from my pen to you

Christmas Day

2008-01-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

Food and games, guess which we had too much of.

Thunderstorm

2007-11-30T05:45:00.000-08:00

As I drove through the parched Mallee landscape, a heavy black storm cloud followed me to the West. Jabbing at the earth every few minutes with white spikes of lightning. When at last I gave in to the spectacular and pulled over to capture the moment, the storm played with me, only releasing its fireworks when my shutter was closed. For over 200 kilometres I drove alongside the storm as both of us headed North.

Morwenna Me!

2007-11-11T04:09:00.000-08:00

Well Angela has tagged me so here goes...

M - Mum/Mom: Being a Mum has been one of the most important aspects of my life. I have loved every stage of my children's life, and count them each as my greatest achievement. And as they find life partners I find new children to cherish.

O - Oracle: I have always said that it is my pen that is better connected to my soul than my mouth! When I write I do not fumble for the right words. I love to write and one day.... Will there be a novel or just more abandoned stories?

R - Rider: Horses were my life when I was younger, and although God and family squeezed them out to the edges a bit, riding is still one of my great loves.

W - Worshiper: At 16 years of age I heard about a God who loved me. I knew there were people who loved me, but I suspected that was because the didn't know how big a phony I was. That God could know me better than I knew myself and still love me was a revelation that changed my life. To know that love has to result in worship!

E - Entertainer: I love to make people welcome in my home. Love to feed them. Love to spoil them.

N - Nutty: Love to be silly, have fun and make others laugh. I was the class clown at school, partly because at some point I decided to be in control of the laughter directed at me, and partly because I enjoyed the attention!

N - Neat & tidy: Nahhhh! That's a laugh! Told you I was Nutty! Hopefully one day I will be able to say Nana! Hint, hint, wink, wink!

A - Aussie! I love my country, love my heritage, love our short history her, and love the rich history, pre existing before my people came.

I will have to think a bit on who to tag.... I have to come up with 8 names!

Smithsonian Institute

2007-08-18T18:11:00.000-07:00

Soooo ... This is where our fortune went! Any way we can get it back?

I am a bit patchy as to the family line but I think Elizabeth Hungerford was the daughter of the Lord Hungerford who stayed in England, while his brother went to Ireland, from where my Great, Great Grandfather emigrated to Australia.
James Smithson was the illegitimate son of Hugh, and therefore his fortune came from the Hungerfords - which was why it was at first bequeathed to poor old cousin Henry.

THE WILL OF JAMES SMITHSON

I James Smithson Son to Hugh, first Duke of Northumberland, &, Elizabeth, Heiress of the Hungerfords of Studley, &, Niece to Charles the proud Duke of Somerset, now residing in Bentinck Street, Cavendish Square, do this twenty-third day of October, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-six, make this my
last Will and Testament:

Should the said Henry James Hungerford have a child or children, legitimate or illegitimate, I leave to such child or children, his or their heirs, executors &, assigns, after the death of his, or her, or their Father, the whole of my property of every kind absolutely &, forever, to be divided between them, if there is more than one, in the manner their father shall judge proper, or, in case of his omitting to decide this, as the Lord Chancellor shall judge proper. Should my said Nephew, Henry James Hungerford, marry, I empower him to make a jointure. In the case of the death of my said Nephew without leaving a child or children, or the death of the child or children he may have had under the age of twenty-one years or intestate, I then bequeath the whole of my property subject to the Annuity of One Hundred pounds to John Fitall, &, for the security &, payment of which I mean Stock to remain in this Country, to the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an Establishment for the increase &, diffusion of knowledge among men…

Fishy Tales

2007-07-27T22:03:00.001-07:00

Today I bought a fish!
He has a new home in a large square vase on the windowsill.
Now we just need to name him.... Any suggestions?

Oh, and do you see a ghost like figure in the background?

Mmmmm... I think Ash has already named him..... Supper!

Homecoming & Mmmmmm........

2007-07-21T00:44:00.001-07:00

Today I drove to Swan Hill for my Uncle Geoff's 80th Birthday. In the sleepy little town of Nyah West (just a bit smaller than Kerrobert for all you Canadians), I caught up with old neighbours and cousins I haven't seen for years. Its so hard to keep in touch down through the years after grandparents pass away and we all scatter to all points of the compass. In this first photo are the Hills and Pat Dowell. They lived just up the lane from us when I was growing up. I would feed Pat's animals when she was away - my first paid job, and we would always have fresh honey courtesy of Jim Hill's beehives.

In the second photo are my Aunty Marg and cousin Wendy. Marg is the last remaining member of my Dad's family. She has moved back to the area after many years of moving between Queensland and Melbourne. Wendy and I couldn't remember when we saw each other last. We are sure we must have caught up at least once in the past 30 years but apart from a few phone calls we are not sure we have ever been in the same place at the same time. You can probably see the resemblance!

And here is the birthday boy with his family! The Hobsons were always close to us growing up, even though it is actually Aunty Menna and my Dad who are cousins. She was also my Godmother and the origin of my middle name. For a family of all boys they have done well to give Menna and Geoff 10 granddaughters and 2 grandsons!

And now......

The moment you have all been waiting for......

Now be honest, have you read all of this Post before gettig to this part? Mmmmmm.....

Oooooo... What is that I see in the mirror?

SURPRISE!!!!

I though it would take much longer to guess!
Didn't realise smarty pants Justin would be able to work it out from the type of numberplate!

Bought it secondhand through the salary sacrifice scheme at work which means all the payments go out before tax. A good way to go but a bit of a headache to get organized. We found it in Sydney advertised on the Internet. It had to be exactly right - yep if we were finally going to take the plunge it had to be the exact one we wanted. . So Ross flew to Sydney on Thursday after we had been told everything would be ready to go, only to end up with delays from the finance company. He stayed in a Motel that night and finally took delivery just after Lunch Friday.
I think he "blew out a few cobwebs" on the way home covering over 900 kilometres in 10 hours! With the supercharger and 6 gears he is happy that its much more than a "girls car".

Abd yes, the number plates say it all - a real cutie!

Feeling Better

2007-07-20T02:48:00.000-07:00

Everyday that we wake up feeling reasonably healthy we should thank God for our health.
This year I missed out on the annual flu shots at work because I was overseas, and last weekend I succumbed to the dreaded virus for the first time in a couple of years. I have had a few bad colds in that time but had forgotten how miserable you can feel when every muscle aches and your head feels like it will explode!
On the bright side, the few days I spent in bed did wonders for my injured wrist which is now all better. Also my symptoms are now just a bit of an annoying cough which I can live with.
I am heading to Swan Hill this weekend for my Uncle Geoff Hobsons 80th. It will be good to catch up with the cousins from that side of the family.
I am also doing something really exciting - the first clue for all you curious cats out there is...
"It sure is!"

Can't Turn Left

2007-07-07T20:10:00.001-07:00

I hurt my right wrist the other day and now have to wear this brace for a week or so . Its not too bad because the brace stops me from doing anything that might hurt, but it is so annoying have to do most things with my left hand. I can't turn into a left handed person - it just doesn't work!

The rain continues nearly every day with the puddles turning into lakes. Some of the lakes in the district are alive with water birds once again, and if this keeps up for another few weeks we will be looking at having water restrictions lifted.

TJ didn't like walking through puddles until there was more wet ground than dry! Now he has to wade through this lake to get into his stable.

Bluey's House

2007-06-30T01:27:00.000-07:00

Well howdy doodee everyone!
Just wanted to show those pesky horses that they are not the only ones special enough to get a stable. Here we are with my sheep size shelter. I heard that one can grow much finer wool if one is kept in the lap of luxury so to speak. And so I ordered up one of these shed things to protect me from the elements. Those horses kept kicking me out of the stable - and I mean literally kicking me! Oh the indignity of it all!
Well all I have to say to them is BLAAAAAA!!!!!!!

My Country

2007-06-27T03:13:00.000-07:00

I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror -
The wide brown land for me!
by Dorothea Mackellar
(1885 - 1968)
Since I got home to my drought stricken country it has not stopped raining!
The newspaper headlines have read "Prayer for Rain Answered with a Vengeance"
Flooding has impacted on both New South Wales and Victorian Towns with flood warnings being broadcast all day today for rivers in Gippsland. Fortunately Ballarat has just been soaking up the rain.

Birthday Surprise!

2007-06-24T03:54:00.000-07:00

Well I hate to admit it, but tomorrow I turn the big FIVE O!
Today my romantic husband took me out on the town for a birthday adventure.
First we drove to Melbourne and had a picnic in the park that he had prepared before I woke this morning.
Then it was into the centre of Melbourne where we warmed up with a coffee - gotta have coffee!

We then walked to the corner of Burke and Swanston Streets and look what stopped to pick us up!
After a leisurely drive through the city streets we ended up in front of this huge circus tent. Yes we had tickets to Cirque du Soleil, VIP tickets in fact! This meant we were ushered into a lavish tent for drinks before the show and then seated in the second row for the performance.
At interval it was back to the VIP tent for a latte and delicacies like coffee soufle with chocolate spoon! Very yummy!
The show itself was incredible with all the colour and action it was hard to know where to look.
Afterwards we took a stroll back to our car and drove home. If this is what turning 50 is all about, maybe it isn't all that bad! Thanks Honey!

Fifties Rock On!!!!!!!

2007-06-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

My friend and Sis Julie had a fifties theme rock and roll birthday party with everyone getting in the swing of things.

I found the missing Blues Brother!

Not sure if Mark was rock and roll or blues bros but Fonz eat your heart out - this boy is cool!

New Bedroom!

2007-06-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Ross and I finally said goodbye to the waterbed we have been sleeping on for the past 26 years! The new mattress is so thick that I also had to get new sheets. Such a shame really! The tall boy has great deep drawers so you can actually fit more than one jumper in them. The dresser is still on order but is a lower wider version of the tall boy with mirror. The mattress has a pillow layer of memory foam... mmmm soft. Now if only I could get to sleep in...

My Friend's Wedding

2007-05-26T01:35:00.000-07:00

Today I got to go have a peak at a friend from work getting married to a truck driver Ross knows.
They were married at Kryal Castle in the little stone chapel which was very pretty. Both have children from previous relationships and it was so nice to hear them take each other as not just husband and wife but also as the mother and father of their respective children.

Reminiscing

2007-05-25T17:37:00.000-07:00

I must have too much time to think lately, or maybe certain milestones in your life make you take stock of all that you have and where you have been. I thought I might share some memories.
I didn't really enjoy my early teenage years. Home was good, a place where I felt safe and loved, but school and social settings were different. I tended to be the class clown and was never really very close to any of my friends. The other areas of my life included pony club and the wider circle of my family's friends and relations. My closest friends were Julie, and my two cousins Danny and Leigh. And of course my animals. My dog Ding and my horses were really my constant companions. I would tell them my secrets and entrust them with my dreams.
Whenever I was in a social setting I just never felt comfortable, always the pretender and never belonged.
Soon after turning 16 our town was turned upside down by a group called the God's Squad motorcycle gang. This was way back in 1974 when the World was still very traditional and Christianity was part of the established way of life. John Smith and his bikers spoke at our school and for the first time I felt that this was more than just information about God, but something that related to me personally. I went along to the rally they held in the town's big grain shed and from the moment I entered I felt like I belonged. No one was extra friendly, no one was pushy, I just felt comfortable being with these people and I wanted what they had.
There were around 30 of us who made that life changing decision, many from non church backgrounds, and we spent the next few years trying to work out how to live as followers of Jesus in our town.
The local Churches struggled a bit to handle this little group of disciples who thought they could change the World. We had a few good mentors though and relied heavily on each other and some follow up from God's Squad. We jumped right in to ministry with a coffee shop/drop in on a Friday night and a Christian Fellowship at our school. We ran our own Bible studies and prayer times, and visited each other's churches to help with worship. Some of the group went on to full time ministry, others continued to live out their faith in workplaces around the country, and a few struggled to hold on to God through the tough times.
I sometimes relive the pain I felt in my early teenage years and wish it could have been different. I would have loved a best friend who really got me and let me rave on about what was going on inside - at least one who had two legs instead of four! But then I think that maybe that would have shielded me from my deepest need to have connected with God who "gets me" better than anyone can.
Andre Crouch's music was also a huge influence on my life in those early years. I think most of my theology came from John Smith's teaching and Andre's songs.
Also interesting to note that the first time I met Ross he was using one of Andre's songs to illustrate a Bible study he was leading.

Sezzy's Furry Friends

2007-05-19T01:19:00.000-07:00

Just a few pics for Sarah to see how everyone back here is doing!

The horses also wanted to show off their new clothes.

Presidential Welcome to Washington!

2007-05-13T17:53:00.000-07:00

Now that I am home and out of reach from Sarah, I am safe enough to share these photos with the World!

Yes we really enjoyed our time at the White House! Didn't we Sarah!

Breakfast in Bed!

2007-05-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

Well today is Mother's Day and I guess I sort of got breakfast in bed.....
I boarded my plane at midnight on Friday and after flying for 9 hours and crossing the date line, the nice flight attendant woke me at 6am to serve cheesy eggs and hash browns. Not exactly what I wanted at the time.... maybe a nice comfy bed and another ten hours sleep before toast and marmalade would be my ideal! Anyway I am now in New Zealand for a few hours so escaped through customs and took the skybus into the city for a look around. The customs guys told me it was a waste of time as nothing is open on a Sunday. As I have 7 hours to waste I couldn't see the point of sitting around yet another airport lounge.
Auckland it seems is still as quiet on a Sunday as it was 30 years ago when we arrived here on a Sunday at 7pm and found there was no where to eat in the city as even the take away hamburger shops closed at 6pm. We did find a very expensive restaurant just closing their doors and the Chef agreed to cook us a ham steak that we both agreed was the best we had ever tasted. Today of course I found Starbucks!
I visited the Sky Tower which is just a little higher than the one we went to in Vienna - passed on going to the top though! Partly because Sarah is not here to hold my hand and partly because it is dearer than all the other incredibly high and scary things we have been on! OK OK it is mostly because I ain't going up there on my own! Too high!
In a few hours I will be back on board my last flight in this journey and get to see my honeymoon hubby at Melbourne airport.
Oh and the extremely frustrating thing that happened in Hawaii was me leaving my phone on the charger in the hotel lobby! My driver was going to go back for me when I realised but when he phoned the hotel they said it wasn't there. I called again just before I boarded and they said the security guard had handed it in.... Unfortunately too late for me to retrieve it! Now I have to wait for it to be shipped. So if you can't reach me on the phone.......

Tourist Town

2007-05-11T20:52:00.000-07:00

For the most part, everything in Waikiki revolves around the tourist dollar. The town itself hugs the beach and is seperated from the rest of Honolulu by a wide canal. Soaring hotels mimic the palms as they break the skyline, and at street level souvanier shops are as colourful as the hibiscus and frangipani.

But like the frangipani perfume, all that glitter and lack of substance becomes very overpowering. I would love to see the real Haiwai but even the culture comes at a cost and at this end of my trip there is not a lot of time or money to venture too far from the prescribed tourist area. I think if I returned I would venture over to the other islands and find something a little less "made in China". The most prevalent shop here is the ABC store which appears on nearly every corner. There is no love lost by the locals who see these stores as a cheap imitation of their culture nicely packaged for the tourists. It is hard to find any unique souveneirs.

Today I fly out, but I took a shopping trolley trip to the bid mall which was quite a contrast to the streets of Waikiki as all the big name department stores were there with there big prices. Did manage to get a real bargain handbag at Sears - $49 reduced to $7.99!

Looking forward to being back home and seeing the rest of my family!

Waikiki

2007-05-10T23:07:00.000-07:00

Last night I was taken by coach 45 minutes out of Waikiki for a feast and celebration Haiwian style. Our tour guide was a regular stand up comedian who kept us in stitches all the way our and back again. Jerry's claim to fame was appearing in Blue Haiwai along with Elvis who he said became a personal friend. He told us that upon arrival the women would be greeted with a flower lei and a kiss from a Haiwian warrior 6ft 6 with a moustache like Tom Selleck. He then told the men they would not miss out as they would be greeted by a former Miss Haiwai! Unfortunately she was Miss Haiwai of 1952 and now weighed in at 250lb and also had a moustache like Tom Selleck. It turned out we received our welcome flower lei and kiss on the cheek from Jerry and his sister (both in their 60's) !
The meal was great but even though it was an unlimited buffet, there were few who needed to return for seconds after piling up 34 different dishes on the plate! Even a small taste of everything was pushing the limits of comfortable eating. After the meal, which included dances from all over the islands, we were encouraged to come on to the stage to learn some dance steps. Nearly all the women there participated and when we finished they lined all the men up to give each of us a kiss on the cheek as we left the stage.
Today I spent time (about 4 hours) walking around Wakiki and some of Honolulu. I originally intended to walk into downtown Honolulu to escape the tourist area and then catch the bus back but I just kept walkinguntil I had done the full circle and returned to the beach, Very sore feet now but hopefully I have walked off last night's meal!
Not sure if my camera is working at the moment. I took some photos of the incredible sunset tonight but can't find them on my card! Will have to check it out tomorrow at the camera shop up the street. alowa

ALOHA!!!!

2007-05-09T16:41:00.000-07:00

Well here I am in Honolulu!
The flight from Vancouver was longer than I thought but I did manage to sleep a little.
I arrived around 11pm local time with my body feeling more like the 1am Vancouver time.
I had peid for a shuttle to the hotel when I booked my room and was met with a kiss and Lai greeting as I stepped off the plane. My luggage was then loaded for me straight off the luggage conveyer and I was escorted to the mini bus. My greeter informed me that the service included a full breakfast in the morning at another luxury hotel and gave me a return ticket for the shuttle to my flight on Friday. He was a welcome help after the long flight.(yep, thats right boys! - no hula dancers for you!)
This morning I attended the breakfast which included eggs, sausage, coffee, melon and a warm blueberry muffin. They then gave us info on all the sights and tours you could book. Although there is so much to do here I just settled for a Luau tonight on the beach.
My hotel is only 1 block from the beach, but I don't think there are any hotels that aren't!
The weather here is not quite as humid as Bangkok but still nice and warm.
The hotel provides free beach mats to borrow so I am going to head down to the sand and fill in time until I get picked up for dinner. (photos to come!)

Vancouver

2007-04-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

Well we are now in beautiful Vancouver - one of the top two most livable cities in the world. The other one being Melbourne of course!
We are staying with friends of Leigh & Ange's, Randy and Rita, for a few days than moving in with the Olivers once their room mate moves out. Sarah will then have a more permanent home for the next four months.
Today we went downtown to a market by the bay and took a bus boat across the other side.

The Farm

2007-04-27T16:28:00.000-07:00

The Ambros farm here in Saskatchewan is famous for hospitality, humour, great food and cut kids! We got to experience all of the above. We arrived into Saskatoon and were collected by Diane and Jud from the airport. We then got to see some of the highlights of the City - like Sobey's supermarket. This gave Jud great ammunition to tease Sarah by constantly working the words Justin and Sobye into the conversation!
We had "supper" at a Greek resterant with Aussie friends of the Ambros family who have managed to keep their accent intact despite being in Canada for many years.
The next few days were spent resting, eating, and enjoying the open spaces after five big cities.

Visiting wirth George W

2007-04-21T19:39:00.000-07:00

Today we ventured out into the nation's capital. Well eventually, when Sarah woke up anyway! The travel is starting to catch up with her in a big way. I think she needs a couple of Doona Days soon.
Washington certainly is more than the dull grey buildings we saw on arrival. A well laid out city of parks and gardens with monuments to great men and powerful ideas.
We set out around 1pm and hired bikes to see the sights. We found this was a great way to get from place to place, and sure made a welcome relief from walking the pavements.
There was really only one traffic incident and it wasn't because we were on the wrong side of the road. Can't really say it wasn't our fault though. There was a three car pile up on a bridge just as Sarah cycled across. She claims it wasn't her fault that the taxi driver didn't see the cars in front of him stopping, but I have my doubts!
We have been very fortunate throughout our trip to have been in the right places at the right times and today was no exception. We had already found out that to visit the White House you need to apply 6 months in advance. Imagine our delight when we found that today was one of the two times a year that the White House grounds are open to the public! So we got to go through the immense security and wander less than 20 metres from the Oval Office! We didn't see any of the big Bushes but did catch up with the two Scottie dogs belonging to the president.
We later visited with Mr Lincoln and went for a ride around all the big landmarks and along the Delaware river.
Tomorrow our shuttle transport arrives at 4.40am to take us to the airport! We don't fly out until 8.40 but it was the only connecting shuttle bus. Looks like it will be another long day of travel. We fly to Toronto with a 2 hour stopover before flying into Saskatoon.
Soooooo looking forward to catching up with everyone at the farm!

New Jersey

2007-04-20T20:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we took a train to Newark, New Jersey to meet up with Angela's Aunt & Uncle Marlene and Nasing. They very kindly took us on a sightseeing tour and to catch up with their son and daughter in law and the delightful Andrew! We stayed the night in their home only a short distance from New York but in a beautiful wooded valley with a stream flowing through the back yard. Unfortunately the area had been flooded a few days earlier and the bubbling brook had been a torrent.
Today there was more sightseeing of the local landmarks before lunch with the family and then Nasing was kind enough to drop us across town to the airport (that's across the "town" of New York). We flew to Washington after waiting for nearly two hours on the tarmac. It seems that there are traffic jams in the New York airports as much as in the streets!
Washington has the same feel as Canberra when you arrive. Very bland and serious looking. I'm sure once we get to see the sights it will be different but I know the first time I went to Canberra I was confronted by dark, unfriendly buildings and found it very difficult to find food and lodgings. Arriving in Washinton was similar. We caught a bus, then a train, then a cab before getting to our hostel! We then had to walk three blocks to McDonalds which was the only thing still open at 10pm! Looking forward to a good sleep now!

The Big Apple!

2007-04-18T20:05:00.000-07:00

Boy this city is BIG!
Today we went up to Central Park. We walked for ages and think we covered about a fifth! Had a buggy ride through the park which was great - ecpecially the big rug we got to hide under from the chilly New York Spring weather. Believe me, Spring has not yet sprung in the Big Apple!
After much searching and some freindly directions we found our way to the resteraunt off Sienfield! The Soup Nazi's kitchen is still there too but is now closed. We had dinner in the diner in one of the middle booths where the show was filmed. Very good value and huge meals.
We then went back to our room for Sarah to defrost in a hot bath.
Later we went the other direction and paid our respects at Ground Zero. Still an erie place to reflect on all those lives lost. One of the photos that really struck home to me was that of the despair on the face of a nurse waiting by the empty hospital beds with the realisation there were very few survivors for them to treat.
We only had time to wave to the Statue of Liberty as we ran out of time to take the ferry ride. Then it was back on the subway - did I say we have been riding the subway all day! We only had a few mishaps, getting off too early or ending up in the Bronx cause the train we were on was an express and didnt stop where we wanted! Anyway we had an all day ticket which made it easy to just jump right back on.
Tonight we had managed to get tickets for the Broadway version of Beauty & The Beast which was brilliant! We then took a pedal powered cab back to our street. Again, very grateful for those warm blankets they provide!
Have photos but finding it hard to find access to Internet that allows uploads! IT access was easier in Bangkok! Very hard to get on a computer that we can use Skype on too. So much easier in Vienna where Skype and headphones were always provided at the Internet Cafes!

New York New .....Yark!!!

2007-04-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

Well we arrived at JFK after one of our longest flights. Sarah was coughing most of the night before so she was feeling pretty miserable by the time we arrived. We lost around 6 hours somewhere along the way. We finally fell into bed around 9 pm New York time and slept well right next door to the Empire State building. Will take things a bit easier for a few days and try to stay warm in what the locals say is unussually cold spring weather.

Spanish Riding School

2007-04-15T05:25:00.000-07:00

Today we went to church at the Chapel beside the Spanish Riding School. It was all in latin but the Vienna Boys Choir were singing during the service. When I say 'went to Church' I mean huddled around the door as the chapel was packed with tourists!

The Church bells ring out all over the city on Sunday morning, calling people to worship. A lot of the service was also sung in Latin by the Priests - must be a prerequisite for the priesthood to have a good voice - or maybe thatswhat thechoir boys do when they grow up! Anyway the whole thing was good.

We were not allowed to take photos during the Riding School's performance but it was amazing! The horses are so collected and controlled throughout the performance and the precision riding was like a ballet! When you forst see thestallions you think they are very fat but once they start to work out you realise its all muscle. The riding arena is like a giant ballroom that was built especially for the horses hundreds of years ago. The bloodlines go back forever and only the best performers are kept for breeding. From the whole royal stud only 8 stallions are chosen each year as 4 yearlolds to start their 4 to 8 years of training before they perform the complete program. The Lippzanner breed mature slowly but horses can be performing in the school for up to 20 years!

If you have a spare 10,000 Euro you can buy the colts from the stud that have been deemed not good enough for the school!

Seeing the Sights

2007-04-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

Today we really mastered the subway and tram system of Vienna - well Sarah did anyway! Too much turning around and varying levels for my sense of direction to function well. Sarah bought us three day passes when we first got off the plane which gives us free access to any public transport. We spent the day checking out the incredible old buildings, statues galore and glorious gardens. We then arrived in a rather shady part of town to find a climbing wall Sarah wanted to try but as it was their first day of operation for the year they were not quite set up yet. We were rather pleased to get back on the train and get away from the porno shops though!
We then went right across to the othr side of town and after a bit of walking arrived at the tall tower where we had tea in the revolving restaraunt 165 metres above ground. While we were eating the dusk turned to night and the view of the lights of Vienna was amazing. I was even able to forget how much I dislike hieghts and enjoy the view!

Flea Market

2007-04-14T05:41:00.000-07:00

This morning we braved the Vienna transport system which is much easier than the 20 letter names of all the places would indicate! We met an older gentleman on the tram last night who suggested we check out the market this morning. Along with everyone else who spoke English he warned us to watch for pickpockets and so we wandered around the Flea Marcket with our handbags clutched tightly. I was sort of hoping someone would test out my high tensile wire reinforced bag but they didn't! Sarah was rather relieved because she really didn't think that having a knife slashing at my bag would be too safe. The market was full of things from Austria, Turkey and the Arabian Gulf. It had a very Middle Eastern flavour. Sarah found the safest place to stand!

Vienna

2007-04-13T06:18:00.000-07:00

Well we made it to Vienna!
We found the right train to the right station and a short walk to the right hotel! Pretty good when we dont understand the language. To date everything seems to go like that. Must be some powerful prayer happenning on our behalf around the world. Soooo grateful! We also seem to find our way by accident most of the time.
Just had the best pizza ever! It was in an Italian restaraunt, cooked by an Arab in downtown Vienna. Probably helps that its 3pm and we have had nothing but coffee all day!
Just going to look around today then do some sightseeing tomorrow - and of course see the dancing white horses!

Oxford

2007-04-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

Along with all the history we decided to change our plans slightly and take in the seat of learning in the UK and visit stately old Oxford. Actually the hostel in Bath was more antiquated than the Roman baths in the city. The showers didn't work and the rooms were so musty we felt sick.
On a number of recommendations we chose Oxford as a good place between Bath and London. We are very happy with our little Mini, and even more so after trying to negotiate British roads. The only roads that are more than one and a half cars wide are the big motorways! It is a matter of constantly stopping to give way to oncoming vehicles!
Oxford it seems is a city of bikes, with most visitors using the parking areas out of town and taking buses in to their destinations. We spent a long time driving around and around the one way streets before finally getting parking near our hostel. We only went up the wrong way once! Pretty good effort we thought, and fortunately the bobbys came along after we had corrected our error!
Oxford is really quite pretty. The rivers and streams meander through the city with stately buildings, gothic caherdrals and weeping willows lining their banks. You could easily imaging men in stripped suits paddling their bonneted ladies along the river.
We ate at a resteraunt called the Slug & Lettuce! It was very flash inside with reasonably priced good food, but really the most un appetising name I could imagine!

Riding around the World

2007-04-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

You might think some of the plans for our trip are a bit corny but there are certain things we wanted to do along the way. We wanted to ride an elephant in Thailand - check! We wanted to ride through English hamlets and across the fields - check! Today we hired two cobs and with our guide set off through the little hamlet and out into the fields. Sarah rode a big black and white gypsy cob called Merlin which was maybe a sign our choice of the origins of Stonehenge was right! Both horses were well trained and loved to gallop acroos the top of the hills. We also went through part of a wooded area - alas no merrymen in sight!
On our next stop we have tickets for the dancing horses of Vienna, and then plan to take a buggy ride through Central Park in New York.

And of course Sarah just had to have a pint at the Hungerford Arms Hotel where we had lunch!

Stonehenge

2007-04-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

Did you know that henge means hanging which gives the literal meaning of this pile of rocks "hanging stones". They are really quite imposing once you get close to them. Again we took the audio tour which gave numerous accounts for the origens and purpose of the henge. Sarah and I decided we liked the verion that had Merlin the magician fly the stones over from Ireland where the giants had brought them from Africa. He did this because King Arthur's father wanted something to honor his valiant soldiers. Improbable you say? You didn't hear some of the other options! (photos to come - just cant get good uploads in England!)

Hungerford History

2007-04-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

We called in to the township of Hungerford on our way to Bath. It is a small hamlet with a rather scary reputation. It seems one of the residents went a lot crazy and opened fire on everyone else a few years ago. Today though it is a sleepy little hollow on the banks of the canal which boasts some of the oldest barges in the country. We browsed through some antique shops for which the Hungerford residents would prefer to be known. According to my recollections of Hungerford family history, I think Hungerfords once lived in the area but that was around the 1100's, and funnily enough no one there today seemed to be able to remember them.
After arriving in Bath and spending the night in a grand old mansion which has been reduced to backpacker accommodation, we visited a more recent Hungerford landmark.
The Hungerford Farleigh Castle was built by Walter Hungerford aroung 1500. He converted his manor house to a castle and later generations added more walls and fortresses. We took an audio tour which provided numerous stories of the Hungerford families rise and fall within the British aristocracy. It seems the Lords and Barons within the Hungerford clan insisted in backing the wrong sides in royal battles and kept paying for their poor judgement with their heads! Twice they lost possession of the castle and had to earn it back with deeds of valour for various kings. Eventually though, in the late 1700's Young Edward Hungerford squandered the family fortune and had to pay off his debts by selling the castle. It then fell into the hands of another castle owner who used much of the stonework to increase his own castle.
(photos to come)

Driving with a Movie Star!

2007-04-10T00:22:00.000-07:00

How COOL is this car!!!!!

I was convinced by Ross & Sarah that I could afford the bit extra to hire my dream car rather than a Ford Escort. When we were on the plane we watched the movie The Holiday and saw this cute Mini in the film. When we picked up our car we commented on how cool it was to have the Union Jack on the roof. The guy went on to tell us that this particular little car had been hired on numerous times for TV commercials, and even a film - The Holiday! It is so good to drive. And just the right size for meandering around the Roman designed streets of Bath! It feels like we are in Italy with the archetecture here. Settled by the Romand in 800BC, it is very unchanged in the centre of town. More pictures to come.

London

2007-04-07T14:17:00.000-07:00

Well after a 12 hour flight we touched down at Heathrow airport at around 6.45 Sat evening. We were pretty weary but managed to catch the underground into Earls Court where we are staying at a backpackers hostel for two nights. The weather here is cool but pleasant, quite a relief from the humidity of Thailand.
The area around the hostel is sooo English. I mean it looks just like the scenes in Knotting Hill. There are little bookshops and a pub on every corner. The Hostel is only a short walk from the station, although after such a long flight and carrying backpack laden with Bangkok shopping, it did seem further! The walk back up the street to grab some tea from Subway was much shorter!
We keep meeting such interesting people on out travels. The man that we had breakfast with each morning in Bangkok is trying to raise funds and get government approval to build hospitals and orphanages for aids orphans. A girl we met on the plane has just spent 8 months volunteering for an aid agency for street kids in Bangkok.
We are now going to sleep after being awake for around 21 hours!

Very Weary!

2007-04-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

I will put up some photos of our last few days when I get to London. Too tired after a big day at the beach 3 hours away. Check Sarah's blog for some photos.
sezzysblog11.blogspot.com
Night!

Tax Free Festival

2007-04-05T04:21:00.000-07:00

Well we managed to arrive in central Bangkok on the last day of the Tax Free days. Each year just before Thai New Year (next week), the King designates three days during which both import and export taxes are suspended. Similar to our end of financial year sales but these sales are for all those luxury items which normally attract 30% tax. As part of the celebrations, foriegners are allowed to shop in the official export centres. Sooooo.... the Tuk Tuk drivers are given free fuel vouchers for every foriegner they bring to the jewellery and silk centres. Can you see where I'm going with this?.?.?.?. Well we didn't seem to be able to get to any destination without first being dragged to two or three of these centres in between each visit to a temple or the Royal Palace. In fact we missed out on getting inside the Palace because our Tuk Tuk driver was 5 minutes late getting us there. Mind you the Tuk Tuk rides were an adventure in themselves! These people have no fear! Imagine doind 70 k's an hour on a motorbike towing a two seater trailer, and spending most of your time weaving in and out of oncoming traffic! Who needs those scary rides at Disneyworld! We also stayed in the city centre on the urging of these drivers and a policeman who gave us directions to be part of the festival excitement that evening - a whole other story!

Bangkok

2007-04-03T04:37:00.000-07:00

Oh so hot !!! And humid - but then we really should have expected that. The good news is that Sarah has arrived and we spent our first day together swimming in the the roof top pool at our hostel - not your average backpackers! I was a bit scared to go in at first 'cause it feels like you might fall over the edge of the building - but Sarah made me!
We took a bus into the shopping plaza and after a little bit of walking, were very easily persuaded to have an hour long Thai foot and leg massage - sooo good!
Then when our bus finally came - I wasn't at all worried and don't let Sarah tell you I was!- it was back to the pool!
We are still planning tomorrow but hope to head into the city to look around. we are sort of out in the suburbs between the airport and city so have to take two busses and the sky train. That should test Sezzy out. I mean she might have trouble finding her way home if she doesn't let me drop breadcrumbs!

Disney Japan

2007-03-31T06:06:00.000-07:00

I left Ballarat on the shuttle bus, leaving behind a very sick foal and a distraught daughter! Not really the way you want to start a world trip. The Vet was to return a few hours after I left. The last I heard TJ was doing better.
The flight from Melbourne to Bangkok was good. Movies and TV shows on demand with personal monitors and I lost count of the meals, but they all tasted great. I had a 2 hour stop in the middle of the night before heading to Tokyo and arriving at 8.20 am. I think I slept most of that flight. I was given a welcome orchid just before we touched down. I counted 6 golf courses coming in over Tokyo!
Then it was a hurried bus ride to meet Dean and a rush to drop my bags off at his place before heading to Disney.
Mary Poppins and Bert gave me a great welcome.
But then so did Bert's fans! There is a whole sociology thesis on the investment these fans have in the world of Disney! I kept switching my thinking from "These are everyday, nice people" - to "What is going on here! Are these people obsessed or what!" The fan base that I met consists of everything from teenage girls to whole families, who go to Disney 2 to 4 times per week - every Sat & Sun at least, and are desperate enough to stand in the rain for two hours to save their best vatage spot for the parades. Now I would stand in the rain waiting for tickets to a U2 concert, or an important soccer game, but every weekend, twice a day, rain, snow, or shine!?!?
And because they worked out who I belonged to (not another middle aged western woman amonst the 50,000 there today!), I was pursued and treated like a celebrity myself. Now that is weird! Nice, but sooooo weird.
The night finished with a spectcular light parade. My poor camera had been overworked taking movie footage and the battery was too low to run the flash, so I will have to try again tomorrow.

Tourist in my Home Town

2007-03-27T04:33:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went back to Swan Hill for a farewell dinner for Sarah before she heads to Canada for 12 months. First I caught a couple of likely looking lads at Sarah's party, looking oh so happy with the whole concept!

I decided to take a wander around my home town and see some of the things the tourists see.

Mmmmm..... Imagine a 30 foot butt!

The tree that legend says the explorers Burk and Wills either camped under or planted when exploring Australia's vast interior.

A fallen giant by the river. Australian eucalypt trees tend to drop large branches in dry weather. The theory is that by so doing there is less tree for the root system to sustain. Most years there are injuries with people camping under trees only to have a branch crash down on top of their tent in the middle of the night!

The bridge at Swan Hill and a river level falling fast. Some predictions say the river will be dry by the end of the year if the dry continues.

Here is the skate park the young people of Swan Hill spent many years fundraising for (ours included). Unfortunately it has been placed behind an industrial area and a long way from supervision.

St Kilda

2007-03-20T02:32:00.000-07:00

I am in Melbourne for two days for training and I feel that our International trip has begun. Just walking along Fitzroy Street St Kilda, where I am staying is like a culinary trip around the world. There is three city blocks of places to eat with every nationality represented from the exclusive French to Greek, Italian, Thai, Vietmanese, Chinese, come in every variety too. Add to this the FINA World Swimming Championships in town and on the beach and the party went on all night last night outside my hotelEnglish Pubs and Fish & Chips! And of course, being cosmopolitan Melbourne the people on the street room! Needless to say I have invested in earplugs for tonight as it doesn't look too good nodding off in the middle of a lecture!
Anyway here are some snaps of the scenery... Sorry Sarah and Penne but I couldn't find any of those buff boys from the swimming teams I saw last night! he he!

Poor Captain Cook just can't get no respect no more!

Around the World in 45 days!!!

2007-03-11T04:17:00.000-07:00

Well the tickets are booked, most of the accommodation is arranged and plans for an activity crammed 6 weeks are made. So, for anyone wondering where in the World we are going to be.... here is an outline.

March 30th - Carlene heads to Tokyo to catch up with Dean for a couple of days before he finishes up and heads home.
April 2nd - Carlene and Sarah fly to Bangkok and meet up to start their trip together.
April 7th - We fly to London and stay at a backpackers for a few days before heading to Bath through Hungerford.
April 13th - Over the Channel to Vienna where we stay at a Bed & Breakfast and try out the coffee and pastries. We also have tickets to see the Spanish Riding School dancing white stallions.
April 16th - New York, New York! Again we stay in a hostel while taking in the sights of the big apple. Must see and do activities are Empire State, Tiffineys, Broadway and a carriage ride through Central Park.
April 19th - Train trip to the country.
April 20th - Flight to Washington DC
April 22nd - Fly t0 Saskatoon for a great catch up with everyone on Ambros Farm.
April 26th - Vancouver here we come. Catch up with Leigh & Angela, and getting Sarah settled for her stay in Canada.
May 8th - Carlene says goodbye to half her family and heads to Honolulu for a couple of days catching up on some sleep and enjoying the sunshine before a return to work.
May 11th - Fly home via New Zealand - arriving on May 13th. Start work on the 15th!

Begonia Festival

2007-03-10T23:10:00.000-08:00

Well we have lived in Ballarat for 3 years now and finally managed to get along to the festival Ballarat is famous for. I must say that I was glad I had only driven 5 minutes down the road and not halfway across the State for the privilege!

While the flowers were pretty and the strawberry pancakes yummy, the whole experience took a little over an hour (I do wish I had eaten slower... too yummy!). At least it was mostly free to attend and the whole atmosphere was relaxed and village like. The cost to view the flowers in the giant glass house was a bit silly really,,,, they were in a glass house after all. We just looked from the outside!
The highlights for me were the sand castle sculpter and the Leonig type characters in a pedal boat.

The sail reads " The boat of Faith is kept afloat, by stars above and fish below" Very deep meaning... I think!?!

Country Fan

2007-03-10T22:48:00.000-08:00

I have always been fascinated by this little caravan on the outskirts of the Mallee township of Horsham. I finally succumbed to my curiosity and stopped for a closer look. It appears to be a monument to country music with names of musicians painted all over. There are also small reminders of individuals who have obviously impressed the caravan's owner, including the two Tasmanian miners to survive last years cave in. While it may never make it to the Wonders of the World list, his devotion is obvious to all.

Big John

2007-02-25T13:27:00.000-08:00

Isn't it facinating how memory works. Someone mentions a name and that reminds you of an event with that person, then that leads to an interaction of that person and another, then it leads back to how the third person has impacted on your life. Names, phrases, sights and smells all do this for me.

While having tea at a roadhouse in South Australia, Ross recently saw someone we used to know in Swan Hill. He mentioned the name which bought back some not too pleasant memories of my first job as a spare parts girl for an International Harvester dealership. Yep - fresh out of school as a skinny little blonde chick trying to convince truckies and farmers I knew what I was talking about! The head mechanic in the dealership workshop was Big John. He was big and tough and made the apprentices tremble when he bellowed at them, but to me he was a puppy!

He took me under his wing and helped me to not be intimidated by all those customers who believed a woman couldn't do the job I was doing. On one occaision a farmer demanded to see the spare parts man. I said "That's me" with a smile and e emanded to see the spare parts manager. "That's me too" I smiled back, trying to stay pleasant and break the ice. He then proceeded to demand to see the workshop foremen. I dissapeared out the back and came back with Big John. The farmer grunted at him the model of his tractor and that he wanted an oil filter and a wheel bearing. John let out a string of colourful language, ending with "...and she knows more about a parts catalogue than you and I will ever know so you better be a bit more polite when you talk to her or you can drive 2 hours to the next dealership!"

The farmer was very polite from that day on and I continued to smile sweetly as I retrieved his parts!

The unpleasant memory that had first come to my mind was of a very sleezy individual who had a trucking business. He was one of those who never make eye contact - if you know what I mean. He also had a habit of following me through the shop and always standing way too close. This day he stood in the doorway leading from the front of the shop to the workshp, and as I passed through he grabbed me. Fortunately my big angel in overalls had been watching him for some time. I think the concrete floor of the workshop shook as Big John stormed through into the shop. He pushed his big belly up against the truckie, looking down on him with a steely gaze. "You ever touch her again... you even look her direction...." There was really no need to explain the consequences. John rode a Harley and his big frame made it resemble a scooter!

Once again this particular customer was nothing but polite from then on.

Oh, and Big John also taught me how to do a hand brake turn when I traded my Mini in on a V8!!!

Coffee Mmmmmmm!

2007-02-17T19:58:00.000-08:00

I just bought a cute little expresso pot that makes just enough for one, or if you make it stronger (and use smaller cups), enough for two. So much easier than getting the machine out. And did I say how cute it is!

The Foal

2007-02-14T02:11:00.000-08:00

Sarah is waiting until she can give him a good grooming before she takes photos but I couldn't wait! TJ is out of a Quarter Horse mare and by the same Paint stallion as Chiquita. He is a real sweetie and is responding well to being handled. He had to be weaned early due to the stud he came from, running out of water and having to sell off most of their stock. We are giving him plenty of suppliments and lots of attention so he should do well!

Keep checking Sezzy's blog for the pretty pictures.

Australia Day Award

2007-02-14T01:58:00.000-08:00

Another workmate and I were recently given these awards for being "inspirational role models". We are a bit worried we may now have to live up to the title!

MORE RAIN !!!!

2007-01-20T21:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks for all the prayers for our parched ground! We have now had 2.5 inches in the last couple of days.

The bushfires have settled down, although the authorities are stiil warning that if conditions change they could flare up again.

after such a long dry there have been reports of flooding in some towns, but I think if people had to choose between ashes and mud they would choose mud!

Still Smokey

2007-01-15T12:24:00.000-08:00

The haze across the country continues. We woke yesterday to the eiry reminder of the destruction to our forests and wildlife. The news updates have become almost predictable as any temperature rise or increased winds send a tremor of apprehension through the Eastern communities.

As can be seen by the spy eye in the sky, the billowing smoke blankets the State and adjoining ocean in haze. Thankfully the loss of homes has not been extensive as the marauding flames have been beaten back into the bush by an army of firefighters from all over the world. One small mountain village which was all but wiped out a number of years ago, was this time attacked a number of times over the past six weeks. A resident was being interviewed on radio where she sobbed out her gratitude to the volunteer firemen from across the country who had stood with them the night before and stopped the flames 100 metres from the township. After feeling so deserted and desolated a few years ago, this woman said she was able to sleep through the night of the worst threat as these guardian angels had stationed a fire truck at each home. The reason she so desperately needed to sleep was because this small town had been on a knife edge for weeks.

And so we wait for more soaking rains to quench the earth and tame the beast that is ravaging the land.

ITS RAINING AGAIN !!!!

2007-01-01T13:14:00.000-08:00

After very little moisture from the air (since it snowed mid November) we finally had a downpour New Years Day. So much so that there were reports of flooded homes in Ballarat.

Isn't it pretty!

Oh ... and almost forgot a sighting of Santa last week. Making his trip around Australia in the good old Holden ute! Of course boomers are better in this country than Rudolf - too hot for him here.

Summertime

2006-12-31T19:17:00.000-08:00

And the livin' is easy!

On Saturday we met up with Ross and his truck on his way through Swan Hill and all went to Lake Charm for the first ski for the season. It was a bit stormy and the water was pretty rough.

At least the tube was a hit with Justin being initiated into the wilder side of Oliver adventure! Ross did make Mark ease up a bit though - Sarah wouldn't be happy if we broke him!

Gingerbread Tree

2006-12-24T02:35:00.000-08:00

I saw this idea at a little bakery I visit on my trips away for work. I was going to buy one but thought I would have a go at making my own. Pretty good if I do say so!
Not sure if the family remember my attempts at a gingerbread house when they were little?!? !
No... perhaps better forgotten really.....
Hopefully this will make the trip up to Bendigo tomorrow for Christmas dinner.
Merry Christmas everyone! And a blessed and safe New Year!

OOPS WE DID IT AGAIN! or Is the Washer good or evil!

2006-12-16T15:34:00.000-08:00

Yep! here we go again. A few short days after spouting the virtues of the washing machine, the evil side again rears its ugly head and the carpets get flooded once again. At least this time I was not at all implicated in the proceedings. Next on the shopping must haves this Christmas is a flood proof wash basin!
And this is one big dehumidifier! We are all drying out.

NEWS FLASH: Washing Machine Saves Lemon Tree!

2006-12-13T03:35:00.000-08:00

Just three weeks after starting to use the grey water from the washing machine and the poor little lemon tree has sprung back to life! There are even flowers making a tentative effort to show the promise of a future. So far we are managing to keep everything going with buckets in the shower and recycling the water but if we get some prolonged hot weather it may get more difficult.

The Bush Is Burning

2006-12-08T15:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the smoke billowed like an ethreal mountain range above the burning national parks. Burning on both sides of the Great Dividing Range which seperates eastern Victoria. Overnight the fires that had started from masses of lightning strikes last weekend, joined forces to create one of the longest fire front ever seen in our little State.
Today the wind and dry heat has fanned a fury that may leave the bushland reserves and reach out to menace the many small communities and regional cities in Gippsland.

The wind has now dispersed the smokey haze across the countryside and as I look out from my backyard it looks like the fires are much closer than 300 kilometres away.

Joining the Mac World

2006-12-06T03:26:00.000-08:00

Well Leigh and Mark have convinced us to come on over to the Apple side of the tracks!
What helped was that both our PC's were floundering and would cost to get upgraded. We had been using the laptop for everything instead of just the photo and video editing it was purchased for.
So..... after a nervous couple of days wait we had the winning bid on a little blue Mac that we will use for internet access. That is when I work out how to configure it.

Isn't it cute!

When Two Worlds Collide

2006-11-25T21:19:00.000-08:00

Since moving to Ballarat 3 years ago I have been attending a Church which is pretty similar to the one we left in Swan Hill. We have never really settled in and become as involved as we once were in our old Church and over the past few months I have been to another Church of the same denominationon the other side of town because Sarah has some friends attending there.
Today we had some good friends down from Swan Hill to speak at the Church I havent been to for a couple of months so I went along to hear them. It was so weird being with people who knew me as the "involved in everything" Church member, amongst people who even after 3 years, hardly knew me at all.
I got to thinking about Church and belonging to a group of like minded believers. I also thought about what I believe about the Church and its place in the world. I realised that I have not really felt comfortable amonst like minded people for a long time. I have also not felt "known" by a group of Christians for a very long time.
I think that I have been guilty of blaming the fellowships I attend for not taking an interest in me and failing to find out who I am. I am starting to think that maybe I am looking for the right thing in the wrong places.
I am now starting to consider what is important to me in a fellowship, including worship, ministry and outreach. I know that fitting neatly within any fellowship for most people can be difficult, and I have always felt it was wrong to Church shop. But as I have very little social contact in Ballarat outside of my family and work, I think I need to be in a Church where I can at least have the opportunity to develop some meaningful friendships.
Not real sure how to find what I'm looking for.... Me and Bono both!

Making PJ's

2006-11-18T20:55:00.000-08:00

Sarah is going away with some girlfriends tomorrow for what we call Schoolies Week. Basically at the end of year 12 everyone heads for the nearest beach for a week long party. So we have made pj's and beach pants. Its hard to believe that it was only 12 months ago we were having such a great time making pj's with Ange here in Australia.I was thinking back to how much fun we had - even with a few mistakes! Anyway, I think I have finally got a pattern worked out and can now go into production if anyone wants to send in their orders!

The One We Didn't Buy!

2006-10-31T00:56:00.000-08:00

Well the first time I rode her she didn't put a foot wrong.
Thought we could overlook how small she was - only two years old so maybe she would grow...
But the second ride when I took Ross and Sarah back was a bit more eventful.
She spooked just after I got on... before I had the reins gathered, and the result....
After the first lunge through the air I realised this was going to end badly, you know the moment when you realise you are going to hit the ground and there is nothing you can do about it. For a brief moment the rail of the round yard caught my eye and I thought I could do the smooth cowboy dismount on to the fence.
Unfortunately by the time I hit the fence I was half way to the ground. The result was happily not as bad as it looked to the onlookers. Just grazes down one side, a banged up elbow and sore ribs. A real shame Ross was too busy yelling to me to hold on and didn't get the action shot of the year!
Yes I did get back on and rode until I was sure she had settled down.
As you can see, when Sarah got on the size difference was just too much and we left our little buckjumper pony with her current owners!

Water Wise Casualty

2006-10-31T00:31:00.000-08:00

Well it seems my efforts to conserve water went astray!
Sure I remembered to tell Penne to make sure the water saver hose was connected when she came to use the washer..... But did I remember to tell Ross when he got home from the truck????

OOPS! My bad!

It seems that if the trough fills up there is enough water from one wash to flood down the hall and into the spare room.
Fortunately the insurer now makes carpet driers available which have been running for two days. Have there been studies to show how that constant white noise sound can make you crazy?!?

The two driers have to run until tomorrow morning... AARHHH !

Stage 4 Water Restrictions!

2006-10-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

Well the big dry continues. We are now not allowed to water any plants outside from the water supply. No washing cars apart from windshields for visability, so my poor little mini will have to stay dirty.
Today I bought the hoses needed to transfer our grey water from the washing machine out to my poor thirsty garden.
All just a bit too late for my lemon tree. So even though life is handing me lemons... I won't be making lemonade any time soon!

Hard to believe this is our garden in the springtime!

Graduation!!!!!

2006-10-18T14:08:00.000-07:00

Last night was Sarah's valadictory dinner.

She looked gorgeous in her new desighner dress from Ebay - arrived from Singapore in time!

And yes Ange and Ariana - here he is! Justin!

But of course she is still Dad's girl.

And Mum's too!

We Win Again !!!!

2006-10-11T04:42:00.000-07:00

Australia Vs Baharain

Two quick goals in the first 20 minutes and a number of close calls. Some really good play has put us not only in the Asian cup next year but seeded at the top.

May have to get tickets me thinks!!!

Touch Championships

2006-09-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

Well, Sarah and I have just returned from the Australian Touch Football Championships in Coffs Harbour.

Here are some pictures of the action.

It was a really great group of girls and I know Sarah has made some lifelong friends.

After pulling an all nighter with her team mates on the last night, Sarah on the train trip from Coffs Harbour to Newcastle.

We left Coffs at 8am and were picked up from the station by Jenny and her Dad around 3.30pm so it was a long day.

Then it was one lovely day catching up with Sarah's friend Jenny in Newcastle, before flying home into Melbourne and taking yet another train to Ballarat.

Colon Irrigation Oooooo! Aaahhhh!

2006-09-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

First some background!
I was in Mildura for work all of last week and spent a lot of time walking to and from work due to not having a car and not being able to work out the bus timetable. Got on the wrong but the first day and spent half an hour circumventing the spot I wanted to go (only 10 minutes from where I started) only to finally jump ship with 4 city blocks still to walk!
Anyway, Mildura is situated in Northern Victoria on the banks of the mighty Murray River. It is a bountiful fruit and vegetable growing region thanks to the immense irrigation system developed after the first and second world wars. It is a vibrant multi cultural community with new influxes of people from all over the world depending on which countries people are wanting to flee from. The English and Irish in the early 1900's, then the Polish, Turkish, Italian, Greek, Samoan/Tongan, Vietnamese, Afgahnis and Iraqis, and very recently Sudanese. It also has a large Aboriginal population.
So... Now you have had the cultural lesson, you need to also remember that I grew up in a similar community 250 ks upstream in Swan Hill.
Irrigation water is the life blood of these areas and the word irrigation generally only means one thing - deliverying water to farmland.
So, when I was out walking and happened past a sign on a local business my comprehension was seriously impaired by my preconcieved ideas.
OK, now we get to the funny stuff! I had read this sign during the day and snapped a shot I thought would bring some laughs.
I mean to say, WHY WOULD ANYONE WITH THE LAST NAME OF COLON, CHOOSE TO USE HIS OWN NAME FOR HIS IRRIGATION BUSINESS!!!!
Wouldn't you call it Mildura Irrigation, or Sunraysia Irrigation..... anything but Colon Irrigation Centre!
Unfortunately, when I recounted to some locals I was having tea with, they found the whole thing very amusing. Even more amusing than i had the first time!
With tears rolling down their faces, they finally composed themselves enough to inform me that the sign was more accurate than I thought. I then rechecked my photo and sure enough. It was just that! Colonic Irrigation!

2006-08-31T00:29:00.000-07:00

I am currently in the Mildura library checking the net for the first time in 4 days! Couldn't find an internet cafe anywhere.
I have a really funny story and photo that involves the words COLON IRRAGATION. Scary eh! I was going to put it up but there is no card reader on the compyter here to download the photo and it just wouldn't be the same!
Have caught up with a few old work mates which has been great. Also had lots of those memory flooding back moments from the school holidays spent staying with my cousins who lived here. The weather has been great - warm and balmy. I used to think Mildura was just hotter when I lived in Swan Hill but that extra 5 hours towards the tropics makes such a difference now that I live in Ballarat!
Stay tuned, I will be back to my own computer tomorrow night!

Photography Snob

2006-08-25T05:41:00.000-07:00

Today I met a self confessed photography snob. He refuses to use digital technology as he states it is not real photography and anyone using it is fooling themselves if they think they are photographers! It reminded me of the many eltists I have met who would be horrified if they were thought of that way. People who will only listen to alternative music could be seen in the same light as those who will only listen to classical or even only rap, pop, country or jazz. Its more than just the selective listening, its also the put down of everything they don't listen to.
When I listened to this guy rave about how technology had destroyed his photography business and ruined the profession. How he refused to even learn computing because of what he perceived as the enemy of all that he loved.
So I got to thinking, if Renior or Rembrant lived today... Would they use digital technology, would they be photographers instead of painters?

Sunny Mildura

2006-08-24T06:17:00.000-07:00

Well I am off for a week to Mildura. Today the tepreture in Ballarat was 6C while Mildura was 21C!
They needed someone to backfill while my two collegues are both away, and of course I am happy to visit the sunshine.
I will be travelling to Swan Hill with the rest of the family to celebrate Mark's baptism Sunday night. (Very proud Mum here!) There was meant to be a photo of Mark here but took too long to load so use your imagination!
Then I will travel by bus and arrive in Mildura at midnight. I hope to catch up with some old friends I once worked with and spend some time reading and possibly writing if the muse arrives. I have started a couple of pieces recently but can't get things finished off. I hope to get some internet access, although not at work. The trouble with working for the government is that everything is just so secure, no web access from our intranet!
If I don't get to log on I will catch up in a week or so!

Greek Yoghurt Chicken Mmmmmm!

2006-08-15T03:11:00.000-07:00

A friend cooked tea for me the other night and I made this one my own!
So quick and easy, but very tasty.

Chicken breast or tenderloins
Greek style yoghurt
Bread crumbs (I used rice or corn crumbs for the gluten intolerant in the house)
Grated tasty cheese
Parsley

Simply dip chicken in yogurt.
Mix all other ingedients (salt and other herbs to taste)
Roll chicken in crumb mixture and bake for 20 to 30 minutes (less if using smaller chicken strips)
The yoghurt gives a tangy taste - almost lemon. Which reminds me - is also great with fish!
I served with sweet potatoe chips fried in light olive oil.
Cook it yourself - or let me know when you will be visiting and I will have it ready!

Bye Bye Baby

2006-08-01T02:22:00.000-07:00

Well, its time to say goodbye to my great big baby! Yes I have sold my horse. She will go to a very good home in a lovely sub tropic climate. We are just waiting now for the transport to be arranged. As you can see, she is not exactly a pony, which is why I have decided to sell. You see, as embarrising as it is, I can no longer get on without climbing up on the trailer to clambour on.
So I will now be looking around for a smaller horse, something everyone in the family can ride.
My big baby has been great fun, and I know she will enjoy her new life with an owner who will have as much fun with her as I have.

Now That's A Midlife Crisis!

2006-07-16T00:56:00.000-07:00

Why could't my brother have gone out and bought a fancy red sports car like any other man his age? Why has he instead taken flying lessons and come home with a lawnmower with wings!?!
Not to mention this is his second plane, and the third one he has crashed since getting his licence less than two years ago. He assures me his will is up to date, but heh, call me sentimental but i kinda like having a big brother to look up to. Just wish I wasn't looking so far up! It's a long way down!

On one of his crash landings he happened to have a friend on board who was quite convinced they were about to die. Her fears were briefly allayed when they scrambled out of the wreck with a few bruises, but then her distraught husband sped past them in his panic to find the downed plane. Obviously having watched too many episodes of Ghost Whisperer, she turned to Rod with horror in her voice, "Oh no! He can't see us.... We are dead!"

2006-07-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

The curled bark crackled beneath her dusty sandals. Walking home from school on a warm summer afternoon was a time her eight year old heart enjoyed. It was les than a mile in distance but there was a huge divide between her life at school and the safety of home. So much had changed for this little girl in the three short years of being a "big girl" and heading off to the primary school only one farm over, down the country track. At home she had remained the treasured only daughter, spoilt by parents and adored by her brothers. At school she had been forced to take on the garb of outcast, a dress she was in the process of remodeling into class clown.
School had started well enough.
Her brothers were still there the first year and their status had sheltered her from bullies. Her first teacher had also been young and full of compassion for her charges. The first year saw tears only when her mother kept her home because she was unwell. She loved her teacher, she loved the learning this new world exposed her to, and she had a best friend in the principals son, Shane.
The following year saw the edges of this perfect picture begin to fray and fade. Her teacher was transferred, as was the principal, taking Shane with him. Her new teacher had just returned to teaching following the tragic death of her 19 year old son. The trauma and shadow of death still played constantly in her heart, making it cold towards these young ones with life so evident in their chatter and giggles. There was little patience for the young girl acting out due to her own grief in losing her best friend and precious teacher.
Two years of anger and ridicule by both teacher and classmates had changed the perfect picture to a faded image of what life was meant to be for any eight year old.
Learning had now become an ordeal.
The divide between home and school widened as her brothers went off to secondary schooling.
The two worlds could not be reconciled inside the child's mind, and so she developed the ability to create two personas, one to handle the trauma of school, and the second to enjoy the safety of home without allowing the darkness to creep in and spoil her whole world.
And so it was, this walk home that allowed her the time and solitude to make the change from one to the other. Initially she had run the whole way home, eager to get back to her paradise, but now there was a deliberate purpose for the journey. A way of shaking off the pain and negative messages impacting her soul.
The slender white eucalypts had shed their summer skin, leaving the thin curls of bark strewn across her path. She enjoyed the crunching sound and turned her face upwards to say thank you to the sweet smelling lemon gums. A little further on, she squatted at an ant nest to marvel at the business and strength of workers carrying loads larger than themselves towards their hole, busily preparing for the winter ahead. Maybe an older, wiser set of eyes may have seen the message from the ants, that winter and loss comes to all worlds, even those we try so hard to protect.
With each step more of the day was shaken off, and finally crossing the road into the gateway of her family's small farm, she was able to once more become the beloved child.

The Dreams Of Nations

2006-06-30T16:48:00.000-07:00

I have been watching a series of documentaries on the impact of football success and failure on nations, during the lead up to the World Cup - that's the game of soccer that is played by amost every nation in the world, for those americancentric amongst you who believe a world cup can be played by the United States teams only!
It has been interesting to see the social and political impact a sport event can have, especially on countries that are struggling beneath oppresive regimes or economic downturn. Throughout the history of international football the game has been used by both dictators and freedom fighters alike, as a means to gather the masses and to provide a symbol of what they wanted to say.
In Australia over the past few weeks we have seen a groundswell of support and glorification of our team that rivals anything to date, including our Olympic efforts. There is something about the "team" schema that invokes a sense of belonging. We are the Socceroos and they belong to us.
At a time when our multicultural experiment in the suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne was in danger of going horribly wrong, the World Cup success of our team has united cosmopolitan suburbia. Football in Australia has historically been played by new immigrants attempting to find something familiar in this strange cultural landscape. Until recently teams have been divided on ethnic lines which unfortunately has prolonged the conflict our new citizens were fleeing from in their old worlds. That was until a huge shake up and reorginising of the game on a national scale four years ago. The ethnic teams gave way to a new national comp with a melting pot of talent. The final result of this was seen in our world defying team.
Although Australia has hit the wall and the euphoria has melted away, the unity and acceptance remains.
Hopefully we will be able to look back in a few years and say that this was the turning point and that we will no longer see our young men involved in the ugly riots we saw last summer.
All power to you boys and thanks for the great ride to the second round!

True Value

2006-06-04T14:06:00.000-07:00

What is it that makes something valuable?

There are plenty of answers to that question, depending on your take on life. Commodities in short supply are deemed by commerce as valuable. Items that are very old or have a special history are said to be priceless.

The thing I was thinking about while sitting in church last night, is that the thing that makes us valuable is how much we are loved. I was thinking of my two best mates who's story appears below. To the commodity maket or to a collector they were worthless. The world would have thrown them away. Even my family would have rejected them if I had not loved them. As it was, when my parents saw how much I loved them, even they went out on a limb to protect them. My dog had a habit of biting people she thought were a threat to me, and my riding instructors were often telling my parents to get rid of my horse as he would never take me to the top!

Last night I was reminded that the thing that make us so valuable in this universe is that the Creator of the universe loves us.

Best Mates

2006-06-03T18:35:00.000-07:00

As a child growing up on a small vineyard/mixed farm in rural Australia, my best friends were usually the animals that followed me around on a daily basis.

I remember my first dog was a stray that wandered in and stayed. He was a littly pug nosed animal with traits of about five different breeds.

My grandparents lived on the farm next door and bred purebred golden labradoors. My long time best mate Ding can be seen on the right in this picture. She was the result of my little hobo getting in with my grandmother's prize winning labradoor! Because my little dog had been killed on the road a few weeks before Ding's birth she was spared and given to me instead of being destroyed as a mistake.

Ding and I spent every day together, playing among the grape vines, climbing on to the shed roof, and eating almonds! Ding loved grapes and almonds.

My other best mate was one of my horses Midnight. I bought him at a horse sale for thirty dollars. He had been bucket reared as an orphan and was a scrawny little colt that had been destined for the dog meat buyer.
We had a love/hate relationship in which Midnight loved to be a pet but hated to be ridden. In the first few years of our relationship I spent as much time being thrown to the ground as I did staying on his back. Everyone advised me to sell him but were mates and you don't sell your mate!
We eventually came to an arrangement and competed in showjumping and eventing with a little success.

Both my best mates passed away as old animals, still in my care. Ding died the night after my first date with my husband to be, and Midnight as a 27 year old, with his head cradled in my arms for the last few hours of his life.

The thing that made them both my best mates was the fact that they listened to all my ramblings, were with me as I dreamed of things to come, and never told me what I could or couldn't do. They were always there for me, I laughed with them and cried with them.

Touch Football (Rugby)

2006-06-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

What would make a 17 year old girl take up touch football and spend time training in a rough and strenuous sport?????

Oh!

No, I don't think it has anything to do with the boys playing Touch!

Well maybe just a little......

After a number of years playing soccer/football at a high level, Sarah took up touch football to keep fit during Summer and to have fun with some of her church youth group friends. She recently tried out for the state Under 18 girls tems and has just returned from a very succesful tournament in New South Wales. After a 14 hour bus trip they played over two days, ending in the semi finals. Another 14 hour trip overnight meant she only had time for a quick shower before heading to school and Year 12 finals. Fortunately her school took pity and sent her home to bed, allowing her to complete assessment tasks the next day.

Living for the moment.

2006-05-09T05:44:00.000-07:00

A number of years ago a made a decision to live in the moment; to be aware of the people and places as I passed through each day, and not to be always looking forward or looking back. The thing is, I'm not sure how succesful I have been. I continue to await certain events with a wishfulness that tends to rush me from one day to the next. I also find myself longing for times and people past, which causes me to miss the beauty of those I have around me now.
I remember the time when I made that decision. I had been to visit a very dear friend and his wife. Stephen was battling with terminal cancer and expressed his dissapointment that some had pulled away from him, not wanting to see his suffering. After thinking about his comment I realised that I saw it more as a priviledge to share in this time and decided to savour every moment I had left to share in this remarkable life. I know that over the next few months I became much closer to both Steve and his wife and when he died the pain was extreme, but the richness of the loss will always be something I count as precious. If I had closed off my heart and protected it from the inevitable loss, I would have missed the blessing and priviledge of knowing well this wonderful human being.
As a mother of four wonderful children I have enjoyed every age and stage they have grown through. I loved my babies, with their big eyes that captivated my soul. I loved my todlers as they set forth on tottering legs to explore the world. I loved my children as they grew and experienced all the ups and downs of young life. I love my young adults as they wisely choose friends, careers, and soul mates. I have enjoyed each step of the way, and savour the memories we have made.
As each of my children spread their wings and become the independent adults I had always planned for them to be, I hope I can embrace the future and all that it holds. I have learned to value even more the precious time I still have with them. One has already moved beyond my embrace to the other side of the earth. There is an unsettled feeling deep in my heart as I realise that this time next year I will be seperated by land and ocean from each of them. I know that there will be pain, but I also know that I would not want the pain to be less.
I intend to love them and treasure every moment I have, both when they are close and when it is only their voices that I can hold close.

Mum's Last Days

2006-02-14T03:42:00.000-08:00

I turned to my friend Julie mid way through the afternoon, "Whatever is the time? It seems like today has been going forever." She half smiled, the saddness still telling in her eyes, "That's because today is Sunday afternoon now, but it started when we got out of bed on Friday."
Julie was right. Since those few hours of sleep, we had been awake for three days, waiting and watching in my Mother's hospital room. She had been barely with us since Wednesday night, unable to show any response, but still very much there.
The reality of her being there for those last few days was even more evident the moment she left.
Two weeks before was a very different Sunday. Mum came out for the afternoon, went to Church with my daughter Sarah and I, and came back for tea. She loved the evening services with the full band and singers, so much more alive than the morning's more formal worship. Even at 81 years of age, Valda was still as much a rebel as the young woman who rode a motorbike and wore slacks around her small country town. The sign above her kitchen sink when I was a young girl pretty well summed up her attitude to life and work, and male/female relations. "For a woman to be considered as good as a man she has to do everything twice as well. Fortunately this is not hard!" For all of that, though, Mum loved Dad with a passion. It was a relationship which seemed one sided on the surface, with Ted always giving and conceding and Val steering the course of their lives. But underneath there was a strength in the love and commitment they had for each other that made it all work. When Dad was suddenly taken from her after 47 years of together, Mum's world was so badly shaken that she never really recovered to be the confident and independent woman everyone had believed her to be.
Nine years on her own had left her with very little will to stay around any longer.
Over the next two weeks Mum succumbed to a serious infection, which gradually drained the light from her eyes. By Wednesday morning of the second week it was evident that the antibiotics were not having any effect on the infection which now ran rampant through her bloodstream. We sent out the call for the rest of the family to come.
Two of my brothers had arrived while their mother was still able to show recognition. My brother Rodney tenderly wiped her fevered brow. Craig talked to her with a voice so much like his father's. Only once did I see a look of alarm on her face when we mentioned that my brother Wayne was flying home and her two sisters were driving up. I believe in that moment she knew what was happenning. That look of alarm quickly melted away and she met each face with a new peace. The grandchildren who had arrived came to show their love, rewarded with a smile and even a wink before we all said goodnight. In the morning there was little evidence that she was still able to hear us.
My other brother had been in Japan when he got the news, but had to spend the next two days criss crossing flights across Asia to land in Melbourne on Saturday morning. Half an hour before he arrived in the hospital Mum began to slip away. Her breathing shallow and pulse very faint, I leaned in close and kept telling her that Wayne would be here soon. The moment he walked in the room and kissed her on the forehead her pulse became stronger.
We each took naps in hospital chairs as we waited out those final hours. Just before 3am I was holding Mum's hand, with Rod stroking her hair, when her breathing became irregular and very faint. Her pulse had also become irregular and I called the nurse. We were concerned that the others had only been asleep in the next room for about 30 minutes and I expressed my concern over waking them. At that moment Mum made a sound, stopped breathing, then started again. Rod immeadiatly went to wake our brother's Wayne and Craig, and Julie, our semi adopted sister since her own mother died when Julie was six.
While I waited for the others I lent in close to say goodbye. "It's OK Mum, we are all Ok, you can leave now if you need to. Dad is waiting for you, and Jesus is right here to welcome you home. I love you Mum. Thank you for being my Mum. Goodbye..."
ROD, Wayne, Craig and Julie each said their own goodbye. As soon as they were finished she simply stopped breathing, her body tightened, then let go. It was both a precious and sureal moment. We saw her leave.

Surprised by Joy

2006-01-01T15:31:00.000-08:00

I sat at my kitchen table, absentmindly flipping through the newspaper. I was draining my coffee with the view to clearing things away and beggining the day proper, when my eyes scanned over the obituary column. Just a few simple words were all it took. Suddenly the expressions of love and gratitude to a father lost were echoing in my head. It has been almost ten years since my own Dad passed away. Ten years since the only man who loved me unconditionally left my world. The child in me longs to feel that love once more. I know that love from my heavenly Father, and I that knowledge is even more secure because of how well it was modelled by my earthly father.
I remembered to words I penned for his tombstone... "Your strong and gentle love will live, in the love that you taught us to give" I only hope and pray that I have and can continue to give that love to my children. That they can know as I have known, a strong, solid foundation of security, from which to travel into the world.
I cried for the family with their raw grief expressed in print before me. I cried for my own grief still buried deep. But I also wept for joy, for all the wonderful memories that flood my soul.

Floodgate

2006-01-01T05:31:00.000-08:00

I have all these words inside me. So much I want to tell. Both my story and the stories in my head. I used to write of mystery and conflict, of love and loss. It has been so long since I let all these things out. Pain is such a glorious mews. It flows out through the pen as fluid as a mountain stream.
At one point in time I distinctly remember deciding that this life was as good as it gets. Not that I was overwhelmed by the sublime nature of life and love, more like I finally accepted that to demand more was only causing me pain. I think that at that point I also lost my desire to share my stories. I want that back!
I know that if I am to rediscover who I am and find my voice, I will need to open myself up to the pain. Open up to the desire for life and love, open up to the deep longing to know and be known.
I only hope I have the courage to push through to the other side, where life is real again, before it is too late. I do not want to go quiet to that goodnight!