PARTY AGAIN

The party animal is out again. This time it was a Tennis Ladies Christmas Lunch. When I retired I was asked to join a Tuesday morning tennis group, I really enjoyed it, much better than going to work. However, when I took a term's contract at school, I couldn't go to tennis any more. Unfortunately many players had to pull out due to illness or injury and so there were not enough players to continue. The lovely thing is that the ladies decided to continue with their annual Christmas lunch even though we don't play on Tuesdays. Some still play with other groups on a Wednesday and Friday.

Sore knees, sore backs, sore shoulders don't stop us having lunch together, sadly others were not able to attend due to illness or other engagements. Sandy was a wonderful host and although it was a very hot day we were nice and cool on her shady veranda. We all bought a plate of salad foods and pavlova, fruit salad and ice cream. It was a delicious lunch with silly party hats. It was great to catch up with these friends. From right to left is Helen, Robyn, Sandy, her daughter Katrina, Glen, Kay and cheesy moi. I balanced my little point and shoot camera on top of a water bottle like the one in the photo, and hoped for the best.

In the shady tree next to the veranda we had a visitor.

It is a young, sulphur crested, white cockatoo.

Sandy (in the far background) had the most remarkable collection of wind chimes. She had them hanging all the way around the veranda. I couldn't get them all in the photo.

I am lucky to have so many nice friends.

Another Party

The school year is drawing to a close. We break for summer holidays next week. One of our most treasured Teacher's Aide, Judi, is leaving the school after being there for 10 years. Judi is so adaptable and can put her hand to any task we asked. Now she is leaving the area and moving back to a country town, where they were before coming here.
Another Aide, Paula, organised a farewell party at her home with the help of another Aide, Gaylene. Now Judi is renowned for her cooking talents and was always bringing goodies to school for our morning tea and other functions. So, Paula decided to make the theme of the party "Judi's Food Fest" and we all had to cook one of Judi's recipes to bring along to the party.
We had three courses: dips and cheese balls; savouries of all kinds and then cakes and slices all from Judi's recipe book. We had some fun games and then to every one's surprise a male stripper turned up.
On closer inspection we realised it was Paula's husband dressed up. He had dollar bills hanging out of his trousers. Judi didn't know where to look. Then she asked him what was drawn on his tummy. He said, "That's my six pack of course." He served us all champagne and we all had a good laugh. (He didn't strip in case you were wondering)
He sure made Judi's party a happy one. How brave was he to do this in front of a bunch of women. What a good sport. I have really enjoyed working with Judi and being her friend. Thank goodness for the Internet we will be able to keep in touch easily. Thanks to Paula, David and Gaylene for such a good party.