It's access that makes it easier

Rick,Karen,Bella & Sarah have gone to Bali for a fortnight , with friends so Oma



has gone "country" to look after the two big dogs,Oi and Nova. Well, the first full day started `with having to take Oi to the vet with a case of kennel cough and infected tonsils. It was and still is my intention to be completely lazy while I am here, do the essentials only such as eat, make coffee, wash up, make the bed and for the rest, do embroidery, sewing bits for the village stall on the 14th of October and watch foxtel. Then I'll do lots of internet watching since I'll have constant access to a computer, I do miss not having internet at home but it does seem excessive when we are already paying for the village internet.Why not, the weather is lousy, wet and cold so not much else to do and we are certainly not complaining about these lovely rainfalls.

Trev kindly came over and chopped the wood into smaller pieces 'cause I could not get the fire going. Cleaned up the dog poopies while here, which I really appreciate,as I don't like that job,especially when my dog is only a little feller.

Zeg Ger & Goos, hoe was de vacantie? Was alles OK voor Chantal & Edwin ook?

As for the last month or so, I am getting too old to remember details but it seems to just be the usual routine, babysitting, village things like Mah-Jong, worked`at the cafe again and make a cake about every fortnight. Don't get on the computer much because it is a pain having to go to the club each time and the internet room is in the Library and it hurts to see it not functioning as well as when I ran it.( not showing off, it's a fact)

SEPTEMBER 11TH.

That date has just passed and it is certainly still a painful rememberance. I clearly remember sitting up in bed and seeing those planes fly into the twin towers and then Vicki running in telling me what was happening. Then a little later the Bali bombings and so on to Spain and LOndon. What a horrible piece of History that was and it affected everyone.

Much better to remember is that that date is also the anniversary of our arrival in this wonderful country, 55 years this year.

Trev,poor soul has not had a good time as he had a spur in his heel and has been having physio which seems to have improved it` a bit. The he got a sore throat and took a n anti-biotic he'd had for his infected toe and came up glowing and itchy because he reacted to it. He's OK now. I got the sore throat and
cold which makes life a bit hard because it makes it hard to use the CPAP
Riley and Zoe have had conjunctivitus so I've had them home from school.Caitlyn goes to childcare on Fridays and loves it( it is a home day care) while I still mind her Thursdays and Karen got another` day work at the Travel Agency (Jacquie's) and loves it.Jo has dropped Thursday's work because Scott got his promotion to Senior Sergeant in his own division which he got on merit so that was well done. The pay is better hence Jo's reduction in work. Makes it better for the kids and Oma does not have to jiggle the time any more on Thursdays.Well appreciated.

There is a huge space to the next Blog, I don't know how to take it out so sorry everyone.

That's it for today, that's

Footy again

Went to Riley's footy this morning early and Aunty Nanny & Uncle Geoff came also because there was a visiting team from Christmas Island there. They had the chance to meet up with people they knew. Went for coffee at Scott & Jo's.

To Julie

A Very Happy Birthday.

Dog Show

Almost like the old days in the 60's when we used to show our Labradors ( and tried to get them to do the right thing in the trials). They were good times. So just showing off a little because Rick & Karen have a new dog in their lives, Nova, who belonged to two radio announcers with Nova Radio station but because she was a few seconds too slow, was left to be ignored in the kennels. Then there is that beautiful miniature dachshund, Mac. Much admired by everyone ( except Travis and Rick because he barks at them) but all the people on my walk love him and everyone passing him in cars smile at him. Just look at him, it's no wonder. Early next month I'm minding Rick's dogs again while they go to Bali. There is also a pic. of the galas picking at the grass roots in the doggie oval , which is my shorter walk and caitlyn in the pram. She goes walking with me on Thursdays. Lastly, there is one of Friend Nick(on the left) who lives in Calgary, canada.

Just raving again

Bottlebrush

Had a couple of fine days after the rains and the river had spilled its banks.There was still much dampness in the air with droplets hanging precariously on the large grasses alongside the paths.The birds are singing and twittering and the bell frogs ring out their mating call. The ducks are chasing each other , the mushrooms are prolific (people picking bags full) and the wild flowers are beginning to blossom.All is well with the world until you...( notice Trav, not "one") ... come home or read your emails and you have to face the reality of terrorism, Muslem domination attempts, political lies and Nature's and humanity's destructive forces.

Then again, kids are all well now, Rick & Karen have adopted a neglected greyhound which was , it seems, owned by two radio personalities and Scott starts his duties in his promotional position.As of September, the babysitting will be easier because Jo is dropping work on Thursdays so I'll only have Caitlyn. I have also dropped all voluntary work at the village because I did not like the Manager initiated politics so I'll have some more time. Herewith my photos

Rain, rain and more rain

Yes, lots of rain. You would never find any other country where they enjoy having rain as much as here. Everyone loves it and our little trickle of a river, the Canning River, is now actually looking like a river, certainly not one you can jump over any more.We just hope that it fills our dams to a reasonable level.

At the village all is well.

My dispute with the Management has come to a head because I wrote to them and to the owner as I was sick of the whole situation. We met and shook hands and the wife actually apologised which was great. I know he would not but again, we shook hands and he gave a hug and all is over and done with.

Life with the Branches is just the usual business but Trev is home most days now . He is doing a large job for Jacquie and she has paid him by giving us a huge discount on a trip. We go to Vietnam and Malaysia at the end of October. A great way to get paid eh!

Have heard from the US that Nanny is really well after all that drama,which is terrific. They leave on Monday.

The kids are all well and , touch wood, there has not been much 'flu in the family, just a few colds and it appears that Riley has a dose of bronchitus again.

The worst we have had was Travis , who had a tummy wog, fainted , then fell in the shower, cutting his forehead open ,needing 8 stitches, and also injuring his nose. He too is on the mend but will be left with a jagged "Harry Potter" scar.

Our Footy team had its worst loss yesterday and it was soooooo disappointing.

I am including some photos, one a rather nice one from the river along a new path I found .

One of Mac, as I see him when we're walking. Then one of him cuddling his dad. Then Kiah, whom we minded, asleep in the catbasket in the bedroom.(Not bad for ad dog that sleeps in the garage normally at home.) Lastly some from the village.

Well, I really came here to do some library work because Gary has finished our new shelving ( and everyone is most impressed)but I'm not getting very far. I'll have to come back tomorrow if I can find some time , Mah-Jong takes till 1 pm and if not that, I will probably have Riley to look after.

.Happy Birthday to Travis and Andrea for Tomorrow!!!Best Wishes and good health.

Just A Jotting

Sometimes you feel you just have to write something but cannot find inspiration. This is one of those days. Not much to report. I am presently at Vicki's , babysitting Caitlyn and she is asleep. Had Bella & Sarah for a while yesterday and Tuesday. The weather is not nice, cold and not pouring with rain, just wet. High winds expected later. Just a bit more like the weather is supposed to be in the world's second windiest city. We still need lots of rain. Nanny, while I think of this, your hearing aid company rang to say you can have another full assessment, so you'll have to ring when you get home, I have the number, hope you are still on the improve.When are you due back? It is hard to keep up with everyone travelling, going out ( Like Cirque de Soleil"s Verekai) . I'll have to get a voice mail to remind me of when and where I am babysitting or dogsitting!!! I think some may overlap! Mick's birthday on the weekend, have a great day Mick.It was also Mark's Birthday. Madeleine had hers earlier, hope that was a great day! Cousins in Holland, Ab Kelder and Wil de Vries were also this month. Son in Law Travis has his on the 30th. Happy Birthday All

NOTHING SPECIAL

Waiting to hear from my sister Nanny to see how she is now! Denise said she seemed to be OK after her op. Otherwise nothing exciting. had my 6 month bloodtests and all seems to be well except my BP , no wonder after the turmoil here so back onto original BP dose, what a shame!!Everything else OK except lacking Vit D. With all my walking, one would think I had enough sun exposure but then again , one worries so much about skin cancer here in WA that one always covers up.

Scott , Jo & kids gone to Exmouth, about a 2 day trip up North and we have their dog Kiah. That dog cannot walk on a lead and runs away if you let her off. Poor old Mac did not know what he had there since I shouted heel all the time. At home she seems fine , though hope she has not been barking while I have been out as I had to do an extra stint in the cafe.

To my dear sister and daughter-in -law Karen who have both had a health scare,so glad all has turned out well. Nanny had an infected gall bladder and gall stones and Karen has a virus in her head. Nanny has had her operation and Karen is on medication but both seem to have been through the worst and are on the mend.

Here 's a guardian Angel for you.

Wind and Rain and Monday

Caitlyn with her Aunties Karen & Jo.

Just look at that beautiful teapot cake!!!

Clever Mummy

Scott & Jo

Anna at lunch

Kelly, Zoe & the

Birthday girl Aunty Jo , Sarah (yes she now ties her hair!)& Caitlyn

Coffee Maker Vicki

Net & Gary Making tea for Pop

Our Mac

The daffodil

Caitlyn practising for the teaparty at Aunty Karin's

Well we had a lovely day at Caitlyn's teaparty and I actually forgot to take some pics of her table. Vicki had it set up beautifully with tiers of cakes ,teapots and all the handled cake and biscuit dishes, it really was lovely.Lots of people there but we all had to stay inside because it was very wet. She got some lovely pressies and we bought her a teaset with a musical teapot. She made Pop a lovely cup of tea before the other visitors came. Jo had bought exactly the same because Vicki had told her she wanted a set for inside and outside so Jo got her a Brats one instead.

Today after Mah-Jong we had soup lunch at the club , it was very nice and at least 70 people attended.A nice fund raiser.

There are still rumbles in the village and I find it very sad because most of us just love living here but Management are nasty people. Now we have a petition going around questioning some of the causes for the grumbles, (like the new contract for 2 years for the manager and some of the maintenance e.g. rising damp on the pool, not being done).We have signed it and so have a great many others, about 60-70 when we put our name down and there were more to come. They still look through or past me when they see me, so childish.

My sister Nanny was diagnosed with gallstones in Holland and did not have them operated on, silly girl. She is now in the US and says she is feeling a little better,hope so for her sake.

Still getting lots of rain , which is what we want. No-one is complaining.I had my first daffodil come out last week .They were bought from Bella's scholl who have a bulb sale yearly for Fundraising.

It was a blue moon this week and it looked great.Did not bring any surprises but then , doesn't matter.We did have a lovely Football match on Saturday and we won, maybe it was the blue moon after all.

Caitlyn, Kristy and Rain

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to You

Happy Birthday Caitlyn & Kristy

Happy Birthday to you.

Butterfly Kisses

Vicki thought of calling her E-Bay busines that and I thought it was great. Instead she went for Frangipanni Flair. She has just sold our lounge and our gas heater for us. The lounge, originally expensive , went for cheap but at least we did not have to get rid of it ourselves. The gas heater sold for $310.00 and the guy asked to pick it up right away, that was last night at 8. 30 pm. Fine with us!!!! I'll have to look around for more things to sell. It does not cost a great deal to list on e-Bay and Vicki does such a great job we are willing to pay more if we had to but she won't let us ofcourse.

Anyway, Nick just sent me a little note and it was accompanied by this lovely butterfly, hope it flutters on the website.

Busy week going out to dinners and lunches this week.

Happy Birthday Karen for yesterday and we'll see you tonight.

Ok, I guess I can wish myself a Happy Birthday too. Every Birthday is Happy because I'm still here!!!!!!

Thanks for the cards and Good Wishes,all of you.

Grandparents day at footy

Went to Riley's Football as it was Grandparents Day. He 's still a great little Footballer and the Dockers should come and watch him, because they lost again , in Darwin, yesterday.Riley was one of the two recipients of a certificate today , which was very nice. Then went to see Net & Gary's 2 new babies, so cute, Bonny and Clyde. Two little cats.Tried to upload their picture but it needs to be in JPEG and was not, so could not do so. Maybe you can send an ordinary photo Net???

Karen has a beautiful new banner again of her girls and here it is. Sarah has started dancing so she and Zoe will be able to practise and give shows when they get together. Would still prefer to see them do ballroom, has much more use and more prospects . At least , that's what I think.

Beautiful days here for at least a week with sunshine every day , temps around 18-20 oC.

If any of you other family or friends have a photo you would like on my blog, please email them to me, I would love to put them on. Travellers especially welcome.

WELL THINGS DO HAPPEN AROUND HERE!!!!!!!!!!

It's a while since I've blogged. Not for lack of news, Just too many things going on and some not so pleasant . The more pleasant ones were the many brithdays we have in this family around this time. The May birthdays over and here are some of my grandies at Anna's 1st birthday with the variety of animals they had there from the kid's farm.

We now enter the June bunch, Karen, myself and Caitlyn.We will celebrate Karen's and mine at a restaurant in the neighbourhood here.Caitlyn is having an afternoon tea party on July 1st for her 2nd birthday because I think footy is on the 30th.

Nanny & Geoff have shifted to WA for 6 months but are off gallavanting to Europe and the USA already, lucky ducks.Net & Gary have just returned from a holiday up north, very relaxing I believe.Wonder if Gary can now build me the shelves for my Libray????.Scott, Jo & the kids going there in the school holidays. We thought of a few days away but like I said to Trev, better to save up for a more distant holiday later, even if it is much later because even here it costs quite a bit for 3 or 4 days away. Rick & Karen have booked for Bali I think, in September.

We have had a drama here. The Manager has never liked my being on the Residents Committee because I am not afraid to stand up for our rights and question everything. They have often had periods when they did not talk to me because of something I've said.The last time they attacked me over a letter I had sent to the Administration, as Secretary and by the wish of the Residents Committee. They had not sent us a quarterly financial statement. The Administration Manager rang me up and said she had sent it in April. It was never put on the noticeboard. Management said it was and someone removed it (There were -10- copies!!!!!!!)Ofcourse they had to blame me so went beserk. Then attacked me over a comment I made quite freely about the caretaker being here very often and who was paying him??? More being hauled over the coals. He had called our Committee a "Secret Little Squirrel Society" and refused to apologise for that so I was a bit upset with them.

He had not come to the last meeting because he had read a statement at the previous one about not feeling welcome. He actually has NO right to be there and is there only by invitation but constantly interrupts the meeting.

Well, next meeting, he comes, we meet and he wants things taken out of the minutes. Others agree reluctantly but I dissent. He then spends all the meeting making innuendos and straight out attacks on me. Meeting closes, he starts making statements as to what he wants us to do and not to do, I walk out. 10 mins later, the VP, Chairman walks out while the others continue to listen to his rantings. We both resign and I was very sorry doing that to the Residents because they had chosen us.

I get phonecalls and people ringing and meeting me saying how sorry they are and how he has often abused them.The Administration sets up a meeting off site, but tells him just before the meeting. There were 12 residents, All bar one talked against his people skills though all admit (and I was even the first to have it minuted last year ),that he has done a lot for the Village but has a terrible personality problem.

Rod, the VP and I could not be persuaded to go back so the left overs on the Committee are carrying on. He and his wife now put down their heads or stare me out when I get into the club and he continues to sound people out about who knows what about what!!!! We've decided the man is probably sick and is a control freak.A pity, has made the place quite awkward but I just continue with my library, cooking cakes playing Mah-jong and going to the things I want to do. I'm quite happy with that, have a little bit more time. They want me to work in the Cafe, don't want to but will I suppose.

Here's our back patio and some roses we have in the front,I picked a lovely bunch. Quality of pic. not so good, took it with my mobile,sent it to Vicki and she emailed it back to me.How's that for using new technology eh?