Hi from Bernice 29/6/11

Hello all...very cold here today and I have the flu..so found time to write a note which I have been meaning to do...firstly before I forget..

KELL..MargaretHarris rang me a few weeks ago..asking about you and sending her wishes to you ..could you give her a note or a ph.call when it suits you..sorry it took so long for me to let you know I am a bit slack. Hope you are ok ...poor Peter must be sad for him and you...thinking of you. Do hope Charlotte is doing ok also best wishes to her too.

BELINDA..So how was Canada? no pics?..I think you have a sneaky man over there huh do you? Ha! Hey how did you go with all that Volcanic Ash flying? I was thinking of you as I think you were due back on the day it was really bad...I will get in touch with you when it gets close to the November wedding in Canberra..


Oi Oi OI...I wish someone would take this off our blog..its nothing but a nuisance!!! hard enough logging in sometimes with google a/c and stuff...someone take it off.


Mona/Kell well our Jane will be landing on you soon...fun and laughter we have been following her on facebook with all her travels and photos they have been having a wonderful time ..I quite like Banff it looks so magical!!!

Mona..do you have a date booked yet for your trip over here? we will be away for a week on around tha 8th Sept thru to 14th or so...so hope it doesn't run into that..

Sara..yes I think it would be a good idea if your Mum went to live with you if she is lonely, as Greg and Meg both work weird long hours and she can't get around up there by herself and like you say she enjoys your kids plus your company, would keep her a little bit more busy plus occupied. I don't know if she likes Sydney or not but I know she doesn't like it up there much she doesn't even like the Ocean?

Ken's well ...working hard and long hours but doing fine.

I received a big letter via email from Trish & Bob...they have travelled up to' Burketown' (not Bourke) for the winter they are camped by a lovely river Albert river..having a lovely time and enjoying thereselves.

We finally have a "Solar Power ' up and running and so far earning money back on it which is great just need more "Sun'

Well I will finish off as Ken has just got home and needs my attention...hope all are well ..love to all Bernice xx

Belmore 28/6/2011

Good Morning, it's a cool day here in Belmore and as usual I have much to do but figure if I don't logon here now then it'll be my usual extended absence.

Yep I'm a lot better now Aunty Kell, thank you. Don't have time to be 'down'.

I'm very sorry to hear of Dougs brothers sudden death. Very sad and shocking for his family. I hope Doug is ok. I hope the family get in touch with you soon and make the effort to stay in touch, life is so fleeting.

Glad to hear Uncle Peter is still doing well but sad that he still thinks he's going 'home'. It must be difficult for you Aunty Kell.

Also Charlotte, life certainly does deal some cruel blows. I hope her treatment isn't knocking her around too much?

I haven't spoken with Mark for a little while but know he is pretty much snowed down with Much work on his plate. I might try to give him a call tonight if I can scratch in some time for myself at some point ...

I have just had breakfast (about 10:30), a small caserole dish of porridge and bran with saltanas. Mmmmm... Late breaky due to getting kids off to school and even though I pretty much had them ready by 8:15 I still managed to be late at 10 past 9. One of these days I'll get them there in time for a play prior to class. Then had to go to the medical centre to get a referal to see another doctor tomorrow to have this danged infected ingrown toenail removed. Hope he'll do it on the spot this time and not reschedule me for a later time.

Whilst eating breaky I was searching the Big W toy catalogue for a DSi game console which will be on sale this Thursday. All the online products are out of stock but the store in Campsie opens at 7am on Thursday and it's a BIG event so I'll have to get up at a sparrows fart to be at the doors in time for opening to be sure I get one to laybye. Giancarlo has managed to destroy his beyond repair (Nintendo says it would be cheaper to replace the unit rather than fix it) so I gave him mine and I will get myself the upgraded model. I use it to play all my 'Brain' games.

I'm sitting here in the kitchen on my laptop because I have managed to do something to my PC which has rendered it useless and the techo guy who usually fixes them for us is in the U.S. and won't be back until July so both our 'puters are offline until John comes home (he is a good friend of Damien, Tony's son). It is bloody cold now, was just cool when I walked in the door but I had on my big heavy, long woolen coat. After sitting still for a bit the cold starts to sink in to the bones to the point of pain so I've just turned on the heater (gas) and have all 6 bars burning.

I have to see Angelina's teacher this afternoon for her end of semester 'report'. Her teacher, Mrs Scott seems to be very pleased with Anjo's progress so that's nice. I think though, that I have a bit of a Bart and Lisa Simpson ("The Simpsons" cartoon) scenario on my hands, I'm a little anxious about seeing Giancarlo's teacher for his report tomorrow.

AAAARRRRGGGGHHHHHHH *&"%#$# toe! Just banged the damned thing on the table leg. I hope the doctor will pull it off tomorrow, bloody painful.

Just phoned Mum for a chat bc I hadn't heard from her for a few days. She said that Aunty Cec and Uncle Ray just left this morning. They had been there since Saturday which was why I hadn't heard from Mum and I'm glad I didn't telephone her then because she was so enjoying having Aunty Cec there and said they just sat and talked all day long and Uncle Ray sat reading his books. Poor old Mum is SO lonely up there and the shops are too far for her to walk to nowadays. A couple of years ago it wouldn't have bothered her but now, with her heart and all, it's just too much for her. It's school holidays next week for 2 weeks so I'll be taking the kids up to see her, Uncle Greg, Aunty Meg and boys for a few days but not until the end of next week because I have to see the re-hab doctor next Wednesday about getting some more botox injections in my arm and hand and possibly my leg also. I hope he can give me some in my arm and hand because it has been sostiff and sore these past couple of months.

I wish Mum would come here to live with us. It's a tiny house and would be cramped a bit but it would be so nice for the kids to have as much time with Nannie as possible in these later years and lets face it, I wouldn't mind having a drinking partner to accompany me with my night-cap before bed. Besides, we're here all the time and she'd never have to be alone. Oh well, we've extended the offer many times over the past years so it's just up to Mum.

Well folks, I've o news at all so will sign off and try to figure out what to feed the family for dinner tonight. Take care everyone,

Lotsa love always, Sara xxxxx

Dexter

Well, we have been patiently waiting for more news, & more pics. of wee Dexter??? C 'on guys,

get some more pictures up!!! No news, but the sun is shining!! (Again!!) Pretty soon, we will be

taking "sunshine" for granted.

Dougs' brother-in-law Wayne, from Ottawa, died

suddenly yesterday. I understand he was golfing, & died on the golf course. That has NOT been

varified. Doug had one brother, & one sister, so being such a small family, Wayne will be missed. I heard that Doug had gone up to Calgary yesterday, to fly out to Ottawa.

I havn't talked to Kate for ages, but have quit trying now, as she never returns calls. I think they

are all well. As far as I know, Lin is still there. I don't know when she returns to Oz. I have to do

the travelling, & at nearly 80, I have cut down on my trips South. The Montana family don't come

up. I would like them to see Peter ocasionally, but they don't seem to have time to head North.

They may have gone to Arizona, as Doug had some work to do on Dans' house down there. Now I am just assuming that, as I havn't heard from them.

Mo & Bill busy as usual. Steve & Fam. & Charlotte & fam. seem to be hanging in. Charlotte is

having ray treatments for her cancer. She says she is feeling fine. I am very apprehensive, but

she is quite calm. There really isn't anything to write about. I seem to be "just filling in"!!!

Will say "cheers" for now, & hope someone will log on soon, so we will know a bit of the

family news, & how things are going at home. love to all. Kell

On behalf of Aunt Kell: Posted 12/06/2011

I wrote a VERY LONG post yesterday, & "sent" it. I have no idea what I did, but alas, no post from me on the blog today. I simply gave an update on all Deda family comings & goings, & an

update on anyone not enjoying the best of health. I wrote quite a bit on Charlotte, & her battle with cancer, on top of having to contend with diabetes. I wont re-write it all again, (maybe someone will find it in cyber space!! ) Anyway, this one will be way shorter, as I am a bit behind schedule. Charlotte is taking radiation treatments, & so far, she is feeling good.

I was going to

go to Kates' this weekend, ( Lin is there, & wanted to see her before she leaves for home. I don't know when that will be.) However, I had to make a quick trip to the hosp., so had to put off

Whitefish. Will go as soon as Kate is organized, & I'm up to par again.

We are FINALLY having sunshine again. This it the THIRD day with NO RAIN!!! Oh! Happy day.

I had made a reservation at our golf course, for a dinner for Jane, on her birthday, 10th, & planning on having all the family come to Pincher for the day. However, Jane had other plans. I have been trying to get

in touch with Barry ever since, but no luck so far. He was going to bring everything here, &

cook right by our dining room. I will go to his house tomorrow if I can't contact him at work,

at the golf club.

Peter is doing well at Vista Village, & doesn't seem to know that he "lives" there now. Every

day when I visit, he asks "are we going home today?" I tell him, "this IS home". He says,

"it might be YOUR home, but it's NOT mine!!" I thought by now, he would be calling it "home."!!

I'm generally pleased with the care & treatment he is getting. Only one complaint. It seems

EVERY day when I visit, they need something more. NEVER fails. Shampoo, body wash, bigger

sized socks, few more P. J's. ALWAYS something, on top of the $2,000.00 a month "rent"!!

With all the rain we have had, our little "Pincher Creek" has become a gushing river. With the windows open at night, we can hear the roar from here.

My "grand childa" all seem to be doing well. Alex will be going to Uni. in Vancouver in Sept. Dan is in Colorado. He seems to be loving it. He has a very nice home there, & the climate is

fabulous. Just like Bourke. Hot & dry. Very red soil, & NO WIND!!!! Dan says I can go down &

"look after him", & "he will look after me"!! I just may have to kee him up to it!!! Only one

problem, poor Peter here alone. Family is all in Calgary & Whitefish.

As usual, no news, just lots of prattle.

Hope this finds all well. Thanks Laverty girls for the posts & wonderful pics. Please keep it up.

Sara, I do hope all is well again with you. Give Hokey & Angelina a big hug from me.

Take care all. Myers, PLEASE get Tom set up on the blog when you are visiting her, & she can

spend a day or two filling us in on the last year or so!!! Keep well. Love to all. Kell

Wrong blog. Oi Oi Oi !!!

I "lost" a blog yesterday, & then, so help me, I lost ANOTHER one today. Turns out, I inadvertantly "posted" on "Oi, Oi, Oi," so now you will have to go to that site if you care to read it. Love to all. Kelly

Just quickly

Just reading back, Meg mentioned Marcus bringing Mum to Sydney. It was a flying visit, Marcus brought Mums old trunks down for me. Too good to get rid of (yes Tommy Junior), we have one in the lounge as a wood box and the other is still on the porch full of old blankets to put across the little sofa out there.

No I wasn't doing so good. I'd lost all strength in my right side and left, although already weak was even weaker. I was having trouble walking and was dragging my left leg behind me. No strength what-so-ever in my good arm, hand, fingers. Couldn't hang the washing (you beauty!) because I couldn't raise my arm above my shoulder and the wet clothes were too heavy to lift anyway. Couldn't press the nozzle on the deoderant can, squeeze the toothpaste tube or do up my own pants. If I fell over, which was happening often due to the weakness, I was not able to get up by myself. I was in a real state and blood tests, cat scan and other electro conductor tests performed by my neurologist showed nothing. I just had to stay in bed and take it easy for a couple of weeks and let Tony do everything. As soon as I was feeling a tad better I was up then that was the end of my bed -rest. Was good while it lasted...

Still a bit weak in my arm and fingers but so much better than I was.

So that's all it was, cheers,
Red xxxxx

Belmore AT LAST... 11/6/2011

Well hello everyone, my usual apologies for not being on here. Someone, years back, told me that as the children grew older they would become easier, they LIIIEEEED! I don't get a moment to myself, not even to go to bed as I usually fall asleep with them and if I wake later and return to my own bed then they sense it and follow soon after. I'm not saying anything all you mothers don't already know.

When I'm running in circles trying to do washing, hang, fold and sort clothes, organise dinner, supervise homework, clean, tidy and all the rest of the 'Homemakers' duties I marvel at how Mum coped, especially after Dad died, with the wood stove (gidgee to be chopped), the old wringer washing machine, vacuuming on hands and knees and mopping layers off the kitchen and verandah floors and of course the dusting (eventually became my job). I'd have to push my fingernail into the dust rag and scrape it around the grooves of those bloody lounge chairs and up and down all the rungs on those kitchen chairs.

Anyway I think of her and then go back another generation and think of how Nan had to do it, living in tents on the river banks (before Mooculta) and the camp having to be swept clean of all leaves. Baking bread and the pound (????) cake every day, hot meals every day (at least two, don't know about breaky??) in the camp ovens for the men, bully beef etc. Washing in the old coppers, making clothes for the kids, pop making the shoes. Shoot, I have it easy...

Heard from Mark yesterday, he finally got in for surgery on his leg. The poor bugger is suffering excruciating pain. Hopefully he will be on the mend now though, it would lovely if he could come home again one day.

I have been across to Ashfield this morning to see some photographs which I had taken with the kids. I'd been wanting to have some taken for years now but apparently I entered some competition online and won a free shoot. Of course only the shoot was free but I also got one free picture as I had the pics taken mid-week. Anyway, from the 50 or so I narrowed my choice down to ten but even then the price tag was over 2K. So I whittled it down to 3, five would have been nicer but 3 was still over a grand. I opted for the pics to be mounted and I pay them off at $22pw for 12 months. Yes you read right, disgusting but put into B&W the pics look very nice.

It's 3:15pm and I have much I could be doing but, stuff it, it's taken me 4 months to get back on here as it is so work can wait.

Sorry if there are letters scattered through this posting but my cursor keeps jumping back through the text and it's bein g a real pain in the bum!

My family are well enough, Tony's same as always. Angelina went on a farm excursion last week with the kindergarten classes, she was sooooooo excited to get to school that day. I just tried to find the photo's on the school web site but they're not up there yet. Her teacher, a fantastic teacher at that, took detailed pics of all the children milking the cows. When they go up I'll post them up here too.

Giancarlo is still as wild as ever, he's a good kid though and is the easier one to handle. He does quite well at school, WHEN he puts the effort in. 8 years old next week. Madame will be 5 in July.

Getting chilly here now but with the gas heating and fire going it's quite comfortable inside.

Tonys dog, Gizmo is pretty crook. Poor old bloke started a choking cough about 10 days ago, Tony insisted he had a cold but I felt differently. I took him to the vet and it turns out he has a significant heart murmur and because his poor old ticker (slusher) is working so hard his lungs have filled with fluid. The vet put him on some meds for his heart and a diuretic to assist draining of his lungs. He had 2 nights of peace but then started hacking again. I upped his doses but it would be far more humane to take him back to the vet to be euthanased but Tony's holding off. Cruel I think and if he doesn't do it this week then I will. Hate to see the poor creature suffering.

Well I haven't read the past 4 months posts so I will load this one up and then read back to catch up. I did see though that Wendy has a new grandson. Congratulations to Lenice and her husband and Wend' and Len, proud new Grannies ;o)

Ciao now,
Love Sara xxxxx

Alex's Graduation

Just thought I would post a few photos of Alex's graduation for you all. Montana is beautiful in summer, just as nice as winter. Belinda

Dexter

Hi all, well our little impatient grandson Dexter was three weeks old yesterday.
He is still in the High Dependency Unit at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA) Sydney
but he is a real fighter. He has had and is still having trouble with his lungs, he has had Pneumonia.
When he came off the respirator we all cheered, then he was also taken off the CAPT machine but because his oxygen levels kept dropping he is back on it again. He now hates it and keeps trying to remove the mask, his nurses are always getting him in trouble because of it. I was there to hear his first real cry with Len and Lenice and I think we all had a tear in our eyes too, it was so very good to hear him complaining.

He was 8 hours old before Lenice was taken down to see him for the first time (she was given an emergency Cesarean).
The first time she was allowed to hold him was when he was 8 days old and that was with all his tubes still attached.
He was 10 days old when he came off the respirator and then at 11 days the nurse told Lenice to strip from the waste up, gave her a hospital gown to put on back the front then was told to sit in a chair next to the crib and ENJOYED the first skin to skin cuddle for three hours.
Both mother and baby were very relaxed for the first time.

We still take things day by day and progress is the usual two steps forward and one back every day.
Lenice now knows all the different alarm sounds, which ones are good and which are bad, she is getting to know all the medical terms as well and on the hole she is coping very well, she is exhausted both physically as well as mentally and she is living in Sydney with a very generous friend who has opened her small flat to Lenice and Andrew.
Lenice has to express her milk every 3 to 4 hours so Dexter can be fed via tube still so that means there is no sleep ins for her and she spends all day at the hospital with Dexter.

Hope all is well with everyone