I'm not sure if M has gotten to the bottom of the tank pump turning itself on; we're currently using bore water and the only reason the tank pump would come on is if there is a leak in one of the lines - which wouldn't be good. The plumber has been in the vicinity but that was for the bore pump which had not been well (it needed a new fitting), and possibly for the septic trenches. It's a bit of a coincidence but L next door is also redoing his trenches; funny that it should happen at around the same time.
I did manage to do some more of that naughty tax (isn't that an interesting concept - and something I don't think I would ever have to pay) tonight and can say that last financial year's is done ... now I just have to do the year's before and I'm right to go. I've done most of that one - just need to sort through the receipts and make sure I've noted which expenses I have documentation for and mark that in the spreadsheet. It shouldn't take more than an hour or two - once I can make myself sit back at my desk to do it.
It was another gorgeous day here at Latimers and S and I sat out the back this afternoon to catch the zephyr that was blowing, to talk about the day, the workings of the Piscean mind (although funnily enough I think it's more about feelings and being in touch with a wider universality) and ... tax and other things. It was a nice interlude and we were joined by Pearl, Beazley and Tink although they didn't really add much to the conversation ... they are the strong silent types.
S will have to start getting ready for her visit to Kyogle - she leaves tomorrow and will be gone until the weekend - when I go down to pick up her - and the kids (although teenagers would be a better, more apt, description).
We didn't see M until later this evening - she had spent the morning with S and they had visited Aldi (the plastic remote-controlled spiders are not yet on sale) and CostCutters (where a box of Magnums - that would be the ice cream not the gun - costs what some people pay for one) before going off to do other things - including, me thinks, a visit to The Big House to do some more research into numbers, Chaos theory and the nature and predictability of random events. Hmmm ... that makes S and I sitting around having a chat seem a bit low-key - but at least there was washing folding happening at the same time - followed soon after by cat-tray area vacuuming since Kathy is coming tomorrow (must remember to reset the shower after she's been - I did last time but then forgot to do anything about it, and was hit by a wall of water when I turned it on).
Better take myself off to bed soon - it's going to be a big day tomorrow; I'm going with M (and the other Big House folk and their friends) to see Elton John in Brisbane (sorry S!!!). We're bussing it and are not expected to be back on the Coast before midnight.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Monday
It seems to be the month for medical procedures - or testing at least. After S's latest forays into the medical zone over the last couple of weeks, it was my turn today - but for a different body part. It is amazing how you can fool yourself that you're not concerned about having tests done, until you are actually having the tests done and they come at you with a needle which would not be out of place for injecting a horse, or perhaps an elephant. But it's all good as none of the catastrophic things they mentioned "might" happen in the pre-procedure briefing actually came to pass. It's probably a good thing they don't give you that particular piece of paper to bring home and, luckily, if others are anything like me, we quickly forget the possibility of a punctured lung (seriously - I told you the needle was "huge") or ... and see, how good is that, I've forgotten the other things already.
Who knew that so few places are open for breakfast in the Southport precinct before 7am. Even Ferry Road Markets are closed then, which is a shame since they do a decent coffee. But, if they had been opened, I wouldn't have made it to Daniel Stuart's - and they do a great coffee and the atmosphere, and food, is fantastic.
On my journeys - I drove around for a while looking for a breakfast venue and trying to replicate the car's "stuttering" - I saw a baobab tree and told myself to remember it so I could quiz S and M on where there is one (or an Australian version of one if it isn't actually the African version).
The roadworks in and around Southport for the coming of the light rail are still in full swing and I was very lucky to have cars to follow through the chicanes that are now the road.
It's still fairly hot here which may be why the car actually did repeat its "stutter" this morning and I was able to document it for discussion with the mechanic this afternoon. He thinks he knows what the problem is and on the basis of that I will now give the Volvo mechanic that S recommended a call and see if he can be any more "definite" about the problem and suggest if it is a "known" issue. I'll also ask him about the timing belt and whether it does need to be replaced at 100,000km on Volvos as I've heard. Ah Lars ...
Who knew that so few places are open for breakfast in the Southport precinct before 7am. Even Ferry Road Markets are closed then, which is a shame since they do a decent coffee. But, if they had been opened, I wouldn't have made it to Daniel Stuart's - and they do a great coffee and the atmosphere, and food, is fantastic.
On my journeys - I drove around for a while looking for a breakfast venue and trying to replicate the car's "stuttering" - I saw a baobab tree and told myself to remember it so I could quiz S and M on where there is one (or an Australian version of one if it isn't actually the African version).
The roadworks in and around Southport for the coming of the light rail are still in full swing and I was very lucky to have cars to follow through the chicanes that are now the road.
It's still fairly hot here which may be why the car actually did repeat its "stutter" this morning and I was able to document it for discussion with the mechanic this afternoon. He thinks he knows what the problem is and on the basis of that I will now give the Volvo mechanic that S recommended a call and see if he can be any more "definite" about the problem and suggest if it is a "known" issue. I'll also ask him about the timing belt and whether it does need to be replaced at 100,000km on Volvos as I've heard. Ah Lars ...
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Sunday
Well, T must either have been delayed on their return from the Great Hawaii 5-0 trip or they're home but jet-lagged because our usual Skype call didn't happen. I was there and ready in case she came on-line - I think I knew that there was a chance it may not happen - from 7:30 to 8:30 and when the time was up, I had fruit salad breakfast with S and M (thanks M) and we set off for the Markets.
It feels like ages since we've been to the Markets - was it only last week that we missed while we were in Brisbane? No, there was also the week before when we were at The Big House wasn't there? And were we there the week before that? I really do have to keep better notes in my calendar! Ah yes, that's right, the week before The Big House was when M and A came back from overseas!
They were there this morning and A was trying not to look too excited at the thought of N moving back up To Brisbane - in less than a fortnight now. it appears that she is going to drive her car up now, rather than having it transported, and her friend Cat is going to make the trip up with her. When A was telling us this, M was assuring her that it is a great drive up now and that they could easily do it in a day. I was listening intently and trying to believe her because that's the drive S and I will be making in a month's time.
After the Markets (a particularly good session we thought) we went off to Robina for some air-conditioned shopping comfort. It was just a pity I left the pedometer at home because it would have been good to know how many steps we did because we managed to do quite a few. And for a while it looked as though we would be doing a good few more because the parking lot was absolutely jam-packed full - and, quite disappointingly, the parking lights (green for a vacant space) were working "Big House"-style - as in not working properly at all. In the end, we stalked a family who were walking back to their car - they seemed laden down with what had to be the majority of their shopping - and since they were all going back, rather than just one or two ferrying goods - we felt it was a fair bet to follow them. And it paid off!
We were back at Latimers by mid-afternoon and despite my best intentions to work on my tax, I found myself watching (through one eye which is almost ironic given what happens to one of the characters) one of the Final Destination movies. But there's still time to knuckle down and do that tax - so I'd better get to it.
It feels like ages since we've been to the Markets - was it only last week that we missed while we were in Brisbane? No, there was also the week before when we were at The Big House wasn't there? And were we there the week before that? I really do have to keep better notes in my calendar! Ah yes, that's right, the week before The Big House was when M and A came back from overseas!
They were there this morning and A was trying not to look too excited at the thought of N moving back up To Brisbane - in less than a fortnight now. it appears that she is going to drive her car up now, rather than having it transported, and her friend Cat is going to make the trip up with her. When A was telling us this, M was assuring her that it is a great drive up now and that they could easily do it in a day. I was listening intently and trying to believe her because that's the drive S and I will be making in a month's time.
After the Markets (a particularly good session we thought) we went off to Robina for some air-conditioned shopping comfort. It was just a pity I left the pedometer at home because it would have been good to know how many steps we did because we managed to do quite a few. And for a while it looked as though we would be doing a good few more because the parking lot was absolutely jam-packed full - and, quite disappointingly, the parking lights (green for a vacant space) were working "Big House"-style - as in not working properly at all. In the end, we stalked a family who were walking back to their car - they seemed laden down with what had to be the majority of their shopping - and since they were all going back, rather than just one or two ferrying goods - we felt it was a fair bet to follow them. And it paid off!
We were back at Latimers by mid-afternoon and despite my best intentions to work on my tax, I found myself watching (through one eye which is almost ironic given what happens to one of the characters) one of the Final Destination movies. But there's still time to knuckle down and do that tax - so I'd better get to it.
Saturday
How does Pearl know it's Saturday? Does she have advanced consciousness as suggested by one of the "Two of Us" interviewed in today's The Sydney Morning Herald's The Good Weekend? Or does she secretly keep a calendar and mark off the days waiting for the end of the week (a bit like some workers)? However she does it, she does know - and is always excited when Saturday rolls around. Breakfast out day! Walk in the park day! And that's just me - I can't imagine what else she thinks about - maybe the possibility of slipping into the dog park lake for a quick swim, making herself drink out of the common water bowls dotted around the walking track, meeting other furries, trying not to get motion sick in the back of the car, where else she might go to on the way there or back?
I wonder if the cats enjoy Saturday as well? Knowing they can do what they like because Pearl hasn't been left in charge - I'm guilty of that, I don't ever tell one of the cats they're in charge when we're leaving - it's always Pearl - which I think is because I think she's taller she's older, but that isn't actually true! Do they spend the week planning what they'll do while Pearl's gone: while the dog's away the cats will play?
We took ourselves to Bunnings today in search of a wind machine for S as the weather is starting to get hotter and she is starting to feel very uncomfortable in the heat. It was good management and clever thinking on the part of Bunnings that they had a good selection of the fans set up so people could try them before going home, assembling the fan (if required) and finding out it was either too big, not big enough, too blowy or not blowy enough - or that they couldn't actually use it for blowing the furniture around the room.
S is incredibly happy with our purchase and spent the afternoon with it - and so effective was it that at one point when she was having a nap, she had to pull up the covers because she was too cool. I'm sure we are going to have many wonderful hours with it - and I'm now just wondering if we are going to make room for it in the car when we go off to Sydney over the Christmas-New Year Break!
There was a draw at The Big House this afternoon and I'm sure the winner is going to be very happy with the cash or the holiday to Los Angeles - there was so much general hubbub and noise happening when the winner picked the correct envelope we didn't actually get to hear whether they chose the money or the cash - oops, holiday - I think we probably now know what I would have chosen!
I wonder if the cats enjoy Saturday as well? Knowing they can do what they like because Pearl hasn't been left in charge - I'm guilty of that, I don't ever tell one of the cats they're in charge when we're leaving - it's always Pearl - which I think is because I think she's taller she's older, but that isn't actually true! Do they spend the week planning what they'll do while Pearl's gone: while the dog's away the cats will play?
We took ourselves to Bunnings today in search of a wind machine for S as the weather is starting to get hotter and she is starting to feel very uncomfortable in the heat. It was good management and clever thinking on the part of Bunnings that they had a good selection of the fans set up so people could try them before going home, assembling the fan (if required) and finding out it was either too big, not big enough, too blowy or not blowy enough - or that they couldn't actually use it for blowing the furniture around the room.
S is incredibly happy with our purchase and spent the afternoon with it - and so effective was it that at one point when she was having a nap, she had to pull up the covers because she was too cool. I'm sure we are going to have many wonderful hours with it - and I'm now just wondering if we are going to make room for it in the car when we go off to Sydney over the Christmas-New Year Break!
There was a draw at The Big House this afternoon and I'm sure the winner is going to be very happy with the cash or the holiday to Los Angeles - there was so much general hubbub and noise happening when the winner picked the correct envelope we didn't actually get to hear whether they chose the money or the cash - oops, holiday - I think we probably now know what I would have chosen!
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Friday
Little Emma is a tad unwell again so we are monitoring her closely and trying to figure out what it might be. We have also taken her off insulin until she is able to keep all her food down because we don't want to run the risk of her having a hypo, especially when we are out. If S or I are around it's not so bad because we know that we can always give her some sugar water (or a little honey around the mouth) but if we weren't here to notice and act then the consequences are something we would rather not think about.
And on the subject of insulin, M had Beazley back to the vet this afternoon for another BGL check and his readings were pretty good - so good, in fact, that they have now dropped him back to 2 units morning and night. M says he is getting much better about going to the vet (he used to hate it) and she settles him in the car by telling him his story and about his mother and how he went to live first at Country Crescent and then at Latimers. It's important for people, even furry ones, to know their story or in Beazley's case, history.
Well, 1 year, 7 months and 10 days after arriving here I have finally done it ... applied for a local driving licence. I'm not quite sure why the delay but yesterday I just knew it was time - and I was very pleased to find that my licence number numbers added up to 33 (my lucky number - one of them anyway). They took my old licence and gave me a letter to carry until my new smart-chip photo licence arrives in the post! Very exciting!
While it was off for part of the week, by the time we arrived to today, Friday Night Family and Friends Dinner was back on again. It was M's turn - and everyone loves M's turn - and tonight was at Zen. It could have been me but I thought everyone was just a bit low-key - Mouse was as quiet as, F's eyes were sore and irritated after watching The Immortals in 3D, and Mi was debriefing after her translator exam - but nevertheless the company was great (as always) - as was the food. Mmmm ... noodles.
It was still quite early by the time we arrived back at Latimers so Beazley and I settled on the couch - and we would have watched a movie but there wasn't anything we were both interested in - so he tolerated an episode of "Family Guy" and then when it was his turn to choose what to watch next - he was fast asleep. I guess going to the vet takes it out of him!
And on the subject of insulin, M had Beazley back to the vet this afternoon for another BGL check and his readings were pretty good - so good, in fact, that they have now dropped him back to 2 units morning and night. M says he is getting much better about going to the vet (he used to hate it) and she settles him in the car by telling him his story and about his mother and how he went to live first at Country Crescent and then at Latimers. It's important for people, even furry ones, to know their story or in Beazley's case, history.
Well, 1 year, 7 months and 10 days after arriving here I have finally done it ... applied for a local driving licence. I'm not quite sure why the delay but yesterday I just knew it was time - and I was very pleased to find that my licence number numbers added up to 33 (my lucky number - one of them anyway). They took my old licence and gave me a letter to carry until my new smart-chip photo licence arrives in the post! Very exciting!
While it was off for part of the week, by the time we arrived to today, Friday Night Family and Friends Dinner was back on again. It was M's turn - and everyone loves M's turn - and tonight was at Zen. It could have been me but I thought everyone was just a bit low-key - Mouse was as quiet as, F's eyes were sore and irritated after watching The Immortals in 3D, and Mi was debriefing after her translator exam - but nevertheless the company was great (as always) - as was the food. Mmmm ... noodles.
It was still quite early by the time we arrived back at Latimers so Beazley and I settled on the couch - and we would have watched a movie but there wasn't anything we were both interested in - so he tolerated an episode of "Family Guy" and then when it was his turn to choose what to watch next - he was fast asleep. I guess going to the vet takes it out of him!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Thursday
We were up bright and early and out of the house by 5:45am (it really does seem early when you put it like that!) so we had S to the Hospital in good time for her procedure. The folk there were lovely and, as I walked away, I knew she was in good hands! It was worth a small chuckle to know she was being booked in via the Rear Reception - especially given the nature of the procedure. I'm not sure if she was expecting to get a new wardrobe to wear when she arrived - entirely made of paper except for the terry towelling robe worn over the top of everything else including the "one size fits all" (really?) gown.
The said they would need her for between 3 and 4 hours - the preparation (some forms and talking with the anaesthetist), the procedure, and the recovery where she gets to have tea and sandwiches - and to talk with the doctor about what they found (if anything), and then waiting for someone to come pick her up (thank you M!). And they were spot on - she was out of there and tucked up at a room at The Big House (thanks again M) not long after 10 - where she then followed the instructions and slept for the rest of the day. I met her in there this afternoon for coffee, Cheeseland and dinner - and, for me, a bath ... a lovely end to a Thursday. Also ending tonight - The Slap - and while I didn't watch it, I could hear S's comments and it seemed to end well - although I'm not sure if the characters thought so.
In the end I had to carry Tink in at lockdown. She had settled into one of the chairs out the back and ignored all calls and whistles- and while I could have rattled the cookie packet to bring her in, I think that's a bad habit for both of us to get into.
Well, S and I have actually started to think about the Christmas break and S will ring her brother tomorrow to discuss the options.(Thank goodness for the iPad, being able to take a screenshot of the calendar and then being able to make notes on the image - and do different versions of the plan.) and once we know about that part of the family, we'll start liaising with other family and friends.
The rain continues - which is good news. We really do want it to keep up until the tank is full! And the grass is green! Of course, it's a nice change from the hot weather we've been having recently - and gives S time to do some research on the most effective and efficient cooling methods for the coming summer months.
The said they would need her for between 3 and 4 hours - the preparation (some forms and talking with the anaesthetist), the procedure, and the recovery where she gets to have tea and sandwiches - and to talk with the doctor about what they found (if anything), and then waiting for someone to come pick her up (thank you M!). And they were spot on - she was out of there and tucked up at a room at The Big House (thanks again M) not long after 10 - where she then followed the instructions and slept for the rest of the day. I met her in there this afternoon for coffee, Cheeseland and dinner - and, for me, a bath ... a lovely end to a Thursday. Also ending tonight - The Slap - and while I didn't watch it, I could hear S's comments and it seemed to end well - although I'm not sure if the characters thought so.
In the end I had to carry Tink in at lockdown. She had settled into one of the chairs out the back and ignored all calls and whistles- and while I could have rattled the cookie packet to bring her in, I think that's a bad habit for both of us to get into.
Well, S and I have actually started to think about the Christmas break and S will ring her brother tomorrow to discuss the options.(Thank goodness for the iPad, being able to take a screenshot of the calendar and then being able to make notes on the image - and do different versions of the plan.) and once we know about that part of the family, we'll start liaising with other family and friends.
The rain continues - which is good news. We really do want it to keep up until the tank is full! And the grass is green! Of course, it's a nice change from the hot weather we've been having recently - and gives S time to do some research on the most effective and efficient cooling methods for the coming summer months.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Wednesday
Cow! Cow! Cow! This is not a greeting to someone who has behaved badly but rather my exclamation as I came around one of the corners on the way to the main road this morning. I'm always watchful for kangaroos on this section but have never given any thought to finding a cow on the road - although given the number of them in the area, it's strange that I haven't.
So what do you do if/when you find a cow on the road? Who do you ring? It's not a life-threatening emergency but if a car came around the corner, going too fast to stop in time, it could be. In the end, the resolution was quite simple ... a man stopped in his panel van, put on his hazard lights, left his driver's door open and chased the protesting cow off the road and into the paddock.- I couldn't see whether it was through the downed fence, or a gate. It was a good job and as soon as he'd done it, I felt the situation was under control enough to drive off - away from the position where I could flash approaching cars to warn them to slow down because there was livestock on the road - so it didn't become, as R would put it - dead stock.
It was another hot day here today - which means there has to be rain coming soon - it has been forecast - and they were right, it started this evening and we're hoping it will go on for a couple of days and fill the tank.
S is deep in the preparations for her procedure tomorrow but seems to be in good spirits - no doubt helped along by watching more episodes of RPA and that screaming show - and tonight's final of Junior MasterChef. We were both saying that we prefer the Junior version to the usual version and not just because the kids cry way less than the adults! It is great to see them being nice to each other and helping each other where they can - rather than plotting and scheming their way to the "top". In the end, S (I don't know why you argue with me) was right and Greta took out the title. Jack put on a brave face and said all the right things during the competition but I was just a bit disappointed with the way they had edited his comments about how he was feeling so positive about winning into the show. There were no similar comments from Greta and it either portrayed him as cocky and overconfident or was a (deliberate?) attempt to throw viewers off track.
The furries were feeling the heat this evening and were very low key. At one stage while S and I were sitting out the back folding washing (well, one of us was!) we had Pearl, Beazley and Maggie with us enjoying, as much as we were, the cool breeze that had sprung up.
So what do you do if/when you find a cow on the road? Who do you ring? It's not a life-threatening emergency but if a car came around the corner, going too fast to stop in time, it could be. In the end, the resolution was quite simple ... a man stopped in his panel van, put on his hazard lights, left his driver's door open and chased the protesting cow off the road and into the paddock.- I couldn't see whether it was through the downed fence, or a gate. It was a good job and as soon as he'd done it, I felt the situation was under control enough to drive off - away from the position where I could flash approaching cars to warn them to slow down because there was livestock on the road - so it didn't become, as R would put it - dead stock.
It was another hot day here today - which means there has to be rain coming soon - it has been forecast - and they were right, it started this evening and we're hoping it will go on for a couple of days and fill the tank.
S is deep in the preparations for her procedure tomorrow but seems to be in good spirits - no doubt helped along by watching more episodes of RPA and that screaming show - and tonight's final of Junior MasterChef. We were both saying that we prefer the Junior version to the usual version and not just because the kids cry way less than the adults! It is great to see them being nice to each other and helping each other where they can - rather than plotting and scheming their way to the "top". In the end, S (I don't know why you argue with me) was right and Greta took out the title. Jack put on a brave face and said all the right things during the competition but I was just a bit disappointed with the way they had edited his comments about how he was feeling so positive about winning into the show. There were no similar comments from Greta and it either portrayed him as cocky and overconfident or was a (deliberate?) attempt to throw viewers off track.
The furries were feeling the heat this evening and were very low key. At one stage while S and I were sitting out the back folding washing (well, one of us was!) we had Pearl, Beazley and Maggie with us enjoying, as much as we were, the cool breeze that had sprung up.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Tuesday
Well, no getting off work today and I was up early to give Beazley his shot - athough I noticed that someone had been up before me and had opened the back door for the furries to come and go as they pleased. It may have been S who said later today that she had a-not-very-well Tink out. It may therefore have been Tink who had been just a little ill on the big mat near the front door. The cause seemed to be too many cookies too quickly - but the worry is that this isn't the first time this has happened this week -although we still don't know who it was last time - or really who it was this morning.
When I rang home at lunchtime, S was okay and M was on ROM doing the yard - which is a bit of shame because I had been looking forward to doing it some time this week to surprise her. I almost did it yesterday while I was home but I thought it was a bit warm (and it was a bit warm!) - so thanks to her for doing it. And there's no doubt about it - it does look better - and decidedly snake-free - when it's just been mowed. I will have to have the Colorbond moment for her tomorrow morning because she is in Brisbane this evening going to the KD Lang concert, and staying overnight. Not quite sure what time she's coming back, but it won't have to be in time for Bingo because S has decided that she won't go tomorrow.
I was a bit disappointed on the way in to work this morning because the car started hiccuping a bit. Mind you, it wasn't as bad as it was in Brisbane - but I was worried that it was going to be. I arrived at work okay but determined that I would give it a workout this afternoon - take it through stop-start traffic with the air-conditioner on - to see if I could get it to heat up enough to fail - making sure that I was in the vicinity of the mechanics so I could show them the problem as it was happening. That was the plan anyway and even though it did stutter when pulling away from the stop, just giving it some more accelerator fixed it. I'll keep an eye on it over the coming days - particularly as I'm planning to do the two-hour drive to Kyogle next weekend.
But doing the test drive this afternoon meant I was at the CostCutters (a couple of buildings up the street from the mechanics) and was able to have a look in there. It looks as though the stock depends on what they get in - but there appear to be some good bargains to be had - including Streets ice-cream products - which will be handy if the Summer turns out to be hotter than expected.
F dropped in to borrow the four-wheel-drive this afternoon. L's broke down this morning and he needs one to be able to pick up a load of sand for a job he's doing tomorrow. That four-wheel-drive has come in very handy the last couple of days.
It's about time to call the furries in because it's just about time for lockdown - and it wouldn't do to let them break the rules just because their mother isn't here! Tinker! Maggie! Beazley!
When I rang home at lunchtime, S was okay and M was on ROM doing the yard - which is a bit of shame because I had been looking forward to doing it some time this week to surprise her. I almost did it yesterday while I was home but I thought it was a bit warm (and it was a bit warm!) - so thanks to her for doing it. And there's no doubt about it - it does look better - and decidedly snake-free - when it's just been mowed. I will have to have the Colorbond moment for her tomorrow morning because she is in Brisbane this evening going to the KD Lang concert, and staying overnight. Not quite sure what time she's coming back, but it won't have to be in time for Bingo because S has decided that she won't go tomorrow.
I was a bit disappointed on the way in to work this morning because the car started hiccuping a bit. Mind you, it wasn't as bad as it was in Brisbane - but I was worried that it was going to be. I arrived at work okay but determined that I would give it a workout this afternoon - take it through stop-start traffic with the air-conditioner on - to see if I could get it to heat up enough to fail - making sure that I was in the vicinity of the mechanics so I could show them the problem as it was happening. That was the plan anyway and even though it did stutter when pulling away from the stop, just giving it some more accelerator fixed it. I'll keep an eye on it over the coming days - particularly as I'm planning to do the two-hour drive to Kyogle next weekend.
But doing the test drive this afternoon meant I was at the CostCutters (a couple of buildings up the street from the mechanics) and was able to have a look in there. It looks as though the stock depends on what they get in - but there appear to be some good bargains to be had - including Streets ice-cream products - which will be handy if the Summer turns out to be hotter than expected.
F dropped in to borrow the four-wheel-drive this afternoon. L's broke down this morning and he needs one to be able to pick up a load of sand for a job he's doing tomorrow. That four-wheel-drive has come in very handy the last couple of days.
It's about time to call the furries in because it's just about time for lockdown - and it wouldn't do to let them break the rules just because their mother isn't here! Tinker! Maggie! Beazley!
Monday
There's something quite wonderful about having the day off when most people you know are working. Such was today - I phoned in to say I was doing "car stuff" - actually I didn't say that, I just said I wouldn't be in because they already knew that it was (the car) from when I'd spoken to Ma at the Christmas party.
Luckily the mechanics could fit Lars in even though they are having one of their busiest months so far this year. And it seems they were able to find the problem which was neither of the things we thought it was - it wasn't the coil and it wasn't dirty petrol - instead it appears to have been an split air pipe - causing the computer to go haywire and not be able to work out what was really happening up the front in engine-land. Hopefully they've nailed it. I was able to pick up the car at their closing time - or what is usually their closing time - as it turns out they were still open at least half an hour later when M walked over from Zarraffas to collect the other car. (She had kindly arranged to meet me there so we could get all the cars home.)
I took advantage of the day off to change my appointment with the doctor from Wednesday morning to today mid-morning - and that went fairly well, except I now have some tests scheduled for next Monday morning - and I'm not quite sure how much of the morning that will end up being. But better to get these things out of the way.
And I'm not sure that's what S is thinking at the moment as she gets ready for her own tests on Thursday. She is in the middle of special diet days - very bland and without fibre - and will move on to fluids only in a couple of days. She is being very good with it - I'm not sure I would be nearly so tolerant (and let's hope we never have to find out).
Unfortunately, the podiatrist rang too late today for us to go and collect S's new shoes - and she is really looking forward to getting them. She was very impressed with the podiatrist's office - including the receptionist who seemed to be able to juggle everything happening in the office - and a son who had called up to say that he thought their dog had a tick - without losing her very pleasant and sunny disposition.
It was lovely to spend the morning here at Latimers including having breakfast with S and M and sitting with Emma as she enjoyed some outside time. It's just a lovely here in the afternoons too, and a lovely breeze came up shortly before it was time to go in and collect the car.
It didn't take long for the "shaking the cookies" trick to catch on - although, to be fair, I did only hear what I thought was the rattling of food packets and that may not have been how M was trying to coax Tink inside this evening.
Luckily the mechanics could fit Lars in even though they are having one of their busiest months so far this year. And it seems they were able to find the problem which was neither of the things we thought it was - it wasn't the coil and it wasn't dirty petrol - instead it appears to have been an split air pipe - causing the computer to go haywire and not be able to work out what was really happening up the front in engine-land. Hopefully they've nailed it. I was able to pick up the car at their closing time - or what is usually their closing time - as it turns out they were still open at least half an hour later when M walked over from Zarraffas to collect the other car. (She had kindly arranged to meet me there so we could get all the cars home.)
I took advantage of the day off to change my appointment with the doctor from Wednesday morning to today mid-morning - and that went fairly well, except I now have some tests scheduled for next Monday morning - and I'm not quite sure how much of the morning that will end up being. But better to get these things out of the way.
And I'm not sure that's what S is thinking at the moment as she gets ready for her own tests on Thursday. She is in the middle of special diet days - very bland and without fibre - and will move on to fluids only in a couple of days. She is being very good with it - I'm not sure I would be nearly so tolerant (and let's hope we never have to find out).
Unfortunately, the podiatrist rang too late today for us to go and collect S's new shoes - and she is really looking forward to getting them. She was very impressed with the podiatrist's office - including the receptionist who seemed to be able to juggle everything happening in the office - and a son who had called up to say that he thought their dog had a tick - without losing her very pleasant and sunny disposition.
It was lovely to spend the morning here at Latimers including having breakfast with S and M and sitting with Emma as she enjoyed some outside time. It's just a lovely here in the afternoons too, and a lovely breeze came up shortly before it was time to go in and collect the car.
It didn't take long for the "shaking the cookies" trick to catch on - although, to be fair, I did only hear what I thought was the rattling of food packets and that may not have been how M was trying to coax Tink inside this evening.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Sunday
Last night's work Christmas Party was fantastic - and it would seem a great time was had by all. The ante area and the room were nicely dressed and there were theme actors mingling with the crowd - but it must be said that even though they were playing the part they were not the best-dressed on the evening - although we did like the bag full of money one of the characters carried around for the evening - and that there were $100 American bills on offer - I ended up with one of them as a souvenir because you wouldn't want to spend it (it could land you in prison for very bad counterfeiting).
We left the young ones to after-party the night away and were at home (in the motel) and on our way to slumberland by midnight. Because it was going to be a big day today. Someone had suggested (one of the locals) that we should try KMart Tyre and Auto to help with the tyres and a quick check of the website (while we were at the party) showed that there were some outlets open on a Sunday in Brisbane but we wouldn't be able to see if they could fit us in until they opened at 9:30.
Breakfast at the Suburban was a great way to fill in the morning and they did a very presentable offering - and the coffee was as good as I remembered. It was incredibly busy as well, so we weren't the only ones who thought it was a good venue. (Just a pity that other good venue - Viet Hoa - wasn't open yesterday afternoon when I called in to pick us up some rice paper rolls for a late lunch.)
Chermside. Chermside. Chermside. How amazing is it and the Westfields there - but mostly how amazingly wonderful that the KMart Tyre and Auto there is open on a Sunday and could fit in selling us new tyres and fitting them to the rims - and when I told them we needed four - they pushed their schedule for the day so they could put them on the car and do a wheel balance as well. Excellent work.
Of course, getting there was no without its moments - as the car started spluttering again - but differently this time. When I floored it, it did pick up and go - so I'm now starting to think that Lars has two issues - the coil as suggested by Mr RACQ and contaminated petrol. Hopefully the mechanic will be able to tell because we dropped Lars there this afternoon (thanks for picking us up M) and don't want him back until he's all better.
Emma was pleased to see us home again and reported that Aunty M had done a fantastic job of looking after her in our absence. She had let her run free in the yard for a few hours - and, as we all know, Emma loves that.
The other furries all appear well - and Tinky was up to her naughty trick of wanting to stay out when it was really time for lockdown - but since I am home tomorrow (and therefore staying up just a bit later) she had a small period of grace. She did finally come in when called with the rattle of the special cookies.
We left the young ones to after-party the night away and were at home (in the motel) and on our way to slumberland by midnight. Because it was going to be a big day today. Someone had suggested (one of the locals) that we should try KMart Tyre and Auto to help with the tyres and a quick check of the website (while we were at the party) showed that there were some outlets open on a Sunday in Brisbane but we wouldn't be able to see if they could fit us in until they opened at 9:30.
Breakfast at the Suburban was a great way to fill in the morning and they did a very presentable offering - and the coffee was as good as I remembered. It was incredibly busy as well, so we weren't the only ones who thought it was a good venue. (Just a pity that other good venue - Viet Hoa - wasn't open yesterday afternoon when I called in to pick us up some rice paper rolls for a late lunch.)
Chermside. Chermside. Chermside. How amazing is it and the Westfields there - but mostly how amazingly wonderful that the KMart Tyre and Auto there is open on a Sunday and could fit in selling us new tyres and fitting them to the rims - and when I told them we needed four - they pushed their schedule for the day so they could put them on the car and do a wheel balance as well. Excellent work.
Of course, getting there was no without its moments - as the car started spluttering again - but differently this time. When I floored it, it did pick up and go - so I'm now starting to think that Lars has two issues - the coil as suggested by Mr RACQ and contaminated petrol. Hopefully the mechanic will be able to tell because we dropped Lars there this afternoon (thanks for picking us up M) and don't want him back until he's all better.
Emma was pleased to see us home again and reported that Aunty M had done a fantastic job of looking after her in our absence. She had let her run free in the yard for a few hours - and, as we all know, Emma loves that.
The other furries all appear well - and Tinky was up to her naughty trick of wanting to stay out when it was really time for lockdown - but since I am home tomorrow (and therefore staying up just a bit later) she had a small period of grace. She did finally come in when called with the rattle of the special cookies.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Saturday
Finally it's the weekend but ... even better it's the weekend of the work Christmas party (it seems to get earlier every year) which means S and I are off to Brisbane, where we'll stay overnight and then drive back tomorrow in time for the Hinze Dam BBQ. Alas, we won't be back in time for the Markets - which will mean we have missed them two weeks in a row (sigh) - but that means we will have them next week to look forward to.
Which is no doubt what Pearl does each week as she waits for Saturday to roll around so she can come out to breakfast with us. And this morning was no exception. She is so patient - waiting for all of us to arise, have cups of tea (or not), take Emma outside for a drink of the other water and a roll in (and chew of) the grass, then for the non-furries to shower and dress - and, most importantly, come up with a plan for the day which, I thinks should always, without question, include having breakfast out with Pearl and, if time allows, also taking her for a walk in the dog park! Then ... well ... it's open for discussion and/or debate.
We managed to fit in breakfast at Sisters this morning with Pearl, Mouse, M, S and I - and then we were joined for coffee by F and Mi. It was a lovely interlude before we took Pearl back to Latimers, packed our bag, and headed north to Brisbane.
I'd love to say it was an uneventful trip but if I did, I would be lying. Just after we came off the Motorway at South Bank the car decided it would start spluttering and then it got worse. It was like we had no power at all - even with the pedal to the metal (seriously) and we willed rather than drove the car the last kilometre and up the hill and over the slight rise into the motel driveway.
The RACQ man was very good - there within half an hour - and, unable to replicate the problem, offered some suggestions as to what it might be. He also checked the oil and, on finding it low, climbed under the car to look for oil leaks - and that was when he noticed the front right tyre was definitely not well. We went to put the spare on but he was not happy with that one either (who checks the spare? It hasn't seen the light of day, by my hand anyway, since we got the car!) and was unwilling to swap them over. And, he cautioned me, you shouldn't be driving on that tyre! It was just a pity this was 4:30 on a Saturday afternoon when most retail outlets for tyres were no longer open for the weekend. Thank goodness for the Internet though - so I could check to see where the nearest tyre retailers are and start ringing around - without even the slightest grain of success. Thank goodness for locals - some of the colleagues at tonight's party are locals and should be able to offer suggestions - and failing that, ie finding a tyre place open on a Sunday, we can stay overnight tomorrow night, have it fixed on Monday and then make our way home.
But right now it's time to go out the front to meet J and her husband and get a lift with them to the party!
Which is no doubt what Pearl does each week as she waits for Saturday to roll around so she can come out to breakfast with us. And this morning was no exception. She is so patient - waiting for all of us to arise, have cups of tea (or not), take Emma outside for a drink of the other water and a roll in (and chew of) the grass, then for the non-furries to shower and dress - and, most importantly, come up with a plan for the day which, I thinks should always, without question, include having breakfast out with Pearl and, if time allows, also taking her for a walk in the dog park! Then ... well ... it's open for discussion and/or debate.
We managed to fit in breakfast at Sisters this morning with Pearl, Mouse, M, S and I - and then we were joined for coffee by F and Mi. It was a lovely interlude before we took Pearl back to Latimers, packed our bag, and headed north to Brisbane.
I'd love to say it was an uneventful trip but if I did, I would be lying. Just after we came off the Motorway at South Bank the car decided it would start spluttering and then it got worse. It was like we had no power at all - even with the pedal to the metal (seriously) and we willed rather than drove the car the last kilometre and up the hill and over the slight rise into the motel driveway.
The RACQ man was very good - there within half an hour - and, unable to replicate the problem, offered some suggestions as to what it might be. He also checked the oil and, on finding it low, climbed under the car to look for oil leaks - and that was when he noticed the front right tyre was definitely not well. We went to put the spare on but he was not happy with that one either (who checks the spare? It hasn't seen the light of day, by my hand anyway, since we got the car!) and was unwilling to swap them over. And, he cautioned me, you shouldn't be driving on that tyre! It was just a pity this was 4:30 on a Saturday afternoon when most retail outlets for tyres were no longer open for the weekend. Thank goodness for the Internet though - so I could check to see where the nearest tyre retailers are and start ringing around - without even the slightest grain of success. Thank goodness for locals - some of the colleagues at tonight's party are locals and should be able to offer suggestions - and failing that, ie finding a tyre place open on a Sunday, we can stay overnight tomorrow night, have it fixed on Monday and then make our way home.
But right now it's time to go out the front to meet J and her husband and get a lift with them to the party!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Friday
Well, as we all knew, Mouse could put most of us under the table and yesterday was no exception. After High Tea she, M, Mi and F took themselves off to The Big House where the CSP tables are again open for business but have not yet given up the jackpot - and they weren't giving it up last night either. Although this is not so good for the rest of the players, it means there is a possibility it might still be there next time I get in to play. M was saying that if she wins it, she could put a one-bedroom unit where the garage is. My question is (and I didn't think of it at the time) where would she then put the car?
It didn't rain again today - which is a shame because the bore pump is still out of action and the tank is only half full. Just as well S and I are going off to Brisbane tomorrow for my work Christmas party - so it means we will miss out on a couple of showers here. The plumber did come today to diagnose the problem - much the same as M thought - but because the pipes are a bit on the old side - I think M mentioned 25 years or so - that means the fittings are no longer standard and the plumber will have to source the right size from somewhere. Unfortunately he won't be back tomorrow because he has a birthday party he needs to be at but he has said he should be back on Sunday to finish the job.
Who knew that Advancetown Hotel had two poker nights a week? We were up there last night for dinner - I needed to have a steak which had some flavour (unlike Tuesday night) and we know they do a good one - so off we went. The place was full - much fuller than it usually is on a Tuesday (poker), Wednesday (raffles) or Thursday (trivia) (the only other nights we've been) and the poker tables were set up again - and all three of them were full. I felt a pang when I saw the chips (as in poker not potato) and wondered how much the different coloured ones were worth - and whether it was a "fun" game with the Hotel providing a nominal prize for the person holding the most chips at the end of the games, or whether the players were actually betting with their money. I didn't actually see any poker being played - they hadn't started when we arrived and had finished before we left - so I couldn't even tell what game they were playing - although chances are that with the number of variants of poker there are these days - I wouldn't have been able to tell anyway.
The cats had a night out themselves last night. By bed-time, except for Beazley who was staying close, the others were nowhere to be seen. I had a look for them and called them but neither Tink nor Maggie was co-operating, so we left the door open for them to wander in when they were ready (or for M to bring them in if she saw them when she arrived home).
M took Beazley to the vet for another check of his glucose levels this afternoon and he is doing so well that they have now dropped him to 3 units of insulin morning and night - and they are still talking "remission". Meanwhile, Emma, who is now on 1.5 units, is doing well - and still taking up more room in the bed (sleeping on her pillow) than S would like - but she (and that could be S or Emma) wouldn't have it any other way.
It didn't rain again today - which is a shame because the bore pump is still out of action and the tank is only half full. Just as well S and I are going off to Brisbane tomorrow for my work Christmas party - so it means we will miss out on a couple of showers here. The plumber did come today to diagnose the problem - much the same as M thought - but because the pipes are a bit on the old side - I think M mentioned 25 years or so - that means the fittings are no longer standard and the plumber will have to source the right size from somewhere. Unfortunately he won't be back tomorrow because he has a birthday party he needs to be at but he has said he should be back on Sunday to finish the job.
Who knew that Advancetown Hotel had two poker nights a week? We were up there last night for dinner - I needed to have a steak which had some flavour (unlike Tuesday night) and we know they do a good one - so off we went. The place was full - much fuller than it usually is on a Tuesday (poker), Wednesday (raffles) or Thursday (trivia) (the only other nights we've been) and the poker tables were set up again - and all three of them were full. I felt a pang when I saw the chips (as in poker not potato) and wondered how much the different coloured ones were worth - and whether it was a "fun" game with the Hotel providing a nominal prize for the person holding the most chips at the end of the games, or whether the players were actually betting with their money. I didn't actually see any poker being played - they hadn't started when we arrived and had finished before we left - so I couldn't even tell what game they were playing - although chances are that with the number of variants of poker there are these days - I wouldn't have been able to tell anyway.
The cats had a night out themselves last night. By bed-time, except for Beazley who was staying close, the others were nowhere to be seen. I had a look for them and called them but neither Tink nor Maggie was co-operating, so we left the door open for them to wander in when they were ready (or for M to bring them in if she saw them when she arrived home).
M took Beazley to the vet for another check of his glucose levels this afternoon and he is doing so well that they have now dropped him to 3 units of insulin morning and night - and they are still talking "remission". Meanwhile, Emma, who is now on 1.5 units, is doing well - and still taking up more room in the bed (sleeping on her pillow) than S would like - but she (and that could be S or Emma) wouldn't have it any other way.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thursday
Happy Birthday Mouse!!!! 86 and not out - and she's not finished yet. Was our wait person just being kind to the Birthday Girl this afternoon - or was he truly stunned that Mouse is in amazing shape for her age? And she is! As she said "I was 85 yesterday" ... and she was.
High Tea was a lovely thing to do (much better than the third buffet dinner in as many weeks) and will long be remembered as a very special afternoon. This was the first time S and I had been to Versace - we have driven past many times though on the way to the Spit or to SeaWorld or back to Main Beach - and while it is nice from the outside, it is magnificent inside. And who knew they had an artificial beach - or had worked out a way to stop palm fronds crashing to the ground or on to unsuspecting poolsiders?
I arrived early and rather than going straight there, I had a walk around the Marina Mirage, soaking up some atmosphere and checking out the pet pampering shop which is now decorated for Christmas - including statues of dogs wearing almost tasteful reindeer paraphernalia (although they were without antlers). There was a pretty outfit in the window (being modeled by a keen Scotty statue) which would look quite nice on Prince (M and A's dog) except that it (the outfit, not Prince) is pink. It may be good for Mum's dog (Pippa ... a female) too - although we don't want to start stereotyping with the dogs ... especially if they are colour-blind - did I read that somewhere or make it up? Or is that cats?
The big news of the day is that it looks like N is coming back up this way to live. M told us today at High Tea that even though N was initially told she didn't get the position she very much wanted with a major firm, their HR department had made a mistake and offered her position to the wrong applicant - but the error has been discovered and N offered, and accepted, the role. M is one very proud and happy parent. N and the firm are now backwards and forwarding about start dates but N should be set up in Brisbane by as early as next month.
Back at Latimers, M is less than impressed that another plumbing problem has surfaced. When she went to do ablutions this morning, she found there was no water. We are - or were - currently on bore water. For a moment she thought that either the power (and therefore the pump) was off - but no! - or that it has been off and the pump hadn't restarted and needed to be primed again. Not so either - although the problem was evident when she got down to pump-land - a pipe, perhaps a sealing ring. seems to have failed and needs repair. M switched us back over to tank water and the plumber is coming tomorrow and if he can't fix it and if it doesn't rain, she is considering buying a load of water and/or sending us all out for showers!
High Tea was a lovely thing to do (much better than the third buffet dinner in as many weeks) and will long be remembered as a very special afternoon. This was the first time S and I had been to Versace - we have driven past many times though on the way to the Spit or to SeaWorld or back to Main Beach - and while it is nice from the outside, it is magnificent inside. And who knew they had an artificial beach - or had worked out a way to stop palm fronds crashing to the ground or on to unsuspecting poolsiders?
I arrived early and rather than going straight there, I had a walk around the Marina Mirage, soaking up some atmosphere and checking out the pet pampering shop which is now decorated for Christmas - including statues of dogs wearing almost tasteful reindeer paraphernalia (although they were without antlers). There was a pretty outfit in the window (being modeled by a keen Scotty statue) which would look quite nice on Prince (M and A's dog) except that it (the outfit, not Prince) is pink. It may be good for Mum's dog (Pippa ... a female) too - although we don't want to start stereotyping with the dogs ... especially if they are colour-blind - did I read that somewhere or make it up? Or is that cats?
The big news of the day is that it looks like N is coming back up this way to live. M told us today at High Tea that even though N was initially told she didn't get the position she very much wanted with a major firm, their HR department had made a mistake and offered her position to the wrong applicant - but the error has been discovered and N offered, and accepted, the role. M is one very proud and happy parent. N and the firm are now backwards and forwarding about start dates but N should be set up in Brisbane by as early as next month.
Back at Latimers, M is less than impressed that another plumbing problem has surfaced. When she went to do ablutions this morning, she found there was no water. We are - or were - currently on bore water. For a moment she thought that either the power (and therefore the pump) was off - but no! - or that it has been off and the pump hadn't restarted and needed to be primed again. Not so either - although the problem was evident when she got down to pump-land - a pipe, perhaps a sealing ring. seems to have failed and needs repair. M switched us back over to tank water and the plumber is coming tomorrow and if he can't fix it and if it doesn't rain, she is considering buying a load of water and/or sending us all out for showers!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Wednesday
This morning as I was getting ready, I noticed I had carried my camera inside - it usually lives in the car just in case I chance upon something I want to photograph with a camera rather than with the camera of the mobile phone. I remembered having that thought as I rounded the corner near the school and saw that a Balloon Aloft was not so much aloft as hovering three or so feet above the ground and was being towed and pushed by a couple of enthusuastic chaps. D'oh - no camera. And I went double d'oh when I rounded the next bend and saw that another Balloon Aloft was landed there but still inflated. I drove past and then turned around and came back for another look - and lamented knowing that without a real camera I would not be satisfied with any pictures I took. D'oh, d'oh and d'oh again.
Of course, the day had to get better than there - so let's not even go to the end of the day when M and I went in to The Big House for CSP only to find that whereas one table was "broken" last night, both of them were "offline" today - so no CSP for us or anyone else. But we did have a nice noodles and vegetables dinner at Zen - and a laugh when one of the wait staff was taking a photo of some patrons using their iPhone - and switched between the front and back cameras for the first shot so took a lovely shot of him doing a funny face ... the next photos were of them and serious - but that will be a nice surprise for them one day. It's nice to see that some people still have a good sense of fun.
While at The Big House, M and I also went upstairs on the off-chance that the man who had been there yesterday was again ... he was and I'm still trying to come to terms with how someone can wager $ 90,000 in a spin of the roulette wheel. But he did seem to be doing well, although I was still surprised when the wheel span and it came up with one of the few numbers he had not covered.
It was another hot day at Latimers - and we are hoping it doesn't get too much hotter too quickly because there appears to be a problem with the septic tank which M is having someone investigate tomorrow. She seems to be fairly sure that it the "trenches" which act as a filter for moisture to be drawn from the tank.
It's Mouse's 86th birthday tomorrow and we're all looking forward to helping her celebrate.
Of course, the day had to get better than there - so let's not even go to the end of the day when M and I went in to The Big House for CSP only to find that whereas one table was "broken" last night, both of them were "offline" today - so no CSP for us or anyone else. But we did have a nice noodles and vegetables dinner at Zen - and a laugh when one of the wait staff was taking a photo of some patrons using their iPhone - and switched between the front and back cameras for the first shot so took a lovely shot of him doing a funny face ... the next photos were of them and serious - but that will be a nice surprise for them one day. It's nice to see that some people still have a good sense of fun.
While at The Big House, M and I also went upstairs on the off-chance that the man who had been there yesterday was again ... he was and I'm still trying to come to terms with how someone can wager $ 90,000 in a spin of the roulette wheel. But he did seem to be doing well, although I was still surprised when the wheel span and it came up with one of the few numbers he had not covered.
It was another hot day at Latimers - and we are hoping it doesn't get too much hotter too quickly because there appears to be a problem with the septic tank which M is having someone investigate tomorrow. She seems to be fairly sure that it the "trenches" which act as a filter for moisture to be drawn from the tank.
It's Mouse's 86th birthday tomorrow and we're all looking forward to helping her celebrate.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Tuesday
There was talk on the radio this morning of FREE WATER in the area. While that sounds great especially after moves by the ill-fated Allconnex to greatly increase the cost of Coast water earlier this year - this latest offer is not as generous as it sounds. First off, it doesn't apply to folk - like we here at Latimers - who are not on "town water'! And it is "free" only in the sense of that from midnight tonight for ten days, water restrictions do not apply so you can hose hard surfaces, the garden, the yard - whatever you want ... but you will be charged for the water you use.
I came straight home from The Big Work House this afternoon and enjoyed some quality time with Latimers - the juvenile kookaburra who will fly away as soon as I go to get the camera, Tink who was sunning herself on the retaining wall out the back, Pearl who was freshly bathed today, sans collar, and shedding fur all over the place (note to self: remember not to pat dog furiously and dislodge fur for passing birds while wearing black pants!) and S who was bringing in the washing and enjoying a cool breeze from the fan. She told me that M is right, this is the coolest place in the house and if it could be screened in, she would sleep out here. Of course, she was speaking from the position of it being unseasonably hot here today - when I drove out this morning the thermometer on Lars was reading 28 degrees C and that was before 6am. It didn't get any cooler during the day at all - and at one stage at work we had a hot wind blowing in through the windows - it may be time to shift desks so we can be closer to the air conditioner!
Of course, the heat is good for growing things - and even though M did a fantastic job on the yard - was it only last week? - it's time for the lawn to be mowed again. I'll see if I can get out there one evening with the push mower - it gives a much nicer finish - especially for around the front.
S and I tried a new place for dinner this evening - and I would like to say that it was excellent (it was air conditioned!) and perhaps it's just that we have been going to, and like, the Advancetown Hotel - but we didn't really like the new place. S had lamb cutlets and I had the special (ribs and rump) but we both agreed that the food at Advancetown was better (especially since they appear to have changed chefs - but, they haven't actually . . . seriously when we went the time before last, the quality of the food - already good - had just improved enormously but the wait staff assured us there hadn't been a change in the kitchen staff! Go figure. Or perhaps they've started using different ingredients. Hmmm.) But back to the new place - it was nice enough ... and perhaps we made the wrong choices - but it seems the best place about it was the little ginger cat - a real cutie - in the car park after the meal. It had a collar and looked very well - and, in fact, as though it owned the place.
Tired but happy, S and I came home - so she could watch RPA and that "screaming show", and I could read some of my new Stephen King book (the title is a date - can't remember exactly which one - but I'm fairly sure it was the day President John F Kennedy - funny how you have to say it all or just as JFK - was assassinated). The furries came in and seemed content to just lounge around - except for Beazley and Pearl who busily set about grooming each other. Yep, life is good.
I came straight home from The Big Work House this afternoon and enjoyed some quality time with Latimers - the juvenile kookaburra who will fly away as soon as I go to get the camera, Tink who was sunning herself on the retaining wall out the back, Pearl who was freshly bathed today, sans collar, and shedding fur all over the place (note to self: remember not to pat dog furiously and dislodge fur for passing birds while wearing black pants!) and S who was bringing in the washing and enjoying a cool breeze from the fan. She told me that M is right, this is the coolest place in the house and if it could be screened in, she would sleep out here. Of course, she was speaking from the position of it being unseasonably hot here today - when I drove out this morning the thermometer on Lars was reading 28 degrees C and that was before 6am. It didn't get any cooler during the day at all - and at one stage at work we had a hot wind blowing in through the windows - it may be time to shift desks so we can be closer to the air conditioner!
Of course, the heat is good for growing things - and even though M did a fantastic job on the yard - was it only last week? - it's time for the lawn to be mowed again. I'll see if I can get out there one evening with the push mower - it gives a much nicer finish - especially for around the front.
S and I tried a new place for dinner this evening - and I would like to say that it was excellent (it was air conditioned!) and perhaps it's just that we have been going to, and like, the Advancetown Hotel - but we didn't really like the new place. S had lamb cutlets and I had the special (ribs and rump) but we both agreed that the food at Advancetown was better (especially since they appear to have changed chefs - but, they haven't actually . . . seriously when we went the time before last, the quality of the food - already good - had just improved enormously but the wait staff assured us there hadn't been a change in the kitchen staff! Go figure. Or perhaps they've started using different ingredients. Hmmm.) But back to the new place - it was nice enough ... and perhaps we made the wrong choices - but it seems the best place about it was the little ginger cat - a real cutie - in the car park after the meal. It had a collar and looked very well - and, in fact, as though it owned the place.
Tired but happy, S and I came home - so she could watch RPA and that "screaming show", and I could read some of my new Stephen King book (the title is a date - can't remember exactly which one - but I'm fairly sure it was the day President John F Kennedy - funny how you have to say it all or just as JFK - was assassinated). The furries came in and seemed content to just lounge around - except for Beazley and Pearl who busily set about grooming each other. Yep, life is good.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Monday
It would have been so easy to stay in The Big House this morning and I think part of me must have wanted to because I set all three of my alarms badly last night. When I woke at 5, I rolled over and went back to sleep thinking I'd be up in another half an hour and have a fairly leisurely start to the day. As it was though I did manage to wake up only 45 minutes late and, after missing breakfast at Zarraffas, I made it to work on time - lucky because it was going to be a big day.
M had another lunch today and after that she was going to take S home to Latimers. After the disappointment of the pool at The Big House being closed over the weekend, it was due to open again this morning and if it wasn't too hot, S was planning to finally have the swim she's been looking forward to. It just isn't the same trying to swim in the bathtub - but it was lovely having a bath in one!
It was good to see the furries when I arrived home this evening (after afternoon coffee with J - all is well on that front). Pearl raced out to meet me and after a quick pat she ran off, and then raced back, and ran off again. Not quite sure exactly what she was up to but she didn't end up going up with M to drop off the rubbish. Pearl tried to get up into the four-wheel-drive but wasn't able to make the jump this time; hopefully she didn't injure herself. While M took the rubbish, Pearl and I played tug-a-ball for a little while although I didn't let her pull too hard so she wouldn't get a "helping" injury.
Emma was very affectionate this evening and, oblivious to my cat allergy, used me to play Sound of Music - as in Climb Every Mountain. She likes it and it's worth a dose of itchy eyes and skin to make her happy. I miss her while we're away and I think she knows when we're going because S keeps collecting photographs of Emma packing herself in the overnight bag.
I'm supposed to be working on my tax this evening - after I finish watching Junior MasterChef. One of the kids has just cooked a dish with lamb brains and the chefs have suggested that since he has never tried lamb brains before - he could taste them. "I thought that was your job" he replied.
M had another lunch today and after that she was going to take S home to Latimers. After the disappointment of the pool at The Big House being closed over the weekend, it was due to open again this morning and if it wasn't too hot, S was planning to finally have the swim she's been looking forward to. It just isn't the same trying to swim in the bathtub - but it was lovely having a bath in one!
It was good to see the furries when I arrived home this evening (after afternoon coffee with J - all is well on that front). Pearl raced out to meet me and after a quick pat she ran off, and then raced back, and ran off again. Not quite sure exactly what she was up to but she didn't end up going up with M to drop off the rubbish. Pearl tried to get up into the four-wheel-drive but wasn't able to make the jump this time; hopefully she didn't injure herself. While M took the rubbish, Pearl and I played tug-a-ball for a little while although I didn't let her pull too hard so she wouldn't get a "helping" injury.
Emma was very affectionate this evening and, oblivious to my cat allergy, used me to play Sound of Music - as in Climb Every Mountain. She likes it and it's worth a dose of itchy eyes and skin to make her happy. I miss her while we're away and I think she knows when we're going because S keeps collecting photographs of Emma packing herself in the overnight bag.
I'm supposed to be working on my tax this evening - after I finish watching Junior MasterChef. One of the kids has just cooked a dish with lamb brains and the chefs have suggested that since he has never tried lamb brains before - he could taste them. "I thought that was your job" he replied.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Sunday
It's sometimes hard waking up in a different bed - especially when you wake up and can't work out exactly where you are. That's what happened this morning as I fought my way out of sleep and thought ''What... where am I?" lt may have had something to do with the light coming out of the closet (we definitely weren't at Latimers!)
It was a good day all round. We managed, finally, to get to see Midnight in Paris, the new Woody Allen film and despite some tepid reviews, S, M, Mouse and I enjoyed it -immensely. Could it have something to do with Allens ability to make a City of Romance seem even more romantic? The opening scenes were magnificent although S mentioned that those opening shots seemed more yellow than she remembered - a way for filmmakers to make them appear warmer.
Travel, to Rio rather than Paris, was the prize on offer at The Big House this afternoon. I'm sure the person who won will do good things with the $35.000. She took the money rather than the trip. F and Mi came in for the draw as well, and we managed to squeeze in a few hands of CSP ($354,000) during the afternoon.
Lunch was good too - at the MBD in Broadbeach. Not sure what MBD stands for though, but it was a very scrumptious sandwich. M and Mouse sang the praises of their breakfast as we ate our lunch and they drank coffee because they couldn't fit another thing in. Their breakfast was brunch and it seems the tables were groaning with all good things.
S and I managed to get to Cheeseland (the Executive Lounge) this evening. Alas, by the time we arrived, the sun had already set and we couldn't see the almost-full moon but we knew it was out there.
All is well at Latimers - and they had some rain out there this evening - a storm - but M was at home to help them not be too afraid although she may not have gathered the furries around her on the bed and soothed them with a stirring rendition of "These are a few of my favourite things" as S suggested.
It was a good day all round. We managed, finally, to get to see Midnight in Paris, the new Woody Allen film and despite some tepid reviews, S, M, Mouse and I enjoyed it -immensely. Could it have something to do with Allens ability to make a City of Romance seem even more romantic? The opening scenes were magnificent although S mentioned that those opening shots seemed more yellow than she remembered - a way for filmmakers to make them appear warmer.
Travel, to Rio rather than Paris, was the prize on offer at The Big House this afternoon. I'm sure the person who won will do good things with the $35.000. She took the money rather than the trip. F and Mi came in for the draw as well, and we managed to squeeze in a few hands of CSP ($354,000) during the afternoon.
Lunch was good too - at the MBD in Broadbeach. Not sure what MBD stands for though, but it was a very scrumptious sandwich. M and Mouse sang the praises of their breakfast as we ate our lunch and they drank coffee because they couldn't fit another thing in. Their breakfast was brunch and it seems the tables were groaning with all good things.
S and I managed to get to Cheeseland (the Executive Lounge) this evening. Alas, by the time we arrived, the sun had already set and we couldn't see the almost-full moon but we knew it was out there.
All is well at Latimers - and they had some rain out there this evening - a storm - but M was at home to help them not be too afraid although she may not have gathered the furries around her on the bed and soothed them with a stirring rendition of "These are a few of my favourite things" as S suggested.
Saturday
Poor Pearl didn't get to come to breakfast this morning as we went to a cafe which doesn't really do dogs. It's a pity because she was so excited - because she knows it's Saturday! But it was going to be okay because M was going to take her for a walk later in the day - not breakfast, it's true, but an outing and she really does like any outing.
We had breakfast at the Coffee Bean, a little cafe which S and M have been to before but not me (I?). It's fairly simple but you can't argue with the value - $10.90 for the Big Breakfast including a tea or coffee. We sat outside - under an umbrella so S was in shade but I could be in the sun - have to love that sun. (Maybe I need to get out more during the day during the week.)
Then back to Latimers for some play time (yes, we were planning to do a tip run this morning but didn't quite make it) before we took ourselves in to The Big House we are spending tonight and tomorrow night. (Thank you M.) I am really looking forward to a bath there - hoping it will help my shoulder (which is starting to settle down but I'm not giving up the anti-inflammatories just yet).
We had thought about going over to the Cardamon Pod in Broadbeach (the Vegetarian restaurant where Friday night Family and Friends dinner was a few weeks ago) but in the end S and I decided to just have room service - and that was very nice. Especially since it meant we could stay in the room and watch the sun set over the Hinterland.
I had planned to have a fairly early night tonight but I managed to get hooked into watch Armageddon again - and it was just as good on the second viewing.
Wonder what M and furries were up to out at Latimers?
We had breakfast at the Coffee Bean, a little cafe which S and M have been to before but not me (I?). It's fairly simple but you can't argue with the value - $10.90 for the Big Breakfast including a tea or coffee. We sat outside - under an umbrella so S was in shade but I could be in the sun - have to love that sun. (Maybe I need to get out more during the day during the week.)
Then back to Latimers for some play time (yes, we were planning to do a tip run this morning but didn't quite make it) before we took ourselves in to The Big House we are spending tonight and tomorrow night. (Thank you M.) I am really looking forward to a bath there - hoping it will help my shoulder (which is starting to settle down but I'm not giving up the anti-inflammatories just yet).
We had thought about going over to the Cardamon Pod in Broadbeach (the Vegetarian restaurant where Friday night Family and Friends dinner was a few weeks ago) but in the end S and I decided to just have room service - and that was very nice. Especially since it meant we could stay in the room and watch the sun set over the Hinterland.
I had planned to have a fairly early night tonight but I managed to get hooked into watch Armageddon again - and it was just as good on the second viewing.
Wonder what M and furries were up to out at Latimers?
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Friday
It was a beautiful day here today - not too hot or humid. You know the type: where you walk out into the sun and your body says thank you! Of course, if it is Vitamin D you're after you could just have some prawns. As Mi told us at dinner tonight (we did make it to two-for-one Food Fantasy buffet dinner at The Big House) prawns are a great source of Vitamin D - but still she resisted when F tried to get her to peel some for him!
As the crew had reported after their dinner there last week the quality of the seafood on offer seems to have improved a couple of notches and everyone appeared to be enjoying it - including the bridal party - complete with photographer -who arrived about an hour after us. You don't realise how white and filling-field-of-vision a wedding dress is until it's right behind you.
S was not feeling totally well this evening so it was a valiant effort that she ventured out for dinner at all so we didn't stay until the end and we definitely didn't go on to CSP with F, Mouse and the others. F did well though - although not well enough to have taken out the Jackpot - although he did dip into the pot on his first hand with a Full House. Alas, if it hadn't been his first first hand he may have chipped up - but not to be.
Maybe it was because they're not used to seeing us home so early on a Friday night but the furries all came in and lockdown was in place before 9:30pm. Mind you, we weren't up much later than that either!
As the crew had reported after their dinner there last week the quality of the seafood on offer seems to have improved a couple of notches and everyone appeared to be enjoying it - including the bridal party - complete with photographer -who arrived about an hour after us. You don't realise how white and filling-field-of-vision a wedding dress is until it's right behind you.
S was not feeling totally well this evening so it was a valiant effort that she ventured out for dinner at all so we didn't stay until the end and we definitely didn't go on to CSP with F, Mouse and the others. F did well though - although not well enough to have taken out the Jackpot - although he did dip into the pot on his first hand with a Full House. Alas, if it hadn't been his first first hand he may have chipped up - but not to be.
Maybe it was because they're not used to seeing us home so early on a Friday night but the furries all came in and lockdown was in place before 9:30pm. Mind you, we weren't up much later than that either!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Thursday
Well, this is the second week of "it doesn't happen to me but ... " - and at this rate I am really not looking forward to what next week has in store.
Last week, of course, was when I found out that my main public email accounts had been hacked, and spam sent to those unlucky enough to be in their address books saying I was in Bolton UK with the family, had been robbed - but not mugged as I had not resisted - and please send money so I could pay the hotel bill and come home. Luckily folk realised that even had that happened I probably would not have sent a request littered with gramattical and spelling mistakes and they notified me via other methods (thank you FaceBook and phone) to let me know my account had been compromised. Luckily, my credit card hadn't been but I still took the precaution of cancelling it and having it reissued. And spent a couple of hours regaining control of my email accounts and clearing out all the "new" information and forwarding instructions added by the miscreants!
This week I appear to have picked up a repetitive strain injury leading to much back pain and discomfort. It is really embarrassing because I am usually very careful about posture and ergonomics while I'm working but this one seems to have slipped through. As Doc Holliday (truly!!!) said yesterday "have you stopped doing it? " ie turning your head when you are doing data entry - and I have but will need to work out a new way of doing the "Cost Cards" - the cause of the RSI.
On the home front, Beazley had another trip to the vet today and it seems that his diabetes is well under control - so much so that his insulin dosage has been dropped another unit. There has even been some talk of the possibility of his going into remission.
Well, it's a fortnight since Family and Friends dinner and I'm looking forward to it this week. We're off to Food Fantasy tomorrow night at The Big House where they are having a two-for-one special ... odd for a Friday night but we'll take it thanks very much.
S doesn't have to go to Court tomorrow - meaning her "come and be a juror" call-up period has ended. Funny, but since she has been on the jury, I am taking more of an interest in the Court reporting in the local paper. This legal thing is a huge industry!
Last week, of course, was when I found out that my main public email accounts had been hacked, and spam sent to those unlucky enough to be in their address books saying I was in Bolton UK with the family, had been robbed - but not mugged as I had not resisted - and please send money so I could pay the hotel bill and come home. Luckily folk realised that even had that happened I probably would not have sent a request littered with gramattical and spelling mistakes and they notified me via other methods (thank you FaceBook and phone) to let me know my account had been compromised. Luckily, my credit card hadn't been but I still took the precaution of cancelling it and having it reissued. And spent a couple of hours regaining control of my email accounts and clearing out all the "new" information and forwarding instructions added by the miscreants!
This week I appear to have picked up a repetitive strain injury leading to much back pain and discomfort. It is really embarrassing because I am usually very careful about posture and ergonomics while I'm working but this one seems to have slipped through. As Doc Holliday (truly!!!) said yesterday "have you stopped doing it? " ie turning your head when you are doing data entry - and I have but will need to work out a new way of doing the "Cost Cards" - the cause of the RSI.
On the home front, Beazley had another trip to the vet today and it seems that his diabetes is well under control - so much so that his insulin dosage has been dropped another unit. There has even been some talk of the possibility of his going into remission.
Well, it's a fortnight since Family and Friends dinner and I'm looking forward to it this week. We're off to Food Fantasy tomorrow night at The Big House where they are having a two-for-one special ... odd for a Friday night but we'll take it thanks very much.
S doesn't have to go to Court tomorrow - meaning her "come and be a juror" call-up period has ended. Funny, but since she has been on the jury, I am taking more of an interest in the Court reporting in the local paper. This legal thing is a huge industry!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wednesday
Well, as it's Wednesday, S and M took Mouse and E to Bingo - and a good thing it was too - otherwise there would have been no chance of them winning. And win they did - well M did anyway - taking out the main Jackpot. Then they took themselves off to a nice lunch to celebrate.
S and M arrived home in time for M to turnaround and come back in to Broadbeach for Wednesday night CSP ($345,000) - which had to be earlier today because M had been booked to collect the Geat K from the airport. She dropped him there on the weekend as he was off to Sydney to see the family, in his Semester or is it mid-Semester break. M was saying the Great K seems much happier and much more confident - and he is really enjoying his course.
We bumped K at the Casino - and while S and M see her often at The Big House or at home, I don't often get to have a sit-down chat with her. (It was lucky that M saw her first - she's grown her hair and I may not have recognised her!)
It was great to catch up and hear her news - including that she is off to trek Nepal early next year - and to Kings of Leon this evening.
While M and I were out and about, S had set up at home with the furries and her lifestyle programs - and having Mouse dinner - as sent home with M last night.
S and M arrived home in time for M to turnaround and come back in to Broadbeach for Wednesday night CSP ($345,000) - which had to be earlier today because M had been booked to collect the Geat K from the airport. She dropped him there on the weekend as he was off to Sydney to see the family, in his Semester or is it mid-Semester break. M was saying the Great K seems much happier and much more confident - and he is really enjoying his course.
We bumped K at the Casino - and while S and M see her often at The Big House or at home, I don't often get to have a sit-down chat with her. (It was lucky that M saw her first - she's grown her hair and I may not have recognised her!)
It was great to catch up and hear her news - including that she is off to trek Nepal early next year - and to Kings of Leon this evening.
While M and I were out and about, S had set up at home with the furries and her lifestyle programs - and having Mouse dinner - as sent home with M last night.
Tuesday
Did I mention that we managed to catch up with the newly-returned travellers, S and A, while we were in Brisbane yesterday? They joined us for an early dinner at the Viet Hoa in West End and it was really good to see them and to hear about the fall colors, the New York snow falls, and their visit to Niagara Falls (which they could see without leaving their hotel room). They were gone five weeks and managed to pack a fair bit in, including a horror ride through snow and black-ice roads in a NY taxi with the cabbie simultaneously speeding and trying to look up directions to the airport. Luckily they made it back in one piece - none the worse for wear - and with suitcases fall of moderately-priced U.S. clothing and footwear.
D (who has a road equipment business - or something like that anyway) must have noticed the growing potholes on his way down the laneway to collect B yesterday - because by the time I drove back into Latimers this afternoon, the potholes were filled. It Is a good job too.
S had to front up at Court again today but was not empanelled for either of the two new cases. She doesn't have to go tomorrow but it will be interesting to see how many days she needs to go back - until her "request to attend" runs out on Friday.
D (who has a road equipment business - or something like that anyway) must have noticed the growing potholes on his way down the laneway to collect B yesterday - because by the time I drove back into Latimers this afternoon, the potholes were filled. It Is a good job too.
S had to front up at Court again today but was not empanelled for either of the two new cases. She doesn't have to go tomorrow but it will be interesting to see how many days she needs to go back - until her "request to attend" runs out on Friday.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Monday
It was a sad day in the valley as we farewelled M. Her funeral service was in the same church she and L were married in, in Hendra in Brisbane. (It was pretty amazing that a car started following us along the Motorway at stayed with us as we changed lanes in traffic and turned onto the Gateway and continued to follow us past Eagle Farm and all the way to the Church. M picked quite early that they were also coming to see M off.)
It was a good turnout and 6 of us (that we know of) from the Valley went - but we were only a few of many. The Church was Catholic and we weren't sure how formal the Service would be - and, as it turned out, it wasn't really. That, I think, is how M would have wanted it. There was a mix of the religious and personal - with her sister-in-law giving a brief overview of her life - and as S commented, it was fitting that M was portrayed as her own person rather than only through her relationships eg as a wife, mother etc. Her children spoke, as well as N's wife, and L. L is an amazing speaker - he makes it seem as though he's doing it off the cuff and he gets a little sidetracked but always gets himself back on to where he meant to be. And the things he said and the points he made were incredible - coming together in a fitting tribute to a wonderful woman taken too quickly.
The whole service was that - and the wake which was held at Eagle Farm - a place of many happy memories and associations for the family - and not just because of the racing connection. One story L told was of a fairly recent visit to Brisbane when he and M stayed overnight and decided on the spur of the moment to go to the Eagle Farm Markets - where among the stalls and the Moreton Bay Figs, M reached for L's hand and they walked hand in hand (something we didn't normally do - said L) around the Markets. This is the stuff of memories. I can't remember who the quote is attributed to but I do tend to agree with it: we remember moments not days.
As we remember M - it's time to go and make some more moments - or at least recognize we have had them!
It was a good turnout and 6 of us (that we know of) from the Valley went - but we were only a few of many. The Church was Catholic and we weren't sure how formal the Service would be - and, as it turned out, it wasn't really. That, I think, is how M would have wanted it. There was a mix of the religious and personal - with her sister-in-law giving a brief overview of her life - and as S commented, it was fitting that M was portrayed as her own person rather than only through her relationships eg as a wife, mother etc. Her children spoke, as well as N's wife, and L. L is an amazing speaker - he makes it seem as though he's doing it off the cuff and he gets a little sidetracked but always gets himself back on to where he meant to be. And the things he said and the points he made were incredible - coming together in a fitting tribute to a wonderful woman taken too quickly.
The whole service was that - and the wake which was held at Eagle Farm - a place of many happy memories and associations for the family - and not just because of the racing connection. One story L told was of a fairly recent visit to Brisbane when he and M stayed overnight and decided on the spur of the moment to go to the Eagle Farm Markets - where among the stalls and the Moreton Bay Figs, M reached for L's hand and they walked hand in hand (something we didn't normally do - said L) around the Markets. This is the stuff of memories. I can't remember who the quote is attributed to but I do tend to agree with it: we remember moments not days.
As we remember M - it's time to go and make some more moments - or at least recognize we have had them!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Sunday
Just as well we had an early night last night because I had us up bright and early this morning so we could make the 2-hour drive back to the Coast in time for morning tea at the markets. We didn't want to miss it because M and A are back from their overseas trip.
We arrived at the Markets right on 10 o'clock -after some but before others. The travellers had brought some sweeties called Negros which were from Monte Negro and some chocolate/nougat/wafers that reminded me of cigars -and how long it has been since I've had one - and how long I have been a nonsmoker - if you don't count the secondhand smoke from The Big House. (F added that if it's dark when he gets home from there, he'll take off his clothes and, naked, take them outside to hang up to air. )
M had also made a banana (and some mysterious nut) cake - using Latimers bananas. It was very nice - and still warm from the oven. Unfortunately the spicy pides were not on (or all gone by the time we arrived) - and because Mi was only there for a few brief moments, there were no croissants either - but we managed.
M and A had taken loads of photographs and videos and we were able to look at them on their iPad. They had some great shots and we all especially liked their food shots - and there were lots of them. It's good to have them back on this side of the world and I think they're glad to be back as well.
We didn't see N today so I must have misheard that we were expecting to see her at the Markets this weekend. I suppose two weekends in a row would be too much to ask for - and I didn't think to ask A at the Markets.
We arrived at the Markets right on 10 o'clock -after some but before others. The travellers had brought some sweeties called Negros which were from Monte Negro and some chocolate/nougat/wafers that reminded me of cigars -and how long it has been since I've had one - and how long I have been a nonsmoker - if you don't count the secondhand smoke from The Big House. (F added that if it's dark when he gets home from there, he'll take off his clothes and, naked, take them outside to hang up to air. )
M had also made a banana (and some mysterious nut) cake - using Latimers bananas. It was very nice - and still warm from the oven. Unfortunately the spicy pides were not on (or all gone by the time we arrived) - and because Mi was only there for a few brief moments, there were no croissants either - but we managed.
M and A had taken loads of photographs and videos and we were able to look at them on their iPad. They had some great shots and we all especially liked their food shots - and there were lots of them. It's good to have them back on this side of the world and I think they're glad to be back as well.
We didn't see N today so I must have misheard that we were expecting to see her at the Markets this weekend. I suppose two weekends in a row would be too much to ask for - and I didn't think to ask A at the Markets.
Saturday
It is great fun doing shopping for young folk and we were able to get some cool toys for M for her birthday (party today). We bought a pink hula-hoop, a red dress, a giraffe hop-a-long toy and, to round it out, a tool kit because a girl is never too young (and two isn't that young anymore) to start learning how to be a bit handy around the house.
The birthday party was held in Lions Park - on the way to Picnic Point - and they had taken the time to decorate with streamers and balloons. It looked very party-like and by the time we arrived the BBQ was well on, tables and chairs had been claimed and/or set-up and the table was starting to groan with food.
This is the first time we have met M's family on D's side - this was the first joint activity we were in town for - but they seemed like a very genuine, caring and fun bunch - everything you want in an extended family.
T, M's Mum, had made the birthday cake - and it was a good effort - although for a moment there it did look as though an extra candle (No. 3) would make it on to the cake!
Post-party we went off to Highfields to see J's new house - and marvel at the progress she had made in cleaning it up since the tenants had done a runner - leaving their furniture and other belongings - and a big mess. She's about to have the house re-carpetted (I don't know why she doesn't like the rose pink) and re-painted; and while the professionals are doing that, she will be working on the garden.
Next stop was a computer intervention for D and E - and that was a bit sad because this is the first time that we have noticed that D is starting to wear the effects of ageing. He has always been a young older person but some health issues have worn him down a little to the point where it is showing. Age is not a kind thing.
Meanwhile, back at Latimers, M had sent us a text to assure us - "All well. Emma watered, fed, needled and hugged." Thanks M!!
The birthday party was held in Lions Park - on the way to Picnic Point - and they had taken the time to decorate with streamers and balloons. It looked very party-like and by the time we arrived the BBQ was well on, tables and chairs had been claimed and/or set-up and the table was starting to groan with food.
This is the first time we have met M's family on D's side - this was the first joint activity we were in town for - but they seemed like a very genuine, caring and fun bunch - everything you want in an extended family.
T, M's Mum, had made the birthday cake - and it was a good effort - although for a moment there it did look as though an extra candle (No. 3) would make it on to the cake!
Post-party we went off to Highfields to see J's new house - and marvel at the progress she had made in cleaning it up since the tenants had done a runner - leaving their furniture and other belongings - and a big mess. She's about to have the house re-carpetted (I don't know why she doesn't like the rose pink) and re-painted; and while the professionals are doing that, she will be working on the garden.
Next stop was a computer intervention for D and E - and that was a bit sad because this is the first time that we have noticed that D is starting to wear the effects of ageing. He has always been a young older person but some health issues have worn him down a little to the point where it is showing. Age is not a kind thing.
Meanwhile, back at Latimers, M had sent us a text to assure us - "All well. Emma watered, fed, needled and hugged." Thanks M!!
Friday
Just for something different we drove up to Toowoomba for the weekend and managed to get there (after a drive of only 2 hours and 17 minutes) in daylight! It was good to know we didn't have to make an early start tomorrow and run the risk of being delayed by traffic around Brisbane. We didn't want to be late for M's second birthday party - the main reason for our visit this weekend - and to catch up with Mum and other rellies of course.
It was also good because, with M giving Emma her insulin shot this evening, it did mean that we could get away fairly early. I don't think I mentioned but Beazley was out in the yard this morning before it was time for his shot - and he managed to get himself back inside in time for me to give it to him. I think this means he has a sense of time and/or he realises that the insulin is doing him some good.
It was a nice way to end the day - having a cup of tea with Mum and her ex-sister-in-law-now-friend and catching up with all the family goings-on. Like most families, there's most always something happening with someone and our family is no exception - but the good news is is that there are no major catastrophes knocking on anyone's doors - it's just life, and its vissitudes, as usual.
One reason we didn't mind driving up to Toowoomba this evening is that there was no FNF (Family and Friends) dinner planned for this evening. We are going back to once-a-fortnight to see how that goes and to allow people to fit other things in ... we don't know why but Friday night seems to roll around awfully quickly these days. (Not all of us are entirely happy about this turn of events - but we will see how we go - and whether a kind of alternate Friday night starts happening instead.)
It was also good because, with M giving Emma her insulin shot this evening, it did mean that we could get away fairly early. I don't think I mentioned but Beazley was out in the yard this morning before it was time for his shot - and he managed to get himself back inside in time for me to give it to him. I think this means he has a sense of time and/or he realises that the insulin is doing him some good.
It was a nice way to end the day - having a cup of tea with Mum and her ex-sister-in-law-now-friend and catching up with all the family goings-on. Like most families, there's most always something happening with someone and our family is no exception - but the good news is is that there are no major catastrophes knocking on anyone's doors - it's just life, and its vissitudes, as usual.
One reason we didn't mind driving up to Toowoomba this evening is that there was no FNF (Family and Friends) dinner planned for this evening. We are going back to once-a-fortnight to see how that goes and to allow people to fit other things in ... we don't know why but Friday night seems to roll around awfully quickly these days. (Not all of us are entirely happy about this turn of events - but we will see how we go - and whether a kind of alternate Friday night starts happening instead.)
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Thursday
I went over to see Mi and F after work to see if I could help with the changeover of their iPhones - and it was a reasonable success given I wanted to leave in time to get home to go out to dinner with S. By the time I took my leave F's new phone was up and running - although he still needed lessons with Siri (I'm not sure what Siri stands for or does). Mi was upgrading F's old phone to iOS5 and had instructions on how to restore his phone with the data from hers.
It must have been the day for new iPhones because J from work also called about her new iPhone 4Sand how to transfer her data between her old and new iPhones.
We were in time for the start of - and stayed until the end of - Advancetown Hotel Trivia Night. The woman running the Trivia always greets us like long-lost friends and encourages us to take part in the bonus rounds - where the first person to reach her with the correct answer but it must be written down - wins a six-pack of beer. We won ours by correctly guessing that most people in the US live within 50 km of where they were born. Who knew?
Of course, there was one question that S could have blitzed if we had been playing "name 5 one-word title James Bond films":exactly the question she and M had at The Big House trivia night a short while ago.
It must have been the day for new iPhones because J from work also called about her new iPhone 4Sand how to transfer her data between her old and new iPhones.
We were in time for the start of - and stayed until the end of - Advancetown Hotel Trivia Night. The woman running the Trivia always greets us like long-lost friends and encourages us to take part in the bonus rounds - where the first person to reach her with the correct answer but it must be written down - wins a six-pack of beer. We won ours by correctly guessing that most people in the US live within 50 km of where they were born. Who knew?
Of course, there was one question that S could have blitzed if we had been playing "name 5 one-word title James Bond films":exactly the question she and M had at The Big House trivia night a short while ago.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Wednesday
M threw herself into the mowing today and did a very good job of it ... definitely the territory of Colorbond Moments. It has been a while since the whole lawn has been mowed at the same time so it was a sterling effort - and she even managed to do some of Hermes' yard as well. I know this because as we were having dinner in at The Big House she remembered that she had left the side gate open - and it would need to be closed before the horses went back into the paddock in the morning. I have often seen that gate while I have been mowing on this side of it - but never actually went that extra step to think that it might open and that ROM might fit through there to allow that pesky corner grass to be effectively cut - which it would be if you mowed through the gate-way. Live and learn . . . live and learn.
It wasn't surprising that I did remember that it needed to be done when I got home ... that's what reminders on the iPhone are for ... but the girls did seem surprised that I went out and did it (as S will tell you, I am the one who is not keen to go over to the garbage bins at night because I would be entering "Yowie Country" - but this is on the other side of the house - and I had the lights on - and the torch! ) Just as well that M had mentioned that the electric fence does go all the way up there otherwise I may not have been careful enough with it!
The Jackpot at CSP has not gone off yet - but I thought it was closer tonight when I looked at one of my first hands and had 4 out of the 5 cards needed for a Royal Flush (in Hearts) ... very exciting - especially since the almost-RF was in the first four cards I looked at.
S was called to Court today - but was challenged and excused from the case. She was saying that it seemed to be financial in nature and she wasn't particularly displeased that she wasn't empanelled. But this does mean that she is still "on call" and will keep checking the website (and phone number provided) in the afternoons to see if she is required the next day. Her "summons" runs out at the end of next week and if she is empanelled during that time, she will stay on the case until it concludes.
It wasn't surprising that I did remember that it needed to be done when I got home ... that's what reminders on the iPhone are for ... but the girls did seem surprised that I went out and did it (as S will tell you, I am the one who is not keen to go over to the garbage bins at night because I would be entering "Yowie Country" - but this is on the other side of the house - and I had the lights on - and the torch! ) Just as well that M had mentioned that the electric fence does go all the way up there otherwise I may not have been careful enough with it!
The Jackpot at CSP has not gone off yet - but I thought it was closer tonight when I looked at one of my first hands and had 4 out of the 5 cards needed for a Royal Flush (in Hearts) ... very exciting - especially since the almost-RF was in the first four cards I looked at.
S was called to Court today - but was challenged and excused from the case. She was saying that it seemed to be financial in nature and she wasn't particularly displeased that she wasn't empanelled. But this does mean that she is still "on call" and will keep checking the website (and phone number provided) in the afternoons to see if she is required the next day. Her "summons" runs out at the end of next week and if she is empanelled during that time, she will stay on the case until it concludes.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Tuesday
Loyal, loving, capable - these are just a few of the words that could be used to describe M who lost her battle with cancer today. It was a short illness but one which has rocked the valley. It cannot be the same here knowing that as we drive out at any time of the day M won't be tending the horses, trying to get that feisty dog Spot under control, or gardening in what we affectionately called her MWC (mad woman clothes) and exchanging a wave or a chat. Our thoughts are with her, L and the family, and her friends, for the loss of such an amazing woman who simply lived life - giving it and those around her all she could.
Vale Maureen. You are missed.
Vale Maureen. You are missed.
Monday
The rain had all but disappeared by the time I rose and was ready to go off to Community Day at Mudgeeraba. I had been worried last night because it had looked as though the rain had set in - and the wind (which apparently had nothing to do with the caravan that has appeared out the front of the next-doors)! And the day - actually morning - was great for being outside and doing yard work - not too hot, not too cold, not too sunny, not raining. It was a good day and the Kindergarten grounds took much better after the 'blitz'!
When we finished - early - there was some small discussion about whether a return to work was in order and apparently it wasn't so we all went our separate ways! Me. of course, to Zaraffas where I had my second coffee of the day (luxury) and tried to decide how best to spend the bonus time. High on the list was visiting all the Zarraffas outlets on the Coast and having a coffee at each. In r etrospect I'm glad I met Mouse, S and M at The Coffee Club at the Q Super Centre instead because now that I think about it there are a lot of Zarraffas outlets on the coast - stretching from Helensvale to Currumbin! The Helensvale one is supposed to be the best one - followed by Crestwood Plaza. I could do both of them tomorrow.
The case on which S was sitting as a juror has now concluded and it seems that justice has been done. But will she be called for another case? She is still on the active call list and will need to go back to checking the Court's website or phone-in line each day to check.
When we finished - early - there was some small discussion about whether a return to work was in order and apparently it wasn't so we all went our separate ways! Me. of course, to Zaraffas where I had my second coffee of the day (luxury) and tried to decide how best to spend the bonus time. High on the list was visiting all the Zarraffas outlets on the Coast and having a coffee at each. In r etrospect I'm glad I met Mouse, S and M at The Coffee Club at the Q Super Centre instead because now that I think about it there are a lot of Zarraffas outlets on the coast - stretching from Helensvale to Currumbin! The Helensvale one is supposed to be the best one - followed by Crestwood Plaza. I could do both of them tomorrow.
The case on which S was sitting as a juror has now concluded and it seems that justice has been done. But will she be called for another case? She is still on the active call list and will need to go back to checking the Court's website or phone-in line each day to check.
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