passion4pink

My computer dies!!!!!!

2010-11-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

Oh my God!!!!! My computer has died!!! I managed to revive it but less than 24 hours later it has given up the fight and finally 'karked it'.

I am using a friend's computer for this post and this may well be the last time we talk for a while so I just thought I would pop on and tell you what I have been up to lately......besides work, work work.

My weightloss program......still only lost 2 kilo's but have lost 13 cm all around.
I am going to the gym 2 to 3 times a week.

My savings are down to an all time LOW due to a couple of celebrations happening at the moment and this dreaded time of the year....

One of my daughters are turning 21 next month and my nephwe is turning 18
There has been 2 new little babies born to my husbands relatives (new neice and new nephew)

& I have been using my Iphone at every opportunity I have.... ...I have become quite the clicker!!! Hahaha

Darn it I was going to upload a photo but I don't have my IPhone charger whoopsie....back ltr

going, going...........

2010-10-21T22:22:00.000-07:00

Oh Boy, what a day, what a week!!! I only managed to get to the gym ,like 4 times in about 10 days and haven't always been very good sticking to the diet BUT

I have managed to achieve a weight loss of about 500grams. Well that is better than a gain, isn't it???

Hey , imagine what I could have lost if I had got off my fat butt and went for an extra walk or done another couple of workouts at the gym and if I had forgone those couple of full cream iced coffees , and oh yeah those chokkies & piece of regular pizza at bedtime last night!!!

Oh Crap!! I need to lose a kilo a week I reckon to get to my goal weight by Christmas!!! So I can PIG OUT!

Note to self: Must be good now in order to be bad later

If you want some information & maybe some inspiration about my diet & exercise plan head on over to see the You tube video below

http://www.youtube.com/v/7ZjJmx4vHz8

Temptation

2010-10-14T03:19:00.000-07:00

Aghhhh damn temptation!!!! I cannot begin to tell you how hard it has been to stay on track. I have been on the Healthy Inspirations diet for about a month now and i am getting a little bit impatient to see the results.

Now I lost around 2kilos but really.......I am hoping that would have doubled by now.

I was trying to be soooo good but then I had a melt down over this past weekend when i had to attend to a family emergency and that's when I fell to the call of a McDonalds iced coffee.

Then from there it was all down hill...........

BUT i picked myself up and went to the Gym...but not to exercise , just tp pick up my chocmint snackbars.

BUT couldn't sneak in and out could I they INSISTED that i WEIGH IN. There seemed like about 200 pairs of eyes staring at me after I said out loud how I failed over the weekend.

I swear the instructors just wanted to make an example of me !!!

BUT guess what!!! I couldn't believe it ........I had lost another 400grams HUH???

So guess what I had today when the GOGO Coffee man dropped into work?? Yep a failed again!

I WILL NOT GIVE UP I SWEAR!!! Back on track next week.

Thunder thighs

2010-09-23T05:06:00.000-07:00

The time has come to address my gradually increasing waistline. I was forced to take my TOIL day (that's time off in leau of extra hours I have worked overtime) from work on a tuesday. mmmmm what do people do on a tuesday...
I could do the housework.... nuh
I could watch the TV......boooorrrring
I could play with the dog...nuh not for long , this dog stinks mayb he needs a wash??
I know i could wash the dog
OR i could find another excuse NOT to walk or get on the exercise bike or join a gym.

That's it!!!...in the car & find this gym that 'every man and his dog has joined from my work'
So's I get in the car, head up the road to where i thought the gym was located & guess what I couldn't find the !@#$.... drove round and round in darn circles round a shopping centre looking for this rotten weightloss centre that I heard so much about.
Almost ready to give in when I spotted it!!!
Ok then, that's more like it....mmmm how do i get over that speed hump AGH!, you would not believe it I had to go out on the roundabout and go round and round again to get into the back of the KFC building where this gym was located. AGHHHH!!!!
About NOW....I am ready to give up ...just another excuse I know but COME ON, REALLY, what tha'??
Long story , short LOL ......I joined the gym & weightloss centre & am on my way at addressing these extra buldges I have developed over the past few months.
I am soooo proud of myself, I have stuck to a diet plan( for 3 days) & gone to the gym x3.
YAY ME!!! lots of applause please ...Thankyou, thankyou
I am taking part in blog hop and linking this post to 'Fat To Fit'click on the 'Fat to Fit' picture about & it will show u how to join in

Happy Father's Day

2010-09-04T16:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all the dad's out there today. Happy Father's Day to my dad , hope I get to spend many more days chatting & reminescing with you in the future. Happy Father's Day to Craig, hubby who has been a great step dad & dad to my 2 girls & his daughter Jaimee.I 'm glad i managed to catch Jaimee spending some time with her dad & having a laugh at their bowling skills ( or lack of). These photos were taken on a weekend when she came to visit in July. Craig & I had planned to participate in the charity bowls day for Northcott Disability Services where i work.
Jaimee was still in bed that sunday morning & I was quite surprised that she decided to come along cause she is rarely up before noon( like a lot of teenagers, I 'm sure!) I was very proud of her on that weekend. She isn't here today & hasn't phoned her dad yet to wish him a Happy Father's Day but I 'm sure she is thinking about him.

He's a great dad & amazing step dad & a hard working, generous, gorgeous husband.

Guess what he is doing today? He didn't sleep all night 'cause he has been suffering with his sore hand that he hurt at work yesterday. It has swollen up a little & has limited movement, so after not being able to stand the pain anymore , he has headed up to the emergency dept to see if they will give him some painkillers or sleeping tablets.

When he comes back we are heading over to visit my dad at Gunnedah and I 've suggested we go out in the boat on Keepit Dam but looks like that won't be happening so we'll see what the day brings.

Hope you all have a great day & cook up some beaut Barbies.

Treasured Trinkets

2010-09-02T04:35:00.000-07:00

There's always been at least one noticeboard featuring in my girl's rooms as they have grown up at home and now they've carried them over to their dorm & bedsitter. Two very different young women. They reflect everything & more I could ever imagine about each one of them. I could stare at them for hours............... they remind me of the little kids they once were.
I love how they have draped their treasured trinkets from the hooks that share the concert ticket stubs & invites of parties past, memories of family get togethers, positive affirmations & things that make them happy.

If you'd like to make a decorative noticeboard for your little treasures ,pop on over to home to
http://www.homelife.com.au/home+ideas/home+help/make+a+decorative+notice+board,4007

Richmond Hotel Lismore August 2010

2010-08-31T22:14:00.001-07:00

We went out for dinner at The Richmond Hotel in Lismore one evening over the weekend and we shared some really nice conversation & some yum delicious food on the balcony of the restaurant with my daughters & their friends.

My beautiful first born child, Miranda & her bo' Murray.
My second born, beautiful Monique (right) & her friend Kimberley,

both only one year of finishing their UNI degrees.

They are all gorgeous, aren't they!!!

Delicious seafood platter for one, Nik & Kimberley shared theirs.

Always watching their weight!

Hubby had chicken schnitzel

& mine was a lamb, tomato & basil stir fry thingy

yummo delicious!

Lismore & the Channon Markets

2010-08-31T21:46:00.000-07:00

We went to visit the girls at Lismore a couple of weekends ago when hubby & I both had time off work together. I snapped a couple of shots of the countryside around Lismore as we set on a wild goose chase looking for markets, no thanks to the Moteliers where we stayed over that weekend.

We finally found our way to Channon Markets. I was stoked that I chose to be the passenger so I could take in the gorgeous scenery. I swear someone's going to have an accident one of these days driving around perving out windows! What about that ocean blue sky, it's like magic. The famous Channon Markets, I picked up an old chandelier for $40, I ll post about it sometime soon.I could picture myself sitting on the verandah of that house on the hill & sipping iced tea on a lazy sunday afternoon.mmmmm zzzzzz

What about those hills covered in Macadamia Nut trees.

I won!!!

2010-08-28T22:54:00.000-07:00

Whoo hoo!! I won!! Thankyou sooo much Brenda. Thankyou also to Megan who drew me out of the collander, no thanks to the chikky however.

Brenda was celebrating her 100th post recently when she decided to have a competition to win a set of her hand made pears.

Her LOve pears were on the front cover of Canberra City News recently when shophandmade http://canberrahandmademarket.blogspot.com/featured an article about their new retail business.

You can find more of these lovely pears and some of her gorgeous handmade items over at http://itsallrelative-brenda.blogspot.com/.

Thanks again Brenda! Your'e a gem!

Beccy & Me

2010-07-11T01:28:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to see Beccy Cole at the Naidoc Week Celebrations in Centennial Park last friday. She was in Tamworth for the 'Hats off to Country' week and I guess she was visiting people and events in the local community.

She didn't hesitate when I asked her for a photo. What a beautiful person! I was never a big fan but I am now! She went out of her way to give up her time for a couple of photos with me.

I couldn't post the other photos due to privacy laws but I can tell you that there was some very happy faces from some young gentlemen that I was supporting on this day.

Oh Boy, this photo has made me realise that I need to get another hairdresser & must remember to smile more next time too & wish I could do something with that double chin.

Sending my love

2010-06-14T03:17:00.000-07:00

What did you do on this long weekend?

I made some Oreo Pops to send to my girls via my blog, I had to eat them on their behalf but they didn't mind. These were easier to make than I anticipated but there are some tricks to making them turn out just right.

Tip no:1 Make sure you break open the oreo biscuits gently by placing a sharp knife into one side of the oreo a little bit then the other side a bit.

Tip no:2 Heat up a little bit of chocolate and place on the top of one half of the bikkie then twist a stick around the chocolate so its stays in the chocolate when it sets, then place other half of the bikkie on top and place in fridge for at least an hour.

Tip no:3 When coating the oreo with chocolate , dip the whole oreo in the chocolate and twist the oreo on the stick just enough to allow the chocky to set slightly then place onto a greaseproof paper sheet and place in the fridge.

whoops....... before placing in the fridge dip into hundreds and thousands.

State of Origin Game 1

2010-05-26T04:48:00.000-07:00

The one time all year that I sit and watch footy is the 'State of Origin 'Game.
It's pouring down at the Sydney Stadium and the score is 18 - 28 QLD winning!!!
Yes I have lived in NSW all my life and I have been a traitor all my life. I have followed the queenslanders for as long as I remember, I know this is probably not a good thing to hear for some of u guys but unfortunately they are the better team LOL

Teacup Trio's

2010-05-26T04:06:00.000-07:00

Our first fete at Northcott Tamworth was a huge success! It was the same weekend that Mother's Day fell on so, my contribution was these teacup trios filled with 2 teabags, small photo frame & some mints. I added some leftover shred from easter, wrapped with cellophane & tied with ribbon. We put $5 each on these and they were all gone in the first hour.
There were only about eight sets which in total cost me about $1.50each. The china was all picked up for $2 at a garage sale & the little frames bought on a card for $5 for about 12 & the rest of the goodies I had 'on hand'. I also worked on the craft stall and met many of the clients and their parents which I hadn't yet met, 'all in all' a great day!!

Sydney Trip

2010-05-23T05:12:00.000-07:00

I had a very busy week, starting with flying to Sydney on Monday to learn more about my Respite program from another Manager at Northcott Disabilty Services, Roselands, Sydney.

I had only flown once before with my previous job, that was to Wadonga, Victoria so I was very anxious to say the least....

Instead of feeling nervous, I kept thinking about all the positives about the trip and my anxiety started to alleviate and soon I was feeling great & excited about my mini adventure.
These are the sights I seen looking over Sydney Harbour at 1pm Monday. (Actually I googled these photos, but it was so just the same)
I flew in on a Qantas Plane not Impulse, they're are the only ones that fly out of Tamworth.

This is what i might work up the courage to do one day............

The Bridge Climb

Sydney @Night

Party Ideas For Kids

2010-05-13T02:39:00.000-07:00

Short on ideas for your next kiddies party?

what about the tweens?

Link into www.partyideas4kids.com

for some really kool & unique inspiration.

Wiggles Concert in Tamworth

2010-05-11T01:18:00.000-07:00

Whoo hoo ........today I took a toil day just to spend it tagging along to a wiggles concert at the TRECC at Tamworth. My sister, my neice, her little boy age 2 & her little unborn baby girl.
The 5 of us had a great time sitting only 3 rows from the front..... way good seat!!!
Little Jayden didn't know what to make of it all & was literally shaking at first. He was over whelmed by the crowd & his favourite wiggle, Jeff. Little bubba still in the womb was kicking /clapping along with the show.
Hot potato, Hot potato!!! That Captain Feathersword took my heart!!! Oh I know, shouldn't be thinking like that but they were sooooo cute.

Ahhhhhhh Romance...........

2010-05-03T04:10:00.000-07:00

Oh my how absolutely romantic.........
inspiration for my new bedroom makeover..............

One Mum's Daily Challenges

2010-05-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

Next Sunday will be Mother's Day and I have been spending some time trying to find that 'perfect' pressie for my mum & something that fits within my budget. Somehow , whilst looking for inspiration for gift ideas on the net & as usual & somehow came across this news article in the Herald Sun recently.

This letter below outlines familiar stories I hear often in my position as a Respite House Manager of the challenges that Mother's ( & fathers) face everyday with their children who have ongoing challenges due to their wide range of disabilities.

Some of these mum's never get a day off, never get a break, never have time out. I wish I could offer respite to many more mums next week so they could have a day off & mayb catch up on their sleep, get their hair done or do some windowshopping but unfortunately the Government only allows me to give 6 places to children in a my region which can cover hundreds of families.
So, next week, on Mother's Day, I ll be thinking of those mums that I couldn't help to give a bit if 'time out' & I will be very grateful & appreciative that I am able to have a peaceful, stressfree, restful day when some other mums are doing it so tough.

Click on the link below & hear about one mum's challenges that she faces every day.
A mother writes of waste and filling forms Herald Sun Andrew Bolt Blog

Birthday Surprises

2010-04-19T15:35:00.001-07:00

Got to love 'em.
My birthday has come and gone recently with not much excitement at all.
It was looking and feeling rather good though when hubby come up to me bright and early and said 'Happy Birthday Darling, Love you!!'
Yep I was surprised that he had remembered! Even though I did mention it a couple of times when out shopping the week or so before.
Of course I replied with Oh Thankyou Baby!!!
But it 's not until tomorrow!!!

Now I didn't get upset, because I secretly thought that if he hadn't got me anything then he had another day up his sleeve, didn't he? HA HAH!!
He couldn't use the ol' excuse of I 've been soooo busy , didn't have any time to get you anything or do anything etc, etc, etc........

Soooo... April 11th....My birthday....Now, I hadn't been so ill affected by another birthday so much as this one. I don't know why but I felt VERY old on this one for sure.

AND as I awoke to a gorgeous April morn, MY Birthday, hoping to be wished and greeted with some lovely happy birthday wishes & showered with luuurrve!

I was greeted with the usual 'wanta cuppa?'...... Ahhhhh(what tha?) No thanks darlin'.
MMMMMmmmmmmm give him time .... sh@#! he's only had a year to work on a gift and greeting for me whats another couple of hours......

THEN... after a couple of hours........' I have to go down town & get some fuel'

OK YEP that's a usual bday thing..... I am expecting some flowers when he returns..... 'cause that's the usual bday thing..... PLEASE NO! PLEASE TRY to think outside flowers.

HE RETURNS............ 'Happy Birthday, darling' & he shoves a card and flowers into my bosom.

I act surprised and say ' Oh thankyou baby, love you!'

It's the thought that counts , RIGHT?
Are you kidding !! let me tell ya, there was no thought in this one!!!

The card is one I would probably buy for a friend & one that i didn't consider to be a best friend either. The card was UGLY and the flowers were mmmm soooo not my favourite....a dried arrangement.

Now, remember 18 months ago?? Craig bought me a diamond ring?
This will be your xmas and birthday pressie for the next three years!!! he said.
Don't forget it was also the diamonds I didn't get for my engagement ring?????
OK.......I GET IT!!!!

Just in case your reading this blog babe.......
here's the thing..........

a few words on paper........cost nothing
bake a cake & add a few candles.......cost nothing
blow up a Happy bday balloon.........cost nothing ... we own our own balloon, party decorating business for goodness sake!!
brekky in bed( i love brekky & brunch)..............cost almost nothing
plant me a potted garden of flowers so we can watch them grow........

& the list goes on............

Remember those footy shorts I bought you for chrissy that you hardly take off to wash???
Well I am seriously considering BINNING THEM!!!

Neighbours from hell

2010-04-10T01:14:00.000-07:00

We went house hunting today to find our next dream home. We had an idea of the neighbourhood that we wanted to settle into UNTIL we seen one of these little fellas in the front yard!!! What Tha?? As we were looking for the right number along the right street. Craig looked over at me and said Did you see that? See what? A fella weeding his garden?? HUH??
'Ah No', the python sunning in the yard. Of course I said 'yeah right, I don't believe you!'
Craig swung the car around at the nearest driveway and said, 'there did you see it'. What ? that's a just a bit of old tyre laying in the guys yard!' Ah No Bull @#* ! he said, I ll go back again and this time open your eyes'.
Ah OK! There it was a 5ft or so big fat python!!!AGH!!! The guy had spotted us checking his mate out and picked him up and took him indoors AGH!!! The little fella was not a tyre tred at all.
OMG we didn't bother with the house just kept driving to the next neighbourhood.
I am not surprised every other house in the street is not 'up 4 sale!" HUH?

What a surprise!

2010-04-06T04:42:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago my two girls up and decided to come visit mum.
They phoned about 6pm on the friday evening and asked if I wa going to be home if they drove down, they wouldn't expect to arrive until about midnight. I was surprised, excited and scared for their safety all at the same time. I waited anxiously for them to arrive all evening. We kept in touch with the mobile phone along the way on their trip.Eventually they arrived at 1.00 am on the saturday!!!
We chatted for a while before heading to bed. Then Saturday morning after a 'sleep in' we headed down the street to shop of course ,what else! My oldest daughter bumped into her friend whilst down town and you wouldn't believe the screams AGHH!!!!!! screech!!!!!Head turning stuff!!!!So instantly we had another girl in the house, yep then soon after ..........
My step daughter arrived on the bus from her mums house around 11am.
It's been a while since we had all girls together and their friends too. Poor hubby!! No boys boo hoo.
Later in the afternoon we all headed over to see rellies at nearby town, Gunnedah.
That's my dad, with the girls below (in the photo, he has emphysema and needs to have the oxygen concentrator on him at all times). dad wouldn't let the go, he hadn't seen them for about 12 months and knew he wouldn't see them for a while again.
Funny thing... My dad said to one of the girls ....'you've put on weight, Nik?' It never comes out quite the right way for Dad. What he meant was 'you finally put on weight, Nik'. Nik was always very skinny as a child, people used to accuse me of not feeding her hehe.

Love you girls!!!xoxoxox

How the boys celebrated Easter

2010-04-05T02:09:00.000-07:00

Autism

2010-04-02T23:09:00.000-07:00

Woah!! I missed posting about Autism Awareness Day!!
Better late than never , right?
My new job requires me to co ordinate weekend and school holiday respite for children with a wide range of disabilities, Autism included.
Learning about the many challenges that face children and their parents with Autism has been one of my biggest challenges that I have had to face for a long time. I love my job!!!
To view a lovely video on youtube click here

Heeheehee!!!

2010-03-28T02:48:00.000-07:00

I started my new diet & exercise program today

I reckon I worked out the relationship between food and exercise haha

Like any relationship It's about 'give and take' LOL

6 minutes on the exercise bike = 1 hotcross bun

Go ahead and try it out won't you! It really works

I feel great !!!, really I don't even feel hungry on this diet & I got my exercise too hehe

My new challenge

2010-03-16T02:07:00.000-07:00

Oh Crikey! I done it now haven't I ?
Posting it on my blog that i am going to give my self a challenge
really makes it real doesn't it?

Since 'the big move' to Tamworth
the stress has taken it's toll.
I am starting to put on weight & I feel pretty much like crap.
AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
It scares me to hell to put on weight because at 44 going on 45 it is just unthinkable!!
Have you any idea how long it actually takes me to lose just 5 kilos at this age!!

Now how and what you you may ask??
I have no idea except I need to change what and how I am currently doing.

WHAT TO DO?? Thats the easy part

#No 1: Walk ( something I don't do at all)
#No 2: Exercise bike ( hasn't seen much action for 2 years)
#No 3: Laugh More
#No 4: Stress less

HOW TO DO IT?? Maybe that's another post hehe
or maybe we'll start here

2010-03-14T01:27:00.000-08:00

Our weekend adventure started with swap meet on Saturday.
Now I haven;t been to too many of these meet.......ings
& I can tell you I won't be making it the highlight of my weekend any time soon.
I 'm told ...by hubby (who insisted I go along) that 'theyr'e not all this bad'.....OK well lucky for you , thats all I can say!!
Cause I ain't going back in a hurry. See this little leprechaun in the green up there? ^ ha! ha! This fella can talk the tail of a kangaroo. Lets go! shoot through I said ! come on !!! Lawnmowers and pumps that was his speciality, NOT THAT I ASKED, THANKYOU!! don't get me wrong he was a very friendly fella , TOO FRIENDLY!! there should be a fine for people like that, SERIOUSLY. See the lady (below) very nice lady too , but she didn't have trouble taking the hint when you need to move on .
Wow I picked up some cheap BELL china pieces for 20cents each Yes!! The next day I seen similar pieces at a Antique Auction passed in at $30.

Vintage Caravan

Roller coaster ( motorised apparently ) mmmm I don't get it what is this doing here? Ford Falcon XY ? Hubby's dad sold one last year just like this one but before the makeover.

Some older generations of Holdens AH HAHA not my hubbys favourite, he's more a Ford man really

What an exciting weekend HUH?

A dream home

2010-03-09T17:21:00.000-08:00

We're getting our dream home.

No, silly, not us!!..................my new mate at work has a new home. Her & hubby are building a new house to make their dream home. This is the view from their very large sliding door that opens out from the kitchen/dining area. She let me 'go peak' inside but as always I only managed to get a couple of shots. I was so taken back by the gorgeous aroma of the timber. I remember that smell.......mmmm.

Ain't nothin' like it!!

They have built on a 5acre block with plenty of room for a BIG SHED for hubby.

The block of land is amongst others in a new estate in Tamworth.
I love the white raling fence that comes with the deal!

This house below is one of many of the new homes in the estate area.

Ahhh! Not particularly my style but I could make do, believe me!!

Antique Fair

2010-03-01T01:33:00.000-08:00

His choice..........antique fishing lures

Her choice

Crystal candelabras

just gorgeous!!!!

Togo's tonight

2010-02-26T04:53:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh those memorable Toga Nights at Uni

Well not memorable for me 'cause I never had a toga night HAHA

not keen on those drinkies there girls naughty naughty smack smack

just had to show you what these young chickies of mine can make out of a couple of pretty girlie bedsheets, don't you just wanna be young again!!!!!!!!mmmmmm

I am convinced this is the main reason my other child (pink) started Uni this year

Tsk! Tsk!

Passing it on....

2010-02-26T04:16:00.000-08:00

Now its time to pass on The Circle Of Friends Award

The Award that is presented to people who bring a smile to your face or just make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside

Thankyou again to Kimmie from

http://theserendipitycafe.blogspot.com

Here are the recipients

http://itsallrelative-brenda.blogspot.com

http://myworld-jack.blogspot.com

Hello Sunshine!!!!

2010-02-26T02:41:00.000-08:00

Well hello sunshine & Kimmie from http://www.theserendipitycafe.blogspot.com/Make sure you wander over to The Serendipity Cafe for a miriad of inspiring thoughts, poems & a delish-ious bite to eat.

Thankyou Kimmie for awarding me another inspiring award.

I need to pass this award onto 12 people who make the day shine for me

This award is awarded to others who positively and creatively inspire other s in the blog world.

http://itsallrelative-brenda.blogspot.com/

http://jodis-sraphaven.blogspot.com/

http://myworld-jack.blogspot.com

http://peppermint54.blogspot.com/

http://nicnacmaniac-nicnacmaniac.blogspot.com/

http://pinkandprettydesigns.blogspot.com/

http://thecottagewiththerededoor.blogspot.com/

http://asouthernrose.blogspot.com/

http://bitesofcountrycupcakes.blogspot.com/

http://sugercoatit.blogspot.com/

phew! & 2 more later

Cheers

Vickixo

Change is inevitable

2010-02-19T14:37:00.000-08:00

Warning: the following is a whole lot of rambling from an exhausted empty nester trying to get here groove back LOL

Some of you might be wondering what in the world is happening over here.
Well, Life's been a little bit quiter this side of hump day. Last few days I have been chillin' and trying to be at peace with myself and hubby.

The aftershock is not pleasant for me or my friends and family. Whilst I really don't know how he's feeling I can only imagine it must be confusing for him.

It doesn't matter how hard you try to keep others at a distance they will find you in time of need. Thank goodness!!!

We just need to open our arms to them.

Change is inevitable....they say.
Some of us cope with change and disruptions in our life and some of us find it mindblowing.

Me? I have learnt to cope with changes in my life, expect the unexpected and the outcome won't seem so frightening.
Hubby? Well he doesn't cope at all, doesn't like being out of his 'comfort zone'.

The recent move has been another major disruption to his life but then to have to face the reality of his only daughter growing up and sadly having to play second best to her boyfriend is not a comforting fact he wants to face.

Over the years, my circumstances and view of life in general has changed a lot particularly since Mother's Day 1996 after I was told I had cancer. For ten years after you have cancer you need follow up visits and tests to make sure it 'really has gone', you plead with God A LOT and ask him to please keep me alive until the girls have 'grown up' and you have little tolerance for people that complain about money and trivial stuff ALL the time.

I am the type of girl who says If there is a problem that needs fixing then FIX IT, if it is beyond repair then forget it.

At the same time, I am committed and have faith, i am willing to put effort into my relationship where its needed.

I am happy with myself and will not allow another person to tell me how I 'SHOULD BE'.

You can only change YOU not others. So for now we'll see where this relationship leads, taking one day at a time I'll press onto the next phase in our lives, loving and exploring each day with open arms.

I warned You!! I better get on with living and let you all do the same LOL thanks for listening

my little flock of angels.

Thankyou Kimmie

2010-02-14T22:37:00.000-08:00

My mood was spiralling downwards faster than the devil going to hell. Wow I know how that looks but i couldn't describe it any better. Thank goodness for Kimmie http://theserendipitycafe.blogspot.com/ who lifted me out of the dark today.

THANKYOU

It doesn't take a lot to make someone else's day really.

It may only take a little time & patience but it can make the world of difference

What might seem like a nice little gesture to someone, may be feel like

a new beginning, sunshine through the blinds or

a way out of the darkness for others.

Kimmie you have inspired me to get out of my dark mood today, you showed me that people do care for others even when we haven't even met each other.

I was reluctant to share my weekend dramas but I feel i might so i can move on to the next step in my life,

it all started with my dad...........

& facebook

My dad is suffering an illness and recently i decided to move

closer to his home town to see more of him and to also try and take some

of the load from my sister who has been a great support to both my mum & dad

when I haven't been there.

ANYWAY........

I was thinking a lot about the trip over to see dad & mum again soon when

I chose to write a comment on facebook

A day spent with dad................Priceless

To my shock !!!!!!!!!!

My darling step daughter who lives with her mum decided

the comment was meant for her

as she had chosen not to come to visit her dad AGAIN this weekend.

Of course she commented back rather rude comments and the rest is history !!!

It was decided between darling daughter, her mum & darling hubby of mine that the comment was definately intended for darling daughter.

I know what you are thinking.........

i must be mad...

How can I say that or even think it.........

AND the story goes.........

Daughter (16)has given dad an altermatem unfortunately and he has to make a choice.

Right now he is doing just that!!!

Deciding within the comfort of his dad's home(3 hours away)& with the support of his sister, whether or not he'll leave me or not.

He said he'll tell me his decision tomorrow.

I made a big mistake that I have avoided over all these years & that was

TO TALK TO HER MUM

Again thanks Kimmie

for the award because It'll will keep me going until he decides if i am worthy

LOL

I 'll pass it on as soon as I can

Cheers

Vicki

Vintage finds

2010-02-02T01:26:00.000-08:00

Found at Lismore Markets, New South Wales

At $300 for this beautiful platter cover,

all I could afford was a photo, Boo Hoo!!

I really must concentrate on how I take photos so I hide my reflection.LOLThere were two of these vintage (or vintage style?) aprons at $20 each

I really liked them!!!

Note to self: leave hubby at the bonsai stand next time

and slip away to the bank while he's not looking

missed out Boo Hoo again!!!

Christmas morning

2009-12-25T15:52:00.000-08:00

I made these jars of Cowgirl cookies from http://bakerella.blogspot.com & put them in their santa sacks. The girls went mad for these. They wanted to make them up on Christmas day but I had to take control & say 'hold your horses, we already have far too much food' haha sorry 'bout the pun. Nik reckons all her Uni buddies will go crazy when she cooks up the cowgirl cookies.
She loves to dress up & chrissy was just another excuse.
We had a blue & silver theme this year, in fact I think I became a traitor from Pink this year.

Yep, they were sooooooo happy when they seen their Napoleon gift bags but not as excited as they were when they opened their Pandora bags. This was the 'best Christmas ever' they reckon. Santa & I bought all the girls a silver Pandora bracelet with a little silver house charm.
We explained its significance. We explained that they should always remember that they will always have somewhere to come home to where they can feel safe. The door will always be open.... All I want for christmas (for the past 10 years!) is a pair of footy shorts. Well this is your lucky year darling!!! Merry Christmas !!!!!

Christmas day lunch at The Lancasters.

The two older girls were her for this and did they have a feast. We had oysters, salmon and prawns all given to us , this was a real treat and the girls loved having the oysters to themselves.Craig & I not too keen on oysters.

We still had the traditional ham and chicken, no pork or turkey for us this year. We enjoyed lots of salad dishes & only one hot dish of potato bake. Too hot for anything else we thought. We shared bottles of our favourite wine, Browns Brothers Merlot. Yummy.

My last Christmas Eve in Inverell

2009-12-25T15:39:00.000-08:00

How beautiful is our angel

The girls are 16, 20 & 21 but the still like their sack of goodies from Santa Good things come in small packages

Miranda & Bec (Besties) exchanging gifts...........aaHhhh!!! That's Pandora ahhh!! & Napoleon

Sisters

2009-11-22T03:37:00.000-08:00

My two girls are moving in together at University accommodation next weekend.

Do you know what this means for me?

It means I can stresss less!Whew!
It wasn't long ago that they 'got on each other's nerves'. Now they are thick as thieves.

I 'm glad they have found each other again. Nik has a blog! go see what she wrote about the love for her sister at http://myheartby monique.blogspot.com /2009/10/hope-is-something-myself-and-my-sister.html

Yey!! Blog Award

2009-11-18T02:07:00.000-08:00

Jack http://myworld-jack.blogspot.com/ awarded me this Over the Top blog award. Thankyou!!!

Let me see if I can get this right, now I have a little job to do
That is..........pass onto 5 of my favourite bloggers ( not easy task, too many beauties!)
......................Alert them that you have given them this award
......................Use one word only .....

1. Where is you cell phone? dunno!
2.Hair? Yuk!
3.Your mother? friend
4. Your father? protector
5.Your fave food? Thai
6. Your dream last night? peaceful
7.Your fave drink? moscato
8. Your dream /your goal? longevity
9.What room are you in? lounge
10. Your hobby? thrifting
11. Your fear? hairdressers
12.Where do you want to be in 6 years? married
13.Where you were last night? home
14.Something that you aren't? lonely
15.Muffins? maybe
16.Wish list item? diamonds
17.Where did you grow up? Gunnedah
18.Last thing you did? ate
19.What are you wearing? P'js
20.Your T.V? Flat
21.Your pets? dogs
22.Your friends? fun
23.Your life? busy
24.Mood? settled
25.Missing someone? daughters
26.Your vehicle? maroon
27.Something your not wearing? jewellery
28.Your fave store? Spotlight
29. Your fave colour? Pink
30.Last time you laughed? today
31.Last time you cried? today
32.Your best friend? fifty
33.One place I go to over and over? work
34.One person who emails me regularly? Kay
35.fave place to eat? Thai

Now pass onto 5 friends....

Lee Laurie http://asouthernrose.blogspot.com/
Joey http://joey_joeysplace.blogspot.com/
Patti http://peppermint54.blogspot.com/

kimmie http://serendipitycafe.blogspot.com/
sheryn http://pinkandprettydesngns.blogspot.com/

My Garage Sale finds

2009-11-07T23:13:00.001-08:00

Have you been bargain hunting lately??

Look what I picked up at a saturday morning Garage sale at Vinnies. I didn't know Vinnies had garage sales?? I come across this by accident. Just in time I arrived 5 minutes before closing.....ooooweeee!

I found all this for under 8 bucks. A hp deskjet 5550 printer (great for one of the girls at Uni or another doing her senior years at high school), a blue christmas ball, a frame that fits the drawing that my daughter done for me for my last birthday & a pretty painted jar that I just thought would be perfect for my cottonbuds for my bathroom
( do you remember these from the late eighties?)

Delicious Lemon Coconut Slice

2009-11-07T22:35:00.000-08:00

I 'm feeling pretty chuffed right now!! I just couldn't wait to get my big jar out from layby!!
I had other plans for it until I visited Cindy at Romantic Home
I zoomed in on her kitchen & seen her big jar that looks just like mine.

She had filled it with lemons & added ribbons.

Then, I couldn't resist making some yummy lemon coconut slice.
I forgot the recipe so I found one on the web along with some other beaut recipes, head on over to http://www.exclusivelyfood.com.au/ for some ideas for next weeks menu planning.

Pink Poison

2009-10-29T03:19:00.000-07:00

I' m suddenly into poisons !!What a sweeeeeeet way to go!!
My kinda halloweeeeeeeeeeeen...........

Wow!! Pink turns the scariest skulls into pretty
pop on over to toriejayne's Blog at

http://toriejayne.blogspot.com

Oh So Sweet

2009-10-25T23:46:00.000-07:00

I am soooo in love with these candy bars!! So much so that I am collecting my own jars to have my own little candy bar. Yummo !!!smacko!!!

See the tall one on the right with those big round gumballs inside, well I have it on layby.

Yes! yes! yes! I do!.............& guess what ??
It was on sale at 35% off..........How Cooool is that!!!

Theres more..........They let me layby it too...........hehe
You know what?? I don't think I ever pay full price for anything. I mostly shop when there is a sale on. Once upon a time, stores would only have sales on at stocktake time.
BUT not anymore........They will use any excuse for a sale.......
This time I think the sale was in line with the festivities of the Sapphire City Festival.

Pink Party

2009-10-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

One day I am going to host a pink party just like this one isn't it gorgeous!!!
I have a friend turning 50 soon, think she might like this one??
Love those flower pots as weights for the balloons too!!

My business at Balloons n Stuf can supply and fill your balloons up to a 3ft size.
Photo courtesy of ?? not sure sorry, when I saved the picture it was only for personal use.
Please let me know if you know where it may have originated from.

2009-10-08T00:10:00.000-07:00

Miranda came to see us off home. She loves the Byron Bay area so much!!

I have resigned to the fact that she has made this her home now. Boo Hoo for me!

She looks happy & she says she is happy. So........ that's good enough for me!! She has lost weight though!? Should I worry?? Stop it right now!!! Why do mothers WORRY so much agh!!

She is so happy that she has decided to study at University. She is hoping she can get in after Christmas break, Good Luck girl we know you can do it!!

Monique is on 5 months break from Uni now and she has full time work, which she loves most of the time.
Enjoy life while you can because you never know what's in store for you!!!

He loves being in front of the camera!!!

Taste of Summer

2009-10-07T02:21:00.000-07:00

SHAME!!

Come on summer!!

We spent the October Long Weekend at the beach. Well almost, we went to visit the girls and stayed in Lismore ( bit cheaper accommodation, just as nice). could have spent all day at the markets on Sunday but we wanted to see the girls more, so we headed for Byron Bay where we drove a round and round looking at all the sights.

AND there are many let me tell you!! More of a culture shock for some really. Think I am accustomed to the sights and feel more at home there than anywhere really. Let's just say , Byron makes everyone feel welcome!!Hey look!! Craig is trying to pick me up hehe, you know like in the movies haha. He actually managed to pick me up poor boy ! yeah we had a really good time,Craig was feeling really romantic this weekend, not sure why but i went with the flow, no complaints here LOL.

Oh yeah & we had a Spa Room whoo! hoooo!

Funny ?? I didn't even notice that the weather was overcast until I posted this shot , i was enjoying myself too much.

I took a fly by shot of this little cottage in Bangalow. Love this detail on the verandah.

Love this picket fence too !!Get in real close & check it out!

Really like this home mmmmmm

Bangalow Palms at you guessed it!...........Bangalow

More photos later........

Happy Pink Saturday

2009-09-26T01:07:00.000-07:00

I love a bargain!!!!Looked what we picked up for $2 each. We bought the only 20 pots left.
Usually $6 each , we made a killing at a third of the price. Saving (ku...ching$$$$)$80 yeehaa!!

Beautiful gerberas !!!!!!

Sweet Roses........mmmmmsmell it??

He loves me , he loves me not...........he loves me today.......

Happy Pink Saturday Everyone & for more Pink Saturday posts pop on over to Beverley's at How sweet The Sound http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com

Love is........a strawberry cheescake

2009-09-22T23:28:00.000-07:00

Look what my hubby made, I knew I was keeping this photo for a special post. Hubby made this strawberry cheescakke for me 'just because ' one day last month. I'm glad I dug the photo out cause I wasn't luvin' him too much earlier today.

As much as I would like to think I have a perfect marriage I am a realist and I know that this isn't always so.

Yesterday i was ready to 'wring my husband's neck' . What for? you may ask? Well that was yesterday and lets just say that it's a good thing i don't hold grudges. Grrrrr........

Be careful what you wish for , they say...................yesterday, I hoped and prayed that something would change his (yes his !) behaviour towards me and what happened I woke up to a stinkin' dust storm didn't I? My goodness I thought, what have I done!! wished for a miracle or more like a disaster of sorts.I wondered how this dust was going to change the little storm we had going on inside the house.??

Anyway........

Hubby went off to work still NOT HAPPY with me and I stayed home with a stomach virus. Later in the morning he arrived home with my favorite hamburger and an Iced Coffee (my fave!! ) he knew I wouldn't venture out in the dust today so he bought me home home lunch. Had we had not had the dust storm things may have been a bit different.

I just melted into his arms and everything was OK Again.......all is forgiven,again.

Now, I'm off to cook him up a big dinner and give him a big hug when he comes through the door singing out 'honey I m home!!!'( he loves saying that!hehe)

Ooooh nearly forgot! Pop on over to http://rebecca-gatheryeroses.blogspot.com to check out another perfect blog.

Dust over Inverell

2009-09-22T22:06:00.000-07:00

I think a trip to the carwash is needed , maybe tomorrow? The dust feels thick on my tongue and gritty to my eyes and I haven't even been 'out in it' today. This photo doesn't really show the extent of it all really. This is at 3.15pm this afternoon, it seems to becoming clearer but the winds aren't dying down at all. This is a photo looking over the top of my neighbours rooftop. It's very dusty outside and blowing a gale. I am inside with the house all locked up. All relatives and friends seemed to be affected by it over a lot of Australia.

I thought I 'd get in and do some cleaning and ironing etc etc. BUT guess what i done ?

Not a heck of a lot of anything. I roamed around on blogland and then rang all my rellies to see how they were coping with the weather conditions and just a lot of R & R really.

The dust has had me concerned for my mum and dad who both have emphysema and of course you worry for your children, don't you when they are living away from home and are 'bulletproof'.

I 've rang my parents twice already today, you see i am very worried for my dad who lives with an oxygen cylinder. We nearly lost him last year until the Dr discussed what would happen to him if he 'became worse'. Well, talk about 'will to live'!! I believe it was a good thing that dad was informed of his condition. They said he wouldn't come out of hospital ever but you don't know my dad . He's a real fighter!! hey, i didn't know my dad either!!

But i am getting to know him better again, stuff we missed when I turned into a rebellious teenager.

Heirloom Party September 18

2009-09-17T01:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Girls

I only just found out there is an Heirloom Party happening over at

Marie's http://emmacallsmemama.com blog.

If I have time I 'm going to join in but didn't want you all missing out

so pop on over & check it out.

Don't be late!!!!

Last weekend

2009-09-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

Note to self: post pictures before writing notes Agh!! This crazy little duster I picked up for $2 has a battery controlled spinning head that makes dusting a bit easier, not bad I d give it a 7/10. (Can't beat a damp cloth & vanilla. )

Yep, there he is again, not a bad bloke to have around hehe. I was a single mum for quite a while and once did quite a bit of hard labour myself. But now the only time I get to do hard labour tis when this guy is upset with me. Grrrrrrr!!LOL

With the lights on!

Practising balloon decorating

I can't understand when someone says to me that they are bored. I just don't get it!!

Maybe I take on too much sometimes ?? I 'm not sure?? I actually fear the word 'bored'. I actually have a problem with it. I just feel that no good comes from boredom so I keep busy, amused, stimulated or whatever you I want to call it Blah, blah,blah............

Anyway, here 's how I kept busy last weekend
Saturday

Made balloon sculpture

Washing

Helped decorate a couple's wedding

Cleaned house

Tidied up the yard

Went for a walk along the river

Sunday
Pulled down decorations at the wedding

Had brunch on Sunday at an outdoor cafe(crap, can't remember its name!)

Watched a couple of DVD's

Promoted our business some more

Had friends visit

Visited the cemetery

Mowed lawn

Ran the car through the carwash

Practised balloon decorating for the coming weekends events

& read some of your blogs.

Hope you all have a great weekend!!!!!!!!

Hayley & Todd's Wedding in Inverell

2009-09-10T18:34:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was a beautiful day for Hayley & Todd's wedding ceremony.
The young couple chose to have their ceremony in the rotunda and then later held the reception in the Riverside Restaurant on the other side of the town bridge. Our business, Balloons n Stuf hired out the pedestals and arch for the ceremony & the couple then chose to enlist friends & family to place the items at the reception area afterwards.
The bride wore a very elegant halter neck gown whilst the attendants wore gowns of a gorgeous shade of purple. The groom & his gentlemen looked stunning in their charcoal suits

The Bride & her attendants walked under the bridge , along the McIntyre River & along the path in the park leading up to the ceremony.

Happy Father's Day

2009-09-07T04:49:00.000-07:00

Vivid memories of some special times spent with my Dad.

Dad always made friday nights special for us kids. If it wasn't staying at home making ice cream soda's it was walking to the town pool in the warm summer evenings to buy a milkshake at the kiosk or driving the family to the 'busy bee cafe' for an ice cream sundae & raisin toast.

Tagging along with dad to auction sales & garage sales to pick up other people's trash to turn into treasure.

Digging worms to go fishing on the river bank.

My feet being planted firmly on top of his, holding hands & dancing around the house like i was the most important girl in the world.

Trying to squeeze in between dad & mum as they cuddled, sang & danced in the hallway.

and I 'll never forget when I returned home to visit, 2 weeks after I left to move in with my boyfriend at 18. He didn't talk to me & I couldn't understand why at the time.

Mum said I 'd understand one day when I had my own kids.

Now, 'I totally get it, Dad!'

Beauty sleep??

2009-09-05T15:01:00.000-07:00

It's been a while ....but last night I SLEPT LIKE A BABY!!! & I am ecstatic to say that I am still feeling the effects!!!!!!!!!!! You know what ?I'd like to stop & chat & catch up with you all BUT I 'm not cause..........
The sun is shining & the birds are singing &

i'm not going to waste one minute of this glorious day........
So I'll catchya' later on this evening MAYBE.....That's if I haven't burnt myself out hehe
Have a great Father's Day everyone.........&

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD LOVE U XOXOX

The Big Reveal

2009-08-22T21:01:00.001-07:00

On Monday,Jennifer from 'the Old Painted Cottage' reveals her cottage to all you bloggers out there. So, don't forget to pop on over and check it out.
I might even take a housewarming pressie.

PINK HOMES IN GLEN INNES

2009-08-18T02:56:00.000-07:00

Hubby & I went for a drive to Glen Innes on the weekend (that's about 40minutes from Inverell ) and we went for a walk down the main street looking through some select stores.

I looked though antique & vintage stores. We went to a couple of garage sales too but i ll keep those treasures for Thursday, I think.

Hope you liked the country homes in Glen.

3 or more Tuesday

2009-08-17T22:05:00.000-07:00

I have 2 posts in one, I guess. First I wanted to show my 3 cheap finds that I found at the thrift store yesterday & the other is my scrumptious felt strawberries I bought from blogging friend Brenda:)
I couldn't believe it when I saw this cute little white dish from Embellish, it was very similar to the white cake plates I saw on Poof......Happy Home blog.
I got it for $1.
The second item was the fabric scarf thingy which I knew i had to have just because............. and the third item was that beautiful vintage square tablecloth which i really love.
There you have it, Three or More Tuesday!!!

As soon as I heard little COCO barking, i knew the my parcel had arrived from Brenda:)

How gorgeous are these!!, I raced straight outside to take a photo of them in the sunlight to post on the blog.

Hasn't she done a pretty job of packaging them up for me, I could have given them away as a gift just the way they were. I think NOT! Theyr'e MINE!

If you would like to purchase some like these ,she sells them for $10 for 1/2 dozen. I bought 1 dozen & she was kind enough to mixed them up for me, 6 red & 6 pink (of course). Isn't she wonderful!!& aren't they so sweet!!

You'll find her over at It's All Relative To Me @ http://itsallrelative-brenda.blogspot.com/.

If you'd like to participate in this or any future Three or More Tuesday's then pop on over to The Gypsy Corner @ www.thegypsycorner.com and join in.

One Lovely Blog Award

2009-08-16T00:31:00.000-07:00

How very excited am I to receive One Lovely Blog Award.
Thankyou so much Patti for thinking of me.
Please wander over to her lovely home & garden at http://peppermint54.blogspot.com I have to do a couple of things to accept this award so here I go:

1)*I have to accept this award & link it back to the awarding person(Patti)
2)*Pass the award on
3)* Notify the award winners

Ok, so I would like to award all my loyal followers. Thankyou for stopping by often,come again soon & I would like to take this opportunity to welcome more friendly bloggers to join my list of followers.
Love to have your company.

Funky Fabrics

2009-08-15T01:53:00.000-07:00

Just a litte bit of bragging & rambling from me today

& a fabulous find.

I landed my first job at age 15 while still in school. It was in a fabric, manchester & haberdashery department of the local Curlewis Farmer's Co Op. I was still at school studying Maths, English & Science & i took French and Textiles & Design as the electives.

Boy, did I suck at french but in Textiles & Design, I pretty much rocked, I reckon! I have a vivid memory of getting 99% /100 for drafting some outrageous sleeve pattern into a leg of mutton sleeve design. That's probably the closest I ever got to perfect, ahhh but what a good day to remember.
I had big plans of becoming a fashion designer & I would certainly use the french lessons when I travelled to France to exhibit my designs.

Well, I got the next big thing, landed a permanent full time position as a sales assistant in the local town.

...........Paris, France?? Well that's another story.

Anyway, I love fabrics.
I had been searching online for some bright, vintage style fabric. Maybe stripy, dotty and flowery, mmmmm definately PINK & maybe with a little bit of Red & yellow, green & blue.

I found a funky online store that had just what I wanted to make myself a funky

'50's mum' apron.

How absolutely, crazy, lucky am I ????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here are the blocks of fabrics all lined up so i can choose. Mmmmmmmm which one???
Funky Frilly Apron Funky Animal Print & Frills
Now head over to http://www.funkyfabrixonline.com/
have some fun dreaming of your next big project

Feathered Friends Flock Together

2009-08-11T22:09:00.001-07:00

Just had to show off my birdcage that houses one of my Christmas Angel. This little cage will protect her until December.

I also like to think of this angel looking over my mum & dad who I don't see often enough.

They both had a helping hand in making the lovely flower arrangement in the old clock frame behind the cage.

Too Clever aren't they? These sweet little birdies keep me company

while I sit at my office desk blogging away.

Pop on over to Gina's blog http://theshabbychiccottage.net where she has is hosting her Feathered Friends Party and share some fun

Labels

2009-08-09T23:25:00.000-07:00

Check out what I found at http://vintageglamblog.com

I was feeling very unwell today and had the day off work to recuperate.

I m not one to be 'laid up' so I sat for while searching others blogs and I found these great labels that I cut out andchanged a little to suit my work folder

VOILA

What do you think??

His & Hers Chokky Crackles

2009-08-08T00:19:00.000-07:00

Hers

His

Who would have thought!!!

Hubby wanted me to make him some chocolate crackles this weekend.

Strange request , I thought.

maybe he was feeling a bit sentimental & thinking about his mum lately.

She always made him these whenever he wanted. She has been gone now for 3 years but not a day goes by that he doesn't think about her I'm sure.

I suggested we make them together. BUT i haven't made them before , he said.

Don't worry, they are soooo easy.

I showed him how to put all the ingredients into the bowl and then JUST MIX. Whoa he couldn't believe it was so quick. Then I showed him how to place the mixture straight into the patty papers.

BUT leave it up to a bloke to MUCK AROUND and put his own little twist on things. He turned a 5 minute job into a 25 minute job. Oh My Goodness!!!

can you see what he is doing??

He is squashing all the mixture, compacting it even, YES compacting it. Of Course he is, he thinks it's cement!!!doesn't he??

OH BOY!!!!!!!!

What can I say?except, you fill one tray your way and i'll fill the other my way.

so we went about 1/2 compacted cement style & 1/2 crunchy, crackly style.

HAH!!! Guess who got more ?????

MMMMMMMM Yummmy

What can I say?

I don't mind a bit of competition.

Something pink in the garage?

2009-08-07T03:33:00.000-07:00

Hey, remember how i said I can't wait to share my passion 4 pink??

Oh Yeah!..........we're lookin' good............. we are hot girls!!!What's that??

what? yep course I own her!!& how cute is my golf buggy??
This one's my little baby I slip down to

the shops in, you know when I need a chokky fix
mmmmmmHey !!! GET OFF MY CAR!!!!! *DREAM,DREAM,DREAM*

*sigh*

Lucille

2009-08-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

How cool is this little baby??!! *sigh*

Her name is Lucille and I spotted her on a recent weekend away. She was just pulling out from the picnic spot. I got a really good shot of the back with her name inscribed but hubby said I should think twice before posting the number plate on the blog. OK you win, babe!! Maybe you can click on the photo for a better look. LOL

HEY, wouldn't she be perfect to cart around all your crafty vintagy stuff to markets for show??A real show stopper, i reckon.

The Old Romantic Shack- Clunes

2009-07-29T02:09:00.000-07:00

Happy 16th Birthday

2009-07-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

Jaimee celebrated her 16th Birthday last weekend with family and a couple of friends. Her dad and I only get to see her every second Saturday since she decided to live with her mum & stepbrother last year so we decided to surprise her by hosting a BBQ lunch & party. The big hit was the Pavlova that Jaimee's Aunty Carmen sent to the party. she couldn't make it as she had to stay at home by the fire with the flu & chicken pox.
Making & decorating the cupcakes was a group project for Jaimee, her cousin & friend.
Jaimee wanted some cash for her birthday to buy clothes of her choice but we thought we would surprise her with this blue hoody from Ripcurl.

Little Red

2009-07-25T20:04:00.000-07:00

Dedicated & Loyal Boost Juice Employee, my girl Nik or (Little Red as nicknamed by my friend Helen.)
This is a girl that really loves her job. She even turned up for work on a day when her mum was coming to visit it & she wasn't being paid either. She volunteered all day!!!!!!Well all for a free feed no doubt. She is studying Hospitality & Tourism Business Management at University and she told me she is recently learning some very important skills to help her to become a good boss. We try to help her out when money gets tight and she says she will repay us when she becomes a millionaire. This girl has very high expectations and I'm sure she'll do her best to achieve her goals.

Magnolia Store

2009-07-23T22:50:00.000-07:00

Window shopping at Magnolia Homeware store.

Love to have any of these goodies at home.

Boys n their toys

2009-07-23T22:38:00.000-07:00

Craig thought he'd play a joke on his mates and sent them a photo from his phone of this little beauty. He added the message .........Look what I got in the garage !!!!!
didn't take long for some mates to turn up to check it out.
He thought it was a great laugh. He really wants one FOR REAL now. Oh Boy, couldn't he stick to his bonsai as a hobby???

This could be a good trick to use on the boys to get them over to help with reno's etc..............mmmmmm(thinking).

Girls & their gadgets

2009-07-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

Some things never change do they!
seriously there is mirrors in all rooms but they still insist on hogging the bathroom. Then when it's my turn to put my makeup on etc etc, who gets the blame for running late , yep you guessed it ! Yours truly!!!! 'Mum you really should be more organised'. Say, what??

As much as I love them i was glad to have my bathroom back that weekend. Hang on .......I remember. I made the rule when those rotten hair straighteners become all the rage that they could only be used in the bathroom.
See the wrought iron rack on the wall?

That was my great idea to elleviate some stress on me. You can't have 4 women in the house , all fluffing around trying to get ready for school and work and using hairdryers and hair straighteners & numerous other electrical products unless you have some strategies in place help you keep sane. Hair staighteners can be a very dangerous item to have in the house!!

The girls would turn them on, leave their rooms to go to the kitchen to make brekky and then heaad back after the starighteners were heated. I can tell you I had a big scare a couple of times when I came home in my luchtime and found them turned on still AGH!!! My heart would miss a beat or two , I can tell you. Fortunately we had cut off switches installed in the power box BUT this doesn't help if it over heats whilst left on a bedroom dresser or hanging on the wardrobe door knob. Thankfully we were very lucky and never had any serious dramas. I really don't know how I managed to be ready for work on time those days.

Lessons to learn

2009-07-19T02:07:00.000-07:00

Miranda
We went to visit her last weekend to 'drop off' a second hand washing machine & clothes dryer. We travelled up and back in the one day, 4.5 hours up & 4.5 hours back. I just grab any chance to see my girls. Nik (2nd child)was at work so we went through a 1/2 hour down the track and visited Miranda & her new family (partner & his 2 boys).

Miranda, my oldest, little girl, who often reminds me to 'stop worrying, you'll make yourself sick!'Banned me as her facebook friend, yes I know how could she?? Well quite easy I discovered.
I object, I don't believe I was given enough warning! I remember her saying something about do not comment on anything on facebook OK. I don't think I did??WHatEVer!!
Now I now she means what she says. Just because she doesn't raise her voice when she says it, doesn't mean she won't do it(ban me). OK I GOT IT!! OK
I know she still loves me 'cause she tells me often , so thats cool.

They say you never stop learning. Here's a lesson I learnt the hard way.

Lesson 1) Miranda is 21 and now she can punish mum. mmmmmmmm??
What ever you do, do not comment on daughters photo's of 'way out' friday night party scenes on facebook.
I GOT IT already!! Just tell me 'how come aunties, uncles, step-mums etc etc are allowed to comment mmmmmmmmmm??Don't worry I know the answer.......................
Here she is unwrapping the pressies ( her stuff that mum & Craig had stored under the house for 3 years whilst she was getting around to picking it up ).
Lesson2)
Do not unwrap the girls stuff & place it where you think it would look nice because it's her stuff to unwrap in her home, not yours. Her nest not yours!
GOT THAT TOO!
It is sooooooo much harder to step back and let others do for themselves, than it is to do it for them. Especially harder when they're own.

You should have seen the spotless home she had when we arrived. I asked if she had cleaned up for us and she replied No, mum its always like this and this is how I like it!! Grrrr??That's how I always liked my home too, not that it stayed like that when she was living there. What's going on here is she pulling my leg?
It doesn't really matter does it?
My reply to this? Well you have a lovely home & I am proud of you. Thanks mummy, she said.
On that note I snapped a photo.

Pecan Pie

2009-07-07T01:12:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness!!! I love desserts!!

This is my first attempt at making pecan pie & it won't be my last. I could literally live on desserts alone! Hubby chose to have his with lots of icecream AND cream. I have to try and be a 'little bit good' so i settled for the cream (lots of hehe). Yep !probably won't fit into those new jeans now. Lookout exercise bike here I come!
Not a very good photo but you'll never really know how good it looks or tastes until you try it yourself.
Now, I would share the recipe but i can't find the magazine that I have taken it from ???
Sorry, but you'll all just have to take my word for it.

Precious Gifts

2009-07-01T20:49:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my very special things.

I especially love the framed everlasting 'bouquet of ribbon flowers' that my mum and dad made for my 4oth birthday. Dad salvaged the 'vase' which was an old clock frame and mum filled the timeless piece with some of my favourite colours and flowers. I have forgotten so many of the other gifts I have received throughout my life but the ones handmade with love always remain true and precious in my heart and memory.

Strawberry Coconut Slice

2009-06-30T18:49:00.000-07:00

I have very naughty lately, I have devoured almost all of this coconut slice by myself. I am blessed with a 'sweet tooth', LOL not a blessing at all!!

The recipe for these sweet little treats comes with compliments from Family Circle Winter edition 2009. they have lots of other delish desserts too.

Heres the ingredients & method:

You will need

1 cup plain flour

1/3 cup catsor sugar

125g melted butter

1 & 1/4 cups strawberry jam

Coconut topping

2 eggs

2tspns vanilla essence

2 & 1/4 cups shredded coconut

1/3 cup castor sugar

Oven temp-180 degrees C

Combine flour & sugar.

Add butter, mix until combined.

Press evenly into base of a pan lined with baking paper.

Bake for 15 - 20 mins or until golden brown.

Set aside to cool for 10 mins then spread the jam over warm base.

Coconut Topping

Put eggs & vanilla in a bowl, beat with fork until combined.

Stir in the coconut & sugar.

Spoon the coconut over the jam, pressing down slightly.

Bake for 20 mins or until golden.

Set aside to cool in the pan for a couple of hours.

Cut into squares & serve.

Cupcakes

2009-06-20T19:02:00.000-07:00

Patty Cake, Patty Cake Bake me a cake.

Jaimee & I had ourselves a little baking day. She only comes home every second saturday now, so we try to make the most of it. We try to squeeze in as much as we can.

The other two girls are there in the background, that's a photo of them when they were about 5 & 7years old. They were all dressed up to go their uncles wedding.

Mmmmm........ Now here's a thought!! I wonder how these would travel in the post? If I send the girls cupcakes in the mail they might get homesick & come visit more often.

Every kitchen needs a taste tester, right! LOL

My Little Army Brother

2009-06-19T04:31:00.000-07:00

My brother Chris

This is the oldest of my younger brothers, he is one of twins. He joined the Australian Army only about 5 years ago and he loves it. I never remember his job title, but whatever he does I know its VERY important. I know he maintains the equipment and airforce helmets etc. Yep I'm a bit ignorant to it all really, I don't mean to be but the last time i seen him was about 12 months ago when my dad was very ill and i don't remember a lot of details around that time.

Chris looks a lot like his uncle ,John who was in the army for most of his working life, he served in Vietnam too.

The cup is half full

2009-06-18T21:06:00.000-07:00

My day off today! Up bright and early to leave home to get the grocery shopping done early. I 'd barely left home and can you believe what ran out in front of my path, yep A BLACK CAT.
No I'm not supersticious! but I grew up in a family that were very supersticious. I was often copping the blame for the bad luck around at the time. 'I told you not to put that umberella up in the house' and 'if only you hadn't put those new shoes on the table' Oh Geez!!
As much as I tried not to ingrain this stuff into my head somedays it's easier to lay the blame on something one or something else isn't it? But today wasn't going to be one of those days !! Luckily, as an adult i learnt the power of self talk and how to change my negative thoughts into positive ones.
So, when I saw that beautiful glossy black cat cross my path this morning i turned potential, dare I say it....bad luck into GOOD LUCK.
So far, i've had a really good day! I went to the supermarket to get my groceries and picked up heaps of bargains and managed to get everything(& more) on my list. Got through the checkout without strain and you wouldn't believe it i found 2 cheap white dinner sets that I have been searching for ages. I couldn't carry them but I'll get hubby to help me when he comes home we'll duck back down later,.Huh!the way my luck is going they should still be there!
Then home with the shopping and i went back down to look some more through the stores. Yay! SALO, SALO at Options Furntiture & Homewares, Yes and look what I found all their stock was from 35% - 60% off. I picked up the smaller cake stand for $9. This would look great with a little cupcake in it don't you think? Then i went to St Vincent De Pauls to search for more bargains and i could not believe it!! There was a larger one there for $2 in the box and all! only it didn't come with the glass dome BUT that's Ok I can still use it to display a small fruit cake on at christmas time. Whew!! I 'm exhausted from all this shopping. I managed to pick up some wire edged ribbons at Crazy Prices cheap and Oh yeah nearly forgot, see the pink & white check fabric in the photo it's big enough for a 6" table for $2.It only needs stitching around the edges.
The universe is speaking to me & begging me to tempt this theory of positive thinking and see what else i can achieve today. See you all later....................

What's for Dinner?

2009-06-15T23:00:00.000-07:00

MMmmmm check out what we had for dinner last Thursday.

I have been searching other blogs for something different to have for dinner and then I thought why not fish??

We are very fortunate to have a seafood van stop over here in Inverell each week. The friendly guys hail from the Coffs coast and you can find them at the Beaurepaires Tyre Service store on Byron st every Thursday.

I don't usually get much chance to get there because I am working office hours most days so I asked a friend to pop in there last week and pick me up some salmon.

Whoa!! then as i was heading out the door to go home from work I nearly forgot to take it out of the fridge! A short stop over to our new IGA store to pick up some small potatoes and fresh asparagus and i was on my way to planning a quick n easy dinner for two.

So if you are looking for something light yet filling you should try this dish. I was quite proud of myself really since i have never cooked asparagus before and I still don't know whether i did cook it 'the right way' but it tasted exceptional with the hollandaise sauce.

A Beautiful Pink Giveaway

2009-06-10T03:47:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon another perfect pink blog YAY!!

Guess what!! they are participating in Cindy's ( My Romantic Home) Monday Giveaways and are hosting their very own 'Birthday Giveaway for Kae'.

You'll find them at http://talesfromanoccottage.blogspot.com and they are giving away sweet pinky foofy gorgeous loveable gifts.

Have fun entering or just enjoying the girlie blog posts.

Don't forget to add their button while you're there and share their passion4pink like me!

Here's a little sneak preview shhhh.......

Satin Chocolate Puddings

2009-06-10T02:22:00.000-07:00

Here's my recipe for Shabby Chikky Cottage

Satin Chocolate Puddings

You'll need:

200g butter, chopped

300g good quality dark chocolate, chopped

4 x good size eggs

2 egg yolks

3/4 cup of castor sugar

1/3 cup of self raising flour

2 tablespns plain flour

cocoa powder for dusting

How to:

1)Preheat the oven to 18o degrees celcius fanforced or 200 convention

Grease 6 oven ramekins or moulds

2)Put butter & chocalate in a heatproof bowl and over a saucepan of simmering water.

make sure the water does not touch the base of the bowl.

Cook stirring occasionally with a metal spoon until the butter & chocolate melt

& mixture is smooth.Remove from the heat & set aside to cool for 10 mins.

3)Put eggs, yolks & caster sugar in the medium bowl of an electric mixer & beat

until thick. Stir in lukewarm chocolate mixture.Sift flours together over chocolate

mixture & stir gently to mix.

4) Pour mixture evenly into prepared moulds & place on an oven tray. Bake for 20 -

25 mins or just until the tops start to crack. the top needs to be set whilst the

centres need to be soft.

5) Stand the puddings for 10 mins Dust with cocoa powder & serve with cream.

Or remove from the moulds & turn out on a plate lined with baking paper.

Then turn upright onto warm serving plates.

(just a hint!!Find those ramekins before you start melting chocolate that way you won't have to 'make do' with the wrong size dish & a 'not so soft' centred pudding , lucky for me hubby has a sweet tooth LOL)

He loves me, he loves my chokky fudge!

2009-06-06T04:40:00.000-07:00

Here is My hubby, Craig taste testing my chockky fudge for a Shabby Chiki Cottage 'Cook Off'.

Hope Chiki Choko likes it as much as Craig does.

He's giving it the thumbs up anyway, so I am happy !!!

Stay Safe but Have a Load of Fun!!

2009-06-05T20:47:00.000-07:00

Three beautiful, free spirited young ladies who can't wait to get together to see each other again. Miranda, Monique & the blonde 'ring in', is Jazmin.

She is one of Monique's best friends but Miranda has become very close to her too.

This is an old photo taken last April on a trip to Byron Bay where life is very 'alternate'

up there. Quite a culture shock for some!!

Jazmin is about to get on the plane right now, actually using her mobile to chat with her friends on facebook. Can you believe this! when I left home we did not even have the landline phone connected for 2 years.

Miranda & Monique will pick her her up from the airport and travel onto another friends house where they are staying at the Gold Coast.

Then from there they are going to see The Presets Concert WOW! Who are the Presets?! Well I am going to google them soon, when I find them I'll tell you. Girls will spend a couple of days there before coming home. I know I am not supposed to worry but it's hard not to worry.

Miranda phoned last week to tell me about the trip and she nearly hung up the phone after I give her all the 'be careful, don't do this, don't do that' . She said 'Mum, you really have to stop worrying about us so much'. I replied ' well work out how i can stop doing that then tell me & i'll do it'. I explained that she will know what it is like when she becomes a mother herself. It is simply impossible!

I got more than had ever wished for in these girls.... that is educated, independent young ladies and much, much more... They have surpassed my expectations and I am sooooo proud. I would like to think I might have some influence on their friends too but they have their own mums to thank too I suppose.

I think of my own mum, who must have worried herself sick at times, I grew up with out the telephone connected and I have 4 siblings, me being the oldest. My only access to the rest of the world was through the corner phone box and my Aunty who had the phone connected.

You know, thanks to technology we have today I actually feel like a little angel watching over them as they wander their way through life. I hope they feel safe & secure knowing that i am only a phone call or a cyber second away.

Well, now they are building memories to last them a life time. Somedays I feel so lonely without them I could cry for hours but mostly I just miss them and hope that wherever they are that they are safe and happy.

Luv u guys, stay safe but above all else HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hubby Love

2009-05-28T04:32:00.000-07:00

I LOVE MY HUBBY

Remember on Monday I was going to surprise him with a little love verse, well i was so darn tired that I slept in until 7am and hubby was up and ready to leave work by the time i opened my eyes.

So i finally made an effort to plant the little verse this morning as soon as he headed outside to take the rubbish out. I snuck it into his side pocket of his workbag and hoped he would see it later.

It wasn't long into the morning when i received a little text on my mobile saying he loved me and thanked me for note, he said later that it made him feel enthusiastic about his day knowing that i loved him so much. Ahhh. Its the little things isn't it that we should be grateful for and it doesn't take much.

After dinner tonight ,I refrained from boring him too much with my daily drudge and headed for the laptop for a while to 'chill'. I returned later to find him curled up fast asleep in front of the tele. He's do been really tired lately think he's gettin' a cold poor bugger. I might let him off the washing up for a couple of days LOL just joking!!!!!!!

2009-05-25T02:49:00.000-07:00

I think I might print this out & tuck it away in hubby's wallet so when he goes to buy a drink at work tomorrow he will find it & hopefully it will make him feel good. He seems to like little surprises. Shhh... one day I plan to surprise him with a life size old model Ford !!! He'll like that!!

No time for Envy

2009-05-24T04:07:00.000-07:00

I pondered over the things i needed to get done today and in the near future and what I envy of other's until i picked myself up & went to turning this frustration & need for success into something real for me.

I usually have a full agenda most days, rarely bored!! and if i need or want to achieve something ,i usually prioritise and make a list of goals listing them from the top with the MOST important to the LEAST important.

Then I plan on how & when i am going to achieve this goal.

For E.G

I was really envying my work mates turning up to work tomorrow in their shiny clean vehicles then I thought you dufus add 'Go to the Carwash' to your list and stop being stupid!!!

My list was getting really long , really early in the day. So I scrapped half'o the list and jumped the queue with this one because i really wanted my car to be shining tomorrow because I wanted her to fit in with the other cars on the carpark and not feel left out ( and it might have something to do with having the 'Best' park in the carpark hehe the boss's spot while she's away LOL).

So off I went WITH HUBBY to share the experience & it might have had something to do with him being able to control those bloomin' hoses!!LOL

Glorious Day for Gardening

2009-05-24T03:50:00.000-07:00

What a great day to get out and do some gardening, look at the sunshine down the side of our home. Craig had just finished mowing the lawn, (LOOOve the smell of cut grass )and raking the leaves when I decided to don my sun hat, grab the clippers, pop out side & trim the hedge. Really I did do a better job than shows in the photo OoooWH. This is a success story for us as we are wanna be gardeners ans we had no trouble with these fast growing shrubs.
They have a gorgeous scent when the little white flowers are blossoming. I think it's called 'orange blossom?'
We popped out to one of our local nurseries earlier for a bit of inspiration. Hilton's nursery have a fantastic selection of plants, pots and parapanalia that I find hard to resist.I bought a little vilet which I thought would fit into the birdcage and sit on my porch, but I judged it wrong & ended up out back under the outdoor area.

Silver Jam server?

2009-05-19T04:50:00.000-07:00

I thought I would show some of the items I have picked up from garage sales and 2nd hand stores. I have recently been inspired by other bloggers who seem to share the same passion.

I got this bug from dad as i was growing up. I think you have to have skill and talent to find treasures among others trash today. Many people have even made a business from it like my dad when I was younger. The difference between my dad and myself is that I can openly brag about a piece of furniture or item I picked up at a garage sale these days whereas my dad wouldn't dare brag as he was would have been shunned and looked down upon as being poor and having no 'class' at all. Instead he spruced them up and sold them off for a small profit to make ends meet and as a supplement to his basic income as an abbatoir worker and breadwinner in the family

My dad didn't make a fortune buying and selling treasures but he certainly helped to put food on the table and for that dad I am so grateful. Dad's suffering to take a breath these days as Emphysema takes hold of him and he lives with the support of an oxygen cylinder and my dear mum who never leaves his side.

Dad is extremely proud of me, I know this because he tells me all the time, so I show him with the blog what I do with my time as he lives about 3 hours away from here and I don't visit too often.

I bought this little silver treasure on the way to visit him recently and we chatted about it's origins for a while and between us all we decided that it probably was silver and that it was a jam server missing one spoon unfortunately. I really liked it anyway so I paid the dollar they asked and I can't wait to polish it soon.

Are we right is this a jam or sugar server ?

Weekends

2009-05-18T03:01:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful weekend it was this past weekend. I usually have friday's off work so I have a long weekend every weekend, fulltime hours though. Craig ended up with a flexi day last friday too. Yey!! I worked on some balloon arrangents for friday and hired out some of our fancy dress costumes for the same party on saturday night.( see http://balloonsnstuf.blogspot.com)

The I thought we might head to the local RSM for lunch which was really nice. Well the food was really nice but we were no sooner eaten and Craig wanted to go. Obviously not really his thing, it's only the RSM for goodness sake but he is more a McDonalds man unfortunately.

Then off to share the rest of the day with Craig thought this would be really nice too but he had other plans . When we arrived home he headed for the shed , I asked what you doin'? Back to work on something I asked him to do earlier. Yeah I said it as a passing comment , you know when you get time I meant not straight away!

I have to be really careful what I say as he jumps straight into it and starts working on a project. Sometimes before I am even aware he has made some THING that looks nothing like what I dreamed of it looking like. Most of the time he draws me a picture 1st which prevents tension later.

That was friday gone........... Saturday we cleaned house and yard and had to dump our washing machine that had carked it yesterday. Yep I forgot to tell you about that one!! We spent lovely time at the laundromat( more fun than i thoughtLOL)

I decided to go for drive to the dump with him WHAT FOR?? I don't know OMG it stinks!!!

I took some photos whe i came home!! not much to write home about but one is of the tree out back that is just starting to lose it's leaves and the other of our 'plumbago' plant that a friend is very jealous of because she can't grow it in her garden. Oh well we're even because I can't grow a bloomin palm tree in my garden and her place is full of them and we don't even live on the coast so I reckon she's doin' alright.

Pressies to share

2009-05-18T02:25:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share photo's of the gifts that I received from everyone for my birthday and Mother's Day. I know it's almost history but I still want to show you anyway. I included hubby's present that he gave to me 3 weeks after christmas and said 'I promised you I would buy you a big diamond ring one day and it's taken me 3 years since I said it and I finally done it but theres only one catch that its your birthday and christmas presents for the next 3 years'.

Great !!I was ecstatic I must tell you .This is a man who is turning from a 'gonna guy' to a 'makin it happen kinda guy' I thought. Anyway I really love the rings I already had but he must have noticed when I moaned over all those magazines & in jewellery shop windows after all.

Thankyou my darling!!! I Looove you!!

I'm not one to brag so I didn't show it off to anyone at work either I just waited until they noticed. Well, what can I say , it took a while didn't it??

Anyway, he's a man of his word cause I didn't get another pressie for this birthday did I BUT THAT's OK!!

The jar is to add to my collection of blue and white pieces (I ll show you one day) from Miranda and the painting was done by Monique ( I want to frame it soon) I'll have to check with her again to ask her what the words say as its hard to read .

In the next photo: I left one pressie out, I received it later from my sis when I visited recently and I can't wait to light it. Its a lavender relaxation candle.mmmm maybe when I'm soaking in a warm bath.

My Mum, Inspirational!!!

2009-05-16T03:30:00.000-07:00

For the first time ever MY MUM decided to enter the Gunnedah Show with some crafty work and she had a win. NO not one win but 5 wins!!! + 3 2nds. Gooooo Mum!!!

Wish I could show you a photo of her works but when I visited her the crafts were still at the show and I didn't have time to get there.

As I recall, she won 1st in the Australian Section with her painted Billy tea tin, 1st inXmas card section , 1st in Overall Card section(mums 1st attempt at cardmaking too!!),

1st in Prettiest Coathanger and Tissue Box cover and 2nd in fabric item(chooky) and 1st in the Prettiest Lavender Item. and a 2nd in the Scarf section.

Whew!!! great work Mum.

What an inspiration!!!

Cheers Mum!!!

(what's in the glass mum! since when do u drink pink wine??)

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-11T04:18:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day on sunday

I had one that I'll never forget!

Going to Gunny

2009-05-11T04:10:00.000-07:00

Monique 19, Miranda 21 & Jaimee15.

Here are my girls jamming in the back seat on the way to Gunnedah to help celebrate their cousin Krystal's 18th birthday.

Its was great to have them home. we all celebrated Mother's day on sunday together too. When they arrived on Sunday I had prepared a baked dinner for them. They told me they could smell it cooking as soon as they got out of the car.

I Can't Wait!!!

2009-05-07T04:49:00.001-07:00

I can't wait to see my girls tomorrow, 2 are travelling here and travelling on the next day to pick up girl number 3 and we are going to neice no 1 for 18th birthday party. I Can't Wait!!!!

Pretty Pink Window

2009-05-05T04:11:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist taking a photo of this pretty pink window in Ditton's Pharmacy recently. I would love to buy something for myself from here BUT it's Mother's Day soon so I might spoil mum this time. It's very hard to choose. what do you think?

Inverell, My town

2009-05-05T04:00:00.000-07:00

Craig & I often take a walk down by the river after work, it helps us to relieve some stress from our busy days & to get some exercise.

This is the entrance to Campbell Park. It's a pity there are not a lot more weddings held in the gazebo above. leading up to Christmas time there is often jazz music & local musicians playing each friday evening under the gazebo and people come to listen & enjoy the entertainment during the warm evenings.

Inverell is really making there town an enjoyable place to live and enjoy with the family too. Craig works for the local council so he has contributed to it's development you might say and is very proud of his work.

Beautiful McIntyre River through Inverell

2009-05-05T03:58:00.000-07:00

2009-05-05T03:55:00.001-07:00

New exercise equipment in Campbell Park. Just like you see in the Gym only stronger.

2009-05-05T03:51:00.000-07:00

The walking path that leads alongside the river. On the left is the new exercise equipment that has been constructed. It has only been up for a couple of months but already vandals have started their destruction, very sad.

2009-05-05T03:45:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken from the bridge leading intothe town. The waves of cement are actually seating which hosts many bottoms during such events as the Sapphire City Fishing Festival & Christmas Carols in the Park. Just beyond the seating is the McIntyre river.

My Anzac Day 25 April 2009

2009-04-24T23:15:00.000-07:00

The Australian flag flew at half mast until the minutes silence was held then an RSM member raised the flag to full mast. Many of the Inverell community gathered here today at the Cenotaph after marching throught the streets of Inverell in honour and rememberence of all the servicemen and woman who served and died in the wars that have past. Many proud young men and women marched and wore medals of honour for their relatives today. We shall remember them,

Lest We Forget.

Inverell bagpipes

2009-04-24T23:12:00.000-07:00