At the 'Rail'

Catching up.....

2010-04-26T06:41:00.003+10:00

Doesn't the time fly by?
Our trip is coming up soon so I thought I had better update the blog, just in case I have time to add to it while we are away.

Here is a collage of Kaelan discovering the joys of an icypole.
He looks as though he might devour Maureens fingers next!
He loves his food and always has a smile.

Harry came for a fleeting visit with the family on their way to Tassie a couple of weeks ago. Uncle Nick brought around the bike trailer and judging by the look on the faces it sure was fun!

Leelee stayed here for the holidays and she and Zara had some nice time together. The day this photo was taken, they had just finished baking a batch of yummy biccies.

The only way to keep this pair still for a photo is a 'bear hug' from Uncle Brad.
Aren't they growing?
Zara was 3 this month and Harry's birthday is in April.

Brekkie by the Lake ....

2010-01-26T23:33:00.000+11:00

AUSTRALIA DAY 2010
Here is an overview of our breakfast at Reddall Reserve by Lake Illawarra this morning.
It was a great $3 breakfast organised by Shellharbour Council.
Started with OJ and fruit to cereal and then a full cooked brekkie of sausages and eggs and finished with tea or coffee.
There was quite a crowd - in the thousands and while it was crowded, everyone was happy and patient to stand in line to await their turn. All very well organised.
Zara ended up in the water in her clothes - she was the coolest of us all.
I didn't include the photo's of her in the nudie wrapped in an Aussie flag. Maybe a good shot for her 21st?
We were happy to head for home by 10am as the weather started to hot up.

Pancakes on the Rocks

2010-01-24T22:05:00.000+11:00

We made it to Darling Harbour and had a nice lunch.
A great day was had by all.
Thank goodness it was a cooler day.

Seagulls like Vegemite sandwiches

2010-01-24T21:57:00.000+11:00

Lee caught some great shots of the seagulls sharing Zara's Vegemite sandwiches.
We didn't get a shot of the ibis - with the LONG beak.

In front of the 'Coat Hanger" ....

2010-01-24T21:46:00.000+11:00

We planned to take the ferry to Darling Harbour but had a while to fill in before the ferry was due so we walked around to the overseas terminal.

Mardie and Zara go to Sydney ....

2010-01-24T21:32:00.001+11:00

We set out from Oak Flats on the train ....

And found a cool Countrylink booth on Central - a great place for a photo shoot with Thomas!

Zara found some 'rails' on the floor up near the country trains - Thomas was a bit small for these tracks.

On the way home we had room to stretch out and catch up on some snacks.

Took the Ocky out for a run ....

2010-01-22T19:58:00.001+11:00

After a really hot day at the 'Rail' we loaded up the Ocky onto the Soobie and headed down to Shellharbour.
Trace and Kaelan, Maureen, the doggies and I had a nice walk along the foreshore while Nick an Zara had fun on the water.
A nice way to cool down after a hot day.
Bailey had a swim too!

Plaster painting ....

2010-01-09T21:40:00.000+11:00

The tables were set up on the grass near the beach and the kids chose a mould to paint.
Zara picked - guess what? Thomas - and Harry picked an aeroplane.
They ended up VERY multicoloured.

The many faces of Kaelan .....

2010-01-09T21:24:00.001+11:00

He wont fit in this dish for much longer will he?
He is being 'conditioned' to sleeping with the classics ... listening to Hush on my Ipod but then he also managed a few naps on the futon when it was free!
Mardie enjoys a cuddle.

We managed to do lots of stuff ....

2010-01-09T21:13:00.001+11:00

Blowing bubbles was popular with kids and adults alike and we all liked the sparklers!
Zara and Maureen had fun with the playdough until she started eating it and feeding it to Bailey - YUK. The next day we had a picnic brekkie in the bush along the track to the shop.
Mardie and Harry found bit of time to read a few books and later Harry was persuaded to do a nudie peepee in the rain under the Thomas umbrella.
Mardie, Brad, Nick and Sam hiked up the hill and down again onto the rock latform to do a bit of fishing but alas NO fish :-(
Some of us found time to catch up on a few ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

Brad and Harry hit the waves ...

2010-01-09T20:57:00.000+11:00

Is Harry having fun?
Well I think he is most of the time.

Fun on the sand as well ....

2010-01-09T20:49:00.000+11:00

Not everyone went into the surf. We had fun on the sand as well. Luv the boy in blue!

Surfing is great ....

2010-01-09T20:34:00.000+11:00

Pictures bring back the memories.

Zara had fun ... in a plastic bag!

2010-01-09T20:23:00.000+11:00

Even though she had her arm in a full plaster cast, Zara managed to have fun at the beach.
She had her plaster off yesterday and we had a REAL swim this afternoon at Shellharbour.

Fun at the beach.....

2010-01-09T19:59:00.000+11:00

We all had fun at the beach even if it did take Lee a while to get wet!

New Year at Merry ....

2010-01-09T19:39:00.001+11:00

It's been a while since I have posted but hey it's a New Year so I reckon I should start as I intend to continue.
It's become a bit of a tradition to GTG at our van down the south coast so this year the meeting was at Merry Beach.
Here are some faces of the family as we have fun together. The van would only stretch so far so we hired an extra camp site for our overflow. It was pretty hot and not too comfortable in the tents. We had 3 tents on the site with Brad, Katrina and Harry in our big tent,Lee in a little tent and Sam and Nick in one a bit bigger - so everyone had their own space just a couple of metres from the beach.

Love Locked Bridge

2009-10-14T16:21:00.003+11:00

I have been remiss in my Blogging but here I am.
Today I walked the Sea Cliff bridge at Coalcliff in the Illawarra.
It was a bright tho cloudy day and I enjoyed with outing with my fellow 'Wednesday Walkers'.
I was surprised to find numerous padlocks attached to the bridge railings. I had never seen the practice before but after a little research and reading on the Net, I discovered that it is a custom for lovers to declare their love for one another before attaching their padlock to a bridge and then throwing the key into the water below.
It seems that it has been modified to suit the 'locker' as you can see from some of the inscriptions on the padlocks. They record relationships, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and also serve as a eulogy - or was it the end of the marriage?

From a RED APR

2009-09-23T07:14:00.001+10:00

We had a 'red' awakening this morning. Here is the view down the street.
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And back to the house. Everything is covered in a fine red dust. Reminiscent of Broken Hill.
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And out towards the reserve ...........
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Lunch at the pub ...

2009-07-11T15:22:00.001+10:00

Today we went down to Shellharbour Pub to celebrate Lee and Tracey's birthday.
It was a bit chilly to sit on the deck but we had a nice table by the window with the sun filtering in.
It was very pleasant. Miss Zara sat up with us and ate chippies and bits from everyone's plate.
We'll do the cake thing for arvo tea after sleep time.

Morning at Mardies ...

2009-07-10T10:47:00.000+10:00

Our little girl is growing up.
I can just get in the piggy's. LOL.
We just had a video call to Harry and he is off for ANOTHER hair cut.
Zara is off at Ready Set Play for a birthday party so Mardie is off to sew!

Men in Hats .....

2009-07-05T22:00:00.001+10:00

It was nice to spend a couple of days with Brad and family at Old Bar last weekend.
They live a busy lifestyle with the older boys going to work and soccer in different directions!
Harry wasn't very well with a chesty cold but we managed a couple of snuggle up reading sessions on the lounge which was nice.
I spent Saturday helping Brad to paint James' house at Lemon Tree Passage near Newcastle with the aim of getting it read to rent or sell.
Nice to catch up but also nice to be home.
Tomorrow - to sew! Yee haa.
Looking forward to going to Cairns next week and having only four days left to work.

Bush Dancing ....

2009-07-05T21:42:00.000+10:00

Here is Zara and her parents having fun at our bush dance last week.
She had a great time in her tap shoes on the polished boards.
Lee is showing her the heel and toe tap!
We all had a go at 'Strip the Willow' and the like.
It was good to pull out my cowboy boots that I bought in Boston and give them an airing.

Who ate the most?

2009-06-29T00:09:00.000+10:00

Whenever we go and feed the ducks by nearby Lake Illawarra, it's always a 'throw up' to see who eats the most bread!
Consequently I don't let the bread get too stale!

My Birthday Lunch

2009-06-28T23:22:00.000+10:00

We had a lovely lunch on a wintery afternoon, sitting in the mostly sunshine on the deck at Shellharbour pub - bliss.
Our only mistake - ordering both an entree and a main!
We couldn't leave any on the plate could we? We waddled home at about 3pm.
The only real drama of the day was that I lost my mobile phone. It must have fallen off the edge of the deck when we changed tables following the sun!
I realised it was missing when we got back to the car.
Got home - phoned Telstra and disabled it, rang the police and reported it missing.
At 4.15pm I was scanning Ebay looking for a replacement when I got a call from Warilla police station to say it had been handed in.
Boy was I relieved! Should I buy a lottery ticket????

Winter Magic Festival Katoomba 2009

2009-06-22T23:41:00.005+10:00

Not to mention when the night time came - the fire stick twirlers, the lights through the rain and mist (just happens to be the photo theme for this month) and then the fireworks.

I took quite a few photo's (like around 300!) I couldn't resist the faces, the costumes, rainbow colours and people having fun. Then there were the dogs dressed up (I was a bit worried about the kitten - that gentleman was definitely in 'another' place - you will be glad that I didn't include the one of him without his shirt - not nice!) and then there were the children.

The weather was a bit rainy but it was well worth the visit to Katoomba last weekend.
The rain held off for the parade and the arrival of the Blue Mountains Heritage Express steam train.
It was really colourful with most people dressing up (or down) for the occasion and here are some images of the day.

Biggest Garage Sale EVER

2009-06-09T23:47:00.000+10:00

We love Dapto Markets.
Every Sunday morning at the Dapto Showground (Dog Track) people load up their junk (goodies) and set up shop.
I take along my 'granny trolley' and buy my fruit and veg along with usually lots of other good stuff.
I think my best bargain has been my brand new rice cooker for $5.
Brad reckons it was his $10 set of golf clubs!
This week Zara had her face painted - looked cute before it got rubbed off - and we added to her Care Bear collection.
She now has Funshine Bear and a set of twins - just like Mumma and Aunty Leelee.
It was fun!

April Photo Challenge - Transport

2009-05-31T09:18:00.002+10:00

I went to a wedding in Canberra recently and it was held under a tree in the garden of a lovely old homestead.
The wedding gifts were all stacked on the picturesque old dray.
Aha says I - transport and here it is!

I'm being slack ......... Autumn

2009-05-31T09:11:00.003+10:00

I have been very remiss with our photo challenges - sorry Di!
I have some AMAZING fall foliage shots from US and Canada trip but quickly looked in my most recent album as today is the last day of May. Where has the year gone?
I took these leaves on the cobbles in Salamanker Place in Hobart earlier this month and the lovely pumpkins were in the Botanical gardens. We didn't have much time to sightsee but the lady I travelled with was keen to see Pete's vegie patch at the gardens so we jumped a cab and spent a lovely couple of hours there.

Harry's Pirate and Princess Party

2009-05-30T23:52:00.000+10:00

It was great to catch up with Harry and family and meet some of his little friends at his birthday party.
They all had a great time and his big brothers helped greatly with the preparation and running the party.
It was a group effort with Nick and Sam mading the cake assisted by mum Katrina and Aunty Leelee.
Maureen was chopper extraordinaire while Brad did a great BBQ. Mardie did the shopping - she's good at that!
Pass the Parcel and the Treasure Hunt were a big success if a little confusing for some. It might make more sense next year. It took Sam to literally beat the pinyata though - Spotlight makes 'em tough!
There were some very tired little pirates and princesses by the end of the day.
A day to remember when Captain Feathersword turned TWO

Grandbabies turn TWO

2009-05-30T23:24:00.000+10:00

I've been very slack and am a bit behind with my family blog.
Check out my WHC one to see why!
http://whc-steph.blogspot.com
I've been a busy bee but am coming down to earth again now.
Here is Zara's birthday party which we had on Easter Sunday in the park at Shellharbour.
We had a lovely day and as you can see my GB's are growing up.
Harry celebrated this month at a very different sort of party.

March Photo Challenge - WEATHER

2009-04-02T23:28:00.000+11:00

I know I'm late - slacko.
Oh well - can't stress over such issues really.
Only one of these shots is a recent one but I don't think that matters.
I looked back in my folders and found these.
A nice rainbow (over the lighthouse at Kiama)
Early morning mist over the lake at Durras
A nice frosty leaf (taken at Katoomba)
And the sun coming through the clouds - a promise of a bright new day ahead(taken out the back one morning last week).
Now off to my bed.

Shopping with Mardie ....

2009-03-26T23:26:00.001+11:00

Bunnings is so much fun!
And she had the playground all to herself!
It's hard to believe that we will be having a two year old birthday party in just a couple of weeks.
Where did the time go?

Who likes our new beach?

2009-03-17T09:19:00.000+11:00

Last weekend we moved 'house' - well van anyway.
We have moved into number 62 at Merry Beach.
The beach is very accessible for we 'old' girls and the dogs LOVE it too.
It's a great spot and I'm sure we'll have many wonderful times there.
Anyone want to buy a good van at Durras North?

My Hometown ....

2009-02-28T22:14:00.001+11:00

It's the last day of February so I thought I had better get my act together and do the challenge for the month.
Here is my 'current' hometown ALBION PARK RAIL.

The collage shows - Warilla Beach, Lake Illawarra, a view of the area with the red arrow pointing to our house and Minnamurra Rainforest.

I chose here for my hometown for several reasons....
Firstly when I moved back to Sydney from the bush in around 2002 I could afford a house here and be mortgage free.
I loved the 'open country' feel of the area and when I came down to look for a house, there was a girl walking a horse down the street - it made me feel right at home.
It is between the rainforest and the sea - 10-15 mins either way AND it was near my best friend Maureen who lived in Kiama.
So - I bought a house here at 'the Rail' and settled to my new life as a 'single' person.
Although there have been some changes to my original plans, it it has worked out well and I am happy here.
My DD Tracey and her family now live in my house and I share a house just a couple of streets away with my mate Maureen.
The beautiful Lake Illawarra is just 5 mins away and I love to look over it as I load my shopping into the car in the carpark of Woolies at Shellharbour Square. I also trundle down to the lake with my kayak and have a paddle sometimes - not as often as I would like.
If you look closely (click to make it bigger)at the lake photo in the collage you can see me paddling in the distance!
Just an hour up Macquarie Pass and you are in the Southern highlands towns of Mittagong or Bowral with their tulips and crisp autumn and winter (brrrrrr) days.
I like to 'adopt' a mountain range for mine - in Narrabri it was the Nandewars - here it is the beautiful Illawarra escarpment - so clear and crisp with the morning sun on the rock faces.
I now work 2 days a week just 10 minutes away in the picturesque old town of Kiama - life is good.
This is a shot of our house with it's lovely reserve out the back. We don't have much yard here but then who needs one when I can just go out the back gate with the dogs and we have all of this great area to walk?

Lastly a few more photo's of the area.

Yes there is a railway station here - Albion Park, but I usually catch the train the next station up - Oak Flats. It's a two hour trip to Sydney.
We also have an airport here - the Illawarra Regional Airport.
There used to be a QANTAS fight direct to Melbourne but we lost that a few months ago. The airport is home to HARS - the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society. The big hangar houses 'Connie' the only Super Constellation flying in the world. I remember seeing the '3 tailer's'at Mascot when I was a little thing. They also have a wartime Catalina flying boat, a DC3 and a couple of other historic old aircraft down there. The weekend is busy with small aircraft overhead practicing their 'stalls' etc plus helicopters and ultralights. There used to be a jet joy flight company called Topgun which was a bit noisy but they have moved on in recent months.
Then there's Kiama as I mentioned earlier. It's just down the road with it's trendy growers and craft markets on Black Beach. Zara and I love to go and feed the seagulls and pelicans.
Then sunset on Lake Illawarra - to get that shot, we went and sat by the 'Ski Gardens' with a glass of 'bubbly' and some nibbles waiting for the sun to set.
As I said - life is good.

Our first photo

2009-02-19T17:53:00.000+11:00

Look at this.
Due in September!
Any bids on the gender?

Learning the basics ....

2009-02-19T10:12:00.001+11:00

Zara was very efficient at washing up her breakfast dishes this morning with a little held from Mardie.
As you can see the hard hat is essential wear.
She always gets it for me to wear when she arrives and she usually wears a yellow Bob the Builder one.
Now it's time to hang out the washing ... another life skill.
Ho hum eh?

Go the soft focus - there's life in the old girl yet!

2009-02-01T23:54:00.000+11:00

The pool is a great place to be on these hot days.
Harry is very confident and we had great fun doing 'monkey monkey' around the edge.

Look at me .....

2009-02-01T23:47:00.000+11:00

Harry loves glasses! And, here he is in Mummy's.
Quite studious I think perhaps he is going to be a scientist?

A weekend at Old Bar

2009-01-31T21:20:00.006+11:00

I hopped on the train at Oak Flats on Friday morning at 8.45am and arrived at Taree at 5.10pm. It was a 'cool' ride and I read, slept, did word puzzles and did some revision on chorus songs. What a way to spend the day! I arrived rested and ready to spend a couple of days with the family. Here's a new photo of the boys.

This is a nice one with Henry the Lab which Katrina took in December last year.
Ben the eldest is holding Harry and Sam is standing at the back while Nick is on the back of the bike.
This morning, Nick and I set off into Taree armed with the newspaper and the GPS.
Not too much on offer but we managed a few toys for Harry and some clothes for Zara. We stopped for a drink at Maccas on the way home and Nicks comment was - 'we spent more on two drinks that we did at the garage sales!'
Oh well that's the way of it sometimes.

Brad and Katrina have gone out for dinner and a movie while Nick, Sam and Mardie are Harry sitting. Then tomorrow morning - the train epic again.
It's been a short but nice visit.

Happy Australia Day

2009-01-26T12:14:00.002+11:00

We had breakfast in the Park at 7am on the foreshores of Lake Illawarra.
It was a nice cloudy morning, good music and a tasty $3 breakfast which was put on by Shellharbour Council.
Then home for 'Cockies Joy' - damper (cooked by Maureen)and golden syrup - YUMMO.
I even found some TOY boys! Everyone was having fun.
Now off to have a 'nanna nap' before heading off to sing at an Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony with Wollongong Council.
Happy Australia Day to you!

Strutting our stuff ...

2009-01-25T00:06:00.000+11:00

Here we all are
singing up a storm.

Maybe we should recruit these
transient visitors to become members
of the Chorus?

Congratulations Cobie and Joseph

2009-01-24T23:51:00.000+11:00

Wishing them health and happiness
in their lives together

Here they are
Mr and Mrs Harradine

A very special 'sing-out'

2009-01-24T23:40:00.000+11:00

This afternoon, under the trees at Jamberoo Valley Lodge, members of Wollongong Harmony Chorus were priviledged to be able to sing at the wedding of one of our special members.
Cobie was the 'baby' on the risers until recently and we have watched her as she has developed into a beautiful young lady and a confident member of the front row.

Look ...... Magic!

2009-01-11T23:07:00.000+11:00

It is time to 'thin' the carrots.
We pulled one out - washed it in the dogs water bucket and presto - crunch.
Zara thinks it was worth the wait.
When to we pull some more Mardie?

Who remembers 'Curly Pet'?

2009-01-11T22:59:00.000+11:00

Mardie had fun curling up Zara's hair when she was looking after her last week.
I thought it looked cute - mother was not too sure though. LOL
Here she is sitting with Tammy our Siamese who is becoming quite tolerant of her (most of the time)and enjoys a gentle pat.
They were sitting quietly watching Iggle Piggle and 'The Night Garden'
What do they see in it I wonder?????

New Year at Old Bar

2009-01-11T22:39:00.000+11:00

New Year at Old Bar was a quiet one with the family having to come to terms with the death of James, Katrina's ex husband and father of the three boys Ben, Sam and Nick. He was killed in an accident on his motor bike on the 22nd of December.
The family took comfort in watching Zara and Harry playing together and opening their Christmas parcels - Zara managed to put on four or five pairs of undies while Harry put his on his head - how often children can 'normalise' our feelings.
Nick was sporting his 'shark' bite - it was really caused by the fin of his surf board but he likes the shark story better. Here is a picture of his suture line the day that he had the stitches out. Then it was only two more days and he could get in the pool!
Sam looks a bit like Al Capone in his 2nd hand hat from Mardie and there are the 'kissin' cousins' - cute eh?
Harry enjoyed sharing Aunty Leelee's icy pole but wasn't too keen on staying onshore with Mardie while big brother Nick and Daddy Brad went off in the kayaks to set some crab traps.

Memories of Christmas 2008

2009-01-11T22:26:00.000+11:00

Here are a few images of Christmas at the 'Rail' 2008.
Zara enjoyed opening her presents and we all enjoyed watching her.
Bailey thought the pink tent was pretty good too.

Carols with the Wollongong Harmony Chorus

2008-12-20T22:14:00.000+11:00

Being a member of Wollongong Harmony Chorus is great fun - especially at Christmas.
At Christmas, the chorus sings carols at various venues such as shopping centres around the Illawarra.
Here we are today, singing at Dapto Mall.
It's great to watch the audience, especially the children who sing and dance as they enjoy the music we make. WE all enjoy it too and it's a great way to recruit for new members. As you can see, Helen never misses an opportunity!
Five more sleeps until Christmas!
Where did the year go?

That man in the red suit ....

2008-12-18T21:25:00.000+11:00

Oh my goodness who IS that? says Zara.
I don't think I like him too much even if he does come bearing gifts.
BUT, I did eventually end up waving to him (from the distance) and blowing him a kiss!
I liked his sleigh and all the tinsel and he gave me this cool backpack with some gardening tools and a car.
Maybe he's not so bad after all.
Mardie had fun!

Just what IS supposed to happen?

2008-12-14T17:36:00.000+11:00

Look what Mardie bought me yesterday!

2008-12-14T17:25:00.000+11:00

Reckon it was worth $5?
I do!
I wonder how I can share it with cousin Harry?

Mardie's Helper ...

2008-12-14T17:01:00.000+11:00

Zara loves to help - especially when there is water involved!

Christmas Tree's

2008-12-10T04:02:00.000+11:00

Here are a couple of Christmas trees.
The first one I took at Circular Quay last weekend.
I was realy taking the blow up 'Boy with Swin Ring' which was kinda different.
Not sure of his significance really.
Must take a ride in one of these 'green' taxis! Saw some in Melbourne when we were down there last month.

This tree was in Melbourne .....

Pincushions...

2008-12-10T03:48:00.000+11:00

We had our ScqIllawarra Christmas GTG last weekend and had a pincushion swap.
This is the collection ready to be 'drawn'.
They were all numbered and we drew out a number to get our swap.

This is the one I made. I had fun making it. I got the idea from a 'make do' site on the Net.
I picked up the little glass candle holder at an Op shop for $2 and raided my old button collection to fill the glass.
I made a second one in Christmas theme in a 'shot' glass. Not sure where it was when I took the photo.
I have one 1/2 done for myself in a crystal port glass and I have filled the glass with tiny shells - photo later.
I picked up a selection of vessels from the wine glass to an egg cup and a pate dish. It is a fun concept and makes a cute different sort of gift for a 'sewing' friend

Call that a ship?....

2008-12-06T21:55:00.000+11:00

We went up to Sydney today to see Manon, our last ballet of the season at the Opera House. It was lovely. I don't know why the slur of 'pansy' was ever put on guys who do ballet - they are so fit and strong and are a delight to watch.
The girls were OK too . LOL
It was a busy day in town - the train on the way up was full of young people going to 'Home Day' which I had to ask about - it's like 'Big Day Out' we were told by one of the Transit Police on the train.
And goodness knows how many passengers came off this huge ship - it almost dwarfs the 'Bridge'- I'm sure most of them were wandering around the Quay!

This cruise boat the 'Millenium' was in dock at the International Terminal.
You have it in B&W as I was trying out my new camera and I hadn't set the White Balance correctly so I got a nice 'blue' shot. Looks fine in B&W tho.

Here is a shot of it taken from Circular Quay station, you can just see Lunar Park.

And this one of Lunar Park taken from the same spot using the zoom.
Now why would I bother with a heavy SLR that I have to change lens' etc?
A couple of weeks ago I bought one and tried it for the weekend - I've since resold it - for more than I paid for it -and no regrets.
I then bought a Panasonic Lumix FZ28 - their latest with quite a few more features which I have to learn to use. This will be my 4th Lumix.
I am working my way through the instruction manual. Sigh.

Family Celebrations ....

2008-12-01T23:26:00.000+11:00

Last weekend was a gathering of children and grandchildren here at 'the Rail'
Only one missing was Scott and we hope he will join us in Taree for New Year.
It was great to have them all here but also VERY quiet when they all went home this morning.

How I see myself ................

2008-12-01T20:30:00.000+11:00

I have seen myself as many things over the years and I have worn MANY hats - literally - LOL
But today I see myself as a special 'Mardie' to my two little grandchildren.
Here I am with Harry and his lovely father Brad at our Chorus Family and Friends Concert last Saturday night.

Zara and I get to spend lots of time together as she lives closer. Times like going on the train to the nearby seaside town of Kiama or to the markets or like in this photo, just taking the time to feed the seagulls and watch the pelicans. It's really special.

A windy day in Braidwood

2008-11-27T00:54:00.000+11:00

Last weekend we travelled up the mountain from Bateman's Bay to see the 'Hanging of the Quilts' in Braidwood. We had been trying to get to this event for the last few years but something always prevented us doing so but we made it this year. It was lovely in the sun but with the cloud cover we didn't see too much sun and I'm sure the wind was blowing off the snow. I was glad of my Drizabone to keep out the chills. Poor Lucy was cold so we popped her into Maureen's shoulder bag. This was a great talking point in the street but I think it really kept them both warm. See if you can find her in the mosaic? Bailey looks well in front of the fire engine too don't you think?
While wandering in a gallery in the main street, we ran into Kathryn with Maggie and Emily so it was nice to catch up and have a chat to them. Small world although I was not surprised to run into at least one Scquilter at such an event!
Enjoyed the day but was glad to come down to a warmer lower altitude to spend our last night at the van before Christmas. Looking forward to a nice family GTG this weekend. No doubt there will be photos!

Some flora and fauna along the way ....

2008-11-13T22:35:00.001+11:00

Here is another mosaic ....
We were amazed at the wildflowers and wild life we saw beside the road.
1. Firstly a great herd of jersey cattle down near Narooma - one for the Cows!
2. Wild daisies - I thought they were everlastings until I got up close and personal.
3. Do you like butter? I LOVE buttercups.....
4. The elusive Blue Wren - I managed to capture this one before he flitted away. He was on the boardwalk railing on the common in Sale.
5. Cool fungae - growning on the side of a post beside the STEPS on the way down to Erskine Falls
6. Fire Weed - I pull it out whenever I see it near home - poisonous to stock. Growing in the regeneration area near the Apostles.
7. We saw several echidna's snacking on ants in the sandy soil. This fellow was nicely placed amongst the gazannias at the lookout at Peterborough. We watched him for ages and took one or two photos!
8. Spotted this swan on her nest in a dam by the road - make a U Turn now says Alice!
9. And lastly the day before Rememberance Day - a Flanders Poppy in a garden plot outside an RSL Club at Colac
Now to organise the other 600 or so photo's.

Mosaic of our trip to Victoria .....

2008-11-13T22:18:00.000+11:00

Here are just a few shots to show some of the places we went on our trip down the Gt Ocean Rd last week.
1. A view from the Rhododendron gardens in the Dandenongs
2. Surfers at the famous Bells Beach just out of Torquay
3. The Split Rock lighthouse at Aireys Inlet
4. View from Teddys Lookout at Lorne
5. Erskine Falls out of Lorne - LOTS of steps!
6. Apollo Bay from the wharf area - pretty spot reminiscent of Kaikaroa in NZ
7. A COLD windy visit to the Apostles - I think there are about 8 now
8. London Bridge - no longer joined to the mainland but still spectacular
9. Rocky paddocks near Wodonga on the way home.

Next some wildlife and nature shots along the way

Gone bananas ..............

2008-10-25T07:30:00.000+11:00

I just had to take a couple of photo's of my little veggie patch.
Shows our reserve outlook and check out the geraniums - they are amazing this year too.

I'll take a shot of some in the front yard in the next few days.
The little garden has been so prolific this spring that I am keeping the family and half the street in salad vegs and spinach (we keep all the rhubarb tho! - yum)
I don't know if it was the compost, the rainwater (we had a little tank put in) or just the season and my TLC.

I have put in more seeds than usual and have rocket coming out of my ears (nice look) and self sown oragano, basil and thyme coming up everywhere, even in the cracks in the paths and pavers!
The beans are heading for the sky so I will probably be overwhelmed with them - LOL - I have three varieties in. The capsicums and eggplants have been really slow so we'll have to wait and see what happens with them.
Off for a cuppa ....

Here's Harry .....

2008-10-20T15:50:00.000+11:00

Our big boy is growing up.
Here's some shots from the weekend.
He's a such happy fellow.
Lee and I babysat on Saturday night and he settled really well and slept right through - well done.

Broken ......

2008-10-16T09:10:00.000+11:00

I am off to Taree tomorrow to check on the growth of big Harry.
So, I'm getting in while I have an opportunity with a couple of 'broken' shots.

We got up one morning after a nasty wind storm to find this 'broken' limb from the gum tree out the front - it was very close to the window of Maureen's room at the front of the house but luckily all it damaged was the birdbath.
The SES came with a crew of at least 8 people with chainsaws and it was cut up and over the fence to await council pickup in just a flash. Well done SES!

The second shot I took down the coast last weekend.
It is a very interesting looking building and definitely 'broken'. LOL
I guess it was a barn sort of structure - there is a door at the top but no hoist or upper floor that I could see. Perhaps that's all lost in the ageing process or been removed for other use?
Maybe it was a hayshed where the bales were just stacked up on top of one another but they usually had open sides to allow for lots of air around the bales.
Also has sort of a 'lean to' addition on the side.

Looks a bit like a community hall but then why would the roof be so high.

It is quite close to the local store so I might wander in and ask it's history - one day.

Anyone for breakfast?

2008-10-16T08:59:00.000+11:00

I've been a bit slack with my photo challenges lately but came across these FOOD photo's when I was looking for something else the other day.

Amazing aren't they? I think I had the last one - the BIG breakfast - enough for at least 3 people!

Makes me HUNGRY - I have been doing a meal replacement regime and have lost 4 kgs so far. I'm getting ready for Christmas!
Mind you I still have a life and can manage a few glasses of wine on the weekends!

These brekkies were served at a restaurant in Belmore basin in Wollongong.

Look what we found yesterday ...........

2008-10-12T10:51:00.001+11:00

Our van park Bundilla at Durras North is right in the middle of the Murramarang National Park and there are easy walking trails through the bush and around the lake.
Yesterday we set out for a walk before we came home and look what we found!
I noticed a dark 'flash' in a tree and saw a male Satin Bower bird above us. Aha says I, I wonder where he came from? as you can see (or can't see really!) the bush looked fairly nondescript until I investigated further. I looked down and saw a blue peg - hmmm that's 'out of place' I thought.
I then peered under a Burrawang palm and saw this.
What priviledge to find his bower.
He has been very busy building his display 'vestibule' and lining the actual bower with saliva and charcoal mix - so the book tells me :-).
He has it decorated with straws mainly but also blue feathers, pegs and bottle caps. We found later that the park caretaker had thrown a blue peg onto the grass near the shower block when he was cleaning and it had gone when he went to pick it up - I wonder if it was the same one?

We see quite a few females down there and altho they are timid, they will come up on the deck for food. We don't seem to see the males, perhaps it's because they are too busy 'building' etc.
As you can see he wasn't too happy at us looking at his 'parade ground'.
It's so special that they build this close to 'civilisation'.
I just hope that the big goannas we saw later on don't find him.

A day out in Sydney ....

2008-10-12T10:31:00.000+11:00

Last weekend, Maureen and I decided to have a day out in our beautiful Sydney.
We hopped on the train at Oak Flats - 5 mins away from home at 8.45am, paid our $2.50and away we went.
We arrived at Circular Quay at about 11am and wandered around to the Rocks - it was a bit showery but not cold. This gave a bleaker look to our harbour but there were still tourists wandering about. A young Canadian lass asked me to take her photo with the Opera House in the background and asked where we were from. "Oh we live her" says I. "Wow" she said - "Well how come you are still taking photo's of it?" My response was "Well, it's still beautiful!" And it is!
We walked around to Darling Harbour and caught the little trolley from the Aquarium to the main complex(to rest our legs!)where we had a nice lunch before walking up around the Maritime Museum and lighthouse to the ferry wharf to catch one back to the Quay. We had a great ride on the harbour and by now the sun was out to show it at it's best.
I just had to take another shot of the Opera House and Luna Park - the original shot does have the whole face but as usual Mr MosaicMaker cropped it for me! The building on the point surrounded by trees (for our non Sydneyites) is Kirribilli House - the PM's residence. Great view eh?
Then back on the train up to Central and home.
We got back to Oak Flats at about 6pm and had a GREAT day out just doing nothing except enjoying the day!
Not bad for $2.50 eh?
I didn't count the $4.50 the trolley ride cost or lunch and coffee - well they are absorbed costs - LOL

And here are the carrot's going in .....

2008-09-27T18:16:00.000+10:00

I don't think they will be in a straight line!
Next photo's will be when it's time to thin them out and then we'll get to TASTE them.
If they make it that far - LOL.
She is so ernest in her endeavours - perhaps she will be a scientist or a botanist or maybe a Prime Minister one day!
Who knows ................

Zara's Garden .....

2008-09-27T18:11:00.000+10:00

Today Zara planted her first garden. Aunty Maureen helped her firstly with a petunia plant. And then Mardie added some carrots!

Fun at the beach ....

2008-09-22T23:07:00.000+10:00

These shots were taken last weekend at the van.
We have found a great 'dog friendly' beach at Bateman's Bay and the doggies enjoy a frolic on the sand when we go into town.

You can tell the weather is warming up.
Even Bailey who is not a great water lover enjoyed a game in the creek.

Dont stand still .....

2008-09-22T23:01:00.000+10:00

Or you'll get painted!

We were in danger one and all today of getting a new paint job when Princess Zara was introduced to the concept of water painting.

Early Morning in Paradise .....

2008-09-19T16:00:00.000+10:00

Last Saturday morning I set off to the loo at 5.30am - as you do in a caravan park - but when I saw the sky I had to backtrack to get my camera.
It was well worth the effort!

Weekend with Harry

2008-09-06T17:47:00.000+10:00

I was packaging up a parcel on Monday, which included a raggy quilt for new grandson Nick when I thought - 'wait a minute I have a free weekend!' So here I am.
It is just a fleeting visit - back home on the train tomorrow.
Here we are reading a book. Harry is growing up!

But wait - you get dirt on your hands!

2008-09-01T12:09:00.000+10:00

"LOOK- dirt on my hands!"

"It's OK - I have dirt on my hands too says AM"

"What fun - I'm allowed to run my hands under the tap!"
They learn something everyday don't they?

Helping in the garden.....

2008-09-01T12:05:00.000+10:00

Zara loves to help ... she is helping Aunty Maureen put some pebbles around the pots.
"This is how you do it Zara"

"Now you get some out of the bucket .... that's right"

"Now put them all in on top of the soil, under the leaves."

Last efforts for 'WET" are:

2008-09-01T00:17:00.001+10:00

I have been a bit slack this month and haven't had time to do the 'in depth' stuff (sorry - LOL :-) But here are some oldies.

Wet Woofers

And some Wet Waves including the blowhole at Kiama when it's working!

And - a wet woman!
Leelee last year in Brad's pool.

This morning's Harvest

2008-08-29T09:45:00.000+10:00

We bought some mushroom compost for the veggie garden a couple of weeks ago.

And, it certainly has it's fringe benefits.

Yummo - growing a few mushies before adding the compost to the garden. This bucket, about 4 days growth, weighed 2 kilos.

Can you guess who is having mushies on toast for lunch!

A Successful Purchase!

2008-08-18T10:04:00.000+10:00

Look what we bought at the garage sales last weekend.
A very successful purchase at $5 I must say.
The only problem is that Miss Bailey - Bottomly Potts covered in spots likes it too even tho she only just fits in it!
I have had to stack stuff on it when not in use so it doesn't become a doggie bed. She has been hunted back to HER beanbag. I'm sure that her original owners must have let her sleep on various lounges and beds etc.
Anyhow Zara loves her new lounge - just right for reading Hairy Maclary and Slinky Malinki on! They are her current favourites.
I must tell you this weeks tale.
Firstly we are learning to wee on the potty which is really cute - flushing the toilet is the BEST fun.
We picked some geraniums in the garden and Mardie said - "come on we'll go inside and put them in some water."
So off I go to get a vase and when I came back out to the courtyard, here is missy dunking them in the dogs water bucket.
Well she WAS putting the in water wasn't she? She is just TOO cute.

Budding Soccer star

2008-08-12T22:37:00.000+10:00

Here's Harry's big brother Nick playing soccer at Old Bar last Saturday.
He was all over the field isn't he ?
He scored a goal on Sunday but I wasn't there with the camera.
Well done Nick!

This is what I call WET ....

2008-08-11T23:26:00.001+10:00

My daughter Lee and I have just returned from a weekend in Taree with son Brad and his family. It was great to catch up with them all especially grandson Harry. He is growing into a big boy, full of life and mischief. He is a full time job for his Mum and Dad and big brothers. He is off like a flash when he finds a door open so the next project for Brad is to get a fence up in the backyard. Here is Harry in the bath last night. Definitely very WET. This is the first of the WET postings for the month.

My favourite, favourite ......

2008-07-30T18:33:00.000+10:00

I took this one in Tassie - just on a dam beside the road.
I had to climb over a fence to get the shot.
I just like it.

Reflections of Canada

2008-07-30T18:09:00.000+10:00

I think I got my best ever reflections in Canada.
The first one on the left was taken out the window of the Rocky Mountaineer on the way across from Toronto to Banff. The second one of the mountain lake is at Lake Patricia just out of Banff where we went on a 'wildlife' hike. The last one actually wasn't taken in Canada but it was in the New England of the United States on our 'Fall Foliage' tour - beaut eh? We live in a beautiful world.

Litle Blue Riding Hood

2008-07-28T21:56:00.000+10:00

I forgot this one.
I had just enough tartan fabric for this poncho and lined the hood with some fleecy that I had in the stash too.
Might have been better in red but hey - I already had this and she looks so cute and snug in it.
I bought her some mittens with cut off fingers on the weekend and after I got them on her tonight, she wanted to wear them to bed.
She's sleeping over again - Mum and Dad are off to the WIN Entertainment Centre to watch the OPALS play basketball.

Harry who?

2008-07-28T21:32:00.000+10:00

No it's not Potter - it's our Harry - his latest mug shots.
He looks kinda cool in Dad's glasses don't you think eh?
Actually he looks very like his big brother Nick.

What can I say?
'Don't I have a great smile Mardie?"
Of course you do darling!

Look what I found on the footpath in Bobbin Head Rd ...

2008-07-28T18:00:00.000+10:00

I'm sure it was a give away - I hope. LOL

Anyway, I took it home - gave it a scrub up and tightened some screws - added a new seatbelt and some wing nuts to secure the seat.
Doesn't Zara love it???? Too right she does.
She does 'broom broom' noises to match.
Trouble is she doesn't steer too well yet and her feet don't quite reach the pedals.
Oh well she is growing...
Until then I guess I just have to push and steer all at once.
Ho hum.
What else are grandmothers for???

Sydney by night ... I can't resist it

2008-07-21T00:00:00.000+10:00

I just have to take the camera when I go into the city.
We went to the Opera House to see 'My Fair Lady' for my birthday so here are a few shots I took that night. Note the time on the Central Station clock towe.
Why do we travel overseas when we have THIS right here at home?

Creek Reflections

2008-07-20T23:41:00.000+10:00

Reflections have always been a favourite of mine so I have a few stored away and I'll get them out over the next couple of weeks.
I couldn't resist taking a few more when down at Bateman's Bay recently.
Early morning is a good time so with lovely light and no wind I found these great ones a couple of weeks ago.
Sometimes it's hard to work out which the actual scene and which is the reflection - usually the reflected sky is bluer in the water.

Canine Reflections .... at Corrigans Beach Bateman's Bay

2008-07-20T23:28:00.000+10:00

Well, now that Kambrachallenge is done for another year, I have a few moments to upload some reflections.
Number one - here's Bottomley Potts covered in spots - our Bailey - only just caught. It is sure hard to manage to get her in focus, in the middle of the frame and WITH a reflection. Hence she is running OUT of the photo. LOL

Little Lulu - much quieter and easier to snap.

And, here's the pair of them on the go.
We have found a great dog friendly beach with a creek outlet which allows for some great reflections.

More creek reflections to follow .....

More Frames - city of Sydney

2008-06-29T17:37:00.001+10:00

I've just had a lovely overnight in Sydney with a trip to the Opera House to see 'My fair lady. A lovely birthday gift - thank you Maureen.
Of course I took the camera with me and here are a few more 'frames' to share with you.

We walked through Paddy's Market on the way to breakfast at Darling Harbour.
A frame of glitzy handbags!

Then we walked along through this 'frame' to Darling Harbour precinct.

We had a leisurely breakfast at Zaafran's overlooking the water before wandering up to the Queen Victoria Building to meet my D Aunt for lunch.
Ho hum - life is hard eh?

Saturday Mornings ..............

2008-06-28T12:12:00.000+10:00

It's Saturday morning and time to initiate Princess Zara to the garage sales!
Aunty Leelee is at last out of the shower and we head out. We rug up and get ready to go around 7.30am.

It's great fun 'swinging' down a driveway to discover what bargains await at the other end.

But after a couple, it all gets a bit much really and it's time for a nap.
Mum and Mardie will keep watch and I'm sure they will find lots of treasures while I have a snooze...... oh well

FRAMES

2008-06-22T15:09:00.000+10:00

Here are my challenge frames.
I took them all on my recent holiday to the Top End.
Firstly one of Darwin town taken across the water from East Point.

This frame was taken on the path into Cutta Cutta Caves which are located between Katherine and Mataranka.
There were lots of stoney outcrops to provide a convenient 'window' of opportunity.

The final one I took while sitting on the verandah of our little cabin at Mataranka.
The paddocks around where dotted with termite mounds for that focal 'point of interest.

OK Di - what is our next challenge?

Snippets of Darwin

2008-06-19T23:23:00.000+10:00

We had a lovely two weeks in Darwin and I managed to take 850 photo's.
Surprise, surprise.
I won't bore you with them all so here's just a few to give a very brief overview of our time.
They are fairly self explanatory really.
I just loved the wild life and risked life and limb to go out in the mozzies to photograph - they breed them big and fierce in the Top End.
The sunrises and sunsets were amazing.
AND - I caught a barra on Corroboree waterhole on the Mary River which is about an hour out of Darwin. He was just legal at 55cm and made an awesome breakfast.
Some of the lilypads were not as they seemed tho' and those crocs look pretty big as they glided along near the VERY small dingy.
Now to think about which photo's to post as my 'frames' challenge.

Morning Tea at Aunty Beryl's......

2008-05-31T00:19:00.000+10:00

Harry is having his first birthday in a couple of days so what an excuse for a gathering.
So a couple of weeks ago, the clan got together and Harry opened his pressies.
He loves his raggy quilt, dinosaur and other toys.
Do you remember playing in fallen leaves?
I sure do and so do my children so it's fun to see them carry that love onto the next generation.
Rob used to spend hours raking up the leaves!

We're off to Darwin in a couple of days, camera's are packed and I've started considering Di's challenge to 'frame' some photo's while I'm away.

We're Back - briefly .............

2008-05-29T23:33:00.000+10:00

Lots has happened since I last wrote.
I've lost my gall bladder and my mobile phone :-(
BUT - I have recovered from both events so that's a blessing.
I've got a new mobile and am not really missing my gall bladder.
I am enjoying my babies ......
Here is Zara - eating all by herself - clever eh?
And we went for a big walk on the reserve today - she managed really well and clumped along in her overalls and new Ebay boots.
Harry passed through just before his birthday and it was great to see them all then. Photo's later.

Bathtime at Mardies

2008-04-12T11:59:00.001+10:00

It's a bit sad when you have to have a bath in an Esky?
Well not really, it keeps the water nice and warm!
Here is Princess Zara - one year old yesterday,
She just loves bubbles!

The late 'A's

2008-04-06T22:37:00.001+10:00

I've had a busy weekend so I'm like the white rabbit!
After much thought these are what I came up with for the letter A.
The restaurant- a sushi place - I found on Saturday in Pitt St in Sydney when we went up to the ballet - it was lovely Swan Lake.
What you find in the dark - this lovely spider was in the dark on the front deck a couple of weeks ago - check out his hairy legs - yukko - I'm not into spiders since I was forced by DH to assist in trapping live funnel webs back in early married days when he was working in pest control. They used to set them in perspex and carry them to display and 'scare' their customers into having their property treated I'm sure. Shiver shiver. The turquiose amulet I found in the QVB on Saturday morning and managed to surreptitiously snap it with the camera held at belly level. Hope they didn't have closed circuit camera's. Oh well.

Look what I can do!

2008-04-04T17:05:00.001+11:00

Aren't I clever?
I can blow if I see a prowler and Mumma or Dadda can come and rescue me!

X-Rated!

2008-03-28T14:40:00.000+11:00

No not really altho I did think about it but didn't want to shock you all too much.
It's a thought tho' what about a naked COW calendar for 2009?
I'm sure we could be as discreet as the CWA ladies. LOL
Now to the actual X's.
Here are some XRAYS - taken of my eldest DS in 1981 when he ran out from in front of the school bus and whamo - fractured femur - that's the thigh bone. The first two were taken a week after the accident - as you can see NO bone union so I fought to have him transferred out from Narrabri, where we were living then, to Tamworth which was the closest Base hospital with orthopaedic specialists. The last xray was four months later after spending all that time in traction - lots of nice new bone growth - a wee bit of misalignment but he ended up with lest than 1/8th of an inch of shortening which is pretty good for a growing long bone.
Then more bones - I thought of the xiphoid process - this is the little bit of cartilege at the base of the sternum (breast bone) that ossifies as we get older and is also called the xiphisternum - another X word - pronounced as a Z tho. We learn about it as we learn our CPR and measure up from it to know where to do our compressions for cardiac massage. It is also the bit that breaks off sometimes when we do it - YUK - I have done that and it felt nasty! Poor bloke died anyway.
Anyhow when looking for an illustration as I had no xiphoid processes to photograph, I found that there is a band called Xiphoid Process - weird eh? and hence the inclusion of thier CD cover as part of my mosaic. This is what it says about them ....formed in 1994 from the ashes of an experimental / Noise Duo, Xiphoid Process evolved to create intriguing soundscapes that transcend the borders of gothic, industrial, experimental, and synth music. Led by the solitary Michael Potts, and featuring an ever-diminishing, revolving array of guests, XP has garnered a cult following among dark music's intelligentsia
So there - you learn something everyday eh?
And lastly on a brighter note here is Zara's crocodile xylophone!
Posting early as we are off to the van for the w/e.

Snippits of the Royal Easter Show 2008

2008-03-26T00:01:00.000+11:00

We decided to head off to the show on Easter Monday.
Showers were forecast so into the backpack went the raincoat and umbrella.
The raincoat came in handy as a picnic rug at lunchtime and to keep off the chill when going from the train to the car at 11pm!
It was a lovely day - a bit too hot at times but we managed to find either an airconditioned pavillion or a breezy spot to have a rest thru' the day.
There were lots of people but not too crowded but then we also didn't line up to get into the samplebag hall or to go to sideshow alley!
Got on the train at 7.45am at Oak Flats and arrived at Olympic Park at 11 - left the show at 7.45pm and got home at 11.30pm - so a BIG day out.
We wandered about and saw lots of stuff. I loved watching the working dogs and obedience trials where we won a Dr Harry show bag which meant I carried around an extra 1 1/2kg of Supercoat dog food in the back pack all day - was it worth it? Bailey says YES! I have yet to check out the Supercoat website were there should be a photo of us with Dr Harry!
We found some seats in the shade to have a rest and watch some show jumping, polo, camp drafting, tent pegging and the mass dog obedience in the main arena.
All in all a good day. Took lots of photo's and had the usual problem of extra cropping on mosaic maker but hope you get an overview of our day at the Royal 2008.

Scatterday for N

2008-03-22T14:07:00.001+11:00

Well here we are - Happy Easter everyone!
Had a bit of a think and came up with these photo's.
Little things - thankfully have no 'nits' at the moment so how about Native Violets - they are very cute in our fairy garden with just a few dew drops left on the petals.
Speaking of 'dew drops' - luckily there aren't any of these on Maureen's - Human NOSE - or could be nares or nose hairs really - LOL - NOT nice up close and personal.
And, for mineral here is some Na Cl - salt in the salt pig.
Heading off to the Royal Easter Show tomorrow so will take the camera along - who knows what I will find to photograph there. I took some nice ones of show jumping a couple of years ago.

Now you see it - now you don't!

2008-03-21T05:27:00.000+11:00

Do you like palms?

I always did - until I had one - well three actually.
These are Cocus Palms - probably planted around when the house was built say 30 years ago. They drop rotting dates everywhere which are like 'marbles' underfoot and that becomes quite a danger to old ladies who are prone to falling! Anyhow, we still have two smaller ones and we'll see about hanging onto them as they are further away from the house and not directly above the walkways.

We had a tree guy come in to quote on lopping the trees which overhung driveway next door after the neighbour complained about them (you can see them in the background). While he was here yesterday, we finally 'bit the bullet' and had the tallest palm removed.

It was quite a process with the guy harnessing up and climbing the tree like a monkey using 'spikes' attached to a brance onhis ankles - he made it look easy but then I guess he was fit and had had heaps of experience. He said that he is thoroughly sick of Cocus palms - they were a fad when they were planted years ago and now people, like us, are wanting them removed!. He systematically removed the lower fronds and then cut down the palm in sections from the top down.

So, our morning was filled with the sounds of chain saw and chipper! A job well done and our resident Wattle birds have returned to their 'thinned out' eucalypt foliage but, we didn't hear and flying foxes (noisey blighters) last night - food source removed. I'm sure they'll be back when the other palms flower and fruit.