Big Bertha

Most of the noise-reduction cement walls that run between the highways and residential areas here are painted with scenery or decorative art. The wall along Old Cleaveland Rd has photos of children painted on it. When the girls were here they found a humorous photo and nick-named it "Big Bertha".... They wanted us to take photo for a good laugh....Here it is.........

Big Bertha

Ashlee's day

Last Sunday was Ashlee's Christening.

Jannene & Mark had a celebration lunch afterwards for family & friends. I made spinach dip & strawberry spinach salad for everyone to try. At first people were a little leery but soon both were a HUGE hit. I had about 5 requests for recipes and there was nothing left of either dish.

A visit with Gran

We left Ballina and headed to Wiangaree to visit David's grandmother; Gran, today. To say the scenery is beautiful is an understatement. Even though the day was a little overcast from all the rain, the drive was breathtaking.

We stopped in Kyogle for lunch & a bit of looking around.

Mark & Abby having an iced chocolate.

Gran was happy to have visitors even though she was not quite sure who everyone was. She did however recognize David right off the bat - as she always does.

She is 97 years old and pretty with it all things considered.

Saying "goodbye"

More rain....

We woke to the sound of rain today :(

Not a lot to do here in the rain… Luckily the unit we are staying in is nice a roomy, otherwise it would be quite cramped for the 8 of us.

We went to the RSL club (Retired Servicemen’s League) to meet Gordon & Lynn this afternoon. We had a few drinks, visited a little and waited for the free raffles to begin. At 6pm a buzzer sounded and we all stood for a moment of silence to remember & honor all who have served. Of course I thought of and said a little "thank you" to Dad.


It must have been my lucky day because Sam showed me how to play keno – I chose four numbers and he paid the $5 for 5 games. What do you know… we won $120 (split it 50 / 50)!!! Pretty good right? Well it got better…. When it was time for the raffles - I won a meat tray (4 T-Bone Steaks) and Sam won two chickens. All in all it was a good night.

Rain, rain go away...

The weather has been unusually weird since we arrived…. It has rained and been overcast a lot of the time. In fact the second day we were here there was a very bad storm in Brisbane with hail and tornados. It is said to be the worst storm in 25 years!! But despite the off and on bad weather we have had a nice trip so far.


Because the weather has not been the best we have been able to spend a little time in the gym and doing some shopping. The gym is much needed to help counter act all the “Fish & Chips” and beer we have been indulging in. The food is so good. I did not realize how much I missed it. If I only put on 10 lbs I will be lucky!!



We headed to Ballina for 4 days - hoping for better weather. The frist two days have been a little overcase but nice and hot.






David & I at one of the beaches in Ballina.




It is very beautiful here, but sadly, a shark took the life of a surfer here just a few weeks ago.

Abby & Ashlee playing in the sand.

While in Ballina we found a sky dive shop...... Thought "Paul & Jenny" might like to check it out. http://www.skydivebyronbay.com/index.html

Australia here we come!

My Mom, Emily & Allie took David & I to the airport Friday Afternoon. Unfortunately Amanda was not able to go as she has missed too much school as it is. The girls were fine until we started to go through security - Allie came unglued while Emily did a great job of holding back the tears.

Allie was so upset that Emily & my Mom had to drag her into the elevator.... It did not make the departure easy for David & I.

David & I at the LA airport bar - passing the time before wee board the plane.








The emotional departure from Austin, coupled with a 5 1/2 hour lay over in LA put us in a great mood for the 13 hours flight into Brisbane!!

Once we were on the plane things did not get much better. The plan was completely full - not an empty seat in sight. David & I were crammed into a middle & window seat with no room. The plane was delayed in taking off by 30 minutes and the video/movie system was broken!!!! We had not thought to bring our I-pods along because we always listen to the music on the plane.... not this time. The lack of entertainment gave us the opportunity to actually sleep a little this time though. David & I actually slept for about 5 hours, which is a lot more than normal!


Once we landed in Brisbane we were greeted at the airport by the "Anderson clan". Dawn, Sam, Jannene, Make, Abby & Ashley. It was a good thing as our luggage would not have fit into one car!

Hopefully the rest of our trip will be better then the start has been!