Shaun and I in our car and Nanny in hers, and we drove to Canberra airport to collect the girls and grandad.
Nanny talked about a new grill she has purchased and her PS3 games that she is fast becoming addicted to.
All smiles as the girls came down the escalator, exited and of course, that lovely Queensland coffee colour on their skin, and the exited chatter from cedie with so many stories to tell.
Grandad was looking for a woman to return some belongings to her. At the Brisbane airport they wouldn't let her on board with a spanner (for her child's car seat , to put it back into her car in Canberra, and a spoon , obvious, to feed a small person her evening meal with, as it was an evening flight.) So he had placed the items in his luggage.
Grandad had his own set back with luggage. He had decided to bring a few rifles to take to the range But hadn' t checked that the case had a working lock. Of course he encountered difficulty.
Cenedra tried to help out by saying , the bolts aren't in them, their in my bag and the bullets are separate, no one can fire them! But rules are rules, and the rifles stayed behind.
Sebastian had to drive to the airport and collect them, take them home and put them back into the safe.
We heard about games at the beach, games with rocky (the joey) games with their cousins, games out on the property in Tara, shooting, farming , planting, cooking, Ticks! driving stories,
Pig stories, huge Bird stories and motor bike riding stories.
These have been the busiest holidays ever!
Thursday 26 April 2007
Anzac Day
Anzac Day is a Very solemn occcasion for all of us in Australia and New Zealand.
The opportunity to bear witness to sacrifice, the injustice of war, and courage of the soldiers and those who stayed behind is one my family have always every year taken the opportunity to acknowledge.
When Sebastian and Ishta were very little the anzac day parade was one of wonder.
Ishta rode on Simpsons donkey for part of the parade as a three year old, Sebastian wide eyed at the old vehicles and the uniforms and marching.
Big base drums booming and the bag pipes always well represented.
As the children grew we became engaged in the marches through representing schools, girl guides, I took my gumnut guide troop along to a particularly enormous gathering in Sangate, Ayla was gumnut guide, Ishta was a Brownie guide and Sebastian a cub scout.
From this beginning Sebastian as School councillor represented Humpybong state school at the Anzac day parade and made a speech and laid a wreath, Ishta in school Blazer representing Clontarf High, then when a cadet at RCU 16 Sebastian was one of the Catafalque party, those guys who stand to attention around the shrine on Anzac day, all day without movement or emotion.
Each of the children have supported and acknowledged the remembrance day tradition.
When Ishta was 11 she would ride her bike to meals on wheels during her holidays to help in the kitchen and also deliver meals to our infirm and aged members of the community, she would come home with stories of war time shared with her by those who witnessed it. After a performance as a member of the treble clef choir performing for the clients in aged care facilities she would listen intently to tales of the Anzac sacrifice, and share with us the emotionally charged tales.
The Dawn ceremony on the shores of Moreton Bay as the sun rises over Moreton Island breaking another perfect day. The waves gently lapping the shore, and the shuffling of feet, a throat clearing, as we stand in silence, a biplane buzzes overhead, and a digger in hushed tones says, "it's alright men ,stand fast, it's one of ours"
Ill never forget that moment, the eyes of the children looking up at me when they realised the emotion in that one sentence and all it held, a gentle turning at the corners of their mouths stifling a giggle but understanding this was a serious moment, enjoying the joke quietly.
Demelza and Cenedra have both joined the march through the streets as members of the parade representing their schools.
Just recently we took the girls to the war memorial and witnessed the plane and submarine exhibits,.. very dramatic, the whole place is amazing and often tears well up at the recounting of the loss,and absurdity of war and mans inhumanity to man.
Anzac day this year is quiet, no children to share it with, I'm in the National Capital, on Anzac Day in bed with the flu! Shaun and I listened to the dawn service, and watched the televised version. Our hearts were with those we remember, and as a mark of respect I kept my germs away from the crowds.
The opportunity to bear witness to sacrifice, the injustice of war, and courage of the soldiers and those who stayed behind is one my family have always every year taken the opportunity to acknowledge.
When Sebastian and Ishta were very little the anzac day parade was one of wonder.
Ishta rode on Simpsons donkey for part of the parade as a three year old, Sebastian wide eyed at the old vehicles and the uniforms and marching.
Big base drums booming and the bag pipes always well represented.
As the children grew we became engaged in the marches through representing schools, girl guides, I took my gumnut guide troop along to a particularly enormous gathering in Sangate, Ayla was gumnut guide, Ishta was a Brownie guide and Sebastian a cub scout.
From this beginning Sebastian as School councillor represented Humpybong state school at the Anzac day parade and made a speech and laid a wreath, Ishta in school Blazer representing Clontarf High, then when a cadet at RCU 16 Sebastian was one of the Catafalque party, those guys who stand to attention around the shrine on Anzac day, all day without movement or emotion.
Each of the children have supported and acknowledged the remembrance day tradition.
When Ishta was 11 she would ride her bike to meals on wheels during her holidays to help in the kitchen and also deliver meals to our infirm and aged members of the community, she would come home with stories of war time shared with her by those who witnessed it. After a performance as a member of the treble clef choir performing for the clients in aged care facilities she would listen intently to tales of the Anzac sacrifice, and share with us the emotionally charged tales.
The Dawn ceremony on the shores of Moreton Bay as the sun rises over Moreton Island breaking another perfect day. The waves gently lapping the shore, and the shuffling of feet, a throat clearing, as we stand in silence, a biplane buzzes overhead, and a digger in hushed tones says, "it's alright men ,stand fast, it's one of ours"
Ill never forget that moment, the eyes of the children looking up at me when they realised the emotion in that one sentence and all it held, a gentle turning at the corners of their mouths stifling a giggle but understanding this was a serious moment, enjoying the joke quietly.
Demelza and Cenedra have both joined the march through the streets as members of the parade representing their schools.
Just recently we took the girls to the war memorial and witnessed the plane and submarine exhibits,.. very dramatic, the whole place is amazing and often tears well up at the recounting of the loss,and absurdity of war and mans inhumanity to man.
Anzac day this year is quiet, no children to share it with, I'm in the National Capital, on Anzac Day in bed with the flu! Shaun and I listened to the dawn service, and watched the televised version. Our hearts were with those we remember, and as a mark of respect I kept my germs away from the crowds.
Back to work and sharing Joey joy
It's so weird returning to work, after a weekend of festivities, settling in to a routine. I have so much stuff to share with my collegues, not everyone gets to share their bed with a joey.
It was a particularly cool morning when Rockey the newly named joey was shuffling around and calling so I helped him out of his pillow case and he flipped into my bed and remained there untill 7am.
The questioning looks of mm yep sure I believe you ?..it is good thing we have photos to share.
Shaun and the girls and I are fortunate having lived on the land and shared our home with the kangaroos. They come so close to the house and if you listen to their conversation and watch their behaviour you can also attest to how they are the most disarmingly beautiful animals. They are so graceful and gentle with each other and their environment.
They never knocked down the irrigation on the vineyard, but they didn't like where I planted apples and kicked them over.
Which is fair enough I guess, if the roos didn't think they would do well where I put them , I just tried somewhere else, until they left them alone.
But not everyone establishes opportunities to gain varied experiences to share, i'll keep my joey joy close to my heart. Thank you Sebastian for Rocky
It was a particularly cool morning when Rockey the newly named joey was shuffling around and calling so I helped him out of his pillow case and he flipped into my bed and remained there untill 7am.
The questioning looks of mm yep sure I believe you ?..it is good thing we have photos to share.
Shaun and the girls and I are fortunate having lived on the land and shared our home with the kangaroos. They come so close to the house and if you listen to their conversation and watch their behaviour you can also attest to how they are the most disarmingly beautiful animals. They are so graceful and gentle with each other and their environment.
They never knocked down the irrigation on the vineyard, but they didn't like where I planted apples and kicked them over.
Which is fair enough I guess, if the roos didn't think they would do well where I put them , I just tried somewhere else, until they left them alone.
But not everyone establishes opportunities to gain varied experiences to share, i'll keep my joey joy close to my heart. Thank you Sebastian for Rocky
Tuesday 24 April 2007
Relax and Recover
Shaun is not a drinker, and I am. I would joke about having to have all the fun and having to do the drinking for two people, and in saying that I set about doing it.
I would visit friends after work, for a quick glass of wine, a quick beer, a little port, just 1.
Try this we’ve just bottled it, come and help bottle the creme liquors or port.
If you are a drinker could you say no?
Assisting with bottling the vintage in boutique wineries is the, the cork in the bottle, the legs on the inside of the glass, the best.
After pruning, Picking, crushing, fermentation, waiting whilst the wine sits in the barrels then bottling the vintage, the celebration of the finished product is well worth the effort.
And then I Broke my leg.
I was visiting friends who were having a campfire. I had a few too many white wines, and asked one of Demelza’s friends to let me ride his bike.
I rode at speed up the side of the Dam wall. It was very steep, and to steady myself I turned the bike suddenly and cracked the thin supporting bone in my leg,
A spiral fracture !
And three months to recover in plaster !
It was an experience that slowed me up considerably, and I contained my dependence on alcohol thereafter.I had to detox relax and recover from a fast life and an out of control addiction to good wine and good company.
Ill never give up good company but I have learnt that I don't need to drink to have fun.
Sometimes it takes a disaster to happen for us to realise that we can enjoy ourselves without behaving in an out of control manner.
And sometimes a place to go and recover and repair our selves is what we need , time out like, the time out provided at drug detox with people who are caring and compassionate offering choices for life improvement.Their comprehensive drug and alcohol rehabilitation program for drug addiction and alcoholism is renowned and incredibly successful .
I would visit friends after work, for a quick glass of wine, a quick beer, a little port, just 1.
Try this we’ve just bottled it, come and help bottle the creme liquors or port.
If you are a drinker could you say no?
Assisting with bottling the vintage in boutique wineries is the, the cork in the bottle, the legs on the inside of the glass, the best.
After pruning, Picking, crushing, fermentation, waiting whilst the wine sits in the barrels then bottling the vintage, the celebration of the finished product is well worth the effort.
And then I Broke my leg.
I was visiting friends who were having a campfire. I had a few too many white wines, and asked one of Demelza’s friends to let me ride his bike.
I rode at speed up the side of the Dam wall. It was very steep, and to steady myself I turned the bike suddenly and cracked the thin supporting bone in my leg,
A spiral fracture !
And three months to recover in plaster !
It was an experience that slowed me up considerably, and I contained my dependence on alcohol thereafter.I had to detox relax and recover from a fast life and an out of control addiction to good wine and good company.
Ill never give up good company but I have learnt that I don't need to drink to have fun.
Sometimes it takes a disaster to happen for us to realise that we can enjoy ourselves without behaving in an out of control manner.
And sometimes a place to go and recover and repair our selves is what we need , time out like, the time out provided at drug detox with people who are caring and compassionate offering choices for life improvement.Their comprehensive drug and alcohol rehabilitation program for drug addiction and alcoholism is renowned and incredibly successful .
A typical afternoon with friends in the Wine Country
When we bought the vineyard, I set about learning about wine and the region, by meeting the neighbors and sampling the products they make.
Very quickly I developed a taste for different wine styles and sampled enough of the local product to know who makes the best "fruitcake in a bottle" and when to buy the best vintages.
Each day I would pass 25 cellar doors and an Hotel and a bottle shop to get to and from work.
So sometimes it would be a quiet beer in the pub after work. Other days it would be a visit to a couple of wineries for a sample and a bottle to drink on the verandah overlooking the vineyard at the cellar door.
Masons was a particularly pleasant Tuscan style establishment , the coffee and delicious cakes, cheese platters to be enjoyed sitting outside overlooking the view of the vineyard and the rolling hills beyond, then there is the fire place and the cozy atmosphere and I haven't even started to talk about the wine!
Some days were a bottle or two of white wine shared with my girlfriend under the Apricot trees in the orchard were we would laugh and cry and generally get untidy, and the children would cook the evening meal and look after us all the while shaking their heads at our behavior.
They were fun filled silly afternoons, where we were safe and carefree. I highly recommend visiting a wine growing region to let your hair down, I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived this carefree existence, fortunate because I learnt the lesson of moderation but it was a costly exercise.
Costly because boutique wines are expensive, and I became carried away with the experience.
Very quickly I developed a taste for different wine styles and sampled enough of the local product to know who makes the best "fruitcake in a bottle" and when to buy the best vintages.
Each day I would pass 25 cellar doors and an Hotel and a bottle shop to get to and from work.
So sometimes it would be a quiet beer in the pub after work. Other days it would be a visit to a couple of wineries for a sample and a bottle to drink on the verandah overlooking the vineyard at the cellar door.
Masons was a particularly pleasant Tuscan style establishment , the coffee and delicious cakes, cheese platters to be enjoyed sitting outside overlooking the view of the vineyard and the rolling hills beyond, then there is the fire place and the cozy atmosphere and I haven't even started to talk about the wine!
Some days were a bottle or two of white wine shared with my girlfriend under the Apricot trees in the orchard were we would laugh and cry and generally get untidy, and the children would cook the evening meal and look after us all the while shaking their heads at our behavior.
They were fun filled silly afternoons, where we were safe and carefree. I highly recommend visiting a wine growing region to let your hair down, I’ve been fortunate enough to have lived this carefree existence, fortunate because I learnt the lesson of moderation but it was a costly exercise.
Costly because boutique wines are expensive, and I became carried away with the experience.
Take a Chance on the River Belle Casino
I have a girlfriend who's partner is poker mad!
He is addicted to gambling because it is so much fun! He visits the casino every night and claims if he wins he could go to Melbourne, and play in the big league!
My friend complains that she never sees her lover, so I asked her “Have you ever taken a chance with online gambling? Let’s have a look at it and maybe you and your partner can enjoy gambling from home.
So we signed and gave it spin.
Well with River Belle Casino you can play for fun or with real money just by downloading the Online Casino, or joining any one of the active tables in the Online Poker Room.
We are both so impressed with the River Belle Casino and playing Blackjack, roulette and poker games together. We spent the best part of an afternoon and it was the most fun if you love a flutter.
Neither of us have had much experience with gambling but the River Belle Online Poker Room has an easy to use Poker School so you can hone your knowledge and skills to a professional standard. A little tuition and her partner could be competing online with hundreds of accomplished poker players from all over the world.
Privacy concerns? Well at River Belle, you aren't just a Player, you're considered to be a passenger and once you step aboard, you can expect complete privacy and security. The security devices used to protect the players make use of the latest 128-bit encryption and firewall technology.
River Belle has something for everyone to enjoy, including exciting monthly promotions, an exclusive loyalty program, safe and secure deposit options and 24/7 customer support.
With over 200 realistic, interactive games, and various poker games, online gaming has never been better.
He is addicted to gambling because it is so much fun! He visits the casino every night and claims if he wins he could go to Melbourne, and play in the big league!
My friend complains that she never sees her lover, so I asked her “Have you ever taken a chance with online gambling? Let’s have a look at it and maybe you and your partner can enjoy gambling from home.
So we signed and gave it spin.
Well with River Belle Casino you can play for fun or with real money just by downloading the Online Casino, or joining any one of the active tables in the Online Poker Room.
We are both so impressed with the River Belle Casino and playing Blackjack, roulette and poker games together. We spent the best part of an afternoon and it was the most fun if you love a flutter.
Neither of us have had much experience with gambling but the River Belle Online Poker Room has an easy to use Poker School so you can hone your knowledge and skills to a professional standard. A little tuition and her partner could be competing online with hundreds of accomplished poker players from all over the world.
Privacy concerns? Well at River Belle, you aren't just a Player, you're considered to be a passenger and once you step aboard, you can expect complete privacy and security. The security devices used to protect the players make use of the latest 128-bit encryption and firewall technology.
River Belle has something for everyone to enjoy, including exciting monthly promotions, an exclusive loyalty program, safe and secure deposit options and 24/7 customer support.
With over 200 realistic, interactive games, and various poker games, online gaming has never been better.
Tuesday 17 April 2007
Recovery day
Hey mum love the bags, u going shopping? gucci and prada?! (The Bags were under my eyes of course)
I looked like death warmed up, What a night!!
We had an endless stream of visitors, as mum returns to her city of choice and family come to wish her safe flight.We ate more prawns and consumed yet more beer and recapped on the days leading up to Jurgon and Stacy's big Day.
A quiet one. The kids and I played with the Joey on the Beach, Anjasa's ( my sister) boys went home to their Dad and step Mum. And Ishta made preparations for her flight to Canberra the following evening.
I'm pretty sure everyone had a good time.
I looked like death warmed up, What a night!!
We had an endless stream of visitors, as mum returns to her city of choice and family come to wish her safe flight.We ate more prawns and consumed yet more beer and recapped on the days leading up to Jurgon and Stacy's big Day.
A quiet one. The kids and I played with the Joey on the Beach, Anjasa's ( my sister) boys went home to their Dad and step Mum. And Ishta made preparations for her flight to Canberra the following evening.
I'm pretty sure everyone had a good time.
cyclone Daniel
Remember Aylas 18th? and Daniel stopped any fights by starting and finishing the first one? Well leaving Daniel as a babysitter was not a good idea.
The assistance Daniel had provided to Danni's' younger brother and his friends after the wine bladder broke was as ill concieved an idea as leaving him to look after your average mansion.
They filled all the glasses available with white wine from the broken wine bladder, when Daniel had the idea to skull the glasses as they were being filled,.... then the party started !!!
Beginning with Daniel shouting I FIGHT FOR FREE!!!
Seb returned and opened the front door of Danni's house, and was greeted by Daniel, who was at that point at the end of a very long tiled hallway.
He shouted celebrity crash dive!!! and began running, then jumped into the air Alar diving onto a mattress, only there was no mattress, only tiles and landed on his belly, sliding across the room and stopping under the pool table!
Running through the house dancing on everything, then he snorted enough megadeath sauce to kill a person, and as Sebastian retells it "he burnt half of his cone on re-entry and vomited hot chili sauce all over himself, the floor the white $10.000 couch"
Danni was not impressed at his break dancing, moon walking, or the MC Hammer crab.
Seb and Danni made an executive decision to give Daniel a shot glass of sleeping mixture,and that finished him off.
Then he crashed out, on the couch and could not be moved not until midday
The assistance Daniel had provided to Danni's' younger brother and his friends after the wine bladder broke was as ill concieved an idea as leaving him to look after your average mansion.
They filled all the glasses available with white wine from the broken wine bladder, when Daniel had the idea to skull the glasses as they were being filled,.... then the party started !!!
Beginning with Daniel shouting I FIGHT FOR FREE!!!
Seb returned and opened the front door of Danni's house, and was greeted by Daniel, who was at that point at the end of a very long tiled hallway.
He shouted celebrity crash dive!!! and began running, then jumped into the air Alar diving onto a mattress, only there was no mattress, only tiles and landed on his belly, sliding across the room and stopping under the pool table!
Running through the house dancing on everything, then he snorted enough megadeath sauce to kill a person, and as Sebastian retells it "he burnt half of his cone on re-entry and vomited hot chili sauce all over himself, the floor the white $10.000 couch"
Danni was not impressed at his break dancing, moon walking, or the MC Hammer crab.
Seb and Danni made an executive decision to give Daniel a shot glass of sleeping mixture,and that finished him off.
Then he crashed out, on the couch and could not be moved not until midday
Sebastian designated driver 3
Two police one shining a torch in the window,whilst the other asked Seb if he had been drinking. Seb admitted he had and his last drink was about four hours earlier.
Then the constable, having seen the aftermath of an afternoons drinking and revelry on the two other passengers in the car who had been at the wedding, decided to begin the spiel that leads up to breathalisation and is worth a good 4 1/2 minutes. You have been stopped for a random breath test. On my command you will breath into the testing apparatus until i say stop.
Seb blew, the bell sounded, and two expectant officers were very disappointed when the reading was zero.
Then the torch bearer looked over the car for defects, and it was at this point that Seb explained that he had spent an afternoon at his uncles' wedding, and was the designated driver ( the boys were also at this point getting restless in the back of the car)
The two officers then congratulated him on being responsible and sent them on their way.
Sebastian had been 2 hours away from Daniel by the time he dropped the last wedding guest home and went back to baby sitting.
Then the constable, having seen the aftermath of an afternoons drinking and revelry on the two other passengers in the car who had been at the wedding, decided to begin the spiel that leads up to breathalisation and is worth a good 4 1/2 minutes. You have been stopped for a random breath test. On my command you will breath into the testing apparatus until i say stop.
Seb blew, the bell sounded, and two expectant officers were very disappointed when the reading was zero.
Then the torch bearer looked over the car for defects, and it was at this point that Seb explained that he had spent an afternoon at his uncles' wedding, and was the designated driver ( the boys were also at this point getting restless in the back of the car)
The two officers then congratulated him on being responsible and sent them on their way.
Sebastian had been 2 hours away from Daniel by the time he dropped the last wedding guest home and went back to baby sitting.
Sebastian the designated driver pt 2
Sebastian had to borrow a vehicle, as his car was at the reception, Danni is the hostess of the soiree Sebastian and Daniel had attended and she let him drive her car,and she sat in the passenger seat back to collect me.
once they had arrived, and I was dragged to the car, the car wouldn't start! so all in attendance gathered batteries from the various vehicles that lined the street to start the car.To no avail.We moved into Sebastian's car and he drove the remaining revelers home dropping me first.
after turning the corner the police picked him up.
once they had arrived, and I was dragged to the car, the car wouldn't start! so all in attendance gathered batteries from the various vehicles that lined the street to start the car.To no avail.We moved into Sebastian's car and he drove the remaining revelers home dropping me first.
after turning the corner the police picked him up.
Sebastian the designated driver
Sebastian left the wedding reception with Daniel as they were invited to assist a girl friend supervise her teenage brothers party, whilst their parents were away.
The house is your ordinary run of the mill mansion, tiles for miles, pool room a pergola in the centre of the pool , and other outrageously expensive appointments and accessories.
The boys settled in for an enjoyable watch over the youths and everything was going fine, video clips playing via projection on one wall, and xbox games on another. a game of pool in progress..and my brother called him on his cellphone, "come and take your mother home from the reception OK?, it's time she went home!"
Sebastian left the babysitting job and returned to the reception to collect .me
The house is your ordinary run of the mill mansion, tiles for miles, pool room a pergola in the centre of the pool , and other outrageously expensive appointments and accessories.
The boys settled in for an enjoyable watch over the youths and everything was going fine, video clips playing via projection on one wall, and xbox games on another. a game of pool in progress..and my brother called him on his cellphone, "come and take your mother home from the reception OK?, it's time she went home!"
Sebastian left the babysitting job and returned to the reception to collect .me
Monday 16 April 2007
My Birthday
The girls and Nanny and I went to spinnakers for a few drinks,and to get really cold.We sat outside with a million dollar view, but we needed a million dollar coat to keep out the cold!!
It was karaoke night! my favourite!
So we sat overlooking the bay and the lights of two cities divided by the Hornibrook bridge sparkling with lights from the traffic crossing it and with the purple mountains in the background and enjoyed each others company in a perfect setting.
It was karaoke night! my favourite!
So we sat overlooking the bay and the lights of two cities divided by the Hornibrook bridge sparkling with lights from the traffic crossing it and with the purple mountains in the background and enjoyed each others company in a perfect setting.
The boys bucks night
Friday on the eve of the wedding, Jurgon and Stacy were blessed with a house full of people 31 of them in fact!!
Stacy's family are spread far and wide and were coming to wish the happy couple the best when word got around that two of Stacy's brothers intended to enjoy a few drinks with the groom and celebrate his last night as a single man. So almost her entire family converged on them so the boys could have a night of fun!!
We are very lucky in Redcliffe we have a terrific range of venues to choose from and everyone of them is world class.
The boys chose the Scarborough hotel.
An enormous establishment with internal staircases and a landing that looks out through huge full length windows enabling patrons to take advantage of Redcliffes beautiful views of Moreton bay.
The publican is old mate Pedro civonicevea , he's the Dad of the Broncos player and a very big guy. So the boys had a great time with their own security guard ,and he made the pool tables free all night for them.
So they spent the night swapping manly stories,..playing pool and drinking .
My cousin kept putting condoms on Jurgons jeans, saying the marriage would last as long as the first wash!!
Sebastian was little late to join the celebrations, and when he arrived at the venue, Jurgon introduced him to everyone including his grandfather! he was well under the weather by ten o'clock!
The boys came home late, my dad stumbled around shouting about how he was going to bed with the most beautiful woman in the world! Then he hugged Seb and sluured you're the most lovely girl Ayla we laughed and made to much noise. Then the fun police arrived(my mum) and we were sent to bed.
Sore heads for the wedding!
Stacy's family are spread far and wide and were coming to wish the happy couple the best when word got around that two of Stacy's brothers intended to enjoy a few drinks with the groom and celebrate his last night as a single man. So almost her entire family converged on them so the boys could have a night of fun!!
We are very lucky in Redcliffe we have a terrific range of venues to choose from and everyone of them is world class.
The boys chose the Scarborough hotel.
An enormous establishment with internal staircases and a landing that looks out through huge full length windows enabling patrons to take advantage of Redcliffes beautiful views of Moreton bay.
The publican is old mate Pedro civonicevea , he's the Dad of the Broncos player and a very big guy. So the boys had a great time with their own security guard ,and he made the pool tables free all night for them.
So they spent the night swapping manly stories,..playing pool and drinking .
My cousin kept putting condoms on Jurgons jeans, saying the marriage would last as long as the first wash!!
Sebastian was little late to join the celebrations, and when he arrived at the venue, Jurgon introduced him to everyone including his grandfather! he was well under the weather by ten o'clock!
The boys came home late, my dad stumbled around shouting about how he was going to bed with the most beautiful woman in the world! Then he hugged Seb and sluured you're the most lovely girl Ayla we laughed and made to much noise. Then the fun police arrived(my mum) and we were sent to bed.
Sore heads for the wedding!
Throw another prawn on the Barbie
Thankfully our combined families love prawns!!
Jurgons best man is from a fishing family and own trawlers so and endless supply of Prawns were available one of the guests even enjoyed prawns and pavlova!!!
Jurgons best man is from a fishing family and own trawlers so and endless supply of Prawns were available one of the guests even enjoyed prawns and pavlova!!!
Stevens accident
Steven is my nephew,and a really delightful lad. He hasn't been driving for long and had his first accident two days before the wedding.
Whilst driving home a cat ran out in front of him, he over corrected and hit the curb and lost the front bumper .He arrived home very shaken, Jurgon took him to the Police station to report the accident, as he had left the scene, and there they gave all of the details of the incident to the police.
Weddings can be so stressful!!!
Whilst driving home a cat ran out in front of him, he over corrected and hit the curb and lost the front bumper .He arrived home very shaken, Jurgon took him to the Police station to report the accident, as he had left the scene, and there they gave all of the details of the incident to the police.
Weddings can be so stressful!!!
The Wedding
Perfect weather, close friends and family gathered to acknowledge and witness the marriage of two of the most adorable people on the planet. My brother is so lucky to have found a girl who loves him so dearly.
The cermony took place in the back garden,
The children played, and everyone had the most convivial and joyful time.
Tears of joy and happiness, flowed freely as did the laughter and the clicking of cameras, it was like having their own paparazi. Rowena the youngest of their children, loves the camera and being the center of attention really made her day.
catching up with family and sharing with stacy's family was really lovely. who's next I wonder I just love a wedding
The cermony took place in the back garden,
The children played, and everyone had the most convivial and joyful time.
Tears of joy and happiness, flowed freely as did the laughter and the clicking of cameras, it was like having their own paparazi. Rowena the youngest of their children, loves the camera and being the center of attention really made her day.
catching up with family and sharing with stacy's family was really lovely. who's next I wonder I just love a wedding
The big Day
My sister's children arrived for my brothers big day and all the grandchildren were together for the first time in four years.
Photos and woo haven't you grown? all of the usual well who is this then ?when I last saw you you were in nappies! ..you know the kind of stuff?
All preparations and tying of ties and changing of minds over what to wear, shoes jewelry, gloves hat? sand shoes? crikey! at times it became a bit much. Dad and I relaxed with a cold beer. Sebastian and Daniel arrived dancing every where they had been practicing the crab.And quietened down after a Beer.
Ready? Finally? Can anyone fit 13 people in their car?
Photos and woo haven't you grown? all of the usual well who is this then ?when I last saw you you were in nappies! ..you know the kind of stuff?
All preparations and tying of ties and changing of minds over what to wear, shoes jewelry, gloves hat? sand shoes? crikey! at times it became a bit much. Dad and I relaxed with a cold beer. Sebastian and Daniel arrived dancing every where they had been practicing the crab.And quietened down after a Beer.
Ready? Finally? Can anyone fit 13 people in their car?
Cedie and the beach
The girls spent all day at the beach which is accross the road from Mum and Dads Woody point home.Cedie spends all of her time at the beach. She is such a busy girl finding crabs building sandcastles,making roads,floating things, she has an obsession with catching fish, and caught herself with a hook on the thumb! A toad fish obliged and jumped on to her hook, but that has been her only success with fishing at the beach. Greater success with fishing can be had at Jurgon's place in the swimming pool. He has converted the pool into an aquaculture farm, he hand feeds his plate sized silver perch.
Anyone can be assured of a catch, and of course we have let them go again, but catch and release is the way to fish now.
Sebastian bought Guitar Hero, and she spends some of her time Playing Woman by wolfmother in the evenings that is, bewteen movies on the big screen, playing with the joey, fishing and playing at the beach and at the flying fox park she is one busy girl.
Cenedra has the best of both worlds these holidays, she is at the beach everyday, as the beach is only across the road. She can fish at Jurgon and Stacy's, (The Bride and Groom's place ) and My Dad is taking Her and Demelza out to Mum and Dads property in Tara western Qld. A very diverse range of activites await the girls,
Anyone can be assured of a catch, and of course we have let them go again, but catch and release is the way to fish now.
Sebastian bought Guitar Hero, and she spends some of her time Playing Woman by wolfmother in the evenings that is, bewteen movies on the big screen, playing with the joey, fishing and playing at the beach and at the flying fox park she is one busy girl.
Cenedra has the best of both worlds these holidays, she is at the beach everyday, as the beach is only across the road. She can fish at Jurgon and Stacy's, (The Bride and Groom's place ) and My Dad is taking Her and Demelza out to Mum and Dads property in Tara western Qld. A very diverse range of activites await the girls,
The Joey
Sebastian introduced us to his pet joey!
At the end of a busy day Sebastian arrived, and inside a pillow case,... a joey. So gentle soft and beautiful, and the joey was lovely too. Sebastian claimed how he has to settle down now that he has this responsibility,..
A bottle was organised, but this little guy has been weaned and eats grass. He also likes watching telly. The girls cuddled him in front of the t.v whilst they watched DVDs when he spied a pouch on the side of the chair....and flopped into it, that is where he stayed.
The girls took him to the beach, and played Frisbee, Joe ( joey now named)chased Seb up and down the beach and chased the girls around searching for a pouch . they were careful not to tire him too much though.
At the end of a busy day Sebastian arrived, and inside a pillow case,... a joey. So gentle soft and beautiful, and the joey was lovely too. Sebastian claimed how he has to settle down now that he has this responsibility,..
A bottle was organised, but this little guy has been weaned and eats grass. He also likes watching telly. The girls cuddled him in front of the t.v whilst they watched DVDs when he spied a pouch on the side of the chair....and flopped into it, that is where he stayed.
The girls took him to the beach, and played Frisbee, Joe ( joey now named)chased Seb up and down the beach and chased the girls around searching for a pouch . they were careful not to tire him too much though.
So much to do and catch up on!!
We shopped and tidied the house and prepared for the celebration.
The girls spent much of their time at the beach , out of the way.
The drive across the city to take Ayla to work was interesting, travelling across the gateway bridge and taking in the sights of the Brisbane river and city beyond.
Ayla showed us around the shopping center where she spends her days as she has two jobs, typical of Ayla. She works in a hairdressers salon and when finished there, she walks across the hall to the Fruit shop and sells fruit and veges.The owners originate from Stanthorpe!.. Small world!
The girls spent much of their time at the beach , out of the way.
The drive across the city to take Ayla to work was interesting, travelling across the gateway bridge and taking in the sights of the Brisbane river and city beyond.
Ayla showed us around the shopping center where she spends her days as she has two jobs, typical of Ayla. She works in a hairdressers salon and when finished there, she walks across the hall to the Fruit shop and sells fruit and veges.The owners originate from Stanthorpe!.. Small world!
The trip to Canberra Airport
Early Early Early, my body is not ready for this!!
Shaun cooked breakfast, and we packed the car. Driving to Ishta's to collect her. Early Early,too Early for Evan!still in bed bless him, but Ishta was ready (Thankfully) and we hit the road.
Arrived on time and a very pleasant Young man assisted us with signing in at the kiosk. Then on to the check in, placed our luggage on the conveyor belt and left for security.
I had to remove my shoes,...then they found a nail file, so i went to the newsagent and posted it to myself, Last call for flight to Brisbane calling Ishtas and Varinia ,....then off came the shoes again, .. Last call for Ishta and Varina,....and they found an aerosol can in Ishtas' bag,.. and eventually gave it back to us . We ran up the stairs to find the door locked and Ishta ran off to find someone to let us on the aircraft. Nearly didn't make it!! An abrupt gentleman was very cross with us, but the flight attendants were very pleasant and forgiving ,very understanding about hold ups at security.
The flight was exiting,and went too quickly.
I loved flying in to brisbane, over the sea, and I could almost see the girls waving from their front room facing the beach.
We disembarked and collected our luggage, and boarded the air train to Northgate and changed for a train to Sandgate. Brisbane is very warm and I kept removing layers of clothes.
Dad collected us fromthe train, I couldn't wait to see the girls.
Shaun cooked breakfast, and we packed the car. Driving to Ishta's to collect her. Early Early,too Early for Evan!still in bed bless him, but Ishta was ready (Thankfully) and we hit the road.
Arrived on time and a very pleasant Young man assisted us with signing in at the kiosk. Then on to the check in, placed our luggage on the conveyor belt and left for security.
I had to remove my shoes,...then they found a nail file, so i went to the newsagent and posted it to myself, Last call for flight to Brisbane calling Ishtas and Varinia ,....then off came the shoes again, .. Last call for Ishta and Varina,....and they found an aerosol can in Ishtas' bag,.. and eventually gave it back to us . We ran up the stairs to find the door locked and Ishta ran off to find someone to let us on the aircraft. Nearly didn't make it!! An abrupt gentleman was very cross with us, but the flight attendants were very pleasant and forgiving ,very understanding about hold ups at security.
The flight was exiting,and went too quickly.
I loved flying in to brisbane, over the sea, and I could almost see the girls waving from their front room facing the beach.
We disembarked and collected our luggage, and boarded the air train to Northgate and changed for a train to Sandgate. Brisbane is very warm and I kept removing layers of clothes.
Dad collected us fromthe train, I couldn't wait to see the girls.
Friday 13 April 2007
The girls have gone
Shaun and I spent a great deal of energy and time preparing the girls for their trip to Brisbane.
Packing and unpacking their bags, and asking relevant questions about just what they have in their bags. Do you have a toothbrush?.. clean draws?..summer clothes (as autumn in Queensland is very warm unlike Canberra or Stanthorpe.
My folks have a beach house, right on the water and that is where they are staying and where I will join them, so do you have swimmers and a beach towel? Clothes for the wedding ? And how many pairs of shoes are you taking?
All valid questions i thought .
Shaun has this idea that I should leave the nagging out and let them make their own mistakes believing they will learn from misjudgement, but I nagg, not only for the hell of it , but because I want everything to be right for them.
This morning we woke to an alarm at 4.30 to make breakfast, wake the girls and pack the car Shaun did all of this, then drove the girls to the nanny's to collect her and then on to the airport.
Whilst he was away I emptied schoolbags of uneaten lunches, stripped beds and tidied rooms in preparation for their return,cleaned the kitchen cos i didn't want a mess for Shaun when he got home in the evening .
I was busying myself with housework,when he arrived back from the airport to collect his car as he had taken mine, frightening me just a little as I wasn't expecting him back! We talked about how quiet the house was and he explained how the trip to the airport was.
All day I have been exited ,about travelling to Brisbane, and then Ishta emails me that she has booked a flight , and is joining me!.So doubly exited!
The day couldn't pass fast enough. All of my kids in one city for my birthday!
At home we ate a delicious meal of curry and rice made by Shaun of course, and I packed my things for a weekend of celebrations my Birthday and my brothers wedding!and to bed a little later than i had anticipated but I'm sure tomorrow will be nice and smooth even if i am a little tired.
Packing and unpacking their bags, and asking relevant questions about just what they have in their bags. Do you have a toothbrush?.. clean draws?..summer clothes (as autumn in Queensland is very warm unlike Canberra or Stanthorpe.
My folks have a beach house, right on the water and that is where they are staying and where I will join them, so do you have swimmers and a beach towel? Clothes for the wedding ? And how many pairs of shoes are you taking?
All valid questions i thought .
Shaun has this idea that I should leave the nagging out and let them make their own mistakes believing they will learn from misjudgement, but I nagg, not only for the hell of it , but because I want everything to be right for them.
This morning we woke to an alarm at 4.30 to make breakfast, wake the girls and pack the car Shaun did all of this, then drove the girls to the nanny's to collect her and then on to the airport.
Whilst he was away I emptied schoolbags of uneaten lunches, stripped beds and tidied rooms in preparation for their return,cleaned the kitchen cos i didn't want a mess for Shaun when he got home in the evening .
I was busying myself with housework,when he arrived back from the airport to collect his car as he had taken mine, frightening me just a little as I wasn't expecting him back! We talked about how quiet the house was and he explained how the trip to the airport was.
All day I have been exited ,about travelling to Brisbane, and then Ishta emails me that she has booked a flight , and is joining me!.So doubly exited!
The day couldn't pass fast enough. All of my kids in one city for my birthday!
At home we ate a delicious meal of curry and rice made by Shaun of course, and I packed my things for a weekend of celebrations my Birthday and my brothers wedding!and to bed a little later than i had anticipated but I'm sure tomorrow will be nice and smooth even if i am a little tired.
Wednesday 11 April 2007
Demelza's Evening Meal
What A fabulous feast!
This is Demelza's first time at meal preparation and serving a meal for five (Nanny joined us for dinner) hot to the table and beautifully presented.
We were all so impressed!
So will the Teacher be, when she reads how Demelza followed recipe instructions, and prepared her items to be cooked first and the ingredients for the sauces all in order, just so commendable.
The only thing she needed help with was the preparation of the chicken for the meal, I helped her bone out the chicken and let her slice the meat into bite sized pieces, but that was because she was a bit lost with what to do with two chickens to make enough meat for a meal without bones.
we all agreed Demelza can cook tommorrow night.
This is Demelza's first time at meal preparation and serving a meal for five (Nanny joined us for dinner) hot to the table and beautifully presented.
We were all so impressed!
So will the Teacher be, when she reads how Demelza followed recipe instructions, and prepared her items to be cooked first and the ingredients for the sauces all in order, just so commendable.
The only thing she needed help with was the preparation of the chicken for the meal, I helped her bone out the chicken and let her slice the meat into bite sized pieces, but that was because she was a bit lost with what to do with two chickens to make enough meat for a meal without bones.
we all agreed Demelza can cook tommorrow night.
Monday 9 April 2007
A Nag Free Day from Demelza
Today Demelza and her girlfriend are off to swim and climb the banks of the Murrumbidgee river which is across the road.
Pine Island it is called and before the new estate began to be established was a pleasant walk through the bush, now the kids have to go the long way around, not through the construction site of course.
Demelza will be too busy to nag about skate shoes today. When she returns it is her turn to cook dinner. Tonight Demelza is completing an assignment for her home economics class and is preparing and serving a meal and we have to assess her abilities in the kitchen. This is going to be fun.
But I know I have three more days of nagging about shoes to endure before they leave for Brisbane, I wonder where my ear plugs are?
Pine Island it is called and before the new estate began to be established was a pleasant walk through the bush, now the kids have to go the long way around, not through the construction site of course.
Demelza will be too busy to nag about skate shoes today. When she returns it is her turn to cook dinner. Tonight Demelza is completing an assignment for her home economics class and is preparing and serving a meal and we have to assess her abilities in the kitchen. This is going to be fun.
But I know I have three more days of nagging about shoes to endure before they leave for Brisbane, I wonder where my ear plugs are?
Preparations for The Wedding
My brother will tie the knot this weekend.
Initially we were travelling by car to the Wedding, then Mum asked if the girls would like to fly with her, so we booked the flights for Thursday, and continued with plan A to drive up the coast . Shaun would pick me up from work and we would just drive, quite a different journey with just the two of us travelling. Then he was offered a job that begins on the 11th , so I had to change my travel plans, and now I fly as well , I travel at the same time but on Friday.
The preparations at our end have begun with Demelza nagging for new clothes.
On our trip around the City Centre yesterday , Demelza nagged for new shoes.
I haven't got any nice new skate shoes for the wedding!
Not shoes that are practical and nice, not shoes that can be worn with a pretty dress at my brothers wedding, skate shoes!
I asked her to find something in her wardrobe that would require the addition of new skate shoes to make it look special and have left her with this task.
Initially we were travelling by car to the Wedding, then Mum asked if the girls would like to fly with her, so we booked the flights for Thursday, and continued with plan A to drive up the coast . Shaun would pick me up from work and we would just drive, quite a different journey with just the two of us travelling. Then he was offered a job that begins on the 11th , so I had to change my travel plans, and now I fly as well , I travel at the same time but on Friday.
The preparations at our end have begun with Demelza nagging for new clothes.
On our trip around the City Centre yesterday , Demelza nagged for new shoes.
I haven't got any nice new skate shoes for the wedding!
Not shoes that are practical and nice, not shoes that can be worn with a pretty dress at my brothers wedding, skate shoes!
I asked her to find something in her wardrobe that would require the addition of new skate shoes to make it look special and have left her with this task.
New T.V
The television in the house we are renting has a green screen.Periodically the picture becomes full colour but not for long 30seconds was the longest that we had full colour. Last week Shaun volunteered to go to QLD to collect more stuff for us and get a T.V. from the farm. As a family we discussed what other things we would need, Cedie wants long legs bear, Demelza wants
her Softball gear and sports equipment, I wanted photographs and books, Shaun would also collect books and tools .
As Shaun begins a new job in Canberra on the 11th ,we decided we could do without all of those wants. we all decided that the trip to Queensland to collect and pack more stuff for us and get back here in time to start a new job would be too much stress for everyone.
So we began T.V shopping. Standing for an eternity watching screens trying to see a difference in picture quality, examining all that is available in plasma and LCD screens and then determining how much we will spend. One big headache!
We got to a point where we just wanted to watch a colour screen and didn't give a rats about whether the screen was flat or back lit or could be hung on the wall or had HDD lmnop technology!!
I returned from work last week to find Shaun had been shopping, we own a new T.V, it isn't flat, or plasma or LCD, It is a 68cm colour T.V that we can view without guessing what colours might be.It is a standby until we decide which of the Plasmas we will buy.
her Softball gear and sports equipment, I wanted photographs and books, Shaun would also collect books and tools .
As Shaun begins a new job in Canberra on the 11th ,we decided we could do without all of those wants. we all decided that the trip to Queensland to collect and pack more stuff for us and get back here in time to start a new job would be too much stress for everyone.
So we began T.V shopping. Standing for an eternity watching screens trying to see a difference in picture quality, examining all that is available in plasma and LCD screens and then determining how much we will spend. One big headache!
We got to a point where we just wanted to watch a colour screen and didn't give a rats about whether the screen was flat or back lit or could be hung on the wall or had HDD lmnop technology!!
I returned from work last week to find Shaun had been shopping, we own a new T.V, it isn't flat, or plasma or LCD, It is a 68cm colour T.V that we can view without guessing what colours might be.It is a standby until we decide which of the Plasmas we will buy.
Easter Reminiscing
When I was growing up, we had Easter eggs, and they had bunnies on or baby chickens some came in boxes, some were rugby balls complete with the stitching ,there were of course the master chocolatiers who made bunnies and presented these in cellophane. The thing is, the range and choice wasn't as incredibly vast as it is today.
The range of chocolate merchandise that is available at Easter time is a phenomenon in itself.
Chocolate Simpson's egg with toy, or chocolate character with small beanies. Hot wheels was big again this year, egg and car.Groovy chick bag and egg, hair ties and egg, hand decorated egg and small eggs inside.Lindt golden bunnies went all out with advertising this Easter, and pride of place was the stand with tiny golden bunnies in the door way of most chain stores. Last year it was the Cadbury bunny, the television message was the same though "if you don't get one of these this Easter no one loves you".
This year we decided to be minimalist, and Keep Easter as simple as possible.Other years, the kids have made bags, hats,and signs, to Easter bunny. Biscuits, and eggs and egg fillings but because I have no moulds here with me to make our own eggs, and all icing equipment is at home in Stanthorpe, and all craft supplies are in our craft cupboard up at the wood shed, we have just prepared for a quiet and mess free Easter.
When shopping for eggs we found the perfect combination of craft and egg for gifts, four eggs with 3 icing tubes to decorate the eggs. Perfect for the girls to write Easter messages.
Ishta and Evan arrived with bunnies, roses, crystallised ginger for Shaun (he doesn't indulge in chocolate) eggs for all of us and Hot cross buns.We enjoyed sharing together before they had to go to work, agreeing that next year we would all take the minimalist approach and not buy so many eggs.
The range of chocolate merchandise that is available at Easter time is a phenomenon in itself.
Chocolate Simpson's egg with toy, or chocolate character with small beanies. Hot wheels was big again this year, egg and car.Groovy chick bag and egg, hair ties and egg, hand decorated egg and small eggs inside.Lindt golden bunnies went all out with advertising this Easter, and pride of place was the stand with tiny golden bunnies in the door way of most chain stores. Last year it was the Cadbury bunny, the television message was the same though "if you don't get one of these this Easter no one loves you".
This year we decided to be minimalist, and Keep Easter as simple as possible.Other years, the kids have made bags, hats,and signs, to Easter bunny. Biscuits, and eggs and egg fillings but because I have no moulds here with me to make our own eggs, and all icing equipment is at home in Stanthorpe, and all craft supplies are in our craft cupboard up at the wood shed, we have just prepared for a quiet and mess free Easter.
When shopping for eggs we found the perfect combination of craft and egg for gifts, four eggs with 3 icing tubes to decorate the eggs. Perfect for the girls to write Easter messages.
Ishta and Evan arrived with bunnies, roses, crystallised ginger for Shaun (he doesn't indulge in chocolate) eggs for all of us and Hot cross buns.We enjoyed sharing together before they had to go to work, agreeing that next year we would all take the minimalist approach and not buy so many eggs.
Sunday 8 April 2007
Easter In Canberra
We went for a walk in Canberrra country township, exploring. WE found plenty of sculptures to climb on , we jumped on all the waterfalls and civic sculptures and other water features and brick walls and barriers and staircases.
Cedie looked for money as that is her motivation and Dee just wanted to.. race me..beat me up them stairs...beat me to the end of the road, beat me round the bend......somebody beat her up!...
Stopping in book shops to find new and exiting things to learn about, Cedie always finds something to entertain herself and fuel her imagination.Demelza enjoys books about philosophy, science and religion, we stood together reading about the maharaj j and Wicca,cedie read about demons Shaun became immersed in Nlp, Buddhist texts and psychology,I found a picture book En Provence and have decided that I should go and have a look for myself, although it does remind me of Stanthorpe with the lavender fields and vineyards and hills of purple
For our evening meal we are having soup,.. Easter soup, and inviting Nanny and Paula for a nourishing soup dish.
Demelza has a friend staying the night, I knew nothing about it !, this kid just arrives on the doorstep and I say are you staying for dinner? and she says "yes please", and then she says can I stay the night?"
"have you called your mum? does she Know?(cos i didn't)" I ask and Dee just Cheshire cat smiles the whole way through the conversation, and then explains that this kid Tallie is staying over, because they are going to Pine Island tomorrow, and she said (Tahlie)" 'ill stay at your house if i can get there"
I would have liked to have been asked if it would be OK? you know?
sometimes i don't get the kids,so go figure, feel like having a Crucifixion of my own, this festive season, mm mm may bee I'm kidding...
Cedie looked for money as that is her motivation and Dee just wanted to.. race me..beat me up them stairs...beat me to the end of the road, beat me round the bend......somebody beat her up!...
Stopping in book shops to find new and exiting things to learn about, Cedie always finds something to entertain herself and fuel her imagination.Demelza enjoys books about philosophy, science and religion, we stood together reading about the maharaj j and Wicca,cedie read about demons Shaun became immersed in Nlp, Buddhist texts and psychology,I found a picture book En Provence and have decided that I should go and have a look for myself, although it does remind me of Stanthorpe with the lavender fields and vineyards and hills of purple
For our evening meal we are having soup,.. Easter soup, and inviting Nanny and Paula for a nourishing soup dish.
Demelza has a friend staying the night, I knew nothing about it !, this kid just arrives on the doorstep and I say are you staying for dinner? and she says "yes please", and then she says can I stay the night?"
"have you called your mum? does she Know?(cos i didn't)" I ask and Dee just Cheshire cat smiles the whole way through the conversation, and then explains that this kid Tallie is staying over, because they are going to Pine Island tomorrow, and she said (Tahlie)" 'ill stay at your house if i can get there"
I would have liked to have been asked if it would be OK? you know?
sometimes i don't get the kids,so go figure, feel like having a Crucifixion of my own, this festive season, mm mm may bee I'm kidding...
Saturday 7 April 2007
Easter In Stanthorpe
This time last year, we celebrated both Easter and Halloween at the same time!
Easter because Cadbury says it is Easter, and the calendar dictates this is so, And Halloween because the seasons say it is a time to celebrate the end of the growing season, and prepare for everything to sleep and have a rest.
So we had the vineyard in all of its Autumn colour and the orchard in brilliant yellow and orange, the maples in purple and orange pumpkins we hollowed out and mad jack'o' lanterns for the camp fire we had prepared.
Demelza had invited some of her friends over to help celebrate with us.We made shortbread shapes both witches spiders ghosts and bats and bunnies and Flowers and baskets.The contrast was really bizarre.
But in the southern hemisphere, we don't follow the seasons for our seasonal festivals. And that is to our detriment, because the meanings for these holidays are lost on the kids. Lost to the point were the other day my colleagues stated they didn't know why we had Easter, they just knew that it is a holiday.
So In Stanthorpe lots of effort goes into explaining the Christian position on why Easter is Important. So at least the kids get to have the idea that it is about rebirth, and new beginnings new baby lambs and chickens and daffodils elements of spring and the eggs are for fertility although it is confusing when it is celebrated in Autumn, which is not the time for new beginnings, and so that is why we celebrate Halloween at this time because it is a seasonal Holiday, not because Mr Cadbury or the Church say It is time to.
The children left our house after cooking and decorating bags for their goodies and having a sausage sizzle around the camp fire. They all had an exiting and interesting time. And the Girls; Demelza and Ce'nedra ,enjoyed sharing elements of how we celebrate these holidays in our home.
Easter because Cadbury says it is Easter, and the calendar dictates this is so, And Halloween because the seasons say it is a time to celebrate the end of the growing season, and prepare for everything to sleep and have a rest.
So we had the vineyard in all of its Autumn colour and the orchard in brilliant yellow and orange, the maples in purple and orange pumpkins we hollowed out and mad jack'o' lanterns for the camp fire we had prepared.
Demelza had invited some of her friends over to help celebrate with us.We made shortbread shapes both witches spiders ghosts and bats and bunnies and Flowers and baskets.The contrast was really bizarre.
But in the southern hemisphere, we don't follow the seasons for our seasonal festivals. And that is to our detriment, because the meanings for these holidays are lost on the kids. Lost to the point were the other day my colleagues stated they didn't know why we had Easter, they just knew that it is a holiday.
So In Stanthorpe lots of effort goes into explaining the Christian position on why Easter is Important. So at least the kids get to have the idea that it is about rebirth, and new beginnings new baby lambs and chickens and daffodils elements of spring and the eggs are for fertility although it is confusing when it is celebrated in Autumn, which is not the time for new beginnings, and so that is why we celebrate Halloween at this time because it is a seasonal Holiday, not because Mr Cadbury or the Church say It is time to.
The children left our house after cooking and decorating bags for their goodies and having a sausage sizzle around the camp fire. They all had an exiting and interesting time. And the Girls; Demelza and Ce'nedra ,enjoyed sharing elements of how we celebrate these holidays in our home.
Easter Egg Hunting
This morning very early Ce'nedra reminded us again that we were taking her to the hyper dome to join in with the Easter egg hunt run by Darryl lea. Ready by 8.am and in the shopping complex by 8.30, and the search began. But not an egg was found!
By 8.45 all of the eggs had been spotted and gathered by older children and some parents. Who had entered the centre through any one of he many doors and began the hunt before the official time, so when the children were ready to search downstairs the eggs were already collected. there were some very disappointed kiddies this morning searching through the plants at the shopping center,and adults with plastic bags of eggs. Sad that they had to spoil it.
By 8.45 all of the eggs had been spotted and gathered by older children and some parents. Who had entered the centre through any one of he many doors and began the hunt before the official time, so when the children were ready to search downstairs the eggs were already collected. there were some very disappointed kiddies this morning searching through the plants at the shopping center,and adults with plastic bags of eggs. Sad that they had to spoil it.
Friday 6 April 2007
Demelzas Easter sleep over
Demelza just came home limping she stood on a sparkler last night and has burnt a hole in her toe. The evening's events went like this:
She went to Woden on the Bus with her friend to do Easter Egg shopping last night . When they met some other thirteen year old girls in her grade who also rode the bus, but they were buying alcohol and getting drunk for Easter.
They shopped, bought their eggs,and returned home.Her friends' mum has no food in the house and so for dinner Demelza bought herself Macdonalds.
The sparklers were fun and always are until someone hurts them self...
and for brekky she had, surprise surprise MacDonalds!!
And now is bitchin' because her friend has cats and she can't have one of the 9 cats that are for sale, Shaun is allergic and I just hate them.
Every time she eats that rubbish she becomes demanding and whiny about everything! and we don't give in, however,...
This morning she tried to get a bus home, but it is a weekend timetable, the driver eventually allowed her to use the bus with her school ticket even though it is essentially a holiday, she insisted that it is Friday,the bus driver obviously just found it easier, to give in to a whiny teenager with a sore foot .
I've sent her off to have a bath and wash her attitude away then clean her room up, gotta keep teens occupied you know.
She went to Woden on the Bus with her friend to do Easter Egg shopping last night . When they met some other thirteen year old girls in her grade who also rode the bus, but they were buying alcohol and getting drunk for Easter.
They shopped, bought their eggs,and returned home.Her friends' mum has no food in the house and so for dinner Demelza bought herself Macdonalds.
The sparklers were fun and always are until someone hurts them self...
and for brekky she had, surprise surprise MacDonalds!!
And now is bitchin' because her friend has cats and she can't have one of the 9 cats that are for sale, Shaun is allergic and I just hate them.
Every time she eats that rubbish she becomes demanding and whiny about everything! and we don't give in, however,...
This morning she tried to get a bus home, but it is a weekend timetable, the driver eventually allowed her to use the bus with her school ticket even though it is essentially a holiday, she insisted that it is Friday,the bus driver obviously just found it easier, to give in to a whiny teenager with a sore foot .
I've sent her off to have a bath and wash her attitude away then clean her room up, gotta keep teens occupied you know.
Choices
Ayla Is moving on, job wise...
I left my job cause the owner, f**king sleezy greek man told all of his staff that the frenchman chef and i were having sex... i was asked by all the waitresses... how embarrasing and the both of us ended up resigning. so im looking for work again...
An opportunity for Nick the Greek,... Lost.... and a new door opens for Ayla..
I left my job cause the owner, f**king sleezy greek man told all of his staff that the frenchman chef and i were having sex... i was asked by all the waitresses... how embarrasing and the both of us ended up resigning. so im looking for work again...
An opportunity for Nick the Greek,... Lost.... and a new door opens for Ayla..
Aylas Cv
Here is Ayla all grown up at 18.
And already she has done so many different Jobs in her short working career.
When she was 9 her older siblings had paper routes, and Ayla would help them early on Wednesday morning when the papers arrived, to fold and place the 600 or so papers into bags. Then load them into the delivery bags and walk or ride the streets delivering the local paper.Then get ready for school.
Sebastian handed his paper route to Ayla so the two girls Ishta and Ayla would do the job together.
I was a Tuperware consultatant at the time and Ayla would assist me with designing my "shop" and packaging orders.
She Helped my Mother and I with Nutrimetics orders, and assisted in the office of my Dads Factory and on the floor cleaning up.
Ayla moved to Canberra and worked at Hungry Jacks after school. She was awarded Crew member of the Month every month for the 12 months she worked there. When we moved to Stanthorpe, She got a job on a local farm and picked tomatos and capsicum then because of the abundance of produce available, Ayla set up a stall at the local markets selling cakes and jams biscuits and chocolates. She became a real 'carny' as we had to go to the markets every Sunday and take her, Shaun made her a table and trestles. She would make Jam after school and cakes and biscuits all Friday and Saturday, and package the products . It was very professional. www.granitenet.net.au/groups/StanthorpeFarmersMarket
Ayla was offered a job as a waitress in The most notable of local restaurants Cooks Gluttons And Gourmets and she loved it and through the patience and expert tutelage of John and Yvette Gianake,became very much in demand. http://www.granitenet.net.au/users/YvetteGiannake Jobs at the Environmental Lodge waitressing for Master Chef John Rogers was for Ayla a great honor. When he caters for an evening with friends or for a conference the occasion ,the ambiance, the meal ....is an exquisite and memorable experience.
Girraween environmental lodge" www.girraweenlodge.com.au
In between all this cooking and working on farms and studying for her last two years of school, Ayla worked in "Rockmans' womens fashion on Saturday mornings and on Saturday afternoon at IGA supermarket as acheckout girl.
So Ayla has had terrific grounding in how proffesionals go about their business in providing a wonderful experience for diners and customers. Her Understanding of the preparation of the food, and that little extra knowledge of having harvested vegetables and fruit ,and created her own products ,should give her some advantage ,I would think at this,.. I wanna be a Chef idea she has.
And already she has done so many different Jobs in her short working career.
When she was 9 her older siblings had paper routes, and Ayla would help them early on Wednesday morning when the papers arrived, to fold and place the 600 or so papers into bags. Then load them into the delivery bags and walk or ride the streets delivering the local paper.Then get ready for school.
Sebastian handed his paper route to Ayla so the two girls Ishta and Ayla would do the job together.
I was a Tuperware consultatant at the time and Ayla would assist me with designing my "shop" and packaging orders.
She Helped my Mother and I with Nutrimetics orders, and assisted in the office of my Dads Factory and on the floor cleaning up.
Ayla moved to Canberra and worked at Hungry Jacks after school. She was awarded Crew member of the Month every month for the 12 months she worked there. When we moved to Stanthorpe, She got a job on a local farm and picked tomatos and capsicum then because of the abundance of produce available, Ayla set up a stall at the local markets selling cakes and jams biscuits and chocolates. She became a real 'carny' as we had to go to the markets every Sunday and take her, Shaun made her a table and trestles. She would make Jam after school and cakes and biscuits all Friday and Saturday, and package the products . It was very professional. www.granitenet.net.au/groups/StanthorpeFarmersMarket
Ayla was offered a job as a waitress in The most notable of local restaurants Cooks Gluttons And Gourmets and she loved it and through the patience and expert tutelage of John and Yvette Gianake,became very much in demand. http://www.granitenet.net.au/users/YvetteGiannake Jobs at the Environmental Lodge waitressing for Master Chef John Rogers was for Ayla a great honor. When he caters for an evening with friends or for a conference the occasion ,the ambiance, the meal ....is an exquisite and memorable experience.
Girraween environmental lodge" www.girraweenlodge.com.au
In between all this cooking and working on farms and studying for her last two years of school, Ayla worked in "Rockmans' womens fashion on Saturday mornings and on Saturday afternoon at IGA supermarket as acheckout girl.
So Ayla has had terrific grounding in how proffesionals go about their business in providing a wonderful experience for diners and customers. Her Understanding of the preparation of the food, and that little extra knowledge of having harvested vegetables and fruit ,and created her own products ,should give her some advantage ,I would think at this,.. I wanna be a Chef idea she has.
Thursday 5 April 2007
Surviving the driving to work
The week is over!
Together we explored three routes, to work and home,The first day I parked under the trees in the car park and returned to find my car covered in bird dirt.
for the rest of the week I parked in the open away from the trees.
The trip home we listened to the weird AL CD.
The second day we were late because an accident occurred on the high way and made us 45 minutes late.but i played upbeat tunes for the journey to keep our spirits up.
The next day the start times for my co driver got mixed up.I arrived at his house at 20 past the hour and he wasn't there, I pulled into his driveway and tooted and he didn't show, so I had to get out a map and find my own way to the next passengers house, where I collected myself, and we continued to the third passengers pickup point and backtracked to collect the navigator, ...we were late. Drove home to world music
The next day more traffic and more traffic and only five other cars with more than two people in them.
The next day was pretty uneventful we managed to get to work using the car pooling lane and get to work on time.
Friday easy drive into town, listened to techno dance music all the way in and trance all the way home.Driving in this town has become easier.
Together we explored three routes, to work and home,The first day I parked under the trees in the car park and returned to find my car covered in bird dirt.
for the rest of the week I parked in the open away from the trees.
The trip home we listened to the weird AL CD.
The second day we were late because an accident occurred on the high way and made us 45 minutes late.but i played upbeat tunes for the journey to keep our spirits up.
The next day the start times for my co driver got mixed up.I arrived at his house at 20 past the hour and he wasn't there, I pulled into his driveway and tooted and he didn't show, so I had to get out a map and find my own way to the next passengers house, where I collected myself, and we continued to the third passengers pickup point and backtracked to collect the navigator, ...we were late. Drove home to world music
The next day more traffic and more traffic and only five other cars with more than two people in them.
The next day was pretty uneventful we managed to get to work using the car pooling lane and get to work on time.
Friday easy drive into town, listened to techno dance music all the way in and trance all the way home.Driving in this town has become easier.
cedie takes the bus
Ce'nedra has been taking the bus with her big sister, she sits close to Demelza's friends and listens to their conversations.
They thought Cedie was just a regular kid with limited comprehension until Cedie read the sign on the Bus that related to some of their behaviours and the consequence of them , the sign that says Prohibited and Prosecuted.
One of Demelzas' friends exclaimed "She knows those words!! What does that mean?"
Demelza said "That she is cleverer than you".
Cedie Is enjoying the bus ride,as it has been too cold to ride to school,but she rides in the evening when she comes home.
They thought Cedie was just a regular kid with limited comprehension until Cedie read the sign on the Bus that related to some of their behaviours and the consequence of them , the sign that says Prohibited and Prosecuted.
One of Demelzas' friends exclaimed "She knows those words!! What does that mean?"
Demelza said "That she is cleverer than you".
Cedie Is enjoying the bus ride,as it has been too cold to ride to school,but she rides in the evening when she comes home.
Sunday 1 April 2007
Driving To Work
The Bus stop is across the road from home, and in Civic where I work, the bus stops almost directly in front of the building.The ride by bus in the morning is wonderful, relaxed and I travel with Ishta for part of the way, which is tremendous fun.
My team mates, who live nearby, car pool in the mornings to and from work. I joined them a few weeks ago.The journey is quicker and we have made friends with the man who gives out the tickets at the car park . We use the Three for Free car park, which is a great incentive for car pooling, as parking costs $7.00 in some places!
The driver of our little band had a hiccup with his car on Friday morning, and the battery was weak, but managed to get us halfway to work before bells and whistles started warning of something expensive about to happen to his car, we used positive affirmations to aid the car urging gentle encouragement we even said we believed in fairies and clapped our hands!, till we reached the car park, and gently came to a stop.And that was the end for the car. Just for the exercise, our driver turned the key....no response..no beep, no warning light, nothing.
This week I will drive our environmentally friendly and energy conscious band of workmates, whilst our designated driver gets his car better and back on the road.
Now I don't have a great sense of direction in this City as everything just keeps going round in circles.
My first driving experience was when the students returned to school, and myself and fellow bus passengers were left on the road side while three buses full of school kids went passed us.I volunteered to take three other people to town as I had to go anyway and couldn't afford another 1/2 hour waiting for a bus that may not let me on.
We set off in the car getting lost at every turn, it was funny and we got to work a little bit later than usual but we made friends.
The second time I drove to work, I missed the turn off and ended up 1/2 way to Yass and 1/2 an hour late.
The third time, driving to Queanbeyan to pick up my girlfriend to take her to a work related seminar at Sutton. I left with plenty of time but got lost,I pulled over to ask the assistance of some police officers at an Random Breath Test stop, who offered to escort me to her house.
I got her house alright, a little late but would never have got there if it wasn't for the helpful police officers.We set out for Sutton and were late getting there as well. But it was a good day anyway.
So I am driving my colleagues to work, what time would you like to start work ? this is going to be interesting.....
My team mates, who live nearby, car pool in the mornings to and from work. I joined them a few weeks ago.The journey is quicker and we have made friends with the man who gives out the tickets at the car park . We use the Three for Free car park, which is a great incentive for car pooling, as parking costs $7.00 in some places!
The driver of our little band had a hiccup with his car on Friday morning, and the battery was weak, but managed to get us halfway to work before bells and whistles started warning of something expensive about to happen to his car, we used positive affirmations to aid the car urging gentle encouragement we even said we believed in fairies and clapped our hands!, till we reached the car park, and gently came to a stop.And that was the end for the car. Just for the exercise, our driver turned the key....no response..no beep, no warning light, nothing.
This week I will drive our environmentally friendly and energy conscious band of workmates, whilst our designated driver gets his car better and back on the road.
Now I don't have a great sense of direction in this City as everything just keeps going round in circles.
My first driving experience was when the students returned to school, and myself and fellow bus passengers were left on the road side while three buses full of school kids went passed us.I volunteered to take three other people to town as I had to go anyway and couldn't afford another 1/2 hour waiting for a bus that may not let me on.
We set off in the car getting lost at every turn, it was funny and we got to work a little bit later than usual but we made friends.
The second time I drove to work, I missed the turn off and ended up 1/2 way to Yass and 1/2 an hour late.
The third time, driving to Queanbeyan to pick up my girlfriend to take her to a work related seminar at Sutton. I left with plenty of time but got lost,I pulled over to ask the assistance of some police officers at an Random Breath Test stop, who offered to escort me to her house.
I got her house alright, a little late but would never have got there if it wasn't for the helpful police officers.We set out for Sutton and were late getting there as well. But it was a good day anyway.
So I am driving my colleagues to work, what time would you like to start work ? this is going to be interesting.....
Ayla is finding her feet in an untidy workplace
Ayla emailed us a bit disgruntled about her workplace ..
I know im an apprentice and stuff so I get the shit jobs, but comments like get in the sink where you belong, and go and boil the prawn guts. and clean rotten fish heads out of the fridge that i have left there for you.... they hid the bread knife from me on the busy night. and said use a normal knife. this squashed the bread and then the waitresses complained. they just laughed at me and said things like "ayla thats unacceptable" Nick(the owner) did shit all!!!!he was going to put me on cold larder the other night when we had 80 people in all by myself.... I still havent been shown wat i was sposed to do. when i asked for help on such a busy night, i just got hurry the f**k up and how long have you been here now????? they arent helpful and its frustrating. and then they laugh at me. it changes your mood in the kitchen environment and Idont like that cause I then become cranky and snappy as no body is willing to share any information, when in fact they should be as im an apprentice and we are all learning together! dont they understand team effort/work? they are so childish. I have to go and get ready for another day at work. I walk in with a smile and out with frown. Nick said he admires the fact that I always go in with a bright smile and happyness about me. I hope he does something about the attitude in the kitchen. It hate being so emotional about it.
Then we recieved this
The two nasty chefs have left! , they were being escorted by security officers. the size of hadgrid!!!!!! ill give it another 2weeks but ill still look for another job. email is awesome, i get to talk 2talk 2you whenever i want. i miss looking nice and smelling clean. at the moment i smell like fish guts, look like potatoe bake, (a slpoopy mess), my nails are filthy and i just feel gross. i have lost 5kilos..... im giving it another shot tho and ill see what happens. the new chef calls me smiley and says that i have potential..
Then this...
hey guys, work yesterday was fantastic!!!!!!!he is professional, ( the new head chef) about 50 years old and french. He is real rad.i love wat Im doing now though.
thankyou guys for understanding.
Hang in there Ayla , the real world has it's ups and downs, and that was rock bottom so it can only get better pity the atmosphere in the kitchen was so destructive, the establishment is award winning, but how is a mystery ?!
I know im an apprentice and stuff so I get the shit jobs, but comments like get in the sink where you belong, and go and boil the prawn guts. and clean rotten fish heads out of the fridge that i have left there for you.... they hid the bread knife from me on the busy night. and said use a normal knife. this squashed the bread and then the waitresses complained. they just laughed at me and said things like "ayla thats unacceptable" Nick(the owner) did shit all!!!!he was going to put me on cold larder the other night when we had 80 people in all by myself.... I still havent been shown wat i was sposed to do. when i asked for help on such a busy night, i just got hurry the f**k up and how long have you been here now????? they arent helpful and its frustrating. and then they laugh at me. it changes your mood in the kitchen environment and Idont like that cause I then become cranky and snappy as no body is willing to share any information, when in fact they should be as im an apprentice and we are all learning together! dont they understand team effort/work? they are so childish. I have to go and get ready for another day at work. I walk in with a smile and out with frown. Nick said he admires the fact that I always go in with a bright smile and happyness about me. I hope he does something about the attitude in the kitchen. It hate being so emotional about it.
Then we recieved this
The two nasty chefs have left! , they were being escorted by security officers. the size of hadgrid!!!!!! ill give it another 2weeks but ill still look for another job. email is awesome, i get to talk 2talk 2you whenever i want. i miss looking nice and smelling clean. at the moment i smell like fish guts, look like potatoe bake, (a slpoopy mess), my nails are filthy and i just feel gross. i have lost 5kilos..... im giving it another shot tho and ill see what happens. the new chef calls me smiley and says that i have potential..
Then this...
hey guys, work yesterday was fantastic!!!!!!!he is professional, ( the new head chef) about 50 years old and french. He is real rad.i love wat Im doing now though.
thankyou guys for understanding.
Hang in there Ayla , the real world has it's ups and downs, and that was rock bottom so it can only get better pity the atmosphere in the kitchen was so destructive, the establishment is award winning, but how is a mystery ?!
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