Visiting Lindsey

David picked me up from work at 5pm last Friday with the car all packed and we drove north. I should say, he drove. I was so tired I was seeing double. To our great relief, we survived the heavy truck traffic and engineering inadequacies of the Pacific Highway long enough to reach Yamba and fall into a motel bed.

Breakfast at Beachwood Cafe at Yamba, recommended by Lian, whose company publishes the chefs books. These (below) are today's cakes.

The purpose of our drive? To visit Lindsey and our grandchildren - Richie, 21 months

and Sharloe, nearly 3.

Lindsey and the children live on the Sunshine Coast, north of Brisbane.

This (above) is Lindsey's ingenious bath solution in the townhouse she rents.

We were there for four sleeps and five very hectic days. Richie and Sharloe have boundless energy and live life at top speed and full volume. The trampoline gets a workout. One day, we all went to the beach.

They loved the park but didn't much like the water. Lindsey wouldn't go in, either - "too cold!" So it was up to the grandparents to go in and catch a wave. Nobody was impressed.

Richie very quickly decided that Fa Fa (David) was the the best person in the entire world. He would chirp "Fa Fa!" on waking and wanted to be with him ALL the time. Here he is trying to get into the bathroom while David is having a shower.

Sharloe had a complete turn around in her attitude to having her long, long hair brushed. Nanna's special brush did the trick. No screaming.

The other family member is Harpy, the blue staffy. Harpy is a bit of a sook and a softie. She hates having her photo taken. If left alone, she whimpers, then goes and collects clothes and shoes and makes herself a nest on the couch and goes to sleep. When you get home she goes into paroxysms of joy.

She adores the children. They adore her.

Except when she destroys their balls, which she does on a regular basis.

Sharloe's  "off-switch" does not work well at all. It's hard to catch a photo in focus, unless she is watching TV or asleep!

We had a short and sweet visit and left rather sadly today, Wednesday. Hope we can see them again soon. Headed south via Brisbane's new freeway (below)

Past Coolangatta and on via Highway 40 towards Murwillumbar. Sugar country in northern NSW.

The cautionary finger (above) of Mt Warning.

Our destination tonight - Kyogle. Have just had a great meal at Earth Bistro at the local pub. Tomorrow - Daley's Nursery.