news from the capital

Hello all and a Happy New Year, well Marty and Claire are certainly getting around- lovely to have them in Canberra for a night, and it was great for the girls to spend some time with Uncle Marty, and I got to see him in twice in 3 months! We had a lovely (but cold) Christmas at Matt's out at Murrumbateman. It was OK when we got there, but by the time we had lunch the wind was up and it was freezing- we were all eating outside! Poor Matt, he got his beautiful pergola with decking built for Christmas- and everybody spent most of the day inside! However, it will be a memorable Christmas. We then went to Lisa's for Christmas Eve and she had 12 adults plus three babies stay the night!! Lucky she has such a big house. It was a really good night, and I got lots of cuddles with Ellen's and Lisa's babies! We spent yesterday afternoon and last night at Michael's with his family- Tim and Skye were in town, so we had an early new years- at 9pm,  complete with (illegal) fireworks, and I was home and in bed by 10.30. And of course, celebrations continue with our baby Clare's 18th on Saturday. She is celebrating with her friends on Friday night with dinner at a restaurant, and is actually going out to another party on her birthday- one of her friends shares her birthday. Then we have a family brunch on Sunday, and off to the casino for the traditional 18th birthday drinks,  which started  a long time ago, with only the uncles taking the birthday person out for drinks- now of course it's cousins and aunties. I should be in Sydney next Tuesday I think, and Steve and the girls will come up the following Sunday. Anne Plummer has organised a dinner with some school friends- our school reunion has galvanised everyone into action! So I will be spending my birthday in Sydney with Mum and Dad. Moo, hope you are ready for my list- it's quite extensive, Steve just raises his eyebrows when I make my lists of what I want to see and do when we travel.Anyway, that's about all, see some of you soon.
love you all, Annie

greetings from the south coast

Hi everyone,
Happy new year!
Firstly, thanks heaps Marty and Claire for visiting with Mum and Dad yesterday. Its always lovely to share our space with family. The last time you guys visited was 28/12/2006!! No wonder there had been a few changes. Trying to work out when mum and dad were last here, I think sometime when Moo was last here? Any guesses?? Also trying to work out when we knocked out that wall next to the kitchen.

Here are a few of 2006, and one is of about 2009. Good to go back and acknowledge all the work we have done.

Started this blog at about 10am. Interrupted by visitors, who we then went for a walk with to our neighbours up the road, and have just returned at 4.30 pm, after several hours of champagne and goodtimes on the new extention.

Dad, your incident with the bamboo was on 20th Feb 2008. Now Im trying to find out when we ripped that wall down between kitchen and loungeroom but I can't find it and it is starting to do my head in.

Anyway, better get a few hours of gardening in. Love to all.

Good travels to mart and Claire and thanks for visiting.

Love Zak

Welsh Greetings

Hi All
Just wanted to wish you all an enjoyable festive season.
Kev, received your parcel, thanks. I look forward to opening it on Christmas Day. Glad your parcel arrived in time Kate. Remeber there is a bit more to add but it was too heavy to post. Marty, your gift is not yet on the way but figured you are not home to receive it. You will get it later. Travel safely over the holidays.
We will be having Christmas dinner this year with Cynthia. She will be cooking a leg of Gower saltmarsh lamb we provided. Can't wait to taste it.
Thinking of you all and sending loads of love. Take care. xxxxxx

Welsh Greetings

Wow! Clare you look fabulous! Enjoy your "relaxing" on schoolies. If you fancy some time out to decide what you want to do, Wales is a great place to do it. A bit cold but we have heating.
Not much to tell. Just wanted to tell Clare she is gorgeous. Thanks for posting the photos Steve.
Love to All. xxxx

greetings from the south coast

Thank you Steve.I love a guy that responds so promptly to requests, you are a lucky gal Annie.
OMG, (oh my god, for mum and dad) Claire looks even more gorgeous than usual. No doubt she had a little help to glam up from her sis, so well done you two.
I hear Currarong is the new gold coast on the south coast! The toolies have been rolling in for the last few weeks and the all night beach raves are going off. I suppose she packed a few novels to make it look good for you guys. Go Clare, dance the night away!

Love Zak

Our Baby is growing up !

Well it had to come, Annie is a bit sad and Steve is a bit philosophical . . . Clare has finished school, celebrating in fine style with her formal last night in The Great Hall of Parliament House. Lots of beautiful people there but not one sighting of Julia or Tony. Here's a few pics for all you bloggers.

Clare with her life long best friend Emma, it was pretty windy and cold at the Carillon where most of the photo action took place.

and a few more friends, most are on their way to a quiet few days of "coasties" at Currarong.








and another view of the girls

so for Clare and her friends it's a few days relaxing then back home next week to get their final scores including that much anticipated ATAR. Uni offers start mid January, we reckon Clare will be able to pretty much pick what she wants. The only problem is she's not sure what that is !

greetings from the south coast

Hi all,
All I want to say is Steve where are the formal photos?? Clare's tooo busy packing for her trip to put any on, and she says you have the good ones. I only want one! please/thanks
Love Zak

greetings from the south coast

Hi everyone,
Moo, I so don't envy you going into the winter. We were swimming in the sea last weekend, and it was divine.Last few days have been wet, but its ok when Im workng.
yes mum and dads new athroom is beautiful. Our bathroom is destined never to be finished. We decided this afternoon that we wont be using the mount Hasi made for the basin,with the old fence palings from 39. Its all a bit sad, but the lacquer wouldnt adhere to the glue between the palings. So now Im back on the hunt for something else, and finding the right thing could take quite a while, because I couldn't just go out and buy a normal vanity like anyone else would of course. So much for our finishing date being the return home of Brigid, I havent even fired most of the tiles, and probably need about a thousand more. But dont worry Moo, it will definitely be finished for your stay.
Im staying short and sweet with my writing today, as its heading to 9pm, and Im heading to bed after I finish my peppermint tea. Start sounding like big brother, Mart.

Love to you all,
Zak

Welsh Greetings

Hi All
The winter is coming in with a vengeance. Time to fly south - I wish.
Jules is recovering well. Eight weeks now since he went under the knife. Back to doing most things but has another appointment with the consultant before he gets the full all clear.
Saw Cynthia on the weekend. She was asking after everyone.
Had a great afternoon/evening in Cardiff for the Wales v Samoa rugby. Not the result we were hoping for but a great day out! Going to Cardiff for some Christmas shopping on Thursday. Mart, if there is anything you particularly want, please let us know.
Have been going to the gym regularly, trying to get fitter and lose some weight. Louise and I are having a competition so it is good motivation.
Second half of the darts season starts again tonight. Hopefully we will do better than we did in the first half. We have three ladies darts teams playing from the club. On Friday night we are going to a combined early Christmas dinner in The Gwachel. Should be a good night. The booking is for twenty!
As the days get colder and darker, I hibernate so there will be little going on. Wales vs Australia in the rugby on Saturday. Unfortunately, will not be going to the match but will watch it and hope for an Aussie victory.
Jack, The Bad Shepherds are touring Australia next May. Worth getting to see if you can.
Hope you are all well and happy. Steve, hope you are making some lifestyle changes after your warning.
The new bathroom looks fab. Can't wait to stand in it.
Take care and have fun.xxxx

Bathroom finished

Hi All
Colin, the bathroom man finished off today.
Friz, Aunty Kate and Gai Ellory, all here for lunch, were lavish in their praise, not only for the classy job done by the tradesmen, but also for the colour scheme and choice of fittings organised by chief planner, Joan and motivator, Kate.

The pictures tell the story.
(It looks as though this last picture has gone in upside down. Just when I thought I had got on top of "putting pictures on the Blog.")

Thanks Katie for your note on the Paul Williams funeral. Stan and Joy have had a hard year. They have been a great example of faith, prayerful courage, and strength of character.

We are waiting excitedly for Clare's upcoming formal.

Love to All
Dad/Tjilpi/Old Man/Kev.    

greetings from the south coast

Hi all,
Yes what an amazing hat!! I have wanted to wear this hat for years and finally got the chance with Helen's 50-60s theme party. And may I add, not only did Lucy O wear this incredible hat, but she made it herself!!!

Mum dad and myself attended Paul W. funeral last week.  He died peacefully surrounded by loved ones, a beautiful way to pass from this life. What a strong courageous man he was to accept death at such a young age. A humbling experience for me, and an amazing show of strength from his family.

Not only do we have the water dragons in the garden, but this morning I almost stepped on a?stumpy/blue tongue lizard??? ( I didnt see the tongue) Im happy they eat insects, but I wish they would also eat weeds.

Weeding and mulching is this fortnights agenda in the garden, so better get back to it.

Love to you all,
Cherish your health and your loved ones
Zak

Helen's 70th

Hi All
What a surprise and blast from the past!                 DUCK

We had a great night at Helen's 70th. Kate stole the show wearing the hat that grandma had worn at our wedding.Here is the picture.
I tried to put this on last week but could not organise it.....but with  The Lady Kate directing, I've managed.
Steve missed out on his meeting with Peter Duck this Friday.....but thank goodness he's back home with a warning for the future.
Love
Dad/Tjilpie/Old Man/Kev.

DUCK - it's a small world

Hi folks, Steve here . . . a story for all the Iso's:

You'd all know that I have a bevie or 3 on a Friday afternoon, most remembering BBC as our favoured watering hole. 
For the last 6 months we've been celebrating the end of another working week at a different club ( that's a story for another day ). 
Imagine my surprise today to discover that one member of our "table of knowledge" at the rugby club we currently frequent grew up on Austral Street Penshurst, went to school at the local convent school, Marist Brothers Penshurst, Mittagong Juniorate, Penshurst again then Marist Brothers Kogarah !
Peter Duck is going home to ring his mum and dad and tell them the same story from his side of the table ! He says they'll be absolutely chuffed, I promised to pass the story on.
What a small, small world - I guess Annie is coming to "Catholic Westies" for a drink sometime soon to meet or re-meet John Duck's older brother !

Greetings from the south coast

Hi all

Here,s me getting the job done.

Just one the branch to the left of the cage is our beautiful water dragon. O.K. really better start doing something. Looks like a great day for a stroll on the beach!!
Love Zak

greetings from the south coast

Hi all,
Well its all about bathrooms at present. I spent last Monday grouting. House jobs always take twice as long as you think they are going to. I decided on grout, not cement, if anyone is interested. It looks like I did an ok job, just have to see how long it all stays stuck.
Have to read up today on how to fire up the kiln to fire the tiles I have made.
Everything is a process, and really how does anyone get time to go to work, always so much to do around the house. Just when they cut my days to 2 aweek, and I finally get my head around that, they now want me to work 4 days a week. Bastards.
Well Im going to throw in a few more photos as promised. This lot is my Buddy series.

THis one is buddy looking sad, as Annie and I leave for the airport.

So you guys all have a good week. Looking forward to hearing about the fishing comp at Dundee beach. Beat those shirts were a hit.

Love Zak

Bathroom: Penshurst

Hi All
Here are photos of the bathroom at various stages. I tried to put them on in the order I indicated below, because they appeared in reverse in previous attempts at blogging, but the computer has a mind of its own.

I dont Know what happened to this photo.

Here are a few shots of the demolition, redoing of the bathroom. After the Darwin holiday, Annie had the last shower in the bathroom as you all knew it.

The first photo will be "as you knew it"; then demolished; rendered; waterprofed.
Kate called on Friday and approved progress. The previous week she had vacuumed after the demolition.
Jack and Fran viewed the situation today and were suitably impressed.
Tomorrow the tiler .....and by the end of the week ......fiished!!!
Love to all
Dad/Tjilpi/Old Man/Kev. 

greetings from the south coast

Hi everyone,
Have finally put the photos on the computer, so here are a few shots of our time in Darwin. Stay tuned for more when I have more time

 Really havent got much time today, as I have to grout the bathroom floor, and how time is ticking. The question is, grout or cement on the bathroom floor?? for smaller spaces I have read that grout is better as it doesnt shrink as much as cemnt. However I do feel more comfortable working with cement. Will see what the hardware guys suggest.
Love to you all, zak

addit from the south coast

Hi Mart,
Notice the unpainted timber and metal on the stairs, compared to how it looks now!!
Zak

greetings from the south coast

Hi all,
Here are a few shots of Mart and Claire's garden I took in 2009. stay tuned for my next instalment, when I get my photos of the latest visit sorted.

Well I never made it to Maffra unfortunately. However I did get to tile the bathroom floor yesterday, and may even grout it today if I can decide on what grout or maybe cement to use. Will cement scratch the tiles?? Not usually when I have used it in mosaicing, and I do like the texture of cement with a little added sand, more than I do grout. Hmm, I suppose Im off to the hardware shop to investigate options. The tiling took about 8 hours, and isnt exactly perfect, but what is in this place anyway. No wonder people pay tradesman to do these things. One day when we grow up and stop playing, we might do the same thing.
Actually, I think Im going to the hardware shop via the beach, as it really is a beautiful day, and the last day of my holidays. O.K. maybe I grout on Saturday, more time for the tile adhesive to dry.
Actually I should go to the beach via the newsagency, because I could have won the lottery while I have been interstate, and not even know it. Then I most definitely would not be on my last day of holidays!!
Looking forward to hearing what you have decided to do with the toilet floor Claire. check out Mosaics by Kaffe Fassett and Candace Bahouth for some amazing mosaiced floors if that takes your fancy. It was my original idea for the bathroom, before we got given tiles. In fact they do a great shelled wall as well, not that you would ever want to get rid of that great old laminate.
And mum and dads bathroom has been pulled apart yesterday. I cant wait to get up there in a few days time and see what's happening.
O.K. enough banter for now. Love to you all
Zak

news from the capital

Wow, what a great holiday! Can't believe they went so fast, and back to work tomorrow. Thanks again Marty and Claire for a great time. It was wonderful to spend some time with you and finally see your home. Was very weird  coming home in the bus on Friday there was snow -quite heavy just outside Goulburn and again when we got onto the Federal Highway. In all my 24 years of coming and going to Sydney I have never seen that much snow- and in October. So I went from sweating on Thursday to freezing when I got off the bus on Friday. Clare and Steve were late so I shivered outside in my cotton cardigan while I waited for them. Much warmer today though - I was able to weed some of the garden. Steve and Clare survived the 10 days without me -it was good to see them. Lucy's exams start on Tuesday and she should be back next Thursday- she has almost finished her first year of uni! Anyway need to go and start cooking dinner- back to reality tonight- grocery shopping and cooking then folding washing! Next stop- Wales- and Moo and Jules. Moo- have already started looking on the net for things to do  in Wales- I like to make lists- just ask Marty, Claire and Kate! And Steve just groans if there is a museum on my list! That's about all for now, bye for now, Annie

greetings from the south coast

Hi all,
Unbelievable!! Im sitting at the kitchen slab in trousers, woollen socks, beanie, woollen jumper, with several layers under it.It is 9am, and has been pissing rain since I woke up, along with amazing rolls of thunder and lightning. I really dont want to drive for 9 hours to Maffra in this weather, so am just sitting and waiting to see what happens.
Many many thanks again to Mart and Claire for our awesome holiday and beautiful time spent with them.
Moo good to hear Jules is on the mend. I can imagine he may become a bit stir crazy(and a pain in the arse, but dont tell him that) if he as to do the patient thing for too long, and we know you prefer the ones that cant speak. Glad to hear the galah is up with the pelican, as it is in my place. Im wondering if Betty's place sold and if you know for how much, and I really do wonder, what happened to that tv??
The rain seriously is not stopping. Ok I better check out the forecast.
It looks like reading in bed for the day might be a good option.
So cheers from the soggy south,
Love Zak

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
Kate, it is great to have regular updates on your holiday. Thanks.
Mum, you look fab in that photo. Glad to see decent sized wine glasses.
Jules is recovering well but seems to want to run before he can walk. I have to nag him a LOT to stop and think about his movement. (He loves being nagged really). Don't really want to see the hip dislocate. He has had very little pain though. I have had him out in the car a few times. He gets stir crazy if he has to sit in the house too long.
On Sunday I am supposed to go to a day of racing at our Welsh racetrack, Ffos Las, but don't think Jules can be left all day just yet. Will see how he is as the day nears. Maybe Cynthia could come and keep him company - I'm sure he would love that!
Next week we are booked into the caravan at New Quay again. Will have to see if the bed is high enough when we get there or turn around and come home.
I was speaking to a friend of mine on the weekend. He writes a blog on horse racing. The link is http://theracinghorse.co.uk/category/blog/ He is always keen for comments and I told him I would put the link on our blog so those who follow the racing - Kev, Jack, Tom - may have a look and give him some feedback. Thanks.
Not a lot happening here. I have resumed the role of domestic goddess as I have to do ALL the cooking, cleaning, etc whilst Jules recovers. Am unable to work at present as my caring role takes priority. If we could win the lottery it would make life easier.
Enjoy the rest of the holiday ladies. Love to all. xxxx
P.S. The galah is on the wall. xxx

Greetings from the top end

Hi all,
Well its Tuesday morning, Marty and Claire have left for work, Annie is still sleeping and Im having a cuppa, after yoga, and before a plunge in the pool. The Rapid Creek markets that Claire spoke about were awesome. If you cant go to Asia, go to Rapid Creek markets, no wonder Mart doesnt need a passport.
Yesterday Annie and I just lapped the mall in town, and found the most amazing Indonesian cafe. Just another example of Asia in Darwin.
I was hoping one day this week I would go for a day trip to the Tiwi Islands. Unfortunately there has been a 'government bungle', which are the exact words on the tourist website, so there are no ferries going over. Sounds like they gave the tender to a company which hasnt fronted up. I bet the locals are pissed off. Nevertheless, I overheard Claire discussing the possibility of JoF taking his boat next year in the dry season over to the Tiwis, so maybe I get head back up for that??
Ive probably won the lottery and dont even know it, and will never have to work again, just travel around, garden, pot and mosaic.
As I write I am kept company by Buddy Dog Guy, otherwise known as Bunge, and several other names starting usually with B. The dog rules in this joint, even to the extent that Claire plans the garden around his favourite activities. He has a beautiful placid nature, and best of all, he hardly ever barks!! All the kids in the neighbourhood know him, and you can hear them calling and greeting him on their way past to school. He's off out now to meet one of them as I write this.
Im still trying to decide if I will do a quick trip down to Maffra later this week, Should  contact Mya first, to see what she is up to. As Hasi says, I should take advantage of having Brigid's car for the next month or so, before she gets back. I will just think as the territorians do, and say Whats a thousand kilometres or 2!!
And who cares about having 5 days at home to tile the bathroom, pave, garden, and get a heap of things done.
Well Annie is still sleeping, so I,ll make another pot of tea and take it down to the pool. Today I am getting my first ever pedicure. Im hoping for a big electrical storm tonight or tomorrow, but I think its a bit early in the season for that.  What a finale that would be to our trip in the top end.
Moo, hope Jules is doing well.
Love to all, Zak
P.S. Mum good to see you living it up at some swanky restaurant.

Joan at the Blackwater

 

Penshurst Receiving

Hi All at the Top End
Thanks for your several updates.
Joan, needing a haicut, organised the trip to Bronte Road on Tuesday.
Wednesday, looking a million dollars, we attended the Directors' Luncheon for O'Loughlin Bros at the Blackwater Restaurant at Sans Souci. She wore a lovely pink blouse. Jim McCloud to a photo on his mobile, emailed it to me and try as I might I can't transfer the bloody thing to "My Pictures" and then on to the Blog.
Uncle John and Moira had lunch with us today, as did Friz., We were joined later on by Jack, Fran - who baked a delicious banana bread - and Connor.
Moira is looking a bit pasty --well who wouldn't after a double bypass -- The Uncle his usual "matter of fact" self.
I rang Colin to find out when to expect him and he says Monday of next week at 7am.
Paul Tynan gets his "implants" on Nov 7, just four weeks away.
Love
Kevin and Joan.       

Sunday roast and more

Tonight we are ignoring the temperature and cooking the Sunday Roast. Thankfully it is churning away in the Weber! Joe Faggion and family and Chappie and Sabina are joining us so it will be a nice way to finish off the holidays. Zac and Anne bought exotic tropical fruit for a fruit salad from the Rapid Creek market this morning. Will be a zinger of a fruit salad.
hope all are well
Claire

greetings from Resort a la Claire

Hi everyone,
Yesterday we headed out to Corroboree Billabong. This is a truely magical place. Amazing pink water lilies and lily pads, brolgas (my favourite bird), egrets herons,jabarus, sea eagles and their huge nests perched up in the higher trees, and of course, crocodiles!!
Mart caught a 57cm barramundi, which Claire cooked up for dinner. Claire caught a smaller fish, I cant remember the name, which we had to throw back.
Anne and I just soaked it all up.A very very special day.
This morning (Hasis birthday) we have been off to Parap market for breakfast and a shop.
Mart and I have just been off to an open house down the street, up for auction on wednesday arvo.
The houses in Darwin are coded. This place is a M7, as was the house we looked at.
Its looking like a cruisey arvo on the verandah and in the pool, maybe with a glass or two of champagne.
A special message to Jules- I think you are truely amazing that you are home already and no doubt you'll be up and racing before we know it. We are all thinking of you up here. Of course you have the best nuturer to care for you, although she usually likes the non speaking ones.
Love to all you guys, Zak

greetings from the top end

Hi everyone,
Well amazingly it is already Thursday, how time flies when you are having fun.
We have been out in the boat, up to a creek in Shoal Bay to place crab traps at high tide, which was about 7pm, and went back about 7am the next day to retrieve them. We didnt get as many as we had hoped, but it was heaps enough for Mart to make a chilli crab meal which was awesome.
The last time I was in a boat was the last time I was up here. What a beautiful experience.
Yesterday we went to the art gallery and musuem. Also Claire showed us all the interesting alternative shops in Darwin. Oh yes, we have decided that it will be $100 limit  for christmas presents. Of course less if you find something super for the lower price, and more if you want. Mum we have purchased Claire's christmas present for her already, I will take photos to show you.
Today we have been op shopping. Mart seemed to do the best out of all of us, with some good purchases, which included a great mambo shirt, which you would love Moo.
Tonight we are off to Mindil beach markets where there is great food, great stalls and beautiful sunset. Tomorrow we are off to Corroboree for the day.
Claire luckily has had three days off  work this week so she could hang out with us.
Im now heading down to the pool. Yesterday we spent the arvo, drinking champagne in the pool, how decadent and gorgeous.
Hope all's well with everyone.
Love Zak, Annie, Mart and Claire.

greetings from the south coast

Hi all,
Well I am finally on Holidays for almost 3 whole weeks!!!
Checking in with mum and dad today, then a weekend at home before flying north with Annie on Monday to hang out with Mart and Claire, (and buddy)
Im basically packed and waiting to go.
Moo sounds like you had a great time with Maria and family. It must have been lovely sharing your home with them and showing them the amazing Welsh countryside.I can imagine how thrilled Maria must have been about everything.
Well no more news from me. I'll send some news from the top end, so stay tuned.
Love Zak

Welsh greetings

Hi All,
Firstly, Happy Birthday Fran. Hope you've been spoilt by your boys.
We had a lovely, but all too short visit from the Arrows. Maria knocked at our door about 6p.m. on Thurs. It was amazing to have them in our home. We took them to The Gwachel for dinner and stopped in at "clown school" which runs in our local community centre on a Thursday night. Jerome rode a unicycle and we all learnt a hat trick.
On Friday I took them to The Gower. We walked out to the point at Rhosilli and had a Joe's ice-cream from the National Trust shop. We then returned over Cefn Bryn and saw King Arthur's stone. As we were close by, we called at Cynthia's to surprise her - which we did!
Saturday had been predicted to be good weather so we had set it aside to visit Caldey Island. It was a glorious day. We were late setting off (Maria and Jerome take some time to get going in the mornings) but still had three hours on Caldey. It was as magical as always. Returned via the coast road (Pendine, etc) and stopped in Laugharne where we strolled past the castle to Dylan's Boathouse. Had a pint to help us on our way before returning home.
Sunday was typically Welsh autumn weather (have to mention weather) - rain rain rain. We had a drive around our usual route over the Black Mountain to Llandovery and return down the valley. Stopped in Trecastle for the antique shop where Re & Kev made a few purchases. Also stopped at The Ancient Briton pub for a pint so Kev could see the range of ales.
On Monday they had to return their hire car and I drove them to Fishguard to take the ferry to Ireland. Had a bit of time to visit the op shops in Fishguard before they had to board. Picked up a few last minute treasures.
Have had a few messages from Kev via facebook. They are enjoying Ireland. They will have about 8days with a car to travel around and then 3days in Dublin. They fly from Dublin to Abu Dhabi for 3nights before returning home.
Was fabulous to have them here. Hopefully next time it will be for longer and we can show them more of this beautiful country.
Annie, you're next!
Love to all xxxxxxx

news from the capital

Yes, I am also very excited about Darwin- Kate this time in 3 weeks we will be there!! That's what I keep telling myself to get through these last few weeks of work! I have ordered myself a new pair of crocs-sandals so will be nice and cool for Darwin. By now most of you will have heard the news that Steve and I are travelling to UK next year. Steve is going on a French study tour to France (oh the lurks of working in a private school!!) so his air fare is already paid for. We will be taking 3 weeks leave and are taking the opportunity of only paying for one air fare. I intend to fly over in the second week of holidays and will be staying with Moo for a week- Steve will come over from France and have a few days then we will be off travelling through the UK for a few weeks. I would like to spend a few days in Paris seeing all the stuff I learnt about in French as a school girl.  So we will probably have a few days at the end in Paris as Steve will need to fly our from there. We will probably have to fly separately which will be OK- I am a bit nervous- I just need to man up a bit!! So Kate are you jealous- A bit of travelling for me in the next few months. Lucy came up on the weekend with some friends for a 21st, next time we see her will be her birthday- we are going to go  see her in Wagga on her birthday. Have been a little stressed the last few days because of goings on at work- but all good now- just looking forward to Darwin and seeing Marty and Claire!! Nothing else is happening, so will say goodbye to all. Marty and Claire will be seeing you soon (and you too Kate!!)

greetings from the south coast

Hi everyone,
Time is tickng and Annie and I are going to be in Darwin before we know it.Menopause in the tropics, that will be a new experience for me. Note to self -pack fan.
Well spring has sprung on the coast. The days are growing longer, I could walk on the beach in daylight after finishing work today, the orange blossoms are out, the jasmine is out round every corner, yes the smell of spring, I love it! it also means, summer is on its way. Alas it also means the weeds are returning, but I will stay on a positive note.
 I have just spent a good hour chatting to Moo, which I love.
Im heading off to bed now for an early night,  we call it a Mart night- bed before 9pm!
Love to you all, breathe in the spring and love it
Zak

Welsh update

Hi All
Have joined the rest of you now in needing glasses. I am short sighted so do not need them for reading, but need them for distance. Noticed I couldn't see the monitors clearly from the end of the bed so had an eye test. Picked up my new glasses yesterday and christened them last night when I drove home from Swansea. (Was advised to wear them for night driving). Of course, I look gorgeous with or without glasses but they take a bit of getting used to.
Love to all. xxxx

Welsh Greetings

Hi All
Been a while since I posted so will jot a few lines. Not much to report really as we are restricted in our activity  with Jules being indisposed.
Great news from Marty this week though. Very pleased to get that phone call.
On Friday night I saw Richard Thompson (Fairport Convention and guitar virtuoso) at our local Arts Centre. He was fabulous. What a talented man!
Things have been quiet with work but, hopefully, will pick up as most of the doctors return from their summer holidays.
New darts season starts this week. We will now be playing from the rugby club as The Gwyn remains closed. There are actually three teams of ladies darts playing from the club this season. The men are in for a shock.
Last night whilst practicing I hit my first 180. I was very excited. Hope it's not my last.
Maria, Kevin and Jerome will be waiting for their flight as I type. We are greatly looking forward to their visit.
I have been doing the annual clearing of the back garden. we can get to the top level again without fighting the weeds. Will hopefully clear the rest before the visitors arrive - weather permitting. (Can't not mention the weather).
Hope all is well and happy in Aus. Have fun and take care. xxxx

My even AWESOMER band

Blame the "tech guru" (?) for the last one, pays to preview what you post

My AWESOME band

news from the capital

Well another musical over!! I went really well- so proud of all the kids- and my band, they are amazing- they sound so fantastic and polished!! I had three ex-students come back to play which made me so happy, they really are special kids. They tell me they are coming back next year. I did take all their mobiles so I can ring them next year!! I think I smiled every night when I was conducting, and am feeling a little flat this weekend now it's over. Lucy came home yesterday for two weeks holiday. It was good that Dad caught up with her. Other than that, the last few weeks I have done nothing but musical rehearsal- I won't know what to do with myself this week- I will be home before 5pm and have my Sundays back again. Now I  can start to look forward to Darwin in October with Kate, may have to lose a few kilos before then! Anyway, that is about all, thanks Dad for coming to see my musical- you can tell everyone how amazing my band is- I am not biased at all!!

greetings from the south coast

Hello to all readers,
Friday morning, and Im just having 2nd breakfast with mum. Dad will be on route to Canberra, as I write. Hope he has taken his thermals.
After seeing the theatre production of The Sapphires last year, I was not really keen to see the new release of the movie. However I have to say, it was just as great, lots of laughs, and probably for Annie a few tears, but a real feel good movie, which was the best medicine after another harrowing week at the office. Seriously if you love going to work think yourself very lucky.
Anyway Im in for a weekend time warp with mum, which is always chilled out and relaxing, however I have bought my gardening clothes to do a bit of pruning.
So hope all's well with everyone, and you are resting up Mart.
Love to you all, Zak

greetings from the south coast

Hi everyone,
Remember what today is?? All horses birthday. Tom and Edith Woods would be so happy to know we still remember.  Nurses seem more likely to know this, I found out today, than Doctors and medical students. Im not suprised by this, is anyone?
Its cold here. I was thinking of heading out to the shed for an hour to play with tiles and clay, but Im thinking a hot bath is more like it.
Cheers for now, Zak
P.S. Mart and Claire those bastards jetstar changed our flight from 1pm to 9.30pm arriving in Darwin at 1.40am. I know it wouldnt bother you guys, as the door would be open, and we would just come in and go to bed, but I was mighty pissed off. Hence we cancelled that flight, and will arrive via Virgin and the more civilised time of about 1pm. But those customer service people are very well trained, no matter what I carried on about, they had a calm polite answer for everything. Someone should tell them, that pisses people off even more!!
P.S.S. I,m getting excited, even splashed out on a new (very quirky)sunhat today which I have been eyeing off for months. The shop owner couldnt believe I was finally buying it, after trying it on several times over the last few months. She was horrified to hear, I might even try to cut a pattern from it and make more .
Cheers again, Zak

Christmas List

Hi All,
Here is the Christmas List, carefully worked out by the Lady Kate under the watchful eye of the "Lady of the House" who amazingly made no changes.

Kevin     buys for   Moo
Joan       buys for   Fran
John       buys for   Claire
Fran       ..............   Anne
Martin    .............   John
Claire     .............   Kevin
Kate       .............   Joan
Hasi       .............   Stephen
Anne      .............   Hasi
Stephen  .............   Julian
Moo       .............   Kate
Julian    .............    Martin

Kate has checked the  above and gives it the OK.

Enjoy the working through the various ideas which comes to mind and "go for it".

Love
Dad/Tjilpi/Old Mam/Kev.

greetings from the south coast

Hi everyone,
Moo I will keep my fingers crossed that you have a glorious sunny hot weekend. Hasi has returned from his travels. The house seems crowded with him home, but getting used to it. I finally got my lights up in the kitchen, after buying them 8 months ago!! They look amazing. I will take some photos now Hasi is home with the camera so you can love them too Moo. Annie did an Illawarra weekend last weekend, which was loads of fun, so she experienced the lights first hand. Ive got a new plan for the bathroom, so need to get cracking before I change my mind again. That really is half the battle, so many options and only one bathroom. Lets see who gets organised first, me or mum.Theres an african dance party on tomorrow night at Marrickville so I may have to do a road trip up to check it out.
Thats me. Love to you all. Have a great weekend. Love Zak

Welsh Greetings

Hi All
Weather set to improve on the weekend!
Pub didn't sell in the auction last week so we still await it's fate.
Gail and Ann returnred safely from their Canadian trip. Lovely to have them back.
Collected trophies for the darts team at the darts dinner last week. Still on top of our section for this season with three games left to play.
Jules has an MRI scan tomorrow to see if they can diagnose his problem.
Laura delivered a healthy 8lb 5.5oz baby boy last Saturday. Griff Rocco is doing well but we have yet to meet him.
Louise is scheduled to have a C-section to deliver her son next Monday (23rd).
Was hoping to add a photo of the flying pelican for you Kate, but having problems with the computer. Will keep trying.
That's about all for now. Take care.
Love to All
Moo xxx

Welsh Greetings Addit

Forgot to tell you that we are happy to be included in the draw for Christmas if it is going ahead this year. Thanks. xxx

Welsh Greetings

Hi All
Not a lot happening in Wales really. Summer has been a total non event thus far with no improvement in the foreseeable future. That gets the necessary British weather topic out of the way.
Not a lot of work about but we wait to see how it will develop.
Tomorrow The Gwyn Arms, my local pub goes up for auction. We are hoping the person/s who buy it will keep it running as a pub. Watch this space.
Gail & Ann return from Canada this week. Looking forward to that. We have been winning our darts without them but they have only missed two matches because the others have had to be rescheduled. We are currently top of our division. Friday night is the darts dinner where we collect our trophies from topping the division in the last season. Only two of us from the team are attending but we will be proud agents for the rest.
Jules is still suffering with his hip/leg/whatever. He should have had an MRI scan yesterday but, due to technical problems, it was cancelled and he now has to waiy until Friday 20th. He is not happy!
Hope everyone is well and happy. Take care and have fun. xxxx

greetings from the south coast

Well aint that a blast from the past!! Great old friends getting together.
Friday is the final day to let Annie, myself or mum know what you prefer to do for christmas. If we dont hear from you, you are of f the list, so pull your fingers out of where ever you've got them tucked away, and communicate.
cheers Zak

Peter Tyrrell

Well Peter Tyrrell arrived a couple of Wednesdays ago and we went down the Roper fishing, We camped on the side of the river for 3 days and caught about 10 barra (maybe a few more) and we brought some home that Peter will probably take back to NSW. We have also been out crabbing and have frozen half a dozen for him to also take back. He leaves on Sunday and then Claire and I will probably go out to Kakadu for a few days. I spoke to Mario Faggion a coiuple of days ago and he has been out to Alligator Billabong and caught about 50 Barra (10 keepers). Not bad for a days fishing. I still can't get on the blog but I can use Claire's log on.

Regards
Marty

News from Home

Hi All
Thanks for the birthday greetings. Your present from yesteryear is being continued and giving great pleasure especially when exotic events like cricket, tennis, rugby, NRL, AFL, and racing appear; not found on free to air.

On Monday, to celebrate the combined birthdays, my sisters, Margaret and Marie brought a sumptuos baked turkey dinner  complete with creamed cauliflower, baked vegatables, cranberry sauce, gravy and topped off with delicious cheesecake and ice cream. Ron joined us for the day to make it a real family treat.

I had prepared a stick for each of the girls from photos pre slide days and about 200 slides in which each appeared. I plugged it into the TV creating  great excitement, hilarity, and "that was a great day" and "is that really me" moments. I enclose samples:(the photos should appear here -not above). Kate and I have been trying to get the pictures where they should go - she is having more success than me.
Christmas: I like the idea of buying for each other as we have been doing over the years; you may have other preferences. Anne and Kate will both be here in two weeks so they can organise the draw with Mum if that is the way you want to go. Let us know your preference.
The new system of blogging had me confused but thanks to Katie's help I've managed this contribution.
School holidays are on us again so there will be many contrbutions over the next few weeks - photos please.
Love to All
Dad/Tjilpi/Old Man/kev.
 

greetings from the south coast

Hi all,

up with the olds today. Dad and I have just had breakfast. It will probably be a while till mum surfaces. May even do a quick dash to vinnies,before she gets up. Remember this day in Bowral, how bloody cold it was, especially for the territorian. I have'nt seen Lucy and Clare for ages, and am missing them, so  just browse some photos so I can gaze at their beautiful smiling faces.

Yep think I'll do a vinnies dash, Ive got a feeling in my bones it could be a lucky day.

Love to you all, Zak

The one day of the year I'm a monarchist !

Hi all,
thought I'd take over from Annie. Those last few horrible weeks of term are upon us with marking, reporting, form filling etc - so Annie and I went to the coast with our old friends for a wonderful weekend of company, food and wine ! Don't know where the three days went but I do know we had a wonderful time. A few photos to try and give you a flavour of our weekend.

 Merimbula on Saturday. We stayed with our friends Michael and Michelle in their unit facing the lake, on the left ( inside the inlet ) of this pic.

 As you can see we had no problem with the weather, in fact it was perfect.

My attempt at an artistic shot from in front of our unit, Merimbula village in walking distance in the background.

In other news: Lucy is home from Uni ( ahh the life of those University grandchildren ) awaiting first semester results and hopefully earning some pocket money. Clare has a week until semester 1 exams, then a short semester until she too is off on some new adventure after school, yet to be determined. Annie is excited about Sydney in a few weeks and Darwin not so long after that ( gotta get through that marking first Annie ) and I'm keeping busy too.


Cheers


Steve

Welsh Greetings

Hi All
Kate really has got the bug for posting photos. Glad she has discovered the skill because I, for one, am greatly enjoying the pictures. Vivid looks awesome! I love decorating buildings with lights like that. Fantastic!
Not much to report from the northern hemisphere. The weather is rubbish - flooding in Aberystwyth. I have been making the most of the bad weather by doing some extra work. There is lots of work available so it's a great opportunity to save some pennies so I can have a holiday when/if the weather does improve. Hoping for a good September when Maria and Kevin will be with us. Have I mentioned they are coming to visit?
Gail and Ann have left us for a month to visit a friend in Canada. They fly tomorrow. Very excited for them but will miss them.
Hope all of you are well and happy. Take care and have fun. xxx

from the south coast

Hi all, Last week I checked out Vivid while I was in Sydney, the photos dont do it  justice, it really is awesome. You can check it out on you tube, otherwis here's a glimpse

Customs House

Museum of Contemporary Art

Hope you like them.
Love to anyone out there