Cyclone Debbie 2017

Lismore CBD

Well, Cyclone Debbie was aimed for the Queensland coast, about 1600 km (1000 miles) north of us, but it's damage didn't stop there. Within days, the tropical low sent our local rivers into overdrive. The closest main town near to us, Lismore, suffered extensive damage when the levee couldn't hold back the raging river. It is only 25 minutes from us, and we were there for Murray to have an angiogram only a few days before the flooding. It is also where our travel agent has his office. Sadly the CBD suffered extensive flooding damage with many stores losing all their stock as they didn't have enough warning once the word went out that the levee wouldn't hold. About an hour away is the riverside town of Murwillumbah, where residents were also evacuated, and flooding damage was sustained. Other areas have been affected along the coast. Very sad. My daughter Kim paid us a surprise visit from Copenhagen - she flew in on Thursday morning, and her flight was the last one into Coolangatta on the Gold Coast before the airport was closed to all air traffic. That same evening Murray had planned to fly to Melbourne to visit his kids and grandkids, and despite rain and winds, his flight went ahead. Here are some photos of the flooding...

Our favourite Pie Shop north of the Gold Coast marooned...

Ret, Kim and Rose check out the rising Richmond River - it is usually a lovely blue colour

City of Lismore flooded

Lismore locals heading to dry ground

One of my Ballina aquaintainces put a message on Facebook for helpers to prepare emergency supplies to be delivered to the flood stricken residents of Lismore. Monica had contacted local Ballina supermarkets and picked up donated goods which we then transformed into emergency rations. We cut up vegetables and made soups and pilaffs, fruit to make fruit salads, and from the donated supplies we were able to box up numerous salads and assorted food packages for families. That kept Kim and I out of mischief for 4 hours on one day of her visit. See photo below.

Trish, Vitalis, Mary, Jenny and Dympna (champion)

Despite storms and visits from one's daughter, the weekly rummicub game must go on. Dympna won the game and has a smile to prove it! Jenny was still staying with me, so she joined in. I think it is only the second game she has played in recent years. I missed the recent game, but Dympna informed me that Vitalis took the honours! Must be mine or Mary's turn next.

Foam waves - the small rocks are at the edge of what used to be a wide, sandy beach

During the floods, Jenny, Kim and I took a drive past a local beach, and found it full of cappuccino froth. The sandy beach had disappeared. We nearly got engulfed by a freak wave of foam. We screamed first, and then laughed - you had to be there I guess.

Kim and Jen

Kim and Trish

Life before the cyclone was going along smoothly. We took some time out to catch up with our friend Anne who is soldiering on following chemotherapy. Hang in there Anne, better days ahead.

Anne and Murray

Tony and Bronwyn's son Nicholas (my nephew), his wife Karen and two daughters Rebecca and Emily were over visiting from Canada. It was wonderful to have a family catch up. Jackson enjoyed happy times with his two nieces!

L-R: Ret, Rebecca, Nicholas, Emily, Bronwyn, Jackson, Tony, Yudian, Trish, Murray

Ret, Trish, Nicholas, Tony

Murray flew to Melbourne and had a week catching up with his son, daughter and four grandsons. While he was there Melbourne was having lovely weather, so he chose his time well, as it was not so nice back here at home. Although this photo of Ret, Kim and Dympna doesn't show the nasty weather outside. 

Dympna, Kim and Ret at Banjo's Cafe

Jackson with his Aunty Sha (me) 

Just for something different, Kim and I drove up to the Gold Coast and timed it perfectly to drop in for lunch to celebrate my brother Tony's birthday with his wife Yudian, his mate Ramon, and some of our other family members. The next morning we were treated to a long-awaited High Tea. Our friend Caren had been telling us for a few years about this beautiful place she visits, and whenever she posts a photo, I comment that I would love to join her there one day. Our plans finally came to fruition and we had a delightful high tea with a selection of sandwiches, savouries and sweet cakes - all so fresh and delicious.

Jenny, Caren, Kim and Ret at High Tea House Mudgeeraba - waiting for you to try it out Jennie Elliot!

Beautiful open air bush setting

Kim, Caren, Trish, Jenny and Ret - huge selection of teas to go with the edible delights

Time waits for no man (or woman) so I had better finish off this post. I'll leave you with this gorgeous photo of Murray's four grandsons taken on his recent visit there last week - isn't it a great photo of them all!

Murray's 4 Grandsons: Heath, Max, Blayke and Dane