These Feet Are Made For Walking... You Keep Saying

Remember the words of the Nancy Sinatra song...
You keep saying you've got something for me...
Something called love...
But I have to confess...
And there the song stops coz...
I'm looking for coffee.
I went walking, up hill and down dale...
Along a road...
Through a reserve...
Down some steps...
Met with a Waterdragon...
I'm glad they're not any bigger...
And onward until I found some shops in the distance...
Down the 700+ steps of the 'Stairway to Heaven'...
Don't know what it's called when walking down?
And there was my coffee.
In Palm Beach there are lots of walks in every direction.
It's a lush area so always beautiful.

Anzac Day... Lest We Forget...

Today is Anzac Day in the Commonwealth countries of the world...
It is a public holiday...
A day when we stop and remember those who gave their lives for our freedom and the freedom of our countries.
 
This is my Dad, he is 93 and one of the few servicemen returned from  World War II who are still alive.
He went overseas iin 1942 with the 19th Armoured Regiment and served in Italy and Egypt in the Medical Corps.
We were very lucky to have him home again when the war ended.
He has a row of medals.
 

 
The retirement home where he lives in Christchurch, NZ have their own commemoration service and help the old's get dressed up in their regalia.
I'm in Australia so was at an Anzac Service in Palm Beach.
It is always a moving ceremony to me...
Particularly the bugler playing 'The Last Post'
I was interested to see that Australian's don't wear red poppies...
Made in China...
As a mark of respect but instead there were baskets of sprigs of Rosemary...
For remembrance...

 




The services included the hymn 'Abide With Me'...
The words seemed very appropriate and must have been very significant for all the people at war.
"Abide with me, fast falls the eventide
The Darkness deepens, Lord with me abide
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee
Help of the helpless, O, Abide with me.

I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where grave thy victory?
I triumph still if Thou abide with me...

There must have been some desperate men and women in terrible situations who echoed these words many time.

ODE TO THE FALLEN
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn,
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Palatial Palm Beach...

Earlier this week I mentioned a property for sale in Palm Beach for $25 million...
Well it's now sold and was in the paper.
For those interested in such things...
Here are the details.

The Dawning of a New Day... Era...

I was up early this morning to watch the sunrise.
It's a vast sea, where the Tasman tangles with the mighty Pacific...
And a magnificent view from the deck of the house where I am staying.
It's amazing watching the new  day emerge from the darkness.
It's another beautiful day here today after a cool and wet day yesterday. I'm off for a walk soon to find a cafe. Coffee is calling me

My Eighth Decade... More Fun and Adventures

 For some reason I feel that turning 70 is quite a milestone.
Im at a hard earned place in life where I am retired and can please myself.
I have recently made a hugh change of lifestyle which  you will be aware of if you have been following my blog.
I am delighted with my new home on wheels and the freedom it gives me to go wherever...
I also enjoy meeting others doing the same thing and the camaraderie that develops.
I have a family...
My father who, next birthday, will be 94. He is well and healthy and well looked after by family who visit and the retirement village in Christchurch where he lives.
I have 3 adult children...
One in New Zealand, one in Sydney, where I am visiting, and one in Taiwan.
I love visiting...
They are all doing well for themselves and are independent.
In this respect I am very fortunate.
I have 4 grandchildren...
One on the Gold Coast of Australia. He and his wife have 4 children, 3 are triplet girls, nearly two...
That's the next birthdays to celebrate.
So they are my great grandchildren and all fit well and healthy.
My granddaughter lives in Perth, Australia.
My two youngest grandsons, age 12 and 10 live in New Zealand.
So I am surrounded by family who make no demands on me.
As I celebrated my birthday yesterday and started my 8th decade, I paused to ponder how blessed I am with my family and my own excellent health.
I am excited and so looking forward to new adventures and the people I will meet and the things I will do.
I hope you will keep joining me on my blog.
Thanks to many of you who sent me birthday wishes.
I was really spoilt. My daughter cooked a lovely basil, out of the garden, & feta omlette for breakfast.
We went out for coffee and found a market to explore on our way home.
The afternoon I napped in the hammock on the deck to the sound of the sea.
We went for a walk to the next beach then dinner at the local 'Sushi Train'.
I love Japanese food and it reminded me of visiting this same daughter in Japan in 1996 and the fun we had together, which we reminised about.

My Last Day Being 69!

It was a great day, packed with doing all sorts of things...
And what a way to end my 69th biological year.
The Lorikeets are amazing, very common here but I love them.
In our travels we saw big piles of mulch on the golf course...
Free...
So we filled up some big bags and came home and constructed a 'No Dig Garden'.
Next thing...
This amazing garden shop called 'Flower Power' which sells everything you need for inside out outside.
Coffee of course...
And cake...
Then home to do some planting. The little garden has snow peas, baby beets, lettuce, broccollini, Italian parsley and a curry plant.
All covered up from the rabbits and possums.
The day ended with a walk along Snapperman Beach on the Pittwater side of the peninsular then the most delicious fish & chips and a beautifully chilled bottle of crisp white wine.
A day to be remembered...
And many more to come.

And The Day Ended...

Palm Beach, salt water pool.
The water is 21deg.
Lovely...
And the sunset and fading day...
And what a day it was.
I'm here for a week so more to come...

Sexy Coffee...

This is cafe 2108...
Sexy coffee art...
Look closely...
Very clever...
Served with delicious complimentary little cup cakes.
It's right on Palm Beach, excellent service...
A busy spot.