Saturday, February 27, 2010

news from the capital

Well I suppose I should write something since everyone else has. The term is flying by- already it is week five. This year I have a line allowance for band, but am still down a line (all you teachers will know what I mean) because the deputy put me on a class with no students. Still negotiating about what to do, tried to start a Year 7 band on line but all too hard as kids want band when they want! It's either internal relief, something I really don't want to do, or maybe an English class with special needs kids in year 11 and 12. Am unsure about whether I can teach it, but people at school reckon I could. That would give me three lines a t the senior campus which would be good. I have forty students doing music in year 11 and 12- 20 in each class!! Am quite proud of myself for having those numbers. And yes it is true,Lucy got her license, and is driving round town, though she is not allowed to have passengers for a month. The kitchen is finally finished with the splashbacks going in a few weeks ago. Have had the official approval from Mother. just waiting on the painting which should start in the next few weeks.

Had a bit of a shock a few weeks ago when Damian, Steve's brother had a heart attack- only 47. At home and recovering, and as this weekend is the Canberrra Day long weekend and the Tynans beat us to Cunjurong we are headed down to Pambula to visit. Gave Steve and Michael a wake-up call. The next weekend, Stephen and I are off to Melbourne to see Burt Bacharach, finally! We did have tickets to see him when he came out three years ago, but his concert was put off to july- the year we were going to Alice springs, so now we finally get to see him with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. So that's about all from me, good to see lots of entries on the blog, and especially from you Marty. Will see you soon, and Moo as well. am looking forward to June and Dad's birthday. Annie.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

news from the south coast

Hi all,
Moo you are so lucky to have had a weekend in London.Now Im wondering if I should head there myself in July. So many options. And Camden markets and the lock, my heart is aching. I can imagine Gen being very comfortable and at home in London.
Hasi and I are off to Honeymoon Bay this weekend camping. We are pretty excited, as we havent been camping for ages, the weather is looking OK, and several of our friends tell us it's one of their favourite, and most beautiful spots on the coast. Its on the north side of Jervis bay, a little south of Currarong, in the point perpendicular region.
Good to hear from you Mart- the creator of the blog. I thought Claire was finished her studies, but it really does seem to be never ending. That girl's got stamina. And congratulations to Buddy for completing his program-what a great laugh that must have been. You can compare notes with Clare, as she is taking Oscar to lessons. She commented mostly on how weird the owners of the dogs were!!
Im off to lunch, and to get sorted for the weekend. Im with the olds and they are doing well. You would all be amazed at how long mums finger nails are-never before have they been so long.
So much trivia!!
Love to you all, and have a great weekend, Zak

Monday, February 22, 2010

Welsh Greetings

Hi All
What a great weekend I've had! Gen and I shared a very full and enjoyable time.
It started on Friday, I caught the train up and Gen met me at her local tube stop of Leytonstone which is east London. I was taken to her home and, after a quick tour, she served our dinner - a lovely green Chicken curry. We were leaving the house again within the hour to head for the Apollo Theatre in Victoria to see "Wicked".
It was a fabulous performance! The leading characters were brilliant and it was a great story.
That finished at 10.20 and we were back home by 11.25. Had a glass of wine and a chat before retiring to bed. I had a mattress on the living room floor.
Next morning Gen cooked us bacon and eggs before we set off for the day. We headed to London bridge where the famous Borough markets are situated. They are food markets and the aromas were very tempting. We bought a few provisions for later, had a stroll about and then boarded a bus for Covent Garden via Trafalgar Square. I love Trafalgar square and just wanted to stroll there. It was as busy as always so lots to see. Had a stroll around covent garden and a cup of tea before boarding a bus to Camden for the markets. Thought about you Kate as we were enjoying Camden. Remembering our visit there.
Finally, we had to find a pub, which wasn't difficult in Camden. Had a couple of pints in a couple of pubs, picked up a few more provisions and headed home for a snack and a bit of drinking.
Was dreading waking up on Sunday fearing the hangover I would have, but my fears were unfounded. I was actually OK - unlike Gen who was suffering somewhat.
We were a bit slower starting out on Sunday. First stop was the London Eye. Gen had bagged two free tickets for us. It is a great view from up there.
We then strolled over Westminster bridge and pass the Houses of Parliament. Stopped off for a cup of tea then walked to Victoria where we got a bus for Knightsbridge. Had a stroll through the designer area of ladies fashion and while Gen marvelled at the designs, I marvelled at the prices.
Then we met up with Gen's friends Corin and David. We had a drink whilst they had dinner. It was great to finally meet them after hearing so much about them. They are a lovely couple and have been very good to Gen. She is lucky to have such friends.
Leaving them, we jumped on a bus which took us along Oxford street and onto the tube for home. Gen cooked dinner, I opened a bottle of wine and we settled in to watch the BAFTAs.
Am now back in Wales awaiting another fall of snow. We were very lucky with the weather in London. Bit of rain about Sunday morning but had mostly cleared by the time we set off for the day. It was raining this morning in London but we managed to avoid the showers on our walk to the tube station.
It was avery full weekend but still managed to feel relaxed and unhurried. I am looking forward to my next visit - Australia first though!
That's it for now. I have praatled on long enough.
Hope everyone is well and happy.
Love to all
Moo xxxxx

News from the Top End

Hi All

I am trying to think what has happened since last time I posted. Buddy graduated from obedience school, but i am not sure how. The garden is looking good even though we haven't had any decent rain for weeks. It's actually like the build up really hot and high humidity. Even the locals are saying it's too bloody hot but the rumour is we will be getting another monsoon burst soon. I hope that is the case because I am planning the annual trip to Roper at Easter and the runnoff will be finished if we don't get another blast.
Claire is about to start studying for her final year so she will have her head down pretty much for the next 9 or 10 months. Will has another block of trade school after Easter so he may come to Roper and drive up with me.
We had the house insulated thanks to Mr Rudd but i think we need whirly birds in the roof to really make a difference.
It sounds pretty boring but not much has happened over the last month or so. However Claire is at Batchelor tonight and she is bound to get home, look at this and remind me of all the fab stuff we have done.

Cheers for now
Marty and Claire

Thursday, February 18, 2010

greetings from the south coast

Hi everyone,
Hooray Moo, you are almost on your way!!
Hasi and I are also booked to head to Germany on 26th June. We will be catching up with family and friends for 3 weeks then Hasi will head back to Oz, leaving me another 2 weeks in Europe.
So many places to choice from, but today,s idea is Poland, and hopefully Moo will be joining me.
Who knows what my next idea will be, and actually how many I will have before June!!
Mum and I spent last weekend with the girls in Canberra, as well as Oscar and Brindi of course. They are complete in house entertainment. The wettest weekend on record for Canberra, and what a trip home it was, especially when the light started flashing for no petrol,Oops!!
Tonight Hasi and I are in Sydney to see the Necks. If you dont know this amazing australian band, you should all do yourselves a favour and listen to their stuff.
Mart, Buddy Guy and Taj Mahal are in sydney soon, I may have already mentioned this. They will also be performing at the Byron Bay Blues festival.
Congratulations Luc on your licence. I had a drive with Luc in the rain in Canberra last weekend, and she was very competent.
Im jumping off now, so dad and I can get into the garden for some pruning.
Mart, I know July is a beautiful time in Darwin, but our place will be free if you and Clare are interested-let me know.
Cheers to you all,
Love Zak

Greetings from Wales

Hi All
Just a quick greeting. I am off to London this weekend to stay with Genevieve so thought I would post next week with all our adventures.
Have booked my flight to Australia. Flying with Asiana Airlines again. Arrive in Sydney at 0730 on Monday 17th May. Depart at 0910 on Monday 21st June.
That gets me home on Tuesday evening, giving me one day to recover before heading to Cardiff on Thursday for the one day international cricket England v Australia.
Hope everyone is well and happy.
Have a great birthday on Monday Kate.
Congrats on getting your Ps Lucy!
Will post again next week.
Love to All
Moo xxxx

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

greeting from the south coast

Hi all,
So much fun was had by all over the summer break that no one had time to get on the blog.
I've been lapping up the summer. Up at 5.20am every day to walk/run on the beach and watch the sunrise. This last week I have been the only one on the beach before 6am, and loving it.
However the sun is rising later each week, so I may be going with a torch before long.
Where are all the fisherpeople I ask myself. Years ago, no matter what time you were on the beach, day or night, you could always meet a fisherman to yarn to, and didnt they always have the best yarns, of course mostly ofthe ones that got away.
I spoke with Moo last night to fill her in on ideas for dad's 80th. Im so looking forward to our road trip we are planning- May cannot come quick enough for me.
we now have a beautiful slab of tree trunk in the kitchen, in place of that digusting thing that people call a breakfast bar. It is suppoted by a beautiful piece of tree trunk. Too bad Im no good at photos on the blog, so you all have to just drop by for a viewing at some stage.
Its 8pm, and no dinner cooked, so I need to get cracking.
Hope you are all safe, well and happy
Love to you all, Zak