Grafton greetings, 31st May.

Hello Family,

Hope all are well. Getting excited about catching up with everyone next weekend, should be great. Ronny and I will be there about lunch time/mid afternoon on the Saturday. Jane is worried she will miss out on things on the Friday night and Saturday, before she gets there! She flys in late Saturday afternoon.

Jane's Brydie and Sebastian were playing in a Catholic Schools Hockey State Carnival in Armidale this week, and Brydie's team won the State Title! Heard she scored the winning goal too! Glad my neices and nephew finally saw the light and converted to hockey! Great game. I play in an hour.

Will try to add a few photos of dad's birthday /Mothers day gathering. Anthea was the only one not there, as she is teaching in mid North Queensland. I realise that Ronny and Patrick are not in the photos, but it does not mean that they are not loved! (They were the photographers!)

just wanted to say hi, and see most of you next weekend,

Love Lisa

Ok smarty pants, I took a pretty one too but it won't get on here 'till I pull my finger out and load it. Later but in the meentime more pretty pictures please :o)

Canberra Autumn

The pink blossoms are at the end of my street and the others are from my front garden enjoy Kell and Mo

I have not edited these so if you click on them the will enlarge for you. If you are using a PC right click mouse and save as and you can keep them of Right click and set as background and that will be the picture on your computer screen. Or just ask and I will email you the images if you want them.

xxxx Belinda

More photos for the photo obsessed!!!

For Kell

Roselands again...

Well I finally posted my letter to Johnno, it's only been sitting on the dresser for a month! Because I had to go into the post office I wanted to wait for a time when Tony was home to mind the kids so I wouldn't have to yell, chase and 'put away' whilest waiting in the usual mile long queue. Today was that day. I also put a note in with this blog link in it so they can check it out when they're at Vickies place.

We were supposed to be going to a friends husbands 40th next Friday night but Bernice tells me that most of the family will already be up the coast on Friday night so I've apollagised to Deb and Kris because I cannot miss another family gathering. They understand.

Oops, got caught on Limewire tracking down 'oldies' music from the 70's and 80's. I have a couple of casettes around here somewhere, I'll have to find them to look up the songs...

Well the fridge company were doing us no favours. They were only offering a fridge at warehouse prices. I will go to Seconds World and pick one up there but insist that Tony comes with me because I'm no good with salespersons (need Meg with me!) and the little Indian bloke I spoke with on the phone kept assuring me he's sold "heaps of those" with each fridge I enquired about. They won't push Tony over but I'd still like Meg because she's good at pushing sales people over. Tony's gone a bit soft in his old age, bless him ;o)

No news, kids are quiet but that doesn't necessarilly mean they're asleep. I'd better sign off anyway, I have mountains of washing to fold (doesn't mean I'm going to do it though!) and still have a load in the washer, one in the dryer and two on the line. B****y hell! G'night,

Sara XXXXX

to my dearest god mother mona.... and the rest of you..

if the whipping over your knee means a free trip to canada then the cheekiness will continue haha..

p.s thought you might like this pic since your all so photo obsessed haha

me, mummy,kell,tammy

Pilot Mound checking in.

Good morning all. Just 6-30 am for you, and I hope you are sleeping well. 3-30 pm for me, and time to think about food again. The story of my life, getting food ready. While on the subject, Meg, remember that your pumpkin has flavour, ours doesn't. So your pie will have more and a different taste to mine. (I think it is a criminal waste of Aussie pumpkin, myself!!You could put it around a leg of lamb...now THERE is flavour for you!!)
I was just reading about the party for June, and getting a touch jealous. Nearly everyone to be there! PLEASE TAKE LOTS OF PHOTOS! Everyone. Take LOTS of photos. Of everyone. And put them on CD or DVD for us. My printer is good, but doesn't do a great job of photos. Did you all see that I mastered putting one on the blog? Smart, eh? Well actually, Frank is the smart one.
I have been trying to get Kell on the phone. She is either in Calgary, on the way home or on the way to Whitefish. Marcus, if you rread this, I couldn't believe how much you have grown. Where is Jacob, and why dont we hear from him?
Now Lissa. You go and re read my last note re your dad being my God Child. You will note I didn't say my ONLY God Child, but my FIRST. Dont start getting cheeky with me young lady, or the next time I see you, you go over your God Mothers knee for a good whipping!! Do keep up with your notes on the blog, it is so good to hear from you. And tell Jess and Kell it doesn't take too much time to drop a line. Best go. Just rambling. Love to all and have a great time at the party. Love Moe.

Murwillumbah signing in

Hi Everyone,
I haven't been on the blog for a few days so you can imagine my delight when I saw all of the comments I had to keep going back pages. It was pure indulgence reading the blog. So good to hear from Lissa and Jess and everyone else. It is only one week until most of us will be together again. I am thrilled for all of the people that will be there.
Sebastian and Brydie are in Armidale this week for the N.S.W state Catholic Schools Hockey championships. They are absolutely freezing they are not use to the cold. Both are doing very well at the moment, particularly Brydie. They arrive home sometime tomorrow night .

Grace is the only one home with Patrick and I at the moment and it is so strange.(Too quiet).
Looking forward to seeing everyone soon
Love Janexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

going on's in the gong

Hi All, I know thats marcus and Jacob, who are the girls..at a wild guess is it the tully girls?
Nice shot of Bill, he looks well, he doesn't seem to age. must be in a good paddock.
Nice to hear from you Mona, i know it must be hard for you all over there when there is family tragedies, hope you are all ok.

Jacob if you get on the blog I did write you a note "a few letters back! but idiot me wrote marcus instead of 'Jacob' it was meant for you, anyway hope you are ok and happy and hope to see you soon when you come back. what have you been up to?

June's 80th is looking good, Didn't it come around quick!! only a week to go!!! she is going to be so surprised to see the turnout..I hope it cheers her, she deserves it. Actually we could all do with a bit of cheer, hopefully seeing family will do that. Bob trish , steve,marge Stewart,jane Lisa, ronny,Cec,ray,mandy bruce, two boys owen and callum, Nathile, Russ and all their crew, wendy ,len and crew toni-lee matt& crew,meg greg tom, Sara, tony& kids, marcus, "Peter Tully& girls, Belinda and Rodney Neal wife and bub..and Michael payton we think and hope, ken and i of course, I don't think i have forgotten anyone? we haven't see Rodney Neal for over20 or 25 years, looking forward to it, we seen michael payton here about 18 yrs ago I don't know about John he is in Dubbo today seeing doctor for check-up and has a nother appointment on the 10th june check-up i think, ken will call him tonight...Great you can make it Belinda. Not sure on Cook? is she coming belinda? And Paula Payton??? I must email her. I hope June is feeling up to it.

I am feeling yuk..My back is "out' and i have bloody' Spurs' under both feet..oh there painful and because of them they throw my back out even more!! Never mind I am going to spend next week having a good ' body "over haul..Panel beat' and tune-up, maybe i can feel half human then. Ken's well he did have the flu but is over it now but has been left with a constant dry cough.

Hey Sara hows things? been going to ring ...I will try for tomorrow.

I gotta go "Bold and Beautiful" is on can't miss it who's doing who..I mean what, Nah I didn't.

We had Bourke chicken legs last night too! and we bought a"Case of bourke splashe' back with us Ken hides it.

Hope you are all good, talk soon love to you all Bye now Bernicexx
June doesn't know about a few coming its a surprise!!! Michael payton and Rod I think.

Anna Bay

Well well who are these precious babies at Fords Bridge Christmas tree back in 1996

Learning to put photos on the blog. Bill with the precious Princess Rosie.

Anna Bay Antics

Hello all,
Thanks Aunt Mona now I can crack the BIG gramma and try it in the pie. We bought one at a roadside vege trailer on our way back from Sandy Hollow when we went ferreting. I estimate I should get about 5 attempts out of it surely one will be edible. I am not known for my culinary delights, but I will give it a good try. Ive made your recipe out of butternut pumpkin and it turned out ok, but just ok. So no need to guess what I will be doing on the weekend Lin.
Liss the yabbies turned out ok, I didnt burn the water and Im going to share with Aunty June, Matt is partial to a yabbie or too as well he told me, so I might give him a claw or two.
Tonight we ate the Percy's chicken legs for tea, they turned out a bit dry because I was on the phone so long but hey who can pass up a Percy's chicken leg dried out or not.
Yes Tammy is a special young lass that I can vouch for and I have witnessed first hand the love that she has for the Tullys and the love that they have for her. Heck Tam you even have my heart but you know that.XXX
Girls can you tell Gaffo that the shirt fit Garry and he has it on now, he is going to get him a footy shirt from here and I will send it back with you.
I have been super busy since I got back from Bourke and still have not caught up with my work, so I will say goodnight for now, as there is a thunder and lightening storm about with a couple of drops of rain. But nothing like a good storm out at Bourke when the smell of the dust is in the air and the gidgee envelopes you.
See you ALL at Lemon Tree, can't wait. Greg is even having a sicki to come.
Love Megxxxx
I

P.S

HI TO ALL THE CANADAIANS WE LOVE YOU ALL AND MONA BLESS YOU BEING ALL EMOTIONAL DAD HAD A GIGGLE ABOUT YOUR EMOTONAL SIDE AND BY THE WAY WHOS YOUR BLOODY OTHER GOD CHILD OUT OF THIS FAMILY?????????????????YEAH THATS RIGHT THE ONE AND ONLY ME
lots of love lissa

lissa again

god what is the world coming to you have heard from me twice in one week lol gee im doing well..
just wanted to say that we are not cranky at all about the mention of tammy being our sister we are proud to have her as a member of our family.
for those who havent met tamz you all should do it because she is the most gorgouse helpful and appreciative little girl anyone could meet she is so grateful for evreything we have done which although it doesnt seem like a big deal to us apparently it is.
heres an insight into how well she has adapted, kell jess and i would be sitting here for hours if we tried to think of the last time we gave dad a hug good night (thats just how we are lol doesnt change the fact that we love him) tammy however has her shower then comes to find either jess or i and says "time for my rounds" and after giving us 3 girls our goodnight cuddle she proceeds to the loungeroom where she has a chat to dad and gives him his goodnight cuddle and says some kind of a thankyou to him.
dad believe it or not loves this and awaits his cuddle and chat.
when tammy first started living with us whenever we asked her to do something it was done in 5 seconds flat which at the time we thought was just to be polite but 6 months on she still does anything asked of her.
one thing we all have a giggle about when it comes to tamz is how she loves getting in trouble off dad for little things because it shows he cares whereas if it was us we would have a groan and think hes being unfair she however loves it and gloats about how she has to ask dad before she can dye her hair.
anyway enough about tammy shes taking over my blog the little devil..
meg hope the yabbies went down well and please next time your drunk off river water yabbies please refrain from ringing and having me in histerics until your sober.
(mark is rather pissed that u got those yabbies by the way)
dads running around town somewhere doing odd jobs, i just helped him with some of the paper work which is a first. for a minute there his filing system consisted of piles of paper on his bed. but its mostly back in order now.
jess is house sitting for a lady and kell and tammy are at school so if i remain the only one at home more often you may have a few more blogs to read lol so keep your fingers crossed.
looks like rain out this way which should be good, pitty you missed it meggie
we are going to be painting somemore tumble weeds soon (for those of you who dont know we painted a tumble weed red and now have requests for somemore because they are an outback icon so everyone has a giggle when they see them painted bright colours) they look pretty good done up.
i just had a moralls pie and a splashe for lunch so sucked in to all those poor sods who didnt have that priveledge hehe
anyway best be going now i have some forms to fill in so take care all
lissa xx

Pilot Mound again.

Every time I go to use this blog I get a different page up! Hope this works.
Lyn , and anybody else who took photos,I want a copy of all photos please. On DVD or CD would be great. I am sure Kell will, too, so one for her also.
The ' little ' girls have all grown up, Peter has gained weight...looks good, too. I wish he would open his eyes for a photo. He's my God Child, you know. My first God Child. No news here.I have enjoyed the notes from everyone. Do keep them coming. I had expected to hear from John re his up coming wedding. No word so far. Kell is in Calgary with Steve and Charlotte, ' Doing ' thier gardens. Wish she would come and do mine! We had a good few days over at Pincher, and were both glad to be together to get the news about Liz. Able to cry together, etc. Still doesn't seem real for me, and will be worse when we go home.
Next time Frank comes over (he is about 20 miles away) I will get him to show me how to post photos. He is my private computer teacher....mostly he just ' does ' and I watch !
Bill is down at the complex, I should be going through papers and recycling some, but I am useing Meg's great need for pumpkin pie as an excuse. The recipe will follow, Meg.
It is a beautiful day here. We need rain, but also need some hot days to get the crops growing. All the seeding is done and it wont be long before we have planes starting at 5am with spraying. The wood ticks...the bain of my life...are here all ready. Seems they come earlier and stay longer every year. It has been too cold to do any gardening, but we are told it will be warm next week. I went out to the nursery this am and put a few plants away. Best go. I will put the pie recipe in now, Meg. Enjoy !!


Pumpkin Pie.

1 cup cooked pumpkin.
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup white sugar
1 tsp. each cinnamon and allspice.

Put in a 9" pie crust. Put a sprinkle of nutmeg on top. Bake at 425 (F) for 15 min.s, then reduce temp. to 350. Bake till knife inserted in the center comes out clean (about 1 hour in my oven.)
Good with whipped cream, or ice cream. Serve warm or cold.

Love to all, and do keep the notes coming. It is great to hear from everyone. Love Moe.

.

Photo sizing for Meg

Hey Megs
Got no idea why mine are always small. I do edit all the photos, Huh! now I know. I edit my photos in photshop, resize and save for the web and other devices. That makes smaller images for uploading faster.
I will burn all the photos to CD and take to Lemon Tree Passage for you. Does anyone else want a copy?
What are you doing Saturday Morning? I will be in Newcastle.
Belinda

Hey bernice again

hello,I am so excited i now know how to put photos on.....I know its no big deal when you all know but for my first time i am so pleased...Thanks Meg, she taught me!
Now let me think what i want to say. i wrote to mark myers informed him of "all happenings"

Hey meg !!! great to see you back on the blog...missed you

Jess!! lovely letter you girls are incredible! your mum taught you well.
I don't know if you have all caught on (as i know you never knew before) peter being peter and liz being Liz! How great are they.. Peter & Liz and the girls taking on another "teenager (she's lovely) but what other family would take on that responsibility!! and they 'don't blow their horn' about it THATS why no one knew, about it! it was just about Tammy, she needed a family so they were there, thats it! Peter is wonderful she is just one of his girls and the girls are the same she is one of us ..they may even get mad at me for writing this but i was so proud of them all and it should be told.
I have been on the phone with Tom and meg all night so i'm tired, so I will write again another night to everyone... exciting news on the Junie 's birthday reunion who is going is great!!! more later gotta go...bye now love bernice xx

Anna Bay

Lin how come I can click on Bernices photoes and they blow up to full screen but I cant with yours? I want to so that I can save the pic and print it.Megxxx

Anna Bay

You could hardly miss me Bernice, Im as round as the pumpkin that Im just about to ask aunt Mona for her receipe for.
You out there Aunt Mona? Could I PLEASE have your pumpkin pie receipe AGAIN. I have it but it is in the storage shed under a pile of boxes and by the time I found it pumpkin season would be over. Thanks.
Great photos all, I will post mine when I can find the camera lead. Yes always an excuse Meg! But truely I dont know where it is. A bit like the receipes under something somewhere in the shed!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love you Tullys and miss you already. Hows it going girls, great blogs, you do your parents proud. Lissa you should be an author or news reporter, you just have the gift of the words.
Hang in there and dont forget the poo patrol.5 dogs, thats a lot of s*** to tread in. I'vd got the kero heater cranked up at my back here as it gets a bit chilly once the sun goes down,I just have to be careful that I dont fumigate myself.
Jacob when you get your "puter" back drop me a line, sorry about last night, I do love you heaps and miss you tonnes.xxxx
Aunty Cook safe travelling home this week, I will sms you and hopefully the girls will answer the message for you. Dont you love it, Liss just taught me how to do the rapid texting. I make a lot of rapid mistakes too but I will get there.
See you all at Lemon Tree. Stay well will write again one day
Love Meg

Coool it worked !

I'm off now No stopping me!!! her's another one thought you might like...cause it shows Nan Payton's Kitchen and John & Vickie..Love bernice

trying to put photos on-from bernice

Hi all I am just going to try to put a photo on for the first time !! hope it works talk later if it does its Me Jenny white & Belinda Oh where's Meg? oh there she is Ha! love bernice xx here goes!!!!

Anna Bay Beauties

Well what can I say, not much that hasn't already been said. It certainly was a shock to learn of Liz's passing. We are all proud of the quiet achievers out there in the dust and flies and burrs at Bourke and all was reveiled of their strengths and loves in a time of a tragic crisis. Peter and the girls are amazing to handle everything the way that they have and seeing first hand the support that the community of Bourke offered is unreal and as it was said too many examples but here is a couple. Murray Stewart who owns the BP station freely gave Kathy Lowe a full tank of fuel when she was taking the girls to Sydney, and also gave each of the girls credit for their mobile phones. Morals Bakery dropped off goodies everyday, pies, bread etc, the IGA store donated the groceries that the girs friends bought to stock the house. Jack Buster is one of many who donated meals he had cooked a bake dinner. Jack can barely walk and uses 2 walking sticks. He uses a wheelchair at home and made the effort to attend the service at the cemetary as he wouldn't have made it inside the church before the service was over. It took him a good 10-15 minutes to shuffle from the front of his ute to get in behind the wheel when he left the cemetary.

The garbage boys came and emptied the bins which were chockas everyday. The TAFE staff leant an urn as I think the kettle was going to blow up after the 10 or so boiling up of the billy on Monday. Still had to fill the urn 3 times that day as well as the kettle. These are just a few thoughtful things of how people contributed. On Friday night I must have been choking up a bit because Hannah Jessup said to me "you must be related to Aunt Mona!" Well on Saturday the events of the week did catch up with me and I had a shocker.I went out to talk to Dad Nan Liz &Uncle Ross and all the others and watered the dirt while I was there. It was good to let it all out. Just when I thought I could have a good howl along comes the girls, they had been over to see Mum.

Roselands

Wow, great pic's Big Girl. They're the first photographs I've seen of Peter since one Dad took at Mt Oxley, I'll try to find it and post it on here. Isn't Marcus such a Skeg? (Coastie, surfie for the unitiated) and how happy does Johnno look? God bless him. It's nice to see all the cheery faces considering the sad occasion. Peter looks so proud of his four girls. ..... Just found the picture but it's so faded you can barely see Peter, I'll post it anyway. Also one of us out yabbying.

I was supposed to drive to Raymond Terrace today to sign a lease for a house there, pick mum up then be back here this afternoon to drive to Crookwell to finish things up there. Also had the Electrolux bloke due here this morning to fix the fridge so I was cutting things very fine. I wasn't fweeling particularly confident about the R.T. house so spoke with mum and she said the house is ok but it's in a crap area and aparently is a pretty dangerous area (Aunty June must be on the other side of the town). So anyway, mum wasn't too keen to move there so I phoned and cancelled it. I told her I'd move the kids into the lounge and she can have their room.

We will still go to Crookwell this arvo but will be taking the kids instead of the planned leaving them with mum. I hope this is the last trip!

The fridge man came and he checked the fridge but said there was nothing he could do, it's unfixable. They only do a 5yr warranty but the fellow said it's a year 2000 model and phoned the office. Turns out they have an 8yr pro-rata system so they can replace the whole fridge and we'll only pay a percentage of the price. Bonus! Something good happens occasionally.

It's a nice enough day but crikey I'm cold sitting on this verandah. I dread the thought of sleeping in that empty house at Crookwell tonight, at least I still have the gas connected. I think!

Better go, love and payers to all,

Saraxxxxx

Wouldn't you know it. My HP software isn't working so I can't scan the photos and can't reinstall the software b/c Angelina's been playing with the cd drive and it won't work!

The sky is slightly hazy outside but otherwise no visible clouds (sounding like Tommy) but the ants are going crazy so the predicted storm must be coming. I can hear Ango coughing so she'll be awake any moment now. Better get going. xxxxx

Jess Tully here...

Wow, Aunty lyn there sure are some amusing photos meg got, bless her...
Thanks to everyone who either came all the way to bourke, send flowers &/or cards or called. We'll all miss mum and love her forever, but i reckon if she was sitting up where ever she now calls home she would have had a good old laugh at the past week, having everyone in one place was entertaining to say the least, but very much needed. We thank you all for your love and well wishes.

As Lissa said, this couldnt have happened in a better town, there was 300+ at the funeral and she was a very loved person, i dont think she actually realised how much she was really loved, Dad will come good and we 4 girls will continue on our way just as mum taught us, we have amazing friends which travelled days to get here for the funeral and to be here for us girls. The town is amazing and i now know exactly why i love it so much. Because no matter what happens, some one will always have your back. We bred them tough out here, though and strong.

So tough and strong we are, nothing will keep us down, so thank you all, and dont worry we'll all be fine.
Hoping to see you all again soon.
Jess
xx

Images from the 22/05/08 (evening)

The girl on the end in green top is Tammy. Lis and Peter have taken Tammy in as a 4th Daughter.

John and Vicky

Meg has more images from Friday so will get her to put some up at some time

A dust storm near Moomba SA

As most of you know I was to go to Moomba with Peter sometime soon. So we will have to wait for that one. I am looking for ward to the trip and spending time with Peter. I was looking for information on Moomba to show a lady from England and I found this image and I love it.

I have a new camera that I bought for the trip. Meg had great fun with it in Bourke so I will pop a few of the photos from Thursday 22/05/08.

I will write about peter and the girls at a later date, I can't yet, as Bernice said they will go on and are a great strengh to each other. We will miss you Lis

Belinda

http://www.abc.net.au/news/photos/2007/07/19/1983115.htm this is where the image came from

from bernice 25/5/08

Hello all, I was talking to Cec this morn and she said it would be nice to hear from someone that had been up to Bourke to let the family know how everyone is, Well , before we left for bourke Ken and I were so sick and worried about those three beautiful girls and peter, and don't get me wrong Liz will be so greatly missed, but it put our minds at rest to see them and they the Girls and peter are "so strong" together and they are so supportive of each other and for their Dad and he for them its hard to put into words the bond and love they have together, I came away thinking ...they are going to make it and be okay, it won't be easy and there will be hard times , but they are incredible with and for each, like little melissa wrote everything she said is just so, how incredible and beautiful was her letter and on that day! like I said they are amazing family and Peter a power of strength! and like Melissa said the bourke town people are amazing!!! and they will be there for the family in years to come, there is just something 'special' about Bourke people" If i was to begin to tell you the amazing things that was done for the family i would be here all night, but it puts your mind at ease to know they care so much and will be there for them.
Liz.. the quite little thing that she was, well she certainly was popular and loved you would not believe the different range of people and ages and walks of life that attended, I have never seen so many red eyed teenagers..I didn't know Liz was a" special- ed teacher's aide", but what i do know now, she was loved and will be missed so much. I also have never seen the roads blocked by Police,two cars 'formed double lane' (I mean both sides of the road going the same way) from church to cemetry because their were so many people there!!! John payton was with us i said to John i have seen road blocked and single lane out but never this before John said .. it has only been done once before that he knows of and that was for Kieth Lowe a very well known and loved bourkeite!! My reason for telling you this "What a wonderful "Tribute to "Liz." (she wasn't born in Bourke) Peter and girls can feel so proud. I could go on and on.. but most importantly I wanted to let you all know that i think peter and girls will be Ok with all the help, love and support that i could see all around them. I was so proud of them as a family.

i was also pleased to see Bill Jessop there also it was very nice of him to attend from such a long way, peter was grateful. Meg was there for near a week with the family too which was a big comfort for them all.
Even tho under the sad circumstances it was lovely to see Jenny Neal we haven't seen her in over 20 yrs, also good to see belinda & girls,cook, dan, Tom, marcus and John.

Ahh Ha..speaking of John! and i am sure John won't mind me telling you all as he is quite pleased about it all. now for some good and Happy News and its no secret the whole town knows and are so happy for him. So i guess its about time the family knew John has a girlfriend and plans to marry her!!! whoo hoo.. she is very nice they suit each other , he is a changed man so very happy and we are so very happy for him, they plan to marry in Dubbo 3rd Jan 09. Isn't that great! anymore info ask John, oh her name is Vicki she's quite but nice.

Well i won't start talking to anyone special as i am just writing to fill you all in on the amazing Tully family ..and the passing of a lovely little quite acheiver who will be so missed.
I will write again soon to let you all know more about Our junie's dinner Reunion but more on that later.. hope you are all well and happy.

Melissa Tully !!!! what a great tribute to your mum and dad and so very true, great job Darling, and remember "more Blog" Less-' face book"" Ha! Love to your dad and girls and Hi to Tammy and Say Hi to Hannah for me> I text her...but she never replyed, naughty girl. Chin up , we were so proud of you all. Bye for now everyone Love Bernice xxx

P. S.

Would someone please tell Mrs. Junie that we have not forgotten her. Just can't talk on the phone yet. We WILL come good, juts takes a bit of time. 

I think the ocean is a couple of inches higher now, & still will be rising a bit more, Thanks. Kell

Sad in Pincher

Thanks so much Lissa for the update. We are not very supportive  I know, but we 

aren't up to writing yet. You are all in our thoughts all the time.

Be patient with us please, it will take a few days to get our act together, & to be able to

see through the fog.

We love you all, & pray for you  all. I can speak for  Mo too, as we are both very emotional bodies.

However, we will come good, it will just take a bit of time. Love Kell. ( & Mo too)

from bourke home of lis!

hey everyone its melissa here writing on behalf of the whole family,
thankyou all for your kind thoughts and prayers over the past few days although this event has broken our hearts in two we are all extremely confident that we gunna be just fine since we have the most amazing support anyone could ever ask for this town "Bourke" certainly has its benefits so although we have more blowies and a tad more dust and barely any water the way this town pulls together at a time like this is mind blowing the night of mums death everyone of our phones were literally jammed with messages and missed calls and people who were absolutly devastated and wanted to get hold of us but couldnt.
we came home to a bbq with so so so many people all of whom had spent the day at our house ensuring that there was nothing for us to have to worry about apon arrival from cleaning the windows to tidying bedrooms to cooking food to mowing lawns and even noticing the packets of bulbs that mum had bought then clearing the garden and beginning to plant them they did it all and knowing full well how it would put there own lifes on hold for a bit.
mum was honestly the most amazing women out there the most dedicated mother to ever walk the earth and the most supportive wife there could ever be.
In my whole life never did i ever think that i would see my amazing dad who is the strongest person i know break the way he has but of course within hours he was holding himself together and ensuring we knew that things would be alright because the worst has happened and therefore we can handle anything life could throw at us from now on.
Those of you who know dad pretty well would know that he spends 95% of his time away from home supporting us which means mum played his role as well as her own so we are fully aware of the fact that the times that hes out of town will be the hardest that we face but for those times we know we have the entire population of bourke and some amazing family members that we can turn to so with your help life will go on!
again thankyou for your thoughts we really appreciate them and will provide updates as to how we are getting on.
lots of love lissa and family xx

hello from bourke

23/05/08

Hello all from Roselands. I won't rehash what has already been said as I think we are all feeling the same way and in total shock at the suddeness of Liz's death. It is a real kick in the teeth and certainly makes me greatful for all the blessings I have.

I finally got the broadband fixed up and now the house is connected. Our laptops are old but mine is in the kitchen, Tony's in the bedroom and my old pc in Hokey's room but I haven't showed him anything yet. Still getting him going on the phonics learning games which he quite enjoys. There is also a phonics 'car' learning game but if I pull it out now he'll never do the other ones...

Teachers strike yesterday so I kept Hokey home rather send him to school. We were out most of the day but he still managed to trash the house. Back at school today but his class was split up into the other two kindy classes. I don't know where his teacher was.

Tony got the TAFE business sorted out. Turns out the woman running the course was not passing on all the information etc to him and made a mess of things so the head teacher offered Tony a position in the next course. He's going to do one that runs on a Saturday and I will study it with him so later I will try to do the course "officially" through TAFE and get the qualifications also. We'll see.

Angelina's in bed but not sleeping. Doesn't matter, she can stay there until she does. They get up SO early.

Had a quick 'Hello' with Aunty June last night and she said she's 'well'. She sounded well too, upbeat. I'm looking forward to seeing her and everyone who can make it to her 80th celebrations.

Spoke to Johnno the other night. He sounded great too. He seems very happy and my girlfriend said she did his hair (only ever gets a number 3) a month ago and he looked the best he has for over 12 months.

Mandy, if you get a chance to logon please let us know how Rod and family are going. How fatherhood is treating him. Meagan reminds me so much of him. She sounds very happy and in her element down there in Wagga.

Time is moving on and soon it'll be 'home time' for the schoolies so I'd best away and finish packing away redundant toys before he arrives to put a stop to my clean-up. Take care everyone, extra love to all.

Loive Sara xxx

Aunt Mo', don't know if mum notified Mark. She hasn't said. I will let him know. xxx

Liz.

Dear family. Just to let you know we are thinking of you. I did talk to Peter the day of, and haven't talked since. Will do so when things settle down. I am so glad some of the family are able to gather. You know we are there in spirit. Thank you to all who are thinking about us. It really is tough not being able to be there. But Kell and I both gave thanks that we were at least together to get the sad news. It did help to be able to cry together. Bill has had a hard time with accepting it too. Bill and I are home again now, and tomorrow night, 8pm, 11am Friday in Bourke, I will do my own service and say a quiet 'Farewell'. Sorry, you know I am not emotional but can't see to carry on, so more at a later date. Know we are there with you and you are never far from our thoughts. Did someone let Markie know? Please tell Cook to phone me when she can. Love to all. Mona

Jane here again.

Hello everyone,
I just thought I would pass on what I know. I have spent the night on the phone. I spoke to Kenny and Bernice and they are on their way out to Bourke tomorrow. Auntie Tom and Meg are out there already. I also spoke to Meg everyone is amazing out there The girls are the ones who are holding everyone together. Meg has been an amazing support to Peter and the girls. She said the town has also been amazing (so much food) Despite everything Meg had me in fits of laughter along with Kenny. Meg said the School are going to form a guard of honour and there have been a lot of clubs in the town that Lis was quietly involved in that want to pay her tribute.

I also spoke to Belinda She and her girls are driving out there as well tomorrow. Belinda was strong she said it has been hard. Danny and Cook are also out there I haven't been able to get onto Auntie Cook's mobile.

I am sure everyone is feeling the same way. Lis's death has really affected me probably as she was a similar age to me and I can't stop thinking about the girls and Peter. I am feeling for you in Canada as at least we can get on the phone. Jess was talking to my Brydie tonight and she was very together and strong. ( a lot stronger than me).

Canada I am thinking of you take care everyone
Love Jane xxxxxxxxxxxxx

R.I.P Elisabeth Tully

It is with a heavy heart that I write this, I am sure the whole family is feeling the same way.
To Peter and his beautiful girls Melissa, Jessica and Kelly To Auntie Cook, Belinda, Hannah Lauren and Danny we pray for you at this time.

My memories of Lis
I have nothing but fond memories of Lis. She was very quiet, a peaceful sole always in the background. A loving mother and wife. I never heard a negative word uttered against her
May she Rest In Peace

Jane xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Prom night

Dan and Talyn on Dan's prom night. Have you ever seen such a look of admiration?

Elisabeth Tully

I wish I didn't have to write this but it is very short.
As I am sure you all know Lis died on Saturday night in Napean hospital of a brain embolism. Peter was with Lis when it happened at home in Bourke. She was air lifted to Sydney and the girls were driven to Sydney by Kathy Lowe and spent time with their mum before she died.
Kathy we are forever in your debt.

Lis I will miss you

You made Peter very happy and gave him three girls to love and cherish.

The funeral is Friday 23/05/08 at 11.00am

To my big brother Peter and their three beautiful girls Jess, Lissa and Kell, I love you Belinda

Mums Birthday (June)

Hi all, Toni has asked me to pass on some details to everyone.

As you already know we will be having a small do for Mums 80th Birthday at Tanilba Bay.
Toni has to let the club know the exact numbers for the meal, if we over book we have to pay for all meals booked.
So could you please let Toni know if you are definitely coming no later than
Wednesday 21st May.
We have booked a smorgasbord, the cost is $21.00 each. Payable on the night.

The menu is- Roast Beef and Pork, assorted veges including roast potatos and pumpkin,
Beef Stroganoff, Curried Chicken and Rice, Tossed salad, Potato Salad, Bread rolls,
Pavlova fruit cream or Chocolate cake cream.

There is no special price for kids but the club has sugested that we order one meel between two kids, depending on there ages and how much they eat. I am not ordering a meal for my grand kids as they are only 3yrs and 20 months old so do not eat very much, they can have some of our food, or we can get something cheaper at the bistro for them. (Hot chips)

We have booked a room at the club so we will have some privacy and not have to worry so much about any children that will be there, so that will make it easier and nicer for us all.

Terese has had another beautiful baby girl 22nd April Nyah Taye (as it sounds)

Have to go to work now
Wendy

15th May. Lisa here.

Greetings Family,
Will be up and away early in the morning -(excursion to Brisbane with my Drama students) and back late, but just wanted to mention that it is Aunty Wyn's birthday tomorrow. She would have been 81. May she rest in peace.
I have photos to put on blog of last weekend with the family, will try to do it on the weekend,
love Lisa

Meagan Whyte

I forgot to mention yesterday, Meagan Whyte is also a fully fledged teacher now as of a couple of weeks ago. She put it on Facebook. So WELL DONE Meagan. How about a note from you and Briony sometime? I message you on facebook.

Sara xxx

Mothers Day

What are you on about Jane? What have you said that could possibly be offensive? If anyone it's me who runs that risk every time I log on. Fair dinkum, I treat this blog like my own personal diary and say things I really should keep personal and to myself.

Tony's talking of selling the Ford. The bloke who owns the yard where he works hasn't made any sales so has not paid Tony so he said he'd take a car as payment. David didn't like it but didn't have mucgh choice. He brought home a Commodore S Pack which some kid wanted to buy before he even drove it out of the yard but Tony said if I want it I can have it and we'll get rid of the Ford. I like it too but it's his decision. He said to me "I'll have to fix that mark you've made on the back passenger door. You scraped up the side of a wall at Roselands didn't you?" and accusation I'd previously shrugged off. He persisted and I started to laugh. That did it, he was sure, "You did! You scraped the wall at Roselands (shopping centre)". I was laughing hard by now and tried to speak "You got the sh..." more laughter and an adament accusation from Tony "I'm not stupid. It's the right height and the same colour paint. You scraped the wall at Roselands car park. "You got the sh..." . I finally spat it out "You got the SHOPPING CENTRE WRONG. It was CAMPSIE!" I was in fits of laughter. Ohh, I guess you just had to have been there .

Greg sent a text message this morning to say Happy Mothers Day to mum. I replied that I could hear her banging in the kitchen so she's doing the same as any other day. He replied to "tell her to wash and clean to her hearts content because it's Her day!" He'll be down tomorrow to pick her up and take her home. She hasn't rested at all, fair dinkum she doesn't stop. I get tired just listening to her (can't see her because she moves too fast. Like a "Bluie" Bernice!)

Tony had grand plans for today but his back is giving him grief so he's hot-packed up. Kids are going about doing their own thing. Actually I have to log off and "watch these cars go". Hokey loves an audience.

Hope all are well and having a lovely day. Take care,

Love Sara xxxxx

Happy Mothers Day

Hi all

Just about to go out for my mothers day walk. The girls are sleeping and so Rocking and I are going walking. I have just spoken to mum and Bob and Trish are heading up to visit for a few hours.

I am working on a project for Breast cancer reseach foundation if anyone wants to have a look
http://neckdecorations.blogspot.com/ we are having and exhibition and sale of scarves wraps and contemporary jewellery if any one wants to make a scarf feel free.

It is overcast but I don't think there will be any rain although we need it.

Not much news from Canberra, as they say same s&^$* different day.

Love to everyone. Belinda

Greetings from Murwillumbah

Hi every one
I am so glad Sara and Auntie Kell and Bernice wrote on the blog. I was getting worried I had offended somebody no-one was blogging for a while. Everyone is well here. Dad is 82 today we will celebrate tomorrow. We have a family tradition on Mother's Day and Dad's Birthday we usually go to Byron Bay to a little restaurant. We have been doing it for years however, they closed the restaurant so tomorrow we will all go to Bangalow to a restaurant. Lisa and Ronny, from Grafton, Stewart and Asha will come down from Brisbane so we will send some pictures. Anthea will be the only one not here and I know that will be really tough on her.
I had better go I have to do all my school work today as I won't get anything done tomorrow.
Love to every one and Happy Mother's day to the Mothers. Jane

Bernice here 8/5/08

Hello Everyone!
Thought you had all abandoned the blog for awhile there!! I didn't end up going to Dubbo my Dog kellie got very sick and was put into the vet's hospital for 5 days we thought we would lose her she had some bacterial bowel problem she is still not a 100% but getting there and is home now.

I have just emailed Toni-lee about June's birthday dinner, there are 33 adults and at least 10 kids going so far as i know thats wonderful for june and it will be wonderful to see all the family again.

Kell they were nice shots of the snow! it looks very cold tho, I don't like the cold. How is Peter going now hope all is well with you, did you have a nice time with charlotte and family.

Mona where are you, whats happening over there!

Marcus if you get a chance to read this hope you are happy and heard you may be coming home for holidays soon hope so and hope we get to see you, i will ring your mum on info. and Get on the Blog and write and let us all know what you have been up too.

Sara always nice to hear what you are doing , Hokey is so gorgoues! he looked so handsome in his uniform he used to0 look so much like tony but that shot he looks so much like you when you were a kid. Hope tony's course is going well now.

Don't know if John is going up to June's or not yet Ken rings him most weekly but doesn't always get him as he is out of range a lot when out at Kinchella but he will keep trying and ask him if he is going or not.

Belinda are you going to June's ? hope so and if so let toni-lee know soon please, its only 3 weeks away wow time has flown. Are any Tully's from Bourke going? does anyone know?

I have to go now as i have to wash the 'bottles so we can" bottle the homebrew beer!! very important job!

Ken and i are going out to a club saturday night(very unusual for us lately) we are going with a crew from his work they and their wives their a nice bunch, should be good.

gotta go hope all are well, and for all those "Readers of the blog, get on and write us a letter,
Bye for now...love to all...Bernice xx

photos from Pincher Creek, snowy April

Still here...

Hi folks. Yes, I'm still around Bernice. The last few weeks have thrown a spanner in the works of this household. BANG BANG BANG one thing after another. The course Tony is supposed to be doing is all b****y red tape crap that has absolutely nothing to do with teaching............................. I just had to logout because Tony received a phonecall from one of his class members and he does not know what the heck is going on or where to start with the course and He's a teacher! Just after he spoke with him another class member calls and she doesn't know either. They have all arranged to meet on Sunday to try to work out what the heck the teacher is talking about and what is or isn't relevent so they can decide where to go from here. Clearly the teacher isn't talking the same language as the students. Tony's riled up and now I am too.

That's one of the things that's been going on in the past few weeks. Of course the business with Tony's mum and everything that has been left behind which Tony has to sort out because Marc is about as bright as a black hole. I just typed a whole paragraph but deleted it b/c I'm just venting frustration. Fair dinkum, of late I've just been wild eyed and snarly teeth. My kids must be frightened to look at me,



I just feel like an animal!

Every day I have these grand plans of doing this and doing that but do they ever come to fruition? Nada!!! I'm just stumbling through life, like everyone I guess. Mind you, I'm doing alright considering what others are going through, Aunty June suffers s lot of pain and tiredness, of course. Aunty Kell is sole Carer to Uncle Peter which must be exhausting as his illness progresses. My own husband is in constant pain with his back, as is Bernice also. Aunt Mona, Aunty June, Johnno and Tony (others ??) with the diabetes. Crikey, noth'n wrong with me mate, compared to you lot I'm a picture of health and ability. Was that tactless? I apolagise, it's my twisted humour, or look on life!

It was school photo's today and wouldn't you believe it, I slept in 'til 8:30! By the time I threw on something that resembled clothing and got Giancarlo ready and to school it was 9:30 and we'd just missed the class photo. I was furious with myself so asked his teacher if he would line the kids up in class and take a pic for me. God bless him he did it for me. I'll put it in here now then hit the sack.




Have to show the muscles!



He's up the back right corner next to a gorgeous little boy (same as Hokey) Rassan. The little West African boy is Kemoh (Kimmo) who lives around the corner and comes to play after school. Andy is the little boy right at the left in the middle row. He lives on the corner at his Yaya's (Nanna's) place now. He comes to play too. Isabella, bottom front right, lives around the corner but has not come to play yet. Hokey wants them ALL to come to his birthday party. Tony says we'll get a clown. I think WE might be the 'clowns'!

G'nite all. If I don't see you here in the near future I'll see you at Aunty Junes dinner, XXXXX