greetings from the south coast

Hi all,
Wet and cold today, and that looks set in for the weekend, so reading, sewing and maybe cups of tea with friends on the weekend. Chooks have settled in and they are now all laying. We are trading eggs for honey and when Hasi goes back to work we will be trading home made organic bread for eggs!! and of course we have our regulars that drop in with a cartoon to be filled periodically. Share the joy!
Today Hasi and I are off to Newtown. It feels like centuries ago I was there. I dont particularly like shopping with him right beside mefor too long,but we will do a few favs together then separate and meet for coffee, lunch and arvo tea together.
Annie and steve must be getting excited about their travels. I am looking forward to a week with Clare and Lucy in a few weeks. Girly flicks, op shopping, walking the dogs. Im taking my sewing machine for the days Clare wantsto read in bed all day. Beautiful, I cant wait. Its the simple things in life! And while Annie and Steve are away, Hasi and I will be a 2 car family, just like every one else in our street(and half the world). No more begging and borrowing, Im a modern girl!!
Ok time to frock up for Newtown. It never is quite the same frocking up when its raining, as when it is a sunny day, oh well.
Love to all, Zak

news from the capital

Hi all. Well Lucy got home- finally! safe and sound. Now Steve and I are looking forward to our trip in a little over a fortnight!! Due to a big chemical fire in Mitchell on thursday night, Clare and I had the day off on Friday as all northern schools were closed. Bad luck Steve who teaches on the south side! Nice to have a three day week and a three day weekend. I was supposed to take my band kids to band fest to perform- but was called off. I Don't know if it will be re-scheduled, it will be a shame for the kids if if isn't as they were looking forward to it. Nothing much else has been happening- just working and trying to get work organised for when I am away. I have a real music teacher to take some of my classes when I am away-we don't get many of those in our system. I taught with her years ago at Stromlo High and she is an excellent teacher, so I'm feeling good that my kids are in such good hands when I am away. Jenny has invited the girls to her place every Sunday night we are away for dinner- so they will be eating well (probably roast lamb) at least once a week. Bad luck Kate, I don't think you're here for

Sunday night. It's good to know I can rely on my family- Moo to take care of Lucy in London, and Kate to take care of both of them for a week when we are away. Not that they need looking after, but it will be good for Clare, particularly to have company during the holidays. Thanks again, girls. That's about it. Will try to post something short before we go away.

love you all, Annie

Dragon boats @ CullenBay

Had Mum cheering the Dragon Boats in Cullen Bay Sunday. Beautiful day and am enjoying her visit.
Hope everyone is well.
Claire and Mum

Welsh Greetings

Hi All
Back in not so sunny Wales after a sojourn in London with Lucy Grace.
Was fabulous to catch up with Lucy - and her friend Maddie - on this side of the world.
We met, as arranged, at Kings Cross station at 1p.m. I went back to their hotel to drop off my gear and then we headed to Camden to check out the markets. Had only been in Camden 5 mins when both Lucy and Maddie made their first - of MANY - purchases. Spent a couple of hours wandering the maze of markets before heading to Trafalgar Square, one of my favourite places in London. We then strolled along the Mall toward Buck Palace but turned off toward Regent Street. Passed through Piccadilly circus and then walked up Regent Street to Hamley's, the world's greatest toy store. We spent a good bit of time there looking for gifts for family and finally came away happy with the purchases made. It was then time to take the shopping home. We picked up some pizza and beer near the hotel and returned to "our" room. After dinner, Lucy gave us a fashion parade of her new purchases, we all had our turn in the bathroom and finally it was bedtime.
Friday was a glorious day! After breakfast we headed to the Post Office so the girls could lighten their luggage by sending excess baggage home. What an entertaining time that was. Once all the post was sorted, we set off toward London Bridge for the girls to visit The London Dungeon. When we arrived the waiting queue was about 2hrs so we left it behind and set off to The London Eye. We walked along The South Bank passing Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and The Tait Modern and taking in the sights of tourists enjoying possibly the last of the summer. While Lucy and Maddie took in the views of London from "The Eye", I sat and enjoyed the sunshine. It was then off to see the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. From there, we caught a bus to Victoria and then another to Holborn to visit the British Museum. Then it was time to head back to the hotel. The girls needed to rest and I needed to collect my bag and return to Wales.
It was sad to say Goodbye but it had been wonderful to spend that time with Lucy. I look forward to her next visit to this side of the world because she has promised me she will come to Wales - and I'm holding her to it!
Sounds like all is well in Australia. Fantastic news from Steve about Michael. Must be such a relief for all the Kennedy clan.
Thanks for the Christmas list Mum and Kate. If there's anything in particular you want Annie and Steve, please let us know.
Shall end my rambling for now.
Love to all, Moo xxxxx

Life is good

Hi all

Steve here, alternately crying and laughing. Michael is 100% clear !! Enough of Chemo, radiation and surgery - time to get on with life !! 3 monthly checks, six monthly etc and a new lifestyle but life is the key word isn't it. Thankyou all for your support over the last few hard months.

Steve

greetings from the south coast

Hi all,
All Ive been doing is working. I know most people always do 80 hours a fortnight, but honestly, what a way to bloody well live. It is so not for me.
Hasi collected our 4 new chooks last saturday!!Lovely to have chooks again, saved from a dismal life in a crammed up cage. They are complete in house entertainment for us, hours of fun.
Well mum and I have just finished the christmas list. Looks like we did it in under 2 hours this year. I thought I might throw in next years while I was at it, but no.
Moo has been with Lucy today, and I presume her friend Maddy, to Camden markets!! one of my favourite places in london to hang out.
Moo and I were there almost this time last year with Gen.
OK so the list is
Kev buys for Claire -has never bought for her before
Joan " Zak last time in 2000
Jack " Joan last time in 2000
Fran " Kev last time 2000
Mart " Moo last time 2000
Claire " Hasi has never bought for him before
Zak " Jules last time 2000
Hasi " Mart last time 2000
Annie " Fran never bought for her before
Steve " Jack last bought 2000
Moo " Steve last bought 2004
Jules " Annie never bought for her before

never before means -not before 1998
See what you think, any probs let mum or myself know asap. Happy shopping.
Lucky Jack and Fran who may get some treasure from south east asia!!
Jules yours will be far too heavy to send whatever it is, so you better head over for collection.
2nd day of spring!! not that its such a great day today, but the scents starting to fill the air are amazing.

Love to you all, Zak