I would like to know why the weather man on the news got it correct for once.
The weather forecast for Saturday 25 Sept was "cooling winds with the possibility of another dust storm.
I had only finished removing the last of Wednesday's dust storm this very morning and so am not very impressed with the weather.
The wind is howling, the sky is thick with dust, the house is locked up including towels under the doors and yet I can still see a layer of dust gathering on every available surface. I am sneezing and blowing and the sweet smell of dirt is filling the inside of my no longer clean house.
The dust is getting heavier and thicker as I am sending this.
Len has just returned from the club, there was a big gust of dust as he opened the garage door which let me know he had returned.
Oh well I will be cleaning balconies again at work tomorrow, so much fun trying to remove the ocker colour from white tiles.
September 26, 2009
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Pilot Mound on deck at last.
Morning people. It has indeed been a time since I last wrote. As Lyn said, I have not been 'well' (read really sick !!!) SHE told me, if I was a horse they would shoot me. So much for the love of aunts!! You all know I had the gout....PAIN ! Then followed what I thought was gout invading ALL of my body. I was in such pain, I swear my hair and finger and toe nails hurt!!
My exercise was to climb....and I mean climb... from one chair to another. This went on for about 3 weeks till I finally got an appointment with my Dr., was put on Prednisone, and about a week later could move....slowly, with care, but MOVE!! Now she tells me it is Myalgia Rheumatica I have. (Never heard of it.) Chronic condition, with acute flare ups, mostly women ....DON'T get it, girls!! Will be on Prednisone for 18 months, but will reduce the dose after about 6 weeks. So much for me.
Bernice, Sarie, Wendy and Meg, thank you all for your notes. I travelled with you, Meg, and I did enjoy it ! Wendy is right, too. Ted could (and did ) do the same as Peter. But when you aren't used to it, it seems so wonderful. Mind you, not to take away from Peter, he is most definitely
a bushie. When we came back from home after Bill had been North with him, he extoled about Peter for weeks, and told everyone about his 'talents' !
Not much in the way of news from us. I have been out of circulation for weeks, Bill does the shopping, I have been limited to walking the long mile (across the street ) to our church, so I haven't even seen many people.
We plan a trip to Pincher next month, and have so far had to change our date 3 times. But it looks like about the middle of the month.
Talked to Kell this am. All OK except for her VERY sore back. Seems the old saying is correct..
"Getting old aint for sissies!!"
I have a few photos from a friend of the dust storm.....so glad I wasn't there !!.....I will try to put on, and if I can't will mail them to Lyn to do for me.
Tess, thanks for your addition. I didn't know Rick had a business, thought he just 'did' stuff, so it was great to see the company ad. I wish you three and the Oldies would write a note identifying
who is blogging! I can't always tell, but do enjoy reading and looking at the photos.
Best go. You will be bored with reading nothing. Was really happy about Hannah's engagement and will drop her a note later. Love to all. Stay well. God Bless. Mona
My exercise was to climb....and I mean climb... from one chair to another. This went on for about 3 weeks till I finally got an appointment with my Dr., was put on Prednisone, and about a week later could move....slowly, with care, but MOVE!! Now she tells me it is Myalgia Rheumatica I have. (Never heard of it.) Chronic condition, with acute flare ups, mostly women ....DON'T get it, girls!! Will be on Prednisone for 18 months, but will reduce the dose after about 6 weeks. So much for me.
Bernice, Sarie, Wendy and Meg, thank you all for your notes. I travelled with you, Meg, and I did enjoy it ! Wendy is right, too. Ted could (and did ) do the same as Peter. But when you aren't used to it, it seems so wonderful. Mind you, not to take away from Peter, he is most definitely
a bushie. When we came back from home after Bill had been North with him, he extoled about Peter for weeks, and told everyone about his 'talents' !
Not much in the way of news from us. I have been out of circulation for weeks, Bill does the shopping, I have been limited to walking the long mile (across the street ) to our church, so I haven't even seen many people.
We plan a trip to Pincher next month, and have so far had to change our date 3 times. But it looks like about the middle of the month.
Talked to Kell this am. All OK except for her VERY sore back. Seems the old saying is correct..
"Getting old aint for sissies!!"
I have a few photos from a friend of the dust storm.....so glad I wasn't there !!.....I will try to put on, and if I can't will mail them to Lyn to do for me.
Tess, thanks for your addition. I didn't know Rick had a business, thought he just 'did' stuff, so it was great to see the company ad. I wish you three and the Oldies would write a note identifying
who is blogging! I can't always tell, but do enjoy reading and looking at the photos.
Best go. You will be bored with reading nothing. Was really happy about Hannah's engagement and will drop her a note later. Love to all. Stay well. God Bless. Mona
September 25, 2009
News from Canberra
Hi All
Well I have some new you may be interested in. Hannah is engaged to Sam (Bates). They announced it last week and I have not said anything until I could tell Mum. Thought she should know asap but you all know Cookie she is never home. Sam is a Canberra boy a local no less, not many of them about as most people come and go here.
I will get a photo of Sam and Hannah and post it. he is a very nice guy and Hannah is very happy, what more can a mother ask for?
Canberra had a lot so dust but we escaped better off than Sydney. We were due for more today but as yet none has appeared.
Just spoke to Mona and Kell and both are doing fine Mona is still having a few problems but hopefully is on the mend.
Love to all Belinda
Well I have some new you may be interested in. Hannah is engaged to Sam (Bates). They announced it last week and I have not said anything until I could tell Mum. Thought she should know asap but you all know Cookie she is never home. Sam is a Canberra boy a local no less, not many of them about as most people come and go here.
I will get a photo of Sam and Hannah and post it. he is a very nice guy and Hannah is very happy, what more can a mother ask for?
Canberra had a lot so dust but we escaped better off than Sydney. We were due for more today but as yet none has appeared.
Just spoke to Mona and Kell and both are doing fine Mona is still having a few problems but hopefully is on the mend.
Love to all Belinda
September 23, 2009
More Dust
Hi all,This was taken out the front of our house by Len at about 9am.
Lenice phoned early in the morning to say everything was orange and was quite excited by her first big dust storm, changed her mind very quickly though when she discovered the mess a dust storm leaves behind.
I thought we were going to be lucky and not get any dust when I got up, but alas within an hour I could see it coming. It was still thick at 7pm and I am not opening the door to see if it is still there now.
Belinda TPI is Rik (Terese's husband) company, it stands for "Todays Prestige Interiors". I don't think he has added their own new kitchen to it yet but I hope he does as it is very nice.
Meg I cant wait for you and Garry to resume your travels so I can enjoy them too. I do love reading about the bush.
Wendy
Belmore 23/09/09
Hello peoples,
No idea who that link is Lin.
No news here, seems we're all up the creek with our own problems. I just looked at our electricity bill for the past 1/4, $904.62!!! How the hell can that be??? Fair dinkum, I'm running about the place spot testing appliances but it corresponds with my b-i-l moving into the room out back and he's had the electric heater on all winter, idiot won't work. There are no repelants for some parasites...
Council came the other day and said we have to pull our fence down. Just as Tony's finished building it too, he had only to build the driveway gate and it'd be done. Tony is drawing up a submission to put to the council to try to get it approved but it seems some interfering neighbour has complained. It'd only be the bloke across the road, aparrantly he causes a bit of trouble about the place and Marc's always over there crying so it wouldn't surprise me.
Yes Lin, we got the dust this morning. I copied pictures from ninemsn website so will put them up here.
No idea who that link is Lin.
No news here, seems we're all up the creek with our own problems. I just looked at our electricity bill for the past 1/4, $904.62!!! How the hell can that be??? Fair dinkum, I'm running about the place spot testing appliances but it corresponds with my b-i-l moving into the room out back and he's had the electric heater on all winter, idiot won't work. There are no repelants for some parasites...
Council came the other day and said we have to pull our fence down. Just as Tony's finished building it too, he had only to build the driveway gate and it'd be done. Tony is drawing up a submission to put to the council to try to get it approved but it seems some interfering neighbour has complained. It'd only be the bloke across the road, aparrantly he causes a bit of trouble about the place and Marc's always over there crying so it wouldn't surprise me.
Yes Lin, we got the dust this morning. I copied pictures from ninemsn website so will put them up here.
I took Giancarlo to school this morning and told him that all the kids were in the classrooms as it was too windy and dusty to be outside and sure enough the kids were in class. I heard his teacher say to one of the kids that hopefully most kids will stay home today. I asked her and she said that the Health Board advised for kids to stay at home but the Department of Education said it was up to the parents whether or not to keep them home. I asked Hokey if he wanted to stay or come home but he elected to stay at school . Suits me.
Greg and family have moved into his house by the beach. Mum is in the other house for now but she's still bent on moving west again, we try to talk her around it but she has a mind-set.
Greg and family have moved into his house by the beach. Mum is in the other house for now but she's still bent on moving west again, we try to talk her around it but she has a mind-set.
A week or so back; oh wait a minute, sorry everyone, I used to get real annoyed at people talking about their kids and the funny stories but now I've become one of them. I apolagise for boring you all but I enjoy reliving the moments. The other weekend I came out of the bedroom to find Hokey talking away on the phone, "Who are you talking to" I asked, "No-body" he says and put the phone behind his back. "No, I know you're talking to someone, who is it"?, "No-one". "I don't mind mate, just tell me who it is", he keeps backing away."Give me the phone, give it to me". He gives me the phone and by then they've hung up. I checked the 'dialed' list and it was a '13' number. "Who was it" I asked, "Shannons" he said (the insurance company for classic cars). "Why are you calling them"? "It's on my show" he says. Tony used to buy him car magazines from the newsagency and they'd have car dvd's in them. Of course the dvd's have advertising on them and one of the advertisements is for Shannons. They say something like "If you are passionate about the car you drive then call Shannons now" or something to that effect. I don't know what car he was going to insure or if he just wanted to talk about his passion for cars but I had to have a little chat with him about using the phone without first asking Mum or Dad.
Another incident was when I was reading the bible to them one night and the story was about King Nebuchednezer and his reign over the land. I started to explain what 'reign' ment and said it was when someone 'ruled' over something or was the 'boss'. Hokey says "yeah, like you reign over us. You're bossy". 'Yeah' I thought, 'but it would seem I'm not a very efficient ruler'.
Like I said, I'm sorry but I like to relive the moments.
Have to advertise the kittens on Trading Post today if it's not too late to put them in. They're 10 weeks old now and ready to go. I had Suki (mother cat) desexed yesterday so don't have to worry about her on the prowl anymore.
I've packed on the weight lately, went off one of my med's. I've been watching what I eat but I'm not a fatty food or junk food eater so don't know where it's coming from. Red wine's been put away 'til next winter and I only have the occasional beer. Oh well, that 'middle-age' spread I guess...
Better go family, hope you all get time to logon again soon,
Love, as always,
Sara xxxxx
September 22, 2009
Just a quick hello
No news just having a look at the blog
I have been busy with an exhibition as a fund raising exercise for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Glad its over and can get on with my stuff (living).
We are all well and busy like everyone. Canberra is in the middle of a dust storm and has been since last night it looks like its about 6am nice spring day out side and its been like it all day. I think most of Bourke is all over my car. I can normally see the flag pole of Parliament House from my office but not today. I will try and take some photos on my way home.
Does any one know who TPI today is ( Wollongong shop fitters) They have been linked on our links section to the right hand site of the blog. Just wondering who they are and if they are family?
Love to all
Belinda
I have been busy with an exhibition as a fund raising exercise for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Glad its over and can get on with my stuff (living).
We are all well and busy like everyone. Canberra is in the middle of a dust storm and has been since last night it looks like its about 6am nice spring day out side and its been like it all day. I think most of Bourke is all over my car. I can normally see the flag pole of Parliament House from my office but not today. I will try and take some photos on my way home.
Does any one know who TPI today is ( Wollongong shop fitters) They have been linked on our links section to the right hand site of the blog. Just wondering who they are and if they are family?
Love to all
Belinda
September 18, 2009
Anna Bay
Back again
Have arrived back at A/bay to recoup and repack. Certainly covered a mile or two in our travels but its nice to be "put" for a bit. For how long I dont know, just taking one day at a time. Garry has to put a clutch kit in the ute before we venture again.
Lissa I miss your bed, and you too of course. But I did have great sleeps, next trip I will put that blind up I think.
Kelly keep up the great school work, I am very proud of you and know that you will do well with what ever you choose to do in life.Marcus needs a bomb to get him to open a school book. I can only do so much. Its up to him to committ to the school work to secure his future. Unfortunately we all wern't blessed with the academic genes.
Jess fingers crossed for you kiddo, what will be will be. You have given it 110% and im sure the job is yours. I am waiting anxiously for your phone call. If you dont get it then its their bloody loss and your life will take a new direction full of challenges.
Wendy thank you for acknowledging me on the blog. I felt that I had wasted my time blogging on but I am glad you enjoyed my yarn. I check it all the time to see who is about. But I think this thing the kids get on called face book is what everyone is into now. Marcus is on it and tells me who has been on it. Oh well such is life for the ignorant I suppose.
I have some fantastic photos to share and tried to put a couple on the blog but it takes soooooo long for the things to load that I give up.
I cant thank the Tully's enough for opening their house to us, to making us a part of the family and for their generosity and love. We had a wonderful time there, Garry certainly had an education let me tell you. Dogs eating yabbies to Wally the cat knowing that there are yabbies in the fridge and hanging around the fridge door till he got one. Mind you he is not suppose to eat them because of some kidney problem but a little treat every now and then fell his way.
Quangdong tree hunting with Peter, trying to spot the ellusive tree. Well he did eventually and that was at Broken Hill, it was 4 feet off the tourist track at the sandstone sculptures and loaded with fruit!!!!!
Fathers day found us out at Lowes block again for a mulligan cook up and the kids on their motorbikes. And yes fishing again. The old man cod is still swimming with all his mates and the yella belly are few and far between. The carp are choking up the waters still and are big and fat. Ashley came down with the vomiting bug that Kelly Peter and Melissa had succumbed to the week before. It wasnt much of a fathers day for him trying to recover from being up all night heaving. No Sarie they didnt get it from the quangdongs, it was a savage bug that was going around the town. And it was savage, I can understand what you must have felt like and I am glad you have recovered.
Garry and I headed off to Broken Hill for a few days to look around. We went via Louth and Tilpa and Willcannia instead of the sealed road through Cobar. The wild life was very scarce apart from the feral goats. The goats are providing an income for the cockies through the bad times. They bring about $40 dollars a head. there are 1000's of them out there. Of course they are in the scrubby country which makes it difficult to muster up and if you dont have good dogs with you they can scatter the mobs in minutes undoing the days mustering. Some places use planes or gyrocopters to muster them up.
We detored to White Cliffs to check out the opal situation there. What a place, it didnt do anything for me that is for sure. Red stoney country only fit for goats for miles and miles. White Cliffs was aptly named that is for sure. How people can live out there has got me beat.Hardly a tree to be found, a few burrs and lots of stones. We planned to stay in the underground motel and checked in. On reaching our room through a rabbit warren set up of burrows I was not too impressed. Only a bed and overhead light. No bedside lights no little fridge no TEA making facilities in the room. I had to try and back track through the maze of halls to find the bloody toilet and shower, it was communal. Hey this is all ok I know that but for $140/night I want a few creature comforts so I thought. Off I went to get a cuppa taking my compass with me so that I could find my way back. You had to go to the reception area and make it at the bar!! Nice styrofoam cups were provided, the milk was 8 days out of date. The manager assured me it was ok because they go on smell out there.Bugger you mate, I make a few sacrifices but my cup of tea isnt one of them. Off I went back to the burrow and got out bags and checked out. Stuff white cliffs, didnt like their opal much anyway.
On we pushed to Broken Hill, and the comfort of the Desert Sands motel. Ahhh a huge and I mean HUGE spa bath and all the luxuries one would not expect out in the desert.
Broken Hill was certainly a city out in the middle of nowhere. And art galleries galore!!!!!! Fancy finding anything to paint way out here. I was soon to change my mind after we toured around. The colours of the landscape with the sun sets and rises were breath taking to say the least. Of course I visited Pro Harts gallery, not that his art work did much for me, I did like one piece which was a red background with a chop bone covered in meat ants. We can all relate to that. His 4 rolls were still parked at his residence. The Line of Load a memorial to miners who lost their lives sits high on a hill over looking the town. A 360 degree view of the town is awesome from this site. And the biggest park bench in the world I think was built by some artist and faces out over the town.
Broken Hill has a milk bar called Bells and its decked out as it was originally with 60's parafinallia. Boy do they make a great milk shake and it is certainly a place to call in to if you ever go there.
We filled our days exploring the town and the touristy spots. White rocks were 2 Turks open fired on a train. One was a butcher and the other an icecream vendor.
The sandstone sculptues, great big sandstone rocks perched on a hill that various artists had carved their ideas into or out of. From this site you also had a 360 degree lookout. It was breath taking.
We visited Silverton the town where the films Mad Max and Pricilla were filmed as were many others I can't remember. The car that was used in the Mad Max film was parked out the front of the Silverton Pub. I text a photo to Marcus and he said who was Mad Max???? The old gaol is set up as a museum and you could have spent a day in there alone. The resident 2 donkeys just wandered around the town and added to the atmosphere of the place.
We went on a tour of the Royal Flying Doctors Base. That was very interesting and a real eye opener on the service that it provides to the outback. I wish that I had joined the team early in my nursing career.
I reluctantly left Broken Hill with many sites still unseen. We went back to Bourke via the Menindee Lakes. I had planned on having a fish there. Yea right. Got there and there was no bloody water was there. Not even a puddle. Plenty in the river but none in the lakes themselves. Oh well thats the drought for you.
We ran over a big brown snake and had not killed it so garry pulled up to dong it on the head. He hit it a few times with an iron bar that we had in the back of the ute. I got him to pose hanging onto it. Then it was my turn, it was longer than I was tall. So here I am getting ready to pose and garry handed me the tail. Dont worry about it curling around your finger he said its just nerves. Oh ok I can do this, the biggest snake hater in the country. We got our shots and got back in the ute to go. Garry said look back and so I did. Heres this bloody snake wriggling around all over the place. I was nearly sick. Last time I trust you matey. He just concussed the bloody thing.
Off we went home back the way we came through Willcania and Tilpa and Louth. The trip home was very colourful indeed. The road had had just under and inch of rain. But thats another story
so till we meet again on a road most travelled.
Love Meg
Have arrived back at A/bay to recoup and repack. Certainly covered a mile or two in our travels but its nice to be "put" for a bit. For how long I dont know, just taking one day at a time. Garry has to put a clutch kit in the ute before we venture again.
Lissa I miss your bed, and you too of course. But I did have great sleeps, next trip I will put that blind up I think.
Kelly keep up the great school work, I am very proud of you and know that you will do well with what ever you choose to do in life.Marcus needs a bomb to get him to open a school book. I can only do so much. Its up to him to committ to the school work to secure his future. Unfortunately we all wern't blessed with the academic genes.
Jess fingers crossed for you kiddo, what will be will be. You have given it 110% and im sure the job is yours. I am waiting anxiously for your phone call. If you dont get it then its their bloody loss and your life will take a new direction full of challenges.
Wendy thank you for acknowledging me on the blog. I felt that I had wasted my time blogging on but I am glad you enjoyed my yarn. I check it all the time to see who is about. But I think this thing the kids get on called face book is what everyone is into now. Marcus is on it and tells me who has been on it. Oh well such is life for the ignorant I suppose.
I have some fantastic photos to share and tried to put a couple on the blog but it takes soooooo long for the things to load that I give up.
I cant thank the Tully's enough for opening their house to us, to making us a part of the family and for their generosity and love. We had a wonderful time there, Garry certainly had an education let me tell you. Dogs eating yabbies to Wally the cat knowing that there are yabbies in the fridge and hanging around the fridge door till he got one. Mind you he is not suppose to eat them because of some kidney problem but a little treat every now and then fell his way.
Quangdong tree hunting with Peter, trying to spot the ellusive tree. Well he did eventually and that was at Broken Hill, it was 4 feet off the tourist track at the sandstone sculptures and loaded with fruit!!!!!
Fathers day found us out at Lowes block again for a mulligan cook up and the kids on their motorbikes. And yes fishing again. The old man cod is still swimming with all his mates and the yella belly are few and far between. The carp are choking up the waters still and are big and fat. Ashley came down with the vomiting bug that Kelly Peter and Melissa had succumbed to the week before. It wasnt much of a fathers day for him trying to recover from being up all night heaving. No Sarie they didnt get it from the quangdongs, it was a savage bug that was going around the town. And it was savage, I can understand what you must have felt like and I am glad you have recovered.
Garry and I headed off to Broken Hill for a few days to look around. We went via Louth and Tilpa and Willcannia instead of the sealed road through Cobar. The wild life was very scarce apart from the feral goats. The goats are providing an income for the cockies through the bad times. They bring about $40 dollars a head. there are 1000's of them out there. Of course they are in the scrubby country which makes it difficult to muster up and if you dont have good dogs with you they can scatter the mobs in minutes undoing the days mustering. Some places use planes or gyrocopters to muster them up.
We detored to White Cliffs to check out the opal situation there. What a place, it didnt do anything for me that is for sure. Red stoney country only fit for goats for miles and miles. White Cliffs was aptly named that is for sure. How people can live out there has got me beat.Hardly a tree to be found, a few burrs and lots of stones. We planned to stay in the underground motel and checked in. On reaching our room through a rabbit warren set up of burrows I was not too impressed. Only a bed and overhead light. No bedside lights no little fridge no TEA making facilities in the room. I had to try and back track through the maze of halls to find the bloody toilet and shower, it was communal. Hey this is all ok I know that but for $140/night I want a few creature comforts so I thought. Off I went to get a cuppa taking my compass with me so that I could find my way back. You had to go to the reception area and make it at the bar!! Nice styrofoam cups were provided, the milk was 8 days out of date. The manager assured me it was ok because they go on smell out there.Bugger you mate, I make a few sacrifices but my cup of tea isnt one of them. Off I went back to the burrow and got out bags and checked out. Stuff white cliffs, didnt like their opal much anyway.
On we pushed to Broken Hill, and the comfort of the Desert Sands motel. Ahhh a huge and I mean HUGE spa bath and all the luxuries one would not expect out in the desert.
Broken Hill was certainly a city out in the middle of nowhere. And art galleries galore!!!!!! Fancy finding anything to paint way out here. I was soon to change my mind after we toured around. The colours of the landscape with the sun sets and rises were breath taking to say the least. Of course I visited Pro Harts gallery, not that his art work did much for me, I did like one piece which was a red background with a chop bone covered in meat ants. We can all relate to that. His 4 rolls were still parked at his residence. The Line of Load a memorial to miners who lost their lives sits high on a hill over looking the town. A 360 degree view of the town is awesome from this site. And the biggest park bench in the world I think was built by some artist and faces out over the town.
Broken Hill has a milk bar called Bells and its decked out as it was originally with 60's parafinallia. Boy do they make a great milk shake and it is certainly a place to call in to if you ever go there.
We filled our days exploring the town and the touristy spots. White rocks were 2 Turks open fired on a train. One was a butcher and the other an icecream vendor.
The sandstone sculptues, great big sandstone rocks perched on a hill that various artists had carved their ideas into or out of. From this site you also had a 360 degree lookout. It was breath taking.
We visited Silverton the town where the films Mad Max and Pricilla were filmed as were many others I can't remember. The car that was used in the Mad Max film was parked out the front of the Silverton Pub. I text a photo to Marcus and he said who was Mad Max???? The old gaol is set up as a museum and you could have spent a day in there alone. The resident 2 donkeys just wandered around the town and added to the atmosphere of the place.
We went on a tour of the Royal Flying Doctors Base. That was very interesting and a real eye opener on the service that it provides to the outback. I wish that I had joined the team early in my nursing career.
I reluctantly left Broken Hill with many sites still unseen. We went back to Bourke via the Menindee Lakes. I had planned on having a fish there. Yea right. Got there and there was no bloody water was there. Not even a puddle. Plenty in the river but none in the lakes themselves. Oh well thats the drought for you.
We ran over a big brown snake and had not killed it so garry pulled up to dong it on the head. He hit it a few times with an iron bar that we had in the back of the ute. I got him to pose hanging onto it. Then it was my turn, it was longer than I was tall. So here I am getting ready to pose and garry handed me the tail. Dont worry about it curling around your finger he said its just nerves. Oh ok I can do this, the biggest snake hater in the country. We got our shots and got back in the ute to go. Garry said look back and so I did. Heres this bloody snake wriggling around all over the place. I was nearly sick. Last time I trust you matey. He just concussed the bloody thing.
Off we went home back the way we came through Willcania and Tilpa and Louth. The trip home was very colourful indeed. The road had had just under and inch of rain. But thats another story
so till we meet again on a road most travelled.
Love Meg
September 16, 2009
Belmore 1609
Hello peoples,
Sorry I have been absent for so long but I am hard pressed trying to find the time to logon. Flat out like a lizard drinking as usual and by nightfal I'm cactus and just want to sleep. I put the kids to bed earlier and fell asleep with them only to wake an hour liter, confused as to the time (I thought it was around midnight) so I got up and put a load of washing on before deciding it was now or never to blogon.
Kids are well, Hokey's been coming out with his usual funny one-liners and questions. One being "Mum, did they have toilets in the Olden Days"? I choked and felt like saying 'what are you asking ME for'??? but just said that yes, they had toilets in the olden days. He said something further about "now it's the Newen Days". Angelina was listening to Tony going off about one of the many different races that live around here and he cussed. Like a good little parrot she repeated the cuss clearly as day "f***'n Indians". I'm sure no-one elses kids on here are exposed to the colourful life that mine are but hey, they hear and learn it at school, it's incredible.
Tony has finishedbuilding the fence out the front and has even built a you beaut' little cubby house into the corner of it for the kids. It's about 2 foot off the ground and has a window at the front and a little swing door. At the moment they have a wooden box as a step until Daddy builds some steps and hand-rail. The kids love it and so does Mummy. Tony put a little round side-table in there and one of the kids little fold away chairs. Ange insisted I come in for a "Pic-mic" (yes, 'mic') so I put my fold away chair in there too and it's very cosey. We went to Bunnytown (Bunnings) today to get the rest of the materials to build the gate and then, then the kids will be alowed outside to play. The front really does look very nice now, a real little garden.
Tony is pushing himself to get as many jobs done as possible before going in to hospital b/c he's not allowed to work for several months afterwards. Once the gate goes up I think he plans to finish cleaning up the little black car to sell it. Then a couple of other projects he rattled off but we'll take each day as it comes.
Thanks Big Girl for the Quan Dongs. I only wanted a little sandwich bag full but gee, thanks. I was a bit concerned actually. I had one, just to re-acquaint myself with the taste then put them aside, later in the evening I couldn't sttle and ended up getting up to go to the loo. I sat there and promptly threw up all over the floor (sorry bout the detail but we're all family here). I felt better after that, for a few hours before I woke to go through it all again and then again before morning. I have been 'off' all day and only gingerly tried another quannie this afternoon, thinking 'if it's these berries I'll make them up into a jam and give to Marc'. Nah not really, that thought came later... My tummy is still a bit queazy though.
Bernice Mum went back a few weeks ago but it was lovely to have her visit. I have asked if she will come back when Tony goes in to hospital, a bit of emotional support for me. His surgery being 20th October puts a stop to our coming down there as he's only in hospital a week before coming home and is not to be left alone, 'must have someone stay with you at all times' the info pack said.
You reckon Hokey looks like me? But he is a cute little fellow, I was a real bush-pig as a kid... Thank you anyway, I think the little terror is gorgeous :o)
Oh, and once that gate goes up and the front is completely enclosed and private then I will drag my eliptical machine out on to the patio and hopefully go for my evening jogs once again. The machine is truely heaven for giving back a sense of freedom in movement.
School hols again in just over two weeks. I'd like to take the kids up to Gregs for a week and think I will take them up by the coach that Mum gets from Port Stephens. Will be an adventure for them and I won't have to worry about breaking down...
Kittens are 8 weeks old now so I will put an add in the Trading Post soon and with whatever I make from them I will get Mother cat desexed. The room they're in (Marcs old room) smells like escence of amonia. I sweep the litter up that they scratch out of the tray and mop the floors but the bedding gets rank too so I have to toss that out. No sense washing it b/c they can still smell their own scent and only pee on it again. Yes, they're going real soon.
I probably have more to say but brain function is at a low at this hour of night so will leave off here and bid you all 'Goodnight'. Take care,
Love Sara xxxxx
Sorry I have been absent for so long but I am hard pressed trying to find the time to logon. Flat out like a lizard drinking as usual and by nightfal I'm cactus and just want to sleep. I put the kids to bed earlier and fell asleep with them only to wake an hour liter, confused as to the time (I thought it was around midnight) so I got up and put a load of washing on before deciding it was now or never to blogon.
Kids are well, Hokey's been coming out with his usual funny one-liners and questions. One being "Mum, did they have toilets in the Olden Days"? I choked and felt like saying 'what are you asking ME for'??? but just said that yes, they had toilets in the olden days. He said something further about "now it's the Newen Days". Angelina was listening to Tony going off about one of the many different races that live around here and he cussed. Like a good little parrot she repeated the cuss clearly as day "f***'n Indians". I'm sure no-one elses kids on here are exposed to the colourful life that mine are but hey, they hear and learn it at school, it's incredible.
Tony has finishedbuilding the fence out the front and has even built a you beaut' little cubby house into the corner of it for the kids. It's about 2 foot off the ground and has a window at the front and a little swing door. At the moment they have a wooden box as a step until Daddy builds some steps and hand-rail. The kids love it and so does Mummy. Tony put a little round side-table in there and one of the kids little fold away chairs. Ange insisted I come in for a "Pic-mic" (yes, 'mic') so I put my fold away chair in there too and it's very cosey. We went to Bunnytown (Bunnings) today to get the rest of the materials to build the gate and then, then the kids will be alowed outside to play. The front really does look very nice now, a real little garden.
Tony is pushing himself to get as many jobs done as possible before going in to hospital b/c he's not allowed to work for several months afterwards. Once the gate goes up I think he plans to finish cleaning up the little black car to sell it. Then a couple of other projects he rattled off but we'll take each day as it comes.
Thanks Big Girl for the Quan Dongs. I only wanted a little sandwich bag full but gee, thanks. I was a bit concerned actually. I had one, just to re-acquaint myself with the taste then put them aside, later in the evening I couldn't sttle and ended up getting up to go to the loo. I sat there and promptly threw up all over the floor (sorry bout the detail but we're all family here). I felt better after that, for a few hours before I woke to go through it all again and then again before morning. I have been 'off' all day and only gingerly tried another quannie this afternoon, thinking 'if it's these berries I'll make them up into a jam and give to Marc'. Nah not really, that thought came later... My tummy is still a bit queazy though.
Bernice Mum went back a few weeks ago but it was lovely to have her visit. I have asked if she will come back when Tony goes in to hospital, a bit of emotional support for me. His surgery being 20th October puts a stop to our coming down there as he's only in hospital a week before coming home and is not to be left alone, 'must have someone stay with you at all times' the info pack said.
You reckon Hokey looks like me? But he is a cute little fellow, I was a real bush-pig as a kid... Thank you anyway, I think the little terror is gorgeous :o)
Oh, and once that gate goes up and the front is completely enclosed and private then I will drag my eliptical machine out on to the patio and hopefully go for my evening jogs once again. The machine is truely heaven for giving back a sense of freedom in movement.
School hols again in just over two weeks. I'd like to take the kids up to Gregs for a week and think I will take them up by the coach that Mum gets from Port Stephens. Will be an adventure for them and I won't have to worry about breaking down...
Kittens are 8 weeks old now so I will put an add in the Trading Post soon and with whatever I make from them I will get Mother cat desexed. The room they're in (Marcs old room) smells like escence of amonia. I sweep the litter up that they scratch out of the tray and mop the floors but the bedding gets rank too so I have to toss that out. No sense washing it b/c they can still smell their own scent and only pee on it again. Yes, they're going real soon.
I probably have more to say but brain function is at a low at this hour of night so will leave off here and bid you all 'Goodnight'. Take care,
Love Sara xxxxx
September 07, 2009
Thanks Meg
Meg,
I am sitting at the computer wasting time and wishing I could either swap places with you or join you.
You have brought back memories of my childhood that I had forgotten about.
Now Meg, of course a real bushie could take you to that Quandong Tree in the middle of nowhere even if he hasn't visited it in years.
I can remember a lovely man we all called Dad (you called him Ted) doing the same thing for us as Peter has just done for you.
Oh the fun of camping out on the river bank with the fishing lines set for the night. I can see Nan Oll and Pop Carroll sitting around the camp fire with the camp oven bubbling away with who knows what inside it, but oh the smell. I can smell it now, mmmm.
Going out to the old billabong for a day or overnight yabbying trip. Playing on the red sand dunes. I can even see the old pink Chrysler bogged up to its axles in dry red sand on those dunes and no amount of digging would get it out.Of course us kids were kept well out of the way until help arrived.
And as for you stopping to take photos, well tell Garry you have to keep with family tradition and take lots.
Many a night was spent with family and friends watching an incredible slide show of animal births, bird eggs hatching, sunsets, waterways, animals, trees, flowers, and anything else nature put in Teds path.
I learned more from those slides than I ever could at school.
I also just remembered his fantastic bird egg collection.
Thanks for the great memories Meg, they have brought back some very happy times.
I love them.
I will be looking forward to the next installment.
Stay happy.
Wendy
I am sitting at the computer wasting time and wishing I could either swap places with you or join you.
You have brought back memories of my childhood that I had forgotten about.
Now Meg, of course a real bushie could take you to that Quandong Tree in the middle of nowhere even if he hasn't visited it in years.
I can remember a lovely man we all called Dad (you called him Ted) doing the same thing for us as Peter has just done for you.
Oh the fun of camping out on the river bank with the fishing lines set for the night. I can see Nan Oll and Pop Carroll sitting around the camp fire with the camp oven bubbling away with who knows what inside it, but oh the smell. I can smell it now, mmmm.
Going out to the old billabong for a day or overnight yabbying trip. Playing on the red sand dunes. I can even see the old pink Chrysler bogged up to its axles in dry red sand on those dunes and no amount of digging would get it out.Of course us kids were kept well out of the way until help arrived.
And as for you stopping to take photos, well tell Garry you have to keep with family tradition and take lots.
Many a night was spent with family and friends watching an incredible slide show of animal births, bird eggs hatching, sunsets, waterways, animals, trees, flowers, and anything else nature put in Teds path.
I learned more from those slides than I ever could at school.
I also just remembered his fantastic bird egg collection.
Thanks for the great memories Meg, they have brought back some very happy times.
I love them.
I will be looking forward to the next installment.
Stay happy.
Wendy
Anna Bay Antics 7th Sept 09
Morning all
An update on the travellers antics so far.
Hey Loren great photo, can see you have not changed still gorgous as ever. Happy birthday chook, even tho its a bit late in getting to you.
Well to date we are still in Bourke. You are probably asking what the bloody hell are you still doing there. Its a bit hard to move the big rig on when there is so much to see and do that is for sure. Its totally different coming home for a holiday than for a purpose visit.
We have been so busy and on the go the whole time we have been here.
I have done a travel diary with Jess and Melissa's help and will use it as a guide of sorts to fill you in on what we have done so far.
The Ridge was a real draw card for me and I kept dreaming of that red on black opal that I saw.
So we headed off down the Kalimorie Highway (The Bre Road) back to the Ridge to satisfy my whims. Peter had organised for Phillip Rose to show us around the town and the mines. It was great having our own personal guide and Phillip was wonderful. He gave up his day to accomodate us and even gave me some of the opals that he had mined himself and his wife Rose had cut and polished. I went on the Chamber of the Black Hands mine tour. An awesome experience. The miner had spent 12 years carving pictures into the sandstone walls of the mine once it no longer showed any colour. 1/2 of the mine is the carvings and the other side is a demo of how the mine worked way back!!!!!!!
I think I mentioned the louth races in my previous note. The track itself was covered in Darling Pea and was a beautiful backdrop of colour. I caught up with a few people of days gone by, Richard Edgley, Tanya O,malley, Greg Moore, Barb Snelson. Garry backed a winner, I had a few places but did not come home rich of pocket but rich of memories. Camping with Greg and Marcus out on the common away from the noise and party atmosphere of the young ones. Ross Gale and his 2 daughters and Chris McGirr were also in Gregs camp. Ross and Chris (Moonie) had a bit of a knuckle up after the grog got hold of them. Greg was in his swag right beside them and just let them go at it. They woke me with their cursing's. I got up and told the silly buggers they were to old to carry on like this and to wake up to themselves. They ended up shaking hands and cracked open another bottle to settle the dispute. We had a good chuckle about it the next day.
Garry and I went out to the Lowes block camping and Jess and her boyfriend Marto and his 2 kelpies joined us for a night. Jess was like a gazelle running down the steep bank to check the lines when she heard a bell go off. At one point she had peeled off her clothes and crawled into her swag to settle down when a bell went off. So she pulled on her boots and ran down the bank in her undies without a torch to check the line!!!! Im keen Jess but not that bloody keen. Marto's dogs got into a blue and Garry scooped one dog up in a landing net to separate them. The other dog kept jumping up to get at it, I thought both dog in net and Garry were going to end up in the drink as Garry was twirling around to keep the dogs apart and away from the lines.
On a trip to check the yabbie nets Marto on his motor bike and Jess Garry and I in the ute. I spotted a bearded dragon on the side of the road and got Garry to pull up so I could take a photo. How was I to know another drama was about to unfold. Stupid here picked the Lizard up by the tail and set him down thinking he would go like the wind across the claypan. Oh he went like the wind alright. Straight to the ute and up on the front tire and perched there. I gave him a bit of a poke to get him to get going so that we could get going. It did the job but he only went as far as the other front tyre and sat there looking at me. Another poke and off he went back to the other tyre!!!!! Garry was starting to get edgy because we had to check the lines and Marto had gone ahead on the bike to get the gate and would be waiting for us. Well that bloody lizard fixed me up good. They sea saw tyre trick was kept up for a few more pokes, him going from one tyre to the next and me poking him. He changed tactics and ended up in the moter!! Bloody thing, so this time I gave him a good poke with the stick and off he went. Well so I thought, this time he ended up in the sump tray and would drop his tail so that I could pull him out. I kept up with the poking and he eventually dropped his tail Garry grabbed him by the tail and set him down. I think he was so exhausted that he just sat there and looked at us the environmental terrorists as we drove off. Garry said that was the last time he was pulling up so I could take photos of the native fauna. I did see a bush turkey and he did pull up so that I could get a happy snap.
For Kells 16th Birthday we all went out to the Lowes again camping which was her wish. The motorbikes were the draw card for Kell, the Lowes took their bikes out to so they had a great time scooting around the bush tracks. Mind you there are 8 in the Lowe family and with boyfriends and us the camp numbers were 15 this time. Peter cook up a beaut feed in the camp oven. And I went on yabbie net checking trip with Lowey (Ashley) and got another fauna snap of a goanna going up a dead river gum.
Our next outback adventure entailed a 550 about km round trip out bush quandong hunting and to pick up an old stove from one of the few properties we passed through. I tell you what, computers have nothing on Tully's memory. How the hell he can drive 200kms throught bush tracks and scrub straight to a tree he saw years ago is beyond me. But he did and we had Jacko with us as well and he was stumped. That trip was an eye opener, going through the red bull dust tracks over the sand hill country then onto black plains with the ever changing landscape. The smells of the brigalow and gidgee and the mass of patches of paper daisies was great. But another drama unfolded a stick went through the tyre at a bore that we stopped at. No dramas Peter pulled out his tyre repair kit and in 5 minutes we were on the way again. Unbeknowns to us until after we arrived home with about 8kgs of quandongs that Jacko had lost his mobile phone at one of our stops.
When we got into town I got on the phone to Bertie Hopley and got his reciepe for quandong jam. It was now all systems go with the quandong production line in readiness for the jam. Well by the time I had finished I'd hoped to never see another bloody quandong again. But I must say I excelled myself and did a great job. We have jars of jam to take home, seed quandongs in the freezer so that I can dry them out for snacks or quandong chips!!!!!!
There are plenty more stories to come but I will sign off for now and go and make a cuppa.
Hope everyone is well and enjoying life as much as I am at the moment.
Sarie loved the photos of Hokey, you do well to get an outfit together. Have a jar of jam for you!!!
Aunt Mona hope the gout has settled down, have seen how crippling it can be and would not wish a bout of it on my worst enemy.
Aunty Kell how are you getting along
Thanks for the photos of Kates demolition job Lin. Looks like a huge job ahead of them that is for sure.
Love Meg
An update on the travellers antics so far.
Hey Loren great photo, can see you have not changed still gorgous as ever. Happy birthday chook, even tho its a bit late in getting to you.
Well to date we are still in Bourke. You are probably asking what the bloody hell are you still doing there. Its a bit hard to move the big rig on when there is so much to see and do that is for sure. Its totally different coming home for a holiday than for a purpose visit.
We have been so busy and on the go the whole time we have been here.
I have done a travel diary with Jess and Melissa's help and will use it as a guide of sorts to fill you in on what we have done so far.
The Ridge was a real draw card for me and I kept dreaming of that red on black opal that I saw.
So we headed off down the Kalimorie Highway (The Bre Road) back to the Ridge to satisfy my whims. Peter had organised for Phillip Rose to show us around the town and the mines. It was great having our own personal guide and Phillip was wonderful. He gave up his day to accomodate us and even gave me some of the opals that he had mined himself and his wife Rose had cut and polished. I went on the Chamber of the Black Hands mine tour. An awesome experience. The miner had spent 12 years carving pictures into the sandstone walls of the mine once it no longer showed any colour. 1/2 of the mine is the carvings and the other side is a demo of how the mine worked way back!!!!!!!
I think I mentioned the louth races in my previous note. The track itself was covered in Darling Pea and was a beautiful backdrop of colour. I caught up with a few people of days gone by, Richard Edgley, Tanya O,malley, Greg Moore, Barb Snelson. Garry backed a winner, I had a few places but did not come home rich of pocket but rich of memories. Camping with Greg and Marcus out on the common away from the noise and party atmosphere of the young ones. Ross Gale and his 2 daughters and Chris McGirr were also in Gregs camp. Ross and Chris (Moonie) had a bit of a knuckle up after the grog got hold of them. Greg was in his swag right beside them and just let them go at it. They woke me with their cursing's. I got up and told the silly buggers they were to old to carry on like this and to wake up to themselves. They ended up shaking hands and cracked open another bottle to settle the dispute. We had a good chuckle about it the next day.
Garry and I went out to the Lowes block camping and Jess and her boyfriend Marto and his 2 kelpies joined us for a night. Jess was like a gazelle running down the steep bank to check the lines when she heard a bell go off. At one point she had peeled off her clothes and crawled into her swag to settle down when a bell went off. So she pulled on her boots and ran down the bank in her undies without a torch to check the line!!!! Im keen Jess but not that bloody keen. Marto's dogs got into a blue and Garry scooped one dog up in a landing net to separate them. The other dog kept jumping up to get at it, I thought both dog in net and Garry were going to end up in the drink as Garry was twirling around to keep the dogs apart and away from the lines.
On a trip to check the yabbie nets Marto on his motor bike and Jess Garry and I in the ute. I spotted a bearded dragon on the side of the road and got Garry to pull up so I could take a photo. How was I to know another drama was about to unfold. Stupid here picked the Lizard up by the tail and set him down thinking he would go like the wind across the claypan. Oh he went like the wind alright. Straight to the ute and up on the front tire and perched there. I gave him a bit of a poke to get him to get going so that we could get going. It did the job but he only went as far as the other front tyre and sat there looking at me. Another poke and off he went back to the other tyre!!!!! Garry was starting to get edgy because we had to check the lines and Marto had gone ahead on the bike to get the gate and would be waiting for us. Well that bloody lizard fixed me up good. They sea saw tyre trick was kept up for a few more pokes, him going from one tyre to the next and me poking him. He changed tactics and ended up in the moter!! Bloody thing, so this time I gave him a good poke with the stick and off he went. Well so I thought, this time he ended up in the sump tray and would drop his tail so that I could pull him out. I kept up with the poking and he eventually dropped his tail Garry grabbed him by the tail and set him down. I think he was so exhausted that he just sat there and looked at us the environmental terrorists as we drove off. Garry said that was the last time he was pulling up so I could take photos of the native fauna. I did see a bush turkey and he did pull up so that I could get a happy snap.
For Kells 16th Birthday we all went out to the Lowes again camping which was her wish. The motorbikes were the draw card for Kell, the Lowes took their bikes out to so they had a great time scooting around the bush tracks. Mind you there are 8 in the Lowe family and with boyfriends and us the camp numbers were 15 this time. Peter cook up a beaut feed in the camp oven. And I went on yabbie net checking trip with Lowey (Ashley) and got another fauna snap of a goanna going up a dead river gum.
Our next outback adventure entailed a 550 about km round trip out bush quandong hunting and to pick up an old stove from one of the few properties we passed through. I tell you what, computers have nothing on Tully's memory. How the hell he can drive 200kms throught bush tracks and scrub straight to a tree he saw years ago is beyond me. But he did and we had Jacko with us as well and he was stumped. That trip was an eye opener, going through the red bull dust tracks over the sand hill country then onto black plains with the ever changing landscape. The smells of the brigalow and gidgee and the mass of patches of paper daisies was great. But another drama unfolded a stick went through the tyre at a bore that we stopped at. No dramas Peter pulled out his tyre repair kit and in 5 minutes we were on the way again. Unbeknowns to us until after we arrived home with about 8kgs of quandongs that Jacko had lost his mobile phone at one of our stops.
When we got into town I got on the phone to Bertie Hopley and got his reciepe for quandong jam. It was now all systems go with the quandong production line in readiness for the jam. Well by the time I had finished I'd hoped to never see another bloody quandong again. But I must say I excelled myself and did a great job. We have jars of jam to take home, seed quandongs in the freezer so that I can dry them out for snacks or quandong chips!!!!!!
There are plenty more stories to come but I will sign off for now and go and make a cuppa.
Hope everyone is well and enjoying life as much as I am at the moment.
Sarie loved the photos of Hokey, you do well to get an outfit together. Have a jar of jam for you!!!
Aunt Mona hope the gout has settled down, have seen how crippling it can be and would not wish a bout of it on my worst enemy.
Aunty Kell how are you getting along
Thanks for the photos of Kates demolition job Lin. Looks like a huge job ahead of them that is for sure.
Love Meg
7th Sept 09 Anna Bay Antics ( old post in drafts )
Morning all
An update on the outback adventurers
Hey Loren Happy Belated 18th chook. Loved the photo, you have not changed, still gorgeous. Hope you had a great day
September 05, 2009
Katie and Dougs reno
I will label these as best as I canThis looks like Dan( no shirt ) and Doug ( Karki clothes) Are standing in what was the lounge room with big mountain where the ski runs are in the background I think.
Nice Flowers Not sure where they are from but very nice anyway.
Photographer ( I think Katie ) standing in the front yard with big mountain behind her and looking at what was the front door and lounge window. In typical Aussie style they never use the front door. Always the back door.
Standing at back door looking forward and UP!
Drew in blue standing in what was the dinning area, Dan and Doug in what was the kitchen.
Front of the house.
Kell has been trying to load these photos of Katie and Dougs house in Whitefish, well whats left of it! These are the comment katie had written in the original email.
Trying to get photos to everyone so they know what we have been up
to. Still working on the framing end of things building the gables. Then it is on to
the electrical and insulation. Plumbing was done today.
So I am doing it for her. Hope every one is well I will write a long post soon I have been busy working ( like everyone else) and studying. No news the girls are both well and busy with their own lives. No news as they say same S--t different day.
love Belinda
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