A New Year

The new year is a good chance to put all the old stuff far behind and look only ahead. I am hoping to do that in 2007 especially as I have started a new job which looks like it is going to be great. I have only been there since 18 December but I am really looking forward to going back tomorrow. The work is interesting and the people are friendly so there is not much more I could want. The position is with AusIndustry which is part of the Commonwealth Department of Industry Tourism and Resources.

John and I went over to Stradbroke Island for a weeks holiday in late November and it was just beautiful. I know what you are thinking! Didn't she just have 14 weeks off work, with the first 6 of them on full pay. Well yes I did, but John still had to work, and, even though he now works from home he needed the break. Over on Straddie the laptop didn't work and the phone only picked up a signal from high points so he was forced to turn off and relax. I have posted a photo taken while we were over there.



This is a picture of the beach at Point Lookout that was closest to our unit. It is called Deadman's Beach. Not a very nice name for a very beautiful place but as Point Lookout was a lighthouse station from very early times, I suppose that people were more practical with their names in those days and weren't thinking of tourism.

Christmas was again this year a time of fun and happiness with the family. We had the Sim family get together a week prior to Christmas and on Christmas Day we went over to Greenslopes for lunch with Nanna and Robert. Unbelievably, the weather this year was cool and after Christmas we had a few days of very welcome rain. Off course, Doug was with us for the first time in many years and that made it a bit special.

Another family milestone was reached this year with John's Uncle Roy turning 90. As usual with the McGarrys he didn't want any fuss so there wasn't any. I think he spent the day at the new Art Gallery with Robert and some friends.

We are hoping that Tenielle can come and visit with us in January before she goes back to school. We are all looking forward to having her spend time with us, espcially Doug.

The big family milestone this year is in January, only 17 days away, when John will turn 60. He is starting to seriously think about retirement and after over 40 continuous years in the workforce you can't blame him. It is only a thought at this stage and he may continue for a few more years yet - who knows.

I have quite a few things that I want to accomplish this year. One is to finally get around to starting the renovations on the downstairs at Brisbane Headquarters. I will be getting in some quotes and ideas from professionals and will keep you posted of progress. With luck by the next Christmas BLOG it will be done. Another project - to have a rainwater tank - is already underway. The slab is down and the tank on order so it should be completed by end of January.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!