Happy New Year

Happy New Year to All.
I should have taken a photo of Moo in her party dress before she left for her night on the Harbour. Moo has some great pictures of the fireworks.
Mum and I watched the Edinburgh Tattoo. We have been to the Castle so it brought back great memories.
Jules -despite a hangover- mowed the lawn for us on NewYear's Day. Jack, Fran, Liam and Connor joined us for lunch. Jack and family are off to the Snowy for a week. The trout are already running for cover because the word has gone out that Liam and Connor are geared for a big catch.
Had a card from Katie which was posted on Christmas Day so there was little update on her phone call.
Marty is looking to come down for a few days in January if the cyclones permit so we are frantically hoping to get some time together with Jack, Marty, Annie and Moo.
Annie will be in Sydney fro Jan 8-12. A whirlwind visit but they always manage to fit in plety of activity.
I hope Ricky Ponting and the boys can get a bit of fire in their bellies for the third test. Murray and I are used to seeing Australia win and we don't want to be disappointed.
Good luck in your Uni application Tom.
Best Wishes for 2009.
Love to All. Dad.

Greetings and Happy New Year to all. Hope 2009 is fantastic!

Happy Christmas

Greetings from Penshurst,Glenbrook and the Welsh arm.

As you can see from the pictures (which Liam expertly logged on) Moo and Mum prepared a great meal and the gathered troops are enjoying it.

Thanks for your call Annie, Marty and Kate.

All has jelled to make a most enjoyable day.

What a great family who have put a renewed step into a couple of old crocks.

Love to All Dad & Mum.

my turn

Hi all. Been a while since I 've been on. Steve wrote about Lucy's formal. As usual at this time of year I have been really busy. Have been performing around nursing homes with choir as well as end of year stuff at school. As well as Yr 7-10 presentation night also had to do yr 12 graduation this year, the lot of a music teacher! As Moo said had a great time in Melbourne, thanks girls again for a wonderful weekend, should have done it a long time ago, and we should make it a regular thing, providing Moo is in the country! Am at melba-copland for another year, hopefully this stupid mobility will go in our new EBA next year, if not, they can probably find something else to argue for me to stay! Kate hope you and Hasi have a great time in Indonesia, stay away from rabid dogs! Will send you your chrissie present when you get back. Marty, say hello to the boys for us and have a great time in Alice. We are having our tradtional Kennedy Christmas drinks next Tuesday night, and then spending Christmas Day at Jenny's. Hope Mum and Dad have a good day at the Faggions. Moo and Jules hope you have a good day whatever you decide to do. That's about all from me. Oh, almost forgot, congrats Tom on your HSC results and getting your licence. See you all and talk to you all soon!! We will probably be in Sydney from around the 8th Jan to the 12th. Love Annie

Greetings from the South Coast
welcome to the Glenbrook mob!- in particular Liam (child of the light) for your 'go for it' attitude. You got to love a man on a mission. I must say Ive been a bit slack lately with the blog-probably because Moo has been my neighbour for the last 3 months, which has been awesome.

I had a great night with Moo and Jules a few weeks ago, when Jules sung in The Wollongong Welsh Choir. He was brilliant, and that voice of his resonated above the others, which Moo and I loved, but Im not sure if the older choir members were too impressed. Too bloody bad!!

Tom, congratulations on your HSC results- you clever guy! and you can drive too.
Our car is free for January, if you need it for a road trip!
I could be in a library at this very moment. All's quiet with Mum and Moo having a cryptic crossword challenge- so competitive those two. Like mother like daughter.
Oops -As I type Dad has put the races on on that tinny little tranny of his.

Only 1 day left of work for me and 2 for Hasi - this time next week we hope to be in the east of Indonesia-if we get our passports back from the consulate in time. If they dont arrive tomorrow we will probably be in jail for the murder of a travel "stylist.

I am sad that I wont be seeing Lucy and Clare before I leave. Honestly its been way too long since we have had some time together, but somehow life has been a bit chaotic in the last few months. Luc you looked gorgoeous in that little formal number and Im patient, I'll wait for the real gossip when I see you.

Hasi, Mrs Pong, Mona and Lisa are all doing well. The girls are fat and happy and looking forward to the Welsh influence coming to their space in the near future.
"
Enough!! Luv to you all, Zak

The Monsoon is Here

Well the rain has started. The last few weeks have been hot and humid. Covered in sweat just reading the paper. Anyway it rained most of yesterday and last night and it looks like being the same today.
Lost my job last week. A woman coming off workcover needed to be placed in a position and now she has mine. I guess thats what happens when you take up a short term position. it looks like I have a position at Northern Territory Open Education Centre (NTOEC). It will be servicing the bush schools in the Katherine area so there will be a fair bit of travel. I'm looking forward to it but Claire is worried about how much I will be away. I keep saying think about the TA which is tax free.
We head off to Alice on Saturday to catch up with the boys for christmas. Claire then flies to Adelaide for a wedding and I will slowly head back up here. I'm looking forward to catching up with the boys but I worry about being away if a cyclone hits. We have to make sure everything is put away or tied down.
The shipping container is here and in the front yard. We have decided not to empty it because it's safer to have things inside in case a cyclone does hit.
Hope everyone has the best Christmas ever and all your hopes and dreams come true. Tom I guess HSC results are out soon. hope you get what you need.

Cheers
Marty and Claire

The Big Dinner Dance

Well, our beautiful big girl has finished year 10 with a shiny Yr 10 Certificate, covered with lots of A's for most of the subjects for the last 2 years and heavy with lots of merit certificates BUT the big thing was of course the dinner dance which everyone but Steve calls a formal.

So, it all finally happened on Monday night, after a day of preparations with the girl friends. Transport was provided by Chick "Summernats" Henry in his convertible ( doing wonders for the hairdo's ) to "The Lakeside". We're reliably informed that it was a great night - but parents wouldn't understand, would they ?





So the girls are Heidi, beautiful Lucy and Lauren, best friends and "thick as thieves"

Greetings to all. Welcome to the Isaksens at Glenbrook. Great to see an entry from the mountains finally. The kitchen is looking fabulous! Hope you recover soon Jack. We hope Kev is better soon as well. Sorry to hear about the job Marty, but we are all confident it will not be long until you have another.
Jules and I have another housesit to fill in between Austimer and Woonona. Michael and Birgitte are taking the family away for a week at perfect timing to fill our homelessness. So we are in Cronulla for a week from Sunday. Everyone welcome yo visit.
Jules has finally got his home brew bottled and we are enjoying some real ale finally. It is a much lesser volume than we hoped due to some equipment failure and leakage, but it has been worth the wait. The ginger beer stash is slowly going down - and it goes down very nicely!
Kate, Annie and I had a great weekend in Melbourne recently. Thanks girls.
Jules has performed twice with the choir now and has one more concert before the summer break. He has enjoyed performing and his voice can be heard with the "rum pa pa pums" of the Little Drummer Boy".
No work still for me but I'm having a great holiday!
As I will probably not post again until after Christmas, hope everyone has a Fabulous Festive Season. Bon voyage and safe travels to Kate & Hasi. Everyone else stay safe as well. See you soon.
Love and hugs, Moo (& Jules) xxxxxx

Isaksens at Glenbrook are on.

Isaksen's at Glenbrook are on the blog. Hopefully I am doing this right putting up a post. A few things are happening here. Tom is just on schoolies, I have finished the school certificate and Connor is "having a good time"(Connor Isaksen.).

We have been painting an under coat for the kitchen. The kitchen is going well. Hopefully there will be some pictures attached. That is about all. See you all soon.

Photos of Lounge

Lounge. Mum took the 2nd snap.She has not lost her touch but as usual refused to be the subject. It has taken me about 2 hours to get these on the blog and I'm not sure what exactly I finally did to succeed.

Hurrah! Dad.

The Photos: second try

News from Penshurst

Hi All
What a month we have had since Joan was diagnosed with the dreaded Parkinsons. You all know the details. Mum is now on 2 1/2 senimet a day and the physio has been three times and the neck/back is showing some progress. Saturday, Sunday and Monday we have been down to the boatramp for a walk.
Kate and Moo organised a new sofa bed for the back room. Mum is very happy with the colourand I had an hours sleep on it this afternoon. I'm going to put a couplemof photos of it here (I hope)
Congratulations to Tom, Liam and Connor who have finished the HSC, SC and Primary.
Lucy is all set up for her Yr10 formal; no doubt the photos will appear on the Blog.
The Bog has been pretty silent for a while but I'm sure it will pick up over the holidays especially when the Glenbrook push log on. Set about it Marty!
Best Wishes to all. Kate and Hasi are off soon. GoodLuck!

News from the capital

Hi all. Just returned from the Narooma blues and rockabilly festival. Had a great time. three days of blues. We were lucky enough to jag a place across the road (we got it on a cancellation), and so could go across to the loo, change if weather changed etc. the music was great. they had three tents and with music in them all day. Heard some great music. Marty, I thought of you and how much you would have loved it being a blues man. Only problem was, everyone we loved we raced out and got their CDs bought about 10 in all, so are now broke! The music started about 6pm on Friday night, and about 12 on Saturday and Sunday which was a good thing as it didn't finish till 12pm. Very tiring for someone like me whose bedtime is about 10. 30, Marty, you would have had to have a kip during the day to last that late! The girls stayed behind in Canberra, Clare stayed with Steve's sister Clare and Lucy stayed with a friend. Clare would have loved it, as she really loves a broad range of music, Lucy would have liked it for the first hour, then would have wanted to know where the shops were! Next Monday I go back to a brand new music room at the senior campus with my staffroom being about 10 steps away from it. I have practice rooms and a recording studio. Still plugging away at my course. It's hard going to the other side of town every week for a three hour lecture. If school wasn't paying for some of it I think I would have dropped out by now, although the sound stuff has been invaluable, the midi side is very hard as I have never used apple macs before and am basically computer illiterate. Even if I fail the midi side and pass the sound part I still will have learnt lots. will try to post a few photos of the blues festival when Steve shows me how! cheers for now, Annie

Must be my turn

Hi all

It has been a hectic few weeks since moving into Wanguri. We have had Guido and Esther staying with us for a few weeks. They are a couple of Swiss motorcyclists that are traveling around the world. It's been a bit of a hassle for them to get all the paperwork to ship their bikes to East Timor and then for the rest of Asia. Then had to build a crate to ship the bikes and get the crate to the shipping agent. However everthing is going to plan and they leave tomorrow to continue on there adventure. We have really enjoyed having them stay.

This photo was taken as they were taking their bikes to be crated and freighted.

We have started cleaning up the yard at the house. I have dug up some metal posts that have been cemented into the ground and we are chopping down a heap of african mahogany trees that are coming up all around the yard. They are a big shady tree but they fall down in cyclones. Joe brings the kids around often to swim which is good as he points out things that need to be done and possible ways of doing them. He is a very handy friend. We haven't taken many photos yet as wehaven't unpacked everything yet. I'm not sur that the blog is the best way to show pictures so over the next few weeks I'll take a heap of photos and burn them onto a CD and post them down. It is a great house though as it catches the afternoon breeze and we live on the balcony. Will catch up soon.

Love Marty and Claire

Christmas List

Hi All
Having discussed and got an agreement from Katie and Moo Mum has authorised me to post the Christmas List.

Kevin buys for Hasi
Joan John
John Julian
Fran Joan
Martin Fran
Claire Anne
Kate Steve
Hasi Maureen
Anne Kate
Steve Martin
Maureen Kevin
Julian Claire

I hope everyone is happy now that we all know.

Kate and Hasi called in today on their way home from a few days camping at Myall Lakes with their friend Melissa. Kate was looking foward to a good bath as there was no water on the camp site.
Moo had some good luck with the RTA but has not been so lucky on the work front.
Annie and Steve are off to Narooma to the Blues Festival.
Marty has a few days to work on the new house.
Tom has his head buried in books.

Holidays are wonderful!

Love to all Dad.

Christmas List

The Car

Hi All ,

Here we go again to get the photos on!

Moo's Car

Hi All

We have had an exciting few days culminating in Moo and Jules securing a car on E-Bay. They put in their final bid with just seconds to go. Moo has a job interview tomorrow so we'll see less of her over the next month or so.

School holidays are on. I so loved them years ago and it's great to see you all keep up the excitement of them. These are the last for Tom. Good Luck in the HSC, Tom.

I'll put some photos of Moo's car on (if it works). ......This is definitely not Moo's car. It's back to Ron's party. I'll try later.

Love to all....Dad.

ii

notes from the south coast

Hi all,
Mart and Claire, how is it all going in the new place?? Cant wait to get up there but
Im sorry to say I probably wont make it up there this year, because we have just bought tickets to go to Indonesia for 5 weeks over the christmas holidays!! YAHOO!!!
but its definitely on the list for next year.
Ron's party was fab, as you have already heard. Kev didnt get a decent snap of my trousers, but Ron loved them, as I knew he would, he just wondered what I was doing with two virgins wrapped round my legs!
I especially love those Iso women, such spirit, and I always come home feeling topped up with great female energy. Mum and I also caught up with Maria B and her boys in bathurst which was fab. Maria was so excited to see us, (another beautiful woman in our lives) and her and I had a great saturday morning doing the Bathurst op shops.
Have to finish up now so I can book some plane tickets for Moo and I, for a weekend in Canberra with Annie.
Love to yous all, Zak

Photos....maybe

HI all,

I'm having another go to show people having fun at Ron's 80th.

Well ..I finally managed.

Saw the Swannies beat the Kangaroos on Saturday night with Jack Tom and Liam.

Moo will be here shortly. Great times ahead!

Love Dad.

Hi All
Sounds like a good time was had by all at Ron's Birthday party.
Kev, you seem to be having some difficulty with posting the photos. Look forward to seeing the DVD with you.
Two weeks today until we fly. Both saw the dentist today so that's covered for the next six months. We are trying to make sure things like that are all out of the way.
Hope you've got some good weather ready for us because we are becoming water logged here.
See you all soon.
Love and hugs
Moo xxxxxxx

Watching the DVD

Photos

Here goes!

Photos

Another Iso Reunion

Hi All
What a great day was had by all!
All Ron's children were there; most of his grandchildren; several grandchildren; Marie and Garry; Michael and Clare Moore; Joan, Kate, Annie; Ron's camping mates.
Ken and Helen made a DVD from photos taken through the years and made a copy for me, Marie and Margaret. The DVD ran all through the afternoon and Ron sat through it with me (and several others) savouring many happy times together.
The food was plentiful and well presented. All of Ron's girls are particularly good in the food line as was evident by the presentation and the cosumption. The variety and display of the sweets was a gourmet's and gourmand's delight.
I'll attemot to put a few photos on.
I have been trying for 20 minutes without success. I'll close and try again.
Love to all Dad.

Iso's big day out

Hi all, had a great day yesterday at Watamondara for Ron's 80th. Those Iso girls are terrific, hadn't seen some of them for over 20 years, but we all still had a mag. Moo, just as we were going reminded Jack of our time at Wyangala and we both immediately broke into a rendition of "Chirpy chirpy Cheep cheep (do you remember?) Thanks to Dad again for driving over and to Mum and Dad for shouting Kate and I a night away. I'm sure once Dad gets home he will also have something to say and probably post a few photos. that's about all for now. Cheers, Annie

Time for the topend input

Hi everyone
Monday the first is settlement day on what feels like the longest settlement in the universe. We did a driveby tonight and the tennants are moving out which makes moving in seem closer.

I went to Alice on the weekend. It was the tenth anniversary of Fish's Run. He hit a camel coming back from Ross River and was killed, so every year 100 plus bikers ride out and run amok to celebrate life. it was great to catch up with the boys. Mark spent a heap of time fixing up a bike for me to ride out but it didn't make it. He was really upset but we spent a lot of time talking shit and hugging each other. Will didn't come out so I didn't see as much of him but even he realises he can't get away without the hugs. As much as we miss our friends it's the boys we miss the most.

Claire goes down for work this Sunday for a week (the day before settlement on the house) so I will be busy. But I can tell you if they thought I hugged them a lot they better buy breathing apparatus.

Glad everyone is happy. And Zak you may not deal with crocs or go to great concerts but my mission for you (if you choose to accept it) is to hug everyone down there for us.

Cheers Claire and Marty

Hi everyone,
Have you ever noticed the time on our posts? Annie Im hoping and thinking you didnt really jump on to the computer at 0320am on the 25th! that would definitely mean horrendous sinuses.
We had a sad time monday morning when we found Mrs Ping from Austinmer dead in her house. She was fit as a fiddle when she went to bed the night before. Funny as it may sound, I was amazed how heavy she was when I lifted her out of the house. She was a bit of a bitch sometimes to Mrs Pong, but nevertheless she was gorgeous. We thank her for her beautiful eggs and the hours of fun we have had with her.
Of course we were very concerned about Mrs Pong being alone, they are such social creatures.
So Mrs Pong now has 2 new sisters, Mona and Lisa. Now she's being a bitch to them, but we are hoping that will settle down.
Hasi got them from the 'factory' He actually saved them from a horrendeous existence. They freak out about the sun, the sky, they dont know they can eat all that green stuff on the ground. Hasi had to almost hand feed them today. Those feet have never been on the earth, they were all squashed up to fit in the cage! It was great to watch them spread out their feet and open out their wings.
So that's my bloomin lot!
P.S.Special love to my gorgeous nephews and nieces, how clever and amazing you are, and dont ever forget it!

News from the capital

Hi all, not a lot has been happening. I'm not real well at the moment, don't have much of a voice and my sinuses are really revolting. Having a day off school tomorrow to give my voice a rest. Clare still is not well and I'm taking her back to the doctor tomorrow. She is our clever girl, time for a brag- she got a distinction in the Science competition- that is the top 6% of all entrants in the NSW and ACT in her age group. She certainly didn't get that from me!! Lucy has also picked her subjects next year - chemistry, physics and maths she won't be getting any help with her homework for her mother, who didn't even do science or maths in year 11 and 12. Looking forward to this weekend, I think I have the best Dad in the world! (thanks Dad) Nothing else has been happening. still plugging away at my course. Went all the way across to Woden tonight to do an assignment that is due next week and forgot my access card (because I use computers and 4-tracks I need a card to get in after hours) and had to drive all the way back. Probably a good thing as I had a bit of an earache, having headphones on for over an hour balancing tracks probably not the best thing to do. Moo looking forward to seeing you and Jules and of course the girlies weekend in Melbourne. Anyway as I have just written a lot of lines about really nothing much, will sign off. Cheers, Annie.

Comment

Hi All
It's been a cold slow week in Sydney - late nights watching the Olympics.
Liam hit the big 16 and has promised to bring his video camera next time he visits. Video camera - which was Liam's present - is a big step forward from the old slide camera when we often waited weeks before a record of the occasion comes to hand.
Kate is taking Mum to Cowra next week-end for Ron's birthday (80). I' going to Canberra to travel over with Annie. We're looking forward to catching up with the Ron Iso kids. It will be another great family reunion. Margaret and Marie's family members will be there as well.
Things are quiet on the Darwin front - or did that croc finally get his meal.
I'm creeping up the REAL FOOTY ladder - I don't think the season is long enough for me to reach the leaders.
I'm looking forward to seeing Kate's update on the house. Is it finished yet?
Only a few short weeks before Moo is with us.
Best Wishes Dad

Greetings from Wales

Hi All
Thanks to all for gifts and good wishes for my birthday yesterday. I had a lovely day, despite the crappy weather we are having. Started my celebrations at 1640 on Saturday afternoon with a bottle of champagne shared with a few friends at Clarry's 60th birthday party. 1640 in Britain is 0140 in Sydney which is the time I was born. I always start my celebrations at that time.
Had lots of well wishers on the phone and in person and received some lovely gifts.
Went for a drive over the Black Mountain in the afternoon. Our little cafe was closed so we continued on to the next village where the local church was having a mini fete. Bought a few bits and won a bottle of Lambrini in their raffle.
Last night I met the girls in the Gwyn, as is usual for a Sunday night, and had a pint or two. A very enjoyable day all round.
We have now booked our flights and arrive in Sydney on Sept. 18th. Which means I'll be there to take Tom to the pub on his 18th birthday!
Looking forward to some better weather in Australia.
See you all soon.
Love and hugs, Moo xxxxxxx

Comments

Hi All
What great news from Wales! Moo and Jules for three months. After another summer on the South Coast they won't want to go back.
Marty, what happened to the Labor Party in NT?
Ron and I spent an hour in the pub and we snarled the quaddie! Ron collected a cool 3 grand.
Katie dropped by on Friday morning. It's always a delight to see her.
Best wishes to Tom in his Trials and later in the HSC.
Nana Iso is in good form and sends her best wishes to all.
Happy Birthday M00.
Dad.

notes from the south coast

Hi all,
Well shit, Im feeling very suburban. No concerts, no plans to take off O.S., no being nearly eaten by a crocodile..boring!! Basically thats my lot, and with Pete no longer in my life on a Saturday night, what is to become of me??

news from the capital

Hi all, Marty, their the perils of living in the territory I suppose. Moo great to heat your'e coming over again so soon after last time. I had an idea that Kate will talk to you about next time she talks to you. I have been pretty busy since the start of term I have enrolled in a course at CIT (TAFE) in midi and sound recording so I can use my new recording studio at Copland when my music room is re-furbished. It is on Wednesday nights from 6-9pm, pretty tiring especially after a day of teaching. Last week was my first night. I felt about 102 yrs old when I first got there as there were about 5 teenagers, but eventually a few others around my age turned up, thank God. I'm even older than the lecturer! Last week also went to my Musica Viva concert on Thursday night to see the Takacs Quartet-music for my soul after listening to teenage boys play electric guitars and drums all day every day! Steve and I are going to the blues festival at Narooma on the long weekend with Michael and Tina, and are really looking forward to it. Steve and Clare have been unwell the last few weeks with a bad cold and horrible cough. Lucy gets her braces off in four weeks, then the boys will be chasing her. That's about all from me. Dad I'm glad you enjoyed the wedding anniversary joke I sent you. Cheers, Annie.

Harassed by a Crocodile

Today was a public holiday here in the Territory and we were out at Corroboree Billabong doing a bit of fishing with Chappie and Sabina. They were in their boat and we were in ours and were generally having a good time. We pulled up to the bank to have lunch and Claire and I jumped into their boat to share what we had when Sabina said "is that a log over there?" Anyway the "log" just zoomed in next to the boat and hung there waiting for a free lunch. Now I'm talking 4.5 metre croc about 1 metre from the boat and eyeing us off. Anyway Chappie moved out from the bank to get away from it but my boat was still tied up to the bank with the croc right next to it. We motored back in on the other side of my boat and I jumped across into my boat and scared it off far enough to jump onto the bank and untie the boat and get it out of there. It was pretty scary but a good wakeup call to remember they are always about. I'm sure it only did it because others have been feeding it or cleaning fish out on the water.

Cheers
Marty

Greetings from Wales

Hi All
It's been a while since I updated you with our goings ons so thought I should type a few lines. Jules & I had a fabulous night out in Cardiff 2 weeks ago. I won tickets to the Welsh proms with dinner before and a room in the Hilton overnight. We had a lovely time, made more enjoyable because it was quite different to a usual night out for us. Annie, I have a copy of the programme as you are probably the only one to really appreciate the music we heard.
The summer is having it's ups and downs. We have had some glorious days but they are quickly followed by rain. Hopefully the next few weeks will remain dry. Pontardawe festival is in 2 weeks time. I have my ticket ready. Nexy weekend we are attending Clarry's (Laura's Dad) 60th birthday. Karen, his wife & Julian's niece, has organised a party with a cowboy theme. I've got a great new pair of cowgirl boots for the occassion.
Plenty of work for me at the moment so making the most of it. It's school holiday time here now so Jules is no longer driving the school run, which he's not really missing. He's done a bit of work to get the van useable as a camper so we may get a few days away here and there over the next few weeks, if the weather allows.
Finally, we look forward to seeing you all sometime from about the 20th Sept. Jules and I will be housesitting in Austinmer whilst Moira and John travel on the continent. Spoke to John this morning to confirm. Just have to book some flights now!
Hope everyone is well and happy, as we are.

notes from the South Coast

Hello everyone,
So behind with everything, cant even remember last time I got on the blog.
I had the pleasure of spending the day with Dad on his 78th birthday. Never quite got to the beach for a stroll, but did get down to Sandon point for a breath of salt air, as well as catching up with a fair few of the Riordan mob. And he returned safely home on the train without injury!
While dad was in Darwin, Mum and I did a quick trip to Canberra. Found a great op shop in Goulburn which I cant believe I had never found before. Head west for the best op shops, thats my tip, but dont tell too many people- some things are just too good to share.
Oh my god, the feast Annie prepared for us was awesome as always-Yum!!!! And those beautiful girls, are just getting more gorgeous every day, and always up for a cuddle and a laugh. I love them!
The Illawarra fly was a great day out with the canberra mob,not to mention the Robertson pie shop, and it was great to have them drop by home, check out the evolution of the place, and of course meet Mrs Ping and Mrs Pong from Austinmer.
Last week Hasi and I cho0se two of the coldest days of the year to head out to Wombeyan Caves. Mart you probably dont remember not being able to move your arms, because you've got so many clothes on, fog coming out of your mouth as you speak or this stuff falling from the sky called sleet, bloody hell it was freezing! Nevertheless, it was fun and the caves are awesome and we had a great few days there.
O.K. Im convinced I have to get to the cinema to see Mumma Mia. Wonder if I can convince Hasi to come along.
No fishing tales from me, but the garden is coming along, and I cant wait for spring-its going to go off!!
Love to you all, Zak xxx

mamma mia!!

Kate and Moo, we all went to see Mamma Mia yesterday. What a great movie,with all those Abba songs. You two must see it if you get a chance I know you will enjoy it as much as I did, however Pierce Brosnan can't sing! Other than that haven't done much on the holidays, went to Sydney via Illawarra Fly, then Kate's place. When I work out how do to photos will put some of the Illawarra Fly on. Holidays are going much to quick as they always do, I really think we need three weeks, but then three weeks will probably go as quick as two. Lucy and Clare are babysitting Clare's kids for the next two days, I have been getting a lot of gym time in that I normally wouldn't do. That's about all, Love Annie

Marty, what a great catch.
What was your biggest? Did you use the same lure allthe time? Do you think that Lilly Pond is a better place than the 4mile? Did you take your boat or Chappies?
Back to work next week.
Annie Steve and the girls visited after a day through the National Park at tree top level. One of the girls should post a few of the snaps they took.
Jack and Tom came to the races with Joan and I on Thursday. A great day socially but a disaster on the punt (as usual for me).
Dad

Sorry Tjilpi

So sorry old man. Chappie and I went to Red Lily Billabbong last week from Tuesday to Sunday and caught about 40 Barra of which about 20 were legal. The girls Claire and Sabina came out on Thursday night and went back on Saturday and they managed to get a keeper each as well. It was great fun. Hopefully next time we have the same luck. I've attached a photo of Chappies 80cm fish.

Cheers

Marty

V8 Supercars

Hi All

A friend of ours won tickets to the V8s and didn't want to go so he gave them to Claire and I. We were in the corporate box at the far left of the highest platform on the right (I hope that makes sense). Free drinks for the two days and lunch provided. I'm probably going back to Kakadu this week to fish some billabongs though the weather has been a bit cool which slows the Barra up (down to 17 at night). It was great having the old man here. I needed a couple of days to recover, we were flat out the whole time. Will keep you all posted.

Marty

Darwin Trip

Marty and Claire met me at the airport - just 10minutes from their place.

Kakadu for 3 days; camp food; fishing at the 2mile; night on the water spotting crocks - there were plenty. Next day to the 4mile; fishing -Marty 70cm Barra; early bed; 4am fishing - Marty 60cm Barra; breakfast; fishing; break camp; home. I caught my first Barra - indeed about 6 - the largest 54cm. Spotted several crocks along the banks and in the water at the 4mile.

We had a BBQ Friday night attended by Joe, Joanna, Randal and Clancy and several others.

Chappy took Marty and me fishing on Saturday, unsuccessfully, and a great trip around Darwin Harbour and adjoining bays; AFL Bulldogs v Port Adelaide. Sunday tripping around Darwin and environs lunching on the famous Darwin Wharf; evening drinks with Claire and Marty's friends viewing a glorious sunset.

Thanks. Marty and Claire.

News from the capital

Seeing as though everbody is using north, south and wales in their titles, I thought I might as well join in!! Just thought I'd add something as I haven't signed in for over a month. Moo, just read your entry sounds as though you had a great time. Marty, congrats on the house, as soon as I told Clare it had a swimming pool she asked me when are we going to visit! It should be great to have Dad up there this week, you must be looking forward to it. not much happening down here. I rolled my ankle at school on Tuesday morning, and tore the ligaments, because it was workers comp had three days off with my foot up watching movies and reading! not a bad way to spend a few days at this time of term, particularly as it has been cold and wet, got to sleep in too which was nice, then had the house to myself all day which was even nicer. That's about it, Steve and the girls are well though Lucy has had a bit of a cough for about a week. Bye for now, love Annie.

Greetings from Wales

Hi All
Had one of the best nights of my life last night. I saw Neil Diamond live in concert! He was awesome. It has been one of my dreams to see Neil Diamond and it was fabulous. I went with three other girls - Laura, Louise and Gina. We had a great day out. Food and drinks in Cardiff Bay in the afternoon and dancing to eighties music until 1.15a.m. before catching the last train back home at 1.30a.m. Tonight we are all out again for our darts dinner - the league dinner and trophy presentation.
Mart, had a look at house on the website and on Google earth to see it's location. Looks great. Can't wait to come and visit.
Hope everyone is well and happy, as we are (not so well today actually).
Love to All xxxxxxxxx

The house in Wanguri

Hi All

you can view the house on http://www.realestate.com.au/ and the property number is 104879196

Cheers

Marty

More News From North

Hi everyone

You may have heard by now we have made an offer on a house that has been accepted. The bad news is that the estate agent doesn't advertise on the web so there are no photos. However if you do a google earth search it is at 99 Wanguri Tce Wanguri. It will show lots of trees but they were all coconut palms and they have been chopped down but atleast it will give you a look at where it is in Darwin. It should get the sea breezes all year round (Maybe it will get the cyclonic breezes as well).

Claire has started her new job at Batchelor Institute. It's an hour on the bus each way in the morning but she is loving it. I have applied for another job but we will have to wait and see where that goes.

Last weekend we camped at Depot Creek ( above Photo)with some of my workmates. Lovely spot. Then did a bit of fishing on the harbour Monday evening. There is so much happening we can't fit it all in at the moment. The dry season is crazy festivals and things all over the place.

Will and Mark both crashed their bikes on the weekend. Mark was going slow ( I didn't think he knew how his bike does about 280km/h) and he says everything is OK. Will...well what can I say....into a barbed wire fence. He says everything is fine but this is when being so far away is such a problem. But badluck Mum I ain't moving closer.

Will keep you all posted on the house and job scene

cheers
Marty and Claire

notes from the south coast

Hi all,

Dad-great that you are heading to Darwin. My first reaction was, you bastard, but I was just jealous. It will be so great, and I hope to be the next visitor from the south.

And Dad, the photo is fantastic. Thats what i was talking about- you really have to do the lot! Im sure nana loves seeing them.

Its just work and rain down here at present. Hasi is doing parent teacher nights, exams-writing and marking and reports, so its pretty quiet down here as well.

Actually thats not quite all, we now have 2 chooks! Mrs Ping and Mrs Pong from austinmer. They have an amazing house which came with them. Im hoping they will make a huge effort to scratch up all the bamboo runners!! Time will tell.

Love zak

Update

Hi All

I'm on my way to Darwin! Marty's holidays begin 20th June. I have a commitment with the Monks on 22nd and then I'm on the plane to Darwin. Get the boat ready Mart.

I have been setting up the slide projector and taking a snap on the camera then posting it to "My Pictures" and showing them to Nana. I'll post a sample. Hope it comes out.

Love to All

words from thesouth coast

Hi all,
Actually really Mart and Claire. Life sounds so exciting up there. I was a bit worried when you first moved, those first few weeks sounded pretty hard, but you have definitely found your feet now. Good luck with the new job Claire-so much time for reading on the bus, thats what I love the most, even though mine is only a 13km trip!
And Im very impressed that you have checked out the op shop scene.

It all sounds beautiful, all the local places you are exploring- how can I convince Hasi he would love it up there for a few years.
And last but not least-love those shorts!!

P.S. Annie you are my hero-4 sessions a week at the gym!! Send me that energy.

Love to you all.
Namaste, Zak

No Fish Photos

Hi All

Sorry but no fish photos this time. Last weekend we went out on the harbour but didn't do any good however it was really just a chance to go out and try the new canopy I bought for the boat. Claire and I went out one weekend earlier in the year and got so burnt and sunstruck that we were quite ill. The weekend before that we went to Corroboree Billabong (thats where the lily photo comes from) and although we put the boat in we did a lot of cruising around the flood plains and not much fishing. It was more of a camping relaxing weekend though the mozzies were unbelievable. The weekend before that we went to Unbrewarra Gorge and Douglas Hot Springs. Unbrewarra was really pretty but the camping ground was really crowded. Luckily a mate I work with and his family got down there early and saved room for us.
Claire has a new job starting at the beginning of June at Batchelor College. It's an Indigenous Higher Education Institute. It's a promotion and she is really happy. Batchelor is about 100km south of Darwin (the gateway to Litchfield National Park). There is a free bus that goes down and back everyday that takes about an hour each way but she sees this as an opportunity to study.
We think we have found a house to buy. We have been to look at it twice and I am going to ask Joe to have a look next weekend. It will need work but it has everything we are looking for. Unfortunately there are no pictures on the net as I think the agent must be semi-retired. He hasn't done any of the hard sell which is great as I'm a bit over being asked if you want to put an offer in after just walking through the door.
Zak we have most of the Op shops sussed though they don't seem to cater for mens fashion as well as they do for the girls. having said that I got a great Mambo Loud Shirt the other day.
We are both really enjoying Darwin. There is so much to do but we miss the boys and all our friends in Alice.

few rambling thoughts from Annie

Hi all. sorry I haven't signed in for a while, I do read the blog every couple of days. Steve, lucy and I have just come back from year 11 information night. I can't believe my little girl is going into year 11-pretty scary stuff!! Had a quiet holiday with John Fran and the boys as well as Tjilpie - no show without punch! visiting on the middle weekend. Wow can teenage boys eat a lot -not to mention Dad. Sang at a wedding a few weeks ago it was lots of fun, haven't sang at a wedding for years, it felt really good when a woman asked us after if we were a professional group. Also got a bag full of goodies for singing. work is great since the horrible old music teacher left for another job, I feel so much happier even though a lot of equipment has been stolen and damaged. the new music teacher seems so much more realistic she has four children form 9-16 so probably is a lot more attuned to teenagers than the other one!! Moo good to see you climbed Mount snowdon what an achievement, and doing it the hard way. it puts our climb up to pigeon house in the shade. Our kitchen has finally been finished with a beautiful new stove which I love cooking with as well as nice new pots. Still attending gym sessions each week, I aim to do four to five classes each week, though last few weeks have only managed four classes. I love it. Lucy has also joined and comes with me a few times a week though she likes the machines more I think. I just love group classes. I think thats about all the news, sorry I tend to ramble a bit with my thoughts going everywhere, it is after 10pm on a week night and i am thinking about heading for bed really soon.

congratulations Moo and Jules

Moo, I am so impressed that you guys did Snowdon!!!!!
Should I ask how you got Jules to do it, as I know we couldn't persuade him when we three were up north together.
Dad-I especially love the bit, where you and Ron went to the cop shop for accommodation! Dont we all remember when the olds would tell us, if all else failed, go to the police station? and I thought it was a bit of a scare tactic! All these years Ive missed out on sleeping in a police cell. Im definitely giving it a go on my next trip-bugger the op shops.

Hi All
Great to get the news from Katie and Moo. I have tried to get on for a week but the computer told me my "cookies" had run out or some such gobbildy gook. But I'm back on! Hurrah!
Ron and I had a great trip to Warnambool after a shaky start. The train was supposed to reach Cootamundra at 1.40am but got there at 4.10am. Ron was frozen stiff. Got to Melbourne 3hrs late. The train from Melbourne was 1/2hr late getting to Warnambool at 5.10 when we were told our hotel booking was non existant. We went to the police station and asked for a cell for the night. A very helpful police officer did some hunting around and found us digs at a motel about 1km from the track. We shared the quaddie on day 1 which gave us a bank for the next couple of days which we duly squandered.
Spent Mothers Day with Nana Margaret and Marie who provide a great turkey dinner.
Went to the GPS Athletic Carnival on Saturday with Murray and Dan Watts to see Murray's grandchild run.
Can't take a trick with Tom's footy tipping.
Love to all
Dad.

Greetings from Wales

Hi All

We have just returned from a fabulous 5 days in North Wales. The weather was glorious and the op shops provided good merchandise. We also did something we have been wanting to do for a long time - we climbed Snowdon! What an achievement. We walked up the Rhyd ddu path (if anyone wants todo further research). This is a much steeper and, therefore, less populated track than the one from Llanberis that most people choose. I nearly gave up a few times, and Julian nearly went over the edge (Kate will understand why I was tempted to push him off. Memories of Llyn y fan fach). Getting to the top was worth it all however. The photo shows us on the summit. My calves are still recovering from the tortuous climb but should be OK for my gym class on Tuesday.

There are a few less squirrels in the garden since Julian has perfected his aim with the airgun. We are hoping that will help save the new birds that will hatch with the arrival of Spring. And Spring really has arrived. Time to get into the garden and enjoy it while it lasts.

Love to all. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

notes from the coast

Hi everyone

I had a great road trip, just me and Nick(Cave) down the coast to Maffra-op shopping all the way! had a wonderful time with Mya, bushwalking, swimming, yoga, music and copious cups of tea and lots of talking,as well as having time with Jack, Ben, India and Ben. On the way home attended Anzac Day service at Cann River, hung out at Tathra, checked out the sunset at Bermagui,played, read and ran on the beach, found lots of markets and garage sales and enjoyed being with me.
Could have stayed on that road trip forever.

Hasi returned home last tuesday from his German trip, with a few treasures for his sweetheart.I felt like I had a new boyfriend for a few days, which was lots of fun. And... we have abeautiful heirloom from Hasi's parents, which I fell in love with at first sight on my first visit to Steinen.

This weekend we celebrate 2 years in no 40!!

Thats it for now,
Love to you all, Zak

Canberra weekend

Marty you seem to be doing OK with the fishing. Looking forward to a few days with you when the time is right.
Moo and Jules news is always enjoyable to hear.

Had a great weekend:
To Glenbrook by train. Jack Fran & boys off to Annie's stoppping at Goulburn for counter lunch.
Met cousin Paul Flint at the footy which was a good result for the Brumbies. Michael and Tina took Steve and me. It was great to see Tina out and about after her ordeal.
Brigid and Gen visited the Monet exhibition so I got a lift home with them.
I'm off to see Saints and Roosters on Anzac Day with Murray and Dan Watts.
Ron and I travel to Warnambool on Sunday night where we will meet up with Marie. Hope we back a few winners to pay for the trip.
Back to school next week for all. Enjoy.

Best wishes Dad.

Greetings from Wales

Hi All
Enjoying the photos Marty. Hope all those on holidays are enjoying their time away from school/work. We had a lovely time in Majorca. What a beautiful island! The area we were staying in was awful - full of British drunkards. Fortunately, we hired a car and were able to escape from there and see the rest of the island, or parts of it. It is very rocky and dramatic - beautiful. The weather was not brilliant but it was certainly better than what they had here whilst we were away. It's on the improve now. Summer is on the way. Only two weeks before we head up to North Wales for 5days. Looking forward to that! Both back to work this week. Plenty of work for me - when I want it - and Jules is back on the taxis school run which he is not very happy about.
Will post some photos from our hols if there are any worth seeing.
Bye for now, Moo xxxxxxxxxxxxx

more bloody fish

Went out fishing with Chappie the other day and took him to a spot that I had a big hit on....The bugger caught this. It's OK big fish are tough to eat I go for smaller and tastier. As usual I can't seem to get the pictures where I want them. Too many beers????

Hi from the coast

Hi everyone, tuesday night 9.30, this will be quick. Just checking out my route for my travels next week, and how many op shops I can manage along the way.
Change of plan with the road trip. I decided hasi would probably love to do the north coast run, so Im heading south.
In fact Im driving all the way to Maffra! not so far for you NT mob but for me it will be massive at 476.35km(thanks to where is,com) from the Noons to Maffra! However I will have the joy of spending some days there with my very beautiful old travelling buddy, Mya and her family.
I was so excited when I made the decision ,and even more excited after I spoke to her!!
Such an amazing energy we create together, it will be gorgeous.
Hasi has been gone a week now. He's been in contact, and is having a fine time in Berlin catching up with all his old mates-and he's already bought me 1 present!!
Great photo Mart.
Moo and Jules are presently in Majorca, so cant wait to hear all about it when they get back.
I hear there's a bit of a clan bash at canberra this weekend-enjoy that!
Love to you all, Zak

Stan 80

Mum and I had a great day at Elizabeth (Williams) Djoura's place to celebrate Stan's 80th birthday. Elizabeth is a great host. the Williams kids (except Paul) were there and they were asking about each of you. Bernie and Lila Schipp were there as well and asked about each of you.
Hazi got off to Germany for three weeks so Kate is on her own for a while. She is off on a trip next week to catch up with Mara Iso.
Jack Fran the boys and I are off to Annie's next weekend.
Ron and I are going to the Warnambool race carnival the following week. We are catching up with Aunty Marie and Garry who will also be there.
Have a great holiday Lucy and Clare: Tom Liam and Connor.
Hope to hear about some of your happenings.
Love to all.
Kevin.

Catching fish

I am on a weeks holiday so we have been doing a bit of fishing. Claire and I went out on both Saturday and Sunday and got a good mixed bag on the Sunday. Four or five whiting, a couple of small golden snapper, a couple of grunters, and the sweetlip in the photo. I went out yesterday and caught a dozen whiting and hooked something huge that broke me off. The house in Alice is finally sold tomorrow so I will be using some of the money to buy a canopy for the boat. Talk to you all soon.

Marty

happy birhtday Marty from us too

Hey Marty another happy birthday message. Mum also told me you were out fishing. hope you had a great day. We all had a good few days off for Easter, didn't do anything much. Steve went out to Temora yesterday with Michael and Colin for a flying day, the Temora Aviation museum holds regular days when vintage aircraft fly around. Steve thought it would be good for Michael to get out after all the drama with Tina. Tina is doing quite well, went round there on Saturday night, recovering slowly but well enough to sit up and have pizza and chat. Only three weeks to holidays, this term has been quite hard for me as I am travelling between two campuses at school, I think I travel 12 times in a 10 day fortnight, but its worth it to teach year 11/12'a again- a chance to teach real music! We also have a new music teacher at Melba who hates the school and the kids and is always complaining, it gets me down a lot, so I try and escape her as much as I can. She has already made a few enemies on the staff with her attitude, so I am finding plenty of places to hide from her!! Anyway enough complaining from me on my brother's birthday, so I'll sing off now. Cheers, Annie.

attention CK

The blog was on favourites, as we discussed in cunj, and I can even post now, but im still not sure how I acheived that,and how long before i can do it again.
P.S. Check your phone, I sent you a text ysterday, but have had no reply yet. I,ll keep them for you to try anyway. Love Zakky

greetings from the coast

Happy birthday Mart. have heard you are out fishing so hope you have bought some dinner home, and you have had a great day. Easter was wet on the coast here, except for yesterday when we got to the beach for a swim. the water is still delightful!! Yes I remember being on the East Timor sea at Dundee Beach-so much water and no where to swim. I thought it was unbearable for the short time i was there, so I dont know how I would cope full time...weird.
I dont really have any great news, except I bought a great pair of boots at coledale markets yesterday-part of my birthday present from mum and dad. Im happy and healthy, so have no complaints, except havent won the lottery yet.
Love to you all, Zak
P.S. Can someone teach me how to put photos on the blog and also email-we are quite disfunctional in this house.

We have photos too

Hi Guys.

After having real difficulty trying to get these photos where I want them I am giving up but I can tell you what they are. This first one is us leaving Alice. about 30 km up the track.

This is a photo of me in Litchfield National Park a few weekends ago.

This is the house we are renting in Wagaman. It's just around the corner from "The House That Joe Built". Just a snapshot of Darwin. Hopefully if it doesn't rain too much we will go camping over Easter. so we may have some more pictures soon.

Cheers

Marty

Cunj

Steve here - raiding Annies' blog!Here are a couple of photos from Cunj - none of Tina writhing around the floor - she's well on the mend after a week from hell for most of us. That aside Clareys' report is accurate - great weekend with a bit of distraction.

Hi all

Hi everyone,
We were at Cunjurong last week and it was fun and exciting except for Aunty Tina having to go to hospital. She ended up at St George with a growth, but now shes fine and recovering after an operation.
Sorry to hear the news about Lucy (the dog) I can't imagine how sad I would feel if Brindy had to be put down.

Nothing much else to report.
Love Clare

Greetings From North

Hi All

I have been so flat out at work that i haven't had a chance to even think about the blog. Life in Darwin has had it's ups and downs. We needed to sell the house in Alice to buy in Tiwi so we missed out there. I have signed a contract now to sell the house and settlement will be Aprill 11. As we have just moved into a rental in Wagaman we will probably just sit on the money until we decide what to do.

The house in wagaman is an olderstyle elevated Darwin type house. it will be a good chance to see if we enjoy elevated though they usually are out of our price range.

Sadly the cancer in Lucy's foot was growing out of control so we took the step of having her put down. It was incredibly sad but the best thing to do.

We went to Litchfield National park last weekend and went out on the harbour in the boat the weekend before. The weekend before it was the Art gallery for lunch so we are really enjoying the change of lifestyle. It's lovely to be near the water but bizaar not to be able to swim.

once we get the internet on at home I will send photos.

Cheers
Marty

Rugby: Rain

Jack, Tom, Liam and Tjilpi attended the Brumbies v Waratahs Rah Rah on Friday night. It rained all through the match but we were fortunately under cover. At the final whistle the storm broke in earnest and on the walk to the railway we got thoroughly drenched. Back to Penshurst where the mountain trio were decked in trackie pants and T shirts from Tjilpi's wardrobe. (You should have seen Liam!!!) Off they went in the Camry having a dry trip home.
I went to Glenbrook the following day to collect the car. Connor had played his first trial game for the season (0-1), Liam was to play his the following day and Tom was to referee a trial as well on the Sunday. I was edified by Tom's dedication to his study while the rest of us enjoyed afternoon tea.

Annie and Steve's week end was made less memorable by an illness to Tina who was transferred from Milton hospital to Nowra and is to be moved to St George hospital tomorrow 12.3.08. Michael had a night in the Watts B&B whle Tina wasin Nowra and we will accommodate him at Railway Pde while Tina is receiving treatment.

Tom is to organise another tipping competition this season. Keep us posted Tom

Kevin


Kevin

from the coast

Moo, the car looks totally fab, what a great idea! It must be the talk of Ponte!
Moo all your travel plans sound fantastic. I think the Camper shoe factory is on on one of those islands off spain, so you might want to investigate-great shoes.

Dad got his stitches out of his forehead last week and it has healed up nicely- I can finally get a decent nights sleep-lucky it wasnt too serious or I would be a complete lunatic.

Last Friday I had a lunch out with mum, Kate D,Brig, Clare and myself. The food wasnt much to write home about, but we had a great day together. We then did arvo tea at Brig's-hot fresh baked scones, jam and cream in the garden with Tim, Mick and Mick's school buddy-Georgia.(thats not how you spell it, is it?) It really was a beautiful day together.

We now have the north wall of the house painted. On sunday I sugar soaped the front of the house. I then realised how completely disgustingly filthy it has been the whole time we have been living here-thanks to Clare R who was blunt and honest enough to tell me.

But... no painting for me this weekend as Im heading to Cunj with the Canberra mob. Ive got the car, so Ill be doing an op shopping safari on route!!! I know it wont be a record but Im planning 5 in Dapto, 1 in Albion Park, 3 in Kiama, 1 in Gerrigong and 1 south of Nowra- souds like heaven ha Jules? No wonder Hasi didnt want to take the day off work and come with me.

Days are getting shorter-7.50pm and dark now! But the days have been beautiful, although I think there's a storm brewing. Water temperature still divine.

Love to all, Zak

The cool car

Hi All

Just wanted to post a greeting as I haven't done so for some time.

Have been in the house for the last week trying to shake off a cold. Seem to be over the worst now.

Jules has been driving taxis for the last couple of weeks. He does the "school run", which is a few hours in the morning then back for a few in the afternoon. It means he's not sitting around all day waitin gfor fares which he hates. He is not really enjoying the work because the vehicles he is using are pretty rough, and the firm is badly organised. But it gets him up in the morning and gives a few extra pounds each week.

We are going to Majorca (one of The Balearic Islands, off the east coast of Spain) For a week in April. Hopefully the weather will be good. We then have a week in Pwllheli in North Wales in early May. Hopefully we will get some good weather to get away in June/July in the van. Jules is starting to get it into camper style.

The photo shows my car with the frangipani stickers Kate sent. Thanks Kate. I think they look fab!

Bye for now.

Moo xxxx

Bastard bamboo

What a horrible experience to watch dad trip on that bastard bamboo stumps, and see him stumble and end up face down blood pouring down his face.
Having said that it could have been so much worst, he still has his 2 eyes and no broken bones and we can have a laugh about it today.
Beautiful mum so completely cool calm and collected, which is actually the best way to be in the cicumstances.
My plan for this weekend is to make a safe viewing platform to observe the creek from, it will be named Kev's safe viewing area.
Im heading back south now via a few op shops, but will write again soon.
Love to everyone, and stay safe!! Zakky

Crash

Mum and I visited Kate at the "home of the diminishing bamboo" and having had a delicious vegetarian meal Kate was giving us the usual inspection. I (stupidly) wandered up the back to case the creek. I tripped.... faltered......fell. Kate saw me falter and rushed to help. Too late. There I lay with blood gushing from a 5cm cut across my forehead. Ambulance to Wollongong hospital. 3hrs and 12 stitches later back to Kate's. She drove Mum and I home and stayed the night. She is now putting a new dressing on before returning home. Kate will fill in the details much more dramatically. I'm feeling OK and hopefully there will be no repercussions.
N.B. Tom. Have you started up your OzTips this year? Send me details.
Liam. I found several "left-handed" golf clubs in the shed. Interested?
Love to All. Kevin, Dad, Tjilpi.

For Clare

My darling Clare,
I am sitting crying my eyes out, thinking how sad you must be about your friend Beth dying.
At the same time Im thinking back on my friends that have died, and how each of them made up a special part in my life. The joy of frienship and the sadness of death make up a tapestry, which becomes our life's journey- This journey is not always easy travelling, In fact often it's bloody hard, and I know there's a big black hole in you at this moment.
I have a special tea light, that I light when I think of my lovely friend Donna who died. It has flowers on it, which Donna loved, and when I light it, her spirit fills the room. I stop to light it now, and also a beautiful pink one for your friend Beth.
Do lots of crying, as it helps. Talk to yourmum and dad about Beth and how you are feeling. Ask them to cuddle you tight, when you need it. We all know this horrible feeling, and its because you have such a huge heart Clare and you love so much, that it hurts so much.
Im sending you heaps and heaps of all my love to help you in your sadness.
I love you, Zakky

P.S. I did some drawings of Donna, when she was dying, and after she died, as I did for other friends when they died, it helped me.I still have them, and will share them with you one day.

Sad News

Hi all
Clare and all her primary school friends were informed this morning of the death of one of their close friends who suffered a bad headache late yesterday and died of an apparent blood clot in the brain overnight. Beth was the girl Clare constantly competed with to be the tallest in class. Our sensitive little girl is feeling pretty sad and shocked at the moment. Annie and I are busy counting our blessings and thinking of her family, St Monica's friends of Annies. Needless to say - you can't tell your kids you love them often enough !

Steve

love from Steve and Annie

Greetings

Hi All
Just read your entry Kate and had to respond. The volumes of rain you are receiving are a lot like what we have been getting over the last month. Thankfully, we have some respite at the moment. I can actually see blue sky out of my window this morning.
Not much happening over here. I had only one shift last week. Thought I might have to buy a new washing machine but Jules fixed whatever was wrong. He's useful as well as decorative!
Wales had a good win of course in the Six Nations. Unfortunately, we didn't follow suit with our darts last night.
Jules and I are looking forward to visiting Darwin and staying by the beach. Fabulous!
Hope everyone is well and happy, despite the rain.
Love and hugs
Moo (& Jules) xxxx

Hi all,
Just checked out the Tiwi property-good luck Mart and Claire- coastal dwellers at long last, and how close?? do you get sea views-Im jealous already.
I dont know if you are all getting rain, but bloody hell, it is sending Hasi troppo.
From the 1st-5th feb Wgong area had 174mm rainfall, and the average for the whole of Feb is 124mm, and its still coming down.
We now have a mud bath in what used to be our front yard, thanks to Mirvac dumping a truck load of land fill on the vacant block next door! Bastards.
Hasi has a swimming carnival tomorrow which should be fun in this weather- lucky he is on toilet duty, at less he will be dry.
Great to hear the 39ers were out and about down the coast. It is so fantastic to hear that Jan is doing so well.
Theres a bit more lightning through the kitchen window.

Cheers for now, Love to you all, Zak
P.S. greetings from Hasi (watching some crap on the tv)

Photos

Trying to publish the photos which didn't work last night.

Cunjurong trip

Mum and I are just back from a few days at Cunjurong and Pyree.
Tuesday travelled down and had a fish at the mouth of the lake at dusk -no result- and in the channel of the lake at 11pm -1 small whiting and 3 small stingrays. Wednesday morning fished Manyana beach from Cathedral Rocks to the main beach on the low tide -no luck. I pumped some yabbies in the afternoon a lot more successful than when we were there Moo. The photo shows how many for the same time. Thursday on the low tide I picked up 2 big whiting -about the size of your biggest Moo- and the Uncle caught a bream -keepable size. No photos as the Uncle is pretty blasey about fish hauls.
Since we were there in December Uncle and the boys have added an extension to the deck which is in the photo. You will also notice that the BIG tree is down. There is heaps of firewood stacked all around the place and 2 big chunks of the trunk still lying there.
The last photo shows the permanent boarder. Uncle says the grandchildren feed it so it comes in each night for its fix. You'll note the boarder is sitting on the new portable BBQ. I believe, Annie, that your hamburgers were the last items cooked on the old one.
Mum and I had a couple of relaxing days with Murray and Jan -Friday night till Monday morning. Jan is a lot better and she and I did a 3km walk on Saturday and Sunday morning.
Mum has already told you about the trip -so enjoy the photos.
Great to hear the good news about Marty's latest acquisition. We checked it out on the web.
Heads down, kids especially Tom for the HSC and Liam and Lucy for the SC.
I'll try to put a photo of Lucy's home art and the sumptuous meal prepared by Fran on the blog.
Love to ALL Tjilpie and Grandma.

Canberra calling

Hi Everybody. Mum and Dad are so lucky to be at Cunjurong, feeling extremely jealous as they head for the coast on my first day back at work. Good to hear from you Kate, you're right, Claire would have loved Ghost Garden. Hope you and Marty have settled in your new temporary home. Spoke to someone from work who went to Bendalong in the holidays and called in to Cunjurong, I was extolling its beauties to her and telling her that I have been going there for over 30 years!! Hope you are doing well in cold Wales Moo. Anyway I will sign off . My holidays are now officially over,am feeling very sad -Hasi, where did they go!. Stephen said I will be checking on my spelling as I seem to make a lot of spelling errors. I am a music teacher, who needs to know how to spell. See you all later. Love Annie

tales from the coast

Hi all,
I hope the 39ers arent reading this today, as that would mean they are not at Cunj-where Im hoping they are.Who in their right mind would ever knock back a few days there-my home away from home!
Welcome Lucy and Clare. Oh yes, the Ghost garden, now that you mention it, I might see if I can find something on the www! Im thinking NT Claire would have really loved it, dont you think so? Good luck with the new school year gals.
Hasi looked pretty horrible after his first day today, and that was even without the kids there. I took him straight off to the beach when I got home, which helped.
Nearly into February, my favourite month- the boss must have known, or else realised I was looking like I might hit the wall at any moment, as he's given me a week off. I should paint the house, but Im thinking road trip...just have to get the car now. Probabaly too early to hit Darwin, I'll save that till Mart and Claire are more organised.
I have just finished eating one of the first few cucumbers we have grown here at no 40. I know we have some veteran vege gardeners on the blog, but for beginners like Hasi and myself, it is very exciting.
We are slowly organising a fenced area so we can get some chooks -that will be another interesting experience! Ron Iso told me the best ones are isa browns...easy going!
Ihear dad you and Ron may be at Sussex in Feb, so keep me posted, as I might come down for a night or two.
Not much of a breeze here tonight, how's it up the north end??
Moo - frangipanis are on their way-I do get around to things eventually.
Cheers for now, Love Zak

Happy Australia Day!

Greetings from Wales. Just thought I'd better make an entry to acknowledge Australia Day. Hope you all enjoy. Thinking of you all.
Love and hugs
Moo xxxxx

Hi everyone

Hi all. Only one week left of holidays. Boy they've gone fast!! Haven't been doing much, on account of being broke till pay day. Hope you arrived in Darwin OK Marty. Thanks for getting the girls on the blog they've got a real buzz out of it! Anyway that'a about all, just wanted to chekc in and say hi to everybody, including Moo all the way over there in cold Wales!! Love, Annie.

Greetings from Wales

Hi All
A very big welcome to Zak, Clare & Lucy. Just need to get those Mountain Isos into action now! Not much happening with us at the moment. The rain is falling, the wind is blowing and I have been sleeping the days away after working nights. Have worked three nights so now I have about four days off! Need to do some cleaning here though so won't be much of a relax.
We had a call from Julian's nephew Vince on Thursday evening to let us know they have been offered two sisters from Russia for adoption. They have been going the process to adopt from Russia for about the last 18months so are very excited. Jules is well and says"Hi".
Marty, hope the trip to Darwin was uneventful and you are getting organised.
Love to All
Moo xxxxxxx

Hey

Hey everybody? How are you all? I hope you are well, and i want to say thanks to unlce marty for inviting me to the blog. School starts again soon and I am going to be in year ten!!!! how exciting!!!! Been spending the past week relaxing and reading, also trying to analyse further the ghost garden story!!!! (lol zacky!!!!) Shall look up more info on google and post a special ghost garden message!!!! Anyway thansk again for inviting me to the blog!!!!

:) :) :) :)
Love you long time

x x Lucy x x

I'm on

Hey everyone,
I'm on the blog.
No news at the moment.
Love you all
**Clare**

zak

I finally made it!!
Have a glass of wine to celebrate
Yes the OEA is completed, except for guttering. Hasi did a fine job, as did the labourer and the painter-me.
Considering it took me so long to blog on, dont hold your breath for the photos.
Thank you everyone for a very joyful December-considering it isnt usually my favouite month, it was mostly pretty great. I was so glad Jules got to hang out with us at Cunj, before he headed home, and Claire, you didnt have the hangover, but you were drinking with us too.
O.K 8.30pm just getting dark...
The beach was beautiful as always this evening, a fine chill down at the end of the day.
Love the long hot summer days-and the storms! Sunday evening was a beauty when the creek became a river in seconds, I love it. Like when you catch the todd river starting to run-remember that Mart?
My neighbour Stu -downstream from us (on the other side of the road) was telling me in the 1998 floods the water in our creek was up over the road, with sulo bins being hurled down it-he was totally freakingout...as you would be!
This time of the year, for a short time Annie and I are nearly the same age-how amazing is that.
Today my Feb edition of gardening Australia arrived. I was really starting to hang out for it this week-thanks Dad.
Hasi organised a new passport today-he was fingerprinted and a microchip with this and all his other details was put into the passport. Just in case you were getting paranoid...its real!
Mart and Claire-how exciting !! Good travels to your new home...Darwin here we come
Get me off this thing**

Love to you all, Zak