Just for a change we decided to do a walk around Pacific Fair shopping centre today - leaving M to take Pearl for a walk around the dog park by herself - because it was going to be a bit hot for S. Alas, no amount of air conditioning and retail stimulation could replace the splendor of the flowering gum M found at park's entrance. It reportedly smelled magnificent as well and depending on how we go for time tomorrow (the last day of my holidays) we may take a run - by which I mean "drive" - in there to check it out.
Pacific Fair hasn't really changed that much from when we used to come to the Gold Coast for holidays. It has some different shops and outlets of course but it still has the same feel to it. As Brett from Mudgee (he stayed at the Montego Motel at the same time as us one year) said it was the biggest shopping centre he had ever seen. That was a few years ago now and it has been surpassed in size by Robina and Harbourtown, and probably others, but it is still a favorite, especially now that there is a Kathmandu there. We were restrained in the retail therapy stakes although S did manage to bag a Manchester bargain with a doona cover, fitted sheet and pillow cases set for under $20 at one of the sales.
Back at Latimers, the squabbling over the nest doesn't seem quite as constant but it hasn't stopped completely. I can't see whether there are still five chicks but it does make it difficult for the parent birds to feed any of them when they are constantly trying to defend the nest.
We were so busy doing other things today that a visit to the tip seems to have fallen off the list. We'll have to do that (hmmm ... chainsaw? To cut up the branches of the tobacco tree?) and it's time I learnt how to drive the tractor. Tomorrow would be a good day to do that especially if it's going to be cool and a little overcast - no rain need apply!
We had a wonderful night out tonight - but we had better be careful given this is our second Saturday night out in a row ... we don't want to be setting any precedents though. Unless they are all enjoyable as this evening. We went in to Jupiters Casino for the Food Fantasy seafood buffet and then for a spot of gaming - not including watching the football on the screens set up throughout the restaurant! It was wonderful and a great way to spend the last night on my holidays where I can stay up late (without feeling guilty).
We all came home tired but happy including Beazley who was wandering down the lane as we were coming in. Tinky was being her usual stay-out self and chose not to come in with the others - and it was after midnight by the time M finally coaxed her in. How did this little cat get to be so headstrong?
