Valentines Day

February 14 marked the occasion of St Valentines Day. For many years, this day held fear and nervousness for me - would anyone give me a Valentines this year; would I be convincing in my assertion that it didn't matter when the day passes again, no gift forthcoming?

Come 2002 and a wonderful thing happened - my new and fabulous boyfriend Cameron had flowers delivered to my work place and I finally joined the ranks of the Valentines recipients! Funnily enough, 4 years down the track, the day doesn't bother me anymore and can pass without a worry - except for the fact that my now wonderful husband spoils me still (and I do feel very special as a result!).

I pose with my roses and the fudge; close up of the fudge basket samples.

This year, Cam had a dozen red roses delivered to work - they were so beautiful and smelt lovely! I also arranged for my fudge basket (red balloon voucher from Anna for my birthday last year) to be delivered, so all up, Tuesday night was a nice escape from the realities of the working week.

Cam and I pose for a self shot.

Welcome to the World Nicholas!

After a 9 month wait, Nicholas Charles Pace finally arrived into the world at 7.47am on Sunday 12th February 2006.

Cam, Wendy and I journeyed to Camden Hospital to visit Ann-Marie, Jason and the newest member to the Pace family. He was so lovely and tiny! Here is a photo of me with Nicholas - stay tuned for updates on this little trooper as he begins his journey into life....

Australia Day at Palm Beach

Australia Day, 26th January 2006 was to be held at John Cross' family beach house in Palmy (Palm Beach for those not down with the lingo). Ever the baking force, I prepared some Aussie lamingtons for the day (with the help of my spunky Sous Chef, Cam). They were received with enthusiasm and I felt a sense of achievement after 3 previous years' failed attempts - too bad we do not have photographic evidence like the white Christmas!

Here are some photos from our day:

The crowd gather for the feast - as described by Phil "We went into Woolies and just swept up as much meat as we could fit into the trolley". In true Aussie style, we made sure we had some lamb!

Cam involved in a game of backyard cricket - how Aussie are we?!

The Ladies stand - Me, Michelle, Claire and Tina.

The beach - complete with Home and Away celebrity sighting by Cam :)

Huskisson

New Years Day 2006 saw Cam and I driving down the coast in the 43 degree heat to the South Coast destination of Huskisson. Cam was nursing symptoms of sunstroke after the previous days antics (and the absence of sunscreen) and he wrapped himself in trackies, a long sleeve shirt and my sarong to avoid the sun's harsh rays "No...not the sun..!"

We arrived in Husky after one of the most challenging road trips I have ever driven - too hot to wind window down, too hot to have window up! - and promptly collapsed into the hot and stuffy caravan. The fan provided little relief and with Cam still fearing the sun's harsh touch and therefore refusing to go to the beach, I chose the ingenious option of feet in cold bucket of water and cool wash cloth on forehead (oh, and left over chocolate chip cookies for sustenance :)

Mum and Dad came to Husky a few days later and Wendy also arrived shortly thereafter. The time consisted of a golf challenge between Cam and Dad, 6 km daily walks for mum and I and hours of fun on the beach - I even snuck in some assignment work!

Here are some snapshots of our time in Huskisson:

New Year's Eve 2005

Can you believe that it is that time of the year already?! Cam and I joined the Joey's gang for some fun in the sun at Joey's High school, Hunters Hill. Whilst we anticipated an afternoon involving tennis, the heat saw us stick to the Olympic size pool - complete with diving board for those daring souls amongst us (honourable mentions to Brian, T-Bone and Mick here).

Cam enjoying the sun; Greg demonstrates his stroke; Danoz and Junior Danoz (DJ Dann) wave for the camera.

With the sun still high in the sky but pruning and sunburn now imminent, we set off for Dave and Shell's for an evening of Fireworks and Fine Food - and I do mean Fine Food! Special mention goes to Cam's cob, Butt's lamb and mint sauce, Shell's guacamole and Mick's Bolinger. And of course, I managed to put together some chocolate crackles and choc chip cookies :)

Big Dave playing pool footie; Brian approaches the edge of the diving board; Brian and T-Bone team up; Mick challenges the diving board

Happy 2005!!

Happy Couples: Dave and Shell; Brian and Michelle; Greg and Erica