Beautiful Coff's Harbour!

G’day, Folks!!

Well, another lovely day here in wonderful OZ! To be honest, we’ve been really fortunate when it comes to weather! (Knock wood…) A front was moving in to Sydney on our second day there, but we missed any bad weather – and then when we got to Coff’s Harbour on Friday night, we had a deluge – but we were safely inside, and staying inside. Since then it has continued overcast but very warm and humid – but not rainy! But we heard on the news tonight that there have been really torrential storms in the south, especially around the Great Ocean Road near Lorne, with flooding and evacuations going on! Amazing! Folks down that way are pretty happy, as they have been enduring drought conditions for the past several years, but in some places they have experienced first wild fires, and now heavy rains and the resultant washouts that occur. Some of the reservoirs are starting to take in water again, which is great for everyone! We won’t be down that way for several more weeks … certainly hope that things have stabilized by then!

Today we had a nice leisurely day, including our first grocery shopping trip in OZ. We’ve pooled funds for groceries, and I had volunteered to make dinner tonight, which meant a major trip to the grocery store! We went to the closest store, which happened to be a Woolworths. (Note: Marg & Norm have told us that in some parts of the country it’s called Woolworths, and in others, Safeway; so same chain!) It is located inside a very nice shopping mall, which includes a HUGE Target and lots of other stores. First stop was at a houseware/cooking store, similar to William Sonoma, as we had forgotten to bring along our measuring cup (had the spoons, just forgot the cup!). Lovely store, and we were able to get the Oxo cup that we needed. Then across the aisle to the chemist, where we picked up some insect repellant – which believe me, is needed…I know I said I’d talk about flies later, so I will … suffice to say now that there are billions of them, and they’re incredibly annoying!

I don’t know about other Woolworth’s (yet!), but this one was simply superb! Lovely wide aisles, lots of selection, excellent meat and seafood. It was really fun poking around and seeing what was available. To tell the truth, I’d love to go back to that deli counter, because I could put together a SUPER picnic, given half the chance! Got back to the condo and put things away. Had left-over tacos (much better than it sounds!) for lunch, then R took a nap and I ironed – had done our first load of wash, but the dryer was super hot, so everything was wrinkled when we took things out – note for next time: Use delicate cycle on the dryer.

When R woke up, we went for a drive through Coff’s Harbour, and down to the jetty to look around. Thank heaven for the insect spray! Sprayed ourselves, but amazingly enough, the flies still managed to attack those few untreated square inches; ugh!! We walked along the jetty and out to Muttonbird Island. It’s a rookery (nesting place) for the Muttonbirds (also known as wedge-tailed shearwaters). Walked to the top of the island, and all around. Didn’t see any birds, as the information indicated that they wouldn’t be in until nightfall … and that was a bit too long to wait! Lots of burrows, though; seems they nest like puffins. Did find the whale-watching place, which we may do tomorrow, depending on weather.

Back to the condo and started dinner; beef tips over rice with salad and green beans. Working with strange ingredients (is corn flour really the corn starch that I needed?), had a nice evening putting things together. The kitchen isn’t too badly equipped, but working in an electric fry pan when you’re not used to it … hmmmm… Managed to get everything all ready at the same time, and served. I did cleanup, as Marg, Norm and Robert want to play Upwords, a game that is something like Scrabble – lots of letters…and boy, did Robert need to buy a vowel, but no Vanna White in the offing!

So! I’m about ready for bed – these long, lazy days are certainly taking their toll!

So, goodnight for now; more tomorrow!

Love,

m