Hairdresser

So, I am sat in the hairdressers last night and being forced into conversation by the hair stylist who still has not learnt that I do not want to talk. When having my hair done I relish the opportunity to relax, read a magazine and have a complete cup of coffee in peace. I would prefer not to engage in what is mostly inane and surface level conversation. Call me grumpy but I see this as my chance for a little me time.

Anyway, let's call her Sheila, was banging on about anything under the sun while I do my best to shut the conversation down. Subtlety was not working and so obviously my grunts and 'really's' were all that were required. So onwards she went and into the marriage of the Prince of Monaco and 'that poor girl'. She sweepingly cannoned on with regard to the 2 and possibly 3 children he has fathered out of marriage, she meets my eye in the mirror and says 'one of the mothers was even black!'. Really. Truly. Honestly this is what she said like it is the most natural thing in the world to drop such a racist comment and then continue in the vein of how beautiful the brides dress was. For a moment I wondered if I had misheard her. Sadly not.

I have never heard such prejudice used in such a natural and unassuming way. She saw and sees nothing wrong in this statement. I do not understand how people can think mixed cultural and ethnic marriages or relationships are wrong. But some people do and yesterday I was reminded of this fact. Happily I rarely experience opinions like this but that once in a while makes it quite shocking.

I didn't challenge her words and I reflect maybe I should. Would it do any good? Probably not but if everyone thought like that then beliefs and opinions would never be challenged. Debate is good I think but maybe the hairdressers is not the forum for it!

What we have been doing

 We have been up to the Blue Mountains and visited the Winter festival that was mighty packed as you can see.....and oh sooooo cold...  Not used to the chill factor so much now and at 7 degrees but with a cold wind it was brisk!  We were wrapped up more than we have been in 14 months and Finn & Isla were struggling a little with colds that resulted in a lot of shoulder rides - but hey ho - a good day was had by all.  Us and 40,000 others.  :)

 The main street in Katoomba with the processions in full flow - look for the brightly coloured costumes in the middle of the throng of people working their way up the street.  There was definitely a hippy Glastonbury feel to the place.  Nice.

 Now Andy has told me what this guy is called and I forget now - but it warrants a picture on the blog.  He was pretty huge probably 6 feet 6 at least and what a costume!

 Awsome drummers and great outfits and makeup, some of them were only teenagers and they were really good.

 This one is for my MIL, June.  We saw these ladies and thought of you.  Ladies in purple with the bonus of red hats and great handbags.  A society of ladies that lunch in purple indeed!

 We have been spending this lovely sunny Wintery days in the Botanical gardens.  I am totally in love with them and could spend days on end here.  The old fig trees are gorgeous and my favourites.  The last 2 times we have been it has been clear, sunny and 20 degrees - it's the middle of winter!  Good times.

Sydney do a Family Funday Sunday which means that if you have children you can all travel for $2.50 on any of the buses and trains all the way down to Wollongong and up to Newcastle which is one mighty distance.  Kids under 4 are free.  So for $7.50 we can all catch the train into the city which I think is amazing value and makes the city so accessible for all families.  Thumbs up!

 A garden pitstop.

 Catalogue pose!

 A soft warm place for a little person to rest.

 Classic Opera House shot.  Gotta love those sails....

 Now the turn of the little people in our lives.  They did really well that day and walked all the way from the city to the Gardens, around to the Opera House, Circular Quay and then back to the train.

 Now this is today.  2 large parcels were delivered to our door by the resident delivery driver who I am on the cusp of being on first name terms with!  Gratefully received thanks Granny & Grandad!

 Oooh, the anticipation!

The proud jigsaw builders!  Very much enjoyed.  :)))