“He’s a bit of a tough cookie.”

I ignored the comment and maintained the required silence.

“So what are you writing?”

I shook my head and slid along the wooden bench. I didn’t want the judge castigating me for contempt of court.

“Err… don’t you have any warmer clothes?”

The pair of tourists looked at me in confusion.

“It’s freezing outside,” I said, indicating my coat, boots, scarf and gloves.

“But we only brought summer clothes.” 

“Rural life still good?”

“Rural? You mean beach life?” I responded during a recent online chat. “It’s very laid back.”

Life in Coolum Beach (approx population: 7200) is still leisurely, despite the installation of a third set of traffic lights in town - I’m still getting used to our relatively new roundabout on the main street.

I don’t mind getting my hands dirty. As a teenager I regularly pulled apart my bicycle and changed the seat, handle bars and flat tyres.

These days, I occasionally poke around in the dirt in my few scattered pot plants on the deck; however, kneading a ball of dough into a respectable-looking chapatti is quite a different challenge.

For starters, I'll need a frilly polka dot apron.

“Find out one thing about your partner that no one else knows and share it with the group.”

There were lots of ooh-aahs as people shed light on their little-known achievements and talents at our recent choir retreat, even though some of us have been singing together for three or more years.

“I didn’t know that about you!”

If we asked that question more often, we’d learn so much more about each other beyond just our jobs or interest groups.

“Do you want a coffee?”

“Yes, I’d love one,” I say as I settle myself on my friend’s sofa.

“Good. Make me one while you’re at it,” she quips.

Have you noticed that only a best friend will tell you to make your own coffee when you go over for a visit?

“You know you should be fasting this week!” says mum.

“Why?” I ask, stuffing a chocolate Easter egg into my mouth.

“It’s Easter Holy Week. You’re not supposed to eat meat.”

“Err… I’m vegetarian,” I remind her.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our Big Fat Greek Easter Show,” Nick announced with a flourish. “We've got an exciting performance for you this afternoon and we hope you enjoy it.”

Aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins cheered in rowdy applause as the curtains parted, while Jen and I were discreetly positioned behind the handcrafted stage.

We’d spent weeks rehearsing for our live puppet show which featured an elaborate and colourful array of props and musical performances.