tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302574072024-03-14T15:18:08.470+10:00Kat's CradleLife on five acres with two cats, friendly neighbours and various wildlife in the 21st century.Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.comBlogger511125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-6385372783847399062011-01-29T07:13:00.000+10:002011-01-29T07:13:49.214+10:00Musings<span style="font-size: large;">A week has passed since my last post and it's been a week of contrasts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Right smack bang in the middle of week, Wednesday, was Australia Day, a public holiday. As usual, the weather was fine and hot and so the day was spent with family and friends around my daughter's and son-in-law's pool. Accompanying the water was yummy food and pink bubbles...no Australia Day is complete without pink bubbles...as well as fake tattoos of the Australian flag. This is in the spirit of celebrating all things Australian, you understand. It is mandatory that everyone sports a fake tattoo, placed anywhere on the body and some find the most interesting sites on which to place a tatt! It might have been a different story if the tattoos were real...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The next day, my youngest daughter posted on Facebook that she had that vital glowing and healthy look (otherwise known as sunburn). I had that look too. I think it had to do with the pink bubbles myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday (Friday) I had an appointment with the ophthalmologist to see if my cataracts had advanced enough to be removed. I figured it would be cheaper to do that than to keep having the lenses of my glass changed every few months. But sadly, no. I was given a script for new lenses instead. Oh well, the upside is that I can now see the road a bit more clearly when I drive...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next month I have an appointment with a rheumatologist. Now that's a worry. One can't help thinking that rheumatitis equates to getting older. Oh wait...that's right, I am getting older...which was another event that happened during the last 10 days or so. I have officially been a pensioner for the last three years now, I have a pension card and a health care card to prove it. Anyway back to the rheumatology appointment...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A couple of months ago my left ankle became very sore and swollen overnight. This phenomenon also happened about five years ago. My first thought was gout, but an x-ray showed nothing. This time the doctor decided to do some blood tests and the rheumatology markers were raised...so he referred me to the rheumatologist. At least I get to have lunch with a friend, who works in the same medical centre...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I now go to yoga twice a week as a vacancy has come up in the Thursday morning class, much to my delight. I love yoga...especially this particular group. Our teacher is very good, the other ladies are a lot of fun (we're all of a "certain age") and the yoga stretches our minds as well as our bodies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jane's hand is completely healed and I passed your good wishes on to her, thank you very much. She's a fast healer, that one. We were worried she wouldn't be able to get in the pool on Wednesday, however she was able to swim and enjoy herself rather than sitting on the sidelines watching the rest of us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We weren't able to go to the markets last week because of Jane's injured hand...she would have had trouble carrying things and she was too sore, anyway. So, tomorrow we're off. I need yoghurt, Jane needs the yummy organic sausages we buy and we are both hanging out for our weekly breakfast of Romanian pie. It's like a huge savoury pancake with bacon, feta, dill, spring onion, etc., with lemon juice squeezed over the top. We have half each and that, along with freshly brewed coffee, is our Sunday morning breakfast and it is soooo delicious! Occasionally we also buy cinnamon covered almonds, not too often, but as a treat to nibble on during the week.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">* * * * * * * *</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">As if Queensland hasn't suffered enough, the poor people up north in Townsville are being monstered by a cyclone which is due to cross the coast Sunday or Monday. This cyclone, named Anthony, made it's appearance earlier in the week then drifted away from the coast as a low. Now it's turned itself into a Category 1 cyclone and has decided to pay a visit. Great...not!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Brisbane has got itself up and running again although the ferry services will be out of action for months, the River walk is going to take millions of dollars to repair and of course, some people's homes are ruined. But you can't keep people down for long and the optimism is quite palpable. How does the song go? "We get knocked down, but we get up again. You're never going to keep us down..." That about sums it up.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have a nice weekend.</span></div>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-79036838681011301012011-01-23T07:29:00.000+10:002011-01-23T07:29:06.175+10:00We Are Getting Over It!<span style="font-size: large;">The big clean up of our city and surrounds is well and truly underway with thousand of volunteers from Australia as well as other countries pouring in to help. Already businesses and houses are being rebuilt, people are remaking their lives and schools will be opened tomorrow. Of course, there are exceptions with some businesses, schools and houses too bady damaged to be rebuilt or reopened immediately. However, the indomitable spirit of Australia shines through as does the sense of humour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some examples. A photo of our very swollen and swiftly flowing river showed a sign which said, "Missing since Monday, three goldfish." Another showed a flooded street and a notice announcing, "Caution. Wet surface", and still yet another example of the Aussie sense of humour. Someone had piled all their damaged and broken belongings on the median strip to await council pick up, with a notice, "Garage Sale". There were a lot more examples of humour in the face of adversity which goes to show that laughter is never far away and we really needed some light relief.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">* * * * * * * *</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">On to other things...thank you for all the kind birthday wishes. I had a lovely time and my family also took me out for lunch, which was delicious. I just had an entree sized meal (I don't want to put on the weight I lost a couple of years ago!) of prawns and garlic sauce on basmati rice. It was absolute heaven on the taste buds.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">A very funny incident happened during lunch. For some reason, we were talking about freckles (yeah, I know...we are weird) and Cooper, who is now four and a half, pipes up and says, "I got a freckle on my finger," and sticks up his middle finger in the age old gesture to show us. Of course, he was totally innocent of what it meant...it was just us adults who fell about in hysterics of laughter. However, because we were laughing, Cooper was laughing, too, but without really knowing why.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">* * * * * * * *</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">You may or may not realise, but Jane and I go to the markets every Sunday morning to get our fruit, veges, meat and fish and anything else that may catch our eye. So yesterday, as usual we casually confirmed that we were still going. However, last night when I was watching the Australian Open on TV, a woeful Jane came over with her right hand all bandaged up. She had pulled a hot casserole dish out of the oven (using an oven cloth) and set it on the bench. She then checked a pot or something on the stove top, then turned around and grabbed the incredibly hot casserole dish...without the cloth! A trip to emergency ensued and she came home all bandaged up and not very happy at all. I'm going to pop over shortly to see how she is. Poor darling...she won't be able to work or drive anywhere for a while. I'll keep you posted.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">* * * * * * * *</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Margaret and I are planning a trip out west later on this year...during the Dry! We are taking the overnight train, "Spirit of the Outback" out to a town called Longreach which is where our national airline Qantas started. Qantas - an anagram for Queensland and Northern Territory Air Service. We will also be taking a coach trip to see the Stockman's Hall of Fame, petrified dinosaurs and evidence of the footsteps of a dinosaur stampede, as well as a cruise. This will all be first class and is at a good price.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also four of us are planning a cruise up to the Whitsunday islands around August. It's for seven days and six nights. Toni and Darryl did that cruise last year and highly recommended it. By then, I'll be ready for a break. Gee, semi retirement is busy and I need to take some time out now and then...smirk. Anyway, that's this year's travel organised. Next year? I have my plans and will post about those later.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">That's it for now. I hope you are enjoying your weekend. </span></div>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-52987447906075536212011-01-13T06:29:00.000+10:002011-01-13T06:29:36.831+10:00Our Devastated City<span style="font-size: large;">For graphic videos and pictures of Brisbane during the flood, click this link.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.couriermail.com.au/">http://www.couriermail.com.au/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's distressing to see our beautiful city so devastated. No power, domestic water supply threatened, limited transport and food shortages are just some of the things already being experienced. We have been asked to conserve water as one of the supply stations has been damaged. There is raw sewerage floating through the streets and the threat of E. coli is very real.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The State Emergency Service, Police, Red Cross and thousands of volunteers are doing a fantastic job. Roughly 30,000 homes have been affected, thousands are in evacuation shelters and of course, their pets are missing or dead. It's just too much to comprehend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The whole State will be affected by this...the Port of Brisbane is closed and supplies are going to have to be airdropped or if possible, delivered by road. The supermarket shelves are almost empty. Because of the tsunami like wave of water in the Lockyer Valley, our fresh vegetable industry is no more. The farmers can't get their stock to the abattoirs, so no meat. Wheat exports will be badly affected. We have to boil our water and then there is the very real danger of mosquito borne diseases such as Ross River fever and malaria. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm so proud of my family. My daughter and her husband were out all day yesterday with their truck and trailer helping people move their belongings and will be out again today and for as long as it takes. My granddaughter and her friends have registered as volunteers to work all weekend from Friday evening on, after working a full week at work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are some dreadful stories coming out of people trying to save others and losing their own lives. But there are uplifting stories of people risking their lives, with no thought of their own safety, to help strangers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The one blessing at the moment is that the sun is shining, which makes it harder to get one's head around the devastation. However, one of the worst things is the stench and then the clean up. It's going to take months, possibly years, before Brisbane is returned to its former self. But Queenslanders are a tough breed and in interviews, the most common attitude is "just to start all over again, there's nothing else to do".</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's the CBD and 32 river suburbs which are the most badly affected. Brisbane is Australia's third largest city and a major port for imports to the country. Unfortunately, those container ships will have to be diverted elsewhere. Three quarters of the State of Queensland has been declared a disaster area...our Premier, Anna Bligh, although I have never been a supporter of hers, has done a fantastic job of keeping everyone updated. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I must give credit to the Queensland Police Service who, through Facebook, have kept those of us with power or fully charged batteries informed with constant updates. There are stupid morons who disseminate false information and the Police are onto those immediately, putting people at ease that the dam walls are not going to collapse and so on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then, of course, there are the low lifes who have been looting. What sort of mongrels are they to steal from people already devastated by this disaster? They have been caught, which is wonderful to hear, and all I can say is, what goes around comes around and in those cases, will be well deserved. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We would be grateful for your prayers for our beautiful city and the poor souls who have lost everything. Thank you.</span>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-68977391515629789862011-01-11T07:01:00.000+10:002011-01-11T07:01:51.371+10:00A Sombre Time<span style="font-size: large;">It's been rain and floods of biblical proportions in Central Queensland over the last few weeks. People have been evacuated, some have lost everything, businesses are awash and roads are cut causing Outback towns and a major city to be isolated. Now the floods are heading our way. The Darling Downs city of Toowoomba was hit by a huge surge of water yesterday. People had no time to prepare...it was totally unexpected.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There was a horrifying situation caught on camera yesterday. We could see three people trapped in their car which had been washed off the road by an enormous wave of water. The woman in the passenger side had her head in her hands in despair. The car was slowly sinking. The next shot showed the three had managed to clamber out and onto the roof of the car...two adults and a child. The news helicopter notifed the SES and we heard later that one person was airlifted off in a very dangerous operation. We then heard that the car had disappeared with the two remaining people. I have never seen anything so terrible in all my life and felt absolutely powerless...those poor, poor people.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">* * * * * * * *</span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now the Government, Council and SES (State Emergency Service) have put Brisbane Metro on flood alert, especially residents living by the Brisbane river and creeks. During 1974, a massive flood devastated the city, which is built with the river running through the middle of it. To prevent such a flood happening again, Wivenhoe dam was built miles upstream. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not so long ago, Wivenhoe was nearly empty...we were on very severe water restrictions and had suffered years of drought. Now, the opposite has occurred. The dam is more than full, all flood gates are open and water is pouring into the Brisbane river. However, the Lord Mayor is stressing that although there will be flooding, it won't be as bad as 1974. But he has warned people to be on alert and to prepare their properties and effects for the worst.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Government has instituted a warning system where residents are notified by mobile phone that there is a flood alert in their area. My granddaughter received such a message yesterday and although she was aware of the danger, she appreciated being contacted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So...is this phenomenon a natural disaster caused by "global warming", climate change or just the usual cycle of drought/flood that happens once every hundred years or so? Who knows? The boffins all have their theories, the churches have their beliefs and there are the pragmatic souls that put it down to the vagaries of nature. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Whatever the reason, people suffer and our hearts go out to them. That is evidenced in the Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal which so far has reached just under $30 million. That is only a drop in the bucket (no pun intended) to what is needed. However, Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State has generously offered much appreciated support and Queensland thanks the US for this welcome gesture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Although this all sounds rather parochial, we are well aware that there are other disasters of equal and greater proportions in other parts of the world and our hearts go out to those who are suffering. It is a sombre time indeed. But taking a leaf out of the book of the hardy souls in these disasters...we just need to get on with it and try to put lives back together as much as we can. Unfortunately, for some, it is too late...</span>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-46071481620363941872011-01-09T11:37:00.000+10:002011-01-09T11:37:39.013+10:00Dear Blog...<span style="font-size: large;">It has been so long since I posted that it's taken me half an hour to find out how to sign in!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I must apologise, dear Blog, for my shameful neglect of you and all the friends you have found for me. I have no excuses, just reasons which I won't bore you by listing. Let it be said that life has been hectic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On with some of my doings of the past little while...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I spent Christmas and New Year in New Zealand with my family. Queensland has been a trifle damp for the last couple of months so it was lovely to see some sunshine for most of the time I was there. I flew in mid afternoon on Christmas Eve and was met at the airport by my brother with my mum and stepfather. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Christmas Day was spent on my cousin's farmlet...an absolutely idyllic spot with a lovely lake. We had a rather peculiar game of cricket, by peculiar I mean there were no rules and one was batting until sick of it. (I missed every ball...par for the course). There were lots of laughs and plenty of bubbles...which didn't really help the batting average. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A couple of days later we drove 2 hours north to see Brooke and Harry at their father's place. Most of their family were there and we had a lovely afternoon. They, too, are on a farm which runs right to the beach with the house on a hill giving the most wonderful outlook of the ocean and outlying islands.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">New Year's Eve was quiet...out for dinner and then home by about 10.30 pm. None of us could be bothered staying up until midnight but Harold set the DVD to record the celebrations at Sky Tower, Auckland's casino, which we watched the next day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I must admit I was pleased to get home to my own bed and to the cats. I put them in the cattery...much to their disapproval, they wouldn't look at me when I said goodbye. Anyway they were as pleased as I was to be home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, dear Blog, that is a little of what I've been doing. Even my book was placed on the back burner until the craziness of the silly season passed.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm still working and really enjoying it. I get asked, in total amazement by some, why I'm still working. Well, it keeps my brain active; I work my own hours (except leading up to Christmas, when the hours were loooong, to get the work out); I enjoy it and I have the most wonderful lifestyle because it's very well paid and besides, what else would I do? Talking of well paid...I had a lovely fat payrise plus an unexpected bonus for Christmas...why would I give that up?</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now I'm planning my next trip. A friend and I are talking about taking a week long trip out west (once it stops raining...in the Dry Season, hopefully) on the Spirit of the Outback. So we are going to meet in a couple of weeks to organise a time that suits us both and go from there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The next overseas jaunt is the very strong likelihood of a cruise...I'll keep you posted on that one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Below are a few photos taken in New Zealand...</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TSkNU8kw6pI/AAAAAAAAEDk/6v_hOgHzxEA/s1600/Christmas+2010+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TSkNU8kw6pI/AAAAAAAAEDk/6v_hOgHzxEA/s320/Christmas+2010+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">One of NZ's native birds, the tui or parson bird, so called because of the tuft of white feathers at the throat. This one is feeding from the nector of the flax flowers.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TSkNqiJe6pI/AAAAAAAAEDo/PTs2ocwDjjQ/s1600/Christmas+2010+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TSkNqiJe6pI/AAAAAAAAEDo/PTs2ocwDjjQ/s320/Christmas+2010+037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">This is the flower of an enormous water lily called the Victoria lily. The alien looking growth behind the flower is a new leaf pad, which will be about 2 - 3 m across when it opens fully.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TSkN3XqV3HI/AAAAAAAAEDs/jSEVagIxjBs/s1600/Christmas+2010+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TSkN3XqV3HI/AAAAAAAAEDs/jSEVagIxjBs/s320/Christmas+2010+011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My brother cooking bacon and eggs on the barbecue on Boxing Day. </span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TSkODimVkFI/AAAAAAAAEDw/ZMdnpp5Bzds/s1600/Christmas+2010+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TSkODimVkFI/AAAAAAAAEDw/ZMdnpp5Bzds/s320/Christmas+2010+014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I took a liking to this fish and the feeling was mutual!</span> </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TSkOWQRkNuI/AAAAAAAAED0/co73agmxtbk/s1600/Christmas+2010+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TSkOWQRkNuI/AAAAAAAAED0/co73agmxtbk/s320/Christmas+2010+024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">But there's no love lost on this guy, a 5.1 m salt water or estuarine crocodile, originally taken from Darwin Harbour and now residing in a suitable habitat in Auckland, New Zealand.</span> </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TSkOhwAjd3I/AAAAAAAAED4/iKZB2hKKsqQ/s1600/Christmas+2010+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TSkOhwAjd3I/AAAAAAAAED4/iKZB2hKKsqQ/s320/Christmas+2010+029.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Harry and Brooke with their great grandmother.</span></div>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-56506079868490511192010-09-23T12:20:00.000+10:002010-09-23T12:20:20.963+10:00Pidgin English<span style="font-size: large;">On Tuesday night I was watching QI hosted by Stephen Fry. QI is a quiz show with a difference. First of all, it has a very catchy reggae signature tune and secondly it has a panel of four who are nuts. The idea of QI is that the panel are asked a question, something like "Why don't pigeons like the movies?" The panel can be right or wrong but they must never be boring, hence QI - Quite Interesting.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">At the end of this week's show Stephen gave us a piece of useless but quite interesting information. According to him, and who knows how he found out, but during an eclipse of the sun some years ago, an Australian Aborigine, when asked about the eclipse, replied, "Kerosene lamp belong Jesus gone buggerup."</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, I quite liked that and before I went to bed last night, posted the definition on Facebook. No explanation, just that. This morning I had three comments. One from my daughter (whom you may know as Flossy) who asked if I had been drinking again (charming), another from Liz (<a href="http://liz-and-harvey.blogspot.com/">Finding Life Hard </a>) who said it made perfect sense to her and third comment from my grandson in Holland who replied with a comment which was worse than the pidgin English.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, out of those three, one knew what I was talking about...which goes to prove that 1 out of 3 people is as warped as I am.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the reason why pigeons don't like the movies? Disregarding the weird and wacky answers the panel came up with, apparently they see movement a lot faster than we do. As one panel member commented, "Going to a movie for a pigeon would be like watching a slide show".</span>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-32763737414103904532010-09-21T16:29:00.000+10:002010-09-21T16:29:12.577+10:00Food and Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: large;">Jane and I have been going to the markets every Sunday morning for the last couple of months. We leave home at 5.30 am (not much fun in the middle of winter) and head off. The first market we hit is where we get our meat, fish and eggs...organic and soooo tasty. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The second market is where we buy our fruit and veg, plus Greek style yoghurt and I get my organic sour dough rye bread there as well. That market also has a lot of bric a brac so after we've had coffee and breakfast, we spend an hour or so looking for something to read, cheap clothes, etc, before buying our produce.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But let me tell you about the yoghurt. I love yoghurt but I will never buy it from the supermarket again, not after tasting the stuff I buy every Sunday. It's organic, rich, creamy and the flavours are to die for. There is plain, mixed berry, mango, apple and cinammon (my favourite), lemon and myrtle and raspberry and coconut. Just delicious with fruit and muesli.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the moment strawberries are very cheap and we bought a kilo of first grade fruit for $3...bargain. Mangoes were available for a while but we haven't seen any for the last couple of weeks. They were first on the market in early August thanks to last summer's rain. There is a bit of a lull at the moment, but soon the mango season will begin in earnest.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Not only do I get my own meat, fish, eggs, veg etc, but I also shop for my daughters. Consequently we take Jane's station wagon (my car is far too small), a couple of eskies with ice bricks, our trolleys and extra bags. By the time we've finished Jane's car is rather full.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have bagged some really good clothing bargains, too. There is one lady who sells all her clothes for $2 a piece. She has good quality stuff, all freshly washed and sorted into size. So far, I've bagged two pairs of jeans (one pair are pink), and a pair of shorts. Jane's just about refurbished her whole wardrobe. At another stall I bought a beautiful cardigan in a lovely dusky pink, brand new for $3. It's winter weight but will be great for next year.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Last week a couple had pots of hippeastrums for sale, some in flower, some in bud but due to open in a day or so. What caught our eye were a couple of hippeastrum with double flowers...neither of us had seen anything like it before...so Jane bought one. I put a photo below...it's just beautiful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So...that's what we've been up to over the last couple of months. Also, after about three attempts I've finally been successful in getting on to Facebook...wonders will never cease. Already I've caught up with members of family who are living overseas and whom I haven't seen for years. Good stuff.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Right...here are some photos. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TJhKOSLPKII/AAAAAAAAEDA/0Ys-BjYAlnE/s1600/Hippy+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TJhKOSLPKII/AAAAAAAAEDA/0Ys-BjYAlnE/s320/Hippy+001.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jane's double hippeastrum</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TJhKvNH1euI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/ax2P1jNZ7lE/s1600/Hippy+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TJhKvNH1euI/AAAAAAAAEDQ/ax2P1jNZ7lE/s320/Hippy+003.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is a bromeliad flower...they look like berries</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TJhLA8_nVpI/AAAAAAAAEDY/tZfkdvlRsRw/s1600/Hippy+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TJhLA8_nVpI/AAAAAAAAEDY/tZfkdvlRsRw/s320/Hippy+004.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My daughter and son-in-law gave me this for Mother's Day. It's not as showy as it usually is...it has flowered non stop since May. All I do is keep it well watered and it's absolutely covered in these pretty pink flowers. Don't ask me what it is...no, it's not a primula, although it looks similar.</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TJhKfGzu7gI/AAAAAAAAEDI/79zhtRl1Q4M/s1600/Hippy+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TJhKfGzu7gI/AAAAAAAAEDI/79zhtRl1Q4M/s320/Hippy+002.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pink begonia flowers...everything is very pink today.</span></div>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-73135168752297802892010-09-04T21:30:00.000+10:002010-09-04T21:30:25.049+10:00Facebook..grrrr!<span style="font-size: large;">Facebook is a pain in the arse! I decided to open a Facebook account/page/wall...whatever. What a piece of work that was.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To cut a long story short...I needed to enter my mobile phone number (I really don't like that at all, but without it I can't get onto the damn site). So I did that, received a confirmation email with a verification code which I duly entered as requested...only to be told that someone else has my phone number! Now that's one hell of a worry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, as far as I'm concerned Facebook can get stuffed. I was on it last year (and no, I never put my mobile number on) and ended up with a virus, so I guess I'm being told something.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just thought I'd have a bit of a rant... </span>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-66184948052449885082010-08-27T21:28:00.000+10:002010-08-27T21:28:22.734+10:00Hello, Hello, Hello, Hellooooooo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: large;">The title is my Stephen Fry impression...as on QI.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Life is rather interesting at the moment...actually it has been for the last couple of months. My new job is going well...I work four hours a day and earn more than twice the amount I did in the other job. For those who want to know, I only retired from going out to work, as in driving to the train station, travelling 40 mins into the city, spending eight hours a day bashing away on a keyboard then returning to the train and driving home from the station. OK, it was only two days a week, but I was heartily sick of it. So I decided to work from home permanently. And for those of you who are interested, I am a medical typist and my current job is typing doctors' letters for the surgeons in a large private practice orthopaedic clinic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I actually used to work there when they first started the practice about eight years ago. At that stage, there were three surgeons, a receptionist and me. Then they hired a fourth doctor and some more staff. Now there are nine doctors, each with their own secretary plus four off site typists and a two or three other people who do whatever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The practice manager is a friend of mine and a couple of years ago she rang me and asked if I wanted to work for them from home but I turned it down. However, a couple of months ago, I was getting totally fed up with the other crowd and decided to ring my friend. After catching up on the news, she asked if I wanted to meet for lunch but I said no, that wasn't the reason I rang...I actually wanted a job. She said ok and that was it...I had a new job.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When I'm not doing that, I'm working on my book which is now on the fourth draft. Boring...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Early on Sunday mornings Jane and I brave the cold and hit the markets. We go to two...the first to buy our meat and fish; the second to get our fruit and vegetables, as there is more variety and they are cheaper than the first. The second market also has mainly bric-a-brac stalls so it's great to poke around and see what we can find.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Any spare time is taken up with family, grocery shopping, paying bills and buying shoes...I've bought two more pairs. Summer shoes this time. No comments, please...</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, by the way. The real reason for this post is to tell you Jane has a new baby...Gemma.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/THeZyAEEDgI/AAAAAAAAECQ/uo4qj16IA1U/s1600/Gemma+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/THeZyAEEDgI/AAAAAAAAECQ/uo4qj16IA1U/s320/Gemma+003.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is Gemma, a ruby King Charles Cavalier Spaniel. I couldn't get a very good photo of her...she just doesn't keep still. I think she's hyperactive. She and Kayla (see below) have a wonderful time tearing around the lawn. They play together for hours, then flop in a heap and pass out from exhaustion.</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/THeaM9mHo3I/AAAAAAAAECY/jCC2YzW0Gds/s1600/Gemma+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/THeaM9mHo3I/AAAAAAAAECY/jCC2YzW0Gds/s320/Gemma+004.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kayla...little cutie she is.</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/THeahNyHoxI/AAAAAAAAECg/D5z2H36BNxg/s1600/Gemma+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/THeahNyHoxI/AAAAAAAAECg/D5z2H36BNxg/s320/Gemma+001.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ken...he was watching me trying to get a photo of the dogs and laughing his silly head off...so I snapped him!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Right...that's it. I'm coming to visit you, now.</span></div>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-26736691516461342572010-07-27T13:44:00.001+10:002010-07-27T15:01:35.168+10:00Spending the Kids' Inheritance...What Fun!<span style="font-size: large;">Jane and I have been going to the Sunday markets lately...yes, that's right. In the cold weather, we've been heading off at about 5.15 am to bag the bargains. (Pardon the pun, which you will understand when you read on).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the moment it's our strawberry season, so Jane's been getting jam strawberries and making her wonderful jam. With lemonade scones and whipped cream...you ain't tasted anything until you taste Jane's scones.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The range of fruit and vegetables at the markets is amazing and there are Asian veges there that I've never seen before...real strange looking things. If I remember, I'll take my camera next time and get some photos. One of you may know what they're called, how they're cooked and what you use them for...</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have a wheat intolerance and have trouble sometimes finding bread with no wheat added. I can eat rye and oats as gluten doesn't bother me and last week I found a rye sourdough loaf that was to die for. It had that wonderful crusty top and when I got home, I cut off a thick slice and had it with loads of butter and vegemite...my idea of heaven. However, after demolishing that loaf, I decided against buying it every week or I'd be deserving of the name Mrs Michelin...</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But...I've been getting some bargains in other things, Over the last couple of weeks, I've bought four handbags. When I told Suzie that, she asked me why I was collecting handbags. "Because they're there," I replied. At $25 each brand new, who cares why I'm buying them...</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">During the week, I decided I needed some new joggers. My current ones are so battered and disgusting looking, they're only suitable for gardening in now. I tried a few pairs on and they were ok, but then the shop assistant showed me some new ones that had just come on to the market. Oh, my feet were in heaven. Wearing these shoes is like walking on a cloud. They are so light, have a very good arch support and fit like gloves, so I bought those. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now once I'm in a shoe store, I can't see the point of leaving until I've had a good look round, which I did. Much to my delight, I found a pair of brand name leather wedge heeled smart black court shoes. They were originally $130 but I got them for $90. So two pairs of shows for under $200...not bad, I thought.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Below are some photos... </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TE0lK2Ld8LI/AAAAAAAAEBY/pb8vzLBxsys/s1600/bags+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TE0lK2Ld8LI/AAAAAAAAEBY/pb8vzLBxsys/s320/bags+001.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">One,</span></div><br />
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</a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TE5oEtnW-gI/AAAAAAAAECI/E39BEV4cInQ/s1600/bags+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TE5oEtnW-gI/AAAAAAAAECI/E39BEV4cInQ/s320/bags+002.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Two,</span></div><br />
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</a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TE0luOHJepI/AAAAAAAAEBo/G1opcLia3HM/s1600/bags+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TE0luOHJepI/AAAAAAAAEBo/G1opcLia3HM/s320/bags+003.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Three, and...</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TE0l7hQ3HnI/AAAAAAAAEBw/89YzusMGMn0/s1600/bags+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TE0l7hQ3HnI/AAAAAAAAEBw/89YzusMGMn0/s320/bags+004.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Four!</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TE0mLofBH-I/AAAAAAAAEB4/iRkCE5v-7eQ/s1600/bags+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TE0mLofBH-I/AAAAAAAAEB4/iRkCE5v-7eQ/s320/bags+005.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The last word in comfort for walking</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TE0mWT6npAI/AAAAAAAAECA/j6GA9V8HShc/s1600/bags+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TE0mWT6npAI/AAAAAAAAECA/j6GA9V8HShc/s320/bags+006.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">How are these for smart?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Ok, I hear you say, I didn't spend an awful lot of the kids' inheritance on the above. Well, I've also booked a flight to New Zealand over Christmas and New Year...I should be able to get rid of a bit more during that time...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Take care of yourselves until I next put up a post. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-4328722829677230102010-07-11T12:17:00.000+10:002010-07-11T12:17:57.599+10:00Hello, it's your long lost blogger friend...deciding to do a spot of blogging. Yes, yes...I know. Shock, horror, whatever...That's all I'm going to say on the subject.<br />
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Since I last posted, there has been a change in the work scene for me. At 65, I've found myself another job. I'm still working from home for four hours or so a day, but getting heaps more for it. I used to work for this particular orthopaedic practice about eight or nine years ago. A friend of mine is the practice manager and a couple of years back she rang me and asked if I would work for them again. It wasn't the right time then, but about a month ago the timing was impeccable. I really enjoy this work and it's lovely to be back with them...even if it is off site.<br />
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Three friends have had babies in the last month...one lady who I used to work with, had twins; our neighbour had a little girl and another friend I worked with until recently is having a C section on 14th. As well as these three, the manageress of the bookshop where we have our monthly writers' group meetings had a little boy in May. I'm surrounded by fertile women...thank God it's not catchinig!<br />
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Last Thursday was my youngest daughter, Suzie's 40th birthday. I had said I'd take her out for lunch, however, it was the last week of the school holidays and Harry was over visiting from New Zealand, so we decided to leave it for a few days. Then around Tuesday last week, Gabbie phoned me and asked me to take Suzie to lunch as she, Brooke and Harry were planning a surprise evening for her. Gabbie had told her mother she'd cook dinner for her that night.<br />
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I love partaking in surprise events for people...all the secrecy, biting of tongues and skulduggery that goes on...great fun. The kids wanted to get their mother out of the house for at least the afternoon so I thought it was a good time have the birthday lunch. We duly went to the Springfield Tavern where Jane's brother, Roger, is the chef. Unfortunately, he had gone home sick so we missed him, but still had a lovely lunch. Suzie had a fillet of Tasmanian salmon with Hollandaise sauce and Asian greens and I had Springfield chicken, which is breast with avocado, semi-dried tomatoes and Camembert cheese on a bed of sweet potato mash accompanied with vegetables. We both had a glass of wine as well.<br />
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After that, we thought we'd better walk it off in the Orion Shopping Centre as well as seeing what was on sale. Some shops are putting spring stuff out already...yay. I've had enough of winter. After about an hour and a half, it was time for a coffee and after that then drove back to my place. Suzie wasn't allowed home until 6.30, so she jumped online and looked for a dress for Brooke's grade 12 formal. What the girls are doing here, is going onto the American websites, ordering their dresses and having them sent to Australia. The styles and fabrics are to die for and there is soooo much choice. With the exchange rate and postage added in, the price is about the same as here, but with the attraction of the dress being sent from the USA. Great resale value.<br />
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We spent a lovely couple of hours browsing through the designer's websites and I couldn't believe how reasonable the prices were. I've decided I'm going to have a look for next year's winter clothes that way...for me!<br />
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We finally left to go to Suzie's place which is about a half hour's drive from me. I waited until Suzie had driven off, then packed all the food I had prepared that morning into an esky, grabbed a bottle of wine and followed her. The kids had put up party balloons and streamers and those invited were there waiting for the birthday girl . Suzie knew her kids were up to something, but wasn't sure what. When she mentioned it to me...I just gave a non committal "Oh yeah" and didn't say anymore.<br />
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We had a lovely evening. I didn't stay too late as I was going to the markets with Jane the next morning and had to be up at 4.30 am. Three of Gabbie's friends arrived and everyone was making noises about finishing off the rest of the evening at the local pub where there was live music. Whether they did or not, I didn't wait to find out. Let's just say that by the time I left, a few sore heads were well in the making....<br />
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I've been working hard on my essay for our writers' group anthology, which we hope to publish early next year, as well as working on my book. I was looking for a publisher a few weeks ago and found a local one. Deciding it would be nice to support local business, I duly emailed a submission and a couple of chapters only to have it bounce back. When I mentioned this at our last meeting, two others had the same experience. As one said, the company was in business for a week...and we missed it!<br />
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I hope all is well in your world. Below are some photos I thought you might like to see. Now, I'm off to visit your blogs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TDkdm6CqCoI/AAAAAAAAEBQ/H_zla7XLhsQ/s1600/Suzie%27s+40th+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TDkdm6CqCoI/AAAAAAAAEBQ/H_zla7XLhsQ/s320/Suzie%27s+40th+001.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I couldn't resist this...it's a web made by a St Andrew's cross spider, so named for obvious reasons.. If you enlarge the photo, you'll see her behind her very artistic web.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TDkdd9orgVI/AAAAAAAAEBI/srryWuoDKhs/s1600/Suzie%27s+40th+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TDkdd9orgVI/AAAAAAAAEBI/srryWuoDKhs/s320/Suzie%27s+40th+003.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The birthday girl hamming it up with her glass of red.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TDkdStShjqI/AAAAAAAAEBA/3QXnwFlt0O0/s1600/Suzie%27s+40th+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TDkdStShjqI/AAAAAAAAEBA/3QXnwFlt0O0/s320/Suzie%27s+40th+007.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Who brung this lot? A lovely photo of Brooke...pity about the rest.</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TDkc3U-2wwI/AAAAAAAAEAw/YNUlaGbgBHs/s1600/Suzie%27s+40th+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TDkc3U-2wwI/AAAAAAAAEAw/YNUlaGbgBHs/s320/Suzie%27s+40th+008.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">A family photo...and Brooke gets her own back. From L to R. Brooke, me, Suzie, Gabbie, Harry</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TDkccX4yzyI/AAAAAAAAEAg/lPuY_kJlgbo/s1600/Suzie%27s+40th+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TDkccX4yzyI/AAAAAAAAEAg/lPuY_kJlgbo/s320/Suzie%27s+40th+011.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Like mother...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TDkcpgX_j7I/AAAAAAAAEAo/2xyGWMyEpWk/s1600/Suzie%27s+40th+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TDkcpgX_j7I/AAAAAAAAEAo/2xyGWMyEpWk/s320/Suzie%27s+40th+010.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">like daughter.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When she was young, every time I took a photo, Suzie's head and grin would be in it somewhere. Nothing's changed...and her daughter does the same thing, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-52106048943204231942010-06-14T16:51:00.001+10:002010-06-14T18:50:38.066+10:00A Brush WIth the Law and Do I Have a Cold or Don't I?<span style="font-size: large;">Life is very interesting, but some days it's more interesting than others.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Take yesterday, f'rinstance. It's a beautiful Sunday morning, the middle day of a three day long weekend. I decide to go to our local shops about 5 or 6 km away to get a few bits and pieces...notably some cough drops, but I'll come to those later. As I drove in, I noticed a police car to my right with its red and blue roof lights on, and another car. Someone's been caught, I thought to myself. I drove on, noticed that the first of the two carparks was fairly empty and drove in...right under police crime scene tape.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"@#%^*@!!!!" I said, "now what?" I looked up and saw a copper coming towards me shaking his head. I also noticed why the carpark was empty, apart from several police cars and two forensic units. I opened the car door as the copper came over and apologised rather sheepishly.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"I just didn't see it." I explained.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"You didn't see it?" He sounded rather astonished.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Hey," I replied, "I didn't expect our quiet little shopping village to be crawling with you blokes on a Sunday morning. It's not usual round here."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He held up the tape for me to back out. Just at that time everyone else decided they wanted to leave or enter the shopping village...I must take the tell tale transfers off the back window...my car is far too conspicuous.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's amazing how strong that tape is. I mean I barrel through it and it didn't even give, let alone break. Anyway, the reason why the place was knee deep in coppers was because some idiots tried to blow up the two ATMs...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">* * * * * * *</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now for the cough drops. I've been sniffling and sneezing with sinus and allergies for the past two or three days...so I thought. It felt as if someone had punched my head and nose and my eyes felt twice their size...but I felt worse than usual and I was starting to cough. I mean I do have asthma so coughing is not unusual, but this was a different cough. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I tried antihistamines with no luck. I steamed my head over a basin of eucalyptus and hot water. That didn't make much difference, either.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was whinging to Jane about bloody allergies not really noticing that she was giving me strange looks. She then said to me,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Have you thought that you might have a cold?". </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now I don't get colds. In fact, I can't remember the last time I had a cold. But, it made sense and it explained why I was feeling so lousy. It's also the reason why I drove under the police tape...well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it...</span></div>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-15089178012336113452010-06-06T17:40:00.000+10:002010-06-06T17:40:15.266+10:00Posting Once a Fortnight??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: large;">Yep, it seems that I only get around to blogging once a fortnight now. However, I've been doing lots in that time.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My youngest granddaughter turned 16 last week. This is a girl who's very quick witted but extremely laid back, much to her mother's frustration at times. She is a very talented netballer...her position is shooter and her stats are 98%...without trying particularly hard. If she actually had a little fire in her belly, who knows what she could do, but...that's her.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Then Cooper turned four...can you believe it? He's enrolled to start Prep next year...I feel so old (not really).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Last Sunday a friend and I went to Tamborine Mountain. It was a beautiful sunny day, with a bitterly cold westerly blowing. After fortifying ourselves with a cup of coffee, we explored Gallery Walk, up one side and down the other, with all the other hardy souls braving the cold wind. However, once we were walking, it wasn't too bad; or we were so cold there was no feeling...have to work that one out. There are some very clever people who have shops in that stretch. Artisans of all kinds and we had a wonderful time peering at this and that and marvelling at people's imaginations.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I had packed a picnic lunch (quiche, salad and a yummy chocolate brownie for afters), which we had sitting in the car. It was too cold to eat anywhere else. We had a stroll around the Sunday markets and I scored a rather nice photo frame. It didn't cost anything...the lady who had the stall said that what was on this particular table she had was free, so I spied the photo frame and grabbed it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After leaving Tamborine, we stopped at the Bearded Dragon Hotel where there was a band playing in the grounds, had a drink and sat and listened for an hour or so. Very pleasant indeed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Today, it was Cooper's fourth birthday party. His actual birthday was Thursday but his party was today. My daughter had arranged for some widelife people to come up from the Gold Coast with a range of native animals, which had been hand reared, for the kids to hold and pat. The kids were so good and the animals so quiet it was really quite civilised in that no one was bitten or eaten...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here are some photos.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtHFUu-t9I/AAAAAAAAD_I/niBJjzJE1gg/s1600/Cooper%27s+birthday+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtHFUu-t9I/AAAAAAAAD_I/niBJjzJE1gg/s320/Cooper%27s+birthday+002.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The birthday boy dressed in his khakis. His top says "Raised by Chimps". I must admit before I saw the whole word, I thought it was going to say "Raised by Wimps"...</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtHThMPnmI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/1vQYPmKJLCg/s1600/Cooper%27s+birthday+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtHThMPnmI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/1vQYPmKJLCg/s320/Cooper%27s+birthday+009.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">With a bearded dragon</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtHlMQYxmI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/o_zTG1eR5NU/s1600/Cooper%27s+birthday+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtHlMQYxmI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/o_zTG1eR5NU/s320/Cooper%27s+birthday+017.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">And a carpet snake</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtH1wZNB8I/AAAAAAAAD_g/5UOSAWv2I88/s1600/Cooper%27s+birthday+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtH1wZNB8I/AAAAAAAAD_g/5UOSAWv2I88/s320/Cooper%27s+birthday+023.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">His all time favourite, a baby salt water crocodile</span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtIHvh0ZTI/AAAAAAAAD_o/8WzAd09cHPk/s1600/Cooper%27s+birthday+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtIUnC1jrI/AAAAAAAAD_w/JvUx2Yohs5c/s1600/Cooper%27s+birthday+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtIUnC1jrI/AAAAAAAAD_w/JvUx2Yohs5c/s320/Cooper%27s+birthday+027.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A tawny frogmouth...so called because of their wide mouth.</span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtKTFNtoLI/AAAAAAAAEAY/KJc4AY-pZ3A/s1600/Cooper%27s+birthday+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtKTFNtoLI/AAAAAAAAEAY/KJc4AY-pZ3A/s320/Cooper%27s+birthday+021.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I get snaky</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtKALsWrfI/AAAAAAAAEAQ/lXn8P8uK9yw/s1600/Cooper%27s+birthday+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtKALsWrfI/AAAAAAAAEAQ/lXn8P8uK9yw/s320/Cooper%27s+birthday+011.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My turn to hold the dragon</span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtIywt5sFI/AAAAAAAAEAI/H1CRRpG1wr8/s1600/Cooper%27s+birthday+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtIywt5sFI/AAAAAAAAEAI/H1CRRpG1wr8/s320/Cooper%27s+birthday+030.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A green tree frog. This one comes from the southern states and is a paler green than the Queensland tree frogs, with yellow spots on his back. A very pretty frog.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtIrLXyLhI/AAAAAAAAEAA/5h_ap4eXXg0/s1600/Cooper%27s+birthday+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtIrLXyLhI/AAAAAAAAEAA/5h_ap4eXXg0/s320/Cooper%27s+birthday+031.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cooper holds the tree frog</span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtIfn_NYlI/AAAAAAAAD_4/jrH-hrkqapg/s1600/Cooper%27s+birthday+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/TAtIfn_NYlI/AAAAAAAAD_4/jrH-hrkqapg/s320/Cooper%27s+birthday+029.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A squirrel glider. I couldn't get a better photo because it kept going after the pot of honey, but as you can see from the keeper's hand, they're not very big. We have a colony of these in one corner on our block of land. Unfortunately, cats like getting them, that's why my two are indoor cats...unfortunately there are cats around that aren't kept indoors at night and they kill these beautiful little creatures. </span></div>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-37182403527231753532010-05-23T11:37:00.000+10:002010-05-23T11:37:43.285+10:00Life is Busy<span style="font-size: large;">For some reason or other, the pace has picked up lately. Apart from the work I do at home, I gave my daughter a hand in their business the other day, I've been helping Jane out with her work, then mum was worried that she hadn't heard from her brother who lives on the other side of the country (it was cheaper for me to ring him than for her to ring), so that was a long chat...but it was lovely to speak with him; then my youngest daughter rang and asked me to go shopping...had to do that, just to keep an eye on her! So what with one thing and another my blog writing, as well as other writing, have taken a back seat.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">However, I have been taking photos...the camera has been in use, anyway, with the thought that I'd eventually get a post done. See...I do think of you all...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">These two photos below are from a fishing trip I went on last Sunday. Didn't catch anything, it was more of a fish feeding exercise. The pod of dolphins hanging round didn't help much either. They were rounding up the fish for a good feed and wouldn't chase them our way, although it was lovely to see dolphins.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We went out onto the Broadwater from Runaway Bay down on the Gold Coast and eventually anchored just north of Couran Cove (sorry, Queenslanders will know where I mean). On the way to this spot we passed a couple of interesting homes...have a look:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S_h_3k6NZoI/AAAAAAAAD-4/obE_CSiMSns/s1600/fishing+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S_h_3k6NZoI/AAAAAAAAD-4/obE_CSiMSns/s320/fishing+009.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This one is built over three acres at a cost of approximately $A30 million...that's right...$30m. Some bigwig in business is building it. It's so long, one would need a golf buggy to go from one end to the other. However, it would be very handy if one had a row with one's spouse...they could disappear quite easily and wouldn't be found for a week!</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S_h_rRB6haI/AAAAAAAAD-w/9Mhdk88YWbk/s1600/fishing+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S_h_rRB6haI/AAAAAAAAD-w/9Mhdk88YWbk/s320/fishing+007.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now this one belongs to the Big Kahuna of Nike Australia. See the swoosh on the roof? I guess that makes the house a tax write off because it's advertising. Good thinking...</span></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nothing like starting 'em young...</span><br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S_iATuKnxrI/AAAAAAAAD_A/aqtnzOa6uRw/s1600/fishing+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S_iATuKnxrI/AAAAAAAAD_A/aqtnzOa6uRw/s320/fishing+010.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cooper mowing the lawn with the hand mower. Well, he has to learn sometime...</span></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Remember, I had previously mentioned our peculiar weather...the seasons out of whack and so on? Check these out...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S_h_fPOgqoI/AAAAAAAAD-o/vUgjX58_NhE/s1600/fishing+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S_h_fPOgqoI/AAAAAAAAD-o/vUgjX58_NhE/s320/fishing+003.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of the two magpie chicks that I've been feeding lately.</span></div><br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S_h_HHAYBcI/AAAAAAAAD-g/HI5TfjcbLx8/s1600/fishing+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S_h_HHAYBcI/AAAAAAAAD-g/HI5TfjcbLx8/s320/fishing+002.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A frangipani that still thinks it's summer. These trees are deciduous and usually bare by the end of March, early April. This photo was taken last week...as you can see, it's still flowering and has all its leaves.</span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S_h-9_vjKcI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/lxXAFpqR654/s1600/fishing+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S_h-9_vjKcI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/lxXAFpqR654/s320/fishing+001.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A cattleya orchid with the same problem...the flowers, I mean. They don't die down.</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S_h-zH0XLLI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/fepjY5S5adA/s1600/dogs+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S_h-zH0XLLI/AAAAAAAAD-Q/fepjY5S5adA/s320/dogs+005.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another cattleya orchid...love the colours. I've never seen one with these colours before.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I trust you're all well and enjoying your life, and if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, I hope the weather is just lovely for you...notwithstanding Icelandic volcanoes spewing dust through the atmosphere. </span></div>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-6571073499797808452010-05-03T06:55:00.000+10:002010-05-03T06:55:07.731+10:00Exhausted!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My youngest daughter decided to have a garage sale and I suggested she have it here, as it was more central. A friend of hers also had a lot of stuff to get rid of, I rummaged around and found things to add and Jane had a few bits and pieces as well. All in all, we had a pretty good lot of things for people to browse through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The ad was in the paper for a 6 am start on Saturday morning. We were up until 11 pm Friday night setting up trestles, putting everything on display to best advantage and pricing. None of us slept particularly well, fearing we'd sleep in. However, I was awake at four...had set the alarm for five...you'd think I'd go back to sleep, but no. At 4.30 am I got up and had a shower then put coffee on while my daughter used the bathroom (she stayed overnight...I wasn't going to be the only bunny at 6.00 am, staving off the hordes). It was a trifle chilly, being 01 May and all, but not too bad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">People came and went. Some bought something, some didn't. However, it wasn't particularly busy and I couldn't understand why...then the light went on. Long weekend equals people away and winter Saturday morning equals kids' sports. We really must learn to plan things better... </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, we sold a little but between the four of us, we didn't make $300, which was disappointing.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S93eu37ZKMI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/CznNFKLilsA/s1600/garage+sale+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S93eu37ZKMI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/CznNFKLilsA/s320/garage+sale+006.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A couple of browers.</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S93gGcyjF0I/AAAAAAAAD-A/QOAp3AqyM7U/s1600/garage+sale+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S93gGcyjF0I/AAAAAAAAD-A/QOAp3AqyM7U/s320/garage+sale+013.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anyone want a camp bed, a tv or an ornamental fish to hang on the wall? No? How about an underbed storage container?</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S93eaqTUrNI/AAAAAAAAD9Q/qQj34dKYRu4/s1600/garage+sale+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S93eaqTUrNI/AAAAAAAAD9Q/qQj34dKYRu4/s320/garage+sale+007.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have a cupcake...they're only $2 each and are delicious! </span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S93fDfnyaYI/AAAAAAAAD9g/D9tCNhYZkOM/s1600/garage+sale+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S93fDfnyaYI/AAAAAAAAD9g/D9tCNhYZkOM/s320/garage+sale+008.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">How about a book? Recipe books, craft magazines, children's reading, fiction...even a Macquarie Dictionary (I've got an Australian Oxford).</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S93fUEA5yNI/AAAAAAAAD9o/LuXhDfwfT6Y/s1600/garage+sale+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S93fUEA5yNI/AAAAAAAAD9o/LuXhDfwfT6Y/s320/garage+sale+010.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pretty containers for the kitchen, vintage trios or some craft items.</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S93f0PbRb2I/AAAAAAAAD94/K5g9DDxd3oo/s1600/garage+sale+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S93f0PbRb2I/AAAAAAAAD94/K5g9DDxd3oo/s320/garage+sale+012.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kids' toys</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S93lV7r_XoI/AAAAAAAAD-I/YXpSb-y8jZ8/s1600/garage+sale+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S93lV7r_XoI/AAAAAAAAD-I/YXpSb-y8jZ8/s320/garage+sale+009.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A small selection of the clothes and bags we had.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">We started packing up at about 11.30 and tallied up our takings. I made the grand total of $35, Jane made $10 but spent $33! My daughter did the best...she made over $100.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I was exhausted after that little lot and only three and a half hours' sleep and decided that's the last time I have a garage sale here. I'll either take stuff to the op shop or see if I can flick them on Ebay.</span></div>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-81196953482839673922010-04-18T17:40:00.000+10:002010-04-18T17:40:13.354+10:00A Quick Catch Up<span style="font-size: large;">Ken's home from hospital, looking slightly the worse for wear after a week there. His nasty kidney infection is better but he's not too impressed because he's been told to modify his lifestyle. Eat better food (he has a terribly sweet tooth and loves pies and pasties, too), lose weight and exercise more. Smirk...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">He's a big man, by that I mean tall...6 ft 5 in but he has put on too much weight over the last year and is complaining about a sore hip. I bluntly told him a few weeks ago to lose weight, and he looked a little sheepish. However, I think they probably got stuck into him at the hospital, because he is making a concerted effort to eat better. I told him that when he gets his strength back properly, I'll walk with him...just around the property at first and then gradually increase it. He agreed to that...I even offered to hold his hand!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">* * * * * * * * *</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Regarding the webcam. A couple of people (my brother amongst them), told me about Skype. So I've signed on to that...apparently that's the most popular app for webcamming. My problem is to remember to log in to Skype so people can see I'm online...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Okay, not much news at the moment. I'm still alive, for which I'm supremely thankful, as I don't much like the alternative...</span></div>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-22301029131189417772010-04-10T11:06:00.000+10:002010-04-10T11:06:28.729+10:00Great News and a Worry<span style="font-size: large;">The first of the great news is that I've just bought a webcam...I've arrived into the 21st Century, technologically speaking. So...if you want to chat, email me and I'll give you the email address I use for the webcam.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">* * * * * * * * </span></div><span style="font-size: large;">The worry is Ken. He's back in hospital with a really nasty kidney infection, poor old sausage. It hit him very suddenly on Thursday night and yesterday morning, he looked very ill. Jane took him to the doctor who gave Ken antibiotics but they didn't do any good...so, it was off to hospital this morning. I'll keep you updated. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">* * * * * * * *</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now here's the best news of all. Remember I told you my daughter won a car a few weeks ago? Well, she was presented with it this morning and in turn, she presented it to her mother-in-law, whom we got there under false pretences. Joan was speechless, but oh, does she love her new car. She can now get rid of her old petrol guzzling, unreliable old clunker and zip around in her little Hyundai Getz. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The local newspaper was there, so they'll have their photos in the paper, too. Joan couldn't really understand why she had to go to the produce store with her daughter to buy horse food...then she realised, and said that there were funny little things that now added up.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here are some photos... </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7_NbWPzkpI/AAAAAAAAD9I/WLDFAg1Zwe4/s1600/car+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7_NbWPzkpI/AAAAAAAAD9I/WLDFAg1Zwe4/s320/car+001.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Toni is presented with the keys and...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7_NBYV0VnI/AAAAAAAAD84/6vUufkFkLzQ/s1600/car+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7_NBYV0VnI/AAAAAAAAD84/6vUufkFkLzQ/s320/car+006.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> then gives them to Joan, with a nice speech.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7_M1uwXgQI/AAAAAAAAD8w/8VTwutHwE7Y/s1600/car+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7_M1uwXgQI/AAAAAAAAD8w/8VTwutHwE7Y/s320/car+010.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Joan trying out her car with Toni as passenger.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7_NO4TB-KI/AAAAAAAAD9A/nY_PQpLwMq4/s1600/car+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7_NO4TB-KI/AAAAAAAAD9A/nY_PQpLwMq4/s320/car+007.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">With the new car</span></div>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-31527973614364788282010-04-05T07:55:00.000+10:002010-04-05T07:55:01.515+10:00Easter 2010<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Easter to All. I hope you've had a lovely long weekend with your loved ones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Easter has been family, friends and dogs! On Saturday our friend, Naomi, came to visit with her two "boys", Bentley and Major Happyfeet. We ended up having wine o'clock (surprise, surprise). Jane had a bottle of pink bubbles and I had some asti spumante I had received as a birthday gift. Ooooh, it was nice. I hadn't had asti for about 40 odd years. My parents used to have a licensed restaurant back then, and asti was the drink of choice. I rang my mum on Sunday and mentioned to her what we'd been drinking and she said the mention of it took her back to those days. That was also the last time she'd had asti, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, the evening was lovely, except for the bities which were out in full forces. I have their legacy on my feet to prove it and the itching has been driving me nuts for the last couple of days. However, I'll get over it...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sunday, I spent with my daughters and grandchildren. My eldest daughter was at a dog show in the morning, so I had lunch with my youngest daughter and her two girls, then called in to see No 1 Daughter (Cooper's mum) later in the afternoon. I know one thing...I'm all chocolated out. Well, for the time being, anyway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I took a couple of photos of Naomi's two boys...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7kHpttFTAI/AAAAAAAAD8o/EPc21ajvvWY/s1600/dogs+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7kHpttFTAI/AAAAAAAAD8o/EPc21ajvvWY/s320/dogs+001.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bentley, the Sharpei. A big gentle boofhead of a dog. Actually, he's not that big yet...still has a way to go.</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7kG4KzHEuI/AAAAAAAAD8I/OssrWzxhINQ/s1600/dogs+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7kG4KzHEuI/AAAAAAAAD8I/OssrWzxhINQ/s320/dogs+003.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love his worried wrinkles and sloppy grin.</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7kHX-vqrBI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/ueJYgqinEqY/s1600/dogs+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7kHX-vqrBI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/ueJYgqinEqY/s320/dogs+004.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Major Happyfeet smiling beautifully for the camera. He's a very energetic little Pomeranian, who thinks he's a jack in a box.</span></div>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-53970300247778306372010-03-29T13:06:00.000+10:002010-03-29T13:06:52.599+10:00A Report from Party Central<span style="font-size: large;">I've just realised this is my 500th post. I think it's taken almost five years...or is it four?...to reach that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO TONI AND FRED! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, to last Saturday. The day was busy...there were people everywhere...the lawns were mown and tidied around the edges, the marquees raised and the tables and chairs set out. Decorations were made and balloons were blown up, which worried the animals at little, especially when the odd one burst. I tried to bring Ebony into my place but when the cats came to see what was going on, Ebony decided discretion was the better part of valour. Not that the cats are frightened of her, far from it, but I guess Ebs didn't feel too comfortable. So I put her inside at her own place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, Jane's kitchen was humming with activity (Jane had taken the boys to their respective soccer games...which both teams won). Fred's nieces and nephew and various out-laws had taken charge.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Around about three, the band arrived. We couldn't get our usual band, you know, Jacquie, Greg and Nigel. The boys were up the coast at a gig and Jacquie was partying with us. At one stage, I happened to glance out the window and saw a huge bank of speakers. My God! I thought. Then Kylie, Fred's niece, asked me if I had taped my windows up! I was starting to wonder about it all...as I think Ken was. The band started a sound check and the music sounded pretty good. But it was only a sound check... There were six guys plus a couple of female vocalists all up...almost an orchestra. Apparently they were friends of Kylie's.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">People started arriving about 6.30...the usual suspects plus a few strays. There were lots of nibbles and we sat around and talked for a bit until dinner was served. During this time, the band was playing relatively quiet reggae (if reggae can be quiet...but we could hear ourselves talk). After everyone had eaten, then things really got started. The sound was cranked up and people jumped up to dance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had Rolling Stones, Talking Heads, Guns'n'Roses and some great classic Aussie rock by AC/DC (or AccaDacca in Australianese), Cold Chisel and Australian Crawl, to name a few. It was pretty good stuff. One of the band members was very versatile...he played saxophone, keyboards and harmonica. The bass player also took his turn on the drums. There were three, sometimes four, vocalists. They made some good noise...and I guess we kept the neighbourhood in the surrounding 5 kms awake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All quietened down at midnight "before the coppers arrived" as the band leader said. I did suggest they carrying on playing until that happened...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The next day, I was very subdued. I really can't take these late nights/ early mornings the same as I used to. I only had a couple of glasses of wine, but drank four 600 ml bottles of iced water...the temperature was rather warm that night, especially as I was doing a lot of dancing. The next day I was meeting a friend for brunch, fortunately not until 11 o'clock, so that wasn't so bad. I did think at one stage, that maybe the day after a party wasn't very good planning, but what the hell...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7AQSBdSqRI/AAAAAAAAD8A/yBGwDkAThS4/s1600/Twins%27+party+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7AQSBdSqRI/AAAAAAAAD8A/yBGwDkAThS4/s320/Twins%27+party+001.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Black and white was the theme...</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7AQEWCVjdI/AAAAAAAAD74/2qzRqfpt9cY/s1600/Twins%27+party+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7AQEWCVjdI/AAAAAAAAD74/2qzRqfpt9cY/s320/Twins%27+party+002.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Twins' Rogue's Gallery</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7AP0n3V8tI/AAAAAAAAD7w/LH8FroiDqno/s1600/Twins%27+party+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7AP0n3V8tI/AAAAAAAAD7w/LH8FroiDqno/s320/Twins%27+party+003.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not sure if this can be read but it says "Happy 20th Anniversary of your 30th Birthday", which is quite a witty way of saying Happy 50th Birthday, I think.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7APqTJp23I/AAAAAAAAD7o/kCjjmT3bYYk/s1600/Twins%27+party+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S7APqTJp23I/AAAAAAAAD7o/kCjjmT3bYYk/s320/Twins%27+party+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The band, plus the obligatory esky of Four X in front, to keep their throats from drying out...yeah, right!</span></div>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-15480848962134648752010-03-20T16:12:00.000+10:002010-03-20T16:12:20.418+10:00Girding our Loins...<span style="font-size: large;">Next Saturday is another party...not that we have very many of them (ahem). Fred and his twin sister, Toni, turn 50! So it's all on...again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Preparations are going on. Foodwise, Jane is going to cook three pork roasts tomorrow, I've donated heaps of stuff I had in the freezer from my party. Yummy things like spanokapita, sausage rolls, mini dim sims and spring rolls, etc. They always go down well and now I have a lot more room in the freezer!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fred and Toni went out shopping for the do today and came back from the Plaza with bags full of interesting and exciting things. Jane is being driven mad from the phone continually ringing with people accepting, or not, as the case may be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ken sits outside on his little patio, watches the fun and games and keeps well away...wise man. Me? I do the same...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll let you know how the celebrations go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, yes, it's being held here...at least I don't have to drive anywhere...</span>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-20124409620710041772010-03-15T17:15:00.000+10:002010-03-15T17:15:26.991+10:00The Garden Grows...Again<span style="font-size: large;">The flowers in the garden just don't know what season it is. Fred's orchids are bloomin' wonderful...for the second time this summer. It's been the rain...we've had lots and there's more on the way with a cyclone approaching the Queensland coast which should arrive about Wednesday, according to those who know these things.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The driveway was finally done on Saturday after being put off for a week...and then it bucketed down on Sunday. We wondered if the drive was going to cope or wash away again. But a good job was done and we still have a lovely smooth drive down to the gate rather than oh, so slowly driving over the deep ruts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, here are some photos of the second blooming... </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S53arMbpREI/AAAAAAAAD7g/zTh7pXl4DJQ/s1600-h/wet+wet+wet+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S53arMbpREI/AAAAAAAAD7g/zTh7pXl4DJQ/s320/wet+wet+wet+003.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">One of Fred's orchids</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S53ag-SH6XI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/iTKnD9s8xWk/s1600-h/wet+wet+wet+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S53ag-SH6XI/AAAAAAAAD7Y/iTKnD9s8xWk/s320/wet+wet+wet+010.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I love the perfection of this "Fruit Salad" frangipani flower</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S53aYalUElI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/pXEyK1wyYNw/s1600-h/wet+wet+wet+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S53aYalUElI/AAAAAAAAD7Q/pXEyK1wyYNw/s320/wet+wet+wet+011.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">A strange looking ginger flower...well the flower is the cream part and they grow underneath the foliage. It's very invasive so Fred is going to pull it out and put some in a pot rather than letting it take over.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S53aN5abskI/AAAAAAAAD7I/hdLn-57xzTw/s1600-h/wet+wet+wet+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S53aN5abskI/AAAAAAAAD7I/hdLn-57xzTw/s320/wet+wet+wet+008.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">An enormous crow's nest fern. This is how they grow in the rainforests, big and lush. The tree trunk is actually rather large, it doesn't really show in the photo.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S53Z4Q9Jy4I/AAAAAAAAD7A/zB-7IVHJOvg/s1600-h/wet+wet+wet+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S53Z4Q9Jy4I/AAAAAAAAD7A/zB-7IVHJOvg/s320/wet+wet+wet+005.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Another orchid</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S53Zu9S9iQI/AAAAAAAAD64/MD5NXaRPnfA/s1600-h/orchids+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S53Zu9S9iQI/AAAAAAAAD64/MD5NXaRPnfA/s320/orchids+002.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A beautiful cymbidium</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S53ZPpS0fiI/AAAAAAAAD6o/mVxCyGRRWQI/s1600-h/orchids+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S53ZPpS0fiI/AAAAAAAAD6o/mVxCyGRRWQI/s320/orchids+001.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I think this is the little Cooktown Orchid, which is the floral symbol for Queensland.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">So that's what we've got at the moment. Hopefully the winds from the cyclone (which is Category 5, by the way), don't ruin these lovely blooms.</span></div>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-79396396389807115542010-03-12T20:36:00.000+10:002010-03-12T20:36:42.560+10:00Good Things Come in Threes?My eldest daughter rang me, quite incoherent with excitement. The reason? She'd won a car! It's a Hyundai Getz (like mine). When I asked her what she was going to do with it as it was too small for their family and they have a 4WD anyway, she wasn't sure. However, later on she rang again and told me she had decided what to do. She's going to give the car to her mother-in-law, who has an ancient enormous old station wagon that costs and arm and a leg to fill up with petrol. Plus it's almost on its last legs and she doesn't like driving it too far.<br />
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So by giving her MIL the new car, my daughter is giving her more freedom and independence. As you can imagine, her hubby is rapt. But they're not saying anything to MIL as yet. My daughter is going to ask her to come to the presentation and when she gets the keys, is going to go over and give them to her MIL. Isn't it exciting?? I've asked her to let me know when the presentation is and I'll try to get some photos.<br />
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Then I had another phone call today from my younger daughter, who also sounded over the moon, and she is moving closer to a place with 3 acres so she can have her vege garden, chooks and a goat! She wants a milking goat so she can make goat's milk cheese (which I love) and also for the milk. So it's all go for her as she moves on 27 of this month. <br />
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Also, their netball club has been given a $96,000 grant from the local council to go towards upgrading and adding new netball courts. They found out from a journo from the paper who was at the council meeting last night...they didn't know until then! <br />
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I went to my writing group last night and we have decided to put out an anthology at the end of this year. So our assignment for next month's meeting is to do a draft of an essay we'd like to put in the book. We['re all pretty excited about it because our group has only been going for about 14 months and membership is growing all the time.<br />
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That's my news for the moment. I hope the world is treating you well.Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-68874582551422575932010-03-07T15:48:00.000+10:002010-03-07T15:48:18.167+10:00A Very Proud Granddaughter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S5M9qIuZlgI/AAAAAAAAD6g/kxu0_PNpdmo/s1600-h/wet+wet+wet+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S5M9qIuZlgI/AAAAAAAAD6g/kxu0_PNpdmo/s320/wet+wet+wet+002.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Here's a very proud Gabbie with her very first car, which she had owned when this photo was taken, for three days. That's her youger sister, Brooke. hamming it up at the back.Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-15468208306024838692010-03-06T14:42:00.000+10:002010-03-06T14:42:39.062+10:00New and Old Faces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S5Hb0ZVTaXI/AAAAAAAAD6Q/SFmTA4yEbjo/s1600-h/wet+wet+wet+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S5Hb0ZVTaXI/AAAAAAAAD6Q/SFmTA4yEbjo/s320/wet+wet+wet+020.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Kayla, Jane's baby. This little dog has such a beautiful temperament. She takes it for granted that everyone loves her...and they do.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S5HcK5YLGmI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/THgKUtJUzsM/s1600-h/wet+wet+wet+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S5HcK5YLGmI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/THgKUtJUzsM/s320/wet+wet+wet+017.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Hooks looking outraged because I'd called her an old tart...well, she is. I wondered why the photo was so dark...I'd forgotten to turn the flash on.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S5HZVQFYvHI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/uBurA_kkk6E/s1600-h/wet+wet+wet+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S5HZVQFYvHI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/uBurA_kkk6E/s320/wet+wet+wet+013.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">First new face. Charcoal, one of two Dexters that Fred and Roger bought.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S5HbcDKHJeI/AAAAAAAAD6I/3NOkdTTzHeA/s1600-h/wet+wet+wet+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S5HbcDKHJeI/AAAAAAAAD6I/3NOkdTTzHeA/s320/wet+wet+wet+014.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">This is Rusty, the second one. Apparently they're being grown for the freezer. I don't think I can handle that.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S5HawwEJcKI/AAAAAAAAD6A/cBesawf-tRk/s1600-h/wet+wet+wet+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r2pNEWzoRqs/S5HawwEJcKI/AAAAAAAAD6A/cBesawf-tRk/s320/wet+wet+wet+001.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Finally, Bella the secretary cat, loafing on the job.</div>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30257407.post-10684946250481261772010-02-23T19:27:00.000+10:002010-02-23T19:27:35.971+10:00Another Car Drama<span style="font-size: large;">Like the softie I am, I said I would work for a friend of mine while she was on leave for a couple of weeks. This was in the city where I used to work for a group of doctors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, I got myself up bright and early, drove off merrily on my way and all went well until I hit the highway. From there to the city, it was nose to tail for about 30 km. I eventually made it into the CBD, thinking I wasn't too late for work...and my car died...in the middle of three lanes...in peak hour traffic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I rang my boss (or ex boss...whatever) and told him what had happened, then rang for roadside assistance (Thank God for RACQ!). Peter, my boss, arrived first, tinkered around and said he thought it was the battery. The Traffic Response Unit guy arrived and agreed but added he thought it could also be the alternator. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I had the car towed to a service station where they said I could safely leave it, went to work and phoned my mechanic. He also thought it was the alternator and said he'd be out tomorrow at 10.30 am, bless him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I rang RACQ and arranged for the car to be trucked home (and a lift for me). None of this cost me anything, by the way, as I'm a member. For those who don't live in Australia, RACQ is an organisation drivers join in case of break downs. Most countries have them in one form or another.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, tomorrow I'll find out the damage...to my bank account. Methinks it could be a tad expensive.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What amazed me were the people who blew their car horns, yelled at me and give me the finger. I had my hazard warning lights on yet one woman pulled up behind me and kept sounding her horn. I really felt like getting out and telling her, "Yes, I am doing this deliberately to totally p**s you off!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've decided that cars are expensive items...especially after last weeks little escapade as well. I think I'll get a horse...</span>Puss-in-Bootshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313418336654760327noreply@blogger.com16