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