THE BEST BIRTHDAY WEEKEND EVER

Last weekend my daughter and SIL gave us a weekend away for my birthday. We flew to Sydney where they picked us up at the airport and drove us to Bowral in the Southern Highlands just south of Sydney. They had booked us into the Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa. It was a beautiful 'old world' hotel.
In 1910 the country house was part of a top cattle breeding stud owned by Anthony Horden. It changed hands a few times and was converted into a hotel in 1983. Now it is owned by the consortium,  Yufan Australia. The buildings and gardens have been renovated and it is now a 5 star hotel. The rooms, service and food were excellent.

The entrance to the hotel.

Part of the hotel from the gardens.

When we arrived it was off to the Spa for a massage. It was a special building in the grounds which had the spa, massage rooms and a huge gymnasium.

Walking back to the hotel in the evening was very pretty with many of the bare trees lit up. Then David drove us to a nice Italian Restaurant in town for dinner.

Back at the hotel we relaxed in one of the many lounges in front of the fire.

 The next morning we had breakfast here in the Orangerie Restaurant and then we went exploring the huge gardens.

First we had a peek into the French Pool House.

It was very warm inside but still not enough for me anyway I didn't take swimming costumes or togs as we say in Queensland.

 The gardens

 Carol reminded me that the gardens looked so much better in Spring rather than now in winter. The Wisteria was having a winter nap.

This lovely fountain, just outside our window, came from a park in Paris.

After the stroll through the gardens Carol and David took us for a drive around the district (next post).

BIRTHDAY BEAR SWIMS WITH A WHALE SHARK

Our friend Chris had a birthday recently and we were invited to celebrate at their new place in the country. After they spent some years travelling around Australia in a caravan, they have now decided to settle down again in a small country town about three hours drive from here.

They have a big block of land with a huge tree, sheds and a cute little house. Wallabies visit everyday too.

Chris and Helen went on a tour to Western Australia a few weeks ago. While on that tour Chris was very brave and went on an excursion where you snorkel on the Nigaloo Reef and swim with the largest fish in the world, a whale shark. They are not dangerous like other sharks.

So when we arrived at Chris' house  we saw that Bear was dressed in a wet suit with flippers, goggles and a snorkel. There was also a whale Shark close by.

Chris was happy with all of us for being there for lunch with Birthday Bear. (if you are not familiar with our Birthday Bear tradition click here.)

 A big tree and a little house.

Can you see the wallaby in front of our car?

Wally the wallaby comes every day for a snack of seeds......

and a drink from the bird bath.

Chris was happy to have a snorkelling companion

Chris made us a lovely lunch and we sat outside on a beautiful,warm winter's day.

BRISBANE AT NIGHT

Oh dear it is a month since I have posted here. I've been busy making photo books for the grandsons. I make them a year book every birthday and their birthdays have just passed so I've been sorting a years photos of them. As well as that I've been trying to keep up with all the activities in the village and prepare lessons for a photography class. Excuses! Excuses!

The other night a friend took us into town to practice night photography. The Story Bridge was purple to bring attention to elder abuse, something that shouldn't happen in modern societies but shamefully it does.

Brisbane CBD from Kangaroo Point cliffs.

From a ferry terminal.

 A tree in lights in the park under the bridge

Under the bridge

WHAT ARE THEY DOING TO OUR FOREST?

Most of you know that I live next to a forest. The locals call it Daisy Hill Forest but its real name is Daisy Hill Conservation Park. My friends and I walk there every morning except weekends. Some months ago when I entered the forest I came across trucks and fences stopping us from entering certain parts of the forest, mainly the picnic area. What are they doing to our forest??

Then all was revealed. The government has provided funds for an upgrade to the park. 

The picnic area will have new facilities such as shelters, BBQ's, toilet blocks and pathways.

We were not too happy about our usual walking paths being blocked off but we made a new route.

Now the first section of work is complete. The ring road for cars has been resealed and the park paths have been concreted like this one.

New shelters and BBQ's

New facilities

New activities for children. Turn the handle to guess the sounds of the wildlife.

So the picnic area has been spruced up and our bush tracks have new signs but luckily there are still acres and acres of untouched forest.

BOB'S BIRTHDAY BEAR

Bob had a belated Birthday Bear celebration. Before the celebrations Bear agreed to having a ride in the washing machine at Ann's house. However, Bear declined the offer of a spin in the dryer but opted to hang around in the sun all day trying to get dry.

 At the end of the day Bear was still damp so it hung around inside the garage for the night.

 At last Bear was all cleaned and shaven and ready for his new outfit for Bob's party.

Bob and Chris have bought a property in the country. Bear is dressed ready to help Bob with all the chores on the property. First they have to erect a kit home and keep an eye on all the native fauna. They need to make a place for the alpacas they hope to raise. 

 This time the celebration was held at Helen's home. Bob and Chris had come from the country to stay the night because Chris and Helen were leaving on a trip on the next day. Chris is far left and Helen far right. They are going to Western Australia on the famous Indian-Pacofic train and then touring the Pilbara Region.

 It was an impromptu party, so fish and chips and donuts were the fare for the event. Unfortunately, Bill and I couldn't make it that evening because we were on our way back from Melbourne.

Bear enjoyed the donuts best.