SUNSHINE COAST. 22.02.10

SUNSHINE COAST
After arriving at Buderim on the Sunshine Coast 3rd Dec. we spent 1 week then drove down to the Gold Coast. Had 5 nights at the Crown Towers Resort then 2 nights staying with friends, Fiona & Peter. Our main aim for the visit was to keep drs. appointments for checkups, which was all ok and see family and friends. Gosh, when you don’t see grandchildren for a while you certainly notice how they have grown. Good to see Jackie, Paul, Taylor & Chloe again after 8 months. They have a new home, which they hadn’t moved into when we left, and they have made it very nice and homely. Lovely to visit and enjoyed seeing them.
Back to Buderim in preparation for Xmas celebrations and arrival of family. It was good to catch up with mum, who lives down on Bribie Island and daughter Kellie & Rory from Hervey Bay. New Year saw the arrival of Gary & Jan up from Leeton. Along with some of Darren’s friends we had a great New Year’s celebration at home.
Since New Year there has been a hatching of ducklings on the lake we face. There was 6 to start with, but after only 1 day that was down to 5. I have become very fond of them and for a some time they have been coming up under the fence to be fed. As soon as they see me they waddle up. This may be a few times a day. Sadly a couple of weeks ago 1 came up on its own and I discovered that it had been attacked through the night around the neck area. It couldn’t swallow very well. It waddled off, but unfortunately it hasn’t been seen since. The swans were nesting in the lake too, but due to the heavy rains the nest was almost demolished along with the eggs. They have re-built and nesting again now. I was hoping to see the hatching of baby swans. There is also another group of ducks, 4 of them, that stick to together. 2 white ones and 2 coloured. One of the white ones has a fluffy ball on its head, which I have named Snowball and a very distinct curl on its tail. I will add photos.
Son, Darren has settled here and has a very responsible position with Dolphin Marine as Manager and doing very well. He has made many friends and really likes it here. I have enjoyed being here for him and helping out with lots of household chores and cooking for him. I am going to be very sad when we leave here next week.
D’Arcy has made good use of our stay here, (3 months) by doing maintenance on the rig and building a foldable trailer for our inflatable Zodiac as well as helping son, Michael construct a new back patio at his house in Caloundra. Have also been able to visit with his family of girls, wife, Di, daughters, ,Jaimie, Charley & Gorgi, all growing up too.
Our plan is to leave here next Monday 1st March for a week on the Gold Coast. Because we have had a lot of rain here we need for the ground to dry out or we may get bogged.

Then it is down on through western N.S.W to S.A. then up through the middle to Darwin.
Will keep you informed.........