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.