Some more

Missed one, a junior Officer (female), myself and the Captain at the Captain's Cocktail Party.

The Casino.Lovely building. Was the old Treasury.

Brisbane from the river cat.Brown building, the casino,yep , went there,ate there and lost there.

The parrots feeding at O'Reilleys

Me in front of the tree, hollowed out from rotting because tropical vines have grown all over it. Don't you just love the double chins?

Now in Queensland,German Clock House in Mount Tambourine. pretty place, lovely shops.

Trev about to enter. Expensive so was too scared to buy anything there.zprobably would have if he had not been there with me!!!!!!

VJ ,our junior Waiter, with the flaming Bomb Alaska

The photos

Our Dinner table,l to r, Olivia,Jeanette,Fran,Alex,Marina,Rita and Jean with our waiter.

Cleaning Kava roots in Vila

Cooking the roast, Lifou

The big chief's meeting hut , Lifou

Our ship, from the tender going to Lifou

Noumea view

Noumean welcome

The wake of the ship,early morning

One of our favourite places, the promenade deck

Our stateroom

Firstly congratulations Bella on your terrific swimming achievements. So sorry we could not be there.

We had our Residents meeting and the sparks flew because our angry little friend had put another "letter" on the noticeboard,denegrating the Residents Committee and he stood up saying the Committee should not be recognised because they had resigned. Fortunately he was not well received and told to sit down and shut up. One of our neighbours then said we should vote on the legality of the Committee and the vote was against him by some 80 + to 3. Thank goodness that is over but he has spoiled it all and I certainly won't stand again next year. We then dicussed the rules and the President was not well in control of the meeting and so it went on a bit. Thought he could do better but basically, it is now done. Here are the cruise photos.

WE"RE BAAAACK!!

Back from our island cruise and it was lovely. We did shore excursions on each island and enjoyed each one . The only thing we found that it was not terribly exciting on those islands, pretty, friendly, tropical but not what one would really have an urge to return to. Some people do though, there were a lot of people on the ship who were frequent cruisers and had been on this one before.

The ship was beautiful with every facility . our cabin was extremely comfortable and the other facilities, the shows and the food was terrific. trevor managed ubtil after lunch on the 5th day but then , a bit choppy weather and he was sick enough to ask to be taken to the hospital. They gave him a needle which perked him up but he had to be monitored because his sugar count went up to 17!!! and heart rate and BP also went up. He had also stubbed his toe in Vila so we had to come back next day for more testing and dressing of the toe. They insisted he reports straight to his Doctor but try & do that , it is a lost cause. Don't get sick on a ship though, it cost well over $340.00 no medicare. We hope to get some from insurance.

We enjoyed our stay in Brisbane very much.Did a lovely daytrip to Tamboorine Mts and Reilley's. We cruised the river in the city cat and walked all the shoppingcenters in the Mall as well as one in Indroopilly. Had big problems with our room at the Sebel. They kept thinking we were not in there and our keycards were desensitised twice, our luggage not brought up . Had to check out & check in in the middle of the stay and even had a man walk into our room when they double booked it. Not funny when you are already in bed and lights out!!!! We reported it all and did get verbal apologies and a bottle of wine but wonder if we'll get a written apology because we can laugh now but was not funny then. We wondered , how could a big Hotel chain make such mistakes?

As I said, we can laugh now and are happy that we had such a nice trip. Photos, when I have them downloaded.

Here' s one I pinched from Karen, their new dog , Oi. Vicki & Trav have a new cat Mimo. He is sweet too.

WE"RE OFF LIKE A DIRTY SHIRT AS TREV WOULD SAY

The finale..Ung Pau bags with money given to the lions

Two near us
Funnily Zoe was abit wary though she knew they were people

This year the boy was included and 8-10 lions.

They danced in the clubhouse quadrangle.

Some pictures to add from the Chinese New year Lion dance.

Have been trying to book our seats on line but although it says from 24-48 hrs prior, I cant' get on yet so will go home and eat my frozen dinner and come back.

Got an email from Nanny to say they are waiting for a cyclone. Will ring after 7 tonight to see how they fared.

There was a plane crash in Indonesia with much loss of life, including Australians. It always brings it closer to home when fellow countrymen are involved. Very sad.They've brought some victims home already because we have some very successful burns units in our country, the best of them in Perth with it's head, Dr Fiona Woods, Australian of the year in 2006. She is a very clever woman.

Did not do any good at the casino today but at least the lunch was cheap and very nice too, especially as I have been eating diet food, so I can lash out a little on the cruise.This will be my last entry for a fortnight at least. please do not email unless necessary.

Getting Closer

Yes our holiday is getting closer. I managed to send Trev off to mind Vicki & Travis' animals so that I could stay here and do the things I had to do including keeping some appointments.He did some work in the back yard already!!!!!!!!!!.Glad it was him not me. Last Thursday I met my John Curtin friends again and it was great. they all agreed we should meet more often. (Did I already write that? I think I did) but it was great. Vicki & Travis were off to Melbourne on Saturday. Poor Caitlyn had an upset tummy, teeth we think , but managed the flight OK and seemingly actually loved it. Today I Messaged the kids that the Lion Dance was on for Chinese New Year,short notice but Scott, Jo & the kids came and they liked it. It's always a good show. Since Bella & Sarah's Mum does not have to work on Monday's public holiday, I will play Mah Jong, which I do enjoy a lot.On Tuesday I'm having my hair streaked. Thursday we'll go to the Casino with the village. It is only $5.00 for the bus, lunch and a couple of free games and as a club member I was just sent a $ 10.00 voucher so I can really live it up!!!!!! Then on Friday we are off. Jo will take us as Scott has to work. I have not downloaded the pics of the lion dance yet so that is for next installment. (Is that 1 l or 2???)

Rose's Wedding et all

Trev can bowl,not sit as yet. Our own greens at
the clubhouse.

Rose & Eddy

Vicki,Caitlyn,Maureen & Travis

Rose

& her

Dad

ZIRSC (Karen ,the Photographer)

Bella & Caitlyn

Just got an email from Nanny who said she likes looking at Karen & My blogs, so glad you enjoy them Ger said she does not have much time to look, a pity because that was the idea, I could update everyone in one foul swoop.It really does not take long and I look at Karen's nearly every day.

I am no longer at DODO for my emails so everyone please use my Arcadia address. I had a lot of trouble with them and then trouble disconnecting. Even now the idiots are still ringing me on their Indian call centre,,soooooo stupid.

Today had another get together with some of our highschool chums, that is twice in as many months . One of the girls could not come to the school's 50th Anniversary in December so her sister arranged this through one of the guys. There were some 12 of us there and we have decided that now we are getting older, we value this sort of thing more and should meet at least twice a year and encourage more of the others to come. It was a great morning, at the 'Left Bank "

Did not know Denise was cruising again, gosh they are really seasoned cruisers now. We are just happy we can do our short cruise and are off in 8 days. First I babysit Vicki & Trav's animals while they go to Melbourne.

Had our visit with Topol yesterday at Burswood Theatre. It was just so magnificent. We had the 4th row from the front and boy, could see every expression on his face. The man must be as old as we are!!( and that's old!!) We just love the Fiddler on the Roof.

As for the rest, some nice pics of the kids and alo Rose & Eddy's wedding. The lady with Travis and Vicki is Caitlyn's Nana. She thinks Caitlyn is a bit special too, Don't you Maureen????

I REMEMBERED THE FLASH DRIVE

Dancing Bow wow

Ina ,Frank & Trev in Clubhouse which sold lolly bags, pop corn ,icecreams etc.

Clare & Thelma in 50's gear , clicked right numbers but still came up twice!!!!!!!!!

Pink Cadillac with 'Elvis"

Boy, for some reason I had no choice but to update this blog to a Google Blog. I have downloaded the pictures a few times and then keep losing them . Wish I just had the old version. Anyhow, will try again. Photos from the 50's & 60's night and another of Caitlyn, sitting in Mac's bed and dancing. We minded her overnight as Vicki & Travis went to Rose's wedding. We all went to have a look too,Rose looked gorgeous,very angelic!!!! Photos from that event later.

Rock around the Clock film,with popcorn and all

Ivy in the Cadillac

GETTING SLACK

Yes I know I am getting a bit behind with this. The main reason is that I have been having trouble with my provider and that has taken a lot of my time (and money because of phone calls, letter and faxes.) I have been trying to disconnect from them since the 12th, without success and finally , after them getting a letter from the internet ombudsman today, they rang me and disconnected. Now I have to do my emailing from the clubhouse and I keep forgetting to bring my flashdrive so I can enclose the latest photos. I'll have to do better, won't I ? Have been busy at the village too because after a big hickcough with one of the Committee members (he's sitting on the computer behind me but won't talk to me!!) we are back in action and I have just provided the whole village with the updated rules, hoping they will accept them. We had a lovely Rock & Roll night last Saturday, even had the film ,Rock around the Clock. Many of us in our circle skirts and sandshoes & bobbysocks. Must admit they looked better 50 years ago!!! But it was great fun. We were visited by 5 cadillacs, 2 of them pink and had some great songs that we could all sing. Getting ready for our cruise and think we're all up to date with everything now. Weather is now reasonable, mid thirties and Mac and I have nice morning walks because it is not so hot. Trevor's back is getting better, slowly. he still can't sit for long but the bruising is almost gone. To those who don't know , he was pulling a wire and it broke., he fell heavily on a low concrete wall and must have broken his tail bone and the bruising was phenominal. We went to one of his old colleagues for dinner last week and that was very nice. When we get back we'll have them all here one night. Well I might think of other things later and will add the photo Vicki just sent me of Caitlyn having a dummy spit at Karen's. Does not happen too often and I thought it was a graeat photo.(but then, Karen took it ofcourse) Ad Draayer,if you are viewing this, you are able to make comments but if your computer is set high on security, you can click on the letter and email a comment. Our Love to your Mum and your family.

Photos added

Tree Climber Riley Cricketer Riley Caitlyn dancing in Mac's bed Zoe with our doggy Mac

Back to school day.

Today all the kids went back to school so I'LL RING THEM UP TO SEE HOW THEIR DAY WENT. I'm almost tempted to ring the Ed. Department to say I'll come back to work, at a price, because they are about 250 teachers short.! But then again, I have too much to do to go back to work and it is too difficult with Centrelink and the pension because Centrelink does not get it right. We had Zoe & Riley for a sleepover last weekend and were going to take them for a trainride but it was just too hot. We had three days over 40 degrees , last time we had that was 1995, and the other days were up in the high 30's. Now it is reasonable, in the 30's and rising again for the weekend.We had the 2nd hottest day ever last week. We took them to Riley's cricket and were told he was being considered for upgrading next week, not bad as it is only his first season.They went home after lunch. Later in the afternoon Bella and Sarah came to be minded as Rick and Karen went to get together with little Steve who was on leave from Bali.They were quite pleased as he finally seems to have a permanent girlfriend. Next weekend the littlest one comes for a sleepover as her Mum & Dad have to go to Rose & Eddie's hen's and Buck's night. ( Vicki's friend) They get married in another 3 weeks. Have some photos of Riley & Zoe with Mac at home , will add them later. Happy Birthday Ger, a card is on it's way. Have a really great day with your family. Gerda and Gwen have a Birthday as well but they would never see this. Riley Happy Birthday for Thursday.

Happy Birthday Australia

Happy Birthday Australia Tomorrow,January the 26th, is Australia Day and we will be celebrating, as many other Aussies will, with a breakfast at the club. In the evening there will be fireworks in the major cities and towns but it is going to be very hot, 39 degrees and we won't be going to watch. We'll see it on TV later.Our street is full of flags , we really have people in our street that get into the spirit of things. We were voted the best street for lights at Christmas. Our heatwave looks like being longer as today was 38.8 and 4 degrees higher than expected.The following days till after the weekend are all predicted to be in these high ranges of temperature. Thank God for air conditioning.

Just the Back Patio

My mossie frog,(I love him) displaying a weed I want identified. The back garden,spot Mac. The patio out the back is looking so lush and green ,depite the hot weather. It is ofcourse, partly covered . The elephant ears have been in flower and give off the strongest and most superb perfume.You would hardly believe they grow in a line of soil, about 40 or 50 cms in width,between the paving and the limestone wall.There is also a lot of Moses in the cradle and small golfstick plants there as well as Vinkas ,some mini Agapanthus and a few herbs.The rest is in pots and we're pretty pleased with it. We even have a small water feature. Some kids' birthdays coming up. First a big kid today, Happy Birthday Colin , then Riley on the 1st and Sarah on the 5th , they'll get a Happy Birthday later. School starts again soon too.1st time for Sarah.

Village Rules

Boy we certainly had an interesting Residents Group meeting on Tuesday. One of the members had displayed a temper previously but I thought it was because he was tired, had not had tea or been home after work and did not have his hearing aid. But this time he could not be excused . He simply refused to see anyone's viewpoint but his own and the rest of the Committee and the Residents in the first & second stage were old and inflexible. He got quite verbal and there was some name calling plus he told the other lady, 'And don't look at me like that" 'in quite an aggressive manner.What a shame, I had high hopes of this new Committee and so did the others. The Presidents says he requires apologies but none have been forthcoming yet. I think he needs to resign and requires anger treatment. OLD PEOPLE!! though he is one of the younger group! This evening the Social Committee had its AGM and it was over very quickly. Eight new members and I hope they do well. New chef starts Friday. He is more expensive but guarantees food quality and no one will miss out ,even if their table is called last.We have not booked this time but hope to next week.

We are having a few pleasant days in the middle to high twenties with very hot weekends in the high thirties.Had some nice cool morning walks.

Us with Ina ,Xmas Dinner in the

Club.

Tittle Tattle

Had a very busy but nice day last Wednesday. Geoff & Frank and Trev. played pool at our clubhouse & had chicken rolls here for lunch. The girls ' lunch at Ramons was pretty special again.After lunch to see the eye specialist again(left Nanny at the shops) and I'm all OK now.Can see distance beautifully. Will need glasses for reading but he says that may improve also when the other eye is done. That is not bad enough to do at this stage though. Picked Nanny up and went home, where we all had tea which I had prepared on the previous day, Frankens too. We had Indian stewed chicken legs and peanut potatoes.Chicken wings,zuccini slice, whole beetroots and rice.Then a marshmellow sweet that Ina made plus a baked cheese cake. Ofcourse we had to eat it again the next day! Babysat Caitlyn on Thursday again ,shopped on Friday and apart from some Library work had a pretty quiet few days.Trev trying on clothes to take on our cruise. he needs some taken in but refuses 'cause he is such a scrooge but he has lost weight so I'll have to work on him. Scott &Jo & kids going to Albany in their caravan, that will be nice.Got a few meetings this week but otherwise expect quiet again. New chef starting at the village restaurant this week. Comes with high recommendations, that's good but anyone will be better than the last one.