a day by the river

There is so much of this city that we have yet to explore.

fishing on the river at Nudgee

So last week to make the most of the Christmas and New Year holiday we took off with brother in law and sis in law, plus kayak strapped to the roof of the car, plus picnic and headed to Nudgee Beach where the river meets the sea. Even Neil took some well earned holiday!

Sibs was keen to try out her new Christmas fishing rod and life jacket so this was a great opportunity to get out and spend some time in the sunshine. It struck me that I very rarely, if ever sit in the sun. I lathered myself in factor 30+, donned a wide brimmed hat and sunnies and caught a few rays....just a few...enough to leave a very distinctive Birkenstock pattern on my feet! (oops, forgot to smother my toes in lotion).

Lesson one Sibs is to wait for the instructor!

"is this how I hold it?"



Sibs and her uncle had a great time kayaking across the water and they spent some time fishing from a sand bank. I had the binoculars on them at one stage and could just about see that Sibs was ballet dancing across the sand whilst uncle seemed to be doing all the fishing!

We watched the numerous dogs and owners having fun throwing balls and sticks into the water - it made me want a dog...

The chicken wing that they placed in the crab net seemed to attract a few small fish - but nothing worth keeping for tea - We had to call back at the fish shop to get some snapper fillets to cook on the bbq.

Oh the joy and freedom...

School holidays... carefree and fun.
Filled with long lazy days in the sun where time doesn't matter.

This weekend we have had a wonderful time exploring the city with family and extended family from interstate (just typing that word 'interstate' makes me feel Australian!)
I'll download my photos and during the week I'll share some of the sights of Brisbane by night.

My 2012

Hello 2012, welcome to my world.

 

This year I am not going to let you fly past and complain that time is moving too quickly.
I'm taking charge!

2012 - I have decided that you are my year for taking control and getting organised.

(Sounds a bit dramatic when I write it down doesn't it?)

What I mean is that this is the year that I get on with those jobs that I always say I'd like to do

if I had the time...

Well I do have the time - I can make the time.

Don't make me call this a resolution (that's way too serious).

Let's start with that study cupboard - you know the one.

The cupboard that was a store for books that became the place to dump.

Yes, all that art stuff, the box of birthday cards, the wrapping paper, the spare cables,

the sewing machine, the empty boxes to keep 'just in case'....

It's time to go....everything will have its place.

Then there's that kitchen drawer.

We all have one....full of broken pencils and empty biros,

 batteries and odd coins from another country.

Yep, off you all go...

Just let me loose on the Tupperware drawer - how many sandwich boxes does a family of three need?

Next up - wardrobes (actually I'll need some serious strength before I go there...but it will be done!)

So you get the picture?

2012 is the year for de-clutter.

The year of simplifying and pairing back all the stuff that I seemed to have filled my home with.

What's that William Morris quote?
Something like if it's not useful or beautiful chuck it?

(It's probably a bit more eloquent than that!)

I do believe that getting organised and getting rid of unwanted clutter is the most common new year resolution (even though I'm not calling it that remember)

I don't usually get too influenced by what others have to say
but the little that I have read of Peter Walsh
and his hints and tips for getting organised seems to make sense.
Granted it's mainly common sense, but it's a good motivator and starting point.
website link here

I have warned the other two that I am on a mission here.
As I type Neil is on hands and knees in the study sorting out some filing - result!

A place for everything and everything in its place
- this will be our 2012 family motto and mantra.

...now where did I put those car keys?!