Look what I found in the souveneir shop. The sign said....
' Hats for Sheilas'
Cafe' Coffs Harbour, your Australian experience.
Good day all! I just know you thought I was lazing in bed late but I got up really early and have been for a lovely hike. I am just amazed at all the lovely scenery here. I met a lovely gentleman down the road who gave me a tour of his garden and his wife made up a big picture of a fruity rum drink that was delicious. He also demonstrated the didgeridoo. That is so cool!
Sorry I missed the beach but it looks like you all and the dogs had fun. I wish I could have brought Pyxle. She loves a good romp and chasing around with other dogs.
Now is there anything I can do to help out? Here, let me help wash up those dishes.
Oh, I bought an inflatable matress while I was out. I want to try sleeping under the stars tonight and listening to the night sounds. They are so different from the sounds at home.
If you sleep outside you can look up at the southern cross! ...yes the night sounds are interesting ...but watch out for the night life ...I hope you don't mind spiders and snakes. The odd wombat might wander by ...and don't be scared if you hear a strange sort of grunting noise ...that will just be a male Koala looking for some female friend.Have fun!
Just warn the overseas visitors about "Drop Bears"...
hate for anyone to be devoured by the Killer cousin of the cuddly Koala;)
Here in ChCh it is damp & cool again - the ducks are wearing gumboots - they don't want to catch cold.
I used to feed them when I worked in town - a bit of bread by the river bank, very peaceful lunch breaks.
Had to stop as the C.D's were getting bolder, and being short in stature I thought they might see me as a better snack than bread.
(C.D = carniverous duck)
My dogs are envious of the trip to the beach, Chita loves to swim, in the water she becomes a crocodal.
(or is she a dalligator?)
Her sooky son only likes to go in up to his elbows.
Good morning everyone. I have been packing my bags as i really must leave. i don't know when I have had such a fantastic time with so many lovely people.
It has been great fun to tour around and see everything plus the joy of Sue's beautiful house and garden.
Truly a memorable experience. I have so many photos to remind me of this trip.
I managed to fit in everything I bought and am really glad I hired this vehicle to go home in as I would never have fitted on the bus and train.
Hubby will have a fit at the expense but I'll sell a few plants at the market to pay for it . Besides, I did buy him a very nice shirt plus that lovely bottle of wine some ladies wanted to open. (Zany I think was the main culprit )
I think I need to get home away from all the delicious food. I will have to run around the garden for a few days to shed the pounds I'm sure I've put on. Thank you for the company on our walk Terri and the compliments on my painting. I have had a rest from it during winter but must get back to it as I now have heaps more ideas floating in my head from all the places we have seen here. I did bring a few prints up in case someone wanted a souvenir of Australia that was not from the shops. Here's one for Sue as our gracious and non complaining hostess.
thank you sue
Sue has her Kookaburras so everyone else can take a print from the box on the corner table over there. I didn't see any of these here but they are around my house in spring. Gang Gang Cockatoos
It was so nice to meet you all. I hope we can do this again one day. Jean
Well I will surely take those cockatoos home with me they are gorgeous. Sorry I am so tired but had to take the cyber surfboard home for a bit to pull in the rest of my tropicals as they were calling for scattered frost this evening and could not lose my passis and vignas!
But now that I have done that and returned to aussi land I need to chill, no drinkin tonight want to repay sue for her hospitality and repay here for that one chair I did tip over in the shade room, don't think there was any damage, but time will tell.
Zany I love sleepin under the stars, why don't you put your matty on my pattio and we can star at the stars and I will protect you from those dastardly "drop bears". We have bears back home but they sneak up on you from behind, not overhead!
I can chill out tonight and have nothing to take home but fond memories and there are many. I have more tropicals than I can handle and am gonna be tripin over them at home when I return, but have loved enjoying those of Sues that can stay out all season.
Do wish I could contribute more, can I run and get somethin from the store or make a hot toddy for you Sue? Any last request I would be priviledged to honor thanks to your hospitality!
Spiders and snakes...hmmm well I still think I'll give it a go. It ought to be interesting and I never let the rattlers or the tarantulas and scorpions scare me off when camping so hopefully your Aussie critters will share the night with me too.
Cockatoos! LOL the only ones I have ever seen were pets!
77sunset, Thanks for the prints.
It was a lot of fun but I have to fly out early in the morning. My poor Hubby is getting lonesome and I have got to get back to work before the boss realizes that I'm gone. (I put an inflatable doll at my desk but they are bound to realize it isn't me because it is too quiet)
weed_woman, in case I don't see you in the morning, I want to thank you for your wonderful hospitality. I am leaving you a box of California wines and cheeses. I hope you enjoy them
Here are the cheeses...
zany, so sorry you have to go already, seems like I just saw you in the broms and then you were gone. Perhaps we can tell some stories tonight while waiting for the morn and your return to the real world. I need to head home soon as well as I really don't want to wear out my welcome. The cheese and wine is a fine gift and sure Sue will be thrilled to find it on the doorstep.
Now you be safe this eve and I will guard you out there on the terrace, I will stay inside and be the responsible one for once, enjoy it while it lasts, doesn't happen often! I am usually the one sleeping under the stars with the bears and critters at the cabin, you really have to come up there sometime as well.
I had a few minutes today and went to the bakery and picked up some biscuits, believe they are Arnott's Biscuits, hoping that Sue and Bill and all do enjoy and invite me back even though I was a bit of a trouble.
Candee, the biscuits look scrumptous. Please come on out and sleep on the terrace with me. There is plenty of space and I really think you will enjoy the night critters as much as I do. I think part of the reason they never bother me is that they know I am just curios and don't mean them any harm plus the fact I am too busy satisfying that curiosity to show any fear.
Hi everyone, will be sad to see you all go home! It's been great fun hanging out with you all.
Thank you Jean for the beautiful print, I will treasure it and frame it when I get home. Keep up the painting, you have great talent. Have a safe journey home with all your goodies. You're all welcome to the Flowerpot cafe anytime! It's not as elegant as your Tea rooms, it's more of a cafe/bar kind of place, but there's always a friendly face to welcome you. We are having renos done at the moment, but be sure to call in for the grand re-opening.
Gosh Zany, your gifts are perfect! I'm sure Sue and Bill will be happy with those.
I'm far tooooooo scared to sleep outside, especially with all the stories I've heard about the strange Critters,CD's,Wombats,snakes,Spiders,Drop Bears and all the rest!!!!!!!
I found Sue's guitar, anyone for a singalong?
What shall we sing? here we go......
' Tie me Kangaroo down ..... no no not that one!
' I come from a land down under.. Yeah.... no no not that one!
'I should be so Lucky! Lucky Lucky Lucky no no not that one!
Wish Chrissy was still here she knows all the great music and loads of songs!!!
A sing along would be great fun...if I could sing! I'm afraid the wild life would protest if I tried to sing anything these days. But you all go ahead and I'll tap my feet and keep time to the music.
Here's a songs couple I found listed on the net as folk songs from Oz
Cyprus Brig
Poor Tom Brown from Nottingham Jack Williams and poor Joe
They were three gallant poacher boys their country well does know
And by the laws of the Game Act that you may understand
Were fourteen years transported boys unto Van Diemen's Land
When we landed in this colony to different masters went
For little trifling offences boys to Hobart Town gaol were sent
Now the second sentence we received and ordered for to be
Sent to Macquarie Harbour that place of tyranny
Down Hobart Town streets we were guarded on the Cyprus Brig conveyed
Our topsails they were hoisted boys our anchor it was weighed
The wind it blew a nor nor west and on we steered straight way
Till we brought her to an anchorage in a place called Research Bay
Now confined in a dismal hole those lads contrived a plan
To take possession of that brig or else die every man
The plan it being approved upon we all retired to rest
And early next morning boys we put them to the test
Up steps bold Jack Muldemon his comrades three more
We soon disarmed the sentry and left him in his gore
Liberty Oh Liberty it's Liberty we crave
Deliver up your arms my boys or the sea shall be your grave
First we landed the soldiers the captain and his crew
We gave three cheers for Liberty and soon bid them adieu
William Swallows he was chosen our commander for to be
We gave three cheers for Liberty and boldly put to sea
Play on your golden trumpets boys and sound your cheerful notes
The Cyprus Brig's on the ocean boys by justice does she float
Click go the Shears
Out on the board the old shearer stands
Grasping his shears in his long bony hands
Fixed is his gaze on a bare-bellied "joe"
Glory if he gets her, won't he make the ringer go
Chorus
Click go the shears boys, click, click, click
Wide is his blow and his hands move quick
The ringer looks around and is beaten by a blow
And curses the old snagger with the blue-bellied "joe"
In the middle of the floor in his cane-bottomed chair
Is the boss of the board, with eyes everywhere
Notes well each fleece as it comes to the screen
Paying strict attention if it's taken off clean
The colonial-experience man he is there, of course
With his shiny leggin's just got off his horse
Casting round his eye like a real connoisseur
Whistling the old tune "I'm the Perfect Lure"
The tar-boy is there awaiting in demand
With his blackened tar-pot and his tarry hand
Sees one old sheep with a cut upon its back
Here's what he's waiting for "Tar here Jack!"
Shearing is all over and we've all got our cheques
Roll up your swag for we're off on the tracks
The first pub we come to it's there we'll have a spree
And everyone that comes along it's, "Come and drink with me!"
Down by the bar the old shearer stands
Grasping his glass in his thin bony hands
Fixed is his gaze on a green-painted keg
Glory he'll get down on it ere he stirs a peg
There we leave him standing, shouting for all hands
Whilst all around him every shouter stands
His eyes are on the cask which is now lowering fast
He works hard he drinks hard and goes to hell at last
You take off the belly-wool clean out the crutch
Go up the neck for the rules they are such
You clean round the horns first shoulder go down
One blow up the back and you then turn around
Click, click, that's how the shears go
Click, click, so awfully quick
You pull out a sheep he'll give a kick
And still hear your shears going click, click, click
Stringybark Creek
A sergeant and three constables set out from Mansfield town
Near the end of last October for to hunt the Kellys down;
They started for the Wombat hills and thought it quite a lark
When they camped upon the borders of a creek called Stringybark.
They had grub and ammunition there to last them many a week,
And next morning two of them rode out, all to explore the creek,
Leaving McIntyre, behind them at the camp to cook the grub
And Lonergan to sweep the floor and boss the washing tub.
It was shortly after breakfast Mac thought he heard a noise
So gun in hand he sallied out to try to find the cause,
But he never saw the Kellys planted safe behind a log
So he sauntered back to smoke and yarn and wire into the grog.
But Ned Kelly and his comrades thought they'd like a nearer look
For being short of grub they wished to interview the cook;
And of firearms and cartridges they found they had too few,
So they longed to grab the pistols and the ammunition too.
Both the troopers at a stump alone they were well pleased to see
Watching as the billies boiled to make their pints of tea;
There they joked and chatted gaily never thinking of alarms
Till they heard the fearful cry behind, 'Bail up, throw up your arms
The traps they started wildly and Mac then firmly stood
While Lonergan made tracks to try and gain the wood,
Reaching round for his revolver but, before he touched the stock
Ned Kelly pulled the trigger and he dropped him like a rock.
Then after searching McIntyre all through the camp they went
And cleared the guns and cartridges and pistols from the tent,
But brave Kelly muttered sadly as he loaded up his guns,
"Oh, what a pity that the tried to run."
What are the chords for that one? LOL!!
Cyprus Brig
click go the shears
Stringybark Creek doesn't show the music :~P
but here is another one
Look Out Below
A young man left his native town
Through trade being slack at home
To seek his fortune in this land
He crossed the briny foam
And when he came to the Lachlan
His heart was in a glow
To hear the sound of the windlasses
And the cry 'Look out below'
Wherever he turned his wandering eyes
Strange sights he did behold
Of full and plenty in the land
And the magic power of gold
He says now I am young and strong
And a digging I will go
For I like the sound of windlasses
And the cry 'Look out below'
So now he's settled down again
With a charming little wife
He says there's nothing can compare
To a jolly digger's life
Ask him if he'll go home again
And he'll quickly answer no
For he likes the sound of windlasses
And the cry 'Look out below'
There a lot of them at this site http://folkstream.com/songs.html
Some show the music and lyrics and some have midi's to listen to.
Hahahahaha nice one Zany!
Oh did I tell you? I can't read music!!!!!!!
I've got to crash out now, anyone else want to play?
Sue will be waking me up for work soon. G'day and G'night.
See you Jean! Thanks so much for coming and thank you for the goodies! How lucky are we? Beer, chocolates, cheeses and wine! I feel a bout of gout coming on! LOL
Wow Terri, you left the pool room in such a good condition after your late night! I don't know how you played pool with DH's stuff still on the table!
Someone left their shirt behind though! Could it be Candee's?
Zany, you looked so comfy sleeping out in the back yard. I hope the dogs didn't wake you! Have a great trip home, and you too Candee. Get those tropicals in and safe before the cold gets them!
terri, I'm so glad you came to work with me. Susnas hedge looks great, and it gave me time to get in and prune and deadhead the roses.
Also lucky that you were there when Ralph called and said he had people viewing his house tomorrow, as it's for sale, so he wanted the yard tidied. It was good of you to weed and water the flower beds while I mowed the lawns! Thanks so much!
You ladies were all a great help in the kitchen last night! I really appreciate the effort you all made to make everyones trip a good one. I haven't seen Steven all day though, maybe he's still looking for the Orchid. *chuckle, chuckle*
Candee, you were no trouble at all, just a bit tipsy at times, but hey, I'm quite jealous!
Terri, for all your help, I'm going to take you for a motorbike ride! You can take the Triumph (being british)
And I'll take the Velocette!
I'll have to get hubby to get them out of the pool room for us.
If steven ever shows his head, he can take the mini Ducati for a spin!
Beep, beep!
Tonight is a make your own dinner night, as there is still so much food in the fridge. theres a bit of pizza, some cheeses and dips and pickled things, along with leftover baked chicken that would make yummy sandwhiches. Theres always salad veges in the garden too, so dig in, don't be shy!
I'm going to take one more stroll in the garden before it gets dark, then Have a shower, and then pick up my guitar and have a go of some of those songs that Zany dug up. I also know how to play waltzing matilda if you want to sing along. (I am not going to write out the words though, Zany! That must have taken you ages, or did you cut and paste?)
C'mon, eat up!
The Barbie Bus got me home safe and sound at the speed of light. I slept soundly out in the yard and the dogs were wonderful company. The sounds of the animals were quite interesting although I couldn't say what half of them were. But they melded together into a lovely dream and made the night one of the best I have had in years.
Sorry I didn't get a chance to say a proper goodbye but I didn't dare wait for the next departure time. Thanks again for your wonderful hospitality!
edited for typo.
This message was edited Oct 7, 2008 1:26 AM
Oh dear Zany, I came out to wake you up this morn and thought the dingos had taken you! So glad to know you just got an early bus. I was sleeping so sound with the patio door and windows open, I didn't hear a thing, so figured you must have gone with them willingly.
Dinner was scrumptious, I grabbed mine while you were taking your late evening stroll. I bet you slept sound yourself Sue after all the work you and Terri accomplished and then the bike rides. That fresh air blowing in my face always tired me but in such a refreshing way.
Ah, yes that is my shirt down at the bar, but I was wearing a tank under it and just got overheated as I was so excited to win at pool again, been so many years that I could see well enough to shoot and it was quite easy to beat Terri at 8-ball, cause she really didn't know the rules!
Stringybark Creek - now I sure wish I had heard you guys singin that one, the lyrics are my favorite. I have been know to belt out a few tunes, but must tell you that it is more piercing than those dog calls! You can be glad I had worn myself out.
Now believe I am going to take a morning stroll around your entire palatial grounds Sue. You and Bill have been the most generous hosts and I cannot thank you enough. I will just continue my stroll down to the beach as that is where the cyber bus is picking me up, so if you find another shirt down there later it is mine as I may be taking a dip while waiting for the bus to arrive. Thanks and will see you back at the cafe and look forward to coming to your wonderful neck of the woods again perhaps next year, if I get an invitation? It was splendid to spend time with all of you and to meet and make new friends, what a wonderful journey! Goodaye mates!
Wow, this is all so wonderful here. Thanks for the invite. Whoohoo! I hardly know where to start so I'll just close my eyes and spin and head in whichever direction I'm facing. Here goes... oh crap, I'm too old for this... opening eyes now, there's a really big spider, think I'll slap a saddle on it and head for the beach. Anybody want fish for dinner?
Sue, you certainly have a beautiful home, wonderful blooms everywhere, and the feel of the place is very upbeat. Thank you for being such a gracious hostess.
And I love that chair.
Hey plantgeek88 sorry I missed you - we musta crossed cyber paths as I just left this morn. You will have a great time on your vacation at Sue and Bills, just stay away from the bar, I got a bit lightheaded and almost missed an entire afternoon of fun in the sun!
Be sure to spend some time gazing from the gazebo and if you can spend a night sleep out under the stars, the critters sound bad but they are just as gracious as Sue and won't bother you if you are a friend to them.
Enjoy!
Haighr,sounds lovely sleeping under stars, listening to critters and not radios. I'm sure never before heard sounds would produce interesting dreams.
I'll avoid the motorcycles too, they would only get me into trouble. Besides, I have a giant spider for transportation- the perfect way to get out of traffics jams, either crawl over or swing around on threads.
Never thought of spider travel, but sounds challenging, I would probably get my feet caught in the spokes!
Hi all, welcome to Sue's Plantgeek88! would you like some chips with your fish?
Bye to everyone, missing you already.
Had another exciting day here in paradise, Thanks Sue.
Really enjoyed going to work with you. I was so surprised to see Susans garden, the design was so formal, I thought we were back at Hampton Court!! Glad I was some help. although I did keep asking you if things were weeds or not.
Loved going on the bike and a big Thank you to Bill for letting me ride the Triumph.
Oh and I don't know what Candee's talking about!! I thrashed her 8-0 at pool. Who are you going to believe?!!!! LOL.
Well Sue, I stripped the beds and washed all the sheets, I didn't realise your pink dressing gown was in the machine, everythings pink now ..Sorry!
Don't worry about dinner tomorrow , lets go out to eat somewhere (my treat)
It's so peaceful today, are you going to get on with your homework for Horticulural college? I know you haven't had time to do any!!
I'm chillaxing by the pool, resting and reading a book. ahhhhh bliss!
Goodbye Zany, Candee and Hello Plantgeek, glad you could make it over.
Hi Terri, no time for homework today. I followed Plantgeek and Spider down to Emerald Beach and did 3 gardening jobs till 3pm then back to water at kerrys again. No sign of Plantgeek yet, must be getting plenty of bites (from fish, not spider) No doubt we'll have some fish to fry. Do you eat fish terri?
If not, we could go into coffs and find a restaurant somewhere. Most of them have a vegetarian dish or two on the menu.
I have to show you this house i drove past today. Plantgeek will have seen it too on the way to the beach.
I got some veges while I was at kerrys. We can cook them up tomorrow for you Terri, to try and get you better.
There is Cabbage, Brocoli, Carrots, Broad Beans (yuk), Silverbeet (Chard), Celery, and all kinds of stuff
Also, there are peas, radish, round Beans and more Brocolli in this patch.
We'll be eating like kings! Kerry will be home in 2 weeks, but I don't know if any of this will be here when she gets home. Tomorow I'm going to schedule in an hours weeding and a lawn mow, so that it looks neat when they arrive. I might have to do the lawns once more though.
Check out her flowering Cactus!
Steven must have left without saying goodbye! Unless hes still looking for that orchid? Maybe I had better put it back and just play dumb when he finds it? it was pretty bad of me to try and keep it for myself. I thought he wouldn't be able to get it home anyway, due to quarantine laws, but if he's catching the cyber bus, he can skip all that rigamarole.
Well, stick around for as long as you like, I'll be around, but mostly in the evenings, as I have to work most days.
Help yourself to tea and cofee e.t.c, and feel free to request a viewing of any area of the garden.
Cheers
Sue
Ok folks, I have a heaping mess of fish to go with all the veggie goodies here. This should keep us stocked for days.But if y'all think not, this will give me an excuse to head back to the beach (not that I need one) And yes Terri, I would love some chips too, thank you.
Love that house Sue. Yes, I did see it along the way, had to pull Spider off to the side of the road to gaze at it for awhile (and let Spider eat her lunch. Feed her a badly dressed tourist once in awhile and she's good to go.)
Kerry's cactus is stunning! That's about the most beatiful one I've seen. Hat's off.
Hmmm... I may have to coax that roo for a ride. I knew I brought a pocketfull of sweet oats for a reason. So, I'll clean these fish first, let them slow roast, seasoned and wrapped in banana leaves in an earthen pit, then head out for a spin. Who know's, I may find some tropical fruit for dessert.