Anzac Day ... Lest We forget

My morning started by finishing my book on the Eureka Stockade

and by coincidence it seems that Peter Lalor's (the man that led the famous charge against the red coats on the  stockade in 1854) grandson died in Gallipoli. Rumour has it he had a famous sword used on the Stockade with him, however it has never been found despite extensive searches for it by the Australian and Turks.

 The Eureka Stockade is a well forgotten part of Australian history and is often dismissed as a simple tax dispute.  The famous Southern Cross flag has often been associated with unions and the hard left and even for anti immigration protests.  It is such a shame this has happened.  On one reading of the matter it is really the first time Australian's (many of whom's homelands were from foreign ports) banded together for a common goal including abolition of a crippling mining tax, their right to democracy and abolition of class warfare.  The Eureka Stockade in my opinion should not be a forgotten part of our history and we should all spare a thought for the miners and the redcoats who played a part in this integral part of Australian history.

So... that leads me to Anzac Day - celebrated by all yesterday in remembrance of the diggers , "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served."  Originally 25 April every year was to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Anzac Day is also observed in the Cook Islands, Niue, Pitcairn Islands, and Tonga. It is no longer observed as a national holiday in Papua New Guinea or Samoa.

It was wonderful to see such a great turn out for the march this year.  On my count, the Australian diggers have fought in the following wars:

1. New Zealand Wars (Taranaki War, Invasion of the Waikato
2. Sudan
3. Boer War
4. Boxer Rebellion
5. WW1 and WW2
6. Russian and Spanish Civil War
7. Korean War
8. Indonesian and Malayian confrontations
9. Vietnam War
10. East Timor
11. Afganistran
12. Iraq

We decided to celebrate at the United Services Club, Brisbane.

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The clubs patron is Chief Justice Paul de Jersey who attended the luncheon

The club has a grand entrance

The menu for Anzac Day was amazing!

The table was set with military precision and fine silver

 We started with an antipasto plate

During the entree we were treated to a military band with bagpipes marching though the building

Here's a video - there is nothing like the sounds of bagpipes!

  Main course for me was all about oysters and prawns - it was divine.  I admit this was not the first or last plate of oysters I consumed!

 The dessert tray was spectacular!  I went to the gym today in guilt but it was worth it!

 I wore my favourite new stockings and a dress from Alannah Hill called the "forever gone" dress - very fitting!

 There is lots of memorabilia and honour boards throughout the entire club

 There's also a cellar on the way out!

On the way out in the carpark we chanced across the Major General's Car ... not something you see every day ....

 
 The driver was very affable and let us take a few shots!

We took the long way home to visit the alpacca on the top of Hamilton Hill - not sure if you have ever noticed but there is a resident alpacca on the hill and he is gorgeous!!

The home is spectacular - here's a retro shot from a book on Brisbane

 The Alpacca has the best view in Brisbane (he's another few metre's higher than this) and has an unobstructed view of Brisbane City and the river

 I love the gates of the property

I arrived home to a special Anzac Day treat - my cats had arrived ...

 She prefers her old friend Hello Kitty


 Kismet's not too sure about her new friends.  Lucky for her they are a belated Easter present for mum and dad!  Bling was not impressed at all and preferred ebay!

She did however take time out to watch an ANZAC movie later on

 It was a tiring day for  all ... Kismet went to bed early on her favourite Kartell chair.

I hope that you all have a great longish weekend!  

xox

What a week! From Legally Blonde to living the dream!

This week really has been a week of total extremes ... it started with a world-wind trip to Toowoomba to visit my 91 year old nana ... here she is with Mr Whiskers

It was nice to catch up with Cinnamon the resident Toowoomba cat who had a terrible accident this week.  I am so glad cats have nine lives and she is under the care of an excellent vet (my dad!)

 While I was home a friend introduced me to "Sauce" - its fabulous.  It's a cooking school.

Sauce has with an attached cooking store to die for - it is absolutely overflowing with kitchen gadgets, cutlery and saucepans.

It stocks absolutely EVERYTHING you can think of including ... ONION GOGGLES!!!

They also have their own vegetable patch ...

It was then off to a function at Bond  Uni  to celebrate Mr Sara's 60 years as a CPA ... to say this is quite an achievement is an understatement!

We went to a lovely dinner party with friends who have the cutest cats and dogs ....

The food and wine was fabulous.  I liked the labels!

I made vietnamese spring rolls for entree.  Highly recommended ... here's the recipe ..

And then there was  Legally Blonde the musical ...was it wrong to be getting updates on the Rugby through the show??  I of course wore pink!

Mum wore pink too!  

Today was fabulous.  I spent the day out at the Porsche Club Day at Qld Raceway.  Motor School Racing has a new fan ... here's Ben's beast (http://www.australiangt.com.au/driver/ben-foessel)

There was an incredibly rare Porsche Le Mans car there.  It lives in Europe and there is only a handful in the world of this make. We were so lucky to see it.

 My absolute favourite porsche was there today in my favourite colours ... I hope Santa reads this blog

But seriously it was decided that the fire truck might have been more financially viable!!!

And it is on that sorry note I must go back to work for court tomorrow !  One can always dream.  Kismet is "helping" out in the office tonight ... she's studying to be a barrister ...

Both my girls was so happy to hear of Precious (Bling's sisters) litter - they are so adorable and growing so fast

 

Hope you have a great week....

xox