Life – Page 47 – Life is a Journey

Sydney – Part 1

Posted on September 4, 2010October 14, 2026 by Libby Withnall

On Friday morning Kevin & I headed up to Sydney. First stop was some shopping, including some birthday presents for Christy’s upcoming birthday. We also stopped at the San Churro chocolate shop to use a vochure that Kevin had got for his birthday (thanks Leanne). Kevin chose the churro with chocolate dipping sauce.

Twas rather yummy, but a little bit too rich for me. Don’t you just love the napkins?

From here we drove into the city and checked into our hotel. We had a booked a secret 5 star hotel which turned out to be the

We got checked in and headed to our room. It was gorgeous.

I loved the cupboard cubicles.

One contained some bath robes and slippers…

But my favourite was the one for tea making.

I loved the big window sill that you could sit in to take in the view.

After getting settled we headed back out to visit Kevin’s favourite shop – the Apple Store.

We also stopped in a Haighs to stock up on my favourite dark chocolate and then to the David Jones Food Hall where we bought some bits and pieces, including some cheese and crackers and we couldn’t resist these cupcakes once we did a taste test. One box for us and the mini ones to take home.

With sore feet we headed back to our hotel stopping to pick up something to eat from Oporto. I was pleased to find a veggie burger on the menu.

After eating our early dinner on the bed I had a lovely hot bath (to ease my sore back).

We then watched a movie (the romantic comedy Leap Year) and had an early night in preparation for our VERY early start tomorrow.

A fun-filled Thursday

Posted on August 13, 2010October 14, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Sorry I’ve been so absent on the blog. It’s really taking quite some time getting back into the swing of things. I’m almost there and hopefully will get back to regular blogging soon.

Yesterday I joined Amy on her AG class excursion to Kiama. We met the class at the railway station and walked the blow hole. It was a very different experience to the last time we were here which some of you might remember. Today it was cool but we had a beautiful blue sky and just a little breeze.

The blowhole in action.

And the class releasing balloons to test wind speed/direction.

We then had recess – just like at school :-). Mine was even packed in my lunchbox.

I ate a muffin while enjoying the view.

Loved this sign…

We then caught a bus around to the little blow hole – which was in fact blowing bigger than the big blowhole.

And I decided I could quite happily live in one of these homes overlooking the blowhole. Mind you I probably wouldn’t like having lots of people walk past my house and interupting co my view :-).

Then the main part of the trip…for me at least… a dairy farm in Jamberoo.

The owner, Kerry Burke, showed us around and told us all about how they operate. I’m pleased to say I’m still happy to include milk as part of my lacto-ovo diet.

The milking stalls…

Some one week female meat calves waiting to be picked up by new owners. These lucky girls are going to be used for breeding.

and some dairy calves…

These girls are waiting to give birth…

And these girls were enjoying the lovely day…

We had lunch before leaving the farm. Hmm, I could get used to eating with a view – feels like I’m on holidays again :-).

It was a truly lovely Winters day.

And of course, no trip to Kiama is complete with an ice-cream.

When we got back home we went over to Nan & Pops to celebrate Pop’s birthday.

So yummy….

Then tonight we headed back out again for Christy to sing as part of the massed school choir. She was so excited and happy to have us all their to watch her.

She’s in the front row, forth from the left, for her school performance.

Unfortunately when the massed choir sung (half is seated on the floor) we couldn’t see her very well – being the little thing that she is.

She had a great night and we were very proud of her.

Sunny Sunday

Posted on August 9, 2010October 14, 2026 by Libby Withnall

We started Sunday with a lovely leisurely breakfast overlooking Manly beach. We couldn’t believe how many people were out walking and spotted a number of Goldies :-).

It was a beautiful day in Sydney and it was nice that the sat. nav. decided to bring us home over the harbour bridge (usually we use the tunnel).

And since it was such a beautiful day we decided to stop at the relative new Wollongong Visitors Center at the top of Mount Ousley and take in the glorious views.

Our last stop on the way home was to the Nan Tien Temple for lunch.

My cousin got hitched

Posted on August 8, 2010October 14, 2026 by Libby Withnall

We headed up to Manly (Sydney) yesterday for my cousin Tara’s wedding. We arrived at our hotel at 1pm and checked into our room at the Novotel. Our room was nice, but basic.

But our view….

was not quite as good as my Mum & Dad’s…

We got dressed and had a quick photo taken before we left for the wedding, which was held at the Manly Golf Club.

It wasn’t long before the bride, with my Auntie Irene and her Dad were walking down the aisle.

The ceremony was wonderful. It’s so obvious how much Tara and Josh are in love and it was lovely to part of this special day. Isn’t she just beautiful? A real glamorous, radiant bride.

I love the dress. Quite similar to mine, in fact, but with a nice train.

My littlest princess was looking especially cute tonight.

And Amy looked so grown up she was even offered wine.

More photos from the night…

The bride and I. We’ve always been close even though we don’t see each other very often these days. Tara was a bridesmaid at my own wedding (many, many years ago) and even came to Disneyworld to help me when Christy was just a baby. I wish her and Josh all the best and know they’ll be very happy together – they are both such wonderful people.

Those who know me won’t believe it when I say I even hit the dancefloor tonight for the first time in over 15 years. I had a lot of fun too :-).

It was such a great night (and Amy even managed to stay awake – unlike the last wedding we attended).