Empress Wu Designs with Wilma

Kung Hei Fat Choy - Cantonese for Happy New Year. Welcome the Year of the Dragon . A very auspicious year  it would seem … from the International Business Times … The Year of the Dragon is one of the most revered years of the Chinese New Year calendar, and those born under the sign are regarded as innovative, passionate people who are colourful, confident and fearless…. the Dragon is sometimes called a "karmic sign." The Dragon is larger than life and its appearance means that big things are to come. The Year of the Dragon is a flowing river, not a stagnant lake, so things happen quickly earlier in the year. The Dragon marks progression, perseverance and auspiciousness. It may also bring about unpredictable events. To celebrate the new year we spent a couple of days in Sydney with our  family for the launch of the Chinese New Year Festival. We are sorry we will not be able to enjoy the legendary parade next weekend, but it clashes with the beginning of the schoo...

I recently had my big birthday party - becoming a "senior" is something to celebrate. I think I did get a bit carried away, but wanted to have a special time with family and friends. And it was a special time with my family - my mother, my aunts and uncle, my sister and her family, cousins, nieces, nephews, my own children and grandchildren.... that was only part of the crowd . Old friends and new friends made the day even more special by just coming together and having a good time.     Sisters and daughters Granddaughter wearing my own baby dress (60 years old) with her other grandfather Oldest grandson enjoying the party Friends and family Scene BEFORE the downpour of rain and panic! The sun did shine eventually. FOOD? This was just the dessert, supplied by friends and my daughter-in-law with the fabulous birthday cake made by my aunt. Members of my Rotary Club ( Rotary Club of Wallsend-Maryland) cooked and prepared the main course - delicious roasted meats with accom...