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY

 On 26 January 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip raised the english flag in Sydney Cove, where he started a penal colony for English convicts. From those days through many hardships we have become a a great country. It does have its critics, mostly first nations people as some of them see that date as invasion day.

Our flag was made official in !901 when we also became the Commonwealth of Australia and ruled ourselves instead of being a colonies of Britain. The flag has the Union Jack to show that we belong to the British Commonwealth. The big star has seven points one for each of the 6 states and 1 for all the Australian Territories. The other stars make up constellation of The Southern Cross, only seen in the southern hemisphere. 

I migrated to Australia from England as a child in 1949. I have loved growing up here and I am a true blue Aussie. I have a certificate of citizenship to prove it. Over the years we have travelled all over the country and have been amazed at the diversity of landscapes and people.

Here are some of my memories:

FAMILY FUN

 While we hear that the northern hemisphere is having freezing weather we are having heatwaves in Queensland.

It is a bit hot for Bernie to be working on his house.

It is school summer holidays at the moment so Bernie, Sonya, Fox, Banjo and cousin Simon all went to Melbourne for a short holiday (vacation). Bernie, Simon, the boys and the dog drove down. It takes two days. Sonya had to work a bit longer and then she flew down to join them at Bernie's family's beach house at Rye on the Mornington Peninsula.

The night before they left for Melbourne there was a snake in their front entrance. There were no snake catchers available but 14 year old Fox said I'll catch it. He bravely picked it up with the help of a rake and dropped it in a bag his dad was holding. They took it to a park and let it go. It was a Python, they are not venomous but can give a nasty bite which usually gets infected from the bacteria on its fangs. 

While in Rye they caught up with Bernie's family. His sister , Margaret and brother in law, Jason have a nice boat.

Jason and Margaret having fun.

Sonya's cousin, Simon, from Switzerland is enjoying the Australian summer. He loves the beaches.

Bernie was happy to see his mother and she him.

It's good to see them all having a break from work and enjoying family.

PARTY TIME

 Our Managing  Director of the village, Chiou See and her staff and family organised a New Year's Eve and Anniversary Dinner. It was a Murder Mystery and Gatsby theme. The village has been operating for 14 years. We usually celebrate the anniversary in September but Chiou See and husband Brendan were away in South America on holidays. So on NYE we made a small effort at dressing up in Gatsby gear and went to the Community Centre for some fun.We met our maintenance man outside with his classic car popular in the Gatsby era. 

Bill's white braces wouldn't stay clipped onto his pants. So he has to hold up his pants.

Residents waited in the air conditioned Pool Room until we were allowed into the hall due to Brendan setting up the mystery murder scene and organising the volunteer resident actors.

The volunteer Bar Boys supply us with drinks before the play starts. Chio See and her family and friends cooked and served us. We had a grazing platter first followed by fish or chicken and for dessert, a delicious date pudding. (Ooops forgot to take photos.)