Scrapbooking and Sky Scrapers

Last weekend Rob, Shell & Lilly spent a couple of days with us....Lillys' Godmother Danielle was married on Oct 31 and they flew up for the wedding. The weather was a little overcast on Sunday however that didn't stop us visiting Q1 - once again. Lilly is learning about sky scrapers at school and where better to see them than in Surfers and from Q1. Took a stroll to Cavill Ave, bought some lunch and sat down by the beach front - on the way back to the car we just had to stop at Baskin Robins so we could use our buy one get one free vouchers! Caiti was very pleased to see her cousin Lilly - although they only meet a couple of times a year they get on really well together, both enjoy playing with Grandmas scrapbooking 'stuff' making cards, stamping. On Sunday afternoon Lilly decided it was time to do a 'real' scrapbook page and this is the result. Tomorrow is her 6th birthday and H & I have combined to put together a scrapbooking kit of her own (to add to the bits Grandma let her take home). Didn't back a winner on Melbourne Cup day - we did have one family member who won a reasonable amount on the Cup, born lucky he was 7/7/70 his birthdate. Percy Penguin has joined our family - had to sell 100 penguins to receive him - he is truly a fine specimen.....my sales have slowed down dramatically over the past week or so, possibly due to the ecconomic climate at the moment.
Off to Victoria for Evan & Tahnees wedding then Mums 90th on the 21st....looking forward to spending time with the family and just chilling out. Till next time - take care.

Fraser Island

Our trip to Maroochydore and Fraser Island was great......fascinating place Fraser Island....saw a dingo on the beach, cleaned our jewellery with the fine white sand at Lake McKenzie. The weather was perfect as was the company and our tour driver very enlightning with his information on the whole area. Thanks Jan & Alan for a great few days. Whilst in Maroochydore we had the opportunity to watch a firework display from the balcony of a penthouse.....fantastic view, however not sure I'd like to live in a penthouse permanently. It may sound trivial to some, however I was extremely proud of myself driving over the Gateway Bridge for the first time.....I detest those toll gates where cars, trucks, bikes, buses seem to come at you from all angles. Savvy travelled well - and my brain is now coming to terms with the indicators on the left side and wipers on the right. Bill has to go into Allamanda Hospital on 27 November to have an angiogram to check the stent he had put in last year....he may need to have further stents inserted, won't know till they have a look. My visit to the Dr today confirmed I have lost 4kg in a month......very, very pleased - can't stop smiling....though still a lot of kgs to go yet. Started to organise the Victorian Christmas presents and wrap them - don't think I've ever been this organised!! Oops just noticed the time....off to work I go. Only 4 more sleeps...

Boring, Boring, Boring!

Looking forward to a trip to Fraser Island on Tuesday.....heading up to Maroochydore on Monday to stay with Jan & Allan home again Wednesday as Bill has to work...will be a welcome break. It will be Savvy's first big trip....pleased to say she is all fixed...the dealer replaced the battery.
Brent is now able to ride his bike round here on his own and last Sunday he popped over for a short visit....think he hoped Grandpa would be home to have a game of tennis with him.....when I asked what he'd been doing I got a cheeky grin and 'can't tell you, you'll find out tonight'. The suprise was a belated birthday cake.....white chocolate with raspberry ripple and marshmallow frosting ......it was yum (only had a small piece)....Leeanne couldn't find a number 2 in her candle supply so beside the 6 she put two ordinary birthday candles....Brent's comment 'Grandma - are you 611'...cheeky!
Pleased to say that my healthy eating and exercise seems to be paying off - a loss of 2kg in 3 weeks....gotta be happy with that. Still got a long way to go to reach my goal weight.
'The Punter' has been doing well for his Punters Club this is his 4th week - no idea yet how he went today as he isn't home from work yet.
Boring, Boring, Boring was the comment left by Annonymous on my last Blog - to me my life is far from boring, I'm blessed with a loving family and great friends.
Only 14 more sleeps Lilly .....Grandma's counting down.

And another year flys by!

'Time flies when you're having fun' so the saying goes......it hardly seems any time since Bill, Sue & I celebrated our 180th birthday and yet its now 2 years on....which reminds me I better keep on 'scrapping' as I'm only up to 1983 in my life and I really want to re-do Mums albums to preserve them to....so there's another 28 years of photos and memorabilia. Yesterday wasn't one of my more memorable birthdays....'twas one of those days where whatever can go wrong did (it started when I got on the scales and found I'd put on weight after exercising religiously all week and cutting back on my food intake and eating healthy - I am convinced I must have absolutley zilch metabolism - I'm not aiming to be the slim trim person I was 25 years ago....just to feel comfortable in my clothes) got in my new little car to go out, turned the key and nothing! is that why the car came with free 3 year 24/7 roadside assistance? a lovely young man from RACQ came out and charged up the battery and told us to go back to the dealer and get them to check the battery as it may be a faulty battery and also check the electrical system in case there's something which is not shutting off and draining the battery. Finally got to have lunch at 2pm - with my free birthday voucher from Sharks. Bill had a wonderful day.......he won again for Sharks Punters Club (3rd week in a row)and some for himself too. On checking the phone when I got home I had several singing greetings .....hadn't realised how tuneful my family and friends were!! It wasn't all bad, I did get to have long chats with my Precious One, my Cheeky Possum and my Princess....pleasing to know Rob's knee operation went OK.
Got up this morning and decided today will be a better day.....had a delicious breakfast at Crown Plaza in the Revolving restaurant, the views are fantastic but possibly not as spectacular as from Q1,it is lovely sitting back relaxing and watching the world turn! Leeanne made my birthday present from the family, the gorgeous bracelet pictured here.......how special is that.....my photography doesn't do it justice. Courtney also made me feel very loved by being at breakfast after a 'big night out' and we all know how Courtney loves her sleep.
Tomorrow we have the little fairy for the day and we're heading off to Harbour Town to meet Amy whom I worked with and meet her gorgeous little boy Parker. I'm gonna miss Caiti when she goes to school next year....Mondays just won't be the same.
27 more sleeps Lilly! Till next time....take care

My Australian Idol

What a perfect day Sunday was............warm and sunny with a gentle breeze...and the outdoor area at Harigans Irish Pub at Calypso Bay was a brilliant setting for Damien Leiths concert. I've followed Damien since he began on Idol and had seen him at Seagulls on his Winners Tour and thought he was great then, however he is now really a true entertainer. Backed by Eric on guitar - and boy can he play and Indy on acoustic violin he had the crowd enthralled.....there was absolute silence and no one moved not even to the bar when he sang Danny Boy. To those who knock Australian Idol, the show has certainly given some great Aussie talent a start.....shame about a couple of the Judges, I think Darren Hayes should be on the judging panel each week, he was brilliant last Sunday.
Saturday we brought Savvy home and to date she has only been out the garage once....will take her for a run tomorrow morning.
We've had a little run of luck with Lotto getting 5 straight numbers on Saturday night...oh so close....will keep on trying....but till we crack the big one I need to work and its now time to start.
Till next time....take care

Bulldog Brownlow

Congratulations to Adam Cooney on winning the 2008 Brownlow Medal....what a fantastic ambassador to the game of football....a young man who at just 22 has maturity beyond his years...I remember back a few seasons whenever he went near the ball I thought it was the opposition jeering him and I couldn't understand why, after a few weeks I realised it was the now familiar cry of the Bulldogs cheersquad 'Cooney, Cooney' (I know I'm blonde sometimes). Adam spoke at the after match function we went to in Sydney - behind his boyish looks lies a great wit....which was evident again last night in his acceptance 'speech'? The AFL needs a role model like Adam after the antics of some other high profile players...best wishes to Adam, Hayley and their chldren and may the spoils of being a Brownlow medalist set them up for a lifetime of hapiness together.......
Still on football and my beloved Dogs.....heard a rumour early this morning then read it on the internet that the Bulldogs big new forward is probably going to be Barry Hall.....now big, bad Barry has never been one of my favourites.....but we do need a big strong forward and if he's the guy who can get us a Premiership - so be it! Looking forward to hearing more and seeing the 2009 draw.....wow what a match that would be in Sydney, one we definitely wouldn't miss.....
Had a text message yesterday from my Cheeky Possum telling me he was on the Gold Coast...........I know how much he'd love to be able to visit Grandma and I just hope that his father and step-mother have it in their hearts to let him.....
Had a great time at Pete & Carols on Sunday.....great BBQ, so much food - oops the diet, how could I not eat a piece of birthday cake and home made pav.......yummy. Pete had told the kids they were not to mention the word Dogs to Aunty Val as it would upset her....imagine his suprise when I rocked up wearing my Doggie Scarf!! Guess I have a soft spot for the Cats 'cos they were Dads team......not easy when my son, daughter (who switched from Richmond and is like a reformed smoker)! the Cheeky Possum and The Princess are all one eyed Hawks....but sorry I'm going for the CATS (at least then I can say we got put out by the Premiers!) Love this photo of my great nephew.
Till next time - take care

Saved By A Senior Moment!!!

A simple little error probably saved us quite a bit of heartache.....had just started work yesterday afternoon when I heard an almighty crash from downstairs....my first thoughts were Bill had had a fall....thankfully no, the shelves in the garage gave way tossing all that was upon them onto the floor and round the garage....my Christmas dinner set is no longer.....well I have a couple of plates, a bowl and a mug! havn't checked all my Christmas decorations yet (thats a job for another day) few other bits and pieces broken, however because I had forgotten to put my birthdate on the paperwork to draw out some of my super for our new car, we havn't taken possession of it as yet otherwise the whole lot would have fallen on it...and yes, once again your'e right Mum, the Lord does work in mysterious ways!
Very pleased with the way the Doggies played last night - a win would have been fantastic, but we did give Geelong a scare - watch out next year - at least I'm saved from getting a tattoo for another 12 months! I'll still proudly wear my Bulldogs scarf tomorrow to Pete & Carols, just so my brother knows there's no hard feelings. I know my Dad will be 'up there' cheering the Cats on...whilst some of the other most precious people in my life are Hawk supporters, sorry kids, I'm hoping for Geelong back to backs now.....Photo is of Robert and Lilly taken in Tasmania....almost have my little fairy Caiti barracking for the Dogs...just a little more brainwashing!!
Oh, by the way, son-in-law (SIL) Rob came round today and put the shelves back up far more securely than they were previously....he'd already been to aunty Sues' to do a few odd jobs for her...have decided to buy some big plastic tubs and store my numerous Christmas decorations in, some of which I bought the day H was born....so they are bordering on antique!!
Weather is quite warm today...yeah summer is on the way.

The Dogs are Barking Again

Wow! What a fantastic day!! Had a great afternoon at work, achieved the goal I'd set myself.....and now the Doggies have beaten the Swans and won a place in the Preliminary final against Geelong.....don't know that we are strong enough to beat the Cats but we'll be there trying. Tuesday was Bills birthday so we went out for breakfast with Leeanne & Caiti, we'd had a family celebration with a combined Fathers Day/Birthday brunch last Sunday. My Dad had a green thumb and when we bought our home in Wellington the garden consisted of two really old and wayward rose bushes, Dad came along and pruned them.....right to the ground, I almost cried I thought they'd die, but no they grew and Dad potted several of the cuttings.....after Dad passed on Goldilocks and Carol had one, Robert another and we have one of each....almost every time there is a special occasion, birthday, mothers day, Dad's rose blooms - a sign he is still watching over us - Goldilocks said theirs does the same and Fathers Day was no exception....some beautiful red roses. Decided its time to get a new car, just had the clutch repaired on my car when the clutch went on Bills.........decided on a Proton Savvy as we got a really good trade in for Bills car as is....will be a couple of weeks before it arrives though. St Kevins is hosting a breakfast tomorrow as a thank you to those who helped at the school fair, a very nice gesture.

No More Toys!!

Saturdays Fair was a huge success...with a large sum being raised. The toy and book stall was located in the Chapel/Music rooms....I spent about 5 hours in there with Leeanne & Tracy before being required to do some data entry in The Treasury....by Sunday we were all so so tired we decided to give our weekly family dinner a miss.
Have finally re-installed all our games on my new computer.....can highly recommend Big Fish for computer games, the after sales service has been phenomenal....it was a rather tedious job but its done now.
Finished work at 5 tonight, checked a few emails and then went down stairs as I was closing the front venetians I was just in time to catch a group of boys light a fire in the garden out the front.....they fled fairly quickly when I opened the front door...kids who are left to their own devices until their parent gets home from work...a little scary to think what might have happened if I hadn't spotted them.
Will be off now...till next time Go Doggies.....woof

The Boys are Back!

Just watched the Doggies defeat the Bombers.....great to see they showed more of their early season form....strong tackling and chasing. Last Saturday night we went to the Gabba to see them lose to the Lions....on the bus back to Southbank was one very very disappointed little boy resplendent in his Bulldog jumper his eyes red from crying....reminded me of someone very close to me many years ago whenever the Hawks lost.....this little fellas face was etched in my mind and I just hope tonight he was able to sit up and enjoy the win. Despite the loss we had a great night, delicious meal at the Pineapple Hotel, great company, good seats.....Jan & I went looking for coffee at half time and a security guy let us into the Function Room where food and drink was being served to the Prime Minister and other dignitaries and important people...silly us we didn't stay and enjoy the food and drink 'cos we couldn't get a coffee in the Corporate section we were in!!
Tomorrow is St Kevins School Fair - yeah! no more toys to wash till next year!! - Bill was volunteered to assist with the money handling/accounting and I'll be helping by relieving on a couple of stalls and helping Leeanne with the toy stall.....the response from parents to help has been very very very very poor.....yet I bet these are the first parents to whinge and complain if required to pay higher fees or levies.
Finally have the computers almost sorted out.....Rodney has to get better speakers for Bill, the ones that came are soooooo cheap the sound is so scratchy and distorted....and I need a bit of techno help re installing our downloaded games.
Enjoying working from home.....sure there are days when its a little depressing, people can be so rude.....hey telemarketers are doing a job, they are not relying on Government handouts/benefits....even telemarketers get called too.....ideally if we lived in a 'perfect' world there would be no need for charities to rely so heavily on community donations......however at the present time there are so many pensioners out there in 'struggle street'.....I'm amazed at the number of kids who are home alone during the day......just hope their parents know.....
Haven't been overly impressed with 7's coverage of the Olympics....get sick of seeing some events over and over and over again.....and missing out on watching our Aussies in other events.
Hoping to blog more regularly again now I have my computer back.
Till next time.......Go Doggies..........woof

Dummyspit!

As a token apology for my dummy spit on Sunday when my beloved Bulldogs were beaten by the Blues I am typing this in blue.......I'm so so lucky my husband loves me enough to overlook my childish behaviour - I took the remote control so he couldn't play 'We are the Navy Blues' at full volume.....now if the Doggies had won the whole complex would have heard 'Sons of the West'....he was being very smug during the last quarter though so he had to be punished!!!! Don't know why I was so upset, I did say earlier in the day it wouldn't suprise me if the Blues won as all the expected winning teams had lost.......not a good weekend for tipsters.
On a happier note, Caitlin spent Sunday morning with Grandma and we made birthday cards and jelly, I even had a play with Sandy her DS Puppy......
I started training today for my new job......working from home as a Teleworker......choose the days and hours I would like to work,will save on petrol, clothes etc......can work in my PJ's if I wish....
Found photos of Charades on the Sale College web site.........very happy as I didn't get any photos myself.
Going to try a new recipe for dinner tonight.....saw it on a cooking show I watched with Dylan - Poached Coconut Chicken with rice - its a 30 minute all in one dish recipe.....will let you know how it goes.
Till next time.....go Doggies......Woof

Charades, cuddles and colds.

When I left Victoria on Monday it was raining.......and last night it started here and hasn't stopped my pansies are swimming in their tub, at least its not quite as cold here.
Lilly G kept our secret and the boys were suprised to see Grandma last Wednesday.....Jack was so excited to see me in the car he almost got run over....and its lovely to know he's not too 'big' to give Grandma morning cuddles.
Dylan came down with a cold on Thursday......and despite that he was able to perform. The play was Charades and Dylan had three separate roles to play....I really loved his interpretation of Johnno the naughty schoolboy. Hopefully next year the school will look at holding the annual play sometime other than the middle of winter..........so many kids had winter coughs, colds or flu.
Saturday was my dear friend Lyn's birthday - I bought her a cup/teapot and ironically she had received a platter in the same pattern for Mothers Day and another one for her birthday - we have been friends since our kids were little, unfortunately we don't see each other very often.
Friday was great, much as we love the boys, H & I were able to spend time together, we had a lovely lunch then browsed the shops.
Managed to catch up with most of the family - watched Maddi play netball on Saturday morning and Jack football on Sunday. Walked the Princess to school on Monday morning before we left for Traralgon - my flight was cancelled and I was booked out on a later flight which gave me some extra time with Jack & Dylan.
Our little fairy was 5 yesterday - instead of a party she wanted to go to Sharks to eat at night....had to be at night!
Took a bit of ribbing from my son and granddaughter over the Doggies defeat by Geelong....but was able to get a bit back when the Hawks lost.
Sunday family tea looks to be off the calendar this week.....the Doggies play Carlton in a late pm game and its on Fox ...........they all barrack for the Blues (except Brent who follows the Lions) and don't have the sports channels, so I'll be snugly and hopefully smugly watching from the comfort of my lounge............only one of the occupants of this house will be happy Sunday night and lets hope its me!!
Till next time.........go Dogs............woof

Catching up with the past!

Yesterday I received a suprise email through Friends Reunited.......from my best friend at Primary School whom I have not seen for more years than I care to remember, way before I had children and my 'baby' was 38 last week..........so I started scanning through schools I'd attended and places I'd lived to see who I might be able to catch up with - today I've been in contact with an ex EPUY student - Brad Johnson reminds me of him, always smiling, big, strong and muscular....over 450 young people attended the program during the 9 years I was there but only a few made a lasting impression for the right reasons!!
Just had to dash and rescue the washing - its pouring rain at the moment, explains why its been warmer today.
Am quite excited as Heather is going to introduce me to her friend Shirley who is the most awe inspiring scrapbooker - such a talented lady......her Blog site is one of my favourites.

Till next week..............go Doggies..............Woof

Yesterday it was 7 years since I lost my darling Dad - so I thought I'd share one of my most favourite photos of him, this was taken at H's 21st some years ago......most years I've marked the day by indulging in a cream bun....Dad enjoyed many a cream bun and when Rob was little and Dad looked after him so I could work their standard lunch was a pie and cream bun. I've been a bit off colour the past couple of days - have a bit of a cough and hence havn't been sleeping too well so yesterday I missed the cream bun as I didn't venture out of the house (or my pj's)
We took Caiti to see Mamma Mia today........having seen the stage show I wondered how it would be as a movie.........BRILLIANT......I can't wait to go again.....Caitlin went with Leeanne on Thursday and yesterday after spotting an ad for the movie informed me she would like to see it again (and she's not 5 yet!) so Grandpa & Grandma obliged. Nerang cinemas only charge $4.50 for pensioners and children so its really a cheap outing - Bill was horrified it cost a $1 more ($5.50) for Caiti's slushie! Remember back a few years how uncool it was to be an ABBA fan!!! now even 5 year olds love the music.
Looking forward to a visit from Jan & Allan tomorrow.....apart from the fact I need to grocery shop and they will be here before the supermarket opens.......I guess its not that drastic, I do have milk, tea, coffee and some biscuits.........anyway its always nice to go sip a latte down by the water/beach.
Only 4 more sleeps.........
Till next time..........go Doggies............Woof

Home Made Soup

With the dismal drizzly weather of the past few days, yesterday seemed the perfect time to try out our new slow cooker (obtained with our Credit card points) - I do miss the old Coonara heater for slow cooking in winter. Made lamb shank broth (Farmer Dave's organic lamb shanks), yummy if I do say so myself........my dear friend Robyn called in for coffee and ended up having some for lunch too. Robyn's a brilliant cook so when she said it was delicious I felt very chuffed (grin). Have put some into the freezer for Bill while I'm away next week if he remembers to eat!
Re-found a great site recently, I'd forgotten about http://www.tropicalglen.com/Jukebox
I'm currently listening to the hits of 1967 (what a great year - the year I became a Mum) - its like having my own jukebox, very nostalgic!!
Yesterday was also the annual clean out the filing cabinet and sort out any papers that might be needed for the accountant at tax time........which also means theres another lot we can destroy from years past, once upon a time I would have tossed the box out without thought, but these days I worry about identity theft so I spent a lot of time shredding - and reading, interesting to see the cost of things just 5 years ago!
Thankfully the Doggies play early Sunday afternoon so I won't be in trouble missing family dinner to watch football............
Till next time............Go Dogs, woof

Where does time go?

I thought when I wasn't working I'd have so much time to do the things I love....wrong again honey (as Courtney used to say) I can't believe its been almost a month since I last posted a Blog. Well the Bulldogs were on top of the ladder for a week...it was a split round...looking forward to some great games in the next few weeks especially the one at the Gabba in August when we will be there in full voice - well at least I will be. Friday I finally managed to get myself organised to go to the Carrara Farmers Markets with Leeanne to buy some Farmer Daves organic lamb - once you have tasted his sausages you would not buy any others. This week we had honey and mint - delicious. Check out his website www.farmerdave.com.au Another van 'Butcher Boy' sells organic beef - Leeanne and I went halves in a pack of Angus steak @ $10. Treated myself to a large bunch of carnations - Caiti chose them, a lovely hot pink shade - for $5. I love having fresh flowers in the house. Bill had a couple of days in bed with the flu (and he'd had his flu shot) - I felt like I might be coming down with it however I believe my immune system has really been boosted by the supplements I take each day and so far I'm still healthy (contact me and I'll happily let you know what they are). My cheeky possum Jack turned 11 on Wednesday, Brent is 9 today and tomorrow Robert will be 2 years off the big 40! Yesterday I spent a lovely couple of hours having coffee and catching up with David whom I hadn't seen for almost 20 years......and prior to that it would have been another 20 years.....yet it didn't really feel like it had been so long - I guess because we share some very precious memories we have a special friendship......and always will, I hope. Nearly bought a business last week, a Scrapbooking shop however before we could get an appointment with the bank someone else made her 'an offer she couldn't refuse'. In hindsight it was probably a blessing who really wants to work 7 days a week at our age??
Winter has set in - its been out with the slippers and on with the heater a couple of days recently......anyone who'd consider going south or camping at this time of year must be mad!
Spent some time making baby (my friend Patsi has finally become a Grandma) and birthday cards this week.....and have managed to scrap a few pages, but once again typical of me I digress from one album to another - I am up to 1976 in MY album - only 32 years till I'm up to the present!! I completely lose track of time engrossed in the memories my photo stash evokes - how cute my kids were, remembering the good and sometimes not so good times.
Till next time............woof - Go Dogs

Grandmas Little Helper

For the past few months I've been washing and sorting toys donated for the St Kevins School Fair in August with the help of some of the grandchildren too.........Dylan helped when he was up on holidays and today Caiti came round to lend a hand. We had such fun, after she had eaten 4 slices of 'sprinkle' toast cut into heart shapes it was into action, cleaning cracks and crevices with cotton buds then rolling up the sleeves and hands in sink washing toys, after a short break where we went outside in the sun with a bottle of bubble mix, she was back inside wiping down the kitchen cupboard fronts!.........child labour eh?
Thursday evening the Grade 4's at St Kevins had their Claymation Awards - loosley based on the Academy Awards...........with the kids dressing up accordingly, each class was divided into small groups and each one had to make a short animated film piece on a natural disaster using clay, plasticine and leggo for which various awards were given (every child received one). Each class also provided an item of entertainment .......Brents class was music and dance. Benowa KFC does a roaring trade after these school functions!!
Another great game by the Doggies this week........must say Dylan is a great sport and took Grandmas phone call in the spirit it was intended..........

Short Lived!

The Tugun by-pass finally opened to traffic on Tuesday afternoon due to the horrible weather we had over the weekend and Monday. Didn't take the boys in blue long to be out there with the radar guns.......just hope Leeanne was right and my speedo is 10k out or I might be the first person to get a ticket on the new by-pass.
Yesterday after lunch we received the news that due to the low number of calls Canberra had decided to finish up all Temps from close of business - except for those in WA, which makes sense due to the time difference.....we weren't totally suprised as we were each only averaging about one call every half hour, it was disapointing in that we were all just really just begining to feel full confidence in what we were doing........as they say 'everything happens for a reason'.
Will once again be able to throw myself into my home business........
Maybe my luck will hold and I'll win a reasonable share of tonights Powerball - just a million would do...........I'd love to see it shared and not just one big winner.
Till next time...............Go Doggies................woof........oh and thats Jack in a Bulldogs cap!!!!

Its been a while!!

So much has been happening since I last logged on. Heather, Dylan & Jack arrived for a holiday on the 8th. We did so much in the 8 days they were here - took the train to Brisbane and met up with my niece Jen for morning tea. Mothers Day I was completely spoilt with Dylan making me breakfast in bed which consisted of scrambled eggs and bacon........delicious, then we went to Rosser Park with Leeanne, Brent & Caitlin and had a KFC picinic, just us 'girls' and the 'kids', unfortunatley we had a flat tyre on Leeannes car however some extremely nice gentlemen fixed it for us, then we all had family dinner at Leeannes. Monday was a rest day followed by Tepanyaki for dinner, this was probably one of the highlights of the holiday, the boys just loved the food and the showmanship of the Chef. Tuesday we had breakfast at Sharks before we went to Movie World, where Jack saw a different side of Grandma (he saw what happens when you are really naughty and get on her wrong side!). Wednesday we went to Q1, followed by Infinity - wow what an experience, I'm still not sure if I was laughing or crying but I do know I was rather scared several times BUT I'd go back and do it all again, after a double Baskin & Robbins icecream to settle us down! we then went to Timezone. Thursday we spent at Harbour Town before picking Caiti up from kinder and taking her to Sharks for afternoon tea, as she had missed out on Tuesday when Brent spent the day with us. Friday it was time to say goodbye.
I have since started working full-time on an eight week contract for DFP Recruitment at Centrelink Tweed Heads - yes I go interstate to work. There are 8 Temps in our group and they are great to work with, as are the permanent staff sitting around us. Don't know that I would be able to continue on permanently there as I keep falling asleep at 7.30 each night. Takes between 3/4 hour to an hour depending on traffic, however the Tugun By-pass is due to open on Monday which should cut about 10 mins off the trip.
Was a little dissapointed when my beloved Bulldogs lost last week - however I thought the loss might give them the inspiration they needed to beat the Hawks today. I received a text message on Sunday evening from my son 'they choked' so I have been praying all week that the Bulldogs would come out and defeat his Hawks and they sure did, however my glee at being able to gloat was thwarted as neither he nor Heather & Jack answered their phones when I rang.
Last night St Kevins school had their annual Trivia night which Leeanne organised - this year the theme was colours and yes our team was you guessed it PINK, we didn't win but only finished 4 points behind the winners - must confess though that Grandma was a big winner I won the lucky door prize of a digital camera and 3rd prize in the raffle of a wine cooler, wine and shortbread, it seems the Lotto numbers are avoiding me though.
Till next time..............Bulldogs for Premiers............woof

Winning Weekend

Last time we flew to Sydney and drove out to Wellington we got lost leaving the airport, so this time we took 'B.....ing Betty' our Navman to guide us.....she guided us up back streets and lanes so we missed the traffic lights and traffic. Once we get on Parramatta Road we know our way, however I decided to leave Betty on to remind Bill every time he went over the speed limit! To cut the story short......get to Bathurst and Betty guides us past our normal turn, we thought great she knows a short cut back to the Highway.........after 46km of bitumen road, it became gravel, the gravel became a pioneer track, thru the disused gold mines of Ophir......finally there was a sign to Mullion Creek which I knew was on the 'locals short cut from Wellington to Orange' and we detoured from Bettys instructions and let me tell you Betty got quite upset!! Went straight to visit Mum at Maranatha - unfortunately there was not a glimmer of recognition and it even took a lot of effort to get her to remember the names of her three children, Saturday morning she was a little brighter. Dementia is a terrible illness, so much harder on the family than the patient - I will be eternally grateful for the wonderful care of the staff at Maranatha. Saturday we drove back to Sydney. Took the light rail to the Casino - we love the buffet meal there.
Sunday after wandering around we had a late breakfast then walked to the SCG to the football, quite a steep walk but good for the heart and soul!! I'd purchased our tickets thru the Western Bulldogs so we were seated with the cheer squad and supporters - what a fabulous atmosphere and I wore my jacket and scarf with pride - I'm still a little hoarse today from chanting and singing - we caught up with some friends from the Gold Coast and we went back to the after match meet the players function at Paddo RSL - they had a raffle, the winner of which had the choice of either a Bulldog jumper or football autographed by all the players. Rocket Rodney Eade drew out the tickets and the first winner chose the jumper, the next two tickets drawn the people weren't there so couldn't win, on the third redraw you guessed it YES it was me.....I'd had two champagnes so I was pretty happy, I got a kiss from Rodney and was able to say hello and congratulations to two of my favourite players Brad Johnson & Robert Murphy.......the football is now sitting pride of place on top of the wall unit in the lounge out of the way of little fingers.......I could be in possession of a football signed by the 2008 premiers. Yesterday we went to the Queen Victoria Building - had another late breakfast, watched the clock do its thing at 11am, then took the train to Circular Quay. While waiting for the Ferry to Watsons Bay we saw a couple of Bulldog supporters and got talking and ended up sitting with them while we ate our seafood basket from Doyles..........can understand why everyone in Sydney raves about Doyles. Arrived home around 9pm - wanted to fall into bed straight away as I've come back with a head cold - however our waterbed had sprung another leak while we were away, so it was into the spare bed. Today we had Mr Waterbed come and fit a new bladder!
Only two more sleeps and my 'little men' arrive.....yes H I'm looking forward to seeing you too!!!

Happy 4th Birthday Jetstar!

Yeah! We are off to Cairns again next February......yes I know its the wet season but hey its a holiday and when it only costs you $68.00 (including insurance) for return airfares who's complaining. As you can see we encountered the wet season this year. Fares were $4 each way if you only had carry on bags or $14 each way if you opted to have baggage. Thank you Jetstar.
Helen & John went home this morning - glad I left for Coolangatta early, the Tugun by-pass is almost finished and currently with the testing of lights and the finishing touches being done traffic was moving at a slow pace. If you book to fly with Tiger Airlines do make sure you get there well and truly before the cut off time - I witnessed two lots of late arrivals turned away this morning, possibly they were late due to the traffic snarls. 'Tis very interesting people watching at an airport.
Received my autographed copy of Catch The Wind by Damien Leith in the mail yesterday - gave it a good work out today.
Have a few emails to catch up on again .........seeing Helen & I spent 2 hours last night trying to get through to the Jetstar site - Helen missed out though I think it unfair as she was in the process of completing her booking at 9.58 and finally it went through at 10.02 but came up with a message saying the sale had closed and her tickets couldn't be processed!
Anyone looking at flying with only carry on baggage or on an international flight where you are only allowed 10ml bottles - I have found some great products in small sizes and also the refillable bottles and jars. Just ask me and I'll pass on the information.
Yesterday we met up Peter and Carol for lunch at Robina.......which reminds me I meant to ring them to see if they missed the traffic jam after an horrific accident on the M1. Then today we went to Labrador AFL club for lunch with my friend Robyn .....3 course meal for $7.95 - great value, soup was vegetable, I had Shepherds Pie while Bill & Robyn had fish and chips followed by fruit salad & cream.
Peter, Helen & I all bought tickets in last nights Oz Lotto - sorry to say ours were not the winning Gold Coast tickets.
Oooh I just noticed Jetstar have some more bargains......

RE-CONNECTED!!!

Yes, our internet is now back up and running.........certainly had the technical boys confused for a while, turns out the modem was in the last throes of dying that's what was causing the cutting out of the internet........however all fixed now thanks to Rodney the IT specialist sent out from Australis and Harvey Norman. Well, we just have to get a new modem to replace the one Rodney has loaned us then everything should be running smoothly again.
What did you do with no internet I can hear my family ask........I cleaned up my 'for follow up' emails, caught up with my bookkeeping, scrapbooked several pages, downloaded my photos onto memory stick, went to work, spent time with Caiti making cards, reading......found plenty to do!
On Tuesday my sister & brother-in-law, Helen & John arrived from Victoria for a week. There was a little bit of drama at the Tiger Terminal at Coolangatta when three armed policemen arrived just prior to their plane landing......someone had left a black bag at the security check-in and was not claiming it, I watched it being scanned.........and from what I've watched on Border Patrol I'd say it contained contraband and someone got cold feet!
Wednesday we just relaxed around home before Helen & I went to get some lunch and were propositioned by a gorgeous guy selling nail stuff.....offered to come home and cook and clean if I spent the $50 on his product - Helen got a better offer, he'd be her toy boy!!!. Boy was it a tempting offer and hard to refuse!!!
Wednesday evening we had dinner at Mario's at Broadbeach with our brother Peter and his family - its not very often the three of us get together. Yummy food......real Italian.
Thursday we went into Q1 - Bills over it now, three times is enough he says, me I love the views and spent some time pointing out the sights to a visiting Englishman. Wow.....what a fabulous job that would be, being a guide on the 71st floor of Q1......I could do that! Followed up with lunch at Surfers Paradise Surf Club, first time we have had a meal there. Went to Pacific Fair, via millionaires row - Hedges Avenue - then Helen cooked traditional Swedish meatballs for dinner.
Friday we had breakfast at Suzannes after which Helen & I started looking up some more of our family tree - I contacted a lovely lady Pauline who is a very distant relation and has found some further information for me......I finally found out my maternal great-grandparents were George & Emma Margaret Harris (nee Adams) and I have emailed the Berkshire County for information on obtaining birth certificates and marriage certificates.........ideally I need to be able to lock myself away for a couple of days and just keep on surfing..........Bill was keen to assist me in this and made me breakfast this morning.....charcoal crumpets - the thought was there! We had to go out for a short time and then two little people didn't want to go and watch their Dad play soccer and how can you refuse when they appear with white chocolate mud cake for afternoon tea!!!!
Helen & John are spending the weekend in Toowoomba as their first exchange student Buoy graduates from Uni today - Buoy came back to Australia to do her Masters and has also found love and is getting married on Monday before she and Michael go back to visit her family in Thailand. They plan to return to Australia and open up a Thai Restaurant - I'm hoping on the Gold Coast, Helen's hoping Shepparton!!
'Tis now nearly bedtime, just watched my beloved Bulldogs thrash the West Coast Eagles.....great win. Bit worried about next week, think the Swans might be their first loss for the year....and YES I'll be there.
Logged onto ninemsn.com.au/mapmyfitness and mapped out the route Bill & I walk each morning.........well worth a look at, covers all States, has fitness tips etc.

Just One Of Those Days!

My well laid plans were thwarted once again! With Bill at work for a few hours I planned to go upstairs to 'my workplace' and tackle THE LIST. The list is all the things I need to do but keep forgetting about unless I write THE LIST. Things went well for 10 minutes then the internet went down again...so I put the list aside and worked on my canvas collage of our - OK I'll be honest my GOALS, DREAMS & AIMS for the future - -yes its pink and its got Bling on it!
Had just finished it when Leeanne rang and a little person asked so sweetly 'can I come round for a bit Grandma'. I'd much rather play with Caiti than tackle The List!
Caiti's favourite DVD of the moment is Spirit, and although its been played many many times, today was the first time I actually sat down and watched the end. After this we did some 'scrapbooking' I started to make an engagement card and Caiti made a Mothers Day card, then it was time for her to go home. Grandma was pretty special today as she got a splinter out of Caiti's toe without hurting - by using magic ice and magic tweezers.
My new mobile is awaiting collection at the Post Office - so I'm pretty excited about that. Guess what I'll be doing during the ad breaks tonight....Tuesday nights is one of my favourite nights for TV at the moment.....am hoping Russell and Julia are the finalists on It Takes Two, although Virginia is good, there's something about her that I find irritating.....then its time for All Saints....so Bill finally gets to use the computer!!!

Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Seems like everyone wanted chicken salad sandwiches for lunch today........I lost count of how many I made....got excited if someone only wanted ham, cheese and tomato!
Yesterday we went to Bunnings and got some plants for our garden. Our garden consists of two raised beds - one flower and one vegetable plus numerous pots on the fence and ground. Bill hasn't had much success with his vegies here in Qld, but he does keep on trying. When Rob and Shell moved back to Sale we adopted many of their plants......only one died and that was through an attack of ants! Our chrysanthamum is in bud at the moment. Bill planted all the pots today and now God is assisting their growth by giving us a couple of heavy showers. Without realising it Bill gave our next door neighbour a birthday present.....we had some plants (ex Rob & Shell) which have multiplied and multiplied and multiplied and needed thinnning so he kindly planted them in Shelleys bare garden - she was ecstatic with his 'random act of kindness'.
The stormy weather has meant Austar couldn't install our My Star today - the dish is sited on unit5 so they need to remove the tiles on units 5, 6, and 7 as well as ours and the guys though they wouldn't be too popular if it rained while they had the tiles off!! Maybe tomorrow if not Thursday.
The Cookie and Cream Ice cream was delicious - if I do say so myself - a little rich only need one scoop. Once again I over cooked........so no need to worry about dinner tonight - leftovers it is.
Heard We are the Navy Blues yesterday ...................think it was the first time for 12 months!!!!!!!!!!!
My friend Patsi emailed me yesterday ......'cos I hadn't responded to her email which contained the news that Edwina was engaged.......but I hadn't received the email possibly due to all the internet drop outs I've had......so if you have emailed me and I havn't replied if may not be that I have been slack or am ignoring you!
Photo taken at Rosser Park on Friday....

Great Choice Brent!

When I left you yesterday we were off to have lunch...........Brent decided he would like KFC as a treat and Grandma thought it would be nice to have it at Rosser Park, Gold Coast Botanical Gardens. Although Rosser Park is only approx 1.5km from home (a nice walking distance) it had been some time since we'd been and so we were astounded at the improvements which had been made. After eating our KFC we went walking, smelling, feeling and admiring the plants, there are movement activated information posts, so it was permissible to touch the plants in some gardens!, we watched the ducks and other water birds, dragon flys, tadpoles.........if they all were to mature to frogs the GC would be over run by frogs! eels and to Brents great delight a baby tortoise/turtle sunning on a rock. Truly a wonderful hour and a half - its not often that we get to have one-on-one time with the grandkids.
Finally got so frustrated with the fact my internet connection has been dropping off regularly - a real nuisance when you are working from home - I rang Australis and was assisted by a very nice young man James, refreshing that he didn't talk down to me like so many in the IT call centres do. Hopefully, we have fixed the problem............ by unplugging all my phones and filters and then putting them back! Simple when you know how eh?
Sat down last night to watch the Bulldogs on pay TV and after the first 10 mins the screen went blank and a notice came on about technical problems and they would be rectified ASAP, so out came the books for a quiet read - well one of us promptly had a Granny Nap -then suddenly we had a thought maybe its also on one of the 'obscure' digital/hd commercial channels.......YES YES Yes...but the Bombers were staging a comeback.......so instead of biting the fingernails I painted them......but the Boys from the West soon showed those Bombers what for. If we beat the Tigers next week it will be history as we have never won the first five games of a season. Maybe I will be getting that tattoo for my birthday H!!!
The ironing basket was overflowing with three weeks ironing so I got up early this morning to complete ....... I have got very relaxed in my housekeeping since moving to the GC!
Each Sunday night we have a family dinner and its our turn at hosting - found a recipe for Cookies and Cream Ice-cream so have made a tub of that this morning..........looks good enough to eat! Suzanne has two overseas students staying with her at the moment, Cecile is from Switzerland and is here for 13 weeks (9 left) and Yuriko from Japan who is only here for 2 weeks. Lets hope its a nice evening tomorrow so we can spill outside........there's not a lot of room in our little townhouse to fit 10 or more.
Thanks to those who have left comments or emailed me .....off to Sharks for lunch as Bill has to pay his 'punters club' money.........yes - we do eat at home sometimes!!!

Happy Birthday Dylan

Its hard to believe the first born of my first born is a teenager today.......hardly seems yesterday he was born. Happy 13th Dylan - I am so looking forward to your holiday with Grandma next month. Unfortunately my photography isn't the best - but I will include a picture of the card I made D - Heather was so impressed she is going to show her friend Shirley who is a scrapbooking
genius (I am definitely not in her league - Shirley has a great blog site if your'e into scrapbooking its Reflections - Shirley Fyfe). Thats a basket ball on the star 'cos D's team won the grandfinal a couple of weeks ago and it has definitions of precious (my nickname for D) and birthday plus words such as celebrate, special etc
Yesterday we took part in 'Test the Nation' promotion for Flora and had our cholesterol checked....5.6 so its just over the 5.5 the Heart Foundation says is ok, Bill was so low it didn't register, perhaps the fact I had a latte an hour earlier didn't help!! The FREE testing is on until tomorrow - Australia wide - check the website for a site near you.
Brent is spending the day with us today, he and Grandpa are off playing tennis, before we go out somewhere 'special' of Brents' choosing (probably Macca's) for lunch.
Good luck to my beloved Western Bulldogs tonight..... will be great to be able to sit and watch them 'live' on TV and not at some bewitching hour like 11pm as it was last week.....

Oops must fly....supposed to be getting ready to go for lunch.....

Working From Home

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