charity, kim, paul, jolie and terri watching boys play cricket, boxing day

More on Christmas....

Well, the party goes on....

Actually, we had a late breakfast, and it was more a combination of lunch and dinner our Christmas meal, we ate at about 3.30p.m, and just generally sat around and talked.

On Boxing Day, we went to the Oaks for their Christmas celebration, and the boys all played a traditional game of cricket...which is really quite boring.

It was great to see Angie again, and she wanted me to take the photo of her with all the boys, to show everyone where all the boys are hanging out. We do have a few down here. It was a great day.

Tonight was fun also, Katia and Terri came over to stay, as I have a spare quiet room, and they can have a peaceful rest. Roberto was happy to have new company, and Katya and I got to see a movie.

MERRY CHRISTMAS....

I think it was probably the coldest Christmas I have ever experienced! It was about 10 degrees, seriously. Usually, it is sooo hot. I froze on the verandah, we set up the Christmas meal out there so as to accommmodate everyone. All turned up, plus a few additions...David, of Zeena, Merisha her husband, and the visitors that came later. We had a great feast. Tim, Adam, Renee and Sara prepared it all, with a little help from Ginny. We had it all...a la summer. Just a bit chilly, but wonderful day.

I missed my mom today. Just thinking about Christmas, and she was a key figure in pretty much all of them. Anyway, I bet she is having the best Christmas of all. A bit fragile. But thank the Lord for my understanding, compassionate ones...I do have a few!!! Amongst my teenage sons. LOL

I was very spoilt, was given an ipod, Prada perfume, and a chocolate fountain (like fondue, except you dip strawberries, marshmellows etc into chocolate). Oh yes, new pjs. Have to make this quick, as Anastasia is here with me, and wants attention.

Merry Christmas to you all, remember it is the season of giving, and some of the best gifts arent bought.

old pic...

Oh by the way...

I have made somewhat of an observation--ppl who comment on blogs, usually are blog writers. Maybe cause they like it when they get a comment, so they do as they would like others to do. Its nice to know that there actually are folk out there.

mmm...what have I been doing?

Well, I went with my sister to see Crosby, Stills and nash...what a blast from the past. I think their music was instrumental in helping me come to the Lord, they were anti-establishment, anti-war, and very pro-love ("Love the one you're with, and if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with"... words from one of their famous songs) Preach it!!! Lol. It was great, mind you...they were OLD...they had a half time interval, and I think that they may have gone out for a shot of oxygen. They truly gave so much, it was wonderful, and enjoyable...and they are still quite anti-establishment, anti-war. I went onto their web-site and they support quite a substantial amount of different charities, world wide. I was so inspired, I approached the management at the venue here and they gave me 6 tickets, which I gave to some folk for C.mas gifts...folks who would enjoy (FGAs)..

Had a few battes of late. Was asked to join a FD home, with ppl I would love to be with. It unsettled me. I took it to the Lord, and asked Him to show Me exactly where He wants me, and what He wants me to do. I read the coming New Year Activated mag, and there it was! The answer! There is a story in there, about how a mother, when she takes her kids to the beach, usually stands on the shore watching, as they venture dangerously out into the surf...kids are fine, as they know mum is watching out for them on the shoreline, if they get into any danger., she will call in the necessary help. Well, Lord wants me for now to stand on the shore line and be there (still) for my kids as they venture out into the surf of life. Cant do much to save them (call for the lifeguard...Jesus) but they know I am there, and I am keeping an eye on them,...does that make sense???

Couldn't face the usual housework yesterday, so painted and cleaned the spare room...really enjoyed it too.

Had a sleep over with Anastasia on Saturday evening (sara and tim went out) and we had breakfast in bed together the next morning. She is great...she helps!! She swept the kitchen floor when we did clean up, and did a great job too!

It has continued to rain, and today is the first sunny day, and its not so hot either.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL....I LOVE YOU!!!

and its still raining....

Well, today looks pretty much the same as the last few weeks...grey. Very unusual for this time of year, to have this weather. We have had some awesome thunderstorms, one of which left us with hail the size of tennis balls...see http://shanejo.blogspot.com/. (I dont quite know how to insert Joanna's link to go to as yet, just click on side bar on this page, if it doesnt work) Our grass is long, and the little river is trickling through our front lawn once again, and the ducks are everywhere. Our tractor is parked in our driveway, as Peter let it run out of fuel, inadvertantly, and it needs to be primed....great! We wait for a friend.

I have been helping Nadia still...sort and clean, they have moved out of their house, but the work now begins there.

I went to two Christmas parties on Saturday, we had our home party for friends and contacts and it was great! And I then went to the Ulyses bikers Christmas party, not as good as the F. one,. I ate a big meal, in the evening, and big mistake, left me in bed for two days, my system simply cannot handle such a load at that time of night. Well, I have certainly got the point now...no alcohol, and no big meals after dark. Fun!

Jo has just left for the hospital to have her baby. WHoohoo. (glad it is her) I have done my good share of that....10! "Who hath delivered, who doth deliver and who will yet deliver"

I am going to my sisters in Newcastle today, 2hours away. She is taking me to see Crosby, Stills and Nash. Blast from the past. I saw them in England in 1974. They should be like a vintage wine. Only 3 of my kids have heard of them...amazingly 16yr old Peter has, and was slightly interested. Well, "if you cant be with the one you love, love the one your with"....

time to blog...

I have spent most of the better part of last week helping Nadia move...no small job. SO MUCH STUFF. We had a garage sale on the weekend and it has only put a little dent in it all. Tore and Celia will be moving into their house after Christmas, so the pressure to get out is off. It is SO the Lord that they can move in there, a blessing to all parties. I have to watch taking home Nadia's stuff that she is forsaking, as I really dont need to collect anymore myself.

We had a barbque on Sunday evening...one of those beautiful summer affairs, friends, family, good food, and fun. It really was great. You will have to see the photos on Joanna's blog, as she informed me we BOTH cant put up the same pics. Hers definitely turned out better than mine.

The above photo is of Peter and school friend on way to first formal

FYI

I spelt immensely wrong in the last blurb, and it has really been bothering me.

Big Day Sunday

I had such a fantastic day, so much happened, I really enjoyed being alive today, so thought I would write while its still "hot".

Firstly, my teen sons, really DONT like me...ha!

I cleaned!!! Got the house ready for guests...I love it when the house is clean, for me its such a good feeling. Jo had her baby shower, and I have included a few pics from it. One is of Jo and Faith, of Amos (my next door neighbour) mother of 12, yes...12!!! Doesn't she look fantastic. GO girl. I have included 2 of our backyard, sorry about washing on line, not good look, but that is my backyard. You can see it in the two pics taken at baby shower.

From there Charity, Katyia of Nic and I went to Donna's from our Bible class for a barbque for Michael Piano, before he leaves. Great night, we ate, we laughed and we sang. I so enjoyed it. The photo from there.

Sunday morning

I must admit, I do not like Friday and Saturday nights. I think it is because of my teenage sons. I could get into all the details, but wont! Last night, Ginny had a house warming at her house. I went, really enjoyed the time I spent there. Peter, 16yrs asked if he could have a few of his friends over...harmless enough. I said, "there had better not be any alcohol!!!" but, felt ok with it, because Steven, 18ys and older ones were out, and I thought he would have no way of obtaining it...Ha! I must be dreaming. When I got home, they were not here. I went to sleep, but was awoken by the guys returning. ( I dont sleep so well on weekends...remember). I got out of bed to see one of them holding a case of beer, and going into a bedroom. I bolted, before they knew it, I had the case of beer (some of which was already missing, I figured, that they had had their share) and was marching back to my bedroom with it. Peter wanted it back, but I said, sure, and I am going to tell all those boy's parents about this. I keep Chris (of Charity) supplied in confiscated beer these days.

I have a few folk around me moving these days. Basma and family just moved to gulf to work. Nadia and Peter are moving, and yesterday, I heard daughter Claire and Phil, are moving house. It has been keeping me super busy, helping these ones, as they all are extremely busy folk.

I actually have been quite physically active of late, which has been a super blessing. I just "feel" so much better. I mowed for over an hour the other day. we have had rain, and our grass is a constant job. God help me, I want to do it all, and get quite frustrated over physical stuff. I see it all, you know, some people DONT!!! especially teen boys!

Steven is off to "schoolies"...what that is: its a week holiday in various locations in each state, for year 12 school leavers. These areas have entertainment and are geared for large amounts of drunken party goers celebrating their end of 12 years of school. He is going with James of charity and chris, and 3 others from his school, and staying in Lauren's aunty's apartment on Gold Coast in Qld. Please keep them all in your prayers for this week. I read in the paper of Friday, about 2 members of the Australian Olympic kyack team were busted with 28,500 extacy tablets ready to be shipped to various schoolie locations. This bothered me IMENSLY!!! Raising teens keeps me so desperate these days...Extreme praise! The enemy walks about as a roaring lion... (can you tell I have been battling of late???) Anyway, greater is He that is in you, than He that is in the world.

Some pics from party at Gin's last night

some pics

We (Chris Charity, Prem, Sara and Anastasia, Rick, Michael Piano and myself) went to a farewell party for Peter and Basma who are moving to Dubai, that Nadia and Peter had organised. Michael played for the occasion, and we got to sing a few of my favourite hymns. I have included some photos. The one with Chris Charity and girls are some of the girls from our Bible classes. another of Anastasia and Nadia's daughter, Isabelle. Donna, her kids and Michael. And Nadia, Charity with Rob, who we met through the biker group on Saturday mornings, he was a detective with the police force, until his bad health changed his life. He is now practically blind, from diabetes....
was a good night

Didn't know you cared!

I received a comment that it was time to update! Ha! Someone must find this somewhat interesting...didn't know you cared. Is it interesting? I often wonder.

Well, no pics. Dont take too many with me in, as I have put on weight since contracting Chronic Fatigue, it is extremely difficult to exercise. You just dont ever feel like it! And dont have the energy to. Anyway, I rejoined Weight Watchers last week. I lost 15kgs years ago, and then became a lecturer, which I really enjoyed, actually, that is where I met Nadia. The Lord showed me to do this. It is a tried and proven way for me. I have been swimming for exercise everyday, I do laps, and sort of aerobics...basically keep moving. Feel so much better. I am tracking everything I eat, which makes me assess what I eat, and plan. I feel in control. Which is great~! wasn't really taking such good care of myself.

So much has happened since last Wednesday. I did housework and went to Weight Watchers on Thursday. Biz, shopping and swam Friday. Saturday with Bikers, and helped Nadia clean upstairs over one of their businesses. Had a great day Sunday, went with Charity, Rick and Liam to see her mother in the retirement village. I took boys to the pool, while Charity and her sisters spent some time with their mum, not a place for the boys. Visited Adam and his girlfriend on way home, he has a house now that he is making into a home. We are on the best relations since he left home...such a victory. He didn't like me there for a few years. I guess, life was not going the way he liked and it was my fault. (Did you know that I cause all the problems in the world...global warming etc) Anyway, it came to pass, Thank You Jesus.

Today? ha! Spent day with Nadia, they are moving house, and I am an expert at that....arent we all?! We visited Basma, who is moving to Dubai, and spent some time helping her. Came home, cleaned kitchen and got dinner ready. Swam and then sat in the middle of an argument between Daniel and Steve. Just cant go there. Lord is just going to have to keep me raised above it. Too much testosterone. Its quiet now, and I feel great! Had some great time out in the pool, you know if you stay perfectly still you can float! It is so peaceful, try it sometime. Just looking up into the sky....

Didn't know you cared!

just hi

The photo is of Steve and Lauren (from school) on way to cocktail party, he has an exciting life that boy. Lauren is not his girlfriend. I dont get into talking too much about the kids and their stuff, as I know that they really dont like it...Just happenings.

Boy, is it hard to remember what I did over the week...think I went for a swim...laps last Friday, besides the biz in the morning. It rained all last week, was nice for a change, cooled the temperature down.

Saturday, was with the over 40 bike club members for their morning tea. And spent afternoon with Nadia and relatives, it was her turn to be with Peter's 94yr old father...did I tell you how they do it...Peter has 9 brothers and one sister. The sister, violet takes care of their father, and the brothers and their families have a roster, and a different brother has pop on the weekends, so violet can do whatever, have a break. Very Godly. Pop is a chain smoker, that is all he lives for...at 94, its amazing he has not had lung cancer.

Sunday, had a wonderful lunch at Willows with Morgan and Vu, plus David, Vicky, Sunny and Christie and all. Morgan was our mechanic about 10 years ago, it was great to catch up with him. He had lead poisoning, and was very sick, and had to completely change his lifestyle. Vu was one of his workers, he now has his own business and takes such good care of our vehicles. He has a beautiful family, he is Vietnamese. He bought about 20kg of meat to the barbque...enough for an army.

Monday...I cleaned! Say no more!!!

Tuesday, I took care of Anastasia, such a pleasure, she is a love. Rick was home from school, just not well. I went out with Chris and Charity to celebrate their b.days. We went to the movies to see "A Night with the King" lastest release, about Queen Esther. Not bad!

Today, my outreach day. Charity and I went on follow up. Visited an owner of a very big security firm here, and another Active member. Always inspiring! and tonight Peter has Jim and another friend from school, Shem over. They are planning on going to the beach tomorrow. They just completed their year 10 exams, and are very relieved.

Anyway, just a summary, nothing profound...

My week so far...

Started off quietly due to my health...what to do??? Go slow.

Went to Willows yesterday for a prayer day, always such a blessing...and things really start to happen for me after them...

Have had some inspiring follow up visits to Nadia, Peter and friends Basma and Peter. Good Word and prayer times with them.

Poor Peter is learning lessons the hard way...a girl at school knocked over his new electric guitar that he has been paying for and still owes $400, and rendered it useless. Tough stuff! God bless Shane, he has worked on fixing it for him. Very encouraging.

The photo is the balsa wood long board that Steven built for his high school certificate exam. Probably sell it. Its way too big.

Nothing else...just a bit of an update

Gold, roses and thorns...

I read this letter this week, and it has been such valuable counsel for me. (Its hard to remember what I did on Tuesday...Ha!) I have not been so on top of it physically, so it has made me move at a slower pace.

I went with Isis, of Suzie to have a cat skan on Thursday morning...not to see IF she has cancer once again, but WHERE. Times with her are deep and very special. She is ready for a miracle or to go home, she has quit struggling. Its up to YOU!!! dear Lord, thy will be done. But WHAT a honey is that girl!!!

I went to visit another "friend" and she has been fighting herself, as her son is very sick and in hospital. Times like these bring you so close to people, as they need to hear of His Wonderful Love, and the fact that there IS a plan, and ALL things DO work together for good.

And this morning once again this counsel helped me, as I explained to a dear one who is on the verge of bankruptcy..the bigger the battle the bigger the victory. We had an ENORMOUS storm last night, and this morning it is bright sunny and so fresh and clean, and I pointed out how beautiful it was, today, after that storm last night, and that is what Jesus does with our battles.

On a lighter note, well....teenage boys, are they light??? HA, no way!!! Steven and all his school mates had a celebratory bar-b-que on Friday night, their exams are finished, their school years are over...at MY place, of course. They all call me Mrs B. Just too many boys, if you have been around it, you will know what I mean! They really are a nice bunch. In the photo is Shane (of Jo), Peter, Steven, James (of Chris and Charity) and a couple from school, they are all at the barbque, eating, as fast as it is cooking.

I just got back from a football presentation with Peter, where he got an award for the best "forward" I think that is a position on the team.

Lots of other stuff happened (HA) but cant remember, will put it up as I do.

victories and battles..

it was a real victory for me to work in the backyard on Saturday a.noon...got so much done...such a good feeling. It looked good!!!

It was so nice having some of my older gang over for a bar-b-que, we all really enjoyed it...the flies were abit annoying. I had champagne with the girls, and we laughed, and enjoyed.

Yesterday, was my battle, I didn't handle the alcohol, thought I was better, but not so. In bed all day, not doing too well. Jo, came and asked me what I would like, GBher...my answer...for the day to be over. Nothing really helps but sleep. So praise GOd...it came to pass.

Today, took it slow...and its only up from here. Know my boundaries, no alcohol for me just yet. This evening went for a haircut with Jo, Nick,and Michael P. It was so relaxing, and they take such good care of us all.

Photo is of Dan (son) Roberto, who lives with us and Andy a friend, at the "Indies" in Surfers Paradise recently

While I remember...

Tues....met with Nadia and spent time with Rob, an ex police detective, who has had to leave the police force due to health reasons. He is a walking miracle! He has lost the majority of his sight, everything is a blur, and it is quite difficult for him to adapt to this. I kind of relate... I used to be able to pretty much do what I liked physically before, being quite strong, but since contracting CFS last year, its been hard to work at a different pace, I only realised the other day, I may never get back to what I was, and I need to just praise God for what I am now.

WEd, I worked in the pool area, as it was a cool cloudy day. Such an accomplishment, I have wanted to do that for ages.

THursday, went on outreach with CHarity, always rewarding! Had a very deep conversation with Warren, who had the same birthday as me, and after an hour and a half, I said to him..."well, its like this Warren, you just need to say the simple prayer with us...or we will be here for ever.." He had had every reason why not...but he did!!

Friday, Put Steven's application in for his Music diploma studies. Finally found out his plans for his future...He wants to get his diploma in music, and then go to the Conservatorium of Music to get a degree and then become a music teacher. I went for a swim...laps for get out. Always feel great after that.

Sat..I realised that I really enjoy my Sat mornings working with Peter and Nadia, with the bikers from Ulyses. They are all over 40 and I get treated like a teenager from them...though they all still look at themselves that way I think...Ha
I need to go get my son Peter and go for a driving practise...mmm...

I am running out of titles

Well, back Thursday. Dropped Rick off at basketball to "ref"...his work. Ruth, Libby and their mum, Marie, who is visiting from Taiwan were over for a bar-b-que, plus Renee and Virginia...regular girl's night. Shane was the only one drinking, as everyone else seemed to be driving. He was the "loose" one...or wanted to be.lol! I say, when girls drink, they become loose and loud, the the boys become loud and ......to be left to your own imagination.

The photo is what is always happening on my neat and wrinkle free bed...NOT!!! The boys chose MY bed to wrestle on...we live in a huge house with lots of beds but they always wrestle on MY bed! And they think its really funny, when I get upset.

I spent most of Friday morning at dentists getting 3 crowns fitted. Thank you Jesus, for a great health system in this country.

Saturday, worked as usual. Was a great morning, got to talk to a few folk. One couple, Jon and Verina who I have become very friendly with (Jon is Jana Pittman's uncle) have invited me to accompany them and the Ulyses crowd to a night out at the Hunter valley wine thingy. I prayed about it and I am going...on November 3rd. Really out of my box, but that is what we have to do these days, huh!

Sunday was a jett boys day for me. Rick had quite a few friends over, it was hot, so they swam. I went to a small meeting at the Oaks to discuss the Change the World family charity's future. It was good.

And today, I caught up with Nadia for the morning for prayer and Word, etc. Then went to the college to get the papers for Steven, he is applying to do a course in Music and Drama performance. He has to go for an interview and do a performance to be accepted. Did other biz also.

Peter of Nadia, has made an appointment for me to meet with the 20yr old son of a customer of his, who has cancer, and not long to live. The boy is very scared to die, so Peter has organised a meeting for me...keep it in your prayers and this boys' salvation, that he comes to know Jesus and where he is going.

Anyway...life is still beautiful, thank you Jesus

P.S. GB Shane, when I came home he had fixed the broken screen. Love a man that takes initiative and fixes. A blessing to any home...xoxo Shane...go Shane!!!

Back now

Yep, we are back after 3 very relaxing, fun days. Wisemans Ferry holds fond memories for me, and continues to be a favourite destination. It was very hot the first day. 2nd day I went for a big drive with Greg and Kim and visited a historic little village. The meals were great, Chris is such a total caterer. Kids had a big game of poker last night. Liam of Chris and Charity was the winner, had no idea what he was doing, just had some great hands...and help from his dad.

Have some photos of it all...

Encouragement

6. If you are shining for Me, you will attract attention. People are drawn to the light. And when they are, witness to them. Your life should be a sample of your product, and it will be if you are taking time with Me, reading My Word and putting it into action, and using the spiritual weapons. I don't ask anything more of you really. I don't ask that you do some great work. I just ask that you be My representative there on Earth to those who need Me. Let Me do through you what I know you can do and don't worry about the rest. If you spend your efforts in loving Me, then you won't fail loving others or being the witness and sample that I need you to be.... This is from the letter in the Link...Not of this World.

That really encouraged me, I am in a very different situation, and at times, I wonder...but HE has put me here, and I have learned so many lessons on the power of prayer, and letting Him do what He has to do. "You can find rest, and be perfectly blessed when your all on the alter is laid".

The Word...the thing that I am most thankful for...and that is Jesus!!!

Before I go....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLAIRE!!! I LOVE YOU! You are a wonderful daughter.

Yesterday, I had the privilege to join the Adair family celebrate kelita's birthday, at a new restaurant...now I have the pictures

see you in a few days...we are going away

Rick and I are going away for 3 days, with the Willows, so will catch up with you after. I hope I left my camera in Kay's car yesterday. I went with the resident Adairs and spouses out for lunch for Kay's birthday, we had a really good time, and the food was great. Mark has discovered another good and cheap place to eat.

So...cya soon...

Thanks...

thanks to all of you that responded to my survey on the photos, they will be coming as soon as we mow the 5 acres of lawn, and tidy up abit...you know, I AM a Virgo. One must put their best foot forward...lol!! It is not as difficult as it seems, just that we have had so much rain over the winter and all, and everything has grown. God bless Peter, he has been working on the tractor. Dan will be doing around the house for me tomorrow...he owes me!!! Blackmail.

AND it was great to hear from some of my old friends and co....

I had a great week....

On Tuesday I had my first remedial massage. A friend of Nadia is a masseuse. She massaged me from top to toe, it took an hour and a half. It was amazing. I could hardly stand when she finished, and I felt totally out of it, high...ephoric. I drove on the wrong side of the road when I left her place--thank God there was no cars coming. I went out with Kelita for a snack and movies...birthday celebration. Was great to catch up, we decided to do it more often. Just get busy.

Will just do the hightlights. I dont like to read alot, and dont have any photos at this moment. \

Wednesday, Michael Piano came to Nadias, and showed photos of his work, and played for us all. It was a beautiful moving evening.

THursday, took Anastasia and RIck to Nadias. They played and Nadia and I had some great Word and prayer. Had dinner with Ginny, Duncan (visiting from South Africa and numerous boys. It was great fellowship.

Friday...biz, and today I worked in the morning, shopped for Claire's b.day gift, watered Tim and Sara's plants and strawberries, as they are in Melbourne, and Renee is away with Duncan. And Gin and I just went for a really long walk...she is such good company. and now, there is just Rick and myself home...its great.

So there it is...I really enjoyed this week, thank you Jesus! Life is GREAT!

My trip to Newcastle

Went to visit my sister. We sorted out some of mum's "things". Its been great catching up with her, we became close once again the few months before mum died. We had a really nice meal out with her husband, David and son David 18yrs. Today, we went into the city and walked along the shoreline. It was really beautiful. The photo is of the replica of the ship that Captian Cook came from England in. Not so big, especially considering there was 30 odd convicts on it also.

Popped in at Nadia's on way home and watched the movie Martin Luther with them. Ricky is staying with a friend, and its been great having that time out.

Our visitor

Rick and his friend Chris, found this blue-tongue lizard trapped in the pool. They bought it to me to see...for the record...I am NOT a fan of ANY reptiles. I can handle spiders, we get funnel web spiders in the pool, they are very poisonous. I have worked out how to get them out without much fuss, and it really doesn't bother me at all. But reptiles, turn me cold. The snakes are just waking from hibernation, one of the boys spotted a red belly black up the back of our property. I stick to the cement paths at all times, except when I hang the laundry...HA!

adam's birthday party

This is a photo of all my family...including Graham (nee Daniel, Michael Lion) Taken 2 years ago at Claire and Phyl's wedding. Boys have all really grown since then.

This is the link to my friend, Randal's webpage: http://mynaturehouse.com/MeetRandall.htm

I forgot

I also forgot to mention, I went for lunch with Duncan, Ren's friend. She was at work, he is staying with us for a few days from South Africa. We went to the Mean Fidler pub, spent all afternoon, relaxing and talking. That was one good afternoon, in good company. (and handsome...haha lol) We touched on the issues of life.....very stimulating conversation.

a survey

would you like to see some photos of our house and area...if yes, I will take some

just a note....

seemed to be really busy this week. Have not been so healthy at all, think the last few months have caught up with me, got a virus, and it affects me so differently these days...I seize up....so I have had to learn to operate in a different way than the last 50 odd years...PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Had a blast from the past, got a phone call from Mike Fischer who is visiting Australia, we must have talked for at least 2 hours. He is going to come and visit us next week, uh oh, I am going away for a few days with Willows...Lord will have to sort that one out. Its so amazing to pick up the phone and speak to someone you haven't spoken to in years. And also another old friend Randal called as well. He has just become "important" and they have written a big thing on him in the States...etc. He is a total nature person, and takes people on tours to all the endangered and exciting areas of the world.

I went to a six year old's birthday party, and that was pretty hectic. The topic of discussion was trash...we have all been issued with new bins in our shire, and the one for main garbage is half the size of the existing one, they want everyone to recycle...I ALREADY RECYCLE and fill up my existing bin and the others in our street. Its funny to sit around a table and talk...garbage. Anyway, its all sorted out now. I rang the council and we have a big one.

Jo, God love her...my angel, has helped me go through large mountains of forsake all and junk that has built up over the last six months. You know how it goes, if you forsake something, you just dump it in the garage, and the fairies deal with it Yep that is what we have been doing,...dealing with it all. Mountains of it. But it is done!!!

Haven't seen a lot of the boys, it is school holidays. Peter is staying over at the beach with some friends from school, at the grandparents. Rick was at a friends, and Steven is everywhere...attending 18yr birthday parties continually. He spent the night at a hotel in the city with a group from school. The girl, who turned 18 rented 5 rooms at a 5 star hotel for her friends...and I just realised when I was thinking about it all...they must have gone...CLUBBING!!! der....at least I got it! They all now are officially of age to enter...bit slow. Karen and bub have gone home, so it is relatively quiet here.

Anyway...the weather is warming up, its beautiful...great to be alive. Spring is here, and also...we have seen our first snake, and long blue tongue lizard. I really am not a reptile fan at all...dont mind spiders, but reptiles turn my blood...cold. Actually arent they cold blooded.

GTG, Dan needs a lift, he has promised to do some mowing for me if I do...blackmail...its good...my only weapon with these boys...Ha! I love them.

Ginny's new car

This is a photo of Gin's new car, that we drove around in today. I plastered myself with sunblock, but still got "colour"...we went to her new place, then down to Granville for Lebanese lunch...my favourite. Have a house full of boys this evening as it is the grand final of the football.

sorry will have to add photo tomorrow, as it just wont do it now

Ginny's new car

This is a photo of Gin's new car, that we drove around in today. I plastered myself with sunblock, but still got "colour"...we went to her new place, then down to Granville for Lebanese lunch...my favourite. Have a house full of boys this evening as it is the grand final of the football.

sorry will have to add photo tomorrow, as it just wont do it now

still sunday

The photo was of my birthday a week ago, Alan of Jo, is standing beside me, Renee, Tim there and a friend of Adam's...Jay, whom we haven't seen for awhile. September and October are very heavy birthday months for us all, starts with Steve..6th Sept, me--17th, Seth--21st, Karen--30th, Adam--7th oct and then Claire--15th, We all get abit birthdayed out...and its expensive, if you are one for gift-giving. Some of mine are faithful party attenders...their gift...ha!

Sunday...and it is such a beautiful day, I love this time of year, blossom everywhere, the air smells of perfume, Jasmine at the moment. We have baby ducklings by the droves around here. The days are getting longer..bar-b-que season. I never used to like Sunday when growing up, always seemed so long, boring and lonely. Now, I try to do relaxing stuff only. The boys aren't usually keen to spend ANY time with me...like a family day outing. Peter works. Steven actually just left for the beach, its 7 am, with James of Chris and Charity, and a few other friends from school.

Ginny bought a cute little Ford Capri convertable from my mechanic friend on Friday, for a song. And I think I may talk her into going for a drive somewhere today. Not good for me...I get skin cancer, will have to look like a mummy, if the roof is off. That would be really funny to see....I will definitely get some photos for you all of me in the convertable with her today. Its a fun car, and she would be able to sell it tomorrow for $2000 more than she purchased it. It was a deal!

So I am about to go and fish out all the leaves that dumped into the pool yesterday, as it was windy, just finished cleaning them all out two days ago. Its suppose to be about 27 degrees today. Swimming weather. Hoping to plant some flowers I got on Friday also. And outside day today. Too nice to be inside.

I love Sundays....

last few days

Just got back from Steven's year 12 graduation,left him getting into a stretch limo hummer, with about 20 of his school friends. The photos are of Stuart and a teacher, Stuart is 6'6", towers over Steven even, who is about 6'4". The group shot has 4ppl of similar backgrounds, 2 of which are my boys, one a friend and one a teacher...believe it or not. Was a good night, very Godly school. Gave them each a Bible as a gift, and their parting speech was to Love God, and love thy neighbours as thyself.

Been busy with Karen and Seth, doing stuff with her, and getting car fixed etc. These days when I get "bug" it makes my joints seize...not good. Even a simple cold. Keeps me praising and desperate. I can hardly walk. Anyway thank God for all the good health I have had over the years.

Steven's year 12 graduation

Uncle Adam babysitting Seth

Today we all went up to Karen's place near Camden for Seth's first birthday party. Absolutely beautiful day. The photos are of Ginny and Renee, Ricky with Graham & Tess's gang, Jay of Jo and Shane, and Anastasia...he was wonderful with them, kept them entertained all day. Another of graham and a few.