Eating in New York – Ninja Style

Sophie looks cold.

Service in Bali

United World College in Singapore has service as a major component of its philosophy of education for its students. Sarah’s year level is doing service in Bali. Kate and Sarah left for Bali today. Sarah was very excited. She and her classmates did a fundraising a few days ago and raised $1,030. That’s a lot of muffins and cookies! I look forward to hear how it all goes.

Latest from Buchanans and Joyces

The videos from Bruce’s heli-skiing were amazing. Looks like he had lots of fun.

We received a Joyce/Buchanan family desk calendar today – many thanks!!

Liz posted photos of her almost empty house. She is excited about new furniture coming. Look forward to photos and hearing about the new job.

Peter and Rebecca

Rebecca is finishing up at work next week. Both of them are busy planning a trip to Europe in March. Erich and I enjoyed a great lunch with them last weekend. Their place looks great! I like the photo wall – lovely memories.

Sisters

I love the photos of Isabelle and Sarah doing Art together at school.

Skin Cancer

Erich/Opa had day surgery yesterday to get a couple of skin cancers removed from his face and behind one ear. He had to have it under anaesthetic because of  his heart. He was pretty wonky when I collected him late in the day and the left side of his face had dropped. He was much better tis morning but can’t shave. He has two lots of dressing to be changed on Monday and then the stitches out the following Monday.

This year the actual changeover of years was a little odd for Erich and me. We took off from Singapore at 9.30pm New Year’s Eve, so it was already 30 minutes into the New Year in Melbourne. By the time it was New Year in Singapore we were well on our way back and not a mention was made on the flight.

Kate, David and the kids had left for Bali early in the morning on New Year’s eve. It was a bit of a spur of the minute decision and made possible by Kate’s incredible ability to find accommodation at the last minute. From all accounts and photos it was a great success. They spent a week there. The Singapore kids start back to school week of the 9th.

At the same time on the other side of the world the Buchanans were having a great time with friends in Utah in the snow. That also looked like lots of fun though I have no wish at all to relive my years spent in the snow.

We also took the last week off. Monday was a public holiday and I had a treatment on Thursday and early Friday morning we were off to Sydney to see Charlotte and Sophie before they went back to New York.

We stayed at Westin in CBD Sydney. We took Sophie to audiologist to get her hearing aid on headband adjusted then went searching for some card games. It was pouring with rain and so I thought some serious card playing was in order. After several physical visits to game shops in CBD and several phone calls I managed to find the last pack of Phase 10 in Sydney I think. We reintroduced Sophie to Uno which she enjoyed immensely. She then played with Opa whilst Charlotte and I played Phase 10. It looks like it was the grand daughters turn to slaughter their Grandma at cards as Sarah beat me in Singapore and Charlotte managed it in Sydney.

As a treat we had dinner with the girls in the revolving restaurant at the top of Centrepoint Tower. There was an ongoing debate on whether we were moving or the glass as moving. My money is still on the floor!

We were very sad to say goodbye on Saturday morning. The girls spent almost 24 hours getting home to snowy New York. They will be back to school on Monday as their school started back last week.

Erich bought me a beautiful ring whilst we were in Sydney for my bucket list birthday year. It is being resized and couriered to Melbourne hopefully by the end of the week. We have also heard about our new car travelling from France! Due to arrive late January so we should get it early February – ordered in August do you mind!

Peter and Rebecca started the New Year with a breakfast with friends at their new table with the new floor, new wall …

 And PJ continues his love affair with his courtyard and the BBG

It is back to work tomorrow (9th) with no special events for several months when we go to the Blue Mountains in May for races. (No I am not taking part! but kids maybe are).