What recession?

When you see the number of people shopping in the malls these days you wonder where the recession went. Parking is a nightmare. I am beginning to think that young people have no manners. Walking through a crowd is nearly impossible. Young people just don't seem to be able to see you.

Christmas wrapping

I have spent the morning wrapping Christmas gifts. It is nice to have that done. I love getting little people stocking stuffers. Hope they like them.

Unit sold

Today the contracts on our unit were exchanged. Unfortunately settlement date has been moved to 19th Jan. At least they are now locked in and if they back out will lose the deposit. It is a relief - not that we were desperate - but it is always in the back of your mind that it may not go ahead.
It looks like a storm brewing here. Boy could we use the rain - if it happens!!

Anselm

Today I phoned Seattle. For the very first time I had quite an extended talk with Anselm. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed it. I have spoken with him (obviously) before but today seemed like a break through with a real conversation and not just a series of questions and answers. Made me feel good.

Photos

Family reunion

Our family reunion in Brisbane was great but all too short. We all enjoy each other's company and the time went so very quickly. Will publish a couple of photos. One of the family on the steps of Tom's "new" house, one of Thomas Jnr. and one of Liam and his fiance Liz.

photos relating to our Adelaide trip

Adelaide trip

We spent 10 great days travelling to Adelaide and Melbourne. The trip was long and maybe unless we have to go there it will be the last time we drive. The country side looked superb - like a green carpet - belies the idea of drought. The animals in the paddocks looked like paintings. The mighty Murray brings life to those inland towns like Mildura.
In Adelaide we looked up Avril and Peter Agars and Tony's cousin Moya and her husband Viv.
Moya's son Alexander is a pilot and took Tony on a trip along the coast to the mouth of the Murray. They were in the air for about an hour. I did not go - don't appreciate small planes.
We had dinner with Avril and Peter and lunch with Moya and Viv at his club. Very posh club - coat and tie event.
We travelled back to Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. The scenery is really spectacular. We were there on the Friday and read in the paper in the next couple of days that one of the 12 apostles collapsed on that day - we did not see it go.
We stayed with Bill and Bridget on the Friday night at Torquay and then on the Melbourne on Saturday.
Melbourne was delightful getting to know the beautiful Blake. He really is a character. We took the train to Melbourne centre and enjoyed an afternoon at the Aquarium.

Church Point Sydney

We spent a lovely 5 days in Sydney. One of our coffee trips was to Church Point. Great spot.

We celebrated Danielle's birthday as well.

We drove home via Wollongong along the coast and then to Moss Vale via Moss Vale. A really beautiful drive up the Macquarie Pass.

A few photos for your interest.

R.I.P

Our dear friend Lorna died today. She will be with her darling Hilton now.

Sophie and Charlie

Here are a couple of photos of Charlie and Sophie. Unfortunately they are not the best photos but it took a little persuading for them to have them taken.

Sydney

We had a great week-end in Sydney staying with Denise. On Saturday night we had the pleasure of Alex, Russel and Romy over for dinner. Photo

On Sunday Heidi and Nick, Lisa and Andrew came for lunch. Photo

Denise is minding Aylah for the week while Michelle and Thomas are in Fiji.

Birthday

What a lovely birthday I had. Great art work from Seattle. Many phone calls and a visit from Denise. Melissa and Paul cooked a great dinner and we spent too many hours trying to complete a jigsaw puzzle.

Mother's Day

My first Mother's without my mother. My day was spent very quietly. We were dog sitting for Melissa and Paul and family who went to visit with Paul's parents. Margaret and Frank were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.

Washington and the Cherry Tree

Dad is Tony and the Apple tree. We have spent the day cutting down the apple tree. A bit sad but we didn't look after it properly and diseases could spread to other trees in the area. We have designs to move a couple of our plants from the front around to the back.

Cataract

Dad had his cataract removed/repaired on Thursday. He says he is not in pain but the eye looks very bloodshot. He is not to do any heavy work for a week or so - that includes golf. His back is improving but finds it hard to remember to do his excercises!!!
The weather here in Canberra is absolutely beautiful. We did have some rain over Easter which is improving the greenness of the grass. Oh how we wish for more rain. Queensland is drowning!!
There are so many repairs/jobs to do around here that I don't know where to start. We will have to work out a programme of attack. One small step at a time. I must get on to painting the rest of the iron work on the back patio. The front looks quite decent with the carport, gate and wrought iron painted.
There was an earthquake in Melbourne recently and it did damage to John's retaining wall. Of course the fine print in his insurance policy does not cover repair of that. It looks like he is postponing a proposed trip to Jamaica. Living on one salary is quite stressful for him. He doesn't complain though.

photos

I didn't succeed in getting the photos on the last blog. Better luck this time

Easter

Easter was spent in Melbourne visiting with the John Fairhalls. Blake is coming along in leaps and bounds - literally. He is a very active little man and just beautiful.
We had a lovely time and had the opportunity to catch up with Judy, Audrey, Jae, Thomas and Sofia. Take away Indian was had and thoroughly enjoyed by all but Dad who found it too hot.
Good Friday we went to the Zoo. We had a great day but I feel too sad for the animals to really enjoy it. I am glad I went but...
Some photos from the weekend.

Famous son in law

i just watched a utube film? of my son in law. VERY impressive.

Dentist

Dentist day today. My teeth are beautifully cleaned and I feel I can face the world again. Boy do they feel great. The good news is I don't have any problems with my teeth - 12 months before I do that again.

Diamond ring

Today I picked up a redesigned ring made from Mother's engagement ring and dress ring. It is beautiful. I had it remade, as her rings were so thin and unwearable as they were. It is lovely to see it on my finger and know she would appreciate it as well.

Autumn

Autumn must be the best time of the year. The trees are beginning to change colour. The weather is perfect - around 20 - 30 degrees in the day time and lovely and cool if not cold at night. Oh how we wish for rain though!!
Autumn brings with it some work - cleaning the garden - pruning etc.

Tuscany

I watched "Under the Tuscan Sun"the other night on television. It does whet the appetite so.

Curvy

I have started to go to Curves to improve my health. Must say I don't really enjoy it much but I feel I have to start somewhere. Going back to golf in April

House painting

Just to get back in the swing of blogging.
We have started to paint the outside of the house. So far Tony has painted the front carport and the side one. The woodwork around the front entrance and the front door is done and I am getting the wrought iron underway. I can't say it is going very quickly - I do loose interest on a regular basis.