greetings from berlin

hi everyone,
Firstly, it is very interesting using a german keyboard. The y is in the left bottom corner for a start, and the z is on the top in the middle.
Hasi and I have been having a great holiday. Swimming everyday in the Weisse river in the south, eating italian ice cream and drinking beer. Hasi,s parents are well, and mostly enjoyed us being there. Lance, Trish and Kain came to visit which was fantastic. Annette and Klaus also came to visit-and they hope to visit us in oz later this year. Amazingly there is now a second hand shop in Steinen, and I scored a great pair of boots-new! Lucky I got them, as boots were high on my shopping list for europe, but being summer there isnt a pair of boots to be found in the shops.
So we arrived in Berlin on Tuesday, and have been catching up with friends and walking the streets. Yesterday we visited my oldest german friend, Duffy, who I first met in Sumatra in 1993. It was so great to spend time with her.
And its hot. everyday has been in the 30s since we arrived in Germany. And the days are so long-still dusk at 11pm and the sun is rising again at 3 or 4am. This is the summer the berliners have been waiting for after a very long and very cold winter. No wonder Jules doesnt want to leave europe in the summer.
So thats it for now. Better get sorted out for the day. Greetings from Hasi.
Love to you all, Zak

Greetings from Wales

Hi All
Lovely to back in Wales and enjoying the glorious summer! Yes, we are actually having a summer. Had a lovely "ladies lunch" with my friends on Friday.
Back in work to start saving for the next visit. Jules is getting on with the house. We won our darts last week (7-4).
Have been in touch with Kate - all well. we are not, however going to Morocco. Neither of us could find affordable flights. Kate is reviewing her options for alternative travel.
Garden clearing time again. One level complete. Going to buy a camellia today Mum. Have found a space in the garden that should be ideal.
All for now. Have a great time at the races Kev. Take care and have fun.
Remember Christmas in Bulli! We will make more plans as it gets closer. Cynthia is very keen to share an Australian Christmas with us all.
Bye for now
Moo xxx

news from the capital

Thanks Dad, not a dry eye in this house after reading your blog!! Have only completed my senior reports today. Have to put my moderation portfolios tomorrow for moderation day, which will probably take me hours, another late day at work. tuesday and wednesday we have two 12-hour rehearsals for the musical, Emma the director usually pulverises the kids on these two days!! Had a productive day with the musical band on Wednesday after a rehearsal with them for most of the day. A few dodgy songs but we should iron them out next term. Moo, the school nurse lent me the music to wicked, so definitely will be doing 'For Good' for graduation. Am now trying to figure out a chance to take Clare as I am sure she would love it she's like her mother, loves the musical!! Last night went to Jenny's for Christmas in June, great food, great wine and didn't have a hangover like last week. Damian is looking great he has lost 16 kilos, nothing like a heart attack to motivate you to lose weight. Anyway that's about all really looking forward to Friday, and holidays finally. Clare's off to Tassie on Saturday for a week. Moo hope you have a great time with Kate if I don't post again before that. Marty and Claire great to see you guys, I really miss drinking champagne with you Claire. See you soon Mum and Dad. Cheers, Annie

greetings from the south coast

Hi all,
I just burst into tears reading dad's blog. He had the hardest job, saying the final farewells to everyone. Airports will do it to you every time.
Yes what an amazing celebration!!
I completely hit the wall on Monday at work, and today am only a little better. So early to bed for boxing at 6am tomorrow. And still then Moo wont even be quite home. No doubt Jules is restless with anticipation.
Love to all, Zak

A Great Time Was Had By All

What a wonderful Birthday present you gave me by your coming for the day!
This was the first time we had all been together since Nana's 100th birthday and we didn't get a photo! I dropped Moo at the airport on Monday morning, Annie at the train Monday night and Marty and Claire at Mascot Tuesday and as they walked away I burst into tears and had to pull into the curb to wipe my eyes when one of the security henchmen hassled me off. Such are the problems of an octagarian.
Your presence does wonders for Mum's spirit.
Thanks again and love to all.
Dad/Tjilpi/Old Man/Kev.

Pre-Welsh Greetings

Hi All
Just a quick post to say goodbye and many many thanks for a fabulous visit. I have had a great time and don't know where that five weeks went - it's the Railway Pde time warp. Wonderful to know I will be back in less than six months (escorted by my husband next time). Looking forward to it.
Remember..... Christmas in Bulli!
See you all soon. Take care and fun.
Love you all loads
Moo xxxxxxx