Goodbye Ellie.......

I credit this picture to Florence Peitsch (Renee Coventry's soon to be mother-in-law). As she said in the book that this came from......that she hopes that she is connecting with something the person feels who is viewing the painting. That is certainly happening for me in this picture. My emotions are confused and erratic today as I commit to the idea that Ellie is actually leaving; that there is a strong possibility that she and Jordan will never return to live in Queensland; that I may never be near her as she raises her children (as is the case for Rikki and Cheyne); that maybe I am a mother whose children need to be away from me for them to be the person that God has intended them to be (Kevin points out to me enough times my shortcomings as a parent); that this is all part of God's plan for us and our family (how can I argue with that?); that I am struggling to let go and accept these things because of some inadequcy within myself; that I am human and may be selfish in wanting to share more closely in the lives of my children. God grant me those fruits of the Spirit that allow me to let go....as Florence's mother too let go of her as she moved to a foreign land. Whilst circumstances will always prevent us from returning to South Australia to live, I believe and must accept that our move here too was somehow part of God's greater plan for our lives, even if none of our children choose to remain here. God grant me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change...........................

Mr & Mrs Whittaker.........only 2 more sleeps till their departure to South Australia.......... 

Praise God for the beauty of the world around us.... 

....as we meander through the many paths in our life, we are never exactly sure where God is leading us...... 

God is good......as we take time to consume the beauty of His creation...... 

Kevin and I ventured down into New South Wales for the past 5 days to beautiful Coffs Harbour, and stayed at the Pelican Beach Resort. I have had fun putting up quite a number of pics on the blog with renewed enthusiasm for the beauty of our country. It was a brilliant time of R&R for Kevin and I after what has emerged as a hectic and emotional year. Special thanks to Anisia for the beautiful chicken risotto that she had made for dinner upon our return tonight. How precious is she! 

On our way home from Coffs Harbour we visited the Byron Bay lighthouse which we hadn't been to for quite some years. The views are still as magnificent as ever. Byron Bay is renowned as the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, and is home to an increasingly large population of people who choose alternative lifestyles. The growth in the township is remarkable and with the almost completed freeway, Byron Bay is just one hour away from us on the Gold Coast. 

The path from the lighthouse leads all the way down........ 

We were lucky enough to do some whale spotting from here also. 

More magnificent views of the coastline north of Byron Bay. 

the sign says it all...... 

The Byron Bay lighthouse. 

We picnicked near this beautiful old bridge...it's great when they leave these old pieces of architecture still standing....a stark contrast to the modern bridge next door to it. 

Don't you love our Aussie sense of humour....this was spotted just inside a sewage treatment works. 

Another amazing waterfall, Dangar Falls (not Danger) inland from Coffs Harbour. The beauty of our country is just amazing. When you take time out to explore and appreciate its beauty we realise that we really do live in the "lucky country". 

......the breathtaking beauty of our rainforests...... 

A waterfall cascading down the rockface, under the road and then many more metres into the rainforest. 

Kevin enjoyed a game of golf while we were away in Coffs Harbour.......I really enjoyed driving the buggy! 

What's that running across the fairway? 

Sidetracked from golf.......while I was meant to be caddying I was somewhat distracted by a koala that just climbed down from a tree, ran across our path and across to the next fairway. Of course I had to follow camera in hand, then full throttle on the golf buggy as I didn't realise that those cute and cuddly little creatures could actually run that fast..... 

Kevin lining up for a put. 

I have a penchant for photographing paths....this one was particularly intriguing as at many points it just looks like you could fall over the edge...except in this photo you may be able to see someone popping up at the end of the path! Could it be Kevin?????? 

Looking back over the harbour.......bought the traditional fish and chips for lunch....mmmmm 

The eastern side of Muttonbird Island....beautiful views from which we even spotted some whales on their journey northward to warmer waters for the winter. This coastline is famous for its whale watching as some 12,000 whales migrate northward each year. 

We climbed to the top of a small island that shelters the boats in Coffs Harbour. Muttonbird Island is home to many (you guessed it) muttonbirds of all things!!!!!