A New Year

So we say goodbye to 2011. It had its good times for sure. But also some tough times for us, especially health wise for David who has been in and out of hospital and specialists all year.  As the year ends he has fought off two bouts of cancer - first a nasty melanoma and then thyroid cancer. Now we just need to get his neuropathic arm pain and weakness sorted and it will be clear sailing. This year has also been the year of the no-house-so-far. With all the health issues, design challenges and "fiscal tightening" (don't you love that euphemism?) it just hasn't happened. But ever optimists, we believe it will all come good in 2012. Lots of change this year - a move to Hallidays Point, leaving Canberra behind for ever. And an increase in the household, with Marjory coming to live with us in April. I returned to work part-time in June, a good experience overall.

As I reflect on this last year as challenging as it has been, I still count my blessings. How lucky we are to live in a wonderful region of Australia, the pleasure of friends, the love of family. And options, a hopeful and positive future.

Here is our New Years' Eve - we wandered out early to soak up the growing crowd atmosphere around Southbank, went to a movie ("Warhorse" - take your tissues), then shared a meal with Wim and Akinyi, after which we watched the fireworks shooting off the tops of the tall buildings all along the river.

Not quite the spectacle that Sydney puts on, but we reckon the NSW government should spend less on fireworks and more on basics like better roads and rest stops on the highways.  The contrast between Victoria and NSW in that department is beyond stark. It's a disgrace. Public amenities in NSW rival the worst I ever saw (and smelt) in France in the 70's, and that's really saying something. But I digress. For the time being we are still enjoying Victoria.

There was just time before we left to do some maintenance on the apartment. This time it was painting the second bedroom.  34 degree day when we did this. Didn't take long to dry!

I would have loved to stay on in Melbourne and enjoy it and Lian and Wim and their partners for a bit longer, but it was time to pack up and head north to pick up Marjory from Peter and Elaine's fine new house in Copa Cabana near Gosford, north of Sydney. It was a bit of a gruelling drive, nearly 12 hours, and like an oven at every stop.  Plus the appalling conditions on the aforementioned highways in NSW.  You can tell I'm quite scarred by the experience.  It's our theory that Barry O'Farrell's intention is to force travellers into patronising businesses along the main roads by neglecting the free facilities and keeping the roads dangerous.  He's all about supporting business, is our Barry. Think carefully about how you vote at the next federal election, dear readers.

All is forgotten today, on the beach at Copa Cabana. Caught some beautiful little waves before breakfast.

May you have a lucky, funny, loving and healthy year in 2012.  May your challenges be manageable, and your spirits unsinkable, despite what the year throws at you!