Greetings from Wales

Hi All
Just a quick "hello" to keep in touch. Great to hear about your research trip Lucy. What a great experience. I'm jealous. It's been quiet from the mountains and the territory. Are you still there?
Life in Wales is good, but damp. Yes, it's raining again (good name for a song!), but we have had some glorious sunshine since our return.
Still trying to sort out electrical faults and car problems. My car is going in next week for a service and big electrical fault finding mission. Hopefully, I will have a fully functional vehicle by the end of the week.
Yesterday I saw "Slumdog Millionaire" - what a great film! I was completely absorbed from start to finish. Love the bit of Bollywood at the end. Next week they are screening "Australia" in our local Arts Centre.
Last night I was at the theatre. Saw a production called "All the Fun of the Fair" which is a David Essex musical. It's a bit like "Mamma Mia", using the songs around a story. David Essex himself plays the lead role. It was quite enjoyable.
A man has just arrived to look at our damp problem and give us some advice (we hope). Then it's the boiler to sort out. Awaiting a guy to look at that as well.
Otherwise, it's a bit of work and a bit more play. Have been in touch with Gen Dwyer via facebook and look forward to seeing her when she arrives in the UK.
Hope everyone is well and happy. Take care.Love to All. xxxxxxx

Greetings from the south coast

Hi all,
Go Luc, that girl is going to save the world!!
So what interesting things have I been doing??
Well I continue a lovely pottery class on thursday nights, with my guru Chell and two other female students. Its a beautiful time together to create, share and learn.
Hasi and I went to see Metamorphosis last week at the theatre- a Kafka classic performed by an icelandic theatre troupe--amazing!!
Its been raining since sunday so the garden is sparkling. (too bad about not being able to keep painting the house)
Last week I got to cuddle Clare-gorgeous girl!
I found out Clare and Daves Tim is a Star Wars freak-even if he hasnt seen all the movies because they are a bit scary for him at the moment.
Walking and swimming on the beach-that is always a pure delight!
Ive presently got 4 layers of tops on, so autumn is well and truly here.
Love to you all,
Zak

Murray Darling Fresh Water Research Camp

Hey Everyone

It's been a really long time since I have left a comment on here I know, but I wanted to fill you in on my MDFWR Camp which I attended in Albury from the 14th to the 19th of April. It was FANTASTIC! I learned so many new things, we arrived and unpacked at the boarding school then went for our opening and the first meal. THE FOOD WAS DELICIOUS seriously, it was like eating at a restaurant every single night! We got split into groups to do our research and were shown around the Wonga Wetlands, some of you may know this because this is where the bio sub project was conducted. We were given two sites to observe which were part of the same anabranch, one was completely dead and the other lush and vegetated. We as groups with help from scientists who volunteered their time had to research different parameters, birds, fish, macro-invertebrates(bugs), water quality and vegetation. We then used all of these things to support our hypotheses and do a final presentation. Overall it was a great experience and people came from all over Australia, 48 kids from year 11 in total. I would recommend the program to anyone even if they weren't interested in pursuing a career involving water research, I met so many new friends who I plan to keep in contact with for a long time. Anyway, hope all is well lots of love xoxo Lucy :)

Easter Greetings.

Annie told us about the party but did not put any photos of the occasion. Michael and Damien did a great job with the eulogy but, disappointingly in my view, Steve did not reply although I appreciate his reasons. I'll put a couple of photos on to let you see the environs.

Joan and I had a great day today with the Dwyers at Clare's and Dave's. Brigid booted up Dave's computer to Facebook to see if there was a message from Gen who happened to be on it at that time. We all had a conversation with Gen for over an hour. Clare had planted eggs and bunnies around the garden and we all had fun finding them. Aunty Kate was the most successful finding 20 eggs and 3 bunnies -Joan reckons Aunty Kate can smell chocolate. It was great fun.

Looking forward to the Kennedys during the week.

from the party capital

Hi all, thought it was my turn to add something. We all had a great time at Steve's 50th. It was great to have some of my family there- thanks Mum and Dad, Kate and Jack for making the trek. Steve really enjoyed himself and Damian's and Michaels' "eulogy"was very funny. Last week of term flew by great to be on holidays. My new music teacher only lasted a term so I have another one to break in next term, hope she'll last longer! Lucy is off to Albury for her camp doing freshwater research obviously she doesn't get her interest in science from the iso side. Clare, Steve and I are heading for Sydney on tuesday without Lucy. I think Clare will miss her, she's planning on taking lots of DVDs to use on Mum and Dad's new machine. Steve is going to be measured for his kilt (a present from his mum) on Thursday at Menai, hopefully we'll go to the show on Wednesday. Steve thought he was just taking Clare, I love the Easter show, I couldn't miss a trip there. We will have to head home on Friday for the Brumbies game. that's about all, love Annie

Welsh Greetings

Hi All
Birthday greetings Steve. No doubt you all had a fab time at the party. Hope the hangover isn't too severe. We were thinking of you.
Good luck to Marty on his fishing trip. Hope you have a lot of fish meals to enjoy when he returns Claire.
Life in wales has not changed much in our absence. Now that I am back at work, things really seem as they always were.
We now have the car and the van back on the road. Jules is helping his neice move into her new house today so the van gets some use immediately.
The panel from Friz looks fabulous. Not so mad on the pink chairs.
No photos from me.
Love to all
Moo (& Jules) xxxx

A fishing he will go!

How lovely to catch up with so many photos of family celebrations. Well done Tjilipi, you are a real expert now.

Marty man left yesterday for his 10 day fishing odyssey. In lieu of fish photos (hopefully many yet to come) I have posted a few of the lad eagerly awaiting departure.

Happy birthday Steve; hope it was a good one. Young Will turned 18 on the 4th so double birthday celebrations. His boss took him flying in his plane! Very cool.

Will keep you informed of Marty's piscatorial progress.

Love to everyone

Claire

latest additions

Hi All

Friz made a floral stained glass setting which I have hung in the back window.

We had material selected and reseated the chairs around the back table.

I thought I had better put these on the blog before it is inundated with pictures of Steve's party and Marty's Roper Bar catch.

Friz generally signs the pottery she makes; its a pity she has not put a signature on this item.

Blessings of Easter to All. Dad/Tjilpi/Old Man/Kev.