understanding patterns; connecting dots

Some really good times have been had in recent days ... When Zac, Jan, Heidi and Alex picked up Johanna from the airport on Christmas Eve, they sent us a 'we'll be there soon' selfie. So those of us waiting for them (Me, Rache, Maria and Cass) sent one back. ... and when they arrived we got to our Christmas Eve tradition and made ravioli for dinner. Christmas lunch with the extended Duthie clan at Michael and Anna's where we wrote on T-shirts for each other. our outdoor table has got a decent workout Heidi brought down a tie dying kit ... ... we stood around and offered commentary whenever a new piece was unravelled. loved having the Wongs around ... and in between catching waves, now that Maria and I are back on our own, the Boxing Day test sits on mute while we graze on a feast of summer reading. probably the most colourful family shot we'll ever take!

It's been a cooking weekend. And the weather warmed up with a northerly, so been in the water too. Finalising presents, trying to get work loose ends tied up ... and even starting to look forward to 2017. Messages from the kids, everyone excited about being together at this festive time. kiss biscuits ginger bread

Three years in the making, the 3rd edition of The Alpine Review magazine arrived in my mailbox yesterday. Let the feast begin.

After a few weeks of battling the man flu and then injuring my back it was very satisfying to be in the water again, even if my shoulders couldn't deliver what my mind wanted. 

Since we began our peripatetic lifestyle (I had to look it up too), I began marking my mode of living by wearing bracelets that had an association with the place. For Barwon Heads I've tried something new: I bought some beads from a local shop and made my own.  The bone coloured, consistent shapes symbolise simplicity and earthiness - a desire for our lives here on the coast. The blue and green are about the sea and the river; defining dimensions of our new home. On the board ... The brown leather with the anchor shaped latch was for Seaport, our most recent home in Launceston. The blue leather is for when we were (and are) on the Sunshine Coast - Maria's photoblog when we lived there was called The Colour of Blue . The trusty black leather band gets donned whenever I head into Melbourne. It has been on and off my wrist for many years now ... Fossil makes hardy stuff. The wooden surf bracelet tends to last for only 12 months and gets replaced every winter whe...

No Melbourne appointments on Friday and Monday meant four days without a commute. A weekend visit from Zac and Jan, and copious meandering and pottering around town was just what we needed. First planting in our community arts garden plot Our favourite summer lunch On our Saturday morning walk around the Heads, it seemed every space was occupied by group fitness sessions A cold afternoon drink at The Beachhouse ... and couldn't help snapping a shot as we walked past our new home, or at least what will be in April.