And now the Nankivilles

Just got some photos from Kristy from the wedding they all attended. The Groom was Michael 's friend, also Michael and so our Michael was the Best Man. Colin is not in the photo but sister Net, B/in/L Gary, Kristy, Michael and granddaughter Anna are. They scrubbed up well , didn't they?

A Couple of beauties

Here's another, a good one.

Have never had a photo of Julie on here so thought I'd put this one on. She is with Sarah or Sarah is with Julie.

The After Mothers Day

Firstly today is cousin Jan's BIRTHDAY so Happy Birthday Jan Caitlyn and I explored Settler's Hill, a town in the Rockingham area . It is so much bigger than I thought. I've not been in there for years although I knew quite a few colleagues lived there. We were looking for somewhere nice to walk and found a gorgeous park. Wish I'd had a camera because it had the strangest piece of art in there, strange but I loved it. It was a huge metal , eucalypt type tree and on it's top branches were old sailing ships and it's bottom branches had modern cars and houses as leaves. I guess the idea was a blending of the areas significant trees with history and today. We walked (she Prammed) and she had a play. New shops have opened at the end of the freeway and we had a look in there. Mothers Day was great. Net & Gary called in in the morning and then we had the footy and our team won and won well , which was a great relief because we had been diappointed up to now. We all met at the Golden gate restaurant which was about the only Chinese in our area when we lived in Melville the first time and it is still going. The kids had a great time, the food was lovely but they obviously could not cope with the big influx so service was a bit slow.I was quite spoiled which I thank my family for. Net & gary are going on holidays up North and Nanny & Geoff to Europe and the US so we had dinner with them and their family at a new Indian Restaurant last night. Again ,food was lovely but they forgot some of the food and we had to ask for our rice. Not good but I guess they might get better in time. Was good to see the busy Uni students who all seem to be doing well. Birthdays next week are Jo and Ellie on the 24th and Net on the 25th. A bit early but Happy Birthday to Jo, Ellie and Net.

What a Day! What a week, What a Month

Just look at Anna's Cake!!!

Sarah & Caitlyn brushing the lamb

Riley,Caitlyn & Zoe with ducks & chooks

I told you I did not want the stupid bird on my head!

Looking for treasure in the fairy garden

Three pirates.

Grandad trying out the pirate ship with Anna

That's funny.

It is a gorgeous day today and although we have had some rains and appreciated it, we do like the days of beauty and tranquility in between.

This is the huge birthday month. We started with Vicki , on the 1st and celebrated the Monday before, then Gary & Bella on the 5th. Net's grand daughter Anna celebrated her 1st B'day on the 6th but it is on the 10th. Still to come, Jo on the 24th, Net the 25th and Ellie on the 24th too. To all a great day is wished and an even greater year.

Well Bella had a Pirate party and they had a huge blowup ship. Gues who came dressed up.?The grandparents ofcourse. Next day at the Sadliers ,it was the animal farm. Most of all , it is lovely to get together with all the family. Not so good for the waist line!!!

Our hospital just asked me to do a stint at the shoppingcentre as well but I'm going to have to say no. With the Library here and the Residents Committee, there is not a moment to spare.

Here's the pics, the ones from Bella's party are Karen's, forgot my camera.

Poor Bella and now Zoe had a viral infection so hope you both get better soon girls.

We will remember them

Today is Anzac Day when everyone is on Holidays and most people attend some type of memorial service in the morning.

We had ours organised by the Social Committee, specifically the Vice President, Pam taylor. At 9 am we had a really impressive service, then some watched the Parade in the streets of Perth on the large screen in the lounge. Then it was sherries and nibbles in the cafe area and the choir snag some lovely songs , with solos and audience participation. We finished with a sausage sizzle.
Well done , it really was.We have a few veterans in the village so it is nice for them if they can't get to the services further away. In this troubled world and even if it was not so, we will remember them.

Today is a beautiful day

Yes today is another beautiful day in paradise. We have had some rains, not enough ofcourse but are keeping our fingers crossed. The weather today is just beautiful and it was a delight going walking with the dog and talked to quite a few of the other walkers today.

Better than Wednesday when I had a horrible day looking for my lost keys. The problem with that is that I have the one and only safe key and mailbox key. Had poor Karen and Rick looking everywhere too because we had been to their place for Rick's birthday. I really got quite upset about it all but then, went to vicki's to babysit Caitlyn Thursday morning, guess what was on the babyseat, my keys. Hard to find because the bunnyrug on there has little black penguins on it. Must have put them there while I was putting Mac in his car harness. It is hard to have the safe key copied, have to go to a locksmith but will certainly do that now. A lot of things going on in the village.

Next week, high tea for St George's day , Monday. Anzac Day on Wednesday. In June they are having a "Dancing with the stars" and I'm a judge. We are also trying to get more people elceted on our Residents Committee, more work for Carla but so far have had no takers.

Karen let me have some photos she took as I've not been bringing my camara. One of Pop, Sarah and Mac and another of Anna & Caitlyn having a cuddle at Ricks's birthday.

Our sympathy to Net & Gary for the loss of their cat , Lilly.

On a brighter note, Happy Birthday to Edwin Elfrink , we wish you a great day.

The Easter Long weekend

Have just come back from having the car serviced and saw Scott's photos of their holiday. The house they stayed in was in the forest and magnificent.

On Saturday Rick & Karen took us to Pinjarra (some 60 kms I think) for breakfast. We had pies for breakfast at the bakery there. Different but nice. We were pleased to see our old retired doctor (had him over 30 years) there. Aged but still very active. Neil Fitch was always a favourite with the kids too so was nice that Rick was there.

Had morning tea at a new chocolate/coffee shop on the Mandurah foreshore. Again ,different but so nice. Then to the King Carnival where the kids had some great rides and for lunch at the Stagedoor.

Next day a lovely day at Rick & Karen's with egg hunt and early lunch.Net & Gary, Kristy & Colin, were there too plus friends of the hosts and Karen's brother & kids.

On Monday we went for a drive to a market,bought the fruit & veges and then for lunch in the Swan Valley. Most restaurants were busy so had lunch at the Guidford pub.

had a little rain over the weekend but now extra lovely weather again.

Did not bring camera so if you want pics ,you'll have to go to Karen's site.

Will put on some of Scott's , hope that's ok with him??

EASTER

We almost have a Northern Hemisphere type Easter here at the moment.It used to be that the first rains,or real rains arrived at Easter but this Easter it is warm , almost hot. It was some 34 degrees yesterday and at least the same today or feels like it.We had a cuppa at our coffee shop this morning and will go there for tea tonight. Rck & Karen are having brunch on Sunday for us all. Scott, Jo & the kids are on a long weekend in Pemberton, on a farmstay. They'll enjoy that, it is our big timber country.

So to all a VERY HAPPY EASTER. relax and enjoy the break.

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????