Kiama Kapers (sic)

Here's some kid pics from the Kiama crew (Carol, Terese, Lenice, Rik, Andrew, Lexa, Jahl and Nyah - Wendy's lot that is!)). We're finally online after a while in hiatus! Thought we should say G'day.
Lexa looked resplendent as a beautiful butterfly until a hard day of fun and laughter wore the paint away.
Jahl is intrigued by a baby Praying Mantis, it's vivid green legs quivering on his fingers.
Nyah is cheeky as always and ever ready for some laughs with her fancy, beaded wig.
Fuzz is adorable, noisy and messy!
The rest of us are keeping busy with house renovations, garden makeovers and summer Uni courses.

AUSTRALIA DAY.

It was 

quite the 

celeb-

ration.

Over 30 Aussi-es there, & every

one was 

decked out in

Aussi-e sty-le.

The cricket couldn't start till after the lifts closed down, 4.00pm,

& I couldn't stay that long. It was a wonderful day, & I actually got on skis, for the first time since this bone disease struck me. I took it very slowly, & it was great to be back. A bit too icy, but slowly does it. There were lots of strangers there. City types I suspect.

The Aussie bergers were very popular. I have no idea how many bottles of beer were consumed, & the weather SO cold. They didn't notice, & just had a great time. Kids from Tassie, W.A., Vic., S.A., N.S.W. & Qld., so quite an assortment.

Tomorrow is "back to reality" for me, but it was beaut while it lasted.

Take care , "you all", & keep us informed. Love to all. Kell.

P. S. Tully girls, PLEASE tell your dad I am SO proud of him, remembering chocolates & flowers for the Bride & Groom. What a lovely thought. Thanks for doing it, I certainly didn't

think.

Just briefly (when am I ever brief?), I just scanned the blog but haven't sat to read it through as yet. No mum hasn't been up to Aunty Cooks yet, I keep harassing her to go up but I can't force her because she gets the s***s if we tell her what to do. Aunty Kell, I tell her that same line "do it NOW while you can and not put it off like you have with other old mates".

When she comes Mum does my washing which is a godsend but the cleaning I can do myself. I got rid of the Home Care service as the woman was lazy and sloppy, one handed I still do a more thorough job. I don't need her here and when she has come the last few (yes 'few') times I told her I'd put her on a plane from here. I can't say or suggest anymore to her, I have been pushing at this issue for years and now it's finally come it's up to her to make the move. She does look old and she needs to take time out but I think she forgets her age.

** Update, she phoned today and was very annoyed that I told her again to go to Aunty Cooks.

I'd like you ladies to call her and have words with her.

Sorry.

Was early for first day of school this year. 24 hours early! Rocked up to school and was delighted to get a parking spot next to the gate. I was taken aback when there were no kids running around. I checked my watch to make sure the time was right, it was. I phoned into the school but the lady said it was teachers only today and to come back tomorrow! Fair dinkum, what a mug!

Went to Luna Park yesterday and saw the ferry race from a prime position. It was nice. Too many people to get about in the city with my two kids and by the time we left Luna Park the kids were pretty tired anyway so stopped briefly at the park in the city so Hokey could see all the old cars then we went home.

No news so Bye for now,

Sara xxxxx

Oh Lin, URL for diet is: http://au.todaytonight.yahoo.com/kickstart enjoy. It's a bit rough the first couple of days but once past day 3 it is a whole lot easier.

Tiddy girl!!

Gonnee wat you tink you catch more den them other fellas??? Nahhh its not Meg ? Guess?

Welcome Back Kell!!!!

Hi All, nice to hear from you Kell, poor dear, looking after someone you love so much who you used to depend on and enjoy their company so much,' soul mates ' I know you don't like to complain or explain how it is but I can try and imagine, If it was Ken .. feel free.. if you need too.let it all out!!! we are family . I wish you both well. Now...you go girl!!! ski ing...at your age ..how great!!! so proud of you..hope you so enjoy..Thanks for the support ..yes its been near 10 weeks now since I have had a cig' I have had some really bad days!! Poor Ken still coping a lot of flak..but he is such a patient, considerate, loving husband...Plus he dearly wants me to give up.so puts up with me..I just wish it would end.. and I wake up and don't think about smoking.
We sent John an Vicki a enlarged wedding photo we framed it and sent up with a friend that was going up there..I still have to do do the video yet but when I do i will put it on DVD and send you all one
Stewart ...I don't know if you get to go on the blog again or not...But I did not say Lisa needs monitoring!!!! I think Lisa is cool with the Blog..I did say and always do, hey get on the blog and write and read its great..that's it...why don't you buy a computer instead of a iphone??? that's a question not a smart remark , as I am not sure wat a iphone can do? ..still don't know whats happening with Ken's work..March wise..will let you know after next week when Ken goes back to work 2nd feb...And Invasion Day!!! my big fat A... happy captain cook day!! or we wouldn't have been here..plus they were only painting on rocks and just' hanging around anyway ' thank god for us.

Mona ,I think sometimes you Canadians do more on Australia day then we do its so nice to hear..we usually go down to lake foreshores and have breakfast by the lake with lots of entertainment and sand model comp..etc etc lots of fun..but we have had visitors and today were leaving so we had to see them off,,get more house guests tomorrow plus we are out of our bedroom as we are getting our bedroom floors polished tomorrow so had to pack off out of there...I hope you get your Hockey game played at your stadium this year also after all your effort. I'm not big on Politics!! but I really like this 'Obama' I think he is so cool an his family, hope he does well for you all...Us Aussies think..No big Deal.. Black man getting into the white house..black man been getting into white -houses here for years!!! Ha! love my own jokes

Lisa great photos of Zappa ..and very relaxing place how nice..its been so hectic for us with all visitors...must have been for Jane too it better have been Jane as you haven't even been on to say what a great xmas you had.

Hey Belinda great to hear you are really getting amongst them...going out of your comfort zone good on you..I won't..but admire people that do..I wil have to look up that dragon boat race and check it out.... There's fire crackers going off outside..
I have to go just got a ph .call so will catch up with anyone i have missed next time keep well until next time bye for now love Bernice xx

love from the tullys

hi all jsut letting you know we have been in coffs for 3 and a half weeks and just got back so havnt had acess to the blog. had an absolutly excellent time meggy sooo glad you came and we got to spend some quality time wiht javob to which was great we see a fair bitof marcus but not much of the big boy so he fit in very well with the large group that was there hs a great big cousin even piggy backed me when my feet hurt.. everyone was sad for about 2 days after meg left because of her emotional goodbye,u better bring greg next year hay sara would be a good opputunity to get them kids of yours a bit darker.. i hope your giving hokey lots of calamari and meat on his spagetti bacause you cant say he doesnt like it now..i have a really cute photo of me and angie too ill put it on at a later date. johns wedding was soooooooooooooo lovely gives me warm and fuzzys thinking aboutit. so cute. i think he really loved having some of his family around him he loved showing her off to tthem. aunty lyn did you find out what happened to nan? we will give her a call tomorrow and see how she is bless her..
while helping our uncle clean some of pops house we found some of the cutest photos of us and mum kelly looks about 4 and just like mum i would put them on here if i knew how to scan. all the animals were happy to see us nigga nearly fainted when we walked through the door and curly dads red kelpie bitch was allowed in side to lay with him for an hour.. big softie.. good luck gettin the "comb over" to go cos youl need ot.. he says he doesnt have much hair so he has to bring it to the front...
aunty lyn i was looking at some pics of poppy ross the other day and gee dad looks just like him hey even has the same teeth how funny.who are them people on the tullys side with the kids who look like me n lauren? they called in once and i wasd tryin to tell dad about itand he reckons there were no blonde kids our age in the tully family but there is bacause there is a photo of lauren and hannah with them too.
anyway im off will attach holiday pics.
lots of love lissa and the rest of the mad mob .
p.s. MEGGY NOTE: "oi girl look ere what she saying dere reckon we neva caught nuffint look ere caught more den dem dere ones ay my tidda girl!!!!

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY.

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY!!

I've just returned from Castle Mountain, where there are 35 Aussies employed for the winter.

Had Moira & Leo, (Adelaide,) & Dennis & Donna (Emerald), with me. We had a fab. day, lots of Aussies dropping in to talk to us, & Aussie 'bergers & wine for those in need!! It was a wonderful relief, & I  had my neighbour, Sally, bring her mending, as she stayed with Peter. Tomorrow, the REAL Australia Day, they have planned a day of Oz celebrations, with Aussie  (real!!) bergers, & terminating with a game of cricket on the ice!! Unfortunately, I am the only one from town to go, as Sally said she will "sit" one more time! One of the lads, Scott, (Wagga), has played footie with Robbie Myers, & Robbie is lining up a job for him (in Perth), for when he returns at the end of the ski season. Scott knows all the family members I mentioned, but not the White girls.

I have the Drs.' permission to ski tomorrow, "if I take it cool"!!! He (& I !!) are a bit concerned about the austio., but damn it all, I have not done anything for "fun" for a thousand years, & I 

am actually feeling quite excited!! (NOT a sign of old age!!!) My days are mostly spent "cleaning up, putting back, putting away" etc. Not much fun, & lots of stress. I was so happy today, I "bawled" all the way in from the ski hill, (30 miles.) It was such a treat to be selfish, & do something for myself. I had a lot of photos to post, winter, but they were  "corrupt", & would not post.

Peter seems to get worse by the day now, so not a very "happy future" to look forward to. However, I AM looking forward to tomorrow, & pray that nothing happens to interfere with it!!

I know that sounds selfish, but there isn't much else in my life to be happy about. I talk to Mo often, & she, & the Blog, are my "lifelines".

I will be very stiff & sore tomorrow, but it will be well worth it!! I don't know when I will "be back", but will post as opportunity presents itself. 

Lin, there is a club in Melbourne, for those looking for excitement, "Sky jumping". 

Wonderful pictures of Johnnos' wedding. First Bernices' postings, then C D's from Lisa. Thank you both VERY much. I talked to Johnno on his wedding day, then again after. He assured me that he was "the happiest man alive", & he meant it. I talked to Vicki after the wedding, & she, too, was deleriously happy. I am so glad for them both.

I regret I have missed all the January birthdays: Anthea on 1st., (talked to Johnno on 3rd.)

Jerrod on 3rd., Carol Lav., on 8th., Marg Payton & Callum on 10th., Maximus on 18th., (Wyns' anniv. on 18th) Katie Markus 19th., Jenny Neal on on 31st., so anyone talking to Jenny, PLEASE convey "happy birthday" to her from me.

I don't know when I will "be back", but perhaps Sally will stay long enough for me to tell you how sore, (&HAPPY) I am tomorrow, providing I don't have any broken bones!!

Bernice, if you are STILL hanging in there, "good for you.!!" I'm sure anyone who has "been there" can apprieciate what a sacrifice you are making!! I'm proud of you, even if I don't get too many opportunities to tell you.

Jane & Fam., I am sorry you did not make it here this year, perhaps next?? Seb., congrats on all

your achievements. Lisa & Ronnie, I am SO jealous of you, (But VERY happy FOR you!!!) with all the fun things you are doing. What a fab. couple you are, fun, busy, & VERY thoughtful.

Tom, you HAVE to get away, before you kill yourself. If anyone reading this can say so, PLEASE tell Tom that Cook is anxious to see her, & for her NOT to wait till one of them is no longer here. Life is SO short, & we can't just "keep putting the important things off"!! I'm sure Sara can get a housekeeper in now & again, so that Tom can get a break before it is too late. She looks SO old & haggered. Get her away, PLEASE!!!

I've talked to Junie, Cook, Cec, & Len lately. Will try to fit a few more in, in the weeks to come.

I'll probably look at Johnnos' photos again tonight, to end a perfect day.

I may not write, but I love you all. Please, those who can, "blog on" often. I was FABULOUS having Lin over here, & seeing how she can handle ANY situation, & enjoy ANY activity. Almost as if she has been doing it all her life. Katie has missed her, & I think, has plans for her to return!!   Much love to you all. PLEASE keep in touch!!! Love Kell

(Boy, has this been an epistle, or what???)

Mornin' Mo

Happy Australia day to you to. I will be BBQing with friends for lunch and I think Lauren might come as well and then Hannah, Lauren and I are going to the movies later this evening. I have to make some thing to take for lunch so I thought I would make pav bites and new invention or mine and may be I will be making pav crumble if they don't work. Dad always said to me give it a new name if it doesn't work and who will know what it was suppose to be? So there!

Its 7.27am and I have been up for almost 3 hours, this jet lag has got me this time my clock is just not resetting. But it's a beautiful morning and so far not hot I have a long sleeve jacket on!

Yesterday I went dragon boating, I was amazed at the boats (I will find you a photo on the net) the simple ones that hold 20 rowers and the drummer and driver (have forgotten the name) cost 12 grand god knows what the nice ones cost. I was great fun and I will be doing it again next Sunday and we have a regatta on the 15/02/09 with 3 x 200mt races and then IF we make it into the finals more races so guess I will be pooped on Monday the 16th. Today I can feel it in my shoulder from the crash on Whitefish golf course, Jo Kate and Doug know what I am talking about. Ok I admit it, cross country skiing on the golf course and I crashed and burned on a bend and down hill at the same time. Very embarrassing !

Aunty Mo if you look on the right side of the blog and see BLOG ARCHIVE in grey writting, click on Don't Panic Bernice and it will take you to the page that tells you have to get to older post on the blog or go to the bottom of the page and click on older posts and it will take you back through the blog page by page. At the bottom of BOLG ARCHIVE you will see 2008 and 2007 click on the dark grey triangle and they will give you all of that months post to look at.

This URL will show you a basic how to create a blog video on youtube, give you some basic info, just watch and it also give infor on up loading images. This site is a help site for Blogger or a how to URL

Canberra drogon boat association URL and some more pictures URL

Well must go and take puppies for a walk before its to hot and the legless lizards are out and about.

XXXXXX Lyn

Australia Day.

Morning all. And when you wake up, HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY. Are you celebrating? We aren't doing a big 'Thing' this year, but the essentials, leg of lamb, Aussie wine, taters done around the meat (my TREAT!!) and since I don't eat pavlova, ice cream with passion fruit (Canned, of course !) I may let myself really splurge and have a bit of licorice, too (I don't share. Lyn brought it for ME, and I keep it for ME!)
Good to hear from you Stew. It has been a long time. I'm glad you have hooked up with Paula and Max and fam. Does Paula read the blog? Tell her to log on sometime, give us the news.
Nothing from the Tullys for a long time. What are you up to?
Lyn, I may well be the only one who doesn't know, but what the heck is it you are doing on the water? I forget, and don't know how to get from here to your note and back, but Lisa says it is fun and they do it at Grafton??? Explain, please.
Lisa and Ron ! So glad you have enjoyed the summer ! We worried that it might slip by and you not have some fun !!! I want you to know I remember young and fun !! Your little paradise sounds a lot like a spot I had down on the Murrumbidgee. Enjoy it while you can. And more snaps of that wonder dog.....love them.....and know how you feel!
I had a nice note from Mark last week. Must take time to reply, since I was the one complaining that HE didn't write ! Not much in the way of news. It is very cold (-30 with windchill -45)
I love it, but I don't work outside.
We are still slogging away at the Complex. I think the boys are trying to have it ready to play at least one hockey game this year. Our team has had to play all their games on foreign ice so far this year, so it will be nice if they can christen our rink, if only the one time.
Best go. 2pm and I haven't done my dishes yet, bed not made (church this am. I'm always late)
We go out for supper, so there is a time saver for you ! Hope all are well, have a wonderful day, and if it is warm enough, have a celebratory cold beer for me. Love to all. Mona
Tom, have you been up to Cook and Dan yet? If not, when are you going? I'll phone while you are there.

HAPPY INVASION DAY

Hi all, rare moment on line, Bernice encouraged me to have a look. typing is challenging for me, (this blog page as well) as can not find Marks photos and comments, i am about to get an iphone so will check in more, Bernice suggested Lisa needs monitoring and a few smart replies to keep the lid on her gifted dog, ......Belinda's photos are great, that part of the mob sure know how to have fun in the snow ,5 weeks to go and i will be playing in the Japanese alps, ....especially attractive this weekend as we are in a heat wave, with stifling humidity overnight low 31.....recently saw Australia the movie , quite enjoyed it more hollywood than history , but good old fashioned night at the movies , saw Dark Night (the batman movie ....err Heath Ledger movie) at the moonlight cinema and was a dark night , it rained, was scary (thanks to Heath) and bascially I didn't get it , not how I remember Batman....I have Max and Jorja (Paula"s kids) for a sleep over next Friday we're going to Game On on saturday ; an exhibition at the state library A history of computer games, it will be my third time, we play space invaders and frogger,...this little rant has taken me over an hour,.. so will away,..be back in a year or so Stewart.xxxx.

Holidays at an end...

A well versed dog, Zappa is catching up on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein!
Doing it tough on the water!

Hello family,

All well here in sunny Grafton. Work starts again in two days time, but it has been a magical summer, so can not complain.

Photos are of last week. We went up river to our special little piece of paradise. As it is private property, we are the only ones there by the Clarence River. It is awesome. I wore a rash shirt the day the photo was taken of Zappa and I. I had been paddling upstream with Zappa and was weary of the sun. Not so on other days, no clothes needed -however I came away with pink boobies and bum! Had a blast, mostly swimming and reading. Both Ronny ans I are teaching new texts this year so we have been busy preparing, but all enjoyable reads as they are great texts.

Have had a brilliant summer travelling about. The weather has certainly been better this summer than last. Great for all the beach goers.

All good with family up this way- mum, dad, siblings and nieces and nephew.

Hope you had fun dragon boat racing Belinda. yep, you should be sore! They have in in Grafton every Jacaranda carnival.

well, time is flying and still have lots of prep to do before work starts so I better not avoid it any longer.

Love to you all,

Lisa

Happy Australia Day

Hi All

Well it really tomorrow for Australia Day but wont be near the computer. So to all our Over seas family Happy Australia Day. Hope everyone has a great day off and is save if driving.

Well its 7.59am and I am about to go and go something new, dragon boat racing! I have wanted to do it for ages and so today is the day. I could be very sore tomorrow will have to wait and see.

So now I am looking for something new for next month any suggestions? Although this month I went skidoing, and dogsleding so I have a few new things up my sleeve. It has to be out of my comfort zone and as I am terrified of water dragon boating is, it is on Lake Burly Griffin and it is Yuk we have had lots of storms so it will be full of gunk. So best pray I don't fall in.

Have a great weekend all

Belinda

Photo Tiltle for Bernice

Hi Bernice

When you are uploading and image it gives you the options where you want it to be , eg: centre, right side, left side. If you pick left or right when you put in text it will automatically go beside the image.

You can type under an image by clicking below the image (or in between 2 images ) and just type, you can centralize the text by high lighting the text first and then clicking the centre text icon to the left of the image icon on the tool bar. Call me if you need help. Have a play and see what you get and then just delete the post if it is no good.

Marjie does do a great table, she always was very talented in the entertaining department. Looks like you had a great time.
We have just had a big down pour and now it's sunny.

Talk soon Belinda

Thanks Belinda

Hey thanks Belinda, I thought someone must have deleted or something by mistake.
By the Way "Welcome Home"
How do you Write along side these pictures or below them?? I can't seem to do it. I just thought this- before and after photo's of Jane's tree are funny, and I just had to show you "Marge's Xmas Table' she does such a beautiful job all her own flower arrangements too it was so lovely.
I found the photo I wanted and enlarged and printed it out for John I will send it along with all mine,meg's and Lisa's photo's on cd for him too in tomorrows post, Well I had better get off here will write later. bye for now Bernice xx

Don't Panic Bernice!

The photo's are in older posts now. go to the bottom of the page and you will see Older Posts click on that and it will take you to the last page and just keep clicking through and get to the page you want. Or on the right hand side of the page under blog archives you can click on a heading you know has your photos or if it was last years click on 2008. and then the month you want.
If you can find what you want call me and I will help you find it.

Well its a hot one again today and I am missing the snow. no news just back at work and am finding it very hard. I seem to have a back case of jet lag, I have never had it before and I don't like it!
Belinda X

Hey!! where are John's wedding photo's gone???

Hi its Bernice i am really busy.. and last night John rang Ken to ask us to 'do' some photo's for him , which I will but he said he liked the one I put on the blog of him and Vickie so I went to have a look which one and all of the photos that I put on are gone?? Lisa's are there?...Are you doing something with them Belinda??? let me know...hope all are well I still have visitors and more coming..have to go bye now love bernice xx

I'm backing in the land of Aus

Alex, Kell, Grayson, Steve Payton and Talyn

Guess Who?

Drew, Kell and Talyn

Doug and Alex on Christmas morning

Hockey bobbing, Drew, Daniel and Alex. I am infront on the right about to fall off! We are being towed by Doug in his truck.

Belinda, Kell, Katie and Alex

Well hi yu all"

We I am back and what a trip. That Katie keeps me busy and we tried a lot of new things together. I will put up a few photos over time and a couple of videos.

It is 5.57 am on Sunday morning, I arrived back yesterday and the girls drove to Sydney to pick me up. They had a treat and stayed at the Hilton so were still there when I got of the plane having a very flash breakfast. so I cabbed it back to them so I could have a shower soooooo nice after 2 days of flying and airport waiting lounges. I must say that 13.37 hours on one flight and in a tiny seat and the only space to walk is back to the toilet , I made a lot of trip to the toilet! So my advice is always get an isle seat, I do and you just get up and down. I didn't crash until 6pm last night so hopefully not to much jet lag this year.

Well what did I do this time? Dog sledding, hooky bobbing and skidoing, Dog sledding was so much fun (video and photos to follow) and 5 hour skidoing will Aunt Kell on the back. We skidoed up the back of Big Mountain and the scenery was fantastic, I could live there easy ( if I didn't have to work etc) just sped time cross country skiing, etc. Now I would like to go back in summer so I can see some bears, Katie and Doug have them "visit" their back yard. I am not sure what kind I didn't ask, forgot to.

Have a great day and I will be back on line reguarly now.

Belinda

Greetings from the big G

Hello All,

Just saying hi because I can! All great here, although a little slow today. We had a family gathering up near Tweed Heads last night, and we all went hard. Mum's brother-in-law and cousins came up (Caroline's family) and we all met near Jane's at a pub. A loud, laughing night. Will include photo of dad and kids - you will not believe this, but mum would not stop talking so the photo was taken without her! Will also include photo of Dad and his grandson. Mainly putting them on for Aunt Mo, enquired about her big bro in an email.

Ronny bought a mig welder this week, so I guess he will be hanging out in the shed with his new toy for a while now! No - just looked out the window, he is playing chasies with Zappa. Might go down and join them now!

love to all,

cheers,

Lisa

17/1/09 Belmore

Hello ladies, it's 2pm on Saturday afternoon and I'm sitting at the computer, SAD! I have been tearing the house apart looking for a charger for my camera battery, it should be in my room but as it's not there the only other place it could possibly be is back at the motel in Dubbo. Only thing is, I'm not sure I even took the charger to Dubbo with me. I will call the motel later, stuff it all.

The reason I'm searcing for the charger is that we'd planned to go to Gregs today but as Tony spent all day on the car yesterday his back is killing him so he's not up to sitting in the car for 3 hours. Hopefully later this evening or in the morning. Whatever the case, we are going. I refuse to let the kids spend the entire holidays couped up in this tiny house.

Meg's still up at Coff's with the Tulls', said she'll be back on Monday. Sad, the Tully girls had to come to Sydney yesterday for their Pops funeral. Also on Monday Greg will be going to get Marcus and Zack from Condo'. I expect they'll come back as a couple of little brown berries, ha ha ha ...

Haven't read my blogs so forget what I've written, please forgive me if I repeat myself. I bought a little blow up pool the other day and put it on the patio for the kids as it was so hot. Thursday afternoon I checked the local (Canterbury/Bankstown) weather on Foxtel, it was 40.1c here and we felt every degree of it. I even pulled my cossie on and braved the view of the traffic on busy Kingsgrove Road to sit in the pool with the kids. They loved that, even though I didn't leave much room for them. Was supposed to be 23c here today, was 21 yesterday but earlier when I checked the local it was 19.1. I nice 21c degree difference to two days ago. I love the weather like this though, breaks up the summer. We brought the little a/c we bought for Crookwell to this house with us so Tony said he'd install it in the lounge. It's only tiny but this place is double brick so it should help a bit.

Not looking forward to this year, I fear it's going to be very 'full on' and stressful. It's barely started Sara, get a grip on yourself!

Greg put me onto a diet that was also on the Today Tonight program. Devised by a doctor (I think) for overweight patients before going in for surgery. It's supposed to knock off 4-6kgs in the first week. Greg certainly lost weight, not that he needed to but he says he feels alot better for it so I guess that's the main thing. I'm onto my 5th day although I have cheated along the way (had 2 slices of pizza last night, couple of squares of chocci here and there, a few little spoons of ice cream and jelly). Grazing is such a habit for me that I forget I'm on a program. I certainly feel I have more energy and my stomache is no longer bloated but I don't think I've lost any weight as such. It's a 7 day program, only fruit and the plans soup on the first day, veges and soup the second, fruit, veg and soup day 3, banana smoothies and soup on day 4, day 5 is steak, tomatoes and soup, six and seven are a combo of the past 5 days plus a couple of extras. I like it. The soup is delicious but nicer with a handful of fresh chilli's in it (I like it hot).

'Benny' just called to ask me to bring some pillows with us, I think Meg and Marcus have taken some to their respective destinations.

No news at all so I will go and call the motel... Nope, not there. Bollocks!
Anyways, bye for now and I hope to have news next time I'm on. Oh and photo's.

Sara xox

"This Is a family blog" !!!!!!

Hey!!!!!! how great is this!!!!! this is a family blog!!!! it is how it should be ..no big deal but a few lines from different family member's how good to hear from Wendy and Mark Myers!!

anyway I have visitors and have to go but just had to appreciate the effort..will write later cheers Bernice

Great letter Lisa and Sara ...as Usual ...I will get back to you b0uth later xx

Hi all

I hope the year 2009 is a good one for you all.
It has been a long time since I have been on the blog.
I thoroughly enjoyed the photos of Johns wedding, he looked very happy. Thank you for putting them on for all to see.
I was sorry we had to miss the wedding, but I am afraid it was a case of work coming first.
As I am a cleaner in holiday apartments and a motel right on the beach in Yamba the Christmas holidays are our busiest time and no one is allowed time off, especially once the new year starts. We no sooner clean an apartment (they are as big or bigger than my house) then the next lot of tenants are waiting to get in. It gets very crazy, is very hot and humid and everyone is already getting very tired. January is already half over.

Wendy

Hi all

It has been a long time since I have been on the blog. I thoroughly enjoyed the photos of Johns wedding.

Don't know who this is but it was in Drafts. Belinda

Sara checking in.

Hello again Everyone. Once again I apolagise for my tardiness at not logging on. Sorry Aunt Mo' and Aunty Kell, I know you look-in regularly. So much crap going on I just feel too drained to read it let alone write on the blog. Weather (I'm "more and more like your mother every day" as they all say) has been up and down here lately, mid 30's down to low 20's within a couple of days of each other. I love the 20's but am happy to stay below 30.

Lyn, fantastic job with all the Canada photo's. It looks so beautiful and such a good time had by all. It looks like a lot of fun.

Aunt Mona, it beats the heck out of me how you all manage to travel in such weather let alone go "up town" after doing your hair. Tommy would be mortified. Amazing job you do with all the hampers. You have spoken of them before but until Lyn posted the photo's I never really had a clue what it was you were doing.

Lisa and Ronnie always have amazing holidays don't they? Always out on the road travelling. Always so 'full of life'. I still haven't met the 'Zappa' but am sure he is as beautiful as his proud parents boast.

Bernice well done with the Quitting. I wish Meg would give it up but like you said, she mustn't be 'ready'. She has been up at Coffs Harbour with the Tullys since Johnno's wedding. I'm sure she'll blog-on when she gets home. I haven't heard from Marcus but I'm sure the are looking forward to getting home and swimming in the ocean again. The setup out there would have been a real shock to both him and Zack but I know Marcus would be up to the job. He's a good little worker that boy.

Love all the pic's too, great work to both of you Bernice and Lisa.

I told Mark it was the 'Family' blog so I'm sure he would've read it. He is another one who lives an amazing life. He is such a handsome bloke and a very handsome family they are. I certainly hope he does log on some more. Will email him and ask for Di to log on if he's too busy. Or even Jett. I received the CD's too and they were lovely. Showed mum but she couldn't see the screen or hear the voices so when she comes here next I'll put them in the DVD player so she can watch on the tele'.

Yeah, Peter's 'comb over' could do with an overhaul but he is a 'bloke' and you can't tell blokes what to do. He is a man of many surprises, an old fashoined bloke and has done an amazing job with Liz in bringing up their beautiful girls. Doesn't Lissa look like Belinda?

Car is not 100% and Tony's not up to getting out in the heat and humidity to see to it. "paying" jobs first but he's had to postpone those due to not fealing too well. I would like to go back to Gregs for a few days so he'll have to get in and check it all out. He's going to take everything he wants off the red pajero and put it on the white one, order a new starter motor tomorrow because "I can't have you breaking down all over the countryside". I want to get these kids out of this damned house as much as I can, as Peter Tully says "they're too white, get 'em out in the sun"! We took them to the beach yesterday at Brighton Le Sands but Angelina screamed the whole time we were there, I lay on the blanket with her, shielded by the umbrella against the blusterous winds, sea-guls flying 'stationary' next to us. It was all lost on Angelina, she had sand in her ears, nose and mouth and was delighted once we got back to the car. I think we were only there for an hour but Hokey had a great time in the water and building sand castles with Daddy. There must've been about 50 people Para-Surfing there. Looks like a fantastic sport to do, flying into the air on their ski's. Anyway, I'm getting them out of the house as much as I can.

Have to order a mini, or large skip for this place, so much rubbish. Have to have a garage sale first to de-clutter then we can throw in the skip what-ever's left behind. I'm sick to death of living in a shrine of 'stuff'. Once that's all done we hope to have someone come in and paint the place and maybe by mid-year we might have the place on the market, hopefully...

Well that's about it for me for now. I'll blog-on when I can. Love and kisses to all,

Sara ...

Bernice blogging!!!

Hey, How nice to see mark Myers & family on the Blog don't know if he realised or not he was on the Payton family blog or emailing Sara ..anyway he has our family blog address's now ...so no excuse..I will let him know by email..Mark if you are reading his ..thanks for the C.ds but we could not open them we are looking into it..how well and handsome you all look its so nice to see...and Yes i agree with Belinda...Stay with us Mark.

Belinda..I know I am ignorant (in the Snow) but you looked "Waist deep" were you? exciting...but not for me tooooo colddd for me but looked great if you don't mind the cold... its very pretty snow, isn't it.. Don't know where you are but I am going to look it up...sounds interesting.. good on you.
Peter TULLY is very interesting... and surprising!! I would like the "Comb Over" to go too...but you know ...Blokes' like him don't even know they have a "Comb over" Ha! never mind he is "a Good Bloke". when do you come home to Australia??

I may not get on blog for awhile I have a sister coming tomorrow and then a nephew and wife and baby for two weeks we then have a wedding in orange end of month then a wedding here early February.

Hey! I see my Beautiful Niece Lisa... Is Bacckkkk. on line.....I told you she would send you photos .. welcome home Lisa & Ronny It was great being with you too and Yeah that's what I reckon ...
Jane .. Bernice & Ken in 2010 !!!
where is Jane? ...haven't the girls gone back and Patrick back at work??? come on Janie -girl. surely.. you would have a few mins for your extended family ??? where did Seb get to go UNi -wise? and what is happening with you all?
Sara how are you??/ whats happening with you ..hope things are good...ken and I were thinking of Marcus... Melon Picking ' in the heat ,I said Ring him but Ken said he never answers his Mobile ..does he have it on him?? have you heard how he is doing out there?? Make a man out of him aye!

Meg>>> if you re on line..where are you and where are you staying and how are you?

I am in the process of trying to get someone to show me how to put My Videoing and photos on the one DVD and when I do i will copy and send everyone one! because I will take the time for other people and because I can and because I am nice..Ha!
Ok again I am tired ..but had to say Hi to all.. Catch up with you all again soon..bye for now Love Bernice xx

timing!

Hey, Aunty Mona and I have been on the blog at the same time! Neat!
Did not put any of the wedding ceremony photos on as they have already been put on.
11th January 2008 Sunday 1.20pm here.
Cheers, Lisa

Pilot Mound checking in.

Good morning all. Some of you could have checked in this am....it should be about 12-30 noon for you. 7-30 pm for me and I had to sit...just realized it is 10th....Lisa, phone your mum for me and say Happy Birthday, etc. Also missed Carol Laverty....where the heck are you, Carol? Miss you. But Happy belated birthday to you, too.
Thought of Ted, Wyn and my Ronnie Brooks...(Cook knew his mum. He LOVED our little dogs.) all day on 5th. Dad on 6th. Where has January gone??
We have our AGM for church tomorrow and I have spent days preparing my reports and financial statements, now today it is cooking for the pot luck after the meeting. Cooked a chicken and made a huge pot of gravy, made a big dessert (Bill'does love his desserts!!) and now, after supper, I have a batch of buns on the go. I HATE to have to work after supper ! It's an effort for me to get the dishes done, that is my wine and rest time!! I have to try to to find something for a vegetarian to have. May just make a couple of re cooked spuds with cheese and sour cream. Sound OK? It was great to hear from Mark. Sara, if you text him again, will you ask him if he gets my E Mails? I have sent a few, get no reply, so I dont know if they go through.
I did get a Christmas card from him, but I didn't send any cards myself. Just ran out of time and energy at the same time ! Lyn, I'm glad you are enjoying your trip South. Call when you get back to Montana. Best go gang. Time to bath before putting the buns in the oven.
Kell is having a rough time, Peter is getting very confused and life is not easy. Dont expect too much from her . If there is any news, I will try to pass it on. Love to all. Head up and stick on the ice !! Mona

Grafton checking in....

Cake was rainbow icecream cake, yum!

Lots of laughs! Meg and Aunty Vicky!

Stephen and Ces, siblings catching up on the goss.

I wanted a photo of Ronny and I, but mum insisted on being in it too!

Steve and Tommy giving Johnno tips on marriage!

Hello All,

Welcome to the new year. We have been away - all over the country side, and we are now very glad to be home. From leaving home on 21st December - Murwillumbah, Woodford Folk festival(6 days), home overnight, Narrabri, Dubbo, Lake Cargelligo, Hinchenbrook (Ronny's dad), Smiths Lake (near Foster, Ronny's sister) and home last night, mum's birthday, 10th Jan. It was 3 weeks on the road. Happy to play at home for a while now!

It is one year today since aunty Wyn's funeral. I still miss her dearly.

Christmas seems so long ago now, but it was a hoot! I will admit I peaked a bit early - went too hard on Christmas Eve - and unfortunately - Bernice has me on video singing a pathetic song! Will not mention it again!. The whole christmas was lovely. Lots of laughs, great food, wine and company. It was a great bonus having Kenny and Bernice - and - looking forward to 2010 Christmas!

Woodford Folk festival was amazing. So many stages (I think about 15), incredible musicians, atmosphere, food, stalls. All was awesome. But the fun did not stop there...

Caught up with Kenny and Berncie in Narrabri on our way to Dubbo. They came from Brisbane way, and we came from Grafton. Had a great night there, then on to Dubbo. We drove together the next day, using Kenny's two hand held CB's. Good fun.

As others have said, the wedding was so special. It was beautiful. So much love in the air! What I thought was so neat was to witness the intimacy that Johnno and Vicky have. Truely special. his wait was a long one, but he finally has it. Will post a few photos, but Berncie has done a fantastic job with the photos. Meg gave me permission to include a photo of her and Vicky!

Mum and Dad did the drive to Dubbo on their own. Stewart was meant to drive them, but he had to pull out. They took their time, 2 days each way, and had a lovely time too. They are very glad they made the trip, as we all are.

Cd with photos will be to you shortly, so some of the photos you have already seen will be on them Aunty Kell and Aunty Mona.

Sara was amazing - just getting to Dubbo, let alone the wedding! Talk about adversity! But Sara rose above it every time. You go girl!

Meg was another one. So many rely on her and she takes it all in her stride. awesome to watch.

Bernice and Kenny are the other amazing ones, you just have to love them! Bernice came to our rescue and organised a dog sitter for Zappa when we went to the wedding too. Her nephew Kane minded him, and as far as we can tell, Zappa behaved himself!

Ces and Ray, Tully's - all family were awesome at the wedding. Greg too!

Funny thing happened at Christmas time. Stewart had his dog - same breed as Zappa, called Bruce. Bruce would bark often, and so that Bruce would look good - Stewart would call out "Zappa, stop it". He wanted Jane to think favourably on his dog! lousy trick, but funny.

Oh, I could ramble on for ages however I will spare you all!

love to everyone

Lisa and Ronny

Hi From North Carolina

Hi Everyone.

I am in North Carolina for a conference and have just found a computer to use, I feel like my right arm was cut of with no Internet access for 5 days!

I am in THE SOUTH and it is very beautiful I am in the Blue Ridge mountains. In Flat Rock.

I have been in Hendersonville and Ashville if anyone want to look it up. The people are very nice and all have that very southern accent. The food is interesting shall we say, I didn't try the collard greens (not sure of spelling) or Chitterlings (spelling?) but could get very use to the fried chicken as if i am not fat enough already. Well if Katie and Doug take me out on our 18km cross country ski and then i will get rid of a bit of that excess.

Bernice, I loved the photos of the wedding and looks like everyone had a great time. Johno and Vicki looked so happy and even big brother scrubbed up well! But must talk to him about that comb over.

Must say it is very nice to see Mark's face again. Hope we get a bit more from him. So I know your busy Mark but come on we are family and miss you! you only have to give a us 1-2 paragraphs a week go on you can manage it. It would be good to hear what you and your family are up to. Jett is a very good looking boy.

Well there is a line up for this computer so must go.

Love to all Belinda

Received your text message...many thx

Hi Sara,

I picked up your txt message after we got back from Arabba; just haven't had a lot of time to do anything about it.

Our Christmas was really nice; a quiet week away with perfect weather of blue skies and sunshine every day. It was -12°C on the last day we were there but you really don't notice it when compared to a 1°C winter day in London; grey skies, damp fog or rain, plus 7 million angry commuters wanting to trample you underfoot.

The church in the above photo was right across the street from our chalet, with the gondolas pictured behind taking you up to the view shown in the photo where Di is standing by herself behind the railing. She didn't feel anywhere near confident enough trying to ski down and after traumatising Jett the day before on the same slopes, I had to agree. I decided it would be safest to take her up on the gondola to look at the view and have a coffee in the restaurant instead. We did try and make it to midnight mass at the little church on Christmas eve but we showed up too late, after spending too long in one of the lounge bars in a hotel up the street. The parishoners were spilling out on the street by the time we arrived, it was so crowded, so we had to content ourselves with an Italian service on Christmas day. The shot of Di and Jett together was taken in Cortina on the way home, some 40km from Arabba and where they held the 54 winter Olympics.

I took a few video shots of some of the skiing to show Greg what he is missing out on and will cut a CD and send this off at some stage.

Hope all is well with you and the family,

Love, Mark.