they run fast

Sports day at school always seems to roll around this time of year.  I went to watch a couple of races and ended up staying the whole day, helping in the tuckshop, watching long jump, chatting to other parents and spending some time in the school office making sure we had paid all our money for camp etc (she's only going on camp in a week - and they want the money? sheesh).

Gab was not present at the time trials for running (we were still driving back from Armidale), so she was not placed in the correct grouping.  Hence, she won by a long way.  So much so she kind of paused in the middle of the race wondering where everybody was.

Run Gab Run!

Annika striding out and doing her best!

Not sure how far she got in the long jump - but this photo looks very impressive...

The war cries of the different house teams seemed  little bloodthirsty to me - 'squash them, thrash them, then we strangle, every team we meet we mangle' - it was a bit intimidating sitting in the stands having 200 kids yell that out.  But the competition was gentle and supportive.  Although I was only watching the girls events. 

Only one more year of primary sports days!
(NB to self, don't sound too excited)

ok it's cold in Armidale

Last weekend I had a lovely time whizzing down to Armidale to celebrate a dear friend's 40th birthday.  Fortunately I packed all my winter clothes - because it got below zero..brrrr.

Gab and I had a great time catching up with old friends and making new friends.  I think there is always room for new friends.  I love having a wide wide circle of friendships that ripples in from every part of my life.  Friends like that are like me, friends that complement me, friends that have known me a long time, friends that I just met on the weekend that I feel like I have known for ages.

We sipped on hot mulled wine and enjoyed fancy little cakes, ate warm soup and pork buns and created home made pizzas.  I think I may have rolled back to Brisbane...

My friend and I composed (I think we can use that word - I wrote lyrics and she wrote music) a song for the birthday people.  It was called '40 years old'.  I wrote an encore verse but it wasn't requested at the time of singing.  I sang it anyway later.

Happy birthday Chris and Michelle!

Lovely Gab in the afternoon light at the farm

A big bonfire was lit at dusk.  I was a little concerned the hose didn't reach the fire.  But they had big rubbish bins of water available if needed.  And there were plenty of country boys to poke at it with sticks.

At the dam for a picnic the next day.  Gorgeous weather - we walked all around the dam.

This is our attempt at a bookclub photo.  I have a skype bookclub with these girls, as we all live in different cities.  It is an awesome way to keep in touch, and I have read books I never thought I would read.

Love them.

Gab found some leaves lying around, raked them up, and jumped in them.  Because you have to.

Thanks for a great time Armidale.

You cold cold town.