Saturday, January 1, 2011

Rest

“Rest when you're weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.” - Ralph Marston

“Try to relax and enjoy the crisis.” - Ashleigh Brilliant

“Who among us hasn't envied a cat's ability to ignore the cares of daily life and to relax completely?”

- Karen Brademeyer 

2010 has been a busy year. Lots of work along with lots of fun and travel.

It was nice then to take a break and enjoy a holiday that involved very little of any physical or mental effort.
Christmas time at home. It is always a time of serenity - opposite to what most people experience. Coming from a small family, it's a time for some peace and quiet with a few close family and friends. It allowed the opportunity to stop and reflect. To count some blessings and to consider the year that has passed. It also allowed me to enjoy some quiet 'me' time.



My 1970 HG Holden Kingswood. Just an old car, but I love driving HER around. Dad had one when I was a kid and I have always liked them. I bought this from a good friend of mine who had it in his family from new - originally owned by some nuns. There aren't too many of these left now.





 Room with a view - From my bedroom window at my parents. This was the view everyday for my first 20 years or so. The garden that has been lovingly looked after for nearly 50 years has never demanded my attention. On this visit however, I actually stopped and admired the view. It was great to see the green trees, plants and colours of the summer flowers. More striking was the scent from the garden. I think my senses have been heightened by the lack of any meaningful vegetation in the desert. The sweet aromas were like a punch to the face in the early morning. A nice punch.



A blast from the past - it's always fun to go through old stuff and blow the dust off things you've almost forgotten about. Having some time to chill out and play with some old favourites was a nice way to spend some evenings. I'm a video games fan and, although the graphics weren't as good as I remember, I still kicked plenty of ass in Wrestlemania 2000 on the Nintendo 64.




Matilda (above) must be the world's most spoiled and over-protected dog. My Mother won't even have people refer to her as 'the dog. She rules the joint and thinks she owns the place. She does however chase the cats away and barks at anyone who dares to walk down the street.






Going along to my favourite restaurant is always a highlight, let alone when living abroad. It becomes even more important to get along there and enjoy the food. Jimmies, at Crafers, in the Adelaide Hills offers the world's best wood oven pizzas. Nothing beats the garlic prawn pizza with a bottle of local wine - it has been number one on my list for many years. Open fireplaces in winter and a cool and calm atmosphere in summer makes this my favourite restaurant any time of the year.



Was enjoying a family get-together at a local park, when a visitor ran past and down to the nearby creek. The koala was certainly thirsty....must have continued to drink for at least half an hour. I stayed around to try to get some video as he left the creek........


 
...but typically it wasn't until I needed to visit the bathroom that he decided it was time to climb up the nearest tree. It's almost as though he's up there mocking me.


I was fortunate once again to enjoy a quiet and peaceful Christmas. Visiting friends and family and being with those who are close to you is what it's all about. I feel somewhat refreshed and (almost) ready to embark on what will hopefully be another eventful and enjoyable year in 2011.






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