Dappled sunlight dances on my bed in the morning breeze. I can see its shadows through my closed eyelids as I wake. Luxuriating on the crisp white new linen, I roll over and run my hand over its softness and smile at the memory of carting the heavy bag with packs of new sheets from New York down here. I stretch out, and before I jump out to the million dollar view, I laze on my king bed surrounded by the mosquito netting encasing it like a protective tent under the beams of my gorgeous cottage; the breeze is billowing out my soft "baby blue and brown" sheer curtains, the azure waters of the sound are lapping loudly on our beach and the coconut palms rustle noisily, ….but not as noisy as our resident pelicans who are once again “kamikaze” diving head first into the warm clear sea for their breakfast. I giggle knowing how funny they look. We watched them yesterday, their feathers blowing in the breeze whilst they stand guard on our jetty ever watching……it is time for my morning swim, snorkel or both………I am back in paradise. The Caribbean!
I have almost completed the new décor of my beach cottages. The cottages are now white with all blue and brown décor……….the effect is stunning and cool. From the generous cushions on the white wicker setting to the new bedspreads and again endless cushions of all sizes on the large bed, the cottages have now become “more” than simple beach cottages. They have a feeling of serenity, peace and a soft touch of luxury. I have even installed 'safes' for the added security of my guests. My buddy Michelle is housed in one cottage and I in the other. We meet in the mornings for breakfast and sit idly deciding what to do for the day……..the choices are endless but some days are just spent reading in the hammock that sways between my coconut palms or just sitting, sitting and gazing at THAT view……………just like the pelicans do. The views are stunning and mesmerizing! Again the time flew with me having not written a blog for months, to the point that Michelle said some of my avid blog readers may think I’d died……..LOL……….so dear friends, I am here to assure you I am alive and well and back in paradise again! These last few months have been filled with so many destinations I can hardly keep track.
I arrived back in Melbourne end of April for 3 months to see my friends and work at some serious property maintenance. The weather was cold and some mornings icy. I painted till my back ached but with the help of George we got a lot done. Time was also spent searching, found and booking wedding venues for my daughters special love day. It has all been changed to Italy now……a smaller more intimate wedding with family and only close friends. Bec & AJ felt a bigger wedding in Melbourne did not feel right, so the special occasion will now be held at Lake Como where he proposed to her. How romantic!! Sometimes it just takes time for us all to reach deep inside for what our hearts really desire. Aside the long hard arduous hours of house maintenance I spent vital time with much beloved friends and family. The first month was really spent in search of the best wedding venue for my Becky. Both Michelle and I trudged the streets inspecting properties and making endless notes at the huge bridal fair. Becky ended up visiting for a week to see the results of our labour and was enchanted by our discoveries. The wedding was set for 3rd March next year but recently certain events have changed the scenario. Don’t worry it’s ALL good! The wedding will now be early September in Italy. A smaller more intimate wedding with family and closest friends at the magic spot where AJ proposed to Bec………romantic Lake Como! The villa is directly on the lake and just breathtaking! Bec tells me a wedding planner at the villa will organise all the details! Yes, I am breathing a sigh of relief! It should be a week of magic nights of celebration and preparation for their big day! Four of us met in NYC for some serious wedding shopping……..and what a success it was! Becky is going to look a dream in her designer dress and Manolo's! Very lucky girl!!
My best buddy Jen had her birthday, a date I made sure I was still in Melbourne for, my dearest Robert and I had lunches at his favourite winery in Dromana, we celebrated Amanda’s 50th with gusto at another wonderful winery, I visited and stayed with my dear friend Annie up in the magic hills of Toolangi, and had wonderful lunches or coffee with my town and Peninsula buddies…………Offie, Carol, Barbie and my two dear Sue's, the time went so quickly....I miss you all. It all seemed to fly by so quickly and before I knew it was time to pack and head back to family in Singapore and Europe!
First stop was Singapore with my Becky and her AJ. They have an addition to their household now, my new “four legged grandson” named Harrison. Harry is a chocolate Labrador and he is just delightful. Being only a puppy (and not knowing any better) he greeted each new visitor by peeing on their shoes. He races up to you with gusto – enthusiastic in his boyish charm, licks you and relieves himself. I remember looking down at my wet boots rather astonished and then bursting out in laughter. I am happy to report he has been trained out of this welcoming habit. He is SUCH a good boy. Both Bec and AJ simply adore him and I look forward to playing with him in January on the way home to see how much he has grown (and matured!!) XX
Almost a month in Europe with my parents was just awesome. My dear friends Angie & Christal were at the airport to pick me up and we enjoyed many fabulous moments meeting up for lunches and shopping! Angie and I are VERY good at shopping together! Our close family friend Friedl stood with her mouth gaping when we surprised her with my presence at her 80th birthday……..all priceless moments in time!
My parents and I have so much fun nowadays and although they are slower now and short term memories are failing, our time together is full of love and laughter. My Dad is so mellow and loving, and to hear his voice on the phone, eagerly waiting for my return is touching beyond words. He is SO unbelievably excited that his “little one” – his only grandchild is getting married in Italy now because he will be able to attend. I can only pray that his health remains stable! For both of them! 10-11 months is still a long time to wait.
I am here in paradise until the end of November. My work here is stabilizing with everything looking in good order. Maintenance is a constant issue with the salt air, the sun and the wind but it’s SO incredibly magic, so wonderful, it’s worth every second of effort. I take a minute to reflect as I look out the large windows that surround my hexagonal cottage. Michelle is still snoozing next door in hers after reading until some god-forbidden hour. My coconut palms are swaying elegantly, the beach below my window is pristine; I can still see the huge tarpon fish lazily swimming up and down the shallows from here and wonder where my resident sting ray is…….he is always somewhere in our cove and looks up at you whilst you snorkel over him………I am startled out of my dreamy state by yet more “kamikaze pelican bombs” in search of their breakfast. Their splash into the azure warm water is loud, both Michelle and I wonder if they ever hit the bottom with their long beaks and need "birdie chiropractic"………what a silly thought! Think I might go for a lovely long swim now…………
I have almost completed the new décor of my beach cottages. The cottages are now white with all blue and brown décor……….the effect is stunning and cool. From the generous cushions on the white wicker setting to the new bedspreads and again endless cushions of all sizes on the large bed, the cottages have now become “more” than simple beach cottages. They have a feeling of serenity, peace and a soft touch of luxury. I have even installed 'safes' for the added security of my guests. My buddy Michelle is housed in one cottage and I in the other. We meet in the mornings for breakfast and sit idly deciding what to do for the day……..the choices are endless but some days are just spent reading in the hammock that sways between my coconut palms or just sitting, sitting and gazing at THAT view……………just like the pelicans do. The views are stunning and mesmerizing! Again the time flew with me having not written a blog for months, to the point that Michelle said some of my avid blog readers may think I’d died……..LOL……….so dear friends, I am here to assure you I am alive and well and back in paradise again! These last few months have been filled with so many destinations I can hardly keep track.
I arrived back in Melbourne end of April for 3 months to see my friends and work at some serious property maintenance. The weather was cold and some mornings icy. I painted till my back ached but with the help of George we got a lot done. Time was also spent searching, found and booking wedding venues for my daughters special love day. It has all been changed to Italy now……a smaller more intimate wedding with family and only close friends. Bec & AJ felt a bigger wedding in Melbourne did not feel right, so the special occasion will now be held at Lake Como where he proposed to her. How romantic!! Sometimes it just takes time for us all to reach deep inside for what our hearts really desire. Aside the long hard arduous hours of house maintenance I spent vital time with much beloved friends and family. The first month was really spent in search of the best wedding venue for my Becky. Both Michelle and I trudged the streets inspecting properties and making endless notes at the huge bridal fair. Becky ended up visiting for a week to see the results of our labour and was enchanted by our discoveries. The wedding was set for 3rd March next year but recently certain events have changed the scenario. Don’t worry it’s ALL good! The wedding will now be early September in Italy. A smaller more intimate wedding with family and closest friends at the magic spot where AJ proposed to Bec………romantic Lake Como! The villa is directly on the lake and just breathtaking! Bec tells me a wedding planner at the villa will organise all the details! Yes, I am breathing a sigh of relief! It should be a week of magic nights of celebration and preparation for their big day! Four of us met in NYC for some serious wedding shopping……..and what a success it was! Becky is going to look a dream in her designer dress and Manolo's! Very lucky girl!!
My best buddy Jen had her birthday, a date I made sure I was still in Melbourne for, my dearest Robert and I had lunches at his favourite winery in Dromana, we celebrated Amanda’s 50th with gusto at another wonderful winery, I visited and stayed with my dear friend Annie up in the magic hills of Toolangi, and had wonderful lunches or coffee with my town and Peninsula buddies…………Offie, Carol, Barbie and my two dear Sue's, the time went so quickly....I miss you all. It all seemed to fly by so quickly and before I knew it was time to pack and head back to family in Singapore and Europe!
My parents and I have so much fun nowadays and although they are slower now and short term memories are failing, our time together is full of love and laughter. My Dad is so mellow and loving, and to hear his voice on the phone, eagerly waiting for my return is touching beyond words. He is SO unbelievably excited that his “little one” – his only grandchild is getting married in Italy now because he will be able to attend. I can only pray that his health remains stable! For both of them! 10-11 months is still a long time to wait.
I am here in paradise until the end of November. My work here is stabilizing with everything looking in good order. Maintenance is a constant issue with the salt air, the sun and the wind but it’s SO incredibly magic, so wonderful, it’s worth every second of effort. I take a minute to reflect as I look out the large windows that surround my hexagonal cottage. Michelle is still snoozing next door in hers after reading until some god-forbidden hour. My coconut palms are swaying elegantly, the beach below my window is pristine; I can still see the huge tarpon fish lazily swimming up and down the shallows from here and wonder where my resident sting ray is…….he is always somewhere in our cove and looks up at you whilst you snorkel over him………I am startled out of my dreamy state by yet more “kamikaze pelican bombs” in search of their breakfast. Their splash into the azure warm water is loud, both Michelle and I wonder if they ever hit the bottom with their long beaks and need "birdie chiropractic"………what a silly thought! Think I might go for a lovely long swim now…………
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