25-03-2017 – New York Times covers JK’s Birthday

Good morning! This is your sunrise today.

 

 

The pre-dawn sky teased us with promise of a magical sunrise. Grey hued clouds gradually became varying shades of rose and gold.

 

The women of the wall, basking in the colours of the breaking dawn, grateful to see the sun, had smiles as radiant as the sunrise.

 

For Jill and John it was a family affair today.

There was a bit of a buzz this morning. JK had something up his sleeve, apparently to mark his birthday – and it was more significant than cake!

Assuming the position, JK called us to order. It couldn’t be to do with conditions; gloriously warm at 22.5 degrees, gentle rolling wave about 9 seconds apart, but generally flat.

 

The revelation was. . . .the New York Times was there to photograph us!!  And not just any type of photography, this was to be a virtual reality shoot. The big challenge was ‘do not look’ at the camera. For some – perhaps you can guess – this was going to be a huge challenge.

 

 

Shaun had a couple of takers for his Newbie and Nervous Swimmers group. A group he leads most weekends for those who like to take it slow, see the sights and avoid being run over by faster swimmers.

 

At Shelly, JK kindly shared the limelight with Jeff, who today reached 1000km.

Jeff was totally chuffed to receive the ceremonial splashing before delivering the coveted ‘Let’s Go’.

 

 

Jeff is one of those swimmers who cherish each and every swim. I caught him sharing memories of his first, second and subsequent swims with well-wishers.

 

To make him feel just a bit special, as sadly in the birthday stakes, JK with his exclusive NY Times deal had totally topped Henrietta’s cute guys on the beach with coffee event, a mini-tunnel was clobbered together to see him on his way back to Manly.

 

Meanwhile, Shaun safely delivered his charges to Shelly. Much ‘High fiving’ reflected the wonderful sense of accomplishment felt after that first swim.

Elaine, the ever-generous soul, did organise a reception for Jeff at the other end.  Such a happy occasion. JK, had disappeared by this time. No doubt he had adjourned somewhere to do important media negotiations over a swank breakfast.

 

 

At the benches, Jeff continued his first swim reflections to an adoring audience. Such a thespian.

 

The rest of us hung around gossiping and drinking coffee – because it wasn’t raining!!!

 

Culture corner

A couple of really interesting shows – but you need to be quick. First up is Mark Colvin’s Kidney at Belvoir Street. The show starts and ends with a hug, but they are so disparate in their intention. Mary-Ellen Field was Elle’s brand manager – until Elle’s phone is hacked by the News of the World.  The story takes you through the trauma of being accused of ‘leaking’, the fight to restore a once brilliant reputation, and then the friendship with a journalist on the other side of the world, one who dying of kidney failure. This is a true story, which makes it all the more remarkable.  On until 2 April.

The other is The Bleeding Tree at The Wharf.  This is a remount of the Griffin Theatre production from 2015.  Gripping, gothic with very black humour. On until 8 April with limited availability.

Have a spectacular Saturday. And Happy Earth Hour

 

Mary

 

2017 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 2^nd April

 

The Stats

Temp                    22.5 degrees

Swimmers           310

Newbies              9

Sunrise                 7.02am

Sunset                  7.01pm