greetings from the south coast

Hi all,
Have to get my December blog in.
Its holiday time for almost all of us. Probably Jack and I are the only ones still working, but I am looking forward to 5 whole days off over Christmas, then a few weeks off in January for a few festivals.
Normal kooky pre Christmas  weather. Sticky hot and extremely humid, to hot water bags and sock weather. I never think summer stabilises till after Christmas.
So it looks like may be at some stage in the next few weeks, we may all be together in one spot. Get the cameras ready.
I also have an idea for mums rolling photo album, or whatever you call it. Everyone needs to get ten of their best photos and we need to add it to the album. Of course I should probably tell you all in person, as its probably only Moo and me reading the blog at the moment. Sun is finally out on this Saturday  morning, which means hang washing and get in the creek, and get off the internet!!
Safe and fun travels to all the lucky ones who are on, or preparing to get on the road, or air, as the case may be.
Hasi has just called me to the garden, but Im too late, to see a beautiful baby water dragon. Draco is having babies!!
OK that's all for now.
Love to everyone
Zak

greeting from the south coast via the capital

Hi all,
Annie and I know its still a while away, but its time for everyone to start checking out the parkes elvis festival program. Think karoake with elvis, bingo with elvis, edible elvis art competition. theres also a monster meat raffle, a gospel service on sunday in the big w carpark, which Im told by our host is a must.
Theres also the big elvis parade on saturday morning, and elvis busking competition, and of course meeting the elvis train when it rolls into town on friday arvo.
Theres markets and at least one op shop that we know of. It is all sounding so awesome, I was dancing round the kitchen in excitement this morning.
The disk is 20 km out of town, if you are feeling like an excursion and there is the dish cafe along side the dish. So So much to see and do!!!
So get excited.. and get prepared for the party of your lives...
fun, fun, fun in the bloody hot sun

and then theres the Trundle Abba festival on May 2nd, but I know, not too much excitement all at once!! Jack I can feel you gyrating from here.
ok enough excitement for one evening
Cheers Zak and Black

greetings from the south coast

Hi all,
Yep Moo that fish Claire did was awesome. I may try that idea myself, just for a change from tiles.
The quilt was in a fabric shop in Darwin. It was seriously one of the most amazing fabric shops. Mostly for patchwork/quilting, but for example if you want to do a quilt with the theme of fishing, I counted at least 10 different fabrics with the fishing theme in them. Heaps of bird fabrics, just pick a theme basically and they have it covered.
There is really some quant little shops in Darwin and Claire knows them all, which is a bonus.
Hasi's  niece Joanne has been with us since 11th October. She has just returned from a few days in the Blue Mountains which she loved. 550 photographs in 2 days!!
She and I did the sculptures by the sea. It was the first time I had done it since we moved south. It was really amazing, and I had forgotten how beautiful that part of the coastline is. Those amazing sandstone rocks, the shapes and the colours. Awesome!The things you do with tourists!!
Ive been working (too hard), gardening and swimming and walking on the beach. Its so lovely to be able to get home from work hot and sweaty, and dive into the sea!!
The three of us spent a long weekend on Stradbroke island, for the  island vibe festival, with a half a dozen friends.
Swimming, dancing, amazing music, gorgeous friends!
Ok time for a cuppa,
Love to all
Zak

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
No news really, just checking in to say Hi.
The fish mosaic in Kate's post is fabulous. You didn't mention anything about the quilt though Kate. I want it!
Jules and I are well. Hoping to book flights this week, but no promises. Will let you know when they are booked.
Enjoying watching the Rugby Autumn Internationals, although did not enjoy seeing France beat Australia yesterday.
Jules is still driving a taxi two days a week and I am working mostly nights at present.
Hope all is well with everyone there. See you soon. xxxxx

greetings from the south coast

this is actually for friz.

the fish is a mosaic done by claire. made for lids of canned food. really beautiful.

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
Not a lot going on but thought I'd just check in.
We had an enjoyable few days away in New Quay. Weather held out for us mostly (there's my weather talk). Had a few op shop bargains.
Had a night out with the darts girls -dinner and chatting - very enjoyable. Doing OK this season. First half over so break for knockouts now.
Weather is getting colder and wetter (there it is again). Time to fly south for the winter.
Hope all is well.
xxxxx

greetings from the south coast

hi all
back home from the top end. this seems to mean woollen socks, beanie scarf etc. what a shock to the system. so im going to finish my top end series with one or 2 more photos

here is annie having a pedicure and us 3 at the airport. time to get real and get to the gym. .today and tommorrow left of holidays before i have to go back to you know what.

p.s. note to self. check lottry ticket, i may b a millionaite and not know it.

love to all and big thanks and kisses to marty and claire for a great time with them.

more photos. its working!!

holiday greetings from top end

see if these photos get on vlog. should b 2

holiday greetings

ok i am going to try to put photos from my phone onto the blog. see wwhat happens!!

Greetings not from the south coast

Hi all
We'll Annie and I are chilling out in the top end with Marty and Claire. Oops and Buddy Guy. Markets , swimming, sipping champagne in the pool, which is one of our favourite pastimes. This morning we went for a lovely walk in the Jingili Water Gardens. This arvo we are reading and helping Mart put up the rails on the verandah. We have done the easy small ones at the end, but have to get the longer, and heavier ones up next.
It is truely amazing how much work they have done here since we last visited, and how much the garden has grown. Lovely lush and private.
our niece should have arrived this morning. She should have arrived last night but her flight was delayed, so she missed her connecting flight in Singapore. I'm waiting to her form Hasi if she landed.
Ok back to work
Love to all, zak

GREETINGS FROM HOME

After much difficulty this page has opened up. How long it will last and whether it will publish will be determined shortly.
Pacemaker revamped; Darwin finally landed; heavy cold limiting.
Per favour of Marty's mate Dave, teacher and horse trainer, have booked for Scone Cup next year.
Disappointing AFL Grand Final, but enjoyable company.
Trip to Corroboree Lagoon: beautiful, colourful country, even after a long Dry; crocs, water birds, soaring kites, hawkes, sitting sea eagles...but no fish.
A motor failure gave Marty and Joe a chance to hone their paddling skills before a tow to the boat ramp.
A visit to Claire's work place topped off a great few days with Marty and Claire.
I took very few photos but what I did take won't come up on my "insert" key.
(20 minutes of frustrating chasing around trying to get pictures I give up)
Love to all. Kate and Annie will no doubt be able to get pictures on their blog.
I wonder will they get Marty to come back on board.
Dad, Old Man, Kev, Tjilpi .

greetings from the south coast

Hi all, No I don't think she will get that message Moo. So presumably people who travel write blogs, so we should be expecting a beauty from the top end very soon. Im not sure if Im travelling, but I am away from home quite a bit lately. Well maybe I am as m in the time warp, does that count?? I went for a walk/run down to the boat ramp this morning. I was truly disgusted at how seedy the water looked. Basically green slim, and no way of seeing anywhere near the bottom. How do fish live in that?? It is however a great area to walk, run, see the birds, the mansions, the native bushland, the ducks and all the people with dogs. I read in the weekend paper that 40% of Wollongong households have dogs. The council is taking away the off the leash beaches, and there is a major outcry from the locals. My miserable dogless self, couldn't care less, in fact dogs can be a real pain in the arse on the beach,and dog owners can be complete wankers about their dogs behaviours. Nevertheless it was a lovely morning by the bay. Lovely that its Monday and Im not at work. What a lovely thought. You teachers get to say that every few months, lucky yous. OK that sit for now, looking forward to our very own tales from the tinny soon. Love to the blog loyals, Zak

Birthday Greetings

Want to wish Fran a very very Happy Birthday. Thinking of you. Have a fabulous day. Hope you actually see this! xxx

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
Kate the bed is beautiful and looks fantastic! The Welsh tapestry suits it perfectly. There are three photos. Beautiful.
Not much happening here. Work and play. The van is sick again. Jules is getting very peed off with it. Looks like the gear box now. Need to do an extra shift this weekend to pay for a new one.
All well otherwise. Great news from Brigid! Very pleased to see that facebook post from Gen.
Have a fabulous weekend in Canberra.
Take care all. xxxxx

greetings from the south coast

Hi all, OK the last one was meant to be three photos!! this is seriously starting to give me the shits. And its pouring rain for my drive to Canberra today! Should never start the day at the dentist Love to whoever may see this blog. Zak

greetings from the south coast

Hi I am just going to try posting photos again and see what happens this time...take 2

Hi If anyone reads the last blog it does not make sense, because the photo actually came out, but not till after I posted it. Weird, very weird. So maybe I will try again when I am home to send some. Cool. That's all, just replying to my own blog, otherwise known as talking /writing to yourself. Ha ha Love Zak

greetings from the south coast

Hi all, OK about the photos. I have them on the computer but for some unknown reason cannot get them onto the blog. I will take it with me next weekend when I visit Annie and the girls, and they will have to assist their technology handicapped aunty to sort it out. I am currently on dads computer, and have somehow enlarged the print on it so much that even a blind person could read it. I will get Gen onto it tonight before she starts drinking champagne to fix it. Ha I fixed the print myself!! how amazing!! I really should go to evening college and become more enabled in this field. See all that. That's what happens when I try to put a photo on, even from dads computer. So annoying. Even more annoying is the flylondon bianca sandals I wanted to buy online don't seem to be in my size. Now that is really pissing me off. I have emailed flylondon to sort it out for me. Im a pretty good customer, and got several other people hooked on their shoes, so they owe me one. Hope they see it that way too. Moo maybe they have them in Neath or Swansea, you may have to help out with this, otherwise what colour?? I should actually get off this computer, I have already spent $200 this morning. Its also easy!! Moo Ive got your $5oo for Elvis, thanks. Might stroll to Vinnies to see if I can find a frock... Love to you all, Zak

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
Annie, the room looks fab! You should be extremely comfy cosy in there. Perhaps you can help Kate post photos of her room I keep hearing about but have not yet seen.
Jules and I had a lovely stay in Usk. The hotel was a slight letdown - read my review on trip advisor - but the overall trip was lovely. Have never really spent time in that part of Wales. Went to Chepstow, Monmouth and Abergavenny on our return home. Very good op shopping day, final count 22 I think.
Was lovely to speak with you all on my birthday. Thanks for the calls. It is always the highlight of my day.
Had a lovely lunch, called to see Cynthia and finished off the day in The Gwyn for darts practice. We have started our Sunday night practices again finally. Our darts have not been so good lately but the improvement is evident with just one extra day practice. In last nights practice I had a 14 dart finish (playing from 401).
Today is a bank holiday here so it's pouring rain. Jules is driving a taxi and I am waiting to see if I will get any work.
Looked up our house for Parkes on Google - lovely big corner block, looks fab.
Don't think there's any more to tell at the mo. The van is back on the road so should get a few nights away soon. Hope you are all well and happy. Take care. xxxxxxxx

news from the capital

Ok, so Moo and Kate have shamed me putting something on to the blog!! I did forget my password and needed a new one so thought I should put something on it as well. Go girls!! Well spending hours of my spare time at musical rehearsal. Two weeks to go, and then I will have my Sunday mornings back and wednesday and thursday afternoons back! Lucy gets home on Wednesday for her holidays. Clare is finally back at uni, after having what seemed forever off! Nothing much happening here. Looking forward to the blues festival and after that Darwin. Then off course as Kate says Elvis!! It's fantastic that you all are coming for my 50th! Am very excited about it. Still threatening to drug Clare and Lucy and throwing them in the back of the car, I don't think they appreciate the joke! Though somehow I don't think Kate is joking!! Getting warmer here (finally) a beautiful 15 degrees today, and only -1 overnight- quite balmy! Last week the -5 degree starts were a bit hard to take. Luckily everything is heated here in Canberra. So that's about all that's happening here in the capital. Most of you have heard that Ruth named her baby boy after Stephen- Oliver Stephen Paul- such a lovely tribute to a man who loved babies so much. I promise not to leave it so long before I put something on the blog next time. Here are some pictures of my room I promised you Moo, let's see if I can do this without asking Clare for help!

more from the coast

Hi again, last weekend I bought an amazing piece of religious kitsch, a ring with St Christopher on it. Buddha is cool as we all know, but if you want a good all rounder saint you cant get better than saint Christopher!! In my ignorance of all things holy, I always thought saint Christopher was the patron saint of travellers only, however this guy is much more, a true all rounder saint in my book. He is also the patron saint of ailments and illness, dangers, mariners, sailors , surfers,, boatmen, floods, hailstorms and lightning. But want there's more. he is also the patron saint of people who lift and carry, porters, transportation and transportation workers and last but by no means least, he is the patron saint of a holy death. I truelly love Mary of Guadalupe, but St Christopher, runs a very close second. That's all for now, Zak

greetings from the south coast

Hello everyone, Im sure you had a lovely sunday birthday Moo. Great that the doris tshirt fits. Judith was very excited to know that doris, as well as travelling to Darwin and Canberra, is now heading to Wales. It was the Canberra girls that thought you should have one. I especially loved the card we choose for you. So Jules, just starting a list for you. I offered to try a repair job on the ceiling of the laundry at mum and dads, but mum says no. Im good with that, as I am happy sticking with the odd jobs and gardening here. Just let me know if you want a list to do at our place as well, cause there's a shitload you can do down there. Hasi and I have been sanding some old leadlight windows for the sunroom, which is hard work. Why cant I just be like normal people and buy new ones(excluding Mark and Clare who are also slaves to recycling)No it has to be done the hard way, then I have to reputty all the lead. Also Ive now got a whole new plan for the back area, which I hope to discuss with Mark and Clare this weekend...stay tuned. The Elvis experience is booked and confirmed, get your gear ready!! Its going to be fun in the sun (and hot!)No swimming pol at the house, but it does have aircon in the living areas and 2 of the bedrooms, while the other 2 rooms have fans. No Marty, Annie and I have been trying since the beginning of the plan to get Lucy and Clare to come, but they are quite horrified by the idea. We are going to have to get them to Sydney or the coast for you and Clare to spend some time with them, unless you swing by their place in your massive road trip. Hasi,s niece has booked her ticket and will be coming in October. We are very excited about this, as she's the first of his mob to make it to Oz!! Lucky we bought that beautiful big old bed for her. Well time to vacuum and mop. I am a firm believe in housecleaners, mum and dad should get one and so should I. Well hope everyone has a beautiful weekend. Love to all, Zak

greetings from the south coast

Hi there, Ha Moo, I checked out the rat trap in Usk. I hope you guys got the room with the lush four poster bed. Its awesome. Also thanks for the tile photos, they are both gorgeous. You can always make some tiles when you come out and fire them in the kiln here!! Have a think about it. Love to everyone, Cheers Zak

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
The Welsh summer has become a bit wetter but hopefully it won't last. Still warm though!
Spoke to Maria in the week. She will not get to Wales this year. We will discuss a good time for her to visit next year whilst we are in Aus. Was great to speak to her. It was Kay's birthday yesterday (2nd), and, yes Kate, I always remember our beautiful neighbours the Woods on August 1st.
Yesterday I took myself off to cardiff to see a matinee performance of Cats at The Millenium Centre. was so glad I made the effort. It is a show I have always wanted to see. May head up in a few weeks again for a Saturday matinee of West Side Story. Jules doesn't moan if I go on my own during the day!
Joan Armatrading is performing in Swansea again in October but, unfortunately, we only just booked that week away in a caravan in New Quay. Should get to see Nik Kershaw in Pntardawe Arts Centre though.
Today Jules and I are heading to Usk to spend a night in a pub called The Rattrap. Not the best of names but looks lovely (Google it) and we had a great deal. Will be lovely to have a mini break. Jules certainly needs it. He's been quite miserable lately which is very unlike him. That's usually my role in the relationship!
That's about all that's been happening here for now. Well done the Waratahs!
Take care all. Loads of love. xxxxx

greetings fromthe south coast

Hi everyone, Ha Moo we are having a welsh summer here as well. 24degrees yesterday, 22 the day before, today a bit cooler and wind is picking up, but still a beautiful welsh summers day, without the rain. Very dry July. Just wondering if its too windy to go for a cycle along the coast. Think I will add a little to my patchwork welsh tapestry blanket first. Yes Moo photo will soon follow of bed and welsh blanket, once I find the cord for camera to attach to computer. So suppose everyone remembered, all horses birthday today, and think about our lovely old neighbours Tom and Edith. O.K. I have to get off this computer, and make the most of my day at home. Hang washing, sew blanket, make trousers that were cut out a week ago, go cycling and swimming, go shopping, make dinner. Better get started. Love to you all Zak

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
Had a swim in the sea yesterday. It was beautiful. The water was actually warmer than it was when we were  in Australia in January!
Julian's nephew, Vince, is camping down on Gower this week so we went to see him yesterday. It was a glorious day and the beach was the best place to be. Fantastic!
Unfortunately, I have to work today and tomorrow so we couldn't stay down there with him.
Not much else happening at the moment. Just wanted to post to keep the blog going.
Hope you are all well and happy.
Love to all. xxxxx

greetings from the south coast

Hi all, so it really does seem the blog is on its way out and facebook is the way to go. Yes my only contact with relatives in NT is via Clare K, when I visit there, and she shares all the news with me from their facebook site, or whatever you call it. So I turn up at mum nd dad's today, to hear the shocking news about the Malaysian airplane MH17 being shot down. This will certainly change the world, as far as I am concerned. Where is the love?? the world is a frightening place. This is extremely bad for everyone, but especially for the people with a mental illness, who are paranoid already. So hows the weather. Bloody freezing in Sydney, black ice in the mountains, and roads closed between Lithgow and Bathurst because of snow. Thank your lucky stars Marty and Claire that you don't have this crazy weather there. Anyway, another cup of tea with dad, then a few chores, mum has lined up for me. I will consider facebook, but really?? Love to the odd ones who still read this blog, Zak

Greetings from the south coast

Hi all, Well believe it or not, with 25 people in the FIFA world cup tipping competition, I am coming 2nd.Bloody amazing, because I am the only sibling who missed out on the sports gene. In fact I almost boycotted the whole thing after seeing Brazilians protesting in he streets for their rights to work and live in a decent safe manner. I know, you would end up boycotting the world, Australia included. Had a great day with jack and Fran at winter magic on the weekend. A lovely sunny balmy 14degree winter day and not a breath of wind. I was completely comfortable in my 4 layers of clothes. Fran danced a few kms before doing the big finale. She was great and was loving every minute of it. That woman has passion!! We celebrated the solstice. That means summer is on its way!! Love to you all Zak .

greetings from the sout coast

Hi all, Yes its early days for FIFA, world cup, but I am currently the leader in the tipping competition. Japan is currently playing Ivory coast. Japan has already scored 1 goal about 15 minutes into the game. I scored this game 2-1, with Ivory coast to win, so Japan cant score again this game. This weekend end has been cold, windy and raining. This is actually great for me has I have a bad back, so the weather is keeping me resting inside. I hope Im back on track for next weekend to go to the winter magic festival in Katoomba with jack, and watch Fran dance in the parade. Last week Hasi and I saw Djuki Mala, the chooky dancers from the tiwi islands. Im hoping Annie and I get to the tiwi islands this time we in Darwin. Last time Annie and I were there, there was no service, but now it is up and running again, so it would be great to get over there, even for a day. We finally bought a bed for the spare room. Im sure Moo and jules will be happy about this. They are probably our most frequent guests. Of course I couldn't just go to Ikea or Domayne. We ought an old iron and brass bed from the late 1800s. Takes up half the room, but its an amazing piece of furniture. Im going to get the steel wool onto it today to polish it up a bit. Ok, that's all for now. Love to all, Zak. P.S. Go Moo, we keep the fire burning.

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
Greetings from sunny South Wales. Glorious day today! Unfortunately, I have to work this afternoon. Off tomorrow and the weekend though so can soak up some vitamin D then.
Jules and I went away last week. Our usual four nights in a caravan cheapy, but not to New Quay. This time we went to Borth, between Aberystwyth and Machynlleth. It was a great week. Did the rounds of the charity shops of course. Picked up a few bargains. Finally visited the Centre for Alternative Technology - well worth it. Saw some magnificent Welsh scenery and didn't have to work. Very enjoyable.
Good luck to all of you who have entered Hasi's World Cup tipping competition. We will be mostly avoiding any football if we can. Looking forward to Wimbledon though and hoping England go down to Sri Lanka in the cricket.
Been back in work this week. Looking forward to the weekend!
Maria will be gracing us with her presence in September, so looking forward to that as well.
Annie, hope you and Annie P had a fab weekend together to celebrate her 50th birthday.
Think that's about all for now.
Hope someone reads this!
Love and hugs xxxxxxxxx

greetings from the south coast

Hi everyone, Yes happy birthday Connor for yesterday, but I don't know if he even reads the blog. Its just you and me Moo, keeping the fire burning. I've booked holidays to go north to visit Marty and Claire with Annie later in the year!! And Im hopefully booking dad a flight today as well!! Influx of isos-watch out Claire. We are keeping it to a week each visit so as not to wear out our welcome. Bubbly in the pool, we love it!! We love it up there. And I can't wait to see all the new things- shed, paving etc. And the garden will be growing beautifully no doubt. How's this amazing weather. Yes I know its global warming, but still, swimming in an ocean of 21 degrees is amazing this time of year.Im looking forward to a long walk on the beach at low tide tomorrow morning, and some laps in the ocean pool, all done while Hasi is still sleeping peacefully at home. He doesn't get what he is missing. Working on sanding my lead light windows for the sunroom this weekend. Then I have to re putty the lead. Its a big job, but they are going to look awesome. OK, almost time for elevenses here with mum and dad. Love to you all Zak

Birthday Greetings

Hi All,
Happy Happy 18th Birthday Connor Michael! Hope you have a fabulous day and enjoy all your celebrating.
Can't believe all my nieces and nephews are all leagl adults. Makes me feel old.
Off to work this afternoon so not much time to post.
Had a great day out in Swansea with a group of girls last Saturday. Saw a matinee of Dreamboats and Petticoats which was fab. We were literally dancing in the aisles. Then an evening of drinking and dancing. Great day out!
Still not sure when Maria will be visiting but Denise O'Grady is in the UK now. Currently in Scotland. Again, not sure if we will get a visit but hopefully will catch up with her.
Must dash as I've got to get to work. Won our darts last night Kev 7-4.
Have a great 18th birthday Connor.
Thinking of you all.
Much love
Moo xxxxxxx

Welsh Greetings

Hi All
I seemed to be recovered from all my ailments and now the hayfever starts! At least that doesn't keep me off work. Got over my lurgy eventually to then suffer with a back problem. A visit to my gorgeous osteopath last week sorted that out for me and now I can work again and start saving for our next trip to Aus and our Elvis experience.
Off to work this afternoon for my third shift of the week. That's a week of work for me. Jules has been doing two days a week driving a taxi which he doesn't really enjoy but it all helps to bring in the pennies.
Went to Cardiff last Friday for a few drinks in the bay before seeing Wicked (the third time) at the Millenium Centre. Fabulous as always!
Maria turned 50 yesterday. No-one at home when I phoned so yet to wish her birthday greetings. no news from her yet on her travel dates.
Denise O'Grady leaves Aus today to fly to Ireland for a couple of weeks before visiting more of the UK. Also awaiting to hear if she will visit us.
Nothing much else happening. The weather is starting to warm up and the days are longer so summer is on the way!
Hope everyone is well and happy. Waiting to see photos of the bedroom Annie.
Love to All who still look at the blog - and the ones that don't.
xxxxxx

greetings from the south coast

Hi all, It is 0730hrs and Im just about to work out the door to catch the bus to work. The blog has no power lately. I used to love jumping on, and seeing what everyone was up to. Things are always changing! but I thought I'd just do an April entry. Its a beautiful crisp, clear morning, and if I didn't have to get to work, Id be heading straight down for a stroll on the beach. The ocean temp. is amazingly warm still, but the seas have been massive, so its only white wash or ocean pool for me. I have my cheese and hommous sandwich, and yogurt and mango mix to take to work. Hasi has been up since before 5am watching soccer. It really is the very only thing that would ever get him up at such an hour. Now he's thinking about going back to bed, but I think the day is too beautiful for him to waste, so he's in the garden reading the paper. Blah, blah blah... got to get to the bus. Love to anyone out there, who is still reading this blog Zak.

greetings from the south coast

Hi all, Boy did it rain the night of Martys birthday. Creek flooded for the 2nd time since we've been there. Frightening stuff. Thank goodness the house is up off the ground a bit, otherwise the house would have been flooded. We also acquired a new chook out of the chaos. Our neighbour found it on the street and thought it was ours so chucked it in the pen. I haven't seen it yet, but no doubt its got to be more good looking than the other two scungy ones we've got. So it s still raining, but nothing like the 24th thank goodness. that's it for now. Love and kisses, Zak

Happy Birthday

Just want to wish Marty a very Happy Birthday.
Have a fabulous day.
We are thinking of you.
xxxxxx

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
I am pleased to report that I have recovered from the dreaded lurgy and have told work I am available for shifts. Hurrah! Got so sick of being sick.
Last week was our wedding anniversary (16 years, that's a third of my life & a quarter of Jules') so we had a night away to celebrate. Went down to West Wales and stayed in Solva. We took a long route to get there, via Aberystwyth to see the storm damage. Most of the damage has been put right and there is little evidence of any storms.
Had a good bit of op shopping in our travels. Was having withdrawals after being in quarantine for so long. The beast has been fed now though so I am OK.
I went to Cardiff with a group of girls on Sturday. Wales were playing Scotland. We didn't go to the game, just watched in a pub and enjoyed the atmosphere (plus saw all those kilted men - love a man in a kilt!). Was a good day out and a change from the norm.
yesterday we went to our first barbecue of the year at Louise's. We have been enjoying some lovely weather here over the last week or so. It was a very enjoyable evening.
Monday, new week, so back to the gym today. Have done a bit of walking about in the nice weather but otherwise no exercise for a month. Wish me luck.
Think that about covers it. Jules is well, and so am I now. Hope you all are as well.
Bye for now. xxxxxx

greetings from the south coast

Hi all,
I thought you all would like to know about a great gig last night at Thirroul. Neil Murray played with Jim Minogie (former midnight oils) They played in the yard of a recycled everything shop, owned by my friends Paul and Liz. It was an amazing concert. Neil played there last year solo, and now him and Jim are getting together for some gigs. Somewhere up your way Jack this saturday. You should seriously think about going if you haven't got anything else on. Neil is an amazing songwriter and musician, and Jim the same. Jim also has an alter ego, Shameless Seamus, bringing out his irish heritage. Ive seen this name around, but never knew it was him.
Otherwise the real life will really set in next week when I start back four days a week at work, instead of just the two Ive been doing since I returned from our travels.
Have to sign off now. Heading to beautiful Cunj for the weekend. Hooray!!
Love to all, Zak

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
Firstly, Happy Birthday Jack for yesterday. Hope you had a lovely day. Thinking of you but not yet able to carry on a conversation so no point in phoning.
Two weeks tomorrow since we returned from Aus and absolutely nothing happening. Booked a couple of shifts last week but had to cancel them. Have been sick almost since our return. Have had flu-like illness. Hopefully, starting to see the end of it now. Still coughing so find it difficult to chat. Always the annoying cough persists with me!
Missed Karen's 60th Birthday party (black & bling), although Jules went, and haven't been outdoors for about 10days.
Should've stayed in the warmth of Australia.
Fortunately, Jules has not been struck down with any lurgy and is looking after me well. If he would just finish unpacking his suitcase!
Went to see our tenant in the house before I was quarantined. He really is the world's best tenant. He had almost painted right through the house and was explaining his plans for the garden drainage when the weather improves. The house really looks quite homely with furniture in it.
Bonus of being sick, I have lost a bit more weight. Have to get back to the gym to keep it off.
Hope all is well and happy with all.
Speak soon.
Moo xxxxxx

greetings from the south coast

Hi all, Sun is finally endeavouring to make a break out, after several days of pretty consistent rain. Soils nice and soft now for weeding. Big choice of the day weeding or cooking first?? I think Im starting with cooking. Try out a new recipe for nut loaf with red lentils. A bit like meat loaf but with out the meat. One thing is for sure, as soon as I finish my current cup of tea, Im getting off this machine. You can seriously spend half a day on this thing with out even realising. Half the time is spent trying to work out how the hell to use it. I must be my fathers daughter. Moo, hope you are getting better, and we can talk soon. Love to everyone Zak

Vale Moo: Christmas List.

As stated in Kate's latest Blog, we farewelled Moo and Jules on Monday. Moo has subsequently confirmed her arrival back in Ponte, safe healthy and refreshed from her holiday.
Prior to departure, Moo, Kate, Mum and I worked up the Christmas List 2014. I was delegated to publish it, and after finally correcting a problem on the computer, here it is.
Kevin buys for Connor -the oldest for the youngest: Joan buys for Liam: Jack...Clare: Fran...Marty: Tom...Moo: Liam...Jules: Connor...Lucy: Marty...Tom: Claire...Joan: Kate ...Kevin: Hasi...Fran: Annie...Jack: Lucy...Hasi: Clare...Claire: Moo...Kate: Jules...Annie.
Moo drove Mum and me to Woonoona last week where I took several photos of the garden and  the whole area: it is indeed a "fairyland". When I recover my confidence in my computer skills, I will publish some. (This is the 3rd attempt at this Blog - hoping it works)
Best Wishes to ALL for a fulfilling and successful 2014.
Love & XXX
Mum and Dad.    

Greetings from the south coast

Hi all, Well another beautiful weekend with Annie and the girls and Moo and Jules in Canberra. Plenty of rain there and on the return trip via the southern highlands,which is badly needed. Yesterday dad and I took Moo and Jules to the airport for their return trip back home to Ponte. The great thing was we already know they will be back for the summer and the big Elvis bash, so I only cried a little bit when I hugged them goodbye. We have a builder coming this arvo to discuss the sun room. As most of you know the sliding door has been dodgy since we came here, so it is well overdue for some work. It will be interesting to get some ideas from him and of course an estimate of the cost. Well, time to get out in the garden, before the rain starts again. As we all know its the best time for weed pulling after a good rain. Love to you all, Zak

greetings from the south coast

Hi all, What an amazing long weekend at cunj with so many beautiful women, young and older. It really was a great time. Catching up, chatting,telling stories, laughing, reading, eating drinking, and the beautiful beach and lake. We are so lucky to have that place.The weather was perfect, the kangaroos were out. There were some crazy underwater shots taken in the lake. This weekend will be spent in the jungle/garden, with a trip or 2 to the tip. Hope alls well with everyone, and you folk in the north are enjoying the storms. Love to all, Zak

greetings from the south coast

i everyone Happy new year. Hasi and I are back in the hood after our central american adventures. Looking forward to heading to cunj tomorrow for a long weekend with Annie and the girls, Moo, Bridge, Gen and Clare. In fact I cant wait, its going to be fun in the sun. Too bad Fran and Claire cant be with us. Time to pack. Just couldnt resist being the first one on the blog this year. Love to all Stay well and happy, zak