SOLO SENIOR AND FRIENDS

A MORNING IN NABIAC

When the Nabiac country markets were on,everyone
came to town.I'd never seen so many sensible
shoes as I strolled among the fresh produce stalls.
There were even live chooks for sale,clucking in
cages next to the free range eggs.

I was with friends who steered me across the road,
past the Saddlery and into the Old Curiosity Shop.
Glorious junk,bibs and bobs displayed on and
around Nan's furniture and Pop's old tools.

Ah,but next door was the shop of retro dreams,
like stepping into the Antiques Roadshow.
Beyond this eclectic emporium was the courtyard
cafe,The Magnolia Teahouse.Under the branches
of an ancient magnolia tree,we three enjoyed our
coffee and delicious cakes served on the pretty
china of yesteryear.

It was a lovely morning spent with friends in the
lively rural town of Nabiac.

A SOLO SENIOR VOLUNTEERS

AT THE LIBRARY

What happened at the library on my first day
as a volunteer? I ran into many old friends as
I wheeled a trolley full of books to be returned
to the shelves.

I said hello to Moby Dick and Lord of the Rings,
the Hobbit and Hucklebury Finn.I saw the Girl
with the Dragon Tattoo and smiled at a dusty
Germaine Greer.

The Cat in the Hat and the Hungry Hippo were
in the children's corner with the Wiggles and
Humphrey Bear on DVD.Where's Wally? I still
don't know.

On the flip side,I knew very few in the Military
and only nodding aquaintances in Religions
of the World.

I must admit to flirting with some new friends
to take home with me next week when I am on
volunteer duty at the the library again.

LEST WE FORGET

AN ANZAC DAY MEMORY

I attended an ANZAC service at the Tuncurry
Memorial Park.I shed a tear for the diggers
and walked back home.On the way,I thought
of another day when tears were shed in
memory of fallen comrades in arms.

There were men in the loungeroom.A reunion,
Mum said.I was told to go outside to play.
I didn't.I sneaked up the hall and pushed the
loungeroom door open a crack.I could see
brown beer bottles on the low table.It must
have been a special occasion.The bottles
with VB labels only appeared at Christmas
or when Hawthorn won the footy.

I pushed the door open wider.I saw men
lined up and my father standing in front of
them,reading from a book.I coudn't hear what
Dad was saying.Tears rolled down his face.
My Dad was crying.I crept away.

SOLO SENIOR GETS A JOB

WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?

I recently applied to become a volunteer at my
local library and the interview was today.
Obviously,the police background check showed
that I had paid my latest speeding fine.Phew.

I dressed down,no jangly jewellery,no bright
colours except for my red-framed glasses.Well,
I do have a personality.

The interview went well and I am now rostered
on for a weekly Wednesday and a monthly
Saturday morning.

So what's in it for me? I love going to a library
like other people go to a gym or a favourite
cafe.Brousing the bookshelves is relaxing and
peaceful,except on Toddler Tuesdays.

As  volunteer,I will learn how a library is run,even
if I'm only pushing a trolley full of books around
and stacking shelves.

I hope to broaden my interests because I am
stuck on psycho killer thrillers at the moment.
My computer skills will improve with practice,
I hope.

Being the "new girl" will be a little daunting,but
I really like the idea of fitting into a working
environment,if only for a few hours each week.

WAlLKING FOR MY WAISTLINE OR NOT

Forster-Tuncurry,NSW

The Tuncurry Breakwall or a Rock' n ' Stroll

I love to walk along the Tuncurry breakwall and this
sunny Saturday is no exception.There are many others
walking and cycling,enjoying the view across the water
to Forster.A few sweaty runners pound the pavement
past some old guys fishing from the rocks.A white
fluffy dog yips at me and I smile nicely at it's owner.

Halfway along the breakwall is a pretty park and a
netted lagoon for safe swimming.Overlooking this
tranquil scene is the Rockpool Cafe,a favourite
hangout for the latte and lycra lovers.

The Forster-Tuncurry breakwalls are like long arms
stretching into the ocean,making a channel for
Wallis Lake to meet the sea.It's a run out tide.The
water churns treacherously.Yet on the ocean side,
the waves roll in tidy sets to the shore for the
board- riders and body surfers.

A Bridge Too Far? Just Get Over It.

Linking the touristy towns of Forster and Tuncurry
is a long,low-slung bridge that takes about 10 to 15
minutes to walk across.From a viewing platform.I
spot two dolphins dipping and gliding in the clear
aqua water.Pelicans and seagulls camp out on a
sand bank and cormorants hang their wings out to
dry.

A little tinnie with a big esky in it chugs by and whale
watchers wave cheerily from the open deck of an
ocean- going cruiser.

The Path to Paradise on the Forster Foreshore.

I step off the bridge into the shade of a Morton Bay
Fig on the Forster foreshoreA family is having a
messy picnic in front of the caravan park that gives
the grey nomads and other excapists handy access
to boatramps,beaches and the town facilities.

Following the path under the bridge,I see that the
farmers' market is in full swing beside the tourist
Information Centre.Not for me,today,I have a
different destination in mind.Just up ahead is
The Paradise Marina and seafood cafe.

The Seafood Cafe Presents Prawn Stars.

The Paradise Marina and seafood cafe is high on
list of foodie faves.When I lunch with my tennis 
buddies,I usually order the Japanese Prawns.
Imagine green prawns cooked in a crispy coating
and served with a Japanese dipping sauce and an
Asian green salad. On the Yum Scale it's a 10.

Chilled champagne is the cool companion to this
little feast.

As I am walking back home,I marvel again that I
live in this delightful corner of the Mid North Coast.
of NSW.

LIFESTYLE OF A SOLO SENIOR

The Style Queen Gets Creative

I met an artist at yoga this morning.Enthusiastic and inspired
to paint again,I went to the cupboard to get my art supplies.
Well,I disturbed a nest of very angry ants that ran out all over
the place.

By the time I cleaned out the cupboard,I really had to force
myself to get organised to paint.Luckily,I already had a canvas
prepared,so with some background jazz to set the mood,away
I went.

Stylised daisies seemed to appear by themselves.A work in
progress,I think.Now the kitchen's a mess,there are blue paint
smears everwhere and I am feeling in a creative zone and very
happy.

The blue and gold couple  and the girl in the pink hat are my first
attempts at oil painting.I wanted to learn something new.

LIFESTYLE OF A SOLO SENIOR

HEALTHY LIVING

FLU VAX

I went shopping today,thinking that I could do with a new top.
As I passed a Pharmacy, a sign out front caught my eye.
"Flu Vax,here",I read.

Now,Autumn on the NSW coast is mild,but Winter can be
chilly,and some people love to spread their germs around
the theatres,shops and cafes instead of keeping them at
home.

Ten minutes later,paperwork complete,a quick jab in the arm
from Denis and I am feeling very smug about taking
responsibility for my own health.

Hang on a minute! My Dad worked for the Laboritories that
pioneered the first vaccinations against influenza and here
I am congratulating myself,having paid just $20.00 for the
privelege of a flu-free Winter.

Great country,Australia! Thank- you.

LIFESTYLE OF A SOLO SENIOR

MY GINGER FRIENDS

My first best friend was also called Robyn and she was a little freckley redhead.
We were 5 years old and inseperable for 6 months before Robyn changed
schools and went out of my life for ever.

In my teens,there was Sue,whose hair was the colour and curl of a golden
spaniel's ears.When rain threatened,the underneath of Sue's hair turned a rich
titian red.

I flirted with red hair for myself,but settled on blonde and always had ginger
friends.

When I travelled over seas,I found myself in Tokyo with Angela and her cloud
of red curls.Robbin and Angela,the blonde and the redhead sure had fun
getting lost in the land of the rising sun.

During my long career in the Hair and Beauty Industry, I coloured up a storm
but the many shades of red were my favourites,even if my clients were not
so sure.A couple of those sometimes reluctant redheads are still friends
although I no longer colour their hair.

Renae and Simone are redheads and red hot.They were both super stylists
and are now super mums; former workmates,forever friends.

LIFESTYLE OF A SOLO SENIOR

robbinmiller.blogspot.com.au
IT'S ONLY ROCK'N'ROLL

A retrospective featuring the Rolling Stones and curated by two Australians
opens in London.I look at these guys who still pull huge crowds to their
concerts and I am taken back in time.

I am 16,at the St.Kilda town hall in Melbourne,with my first boyfriend.The
music is deafening,the fans on their feet.As Mick prowls the stage,wailing
"Satisfaction",the crowd surges forward.No bouncers,no barriers to stop
the girls scrambling,screaming towards Mick.It's pandemonium!

My friend,Margie,is running across the stage when she is lifted off her feet
by a big, black-clad roadie who dumps her back into the the press of bodies.

I don't know how I get to the exit against the seething chaotic crowd.I am
shaking and crying,yet I am mesmerised by the band and their electrifying
frontman,Mick Jagger.I will never forget the Rolling Stones.

LIFESYLE OF A SOLO SENIOR

TOO BUSY TO BLOG

Sorry folks,I'll catch up with you tomorrow.

LIFESTYLE OF A SOLO SENIOR

HEALTH AND FITNESS

STYLE QUEENS DON'T SWEAT

Not for me a sweaty workout in hundreds of $$$$$ worth of
active wear.Though,now that I am retired,I am well aware
that I need to exercise every day.Walking is a wonderful way
to keep fit and it's friendly,too.Sometimes I walk with a buddy,
but if I 'm  solo,I 'll chat to those I meet on my way down to
the lake,along the breakwall to the beach.

YOGA WORKS FOR ME

Twice a week,I join a yoga class at a Surf Club overlooking the
ocean.I stretch,bend,twist and meditate to the sound of waves
crashing and sea gulls screeching.

MY FAVOURITE MEDITATION

Try this.Sit comfortably,close your eyes and breathe deeply.
Place a hand over your heart and think of someone or some
thing that you love.It could be a lover, a lost dog or a vodka
martini.Choose and feel the love.Breathe and turn the corners
of your mouth up.Yes, SMILE.

LIFESTYLE OF A SOLO SENIOR

COFFEE AND CAKE

Solo Style Queens are a bit scarce, so I borrowed gal pal,Trish from her golf loving partner
for some girl-time at one of our favourite cafes.
South of Forster,NSW, is the lakeside village of Green Point where Country Palings Cafe
and Gallery is located.
After a delicious slab of sticky date cake and a creamy coffee,it was a joy to step into
the gallery,an Alladin's Cave of wearable art and treasures for the home.
Of course,I had to have another bracelet,this one in beaten silver and copper.Love it!