It is New Years Day, 2012. The time, 4 p.m. and the temperature outside is 'very hot'. Expected 40 degrees. Air conditioner is on. I am sitting on the bed as I write this. Lovely and cool. And the rest of the family? Watching the fourth Harry Potter DVD. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. At top volume! I might as well be in the room with them, as I am experiencing the full sound effects, plus I can hear their comments and discussions on finer points. However, I cannot see the visual effects. Harry Potter is too scary for me to watch.
Honestly the four of them have moved from these positions. They have different clothes on, I think!
But to go back a day. New Years Eve. I collected Jay and Jespa from Billie-Joe's house and headed for the nearest cafe, on the children's recommendation. Their dad shares his expertise with them on who makes the best coffee, apparently, but I think their judgement is actually based on the hot chocolate plus the child friendly atmosphere. Their judgement proved to be accurate. We were all happy.
Then it was off to Willunga park and playground but a little too hot for comfort. The gum trees looked magnificent in the sun. The beach sounded more appealing, so it was off for a swim. The usual drive to the waters edge, in air conditioned comfort.
We finally made our way to Henley Beach, in order to attend a NY celebration barbeque at West Beach. Coffee for us, and hot chips for the children. Henley Square has certainly changed since we lived here. Very smart and upmarket now, with many good restaurants and cafes.
And then for a walk down memory lane, that is a walk on Henley Beach jetty. We spent many an hour walking on the jetty, checking out how many fish were being caught, and enjoying the sea breezes. And checking to make sure our children were not jumping off the end of the jetty, which they were not allowed to do, but did so behind our backs.
The view back towards where we lived, 231 Esplanade. It is the house beside the tall pine tree, the one with the small trees in front of it. I planted those little trees, scrubby little things, thirty years ago, and they are still there amazingly. There was no driving to the waters edge on this beach. For us, it was a very hot run across the carpark, down the steps and across the hot white sand. But what a view we had from the front windows of the house. The sunsets, the people watching (we had tinted windows so people could not see in but we could see them), the beautiful views of the sailing boats on the ocean. But alas, we sold it. Much to the disappointment of family and friends.
All of us looking relaxed, at the end of Henley Beach Jetty.
The New Years Eve barbeque was really good, only a small crowd of people but we had a live band and lots of delicious meat to eat. As I was driving I was on sparkling water, but felt better for it today. No hangover!
By 10 a.m. today we were on the beach again at Aldinga. The water was calm and clear. There were people out in their canoes and using their surf boards as paddle boats. The idea is to stand up on the surf board and use a long paddle to move around. A flat gondola affair. Very weird looking.
Even at 10 a.m. the beach was full of vehicles, with all manner of shade arrangements.
As we were only going to be there a short time we did not have shade. The advantage of living 5 minutes from the beach.
The forensic team? The making of a new film? Incognito? No it is more about putting the second layer of insulation into the roof and walls. Walter and Darren looking the part! They are determined to finish the side room early in 2012.
Off for another swim soon. When the DVD is finished of course. And then there will be a review discussion of the film for the rest of the evening. Such is life!
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