Karate Grading

The Girls attended their second karate Grading, and Passed.









Now they are Red Seniors.






They love Karate.

Mum and Paula off to the United States

The lead up to this trip has been very exiting because Mum and Paula are off to Hawaii then the affiliate summit in Las Vegas and to the Stargate convention and in between to Europe . So they are very exited. We will watch their reviews and read their tales as they post their latest stories on their Traveltripz site.

Everything they do has a brush with someone famous or a unique experience that is an ooh moment.

Mum and Paula took Demelza and Cenedra to the University of Canberra so that Demelza could watch the Matildas play and train. On the way there, they stopped and asked directions of wait for it ... The crusty Demons!

And the girls didn't just get to watch the Matildas they played and trained with them even little Cedie had a kick around and scored a goal.

So when the little things at home are so thrilling just imagine what life is like for two intrepid travelers who find fun and wonderful things around every corner.

Indiana Jones still kewel

this weekend the girls and I watched Indiana Jones. They had never seen an Indy movie.It's been 19 years since the last one was released. So I wanted to introduce Indiana jones king of cool to my girls because a new Indy movie will be released in may and it will be good back ground forthem to know his story.

LAME LAME LAME,

I don't know, how could I have thought it was cool? Cedie loved it all action and spookiness and hunting for treasure,

This movie followed hot on the heels of American history? Nicholas Cage starred in it, and I said 'oh I have a movie you girls would like then, adventure, history, suspense, far fetched stupidity and ridiculous notions, gun slinging, smart dialogue and exhilaration.....

oh well, we'll go and see the new indy flick hopefuly it is modern and special effects are coolnand the dialogue is slick , but Im not holding my breath.

Ayla's silly car calls it a day

Aylas' car has given up.

Her silly car (Celica) sports,has stopped running. The silly car began making a noise then smoke billowed forth and Ayla decided not to risk driving as her work place is out of town and in the country there are no phone booths tow trucks or kindly passersby who are on the roads to help. Traffic is in the morning 7am and in the afternoon 5pm so if an accident occurs or you break down there is a long wait before help arrives.

Having explained that, Ayla then called the family mechanic and he advised her not to drive the car.

So the next step, the bank.

Ayla is now the proud owner of a new ford fiesta. The bank approved a loan and she paid the boys for their part ownership of the car they won.

The silly car was fun and noisy and suited her and this new car is terrific, new car smell great fuel economy she can travel to uni in Toowoomba and back to Stanthorpe and backa gain for $30.

Ayla is very happy.

Glass Works and Manuka Markets

Canberra Glassworks is a fun and interesting way to spend an afternoon, We went along to watch the glass blowers and to admire the craftsmanship and artistry of Canberra Glass blowers.



A very entertaining couple of hours spent watching the process and we all want to create a piece of glass art.



For $46 dollars a member of the public can participate and create a mastrerpeice, so as soon as we can book in to the class, we will.

At the moment Cenedra wants to join the potters club so we are both trying to find time to explore our creative potty side.

And Shaun a Dee are the glass enthusiasts. I am a bit reticent about Glass , but the girls have helped shaun with the foundry at home when Shaun conducts bronze casting workshops so a glass kiln is just an extension of that hot environment.

It is all a fabulous creative experience.

Canberra Show

We went off to the Canberra show, Friday night, taking one of Demelzas friends from school with us.

Cenedra and Demelza each had $50. Upon arrival three very exited girls chatted and squealed baout what they would buy which rides would be the awesomest scariest radical shit- my- pants-ist to go on.

We let the big girls go and do their thing, and proceeded to the show bag area and checked out sideshow alley.

Cednera wanted to win anything at sideshow alley and no amount of convincing from me stopped her from donating her hard earned money to the crooked carnies.

She won two small toys, and one of them , was taken from her by a great toothless ball tossing carny who said she would swap it for a larger toy. no questions, he took her prize and directed her to another bin of unattractive chinese produced soft landfill (probably toxic and highly unethically produced rubbish) . Cedie was a little confused about now having one toy to show for the ($$$ fortune) money she had donated ( kids don't necessarily need quality but quantity is a good measure of success and when back in the real world the weigh- in of fun to expense is heavily off the beam. one toy -$$$

The pavillions were terrific such a lot of crafts and displays , Canberra has a tremendous array of diverse and interesting activities to be involved in.

The Honey people had an enourmous wild hive from a local backyard and lovely honey to taste.

the flowers delightfull. The fruit and vege displays were a good try but nothing beats the arrangements of the Stanthorpe show, all those farmers in the district displaying their best produce and the designs are always new and exiting.

Wevenjoyed the displays and demonstrations and the farm animals which are always wonderful.

Our ferris wheel ride was a highlight. A great time had by all.

Capital Football

Demelza has spent the last 4 months training with Capital football

They have been trying to get a team for a development squad to play under 15 for 2009.

Demelza learn't such a lot form the fantastic coaches they actually taught skills and reading the play and team work.

Ive never seen a training session like it. the usual is runn around the field a few times to warm up and then play a game.

So having drills and skill development was really refreshing.

Demelza has signed with the Brindabella blues for this season taking all the knowhow that her incredible coaches have taught her, she will be an amazing formidable force on the field, look out opposition her she comes!!!

Aussie Weekend

Every year we listen and mark off our songs as they make it to the top.
Having the addition of watching the top ten was an added bonus. Even Cedie is interested in which songs make it to the list.

Demelza spent her weekend at the coast with her friend’s family.

Ayla had to work but enjoyed an evening with her friends, Jessie’s Dad partied with the Kids and went home with them.
The next day his Dad came to collect him. Ayla opened the door Sunday morning to the town Mayor who was ”here to collect my son” being Jessie’s Dad . It isn’t every day the mayor turns up on the door step.

Seb spent an awesome weekend on Moreton Island Camping swimming fishing and listening to JJJ.
Ishta went to the Coast with Evans family for the Annual pilgrimage to Teasdale country.

We went to Parliament house and saw the Choir of hard knocks members, had the guided tour, went up the hill and looked out over the magic City of Canberra, and cedie cut loose with the camera. We also toured the national portrait Gallery and loved playing in the warren that is old Parliament house. Cedie received her super sleuth badge having answered all the questions correctly.

A very enjoyable weekend.

National Australia Day Concert and our Celebration weekend In Canberra

We enjoyed an interesting evening spent watching wave after wave of aussie bodies tattooed and painted passing before our eyes.
An evening that involves dressing up and parading around the grounds of Parliament house ‘catwalking the Aussieness’ the arrangements of flannel shirts with flags sewn on, aussie flag shorts and singlets, long socks?? Silly hats and wigs. Then there was the degree of inebriation of the revelers as families took along the compulsory esky resulting in little kids beamed up on sugar drinks and the adults began the slide from convivial to socially unacceptable.

Aussie Aussie Aussie io io io the crowd chanted in unison.

The aerial display was wonderful , the performances of the guests,.. fantastic, the crowd well behaved, the weather always perfect, commercial television running the show was the only let down. Leaving performers on stage while we go to a ‘commercial break’ then attempting to orchestrate an overawed crowd cheering for the cameras, just isn’t that Aussie, we are a spontaneous people, and respond as we see it.
Just Compare the televised ‘radio show’ from the domain on Saturday. JJJ and the Hottest one hundred was an amazing spontaneous presentation, no countdowns of cheering for that crowd, they were just Aussie all the way showing their appreciation all day, on our Aussie Day.

Winning the Ford Festiva

Ayla and her two house mates have won the promotional car at the local shopping centre.

They had hoped to sell the new ford festiva 5 door hatchback and share the money.

But they can’t sell it.

The first ticket drawn out of the Barrel had Jessies name on it and Ayla’s staff discount* she worked at the local supermarket and they did their shopping together.

The ticket was disallowed

The second ticket had Jessies’ name on it and no staff discount , as Ayla no longer worked at the supermarket.

The boys upgraded the car from a three door to a 5 door, as there seemed to be some interest in buying the car,’ if only it was a 5 door’.

Now they have a car they can’t sell.

They have been offered $12000, but want more of course.

Maybe a little gratefulness wouldn’t go astray.

Without winning the car, the opportunity to sell it and have a little financial’ leg up’, wouldn’t have presented itself.
Take the money you’re offered guys and be grateful for the gift.

Big Day out interviews with the artists

Can someone explain to me,

How Artists from the estates in England,.. who like can't talk right or nufink,

....kum out here n at,... and like..... make it big, ....like ,......an.. ey aint got no talent or

nufink,...... an ey just talk va words like,... no melody or nufin, ......and ....

it is makin em a bomb !!!!

what the f**K ?? !!

or like I dunno really funny vat ey?

memo to me ..no more after work drive time listening to JJJ Big day out interviews cos i jus wanna b sick. The intellectual void and talent ??that is presented as entertainment in this timeslot ,..I prefer to listen to Dads Army

Gibraltar Falls

Nice drive to Gibraltar Falls.

Up high, over looking Canberra, amoungst the Granite...

Cedie became a woodland nymph and bounded around exploring

and marvelling at what she discovered.

Very much like Home;

Stanthorpe and the vineyard, rocks and bush and birds and lizards,

peace and tranquility. really revitalizing.

It's close to home, we'll visit again.

Canberra's Unearthered Winner

Trawling through my JJJ voting list and highlighting my choices, I came to the realisation that I work with Cathy's mum.

I love how Canberra is so alive, everyone has a wonderful story, and talent just

oozes from roundabouts and desk spaces and office lunch rooms.

We listened to Cathys songs on the website, she has so much talent!...

Must get it from her Mum.

Here is hoping she does well on the big day ,Triple J Hottest one hundred.

Back at Work

I started a new Job ! Back in the private sector.

Last year was so full on work wise! First at AGL then Claims policy at Medicare Australia.

Then working in HR at DCITA or the Department of Communications IT and the Arts (which has become Bacardi ) or the Department of Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy, and in between the roles I did a stint at the Bureau of Statistics.

All providing amazing experiences and the opportunity to meet fabulous people. I have loved living here in Canberra.
Now I am administering the Quality Care Pharmacy Program which is proving to be a really amazing program to be involved in.

Cedie is exited about starting a new school as her previous school becomes a k to 3 this year.

She has been 'blue tacking ' pictures of Europe, on our dining room wall ,as we are saving for a european excursion next year. The places that are going up on the wall have been chosen by all of us, they are 'must see' destinations so perhaps a long sojourn is what wil be required.

It began as a pact with the Family Christmas day , to be in Saltzberg next christmas and from there, to a tour, of Europe and the Mediteranean and turkey and Croatia and Greece and Egypt and Africa and this morning South America was discussed ! Seb and Dee want to go to Guyana as their Grandfather came from there. So whew! so many people to consider and so little time to plan.
Zoe ( shauns daughter) and Greg talked to us at length about their lives in Switzerland and what to see and when to see it and when to go etc ...we just have to get there.......

Catch up Christmas

We traveled to Queensland for Christmas. I know, I thought everyone was coming here, but we drove up instead.












This is the lodge we stayed at Girraween Environmental Lodge .It is actually 10 separtate lodges and absolutely beautiful, set amongst 400acres of National Park relaxing after the long drive, Cedie played in the pool and spa and Dee took pictures of birds and Kangaroos and lizards.








The vineyard looks amazing thanks to Jill ,Kev, Zoe and the Boys. We really appreciate you and understand the tirelesss toil of living on a vineyard .






We stayed with Shauns mum and her cat called Fido.




And at Scarborough boat harbour close to Mum and Dads at Woody Point.

The most relaxed christmas I have ever enjoyed. No pressure, no tree, no worries.

We visited the rellies, barbequed on the front lawn at Mum and Dads and played a game of christmas Day soccer.


Zoe and Greg ( Zoe is shauns daughter and her Boyfriend They have just returned from Europe) Seb and Sarah, Mum ,Dad, Shaun, Cedie,Ayla and Dee.









I made bon bons with silly teeth inside pretty funny.

silly faces !! Sarah is a bit concerned by sebs toothy grin

All in all a lovely little break with the fam.

Life goes on

I have been stuck for a while, The impact of Mark now resting took it's toll on my motivation to blog . Life goes on, things continue and although I have been stuck with not knowing what to write or how to write how I feel, I am now able to move on.

The last 6 weeks have been busy as usual.
My parents came back to Canberra and have returned to Queensland today.
We have shared meals and laughs , watched Demelza at Soccer practice, witnessed the Girls gaining their Red belts and achieved their weapons licence in karate and took turns on the Flying Fox at kambah adventure playground ,Ok I didn't go on the flying fox , but Dad did . The girls were pretty impressed with how strong grandad is.His ability to keep his legs tucked up close to his chest really made an impression on Demelza who hasn't yet managed to travel the entire way from one plartform to the other like Grandad can.


Ishta and I have made a luau costume for her workplace's christmas party. we celebrated halloween and the melbourne cup.

Ayla went to an 18 birthday party, the Stanthorpe race day, the Deb ball and cooked for the Small wine Makers Dinner with John Rogers.
She lost her friend, got a tatoo in his honor , A small UFO inside a pyramid (as they would climb the Ballandean Pyramid and look for UFO's in the clear country skies) on her ankle,the one she broke one evening at Dachsy's house and he and Tim duck taped her to a chair so she would'nt hurt herself, then they all climbed the pyramid.
The funeral was huge and Ayla and Tim and all the kids who knew mark returned to say goodbye.They made a cross for the roadside , climbed the pyramid as a group and sent off their friend with love and laughter remembering the joy he brought to their lives.
Ayla gave her notice at IGA . Her job as a supervisor is made difficult by the nasty older ladies .
They mistreat the younger staff members and are rude and vicious. Being a small town with no Industry mainly farming and 20 retail outlets and part time work offered in the wineries the choices are limited for the young people who stay.
Ayla has plenty of support in Stanthorpe and has been offered a job in a new cafe in ballandean.

Seb went to Collinsville to a mine and worked in 40 degree heat .
He drove up from Brisbane ,stopping at Mackay Which he fell in love with and then on to Collinsville. On weekends Seb went to Airlie and partied with all the other beautiful people and Brooksey who works on Hamilton Island.
Brooksey has an enviable job if you are 21 and single and love to party.
He is responsible for Tanning, snorkling and scuba diving and water sports and beach games. The money is average but everyday he is at the beach, driving speed boats water skiiing, sand tobagganing and looking at reef fish, he makes the tourists remember their holiday on Hamilton. When he goes to town he likes to dance and stay with the Back packers and Seb and Brooksey went to town and had a blast.
Sebs girl flew up from Brisbane to be with him one weekend, and they stayed at Airlie Beach in the Pinnacle resort.

One of the local women celebrated her birthday on Saturday and Sebastian was the stripper -gram he thoroughly enjoyed himself, so did the party goers. He was a bit coy the next day however when he purchased the paper and and bread at the local store and the woman who served him was the party girl.

His job at Collinsville has finished and he returns to Brisbane Today.

We went to Tuross Head and I fell in love with It . absolutely glorious little cove surf beach , spit and lake all in close proximity and rural living and beach houses , so beautiful reminded me of NZ.
loved the art shop at mogo and the country markets, a beautiful part of the country.

So much more has happend but this is just a quick down load to get my head around blogging again and keeping my 2007 diary.

Good bye Mark Dachs

November 06, 2007 09:05pm courier mail


A MAN has died when his car and a truck crashed on the New England Hwy in Queensland near the NSW border tonight.

A police spokeswoman said the man died at the scene, at Glen Aplin, south of Stanthorpe, while the truck driver was uninjured.

The accident occurred around 6pm.

“Details are still emerging at this stage as it has been difficult to get to the scene of the collision,” she said.

“At this stage the preliminary details are a man has died following a collision with a truck on the New England Hwy.”

The highway has been closed and is expected to reopen in three to four hours, she said.

Not far from home and on his way to soccer, Dachsy left us.
He was a wonderful friend to Ayla, Tim, Jessy and Feather. And to everyone he met.

His black top hat and penchant for a bevvy, he believed in fun friendship and Aliens.
Stanthorpe greives his passing, barely eighteen and so full of promise.
We'll all miss Mark Dachs.

Christmas

The last time the kids were together for christmas was 2001 and we had a Millenium New years eve party.

















Shaun returned last weekend to the farm to bring back our Christmas decorations as we are spending Christmas here.


He couldn't bring them all, as they are in storage in the winery and he had to unpack so many boxes to find what he did get. And room on the ute was limited.


So 12 hours to Queensland search pack and return to Canberra it was a draining whirlwind trip.


He returned with treasures, gifts from home, some books for everyone, some saucepans ,stuffed toys and Lego for Cenedra, softball stuff for Demelza, a dinner service to serve Christmas dinner on and the antique table and chairs from the cottage because it seats 8, 12 at a stretch and is massive, so at least we'll be comfortable to enjoy Christmas lunch, the whole crew will be here, so early preparations are important.


(I love parties and this christmas will hopefully see us all together for the first time in 7 years.)

kepping busy

The girls have been home for the holidays, and typically I have undertaken a contract so Can't be with them.
They have amused themselves with reptile shows at the hyperdome, riding their bikes around lake Tuggeranong, watching the artists complete street art (graffiti) around the town and practicing their Kata for karate, creating garden signs from clayfor the garden they have planted , and investigating small things with the microscope.
They have been pretty busy really.

Ayla has been deep sea fishing with her friends.

And she and her house mates bought a childrens pool for their deck and had a pool party as it is very hot in stanthorpe.

Ishta began a new job and is off to the company Christmas party which is a luau so she should have a hip shaking good time.

Sebastian is busy with the emergency power demands of Brisbane City after the massive first storms of the season damaged electricity supply ( he is working in the city again after his time on the farm) And will soon be traveling around the country and maybe to China for the games installing light poles.

So everyone is busy.

Sebastian turns 22

My eldest baby turned twenty two yesterday.















Shaun and I rang him before heading off to work .





We sang happy birthday into his answering machine.









The girls called him after Karate lessons, so they could catch up with him on his way home and share how he spent his day.





















I thought about his twenty first last year and how we painted a huge banner for him and arranged his party from our home in the country.

I prepared a cake for him and decorations.
















Shaun and the girls and I decorated the function room with balloons and streamers and laid the tables with napkins and flowers.



My dad and Ishta prepared the power point presentation of a pictorial history or memory book of awards and milestones that have made Sebastian who he is today.It was a very moving presentation that played most of the evening.


We spent the afternoon preparing and then the chefs arrived to complete the occasion with creating delicious master pieces.Sebastian and his close friends had a nice time mingling with family and then they all went off and enjoyed celebrations at the night clubs.We stayed on the Beach front in a little self contained unit and then trekked home the 4 hours back to Stanthorpe exhausted and completely partied out.