Carmel

"Shocking Tales, But True"

Alison picked me up and drove like a champion. (She really is a very good driver - I didn't feel scared once, either way). We chatted all the way down, and I enjoyed it very much - can only hope that Alison did to. She's fun to spend time with, let me tell you.

We arrived and got a lovely, warm welcome from Leonie and Kirsten. Leonie, of course, the warm, thoughtful and very charming woman that we've all discovered over the months. And her daughters - well, a woman like that doesn't have just any old kids. They're wonderful.

Mariane looked beautiful in the middle of the table - we're still wondering where those white roses, with red trimmings, come from. Mariane's voice arrived much later by telephone - can't wait to meet that woman in the flesh.

Can't remember who arrived first between Alex and Julieanne, but it was great that they could all come.

The Petite Ya Yas were the loveliest group of young women I've met in a long time - both in physical appearance and personality. There were some shocks - like Alex, slender, beautiful, lady-like and softly spoken - told us about her fit of 'hockey rage'; it was just her and the goalie! I believe sticks were drawn, the confrontation was on - but Alex lost.

Plaxy also shocked by the unending good humour as she cooked and served, cooked and served, cooked and served - all night! She really did look as if she enjoyed it! Amazing.

Kirsten also shocked - like the other 2 slim as a reed, and ate heaps! (I, of course, was quite restrained in my intake). ((ahem)).

Another shock: Leonie has never seen a Daniel Day Lewis movie in her entire life!

And Julieanne, just like her posts, interesting and informative.

I do believe we needed 2 days, not one, and that's the only regret I have.

And the food!! Omigod the food! I should have had kiddies so that they could cook for me in my old age. Mmm? The wine - well there was wine, believe me!

Wish it could have been much, much longer.

Carmel

I forgot to mention ...

That Canberra was beautiful. Warm, sunny and the trees - golden, green, red, silver, everywhere. Lovely.

Alex was right, and I eat humble pie (but not for long, it doesn't suit me).

Carmel