March 15 - The Ides

THE IDES OF MARCH

No, not the ones who sang the brassy 1970 hit "Vehicle" (although that's a terrific song), but the one on which yond Cassius had "that lean and hungry look," which portended bad cheddar for ole Julie Baby.  Perhaps he should've shared his baloney sammitch?!  Although today was a comfortable, cloudless day, the surf was (to use Keith's term) a bit messy, and thus not favorable for grandfatherly surfing.  A long beach walk would have to do ... and did, along with some time with Susan and Di at Shelly Beach, their favorite place to read, beachcomb, and loll about in the shade.  I got in the water a couple of times to cool off, and the water temp was quite nice.  Back home for reading and a short kip, then the real excitement began.  Keith and Di hosted a small birthday dinner party for their daughter-in-law, Lee.  Di's older sister and husband, who live just up (literally) the street from them, came too.  Kiva, the 7 yr. old grandson, was the chief organiser and star of the show. 
Good meal and fun times visiting with a good range of Aussies (7 to 40's to 80ish). 

Only one more day in this little piece of paradise before we head out to visit more places in Australia. 
Meanwhile, let me give you a sample of the flowers and trees in this area.  We've been here in their summer, winter, and now fall, and there are always colourful flowers and plants blooming.  Here are a few of the ones in season now ...
Tibouchina (tih-boo-CHEE-nah)
African tulip tree
Frangiapani
Pandamus tree
Banana trees, avocado trees, and blueberry bushes (covered in background)



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