Three states, three cities in three days

We squeezed a lot into the long weekend for QE2's birthday: to Sydney overnight on Friday; to Brisbane with Bobbie on Saturday morning; time to gape in wonder at the extreme Asian makeover in Sunnybank, including some great eateries with a distinct HK feel in Market Square; more gaping as we drove through the distinctly Africanised Moorooka on Sunday morning to catch up with Joel L. at the now remarkably gentrified Bardon.

We caught up with all J.'s good news and successes over a long breakfast on the verandah of the very mellow Paddington Flowers and Cafe on Latrobe Terrace. Nobody will be surprised at where this very talented young man will end up!


We got back to Sunnybank in time to spruce up for the late afternoon wedding. I took this shot of Rob and his mum in the garden of Bobbie's unit at Sunnybank. It is a big relief for us to see her in this relaxed environment where there are so few hassles for her.

Cate and Philip's wedding was at the very pretty Hornibrook Park at Teneriffe. Briefly catching up with my fried Meg C-R just before the ceremony started was an added bonus for me. Meg C-R was making a brief escape, with husband Steve, from the rigours of marking year 11 essays.

It was a great opportunity to catch up with all our P. family, including our nephew Matt and the beautiful Mel.

Matt was the wedding MC and had to hurry around a lot getting things underway - especially important when the three sisters in the bridal party were half an hour late.

But their entrance made the wait worthwhile. This is the only young woman I know who can successfully navigate her Commerce Law exams and those killer stilettos, all in the same weekend.

The park setting beside the Brisbane River was a beautiful backdrop to Cate and Philip's relaxed and happy ceremony.

Rob and I were struck by how alike Bec and Joanne are getting. They both have sparky personalities and a wicked sense of humour-great party girls and stars of the dance floor (although minus the shoes by the end of the night).

May we present Mr and Mrs A.....

Then followed a very happy reception at the adjacent Aqua Linea Restaurant. The champagne started flowing as the ceremony ended and Cate's careful planning ensured the 3 course French inspired menu was thoughtfully balanced and beautifully prepared. Philip's brother, the chef, prepared handmade truffles for all the guests as a special little gift. The Brisbaneites found the evening cool, but we didn't.

Weddings provide great opportunities for far flung family shots. There aren't many opportunities for these 5 siblings to gather in the one place at the one time any more with Clare in Sydney, Cate in Melbourne and Joanne leaving for London next week. Dad Col is away a lot too, in PNG, helping to build the telecommunications infrastructure for Oilsearch for their huge gas operation in the NW highlands.

Rob managed to take this shot of the other stars of the dance floor when Bec and Joanne had temporarily left the scene.

We were back in Sydney Monday afternoon after sharing a crowded and much delayed flight from Brisbane with the George Negus clan. We had time to catch up with Miss E and J&J at Coogee before collecting our car for the drive back to Canberra. Miss E was looking devine in her new Esprit gear and LOVING the Sydney eats scene having lunched at Cabramatta, Japanese at the Coccola, Randwick and Persian at Darban, Auburn in just the last 3 days!

The best part for her though is having her two most favourite people around 24/7 for the next week.