Yes, it's already February - but here is a Happy New Year to Everyone.
As usual, quite a bit has happened since our last entry. Deb & Tim had a wonderful Xmas day with Jane, Jerad, Amy, Caitlyn & Traynor in San Antonio. It was so special to spend Xmas with the part of our family we don't see all that often & to watch Amy & Caitlyn's first Xmas together. Jane prepared us a lovely Xmas dinner & Deb even cooked candied yams for the first time. Apparently, Grandpa Traynor had to go back for seconds just to make sure they turned out OK. After a lovely Xmas day & relaxing Boxing Day, it was time for the obligatory trip to Bobby Js for dinner. As usual, the burgers were great & Bonita was happy to see everyone.
The 27th was not a particularly happy day for Miss Amy Jane. Still not feeling the best after her acrobatic tumble down the stairs on Xmas afternoon she was particularly unimpressed that Uncle Tim & Aunty Deb were again headed to the airport, but this time they were going home to Australia. Don't worry Amy - we'll be back. After delays in San Antonio & Dallas we finally made it to LAX just in time to get on our Air Pacific flight to Nadi. Unfortunately Tim's back was not so lucky & it enjoyed a few days rest & relaxation at the American Airlines terminal at LAX.
After arriving in Nadi to find out all of Tim's clothes were still in LA we headed out to Sonaisali Island with our helpful old taxi driver Joe, who appeared to know all the locals. After settling in & catching up with Julia, Michael, Kate & Adam we headed into Nadi to do some shopping. First we found some clothes for Tim & then ventured into Nadi town's supermarket to pick up some nibbles, drinks & beer. It's very important to keep up your fluid intake in such warm weather. Most of the next few days were spent relaxing around the pool, enjoying some water sports & catching up with the Upton Clan. Some mild amusement was provided to the group with Heather teaching herself to wind-surf, along with Dave, Tim & Neil attempting to go sailing in the middle of an afternoon storm. I think we're ready for that Sydney to Hobart entry next year boys.
Apart from the tropical downpour half an hour beforehand, Julia & Michael's wedding was absolutely lovely. Deb & I passed on the same message to Julia & Michael as we had been given in Rarotonga - rain on your wedding day is a blessing from the gods. After a beautiful ceremony & drinks around the pool bar, we enjoyed an island feast which I'm sure would have fed half of Fiji. Then it was time for more drinks in the pool. What a wonderful way to spend New Year's Eve. Many fond memories that we will have forever. New Year's Day saw the gang head out on a 5 hour Jet Ski safari to one of the reefs around Plantation Island for some snorkelling. Despite everyone bathing in sunscreen, most of ended up somewhere between medium to well done & all looking decidedly bright pink. This was especially painful for Tim & Adam who were still recovering from injuries incurred during a "porpoising incident" in the pool on New Year's Eve. Apart from the sunburn it was an absolutely magic way to spend New Years Day.
But all good things must come to an end & after a wonderful Xmas in Texas & New York, Tim & Deb left Nadi & headed home, with all luggage accounted for this time. Tim's clothes having finally arrived in Nadi the day before. After arriving home & having a few days to relax & unpack, Tim & Deb had their second Xmas, with Deb's mum & dad visiting from Melbourne. More unwrapping of presents, more Xmas dinner & most importantly Deb's dad's chicken curry. And, with Deb & her mum in the same house, much watching of the Australian Open. Deb seemed most impressed with the scenery provided by the Roddick vs. Federer match. Tim was extremely disappointed by the scenery provided in the ladies final.
For the rest of January Tim has been busy at work & Deb has been busy submitting papers for publication & preparing for the annual surface chemistry conference, this year in Adelaide. Although they're called conferences, Tim still suspects that junket might be a more appropriate description. Because Deb will be away for her birthday, Tim & Deb ventured up to the Fire Station for a nice dinner on Friday night to celebrate Deb's birthday a few days early. Unfortunately it was a 4:00am start yesterday to get Deb to the airport by 5:00am. But Deb got to spend a few hours with her mum in Melbourne on her way down to Adelaide. Considering it's supposed to be over 40 degrees all week in Adelaide, Tim is glad he's still in Newcastle. Although, staying at the Stamford Glenelg Beach can't be all that difficult to cope with. Poor Deb, such a dedicated little scientist.
After catching up with dad for a nice curry last night, Tim is off to visit Dave & Jen tonight. And since today is Deb's birthday - Happy Birthday Deb. Tim's boss told him he still has too much annual leave accrued, so Tim is taking the day off for the Superbowl tomorrow. Go Deb's Cardinals & go Larry Fitzgerald - you freak of nature.
The pictures at the top is Uncle Tim & Caitlyn on Xmas Day.
As usual, quite a bit has happened since our last entry. Deb & Tim had a wonderful Xmas day with Jane, Jerad, Amy, Caitlyn & Traynor in San Antonio. It was so special to spend Xmas with the part of our family we don't see all that often & to watch Amy & Caitlyn's first Xmas together. Jane prepared us a lovely Xmas dinner & Deb even cooked candied yams for the first time. Apparently, Grandpa Traynor had to go back for seconds just to make sure they turned out OK. After a lovely Xmas day & relaxing Boxing Day, it was time for the obligatory trip to Bobby Js for dinner. As usual, the burgers were great & Bonita was happy to see everyone.
The 27th was not a particularly happy day for Miss Amy Jane. Still not feeling the best after her acrobatic tumble down the stairs on Xmas afternoon she was particularly unimpressed that Uncle Tim & Aunty Deb were again headed to the airport, but this time they were going home to Australia. Don't worry Amy - we'll be back. After delays in San Antonio & Dallas we finally made it to LAX just in time to get on our Air Pacific flight to Nadi. Unfortunately Tim's back was not so lucky & it enjoyed a few days rest & relaxation at the American Airlines terminal at LAX.
After arriving in Nadi to find out all of Tim's clothes were still in LA we headed out to Sonaisali Island with our helpful old taxi driver Joe, who appeared to know all the locals. After settling in & catching up with Julia, Michael, Kate & Adam we headed into Nadi to do some shopping. First we found some clothes for Tim & then ventured into Nadi town's supermarket to pick up some nibbles, drinks & beer. It's very important to keep up your fluid intake in such warm weather. Most of the next few days were spent relaxing around the pool, enjoying some water sports & catching up with the Upton Clan. Some mild amusement was provided to the group with Heather teaching herself to wind-surf, along with Dave, Tim & Neil attempting to go sailing in the middle of an afternoon storm. I think we're ready for that Sydney to Hobart entry next year boys.
Apart from the tropical downpour half an hour beforehand, Julia & Michael's wedding was absolutely lovely. Deb & I passed on the same message to Julia & Michael as we had been given in Rarotonga - rain on your wedding day is a blessing from the gods. After a beautiful ceremony & drinks around the pool bar, we enjoyed an island feast which I'm sure would have fed half of Fiji. Then it was time for more drinks in the pool. What a wonderful way to spend New Year's Eve. Many fond memories that we will have forever. New Year's Day saw the gang head out on a 5 hour Jet Ski safari to one of the reefs around Plantation Island for some snorkelling. Despite everyone bathing in sunscreen, most of ended up somewhere between medium to well done & all looking decidedly bright pink. This was especially painful for Tim & Adam who were still recovering from injuries incurred during a "porpoising incident" in the pool on New Year's Eve. Apart from the sunburn it was an absolutely magic way to spend New Years Day.
But all good things must come to an end & after a wonderful Xmas in Texas & New York, Tim & Deb left Nadi & headed home, with all luggage accounted for this time. Tim's clothes having finally arrived in Nadi the day before. After arriving home & having a few days to relax & unpack, Tim & Deb had their second Xmas, with Deb's mum & dad visiting from Melbourne. More unwrapping of presents, more Xmas dinner & most importantly Deb's dad's chicken curry. And, with Deb & her mum in the same house, much watching of the Australian Open. Deb seemed most impressed with the scenery provided by the Roddick vs. Federer match. Tim was extremely disappointed by the scenery provided in the ladies final.
For the rest of January Tim has been busy at work & Deb has been busy submitting papers for publication & preparing for the annual surface chemistry conference, this year in Adelaide. Although they're called conferences, Tim still suspects that junket might be a more appropriate description. Because Deb will be away for her birthday, Tim & Deb ventured up to the Fire Station for a nice dinner on Friday night to celebrate Deb's birthday a few days early. Unfortunately it was a 4:00am start yesterday to get Deb to the airport by 5:00am. But Deb got to spend a few hours with her mum in Melbourne on her way down to Adelaide. Considering it's supposed to be over 40 degrees all week in Adelaide, Tim is glad he's still in Newcastle. Although, staying at the Stamford Glenelg Beach can't be all that difficult to cope with. Poor Deb, such a dedicated little scientist.
After catching up with dad for a nice curry last night, Tim is off to visit Dave & Jen tonight. And since today is Deb's birthday - Happy Birthday Deb. Tim's boss told him he still has too much annual leave accrued, so Tim is taking the day off for the Superbowl tomorrow. Go Deb's Cardinals & go Larry Fitzgerald - you freak of nature.
The pictures at the top is Uncle Tim & Caitlyn on Xmas Day.
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