Karen's skills

Here is a copy of one of Karen's banners which she used on her blogger. Yesterday she won a Highly commended certificate at the Kelmscott show photographic exhibition. Congratulations Karen, as I said, we knew you were good, now it is officially recognised. You'll have to enter more. Flu progressing, still coughing and bad ear but slowly getting there. Actually had 2 walks with my dog to try & get out of the rut.Trev DID see the Dr and was also quite impressed with him. He is still coughing as well ofcourse , but again,we'll get there.We shopped at Carousel yesterday and had a drive, with coffee at Carmel Rose nursery, to help pep us up a bit. Bought some soil improvers too. I think he is going to have a go at the front garden as the bulbs are finished and looking messy. (For those who don't know, it is handkerchief size, probaly 2x 2 1/2 meters!!!! )

Maybe Tomorrow

I went to see Rick & Karen's doctor yesterday and was quite impressed with him. He said I should be starting to feel better after changing my anti-biotic and conjunctivitis medication to stronger ones and told me to keep taking the chinese cough mix,hold my nose & blow it to try & get the gunk from behind my eardrum and take telfast or claritine for the sinus problems. Today I speak better, cough less but the bad throat and ear are the same. Maybe , not quite as bad because I am getting a few batches of 4-5 hours sleep in instead of one hour at a time. Maybe Tomorrow it will be better again. Now the old boy has increased coughing. Ofcourse he won't see the Dr so we put up with it, don't we!!!! I am very grateful to Travis, Net and Karen who have stepped in to help mind Caitlyn and the other odd babysits Trev & I have managed between us. It does stress me out a bit wonderering what will happen with the kids if I'm sick but it seems to have worked out OK. If I have forgotten any important events like birthdays, I am sorry, I am not thinking too well as yet. Wow, I even managed to load up my Bottlebrush in bloom!! and here's a smile I was sent by Nick.

MISERY WEEK

Grevillia I sit at the computer while almost everyone in the village is attending the special meeting to consider the Rules.A most unlikely event since normally I would not have missed it for quids. I always hope a few sparks will be ignited or even better, will fly but generally I am disappointed. People seem to want to criticise but when it comes to a forum where they can actually do so, they seem to have lost their tongues. Well, I do believe I have made my thoughts known at the Residents Committee meetings but as I am generally outvoted , it is just a wipe out.Trevor has gone and is even doing the Registrations for me so I'll hope to get a full report from him. The reason I'm not there is because I've had this dreadful flu and mainly ,because of my having to use a CPAP machine to sleep,because of my sleep apnea, my throat has just been so sore all the way through.This has developed into a laryngitis. It starts with terrible body pains,I had it in my upper body and thought it was a real bad bout of arthritis. Then the sniffles and the bad coughs appear. I also now have a closed up ear and conjunctivitis. We managed to get Caitlyn minded for two days so I could stay in bed but this week I have to do my best because sons Scott & Rck are away in Kalgoorlie for 10 days so we can't abandon the girls.Today I just kept my glasses on and wrapped a piece of sheeting around my face as a mask. Must look really good but Caitlyn did not mind.I Did get some antibiotics from another doctor,mine was on holidays .The stipid woman asked me if there had been a change in my voice , when I was hardly able to get the words out at all.!!!!Someone here suggested a Chinese herbal medicine and I am trying that and hope for some success because I'm not getting much sleep either.Oh well,it can only get better. I do miss my walks. Am including some Grevillia and Bottle brush in bloom along the way of my walk. Ah well .it does not like my bottle brush.Tried loading it twice.

Arcadia Waters Birthday

Cousins at Re union 2006 4 out of 5 Justlove her in that hat href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/58/2153/1600/with%20the%20hat.jpg"> Pretty girl in Aunty Denise's dress. The Village had another Birthday on the weekend and we celebrated with a fair ,couple of stalls,sausage sizzle and afternoon teas. Was quite nice and they made some money as well. Our "Kelder "family had their annual re union on Wednesday last week and have just received the photos from cousin Cees,for which we thank him. It was obviously in an idyllic setting and the weather was good.Ofcourse one always wishes to be there but, a bit expensive for just a day, just an airfare to Holland!!!! Rick and Karen have their Anniversary and we wish them a Happy Day. Scott had his Birthday and we celebrated that too.aOne more year and he is 40!!!Poor Caitlyn has had a really bad time. She was vomiting & had bad nappies so Dr diagnosed Rota Virus,a gastric virus which makes a child intollerant to dairy products. She loves her milk & cheese. Poor baby lost more than a kilo in weight but the last 2 days she has been much more cheerful and is eating what we can find for her. Hope she is not stuck with this as Vicki & Travis were told at the hospital and by the Dr , that it could be 6 months intollerance to dairy products. Vicki sent me some lovely pics so I'll pick a few.

2006 Royal Show

That swing!!! Just have a look at these ducks everyone! We decided on Saturday for our Royal Show visit and at the last moment Vicki & Trav decided to go as well so we met them at gate 9. (They had a long way to walk from parking and Vicki was pooped before we started. )However, we really had a great day. There were 2 farm animal sites and Caitlyn thought all the animals were lovely. We went through the sideshows and ooh'd and aahh'd at the rides which were new to us and very scary. We played the clowns, remember kids, we always played the clowns, and won enough toys to stock up at Oma's place as well as her own place. We had a cream waffle, take away chicken,drinks, rolls,hotdogs, as you do at the show. I bought 2 showbags but Vicki did not.We saw the grand parade and the NZ Army band which were great.Dogs were showing, non sporting breeds and we saw the hens and roosters and pigeons,as well as horses and cows. The day was beautiful and we had a lovely time. Caitlyn was a good girl and the other kids will get some money to buy a showbag when they go.

A Day in Fremantle

Old Papa's but now newly upgraded. Cappucino strip in Freo. The Birthday boy. Went to Fremantle today with Vicki & Caitlyn as Vicki had to go to the dentist. We had coffee in The Merchant, which used to be Old Papa's. Really nice layout there. Then to the dentist and Net was supposed to be working relief there but did not have to. She decided to meet up with us anyway and Caitlyn had her sit in the chair & familiarisation tour. Then to Target who had a good sale on and Trev actually wanted to buy a few things,some were pressies and also 2 blouses for me, very nice. Had lunch at the Foodhall opposite the markets,then home to pick up the kids from School. Was a really nice day. Gosh my cup runneth over as we had a nice night on Tuesday too with the kids and sisters there. Gotta go home and cook an appeltaart for the cafe now.

Try Again and Trev's Birthday

Changed our mind about Trev's Birthday.Celebrating on Tuesday with simply coffee and cake because everyone seems to be thinking about going to the Royal Show next weekend.Here are Riley & Zoe with Kyah.

Today the Weather is Fine

Riley & Kyah Yes it is a beautiful day today even though Trevor's local team, South Fremantle got badly beaten in the Grand Final .Even worse, the dockers lost on Friday but we all say, at least they got this far. The other WA team, the Eagles , won so they are in the Grand final with Sydney next week. Gives Trev one more chance because Sydney is his Eastern States team. I hope the Eagles win as I am very loyal to my own state. Last night was our dinner, dance. We had a great meal with lots of food and lots of entertainment plus good company. Among many others, I got mentioned for my contributions to the village and was given a couple of towels as well so that was nice. Today we took a drive to see where to ask the family to come for coffee or coffee and lunch to celebrate Trev's birthday. We put it off till next week because we were not sure what was happening with Scott & Jo & kids ready to go to the Grand Final. That was not to be but they will at least have saved a great deal of money. Posting a few pictures of Kyah and also a real cute one of Anna.Will have a look at last night's -photos later.

She's Gone

Poor old Leftover,Rick & Karen's dog has now gone to better pastures and did so under protest. She was such a great dog and our thoughts are with them. Strange how things go like that because only last week Scott & Jo adopted a 4 year old cocker spaniel named KYAH. She is lovely and a sook. It seems so often ,even in the human factor, that one goes but is replaced by another. Our footy team won their preliminary final, one final to go, Sydney at Sydney and if they win that , it is a grand final the following week. That would be so great for the family and all the other Docker supporters ofcourse. Then again, the Eagles won also and play Adelaide in Adelaide. Wouldn't it be great if it was a WA Grand Final. There would be such an exodus from this state, we would be almost lonely. Victoria is not too happy, no Vicyorian team in the finals. They even say there should be an investigation into the matter. Ha! They're just not good enough. Everyone here has had the flu badly and has had days off work. I have been lucky , obviously that strain was in the flu needle that I have every year.Vicki has had bronchitus. Caitlyn has finally cut her first tooth. Put on these thoughts which our manager has on his desk sometimes. It's rather good but you might need a magnifyer to read it.

Sad day for WA Footy

Well, we had the first finals, one after the other and both West Australian Teams lost. Totally unexpected but the Dockers did not deserve to win . I did not see the Eagles but Trev was looking and was pleased to see Sydney win because they are his 2nd favourite team.Luckily , they both have another shot, the advantage of finishing 1st (Eagles) and 3rd (Dockers).

What a Week

The past week has seen some strange happenings. The passing of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter and I did not realise what a huge following he had. Then today the racing car driver, Peter Brock,here in a rally accident,at Gidgigannup. The weather has done such strange things. On Sunday, at our picnic we were hot but since Monday it has been very cold and some days wet and windy as well, so much for Spring. Poor Caitlyn has had a bad week. We thought she was finally cutting a tooth as she had a temp on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday plus the bad nappies and sometimes lack of interest in food. In between she seemed more herself but the Health care nurse suggested a visit to the Doctor. Vicki took her to Andrew on Thursday and he said she had an inner ear infection, hence the temp.Last night she had a rash which was all over her this morning so we decided a visit to Andrew was appropriate again. He named the virus and we had seen that in the book but I have forgotten the name now . She had the typical symptoms of temperature & unwell for 3 days, day 4 seems better but rash all over.The rash looked a lot like German Measels. Poor little mite but she is very good,they just have to take care for a few more days. Finally , our Footy Team, the Dockers have got into the finals and play their first final ,in Adelaide tomorrow. We'll go & see it on the big screen at Scott's. Scott & Jo & kids will go to Melbourne if they manage to get into the Grand final. They have to drive as they lost airfares booked but it will be cheaper to drive.That will take 3 days there , minimum and the same back.Ofcourse one has to get tickets to the event also.It really would be great if the team managed to get to the Grand Final.

Fathers'Day and Spring has Sprung

The beginning of spring and we are very proud of our Iris plants this year. We have had well over 40 flowers so far and we've been able to pick some for the house and still leave enough outside for other people to enjoy. The wattles are beginning to bloom and quite a few other spring flowers are starting to appear. We went to Araluen with our family and the tulips there were beautiful. It was a gorgeous day ,even hot. The biggest problem was the fairly steep entry fee, up for the spring festival,($8 per adult) and the parking is horrible. Only us & Vicki & Travis managed a spot in the carparks. Scott & Jo and Karen & the girls were a long way out. The problem is that one is carrying food and seating arrangements, not funny when returning to the car as it is all UP!!! Rick was working but called in for a short time with his partner . Had some lovely photos , a pity they can't all go on this blog.

VIV IS 60

Yes Viv is 60 now. She still does not look anywhere near 6o . She is Trevor's younger sister and we are just a bit fond of her!We had a lovely dinner at the Mussel Bar in Fremantle, to celebrate and she celebrated in style with her family and best friends.She is always pleased to be with her family and it was good to see the latest addition, Ella , there as well. Wishing you many more years in happiness and health , Viv.

THE HAT

We went for a walk yesterday,quite a long one and during that,Rick emailed me from Bali re a rash that Bella had contracted.Ofcourse as I can't see very well with a huge cataract on my eye,I stopped to try to let them know I would SMS properly when I got back to Vicki's. It appears, at that time, while I was not looking Caitlyn chucked her gorgeous pink cloche hat out. I did not discover it till we got home, unfortunately. So she was put down for her nap, slept 2 and 1/2 hours and had her lunch I decided to see if I could find her hat so re-traced our footsteps. Wonders never cease, I found it, clumped under a small shrub, across the road from where we had been walking. That is why she is on show wearing THAT hat. Today we had to take some clean clothes to Riley at school because he had spilled his yoghurt all over the others. So we went to see Pop and came back to school because Riley's class was doing assembly.The Assembly item was great and so was our little Missy. She entertained the kids, teachers and parents alike with her antics and had everyone in fits when she cheered after the National Anthem.

Mac & Waterways cafe

Well , just take a look at our boy, can't help but love him. Then we have Lorraine in her cafe uniform. She is also one of my Mah-jong mates on Wednesday nights.Also overview of our Waterways cafe.They have now prettied it up with tablecloths and vases of our Lavender.

The Car and Casino

Well we had a lovely day at the Casino today. I started winning but after going back after lunch,(had Chinese for lunch and they were very generous servings) we both,"done our dough". but it was a nice day anyway.People all around me were winning but we had the typical Branch luck. Net came too and did not do well either. We have also decided that we would keep our car because they would give us so little for it that the extra we have to pay does not justify the extra petrol.So we spent some money fixing what the mechanic thought we ought to fix and he says we now have a good car. Ellie, if you are checking this site, we have not heard from you!!!!

Diary jottings

Well the holiday is nearly over. It was nice to be able to go to craft and do the extra long walks and do some work in the Library.There is still more books to accession but that is an ongoing thing. We had a day at Carousel shopping Centre with Vicki & Caitlyn and I also caught up with a few bits of sewing & doing things like cleaning the oven( Ugggh). Our new cafe ,"Waterways", run by residents is going very well financially. Myself ,along with a group of residents cooked cakes or biscuits each week but now we are going on a roster. Yet others work in the cafe to help out those who were trained to use the coffee machine. Tomorrow we have a treat with a Casino trip and since I am free ,we are going.It is good value because for $A 10.00 we get bus transport to & From the Casino, lunch, $2.00 coins for the pokies and a turn at the chocolate wheel. the meal alone is worth it.Ofcourse, they expect and hope you will spend more of your own but that is one's own choice.We had a lovely Christmas in July at the end of last month and quite a few events are planned such as a Kareoki night, quiz night and another bus tour. The old boy won't go to any of those so I stay home too.He did go to Xmas in July and really enjoyed it. Just had my hair cut at the new hairdresser. She has been in the village for a few weeks now and it cost me $ 15.00 , which was still less than where I used to go, so that's good and she seems quite skilled. Kids all came over for tea last night, silverside, cabbage, carrots ,potatoes and white sauce with a caramel,apple tart for sweets. We had a nice night.

Here are the Footy ones and the Five Rebels too

One more from my walk, the half way big tree(That is the 1/2 way point on the 5-6 km walk, not the longer one.In summer I sometimes walk up to there instead of doing the round trip because it is more shady. By the way, I hear the Hollanders are doing it hot, more like here ). Then ,2 of my five rebels , also Zoe & Caitlyn walking and Oma ( me with the hat & grey top)helping with training (Rick,not seen , was behind me catching the strays) while Riley takes a catch from Oma. In the background is the Primary school that Zoe and Riley go to.

It was a Busy Day

Sunday and we were up early for grandparents day at Riley's Football. Well Riley was well represented because all the Branch family was there. Uncle Rick and Oma helped with training and Uncle Travis helped play in the last 1/3 rd. We went back to Scott & jo's for fresh scones and cream and choc. cake with morning tea. Trev and I then went to Viv & Mick' to bring presents and we had lunch with them. Their house renovation is looking great. Then onto a car yard to look for a car, petrol is too expensive for us so we are looking for an economical smaller 2nd hand car. Back home, took some picks of cafe and then to finish my Library work. I also will upload my walk pics. I'm pleased with them. I have just noticed that some of the football ones did not save so will do them again later. From the top left we have the lake which reminds me of Laapersveld a bit with the big grass bit for Mac to run on, then 2 of my spoonbills,these were further north up the river,makes my walk about 2 Kms longer , but well worth it and the last, the frost on another doggy park along the river, north of Royal St Bridge.

Chinese Restaurant Treat

Vicki & Travis treated us to Chinese at Yangebup. it was a long time since we ate there and it is still really good. The little restaurant was full to the brim and takeaways were queing up. Caitlin has just started to stand on her own and performed her new feat nicely. When we came home, Mac was all over his dad, literally. There is also a photo of our little Mac seeking the sun in the corner of his own , 1 and 1/2 x 1/2 meter lawn. This morning took some photos on my walk again and did get the spoonbills . Will put them on another day as it would take too long on this so will do them on the Arcadia Waters site.