Two Sleeps till Christmas

We had a full day of being, today. Our next van neighbours are Chris and Jill and they are a really nice couple who have bought a bock of land at Saphire just down the road from Moonee Beach, which they intend to build on. Anyway, when we got up this morning it was high tide in the estuary and Chris asked if Rosy and I would like to go out in the kayaks. It was a nice thought and we took him up on it. Chris and I went out first. It wasn't so bad heading out as the wind was blowing me along, but the kilometer we travelled coming back was an uphill battle. Although I did see about two stingrays flapping around on the sandy bottom.

We got back to shore and then it was Rosy's turn. She wanted to take Angel so that she could see how she handled being on top of water, rather than swimming in it. Rosy had a lot of treats so it wasn't to bad keeping Angel in the kayak.

Really, Rosy and I have been in a two-man canoe and we wanted to see the difference between that and a one-man kayak. We are planning on buying one or the other when we get to Yamba. The end result was that we think with our (lack of) experience level it is better to have the two-man canoe. I think that Rosy wants to be able to slack off.

In the middle of the day the place we are staying at held a park get-together for Christmas, so guests could meet up with each other. Sort of like a street party. They supplied a huge wheelbarrow full of king prawns and a choice of a mocha, or fruit pavlova. The lunch was free and they just asked anyone who turned up to bring a plate of something to contribute. It was a nice experience. Mind you Angel was kept in the van with a bone. She behaved herself and didn't mess up the van.

Angel and I went on our daily vigil along the beach. I am trying to teach her not to be frightened about dogs running towards her, so we both go running along the beach, splashing through the water, chasing seagulls and getting some rays. The walk is about 4km's long.

Then for dinner Rosy BBQ'd some pork chops. I don't think either of us have mentioned on the blog before that we bought a Weber Baby Q a few weeks ago. They say it is the hottest outdoor camping BBQ you can get. It runs on gas and it is better to cook the food with the lid down to keep the extra heat in. Well, the pork chops that Rosy cooked were the best I have ever eaten. They were hot, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth and very flavourful. The Baby Q is great for just the two of us and we see more and more of them around the park. I can't wait for the next culinary delight.

On my way back from the amenities block, I met up with a boy we met at the lunch today with his family. He remembered me and said that he found a rock on the beach and he thinks it is for me. It's a special rock made up of two colours - black and white. I've never been given a rock before. It was getting dark and he wanted to go and get the rock from the beach. I said that I was happy that he wanted to give me the rock, but that it was probably meant to stay on the beach for other people to enjoy. Ti's the season for giving after all.

It's a little after 8pm. Angel is asleep on the lounge, which Rosy is also sitting on. I don't know who has the most space. All is quiet. The sound of distant discussions and laughter. Children are asleep, the air is cool and it's nearly time for a cup of Joe. Life is good.

I added this next bit the following morning.

At about 7am we were woken be a slight tap, tap, tapping at our front door. Angel started barking to wake us up, just in case we hadn't heard the knocking. Rosy got up and went to the door. It was the little boy from yesterday and his sister. Their names are Timothy (8) and Rebecca (7). Timothy had gone down to the beach as soon as he got up so he could get the two coloured rock and had brought it up to give to me before they headed off this morning. I went back into the caravan while they were outside patting Angel. I was quickly scouring the place for something to give back to them. Then I remembered the free Christmas cartoon DVD we got in last Sundays paper. I gave it to Timothy and then Rebecca said "Where's mine?" To which I replied "It's for you both to watch".
"Ok then" - and with that they both rode off on their bikes back to their caravan.

What greater gift could there have been this Christmas. And then it clicked how the universe conspired. Timothy is Tiny Tim after he gets better. The sick child that was within and is now out and about exploring, being with other people and speading good cheer. I have to go now and dry my eyes.