Christmas Paddle and Breakfast .....................

What an amazing morning I've had. Twenty Dragon Boat paddlers went out early this morning for a fun paddle - no race starts, no endurance paddling, no sprint exercises - plenty of Christmas shirts, reindeer antlers and tinsel.

We sang Carols across the river, and to walkers along the river bank.

The most magical part of the morning was spotting 5 dolphins, then quietly following them with "stealth paddling". As we sat silently in the middle of the river the dolphins came within a couple of metres of the boat. We were not a threat and they were not threatened. Just beautiful - what a precious moment.

then off to our favourite café for breakfast - 30 paddlers, lots of fun and noise, chocolates, raffles and Christmas wishes for each other.

It's all good.

Nearly Christmas ....................

It is going to be a busy time and place at home this year. Three families and three dogs will be here for most of a week - it will be hectic and also just wonderful.
I am waiting on a few swap blocks to arrive. One more 6 inch block to sew and my December swaps will be completed. These are my latest blocks out -

 

Ellie asked for any block in baby colours - a love making my blocks all different -

 

and Nikki asked for any block in black, white and red. I made a second block for Nikki [paper pieced] but didn't photograph it before mailing. Maybe Nikki will post a picture.

 

I had a fun Christmas party at Manning Point, with the Dragon Boat Club. There was an evening paddle followed by dinner at the Waterbird restaurant. The evening was quite late, most stayed over and had bbq breakfast at the reserve before heading home. Many could not face an early morning paddle on Sunday. Wonder why!!!

 

Croquet District party and Trophy Presentation was at Gloucester this year. The Gloucester members are wonderful hosts - the shade, seating, games, company and specially the food made for a great day.

 

Taree Croquet Club Christmas Party proved to be an all day event. First players beat the heat by hitting off about 8.00 am. Lunch was 'Bring and Share' - what a delicious array of food, an absolute feast. This was followed by our Trophy Presentation -

 

Proud Winners for 2013