Serenity Creek

Wow .... It HAS been a long time

2011-09-05T21:56:00.000+10:00

I didn't realise how long it has been since I posted on my blog.

Today's blog is about my special little treats.

Even though our mulberry tree has split down the middle after a lightning strike it is full of leaves and already beariing fruit.

Already loaded with fruit .....

And so sweet tasting mmmmmm

The mango trees are in full flower so hopefully we will have lots of yummy mangoes in a few months.

Can't wait :)

Decorating the Tree

2010-12-03T16:28:00.000+10:00

Christmas, Christmas time is here ........

Yep its that time of the year again!

Don't you love Christmas?

I do!

My kids do!

And putting up the tree and decorating is just the start.

The carols are playing!

The mood is changing (if only it wasn't like that all year round)

The shops are absolutely crazy!
(I'm finished with shopping so I don't have to fight the crazy people now)

Saturday Fun

2010-09-20T21:44:00.000+10:00

It wasn't the best weather but in the afternoon is was nice enough to take a family trip to the beach.

We walked for miles both on the beach and then on the footpaths.

Went to the parkland as well so the boys could play on the swings.

It was a fun afternoon.

Red Car Yellow Car

2010-09-05T18:46:00.000+10:00

Have you ever played this game?

The boys and I have so much fun when we play this.
You get 1 point for every red car you spot and 5 points for every yellow car (or vehicle of any kind)
Today I won hahahaha
Seeing as I'm usually driving you'd think I'd win all the time but the boys are very good at spotting the cars in the distance and I'm usually concentrating on something else.
I only won by 15 points and that's cause I saw 3 yellow cars in a row!
See what happens tomorrow as we reset the points on a new trip :)

Landscape Painting

2010-09-03T14:00:00.000+10:00

Its finally finished

Melbourne

2010-09-02T13:45:00.000+10:00

I went off to Melbourne to spend time with a friend. We were both sick so basically just chilled and laughed and laughed. Had such a good time and really can't wait to do it again one day.

We followed this rainbow all the way from the airport to home.

Baby Chicks

2010-09-01T13:37:00.001+10:00

Cam's kindy has hatched chicks!

Paul Weller - Brand New Start

2010-08-09T21:27:00.000+10:00

Tuesday Trivia

2010-07-20T01:52:00.015+10:00

July 20
1801 - A 1,235 pound cheese ball was pressed at the farm of Elisha Brown, Jr. The ball of cheese was later loaded on a horse-driven wagon and presented to U.S. President Thomas Jefferson at the White House.

1810 - Colombia declared independence from Spain.

1859 - Brooklyn and New York played baseball at Fashion Park Race Course on Long Island, NY. The game marked the first time that admission had been charged for to see a ball game. It cost $.50 to get in and the players on the field did not receive a salary (until 1863).

1861 - The Congress of the Confederate States began holding sessions in Richmond, VA.

1868 - Legislation that ordered U.S. tax stamps to be placed on all cigarette packs was passed.

1871 - British Columbia joined Confederation as a Canadian province.

1881 - Sioux Indian leader Sitting Bull, a fugitive since the Battle of the Little Big Horn, surrendered to federal troops.

1908 - In the United States, the Sullivan Ordinance bars women from smoking in public facilities.

1917 - The draft lottery in World War I went into operation.

1935 - NBC radio debuted "G-men." The show was later renamed "Gangbusters."

1942 - The first detachment of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, (WACS) began basic training at Fort Des Moines, Iowa.

1944 - An attempt by a group of German officials to assassinate Adolf Hitler failed. The bomb exploded at Hitler's Rastenburg headquarters. Hitler was only wounded.

1944 - U.S. President Roosevelt was nominated for an unprecedented fourth term of office at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

1947 - The National Football League (NFL) ruled that no professional team could sign a player who had college eligibility remaining.

1951 - Jordan's King Abdullah Ibn Hussein was assassinated in Jerusalem.

1961 - "Stop the World, I Want to Get Off" opened in London.

1969 - Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr. became the first men to walk on the moon.

1974 - Turkish forces invaded Cyprus.

1976 - America's Viking I robot spacecraft made a successful landing on Mars.

1977 - A flash flood hit Johnstown, PA, killing 80 people and causing $350 million worth of damage.

1982 - U.S. President Ronald Reagan pulled the U.S. out of comprehensive test ban negotiations indefinitely.

1985 - Treasure hunters began raising $400 million in coins and silver from the Spanish galleon "Nuestra Senora de Atocha." The ship sank in 1622 40 miles of the coast of Key West, FL.

1992 - Vaclav Havel, the playwright who led the Velvet Revolution against communism, stepped down as president of Czechoslovakia.

1993 - White House deputy counsel Vincent Foster Jr. was found shot to death, a suicide, in a park near Washington, DC.

1997 - Seven people were arrested after New York City police found scores of deaf Mexicans kept in slave-like conditions and forced to peddle trinkets for the smugglers who had brought them to the U.S.

1998 - Russia won a $11.2 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund to help avert the devaluation of its currency.

2003 - In India, elephants used for commercial work began wearing reflectors to avoid being hit by cars during night work.

Musical Mondays

2010-07-19T02:21:00.011+10:00

July 19

1811 - Composer Vincenz Lachner was born.

1939 - Jack Teagarden and his orchestra recorded "Aunt Hagar’s Blues."

1942 - "The Seventh Symphony," by Shastakovich, was performed for the first time in the U.S. by Arturo Toscanini and the NBC Symphony Orchestra.

1949 - Harry Belafonte began recording his first sessions for Capitol Records. They included the songs "They Didn’t Believe Me" and "Close Your Eyes."

1954 - Elvis Presley's first single was released by Sun Records. It was "That's All Right" b/w "Blue Moon of Kentucky."

1966 - Frank Sinatra, at the age of 50, married the 20-year-old actress Mia Farrow.

1969 - The Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Women" was released.

1969 - The Spencer Davis group broke up.

1975 - Orleans' "Dance With Me" was released.

1976 - Deep Purple broke up.

1980 - Billy Joel earned his first gold record with "It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me."

1980 - David Bowie made his theatrical debut as the title role in "The Elephant Man."

1981 - "Roy Orbison Day" was celebrated in Odessa, TX.

1990 - Vikki Carr opened the ceremonies for dedication of the The Nixon Library. She sang in front of 4 Presidents, President Nixon, President Ford, President Reagan and President Bush, all which she had performed for at the White House during their terms. Herny Kissinger, Alexander Haig and Gene Autry were also present.

1991 - Former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler filed a lawsuit against the band. He claimed the other members had forced him to use heroin, then made him quit the band when he entered a rehabilitation program.

1995 - Elvis Presley's former doctor Dr. George Nichopoulous, lost his medical license for being "too liberal" when prescribing addictive drugs.

1999 - Dr. Dre filed a lawsuit against Priority Records and Death Row Records. Dre alleged that the release of the album "The Chronic 2000" infringed on his trademark.

1999 - They Might Be Giants released the album "Long Tall Weekend." It was released exclusively in the MP3 format.

New Project

2010-07-18T18:03:00.000+10:00

I'm crocheting a string shopping bag. Thinking that it might be a small version but I suppose it depends on the stretch of it.

The pattern comes from

Its a great book with stitch instructions as well as some patterns.

My Monkey

2010-07-16T18:01:00.000+10:00

This isn't a great photo but its one that Cameron's kindy took. It was from their mother's day makeover.

Us mothers were really pampered with hand, feet and scalp massages. Cameron throroughly enjoyed doing all these helpful things for his mummy. He put the lip gloss on me really great. The nail polish .... well let's see if I can find a photo of it hahahaha

I just love my little monkey to bits (and his ape brothers) lol

My Love Affair

2010-07-15T00:00:00.001+10:00

Yes you read that right.

I'm having a love affair!

Who with you ask?

Not quite exactly a who but a what?

I am loving my new printer.

Its a PIXMA MX870!

Got it at an absolute steal.

So this time its a FAX, scan, copy, print one. The last one couldn't send a fax.

It has so many neat little tricks. A paper cartridege at the front, photo paper at the back and of course the fax goes in on top.

Again it has its own seperate print cartridges. What I love about the canons is if the print head goes bust you can just replace that and not the whole computer.

Photos print out amazingly clear.

Am now ready to use the fax function tomorrow :)

Yes, I do admit I love my new printer =D

Wandering Wednesdays

2010-07-14T02:37:00.002+10:00

This week's Wandering Wednesday's come from wandering around my own backyard!

Please enjoy as much as I did.

I love our snowflakes!

Knitted Shawl

2010-07-13T14:34:00.000+10:00

You might remember my post here where I had started my shawl.

Its now finished.

(Please excuse the photos as I used the boys bathroom to take them)

Tuesday Trivia - July 13

2010-07-13T01:34:00.020+10:00

July 13
1099 - The Crusaders launched their final assault on Muslims in Jerusalem.

1534 - The Ottoman armies captured Tabriz in northwestern Persia.

1558 - Led by the court of Egmont, the Spanish army defeated the French at Gravelines, France.

1585 - A group of 108 English colonists, led by Sir Richard Grenville, reached Roanoke Island, NC.

1643 - In England, the Roundheads, led by Sir William Waller, were defeated by royalist troops under Lord Wilmot in the Battle of Roundway Down.

1754 - At the beginning of the French and Indian War, George Washington surrendered the small, circular Fort Necessity in southwestern Pennsylvania to the French.

1787 - The U.S. Congress, under the Articles of Confederation, enacted the Northwest Ordinance, which established the rules for governing the Northwest Territory, for admitting new states to the Union and limiting the expansion of slavery.

1793 - French revolutionary writer Jean Paul Marat was stabbed to death in his bath by Charlotte Corday. She was executed four days later.

1812 - The first pawnbroking ordinance was passed in New York City.

1832 - Henry Schoolcraft discovered the source of the Mississippi River in Minnesota.

1835 - John Ruggles received patent #1 from the U.S. Patent Office for a traction wheel used in locomotive steam engines. All 9,957 previous patents were not numbered.

1863 - Opponents of the Civil War draft began three days of rioting in New York City, which resulted in more than 1,000 casualties.

1875 - David Brown patented the first cash-carrier system.

1878 - The Congress of Berlin divided the Balkans among European powers.

1896 - Philadelphia’s Ed Delahanty became the second major league player to hit four home runs in a single game.

1931 - A major German financial institution, Danabank, failed. This led to the closing of all banks in Germany until August 5.

1941 - Britain and the Soviet Union signed a mutual aid pact, that provided the means for Britain to send war material to the Soviet Union.

1954 - In Geneva, the United States, Great Britain and France reached an accord on Indochina which divided Vietnam into two countries, North and South, along the 17th parallel.

1967 - Race-related rioting broke out in Newark, NJ. At the end of four days of violence 27 people had been killed.

1971 - The Army of Morocco executed ten leaders accused of leading a revolt.

1972 - Carroll Rosenbloom (owner of the Baltimore Colts) and Robert Irsay (owner of the Los Angeles Rams) traded teams.

1973 - David Bedford set a new world record in the 10,000-meter race in London. His time was 27 minutes, 31 seconds.

1978 - Lee Iacocca was fired as president of Ford Motor Co. by chairman Henry Ford II.

1979 - A 45-hour siege began at the Egyptian Embassy in Ankara, Turkey. Four Palestinian guerrillas killed two security men and seized 20 hostages.

1982 - The All-Star Game was played outside the United States for the first time. They played in Montreal, Canada.

1984 - In Arkansas, Terry Wallis was injured in a car accident and was left comatose. He came out of the coma in June of 2003.

1994 - Jeff Gillooly, Tonya Harding's ex-husband, was sentenced in Portland, OR, to two years in prison for his role in the attack on Nancy Kerrigan.

1998 - "Image of an Assassination" went on sale. The video documentary is of Abraham Zapruder's home video of U.S. President Kennedy's assassination in Dallas.

1998 - Four young cousins in Gallup, NM, died after becoming trapped in a car trunk.

1998 - RealNetworks Inc. rolled out a test version of RealSystem G2. G2 is a streaming video and audio delivery system.

2000 - The United States and Vietnam singed a major trade agreement. The pact still needed to be approved by the U.S. Congress.

2000 - Sprint Corp. and WorldCom canceled their planned merger due to opposition by regulators in the United States and Europe.

Musical Mondays

2010-07-12T02:00:00.029+10:00

July 12

1962 - Rolling Stones 1st performance (Marquee Club, London)

1970 - Blues-Rock singer Janis Joplin debuts in Kentucky

1993 - Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical "Sunset Promenade" opens in London

Hmmmmmm

2010-07-11T09:00:00.001+10:00

I have a lot on my mind today.

Its mainly about marriage.

You see mine nearly ended this past Easter.

A lot was involved.

People were doing things they shouldn't of been doing.

Saying things that they knew were not truths.

A small gap became a yawning canyon with us wondering how this could be bridged.

What could we do and how did we allow this to become such a wedge between us.

After some very hard and extremely painful weeks, decisions were made and committments were renewed.

Many tears were shed and bodies held for comfort.

Lies had been designed to hurt us for others to "save face". How sad it is that ....... (you may finish this statement however you wish, I have too many endings for it).

Last year I bought the 40 Day Love Dare. I wanted to begin then but we weren't ready then. It seemed like a lot of effort to be honest.

I now believe we both are at that time and place to begin. I'm hoping he will do this with me, but if not, I'm at peace with that.

There are still a few bumps here and there that I am sure will try to trip us again one day but if we remain vigilant, be strong with and for each other, love unconditionally and most importantly have faith, I believe that eventually it will be so much smoother.

We have learnt to trust one another again. Not let lies people tell to allow us to doubt one another. We need to be on our guard from those who are not only strangers but also those who we love and who are supposed to love us.

This situation may have caused us to separate ourselves from some people but it has definitely pulled us closer together with a love that is even stronger.

We even are laughing with each other again.

Beach Shots

2010-06-10T15:08:00.001+10:00

At the beach while on holidays. Some beautiful views

Home Again

2010-06-06T15:36:00.000+10:00

Its amazing, no matter how much I enjoy being on holiday, I really appreciate coming home.

We had such a great time. Even though we all got sick again throughout the week we still had fun.

Everyday and evening we swam in the heated pool (oh such bliss) while during the day we packed in as much as possible visiting everything and everywhere lol

Nights were late meals, as we usually weren't back at our unit until dark, late swims and then a game or movie before bed.

Its so exhausting to have fun!

Photos to come =)

Beautiful

2010-05-30T15:48:00.002+10:00

Perfect end to a great day.

We!re here

2010-05-29T17:42:00.002+10:00

We got in the car this am to head off on our holiday and zip, nada, nothing.

So $500 a new starter motor, battery and nearly 3 hrs later we were on our way.

Now we've settled in and are heading out for dinner then a late swim in heated pool.

Back at it

2010-05-24T22:21:00.003+10:00

Wow! Its been so long.
I'm 1/2 way through making a shawl.
Will hopefully be more regular with my blog again :-D
You wouldn't know it but there are over 100 stitches on that needle lol

Bonnie, this is the shawl we got the pattern and stuff for last winter hahaha

More pics from the beach

2010-02-07T19:39:00.000+10:00

The Beach

2010-02-06T08:40:00.002+10:00

Here i sit watching all my boys swim.

Its a beatiful morning.

Looking forward to the rest of the day.

This is the first post via my cell.

Its Wednesday already :O

2010-02-03T19:26:00.000+10:00

It can't be!

I'm sure I only posted yesterday lol

Yesterday was my birthday.

My mum and I went to the movies and saw "It's Complicated".

Really enjoyable and funny!

Then we went out for lunch which was very nice.

Good quality time together without the kids.

My niece came over for dinner and birthday cake.

I made some yummy cumbed chicken :D

Photos will come (I hope).

Haircuts

2010-01-31T21:11:00.000+10:00

They all got clippered this morning :D

(not Mr Happy)

All is good!

2010-01-30T12:44:00.000+10:00

Its Saturday.
It's been raining.
We so badly need the rain.
Everything is so dry.
The grass is already looking green once again.

On Thursday I had another stroke specialist appointment.
He is really really happy with how I am.
He agrees that the left overs from the stroke are hardly noticeable to him let alone anyone who didn't know I had one.
He has concurred with the Autonomic Neuropathy diagnosis by his registrar. It was not a factor in the cause of the stroke but because of the stroke is why I've been able to have an early diagnosis.
I have to have another couple of tests and if everything looks ok still in 3 mths he is going to hand me over to the Endocrine department.
Woohoo!!!!
They will concentrate on the diabetes and blood pressure mainly but it shows how confident he is with my recovery.

I have to seriously think about lap band surgery.
The specs have suggested that I am a good candidate for this even if I may not be "big"enough due to health concerns.
In the last 6 yrs, with food changes and exercise the most I have lost is only 5 kgs.
I'm told not to be depressed about this (yeah, right) as its not what I'm doing or not doing but how my body is working.
In reality, its not.
I keep being told by all the drs that I am definitely their challenge hahahahaha
Anyway, I'll go to an appnt and talk about it with Gary.
Seriously consider it and if all risks are minimal then maybe that's what I'll do.

Started me on a new medication (again) so hoping there are no serious side effects with this one like last time :(

Ciao for now!

The school year is officially started!

2010-01-27T09:40:00.000+10:00

Wow!!!
The silence is amazing.
Not a squeal, scream or yell.
But also not a laugh or voices chattering about their game playing.
Its the laughing I'll miss.
I'm enjoying the silence and wondering what I'll do.

There is no drop off area outside the school anymore :(
They've replaced it with 11 car parking spots.
How ridiculous is that!!!
So where people could pull in and drop off and pick up in the afternoon ....
Nope ... can't do that anymore.
Not sure what we'll do but I suppose we'll work it out.
I'm not going back to parking 45 mins early just to get a car park.

Australia Day

2010-01-26T21:34:00.000+10:00

Did you have a nice one?

We did!!!

We went to Gary's sister's place in the morning, had a swim and then a bbq lunch.

It was lovely.

Gary's brother and his family were down so they were there as well.

Organisation

2010-01-25T16:59:00.002+10:00

A couple of friends who have blogs have posted about their organisation.

These ladies have a real talent for being organised.

Please visit their blogs to see how good they are :
Bonnie @ Simple Beauty and
Katy @ The Country Blossom

Anyway, I am in no way anywhere close to their standards but I thought I'd show you my setup :D

I have my diary that I write everything in. Appointments, to-do-lists, people's contacts etc.

Then I have my wall.

Museum Photos

2010-01-24T06:13:00.000+10:00

On the train going in ..... silly boys :D

In the Museum

Botanical Gardens

2010-01-23T18:11:00.004+10:00

Today we went to the Botanical Gardens.

It was hot and the kids got tired pretty quickly but we had a great morning still

Country Blossom Giveaway.

2010-01-23T15:29:00.000+10:00

My friend Katy is having a fantastic giveaway over on her blog http://countryblossom.blogspot.com/2010/01/giveaway.html

Go visit and enter. You could win yourself a terrific bag.

First Video Blog

2010-01-22T18:08:00.001+10:00

Its a little bit awkward and I pull some funny face expressions but here goes :D

What a day!

2010-01-21T19:51:00.000+10:00

We got home this morning about 9am.
I was so tired.
I sat and watched a movie with boys but fell asleep for the last 20 minutes.
Darn it!!!!
Then it was lunch time and off to buy uniforms.
I expected there to be a very long line at the school but it only took us about 50 minutes to wait, select and buy the uniforms for Connor.
Then we dashed up to the Plaza to buy some more wrapping paper.
This year I decided to cover the school books in wrapping paper (spiderman, batman, madagascar and cars).
I was then going to contact them but a friend convinced me (very easily) to just put them in plastic sleeves.
So bought the sleeves.
Now we are totally ready for the school year.
New bags, lunch boxes, drink bottles, uniforms, shoes, socks, undies, books and I can't think of anything else :D

Here are a couple of photos from the pool yesterday.

Cameron's feet were all I could see as he came down the slide haha

Caught Connor just as he hit the water

Justin and Cameron

Sun & Fun

2010-01-20T17:53:00.000+10:00

Took the boys and one niece to the pool this morning.

They all had fun.

There is a slide at the pool that is tended by a lifeguard.

Hopefully the pics I took turned out.

This afternoon we went and picked up another niece from her work and had a look around the shops.

I got my eyebrows and eyelashes tinted.

Then when we got home we watched Butterfly Effect 3.

Interesting movie.

Tonight I'll go watch a niece play netball.

Tomorrow we go home.

Funeral

2010-01-19T08:23:00.000+10:00

Today we go to my uncle's funeral.

My dad was one of 11 children.

Now there are only 4 left.

Hopefully I will have something else later today that will be more happy to post about :(

Museum Trip

2010-01-18T20:16:00.000+10:00

Well, here we are in Brisbane visiting family for a few days.

Today I took the boys and 2 nieces to Southbank and to the Museum.

My sister loaned me her car so we drove to one of the railway stations and caught a train into Southbank.

The boys love train rides.

They've only ever been on a couple.

We walked around Southbank for a bit and had lunch near the playground/lagoon section.

Then off to the Museum.

It was such a good experience for the boys.

Only Connor had ever been there before.

Once finished we were back to the train station to travel home.

We had to change trains 2 stations before our stop but we missed the connecting train.

Thankfully another one came through only 4 minutes later.

Photos to come after I get home and can upload them.

So far so good

2010-01-16T11:28:00.000+10:00

Its been 2 weeks and my posting is regular.

Woohoo!!

Let's see if I can keep it up LOL

Memories

2010-01-15T15:23:00.001+10:00

Weren't we cute!
I can't believe how young we look.
I think we were 19 & 20 there.
In the newish blossom of love.
We became a couple when I was 17 & he was 18.
Oh, the memories :D

Nothing exciting

2010-01-14T20:18:00.000+10:00

I had a drs appnt today.
It was crazy.
I had to wait 1.5 hrs.
The it took 45 mins to get everything done.
I was glad to get out of there.
Then I had to pack Connor's bag.
He's gone away for the weekend.
Had to rush out and buy him some swimmers.
Hardly anything fits him.
He's grown to tall.

Computer Set Up

2010-01-13T01:11:00.000+10:00

Finally I think I have everything loaded, connected and installed.

I got my new 7 USB Hub today so I have 13 USB ports in total.

10 are already used lol

I even tidied my desk!

Unfortunately I can't find much now :D

What a beautiful day

2010-01-12T10:42:00.000+10:00

After the murky weather we've had since Christmas this week has brought the sun out (and the heat).

Today the boys and I set off to Kidzone with some friends. Its sort of like Maze Mania but newer, bigger and better. It even has an indoor jumping castle.

Sorry, I forgot to take my camera so no photos this time.

Enjoyed the company and had some great laughs.

The kids had a ball too :D

Fallen

2010-01-11T14:01:00.004+10:00

by Lauren Kate

I've been looking at this for awhile and decided to pick it up today.

There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

Summer BBQs

2010-01-09T19:03:00.001+10:00

I love them!

After the yucky weather we've had since Christmas it was so nice today to wake up to the sun shining and no rain :D

So tonight was going to be a BBQ tea ever since waking.

A couple of pices of steak and a few snags .... yummy!

Missed yesterday's post

2010-01-08T19:55:00.000+10:00

But I have a good excuse :D

I was in Brisbane visiting with a friend who had flown in from London and waiting for her next connection.

It was so good to see her again and as we had just over 3 hours to wait for her next flight and neither of us had been to DFO before, that's where we headed.

We were both impressed.

We had good chats, lots of laughs and I can't wait to do it all again. Next time though, I hope it will be in one of our homes and not the airport hahahaha

Today we took the boys to see Alvin & the Chipmunks: The Sqeakquel.

It was great. Lots of laughs.

Now after the hectic week I've had, I'm so ready for bed.

Just a quickie

2010-01-06T21:09:00.000+10:00

Only a quick post today to keep up with my committment :D

Had the final battle in the war over my HD box. Conclusion : Refund given and I have now bought a brand new one from a different retailer.

Am nearly finished reloading all my programs on the new computer *yay*

Need to enter in everybody's emails again :(

Tomorrow I head down to Brisbane airport to meet up with a friend on her return from England. Can't wait :D

What a day!

2010-01-06T00:26:00.000+10:00

Today started off with me not getting to sleep until about 4.30am.

Had lots of pain in a certain area.

The treatment for this particular problem is to use ventolin as it is supposed to relax all the muscles.

Well it didn't work!

So I woke up about 10.00am.

Gary informs me he can't get the computer to work.

Neither can I.

After 4 hours of trying every trick I've ever been taught, no go!

So off to buy a new one I went!

Thank goodness for Interest Free!!!!!

While all this was happening, we were waiting for a courier to pick up our HD Set Top Box!

It stopped working last Tuesday.

Wednesday I took it back to the store but they wouldn't refund as the manufacturer's had told them it HAS to go back to them for repair or replacement.

After much DISCUSSION a courier was booked for today (Tuesday).

I was told IN THE AFTERNOON!

Well by 4.45pm the courier had still not arrived.

NOT a good day to mess with me :D

So the store will now contact the manufacturer in the morning and find out what the heck happened to the courier.

Hopefully they'll just say - REFUND - as its easier!

Will post a pic of the new puter when I take one :D

Christmas Lights

2010-01-04T16:55:00.000+10:00

My Christmas

2010-01-03T15:41:00.000+10:00

I know, I'm late but at least I'm finally here.

My Christmas was absolutely perfect! For the first time we spent the entire day at home with just us 5. It was so good not having to jump up, open presents, get dressed and in the car until late at night. Usually we split between both families.

This year we went down to Gary's parents and uncle on Christmas Eve and had Boxing Day with my side.

Here are my goodies from Gary and the boys. I did so well I think ;)

A hairclip in my favourite colour

A book voucher for $50 (oh yeah!!!) A large box of Ferror Rocher and goodies for my xbox 360.

Such a little cutie!

2010-01-02T06:14:00.004+10:00

Cameron learnt a heap of songs at the end of last year for his Kindy concert. He of course, then had to sing them to everybody who would listen.

Here is just one of them.

Its not the best quality, sorry. I took the video on my mobile phone :D

Disclaimer: None of the adult voices are mine hahahahaha

New Year Resolutions

2010-01-01T06:26:00.001+10:00

Do you ever make any?

I don't!

I figure if you're going to make a change in your life (style etc) that it should be something that is not thought about at the beginning of the year, but, all through the year.

I don't think I know, personally, anyone who has ever made a resolution and stuck to it :D

This year though, I'm acting out of normal behaviour and am going to make a resolution.

My resolution is to make more of an effort with my blogs!

I'm tired of myself being slack so beginning January 1, 2010, I will make more effect to post on both my blogs :D

I'm hoping to surprise myself and stick to it!

Poor Teddy

2009-12-08T00:01:00.000+10:00

Gary went outside the other day and asked where my cockatiel had gone.
I thought he was joking.
Nope, he was serious.
One of the little doors was half-way up.
Apparently he can let himself out of the cage.
I went outside and started whistling.
I was sure I could hear him respond.
There he was, under the bbq.
He climbed straight up onto my arm when I went to him.
He had been attacked by birds but at that stage we didn't know what ones.
We thought if magpies or butcher birds, he'd be dead.
So that left the noisy minors as culprits :(

But after he climbed up my arm, he flew off down to the back garden.

As soon as he landed about 6 noisy minors attacked him again.
I ran down to save him, whistling madly.
Finally he came out of hiding amongst the branches on the ground.

He was a bit traumatised and once back in the safety of his cage, only wanted to sleep.

And the year draws near to an end

2009-12-07T21:48:00.000+10:00

Wow! How fast has this year gone?

I know, too fast!

But so much has happened this year.

To me, anyway.

Started by turning 40! Big big big thing :D

Celebrated Justin's 6th birthday in March.

Also went to Melbourne in March for a BrAshA-T meet(ing)

Celebrated 18 yrs of marriage in April

Had the stroke in May :(

Went to BrAshA-T's Annual Gala Dinner in June

Connor turned 8 in June

Cameron turned 4 in August

Met up with friends from WA in September

Battled a terrible chemical reaction in November

Looking forward to Christmas but saddened for the anniversary of my Nana's death in December

I really miss you Nan xoxoxo

And will end the year with a bang (hopefully)

Will be glad to start 2010!

Movie Night

2009-11-28T00:39:00.000+10:00

My niece came over and had dinner with us tonight.

After dinner me & my niece went to see the following movie.

I'm not a real fan of comedy movies but Couples Retreat is fantastic!

Such an enjoyable night!

Knitting with Wire

2009-11-18T20:10:00.000+10:00

Layout 150 beads

Start threading onto wire

You just know its going to look good

Get your 4mm needles

Start knitting!

Will post instructions in a bit :D

Love on a Wednesday afternoon

2009-11-04T21:11:00.004+10:00

I took the boys down to the beach today to play in the park there.As we were walking over to the playground, I could hear loud voices that seemed to be coming from a speaker.

A little further on I came to a small group gathered around 3 other people and figured out I'd walked into a wedding party.

Two were being married by a celebrant and the man was reciting his vows using a microphone and small amp. He was dressed in t-shirt, shorts, thongs and his lady had on a black dressy top and skirt (I think). They had 6 witnesses and seemed to be very happy.

I thought it was so lovely that I could witness their happy moment.

Who cares what the outside looks like when the inside was so pure.

Painting updates

2009-11-03T09:21:00.001+10:00

October 23, 2009

October 30, 2009

Slowly coming along but starting to take shape nicely.

Funnies - Computer

2009-10-30T13:59:00.003+10:00

Funnies

2009-10-28T13:58:00.000+10:00

Back to Painting

2009-10-25T22:55:00.004+10:00

I went back to Art last Friday.

The ladies were certain I wasn't returning.

When I walked in they all started clapping lol

It felt good to have a paintbrush in the hand again :D

This is where I was up to -

Will post a new pic when I upload it (soon)

Knitting with Wire

2009-10-18T14:31:00.003+10:00

I've been working steadily at building my lot of crocheted bracelets.

Some already belong to other people now :D

My niece came over the other day. She has one of my bracelets.

She is so impressed she has now challenged me beyond them.

"Can you make a knitted wire & bead bracelet?" she asked.

I thought, hmmmmmm wonder what they look like.

So here is what a couple do look like.

Congratulations

2009-10-17T22:38:00.002+10:00

I found this to be extremely funny!

See where GR is bookmarked and Next is ..... well .... next :D

The congratulations message is what I got when I clicked the Next link.

I can't even tell you what is originally was.

Today ...................

2009-10-05T19:20:00.002+10:00

serenity is not my friend!

Is it bedtime yet?

2009-09-23T21:25:00.003+10:00

I love it when the kids, Cameron especially, asks this question.

I really love it when its before 7.00pm that I'm asked hahaha

Mum or Mom

2009-09-14T15:57:00.002+10:00

I'm an Australian.

We call our mothers ...... Mum.

My American friends call their mothers ..... Mom.

My eldest two boys call me .... Mum.

My youngest calls me ......

Yep, you guessed it.

Cameron calls me .....

Mom!

It makes me giggle every time I here it (which is lots in one 24 hr period)

I can't even blame it on an American friend of mine :D

Cameron's favourite all time movie is Transformers.

He calls people .... humans! (hoo-mans)

And he calls me Mom!

Bracelets

2009-09-12T21:46:00.002+10:00

I made this one yesterday (took nearly 4 hrs in total) in between other things.

I'm really happy how these bracelets are turning out.

What do you think?

The Irish Wedding Blessing

2009-09-10T08:23:00.001+10:00

I've always loved this blessing and in hindsight, of course, wish I had used it at my own wedding.

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon the fields.

May the light of friendship guide your paths together.
May the laughter of children grace the halls of your home.
May the joy of living for one another
trip a smile from your lips, a twinkle from your eye.

And when eternity beckons,
at the end of a life heaped high with love,
May the good Lord embrace you
with the arms that have nurtured you
the whole length of your joy-filled days.

May the gracious God hold you both
in the palm of His hands.
And, today, may the Spirit of Love
find a dwelling place in your hearts.

Crocheted Bracelets

2009-09-09T09:25:00.000+10:00

I've been busy making bracelets. I'm hoping to find a market for them.

They are so easy to make. I make them in about 4-6 hours tops.

This is for a little girl
This one fits a larger wrist
And this is one my 19yr old niece ordered.

Sea Scene Diorama

2009-09-04T07:20:00.000+10:00

One of Connor's assessment pieces for this term's Unit was to build a Sea Scene Diorama. Gary, Connor & I collaborated and this is the end result.
Connor did most of it with me and Gary helping out on the hardest parts.

I am glad that last week has ended

2009-08-29T19:42:00.004+10:00

I have no particular reason to be glad the week is over.

I just feel relieved.

How bizarre, I know.

But I never said I wasn't strange hahahahaha

Next week is going to be painful for me literally.

I have to have a couple of lumps cut out. One on my leg and one on the back of my head in the hairline (behind my left ear).

Not looking forward to that!

I need to post photos of our beautiful mulberry tree.

Every summer, this tree plays a big part in my boys lives.

They spend endless hours climbing it and eating the mulberries.

This year they have said they are going to try and eat all the berries before the birds can get them.

You go boys!!!!!!

I took these photos a couple of weeks ago when the berries started growing.

Now the tree is in full bloom.

The mulberries are red, ripe and juicy ....... yummy!

(I'm sure this crazy weather has the fruit too early but we'll still enjoy it)

Peach, Nectarine and Plum

2009-08-10T22:40:00.005+10:00

Don't you just love stone fruit?

I do!

We have peach, nectarine and plum trees.

Nectarine

Peach (peach flower very similar to the Nectarine)

Plum
At the moment, they are flowering and starting to fruit.

The trees look absolutely beautiful in full flower (but I missed that shot)

I hope the fruit are nice this year.

Last year, the fruit dropped off before they were ripe.

If not the birds, its the bugs.

One of the few things I like about Summer is the fruit :D

My baby is turning 4!!!

2009-08-09T13:58:00.005+10:00

Tuesday is Cameron's 4th birthday.

It still amazes me how quickly life is rushing by now that I'm older.

When I was a kid/teenager, time used to drag and I listen to the boys complain about how long the day is etc and I'm thinking, no way, time is flying by so fast.

I wish that time had dragged by slowly now my kids are growing up.

I haven't had enough time with them while they are young.

Soon I'll be posting about them by teenagers I'm sure.

Today we had a small family birthday party for Cam.

He got some great presents and his cake had to be yellow cupcakes with chocolate icing.

At least they tasted great.

Will post some photos of them when I load them.

Think its Done!

2009-07-30T13:06:00.000+10:00

What do you think?

Do you like the new layout?

I'm done with it for the moment!

I still have a few ideas but they can wait :D

Clean Bill

2009-07-27T17:42:00.003+10:00

I'm looking forward to the day my dr/specialist says "Toni, you're well" and I don't have to have these weekly, fortnightly and monthly appointments.

Its not that I'm not happy with the treatments I've received. I am. I think I couldn't have asked for better.

I'm just over it all.

I've been asked to meet up with a friend for coffee (or in my case, water) but I have to fit everything around med appnts at the moment and I think that's pretty .... ummmm .... well ...... sad!

I hate not being able to have the luxury of being spontaneous and say "how about tomorrow".

It will come though. I will get my clean bill :D

Painting Day Fridays

2009-07-27T06:32:00.000+10:00

Well it seems like forever since I've made a painting post.

Its was actually May 4 I think when I posted where I was up to on my latest painting.

I have dabbled a little bit in the last 11 wks.

Painting was good occupational therapy for me after the stroke.

So this is where I was up to
First session after stroke
And the next 3 worked over the week before school holidays (mid June)

Its a start

2009-07-27T00:47:00.001+10:00

Still working on the layout but at least its not so boring at the moment.

oooo00000000oooo

I'm Bored

2009-07-26T17:26:00.002+10:00

With my blog that is.

Not in posting.

In the layout.

I need to do something to it but quite decide what.

Maybe its too simple.

What do you think?

Good Friends

2009-07-21T08:30:00.000+10:00

are hard come by but Great friends really are a treasure.

I need to thank very treasured and special friends of mine who last night really helped me through a very very tough moment at an hour they probably weren't expecting.

You know who you are!

I grabbed ahold of Psalm 61 and read it over and over for hours until sleep finally took me.

Again thank you. You were there for me immediately as I knew you would be.

And had to rush back here to share this

2009-07-20T21:13:00.004+10:00

An email I just received from my sister :D

Computer trouble!

I was having trouble with my computer. So I called John, the 11
year old next door whose bedroom looks like Mission Control, and
asked him to come over

John clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem

As he was walking away, I called after him, 'So, what was wrong?

He replied, 'It was an ID ten T error'.

I didn't want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired,
'An, ID ten T error? What's that? In case I need to fix it again'

John grinned 'haven’t you ever heard of an ID ten T error before?''

No,' I replied

'Write it down,' he said, 'and I think you'll figure it out'

So I wrote down: I D 1 0 T

I used to like him!

Darn this stupid memory rubbish

2009-07-20T21:02:00.003+10:00

I just had a post all thought out in my head and of course raced in here to type it out.

What did I write????

A big fat nothing!

Why????

Because by the time I sat down and got the right page up, I'd forgotten the whole darn thing.

Couldn't even remember the post title.

How's that for sad!I suppose I need to tie a pen and notepad around my neck.

Attack of the Birds

2009-07-19T14:27:00.006+10:00

We have a big bird community at our place.

Everyday we have .........

Pale-headed RosellasGalahsMagpiesNoisy Minors
(who eat all our figs and mulberries)Rainbow LorrikeetPlovers
(if there is any bird I hate, this is it)Butcher BirdsKookaburras
Bush Turkeys
and many many more, coming in to see what they can find to eat.

This morning I had a little treat to the meat eating birds. Had some steak off-cuts that I sometimes cut up small and feed to my feathered friends.

Unfortunately one of the magpies has taken to terrorizing my Cockatiel, Teddy (an adopted pet).

The maggie tries to peck at him through the cage so I covered Teddy up a bit to give him some hiding space.

What a smart magpie though, I just caught him/her trying to get the cover off the cage to get at Teddy.

(unfortunately wasn't quick enough with the camera)

To me its obvious

2009-07-18T16:16:00.001+10:00

that the stroke did cause a bit of facial muscle sag.

A photo I posted in an earlier post made me think its quite obvious.

What do you think?

The muscles around my eye and from my nose down to my chin I think there is quite a sag.

I don't have the same smile anymore.

But this was taken only 6 wks after the stroke.

Maybe its fatique more than anything (hoping that anyway).

I probably see me than others do ?????

Oh well, if this is the worst thank I'm okay with that.

Its all coming back together so nicely

2009-07-17T16:18:00.001+10:00

Today was my second Occupational Therapy home visit.

I was supposed to cook Lasagna from scratch.

I went to the cupboard but Oh No .......

Of course I didn't have any lasagna sheets but I did have spiral pasta.

So my lasagna became Sprial Pasta with Meat & Cheese sauces :D

My OT was very happy with how I went and said she thinks at the Review next week I should be discharged.

That is really great and it will be one week earlier than planned.

Yep, I'm a happy gal.

What a way to inflate the ego!

2009-07-16T23:22:00.004+10:00

I had my standard doctor appointment this morning.

It was a good one as I really was only there for a checkup.

My doc said she's happy to have these types of appointments where we can have a chat and she doesn't have to solve 27 different medical questions. hahahahaha

She seriously told me that I should be proud with how well I've coped with everything over the past few years.

Awwww she made me blush (I find compliments hard to take)

Then at 3.30pm I had my Stroke appointment.

Now the specialist I see is Dr Grimley. This man is so nice and so good at putting you at ease.

As soon as I sat down, he told me that he was really impressed with how I walked in.

He could immediately see that I was much healthier and he expected me to be alot worse.

Dr Grimley said he was "very impressed" with the speed and level of recovery I've had.

He does say that the speed of recovery will taper off very quickly now and may take 2-3 yrs before I feel a complete recovery has been achieved but I say that if God can do this in 10 wks than He can achieve greater in less than 2-3 yrs.

But I did walk out feeling pretty chuffed :D
Now I just need to borrow a nail and I'm good ......................

Oh Oh Oh

And the best bit of all

I can now drive again!!!!!!!

On my file in big block letters Dr Grimley wrote

FIT TO DRIVE
Woohoo!!!!!

A Childhood Memory

2009-07-15T12:19:00.005+10:00

If I'm ever asked "What was your nickname?"

My usual answer is "Didn't have one"

Never really thought about it much.

Using FB last week my younger sister Krissy made a comment and she called me "Tyrone"

The memories that then invaded my mind.

Our brothers use to get my sister and I to box each other in the backyard.

She was called "Killer Kris" and I was "Tyrone Tone".

We used to really go for it too.
Mind you we probably weren't older than about 8 or 9.

So there you have it.

Looks like I do have a nickname after all.

Everyone, I'd like you to meet

Tyrone Tone & Killer Kris

Oh I'm the cute one in the yellow dress ;)

4 Weeks

2009-07-14T18:41:00.002+10:00

Its around 4 wks since my last post.

Don't know why I haven't blogged, just haven't felt like it.

Don't you ever feel that way?

Last Friday made 9 wks since having the stroke!

Wow! I can't believe it was that long ago. Especially seeing as I have been home for 7 of those 9 weeks. I have been so blessed to have recovered so quickly.

On Thursday I go to see the Stroke Team. I'm hoping that they will allow me to start driving again.

One thing I have found so difficult is that I have not be able to be independent. I can't just jump in my car and go wherever I want.

I've always taken that for granted in the past but I now have a new perspective of dependence.

Anyway, in the past month I haven't really been doing anything exciting.

I've had doctor appointments, therapist appointment, physio appoints, occupational appointments .........

My life has consisted of appointments with some days have multiple ones.

I was supposed to have an appointment today but woke up with a stomach bug. It felt so good to just stay at home on my own for a change.

Yep, that's right, Gary went back to work last night so now I'm on my own again (well, he's sleeping in the other room but you know what I mean) :D

This Rehab thing is getting old!

2009-06-17T06:00:00.000+10:00

I am an impatient recoverer (is that a word :D)

I am so over having the stroke and just want life to back to normal.

I'm glad that I am able to do rehabilitation to help getting my right side back to working order again but since being home from hospital, the responses are alot slower.

I expected to be doing more and "feeling" more than I do right now.

My Rehab team are very happy with my results though and assure me that I'm doing extremely well for it only being 5 wks since the stroke.

Monday I was back at the pool, walking instead of swimming. That went for 25 minutes. Not long I know, but yeah, it was looooonnnnngggggg.

Then at lunchtime I started my rehab course.

I had Occupational Therapy for an hour, Speech Therapy where my swallowing and mouth/face/neck muscles were checked out (for an hour) and then finished it off with Physical Therapy. It was HUGE!

I was so tired come night time and Tuesday morning.

Dear housesitter, please feed dog, grow marijuana

2009-06-16T21:58:00.005+10:00

June 16, 2009 - 12:57PM

A note that instructed a housesitter how to feed the dogs and grow dope indoors has landed a Kiwi man in hot water with police.

This news title from the online news site reminded me of a situation when I was younger. A person I knew (a young lad) had this really nice "pot" plant. He had to go away for a couple of weeks and was a bit upset because he was sure his "pot" plant would die.

When he came home, however, he found his "pot" plant flourishing.

His mum had discovered his beautiful little "tomato" plant and decide to tend it with loving care while he was away. She was so chuffed that her little man was into gardening.

Hmmmmmmm ..... yeah Mrs Jones, Terrence loved his "pot" plants.

Little did she know that the plant she gave such love too would have earnt her a stay in the local watch-house.

"Wonder when it will grow the tomatoes???????"

Bribery will get you ........

2009-06-14T21:50:00.003+10:00

You know what?

What? did I hear you say?

I've found the perfect bribery for my oldest boy, Connor.

This year for his birthday he got to choose his celebration. He could either have a party or get a DS Lite. He chose the DS Lite.

He loves this little thing so much that it has become the perfect behaviour dedicator. He was given 5 or 6 games and the console. He gets to have 15 mins every school day and can choose whichever game he wants to play.

The moment he steps out of line and by this I mean backchatting, yelling at me, aggressive behaviour towards me or his brothers, refusing to do as asked etc, he loses that 15 min privilege and one game.

At the end of the week, he can only play the games he has remaining. Adding up the 15 mins is how much time he gets to play on the weekend. If he has been able to play everyday then he gets 1hr 15 mins of playtime Sat and Sunday. If he only has 2, 15 min days, then he only gets 30 mins playtime.

He has had it for 2 wks now and so far his behaviour has been perfect :D

Flowers

2009-06-02T18:54:00.004+10:00

I got quite a few bouquets of flowers and pots of plants while I was in hospital.

Roses, Carnations, Daisies, Hyacinth, Cyclamen - all so beautiful.

I'm alive so I survived

2009-05-21T17:38:00.002+10:00

The past 2 weeks have been so much - a blur, a dream, a nightmare - all rolled into one.

At 2.00 am Friday the 8th of May, I had a stroke. I know the exact time cause I woke up at the onset of it. Had pins & needles in my right arm and couldn't lift it up and then my leg lost all feeling.

I have the most miniscule of all facial droop that most people can't even notice it (thank goodness).

So I was bundled up and off the the hospital by ambulance. Had numerous tests - CT brain scan, echocardiogram, ultrasound of arteries in leg and neck, xrays, MRI - you name it I had it.

The MRI conclusively showed I had a Lacuna Infarction (LACI stroke) so now hubby says he has proof I'm brain dead. hahaha - NOT!

The specialists all told me to have a stroke, this was the good one to have as they were confident I would recover well, if not fully. I would have at least 6 wks in hospital and rehab if I did well.

I'm more than happy to say that prayers were answered and I only spent the last two weeks in hosp/rehab. 1 week under specialist care and 1 week in rehabilitation. All drs and therapists are so surprised that my improvement has been so fast as they were sure last Friday I would need at least 3-4 wks of rehab.

So now I'm at home as of Wednesday, 20 May and am an outpatient so I can continue therapy (physio, occupational, mental) but sleep at home. That's the main thing for me. I am so happy to be home.

I had my dr check-up today (Thursday) and she is very happy with my progress.

I have full movement of my right arm back if not full sensation and feeling. My right leg is taking longer but I'm now walking without a crutch and only need a walking stick if walking over 300metres. Funny thing is my toes on my right foot don't touch the ground anymore when I stand on it Hopefully that will be restored soon. I need all the balance help I can get

Other sensations inside are slowly getting better as well but I could have a weakness on my right side for the rest of my life. The slight facial droop is permanent and apparently I speak slower but that's only noticable to my family. The good thing is my handwriting is alot neater cause I have to concentrate so hard

The down side is I sometimes forget how to walk properly. I have to consciously keep repeating "bend knee, heel down, roll onto toes, squeeze muscles". Forget the litany, forget the walk

I look forward to getting back into action online over the next few weeks.

Phew! This has taken me ages to type (having to correct so many spelling errors) and now I'm exhausted.

Melbourne - Part 4 - Saturday

2009-05-06T13:04:00.005+10:00

When we woke up, we all decided to go for a walk around St Kilda.

We were hoping the markets were on but they weren't.
Everywhere we walked there were cafes or restaurants open but hardly any of the shops.
They didn't open til later.
We walked all the way down to the water front and along the esplanade.

The Palais TheatreLuna ParkI wasn't able to get a clear picture but as we got to Luna Park, a stretch limousine pulled up.
The driver got out and got a red carpet out of the boot.
We started to get a bit excited thinking we were going to see someone famous.
He rolls the carpet out from the rear passenger door, opens the door, we hold our cameras up and ........
Out pops about 10 8yr olds
hahahahahahahaha
It was really cool. They all "struck a pose" as they got out of the limo.

We walked around the shops for a bit and then it was nearly time for our meeting.
We tossed up walking or catching a taxi back.
The taxi won out and glad we caught it cause we would never of made the distance in time :D

The meeting started at 1.00 pm and it was so great to finally meet BrAshA-T members.

Setting up the conference room.

The meeting didn't finish until about 5.00pm.
We went out to dinner with some of the members to the Stoke House.
Again the food was absolutely delicious and the company was brilliant.
I did take some photos of the evening but the restaurant only lit candles for the "saving energy" night or something :D My photos didn't turn out too well.

Melbourne

2009-05-05T14:25:00.000+10:00

I will make more posts but will have to do it a bit later.

I'm running out of time today :D

#3 Painting

2009-05-04T13:44:00.003+10:00

Here is the latest update of my 3rd painting.
I haven't been to art in about 6 weeks so it felt like re-learning some things :D
as at Friday 1 May 2009

I worked mainly on the trees and leaves.

Melbourne adventure starts again tomorrow.

Melbourne - Part 3

2009-05-03T08:00:00.002+10:00

We've arrived and settled (finally) into our room and head into Melbourne CBD to meet people for dinner.

The trams in Melbourne make travel so easy and so cheap.

We did a little sightseeing while waited.

As day turned to dusk, the beauty of the city came alive.

We ate dinner at Bistro Vite. A restaurant at Southgate Melbourne.
Right on the river.
Lovely atmosphere, friendly service and good food.After dinner we said goodbye to our friends and met up with our nephew at Flinders Street Station.

The we headed over to the Crown Casino for a couple of hours.I watched and looked around while Kris & Dan played the slots for a bit.
The place is huge.
I couldn't get over the amount of shops open, food court full, little cafes, restaurant etc.

About 11.30pm we called it quits and headed back to St Kilda and bed.

Melbourne - Part 2

2009-05-02T08:00:00.003+10:00

So we arrive in St Kilda with less money (oh well) and are dropped off at the Crest on Barklay.
Has a very nice exterior.......
A beautiful interior .......
And are then told by reception that they had moved us to their "apartments" down the road.
And this is the "apartments" ........
See the "doors" .....
they are just packing panels on hinges.
See the bits on the "doors" that look like handles .....
Nope no handles, not even a lock.

We said .... umm no, don't think so.
They said .... go have a look!
So we did!
We found a dingy stairwell that had rusted through railings ...
No lighting .....
No security ......
It was a ground floor apartment and didn't even have security bars.
What made it worse was the used syringe laying in the gutter outside the building.

So back we traipse to the reception and proceed to negotiate for the room we were actually promised.
And wasn't that an adventure in itself but that's another story.

So this is the room we ended up in.
In the original hotel
Looks pretty nice. Off to the left was a single bed that our nephew slept in.
We spent about 10 minutes in the room before we were off to catch the tram into Melbourne to meet people for dinner.
When we came back about 11.30pm that night we all got ready for bed.
My sister pulled back her comforter and guess what ......

No, you'll never guess .....

The sheets had not been changed from the previous guests!!!!!!!
There were short and curly dark black hairs all over the bed and the sheets had two cigarette burns in them :O

So we rang down to reception to ask for clean sheets.
We were informed that "housekeeping wasn't available as it was too late and to bring it to Reception's attention at 8.00 am".
I don't think so!!!!!
So I said I would go find a linen closet and just make the bed myself.
I walk out the door and guess who is out there ......

The guy from reception finding clean sheets.

We thanked him and then went to make the bed.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

He gave us single bed sheets for a queen size bed!

This was the "view" outside our window.
Stick around for Part 3 tomorrow :D

Melbourne - Part 1 - Friday

2009-05-01T08:00:00.003+10:00

The reason I flew to Melbourne was to attend a meeting for BrAshA-T Ataxia-Telangiectasia Limited. A charitable organisation founded in 2008 of which I am the Secretary.

(Click logo to go visit our website brashat.org.au )

We left from Sunshine Coast Airport and flew with Jet Star.
It was a really good flight.
A little turbulence but nothing to worry about.

We were told to catch the "green" bus as it would drop us off right outside our hotel in St Kilda.

Uh huh .......

After 15 mins trying to find the "green" bus, we line up to get a ticket.
The two guys in front paid for theirs.
I ask for .........
Before I can ask for a ticket the bus driver tells us he's just sold the last 2 tickets.

What!!!!!

Great!!!!!!

He tells us a cab will only cost about $50.

So we go to the information desk about the "red" buses but they don't go to St Kilda.
Just into Melbourne CBD.
Told a taxi cab will cost about $40-45.

Okay!
So we hoof it back to the cab rank.
Get someone who sort of looks a bit local and knows where he's going.
Stash the luggage, hop in and off we go.

OMG!!!! Cab rides really are different down there hahahahaha

My sister who I flew with.
Just a couple of ambiguous photos out of the cab window.
The cost of the taxi ......

wait for it ......

over $75

The Melbourne Journey Begins

2009-04-30T13:39:00.004+10:00

Stay tuned over the next few days while I share my Melbourne adventure with you :D

We flew with Jet Star and it was a really good flight.