First day over and done with.

Well the first day at big school was a breeze. We had a real fuss getting ready in the morning and he would not pose for a photograph (I will post the was I did get) but once at school I took him to his class at 0915, he was the second one there and walked straight in and started to do puzzles. I asked "Are you right for Mummy to go now Darlin'", "Sure" he said so I got a quick kiss, just, and left. It was a breeze for him. His teacher Mr Farrah is a very nice young fellow and his class name is Kindy Blue.

I put Ange in Occassional Care for three hours while I went to the RTA and Centrelink. Before long, it went too quick, I had to go pick Hokey up and it was all over. He only ate the inner bread of his sandwiches, leaving the crusts and meat [which I knew he would]. I have prepared his lunch bag [had to buy a new one] for tomorrow, butter and sauce sandwiches without crusts or meat so they should get eaten.

We were supposed to go to Crookwell this weekend to pack-up some gear to bring back but Greg will be taking a truck down next weekend to collect mum so we will wait and go then. I have spoken to mum about her still coming up here on Sunday, we will meet her out at the Campbelltown turn-off and I'll drive her car in. That way her car is already here when she moves to Gregs and we'll only have to get it from here to there then.

I have advertised the shipping container for sale so hopefully someone will take that off our hands asap and I can let the house go back to Housing.

Well, it's late so that's it for me, Goodnight all.

Love Sara xxx

New Log on details

There has been a change to log on details. If you have not received them yet contact Belinda via email and I will send them to you.
Belinda

School already!

Well hello y'all. Haven't been on since my last entry (that does make sense as I sometimes logon to read but don't always get to type...)

I'm all ready for big school tomorrow but can't find his lunch bag, hmmm I don't think a shopping bag would go down too well :o/ I do have a little sandwich box for him though so that may have to do and I'll just throw it, his drink and fruit in his school bag. Yes Aunty Kell, he is still a young'n but at 4 & half years old he desperately needs the stimulation and structure of the school environment. I had them at playgroup today so mercifully the day has been a bit less stressful as he and four or five other children his size chased each other and screamed for the two hours. Angelina didn't settle into it until the last half hour before the end of the session.

It's now 9:52pm, I've just taken a break between this and the previous paragraph to go settle the children down. They were still awake at five to nine. Hokey asked me to say prayers with him so I lay down and said our prayers then Meg phoned and she spoke to Hokey whilest I arranged a night bottle for Ango. I went back and lay with Hokes as I spoke to Meg and he fell asleep next to me; Madame on the other hand is still awake and in bed with Daddy. I will banish her to her cot when I get off here.

Bernice I have to confess to slacking off the past few months as I've taken advantage of my dissability and allowed people to help or assist me where I'd normally fend for myself. This has caused me to become a bit lazy and I'm really struggling now because with my weight gain I feel even less inclined to do what I know I should and that is to get off my butt and get some exercise. Fair dinkum I've piled on the weight, Tony says "there's just more of you to love"; very sweet considering he normally grabs my leg or rump and growls something about Procuito (?? spelling) and that it is a very expensive cut of meat. I'd walk more but the Frankenstien foot makes walking extremely painful. On and on, it never ends so I'll just have to get in and do something constructive soon.

Aunty Kell, the fit was a 'night siezure'. I think that's what they are called. Well going by my RTA medical form they are different to epilepsy so I'm still able to drive but if I am feeling out of sorts I don't go out in the car, just to be on the safe side. It was up at Gregs, early December I think. I woke on the floor in the middle of the night and thought I must've just fallen out of bed [except for signs that pointed to a siezure which I didn't give any thought to at the time]. Mum woke when I got up and I sat in the kitchen a bit dazed before breaking out in a profuse sweat and dry heaving [I never heave, ever. My body just doesn't do it]. I was drenched through and mum got me another nightgown, she and Tony helped to the lounge where I lay in front of the fan until the sweats had passed them they helped me back to bed. When I woke in the morning I realised I'd bitten the inside of my cheek. Anyway, I saw my doctor when we came back to Sydney then went to my neurologist and he's put me on a homeopathic dose of Dilantin. I go back to see him on 14th March.

Jane I saw on the news that the waters were supposed to be peaking in Rocky about now. Have you heard from Anthea yet?

Tried calling Johnno on Monday but he must've been out. He put me on to "GLAD Oven bags" and I wanted to let him know I finally gave them a burl. Cooked a chook on Sunday and it was a corker. Came out delicious and I've discovered I can make a dish [such as it is] that Tony does like; Toasted chicken, mayo, tomato, cheese and avocado sanga's with cracked black pepper.

Gotta go, school tomorrow and my eyes are hanging from their sockets. G'night everyone.

Love Sara xxx

Australia Day

Happy Australia Day Mo! "Belated" Happy Australia Day to the Aussies @ home! We aren't celebrating till tomorrow, as so many of the Aussies & Kiwis work Saturdays. We always include the Kiwis, as they are such boozers, makes the rest of us look tame!! This year is a little different. The host family has asked everyone to bring finger food. B. Y. O. B. Usually Moira, Frank (Kiwi) or I are hosts, & we do the majority of the food & booze. This will set a precedent, so we "regulars" can take it as an example for next year!!
Thanks Jane!! Make us jealous!! (Kidding, but I AM jealous!!!) I know what it is like to look forward to something special for a year or more! It will be such fun, you all being together. You will have us ALL looking forward to it all, on your behalf. You too Bernice. I KNOW you will be starting your plans right now, so that everything will be honkey dory by next December.
Welcome back Sara. I have missed you. I know I probably have twice as much time as you do, but you have fresher ideas, & a nice way of entertaining us all! Has Hokey given you a turn at the machine yet?? If not, you will have the chance for a spin when he goes back to school. Speaking of, how can he POSSIBLY be going to big school? He is only a baby. Too soon! Hope you got his clothes all sorted out, & a lawn mower that works.
I've spoken to Mo, (Really??), Tom, June, Cec, & John in the past week or so. Cec has a birthday coming up, so hopefully Jenny will be home by then, to plan a nice dinner. We will be thinking of you Cec. Belated, (VERY belated!!) birthday wishes to Anthea, Jan. 1st.,Johnno & Jerrod Jan. 3rd.,Carol L Jan. 8th.,Matt & Jessie Jan9th. ( Jess, do I have the right date for you??) Marg. P., & Callum Jan. 10th.Max Jan18th., Kate Jan. 19th. My friend Annie Jan. 25th. (Cowra.) Happy Australia day today, & happy birthday to Jenny on Jan. 29th. A busy month for birthdays!!
I got my hair shaved today. Was SO long, & my regular hair dresser away till Feb. 8th. Couldn't wait any longer. I'm going to a fundraiser for our air Ambulance (S.T.A.R.S.) tonight. Dinner & auction. Not taking Peter, as he wants to be home by 7.30 - 8.00pm whenever we go out. I plan on being late tonight, as it won't be over till after 11.00pm. Then Aussie party tomorrow, & I'm not taking him to that either. He no longer enjoys crowds, & would want to be home as soon as he finished eating. Not
worth te effort. And no, I'm not being mean, Mo, Kate, Lin & girls will attest to what I have said. I'll go & "get beautiful" now,
probably add to this when I AM beautiful, then finish up when I get home tonight.
I just printed all posts from " I'm Baaaaack" to Janes' post of today. That way I can read as I go!!
O.K., so I'm beautiful now---it took 10 mins.
Lisa, I have made Margs' macadamia cake twice now. Yuuummmmm! As luck would have it, Peter can't manage the large nuts with his dentures, so I have had to eat them myself. It is so handy, just freeze serving size pieces, & snack whenever I wish.
This is NOT the time when you invite someone in for coffee!! Lin bought bags & bags of Macs., & chocolate bars, & lauren
bought chocolate roughs!! I'm in Aussie Heaven. There are some things that one shares, & then there are things that one does
NOT share,!! I'm sure you will all understand.
The tennis has been VERY disappointing! The mens final will show tomorrow (27th) at 3.00pm, & of course, we will be celebrating at that time. I was hoping that Roger would be in the finals, but-------. It has been great tennis, but the "kids"
sure did "kick butt". So young, & so very good. Next year??? I was told that we (Oz.) does not have any bright young stars on the horizon. Pity. Must go, it's 5. 20, & I need to feed Peter. I'll finish when I get home.
Jane, it has been great to have you log on now & again. Good to hear what the family is doing. I can't believe that hockey has started already! Not much of a break for summer is it? But then, it is great exercise, & your family seem to enjoy the activity.
Lisa, havn't heard from you for awhile, & school just about to start again?? How was your week-end with Stew & friends way back? I never did hear if it was a blast??
Sara, what is this about a"pre-Christmas fit"? Please tell all, as I seem to have missed something here??
Bernice, the Canucks DO log on & read, (FIRST thing!!!), but we are VERY slack at writing. My problem is, I have time at night, but by then I am brain dead, & just "don't have it" anymore. Days are almost ALWAYS out, what with regular home life, & outside obligations, constant repetition of mopping bathroom floor & other mundane activities, but all time-consuming, & mentally draining. "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak"!! You have to live this life to understand the mental pressure.
Not nice, & not easy. I have to make plans for every activity outside the house. There is no such thing as just getting in the car & going somewhere. Anyway, enough.
Lin, I think I said "thank you" for the greeting, & especially for the flag. Only one more sleep till the party!!!
O.K. I'm now up to Janes' post of Jan. 26th!! (25th here of course!) Thanks for your greeting! I have already mentioned "jealousy", so I won't go into that again! I think I mentioned in one of my (frequent!!) posts, that we have been having potatoes regularly in the Deda household, since my return from Oz?? That is thanks mainly to Cec & Jane, who taught me how to make fatty potatoes without the fat!! Even I enjoy potatoes now!!
Had some friends in last week to have a belated birthday dinner for a friend who was cruising through the Panama Calal on
his birthday. Had a fabulous Aust. leg of lamb, boned, & was able to show my prowess in the kitchen, serving the fabulous
potatoes, & even had the macadamia slice, & pav. with mango. Lovely.
That is the last post for Jan., & I think I have touched on everything, so will finally close. Seems the last few posts have been nice long ones. I love it, but perhaps this one was overdone! I will know when I see how long it looks once posted. Hope you all had a bonza Australia Day, & I know I will have a bonza time tomorrow, even if it is a day late!! Love to all. Kell

Australia Day

Happy Australia Day Mo! "Belated" Happy Australia Day to the Aussies @ home! We aren't celebrating till tomorrow, as so many of the Aussies & Kiwis work Saturdays. This year is a little different. The host family has asked everyone to bring finger food. B. Y. O. B. Usually Moira, Frank (Kiwi) or I are hosts, & we do the majority of the food & booze. This will set a precedent, so we "regulars" can take it as an example for next year!!
Thanks Jane!! Make us jealous!! (Kidding, but I AM jealous!!!) I know what it is like to look forward to something special for a year or more! It will be such fun, you all being together. You will have us ALL looking forward to it all, on your behalf. You too Bernice. I KNOW you will be starting your plans right now, so that everything will be honkey dory by next December.

Happy Australia Day From Murwillumbah

Hi everyone,
Happy Australia Day!!! Morning Canada. A lovely day here (began the day pouring rain, how unusual, however it fined up and we had a very quite pleasant day we will celebrate tomorrow and Monday as Brydie and Sebastian had to work today.

We went to Mass tonight so we can head down to the beach early tomorrow. We are very excited about our Christmas 2008 ( I know it is another 11 months but it is a Payton Christmas and celebrating it with Kenny and Bernice now that is something exciting.) I put it to Ken and Bernice at Auntie Wynn's funeral and told them they had 11 months to think about it so when Bernice rang me the other day we were very excited.

I have to tell you all this Bernice is going to love it. The day Bernice rang I was telling the kids that Ken and Bernice will be coming for Christmas, very excited reaction, Brydie was describing Bernice to one of the neighbours and said " Oh you will just love them Bernice is older than mum but she looks much younger than mum" !!!! (Brydie is my 15 year old)

It was so good to hear from you Sara hope that you are okay. I will be thinking of you on Hokey's first day my baby goes to High School this year and I am struggling with that.

Great news that Meg got the job as community nurse I could imagine that they would all love her. Every one is well here Rockhampton is braising itself for floods i have not been able to contact Anthea she is 2hours west of Rockhampton so I hope that she is alright.

Have a great Australia Day Everyone
love Jane

Happy Australia Day Mo and Kell

It is warm and a great day in Canberra, no rain today but have had a lot. Our dam is at 48.7% XXXXXXXXX Lin

Hello all from Bernice 25th Jan
hello all hope you are all fine, its been awhile, I think the passing of Wyn took us all back a bit!And we all needed a bit of healing time out. She will always be loved and thought of.
I loved the photo of Nan Paytons xmas tree too, and I soooo remember how she used to unwrap her presents!!! so slowly, neatly and yes the folding of each wrappping paper, I was only young then and so impatient I felt like helping her each time and yes ripping into them, and now even tho I painstakely rap all my presents for other people with such love care and flair, I even colour coordinate under the xmas tree, but opening any present for me I totally rip into them with gust!!! sometimes forget to read the cards!!! I do keep beautiful bows tho, Ha!
SARA, thank god for you The blog would be lost without you, I know you have no more time then anyone else and you do it one handed! you are amazing, and we are all guilty of getting slack at times , and yes! i agree we have all got to try and keep in touch more, all the other family you mentioned all have computers so i don't understand why they don't write on the blog?? and I know how wonderful it would be for the canadians to log on and read all about their Aussie relatives news. and so it is for the Aussie's to want to hear from the canadian rels, and between Mona, Kel, Kate and kids Charlotte and kids, we should get some news.

Stanley waiting for Santa; I don't know for sure but i think that house belongs to Mandy with stanley the dog but i will email mandy and check.
Ken rings John often he seems to be doing ok, Cec and ray are up there at jennys at the moment.

Melissa, jess I know I always call you tully girls? sorry i sometimes forget your names but I still love reading your news and am still waiting on a update of your Xmas and school results and town news, Come on girls.

I was talking to Nathile the other day(just for a hour or so) Ha! Russell was in Tamworth for the country and western week they are both good and happy. Rob David and Raeliegh, all going really well.

Also talking to Stewart he is off to Bali this week, lucky!! hope he has a great time he is well and still pops around to Paula's for Dinner with the family thats nice for them all to catch up. Also chatting to Jane!! and before I go any further I must tell our exciting news!!! We are spending Christmas with Jane, Patrick and their lovely family! along with Lisa ,Ronny, Marge , Steve and Stewart this year!! I couldn't think of a nicer family to spend it with. we are so looking forward to it even tho its 11 months away! Then....Ken and I have booked into a unit on the Gold Coast in Surfer's on boxing day! and we will be there for new years eve, that will be different! My sister Donna and Tony will be joining us there for the week also.What a change for xmas and new year it will be for us! I think I will handle it ok tho.

Meg hasn't been on for awhile but i chat to her often and i know she loves her new job as Communnity health nurse,I can understand that as she is a great little nurse and great with people with a nice compassion and patients with the elderly, so it would suit her nicely.
Well I could go on but I have to go shopping and my little man is sleeping over tonight its friday, so i better get out and make sure i have his favourites. Ken is well and working long hours it is long weekend this week end so at least he will have two days off this week.

How very sad about Heath Ledger...What a beautiful waste of life. long live little Maltilda. I love that name.

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY everybody .. we are going down to our lakeshore for Breaky on the lake to celebrate australia day, They have sand model comps and some of them are just so amazing!! someone done Steve Erwin the crocodile hunter last year it was so good.
Must go keep well and happy..bye for now ...love Bernice xx

Hello from Rosielands

Good afternoon to all who read this. It's quiet here at the moment, well, quiet aside from our local MP's new A.V.Jennings house being built across the road and the compressor that's going most of the day to power the nail gun and quiet aside from Hokey harrassing me while Angelina's asleep and quiet aside from Tony's birds making a racket behind me on the verandah.

It's 12:20pm so Tony should be home for lunch soon. Don't know what he's going to eat because there isn't much in the fridge. Last night I told him I felt like some Wog food, any type of Wog food, didn't have to be Italian. He suggested the pizza place around on Moorefields Road but I don't like their pizza's so he got up and made some dough and a pizza each. He was a little dissapointed that I didn't enjoy mine but I explained I don't like tinned mushroom, there was a fresh one in the fridge and I do like LOTS of fresh vege's. Next time, next time....

Yes, please put up lots of pics Jane, I'd love to see all the family and I'm sure everyone gets jack of me going on and on about mine. Speaking of which I took the boy to get his hair cut yesterday ready for Big School next Thursday. He looks very smart. After that we went to the doctors so I could have my annual medical filled out for the RTA, haven't read it yet but am hoping my pre christmas fit hasn't affected them allowing me to be on the road. I've hardly been out of the house since the event anyway, just to be on the safe side.

Aunty Kell I'm still fighting Hokey for the balance board, he insists that the bruise on his arm is sufficient to warrant him needing to get his balance and exercise and we all know that arguing or negotiating with a small child is no different to doing so with a terrorist! He IS a terrorist, always breaking toys and 'jumping' cars off the tables or any high place where they'll crash and bang. I'd love to throw out every incomplete car track and every broken toy but Tony says "no, he still plays with them". Yes well, there's another terrorist!

Angelina's been asleep almost two hours now, bliss. Giancarlo is champing at the bitt though because it's torture trying to keep quiet for so long. I've heard the occassional thud and bang in the lounge, now he's running through the house. My time on here is running short. I've been trying to get him to trace the writing stencils in his kindy books but he has a little trouble gripping the pencil properly and does not like correction. He's tried breaking the pencil but I just resharpen it so that didn't work. I'd best check on him because he'll no doubt try pulling the pages from the book to make aeroplanes. I'm praying he takes well to Soccer!

I loved the pic of Nanna's tree also but unfortunately I don't remember it. Jane, mum's too busy picking everyone elses torn wrapping up off the floor but she is a pealer and saver too. Waste not want not!

Goota go, the noise is escalating in the lounge. Please family post some pics on here or Flickr. I'd love to see everyone and know how you're all doing. Will someone please poke Paula Payton and tell her to sign on too and anyone else who might be so inclined, Michael, Rod, Whyte girls, Linehan boys, Czislowski boys Meg? Meyers kids, Laverty girls. I know everyone has lost touch over time but almost everyone got together at the reunion and Lin has set this Blog up so that everyone can stay in-touch.... Pleeeaaase ;O)

Love Sara xxxxx

Greetings from Murwillumbah

Hi every one,
I am home alone at the moment , something very very rare in this house, Summer hockey started back tonight, so Seb and Brydie are there Patrick is out running and Grace is at a friends. ( I became so carried away with being by myself i forgot to look at the clock and nearly died when I realised it was 7.20 and they would be home and I had forgot to put the last stages of dinner on.)

Anthea begins work on Thursday as a graduate, I was very concerned about flooding as the majority of Q.L.D is under flood water, she is 2hours west of Rockhampton and she claims that they are the only part of the state that is not under flood water and they desparately need it. According to the news though I dare say they may get some water.

I go back to work next Tuesday the day after the Australia Day long weekend.We always celebrate Australia Day in (true Payton form) This year Patrick and the kids are all on surf patrol so I will try and take some photos for the Canadians. However it has not been hot at all this summer and it just hasn't stopped raining.

I loved the photo of Nanna's christmas tree and what intrigued me was Belinda's comment on Nanna's unwrapping procedure you will never guess what that is just what dad does we all groan, saves the paper, we just want him to rip oneday!!!!!!!

How did Melissa go in her H.S.C (or was it Jess ?) I hope you were happy. Seb completes his this year he has already completed chemistry and he did very well so he is off to a good start.

I'll close here as the troops (and extras) have started to file in. love to every one
and Mandy ( I know you are reading) she reads but doesn't post. I hope that this one doesn't get lost!!!!!!! thanks to whoe ever found it. Love to all and goodmorning Canada.

Howdy

Hello again. I will try to log on more often so my posts aren't so long and boring. I think the kids slept through last night, don't know because I had the mp3 plugs in my ears and only woke when I felt Tony get up (To the baby mind you) at 6 this morning. Baby still waiting on last 8 teeth to come through, canines and rear molars. It's a cruel business being a baby and suffering the pains they do.

Tony had a phone call at 10 last night but missed the call. He didn't recognise the number so turned his phone off. 7 oclock this morning a customers son shows up on our doorstep wanting Tony to fix his car. He said that nrma wanted him to pay $300 to join before they would send someone out to look at his car so he comes to Tony expecting to get the job done free. He's done this before, then goes home and tells his father something entirely different. I don't think he's the full quid. Anyway I think Tony went to see what the problem was but hasn't said any more of it so I guess it was something simple this time.

Greg said he was going to try to come down this weekend. I hope he does, I could do with some adult company at home (Tony's always at work, I must be a witch)!
I hope he goes to Crookwell soon too, it's been cold and wet down there the past few days, mum does not like it.

It's 12oclock. I phoned Nonna this morning to see when she'd be home and she said about one so I will get the kids organised now to go and visit with her. Tony can go up to his father tomorrow while we're at church.

Aunty Kell I mailed the email address's to Greg so hope he gets a few notes off soon.
Bye now, SaraXXXXX

I'm Baaa..aaack

Yallow y'all, it's been a while so I'm sorry for not being around. I read back to 24th December but that's as far as I got before deciding if I don't type now it won't get done!

The pc clock has just ticked over to 5am. I have been awake since 0230 with teething baby. Lord have mercy she has some lungs on her! Tony has been sitting up with her since about 0330 but by then I was well awake so did last nights dishes, made a cuppa and came out here to checkup on rental payments via online banking. The realestate reckons we're behind so I wanted to check all the details to make sure, only I stuffed up the password for Tony's account so he will have to call them at 0800 to sort it out. He never logs on, that's my job but I never go to his account so forget the passwords if I don't logon regularly. Anyway, I'll sort that later.

Sad about Aunty Wynn but the sadness is more for her siblings knowing one is now gone. As Mandy said, she never complained about her disability but toward the end I'm sure it frustrated her all the more as she was so dependant on others to help her with the simplest of things. I can only be relieved for her, knowing the suffering allbeit in silence is over. I remember her saying "..... when I go to Glory ......". I'd rather not think of her looking down as I'm sure a loving God would not allow for those who have passed to look down and see the suffering going on in the world.

Oh, and Big Girl, it's 31years since dad died. 5/1/1977 is on the little plate that was on the standard council cross on his grave. I have it here. I remember because I was in 3rd class and had not turned 9yrs old yet. I was reading old report cards from the end of term that year a few months back and one teacher had written " ... is distracted and lacks concentration ...". Well no s**t Sherlock. Bl**dy morons!

Anyway, I'm sure it was a simple slip-up, forgetting, your getting older and all :oP

Baby seems further away now. I think Tony's taken her back into bed and she is not pleased about it at all. She'll get over it. We have a 3yr olds birthday party to go to this afternoon. I met his mum Deborah at one of the playgroups, a pommy girl and lovely too. We are good mates. The little fellow is the youngest of four living and Deb would like to foster when these ones get older. She's a good mum and her husband Kris is a lovely bloke too. Anyway, I picked up a little Thomas the Tank Engine lunch box at Big W for him yesterday (he'll be going to pre-school this year) so I'm sure he'll be happy enough with that.

Sorry I didn't get to see you while we were up at Gregs Toni. I'm such a slack sod when it comes to visiting. Hopefully when we get mum moved up there I'll be coming up for visits more often.

The weather certainly has been strange, stinking hot yesterday, supposed to be 22 today. I am greatful for the cool days when they come around though.

I took mum back to Crookwell last weekend, she'd been away about 6 - 8 weeks. The grass in the yard was a metre high all through the place. I had to drive up and down the driveway several times to flatten the grass so mum could get out to open the gate. Later on when we went up to Megs Neighbours place to collect mums car the neighbour, Gary Cadwell said he'd driven past earlier in the week and saw the state of the place and thought "I'd better get in and mow that down before she gets home". God bless him. He has crops in and is busy with those as well as his shop so when/if he can he will go round and mow it down for her.

Mum said she went out to Megs the other day and the grass was even higher out there. The place was a mess. Luke had insisted that no-one was ollowed to go on the property without the estate agent but in doing that he cut his own throat because mum would go out to keep the plants and garden watered and weeded and Gary would have stock on there to keep the grass down and in all the place would remain in a presentable condition. Greg will be down there in a few weeks time with a truck to move mum up to his place. I will have to try to sell the shipping container then let the house go. I won't be sorry that I won't be going South for visits any longer, even though it is nice and green down there at the moment.

Belinda it sounds and looks like you and the girls had a lovely time in Canada. I thought of you all daily over christmas, as I thought of everyone and wondered what the family was up to. LOVE the photo Aunty Cec had of Nans xmas tree. Was that Toni and Mandy in the picture also? Classic.

Have to go and buy a lawnmower today. Ours (used to be Megs then Marks before her and I'm sure Mark had it second hand too) has blown up one too many times and Tony is sick of fixing it so I will pick up one which is on sale at KMart today so hopefully our grass will be mowed by the weekend. A whipper snipper next!

One of the birds got out yesterday morning whilest Tony was changing the water. I decided "one less pet to worry about" but he went out yesterday afternoon and replaced it AND got two more to boot! Lord have mercy, as if there aren't enough mouths here to feed. Mind you, my kids are shocking eaters so the groceries aren't too bad.

Yes, Hokey thoroughly enjoyed his weekend with Aunty Meg at Uncle Kenny and Aunty Bernice's. They tell me he was very good. He had to be, he didn't have mummy there to push the boundaries with. Tony came home sick yesterday lunchtime and told me to go out to do whatever I needed to, he'd look after kids. Well about 2-3hrs later when I returned he was at witts end with "your son". I'd been out to get his summer school uniforms. I'll get him to try them on this morning and if I need to I can take them back to exchange but I think he'll be right. All I have to get now are the shoes so will take him with me when I go to get the mower and fit him up with a pair of shoes then.

Had the dogs, Tonys, clipped last week. I need to bath them again now as the fleas have been rugged in the hot weather. I went to turn the worms in the worm farm the other day and turned over mounds of maggots (mum had been diligent with the vege scraps when she was here. A little too diligent perhaps!) Oh it was disgusting. I shovelled as much as I could out onto the ground which Bruce promptly ate up, MMMmmm, Protien! Gross! I will have to get some more mulch and cover the worms for a few weeks before turning them again. I did shovel some soil out while Meg was here and she distributed it around to my plants.

Spoke with Johnno the other day, he was well when I spoke with him but when mum spoke with him on Monday I think it was he hadn't been too good. He had the final chemotherapy on Friday and these last few treatments have knocked him about a bit. He had been out the river to get some fish over the past couple of weeks but at that stage the water hadn't yet risen so now that it is up I'm sure there would be a good run of fish for him. I'd love to go out there again but not while the temps are as high as they have been.

It's now 0600 and it's only just now getting light outside. Very heavy overcast by the look of it. I will open the back door now to let the cool in before the sun comes right up.

I have been back on my eliptical machine, only 5 minutes a day but it all helps. I want to look fit and fabulous when I turn forty so I have only six weeks to do it. I've tried many things but just can't get something to hold my foot down onto the pedal so it doesn't keep flying off (I WILL complain, toss it all)! I have rang around trying to find the clasps that hold ski boots onto ski's but haven't been able to get anything. Yes, I have tried fixing a shoe to the pedal but that is impractical and makes exercise tedious. Greg reckons I should chop the foot off but I believe I will be good again someday so I don't want to be good but without a foot to stand on!

Tonys father was put into a aged care facility last week. He was no longer able to move about and as it was Nonna was having to do all the showering etc herself. It is good because the facility is only about 100 metres away from Nonna's front door. Just across the road and a few houses down. I will take the kids to visit with her soon. We will have to go and see Nonno too. He will be happier in the home, he likes the structure of care and being so close to home so Nonna can go see him every day.

Well it's 0617 and I'd best go get a nap in before Giancarlo wakes. I can hear Tony snoring so I know he and baby are asleep!

Take care everyone. Love Sara xxxxx

Ps; Oh, and Mark doesn't get much time away from work and study so I don't think he will be on here too soon. I have asked him a few times to logon but email is as far as he gets. XXXXX

I'm Baa...aaack

Yallow y'all, it's been a while so I'm sorry for not being around. I read back to 24th December but that's as far as I got before deciding if I don't type now it won't get done!

The pc clock has just ticked over to 5am. I have been awake since 0230 with teething baby. Lord have mercy she has some lungs on her! Tony has been sitting up with her since about 0330 but by then I was well awake so did last nights dishes, made a cuppa and came out here to checkup on rental payments via online banking. The realestate reckons we're behind so I wanted to check all the details to make sure, only I stuffed up the password for Tony's account so he will have to call them at 0800 to sort it out. He never logs on, that's my job but I never go to his account so forget the passwords if I don't logon regularly. Anyway, I'll sort that later.

Sad about Aunty Wynn but the sadness is more for her siblings knowing one is now gone. As Mandy said, she never complained about her disability I can only be

Hi from Canberra

Well today has been a little cooler. Lauren dislocated her knee yesterday and is on crutches. So today has been a bit trying. well have had a big storm go through and there is trees down and havoc every where but no one hurt, so that's a blessing.

I was on Google looking for info and came across this link

http://www.geonames.org/2157146/mooculta.html

have a look at this!

Also who is Stanley waiting for Santa?
It was me looking for a photo of nan's silver tree. I love it. I saw lots of them in the USA not quiet the same but kept me thinking of the lounge room and Nan carefully cut the paper open and folding it to iron the tape off.

Well back to doing some work xxx Belinda

Stanley waiting for Santa

Someone wanted photo of Mum's tree. Love Ces.

Jane I have copied your post over

This is Janes missing post. It was posted on the Markus blog (oi oi oi). When you go in to make a new post only click on the mooculta paytons not the oi oi oi. This will put it in the right place.

Just a quick update on Auntie Wynn's funeral
Hi everyone I have not dissappeared just busy like every one else. I am on holidays so hopefully I will get more time to fill everyone in on what has been happening in the Egan household.
I got back from Grafton last night extremely exhausted it was very emotional, however the funeral was lovely very simple poignant and meaningful.

It was lovely to see members of the family Ken and Bernice, Bob and Trish,Mandy and Bruce and lovely Auntie Cec and Uncle Ray and of course my immediate family. (And some members of Auntie Wynn's family)
It is very hard to see one's mother and father very upset particularly my father as he has always been the stoic one.
The evening before was mum's birthday so we celebrated that in true Payton style with Ken and Bernice and many funny stories came out.

After the funeral there was a cup of tea at the rectory, We then proceded to Lisa and Ron's and the stories continued (Marjorie holding court no-one else could get a word in!!!)

I feel Auntie Wynn would have been pleased with the whole event and I pray that she is at peace now and looking down on us all.

I will come back on later and fill you all in with news. I am just a little emotional at the moment.

with love Jane

Ok Bloggers

Well Montana and Canada were wonderful. A white Christmas with all the trimmings! Its snowed on Christmas day and we went cross country skiing, how different a Christmas it was. And we had a hot dinner and enjoyed it without the flies and sweaty bodies.
All the family made us feel very welcome and at home. We visited Char in Calgary and stayed with her and Mike also Steve and Jo. Steve and Grayson drove us to Banff and and spent the day with us before heading back and we stayed over night. We went to Calgary Zoo on New Years Eve for Zoo years eve! the zoo put up lights all over the zoo and has fire works. It was great but ^$&^^(*& cold.

We bloggers have been a bit slow of late (me included) Mona and Kell start their days with a look at the blog to "visit" with family and feel part of it. so if we could all do one post a week or more if you feel inclined I am sure they would be very happy.

Wishing all our family happiness and good health for 2008 Belinda

Hey Jane

Hey Janie
It was nice to hear from you. We had a great holiday and were sorry I could not be with you all at the funeral.
Nice to hear what the kids are up to, its quite disturbing when you are not needed anymore. Hannah and Lauren are so busy I feel obsolete.
I loved Montana and Kate and Doug were wonderful to us and I just loved going crosscountry skiing with them. I would get on a plane and go back tomorrow if I could.
We all had such a great time with the whole family, everyone made us feel so welcome and went out of their way to make it a great holiday for us.
Before you publish you post do abc check. r come back and edit post if you want to change anything eg spelling.

Hope every one is well Belinda

Apologies

I just read my last post it worked however there are too many spelling mistakes I edited it but it did not edit so the message is some where out in blog land. poignant, phonetically and begins sorry I am embarrassed the last blog went up with mistakes.
Jane.

Greetings from Murwillumbah

Hi every one,
I don't know what I did however, I sent a blog the day of the funeral and it didn't appear!!!!. ( I told you Mandy I always stuff if up!)

Every one is well here very wet though it hasn't stopped raining we have even had floods but it still keeps raining. the beaches have been closed for so long we are all suffering withdrawal symptoms.

As Lisa said the funeral was very sad however rather poignent it was what Auntie Wyn would have liked. It was lovely seeing the family again and many laughs were shared with many stories told.

Mum was in good form with the stories. My family is well Anthea left yesterday to take up a teaching post in the middle of Queensland at a place called Billowella ( I am not sure of the spelling however that is how it is spelt phenetically.)It feels very strange as we won't see her until the first term break in April. The longest we have ever been. She is very excited. She had the last 6 weeks of last term out there and loved it. ( I think the teaching side was tough however she loved the social side).

Asha has gone back to Brisbane back to work during the uni break she goes into her third year of Law. Sebastian is about to embark on the biggest year of his life Year 12 and Grace beginds High School.The first time in 19 years i haven't got anybody in primary school. Brydie goes into year 10. All are well.

I will close here so as I don't rave on too much. Take care every one I will keep blogging. Love Janexxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Service

Hi All,
Aunty Wyn's service was nice. very sad and emotional, but she would have been proud. Will attach photo of the group of us who came back to our place after. Am feeling very empty. Some good news though, about the time that aunty Wyn was being cremated, my cousin's daughter on Mum's side had a little girl, called her Brydie. It gave me a warm feeling, of life continuing.(For those who know, Aunty Barrie's grandaughter).
As Aunty Wyn always told me, and I say to all - live and enjoy life while you can.
love Lisa

Long week

Dear Family,
It has been a long week. I'm sure the same could be said for you. First Wyn, then Ln & girls left. Peter getting worse. Winter is here.I geuss thats life. Sooner or later it had to happen. Somehow, we are never ready. Mo & I followed you all into the church, then had a bite to eat with you all.It was 4.00pm here, 5.00pm for Mo. It is all so far away, yet so very close.
Thank you to Mandy, Lisa & Megan for the lovely tributes. A HUGE thank you to Lisa for her tribute, but especially for her tender, loving care all this time. I know everyone apprieciated all that you did, right up to the very end. We are so grateful to you.Thank you. Thank you.I know you will miss her. A BIG thank you too, to Cec & Ray, for doing all that they did, & could. I know the time came when they couldn't manage too much, & I know it bothered Cec. We felt she did all she could, & are very
grateful to them both. Cec will be suffering more than most of us. Shakespear was wrong. parting is NOT bloody "sweet sorrow".
In fact, it is awful. Tears don't help. The chain is broken, one link missing, never to be mended. Sorry if this sounds a bit dramatic,but there's no one to cry with, so I do it alone. you have each other. It's just 24 hours now since the service. Most of you will be heading home now. Drive safely, we don't need to lose anyone else. I'll write something cheerful in a few (???) days. For now, my love to you all & keep healthy. Love Kell

Motorbike ride for Aunty Wyn's Birthday. Shell and Bob know her style - only Aunty Wyn would be up for this.

Mandy

An Example of Aunty Wyn's Humour

In one phone conversation I had with Aunty Wyn when she was in Moonbi, she told me it was so hot she wore her cozzies each day. I said I'd love a photo and this is what she sent me. It was on my fridge for many weeks.



Another phone conversation when Aunty Wyn was residing at Doady House. She told me that the fire alarm had gone off and the rule was that you had to stay in your room until one of the staff came to assist you outside. She said that she peeked outside her door, didn't see anything so went in and put her lippie on and then sat on her bed to wait. She would have looked very glam for the firefighters if it had of been a real fire. Lippie is very important.

Mandy

Memories of Aunty Wyn

Having grown up in Sydney Jenny and I were fortunate to have had a close relationship with Aunty Wyn. We loved spending the weekend with her at her house and were always excited when she would come and stay at our house.

As children Aunty Wyn was always giving us exciting precious gifts. Gifts such as crystals from broken chandeliers and costume jewellery, but most of all she gave us the gift of her full attention and her genuine interest in our conversations. She later did the same for our children.

I have many memories of Aunty Wyn's kind and caring ways. She taught us little things in etiquette and beauty care, which as a pre-teen made you feel especially grown up. She was always there for us. I can remember her walking the neighbourhood with me in Newtown carrying my "bounce-a-roo," asking whoever we came across if they had a bike pump we could use, knowing how much I wanted to try out my new toy.

When Maxies (long ground length skirts/dresses) came into fashion Jenny and I were desperate to have one. Mum said no we were too young and that we would look silly wearing something so long. So Aunty Wyn, knowing how important these things are to young girls, came to the rescue and made us a skirt each out of curtain material I think. I still remember swanning around in mine, I thought I looked so good. She helped us to find and catch our pet mice late at night when Mum and Dad were asleep so they wouldn't find out they had escaped.

All the 'treasures' that we gave her such as rocks and shells were kept. Whenever we went to visit we would look in her China cabinet and sure enough, it would all be there. I can remember her always in a good mood pottering around humming a tune or when sleeping wearing an earphone plugged into her radio which she listened to all night long.

Aunty Wyn never let her disability get the better of her. I can remember one rainy weekend while staying at her house she climbed a high ladder and got onto her roof to fix a leak. When you consider how stiff she was, that was some feat! It's amazing how she managed to get back down again.

I also remember her having to commute to work by bus and at times if the bus took off before she found her seat she would have a fall. It would have been hard for her to be on her feet all day but she never complained about her disability. She was never one to complain. Even towards the end of her life when it was so hard for her to loose her independence, if she started to have a cry from frustration she would check herself. She would say that she had to stop it, and that she didn't want to be a whingy old lady.

When we grew up we valued Aunty Wyn all the more. As everyone knows, Aunty Wyn was a kind soul. Of all the conversations I have had with her she has never said an unkind word about anyone. She was one of those rare people who see the good side in everybody.

Even though she was ready to go and I'm glad she didn't have to wait too long, I will miss her. She was a truly lovely, kind and caring person who played a large part in my and my family's lives.

Mandy

Aunty Wyn

Megan that was lovely. I have a great photo of Aunty Wyn when I took her on holidays to Noosa with me years ago. I will have to unbox the photos and post it.
Meg

Aunty Wyn- Always a Lady

Hello everyone. I just wanted to share this photo I had of Aunty Wyn. It was taken in March 1995 at the Senior Citizen's Debut. I always thought of Aunty Wyn as "a real lady". A fond memory that I have of her is when she taught me how to apply lipstick correctly and plait my hair whilst on holidays at Kenebree one summer.
May you find your peace Aunty Wyn.

Love Megan Whyte

My Aunty Wyn

My Aunty Wyn gave me joy.
My Aunty Wyn had a wicked sense of humour.
My Aunty Wyn had a deep laugh.
My Aunty Wyn could tell a great yarn.
My Aunty Wyn was always positive.
My Aunty Wyn loved donuts without the sugar dusting.
My Aunty Wyn is now at peace
and out of pain.

Love Lisa

Hello Meg here, my first blog for 2008.
To all the Aunts and Uncles I'm thinking of you all with the sad passing of Aunty Wyn yesterday. My heart goes out to you as well as to Michelle and Betty and their families. Yesterday was the anniversary of Dads death 30 years ago. Losing someone is never easy despite it being a blessing of sorts. My prayers to all.

Today is Sunday and we are having a lazy one. I'm at Kenny and Bernices and have Mum and Hokey with me. Kenny is having a camp, Mum is reading the tele and Bernice is outside playing cars with Hokey in between learning how to put photos on the blog.

We arrived on Friday after I had spent a couple of days with Sara. Its Hokeys first time away from Mum and Dad and he is coping very well.As I am sure Mum Sara would if she would stop texting me to see if the boy is okay and just relax a little. She said its very quiet there!!! Well we have been busy going to the beach building sand castles and decorating them with seaweed and sea shells. Had a bit of a paddle in the ocean as the beaches are closed for swimming because of the rough swell. Not that I was too keen on going for a surf myself!!! anyway. We went and watched the fireworks last night. Mum dressed up for the occasion in her dressing gown and sat in the car and watched. Hokey myself and Bernices young friend Dylan watched from the foreshore. We have shopped played darts and opened Chrissy Presents all very exciting stuff for the little man. Tomorrow we head back to Sydney, I will go on home to Lemon Tree after I drop them off.

I certainly didn't have a white Christmas Belinda. Unless the bleach in all the cleaning products I was using is a substitute. I worked all over the festive season cleaning appartments in Nelsons Bay 8-9 hour days without a break mostly as we were so busy. Its slowed down a bit now and I will be starting my new job with Tomaree community health on the 14th January. A big change from years of shift work and a different scope of nursing. Read in the paper where the health system is loosing 4000 staff a year. I wonder why!!!!
I did call in to Gregs at 6am to wake them all and let them know that santa had been. Watched the kids open their gifts and Mum catch the wrapping paper before it hit the floor and had it deposited in the recycle bin. Called in after work but there was no Christmas lunch or tea despite me getting the salads organised the day before as well as nibblies. They had filled up on about 3kg of prawns, the lamb ham and chicken stayed in the fridge. I will know what to do this year, bugger the fuss and bother and just get a carton of 4xxxx and a few kilos of prawns, sit out the front of gregs and throw a handful of birdseed out and watch the birds come in!!!

Marcus is due back from New Zealand on Thursday, I miss both boys very much and cant wait for my boy to come home.

Anyway folks despite the sad start to the year I wish you all good health and happiness.
Love Meg and all the crew all over the place.

Canada's Waiting

Well Mona and Kell are waiting to hear from everyone. Who, what and where was everyone for Christmas and New Year. We are having a great time and all the family have been great to us. We have been to Banff, Calgary , Pincher Creek and Whitefish. I have learnt to cross contry ski, I love it, On Christmas Day I went out with Katie, Doug and friends of Doug's what a treat.
So back to Kate's tomorrow. Hopefully Steve and Grayson will come down again to spend time with the girls before we head back to Australia on the 8th . So get on and post some pictures and a few words to let this side of the world know what you are all up to. And Kell and Mo will drop a note as soon as they finish their obligations ( not that they have many, ha ha )