Tough week

 David's melanoma treatment earlier this year brought the inexpressible value of good health into the sharpest focus. We both look forward to the time, hopefully coming, when he will feel strong, energetic and completely free of worry and pain. But that time is not quite yet, as recent tests have shown thyroid issues. So we have another hill to climb. But, in the spirit of living every day in the best possible way, we are continuing to go places, do things and have fun (in between the medical appointments).

Meanwhile the house plans are shaping up in an exciting way. The architects have nearly completed their 3D virtual model, and we are discussing colours. Soon after we arrived in the area, David and I walked on Diamond Beach and were captured by the beautiful slatey, olivey greens of the tops of the rocks, with their undersides of burnt orange and umbers. It seemed this palette of warm, strong vibrant colours would suit the area and our new house.  But translating this vague idea in to actual paint colours, which will go on what bits, is quite a challenge. But with one opinionated blogger, two artists and a design team, we must be able to come up with something!

The artists went to their first art group on Friday at Hallidays Point and did still lifes of fruit. The event was pronounced a success. The art group has some real characters, one named Topsy. I can't get out of my mind the image of a black, furry woman with a tail.  Good artworks are underway.

Friday night we saw a live performance by comedians Julia Morris and Judy Loeb at the RSL Club Taree. What a cultural phenomenon these country clubs are. From the entrance, with its memorial installation, a rather ghastly pastiche of granite, running water, plaques and a propellor, over the garish patterned carpet, past the gaming lounges with their glazed pensioners grimly pushing buttons, to the dining room for (drumroll) Friday Night Roast! It was mass catering as its most mass. Amazing numbers of punters all at once, like so many wildebeest pouring through the doors into the communal grazing area. Absolutely packed. The vegies were good, I will say that. The comedians were good, too. "A bit racy" said the man at the door "do you think your Mum will be OK?" She was. She laughed like a drain.

This photo says a thousand words about Taree. Its a former church that has been converted to a liquor store.