Well, boring to start with the tired old phrase 'another nice day' but what can one do. Well actually there was an initial dissappointment - so we'll attempt to embark on today's mission in a minor key and then change direction. Merely that, the first mission of the day was to enrole in the local 'toy library' so we went to the New Lambton Library but alas summer holidays are long in NSW and they include the functions of the said repository of childhood delights. In short, it was still closed - and being open only for a couple of hours each Saturday, we have to go back next week to have any hope of satisfaction. Excellent idea in itself, I thought, well worth broadcasting - you pay a $10 joining fee and then have the run of the choice of toys - bring 'em back clean and washed when you're finished. Great for anyone but particularly great for us as all Lara's toys are on the slow ship round. Anyway, I'm sure a week will while away very quickly with the diversions of the beach. We borrowed yet MORE books instead. She is absolutely wading in them. There are some very amusing titles, including 'Mrs Watson Wants Your Teeth'. 

Came back for 'Fruit Time' in the mid-morning, suitably laden... this institution is fast becoming a favourite with everyone because the fruit is just so delicious here, we can't get enough. Today's novelty was coconut in the mix of gourmet-perfect nectarine, ruby grapefruit, red grapes and apple. The Mr took the coconut to a private corner in the garage and went at it with the tail end of a metal sun-brolly pole as there was no hammer to hand. I didn't ask questions as to the details, and it seemed to do the trick so let's not think about the peripherals. Even the coconut water (usually so tasteless) was very good and went remarkably well in a later cocktail together with some gin and ice - which we've peremptorily christened Samoan Surprise. Don't ask. 

In the afternoon we went off to the Maritime Museum in the harbour as they were doing a  puppet show called 'Puzzling Pirates' for kiddies. The show was absolutley appallingly attended (our party of 3 made up damn near 50% of the audience) but was actually rather good and got the kiddies very nicely engaged. Plus we got to sit practically IN the show and got pretty much individual attention from the pantomime-style antics, which was great for Lara. Lots of ooh arring, shouting,  running and so on. Exactly what one needs on a Saturday afternoon. The museum itself is tiny but pretty carefully set out - lots of videos and stuff to gawp at, some to poke and interact with. We sat down to a major video about some of the maritime perils of the surrounding area - pretty scary stuff, the whole area's apparently a major graveyard for ships. Mind you, once you go the the beach and watch the pounding waves roaring over the sweeping shallows, even the most intrenched land-lubber isn't much surprised at that. 

And go the the beach was the next thing. New Ocean Baths - I think these are the Newcastle Ocean Baths and certainly the kiddies section is even larger than the Merewether ones. The water was almost hot even for me but alas the wind.... (and for once I'm not talking gastric problems here).  Anyway, much enjoyed by the appropriate member of our party. Nice views from there, too. I'll choose a few pics. Even the drive back home was good as we went through a new area of town - 'the Hill' (it's on a ... hill....) - once again, quite a different sort of feel to the area. Established, very well-heeled, much more 'bricky' and 'large planty' than some of the other areas in less lofty situations. Newcastle certainly seems to have as many facets to is as one cares to investigate. 

Bored of my own voice now, I'm surprised you're still reading. We'll try and do something outrageous tomorrow. Bye xxxxx