BIRTHDAYS

On Monday it was Karen's Birthday and though I saw her when she dropped Sarah off in the morning, I forgot to wish her Happy Birthday. When I rang in the evening, she was at a staffmeeting so I missed out again and I passed on my apologies. So now , once again Happy Birthday Karen. We'll see them all tonight as kids, grandies,sisters and brothers in law , are coming for a casserole tea tonight at our place for both birthdays.

The Umbillical Twins

As we don't often go out anymore except to family events, the children decided to buy me tickets to the Playhouse theatre to see the Umbillical brothers, two very funny and very clever Comics. We enjoyed it thoroughly and even treated ourselves to dinner at Han's cafe(A hardworking Vietnamese gent who made good here and now has quite a big number of cafe's with a very varied menu and well priced meals.) All in all a most enjoyable evening so THANKS KIDS. This Pic of a lion dance . I took it at the Chinese New Year exhibition of the Lion Dance at the club and rather like it.

The Winners

Well how's that. Your home team wins its first World cup soccer match ever.Here are the celebrations in Melbourne's Federation square. They say there are 20 000 fans in Germany and there must be thousands in London by the sounds of it.Still there are thousands celebrating here.How wonderful if they won against Brazil too.Anthony Franken is their goals coach and his parents, Ina & Frank are justly proud of him.Bet it is something he'll never forget. To top it off , Holland has won their first match also,gosh I almost wish I was a full time sports fan.

Library picture

Here are the library pics as promised and if I don't run out of time, our waterway as well. This is the main bookcase and at the back,one of the new ones . In the second picture,we have the main bookcase and that acts as a wall. Behind that is a cumputer ,which I use for the library, a printer and a photocopier. Opposite that is another bench with 5 computers. They are being quite well used lately , which was the aim. It is good to see people helping others to get used to the system. The library borrowing system is very simple and I have some great volunteers to help. The other picture is part of the waterway at the end of our street.Our street, it's internal name is Spoonbill close, comes in where one can see the Foxtell dish on the roof. I have actually seen a spoonbill several times on my morning walks around the river lately but I bet if I carried my camera I would not see it!

SOME GOOD NEWS

Just had a phone call from Rick to say he had passed his interview with success,which means he can be promoted to sergeant.They go in a pool and have to be offered jobs in the next two years to take up the promotion. Scott has been in the pool for Senior Sergeant for a couple of months now so they are both climbing up the ladder and we are very proud of them both. We wish them both success and hope they are offered what they want. Old Leftover is doing pretty well on anti-inflamatories ( join the club)but Rick is looking for advice if he can use human tablets as dog ones are so expensive. It is Maureen Barkla's birthday this Saturday, a big 60 and we wish her a lovely day and many more to come.Luv Us. Then on Monday it is Adrie & Jan's wedding anniversary, all the Best to both of you,with our Love.

Foundation day

Foundation Day Holiday today ,that is to celebrate the settling by Europeans of Western Australia.The year was 1827 so , it's been a while. Not a great deal of happenings . Mostly the reorganization of my life. Vicki was asked to work 41/2 days a week ,which financially she could not refuse and also because then it might not be available when she was ready. Consequently Trev and I decided that we would cope with the babysitting and to and from school runs , between us. We thought Caitlyn was too small to go to childcare just now, so wait till next year or perhaps try the 1/2 day when the new Childcare centre is open. Thus, on this long weekend I cleared up some of the Welcome Committee work and now we'll just have the ongoing new residents to go. I also did a good bit of work in the Library. All the books have been re-shelved ,as we were given 2 sets of shelves and I have accessed a great load of books and will ask the others to shelf them.I'll have to take some pics of my library and post them. I guess it is a good thing I don't get up-tight anymore, just take it as I go and I think I still get loads of stuff done. Here's a close-up (Karen's work ofcourse) of the Missy I'll be minding full time. Sarah is just 2 days and Zoe & Riley 1 or 2 days depending on Scott's shifts.

The Old Leftover

When I got to Rick & Karen's today to babysit Sarah,Rick was still home as he had to take Leftover the dog, to the vet. She was curled up in a ball and unable to move, with the sudden drop in temperature. Imagine my surprise when he came back with her again. She has at least some days respite because they are treating her with anti-inflamatories. She never even complains the poor old girl so we wait and see. It was a very cold day , I don't think it got over 15 degrees . Good thing Rick was having a new fire installed today.

Another Day

Had a special meeting of the Residents' Committee of our village and the owner today. We were shown the budget and the result of which was that our weekly rates will go up. We expected about $5.00 as the rates were held steady while the village was being built but we had to talk hard to keep him down to a rise of $7.00.It's hard on pensioners like us but fine for those with money.It is mainly a problem because the petrol prices have put up the price of shopping as well.However, we'll make do because we really live in such a beautiful environment. Karen ,your photos are lovely. Have fun with your new toy. Today is Net's birthday so again, have a very Happy Bithday dear sister, we love you.

Just some Diary notes

It is Tuesday and Caitlyn is now asleep because we have been to Rockingham City. Had a sandwich with mum,Vicki and Oma just had a walk around because she does not get out much these days. Actually , almost felt guilty but I would have felt more so if I had bought anything, I saw a nice 0verblouse & singlet but I am so good these days, I did not buy. We had a nice weekend because on Saturday we went to Jo's Birthday. She's OLD now,40!!It was a nice evening and good to see some of their friends whom we had not seen for a while. henry Phang,from Singapore was here as well so came with Viv and Mick.With Nanny & Geoff there from Xmas Island, she had an overseas contingent. Jo's official Birthday is on Wednesday and Net's on Friday.HAPPY BIRTHDAY both of you and Ellie too who celebrates the same day as Jo. We left at just after 9.30 , with the four oldest kids to spend the night with Oma & Pop, so the parents could enjoy themselves.They were just marvellous. Sunday morning, Trev set off early with Riley because Riley had to play footy.The Dockers won on Saturday and Scott took Trev, as Jo was gettting ready for her party, he always loves that but says they did not really play well. Then on Sunday night we had sister Nanny, Bs.I.L. Geoff and Gary for tea. Nanny & Geoff were to go back to Christmas Island on Monday. We had a nice night and Gary was happy because he had photos of baby Anna plus he won the Golf at Bunbury. Well done Gary. Is keen to see his wife back home ( Net is still in Kalgoorlie with Kristy & the baby.)

A Thursday today

We went to Princess Margaret Children's hospital today to sell Entertainment books. We occasionally do voluntary work for them.Trevor must still have the sales touch because we sold 31 books ( at $60.00 each) and that was the record sale.When one sees some of the poor kids there, and that is only those that can be moved,one realises how lucky one is with all these lovely healthy kids and grandies.

Here we have the very beautiful and dignified final exit from this world of Tante Jeanne. We were told it was a beautiful day. I am told her son, Dick ,spoke well and emotionally. I have not heard who were at the funeral and certainly hope that it was most of the family .Her last goodbye to us, who now are the generation keeping the family of Hendrik Kelder and Clara Mulder together.. The flowers facing us , the red with Australian blue greenery, were the flowers from us. R.I.P.

UPDATING

Here she is, another gorgeous little girl has come into our family, Anna Patricia, to Kristy and Colin.Congratulations Kristy & Colin. Their first and also Net & Gary's first grandchild.I am sure no grandparents could be prouder,congratulations Oma and Granddad.Anna, like all our girls ,bears the name of our dear late mother and her other name is that of her other Great Grandma so well chosen and sounds great.Look forward to seeing Anna soon. (She was born in Kalgoorlie) Then,on Mothers' Day, we went for a picnic to Fairbridge Farm School. It was good to see that the place is now being restored . There is some still to go but one is able to hire any of the cottages at really very reasonable rates, have meals there and there is even a coffee shop open all day. I'd actually like to go back another time. It was great to see so many of the family there.Net ,ofcourse, was in Kal with her new Granddaughter. Here are my 3 eldest girls being photogenic and then performing for the crowd when being told "Pull your head in ". With courtesy to Karen for the photos. (Took them off her website, did ask but it did not seem to publish the comment!!!!)

The Great Escape

On Anzac day,the 25th of April,an earth tremor caused a mine collapse in Beaconsfield,Tasmania. One miner was found dead a few days later but 5 days after the disaster,contact was made with 2 miners,still alive and in a cage, 1 km underground.Yesterday, a fortnight later, they walked out of the mine lift, under their own steam. When found ,rescue efforts started immediately,ofcourse. A tunnel was dug to reach them , a pipe was put through a probe so that they could receive food and other comforts and yesterday,in the early hours of the morning,recuers reached them . What a great story of human endeavour and mateship. Just hope and wish they are both OK now and that their recuers will receive appropriate recognition.

Sad Tales

Gosh I keep on losing what I have typed. This is the last try.Lost our Tante Jeanne on Wednesday last week. It was very sad because we thought she had progressed and rallied, since she broke her leg befor her 99th B'day on April 1st. It appears she was wrongly medicated and there was a reaction between medications she was taken and what she was given at the hospital.That is the end of a generation and I hope that our generation can contribute positively to this world so that those who are now gone can be proud of us and the next generation will appreciate us. It was sad too because she wanted to make the 100 like her sisters and that pleasure was cruelly taken away from her.At least she is not in pain any more. R.I.P. Tante Jeanne.The funeral is at 3.30 today.

MEMORIES

How's that for a slim version of me ?Some of you have probably never seen me that slim and most of you, including me , have forgotten. Mind you ,it was 1960!!!Vicki found it on an Old Fairbridgeans site. She went there for a drive yesterday but did not go in as there was a Country Music Festival on. I actually have that photo as well.We must try & arrange a Family Picnic there one day. I taught there in 1959 and 1960.It was very hard but we had a young staff and lived on the farm during the week. I taught years 1-4 plus all girls for sewing and sport.Staff included the Home Science & Tech staff from Pinjarra High school and we all gave each other a great deal of support.We were all in relationships outside so we were able to be great friends .We had a wonderful couple of years and it was certainly a learning situation.I am still in touch with Maureen (Marilla) but often do wonder where the others are now. The kids really touched our hearts and Maureen and I often took some home for holidays, to have them in a family situation.

Congratulations Karen

Karen has just landed herself her dreamjob , a sales position in a Scrapbooking Shop. Hope it leads to bigger & better things ,Karen and congratulations. Yes, Oma is babysitting but we hope the days are the same as Caitlyn's days.

EASTER GREETINGS

Wishing All Our Friends and Family a really Great Easter. If you are on holidays, you are having a great time and wish it was me. Limburg sounds pretty good but it will probably be a bit cold yet, it is 30 degrees here and I suppose paradise could not be much better.

Just Nothing

There has not been a great deal of excitement going on lately,hence no entries. I must actually say I was very remiss not to mention the lovely wedding we went to.Friend Sheila's son, Rod, married Sarah Pugh on March the 25th . The wedding was at Christ Church in Clareont.Rick and Karen married there also,maybe about 10 years ago. It was very pretty. Then we all repaired to Gloria & Clemm's house for afternoon tea and went on to Fraser's , in King's Park for a very sumptious wedding breakfast.The food was delish, which was certainly an improvement on the last time we ate there (deep in the dark ages). There was dancing to recorded music afterwards(at least for those whose husbands do get up & dance !) We left a little early and so did the others with us. We ,mostly because poor old Mac had never been at home alone for such a very long time. However, if Sheila sees this, thanks Sheila, it was lovely. Here is an update of Zoe and Riley. they have been doing "edu dance" at school. We went to their presentation and it was really good. Well done kids.

Dear Bella

I have just read your Mum's Blog and see that you have had tosilitis since Thursday. I am so sorry. I would have come to see you. I can't even come tomorrow because Pop has a job to do and needs the little car and Aunty Vicki has our other car because her brakes are no good and they can't get fixed till Tuesday. We are trying to fiddle cars between us depending on who needs them most. I do hope you are feeling much better. Riley is not well either, Pop had to pick him up from school while I was at the doctor's, yesterdAY. wE THINK THAT WAS TONSILITIS TOO. So , remember we are thinking of you and send kisses and hugs and her are some pretty pictures too.

Just could not help it! Bragging Oma

Caitlyn is crawling, another milestone.

Quiz Night

Today we had aQuiz Night at the Village. I had made up the questions and Trevor Called them.It seemed to go alright but I may have been a little rusty as I had several questions queried, but further research proved that they were right and so was I. The worst was that I made a mistake in my adding and it meant a change in what were thought to be winners. But I guess we can't be perfect . We also welcomed residents of 7 new houses to the village, 3of which, I was involved in ,the other 4 done by other pairs of the Welcome Committee. We find it enjoyable but it is time consuming,each house takes an hour plus the time in the club and having a cuppa. Did not have to babysit Caitlyn today nor tomorrow as the other Nanna, Maureen has taken her for the 2 days. Wonder how Mummy and Daddy went without their baby at home?

A Funeral Recalled

This week we attended the funeral of neighbour Allan ,a great gentleman who has led a most interesting life. Apart from the sadness for his family (2 daughters, son-in-law and 3 grandsons) and our dear friend Lydia , (here in the village also who was his partner for the past 2 years) Allan's funeral seemed mostly to give his friends (and family ) a chance to pay tribute to this fine man.Included in the service booklet were many quotes, verses and poems, including two written by Allan himself. With respect and admiration of Allan and to his daughters, I won't publish that all here but would very much like to quote two verses from his poem " AT MY FUNERAL". Do not dim the lights

Nor draw the curtains

I have had my time

More hours than I had dared to wish

Wear no black for me

I should not be mourned

Except if you recall

Some merit in my life.

My thanks and rest in Peace Allan.

The Cyclone

Cyclone Larry,which hit the Queensland coast this week also hit Morylian,which is where cousins Rick and Lotty live. They are fine, thank goodness but because they were in the eye of the storm, they have sustained a great deal of damage. I spoke to their daughter Ingrid tonight and the house is pretty good except a Norfolk Pine fell on the varandah roof but seems not to have damaged the main house. Their palms and all the gardens are completely ruined and I believe the glasshouse is down and a lot of orchids ruined. They have food & water, rainwater, . They have a generator for the fridge . No power but gas so can cook and boil the water. I'll try them tomorrow night and hope the phone works as apparently it is off and on.

The Cyclone

Here they are at last

The little swimmers now. They are still getting used to the water. They are what POP calls "IMMER THE SWIMMER". don't ask me why ,it is just a way Australians express themselves. They splash and jump and generally enjoy the feel of the water. This curly top swimmer,Sarah, has the feel of the water and is getting quite game playing with and in the water. She is starting to stroke. Caitlyn still needs Daddy Travis's help but she is starting to remember what she has to do.

More of the swimmers

It really does not want to upload the other photos.What a pity. I'll have to try again tomorrow. I'll be back.

Learning to Swim

The grandkids all go to swimming lessons now First Bella, getting some instructions from Dad Zoe is doing VERY well . She swims laps and when she has finished in this level will be able to join the swim Club. A pity she shows up so little on the photo. Riley has also gone up a stage . Since my half hour is up(we are on a PABX system here),I'll have to stop and start again in a minute.

Second Cousins but still close

This is our Mosaic being laid at our village under the watchful eye of Trevor and Carmel(art committee member).I co-ordinated the project and the then residents had their input by laying a few ,or a lot , of pieces. It looks great and we are extremely proud of the project. My Favourite cartoon Character .... Eeaw Denise ( visiting from Atlanta) and Caitlyn. Juliana (Perth) and Christopher (Atlanta) head the table of my little ones at our Sunday breakfast party. Kelly & Zoe at the Dockers & Eagles Derby The kids are all close,which is good, but it is even more delightful that the grandchildren of our sisters also get on well and the big ones really look after the little kids.Even the US branch are always well received. I do not have photos of all of them but here are some.

Those favourite places

Shanghai and Xi'an. Those awesome,unbelievable Terracotta Warriors, shopping in Shanghai, The Pearl of the Orient Tower from 'the Bund". Then Caitlyn, homegrown and oh so cute. New Pic today.

Travel

Apart from me and my family migrating to Australia, from Holland,Trevor and I did not start to really travel until 1972 when we went to Singapore and Malaysia on an Apex Convention. The Bug really bit us hard and 1974 saw us taking our boys to Holland and Europe and it went on from there. We returned there several times and get very absorbed in the History and beauty of the distinctively different countryside.It is always wonderful to return to the family also. We have travelled to a variety of Asian countries and a few places in Australia have been on the itinerary also. Tasmania is a favourite but Melbourne is for shopping.It is not possible to display photos from all ou travels so will put in a couple of favourite places.Egypt,Singapore and Holland to start.

We Love to Travel