Thanks for the update Sara. Mo was tied up with meetings, & out-of-town visitors, so I told her I would "do" 'phone duty. I missed Meg this am, (8.00am for you), & so talked to Tom for a few minutes. She insisted she was "way better", & she did sound "sort of" O. K. When I rang again at 12.00 noon, I missed Meg again, but spoke to Jacob. He thought Tom was much improved. I'll

ring tomorrow, 8.00am there, & see how things are. I'll talk to Mo tonight, as she is tied up again tomorrow, & will be anxious to ring for herself!!

No news here, other than we FINALLY have had a week of summer weather. The whole country has been cold for months. Hope the heat lasts, as the farmers need it to survive another year, &

anyone with gardens will be flat out keeping plants alive.

Look forward to your next update. (Good to hear from Meg a week or so ago!)

Love to all. Kell.

Anna Bay from Belmore; take 2...

Called Meg early this morning to see how Mum was. She and Greg checked her throughout the night and this morning is feeling a bit better, she'd been up and had a bit of breakfast but was asleep again straight afterwards. No good being crook but her poor old body could do with the rest anyway, the woman doesn't stop! Anyway, she's as tough as old goats knee's but I'll call again later to see how the day went.

Every year this happens and Meg calls me, very worried, naturally. She scares us ...

Anyway folks, I hope all is well. Glorious day her today, 23c at the moment and a warm breeze/wind.

Love, as always, Sara xxxxx

Anna Bay from Belmore

Meg phoned me tonight to let me know Mum is as crook as a dog. She's been in bed for two days and everytime Meg goes to check on her she's asleep. Now we all know how 'hyper' Mum is so for her to be laid up in bed means she's pretty crook. Flu', caught something from Angelina who had a cough for a few weeks but not crook with it. Mum has no meat on her bones and Meg is trying to get some fresh cooked soup into her and was about to run her a hot bath when she phoned me. She will call me tomorrow to let me know how Mum is doing so I'll keep you all updated. Thanks,

Sara

Broody Belmore

Hello peoples, bib a while, sorry. We arrived home from Gregs yesterday. It was lovely to be up there with family and away from 'here' but it was windy, wet and cold the entire time and it really did feel like winter (am now appreciating our gas heating very much). Yesterday was a bloody gorgeous day but Tony felt an urgency to get home while we still had one... Anyway, we're home and it's all same old same old here.

I have eaten nothing but carbohydrates for the past few weeks and feel soooo stuffed and bloated. We did grocery shopping today but I'll go out myself tomorrow and buy veges to make my soup with (easier to shop alone). Will also have to start the walking again. It's not a real nice place around here to walk and the only incentive I have is a you beaut' little coffee joint down the road, haven't measured but it's about a km I think so I'll try to walk there and back each morning, a cappucino half way being my incentive!

Sure was crowded at Gregs and like Meg said, Greg is really into the home renno' bug. It's good to see him so contented. Oh, and Giancarlo slept with Mummy and Daddy and the cat family too. So that bed was REEAALLL crowded, especially because the cat wouldn't stay in her own bunk with the babies but kept bringing them in to Tony (she looooves Tony, ha ha ha, sucker)! Mind you she did the same thing when we got home. We all went to bed in our respective bunks but when I woke this morning I had Pus and 3 babies alongside me, aaahhh well (Aunty Kell hates cats )...

Just looking at the ceiling here in the 'office' (such as it is) and it's probably even worse than it was down at the other house. That's just one more thing on the list of 'to do's'.

Didn't get to visit with Toni & Matt while we were up there. It was so bloody cold and wet that 'visiting' was off the cards. I went to Salamander to get a birthday cake for Ange and that was about it :o/

Well family, I hope and pray you are all well and I hope Aunt Mo's PC is feeling much better real soon too. If and when someone takes a picture of me and mine I will post them but as it is we live a very sedentary type of life and pictures don't get taken. I will endeavor to take some this week, hmmm, we'll see...

Love to all,
Sara XXXXX

Anna Bay Antics

G'day
Busy times at the Bay. Sari and crew arrived Tuesday night, great to see them. The little ones were so excited at seeing their big cousins and very overtired. They didnt settle till after 11pm. Bedding was rather tight with a household grown to 9. Marcus and his Mum camped in together "Benny" and Angie camped in Gregs bed. Greg has taken over my bed in the shed. Jacob was in "Benny's" bed and Sarie and Tony and the cats in Marcus's bed. The cat had her first litter of kittens the night before they came so they came too So with the cats and dogs there is a grand tally of 18 at Anna Bay.
We have all been busy helping Greg clean and paint his new house> What a huge job it is but he is enjoying every moment of it. He has to learn to tile plaster and put new windows in, learn to put the guttering up etc etc etc. Like I said before it took him 12 months to repair the back shed wall!!!!! Now he has the renovating bug and is hooking in. So if anyone out there has time on their hands and wants to lend a rel a hand, head to Anna Bay.
When Jacob arrived Marcus was on a school excursion at the Gold Coast. Jacob and I headed out to Sandy Hollow with Garry for a few days. Jacob had a ball shooting rabbits and learnt to skin and gut them. He spent hours walking around the scrub and riding the 4 wheel motorbike.
He has his L's in NZ and is able to drive while here on his L's. He gets his P's when he goes home.
Marcus got his L's as well and between them both I have not had to do much driving at all, its great.
Jacob is looking into doing an Electrician apprenticeship on completing year 12. At this stage he will probably do it in NZ.
Anyway I have to dash. Have tax doctors and passport office to see to today and then go up to the house and swing off the end of a paintbrush.
You all stay well now.
Good to hear from you Aunty Kell. I can appreciate the time out cry. It is very theraputic and I can well understand how you would need it.
Till next time
Love Meg
Nan is good, still going strong and keeping herself busy.

Today is 15th., & Mo just rang to get me to put on a quickie, letting everyone know that her computer is reclining in some "computer bed" at the computer hospital in Brandon. She has no idea how long it will be sick, but will Blog on when he recovers.

No news here. Life (???) goes on.

We HAVE had wonderful rain for 3 days. We needed it, but wish I could have shared it with the West.

We had a big bus load of Aussie farmers on the annual farm tour on the week end. There were folk from most states. None from W.A. or A. C. T. One young lad from Tibbaburra. We had a lengthy chat, & he informed me that there is no recession out there. One fella knew Bre. Some

had been to Dubbo. One to Nyngan.

Take care all. We have missed you all. (The ones who make an effort to Blog on that is!!) I've

talked to Cec & Cook. Hope to ring Tom this week. Love to all. Kell

P. S. While it was raining, I thought "to heck with the church. It will keep", so I spent as much of the day as I could, re - watching the C.D's & D.V.Ds. from Junies' party, Steves' 80th, Johnnos' wedding etc. It was a wonderful opportunity to have a good "private" cry, as I was down stairs, Peter sleeping upstairs. I really did enjoy re-living the occasions. e-mail or Blog when you can. Hooroo.

G'day Family,

Just read todays' postings, so am "giving feedback". I agree with Terese & Sara. Having had 3 babies at home, I know how busy a mum can be. Also, with Saras' difficulties, I would hate to be her. I would volunteer, but someone else would have to do all the ground work anyway, so no real help. Also, I have an 87 year old, untrained baby of my own. Mo & Bill just left this am., so Mo can tell you how EASY it is to "raise" an older child!!

As there are so many obstacles, why not just forget the who;e thing?

For myself, I do try to see everyone when I am home, & probably wouldn't be going this time

anyway. It does seem to be bogging down, so perhaps that is the way to go?

As far as my family goes, I have made it clear that they have 10 months of winter here, so definitely would not go in the winter. Also, with their children in school, they only have from

the last week before Christmas, to the second week of January for holidays, so would only be able to go in that time frame.

I leave the decision up to you all, but that is where we stand.

I WILL get on in the near future, ask ?? and respond to earlier blogs. Now, I have the next week

or so spoken for. Love to all, keep smiling, & pray for heat in Alberta!! Kell

:o/

Just quickly, I couldn't organise a piss-up in a brewery so a reunion unfortunately is out of the question for me. Sorry :o/

No news, same old same old...

Sara

Hi

Hi all this wil be short as my computer is in 4 repair..an i am using Ken's laptop which i don't like..anyway believe it or not I don't have time to write what i want too as i have so much on at the moment and not in mood or have time ..plus we are going away for 1 or 2 weeks.. and I wil get back to you then..but re the reunion lucky we have plenty of time to arrange it ..another 18 months? So for my part I'll get back to you soon!!! in the mean time ...we need to set some time of date that suits all .. so "All family imput is good....Lisa thanks for caring...Terese yes it is a beautiful area...but anywhere is if you are with family who you wish to be with...again i wil write and explain myself later cheers all..hope u are all well...lets get more input aye? Family? xx

reunion

Nice idea for reunion, however nobody should suggest that somebody else organise the reunion. Having done one before,it is very unfair to suggest somebody else organise it. My name was suggested earlier to organise the next one and I was upset, and I can assume Kenny and Bernice feel the same.
We need the date from the Canadians first.
First cousins, second cousins, does not matter. We are still all family, all the same blood. Let's start with the question - Hey, would anybody like to volunteer to organise the reunion?
Fantastic photo Therese.
Better run, have a great day,
Lisa

I believe they call it 'God's Country'

How about you all ask Ken and Bernice veeeery nicely if they would be up for the challenge of organising a reunion? Shellharbour has lots of nice beaches and plenty of sizeable clubs. I'm not sure how much it is to hire out Warilla Surf Club, but I've been to a wedding there and it's in a great location and easy to get catering to - probably even has BBQ's to do it yourself... certainly some could be arranged. Community halls are available too and rather cheap, the Jamberoo and North Kiama ones are often booked out for parties.

The area is close to Sydney and has some wonderful scenic places to visit - think waterfalls and rainforests, animal parks and golf courses, rivers and beaches and if you're up for it, a lovely drive a little further south will get you to vineyards... lots of vineyards and free wine tasting.

If you take the scenic trip down from Sydney then you can take in the stunning scenery of the Royal National park, followed by the thrilling and majestic vistas on display through Stanwell tops and the unforgettable and highly acclaimed views afforded by Sea Cliff Bridge.

There are plenty of accommodation options available (although bookings will be necessary in advance for anything over the Christmas period - but that goes for anywhere along the Australian coastline at that time of year) from luxury Hotels to the more budget minded alternatives.

They do call it 'God's Country' you know... Just ask Bernice.

Of course, You'll need to get Ken and Bernice to agree to organising it first. I'm not going to offer as I can't even talk to Rik on the phone without one of the kids screaming in my ear and tugging at my clothes so there's no chance I could organise a reunion. Besides, technically I'm only one of the 'kids' (ie. cousins kid, not a first cousin) and it's not our time yet... responsibility for this sort of thing still rests with you 'adults'.

Of course Ken and Bernice might just say 'No way hosay'.

Wouldn't blame them if they did.

Cheers, Terese.

A NOTE TO CLARIFY THAT I AM IN NO WAY SAYING THAT K&B HAVE TO DO THIS! IT SEEMS LIKE A LOCATION THAT WOULD TICK OFF ALL THE BOXES THAT THE CANADIANS REQUIRE, I'M MERELY PUTTING THE IDEA OUT THERE. OF COURSE OTHER RELATIVES MIGHT LIVE IN OTHER LOCATIONS THAT ARE JUST AS IDEAL. I HAVE TO ADMIT THAT I DON'T KNOW ALL THE FAMILY WELL ENOUGH TO KNOW. THERE'S NO CALL FOR ANYONE TO GET UPSET - LIKE I SAID IF THEY SAY 'NO WAY HOSAY' THAT'S A FAIR CALL. 'WOULDN'T BLAME THEM IF THEY DID'!

Hi all from Canberra

Hi all
No news really at my end. I have been working like everyone else and have been studying as well. Just about to complete desktop publishing a course I undertook for work. Its interesting but about an extra 10 a week at home and hey who has the time!

The family is well Lauren is not working at the moment and is getting to comfortable with having time to herself best push her back into it I guess.

Han is fine as well. Hannah has scoliosis (Spelling) in her back and is at the physo as I write she is having a few problems with lots of back pain. She is going to start back a pilartes as it is good for posture and core strength hope it helps.

A few comments on the reunion!
I spoke to Steve Deda while in Montana and he said that they will only come in summer as they have to leave warm weather to come for our winter and they all want hot weather as they have so little of it. The beach idea I think came from me ( I could be wrong) but the O/S families said they want to be able to enjoy the water while here. The actual reunion does not have to be at the beach but somewhere near the coast so they can have as much time at the beach as possible. Sorry if I have caused any confusion. But we need to have all the O/s families say what they want as each has lots of commitments they need to juggle. And try and make it so as many o/s and local family can be there.

So my idea ( for all its worth is ) find a motel/resort/ holiday houses on the coast some where so those who want beach can have it, and some where with a hall, club or pub etc, so we can have family functions there.
Anyway I will be talking to Montana again soon so will ask Kate and Doug to think about it and give us comments The same with the Ivansics'

Lauren has taken up snow boarding(Crossed to the dark side) so she and I are going to try and get in a day on Friday, hope I can get someone to cross country with me, if not I will have a few lessons and try and perfect the turning corners and stopping at the same time. I think if I get to go back to Montana they will all be pleased if I can actually do that. Although that would take all Dougs laughs away.

Love to all Belinda

PS Bernice I will put up some photos of Chars Family for you in the next few days.

Reunion

Hi All,
I remember reading a posting awhile back that someone was thinking of a Christmas reunion at the beach. Sounds good but does have a lot of negatives attached. I will list a few.
*Parking can be a problem (car) especially at Christmas as beaches are always crowded then.
*no shade as most beaches no longer have trees,
*very little grass areas to sit so would have to be on sand,
*no seating especially for the older ones (me too) and no tables
*how to keep food - drink cold and how to cater and serve for everyone,
*no tea or coffee making facilities and that would be very bad for some of the aunts,
*it is not possible for those who have to travel to bring there own food-drink, chairs ,table, umbrellas
*it would be very hot and sunny or even raining,
*Bad sunburn for pale skin and that would not only be the Canadians,
*I don't like sand in my sandwiches and it is always windy at the beach,

*I have spoken to one of the aunts and she was saying how she hoped it wont be at the beach as it would be too uncomfortable for her and most of the oldies

However if you are set on a beach reunion and are willing to change the date to say the October long weekend maybe I could look into hiring out the little hall at Brooms Head. Brooms Head is about a 20 minute drive from Maclean. Terese and Rik held there wedding reception at the hall and it was nice. There is a small kitchen but maybe we could organise a couple of BBQ's or cold meats and salad, nothing too fancy. It is directly across from the beach in a very small beach side village, one club, one general store, walk to everything and one very big hill to walk up. There is a c/van park and a few cabins to rent out plus lots of holiday rentals (houses) that shouldn't be as expensive as it would be at Christmas. The hall is not available at Christmas as it is in use for the holidays plus the village is booked out over Christmas.
If anyone is interested let me know and next time I go out there I will take a couple of photos to show you all

Grafton Greetings

Hello All,
Obviously I have not been on the blog in ages. Have been sick most of the week and have not been near the computer. Before that, just too damn busy I guess, like the rest of you.
Firstly, Stewart is not on the blog. He can not get on. Has tried several times, also got a friend to try. Every time he tries, it tells him to switch servers or something? Some problem that is connected to g-mail.
Mum and Dad are well. Busy as usual, but both good.
My big Drama night is Tuesday night. After that, it will be a wind down until the holidays at the end of the week. We will pack our winter woollies and go camping for 3 days back at our favourite spot on the Mann river. Should be awesome if this sunny warm weather by day stays. We have big toasty fires at night. Speaking of fires - Ronny installed the slow combustion fire in our lounge room last weekend and it is fantastic. Just love it.
Grafton July races are on in the first week of the school holidays, Wednesday and Thursday. Bernice and Kenny, Stewart, Jane, Brydie, Asha, Seb, Jess ( friend) and possibly Patrick will be here. Should be fun with lots of laughs. I have my outfit for one day, still working on the other - but I have my hats ready! Love to wear a hat to the races! luckily, mum has many.
After the races, we head down to Ronny's family. His sister's first ( near Forster) then on to his dad's. On the way home, Ronny will drop me off in Taree. I will be playing in a Veterans Hockey Carnival (everyone must be over 35 years old) for three days. I have told Aunty Ces that I will be there, but under no circumstances are they to drive into Taree just to see me play hockey - we are not that interesting to watch! If, however, they go into Taree to shop, then I hope to catch up with Ces and Ray.
So, that is where I am up to at the moment. Hope all well else where.
Meg, if you find yourself up our way, please come and stay!
Love to all,
Lisa

??? Why???

Lyn, why does the blog request we sign on again to be able to post a comment? Also I click "remember me" every time I login but I always have to re-enter the fields at each login. Any hints?

Sara

DEAR JACOB

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACOB!!!
HOPE YOU HAD A WONDERFUL DAY/NIGHT.
LOTS OF LOVE THE TULLYS XXXX

Hello again

Hello again ppls, Meg phoned me an hour or so ago and asked why no-one was on the blog. I really have no idea about anyone else but for me, I log onto the net for the briefest time to check my email then check my facebook mail then log off. Net time is a luxury for me these days. It is Saturday and the kids can play themselves to sleep tonight, so here I am!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kenny, sorry I didn't call yesterday, slack old tart I am :o/.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY also to Jacob for today. Wow, 18yrs old and no turning back now... Funny how we can't wait to come of age then spend the rest of our lives doing a Chad Morgan, "Oooohhh, if I could just go back and know what I know now ..." Well that's what I think anyway.

I have no photo's to share, I have a good camera but rarely use it. Nothing exciting going on in the house and we don't go out anywhere so ours is a pretty ordinary life.

Tony has decided against building the outside bathroom but instead is going to knock a hole through the laundry wall where the window is and put a door there, making that a bathroom instead. He will put a shower and toilet in there and plumb it up through the week, also putting a lockable door from the laundry to the rest of the house. The washers and dryer are now in the back area where our fridge is so washing can only be done when we're home. All in all it will be an enormous relief to know we will have privacy in the house and I can safely streak to the bathroom (a questionable sight that you really didn't need to know about :o/).

I ordered Madacascar Return to Africa on Foxtel for the kids. It goes from 6am to 6am and Hokey has watched it over and over since 11am, it's now 10 to 8pm. It is a funny movie though and like all those movies you pick up a new wise crack with every repeated viewing.

Spoke with Mum earlier also and she said all was pretty quiet up there too. No news is good news. Oh, there was some news , she'd just had a call from Cynthia. I was pleased, I've been on at her for ages to call Cynth' and her other mates. Poor old Darl'n would probably love to see Mum and I suggest it every time she comes down but Mum procrastinates over everything so I don't argue. I would like her to see her though, soon.

Well, like I've already said, I have no news so I will sign off and will endeavor to be more interesting in future. Love to all,

Sara XXXXX

Anna Bay Antics

Can't believe that you have all gone to sleep
Kenny I know I phoned you but hell HAPPY BIRTHDAY big boy. Hope you had a lovely lunch.
Jacob Happy 18th birthday to you for today. Enjoy your party. You know you could have invited your mother. See you on Tuesday minus a hangover. Dad should have played at your party.
Sarie I will talk to you soon but I will see my beautiful nephew and terror of a niece on Tuesday.
Greg has retained his job and is over the moon. With all the mining retrenchments going on he thought he was on the culling list and went through a bit of anxiety. However he wasn't even on the list. He is busy busy busy getting his house ready for painting. It is a big job but he is enjoying being the handyman. Mind you it did take him 12 months to repair the back wall on the shed. Should have got you here Tully to sprout a bit of advice and to egg him on.
Looking forward to our travels but have to get the boys sorted first. First stop Bourke then Louth races.
Can smell the curried sausages so I will sign off for now.
You take care one and all in cyberland
Meg