The Bushwalkers and the Bush Band with Ballads + Surfing in Darwin!

Dear All,

Must do a little blog. Yesterday, I met up with an old bushwalker (like myself, but a bit younger) from Brisbane and we went off looking for a cup of coffee to sit down and chat. She suggested Myilly Point, where I went for arvo a couple of weeks ago, but we went to a different area because yesterday from about 3 pm - 7 pm all the Heritage buildings were open to the public and there were refreshments and a Bush Band. We got some coffee and cake (home made) - or rather, I got that. Jan had a can of soft drink. We sat on collapsible chairs in the shade of a tree and chatted over old bushwalking days, much to our mutual pleasure. Meanwhile, the Bush Band started up and they were very good. I forgot to take any photos, except I did take a photo of the band. It was a most relaxing afternoon.

Earlier on Sunday, I had a cut lunch on my way home from the Aboriginal Mass at St Martin de Porres Church, and went to that great lunch haunt of mine - Dripstone Cliffs. Surprisingly, for a Sunday, there was nobody on the beach and almost no one in the car park. But, lo and behold, there was a large group of what looked like board surfers in the water out from the beach further along. I got such a shock I took a long distance photo which turned out reasonably well. I also tried to take a photo of the 'surf' (the final swell breaking gently onto the sand!). The tide was out.

1) Can you see all the 'surfers' on their boards - and the long boat. Try enlarging it - 2 clicks.

2) Here is a close up of the raging surf!11

3) On the way home I pass by the entry to Charles Darwin University which is really a next door neighbour to Nungalinya.

I must take some photos of the Children back from their Liturgy at the Aboriginal Mass. There were about 12 last Sunday and they all line up and do this action song with their leader in front to follow the action. They are very cute - especially the very smallest ones. They get a big clap when they finish and then we go on with the Offertory at Mass. We have the sign of Peace at the end of the Homily and the children return during what is a bit of a 'break' during the Liturgy, which works rather well. It takes about 10 minutes and everyone moves around and meets and greets each other. At Communion time we don't stop and it is much more peaceful then. I actually like it. No photos, but you can use your imagination.

I'll try to download a couple of photos now and post this. Not much happened last week, but this week we have the Hon Paul Henderson, Chief Minister, coming out to the College, so I'll see if I can get a photo of that. I have also been helping with some English Literacy lessons for some of the young people in for the FACS course for five weeks. They speak Language at home (from Millingimbi, I think) so their English skills don't get much practice. They have to be admired for tackling this for 5 weeks - boys and girls in their late teens, I would say. I'll see if I can get a photo. The two teachers' Aides, Gamerritj (Gummeritch) and Milmindjaark (Helen) keep telling them things in language to ensure they uderstand, and then help with the English skills. I've been doing one-on-one as the need arises.

That might be enough of a little 'byte' for tonyte!

Love from Rita