Froggy Fables

Why do I do this to myself??

2012-02-06T12:49:00.002+10:30

I always seem to jump in and do stuff without thinking about it.

This time I managed to give myself extra work while doing something nice for Fluffy. But more of that soon.

This week has been a quick one. Work, work and more work. Dobby started school, started back at cadets. The first week of school went okay. She decided originally that she was going to like this year because she had some good teachers and subjects. But typically that view didn't last long. Still, she is doing photography and fashion so she'll enjoy it more anyway. Turns out, though, that one particular teacher she had issues with last year has her for a totally different subject this year. Not too happy about that, but hopefully she'll adjust her attitude (Dobby, not the teacher), and it'll sort itself out.

The lass she joined that particular cadets unit to be near has quit. I expected Dobby to do the same (she's a follower in some cases, not a leader), but she hasn't. She said she likes the people there, and has another girl friend there. It's a long way for us to travel, but hey, if she's happy there, I see no reason to move her.

As you know, I am the scrap book queen. I have been going non stop for what seems like ages. I have finally finished two albums and started a 3rd. This weekend I also made the birthday card and a little envelope to put in the front of one of the scrap books. Whew. That was my goal, but now I think I need to get a few more pages of book 3 done, as it's mostly the grand kids and all the other rellies.

Also, we have been planning our trip up for the party. I have booked the flights. On Friday SOL said she didn't think she'd be able to go as life has a way of throwing bills at us when we don't need them (I know, I just paid out close to $2000 since Christmas, all of which ended up overdue cause I just had to juggle them). Anyway, Moose and I got together on the weekend and pooled our resources and bought SOL a ticket. Just wouldn't be right if she couldn't come.

She and I both had to leave our spouses behind, but hey, that means.... GIRLIE WEEKEND! OH YEAH! Cause we'll all be bunking at Moose's house. Man, I can't wait. We are going to have so much fun. Apparently the board game Mystery Date has already been hauled out of the closet...

So this weekend saw me spend all day Saturday at SAPI caravan club meetings. The first half of the day was spent in our regular committee meeting. Poor Fluffy was left all alone. I honestly thought, as we were following the meeting with a BBQ, that other spouses would be there, but they all came later. Poor Fluffy.

We took a couple hours for that, then fired up the BBQ and bought out the food. We brought cheesecake. Yumm.

After lunch we all sat around and discussed where we were going to go next year. Called a forward planning meeting. This bunch are such a bunch of women, with lots of too-ing and fro-ing and arguing. Great bunch though, but sometimes they seem to go back over stuff.

Anyway, we did end up with our program for next year, now it's just up to the forward planner to book what he can. We come up with 3 suggestions for each month and he goes off and books them.

During the first meeting, though, they asked for volunteers to represent the club at the Caravan and Camping Show on at the end of the month. A 4-hour stint at the information stand, where all the other clubs will also have people. Thinking Fluffy might like a free ticket to the show (he always try to go) I volunteered us.

Then got told by the vice president that he needs me to make a poster of sorts to put on the wall behind us. Sigh. More stuff to take up my time. As if I'm not busy enough. See, I can do it this weekend, then the next we are off to Victor Harbour with the club, and the weekend after that is the Show. The weekend after that is mum's party.

Luckily I know exactly what I want to make, and how it will be assembled. I think I'll stop at Officeworks on the way home this afternoon for a large piece of cardboard. orange, I'm thinking... nice and bright....

Coobowie

2012-01-29T18:07:00.003+10:30

So, another rally down and dusted, the first for 2012. This one was a ripper, too. Australia Day themed, for obvious reasons.

We decided to go up after work on Wednesday 25th. I didn't want to, but I'm mighty glad we did. Dobby was the oldest kid there again (she hates that) so she only had one other little 6 year old girl to keep amused. The rest were boys and other kids she didn't really know.

We arrived just on dark on Wednesday, and it was blowing a gale, so we didn't even put up the awning. We just put up the tent. But because it was so windy, Dobby dragged her mattress into the van and crashed on the floor. We followed one fellow and is partner in their van, which was good. Another couple of families were there, along with several families who wanted to "check us out".

Thursday we awoke to even stronger winds. At least it was cool. We just dagged about for the day, with the rest of the attendees arriving through the day. It was very relaxing just to sit and not move. We did put up the awning and a piece of rubber flooring acted as a wind break.

Thursday afternoon we met another couple, who just happened to ask us about Terry, as they were interested in buying a new one. They found we were with the club and let slip they were discreetly checking us out. Well, we put paid to that. We introduced them to all the other members and they spent the rest of the day with us.

As we were all "on holiday" we had dinner at the pub. Man, that was sooo much fun. This new couple are hysterical and it turns out they live right up there with most of the group (not us, we are on the wrong side of Adelaide) and in fact knew some of them (friends of the kids, a soccer mum, that type of thing). They fit right in with our twisted sense of humour so it was a fantastic dinner.

On Friday the wind finally dropped. Also, my friend and her husband arrived. They too want to check us out. He is a lot more sedate than us, so I'm not sure how they will go... We had our customary morning tea, and at treasurer time where we pay our entertainment fees for the weekend, Stewie and Sue joined up. So much for a discreet look! So they were just part of the team, as if they had always been there.

After lunch the kids had kids club, which was really just playing at the playground down the street. Then at what is usually "happy hour", we had Australia Day games. This consisted of a heck of a lot of noise and much laughing.

We were divided into 4 teams, making sure to separate families as much as possible. First game we had to draw a picture of Australia, with all the states and capitals (in the right place, if you please). We also had to then list all the ingredients of Anzac Cookies.

Then we had to bounce some orange ping pong balls into a white bowl. My team won that (naturally! haha!). Then we moved outside for a Thong Throwing competition. For all you Americans, that would be a flip flop to you. Again, one of my team won that!

Our 4 teams then had to first walk with a balloon between the knees, but we could pass it between players with our hands, cause there were lots of kids. We won that... After the indignity of that, we had to use toothpicks and transfer a little lamington finger without breaking it. We won that too, folks!

We saved a couple of games for later that night. First we had a sausage sizzle provided by the club, with families donating salads to share. That was great, except it was sooooo hot! The clear cafe blinds were still down on the camp kitchen we took over, and there was no breeze at all.

After dinner we reconvened for the last of the games. We were asked a series of questions, after which our map and question sheets were collected and scores tallied. Our team, the Bilbies, won. It was a great day.

Saturday after morning tea a lot of us decided to go across to Stansbury to the markets. We have friends in Stansbury so after we checked them out we had a bite to eat and stopped by. John was away at boles but we saw Margaret for a lovely chat.

After that we decided we would join some others at Point Turtin. You may remember we have spent a couple of Christmases there. We thought they were going to do some swimming but instead we found they had gone 4WD driving on the beach. Terry is an AWD, which is sort of 4WD. However, we did get stuck in the sand. Divine providence came through because Stan and Yvonne just happened to be coming the other way and pulled us out. Our friends has heard our plea for help as well and met us up there.

We followed them back to the beach and got lifts down to the water (leaving Terry up on the sand). However the tide was coming in fast so we got out of there.

Now, I am a chicken when it comes to new things. And I was scared. Of the sand driving, getting bogged, and the last bit. In order to leave the beach we had to go over a sort of boardwalk thing. Which was, of course, 4WD only. It was two large hills, covered with boards, some of which were sticking up quite high, over sand dunes. We had to drive down toward the water and take a run up.

Well, we went bouncing over, bottoming out a few times, and jolting a bit. I couldn't help be scared, and the others gave me hell for it. Seems that every thing I said was taken as whinging, and Dobby kept lecturing me and carrying on.

I just wanted to curl up and cry. The others laughed at me too, and it really did hurt. I will just have to keep facing my fear until I have conquered it, because I suspect I am in for a lot more of it.

Anyway, we got out okay and went back to camp, and it was time to sit in the shade with a drink. The clouds started rolling in, and the weather cooled to something far more pleasant.

We played club game, after which I looked behind me and saw the most fantastic sunset through storm clounds (we didn't get any of it, but it sure made the weather cooler for a bit).

I was going to put up photos but because my computer now runs so bloody slowly, you can check out some of them for yourself here:

Sunday it was time to face reality and come back to town. We were packed and ready to go by morning tea, so a small convoy of Al and Sue, Stewie and Sue, Leanne, and us headed back together.

We stopped in Dublin for lunch, and Dobby and I ordered wedges. They were in one of those styrofoam divided take away containers, and because they had run out of sour cream, we just had chilli sauce. But man, those were the BEST wedges we have ever had. Crispy as!

After about 45 minutes it was time to go. We got home around 3pm. Now it's down time. Dobby has everything out ready for school tomorrow, Fluffy has put away his stuff, and I have done two loads of laundry and downloaded my photos from the camera. I got a fright because twice it was interrupted so I thought I had lost the pics. Whew! I didn't.

Anyway, next rally is in February. I may have something to post next week, but don't hold your breath. Not much happens in my life... :-)

Just checking in

2012-01-23T07:00:00.003+10:30

I don't have too much to report, though next weekend should be a good one.

After our holiday we have been back to the whole work, eat, sleep routine. Dobby has had a friend or two over, and spent two nights at a friend's house, so that gave her a bit of a break.

I have been furiously working to get mum's scrapbooks complete. But then I found that I am actually out of room, with still so many good photos to mount, so I bought a 3rd album yesterday. That has taken up most of my spare time.

I also rearranged my "play" area, making a bigger space with things a bit more organised. I think when I get these books done I might have to actually finish our New Zealand holiday? But sadly we lost the written account of the trip, which formed the basis of the album, so not sure how to work around that now.

Nothing terribly exciting has been going on. This weekend we moved Dobby's room around. Not ideal but she likes it anyway. A good opportunity to give it a bit of a clean. If she keeps it clean she can start to make some money again, but I'm not hopeful. Yesterday, although she actually made the bed, she did get it into a bit of a mess again.

It's hard to believe that the holidays for her are now over. Well, almost. We head off to Coobowie on Wednesday night, and when we return on Sunday, she will have one sleep till school. First day back she has school photos in preparation for their identity cards, and on the Tuesday she has cadets. She has agreed that this year she will be more committed to cadets, going every week as if it were a job. Fingers crossed.

Yesterday Dobby and I went into the city to visit the museum, something she liked to do as a child. We paid $20 for both of us to visit their special exhibition on the abyss in the ocean, and frankly, we were ripped off. They had a kids play thingy right next to the viewing screen, and there were kids just running rampant in there. Running around, yelling. Not a parent in control anywhere. Then, the displays were just dead, wrinkly fish in glass boxes. There were little boxes you lifted the lids on to feel or see things, but they were so hard to see in the dark. Overall, it was totally crap and I wish we had kept our money.

Because lunch set me back $30. We had nachos and a drink each. Mind you, they were great nachos. Worth it. But I wasn't expecting it to be so expensive. Wait, yes I was. Museum food is always dear. It was a lovely day out though. Hot, bloody hot.

The Tour Down Under has been in town the last week. For those who don't watch the news that's an international cycling event that floods the town in lycra. I hate it personally. Well, I like what it does for Adelaide's profile, and what it does for the town financially, but I hate being held up on the roads by millions of cyclists and wannabe cyclists. This week, however, I hardly saw any. While we were in town, they last of the road races was held, and it wound through North Adelaide. The main bridge from the city to North Adelaide was closed off. We were on North Terrace, where the start of the closure was, and as we were waiting for the lights to change, we looked down toward the cycling event and saw the support vehicles racing around the bend in the crowd. Well, what we actually saw was car after car of bicycles - we could only see the bikes strapped to the roofs. However, that, and the hovering helicopter, provided some light moments. As did the 8' tall bagpipe player in the mall. I had a hard time convincing Dobby that he wasn't really that tall, as his costume was so good it all but hid his stilts. He had a long kilt, long socks, good leg covers, and a tall black fluffy hat. His babpipe playing wasn't bad either. He disappeared into Darryl Lea, where we had just been a few minutes earlier...

Well, at this point in time I can't think of any further things worth gossiping about so I'll leave it here. I'll post a better one next week after our trip, which will hopefully see some photos. Till then, ciao.

Pictures

2012-01-10T20:27:00.009+10:30

So, as I have already described my holiday, I'll just put up some pics. I will add, though, that last weekend we went back down to pick up the van. This time Dobby came with us, and as some of the club came back for the weekend too, there a young lass to keep her company. We all had lunch on the Saturday at the local hotel, and when we walked back to the ice-cream store, outside which our car was parked, Fluffy noticed something under the windscreen.

It was a purple note with an apology, and personal details. Seems a fellow had swiped Terry while parking his car. The note was obviously written by his girlfriend, but when Fluffy contacted him he accepted full responsibility and has done everything through is own insurance.

Fluffy has booked the car in to get repaired on Monday next week, but the insurance company won't give him a car until the day after the car goes in. So tell me, how does he get from the repair mob, to work, then home, then to the car people to hire one? Hmmm. Never mind, he'll work something out.

So, on with the show...

This first batch were taken at Meningie, on a lovely part of the South Australian coastline called The Coorong, at the edge of Lake Albert, Christmas Day.

This time last year this lake had hardly any water in it.

The second batch of photos was at Goolwa, on the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia. Dobby went to Streaky Bay with another family while Fluffy and I met up with some of the caravan club for a few days. Lots of relaxation here.

The above was for our dress up night for New Year. I was Cyndi Lauper. Looked terrible but fun night.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed the scenery. Catch you next time.

Back to it then

2012-01-03T07:31:00.003+10:30

So, when it's all done and dusted, one has to wonder if it really happened.

We just had the best holiday ever. Away ten days, some with Dobby, some without. I don't have pictures yet, as we are actually going back on the weekend to pick up the van and the camera is still there (along with my make up and hair brush - someone wasn't thinking straight then!)

I was supposed to finish work at 1pm on Thursday 22nd December. I had made a physio appointment for my back for 3pm. Sadly, there were delays and I didn't get away until 3 so missed the physio appointment. Will have to try fit one in this week...

I was planning to have Friday at home to get everything ready for our trip, but Fluffy wanted to leave early. He arranged with the Lake Albert Caravan Park at Meningie to come a day early and we were off.

We had planned to leave a noon, and we did. I managed to get the washing out and back in before we left. Left the key out for the cat lady and we hit the road. It takes about two hours to get there, and we arrived with plenty of time to set up. Our site was a nice large one, so we could put the awning extension out, along with Dobby's tent. The weather was lovely too, which helped.

We stayed there until the 27th. I got some lovely sunset photos from Meningie, and some of the birds on the lake, which backed onto the caravan park. We didn't do anything, except for Christmas. I, as always, got some lovely gifts. I feel very spoiled!

On the 27th we packed up, took our time, and headed across to Goolwa. Some of the SAPI caravan club were camping behind the Scout Hall, which backs onto the Goolwa Channel, a fresh water water system. Again, we were so lucky with the weather. The first part of our time there was actually quite cool, with our van being the best wind break from the cold sea breeze.

But I digress. We got the van set up, and then brought Dobby back into town, in preparation for her trip to Streaky Bay with Sarah and her family. We dropped her off and headed back down to Goolwa (about an hour out of Adelaide).

The next few days were pure bliss. It was lovely to have all the kids around, yet there was so much time to just stop. We got plenty of rest, great company, and a wonderful New Year.

We had a dress up theme, 80's singers, complete with terrible impersonations. Luckily not too many actually sang, but there was a lot of miming and lip syncing. Fun! I was Cyndi Lauper and did "Money Changes Everything". Sadly, I looked really, really bad...

Anyway, I kept receiving updates from Dobby. Poor kid. On this week away she:

1. Cut her finger quite badly
2. Got terrible sunburn and was forced by the families to go back to the beach despite this
3. Got chaffing
4. Was forced to spend the last few dollars she had on long pants (the mother made her buy size 20's!) to cope with the chafing
4. Was stung by a jelly fish (but I don't think she told anyone, silly girl)
5. Was stung by a bee...
6. The mother kept using her credit to make calls and cracked up when she said her phone was flat - needless to say Fluffy not happy with this one! Her new plan is mostly data with just a small amount of credit for talk and text. Now we have to top it up again when she comes home tomorrow.

So we'll see what today brings, won't we?

Anyway, Fluffy and I came home yesterday. It was nice to have the house to ourselves. Mind you, it was in the middle of a heat wave. The weather had been perfect for our holiday, but yesterday the northerly desert wind picked up and blew tents down, made packing up hard, and threw hot dirt at everyone. Most of us left, some to return on the weekend, some not. One family stayed for the rest of the week.

I got done what needed to be done then soaked in a cool bath for an hour. Bliss! I missed my bath. And my kitty Roger missed me. He hardly left my side, smooging and purring, and meowing. Lovely to be missed!

Today it's back to work. Dobby comes home tomorrow, then Friday night we head back for the weekend.

I will put up pictures later....

It's almost Christmas

2011-12-20T20:52:00.002+10:30

Feeling a bit unsettled lately. There is so much sadness and badness in the world. I have a lovely friend who has family troubles, another whose husband has just passed away after a long illness. Another whose mother may be forced to sell up due to an influx of refugees. Lots of angst in the world.

I really just wanted to try to bring some positivity back. So this is for all my friends and friends I haven't met yet. I want to send you love, peace and happiness this Festive Season, whatever religion or belief you carry. I am a Christian, a proud Christian, and I believe personally that this is a time to remember that God loves you, and that I love you.

We should be casting aside our troubles, and focusing on a new beginning in 2012, and taking a few moments to remember those less fortunate than ourselves. Reach out to the person next to you and tell them they are a valuable human being, smile when you walk past someone in the street, and phone that friend or family member you just haven't had time to contact in ages.

Believe me, positivity starts with you. So here's my bit. Have a Merry Christmas, may your days be filled with peace and love, and may God bless each and every one of you.

xx

Almost there...

2011-12-19T10:12:00.002+10:30

Wow, this year has certainly flown by. So busy getting Christmas out the way I just realised on the weekend I have to get myself organised to get up to Gladstone for mum's 70th birthday in March. We can't all afford to go, so for Dobby and I, flights into Rockhampton are going to set us back close to a thousand dollars. Into Gladstone itself will add another two hundred.

So, once there, we then have to book a little car, because we'll need to get around. Then, we'll need somewhere to stay. Accommodation is scarce as hens teeth up there at the moment. One of my best friend's will be away, the other only has a single bed.

And I believe my sister will be staying with mother so that rules that out. Sigh. Expensive birthday present! But, we made it up for Dad so we cannot afford not to go for mum.

So, this week has been busy. At work I was furiously getting caught up to date. I decided that because I'll be away as long as most of my customers, I am not going to stress about getting everything done. It will sort itself out. My big concern is getting November up to the accountant, but I can't do anything further with that (always waiting for people!). So, if its ready, it's ready. If not I do both Nov and Dec and take it up when I come back.

In other news, I had a couple more appointments to do with this trial I am doing for osteoarthritis. On Tuesday I had to go for a ECG. That was all good. Thursday I was to go up after work, but she called and asked if I could go at lunch time. Boss said ok, so off I went.

I had to fill out a form, have a blood pressure test, then in to get my needle in my knee. It hurt like a bitch, but what made it nice was the doctor, Martin. He wad from Argentina. Yummy!

I am not sure if I got the placebo or the real thing. From the x-rays they took, it looks like I have some issues on both knees, so I have been using my left knee as a guage. If the pain in the right is better than the left, perhaps I did have the real thing. Hard to tell, cause as any sufferer will tell you, you have good days and bad.

On top of this I have had serious issues with my back, which actually make my knee pain pale in comparison. I had a back x-ray (which cost a fortune and showed nothing, as opposed to the knee one, which was free and actually showed something!). Apparently there is no cause for my extreme pain. I have had two physio sessions. Each one makes some difference but over the days between it gets bad again.

I had to go back to the knee people on Friday for a quick ECG again, and some bloods. But I had to wait half an hour for the blood nurse to come back from a difficult patient. I hate that feeling, when you're supposed to be at work and something is taking your time. It's a guilt thing I guess.

Anyway, it's all good. Dobby had an appointment on Saturday with her psychologist. They both seem to think that she has the tools needed to deal with her anger. We'll see. But she did say that Dobby can come back anytime, she'll be happy to see her. I was lucky enough to grab a few minutes with my doctor and he burned off 4 sun spots. Two of them came up in HUGE blisters. Painful they were. Okay now though.

After her appointment I took her to a friend's place for a sleepover. That kid, you know, is always wearing jumpers and jeans, and it's the middle of summer!

I managed find a carpark at the local KMart and stopped in to pick up some cotton sheets for the van, a tri-pillow, and a light summer comforter for our bed. The frog blanket needs a wash and the only other one is a heavy winter doona. I put the sheets on the beds in the van and got that much done ready. Not much else to go now.

Anyway, Fluffy and I had a barbecue to go to. I wasn't really up to it, but we went anyway. The weather has been nasty so it was quite wet and stormy. The little room was crowded but most of our caravan crew was there so it was fun. It degenerated into a food fight (wouldn't expect anything else from our lot!) with peanuts and Jatz crackers being the projectiles of choice.

Fluffy went to work on Sunday so we left about 10.30. It was nice to have a couple hours spare time on Sunday morning. I stripped and remade our bed, but it was raining so the washing I did do had to go onto airers inside. Typical! So I settled in to catch a couple of episodes of Dexter. Just getting into it and it was time to pick up Dobby.

I took her shopping to pick a diary for her to write in (as per her psychologist) then home to face the rest of the housework. Although I did get most of it done the floors still need a vacuum. That's about it.

Now this week I just have to do the shopping for our trip, make sure the cat has food and kitty litter out ready for the lady who is coming to feed him, and I'm done. I sure do need this holiday. Four days of sitting and doing nothing at one caravan park. Then take the van across to another, meeting up with some of the club, get that set up, then bring Dobby back to town to meet up with her friends. She gets a week at Streaky Bay. We get five days with the club, then leave the van there and come back to work. The friday after we'll go back and stay the weekend, then bring the van back Sunday.

Really looking forward to it. Not sure what internet time I'll have to update here, so this may be my last post till we get back. I'll be on Facebook though! Catch ya soon!

If I don't get back here, Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas, and a happy and safe New Year! xxxx

Ouchies!

2011-12-11T21:36:00.003+10:30

So now I know no one reads my blogs! I wrote an epic one and only got two comments. Sheesh, people! BTW, thank you to the two people who do read this :-)

Anyway, this week has been full on, and sadly next one will too. Not with interesting stuff, worth blogging about, just busy busy.

Last week Dobby had a trip to the zoo, and her final Cadets meet. Sadly, her zoo adventure gave her nasty chaffing so she could hardly walk, so had to forgo Cadets. She doesn't go back now till the end of January. Next year she has agreed to make the commitment to go as often as possible. With some gentle persuasion!

This weekend was nice. We had a send off bbq Saturday night for one of the caravan club members, before which I had a physio appointment, but more of that later. The party was fun, a few of us dressed up. We had 3 arabs, two ladies with burkas, a lady with a Dr Livingstone type outfit, and 3 soldiers. It was a great night, but a late night.

Saturday I was woken by the builders across the road at 6.30am. After not getting to bed till after midnight, I was none to pleased! But I had plenty to do. Dobby had to be up at Blackwood to the doctor by 9am, then we headed to maccas for breakfast. Then home to clean the house in preparation for visitors for nibblies and bbq at 4. That was a great afternoon. Just us and another couple. The weather got cold just before they left, around half nine.

Today was pure bludge day. Dobby and I went to the shop for some purple tulle (but that's a whole other story) and a Khris Kringle gift for her for school tomorrow. We took longer to get served at Spotlight then we did to find what we needed. Goodness it was busy. Needless to say, my back was killing me!

I have decided to partake in a medical experiment. It's to trial a new drug for osteoarthritis. It entails an injection in the right knee of a human stem cell product, and monitoring for the next month. We won't know if we have received the drug or a placebo, and nor will the people injecting us.

So last Thursday I went for a screening session. It involved filling out a quick questionnaire, and going for an x-ray on my knees and a blood test. I found out that I have bone on bone in both my knees. No wonder they are a tad sore.

The irony to all this? I am actually far sorer in my back. The pain level in my knees sits around 4 during activities, but otherwise doesn't bother me that much. I have difficulty standing up from seated on the ground (or in the tub) and I cannot kneel, and stairs hurt, particularly descending.

But lately my back has been so painful, it's brought me to tears of frustration. I finally made the time for a physio visit. He made me cry too! He gave me some pressure treatment and then acupuncture, and I have to go for an x-ray. I am going to have to schedule that for Tuesday, unless I am lucky enough to be able to get in Monday.

I also have to go back for an ECG on Tuesday morning before work. Then Dobby has her guitar on Wednesday, I have to go at 4pm for the injection Thursday, followed by a physio appointment, then back for a follow up for the injection on Friday after work, followed by a trip to the hair dresser! Whew!

Then Dobby has a doctor appointment Saturday lunchtime, after which she may be going for a sleepover. Saturday evening is a bbq for us with some of the caravan club folk and others.

I think I need a holiday!

Ladies and Gentlemen!

2011-12-04T19:35:00.006+10:30

At last, the post you've all been waiting for! The Annual SAPI Caravan and Camping Club Christmas Party!

Well, what a weekend it was. As part of the committee, I had a small role to play. I had to organise the cake that traditionally Santa cuts, but sometimes the club president does. Plus another to cut up and pass around after dinner with a glass of Port. Just a tradition that has been part of the club for many years.

This year I wanted to do something nice. So I found a boxed cake from Coles for $16, and asked my lovely friend Eve to ice it. See, recently, Eve and her daughter Kez had done a cake decorating course. So I asked if they wanted practice. As Kez would like to do it for a profession, she readily agreed.

There is the result. And I have to tell you, it went down a treat. It even got a mention at the farewell morning cuppa, where it was cut up and passed around.

But, first things first. There was a bit of preparation go do. As you know, Terry was a recent addition to our family. But to work properly he needed some modifications. So Fluffy got the electric brakes put in, then put the reverse camera in. He was not sure where to put it, as he didn't want to make any modifications to the duco. So he devised a little stand thing, which goes on the tow hitch. Clever man he is. I don't have a pic of that, but needless to say, it looks great.

Anyway, the big day arrived, and Fluffy took Friday off work so he could go up in advance. Dobby wanted to go too but being the bad parent I am I made her go to school. Horrid, I know. I was able to finish at 2.00 pm so I had time to race home, get the washing in, have a quick shower, pick up a few last minute bits and pieces, and head off to pick up Dobby.

My sat nav decided to take me the long way around, and as we got to the edge of town, it told me to keep right. Well, sadly "right" turned out to be a right turning lane off the highway and I ended up on another major road that went all the way across the northern suburbs. I had no choice but to keep going, adding another fifteen minutes onto my journey.

Anyway, we made it to Riverton about 5.30, and did the rounds, greeting everyone.

The park is a lovely little one, which was quite full. Fluffy had gotten us a nice corner block, and I parked Shazza across the way.

Another couple, their three kids, and us 3 made our way to a small pub a few minutes walk from the park and had a lovely meal.

Fluffy hadn't put up any decorations, and I didn't feel like doing it that late, so I thought perhaps we wouldn't this year. So I put them away.

Saturday we had morning we had morning tea, then we were pretty much left to our own devices. Some members used the bbq for breakfast preparation. As we were sitting close by, we decided to use the bacon I had bought and do the same. No eggs. They fell out the fridge and ended up scrambled all over the floor. Fluffy did a wonderful job cleaning those up.

He cooked the bacon crispy, just the way I liked it, and I made bacon sandwiches. He scored a couple eggs from the family we had dinner with, so he added those to his sandwiches. Yummo!

The rest of the day was slow. Some of the boys (big and small) decided to kick a ball around, which kept them active and amused for a while. Then at 1 it was kids club, which was a round of activities designed to tire the kids out. They had knock over the Santa face games, water games (which deteriorated into a "get wet" session, instigated by the adult helpers of course), and many other little activities.

Our neighbour Sally decided to decorate her van (just a token effort but it still looked festive) so I thought I would get ours out afterall. The aim was, each family was given two sheets with a list of each family. Two columns were for a score (1-5) for day display, and night display.

I found that I really was hopeless. I didn't know where to plug stuff in, or how to hang the lights, and I didn't have a step high enough to reach the awning.

So I went to see Fluffy and he was good enough to come back and help me. We put lights like a little runway from the front up to the van door, flashing coloured lights around the edge, and a table with a knitted Inspector Gadget with a red bottle and two glasses on a Christmas table cloth. We also hung the solar lights we won two years ago on Dobby's tent.

Then we bought out the big guns. We have a blow up Santa on a motorbike, which has a little air compressor inbuilt to keep him inflated. He also has lights inside him.

We were satisfied.

Eventually the boys decided to go up to the pub for a drink/to set up the tables for dinner. Fluffy had a shower and Sally drove him up to join the others, the lovely girl.

At 3.30 we had a special visitor...

No one knew how he was arriving, and all the kids were waiting out beside the side entrance to the park, singing Christmas Carols. Eventually he arrived...

He teased the kids by doing a couple of laps up and down the roadway outside the park before coming into the park itself, and parking behind our vans.

The kids were so happy! They all sat at Santa's feet and received their presents, and sat on Santa's lap for a photo. Then the ladies. We all had to sit on his lap too, as did the men! It's a big game for most of them.

Then Santa was presented with a lovely bottle of Jacob's Creek red wine, and he made is way back out.

Then it was happy hour, and everyone kicked back and relaxed before dinner.

Dinner was at the other local pub, and it was fantastic. We had a room out the back, all to ourselves, and they put on a hot roast dinner for us, with 3 types of perfectly cooked meats, roast vegeies and gravy. Dessert was either apple strudel with icecream, or mini plum puddings with icecream.

Throughout the evening we had a raffle. We bought $10 worth of tickets, and won 3 lovely prizes. One was a fluffy white 2011 Christmas bear. Man, I had to keep my eyes open. Everyone wanted him! Another was someone's leftover easter gift, but it was still lovely. It was a plastic tube of blue and pink wrapped chocolate eggs, with a small fluffy bunny on the lid. Dobby claimed the bunny. The other was a gift box containing a wine bottle stubby-type cooler, a box of chocolates (Irish Cream filled!) a tube of apple martini mix, and a red plastic cocktail glass. Lovely!

Afterwards we made our way home and I cut up one cake, and bought the good one out for the president to cut.

We all walked around and rated everyone's vans. It was great to see such an effort.

Sunday we all started packing up. The committee held a meeting at the van of our secretary. She is notorious for sleeping in, it's her thing, so we all gatecrashed while she was in bed. She was expecting us so made sure she had clothes on...

After our meeting it was morning tea time. I cut up that fabulous cake and everyone raved over it.

During morning tea the winners of the decorated van were announced. There were 4 main players. They did only two prizes, but announced winners for best night, best day, runner up night and runner up day. We scored runner up night, which was nice.

However, the two prizes were for the best amalgamated (added up total) score. It was very close, with first and second scoring 176 and 175 respectively. We all knew who would win, but no one expected second place!

The winning van had a stuffed Santa sitting in a chair, with lots of fluffy toys and dangly bits hanging around. Looked so good that a lady driving through bought her elderly mother through, dragged her out of the car, and got her to stand beside the stuffed Santa. She took her photo. I wandered over and offered to take her photo with her mum. She gratefully accepted.

Anyway, I digress. At night, though, this van also had plenty of flashing colourful lights. I did look good.

So, to get second place was a real honour. Considering we weren't even going to bother this year! We were stoked! Prize was a box of 4 spicey sauces. Just what Fluffy loves! I think I'll keep them in the van for Christmas. Maybe I'll put one in for him!

Anyway, when all was said and done, it was time to go. We bade our farewells, Dobby and Fluffy in Terry, and me in Shazza. Although we took different routes, we made it home at the same time (literally! He came down one end of the street as I came down the other!)

We put the van on the lawn and did what we had to do, then called it quits. Dinner was hot chips and the last of the bacon (made into bacon sandwiches of course). Now it's cuppa and hot tub time.

Hope I didn't bore you too much.

Ummmm

2011-11-28T09:24:00.003+10:30

I'm not really sure what to blog about this week. There hasn't been anything exciting happen. I have done most of my Christmas shopping, got it in boxes ready to go, but need to add just one or two little things before I can send them. That has to wait until Wednesday (payday).

I spent some time on Sunday going through my filing cabinet, culling several years worth of useless rubbish. I had made some progress, when Fluffy came home and helped me. We got through it in no time. Then paid Dobby $10 to sit there and tear it into bits for the recycle bin.

Fluffy has been getting Terry ready for his first big adventure. He got the electric brakes fitted last week, and has installed the reverse camera and screen himself, plus the cable for the camera attached to the caravan. He also bought himself a small CB radio in readiness. I think we're set to go.

Chrisco hampers arrived last Wednesday. I told Dobby on 3 occasions to only open the red ones. When I got home she had opened every single one. Food was everywhere! She had just opened them and left the stuff all over the place. She had even helped herself to some of the food. We had a huge fight, and of course she blamed me for not telling her not to open the green ones. Sorry, what part of "Open the red ones" didn't she get??

So, I had to hide a lot of snacks or there would be nothing left. I gave her one packet of chips and said pour yourself a bowl, and put the rest away for tomorrow. When I got home she had eaten the whole packet. And she wonders why I get cranky??

Anyway. I put a lot of things in the caravan in preparation for Christmas holidays and the caravan rally this coming weekend. We have also bought a small popcorn machine and a children's Christmas stocking for raffle prizes. I am quite looking forward to this one. It's our annual Christmas rally. Hopefully I will have some great photos. Note to self - MAKE SURE YOU TAKE THE CAMERA!!

Dobby and I had morning tea with my lovely friend Marg on Sunday, and her friend gave me some Miller's teeshirts and pants. The pants don't fit (cause my butt has expanded heaps) but the tops will be lovely for the caravan. One is a brown and black striped number which I think I'll wear for our Christmas dinner with some black pants. Hope it's not hot, although this year we decided to cater and go to the pub instead of hiring a hall. Should be a lovely evening.

We have had a huge rat problem lately. Rats living in the tree beside our house, and down the back in the rubbish pile. So we bought some bait packets and put them up on the roof where they climb and in the tree. We haven't seen any dead ones but we know they have eaten the bait. On Sunday Roger caught 3 mice. The first he brought inside and the dog stole it. The second he brought inside and lost, which freaked Dobby out - she was disgusted! Eventually he must have found it because later when I was sweeping the dining room I found it dead beside the table and Roger sitting guard on the chair above. The third he didn't get to bring inside. Fluffy shut the door before he could. Then he dropped it and the dog scooped it up and ran away with it. Fluffy disposed of that one.

Last night Fluffy and I were sitting on the back patio enjoying the peace and watching TV. But we had more fun keeping an eye on the huge rat that was hanging around Ozzie's kennel. It kept going in behind it. Looked like it had some kind of deformity too, seemed to be limping. Anyway, it went behind the kennel, under the cupboard beside it. That's the last we saw of that one.

So, this week will be getting the last of the van ready (putting the last few things in, making sure the fridge is working and full etc). Fluffy is leaving early Friday to go up to Riverton, and Dobby and I shall follow Friday afternoon. Not sure what time I am finishing work, but it will take us about two hours to get there, so we'll probably go straight to the pub for dinner once we get there. I do like doing that. I don't get to ride in Terry on the trip up, but all the setting up and stuff is done before we get there. Only thing is, I don't like driving long distances by myself. I tend to get tired...

Anyway, hopefully next week's post is worth reading. Plenty of pictures then, including the mouse Roger was playing with inside!

Win!

2011-11-16T20:53:00.003+10:30

I was going to wait till the weekend to post this, but it looks like I'll be pretty busy, so I'll update a bit early. Most of you know this story already, but who cares!

So, remember how I said in my last post that we looked at the car on Saturday, and fell in love? Well, when we told the salesman we bought Shazza from he was quite upset and disappointed that a fellow Ford dealership could be so rude.

On Monday we found out that he had gone in search of this vehicle. He decided to purchase it himself (well, the business did), from Moughan Thiem Ford. They would not budge on the price (I'm not really surprised, it was a good price), so our sales guru bought it for their agreed price.

He arranged for a truck to take it back to Rebel Ford in Elizabeth, and they put it up on ramps. Turns out it had no rego, and the two front bearings (or was it bushes?) were cactus, so at their own cost, they fixed it up. They gave it a spruce up, and called Fluffy with the good news.

Over the phone they arranged to pay out our current loan, and refinance (at a better interest rate so we are actually paying less than we were), and it was all done.

Then last night, John, the salesman, brought his partner Samantha over and delivered:

Terry! John named him for us so we kept it :-)

I was just on my way out to take Dobby to Cadets when they arrived, but apparently they all sat at the table out the back while the paperwork was signed and details finalised.

They all had a few drinks and Fluffy even handed over one of his prized Spanish port bottles (well worth it too I might add!). When I got back we talked a bit more, then eventually they took our 380 and left. It was terribly sad to see her go.

John told us that one of his workmates bought our Fairmont, which was nice as it's going to a good home.

Fluffy and I then decided to go to the Maccas not far from Dobby's cadets, and sit and eat dinner. As Fluffy had been drinking I got to drive Terry first (feels privileged!)

We picked up Dobby and came home. Everyone was so happy to have Terry.

So it just goes to show what a little "can do" attitude will achieve. We were so upset that we missed out on our dream car. Fluffy had been looking for months for something, and this last few weeks we feared we just wouldn't find what we wanted. I tried to reassure Fluffy by telling him you'll know the car when you see it, and that's exactly what happened. We knew it as soon as we saw it.

We were so lucky to find someone who is genuine, and who seemed to really want to help. All the team out there were friendly and funny, and it made the whole experience pleasurable.

The offshoot for that is, although the car yard is way across the city, we are prepared to take both vehicles back there for servicing (they are right across from a shopping centre so no drama really!). And they have a rewards program. If we recommend them to someone and they buy a car, we receive a spotters fee.

We joked last night that we were going to drive up and down Port Road, past Maughn Tiem Ford beeping, waving and yelling "Look At Me!" haha.

Well, I'm sure I've bored you enough. I really just wanted to share our story. Sometimes things really do go your way!

Oh, and Dobby got her uniform last night too, what do you think?

Changes

2011-11-14T09:49:00.004+10:30

Well, today's probably not the best day to update my blog. Feeling rather down, cause, well basically I have a teenager! Anyway, I'll try make it interesting for ya.

So, this week saw a lot of changes. Fluffy has been surfing the used car sales pages for months, looking for something different to tow the caravan with. The Fairmont is a 2000 model, and won't last forever. But we still owe a bit on the Mitsubishi. Ideally, we would like 4WD to cope.

So he got a payout figure from the finance people, and we did some math, and figured we could spend a certain amount. He hit the pages with renewed vigour.

We were also deciding on what to do with the existing cars. Do we trade both in on a replacement, and look for something cheap and nasty for Dobby and I to drive, with the view to give it to Dobby when she has her license? Yes, probably.

The last couple of weeks have seen us look at a couple of possibilities. One was a Mercedes 4WD. Very nice. Diesel so the KM wasn't too important (they are considered not run in until 100,00km). We ummed and aaaahed, then kept looking.

Next to consider was a little blue Holden Barina for Dobby and I. Good price, low KM, neat little unit. So we decided to trade in the Fairmont and pay cash for the difference.

As it will be Dobby's, she has decided it's practically hers now. Pfft. I don't own a car now it would appear :-). Anyway, she has given her a name...So, Meet..... Shazza

It's a manual so it will be easy for Dobby to learn properly how to drive in. She loves it, and it's lovely to drive. We paid a deposit and made arrangements to pick it up Saturday.

But, with a caravan rally looming, and one we have to attend, the hunt has stepped up for a replacement for the Fairmont.

We looked at two Jeeps, but were advised that being short wheel base they would struggle with our heavy van, even though the tow capacity is supposed to be more than capable.

We looked at a Hyundai Taracan, but have balked at the $6000 replacement gearbox that a lot of this model seem to experience.

Next on the list was a Nissan Pathfinder. Nice vehicle. We took it for a drive, and it's quite nice. Close inspection shows it's been knocked around a bit, but overall a nice tidy car.

We were offered $14,000 for our Mitsubishi. Twice.

Then Fluffy found The One. We showed up on Saturday all set to sign the deal. We were looking at the most magnificent Ford Territory. A sweet blue colour all over, black suede look upholstery, low KM, and around our price range. Took it for a test drive, and were so excited. It has a cargo cage at the back, all the bells and whistles, turbo, looks real mickey mouse.

BUT they were only prepared to offer us $9000 for ours. What?? How can two different people offer $14000 and he only advise $9000. Wayne told him that's an insult. The smart alec, whom I might add we had to wait 15 minutes for because he was in the loo, just said, "well, if you think you can do better somewhere else, you're welcome to do that". So we did. We just walked out. We were all prepared to buy that car.

We were all almost in tears, let me tell you.

So, we went to pick up Shazza instead. The saleman there was very sympathetic. Another Ford dealer they are. And let me tell you, they were sooo nice. They bent over backwards to make our Shazza experience pleasurable.

They took Fluffy out to show him another Territory, which paled in comparison, though. They said if they don't have the car for us, they'll do their best to get one just like it.

He took Fluffy for a drive in this other Territory, too, and they have agreed to match the $14000 for our old car.

We agreed to think about it. Fluffy phoned the sales rep yesterday saying he had seen another similar vehicle, and the bloke told him they would have a look to get him something similar.

Well, after all this we had to then drive Dobby (in Shazza) to a sleepover way down South. So, we drove from home to Hahndorf, from Hahndorf up to Elizabeth, back home briefly, then down to Seaford Rise and back home. Felt like we were on the road all day!

Sunday, Dobby was away, and Fluffy went to work. I was invited out to a friend's place. We have only met person to person once, but been Facebook friends for some time, and she has a blog (check it out). I got to meet 6 of her friends, who are all mad keen quilters. I felt a bit odd barging in on their Christmas party, but I was welcomed, with gifts, laughter, great company, and great food too. Lots of it! Khris even made us all table runners and matching coasters. Now, I'll tell you, she asked me on Thursday what colour dining room I had... so that's how quickly she made my runner set! We had games as well, and the prizes were all things she had made. I scored two little bags, a pin cushion, and our Secret Santa Sisters gift was a basket of all sorts of goodies. So lovely!

Then by the time I got home Dobby was home. The evening was quiet, until Dobby started to get naughty. She wouldn't do something, can't remember what, so I threatened to take her laptop off her. She protested, got very nasty, and it turned into a fight. I ripped the laptop out of her embrace, and the mouse USB got broken in the scuffle. So Fluffy got mad too. Well, perhaps my mood may have misread him, but I thought he was angry at me for breaking it. I got that impression anyway, so we had a fight too.

Dobby called me all sorts of lovely things and stormed off to bed.

This morning was no better. She couldn't find a shoe, which had gone down behind her bed. She was throwing things around, and swearing, and blamed me for throwing it there (for the record, I didn't).

Anyway, I think I came to work to escape today. Hopefully the end of day will bring some good news. Keep you posted...

Visual art

2011-11-06T10:20:00.006+10:30

So because not much has been happening (and SOL will be busy for a few days so probably won't get to read this post anyway) and also because I don't think anyone else actually does read them, I have decided to put pictures up instead. Next week I'll actually have something to blog about I hope.

So, enjoy the visual experience....

Apologies in advance

2011-10-31T11:39:00.002+10:30

So, I got nagged by SOL that I had to update my blog. Pffft. Well, here it is. Updated. Happy? No? Oh, well I'll have to trawl through the fog that is my mind and see what I can come up with.

Lets see. Well, Dobby is now an army cadet. She should get her uniform Tuesday week. The week before our holiday she missed out on being accepted in her chosen netall team, so we decided to focus on Cadets. The first Tuesday back we hit the Southern Expressway and lobbed up at the Lonsdale Barracks. There are closer ones, but this is where her friend joined a few weeks ago.

We sat through the information session, and although she was given the chance to stay, Dobby chose to go home.

On the Wednesday we had parent teacher interviews. Seems Dobby is failing year 8. Time for action. One of the key points we discovered is that Dobby just doesn't put any work into exams or trying too hard. No surprises there I guess. So it was agreed that she would do some revision before any upcoming tests.

First one was a maths exam. She got an E in her end of term report. She sat the test on Monday and on Wednesday we found our her score. I am pleased to announce she got 84%, a B. Yep, my child is suddenly a B student. *Is proud*.

Anyway, just before we went for the interview she informs me she was having second thoughts about Cadets. I told her I wanted to see a list of reasons she should join, and a list of why she shouldn't, then I'd discuss it with her.

A couple days later she has decided to join after all. Seems her biggest worry was that she would feel she needed to join the Army after (something she has given thought to) but her real dream is to be a beautician, and joining the arm would get in the way of that. But then she realised that she could be a Cadet and still study for her dream. Well done.

Anyway, all that aside, not much else has gone on. I went and got my facial and toes done again on the weekend, followed by what was supposed to be a quick coffee with a friend. However, we ended up having lunch and a long chat. Seems she is going through a very tough personal time at the moment, and is quite down. Sigh. I tried to be supportive, and I also tried to explain that the reason she probably feels abandoned by her friends is that people who haven't gone through or aren't going through what she is, tend to not want to get involved, and therefore distance themselves. She thought that that wasn't the case, was it? Don't you always want to be there for your friends. Well, yes, but to a point. Now I feel obliged to check in every day to make sure she is okay. REALLY don't need that right now, but I will anyway. Because she is my friend and I do care.

While I was with my friend, Fluffy had to take Dobby for a follow up doctor's appointment. We took her for repeat blood tests and a mini medical for cadets last weekend, so this was to get the blood results. Previously we had approached the doc to find out why Dobby gets so angry. He diagnosed mild stress, but her thyroid was also a tad slow so he wanted to repeat that test.

He found that her thyroid has settled down, but she's still under stress so he has recommended a visit to the psychologist to give Dobby some help. I was supposed to phone them today but forgot to bring the card in. He also wants to see her again just to repeat the psyche test in early November, just before she goes. Guess we'll see how that goes. She had a friend over on Friday night, so she had to clean her room Thursday. We never thought she'd do it, but she did. And with little fuss. Good for her.

I also scored a laptop from work. I little white Macbook, which was the boss's. However, the screen doesn't work properly. So I tee'd up with our geek to get a friend here in Australia to look at it. I asked him to check out a link to a screen on ebay, which he did. So I bought it. $125 or so.

Then it sat here at the office for weeks and weeks. Finally, the geek suggested we could fix it ourselves, if we looked up on the web how to do it. It really wasn't hard.

So I took it home over the weekend. Fluffy opened the website, then followed the steps. We got stuck though because two of the screws were fixed too firmly in place. Even broke his little screwdriver set. What to do.

Luckily I have a lovely friend who's partner fixes computers for a living. So we phoned up and asked would they mind bringing over his tool kit, and staying for coffee and nibbles.

While he was there he said we've got it this far, may as well finish the job, so he installed the new screen too. Bless him! Dobby is very happy, and has a laptop sitting nicely on her desk now. All for $125 and a cup of coffee! When I asked him did he want a couple bottles of red, he said no thanks, he had plenty and it was a good excuse to catch up anyway :-) awwww!

I took some photos on the weekend, just playing about. If I get a moment I'll put them up.

So. This last two weeks has really been about Dobby. She has joined cadets, gotten a B in a math test, cleaned her room, had a friend over, had a doctor's appointment, gotten a new computer, and made extra money because she has kept her room reasonably clean. Good for her, she's also been on pretty good behaviour. Maybe we are seeing a short turning point?

Fingers crossed...

Home sweet home

2011-10-16T16:17:00.009+10:30

Okay, so hopefully this time this blog will work. Last time I tried to write one with my iPad, but while it let me write the title, it wouldn't let me enter any text in the proper place.

So lets try again.

Before I get into the holiday stuff, on Saturday I finally finished Bertha. What do you think?

I love her, actually. She's pretty cool for a first attempt I think.

Well, our holiday began on Sunday 2 Oct, with a flight up to Brisbane. We were supposed to move our clocks forward Saturday night but were so busy making sure everything was done we forgot. Luckily we had plenty of time, even with the car arriving fifteen minutes early.

The flight was uneventful and once we collected the hire car, we made our way out to see Fluffy's brother Dog Man and his partner. It was lovely to see them again, but once we were ready to leave we noticed that the rear right tyre was flatter than it should be. So the boys reversed it into the yard, pulled out the compressor and pumped it up.

Then it was back to town to visit my sibling SOL. She greeted me in her (un)usual way - fluffy dressing gown cause it was cold! Yes, the first few days of our trip were actually quite cool. Anyway, we called the hire car mob and they sent out the RACQ to change it.

Which meant, of course, that we could not take that car up to Gladstone to see the rest of the clan.

Then, us girls headed into Red Rooster for dinner fixings, getting up to all sorts of silly business on the way. The same girls then sat in front of the telly to watch crime night, through which we chatted most of the way. Poor Fluffy was left alone to watch Underbelly. I thought MOTH might keep him company so was rather surprised that he locked himself away back in his office. Poor Fluffy ended up just going to sleep in the chair instead.

Back into town we go on Monday morning. What fun we had, waiting, waiting. The lass behind the counter was concerned because it was taking so long. I think we were there nearly an hour. There were no cars available, and people were getting stroppy. The problem with us was that we wanted it for a long time, and they only had short term cars around. Most were due for a service, or like the one we eventually got, due to be decommissioned. Once the car was found, we then had to wait while it was washed.

The original car was an SS Commodore, late model in dark green. I loved it. It's replacement was a Ford XR6, equally nice but with a few more KM on the clock. She had to change the return date or the computer wouldn't allow it to come out. She was so apologetic, but I told her we expected there to be problems because we were just "drop-ins" so don't feel bad. The young bloke who brought our paperwork out to us said "you're out here waiting, so why don't I bring the car to you" which I thought was lovely, saved us going looking for it. He even reversed it right up to us so we could pack up the boot.

Eventually, all was sorted and we were on the road. A quick stop at Sippy Downs to hand over our tax to Steve and Jo, and then stop start traffic most of the way up home. We arrived late afternoon, to find the old place we used to live almost unrecognisable. Lucky I took the copy of the receipt they sent us too, because it had recently changed hands and the previous owners had not marked our payment into the books. Naughty!

We let everyone know we were there, and headed up to the old Caltex servo for dinner. That place sure has changed, and not for the better. Meal sizes were smaller and prices were double! Mum and dad came down and met us for dinner.

Tuesday we went into Tannum Sands to see Fluffy's parents. It was also Fluffy's birthday, but his folks forgot. He was not surprised.

After lunch we went up to see my folks. They gave us each a card with some scratchies and $50 inside. Nice!

I think we ended up with takeaway for dinner that night.

Wednesday we took mum and dad up to Mackay for the night. It was a long drive (no one bothered to tell me Mackay was a day's drive away from Gladstone when I suggested the trip).

This is us mucking up in the car...

We stayed in a posh 3 bedroom apartment, on the 10th floor, of Lanai Apartments on River Drive.

Here, Fluffy ponders the view...

The room was fabulous, and mother got to have a soak in a bath, which she can't do at home. We took a walk down to the local shopping centre before taking some time to relax. Dobby opted for a swim in the hotel pool,

while Fluffy waited nearby...

and after mum's bath and a quick shower for the rest of us, went to dinner at the Metro.

Noisy place, but lovely food and service.

Here are a couple of photos I took from our room just before we went to dinner:

This is the pool by night, from the balcony outside the lifts on our floor.

Thursday we had breakfast in the room then headed back to Rockhampton. We decided to stop at the big shopping centre there for lunch and a bit of a look around, getting back to Gladstone about 4.30pm.

Friday was a quick grocery shop, and an outing with cousins Elder and Teen for Dobby. Boy, those girls get up to some mischief. Dobby was not impressed... lol. Anyway, Friday night was party night. I put out lots of food, and as I did it in shifts, because people were arriving at different times, I found myself too busy to actually sit and spend time with everyone. But, I had lovely visits from Kerry and Esmond, my old Sunday school teachers, Rat and Wally and their husbands, Toni and Laurie, and Wally and Daff, our old neighbours who still live in the park.

It started about 4 and the last guests left by 8.15, so not a late night. Elder bought Dobby home when they came, about 4 or so, but made the mistake of telling the office they were coming to a party. I mean, a group of pierced teens, telling you they are going to a party in your park, would you be impressed? Of course, the park phoned me to check. And Dobby couldn't remember her site number either....

Anyway, it was all good.

Saturday we took Dobby up to Granny's for the weekend, and Fluffy and I headed into town to see what has changed. The main thing that struck us was that there were no familiar faces around anymore. And the amount of high visibility shirts and trucks that were around. The highway is full of truck after truck, after truck. That's all you see on the roads.

We visited the Auckland Point lookout, and spotted this storm brewing. I took heaps of photos but I'm sure you don't need to see all of them.

This is one of the best ones:

And this...

When we headed back to the caravan park, we were amazed at the water across the road and debris around. Turns out the storm we saw above swept through where we were staying with mighty force, and of course we had accidentally left the windows open. Fluffy's side of the bed near the window was all wet, and indeed the water had gone under the bed and pooled over my side of the bed!

This is the back patio, were the party guests were all seated the night before:

And this little pond was not there before either!

Needless to say we made sure the place was secure before leaving after that. Saturday afternoon I left Fluffy alone for some quiet time and went to see Moose for a Monty Python fix. I met her cats Bobby and Torana (a stray Rag Doll who has made herself a home under Moose's front stairs). While we were there Rat stopped by with her mum to check out Moose's Garfield collection.

Saturday night we had lazy tea, and Sunday was spent just quietly by ourselves. I think we went back into town for a look but not much else.

On the weekend, though, Dobby noticed a discharge from her belly again. So on Monday, while she was in town with Granny, Grandad and Aunty Tanya, I managed to get her an appointment at Granny's surgery to get some anti biotics as a precaution. I think I'll get Fluffy to take her back to her doctor this week so we can get it checked to make sure it's all good.

Monday afternoon we went down to see Fluffy's folks again and they gave him a fruit cake his dad had made. Very nice it was too! Still have a little bit left...

Monday night we had dinner with Rat and Wally and their husbands. It was lovely. Lots of laughs and Wally took a couple of photos. I'd love to see them, too, if she gets them up on FB at all!

The rest of the week was spent just visiting people and resting when we could.

Thursday it was time to stop at mum's to do the last load of laundry. While we were there dad's sister Joan stopped by on her way up north... to.... Mackay. Haha. So we had a cuppa with her, leaving just after she did and heading off to say goodbye to Fluffy's folks. We went back to pack and have a bite to eat, then back to pick up the washing and see my folks and sister Moose after dinner.

The plan was to leave at 7am on Friday morning, and it was 7.01 when we drove past the reception office. Nicely done!

As I had only had a cup of tea for breakfast, I didn't get far. I had to stop at Granite Creek for a loo break. Then poor Dobby was feeling car sick before Gin Gin. I found a chemist up the main street of Gin Gin, and got her some Quells. She also sat in the front seat for the rest of the trip, and slept most of the way to Yandina.

One thing we did get out of the car for, was a bad accident at Gympie. There had been a head on between a ute and a truck. The ute driver was being attended to and all traffic was diverted around the site. We had to go up over a hill, and like heaps of other people decided to rubber neck so Fluffy could have a smoke. But before they freed the driver the firies made everyone move on. We found out next day it wasn't a fatality as we thought, but the poor fellow had multiple injuries.

We made a couple of small stops but nothing major until we got to the Ginger Factory at Yandina. We had a late lunch, and when I was paying for it, the checkout girl handed me some tickets, saying "you almost forgot these too!" I thought they were complementary or something, but realised much later that someone before us had bought them and paid for them.

But when we thought they were freebies, Fluffy and I decided to use the train trip tickets, while Dobby stayed behind. The tour goes for about 15 minutes and is a dinky little steam locomotive with open carriages behind. An older group of people were in the seats in front of us, and one gent was giving cheek to Fluffy. Made it fun. I took a pic but won't put it up here because I have so many already.

Just near the factory is a customer of ours, so we stopped by and had a look around his establishment. He and his wife Jan had visited in January, and Fluffy and I took them out to dinner. So we were pleased when they returned the favour and offered us a bed at their home.

Their property is located up in the hinterland near Gympie, and it was so quiet. Totally restful. John cooked a barbeque, and Jan and I prepared the food. We ate outdoors in the cool.

We went to bed fairly early, but were woken at 4.30am by a huge storm. I stood at Dobby's window trying to catch a photo of lightening, but could only get this...

I think I need practice. Anyway, once the worst had passed we all went back to bed. Then breakfast about 9, and back on the road.

We decided to stop at the Ettamogah Pub on the way into Brisbane. That was fun. The place is beautifully made of wood, and is quite interesting. However, people kept texting me, and the house sitter called me (at which time I had difficulty getting off the phone to him). So I didn't get the proper look I would have liked.

Here's a couple of pics. The pub pic is the wrong one - the sky is too light, but I have been having issues uploading so won't change it now.

We scoffed a quick pie then headed into Petrie to see Pork Chop.

I haven't seen her since Wally got married, just before Dobby was born. SOL and MOTH came too, and they also brought dessert. We had cheesecake, a fruit and custard filled pastry concoction something like eclair but in a round ring, and a lovely sponge based fruit flan. Followed by crackers, cheese, kabana and ontions. Yummo!

Pork Chop's partner is a computer whizz, and had a media centre he showed Fluffy. Fluffy was taken, and as Mark had one downstairs, Fluffy bought it for $300. It is fully loaded with over 4,000 movies, television series, and other bits and bobs. Great invention! Pork Chop had also made me a lovely bag so I slipped my iPad and purse in that.

We made tracks about 2.30 or so and headed toward the airport and the DFO factory outlet shop. We were very good, and didn't spend much. I bought Dobby a little pink zircon necklace and myself crystal earrings (total $44) from the jewelers, and Dobby bought herself a hoodie. That kid's obsessed with hoodies. While she was paying for it I noticed my wallet was missing! Crap, mad dash back to the last shop and luckily there it was. Whew!

When we were on our way back to the airport, we saw this...

According to the news tonight it was pretty fierce. The airport was closed temporarily but our flight wasn't affected.

Our plane taxied down the runway just after 7pm, and we arrived early, just after ten Adelaide time. Our driver was so lovely waiting patiently for us. Home to drop the stuff, play with the very excited dog and cat, then bed just before midnight.

I was awake first at 8.30. The others didn't surface for some time. Today was unpack, defrost the big freezer, a couple small loads of washing and a huge grocery shop.

Then of course this. Tomorrow it's back to work, and no doubt feel like I need another holiday!

Thanks for reading, I hope I didn't bore you too much with all the pics :-).

Happy Birthday to me!

2011-09-26T10:24:00.003+09:30

So, this one is only a quick one, and I am not sure if I'll be able to update for a while. I reckon I'll manage something though.

This week has been a catch up week. I managed to catch up here at work, and I even had time to go for lunch with the boss's wife on Friday. The only thing left to catch up on now is the housework.

Saturday was my birthday, and as is often the case, I got spoiled. You will remember I received the iPad last weekend, so this time it was just the stuff for the day. I was given a lovely bottle of bath salts, some perfume, another perfume gift pack, and another bottle of bubble bath/shower gel. Plus, a heart-shaped box of chocolate cherry liqueurs. Yummo! Mum also sent me the most beautiful box filled with scrap booking bits and bobs. Plus, I was well-loved on Facebook to boot! I didn't do much of anything at all, which added to the fun.

Dobby had a friend over Saturday night, and on sunday that friend's mother had a Flashengeist licquer party. Lovely stuff. Check it out here. There were only the hostess and three others of us, but it was very nice. I ordered a couple of little things for myself! Even though I don't drink!

Then back home to pack. Before we left Dobby was packing and we realised she didn't have anything that fitted, so it was a very quick dash to KMart for some shorts and a couple of tops. And a couple of tops for me too :-).

Now I have this week at work, and that's about it. A visit to the hairdresser tonight to trim the wild mane, the house sitter is stopping by tomorrow to meet the animals (and Roger and Oz!) and guitar Wednesday will round off the week. Saturday will be spent furiously cleaning and making sure everything is ready. Fluffy booked the car today, and we were pleasantly surprised at the cost. I also bought travel insurance to make sure we'll all good.

So, I'll do my best to stop by but you might not hear much of me for a bit. Most of you, though I will be seeing in person, so consider yourselves warned! I'm on my way!

Checking in

2011-09-19T19:07:00.004+09:30

It's been an incredible few weeks for me. Remember how I said I was training the Boss's wife? Well, that takes most of my work day, then it's a scramble when she goes home to catch up. I am way behind but hopefully that will sort itself out tomorrow when she's not in. I may even be where I should be tomorrow!

For quite a while it seemed that my life was a round of work and house work. I never seemed to catch up either way. That in itself can be quite stressful. Then Fluffy went away for a week.

But first, I must tell you about our weekend away. The weekend before last we went to Blanchetown with the caravan club. Turned out that the only families to go were committee members! So we had an impromptu committee meeting instead of meeting through the week.

Dobby bought her friend Sarah with her, which was nice for her. Because Fluffy was going away on the Sunday afternoon, and we couldn't take the dog, we decided to just go on the Saturday morning and stay in a cabin overnight.

It was soo cold, though. But the small intimate gathering made it fun all the same. Plenty of time to sit and chat, and a pool room with a TV to keep the big kids occupied. Apparently there was a pants-down game of pool the Friday night....

Anyway, we arrived kind of stars, which was good fodder for a bit of ribbing. See, the week before Dobby and I had our photos taken for a newspaper article on the joys of caravanning. We made sure to wear our SAPI shirts, much to the joy of the committee members. Lots of pats on the back for that! This is the result...

Of course, this opportunity couldn't come up when I was thinner and looked good. No, it had to arise when I looked like the caravan I was modelling and had crazy old-lady red hair! Haha.

Never mind, it was a bit of fun.

So, after the weekend we drove home, got there just after lunch. A quick pack and relax for Fluffy then off to the airport. He was off to Melbourne for a training course for work.

Dobby and I made a trip to the video store, then called out for Chinese takeaway, something we don't buy when Fluffy is home as it's not his forte.

Later that afternoon we get a call. "I'm pissed off," says Fluffy. Why? Work told him they'd book his room and he could pay for the taxi, claiming it back when he gets back.

Only, they booked him a room $80 away from the venue! Each way! First, the taxi dropped him at the wrong Quest hotel. Then, when he booked in he found he had nowhere to eat. Not a place within walking distance! He found someone nearby who would deliver, only to find that when it arrived, his fish and chips were literally swimming in a half-inch of water! He threw it out..

So on Monday he phoned the chick who booked it and told her to change it. She did. To another Quest hotel only marginally closer than he already was. So $40 for taxi's each way. And again there was nowhere to eat. He didn't. On Tuesday morning he went to the McDonalds across from the study venue for his first meal since, well, Saturday night really.

The finally booked him a room at the pub across from the venue. They didn't choose it because it was, well, a pub. But, as he said, I don't have to pay taxis, and I can get a great meal (booked to the room, I might add, as it should be!).

He was so stressed and upset that he thinks after all that he failed the course. How rotten for him!

And for us during that time, it was just as stressful. Dobby was on her worst behaviour, acting out and being a very difficult child. With the stress at work, and her at home, I was on a knife edge for the whole week. Then, when Fluffy phones, she tells him "we're doing all the housework so it's clean when you get home". He answered that see, it's up to him to keep the place clean.

I really took offense to that because the house was a mess because Dobby was just so darn hard to shift! She left a trail of mess behind her and resisted every attempt by me to get her to clean it up. I often did it for her, only to turn around and find it back. It was a terrible week.

And Fluffy wasn't due home till Saturday evening, even though the course finished Friday. Luckily for him he was able to change his flight. They even did it for free, even though they weren't supposed to. It was very good to see him, and he bought us gifts - heaps of Smiggle pencils for Dobby and a book on the Kerobokin Jail in Bali. Looks like a great read too.

Anyway, I also spent Saturday morning swapping around our bedroom. I like it's new look, and Fluffy does too.

Sunday morning we were all sitting outside in the warmth (it was an unseasonable warm weekend here) and I told Fluffy that I had been giving thought to buying an iPad. I don't like to get caught up in the techno hype, but had been thinking of a laptop. The one I wanted, though, was way too expensive.

I thought all I would use the iPad for was for books, and I already had a reader (like a Kindle) for that. Then, I realised that I could put small movies on it so it might be handy to take to away with us.

On the Sunrise program we were watching we saw an internet place that had cheap electronics. So he decided to do some research on pricing. Yes, this place was cheaper, but he wasn't sure he wanted to pay all that money at once. He found out that Dick Smith does interest free, so next thing we're all piled in the car and I now own an iPad 2. Plus he spent a small fortune on a cover for it, which is sooo pretty. It's cream leather, with pale cream suede animal print inserts. Very swish! Well, not sure if it's real leather, but it looks nice anyway.

So then it was home to play with that for a bit. I put heaps of music and photos on it, and a couple (but not many yet) apps. I also found some movies to load on it, but apparently they take all night...

Anyway, today and tomorrow at work we have some people from Sydney over so I've been dealing with them, helping Mrs Boss learn, and still run the house. Hopefully tomorrow will see me up to date, and I can afford to slow down a bit, and not do any overtime! Not much each day, but enough anyway.

Not much on this weekend, but I'll try to find something to blog about!

Happy Father's Day yesterday

2011-09-05T10:40:00.004+09:30

So this blog will be small. Not a lot to report. As I am going away in October, I have been training Mrs Boss to do my job. It's a trial. I don't mind training her at all, but it's a slow process. She can only spare me a few hours at a time, and each task takes several hours just to show her, not leaving her any time to do the job on her own.

We are hoping from this Wednesday that she can stay longer and will therefore be able to take in more of the tasks. There are some things she will do every day, others only once, but each of them require a written set of instructions, which have to take into account her lack of skill with Excel, which we use for almost everything. I know she finds it a trial too so I try to make it as easy as I can.

Dobby started music in place of the dreaded Dance at school last week. She is quite keen this time, although I don't think she fully realises that "being part of the band" means she will be required to play in public... Hmmmm...well, while she's keen I'm not going to burst her bubble. She is also looking forward to learning the theory side of music, which to be honest, was the only subject I did really well at in school.

She also had Friday off, as it's Royal Adelaide Show time. The whole town goes into party mode for ten days. The schools give their kids one day off in that time so they can attend. I wonder, really, how they are supposed to go when the parents often still have to work?

Anyway, today is also a Student Free Day for her, so her friend's mum took today off work and is taking them. Whew! I get out of it for another year. Mind, she has a huge list of showbags to collect! Haha! Punishment!

I am working solo at the moment while the boss is away, and for me that means heaps of work getting done (except while typing this of course). Because I am training I am so far behind with my own work. I can't set tasks yet for Mrs Boss to do while I continue doing other things. Add to that, that most of my "other things" involve the computer, and we have a little problem.

However, I know we can get there in the end.

This weekend was so lovely, just to sit still for a bit. Saturday we took a drive up to Gawler to pick up some bottles of Ned Kelly drink. Never heard of it? Check this out. We tried it some time ago, and Fluffy really liked it. It's like a sweet carbonated wine. Friends of ours had been to the show and bought it for us, so we popped in and picked it up.

A very late lunch (or early dinner if you like) at Villis and we were home and relaxing by 4.30pm.

Sunday was Father's Day. I made breakfast for everyone (including Dobby who managed to drag herself out of bed reasonably early) and we sat outside while she gave her dad his gifts. Nothing flash because he's so difficult to buy for. We got him a few DVDs, a large Toblerone choclate block, and a box of Fererro Rocher chocolates.

Later, Dobby had been asking if she could have her tragis pierced. That's the little nobby bit in front of the ear. She thought I had agreed but really I had just been listening to her waffle while she talked about it. Anyway, she pointed out that because she wants to play netball she will only have this weekend to do it before it's too late, because you have to let it heal sometime before you can remove it, which she would have to do for sport.

So we trudged down to Marion, as she also had to buy a gift for a friend whose party she will miss on the weekend. I got a rude shock when I went to pay for it. It was 3 times what I had envisioned, but she is happy anwyay. She chose a tiny black spike. I don't have a pic, but apparently she does.

Then onto the jewellery store for something for the friend. That done, we wandered over to Bunnings because I had told Fluffy I had seen a tool box I would like to buy him. However, he saw it and mentioned he had seen a better, cheaper one, advertised recently at Repco, so off we toddled over there.

Yep, that's the one he wanted, so he left a happy dad. We also stopped in Dick Smith for a sticky and priced small laptops and wireless printers.

Back home and it was a semi lazy afternoon for me, but busy for Fluffy who cleaned the Fairlane and the back patio. I did the ironing, mopped the kitchen and dining room, and did the litter tray, then cooked dinner. Fluffy chose spaghetti bolognaise for some reason. Dobby agreed to vacuum the lounge because I paid for her earring.

After Underbelly it was time for a shower and off to bed...

An evening with...

2011-08-28T16:51:00.003+09:30

So, I didn't blog last week because nothing very exciting happened. Apart from Dobby having another week off school, and me taking her to the doc, nothing at all happened.

She and I both had doctor's appointments. Hers she had to have blood tests, then when we went back for the results I saw him for my half-yearly skin check. Her tests showed nothing abnormal except a thyroid at the lower end of the scale. He wants to repeat the test in a couple of months, we we'll have a look at that when we come back from Queensland. He said once we have done that, and if it still comes back normal he'll look at the psyche side of things. In the mean time, she complained all week of being sick again, even having me pick her up from school on Thursday because she was sick. Sigh. I don't know, it sucks. She's got yet another cold now, sniffling and coughing. Stupid.

Me, well, my skin test was all clear this time. He revisited my low iron levels, asking if we ever found out the cause. We didn't. So he suggested I go back off the iron supplements and get more tests when I do Dobby's. In the mean time, he wants me to do a poo test. Nice. Yeah, I'll get around to that one day. Well, 3 days actually. Have to take 3 samples. Plus, remember last year when I said I had to take vitamin B tablets? Well, it wasn't vitamin B, but vitamin D. Sigh. I have to now get a script filled (one of these days) for something or another.

And, just to top that off he wants me to have a sleep study done. But, see, the problem we have with that is that I'm not the one with sleep apnoea. Fluffy is. So what is a test going to prove?? It's his snorning and sleeping all over my side of the bed that keeps me awake. Not that it's his fault, at all. But that's why I don't sleep well. That's what makes me tired. That and adjusting my position because my tennis elbow and fingers are hurting.

Anyway, on with the post.

This week Boss was in Sydney for important business. Because I am taking two weeks off for the October school holidays, his lovely wife has agreed to come in and cover for me. So I had my first training session with her on Thursday. During which time Dobby phoned for me to come get her. It's going to take a lot of lessons to get her up to speed with what needs to be done, but I think we can do it. If she keeps and follows her own notes as well as my folder.

I also had the rare opportunity of a girls night out. I had answered a call for Catherine to go to see Thirsty Merc with her. I also contacted another friend of mine who wanted to go as well. So, Catherine, Eve and I decided we'd go to dinner first. Turned out to be just the 3 of us, which suited us all nicely. Quite an age group too, 35, 44 and 51.

I had plenty of time to get ready, so I made an effort.

What do you think? Not great, but not bad for an old goose!

Eve and I love totally over the other side of town to Catherine and the venue, so she got dropped off here at my place. I had reminded the girls to bring their ID as the tickets had their names on it. However Eve thought I was joking and didn't bring hers. So we had to stop back at her place way up in the clouds on the way. Didn't matter, we still got the the hotel on time.

Her house is way up a windy road, which the 380 would never make in a million years, being front wheel drive with a huge turning circle. But because Fluffy and I had taken the Fairlane out to fuel up and drop Dobby off for a sleepover, before having lunch together, all was good.

When we got there, I parked in the top car park, and we met Catherine at the table. We took our time over dinner, and stayed for dessert. After a toilet break we asked the barmaid where we had to go for the show, which turned out to be a rather long walk out to the main road and around the corner. She did advise, though, that if we were parked out the car park we might want to move our car to the carpark opposite the venue because of the type of persons who hang around late at night.

Point taken, we agreed. So we trudged up to the carpark, drove around the block a couple of times till we found where we were supposed to be, and disembarked in a great spot right opposite the door. And with half an hour to spare.

Okay, so now we're standing outside waiting. It's getting cold out here too. Finally just after 8 they open the doors. Into the night club. We spy an unoccupied table (you know those tiny tall things that you rest your glasses and not much else on?) and claim that as our own. Some random young guy comes over and starts to make conversation but we're not really interested, so after awhile he wanders off. I think he just wanted to share our table but decided we were not of the sharing type.

The place starts to fill up and about 9 or so the first act starts to play. It's a lead singer, acoustic guitar, and a drummer, the band is called Radar or something. They said to find them on Facebook but I was unsuccessful. They were good.

Then nothing for an hour. Then a group called Microwave Jenny, who were just a chick singing and a bloke playing guitar. Good, but not while we were waiting impatiently for a rock group. They didn't start until after 10pm. Then, we had to stand there bored as budgies through their music which sounded a lot like folksongs. Although they did do Forget You, after which he actually claimed to have written it and we all know that was bunkum!

Anyway, finally about 11.20, when we were all thoroughly bored and sore, and tired and yawning, and fending off a group of drunks who tried to take over our table, we got what we waited for.

These guys.

Not a great photo, I know, but anyway, it was good. Not many groups actually sound good live, but these guys did. I was always a fan, now I am a huge fan. Fantastic show, that went for around an hour.

Finally we were allowed out into the cold, while we waited just a few minutes for Catherine's lift to arrive. Then I took Eve home and crashed into bed (after a couple of painkillers) at 1.30.

Epic! Today was a lovely quiet slow day. Fluffy was at work, and Dobby at Sarah's house, so I just pottered about. I did do a little grocery dash, but Dobby just told me I bought her two conditioners instead of one of each. Whoops! Who's a blonde then!

Anyway, after an afternoon on the couch with Dexter (finally finished season 3) it's time to do some random chores and put dinner in the oven. Chicken fricassee tonight. Noice!

It's hard to think of titles every week

2011-08-15T09:56:00.003+09:30

so this week I won't bother.

What a week. Its been rather slow, but somewhat stressful. Dobby complained on Sunday night of stomach pains and the runs. Plus a headache and her cold was again causing her grief.

As this has been going on for weeks I decided to take her to the doctor. We went on Monday night. He suggested a whole blood work regime, and a urine sample, and if nothing showed up, perhaps a psyche visit. I suggested perhaps she has an aversion to school... Her stress test showed mild stress levels.

Tuesday she stayed at home again. Tuesday evening it's discovered her phone is missing. As she still hadn't unpacked from the weekend away I wasn't too worried.

Wednesday she proclaimed herself well enough to go to school because she wanted to play netball. She went. Complained all day apparently, but went anyway. They won at netball. Dobby reckons they played sucky for the first quarter until her taxi load arrived. Apparently the powers that be forgot to book a bus so had to order several taxis instead.

Anyway, Wednesday night, after guitar (she didn't go Monday because of the doctor app), she was still not feeling great, and in fact went to bed early. So I decided it wasn't worth sending her and kept her home the rest of the week.

As she had her monthlies this week the doc suggested delaying the bloods until finished. Then, because she didn't go to school we didn't get the opportunity until Saturday morning. We rocked up there nice and early, and she did her bit.

Then a quick stop at the supermarket and it was home again.

And you know what? We turned that house upside down, and her phone has not shown up anywhere. On Sunday evening she cleaned her room a bit more, but it still eludes us. The only thing we can think of is that she dropped it out the car at the video shop on Sunday afternoon, but her father originally thought she was using it to show him a video on Sunday or Monday evening. It's a complete mystery...

And, of course, it's flat so phoning it does not good at all... If there are any psychics out there willing to help, we'd really appreciate it!

The Week That Was

2011-08-08T07:45:00.003+09:30

well... interesting.

At work, Boss was back so I had to actually do some. However, it was good because he brought me back some gifts. I'll try to post photos through the week, this is just a quick note.

First, he gave me, as I had asked for, a cheap "knock off" watch. It's a Bvlgari copy. Yes, that's how it's spelled. Apparently Mrs Boss bought herself one the same but hers stopped the next day. I did discover that I cant' get it wet though... It's silver, with a traditional stainless steel linked band, a navy blue face, and a date window. Plus it has a large numerical 12 and 6. I like it.

Then, also in the bag was a Tiffany necklace, chosen by Mrs Boss. It's a silver snake chain, with a circle on the bottom approx 2cm across, with Tiffany & Co embossed in it. I couldn't find a picture on the website so I'll have to try to photograph it later.

I also received several DVDs, so that was nice.

There was a caravan rally this weekend, and Fluffy went early. He was going to go Wednesday but decided to leave early Thursday morning instead. I got a call around ten saying he was sitting outside the park waiting for the attendant to come back. It seems she had an appointment in Willunga, came all the way back just to open the boom gate for him, and left again. He was the only van there...

He chose himself a site, set up the van, and sat back to relax. As other older members of the club started to arrive, he was given the instructions to let them in and help them onto a site, as she was still away.

Dobby and I bought chinese for tea on Thursday. Well, I bought it on my way home from work. Never buying from that Noodle Box again. It used to be lovely there. This time, I couldn't understand a word the bloke on the register said, and when I finally got home, the boxes were so sodden they split and the bag filled up with water. I had ordered Honey Chicken, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Fried Rice, and a pack of 3 spring rolls.

What I got was a bag of water, two boxes of spinach and onion, a fried rice, and a steamed rice. Both the chicken dishes contained barely any chicken, and tasted so washed out they had no flavour. One had a few chunks of pineapple so we guessed that was supposed to be sweet and sour. No spring rolls... Absolutely terrible.

We ate some of it, and binned the rest.

On Friday I got to work a half day. That was nice. Boss was working from the beach house, so it was quiet. I had to work very hard to get done my chores before I left. But I managed to head out just after noon.

First stop was The Pug Mill pottery place, where I took Bertha for firing. If you don't remember, Bertha is the clay bust I did in January. She's all set to get fired this week. Can't wait!

Then, a quick trip to the shop for lunch stuff and a few emergency rashions, then home. I hadn't done any washing apart from the towels, which went into the dryer before work, as the weather looked nasty. By the time I got home it had fined up, so I stripped the bed, washed the clothes, and remade the bed ready for our return on Sunday.

I hung the sheets on the patio line, and the clothes in the lounge on an airer. At about ten to three I set out to pick up Dobby from School.

We ducked back past the house to check if the postie had been (no mail) and hit the road. We left about half three, and arrived about ten past four. The park was lovely! We had an ensuite site, which I reckon should be compulsory! They are soo much better.

Fluffy wasn't too happy to see us, I don't think. Dobby is not the tidiest person and of course the minute she arrived, his pristine set up was mucked up. Not much I can do about that.

So anyway, we pottered around, spoke to people, then at six headed up to the local pub for dinner. There was eleven of us, so it was a nice evening.

Till we got home and Fluffy realised he had lost his glasses. All the next day he searched. They are brand new, with Transition lenses too. Not a happy camper. It was my fault, of course, because he went out for a smoke and left us inside, and when we were ready we followed him out. I should have picked them up.

But, after phoning the pub, visiting it, they still hadn't turned up. The rally had it's AGM meeting on Saturday at two, and we all traipsed along to that.

I am now an official committee member, with my first meeting this Thursday. Fluffy is the Safety Officer (not a committee position, but an important position anyway). He kinda got dobbed in for that, and didn't refuse the nomination.

After the meeting we all hung around and then had a club-shouted dinner of chicken, chips and salad. It was very good and everyone had fun.

After, we all came back to the park and settled around the camp fire.

It rained on and off all weekend, with the hardest falls on the way home from the pub. Some members came just for the AGM, others took cabins and stayed just overnight. It was a very enjoyable weekend.

Fluffy bought Dobby an new 30-second-tent. She had two friends sleep over. It rained so much that the tent leaked a bit. But it's a great tent and very easy for her to put up with minimal help.

As we were packing up on Sunday morning, Dobby came running over. She'd found Fluffy's glasses! They were tucked down beside the seat in the car! I had looked in the driver's side, thinking they had fallen out of his pocket, but hadn't thoroughly searched the passenger side. Apparently she dropped a pen, and when she was fishing about she found the glasses. He was very happy!

On the way home, Dobby and I took a detour to the video shop. Fluffy got home before us, and told me he couldn't park the van on the boards it usually sits on. Why not? The front yard was so badly sodden, it had pooled in places. The car couldn't get any traction to push the van up onto the boards. The van itself had made deep grooves in the grass. If I owned the house, I'd pave that area...

Even the back yard was so sodden you could hear it squelching underfoot. Amazing!

Anyway, it's time to go to work. Dobby is home sick again today. I suspect she has developed an aversion to school, so I am taking her to the doc today to get it sorted.

Catch ya soon.

Where does the time go?

2011-08-01T09:08:00.004+09:30

I swear, the weeks are getting shorter. It's not like I'm sleeping through them, cause I seem to be getting less sleep each night too. But nowdays life just seems to fly by.

This week has been monumentally boring. Nothing happened. Again.

It was my last quiet week at work with Boss overseas. Have to love that. Dobby wanted me to pick her up on Wednesday after school because there was no netball, and bring her to the office. With the boss out of town I thought why not? So, a quick trip to the accountant's office, then dash to school and pick up the kid, then bring her back here to work. She helped me for the afternoon, then we again went back to the accountant's office and dropped some stuff off.

On the way home we figured we'd go unhealthy and bought KFC. Meh. Who cares? Already fat, what's another kg, right?

On Saturday we made arrangements to take the Fairmont in for a tune up. All they do is replace the air filter and spark plugs. As it will be towing the van this week we thought we'd get it done first.

Also, Fluffy wanted to go to the Caravan, Camping and Outdoor Show, and Dobby asked if she could go too. So bright and early Fluffy and I dropped off the car.

When they were ready I took them down to the show, intending to have several hours to myself. First, though, I had to go to the chemist for Fluffy's pills. While there the workshop phoned. The car is ready. I agreed to go down and pay for it, pick up the key, and wait till Fluffy was done before picking it up. No worries, they said.

So, I still had to go to the post office and pick up a parcel that had been waiting there since Monday. As it wasn't our closest post office, it was too out of my way to get to within weekly business hours.

So, off to pick up that. It turned out to be the new Telstra T-Hub. Ours (the second since September last year) was not working properly. Back to the car place and pay for the tune up. I also had to pay for new spark plug leads as one had broken in 3 places. $80 more, but we were told about that first. They didn't charge for labour for that one.

Anyway, a quick trip to the shop for lunch supplies, and it was home to kick back for a while and watch Dexter.

About ten minutes into lunch, my phone rang. We're ready, can you come pick us up? Darnit! What happened to my peace and quiet and ME time??

I was told I could finish my lunch first though, which I did. We picked up the Fairmont on the way home and all was good.

The rest of the afternoon was quiet. Apart from Dobby helping me set up the new T-Hub, I didn't do much.

Sunday I promised Dobby I would take her to see Harry Potter. I had free tickets so we chose that movie to use them on. After vacuuming the floors, stripping the bed, and doing two loads of washing, we headed down to the cinema. It was great! We really enjoyed it. After we ducked across to Cheap as Chips and I bought more scraboooking supplies, plus a second album for Mother's birthday next year.

Then it was grocery shopping and back home.

I had to put the shopping away by myself, because Fluffy was home from work and fluffing about outside with the caravan. Dobby was being Dobby and unhelpful. I finished that, then had to put a roast in the oven and get the washing in. First, though, I had to peg out one that wasn't done when we left home that morning.

Then, it was doing some odd jobs around the house, finish dinner, wash up, make sandwiches for today's lunch, and stand there ironing. I think I finished about 8.45. As a new Midsomer Murders was on ABC I decided to forgo my bath, in which I was going to have my evening chamomile tea and a treat of 3 liqueur filled chocolates I had bought Saturday, and plonk in front of the TV instead.

Once the movie was over it was quick shower then into bed. I don't think I even remember Fluffy coming to bed...

This week will be more exciting, but I'll tell you all about that next time!

Oh and today is Moose's birthday! Big 39! Hopefully she'll do something nice for herself next year, being 40 and all that! Hope you have a great day, chookie! Mwah! xx

Going Insane

2011-07-24T21:39:00.005+09:30

I'm sure of it! The other night I was telling Fluffy a story, walked into the bedroom and stopped mid sentence. I just couldn't remember what I was saying! No amount of hard thought was going to bring it back either. And, today I was going out the back door. I couldn't get it open. Because I was pushing instead of pulling....

Anyway, aside from that, it's been a quiet week. Not much happening, just some down time. Well, work was very stressful. The plant we produce some of our product from has been down and customers were getting understandably irritable. Boss had to fly overseas so I got left in the thick of it. I couldn't contact him immediately and the situation was changing very quickly at times. Decisions had to be made and phone calls had to be taken and made. But, in the end, the plant started on Wednesday. Whew. One customer was phoning me twice a day for updates, often before I even got into the office.

When I told him we were delivering to him the next day he told me he was going to buy me a box of chocolates. I joked to make it a big one, I needed it! Next morning, these turned up instead...

Lovely, aren't they? Made the stress all worthwhile. Nice.

Last weekend I finally got the camera out. I haven't bothered recently, been too busy. But it was a freezing morning, down to about 3 degrees. Later in the week it got down to 1.3 degrees. Brrr!

Anyway, I took these photos, just because it was a lovely morning. Kitty was playing around under the orange tree, dog was sitting on the patio enjoying the sun. We have had such dark and overcast days, it was lovely to have sun for a few. Back to rain again this weekend though.

Spiderweb around my garden ornament.

Frost on the Falcon's windscreen and roof.

Roger playing under the orange tree. A family of rats live in the bush beside the tree and he can often be found here waiting for a look.

The orange tree has plenty of lovely juicy fruit this year. I got Fluffy to pick some for our guests on the weekend, which I promptly left outside and forgot to hand out. Typical! Now I have a bucket of fruit sitting there with no chance of getting a home! I guess I'll have to start juicing. By hand of course...

Ozzie enjoying the sun for a change. The other morning, when it was 1.3 degrees, he was very reluctant to go outside, and indeed, when he did, he stood there shivering. First time I have seen him shiver with cold in the two years we've had him.

Dobby went to a friend's house Thursday night. She stayed over Friday and I picked them up Friday after work so they could go see Short Stack play. Fluffy and I dropped them off then went for a meal at a pub down the road. Noisy as heck but the food was very good. We had baked barramundi with chips and garlic bread. Very tasty indeed. But, because we had to drop the girls off so early, we were finished our meal only minutes after the show actually started.

The plan was to hang around while they were there (first time leaving them alone at a rock concert, we were a bit nervous). However, the concert was a young group with a fairly young fan base, so we knew there were no creepy old men around. The crowd we left them among were mostly groups of teenage girls. Not all, but mostly.

Apparently they had a great night. It was general admission, with no allocated seating. I suggested the aim for the Dress Circle, about the middle of the theatre and elevated compared to the mosh pit. They found a little box area very easily and in fact most of the fans headed to the most pit so they were fine. A friend of Dobby's friend was there, and she had a friend as well, who it turned out was a friend of Dobby's from school. How's that for small world? This friend she went to the concert with does not go to her school.

Anyway, Fluffy and I came home, and he put the telly on. I played around on the computer for awhile, then about ten headed out in the cold to pick them up. It was freezing! I waited for about 45 minutes for them to come out, and it got so cold I had to start the car. Not long after they came out, so the car was nice and warm for them.

They headed to bed around midnight or so, and Dobby dropped her water bottle on her bed. We teased her about wetting the bed. So there we were at midnight changing bed linen. Kids.

Saturday I got the girls to help do a few little chores around the house then took them out to run a few errands. The lounge was lovely and clean for my Postie Fashions party. I only had three ladies turn up but it was a lovely afternoon. They each bought a teen daughter (we had two Sallys with Sarahs for daughters). I managed to get over $600 worth for under $300. My wonderful husband was going to buy me a jacket for $189, if I paid for the rest of my purchases. With all my discounts the jacket was only $49 so he bought the lot! Isn't he a treasure?

Everyone went home and we kicked back to relax. Today, Fluffy went to work and Dobby and I went in search of an electric blanket for her bed. Hers, after 9 years, has given up the ghost. We tried two places but neither had any for single beds. We did find her two pairs of black pants for work. She wants to go put her name down soon. We are having disagreements over where though. She doesn't want the traditional young kids jobs at Maccas and Hungry Jacks. Nor does she want to work at Coles, Foodland, or Big W. However, she is going to find it difficult to find work at any other places. I just gently explain the difficulties she will have and leave it to her. When she's ready I will take her out with her resume again. I'm not pushing, she's only 14. Plenty of time yet, although some of her friends have jobs so she feels a little under pressure.

The pants we bought her actually look very good on. Tight around the legs though, but they suit her. I also bought her a little pair of wedge heel shiny black cort shoes. They look fantastic. And two cheap tops she loves. She's happy. My boy is moving from skinny jeans, sloppy joes and skate shoes to dress pants, pretty tops and dressy shoes. Wow.

Well, it's after ten now, and I want a shower. Dobby just reminded me I promised her my electric blanket from the caravan, so I had to go out and strip my bed and get it for her. Lucky I was a bit smart and turned the top half of the bedding down, removed the blanket, then remade the top, then turned the bottom part down and pulled the blanket out from underneath. Meant I didn't have to strip and remake the whole bed. Whew!

So, now it's late, and I want that shower. Enjoy the pics and I'll catch you next time.

Finished!

2011-07-17T12:59:00.004+09:30

Well, almost anyway. Dobby did a great job keeping her room clean all week, until yesterday when we had to move some more stuff from the office to her room. She hasn't sorted it yet, as she got a call to go for a sleepover, and lets face it, what teen would refuse that?

So, I drove down and dropped her off, raced back home, packed up the stuff (most of it anyway) for the Salvos. I phoned them to order a pick up service, but they weren't interested in the desk (which was the newest of the lot and in great condition, and could have fetched them $80 or more!) so Fluffy and I put the pantry and bookcase outside Friday night and left the desk in the office, off to one side allowing Dobby access to her wardrobes to clean out.

On the way to the Salvos I stopped at the pet store. $137 later, one big bag of dog food, one bag of cat food, one collar and one chasey toy for the cat as well, I made it home. By this time it was almost 4 and Fluffy came home.

He complained about the mess (the rest of the house had bits and pieces strewn around it waiting movement as well) so he got in a helped me. He did the loungeroom and I did some more in the office. Then he came in and helped me clear the desk and put my stuff back on it. So, I am back online after two weeks off! I love it!

Then, because we were both knackered, we ordered Pizza and veged in front of the telly for the rest of the evening.

Today, I took it very slow, being home alone and all that. Dobby is getting dropped off soon, but I have managed a load of washing (although it's raining outside today so it won't dry anyway), steam mopped the floor, sorted through the hundred odd emails that were waiting for me, put the desk on eBay for sale, and moved my craft stuff into the office here beside my desk.

Now, while I am working on mum's photo scrapbook album I can do it here without making a huge mess out in the dining room.

So, If you don't mind, I'll must finish my lunch quickly before Dobby gets home, and play a couple computer games while doing so. Catch ya later.

Oh, by the way, thank you all for the lovely comments last blog. I am feeling the love! xx And, last thursday night, I got home after the other two. While I was in the kitchen, Fluffy made me a cup of tea. As we were all standing around talking, he also took the potatoes I had just gotten out to peel, and peeled them himself. Then, he also sliced them up for me. It was great!

BORING!

2011-07-12T10:15:00.002+09:30

Okay, so I know I haven't been on here for a while. But seriously, that's because there has been nothing happening at my place. And, lets face it, no one reads this crap anyway.

Apart from Fluffy having more time off with pneumonia and Dobby having a head cold, little has been happening. Endless rounds of work, housework, sleep, work, housework, sleep.

We did, however, decide to swap around Dobby's room and the office. Man, what a chore that turned out to be. We started it Saturday and we're still going. Don't expect photos, because I just don't have time to take any, and the rooms are too difficult and small to really photograph anyway.

Saturday Dobby started cleaning her room. Sort of. Then I stripped off the 3 bookshelves from the office. Once Dobby had moved enough rubbish off her floor we were able to move her bed aside and shift the 3 bookcases out of the office into her room. I also had to take my work table apart. Not literally of course. So that ended up on it's side, with it's legs at head level, in the hallway for all to bash themselves sensless on. But Saturday night we got Dobby's bed into the other room.

On Sunday her friend came over and they spent the day sorting through some of Dobby's mess. Well, they did to a little. I did heaps. But then hit a snag because I can't get anymore done. See, I wanted Fluffy to move the table outside. But he figured we could get rid of a cupboard of Dobby's that she didn't need, and her almost-new desk, and put my table in the office instead.

So he moved them into the middle of the office. Now, I can't get to any thing behind it - books to put away, powerpoint to set up my desk again, the rest of Dobby's stuff. So, we ground to a halt. There are piles of books and bags of clothes lining the hall and spilling into the lounge, and the only available space in the office is now crammed with crap waiting for other stuff to be moved before we can continue.

Solution? Phone the Salvos and see if they'll come pick up the cupboard and desk, and all the books and bags as well. Then we can access the other stuff needed to finish.

And who will do that? Me. When I have a tick. Probably after I finish posting this....

It has to be clean for next weekend anyway (not this one, luckily), as I have a Postie Fashions party planned. Sigh. Things we do to ourselves!

Laura

2011-06-15T18:13:00.004+09:30

So, some of you were wondering why we needed to go costume shopping last blog.

Well, this weekend saw us slip away to Laura for a few days. Laura is a tiny little place in the mid north, about three and a half hours drive from Adelaide. The kind of place that makes you think of those small towns we used to visit as a child. Wide streets, double carWe all took Friday off (well, Fluffy had Friday off anyway) and headed up early.

Why did Fluffy have Friday off? Last week he was not feeling any better, so he made a trip back to the doctor. He had to have a chest x-ray and blood tests, plus an ECG. Luckily, though, nothing further showed up, so he's just taking more antibiotics. Anyway, it did mean another week off work for him.

So, Friday morning we took our time. We stopped halfway at Port Wakefiled for a pie and stretch the legs, and made it up there about half one.

It was terribly cold, and a bit overcast, but still nice. Our site was large, and it helped that we set up before we realised what we were using as our slab we were supposed to park the van on! Oh well!

Friday night we sat around the camp fire yakking, but it was pretty cold so I hit the hay early. There wasn't really any other kids Dobby's age, just one other young lass a year younger, so Dobby asked her if she'd like to bunk in Dobby's tent. She agreed.

Saturday dawned nice. Some cloud, cold, but the promise of a nice day. Some members went for a drive. We drove a few km up the road to the next town, Stone Hut, which boasts the best pies in the area. Very expensive, though, so we didn't sample.

A drive around some of the roads outside Laura, and a quick pic of this building, then it was back home and kick back to rest.

Earlier the kids had Kids Club, and made crowns and jelly for everyone. Yummo! Saturday evening and it was time to party.

Yes, it was Queen's Birthday weekend, so we all had to wear royal headgear. There were a lot of little silver tiaras around plus all the crowns the kids made. A couple made an effort, but there was a guest of honour - this lady...

Not bad for 85, yes? I had a lot of fun giving the Grand Executioner (behind me) plenty of work!

Dobby's reaction?

Oh my Lord...

It was my turn to organise the event, so we played a guessing game called Reverse Celebrity Head. The group was broken into 4 smaller groups. Each team selected 4 names from a pile. Then, one person within each group had to try to get the others to guess who they were. They could mime, charade, or answer yes and no answers. Each child got a prize of a Freddo Frog.

After that game, we played musical chairs. Again, it was on for young and old, but they always make sure a kid wins (although I think this miffs a few adults). Lets face it, it's a bit hard for a kid to beat an adult sometimes. But everyone had fun. The last two kids both received another Freddo.

Last game of the night was Pass the Parcel. Each layer contained yet another Freddo. The kids all got one first, then random adults. As officiator (well, official onlookers), Fluffy and I had more fun sitting and watching I think. The winner chose to put forth her prize of a block of chocolate into the supper laid out for the evening. There was a block leftover as well, so I broke that up onto the same plate.

After Pass the Parcel it was time for the Queen to blow our her candles and cut up her cake. Then it was free for all on the supper.

I think it went well, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

The event was held in a tiny little church adjacent to the caravan park. When we left we could feel a distinct iciness in the air. It was positively freezing! Dobby had been on a steady diet of sugary sweets all day, so at the end of the night felt quite light headed. She headed home and was in bed by half eight.

Funniest thing of the night was when I was making my way home, and the club Vice President escorted me outside. I mentioned my night vision sucked and he said "just follow me, I'll help you". And then promptly walked into a tree.

I laughed so hard and he said "there's the gate, now piss off through it". I laughed all the way back to the van (in the dark!).

Saturday night was so cold! We had the heater in the van turned up high and we were still cold. Fluffy got up at 4.30 and went to the loo, and let the dog in. At six there was some banging and Dobby stumbled in. It was still dark so we all went back to bed.

When we got up there was frost all on the ground,

and someone told us it had gotten down to minus three. Brrr!

Sunday morning was morning tea, then we were let loose on the countryside again. Along with another family we decided to take a drive into Gladstone to visit the old Gaol. After a stop for icecream that is.

We had visited before, on our second round trip in 2001. Now, there is a little tea shop there instead of the old gift shop, but sadly no EFTPOS meant we were not stopping for tea.

We were given a short guided tour then left to our own devices. It was great taking a walk around the old rooms. Now apparently you can stay there overnight for a few dollars. Our group, being the party monsters they are, have decided they are going to organise a sleepover there. It's guaranteed to be a hoot. Fingers crossed that comes to fruition.

After our visit we returned for Club Game and Happy Hour, then dinner and back to the fireside.

I didn't quite make it out to the fire, an older member of the club sat for a chat. Then, Fluffy came back and went for a shower. So I thought he was coming inside. He was, but the member came back again while I was inside waiting so we chatted another hour and Fluffy joined the hardy bunch around the fire.

Dobby slept inside again... but it wasn't as cold.

Monday we took our time packing up for the trip home. We didn't leave until 12.30, which as far as I know, is the latest we have ever left a rally. We were home by four, and Roger was happy to see us. It's lovely to get away, but always nice to come home.

Fluffy went back to the doctor today (Wednesday) and was given the rest of the week off. He has to keep up his antiboitics till they run out, then he should be on the mend. Guess we'll see...

Weekend? What weekend.

2011-06-05T17:10:00.002+09:30

Well, that's what it feels like anyway. I seem to always be doing something. Except for the odd period when I stop for a few minutes. I keep thinking I need another few days like the Easter rally. Just a few days of no chores, no cooking, no nothing!

Anyway, enough of that. This week, although busy, has been so mundane I have nothing to report. Fluffy is on the mend. The rib still gives him grief and he is coughing up crap, but that's how it's supposed to go so he'll be fine.

Dobby finally got her room clean(ish) this weekend. Remember last weekend I bought her new school shoes? I got a call before lunch on Friday. "Mum, my shoes have a hole in them. Seriously, I can't walk in them". What to do? I suggested she go to the office for tape or something. As it happens, they have a couple pairs of spare shoes so she was able to borrow a pair for the rest of the day.

When she got home, the whole toe of her shoe has come unstuck. So today I took them back. They really did look like they had been worn more than a week, but I had the receipt as proof and they had no choice but to refund them. They originally told me they could do a swap. I said right out I did not want another pair of them. Doesn't have to be the same they said. No, I didn't want another pair. I found a pair in another store I want, so I don't want to take a pair of shoes that are not needed. She eventually refunded my money. Thank goodness.

Dobby found another pair, similar but with a far sturdier sole on them this time. I hope.

Other than that, it's been very slow. Sorry. I finally made it to the physio for my back yesterday morning. It's sore still now, but a few more treatments and it will be okay.

Oh, and we did go costume shopping Thursday night. Why? You'll have to wait until next blog! Sorry!

Cough Cough

2011-05-30T09:49:00.007+09:30

So we've had a rather slow week this last week. Not much to write about so it'll be a short one.

The only exciting thing to happen was Fluffy got sick. Sad, isn't it? He never gets sick. When he phoned me Thursday before I had even left work and said he was almost home, he'd left work early because he wasn't' feeling well, I knew he had to be sick.

I made him a doctor's appointment for the next day and put him to bed.

Friday I had made arrangements to meet my walking buddy (with whom I never get time to go walking) to meet for a quick cuppa up at the local deli. Fluffy's appointment was for just before that so I was hoping he'd phone before I left. He did.

He said the doctor sent him straight down for an x-ray, which he got immediately, and after the radiologist phoned the doctor straight away. He has pneumonia and a cracked rib. Poor baby, no wonder he's in pain.

When he gets sick he does it properly. Anyway, the doc was quite worried and surprised that Fluffy had lasted that long before seeking help. Apparently his lungs were full of shadowy deposits of gunk. The doc gave him antibiotics and ordered him to bed, with strict instructions that if it was no better Saturday he was to phone the doc, who would admit him to hospital. In the mean time he was bedridden till at least Tuesday.

So, Fluffy has spent the weekend reading and resting. He got up a few times to tinker, but soon headed back to bed.

I took Dobby out for the day Saturday. We were supposed to meet a friend for lunch but she too is ill so I went out early and ran some errands, munchies for Fluffy at the cheap grocery store, and magazines and stuff from the Newsagents to keep Fluffy occupied. Then I picked up Dobby and took her out to Harbourtown to spend her Smiggle voucher and find new school shoes (3rd pair this year, can you believe it? The soles keep coming off them, and they are all different brands!). Anyway, we found the shoes, spent the voucher, and toddled off home.

She was supposed to have a friend over Saturday night but with Fluffy ill we decided not to do that, so the friend offered to take Dobby instead. So a little after 4 I dropped her off.

Then went home to assemble a TV shelving unit thing (sorry, forgot photos). I cooked some dodgy fish and potatos for Fluffy and I, took his into him, and settled in front of the telly. He had dinner in bed Friday night, Breakfast in bed Saturday, I bought Subway for lunch Saturday and he got that in bed too, then dinner Saturday night.

Sunday I got up fairly early to take care of some more housework and cleaning up. Fluffy at breakfast with me at the table then did a little tidying while I was doing other chores. He retired back to bed and after making some sandwiches for Fluffy's lunch, I went to pick up Dobby and her friend and take them to the movies. I had won a double pass to see Burke and Hare (see trailer here). Very, very funny.

Then, we went looking for a pencil case for the friend, and to JayJays for both girls. Dobby got very distressed because she couldn't find anything she liked to fit. She has put on a couple of kg recently... so her mood soured terribly. Sigh...

We stopped for a very late lunch at Maccas and I took the friend home. Then Dobby cheered up a little and we made our way home.

Boy, did I get a shock when I checked the bank account. I don't go shopping much (well, little stuff here and there) but this weekend, after buying lunches, movie munchies, groceries, magazines, a fluffy robe for Fluffy, pajamas for myself, I went through a heck of a lot of money.

Anyway, the weekend wasn't over for me. More housework with ironing and cooking, room service for Fluffy, and then by the time it was bedtime I was exhausted. I made two more pages of mother's scrap book and fell into bed about ten. Whew.

So, there you go. Boring week for the most part. Next week will be interesting, we're going costume hunting!

Wild and Wooly

2011-05-22T18:53:00.011+09:30

And not just my hair, although today I do look like that mangy dog I was accused of being a few years ago, before I learned how to do my hair properly.

Anyway, the week that was was not terribly exciting. Usualy boring stuff of work, work and more work. Dobby had a netball thing on for school, which meant an excursion to Etsa Stadium (where the famed Thunderbirds play from), which finished at 3.00pm. Therefore I got to leave early. Boy, did I need that. But after I had to take her to the Uniform shop for a top up of school uniforms (she has put on a little weight already this year) and a new school bag. Her original bag was just too small and last year's was too heavy. She is really happy with the one from the school itself. Quite big and still extremely heavy but necessary.

Then, because it was actually this weekend that we were going away, I got to leave Friday at 3.00 again. I had to stop at the accountant's office on the way home, so it was lovely to beat everyone home.

Fluffy bought himself a little 6-bottle wine fridge for the caravan, and it was dispatched on Monday. Plenty of time for it to arrive, yes? Well, all week he made enquiries. He told them when it arrives to hold it at the depot. They put it on a truck. Then he told them he wasn't home so take it off the truck. They said how many times do I need to tell you we can't take it off the truck. Your mistake, you fix it he said.

Then, when I got home at 3.30, I told him it hadn't arrived but there was a card left in the letter box advising they had been.

He was straight back on the phone telling the chick that we were leaving at 5.00 and it had better be here. No, we can't do it. Yes, he said, your mistake. You will do it. It arrived at 4.55... One happy Fluffy.

We did leave on time, and by 5.20 were on the freeway. One part of our journeys I always hate is the freeway. It's steep, winding, and full of maniacs. I am of late a very nervy person and I don't relax until we pass the Hahndorf exit, some 15km or so out of Adelaide.

This time was our first with the Fairmont pulling the new van. The Mitsubishi pulled our old van up there no sweat. The Fairmont struggled, indeed getting quite hot at one point. But the other car would not be able to pull the new van. At least we know we can do it, but I think it will struggle a bit. Mind you, it does pull it at all other times without blinking an eyelid.

We arrived about 6.30pm, it was dark and cold and there was no one at all in sight. Only a half dozen vans were there, so we picked our site and set up. By the time we had finished the others started wandering back from the nearby pub.

We all gathered, as we usually do, outside someone's van for drinkies. I popped in and out, as I usually do. It was getting toward "that time" and I wasn't feeling very comfortable. And with good reason, when they came, they came with gusto and that was it for me for the evening.

The showers for the back half of the little caravan park consisted of a row of 3 unisex ensuites. They had a shower and toilet in each room, with plenty of space. Very clean and lovely too. And the showers were nice.

Saturday we had morning cuppa, club game, then some of us formed a convoy (we were able to play this time because they didn't go 4-wheel-driving). We just drove around. Wellington offers a caravan park, a pub, a service station and a ferry across the river. South Australian ferries look like this. Scroll down to Wellington. We decided not to take the van across one but come down the inland road, which was a bit of fun because the road wasn't as good. But it was probably quicker anyway.

But we took the convoy of cars across for something to do this day.

On the way back we stopped at the Courthouse Museum for something to do. I took these photos:

There was the usual stuff inside, and while it was lovely and interesting, it wasn't really worth photographing. I thought the above were more visually appealing. We had an icecream and headed back to camp.

Happy hour then, and we watched the weather start to turn. I took some photos:

and after Fluffy, Dobby and I went to the pub for dinner. It was rather expensive but huge serves (none of us finished our meals) and the food was to die for. But a large group of young persons (man, I must be getting old) came in and one lass in particular had a horribly loud voice. With all of them shouting at once, and a group of drunk men shouting out from the pokies room, after only 45 minutes we took our leave.

A local made a comment about the imminent weather and we also heard rumblings from some other locals through the day, so we decided that all of us should batten down in case the nasty weather dropped in for a visit.

We managed to secure the hall across the road from the park for a few hours after dinner, but we didn't stay long. Most people wanted to be sure to be indoors before the "storm" struck.

Well, it was a little blowy, and actually got warmer as the evening progressed. In fact, I had to kick off the blanket and open the window.

I got up to go to the loo at 1am, and at 1.15 it started raining steadily. It rained quite a bit through the night but we saw no wild weather.

Until we headed home. Then we hit it.

Up through the tunnels was foggy, wet and the cross winds were killer. We made it home safely though, and Fluffy put the van away. But while he did I had to stand in the rain with the radio and direct him. He has to manoeuvre it around the front yard, and it's difficult to see the fence, tree, house etc so I get to be his eyes on the ground. I got wet. He didn't.

He is a legend at putting the van away, though. It seems to get easier as he figures out is landmarks etc. We hadn't packed much in it this time so it didn't take long to unpack it. Then I did some ironing, swept the floor, and took a couple hours to flake out on the bed watching old sit-coms (Lucille Ball, Green Acres). It was fabulous. And the best part? The cat missed me. Makes it all worthwhile...

Whoops!

2011-05-16T09:23:00.005+09:30

So this week was the weekend away that almost was. See, we were all set to go away this last weekend, but then Thursday night realised we had our dates mixed up! We had the car hooked up, groceries purchased, and even got the new dog bed:

Then, Fluffy happened to phone one of the other members, and we realised we had totally mixed up the dates. It's next weekend! Face palm for sure!

Anyway, it's a good thing too. The week and indeed the weekend, was cold and wet. We seem to be in a permanant state of cold lately. Can't seem to get warm. I took these recently on the way home from work, just with the phone camera so they're not great, but you get my drift anyway.

Also, Dobby has changed guitar nights. She now goes on Monday evenings at 5, just before I get home. Why? Because she has joined school netball. We were unsure when they were playing, just that it was Wednesday.

Turns out she plays after school Wednesdays so now I have to pick her up from the local sports stadium. Luckily it's not far away, and hopefully she'll be just ready to go when I get there. She is worried about waiting on her own for me. She'll be fine once she gets into the swing of it, but these funny little insecurities are beginning to pop up now more than ever. Refuses to take public transport now because she doesn't like taking a bus on her own. She used to go with friends. Then she discovered the "school" bus, and takes that. Never mind, I prefer she takes that one anyway, gets her home earlier!

Note to self - forgot to leave money for guitar for tonight. Du-oh! Blonde.

Anyway, remember last week I said I had to visit the sign writer for Fluffy? This is what he got done.

Luckily he phoned me because what he wanted wouldn't have fitted. I decided to measure it while talking to him and he realised it didn't fit. So I told him what he needed. Unfortunately he didn't speak to the fellow again and I had to give him the changes.

Anyway, what do you think? I had to guess at the colour too. Well, Fluffy told the guy he wanted it in blue. Blue, I asked? Why? The new van colours are silver and maroon.... Oh....of course! We had the last van for ten years so it's difficult to get used to new stuff. But when I picked the colour from memory, and we stuck it up there, it's pretty close to the maroon tick above the word Stirling. Doesn't look it in this pic, but it is.

Anyway, another week down and a weekend spent bludging. Shopping again. I found some crafty things to add to my collection for mum's scrap book, and Dobby needed new netball shoes (her others had no sole left and holes in the sides).

Plus, I don't know if anyone else watched the Eurovision contest over the weekend? We did. I LOVED it. Particularly loved Serbia.

Final Eurovision 2011 - Serbia HD by alexandru2006

Dobby liked Denmark...

and I also liked Iceland

But it sure was hard to choose! Another good one was Ukraine. Check them all out. Fantastic!

Anyway, I'm at work so I had better go do some, yes?

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-09T10:50:00.002+09:30

So it's been a relatively slow week. But given that we are going to go away for a short trip next weekend, this weekend meant a lot of extra work. Mainly just remaking the beds and putting stuff back into the van that comes out (towels, clothes, sheets etc) and making sure the housework gets done because I can't leave it another week so to speak.

So Saturday was pretty full on. I was feeling pretty bad because Fluffy had decided to work all weekend, and he didn't take Dobby shopping on Thursday night for a Mother's Day gift. I figured they didn't really care, and because I already had one little gift that Dobby picked for me last weekend, that I was set.

Admittedly, a lot of it was hormonal, but I was feeling terrible anyway. Then, when I had my weekend all planned, Fluffy asked me to go shopping Saturday and get us all track pants for the caravan. We have only had summer gear in the van so our clothes needed updating.

I agreed just to nip up to the local KMart and see what I could do, because I had so many other chores to take care of.

Then, before I left, he asked me could I go to a sign writer in our area, and wait while he put together some lettering for the van. Sigh. Okay, sure.

A little earlier Sarah's mum had asked if I could take Sarah for the weekend because she had stuff on and Sarah would be spending most of the day Saturday and a portion of Saturday evening alone, and she would be better off with people. She's 13 but can function on her own. Of course, I said yes.

So once she came (an hour later than the time mentioned, which meant I spent an hour not wanting to start anything so we could go out as soon as she arrived!) we went up to KMart.

I found us all trackies, and Dobby found some genie style pants for $10 that she loved. Maccas for lunch, then before we went home I got Fluffy to check if that bloke was ready for us yet. No, he'd be another half to three quarters of an hour yet.

So I took the girls around the corner to the video shop. Wasted half an hour there, and made our way back to the sign writers. I didn't want to go all the way home and come all the way back out. May as well wait. So we did. Another half hour. Finally he came back, and I went inside. Fluffy had faxed across what he wanted so all I had to do was pick out the blue for Fluffy. Blue, I said? Our van is maroon and silver...

And, of course, the only piece of maroon he had was two small pieces. She he had to fiddle and fix until he could get it to fit. Then he had to cut and assemble it. Long story short, I was inside for another 45 minutes. The girls were waiting in the car all that time.

Back home and I find Fluffy getting the washing in. Earlier in the day I had tried to clean the oven. Another chore Fluffy said needed doing. We put cleaner in Friday night, but Saturday it didn't shift much at all. I lack strength in my fingers now so couldn't scrub it like it needed. Fluffy did. He did a fantastic job and it looks like new.

The problem was that I needed the oven for dinner. Luckily we have a microwave/convection oven, so I used that. Chicken curry and rice for dinner. Yummo!

So Fluffy did a wonderful job on the oven and I had to dirty it Sunday night with roast potatoes :-)

Anyway, after doing chores all day Saturday, including cutting out the material for two cushions for the van, I was pretty miffed and tired.

Fluffy got a bit upset at me because I explained my frustration. I got angry at him, (sorry Fluffy) and tried to tell him why I was frustrated, that I was so busy and he had given me extra chores which really upset the rhythm of my day. After dinner he asked would I like him to sit with me while I finished the cushions. I would love that. So he did. It was nice. This is the end result:

He loves them. The fit right in. I made them like pillow cases, and the back is the brown fabric of the couches.

Then, after I finished those, he asked would I like to have a go at a table topper. Not quite a runner, and not a table cloth. So between the two of us we designed this:

We both hate the bright colour of the table (admittedly not quite as "yellow" as it looks here but bright anyway) so we put together this cover. Looks great we think.

Stuff cleaning up, we just went to bed.

Sunday he wished me happy Mother's day before he went to work. He also told me he had stopped on the way home after work Saturday and bought me a present, and gently chastised me for thinking he didn't love me enough to buy me a gift. Silly me (feels bad).

Sunday the girls slept in late, so I got up and made myself breakfast. Did some more housework. When they got up they had just enough time to scoff some toast before Sarah's mum came to get her.

As soon as they left Dobby and I headed down to Marion to pick up a few more things - slippers for Fluffy (and me), a couple more pairs of the genie pants (dubbed penis pants by Sarah because she thought they made it look like Dobby had one...) and a bite to eat.

KMart down at Marion didn't have any of the pants so we had to go back up to Kurrulta Park, where we had been yesterday. And to Coles for bread.

Back home and Dobby gave me my card she made and the $100 Millers gift voucher Fluffy had bought me, plus the gift set of bath products Dobby had bought last weekend.

Then it was straight back to work. And, I had to go back out again and return the videos and pick up cheese and milk I had forgotten earlier... this blonde brain thing I am having is sure driving me crazy! In between I put a lovely roast into the saucepan for a slow steam. Lovely! Vacuumed the lounge as well.

Dinner was beautiful, and afterwards Fluffy sat with me while I did two pages of mother's scrap book.

Well, what a weekend. I am quite looking forward to doing nothing this weekend. Fluffy is home today (he went to work for a short period this morning to do a couple of little things) and when I just spoke to him he said he was going to wash the floors for me. He has also said he'd get the washing off the line for me today. Aaah, lovely!

All I have to do now is the ironing while he takes Dobby to guitar tonight (new day new time).

Early night for me I think...

Nice and easy

2011-05-02T09:05:00.002+09:30

So I don't have too much to write about this week. My last post was after the long weekend so since then not much has happened.

Work was only 3 days, which is always good. If I were in Qld I would also be at home today, but since that's not the case, I find myself writing this at work.

Dobby was home on holidays last week, complaining because she was bored. So what do bored teenagers do? Eat. Lots of it. I had to go do a grocery shop on the weekend. Whew that kid can clean out a pantry faster than I can fill it.

Prior to the long weekend I had bought her a couple of bras, but unfortunately one set of two were on the wrong hanger, and were indeed 10A sized instead of 14C. So on Wednesday I took them back. Now, I'm not sure how scanners work, but when we looked at the docket, the only entry for "2" of anything was the same brand as the bras, but scanned at $18.95.

When I returned them, the lass scanned them and they came up at $12.95. What the! Not sure how that happened but luckily she refunded me the total cost of $18.95. Unless they changed the pricing Easter Saturday...

Fluffy decided because he had a week off he'd work all weekend, so Dobby and I had to put up with each other. We do that a lot now. This Saturday, I charged her with cleaning her room while I nipped down to the chemist and cheap grocery shop next to the chemist. Then took off to Coles to do some grocery shopping. Gone for a while I was. Dobby's sort of done her room. As she had gotten lots of vouchers and things for her birthday I promised her I would take her shopping after I got home.

She wanted a friend to come too so she was waiting for said friend. Who didn't turn up. Nor did she leave her a message to say she couldn't make it. Given this girl's circumstances I really wasn't upset at her. And although Dobby was disappointed, she didn't make a fuss.

Because just before I left another friend's mum left me a message asking if Dobby could come over Saturday night for a sleepover. Naturally she accepted...

So, after we unpacked the groceries we headed down to Marion shopping centre. We decided to stop for lunch first and found a quiet expensive little cafe. Mind you, it was probably quiet because it was expensive, because the place was packed. I wonder what it is about rainy days that brings everyone to the shopping centres??

Anyway, we dined on lasagna and very tasty fries. Then I popped to Angus & Robertson (one of the few remaining) and bought myself two $12 crime books. Then we headed north to JayJays so Dobby could spend her $100 in vouchers she had.

We took our time. I scored several singlets and two tees from the $3.50 table (bargain!) and Dobby found two light jumpers, which came to a total of $34. I was very proud of her not spending all her money at once.

Back to Big W and a quick look for an album to start Mother's scrap book with. I have decided that for her 70th birthday next year I am going to put all her favourite pictures together in one place. She joked she'd be dead by then and wouldn't be able to enjoy it. That's ok, says I, I'll inherit it back, won't I? No worries, done deal! Haha.

Anyway, Dobby helped me choose a lovely purple and flowered album for $30 and then some pretty paper, a pack of 48 sheets for $11, and some of the paper even matched the album! Bonus!

A trip to Gloss to spend most of her voucher and we were knackered. We decided we needed a drink so stopped at Spargos, and I treated us to a glass of dessert - Black Forrest for me and Tirimisu for Dobby. She decided she doesn't like alcohol... it gave her a bit of an upset stomach. Neither of us could finish our dessert, they were both very rich.

Home again, and we had just enough time to drop off her stuff and grab her overnight bag before heading over to her friend's house for a sleepover. We passed Fluffy at the end of the street so exchanged a couple of quick words with him and we were off.

This poor friend has been celebrating her birthday since the Wednesday before, so at 2am was up throwing up. Too much sugar, not enough sleep, so she totally passed out Sunday morning. The mum (who doesn't live there, she was staying with Dad) phoned me to say she'd bring Dobby home as she lives near by. That was very nice of her I thought.

Fluffy and I had bacon and eggs for dinner Saturday night, and veged in front of the telly giggling our silly asses off to Funniest Home Videos. It was nice and relaxing.

Sunday he went to work again, and I did a little housework before Dobby came home. Then we pretty much did nothing. How lovely it is to sit around and not move for a while...

Sadly, though, it makes for a boring blog. But I think sometimes I would rather have a boring blog and hectic weekend, yes? Hope you don't mind though...

Thank God for long weekends!

2011-04-26T17:59:00.008+09:30

Well, this week has just been so hectic, that the weekend was true bliss. Boss has been away so I have had the office to myself and I believe I am almost caught up. Almost.

Last Monday was Dobby's birthday, as you know, and she spent the day with a friend. They cleaned up their mess, which is what we wanted, so she had a great birthday. After we got home, and the friend was duely collected, we took her to dinner at Montezuma's Restaurant. It's a Mexican place, and her first time there. Although I love the food, I don't think the other two will go again.

It took them half an hour to take our order. Another half to deliver it. An hour to come see if we wanted dessert, then another 20 minutes to come back to take our dessert order. And the place was hardly occupied, so they can't say they were run off their feet.

Fluffy, again, forgot his glasses so ordered on my suggestion, which I don't think was a good idea. When his food arrived, it was one small taco, a bowl of some dodgey salad stuff which he hated, and a bowl of a bean dip type of stuff. Dobby ordered nachoes, which she said weren't too bad, and I ordered a side of guacamole to share. It cost $5 and was probably the equivalent of one avocado...

I ordered my usual prawn and tomato dish, which I love, so I was happy.

After dinner we wandered home for a relatively early night.

Tuesday we were supposed to have a fellow stop by after work but as it turned out Fluffy was able to meet him on his way home. And Monday and Tuesday was a whirlwind for me of getting insurance ready, making calls, getting things organised.

Wednesday was guitar. Wednesday was also a very special day.

New Van Day. Yes, Wednesday was the day Fluffy picked up the new van. Originally I was to go with him but as I was the only one at work I couldn't. Dobby was home so she went. Apparently they got home just before me, as I met them out on the street.

Fluffy handed me the walkie talkie and away he went. It only took a few goes to get it, but he managed to park it on the front lawn, it's new home.

This van is somewhat larger than the last. Certainly taller - I can barely reach the clips that hold the pop top down! I can stand upright in this one without touching the ceiling. And it's a bit longer too. Duel axle, so a bit harder to maneuver, but Fluffy has had heaps of experience with this stuff so aced it, of course.

Then, after putting some minted lamb chops and oven fries in the oven, it was time to fill her up! And we did. Although not completely. I have free cupboards! And, for the first time since Fluffy made himself a wine cellar, Dobby has room to store her stuff.

Under my bed was almost completely emtpy until this morning, when Fluffy decided some of the outside things can now go under there. Bummer.

Anyway, I had to work Thursday, so Fluffy and Dobby finished the van off. Not that there was much to do, it was pretty much done Wednesday evening.

Friday and we were off. We weren't sure where Polish Hill was, but I found a place called Polish Hill River on the map so we headed north. It's a two-hour drive up the new Northern Expressway, and not a hard drive either. The old Falcon pulled the van quite nicely. I suggested to Fluffy that we turn off this particular road, then take another as the map showed something that may be where we should be.

Turns out I was right on the money. We were the last to arrive, everyone else arriving the night before. We found ourselves a site, and set up. Only took about half an hour, including the tent.

Then we just sat back. Friday was, of course, Good Friday, so I planned to make prawns with creamy chili sauce and macadamia nuts. Only the sauce was way too thin. Served with Fettuccine. I must say, the others had two servings, so it mustn't have been too bad! And no, SOL, the sauce didn't curdle either.

Friday itself was spent socialising, chatting, sitting around and doing nothing. I could get used to that. Friday evening was video night in the huge shed. I think they watched National Treasure. I didn't. I had a new bed to try out so I got a shower, and grabbed my book, and climbed into bed. Holy crap it was cold! Anyone would think it was winter!

Saturday morning, after a very cosy comfy night, we all met up for coffee at ten, as per the SAPI club tradition. There were only 9 vans altogether, so it was lovely. We had Treasurer time, kids club, and a quick trip into Clare to grab microwave dishes and a loud shirt for Fluffy (I'll explain later) before lunch with some other members at the winery next door.

On Friday, Dobby and I went for a walk around the winery and took these photos:

It is a lovely winery but very expensive, and certainly not worth what you pay. But that's the norm isn't it? Still it was nice to sit around a chat with friends. Fluffy bought me a polo top and I talked him into buying himself a lovely striped rugby jumper.

The afternoon was again very lazy. Dinner was a combined hot pot. Everyone made something and we all shared it around. I didn't realise how many different variations you could get of chicken curry! I didn't have much but what I had was nice. We decided next time to do a combined dessert instead for something different.

Just after dinner all the boys suddenly got up and left. None of the ladies knew what was going on, but knowing our boys, it was going to be something funny. And it was. All the boys entered wearing their loud shirts, one wearing a sarong instead. Very funny. When it was time for the group photo, they all decided to lick Fluffy's balding head. Ew.

After dinner we retired to the fireside, while the kids again watched movies in the shed.

Sunday we all got up early, and I wandered off to take a few more pics:

But I had to hurry as the Easter Bunny was going to pay a visit soon. The kids went wild, and after the obligatory group photo, were sent outside to hunt for Easter Eggs, which according to club tradition, were divided up between them as fairly as possible.

Then the Easter Bunny arrived, and all the kids chased him around the area.

Then he got up on stage and handed out a bunny to everyone. Even I got one! The kids got a pack of 10 little ones and a small bunny. The adults got a medium sized bunny.

Dobby had a sudden stomach pain, which confined her to the van for about half an hour. As a result she missed the Easter Bunny's visit. At the request of one of the ladies, he paid a special visit to the van to give her her eggs.

Some of the group decided to head out for a 4WD experience, but Fluffy and I and a couple of other people stayed behind to relax. It was wonderful! So quiet! We were out in the middle of the bush, with just the winery for neighbours, plenty of native birds for company. Aaah.

The others returned about 4pm, and settled in for the usual Happy Hour. Then dinner and back to the fireside.

Monday was Anzac Day and as 3 of the group were military or ex military, all except us and a couple of other kids headed off to the dawn service. I heard them leave then went back to sleep. They arrived back about 8 or so and we all went back up for morning tea.

As most people were tired not much was done on Monday. A couple of groups went home early because they had to work or had visitors coming, but most of us stayed another day.

Dinner for a lot of us was take away from the local fish and chip shop. Talk about lazy!

This morning we were all packed up and ready well before morning tea. Only three vans weren't but we all stayed around to chat. Then at eleven it was time to go. After 4 whole days of sitting and doing nothing, it was very sad to go home.

But, home it was, to unpack, update the blog, post some photos of Facebook, and see my kitty. Roger had missed me it seems because he was very smoochy.

So, now before I think about going back to work tomorrow, it's time for a soak in a hot tub, and a last cup of tea I think....

All growd up

2011-04-17T21:12:00.010+09:30

So Dobby is 14 tomorrow. I know! Where did that time go? She turned 5 the year we moved to Adelaide, and in fact had her birthday at the caravan park we were living in at the time.

Now she's in highschool and causing me endless grief as only a teenager can. She has a party each year (lets face it, it's no fun with just your mum and your dad) but the last few years she has opted for just a small gathering for a sleepover. She toyed with a themed party, toyed pretty hard in fact, but in the end, just selected a few close friends for that ever popular teenage girl bonding night.

I wouldn't mind, but because our bedroom is directly across from the lounge, and said lounge is so tiny, it can get a bit loud. I draw the line a big parties. I usually say only two or three friends. This time, because she has a trundle bed and a fold up mattress, she chose 4 friends and herself.

But boy, those friends! They have to be the loudest group she has ever assembled in one party! Still, they were quiet enough early enough. Though not for Dobby. She stomped off to her room for half an hour apparently because they wouldn't stop talking. Then they woke her early this morning (and me) and she got crabby again at them. Dobby doesn't do the whole group friend thing very well sometimes...

Anyway, she planned this one entirely herself. She figured what she wanted to do, and what she wanted me to buy so she could do it. Luckily she only had a few friends over so it wasn't overly costly. She is a big believer in the gift bag thing, but being all teenagers, you can't just shove some lollies and a balloon in the bag. No, you have to go and buy those multi sets of silver bangles and split them among the bags. And some multi packs of candy, and glow sticks, and one or two other bits and pieces.

Plus Pass the Parcel. She LOVES Pass the Parcel. So we found a set of Lip Smackers lip gloss and she wrapped one every few layers of newspaper. In the middle was a card of earrings. Went down a treat. Dobby was DJ and each friend won a lip gloss, with one winning the card of earrings.

They ran around the back yard for awhile, ate party pies and sausage rolls and cocktail franks (I can't call them Cherios anymore, people don't get it unless they are from Queensland so I have to practice being a South Aussie). They ate ice cream cake for dessert, then had a chocolate fondue, but by then they were all full so didn't indulge much.

The icecream cake was a bit of a disappointment to look at, but Dobby was happy with it anyway, and it was half cookies and cream flavour, half hokey pokey, and declared a resounding success by all.

They retired to watch Burlesque and were relatively quiet for the rest of the night.

Today I got them all breakfast of buttered toast with complementary condiments and they went back to watch TV. Several times I reminded them their folks would be here soon so get dressed and pack up your gear. They were all still sitting around in their jammies when said parents arrived. Typical teenagers.

Dobby and I cleaned up, put the mattresses away, then went off to see Diary Of A Whimpy Kid 2. She loved it. Home again and we watched Knowing (with Nicolas Cage). Fluffy arrived home, sat outside for a bit, then retired to the bedroom to watch the formula one racing. And promptly fell asleep. Halfway through the movie Dobby too fell asleep. Even the cat was asleep. Man, it was soooo quiet for awhile.

Dinner tonight was quick and easy - just put some chicken thigh fillets into the dutch oven with a jar of curry simmer sauce and some oven fries. Too easy.

The rest of the week was busy preparing for the weekend. You may remember last year for Dobby's graduation present I gave her two tickets to see Short Stack and Good Charlotte. She wanted to take a friend but we were reluctant to let two teenagers go alone to a concert. So she got quite upset when that left, well, her daggy old mum. It's just not cool to go out in public with one's parents.

But by concert day she was quite excited. We were dropped off by Fluffy, and stood in a very long line outside for almost half an hour. Then waited inside for another. But it was worth it. The first band they had on was called New Empire. I didn't like them much, but Dobby did. I had packed ear plugs to protect my ears but the music level was quite tolerable.

Next band were Short Stack. Dobby has long been a fan of theirs. The last year she decided maybe not quite so. But when I gave her the Good Charlotte tickets and she saw who was their support act, she was quite excited. They were actually very good. They tour again in July so she has asked to go see them then too. General admission tickets though.... not sure. Would have to arrive very, very early and snavel a seat methinks.

Anyway I didn't want to take my big camera so I used my phone:

I have more Short Stack pictures than Good Charlotte, because Dobby wanted them, and because my phone battery was going flat and I had to still phone Fluffy after the show. Here's a Good Charlotte pic:

Not terribly great photos, but Dobby was happy with them. Our seats look quite far away but it's just the camera. We were actually well placed I thought. We paid the same for seated comfort as those in the mosh pit. The place was not overly crowded which surprised me. And when the two young girls in front and to the left of us tried to stand up, the mother of the family beside us soon put paid to that rubbish. She twice made them sit when they got carried away. Go MUM! Haha.

Short Stack were not real loud either. During the break I went to the loo and wandered down to the merchandise stand. I had planned to buy Dobby a Good Charlotte shirt anyway, but when I saw a CD and poster for $25 of Short Stack I decided she could have that too. She was over the moon.

Then Good Charlotte came on. Oh man! They were sooo loud the music distorted. I promptly shoved my ear plugs in which toned it down to a more bearable level, but it was soo bad I couldn't recognise what song they were even playing because I couldn't hear the words!

They were good anyway, and we enjoyed the show. Fluffy picked us up after the show, after some initial confusion about where he had actually parked. Because I had guessed we'd be done my ten thirty, and he got bored at home, he came over an hour early and sat waiting for us. We didn't get out until after eleven. Home by eleven thirty and poor Dobby couldn't hear a thing after that.

That was Tuesday night. Wednesday she had guitar and her teacher started her playing "What Planet Are You From" by Short Stack. Thursday Fluffy took the black furry boys to the vet to get their shots, and I took Dobby to Marion to search for cheap lolly bag fillers. We did okay. So did the boys. Apparently the vet said he was very happy with Roger, saying we did the right thing by keeping him as a primarily indoor cat who only goes out under supervision, and his coat was lovely, and he's not fat (just fluffy).

Ozzie got a glowing bill of health too. The vet told Fluffy that if he ever had to show anyone what a border collie cross dog should look like, well, he'd get Fluffy to bring in Ozzie. He's right on his correct weight and he was told not to worry about his hip displacia because there were things they can do now to help with that when the time comes that don't even require surgery. Neat! I'm glad we got that out the way before we go away in the van next weekend.

Friday was get ready for party night. We packaged up the bags and cleaned the house. Saturday Dobby was to do a couple of chores then I would take her to buy the party food but she was being a pain so I went alone. I had to go to the cheap grocery store for chips and soft drink (because it's right beside the Chemist Warehouse where I had to buy iron pills) then across town to Harbourtown to Woolies for the rest of the food and the cake.

Oh yes, I went to the doctor on Friday because I had tried to give blood last week but my iron count was way too low and they sent off a sample to their lab. No drama, but I have to take pills for six weeks then go for another blood test.

Anyway, back to Saturday. Then, home to help decorate the house and set up for the party. Fluffy was at work so it was just us. Dobby got the lounge cleared and set up and then we sorted the food. Then the guests arrived and it was party time.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Oh my, that was strange. Just as I sit here typing this, the front doorbell rang. Unusual in that it doesn't always work. Even more unusual in that there was nobody there. At all. Fluffy answered it (it is ten to ten at night afterall) and there was no one. He went out the front, looked up and down the street. No one.... *insert Twilight theme music here....*

PS. Just as an end note, I started a diet a month ago. On Friday I went for a weigh in and I have lost 2kg. I also started Dobby on it but she won't seriously start until tomorrow (given we had a party weekend!).

I also decided to include a couple of the pics I said weren't really worth uploading last week. Because my brain was fried and I couldn't be bothered last week I guess....

Look! I photographed the rain! Hahahahah!

Ho Hum

2011-04-11T09:17:00.002+09:30

Well, I really have nothing to blog about this week. I am sure you don't want to hear all about the hassles I have been having at work, which sadly is all I have to blog about.

So, other than that, it's been quiet. I have been quiet on the camera, although I did take a few photos on the weekend, none of them are blog worthy. Just trying to capture the rain, and a couple of the dew on the lemon tree leaves in the early morning sun. But even those are not that great.

Dobby went for a sleepover Friday night. She spent the day Saturday there, coming home about 4. So I took the opportunity to go buy her some birthday gifts. She's 14 next week. My how time flies...

I also bought myself a cardi from Millers, with a 25% off voucher it only cost about $26. And it's very warm.

I didn't even do much in the way of house work on the weekend. Saturday, after I came home, I did the ironing, 2 loads of washing (although it was raining) and sat and watched Dexter all afternoon until Fluffy got home and it was time to pick up Dobby.

Sunday she cleaned her room. Took her all day but she knew it had to be done or the party was off. She did it. Then last night she had to work on an assignment. They are learning about Greek Gods.

Now, I am wondering why they are learning all this stuff? Shouldn't they be focusing on real history? Like the formation of this great nation? I believe she touched on it one year in Primary school but that's about it. Surely there is so much more relevant stuff they could learn, other than some mythical creatures that form the basis of someone's religion?

Anyway, she had to cut out a whole heap of names (probably about 50), and make them fit on a piece of green poster card. I trimmed them up for her yesterday while watching more Dexter, so that they would fit. Then last night we sat there with a printout of the family tree of these Greek Gods, and a ruler, and laid them all out in their proper areas. I tell you, my old body is not what it used to be.

My back and hips were so painful I could barely stand. I have never felt such pain. Today I am still struggling. I had to get down on my knees just now to fetch a piece of paper from behind the printer table, and I was almost in tears. Stupid, hey. We still have to draw the lines connecting the proper people to the right parents, but that's tonight's task.

Anyway, once we finished, I settled in to watch League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen. I hadn't seen that before. Quite enjoyed it really.

Well, now this week I am going for my weigh in. I've been on a diet for the last 3 weeks, 4 this Friday, and it'll be interesting. According to my scales I had lost about 4 kg at one point, but then today it's only 2. So I must have lost a heap in the first week or so then put some back on. I'll have to really concentrate this week to make sure that the scales reflect the hard work I have actually done.

I'll let you know next week. I'll actually have stuff to blog about then.

End of daylight savings

2011-04-03T13:25:00.008+09:30

...couldn't come quick enough. I hated getting up at 6.15 and it still being dark after 7. It meant we got the morning sun in our eyes driving Dobby to school and no joke, in some places it was an accident waiting to happen.

Anyway, last night it finished. Which meant that I went to bed at 10, but woke up at what would have been 7. But was only 6. But it was daylight...

So, this week? Well, workwise it was busy. There seems to be no slacking off time anymore. No days where I am not busy and can take it easy. We have had disaster after disaster, including the biggest gas company in the country running out of Butane LPG, and an ISO shipping container mysteriously changing the pressure of the LPG inside it. Stupid things that have meant that a customer who deals with both, has been digging their heels in and not helping us any further with exports or supply to other customers. Anyway, enough of that.

From my point of view, it's been a busy week. Tuesday saw my last photography lesson. I'm out on my own now. We have been given the names of some clubs we can hook up with. I think I'll look at two fairly close to home. Maybe...

On Monday Fluffy said not to make plans for the weekend we had something on. Oh, okay. What? Not telling. Well, that's no good. How can I plan anything? Don't plan anything was the answer.

So I didn't. Thursday night I found out what the surprise is. Fluffy sent me away here for the weekend. All by myself. Just me. Well, not to this specific place, but to a property owned by them.

It was a house on the outskirts of Gawler, and it was mine all weekend (well, for Saturday night anyway). As the tutor from the sculpting class I did has a studio there, I decided to take "Bertha" up to see if he could fire her. Turns out he has just done a firing and won't be doing it for quite some time, but he did give me some tips of what to do with her once she's been done. And suggested I take her to someone closer to home.

But I digress. So Saturday morning, I packed an overnight bag, loaded up my camera gear and Bertha, and drove the hour up to Gawler. I hadn't driven that far by myself since we moved to Adelaide 9 years ago, but I managed not to fall asleep. Quite proud of myself for that! Haha!

I did a drive by of the property, but wasn't sure if it was the right place, as there was a car in the drive and I couldn't see a roller door. The fellow said he'd open the roller door and put the key in a key safe inside the door.

But I figured I'd work that out later. I drove into town, and found a car park in a multi level thing. Lots of spaces - very rare to see that! I needed some new jeans so I stopped in BigW and found a cheap pair. Then, because it was still before lunch, I went for a walk around the main street. Found a couple of cheap shops but didn't have a lot of spending money for the weekend.

The bikie club was having a run through the town, so on the way up I went through two random breath test stations. Just after noon the first few police cars came through town, followed by a stream of bikies, followed up by another couple of police cars. One of those had a flat tyre thumping away and he didn't even seem to notice...

I phoned my art tutor and made arrangements to drop off Bertha. But, I got lost. There are two streets with the same name in Gawler, and I got the wrong one. Eventually, after several long waits at intersections, and several U-Turns, I managed to find him. Only, as I said, to find he couldn't help me.

Never mind. Time to go find my house. It was the place I had seen previously. Didn't even occur to me that it could have been the owner leaving the key for me that I saw before. D-uh! It's a lovely house, big enough for a family to live in.

And the fridge and pantry were stocked with all the essentials for breakfast.

Gosh! That reminds me! I hadn't had lunch and it was after 1.00pm! Ahh, but there is bacon, eggs, tomato, milk and juice, and a loaf of fresh bread. Perfect lunch right there. I cooked some up and sat reading my book in the quiet while I ate it.

After doing my dishes I decided to have an afternoon on the couch watching the Dexter dvd's my mother had given my for Christmas. It was fantastic, having nothing to do, only myself to answer to. No house work (apart from doing the dishes), no one fighting with me. I could get used to that.

In between episodes of Dexter I ventured into the back yard in search of interesting things to photograph. That mouse didn't sit still long enough to capture, but I did find some spider webs and a brick wall...

Eventually I decided I should venture out in search of dinner. It was about six I guess, still daylight, so I went across the road to the nature reserve creek thing and took these.

Then, drove up the main street in search of somewhere nice to eat. I turned a corner and found a little pub, which of course, was fully booked out. Except the beer garden. Well, lucky I have my jacket in the car.

After dinner I stopped to take some photos. They didn't turn out very well, but you may find a couple of them interesting.

After dinner it was back to the room for a relaxing spa.

What a way to pass half an hour or so. After the spa it was back in front of the telly. Watching something on the Universe. Bed at ten.

This morning when I got up, I made a cuppa and put Dexter back on. About 7.30 I cooked up the last of the bacon, some toast, tomato, and fried an egg. I dashed into the shower then packed up all my stuff. Then back to watch a bit more Dexter.

About 10.15 I left the room. I had seen adds for some markets on the way out of town. I found them, but there wasn't much there, so I just bought a bottle of home made olive oil for $5 (great price!) and hit the road.

I was him just after 12, and found the floors vacuumed, sheets changed, bed remade, house spotless. Yes, I could definitely get used to this....

**** Just thought I'd mention, too, that with my background, you might want to click on the photos to view them, then just click the back button to go back to the blog after each one. Might make them look a bit better... or not...

Over it

2011-03-28T10:13:00.004+10:30

Yes, totally over it now. Things are not so grand in my house. Nothing I'm prepared to go into, but boy, life seems to spiral out of control sometimes.

I think this middle age stuff is not all it's cracked up to be. Lately I have been so tired, stressed, and grumpy. I am feeling very much dissatisfied with my life but lack the ability to change things. I am frustrated with other things I can't change, and this makes me resentful. I know, it's all in the attitude. But having a tolerant attitude and the ability to take it all in your stride is not going to change the things that need changing, and there-in lies the frustration.

So, we plod along, trying to avoid the big issues, until someone takes charge. I am thinking of another trip to the family counsellor we saw last year...

But, aside from that, it's been fairly quiet. Fluffy was invited to a boys night out on Friday. I do think that's great, he doesn't have a "boy" friend/s that he socialises with at all, in fact he really has no life. He works 6 days a week and the 7th is usually spent under the car, or sleeping.

So, Friday he takes himself over the other side of town for a sleepover. He wasn't going to drive home, and didn't want me to drive an hour each way, in the early hours of the morning, to get him. Apparently they watched a few movies and the footy on a 72" LCD screen set up in a home theatre. He wants one now... And, he bagged the couch to crash on. He was home by about ten on Saturday.

Then, after he and I ran some errands on Saturday, while Dobby was supposed to be doing her room and didn't, and took care of a few other bits and pieces, he had another night out. He was invited by one of his recruitment agencies, to the big Crows 20th reunion night at AAMI Stadium. I think he got home (after getting a lift, bless him), about 1.00am. Apprently it was a fantastic night, met some of the past players, and important people at the crows, had a great feed, watched the game from a corporate box, and then back to The Shed for a party after.

As he was getting up for work at six, I lay awake pondering how he was going to get there. I decided I'd drive him. After protesting somewhat I got him into the shower then drove him across town to work, cursing myself because I had not thought to bring my camera. I missed a wonderful opportunity to capture some early morning photos over Port Adelaide. Dammit.

The rest of Sunday for me, until I had to pick him up, was a complete lack of action. I sat on the couch most of the day. And enjoyed it.

The only other thing that happend through the week worth mentioning was my trip to the city on Tuesday night for some night photography. What do you think?

There are people crossing the road here, believe it or not!

Just playing with the lighting with this...

My favourite, this one...

You do know that this is why median strips were invented? Haha. I like this one too.

We've been spending heaps of money and shopping furiously for stuff for the van, but I think it's all there now. I ordered two sets of sheets and two blankets online the other night, but realised that they may not come in before the van does, so we headed to Designer Direct at Harbourtown yesterday and bought two cheap sets of sheets. At least we'll have some. Then, we'll just use those as spares.

Now we just count down till the 20th. Got the Fairmont all ready - electric brakes, CB radio, reverse camera. I think I will get the bonking noise in the front checked, and get them to check why it doesn't always start first go. Sometimes you need to put it in Neutral first, then back to Park. Hmmm.

And Fluffy has gotten the tow hitch all painted up, put in the outlets for the power and camera, and she's set up ready to go.

Counting down now...

Here we go again

2011-03-19T16:28:00.013+10:30

Yep, started a new diet this weekend. And wouldn't you know it, when I went to jump on the scales... they're broken. Can't get a new set till next weekend. Never mind.

This week was okay. Busy busy. As always. Clipsal is in town this weekend. For those who don't know (or care) Clipsal is the big V8 Supercar street racing. Starts Thursday and goes till Sunday night. Big performances each evening, such as Rockwizz on Thursday, and Status Quo I think Sunday. And much more in between. On Tuesday, (Monday was a holiday), it took an hour and a quarter to get from Dobby's school to work, and that was without even going on to the post office. I kid you not. This is usually about a 25 minute run, including the post office. Traffic like you have never seen due to Clipsal road closures. Still, once people realised they seemed to take alternate routes and the traffic, although still congested, seemed to be easier for the rest of the week.

I love Clipsal. Hate the traffic disruptions, because I work in the next street over from the track itself, but the whole atmosphere is great. Real party atmosphere. We can hear the cars from work, and when the big airforce planes fly over we can hear them too. And the Roulette Stunt Planes. Can't see anything though, but the boss did tell me Friday (thanks a lot) that if I wanted I could walk down the laneway beside the building, to see the big screen they have erected at the other end. At least I will know for next year, hey!

Photography course on Tuesday got me all fired up to try night photography next week, plus our "light" session this weekend. Dobby and I decided to try some of the things the tutor was suggesting - adjusting shutter speed etc to create effects, and this is what we came up with. Neat, hey?

These were actually taken just on dark too, which makes it more impressive I think.

At guitar on Wednesday Dobby found out the spare set of strings she was given with her guitar last year are no good. Apparently you are supposed to take them out and stretch them now and then. Who would have thought? Anyway, the tutor couldn't repair her strings, so now we have to buy her a new set. Marion Shopping Centre used to have a music store. Not any more. Now I am not sure where to go to get some. You'd have thought the tutor could have done it and just charged us for the string, hey. But no. Always put pressure on stressed parents. Sigh.

Anyway, Friday night I had an offer of dinner with a friend and Lo! I actually went by myself. It was lovely. We went to Cafe Primo on Anzac Highway, and the queue was backed up out the door. It took us 20 minutes just to give our order. After us it actually got busier too. The people in front of us had to order special dietry foods and it took ages just for them.

Anyway, after getting a nice seat (next to a noisy baby with a hard toy to bang on the table) we sat down. Our meal was lovely, and we chatted until almost 9.00. How time flies!

Saturday I had an early start. I had to be in the city by 6.30am. It's still dark then! But it was well worth it. Mind you, it took awhile to get started. My first few shots would have been lovely if I had a tripod, but sadly I didn't and they all came out blurry.

Eventually when the sun broke through I could set my shutter speed a bit faster and got some lovely photos. Not perfect, but what do you think?

We took our time, wandering along the river bank. It was quite peaceful at that time of day, though there were plenty of early morning constitutionals making the most of the lovely weather.

Eventually we found ourselves back at the Rotunda in Elder Park, and after a few exercises with the tutor, we made our way to the cafe for a cuppa.

One exercise required us to find something we wouldn't normally photograph. I found these:

My teacher told me I had a good eye. Always reassuring, yes?

I think I left about 10.00am.

Then it was a quick trip home to relieve myself, wait for the kid to clean up her stuff and get ready, then off to Marion for school shoes. Fluffy did two loads of washing for me and cleaned up around the place. Then he played all day installing the reverse camera in the Falcon. It now has electric brakes, CB radio and reverse camera. Excellent!

As part of a school assignment, Dobby has to cook us a 3 course meal. Herself. With little guidance from me. How do you think that went? By Saturday lunch she hadn't even decided what to make.

Eventually before we set off for school shoes, she decided on an entree of prawn cocktail, and a main of her dad's favourite, meatloaf. No worries, I had most of the ingredients for that.

We got home and late in the afternoon I got her organised. Oh boy. That child is the most stubborn, pig headed student you could ever hope to teach. I wasn't allowed to do it for her, and every time I opened my mouth it caused a shouting match.

Anyway, we ended up with a very passable prawn cocktail:

Meatloaf with salad and hasselback potatoes:

Sara Lee Chocolate Pudding with home made custard:

I did the first load of dishes (out of necessity). Dobby had to do the rest. Do you think she liked that job? Haha. Never mind, it was a great meal.

Between main and dessert I stepped outside, and saw this:

Quite disappointed, though, as when I tried to do it again the clouds just zipped away, and the camera wouldn't cooperate with the settings I wanted. I gave up...

Tomorrow is Sunday, and I have the usual washing to do. Vacuum the lounge and I might just dig out the steam mop... on second thought, it's behind some stuff in the office so I think I'll just run the regular mop over the floor. Hopefully I can have a bit of a quiet one... see how we go, shall we?

What a weekend!

2011-03-14T07:54:00.009+10:30

Hi Folks.

Not a lot to share with you this week, so far as weeks go. It's been rather boring. Work was, well, work. Busy busy until I can get on top. The accountant finally got my computer system back on line so I could clean some of the backlong. That took a couple days. Still got a few bits and pieces to do. Waiting for other people is what's holding me up. Don't you hate that? I sure do.

Boss was away all week so it was very quiet. I wonder what makes it so nice, when you are used to being social, to find yourself totally alone in the office. When I do that I often don't even put the radio on. I work hard all day, in the silence, and feel quite fulfilled after.

Anyway, with guitar being the only out of hours thing to happen this week, lets move on to the weekend. Oh, as for photography, we used live models this time. I don't like some of the photos, but one or maybe two came out okay. What do you think? It was considerably harder than it looked, to get the right lighting, and because my battery was flat I wasn't quite as focused as I should have been. I could only put it on charge for a few minutes, then take it off and take some pics, then put it back on. All night...

The good thing is, we learned how to do this without a flash. Next week we are in the classroom, then the week after we are out in the field. And this coming Saturday I have to be in the city by 6.30am. Fun!

Also this week saw the huge earthquake in Japan, followed by that terrible tsunami. What a shock.

This is just a sample of the total helplessness of the place. I mean, how are they going to restack all of these shipping containers? Where do you begin?

The Japanese people are used to earthquakes, and every one is taught the drills from early childhood. But nothing could have prepared them for the wave that followed. Total devastation. The pictures astound me. My heart goes out to them all. It does bring up the talk of "end of the world", what with all the natural disasters occurring all around the planet. Me? I think it's possible. But I don't want to dwell on it. I know when it does happen, I'll be okay. Just keep living life for now and see what happens, yes? Haha.

So, anyway, now that we are between vans, we could not go to the latest rally. It was at Wallaroo and sounded like a lot of fun. Dobby really wanted to go so another family offered to take her with them. She is great mates with their daughters so we agreed.

She cleaned her room (mostly) and I wrote a note to advise the school she wouldn't be there Friday. See, the family live on the north side of Adelaide so we wouldn't be able to get her there in a timely manner for them to leave Friday night. So we were to drop her Thursday.

On Thursday, the mum sent me a message to say their eldest daughter was sick and could Dobby come up friday. I let her know it wouldn't be till late, they were okay with that. As the school already had notice I figured she could stay home and finish packing anyway. She also has an assignment she could work on.

Then, at about 7.00 Thursday evening, the mum phones and says "Did we want to still bring Dobby up that evening?" So it was a mad dash to get her packed and ready, then drive the 45 minutes the other side of town. These people are lovely, fun, crazy people so we knew she was going to have a good time. She loves them like crazy too.

We left her there and got home at 11.3o...

Work the next day, and I had to put the car in for a service. Fluffy collected me on the way home and dropped me off to pick up the car. Then it was home for a relaxing evening. It was so quiet...

Saturday we had to go back to the people we sold the van to and do a couple of little jobs. When he got there Fluffy realised that the drill he had was not the right one for the bit he needed. Oh dear. Luckily the fellow across the road had one that worked a treat. Then he realised he needed another part so off we went to the caravan place. Got the necessary part, then to Bunnings.

He had been given a gift voucher so he looked for something to spend it on. I found him a great multi tool kit thing in a plastic case, for $30. It has lots of srewdriver ends, allan keys, tape measure, pliers, all sorts of things. He decided he could keep it in the boot of the car. Always handy.

While I was looking around I saw some lovely begonias I was going to buy for the kitchen window sill. Also some herbs to start another herb garden. We also checked out storage solutions for the van.

After going back to the van to try to finish the job, unsuccessfully because he can't get his hand into the space to tighten the tap fitting properly so we have to go back yet again..., we made a trip to Cunninghams Warehouse. There we bought the cutlery for the van and a few other bits and bobs. I also found a tiny little tray of 3 pots just the right size for a window sill herb garden!

As Fluffy still had $20 left on his voucher, he gave it to me to go get some herbs and some tent pegs for him.

On Sunday I got up early (he went to work) and did some housework (ironing, washing, changing the litter tray, usual stuff), then as soon as 11.00 came around I hit the shops. First stop was Cunninghams again for a second planter set (at $2.50, why not!), then down to Bunnings for the plants. BUT forgot the voucher. Never mind. I got his tent pegs, then off to find gloves, got a cheap pair of those, now out to the garden section.

I had seen a sign for 6 pack for $6.95 but couldn't find any of them. So I went around and found the little seedling boxes. I bought 6 types, but there were several plants in each box so I knew I had too many. I'd figure something out.

Then, just as I was on my way out, on a bottom shelf over the other side, I found for $7.40, a tray with 6 herb plants in it, all different.

There was an Italian Parsley, regular parsley, oregano, dill, coriander and thyme. All set. I would have swapped one of the parsleys for garlic chives if I could. I may still go back and get one of those and put it outside yet. We'll see.

Anyway, off to the checkout, comes to $21. Pity I didn't have that voucher hey.

Back home and I had just enough time to drop it on the counter then off to have lunch with my friend Marg. She is such a sprightly lovely lady. I wish I could be like her at her age.

We went to Fasta Pasta again, I bought lunch and she bought dessert to take back to her place for coffee. Yummo!

Then, about 3.00 I headed home and made these...

I hope that's a good spot for them - plenty of light! I know I will have to wait a while before I can use them, but it's very exciting to have herbs again. I used to have a lovely thyme bush but it died out a few years ago.

So, then Fluffy came home, we fixed (well he fixed, I supervised and handed him screws), Dobby's bed. She has been sleeping in the lounge for a couple of weeks. It was coming loose around the screws, but she hadn't cleaned her room so Fluffy could get in there and fix it. As a result it broke.

So she cleaned her room last weekend but Fluffy was away. Anyway, it's funally done. She has some more cleaning to do in there but I think she'll be happy to be back in her room.

Then we went out to dinner. I don't know if any of you are aware of a website called Cudo.com.au. It's a great little site that has offers and discounts on a lot of things every day. I have already bought myself a voucher for a pedicure (including false toenails! What the!), a microdermabrasion, and some freebies, for only $89. Valued at over $300.

Anyway, the dinner last night was a dinner for two, two courses, two glasses of wine, and two cups of coffee after, valued at about $84, cost of $33.

It was at the Arkaba Hotel. Upmarket place now, not too far from where I work. Dinner was lovely. We both had crumbed prawns for entree, and Fluffy had chicken parmi and I had "coconut crusted baramundi" but I have to say I think they totally forgot the coconut crusty stuff. Not a sign of anything crusty. Nice fish though. I had steamed vege with mine. That means I had a tiny florret of brocolli, a miniature piece of corn on the cob, and a slice of carrot. All too cold to eat. So I didn't.

But the chips (the tiny little serve on the side, which for someone like me was just right) were very crunchy and quite tasty.

Fluffy had one of the glasses of wine, and we didn't worry about the coffee after. Lovely evening.

Early night last night. Today is a public holiday in Adelaide. Adelaide Cup Day. Nice. Dobby comes home sometime probably after lunch. She has had a wicked weekend - crabbing, swimming, playing games, going on a car rally. She really needed this break away from us as much as we needed it away from her. I am looking forward to hearing all about it tonight.

Not sure what Fluffy and I are going to do this morning. No shops open. Probably just the rest of the housework that didn't get done yesterday.

Well, that's my week. Hope I didn't bore you too much. See you next time!

Stuff

2011-03-02T16:52:00.010+10:30

So I had a couple days off work sick this week. Monday was atrocious, but I had to go in because the boss wasn't there and I had to pay the end of month bills. When he came in after lunch, he made sure I did only what was necessary then went home, which I got to do about 3.30pm. Nice!

Tuesday I had the day off work. Aaah it was so nice to be able to sit on my fat backside and do nothing. I was not expected to do housework (but I did do a little anyway), I didn't have to go anywhere except take Dobby to school (she caught the bus home), and as Fluffy wasn't feeling great, I didn't have to cook anything extravagant for dinner. I did make scones though, which we had for afternoon tea. Dobby and I had some Birds Eye fish fillets and oven fries.

As I was feeling yuck I didn't go to my camera class. I believe we were looking at lenses anyway, and Fluffy said I should take a make up class, but I think I'll just arrive early next week and ask him what we went through, and if he could recommend a good zoom lens for me.

Wednesday I had the day off too (at the boss's insistence) and as Dobby woke up feeling poorly, I kept her home too. I took her up to the doctor because she has had this cold for a week but seemed to be getting worse. As the day progressed it was obvious she probably just needed a day home resting.

We had a couple of things to do after the doctor's appointment, after which we were really buggered. Home for lunch and a rest. It was such a nice day outside I decided to take the camera out and have a play. This is what I came up with.

This plant is inside on my kitchen window sill. Very hard to take a photo of it, with the lit window behind it. Took about 8 attempts.

Strangely enough, "shade"

takes a better photo than

"incandescent light"...

Finally got a reasonable shot after changing almost every setting.

This one was somewhat over exposed, but not too bad.

Action shot - took lots of these, this is just an example...

Close up nature shot. Not bad..

Back to work on Thursday. Still got the snots, but I couldn't justify another day off. As it turned out, it's just as well. Boss had to go back to Sydney Friday morning.

Work is a real bitch at the moment. Imagine two days off creating so much hassle! I am behind in almost everything, plus I have a couple of extra chores thrown in which need attention urgently. I even sent home files to work on. Not sure if I will though.

Friday was just plain flat strap. But, Fluffy had to go away for the weekend so Friday evening Dobby and I treated ourselves to Chinese takeaway and settled in to watch Inkheart. Not a bad movie really.

She is supposed to be cleaning her room. Her bed is cracked from being loose, but Fluffy couldn't get in there to fix it so it got very bad and split the wood. Now she has to clean up so we can get the bed out. She's been sleeping in the lounge all week.

The property adjoining ours has a carport at the back, which backs onto our side fence. Since before Christmas they have been telling our landlord that they are going to replace that portion of fence (people run into it, gravel works its way under it, and the fence is on quite a lean). So that's all go now. But, because of the dog, they didn't do it last week. No one told us anyway or we could have put him on a lead or made alternate arrangements for him. Stupid people.

On a rather sad note, South Australia buried a young soldier, killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan. I found this lovely article on is funeral, on the Adelaide Now website. Warning, tissues required. With Anzac day approaching, it makes you stop to think.

Saturday was a lovely relaxing day. With Fluffy away it's just Dobby and I. The fence bloke was supposed to turn up at 8 but didn't get here until 9.30. He got to work and Dobby did her room. I ducked out to do grocery shopping but that was it. I spent some time Saturday morning doing some work I bought home, but that only took an hour or so.

Saturday night we made home made pizzas with tortilla bases. They were soooo nice!

Sunday we slept in a little. Roger makes sure I don't sleep in past 7. He likes to come wake me up the little grot.

We had planned to have morning tea with my neighbour Marg, but Dobby got a request to go to her friend's house in the morning instead of afternoon. No worries. I thought I might take Marg to lunch. But she phoned to say she was sick. So I took Dobby up to Coromandel Valley, and then drove the hour out to North Haven and had lunch with Fluffy instead.

That was lovely, an hour of just sitting enjoying the day. Dog liked it too, he got to see his dad. Then on the drive back home I was so tired it was very hard to keep my eyes open. Once home I sorted Dobby's clothes out for her, and drove back up to Coromandel Valley to pick her up. She has been sick with a cold as well, feeling poorly, so it shouldn't have been a real surprise when she only ate one pancake at her pancake day celebrations with her friend. She would normally have about six!

Anyway, cleaned up then headed off to bed. This morning (Monday) poor Dobby is so tired. I think I might get the antibiotic script filled. She shouldn't still be complaining of chest constriction and be so tired. If they don't work it's back to the doc. She's going away this weekend so I hope she's better before that!

Say Bye Bye

2011-02-28T18:52:00.003+10:30

Sorry, I totally forgot. With my addled head I totally missed the one big thing that happened this week.

We bought her in November 2001, and sold her in February 2011. She did us proud, saw a lot of the countryside, but it's time to let go.

Yes, she's gone. We are now vanless. For a few weeks anyway.

Wave bye bye now...

Sorry....

2011-02-28T05:52:00.002+10:30

....I don't really have a blog for you this week. That is, I have a head cold and can't really think of anything worth writing about.

I didn't get the camera out all week so I don't have photos to upload. I was way too busy over the weekend to do my homework, although I was eager to try.

About the only exciting thing that happened was that Fluffy and I went to the Caravan and Camping, and Outdoor Show on Saturday. We knew we wanted to buy things for the new van, and we knew it was going to be expensive, so getting them at the show while on "special" made sense.

We bought a roll up flat sullage hose, roll up flat mains water hose, and caravan cover. Those were the big expensive items. Plus a couple of little gadgets, like a solar light for Dobby for the tent, and poles to replace the old awning props for our extended awning when we use it.

Yesterday Dobby was supposed to clean her room. Her bed is falling apart and needs to be tightened but of course Fluffy can't get anywhere near it. Yesterday, while she was supposed to be doing that she sat on the bed and "snap". It has broken so she can't sleep on it. And, she didn't clean her room.

I spent the day trying to get rid of the last of this stuff. Dobby has been putting clothes out all day for the laundry. Yesterday she put out three loads, today there is another two. Most of what she put out for today's was clean so I folded it and put it away, but there is still 5 loads of laundry. And I am not surprised because she hasn't put clothes in the wash for weeks. Despite my nagging...

I did manage to change the bed linen, do all that washing including my big frog blanket (although it's really too big for the machine and it won't spin it - and it weighs a ton wet!) I packed up stuff for the second hand shop, and moved stuff from the bedroom floor. sometime this morning I need now to vacuum.

And if I didn't have to go to work today I sure wouldn't. I feel like death warmed over. But, there is no one there to do my job so what choice do I have? Sometimes I hate my job...

Anyway, hopefully next week's blog will be a little more exciting. I just seem at the moment to be on an endless cycle of work, chores, sleep, work, chores, sleep. With nothing in between. So, I'll try take some pictures through the week to upload.

Oh, one I do have but haven't uploaded yet is the fabric we are getting in the new van. It's sweet. Seeing it again gave us a better idea of the decor in the van. However, the new 2011 colour for curtains and quilts leaves a bit to be desired. Last year was a lovely light cream neutral colour. This one is like a pale olive/grey colour. Not at all what I exected. I don't like it at all with our "happy fabric" but what choice to I have? Anyway, have to rethink the colour for the bed sheets etc.

Well, off to put the first load of washing in the machine. Thank God the mowers come today. Last time they cut the grass so short it almost died, now in 4 weeks it's a foot tall in places. Up near the house is so long you can't find anything in it, and down the back is crackling under foot from the heat. Stupid grass....

So I thought I had better....

2011-02-21T19:24:00.005+10:30

...get my act together and update. I know, I usually do this on the weekend. But this weekend was a total write off.

See, last week was fantastic. I only had to work 2 days. As did Fluffy. And Dobby only had 2 days of school.

As it was school camp last week Fluffy and I decided we needed some time out. So I organised for us to go up to the Barossa Valley for a couple of days. Last year I purchased a voucher (well, paid some of it, with the rest to be paid when we used it), to The Vineyards Motel, with a complementary bottle of wine on arrival. What better time to use it!

We had the van on sale, and on Monday evening some people came to have a look at it. Tuesday they came back with an offer, and we accepted it. So we could afford to relax for a couple of days.

Wednesday we got Dobby off to the school bus, waved goodbye, then back home for a quick clean up, pack up the car, and we were off. The weather was lovely - mid twenties, patchy cloud but nothing serious.

We took the Ford up for a drive. Fluffy decided that as a highway vehicle it will do quite nicely.

When we got up to the motel, our hearts sank.

This is it here....

The Vineyards

Looks lovely, doesn't it? Let me tell you something. It wasn't. I didn't even think to take photos. I don't know where the photo of the bedroom was taken, but it wasn't our room. The pool area was overgrown with weeds and the furniture was old and beaten up.

Our room was toward the end of the right hand row, and the little garden beds outside the room had dead plants in them, or none at all. The room was dark and gloomy, with an old paisly burgundy carpet straight out of the 70s. The bed head was a padded brown number, and the bedspread was an old thing too. But the furniture was odd. Beside our bed, under the window, was an aluminium and glass outdoor setting, quite nice. The desk to the front of the room was old, chipped and marked and painted cream. There was a fridge, a cupboard with an ironing board and iron, extra pillows. There was a plastic cake tray which housed 3 tiny tea cups, 3 saucers, 3 little glasses, and 2 teaspoons. Tiny little canisters housed about 4 sachets of sugar, 3 of coffee and 3 teabags. The kettle and microwave looked new, but what would you use the microwave for? There was no crockery or cutlery... Oh, and toaster looked fairly new too.

Beside all this was an old ceramic sink set into the bench, above which was an old brown non-working airconditioner. A new reverse cycle number was under the sink. Well, it was new about ten years ago. It rattled and clunked away through the night...

The bathroom had an old standard door like we have here at home. It housed a toilet and shower, with only the tiniest little shelf under the mirror. No basin...

The first day we were there, we couldn't find a teatowel, dishcloth, or handtowel. The second day a teatowel and wash cloth appeared...

To make it 4 star, they had put half a dozen cans of softdrink into the fridge, and a hairdryer in the cupboard. Now, if only they could paint the cupboard, change the floor covering, update the bed clothes...

But, well, we were there. Breakfast was provided each day so we had cereal, toast and coffee/tea.

On Wednesday afternoon we wandered around Angaston for a bit. Not much to see but we had a bit of a look anyway.

Back to the motel to settle in and watch Channel Max, who were playing an 80s music countdown. The only good thing on TV and a lot of fun reminiscing.

When we did arrive back, though. our neighbours had just arrived. German couple. They said hello, all that. While we were inside watching TV, they took our table.

When I cam outside, Fluffy, who was sitting on a single chair says "you can't sit out here. They've taken our table and chairs". He was disgusted. What? Our table and chairs?

A little while later they went out. We took them back.

Dinner was at The Barossa Bistro. Our waitress, indeed the only waitress, was a lady almost 60, but very pleasant. There were only a handful of patrons in that night. I ordered Carbonara, and Fluffy had, if memory serves me, the seafood catch - or platter, depending on where you buy it.

My carbonara arrived and it was full of vegetables! Weird. I ate it. No bacon... quite interesting. I couldn't finish it, and when she boxed it up for me, (in a stupid styrofoam box I was never going to be able to reheat it in) I asked was this the vegetarian dish instead of the one I ordered? She went away to check. Indeed, it was the vego alternative. Luckily it cost the same. And was palatable. Not one I would get again. Olives, peas, capsicum and corn in the carbonara just doesn't quite do it...

But it was a cheap meal, made even better by the 20% discount we got as part of the package.

Back at the motel, we hadn't been home long when the neighbours returned. They immediately took the table back again. Fluffy went out to confront them. "Why do you keep taking our table and chairs?" he asked. "We were here first, these are ours!" he shouts back.

I heard this, stuck my head out the door and said "No, we got here before lunch". Okay, he concedes, you were. But why didn't we just go over and explain? "I knew as soon as you arrive, you trouble people" he yells. He was getting very hot under the collar and Fluffy honestly thought he was going to get violent. He was yelling at me and pointing to Fluffy and pointing at my all the time accusing us of being "trouble people!" I can laugh now but I just closed the door in his face and came in for a shower. Rude. Fluffy nicknamed them Sour Krauts...

Then, after the wife had gotten another table and gave it to Fluffy to use (it had a horrible lean on it and I was nervous every time I put his coffee on it...), they started to say rude things about his smoke. Fluffy came inside killing himself laughing. The husband was walking around with his nose buried in his elbow complaining, calling Fluffy Mr Stinky. They took a different table and chairs, and sat at the end of the driveway away from Fluffy's cigarettes. Mind you, Fluffy even moved under our window so as to not let smoke drift into their open windows. They didn't stay open for long!

People trying to get around the end of the long drive were forced to do a several-point turn because of where the Krauts had put their table, but they refused to move. The people would look at Fluffy, laugh, and call them idiots. And still, we're terrible people??

After that, every time Fluffy went outside they would tease him with "here comes Mr Stinky" and put on a performance. Hmpf. Children.

Thursday we decided on a road trip. We would drive the circuit, from Angastaon, down through Singleton, Eden Valley, across to some of the other little places, Tanunda, and back to Nuriootpa. No worries.

We headed off about 9.00. It's a little misty outside... indeed light misty rain was falling for a bit.

We made it to Singleton in about 5 minutes... and there was nothing there. Just a pub. Closed. A general store. Looked to be closed. But I did get some lovely photos of this heritage tree. Apparently a family (ancestors of the legendary Simon Goodwin) used to live in it. Fantastic old thing it is.

Also, a dug out canoe and old pump.

We took our time looking at these lovely things. Next stop was Lyndoch. We had been here on two occasions with the club, but not to stay. Just while staying at Tanunda. It's a pretty little spot. Snack at the german Bakery was nice. The knick knack store next door beckoned, and we spent too much money on some little bits and pieces.

Just outside Tanunda was The Whispering Wall. Last time we were here we brought mum and dad up, so that was about 7 years ago. It's a concave dam wall, that has wonderful accoustics. You can hear the person across the other side like they were standing right there with you. Amazing. I took the camera to try some stuff out but didn't get anything earth shattering.

Both these shots were around the wall. As I said, nothing spectacular but nice spot. We almost missed the turn off, did a screaming hold and whipped around into the driveway. We had a laugh because the couple behind us did the exact same thing! When we saw them later we shared a joke. Nice people.

Up around to Tanunda then. We walked through the town, Fluffy not really wanting to look in the shops, so I didn't. Stopped for a rest in a beautiful little park.

Back up to Nuriootpa then. It was getting late so we stopped for a bite to eat. By late I mean about 1.40pm or so. Quick bite to eat back at Anguston and back to the room for a rest. The Krauts were not home so we had some peace and quiet.

Dinner back out at the Brauhaus pub. Lovely meal there, and the Krauts had dinner there too... they walked past us but didn't see us I don't think.

We sat then watching a Marcia Hines concert, and interviews with U2 and another semi-famous band, then crashed about ten.

On Friday morning it was raining. I mean raining. Not misty, just raining. It has set in. We paid the bill, packed up, and left before 9.30, leaving our neighbours to complain in our absence. I asked Fluffy if we should mention anything to reception. He said no, we will never see these people again so don't bother. I tended to agree.

Home slowly in the rain. It takes longer to get through Adelaide than it does to drive from the Barossa. A quick stop at the spare parts place to get a new lock for the caravan door, and home to unpack. We didn't hurry.

Back to the school to pick up Dobby. She enjoyed her camp, but wasn't happy it was raining. Unpack, start some washing, and vege. Aaaaahhhh.

Saturday Fluffy went back to work. Dobby and I tackled the van. Well, I tackled it. Dobby did help somewhat, going down the back to get her father's trolley to put a heavy box of food on, wheeled it inside herself, and put the trolley back. Very helpful. I brought everything inside and dumped it in the office, in the kitchen, on our bedroom floor... who would have thought we could fit so much crap in the van!

Oh, on Thursday we got a call from the buyer saying they had deposited the money for the van. It's all go.

Sunday Dobby was supposed to do her room but didn't. Lazy little twerp. It's still not done. I slipped up to Cunningham's for some plastic storage boxes, and set to work sorting through the rubbish. I filled 4 boxes with stuff to keep, and threw the rest out. When I say threw it out, I mean it's stacked against my wardrobe waiting for me to take it to the second hand store.

Remember that beautiful blue velvet comforter I love so dearly? I simply have nowhere to put it now so it has to go. Heartbroken I am over that! That was a mother's day present several years ago. Sniff... But it was that or the frog blanket, so you know what I chose...

Anyway, when my back got too sore I gave up. Fluffy had just a few things to sort through, a couple of minor things to fix, and it's all done.

Actually, the door lock almost beat him. It didn't work. First, he bought the wrong one. He had to take it back and swap it.

Then, he tried the new one, and it jammed and wouldn't unlock. He had to literally rip it off, breaking it apart. Luckily the old one was mostly working, and he was able to combine the two to make the lock work.

But, today is Monday, and that money still hasn't cleared. Here's hoping tomorrow sees it in my bank. Fluffy has offered to deliver the van, as it's too difficult to get it out our yard for someone who doesn't know the place to do. Lovely chappy.

Today is also our 3rd Wedding anniversary. I wondered which one we should celebrate - wedding in Feb, or getting together in April. Common concensus seems to be - BOTH! So, we will. We don't officially acknowledge it, just wish each other a happy anniversary, give a kiss and acknowledge that we are glad we are together. Love you, Sweet Cheeks! x

You know, upon re-reading this, it all sounds very negative, like I'm whinging. I want you to know, I'm not. All these things that happen are just little interesting things that I write about. They are not meant to be "poor us" type things. But without them, my blog would be sadly boring, would it not? So, don't think I'm pessimistic, cause I sure ain't. Just looking at everything as "character builders" and trying to find stuff to write about.

I hope it keeps you amused for a little while. :-)

Wish I had done this years ago!

2011-02-13T16:49:00.006+10:30

Yep, I sure do. See, I started my photography course this week. The teacher is somewhat weird. An ex-Pom, which probably explains a lot. He tries to be funny, and while he does elicit a laugh, it is usually at someone's expense (mine to begin with). But once you get over that, the guy seems to know his stuff.

This week's lesson was to do with shutter speed and aperture. What the? Well, shutter speed obviously is how long the shutter stays open for, and aperture is Depth Of Field. How far away from an object do you want the blurry stuff? If I were taking a photo of you, would I like the background and foreground blurry? Or the whole thing crystal clear?

If I am taking a movement shot, I set the shutter speed and then adjust the aperture to suit (there is a cute little graph thing in the view finder on the camera that tells you when it's right). Then, if you are taking still photos, you adjust the aperture first and the shutter speed next.

I am not sure what next week's lesson is, I don't remember, but our homework this week was to take some practice shots. So I had fun playing...

These two photos are two of the club members trying "worm" skipping. Terribly, I might add.

One has the shutter speed set fast, the other slow.

These two sets of shots are of the sunset over Tanunda.

I set the aperture first on these, and as you can see they didn't really work because the shutter speed was too slow.

When I played with that, I got a better pic.

Then, of course, there are these....

Anyway, I am getting ahead of myself.

This week was work. And it was a bad week for Dobby. On Monday she had a dentist appointment so her dad had to pick her up. Wednesday she was feeling sick and didn't want to take the bus home so had to wait at school until I could finish work and come get her (she finished early that day too to compound the issue). Thursday was school photo day and she left her diary at home with her photo money in it. Sigh. That girl really needs to get organised!

So I had to leave work, race home, grab the book and take it back before she had her photo taken. Mission accomplished anyway.

Then on Friday we were taking the van away for it's last hurrah with us. Monday someone came to look at it, but we didn't hear back so I guess it wasn't what they wanted.

Dobby was playing netball on Friday evening so Fluffy was to take the van up after work and we would join him Saturday morning.

Only, on Friday night, Dobby vomited. I wondered if it wasn't stress (after last week's netball fiasco, then taunts on the bus on the way home from the same girl/s). She thought perhaps it was.

So I called the coach and pulled her out of netball. Not having that rubbish. I think though that if the coach speaks to the girls involved that they may retaliate against Dobby at school. But hopefully she can stand up for herself, or take it further with the school, which they encourage. Guess we'll see.

So, at the last minute I figured I had better get going and go with Fluffy. I didn't have a thing ready for myself. Just got Dobby to throw a couple of changes of clothes into a bag and lets go.

When we got there, it was cold and overcast. And guess what? No blankets or winter gear in the van. No jackets at all but luckily I did find one cardi and we just used the bedspread for a blanket. Not ideal, it kept falling off. I didn't even have pyjamas, so just wore tomorrow's clothes to bed each night. Everyone else seems to do that anyway... Poor dog had to sleep on the cold floor cause we didn't even have a blanket in for him. I mean, it's been 37 degrees people!

Saturday it was cold, cloudy and horrible. But that didn't stop the kids from diving into the pool. After that the whole club, probably except the oldies, Fluffy and myself, walked into town to the lolly shop. It gave us an hour or so of peace. Fluffy slept. He has not been doing a lot of that lately.

Then, after lunch, the kids all went back to the pool and Fluffy slept again. He obviously needed it. I just wandered around, read the paper, chatted here and there.

At Happy Hour, the skipping ropes came out and everyone, grown ups included (well most of them, but not a few of us), gave it a try. Even the club president (who is 70 and recently had heart surgery) had a go. I got some neat shots of that too.

Then dinner, then Club Game. The first night everyone gathered outside our neighbour's van till midnight. Last night I don't know where they were. I think they stayed outside the sound shell where we were having games, but apparently they stayed up until about 4am!

Late check out today. 11 am for us and we were first to go. Home just after 12, and all the washing etc to do. But plenty of lazy time. Fluffy has started taking all the gear out of the van. We parked it in the front yard so we can wash the awning etc. I just have to take the sheets off the bed, and the food from the cupboards. Then it's done. I will miss the old girl, but I can't wait to get my hands on the new one! Yay!

I'll keep you posted with the photography pics, too, if you aren't too bored!

boring!

2011-02-07T09:15:00.003+10:30

Not really much to report this week. Nothing earth shattering. We had to take the Falcon back to get the LCD screen replaced. They had to hold onto it a bit longer because the one they put in was just as bad as the one they took out.

In other news, we went to Studio 2000 to have a viewing of our photos we had taken. Boy, those people really know how to screw you. But the lass that was our sales rep was a family friend. Fluffy agreed on a package which saw us now officially broke. But in April we will have some lovely shots. The very last ones I think we will have done. Although I am not supposed to, I have included a sample...

I don't have any of the photos of Dobby yet. She had them with her when I scanned these. But I'll have a look at putting some up later.

Dobby also started back at netball this week. There were tears. She is very nervous because a couple of the girls who gave her trouble last year are on her team. This day the key offender (whom in previous posts I have named Myrtle) was also hanging around, although she doesn't play netball.

Dobby had a friend with her, and that friend asked on of the girls which court they were playing on. The girl answered with a look "That one. Dobby should know that". At which point Dobby burst into tears. She put her foot down and said "I can't do this. I won't play". I talked to her and told her to not let them beat her. Get out there and play. This went back and forth a bit. The lass with the acid tongue looked extremely frightened and couldn't understand why Dobby was crying. Anyway, when the game began I pushed Dobby toward the coach and she joined the team. Although she didn't play the first quarter she played the remaining 3 and did really, really well. Scored a couple of goals, and put all her effort into it. It's still a joy to watch her play. I did have a bit of a giggle though, because the poor kid had terrible chaffing so by the end of the game she could hardly walk.

Saturday Fluffy worked. Dobby had that friend over Friday night, and we took her some Saturday. Then she had another over Saturday night who was picked up Sunday. Sunday for me was spent doing housework.

As you know, we have the caravan up for sale. There are a number of people "watching" it online, and one wanted to come have a look. So I had to clean our stuff out of it. Except for the things we will need this weekend at Tanunda that is. It looks much better. Then I realised I had to clean the fridge, microwave, grill, floors... well it's done now.

That fellow is coming to have a look tonight. Guess we'll see how it turns out....

Then our own house had to be done. Plus the ironing. I did it all and even managed a few minutes to sit and vege in the late afternoon. As a wonderful surprise I got a phone call from Wally in Gladstone on Sunday morning and we chatted for about an hour and a half. Man, I miss that girl! We have discussed taking a girlie weekend to Melbourne later in the year to see the King Tut exhibition. I think that would be ace!

Otherwise, I can't really think of anything else that happened. Mind you, my brain is asleep - it is Monday morning afterall!

On that note, better get back to work. Catch you next week!

PS Still no resolution for the drop kick who conned us with those badges.

The world is full of frauds

2011-01-30T18:07:00.005+10:30

Let me ask you something. Do these car badges look new to you?

Back of a Ghia badge

Bent Fairmont badge with an anchor peg missing

Back of the Fairmont badge showing almost no rubber backing

It's not real clear but in the end bar of the letter M there is a crack where it was bent to fit into the box

Back of the Ford badge. Rubber is very patchy and obviously used.

We bought these badges from eBay, for the paltry sum of $25, with free postage. Bought them as Brand New in excellent condition.

Now, as any fool can see, these are so obviously used it's not funny. There is no rubber left on the back, no adhesive, and in some cases, the anchor pegs have snapped off. The Ford badge we bought also has obvious signs of being pried off a vehicle.

And to add insult to injury, when the box turned up, it was unsealed, the items were unwrapped and indeed the long Fairmont badge was bent to fit into the box, and I had to pay postage because the sender did not pay any at all.

When we confronted him about it he swore those badges were brand new. And that he has sent items free post before and never has anyone had to pay postage. I mean, how stupid is this guy? We had several nasty back and forth's, without resolution, so I took it further.

I opened a complaint in Paypal, and he was is so cocky he will win because these items are exactly how he bought them brand new. Well, I couldn't find a link anywhere to upload photos so I had to just tell Paypal that I had proof they were used and hope they ask to see them. I also told them that I had to pay postage when I picked up the box. Fingers crossed they find in our favour. It's not that we lost a lot of money, but charlatans like this should be made accountable. He's an obvious con artist.

Anyway, apart from that, this week has been fairly quiet. Boss was away all week so I have taken it slowly. Not rushing. It's been too hot. Well, I thought it was hot but this weekend has been a scorcher! Over 40. And next week will start off the same.

I had been getting continuous headaches all week, since Saturday night, so I took myself off to the Optometrist on Thursday night. I need two types of glasses apparently. One for distance, and one for close up. I chose to order just the close ups for now. Not real close, just for reading and computer. I don't read with the book under my nose, but on the desk anyway.

Wednesday was Australia Day public holiday. Ah, God Bless public holidays. Can't get enough of them. Dobby had a sleepover from lunch time, so Fluffy did some pruning and gardening in the morning, and I did washing and stuff. Then we took Dobby for her sleepover, and went for lunch together after. That was nice. Then when we got home we loaded up the ute and took the prunings off to the dump. Man, that's a rip off! It cost us $40. I hope the landlord will be nice and reimburse us. He is pretty good like that so fingers crossed.

After that we came home, flaked out in front of the telly, and watched The A Team video. Then I cooked bacon and eggs for dinner and we just veged. It was so quiet and pleasant.

Fluffy and I both had to go to work Thursday but it was so quiet getting ready without Dobby in the house. Fluffy picked her up after work while I was at the eye doc.

This weekend was nice. Saturday we all went to Marion to source a dinner set for the new van and some black sneakers for Dobby for school. In Big W we found a pair of black Cathy Freeman branded shoes for $40. Dobby didn't really like them but tried them and chose them anyway. When we got home she put them on and promptly spent the rest of the afternoon in them, declaring them quite comfortable after all!

We looked at Corelle dinner sets. These are expensive, but lightweight and designed for caravans and such. We found two possible patterns, then Fluffy looked at some of the other cheaper sets. He said we could choose any set so long as it was not one of those heavy porcelain sets. We also looked around at other items, and he chose me a brown teatowel set and a pot mit set. We had fun thinking of things we could put in the van.

We wandered up to another exclusive kitchen store just for a look and they had Maxwell dinnerware on sale for half price. We saw a set of white china with a small black and red cherry tree design for $48. Fluffy bought it for me for the van. Good price. Lovely dinner ware.

Back home and I hemmed a dress and a skirt for Dobby's school uniform.

Today, Sunday, we zipped back to Marion early because in some catalogues Fluffy saw a combo pack of 35 kitchen starter pieces for $29 and some cotton boxers. So a quick trip to KMart to grab a set and we chose 5 pairs of boxers ($5 each!) and two satin pairs for him.

Before that, though, I found Millers. Again. They had dresses for $15 so I bought a green-patterned one, a pair of brown pants and a pair of blue denim shorts. Just for around the house.

A quick change back home into the dress and off to pick up my friend Marg. She's almost 80 but you'd never know. We took her to Fasta Pasta for lunch, Dobby and I. It was lovely. Wonderful way to pass the hot day.

Then back home, and this is what happened...

What is she doing? Yes, it's true - she's ..... IRONING! She wanted to iron her uniform ready for tomorrow. Actually, I had to iron the skirt and dress that I hemmed so was going to do it anyway, but she got out the ironing board and set it all up. After I had done the skirt and dress she did her blouse and two polo tops. Legend! She's all ready now, except she has to sort her socks. She has two pair of knee-high white socks, and they are different sizes. I noticed that she has two odd sizes together so is supposed to put them right...

And, on Australia day afternoon, while Fluffy was loading up the trailer, I pottered some more with my sculpture. What do you think now she has a bit more hair?

I rather like her, and Fluffy and Dobby just love teasing her about looking aboriginal....

Anyway, I'll let you know about the Paypal claim. Fingers crossed....

Didn't know I could do it

2011-01-23T18:24:00.011+10:30

Well, an interesting week this has been. I was at work alone most of the week. And, I finally got caught up. So I allowed myself a couple of hours dag time, and had a long lunch while reading my book on Friday. I had gone for a cuppa first with my friend Eve, and then went back to the office and ate my favourite salad very slowly.

This week also saw us buy a new car. Well, an old second hand car. See, the new van is heavier than our current van, and the Mitsubishi 380 won't pull any heavier. So we spent most of our savings on a good second hand car. It's a 2000 model Ford Fairmont. It has all the bells and whistles, and a woodgrain dash. Very spiffy. But we have already encountered a couple of hitches. I drove it home Thursday afternoon from south of Adelaide, and noticed that the digital readout for fuel range left, etc, was fading out, as was the climate control reading. When we took it out on Saturday we noticed that they had all but disappeared. A call to the car fellow sorted that out. He is going to replace the screen when he sources a new one. So he should.

Then, this morning, it wouldn't start. Just like it had a flat battery. I took it out of gear, then put it back in and it started okay. When I backed out I noticed a pool of fluid on the driveway... have to keep an eye on that. Perhaps it just hadn't slotted into park properly last night when I parked it, and it was trans mission fluid leaking?

Anyway, here it is.

Saturday, Fluffy had his stunt driving school morning. I think he enjoyed it. Here is one of the instructors, Luke.

It was an early start, as the track is about 45 minutes from here, and we had to be there by half past eight. We arrived quite early, then there was the obligatory wait around while everyone else arrived.

As there was water in the pedestrian tunnel we had to all get into our cars and drive around to the track. Once there, the participants were introduced to the vehicles.

There were two minis, one red and one blue, and one red mini with a weird contraption on the side. Turns out this is a kind of stabiliser. This vehicle does two wheel rides. I was under the impression that the participants got to drive that one, but no, they only get a ride in it.

Still, there was plenty to be done. They had three goes at each activity. First up was jumping the ramp:

Then, the two-wheel ride:

Then, there was the 180 degree handbrake turn....

And then the 360 degree slide turn. This was by far his favourite so I included a little more of it....

Then, after a brief stop at the shop it was home for a couple hours before heading off to a 40th birthday bash. Now, I have never been a party animal. Never one to go out, get drunk, make a fool of myself. So I don't really like parties. I like to go for awhile, but I am lousey at conversation and am usually home around 11.

This time, I took my camera. It was a fancy dress - come as your fave dead personality/celebrity. But as we had been busy every weekend since coming home I hadn't had time to organise anything so we didn't dress up. We were the only ones who didn't. But we didn't mind.

I had my camera and I wasn't afraid to use it. I won't include many photos as the people involved wouldn't mean anything to you. But we had two Cleopatras, Steve Irwin put in an appearance. As did these two:

Darth Vader and Padme. Padme was the birthday girl. It was supposed to be a joint party with her brother Paul, who was 5o, and herself. But he was stuck in Queensland and unable to attend. She was so disappointed she wanted to cancel, but a friend (who dressed as the Scarecrow from Wizard of Oz) wouldn't have a bar of it.

So we also had a visit from said Scarecrow, Dorothy, and the Tin Man (who does an excellent photo bomb....)

There was also Marc Antony, Tupac Shaker, Bon Scott from ACDC, Farrah Fawcett Majors, a few ghosts, a very young Annakin Skywalker, The Wicked Witch of the West (who looked fantastic), Arnie put in an appearance as did Kurt Curbain. Alli Baba also flew in on his magic carpet.

I ended up getting to bed at 1 am, a very unusual event for me. Dobby had a great night, and even Fluffy had a couple of beers, although the poor lad had to get up and go to work just after 5am. No wonder he crashed this afternoon. I don't know how he did it.

I crawled out of bed at 7.30 this morning as I also had a big day. I stripped the bed and did two loads of washing, then headed out to the WEA educational centre in the city to meet with Eve and a group of strangers. Six hours later I came home with this:

What do you think? I had trouble with the mouth so the tutor did that, and I tweaked it a bit. It's hard to do the hair, so I just stuck stuff on. As Fluffy and Dobby have been teasing me since Ceduna about having an aboriginal heritage, they just reckon it's an ancestor of mine (the hair makes her look like she has black origins apparently). And bless them, they want me to play with it till I am happy, then dry it out and get it fired. Which means they won't mind it sitting around the house for a few years. Aren't they lovely? It's Terracotta so it will go a lovely red when finished with. So long as I keep it wet I can play with it for as long as I like. When I am happy with it, I run a trace through the bottom to separate it from the board, then dry it out for 4 weeks. Then I arrange for it to be fired somewhere. Costs about $40 I think.

Well, apart from now taking such a bloody long time to upload videos onto this stupid blog, I am done for the day. I can't seem to get the clay from under my nails so I think I'll run a bath once I get all these videos up. Yep, sounds like a plan to me... cup of hot chocolate to go with that too, and a piece of cake from last night just to top it off... aaaaaah!

Back to the grindstone

2011-01-16T08:11:00.009+10:30

Just a short post this week. Nothing terribly exciting has happened. Well, perhaps it has, but not as dramatic as most of my boring old posts :-)

This week saw Fluffy and I return to work after our epic peninsula adventures. It's hard going back. For most people they go back refreshed and ready to go. For me, I know I face the arduous job of catching up on everything that was not done in my absence. So there is that mild sense of dread of what may be waiting. As Dobby is home on holidays, I am free to come and go as I please so I have been getting to work earlier and leaving later to catch up. Make up for some of the time I had to take off I suppose, and will still have to take off.

She has another doctor's appointment on Monday, at 2.15 which means I will have to leave about 1.20. That means I won't go back to work after. If we finish at a reasonable hour I will take her to finish her uniform shopping just up the road from work. Boss flies to Sydney that afternoon so he'll be out for the week. I get lots done when he's not there so it's catch up time.

Fluffy seems to be settling into his new role of Acting Contract Manager. He'll feel it when the boss comes back in March I think. He has enjoyed having the perks that go with the job - meetings offsite, dinner now and then, plus he got taken to the cricket this week. That was fun. Do Not attempt to go anywhere near North Adelaide when the cricket is on. There are no provisions for parking or traffic and it took half an hour to go a few kms. Stupid. And I found the cause of it was people trying to do a left hand turn were blocking traffic and backing it up right back into the city. But he enjoyed the night anyway, in a corporate box, food, drink... someone even gave him a stubbie cooler with Mitsubishi 380 on it - a very rare item indeed. (for those who don't know, we drive one of those).

So, anyway, he has been obsessed with updating our caravan lately. We would need to take out finance to do this. But we do not have a mortgage, so this shouldn't be too much of a problem. We just never really gave it any thought.

Until this week. Sometime this week, not sure when, Fluffy took himself down to the caravan people. He brought me home a brochure to look at, and a quote the lass down there gave him. He was so excited. We were told they could give us a certain amount as trade in for our van, but if we sold privately we could get a couple grand more because everyone is looking for vans with bunks.

And, if we don't manage to sell, they will still take it at the price they quoted. Good to have that choice, isn't it? How many places take that!

So, we went down for a look yesterday. Indeed, the layout of the one I like is rather nice. Single beds, middle kitchen like ours but bigger, and a front dinette. Dobby found she could lie on the longer seat relatively comfortably. Not as long as a bunk, and she would have to bend her knees slightly, but no different to her sleeping on the couch at home really.

So, we put down a deposit and ordered one....

I can't download any picures from their site, but here's the website: Jayco.

If you look at Poptops, Sterling, floor plan 1755-6, that's ours. Fabric and laminex will show you the laminex we chose of Quartz Gloss, but the fabric we chose (well, Dobby and I chose) is not on there. It's an unusual one. Chocolate corduroy type fabric for the seats and the back is a cream colour with black felt sketch style straight flower stems with leaves. Not sure if there are actual flowers, but they have the odd red and yellow-ish leaves. The others are either brown or unfilled. I call it "happy fabric". It's kind of uplifting. Fluffy chose a blue one, which I must add, was lovely. In fact, I always wanted a blue interior. But for some reason I kept coming back to this other.

We have yet to see what it looks like made up because it's so new, but I have been assured that toward the end of the month they will start getting a few sample vans through the yard and we are welcome to go down and see. If we don't like it we can change. The colours are neutral type colours, and as it comes with beige curtains and bedding (yes, it comes with two single bed quilts and pillows), we thought this one would match. When I can find a pic of it I'll put one up.

If you want to take a virtual tour, you'll find our model is not there. But if you look at the 1755-7, it's the same except ours had single beds.

So, there you go. We spoke to the finance guy yesterday and should know something later this week. He didn't seem to think there would be a problem... Now we just have to tackle the task of cleaning out this one and putting it up for sale.

Then, after that little stint, we had to make a dash to KMart for Dobby. Recently she "won" (I say that because everyone who enters the draw wins) a free photo session at Studio 2000. I had this done years ago, and it was expensive then. But she wanted to do it, totally against her father's wishes though.

So, we went down there for something to wear. She just doesn't have anything. I found a few bargains, and off we went.

Now, as these are terribly expensive photos, I guess we won't be able to afford to buy any, so when we got home, we took some photos of each other just so we knew what we looked like on the day... what do you think? I think Dobby's make up is lovely, but not sure about it on her. It's what she wanted, and she did some sweet rock chick photos. I didn't think the photographer did quite what she could though. She didn't encourage Dobby to let loose, just posed her how she wanted her to look.

Same with mine. We were posed some ways, but I thought there would have been more seated shots. However, some were with that new technology that really brings out the colours. I know we won't be able to afford to buy them but I am really looking forward to seeing them.

Sigh. Well, never mind. It was a fun afternoon. I think the highlight for Dobby was, while we were standing outside waiting for Fluffy to pick us up, still in full make up, a taxi drove past staring at us with a huge grin on his Indian face. I wondered what that was about then I realised, we must look like a couple of hookers! All dolled up like that, loitering outside on the streets on a quiet Saturday afternoon! Dobby roared with laughter! So after that I decided we had better hold our stuff while waiting.... just to make sure....

Stupid Blogger. It has been taking close to ten minutes to upload two photos. I just did some more, and it said "Done" but the photos didn't come though. Now I have to start all over again!

Toowoomba Floods

2011-01-11T12:11:00.002+10:30

A little note of condolence for the people of Southern Queensland.

Please take a minute to check out the total ferocity of this flood.

Thoughts and prayers to Queensland.

A pictorial view of our holiday...

2011-01-08T21:43:00.017+10:30

After many, many hours, and two photos at a time, I have finally managed to upload some holiday snaps for you to see.

First of all, this one was taken Christmas Eve at Point Turtin. Lovely, isn't she?

This one is of my bestest ever Christmas present. It even came with an 8-week photography course! *Loves my man!* It also came with a 200ml zoom lens. He is looking at buying me a 500ml too.

So, naturally, I had to test it out...

This was Dobby and I taken by another lady and her daughter. Can you see what's behind us on those rocks?

No? It's a seal! And not just any old seal, no, this one has a lovely blonde hair-do! He was quite happy to lay there and watch us watching him!

Anyway, when I got my camera, Dobby was a tad jealous. Not really, but she is always taking pictures with her little one. In the camera bag in the van is Fluffy's digital semi-SLR camera, which cost a small fortune, and I had been teaching myself to use previously. He asked her if she wanted a go. She has had a ball taking pictures with it. I fear if we were to go into competition she would beat me...

This is Dobby and her dad at Point Turton. Sweet photo, isn't it?

We have friends in Stansbury, so we took a drive over to see them. This is a shot of the foreshore. Pretty, hey?

Dobby made friends with a dead shark thing. I keep forgetting it's name, but Fluffy knows.

This is the Big Galah on the way between Port Augusta and Ceduna. We had been following a huge van since Port Augusta and they too pulled in here. Turns out they were going to Streaky Bay. We took a walk through the park and think we found them, but we weren't sure as no one was around. I'm not sure which is the big galah in this pic - the pink bird, the one under it, or the one off to the side... :-)

The caravan park at Ceduna was right across from the beach, and we managed to get a couple of lovely sunset photos on New Year's Eve.

On the way into Streaky Bay we encountered a wonderful storm. I have always said the clouds over here in SA are far prettier than the clouds in Queensland, and these did not disappoint.

These pelicans liked to hang around the fish cleaning areas (there were about 5 dotted along the foreshore) and people threw scraps at them.

In Coffin Bay, a local gent was wandering around with this juvenile Alexandrina Parrot on his shoulder. I overheard part of his conversation with our neighbours, and I believe he was from around the Central Queensland area, but I could be mistaken?

Coffin Bay is a lovely little area, although there are not many places to eat. We did get into the pub on one night, for Schnitzels. But it was terribly crowded and we had to eat outside. Nice though.

This is the foreshore. We had takeaway here on the last evening. Everyone comes to eat, play, socialise. Lovely spot.

In Port Lincoln, we were on the hunt for a comforter for Dobby, as her gran gave her money to buy one. She found one at KMart which took her fancy, and I found this at a little bedding place around the corner...

In the van it's huge, but on my bed at home it's not so big. Soft and warm though, too warm for summer!

Coffin Bay had a little lookout, but the trees had grown so tall it was almost impossible to see anything, so Dobby tried to get a better photo. Also, the camera she has been using has a better zoom than mine.

Last stop was Whyalla, and outside town had this museum. We didn't go and check it out, but it did look interesting.

And when we got home, Dodge was so affectionate, he kept following us around purring and meowing. Every room we went in he followed. I couldn't resist this pic...

BACK!

2011-01-08T21:13:00.002+10:30

Well, since my last post was New Year's Eve not much exciting has happened, but I'll see what I can come up with anyway.

Lets see. The washing machine, Joe, did not consume me, but after Ceduna I couldn't get back onto the internet. We found that Port Augusta was the last telephone reception I (on Vodafone) had, and Ceduna was the last Fluffy (on 3) had. We still had Telstra (Fluffy's work phone) at Streaky Bay, though, but it was patchy. Then nothing for any of us at Coffin Bay.

New Year's Eve started noisy, as there was a Yacht Club about 400m down the street, and the wind was blowing our way. A live band was playing too, which didn't help. But, as it had been terribly hot, I had a headache, so yay for pills! Slept like a log!

As mentioned, there was not a lot except for Aboriginals in Ceduna but we were unable to book into Streaky Bay any earlier as they were full. And when we got to Streaky Bay, we were just a little glad we didn't. The locals at Ceduna were friendly enough. Everyone waved at you, but you could hardly find the white people. They were the tourists. Interesting to sit at the beach and wave to the carloads of aboriginals driving by. Everyone waved. Black, white, no matter, they all waved! We made friends with the couple next door too, as they were from Mount Compass, just south of Adelaide, and had a little dog called Max. Lovely people. But we were still happy to continue our adventure to Streaky Bay.

It was a tiny little coastal village, quite a pretty place, but the park was terribly crowded and only a few showers to go around all those people! Sand, water, toilet paper seemed to rule. And, as we were only there for two nights, we woke up both mornings to the lovely smell of sewerage. Don't know why, maybe it was the beach at low tide? It went out a long way there...

It was interesting to see that the pelicans knew to hang around the fish cleaning areas (there wer several along the beach front, at the back of the park). There were boats everywhere in the park, and it was hard to find the cars which were not 4wheel drives. Everyone on the Eyre Peninsual fishes. Nice spot though. For all our love of water, Dobby only went swimming once, at Point Turtin, and although we were on beachside caravan parks for the most part, we just didn't go in the water. And my dream of fishing got no further than the rods actaully being loaded in the van. Probably only then because they are always there. The reels weren't even attached! Strange how things work out, hey!

When we arrived in Streaky Bay, there was a storm on it's way. Now, being a dog, and a nervous dog at that, Oz didn't like that storm one little bit. He shook and panted all afternoon and didn't settle till the storm was well and truly passed. I think this holiday has made him a nervous wreck! Haha.

For entertainment we were forced to just go into the township and look at the couple of stores that were open over the holiday period, then drive around some of the neighbouring areas.

This trip, we seriously just did a heck of a lot of sitting and reading. And eating. I think I have added two or three more kilos to those five I already had! Sigh...

Anyway, after Streaky Bay, we moved about 250km south to Coffin Bay. That's a lovely part of the world. Again, the caravan park was full, and this time only 3 showers and 3 toilets for hundreds of people! It didn't matter what hour of the day or night you went up there, there was a queue for the amenities. Seriously strange. The site was a drive through, so plenty of room. Our neighbours were lovely too. They had a little Maltese Schitzu cross named Billy and he spent all his time playing with Oz. Lovely! We were at Coffin Bay for 3 nights, so one day we drove into Port Lincoln for the day. We seemed to get smaller as our trip progressed.... Port Augusta was small, Streaky Bay was tiny, and Coffin Bay was minuscule! Mind you, at Port Lincoln I did have phone reception! But still no Vodafone store so I can get my phone set up properly... bummer.

There were two take away shops at Coffin Bay, one of which closed about 3 minutes before our arrival, and the other was jam packed with hungry people. We ate out a lot, so we were used to waiting... They had a mini fair thing going outside, with live music and a few stores of local crafts. I didn't buy anything.

Actually this trip, I didn't buy too much at all. A couple of stubbie coolers, two shirts, Dobby got new skate shoes as the pair of shoes she had with her, had worn holes in the soles, and then at Port Lincoln, we found a tiny little jeweler, and bought two lovely necklaces, an anklet, a little frog on a stone, all for about $100. The old man behind the counter, who did a great job of talking up his little store and handmade jewelery, also gave me a little gold frog trinket thing, which I keep in my purse for luck.

The last night of the trip was at Whyalla. Finally, phone service and civilisation! Yippee! Not a bad little spot really. Tidy. There was a mix up with the bookings though. Fluffy booked the trip way back in July and paid deposits. We were booked into one park at Whyalla, and missed the turn. So when we were outside the other, we phoned and got directions back to the proper one.

Only to find out we were not booked in there, but in fact the first one we had parked outside! Duh! Funny. While there, Fluffy did what he always does, and wandered off to find someone to speak to. The people behind and one over from us, had Queensland plates on their Jeep. He asked where they were from.

Well, they were from Gayndah and around that area. Oh, then you'd know my father-in-law, says Fluffy. Yes, in fact, she was my dad's cousin! Tiny, tiny world! They were lovely people and quite happy to swap addresses. Pop was happy to know they were around as well.

Just goes to show, you have to be careful! You never know who you will meet!

Got home today safe and sound, and my darling little Dodgy has been so attentive, purring and meowing all over us! Very unlike him... and I think the dog is happy he is back on stable familiar ground too!

I'll put up some pictures separate for your perusal too. Hope I didn't bore you!

Greetings!

2010-12-31T07:20:00.002+10:30

Well, here we are, one week into our holiday and what a week it's been. When we set off on Friday it was warming up, and by the time we got to Point Turtin it was in the high 30's. Hot. The wind was hot, the awning got the afternoon shade, and there was no way to cool off. We thought Dobby could go for a swim but there were only rocks under the pier and silty muddy sand further along, which Dobby and I sunk halfway up our calves in. Won't do that again!

Then, Christmas day saw wind and rain. We thought that would be the end of our lovely outdoor Christmas lunch but it fined up later. It was also hot and sticky. We feasted on prawns, crackers, dips, nuts and nibblies. Even the dog enjoyed himself.

Boxing day was cold, wet and windy. So was the next day. Tuesday finally saw some lovely weather but it was too late to rig up lines for fishing, so my fishing holiday was for nought. We did do plenty of relaxing because there was simply nothing else to do.

One present I did score for Christmas was an SLR camera with two lenses. Wow. And an 8-session class to learn how to use it. Can't wait! As I am only on a little Internet connection which will quickly take up all it's value, I won't post photos just yet, but I will put some up when we get home.

Anyway, Wednesday we moved up to Port Augusta. What a dump. Everything has bars, locks, high gates, messages to lock up your valuables. Sends out a great vibe! But the pub close to the caravan park had lovely meals and we were happy. We set off early the next morning, and took about five and a half hours to get to Ceduna.

This place is worse than Port Augusta. There are no shops to speak of, except for the local Retravision, which doubles as a camping store, clothing store, gadget store. Everything! Fluffy realised he didn't have a charger for his work phone (there has always been a Nokia charger in the van but somewhere along the line it's not here now), and Lo! They had one of those too.

It was so hot here, we had the airconditioning going flat stick and it couldn't keep the van cool. The fridge wasn't even cold. Luckily the freezer didn't thaw out. We are right across from the beach and I took some lovely sunset photos last night. Again, I'll pop those up at a later date, when I can score some free Internet. Point Turtin had some but everyone else charges like a wounded bull.

Anyway, the Freemantle Doctor came through last night so things are somewhat cooler today. Windy though! We have two whole days here, and there is f***k all to do so not sure where we will head today. Grocery shopping first I think. Stock up on supplies. Then, well... I don't even have phone reception out here. Fluffy and Dobby do, with 3 network, but now I am on Vodafone I got nuttin'.

Anyway, the washing machine is calling me. I'll check in again soon. Bye!

Winding down

2010-12-19T20:30:00.004+10:30

So I've not really got much to write about this week. Compared to last week, it's been kinda slow.

Dobby has had a couple more hospital visits to check she is mending properly. The redness and swelling have gone down in her naval, and the itchy red rash from the bandages has all but gone too, leaving just scaly skin. The funny little "nubbin" of swollen skin has almost disappeared too. All in all, a great result.

When we went for her last visit on Friday morning, she saw a Lady doctor who pronounced her all but cured. They gave her another round of anti biotics just to be sure, and much to Dobby's joy there was no mention of exploration of the cause, meaning no laporascopic procedure to see what's happening. She just has to go back in January for a follow up. Fluffy can do that one.

On Monday last week, I had to leave work to take Dobby for her first hospital check up, and as we were leaving my own doctor phoned to ask if I could move a scheduled skin cancer removal from 5.00pm to earlier. As I was already off work I told them I could come now. Then I phoned the boss to tell him I would be even later back. Stuff it.

I nipped up to Blackwood, and while Dobby waited in the car I got my spot taken off. I got quite a shock when I looked up because the bit he dropped into the sample jar was easily the size of my thumbnail and just as deep. It required several stitches and I could feel him pulling so hard it almost lifted me off the table. Horrible feeling that.

Anyway, I took Dobby back to work and Fluffy collected her not long after. I stayed back until 6.00pm.

The rest of the week was pretty quiet. Monday night though, Doctor Fluffy and Nurse Dobby had to dress my wound. It's in a spot that I can't even reach to scratch when it gets itchy! As the drugs had worn off it was quite painful, feeling somewhat like someone was tearing my skin apart. Very horrible. But I survived and they did a great job.

I have to have the stitches in for two weeks so Fluffy has to dress it for me each night after my bath. I don't like to ask but they (Dobby has done it too) just do it for me. They're good like that.

Thursday night Fluffy had a business dinner (after a day of meetings too, I am so proud of him getting a kind of promotion), so Dobby and I dropped him off and headed down to Marion. Took 2o minutes to find a car park. Ugh. Then I couldn't do what I wanted as there was no way I could have gotten a trolley through that crowd and I couldn't carry the kitty litter. So we just wandered around and spent a bit of money. I had stopped at Millers earlier before coming home and bought 4 tops, two pairs of pants and a dress for $120. At KMart I found a pair of pants for $10 and 2 pairs of shorts for Dobby for $5 each.

After dinner in the food court at 8.45 we headed home. I wasn't sure what time Fluffy would be ready so Dobby went to bed and I waited up. I had a headache and couldn't take anything as I was supposed to be driving to pick him up.

At about 10.45pm I gave him a call just to see what he wanted from me and he told me to go to bed he'd get a taxi. No problem. Quick shower, headache tablet, and vege on the couch. I was going to go to bed but remembered he didn't have a key so I would have to get up anyway to let him in. I did my best to stay awake but at 12.45am I nodded off. At 12.50am he knocked on the window to get me to let him in. Haha. Timing!

Then, on Friday morning I snapped awake at 5.55. Oops! Fluffy's alarm wasn't set! He was supposed to be up at 5.15! A very hurried dress and off to work for him. And, I had to leave early with Dobby for her doctor's appointment. A very rushed morning for all.

But, Friday evening it was great to just sit and relax. Saturday morning Fluffy went to pick up a couple of fridges from the head office and put them on his ute to take to his office Sunday. When he got back we all went to Marion. We found a carpark in Bunnings and then battled the crowds inside.

A few weeks ago we updated our phones, and Fluffy ordered a Samsung Galaxy. But they finally told him on Friday that they are no longer available in Australia. So Saturday he set out to get something else. See, we swapped phones. He is on a $29 plan and I am on $49, but he wanted a phone from the $49 group, while I wasn't worried. So my phone came in, but his didn't.

So at Allphones, the people we updated with, he checked out what was available. And they had his Galaxy. Mind you, it was the Allphones head office that told him they were no longer available! Sucky mob, won't go through them again. We are still with 3, but as you may know, they are now affiliated with Vodafone anyway.

So Dobby and I did some shopping ourselves and hooked up with him for lunch. He was so proud to show me his new phone. It's something entirely different to what he wanted because when he was shown a couple of others, this one seemed to beat all the rest, even the much revered Galaxy.

But, what he forgot, was that it was MY plan that was being updated. Which meant, that my SIM in my phone was no longer any good. And, the new plan they put him on is with Vodafone. The SIM wouldn't work in my phone.

As soon as he finished eating he had to go back down to Allphones with my phone and get them to unlock it so the SIM would work. Job done. Now his phone is keeping him happy and I have a you-beaut new more expensive plan with unlimited talk, text and stuff and 1GB of data. When the plan comes into affect. It still wasn't letting me on the internet last night...

Saturday afternoon, Dobby got a call from a friend asking if she could go for a sleep over. No worries. The mum picked her up and off she went. Aaaah, that lovely sound of silence again. Fluffy and I spent some time in the internet looking for cases for his new toy, and found a couple he liked. Nothing too flash. While at Marion I found a lovely pink sparkly leather flip case for my phone and a stick on embellished letter C. Lovely!

Anyway, Sunday, Fluffy got up early and went to work. Now I was truly in heaven! I got the floors vacuumed, the kitchen floor washed, the dog blankets washed, and then it was time to visit my friend Marg. And it's p*****g down rain! Fabulous! Quick dash into the supermarket for some flowers and off I go.

We chat for a couple hours then when I leave she gives me a little box of Lindt chocolates. MMMMM. My favourites. And a box of them for Dobby for Christmas.

I go down to pick up Dobby and while I am there we get a small hail storm! It's really weird standing on the patio, waiting for the rain and hail to stop, and only being able to see blue sky from our vantage point... very weird indeed.

We make a quick trip to Harbourtown to see if a particular shop has a particular shoe which would be ideal for the caravan, but they don't, so off to Rivers. We buy a pair each and Dobby now has her first pair of casual slip ons which she can also wear out. Very nice they are. We also stop in Ice and find 3 tops for $10 each, and two pairs of shorts for $15 each for her. happy chicken.

Maccas at the drive through then race home. I bath the dog, and then Fluffy comes in not long after while I am sorting yesterday's laundry. I still have lots to do. Dobby helps me cut up bread for chicken stuffing, and I put on a baked dinner. I also change the kitty litter tray and tidy up.

Then I pulled all my drawers out of the caravan, brought them inside and changed over my clothes. I am now officially ready for our trip. The only thing left is the last minute food items and some softdrinks.

After dinner, it's now time for a bath and book, change the dressing, then early night.

Aaah, one week to go. I'll try post on the road sometime, but don't hold your breath. I sure won't be holding mine!

Froggy Fables - Bumper Edition

2010-12-09T05:58:00.011+10:30

So you know I didn't get to post last week. I mean to, I actually had a little to say. But, well, life gets in the way.

Last week was rather eventful in itself. Dobby had been complaining of stomach pains and she said she could feel a lump behind her belly button. I didn't really believe her. Well, that is to say, given that she had been on crutches, I thought she had just pulled a muscle. So I told her to wait a few days and see if it disappeared. It didn't.

So on the Monday after the caravan rally, her dad had a doctor's appointment and I asked them if she could go too. She did.

The doctor thought she may have a small hernia and sent her for a scan. We did the scan on Thursday, and in the mean time, a small lump started to appear inside her belly button. Just a little one. Nothing odd really.

I had an appointment on the Saturday for the doctor to get a skin check, so I took her along to that as well. He looked at the pictures and it was confirmed, she had a hernia.

He also found a spot on my back and took a biopsy.

So, Dobby has a hernia. Just a little one, about 2 cm, and the neck of the hernia is only about half a centimeter across. Hop up here on the table and lets have a look. Dobby lays down and lifts up her shirt.

Doc looks stunned for a tick and calls me over. "How long has this discharge been here?" Her naval is filled with pus. Oh dear! That's new! Doc prescribes anti-biotics and instructions to come back Monday for a follow up.

Wow, we weren't expecting that. Where did that come from? Her belly is still quite sore, so we go do a bit of shopping and buy her medication, then head home.

Saturday evening saw us over the other side of town at a birthday party for one of the blokes from the caravan club. While there we strike up conversation with another lady who we hadn't had a lot to do with. Turns out she is quite lovely and not at all like our first impressions. We both feel quite like we have made some type of contact.

That's the birthday boy. Very funny lad, and that cake was to DIE for!

Dobby is having a great night, and asks if one of the girls can come back to our place to sleep after. No worries, as we had planned to go back to that area the next day. But the friend is going out for the day, so asks if Dobby can sleep there. She has no clothes or anything but it's agreed she can. Fluffy and I take our leave about 11.45 and make the 45 minute trip back home alone.

Next morning I had promised to take Dobby to Tea Tree Plaza which is not at all far from this place, so I stop by just before eleven to collect her. She has borrowed a tee shirt from birthday boy and a pair of shorts from his daughter to wear overnight. Because for once she was actually wearing a dress!

She gets changed into the clothes I bring while I have a cup of tea and chat to birthday boy's partner, who is very lovely.

We leave just before noon and head out to the shopping centre. The sky is pretty clear so we leave the sun roof open. It promises to be about 37 degrees! What better place to be than the shopping centre.

Now, purpose of this visit? I have arranged for a meeting with one of my Blog friend Khristina. We live on opposite sides of Adelaide, but have been meaning to meet up for ages. As I had been planning to give Dobby a surprise, it was perfect we meet there.

See, for Dobby's birthday this year I had promised her another earring in her ear. But it never eventuated. So I decided that I would get it done at the same time. What do you think?

She loves it, of course! She chose a lovely silver stud with a "diamond" birthstone.

We take a look around for Christmas craft things before meeting Khris and her lovely daughter for coffee. Well, coffee and sushi. Yum!

After our coffee and chat we decide to do a spot of shopping and take the girls to Jay Jay's (Dobby's favourite store!) and I buy her a couple of tee shirts. While there birthday boy's partner phones to say Dobby had left her shoes there and she was dropping them down to the shopping centre for me. That's service with a smile!

Now, while all this is going on, Dobby is constantly checking her stomach. The little lump has blown out to almost fill her navel. It looks terrible and the weeping has intensified so much. It's all cruddy and smelly. As soon as we get home Dobby needs a shower and to clean up her belly.

We bid farewell to Khris and her beautiful daughter and head to the car. And as we drive out the driveway, it starts to rain! Whew! By the time we get home the storm is raging and roads are flooded. A few minutes more and with that sun roof up, well.....

Back home, and after her shower the wound actually starts running pus so we are forced to cover it. As she has an appointment with the doctor on Monday I tell her just to leave it and try not to worry. An angry red triangle has formed under the belly button and it's quite hot to touch.

Monday she went to school but was very quiet before she left. About ten past ten I got a call from the school saying Dobby was in the office in a good deal of discomfort, could I come get her. I phoned Boss who said to see if I could get her into the doctor.

As we are extremely busy at work, I wasn't sure if this was a good idea, but phoned them anyway. Sure, they said, bring her up now and we will squeeze her in.

I did. The doctor took one look at the mess her belly was in and told me to take her straight to the hospital as it needed to be surgically drained. If they didn't admit her I was to bring her back the next day.

So, we phoned the specialist and made an appointment for her hernia on the way to the hospital. We got there just before lunch, and were seen fairly quickly. The same doctor who saw her two weeks earlier about her ankle saw her again. He thought we looked familiar...

He put in a call to surgical registrar for an opinion, but he was on his way into theatre, so we would have to wait a bit. They decided to stop all food and drink in case he had to go in with a knife to drain her belly. Plus, they put in a drip shunt thingy. She and her dad called it a floppy thingy if my memory serves me well.

While we were waiting, she showed me an insect bite she had gotten over night. I wonder what did this?

It looked pretty certain she would be in over night, they just had to wait for the surgeon to confirm it. And we waited.

We waited, and waited. The doctor saw her about 1.00 perhaps. By 3.30 they decided to move us from our observation cubicle to another little room around the corner with two beds in it. During this time Dobby had a couple of little naps. I didn't want to eat in front of her so I had to suffer as well. I hadn't had breakfast since 6.30 and Dobby had only had a couple of crackers for morning tea (she usually skips breakfast). While she was napping at one point, a nurse offered me a cup of tea, and with it came two tiny little cellophane wrapped biscuits. I was as quiet as I could be, but next thing, the middle finger appeared over the shoulder of Dobby, who had her back to me. Tee hee. Cheeky.

And we waited. Fluffy came in at about 4.20 as he had been in the city interviewing new staff. I was getting fairly stressed at this time, because when I left work, I had fully intended going back. I left my computer on, the air conditioner on, and the front door was only locked not bolted. Boss was out of town. He phoned me about then and said that they were on their way back and he'd lock up. That was a relief.

Finally, about 5.oo the surgeon arrived. Yes, he said, there is definitely rubbish under the belly button. He couldn't find the exit point though, where it was coming from, so he suggested a very heavy barrage of anti-biotics given intravenously for the next day and see what happens. He ordered a scan for the next morning to assess the internal damage.

So, Dobby was finally allowed to eat, and so were we! The nurse brought her some lasagna and jelly, and I went off to get Maccas for Fluffy and I, and to bring back some clothes for Dobby and feed the animals.

When I got back. she was still waiting for a room... It's well after seven by this time. Boy, those parking fees sure do add up.

Anyway, just before nine she makes it up to her room. She has 4 beds in the ward, with a shared bathroom, and an accordion partition down the middle. There is no one in the bed next to hers so she has the room to herself. She changes clothes and hops into bed, settles down to watch tv until well after midnight... Fluffy and I take our leave about 9.40 or so.

Next day I decide to nip into work for two hours before I go to the hospital. Dobby phones me and says the doctor has already been. Dammit. But I had to get that stuff done for work.

When I get there Dobby is hungry and tired. But in pretty good spirits. Her scan is scheduled for eleven, and just before that I ask the nurses if there is anything to entertain her, as she's bored. They say they may as well take her for her scan now, so a lass walks us down to radiology.

The attending physician is quite intrigued with Dobby's stomach. The device causes her considerable pain but she grits her teeth and doesn't say much. He leaves the room and another lady comes in. She plunks herself down on Dobby's bed and chats to us while the technician does her thing.

It appears there is no sign of a hernia, but instead the red inflamed are is severe cellulitis, and there is an area of pus beneath her umbilicus with a clear drain to the surface. So that's what's been doing all this! And, there is no hernia.... Strange. It would appear what they thought was a hernia was in fact a lump of abscess type thing. Well, that's good.

Back in her room, she can't eat until the doctor has looked at the scan, and decided if she needs surgery. Hours later, close to 3.00, he finally puts in an appearance. Again, because she can't eat, I won't eat in front of her. Boy, this is tough! We sit and amuse ourselves. She is a good patient, just watching tv, dozing, chatting away. We get along just fine.

The surgeon says that he won't operate, but keeps her in another night for more strong drugs, and she should be okay to go home in the morning. Yes, you can eat. Yay! They bring her lunch (lovely chinese chicken noodles and ice cream with custard) and I go to the cafateria for a foccacia and juice. Not too badly priced. $7.90 for the sandwich, and I could only eat half. Dobby had a go at the rest.

Fluffy decides to save on parking I will meet him at home around 5. So I bid farewell to Dobby and make my way home. I have to laugh, cause she phones me 3 times in an hour wondering when I'll be back, because I've been gone hours!

I am not happy though. I phoned Boss to tell him she will be in overnight again, and can I have tomorrow off as well. No, I cannot. I have to go into work. It hits me like a ton of bricks and I want to cry.

I have been at this hospital for two days, and nothing is done at home. There are still dishes in the sink, mess on the floor and dining table, there is no pet food and I am tired. I really needed that extra day. But no, I have to go to work. Fluffy is very angry and tells me I need to get a medical certificate to give me the day off work. I don't. I just go with the flow. Fluffy refuses to come to the Christmas party now. I'll deal with that one later.

I send boss a short text saying I will be in at 12. I don't bother to answer his reply inquiring about Dobby.

I meet Fluffy at home, collect some things for Dobby, and back to the hospital. Only $8 for parking this trip.

Fluffy naps in the chair, Dobby watches tv and I sit and stare. At nine, after Dobby has dozed and woken again, Fluffy and I take our leave. We are very quiet on the trip home. I am as close to being depressed as I have ever been.

Another late night. I make Fluffy toast and coffee because he didn't stop for dinner, and at 10 pm I find myself ironing shirts so he has uniforms for work. Man, this sucks.

Next morning I am again up when Fluffy goes to work. I drag myself through my morning routine, making sure I am dressed for work this time. Today is a big day for Dobby. If they allow her out she will be going to Charlie's Diner for lunch with the class, and then Graduation in the evening.

She is very intense today, waiting to be told she can leave. She dashes in to the bathroom and changes, freshens up. She refuses to shower there, waiting instead till she gets home.

The doctor comes around 8.30 and tells her she is going home. One happy Dobby. We are actually out and on our way by a little after 9.00. The pharmacy sent up her medication, and I paid $20 on our way out, another $8 at the car park, and we're free.

We got as far as King William Street in the city (which, if you are not a local, is about 1km from the hospital) and the phone rang. "Is that Samantha's mum? I'm from the lab and Dobby's swab results are in. That medication we gave you is not going to work on these bugs. She needs this other one that she has had an allergic reaction to. You'll have to come back".

Great. She said that we should try this medication again as it was possible that that reaction ten years ago was related to the virus and not the medication. Sigh. Well, I'll have to come back later.

I took Dobby home for a shower, washed a few dishes, did a very quick and basic tidy up, and dropped her off at school.

I decided that, because I had told boss, via a very short text message, I would be in at 12, and it was only 11, I would go back to the hospital. When I phoned to see if the medication was ready, the lass did it up while I was talking to her. And while she was sympathetic that I had already forked out $20, she could only reduce this one to $10 and I wouldn't get a refund. Once it has left the pharmacy they won't refund. Great.

Before heading to the hospital I stopped off at the Entertainment Centre, tried to find the Ticketek Office, found it unattended, wandered around looking for someone, finally found a cashier, and picked up Dobby two tickets to see Good Charlotte. I bought them a week ago but couldn't get time to get there to pick them up.

Back to the hospital, a quick park in the 15 minute drop off zone on the other side of the hospital, and another attempt to get a refund for the other medication, and I was on my way back to work. And I took a wrong turn and had to go miles out of my way. Not a good start to the day. I was almost in tears when I got to work, and didn't even say good morning to Boss. He was not my favourite person that day.

Anyway, it's graduation day. Dobby phoned me after their lunch to ask if she could get ready at a friend's house. Sure, you can. She had already gotten the friend's mum to wait at our place while she grabbed her dress, shoes and bits and pieces, little rat.

I left work late, rushed over to pick up Dobby, and she' wasn't even dressed. So much for taking our time and not being rushed. However, she had done her hair and showered so all she had to do was put her make up and jewellery on. I did both.

And this is the result....

Sometimes it's hard to believe she is only 13. I was so proud of her. We had already spent two whole days with just our own company for the most part, and that meant some quality bonding time. So to see her looking like such a lovely lady was just a wonderful culmination of a stressful couple of days.

We rushed off down to the school and left her at the library while we took our seats inside. I don't have very good photos of the ceremony and stuff because my camera wasn't good enough to take flash photos that far away, however I have been told some are coming my way from a wonderful family we have known for years.

This is Dobby and her friends after the ceremony

And this

This is her and her teacher

A friend took this one of us

She's beautiful, isn't she?

Back to school Thursday with her school jumper for autographs. It is totally ruined but at the moment her most prized posession. She loves all the signatures and notes on it. Something to treasure for a long time.

Last day of year 7 today, and she is both excited and sad. It's the end of 6 years of friendships, teachers, experiences for a lifetime, but I know she will be the best person she can be for it. I am very proud of my big girl. Love you Dobby. xxx

Ya Better Watch Out

2010-11-28T16:00:00.008+10:30

Because Christmas is almost here. At work I have started getting the business ready for the holiday break, sending out reminder messages for people to get their orders in, finding out when people are closing etc. Means it's not too far away now.

Dobby is getting ready for her graduation in two Wednesdays. It's all happening.

This week, Dobby had a sore stomach. I told her I thought it may be a pulled muscle, although she was convinced she had a lump under her belly button. But although I had made her an appointment, I cancelled it because I thought it best to wait a few days. Sadly, though, over the course of the week, it doesn't look like it has. She thinks the lump may have shrunk a little is all. So, probably better to have it checked. Her dad has to go see the doc Monday for his script so if I can I'll see if he can take her along too. Don't like my chances though.

In other news this week, we had the Caravan Club Christmas Rally this weekend. Hermione decided at the last minute to come, and we were told there could be charges for her, aside from dinner, as she hadn't been to 3 rallies this year. But when I told Nan, she made no mention of reimbursing costs. Not even an offer. Well, I suppose I have to bare that cost, although it was not my idea for her to come. Dobby had mentioned it a couple of weeks ago and she still hadn't given us an answer.

As it turned out, I really wish she hadn't come. That is, we don't get along anymore because she thinks I boss her around, and I think she is rude and doesn't show respect.

Friday afternoon, after picking up Dobby from school at lunch time, and Hermione at 2.00, we arrived about 3.00. It was a little cool but quite a lovely sunny afternoon.

When we got there, as always, the girls disappeared. No problem, we can work faster without them. We were at the end of a row, with a lot of space between our neighbours and us. But the ground was hard gravel covered dirt, and there was no way we were going to be able to drive tent pegs into it, so we didn't extend the awning and had to pitch the tent across the way. See, the site was at the edge of a sports oval. We were right next to the pavillion, and the other vans were around the edge of the oval.

We stuck Dobby here....

...next to the Handicapped parking sign!

Neat and rather apt, I think!

Our neighbours had their teenage granddaughter with them, who was also named, well, for this blog, Dobby. Rather nice girl, very quiet. 16 as well.

We spent the afternoon sitting under the awning, just doing nothing. How lovely! Friday night we took the girls into town and bought fish and chips for dinner, ate that at home, and then at 8pm had a lady from the CFS come and give us a talk about fire safety when travelling. Given that we are going to the Eyre Peninsula over Christmas, this was very interesting. I must make a note to follow the safety tips on our trip.

Anyway, early Saturday morning it started to rain. Horrible it was. Everything under the awning was okay, but the chairs that were outside got wet. And apparently the dog blanket did too because when I checked it later that day it was saturated and the only way it could have been was the runoff from the rain.

By lunch time the light misty, cold, miserable rain eased off to give us a somewhat sunny afternoon. Saturday morning we had morning tea in the pavillion, and sat around telling tall tales. A friend and I went into town looking for a particular wine and wasted a good bit of time. Just us. Lovely. When we got back the kids had Kids Club where they made table decorations in preparation for our Christmas Dinner.

Fluffy and I decorated the van with some lights. It looked pretty good. I had a shower just before happy hour, so I didn't have to join the rush for the 3 showers later, and it had started to get cold.

Speaking of cold, that's the other reason I was very disappointed in Hermione. She didn't bring a coat. She didn't tell me, just lied to my face and said "I'm not cold". Mind you, she had huge goosebumps all over her. Silly child. So while I was out, I passed a second hand store and bought her a zip up jacket. She just said "thanks" when I gave it to her, then not one more word about it. Like I was supposed to do it. Later, when Nan asked her if it was Dobby's jacket, all she said was "no". Not one word about where it came from or how she got to have it. Rude.

Anyway, back to the afternoon. Guess who paid a visit? This bloke!

It was his first year doing it as our regular Santa left the club earlier in the year. I think he did a pretty good job too.

Hermione got her gift.

Then Dobby got hers.

And Fluffy got his.

This young lass is the funniest person, and she is also from Queensland. She and Fluffy share a passion for cream buns. She has threatened that when she goes back to Queensland over Christmas she will send us a pic of every bun she has - they are much easier to get up there!

This is what Fluffy and I received. He got a pack of solar Christmas lights, which he is going to hang in my kitchen window. That will be lovely, walking up the hallway in the dark and seeing those lovely lights in the window. Looking forward to getting some sun to charge the battery now!

Mine was a lovely little serving dish and a huge tube of vanilla and pineapple hand cream. It feels very lovely on too.

The girls received a bag with a pack of eyeshadow, a pack of lip gloss, a pack of nail polish, and a manicure set. Very lovely. Some of the little kids got neat gifts of balls, buckets, totem soccer sets, handbags, wonderful gifts.

Dobby was very jealous of this fellow's gift - a Kombi tin of biscuits!

After presents we sat around and ate ourselves silly and the kids played with their presents. The dogs ran amok on the oval, and so did the kids. Ozzie actually got into a fight with another dog, who resented Ozzie trying to round him up. Lucky Fluffy intervened, but scored a nip on the arm for his efforts. It didn't break the skin though.

After everything had quietened down, I sent the girls for a shower. Dobby did her usual and argued. Hermione just stood there. I said "Hermione, are you going to ignore me to?" She turned her back on me. I seethed. Later, when they came back from "doing their hair" (and not having a shower), Fluffy pulled her aside and chastised her for being rude to me. She complained to Dobby that she did nothing wrong. Dobby said, well, we both did. No, she insisted, she did nothing wrong. Hmph.

Anyway, we all straggled over to the hall for dinner. It was a wonderful spread of roast chicken, ham, pork, baked potatoes, salads, gravy, and rolls. Plenty left. We even took up containers this morning to bring home!

At the dinner there were felt pens on the tables. All the kids went mad drawing on each other.

Would you believe, the bloke across the table took a pic as well, and she smiled for him. And it was a beautiful picture! Little worm!

They had raffles through the night. Some people win everything, don't they? One bloke, who we don't particularly like because he is always big noting himself, and whatever you do he has to do better, won about 5 prizes.

He was also a joint winner in the best decorated van. Last year we won it because we were pretty much the only van that did anything. This year there were more... He copied us with a huge blow up santa thing. We didn't fire up ours this year because we didn't have the power board in the van anymore, so we just did lights.

Here are a few that were on offer:

One winner

Other winner, who copied our blow up Santa (but because his didn't have an internal light like ours, you can't see it in this photo).

This was our van this year. On the table is the little golfer mum knitted wearing a Christmas bib and hat with little lights across the top, and the bright light on the wall is a Merry Christmas sign.

Isn't she pretty?

After dinner and raffles, which we actually won one of this year - a kids activity pack, we retired to wander around the park and look at the lights.

Then back to the hall for some Christmas cake. We were all in bed by 10.30 but I heard the party continued into the wee hours as usual.

Then it rained again. All night, heavy rain. Because the dog didn't have a blanket he had to sleep in the van. As soon as I woke up, or should I say, he thought I woke up, he wanted to go for a walk. So I grabbed my jacket and his lead and took him for walkies. Lucky I did because it rained again up morning tea.

It continued to rain while we were milling about, but it seemed to ease up for morning tea, giving us enough time to dry out the chairs anyway, if nothing else...

After morning tea we all packed up and left. We got home about 1.30 or so. It was a great trip, easy, and fuss free. I had a good weekend. Now, Dobby has about the 4th layer of nail polish on, stuff spread out everywhere, Fluffy is napping, and I am uploading photos furiously for my blog.

I always end up with a headache on these trips, which I suspect if from having to make conversation and listen to what is going on around me amid all the noise. That usually gives me a headache. So, after I am done here I will probably go vege for a while before I start dinner. Tonight it's bake up with leftover salads, baked potoates, and maybe a little gravy for me... aaaaahhh.