.

Happy New Year !

2012-01-01T10:13:00.002+11:00

The fireworks held at Gosford, as seen from my balcony in Point Clare, NSW.

The children and Greg went to the waterfront to watch them but I decided to stay at home with bump and the two dogs.

I hope you all have a lovely 2012 - may it bring health and happiness to us all.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ...

2011-12-25T14:00:00.001+11:00

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 2012 bring you all that you wish for.

A Present for a Close Friend.

2011-12-17T12:56:00.003+11:00

As part of a birthday swap I stitched a bird embroidery, inspired by a picture in an old crafting magazine.

I am impressed by both the Australian and British postal service as it arrived not only in time but on her birthday - and I thought that it would be late due to all the Christmas post!

Owl Embroidery.

2011-12-16T20:06:00.002+11:00

Small embroidery I designed and hand stitched for my 'baby' sister's birthday. She really wanted an owl cushion - maybe for your next birthday Abs !

Thanks for taking the photo for me Abs in all the excitement of preparing parcels to post I forgot. I hope that you had a lovely day on the 13th.

2011-12-14T18:01:00.009+11:00

We have just finished getting ready for the Year 6 Farewell. At 4pm we started doing hair and makeup and only just finished in time to go. The Farewell began at 5-30, with a presentation which the parents had to stay for, then we left for the dance to begin.

The front door of the school. It only seems like yesterday we visited here to enrol as newcomers to the Central Coast.

Waiting for the doors to open - and for more people to turn up ! Needless to say we were early.

Nearly all of the girls in Anna-Kate's year - there are only about 60 pupils in the whole year (I think!)

Anna-Kate at her table. There was a lot of drama about the seating arrangements - Anna-Kate was happy with her placement.

Collecting her year book and certificate from her teacher.

I think a good night was had by all.

Bump.

2011-09-22T06:56:00.003+10:00

I have been missing for so long - but I am back. Am going to try to post a picture a day for family in far flung places !

24 weeks today 110 days to go !

Boudii National Park.

2011-04-27T18:10:00.008+10:00

On Good Friday we decided to go for a walk in the nearby Boudii National Park. It was a cool day so perfect for hiking.

Taken from the top of the hill - we waled down to the beach, across the beach and up the hill in the distance. We were looking for a ship wreck but the tides were too high.

We made it onto the beach all in one piece. When we first arrived the beach was virtually deserted.

Having a rest on a very smooth rock.

We made it to the other side. another beautiful view.

Back home the path was VERY steep ! So did not take any photos. But a good morning out in the sun !

Australian Reptile Park.

2011-04-19T20:00:00.002+10:00

The photo today shows Anna-Kate and Luke with their cousin Ashleigh.

We visited the Australian Reptile park and as usual I took far too many pics so will try and limit them ! My MIL, SIL and her daughter (Ashleigh) came for a visit from South Africa for 2 weeks. We all had a lovely time !

For my friends back in the UK.

2011-04-18T09:27:00.003+10:00

We are all well - have had a bumpy year due to lots of things. But in a more positive place now !

Christmas Day on the Central Coast.

2010-12-25T19:24:00.003+11:00

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 2011 bring you all health and happiness.

Love from Vanessa XXXX

Wednesday at the beach.

2010-12-25T18:11:00.009+11:00

I promised the children a day out on Wednesday as I knew we would be more or less stopping at home on Thursday and Friday.

Here we are at the new park at Umina.

Ann-Kate was there with her sunnies !

Managed to get the tent up ....

Greg would rather be sailing than be at work !

Finishing off the picnic at the park.

My garden - this weekend.

2010-12-21T17:38:00.005+11:00

Found these little mushrooms in my vegetable patch on Saturday morning. They were so cute. Could almost see the fairy sitting on top - or is that underneath ?

My ginger - well one part I am growing, bought from the supermarket. It is growing well. My other piece of ginger is growing well too.

Lots of tomatoes - just need them to turn red.

My butternut squash are doing well, have some melon in there too I think - also waiting for the cucumber to pop up - if the dog has not eaten the seeds!

My first teeny tiny carrot - ate it in two bites !! It was sweet though.

First Hail and then a Rainbow.

2010-12-17T06:49:00.003+11:00

Not a great photo - but the hail stones were pretty big. The sky went really dark and I thought it was raining but it didn't sound right somehow - so we went to look out the window and saw hail. Luke was very excited - you would have thought it was snowing!

Then later on in the day - a rainbow came out.

Tenby, Wales - finally finished.

2010-12-16T19:38:00.004+11:00

I have finally finished Tenby, Wales! Just need to iron it - but was so excited to have finished I took a photo straight after the final stitch.

On Tuesday I pulled out a WIP - this has been in progress since we lived in the UK. All I had to do was sew on the sequins and beads. It is for Anna-Kate for Christmas. I don't know if she saw me working on it in the UK or not ...

Sunday Morning on the Beach.

2010-12-12T16:07:00.005+11:00

As the temperature was said to soar to 32 C, we decided to go to the beach. As we try to go to new beaches each time - we went to the other end of Umina - Ocean Beach.

It was beautiful. We did not stop long - just long enough for Anna to go in the water 3 times ! And until we were hungry enough for lunch.

Here is Luke relaxing on the beach.

Anna-Kate and Greg in the sea, Luke paddling in front of them...

Once home we ate lunch then went out into the garden to mow and weed !

Carol Evening ...

2010-12-10T06:39:00.006+11:00

My son never stood still - this is what most of my photos looked like from last night - here he is hanging out with 2 of his best friends.

Walking to the school. In his Christmas gear - all ready to sing his heart.

Anna-Kate was with us too ! But she spent a lot of time with her friends !

Getting ready for the big sing !

Singing is a serious business.

It was a lovely evening - although we had to have it in the new school hall due to dear of thunder storms, but they held off until about 9pm. But fun was had by all - well done Point Clare Public School !

A little visitor ...

2010-12-08T16:50:00.002+11:00

Came home from the morning school run to find I had a little visitor waiting for me on the balcony. He / she was so little - was not scared of the cat but didn't like the dog !

Dehydrator ...

2010-12-07T17:22:00.002+11:00

My new toys - a dehydrator and an apple peeler / corer !

Presents for our 12th wedding anniversary ... I can not believe we have been together for 14 years now.

Tenby, Wales ....

2010-12-07T06:45:00.005+11:00

Work in progress - this has taken up most of Nov / Dec to do. I have worked a little more on the sea . I was inspired by some coasters we bought in Tenby when we went on holiday there a few years ago.

Here is my photo of Tenby - love this little town.

Am thinking about doing a series of houses / towns - what do you think ?

Busy Bees

2010-12-06T18:21:00.003+11:00

While I was weeding at their feet - the bees were buzzing above me - I enjoyed watching them hard at work.

Weeding !

2010-12-05T17:47:00.005+11:00

Before - I had let the weeds go a little wild !

The corner under my Mandarin tree.

More weeds...

After - I spent all morning and some of the afternoon in the garden clearing under the trees.

All neat and tidy now - but have loads of green rubbish to throw away !

Kallie and Tikkie...

2010-11-30T06:47:00.001+11:00

Kallie and Tikkie having a chat in the garden ! Tikkie went to hide in the protected garden !

Spent the morning on the beach ...

2010-11-24T18:04:00.001+11:00

on Sunday it was lovely.

Enjoying the Sunshine.

2010-11-14T20:46:00.004+11:00

We spent the morning on the beach and this afternoon in our garden. I am enjoying the warm weather we are having.

I have been working on my needle work - I made this for my Mum for Christmas. She has already opened it as I posted it early and asked Mum to flatten it.

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend !

My Two...

2010-10-13T20:21:00.004+11:00

Measuring themselves .... very funny. Anna-Kate is still taller - but only just !

Waterfall ...

2010-10-11T06:45:00.001+11:00

Today is Monday, back to school after the holidays and Greg is off to work. Back to normal now. Grocery shopping first thing then some housework I think ... have a great week everyone !

Flower hunting ...

2010-10-10T13:11:00.003+11:00

We went for a walk on Friday, and we saw the most beautiful flowers .... more pictures to come.

We went to Umina Beach on the 4th of october.

2010-10-09T16:24:00.001+11:00

Can you tell I love the beach?

My Birthday.

2010-10-09T16:11:00.008+11:00

One of my birthday presents - a hammock chair. This will be used a LOT ! It is hanging under our balcony so is mostly in the shade. It gets some morning sun. As you can see it can hold me and a little one.

My birthday surprise - a group project. Made by Luke and Greg - painted by Luke, Greg and Anna-Kate. They loved having a secret from me !

Anna-Kate made my birthday cake. A coffee cake it was yummy. I had a lovely birthday.

Baking ...

2010-10-02T17:46:00.002+10:00

I am supervising only ! They even clean up!

Thursday's Walk ...

2010-10-01T07:02:00.002+10:00

Kallie and I went for a long walk yesterday. It was a lovely day, here are 2 birds enjoying the sun.

Praying Mantis ...

2010-09-30T19:45:00.001+10:00

I went to empty the compost this evening and could not get into the compost bin - thanks to my visitor - first one I have seen here !

Morning at the beach ...

2010-09-29T17:58:00.006+10:00

Anna-Kate off to have a swim - well a paddle and a quick dip !

We had great fun - and I was so worried about the drive there - it was so easy !

The children just loved getting out of the house and playing - although they did not venture too far from me !

Anna-Kate trying to body board - but the water was too cold so she came out after this !

I was worried I killed my lavender - I had to cut it right back - but it is still growing - phew love lavender.

Walking the dog ...

2010-09-28T19:53:00.006+10:00

We found this lily in the bush - one of my favourite flowers...

Luke liked it too ! He insisted on having this picture taken with it.

We sat and watched the fish jumping out of the water - you can just see the splash here, it was lovely.

And Kallie enjoyed cooling down in the water.

The ducks crossed in front of us too. The weather was beautiful not too hot and not cold - definitely t-shirt weather !

When Greg is away ....

2010-09-27T18:17:00.005+10:00

Greg had to work last weekend all the way in Lizmore so we had to keep ourselves busy. This involved lots of walks along the water front .... here is a dandelion waiting to be blown !

Here we all are in front of the water...

And Anna-Kate baked a cake for her school competition .... she did not win - but she made it on her own and we had fun doing it !

Sunday Bike Ride ...

2010-09-12T14:03:00.004+10:00

Luke with my new bike - yes the koalas came with us - in my basket !

Luke having a rest on the pier - where they found a fishing rod... even if it can not be fixed it should not be left there, think of the birds people !

Luke and I sharing a moment ! It was a fab bike ride ....

A Tour of My Garden ...

2010-09-10T16:17:00.012+10:00

All right we walk out of my dining room and onto my balcony - I sit out here when the children are at school and housework can be forgotten about !
From the left of this picture I have some bamboo growing in the first pot - well I say growing - I picked a shoot so hope it may root ! Then a huge pot full of sunflowers - my favourite flower. The succulents in the wooden box I found lying in the street - they are growing really well. The black pot is where my daffodils are.

I look over the balcony and I see the first garden I built - all enclosed now so the dog does not get in ! In this garden I have - beans, corn, butternut, strawberries, tomatoes, basil, lettuce, peppers, radish .... there may be more !! Not to forget I have it surrounded by sunflowers and poppies. In the big pot I have a hydrangea cutting growing ...

The first of the 2 side gardens you see at the top of the photo - has 2 rose bushes in, some aloes as well as some more sunflowers.

The second of the 2 side garden has one rose bush, a few sunflowers, strawberries, peas, corn, beans and butternut in ....

This garden is right next to the door into the children's TV room - it is full of strawberries - I did not know how easy it was to grow strawberries !! Plus 2 herbs oregano and thyme in the front, under the sticks is a bean ....

On the left side of the door - a geranium, growing from a cutting I took from our rented house, next to another water feature found in this garden ! It is empty - hence the cat sitting in it !

My first sunflowers blooming and enjoying the sun this morning. I think they enjoyed the rain we just had too !

This is the rockery in front of the first garden - I have a teeny, tiny apricot tree in here, plus loads of rose bushes, sunflowers and some flowers in pots - think there might be another strawberry plant in there too.

This is right at the bottom of my garden - note another enclosed garden ! Full of veggies too.... more or less the same as the other gardens .... plus trees in the background, more poppies and sunflowers.

The newest garden - has lovely soil full of worms as I found out while digging ! More butternut, corn and beans !

Hope you have enjoyed my garden tour ! This weekend means mowing !!!

Tuesday - the last day of winter.

2010-08-31T18:01:00.007+10:00

Here is my little girl this morning. It was book character day at school today. Anna-Kate has been busy reading a series of books - I think there are 12 in this series, she is on book 12 already. Well this is the lead character, I am not sure what her name is, Anna-Kate drew the picture for me. I also crocheted her little shrug, now she has ordered a pink one !

Luke went as a skeleton, last years Halloween costume. He took a fact book in all about bones and your body etc - Luke has not caught the reading bug yet.

We had a red sky again this morning. No bad weather yet .... I am waiting for some rain - as my garden could do with some. Although my water tank is still full.

My first sunflower of the year, from seeds saved from the cockatoos last summer.

The full moon this month. It was so beautiful, but I could not capture her beauty with my camera - I gave it a go - as Luke would say !

Crocheting in Public ...

2010-08-25T19:09:00.007+10:00

Last week I went back to school - for the annual Open Day ... it was lovely. The weather was warm - not too hot or too cool. I take the children to school at 8:35 and the open day began at 9:30. It was not worth walking home so I took my crocheting. Not this big blanket - too big and bulky to carry about, but a shrug for Anna-Kate. Not sure if it was a good idea as I used it as a shield to stop people talking to me - or would they not have spoken to me anyway - not too sure ! But at least I had something to do while I waited !

Finished this big blanket - perfect to ward off the chill in the air - although since we moved from Tascott it has not been as cold !

Anna-Kate's art work on the wall of her class - we went into each class to see their work...

Luke's bird - we call it broken beak !

Anna-Kate's year singing a rap song about saving the earth.

Luke after his song - KS2 performed a song and a show. It was very good - and well worth the wait !

Luke looking worried ! He did complain about having a tummy ache and he looks worried in this picture. He was waiting for his one line Bless him.

Our Garden - a work in progress ...

2010-08-16T13:01:00.005+10:00

This is what it looked like before I attacked this grass area - the cut down brush were some of the bushes / trees at the end of the garden.

I created the shape with rocks found around the garden, around old ponds etc we have removed. then I laid down some cardboard to kill off the grass and then remembered I have a naughty dog (!!) so had to build a fence around my veggie patch. I tried to use sticks from the trees I cut down - but ran out of these so had to buy some canes. Starting to fill with soil as and when I buy some.

This is how it looked on Saturday morning. Greg and I went out into the garden to clear the ever growing pile of rubbish ... we moved it to the area behind the metal shed as it is fab leaves etc and will break down to make lovely mulch / compost for later....

Sunday evening - all moved - with a little help from Luke and his fluffy toys.

Planted so far - tomatoes, basil, lettuce, radish, beans, strawberries, peas, peppers, mandarin tree, blood orange tree, apricot tree and plum tree ..... plus lots of sunflowers !

Our Walk Last Sunday.

2010-08-07T18:13:00.011+10:00

We decided to take a break from he BIG MOVE last weekend and went for a walk along the water front last Sunday. The weather was lovely - just right for a walk.
We all looked at the puffer fish in the water and we were debating the depth of the water to see if canoe ing here was an option.

These birds remind me of Charlie - now I know they are not African greys but still - I think of him when I see these birds !

The water front - so peaceful !

Anna-Kate walking backwards next to Kallie.

The bridge which we have to cross to get to the play park. I sat next t the water while my 2 had a good play in the park ...

Going home ...

Trees next to the water ...

I wonder if fairies live here ?

The huge double rainbow I saw - the second rainbow was very faint and on the outside of the bright one ....

Tne beginning of July 2010.

2010-07-06T16:43:00.009+10:00

This week has been so busy. The last week of school for the children and Greg was away in Mudgee - just in time for our first house inspection... so what did I do ... I began to bake !

I have been baking savory - butternut bread, choclate button bread, banana bread ! All very yummy. Tonight I will be starting onion and garlic bread - just ssshhhhh don't tell the children !
I use the New York Times no knead bread which is easy - but takes a lot of time to stand.

Even my kitchen cupboards were clean and organised for the inspection - naturally she did not look in them !

Oh and I have been spinning too.... I have been turning the above into this ->

All ready to spin .... (While watching Hercule Pierrot - that was fun !)

All spun up and ready to ply.

Plied with some silver embroidery cotton and now ready to knit.

This lot was the section second from the right - I began spinning on the right and progressed through to the left - you can see how my thread has become less bumpy. It is thinner and much more even. I have now begun to felt it, once felted I will embroider it. I can see it as the night sky or something !

Went to Woy Woy and got the knitting needles at the thrift store - made them into red bangles (while washing up !!)

It is the second day of school holidays and it is going well.... tomorrow is movie day. I think they are off to see Toy Story Three !

Catching Up ....

2010-06-28T18:49:00.014+10:00

Luke doing some colouring next to me on the sofa. Sharing a quiet moment with my son.

Red sky in the morning - this photo was taken late last week. Not long after it rained really hard ! Luckily not on the school run. Taken from my balcony off the lounge.

The first loaf of bread I have baked in a long time .... this is the New York Times no knead bread. The loaf was very easy to make, crisp on the outside and soft on the inside ! No kneading bonus.

Two kookaburras sitting in an old gum tree - right outside out bedroom window ! They are very noisy. They really sound like a troop of laughing monkeys.

A baby butternut - we ate it this weekend. Had it roasted.... it was so little it had no seeds.

My first steps into spinning ... this green monster turns into this ......

the wool on my drop spindle. The spindle was made by Greg. I was shown how to spin by a friend. On the last Sunday in the month I now go to the Central Coast Knitting Group at a friend's house. This Sunday was the first one. We did not get much work done as there was a lot talking and laughing going on. Plus there was a lot of fibre to look at. fondle and oooooohhhh at.

I bought some fibre !!! Oh and some sari silk to spin ..... very exciting.

Well it was at this group I was shown how to use my drop spindle. I am so excited ..... this first fibre I have spun is ummmmmm bumpy ..... but fun ! And Anna-Kate likes it so may make something warm and fuzzy for her !

The first lot done - rolled onto a toilet paper cardboard inner.

My first ball of spun wool. With an inside pull .... plyed and everything ..... go me!

A mushroom I found while weeding today - under a butternut leaf ..... the bottom looks like a big mushroom .....

The top is the same colour as a normal button mushroom ..... any ideas what it is? Please note my roma tomatoes in the background!

Second bread loaf on the go - has butternut in - not home grown sadly!

Phew all caught up now !

Rabbits, Peas, Hats and the Beach !

2010-06-14T19:02:00.011+10:00

I have crocheted 22 rabbits for charity - well 20 are for a charity, 2 were adopted by Anna-Kate and Luke. Not sure where to send the rabbits yet - if anyone knows of a charity willing to accept handmade toys I would love to hear from you !

Close up of the crocheted crowd.

My peas are doing really well - hope they can hold out till we are in our new house ! Greg still has to build the raised garden beds - well they have to wait a while he has a few other projects on his list already !

Kallie asleep on Anna-Kate's slippers. She has to tuck her nose under something to sleep, she actually loves being 100%covered while in her basket.

Anna-Kate asked for a hat, so I crocheted her a beanie yesterday.
Must remember it is wool -but I think it is OK to cool wash it in the machine - mental note to check label !

Today we took Kallie to the beach for the first time ever! She took it all in her stride and loved being outside with the children.

Here I am with my 'little' boy - he will soon be taller than me I fear !

Anna-Kate posing in the water.

My Luke taken while he was walking alongside me.

Running together along the beach - we all had a lovely time.

Greg, Luke and Anna-Kate even had time in the afternoon to go fishing - to date no fish have been harmed ie - no fish have been caught !!

Kallie.

2010-06-10T15:30:00.003+10:00

Photos taken this morning - she loves her basket and the sunshine so put her basket in the patch of sun.

She fell asleep soon after the first pic was taken - bless her you can see the shaved fur where she had her op - but the way she is bouncing around you would never know she had been to the vets !

This Weekend....

2010-06-09T19:21:00.013+10:00

200m (ish) from our new house ! We decided to go for a walk - so drove to where we will be living and walked from there. Luke and Greg went ahead to look for fish.

All of us ! Greg, me, Luke and Anna-Kate. Greg is holding Kallie.

A puffer fish ... there were loads swimming about.

So peaceful ! The scenery around Brisbane Water is beautiful.

Kallie waiting for the children to finish playing at the park.

Autumn on the Central Coast. Love Autumnal colours against the blue sky.

Walking along the 'beach'.

The peas are sprouting - can't really see them in the pic will take a better one tomorrow.

A wierd butternut growing in the garden. This section of the butternut plant grew from the original plant - across the garden and grass. I decided to cut it off from the mother plant as it was right across the grass and generally looking untidy. Pulled up most of it but this section still looked green and healthy and as it was tucked away I left it and now it looks like I have another butternut !! I can not pay it too much attention as otherwise the dog will try and bring it to me !

Before and After the Rain.

2010-05-25T15:41:00.010+10:00

Have put away this hexagon quilt top I am working on - need to buy more fabric (sshhhhh don't tell DH !!) just want some plain pinks / greens / blues for the half hexagon spaces and the borders. So it can wait until we have moved.

A kookaburra - I got fairly close before it flew away. Very noisy birds !

Kallie - our naughty puppy is growing up fast, but she is still a princess and hates getting her paws wet .... unfortunately today her whole body was soaking wet as the rain was soooo hard !

Sitting outside last weekend enjoying the sunshine ! My two ginger girls loves sitting on the wooden deck. Anna sits and reads while Luke and Kallie run about !

I was knitting and listening to knitting and gardening podcasts.

Our tomatoes - I had to pick them early due to our local possum invasion ! 3 are red now luckily.

Mushrooms / toadstools in my garden they are loving the wet weather.

The invasion of the daisy - in the rain with my tomatoes.

Having fun in the rain - have loads of cuttings ready for a new house / garden. Very exciting.

Wednesday...

2010-05-12T16:21:00.005+10:00

I always pause here - for breath mainly, after the incredibly steep hill - but also for the view !
I also love the house on the right ! Wish they wanted to move....

Autumn is here - this tree had green leaves not too long ago !

Luke's jumper.

Anna-Kate's cardigan.... all done ! And out of my WIP basket !

Monday, Monday !

2010-05-11T17:48:00.009+10:00

Have started to garden in containers - awaiting the move (fingers crossed we actually find a house !!)
In the round basin at the back, left - one cutting from a very lemon scented bush - query a kind of geranium. Plus some Australian flowers.
Rectangle basin in front of it - more Australian flowers.
Ice - cream container in the front - Kallie somehow pulled it out of a rockery on a walk to school so brought it home and planted it!
3 black bag covered rectangular wicker baskets which look empty - are strawberries grown from seed.
White rectangular basin - red papaya seeds. Ice - cream pot to the left - another lemon cutting plus chestnut found in Luke's room (brought over from the UK!!!)
The black rectangle with plants more Australian flowers.
Plants looking sad in the front - mint - bought from supermarket - we will see if it survives !

Butternut, melon and other plants - enjoying the sun .... I have put all the plants into the pool enclosure to keep them away from the dog - who loves to dig !

Cutting out hexagons this morning in the sun.

Then worked on Luke's jumper - just crocheted it together - will crochet the neck and around the bottom just to add a little length.

Tikkie joined me and sat in front of me.

Kallie sat to the left of me - enjoying the sun.

Shezzie sat to the right of me - away from Kallie ! She went for a wonder and went next door - until their poodle came out !

Tikkie heard something in the bushes and went for a stalk !

Greg's jumper is growing - 48 rows already !

9 May 2010 - Happy Mothers' Day !

2010-05-10T17:50:00.006+10:00

We had a lovely weekend this weekend. The sun shone and so we spent as much time as we could outside.

Sunday was Mothers' Day here and I was so spoilt. Luke put a LOT of effort into his gifts - I received 2 A3 posters saying I love Mum - the mum written out in ice lolly sticks he has been saving ! Plus his colouring was all in the lines. Then he made an origami hat for me to wear and an origami boat with cut outs of us in - plus a dollar -out of his pocket money!

They had to take $5 into school last week to buy a gift for me - Anna-Kate chose a mug with beautiful red flowers on (luckily they were sold out by the time they got to Luke's class - as he wanted to buy one for me). They know I love mugs !

Luke chose a photo frame and a small photo album. It is siting next to my bed with a photo of them both swimming in our pool.

Greg had organised a tree and a lovely terra cotta pot.
Here is Luke carrying lots of small stones to put into the bottom of the pot. Greg is smashing big rocks to make the little stones - Kallie is watching waiting to eat any stones left behind. Yes she eats stones - she eats anything !!
Luke, carrying the blood orange tree to put into pot.

Lots of concentration going on - putting the tree into the pot. Behind them balanced on the pools pump are all my seedlings busy growing !

Anna-Kate and Luke next to my present ! Excuse my daughter's outfit - the house is very cool - but outside is hot!
Me - knitting outside today.

May Already !

2010-05-02T16:34:00.011+10:00

Kallie and Tikkie enjoying a patch of sun together. Tikkie puts up with all the attention she receives from Kallie. Sherrie just keeps away.

A HUGE spider living in a HUGE web just outside of my laundry !

The mystery deepens - this is a picture of the melon I grew - it did not get much bigger than this as the plant died. I picked it and was able to harvest a lot of seeds.

This is a picture of a butternut - they are all a typical butternut shape. You will notice the melon is green and the butternut striped.

This is what is growing in my garden along with the butternut - a very odd shape ! But it is getting bigger, so we will see ...

Luke's tomato plant has produced a lot of tomatoes - we are just waiting for them to ripen.

My roma tomatoes - also waiting for these to ripen - the bush has a lot of flowers on too so should be a good crop - if it does not get too cold for them. But they get quite a lot of sun so hopefully they will survive for a while.

3 Pepper survivors - they have survived the brush turkeys and possums - had to pot them as the turkeys have started to dig in that area of the garden.

Luke and Greg have been busy on the canoe this weekend, not long until it is finished.

Greg applying some resin onto the canoe.

Catching Up ....

2010-04-28T15:38:00.011+10:00

This weekend was a long weekend here in Australia as it was Anzac Day on Sunday. We had a lovely quiet weekend. On Saturday we visited a few Open Houses but we have decided against them, so the hunt for a new house continues.

We all went to Umina Beach on Monday - here is Luke standing next to my tomato plants. They are roma tomatoes and are growing really well. These plants are as tall as Luke - I have never had tomato plants this tall - and they smell lovely too.

Umina Beach - it was very quiet, a little breezy but lovely. Cleared the cobwebs anyway !

There were lots of sailboats out too - Greg watched them through binoculars.

Greg and Anna-Kate having a chat before they went to swim / body board.

Me ! In a short sleeved crocheted jacket.

Luke playing in the sand.

Is it a melon or a butternut - not too sure, it is growing close to my butternut plant - but I did plant a lot of melons too ... we will see.

The last day of holidays.

2010-04-20T14:02:00.005+10:00

The day started early - as it always does when Greg works ! Here is Anna-Kate waiting for breakfast and I think Kallie might be hungry too !

Outside in the sun you can see all the huge spiderwebs ! They were covering this bush!

Anna-Kate and Luke joined me in the garden. Anna-Kate had a float in the pool - but not a swim !

Luke and Kallie dug a hole in my vegetable garden ! I am just keeping it weed free for now as we (fingers crossed) will be leaving this garden in a couple of months.

And then after having a lovely day out in the garden the postman left me a parcel in the postbox.

Of course I opened it straight away and found this lovely mini quilt. It was inspired by our move over here and it represents the sand, surf and Sydney ! I love it. At the moment it is in the centre of my dining room table but will have a permanent place somewhere in our new house!

Thank-you Bec .... you are very kind to step in and make me a quilt. Plus thank-you for the extra fabric you sent me - one can never have enough fabric!

Crocheted Blanket.

2010-04-19T06:54:00.002+10:00

I finished this in March, but took photos yesterday. I enjoyed making this blanket.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/64815667@N00/show/

Saying Goodbye ...

2010-04-18T15:08:00.004+10:00

The tree that had to go - according to the neighbours... the roots were extending into sewage pipes...and he did not like sweeping up the leaves. It took all day to cut down.

The garden does look bigger and brighter - but also more exposed (said neighbours can see us from their balcony). We also now battle as we have NO shade so the beach umbrella has come out. If this was my house I would build decking and sun shade - but (fingers crossed) we will not be here for long so no worries !

Kallie - on the back of the sofa, pretending she is a cat ! Sat next to my cardigan I knitted. I wear this in the mornings when I get up at 5-30 with Greg !

My 3 tomato plants are growing really well out in the front - even though it is autumn ! There are flowers and tomatoes on these plant - very exciting !!!

We have had a lovely weekend, can not believe that it is school on Tuesday - Eater holidays have gone past soooooo quickly !

Chat soon XXXX

Butternut.

2010-04-17T15:28:00.003+10:00

We ate the last of our butternut last night - it was yummy. Very sweet.

I had to pick the melon too - as the plant had been eaten - it was too small to eat - but had a lot of seeds in so I have saved them for next season.

Today has been lovely - Anna-Kate and I sat out in the back garden - with the dog and cats. Luke played with the neighbours grandchildren and even went fishing with them.

Greg had to go and talk to banks - better to do this alone without the children. All good news - he even managed to pop into 2 houses today - the first one we are quite interested in but it involves total gutting and rearranging inside (eeekkk) but it is in a beautiful street so well worth it.

I am sat in the lounge while Greg is working on the canoe, Luke is still playing outside and Anna-Kate is walking the puppy.

No plans for tomorrow - Anna-Kate really wants to go to the library - but if the weather is this good we may go to the beach ....we will see !!

Sewing Again....

2010-04-12T16:11:00.002+10:00

Made a dress for Anna-Kate yesterday as she is off to play at a friend's house today.
(I made a bag to match too!)
I dug out my sewing machine early Sunday morning and then we searched, and searched, and searched for any cotton fabric ! All I could find was flannel, jersey and fleece !! Finally in the last suitcase I found this cotton.

I realised how much I have missed sewing - so popped into a craft shop to buy good scissors (as I have not yet found my fabric scissors) and some more bobbins .... I did look for tracing paper to trace more patterns - but could not find any, so settled for baking paper.

Have been trying to knot socks this afternoon - but not getting anywhere fast LOL !

Saturday - another busy day !

2010-04-11T18:30:00.006+10:00

Spent most of the day outside. Once again the children swam - I read in the garden watching them and the puppy !

Lorikeets in the trees - enjoying seeds / insects in the tree - this was taken from my laundry room.

Another type of lorikeet in the big tree - the owners of the house are having this tree chopped down - very sad as it gets a lot of bird visitors..... luckily we will only be in this house for another month or two.

Kallie - bird watching.

Cooling off after our long walk - it was a hot weekend.

Bird in the water.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/64815667@N00/show/

The First Week of School Holidays...

2010-04-10T18:04:00.014+10:00

e Anna-Kate posing for me early one morning this week. Funny Bunny.

Tikkie is not impressed with Kallie ... these two get on fairly well as long as Kallie does not push the boundaries too far - Sherry has none of it and sleeps on my bed!

Children swimming - they have been swimming all holiday - thank goodness Greg found a house with a pool to rent !!! Note the butternut plant growing on the wrong side of the pool fence.

Anna-Kate swimming while Kallie watches. Kallie was a little worried that it was a sea monster !

Kalli saying hello to the camera.

The butternut has not been eaten by possums ..... yet ..... keeping an eye on it. Not quite ready to pick yet as a little green - but as big as those you can buy in the supermarket !

Off on our long walk - to try and tire the dog out ! This is the view from the end of our road - I never tire of the view.

Luke ran ahead of me (giving me a heart attack) and waved at me from on top of the railway bridge - Anna-Kate stayed at home for this long walk.

Luke pointing at some big fish. We should have brought the fishing rod !

Luke and Kalli having a rest - we take about and hour and a half on this walk from home to the water front and the park and back .... being a black dog she gets hot very quickly!

Luckily they can paddle and cool off.

A pelican swimming quietly in the waters - waiting for Luke to finish playing in the park - no dogs allowed in the park - but I can see him climbing as high as he can on the climbing frame !

Can you see the long fish ? Greg googled this is and we think it is a gar fish !

http://www.flickr.com/photos/64815667@N00/show/

The Canoe.

2010-04-03T18:26:00.007+11:00

The boys have been hard at work on this canoe over the Easter weekend. Here it is so far - a work in progress. Luke and Kalli pose for a photo.

My first melon ever - not sure if it will grow much more as it is already April and autumn ....

My largest butternut - looking good ....

My largest butternut plant taking over the garden .... has lots of little butternuts but they get knocked off by a certain little dog ....

Cockatoos ....

2010-04-03T08:20:00.005+11:00

Sitting on a sunflower - taken through the kitchen window ! Sorry for the reflection.

Flying off with the sunflower head !

We were sitting eating our breakfast this morning when we heard the cockatoos - they flew into my little sunflower patch and stole a sunflower head !

Sunflowers, Butternut and Puppy.

2010-03-22T20:01:00.002+11:00

The sunflowers survived possums and turkeys. I have two butternut plants left - this one and another growing on the other side of the pool fence. I hope the butternut survive. In the background you can see Kali sniffing about.

Birthday Weekend ....

2010-03-22T19:34:00.005+11:00

This weekend was a big birthday weekend. Saturday was Greg's birthday - and I am shocked to find I took no photo of him on his special day ! We were so busy - we went shopping early in the morning to buy him the perfect wet and dry vacuum cleaner. For his work shop I hasten to add !!

We were lucky and got the last one in the range he really wanted.

Then he popped to the local fishing shop and chose a fishing reel for his fishing rod.

After buying all his birthday presents we had to go grocery shopping for Anna-Kate's party on Sunday and cake for all ! Then we rushed home to sort out boxes and boxes ! We have a spare room FULL of boxes .... it is a terrible thing when one's hubby finds ones stash of fabric, wool and craft books ! (BLUSH!)
Here Anna-Kate opens her telescope ... she has been asking for one for ages so no she has one.

Took this photo to show Mum, Ben, Sarah, James and Abs their parcels arrived safe and sound !

At the party - Anna-Kate and the girls at the movie party - but ended up in the pool instead as it was soooo hot !

Cake anyone? This cake was pure ice-cream yumminess.

A good weekend was had by all .

Please Welcome Kahlua .... otherwise known as Kali.

2010-03-01T16:37:00.004+11:00

We drove out to Erina to pick up Kahlua yesterday (Saturday). She was with her brother at the pet shop. Her tail just does not stop moving !!! She is a Beagle cross - crossed with what we are not sure - someone said she looks like a Labrador on the school run so eeekkk .... but we will see.
Here is one photo of calm - she does like her puppy bed - and usually sleeps in it - or if a loud nose scares her she runs to the bed. Luke is seen as her play mate and Anna-Kate is the big sister. They both adore her already - Greg was tired yesterday as he was worried about are through the night but she was OK - last night - not so much, I got up with her at 4-30am as she wanted to play and Greg needed sleep - she did settle with me in the lounge (on the sofa) sssshhh don't tell Greg !

Curled up asleep this morning !

Lorikeets, Sydney and Pearl Beach.

2010-02-21T15:40:00.010+11:00

Lorikeets gathering in the tree next to our balcony. We all crept out onto the balcony and took photos before they flew away.

They gather around our house in the evening - and are very noisy !

My two cats - Sherry and Tequila watching the birds. The birds often tease my cats by flying really close to the balcony!

Last Sunday Luke, Anna-Kate and Greg caught the train from Tascott and visited Sydney - they bought a family ticket for something silly like $2-50 and went from here to Sydney and even went on the ferry - a cheap day out !

On the ferry - close to Sydney Bridge. Far too close to the edge for my liking - you can tell I wasn't around!

First sighting of the Sydney Opera House.

Today we went to Pearl Beach - it was a lovely afternoon out. A seagull enjoying the view!

Luke and Anna-Kate enjoying the sea - they stayed in the water all the time we were at the beach.

Luke and Anna-Kate enjoying the sea - you can see it was almost empty - fabulous! Home now doing homework and enjoying the sun and breeze ....

One week ends - another week begins. Let us make every second count and have a good - safe week everyone ((((HUGS))))

Brandy

2010-02-18T20:33:00.002+11:00

I am so sorry I have not been updating my blog as often as I should have.

We have had some bad news - Brandy was diagnosed with cancer of the liver and spleen yesterday and she died this morning.

She went quickly and before she felt too much pain. She will be missed.

Heavy, Heavy Rain and my Rugby Player.

2010-02-06T19:11:00.008+11:00

Anna-Kate happy to be going to school - my first French plait - but I think it is back to front ? These are very popular at Point Clare - so I had to give it a try !

We had very heavy rain yesterday. I left home at 2pm to do the 3pm school pick up. The headmaster told the early mums to pick up their children early to try and avoid school traffic jams - so we were home before 3pm ! My poor baby plants - they have survived possum and bush turkey attacks only to be flattened by heavy rain !!

You can actually see the rain in this photo - there was also LOUD thunder and lightening - very frightening as it was right over head.

A great view from Anna-Kate's room - love the clouds / rain over the mountain.

A spider web outside our lounge window. It has been here since we moved in. Luke checks it every night before he goes to bed - he thinks the spider is his pet!

Luke in his new rugby outfit - he is playing for Woy Woy Junior rugby club.

He has not taken the uniform off all day ! Greg took him to the park to play - he really enjoyed it.

Sorry - not much happening !

2010-02-04T17:30:00.006+11:00

Life has quietened down now the children are back at school. Life is good. The children are enjoying school (well they have only been there a week - but all is good). Greg is enjoying his work and is doing really well there too.

I am trying really hard to network and meet new people but it is hard. Meeting up with some knitters / crocheters soon so that should be fun!

Anyway here are a few pics to share with you all.

Walking up the steep hill - trust me it is steep !

At the top of the hill.

On the way back home - trying to show you the steep hill !

But who can complain with views of the water like this ? And seeing the cockatoos, parrots and pelicans every day is fab too !

The first day of school....

2010-01-28T07:44:00.004+11:00

Off we go to there new school. They are both very excited and ready to go ! Hoping we all have a lovely day today....

Australia Day.

2010-01-27T14:12:00.007+11:00

OK - this was taken on Sunday - fishing is fast becoming a favourite activity ! Luke has learnt how to fish really quickly and Anna-Kate is enjoying it too so all is good here in Australia.

We decided to go to the beach on our first Australia Day here. This is MacMasters Beach - I think this is our 3d visit here. It is a lovely beach. No shark sightings yesterday - which is always a good thing! The water was very clear and warm.

Anna-Kate and Luke off to the tidal pool right up against the rocks on the left of the picture. Greg did go with them - I stayed under the umbrella I am afraid!

Anna-Kate reading her book with me under the umbrella - taking a break from swimming and body boarding.

Luke joined me too for a packet of crisps after he got dumped off his body board by a rather large wave !

Back from body boarding, another sport the children do with Dad !

We went home for lunch then spent the afternoon in the pool and garden. I am gardening again as the garden has lovely empty flower beds - so I planted beans, sunflowers and corn. First I was fighting with the local possums - but now thanks to curry powder, moth balls and a product called poss off I am winning that battle for now ! But then the turkey discovered the corn - so they ripped up all the rows of corn !! Now the corn has all gone I am hoping the turkey will leave the gardens alone.

Anna-Kate, Luke and I are having a VERY quiet day today as it is the last day of holidays. Back to school and routine tomorrow. And then it will be the weekend again - FAB !

Greg is very busy at work putting in bids for various projects which is all good news.

A Few Photos ...

2010-01-22T19:34:00.004+11:00

Luke did not like the smell of the sausages ... so he found a peg and put it on his nose.

Ana-Kate cooling off today - it was very, very hot.

This bird visited us here today. He / she was so friendly my two (noisy) children were out on the balcony with it. I heard the commotion and scared it off - not on purpose, but it only flew into the next bush and stayed there quite happily!

Luke's Bithday part two ....

2010-01-18T16:53:00.005+11:00

Luke waiting to blow out his birthday candles. He was very excited.

Went outdoors at 7am to water my plants. Saw two cockatoos sitting in the tree in the middle. Hope you can enlarge this picture to see the birds.

Brandy sitting in her favourite place in the garden - there are lots of birds flying here.

My beans - one week old - but the leaves have now been eaten by possums ..... sigh !

(Oh Greg took Anna-Kate and Luke fishing yesterday - they caught one fish each - but had to throw them back as they were little. Greg did take pics but with their camera so can not put pics on my pc yet.)

Eight years ago ....

2010-01-15T15:03:00.007+11:00

today I was at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, England preparing to meet my new baby. He was not very little weighing in at just over 10 pounds. He is now almost as tall as his big sister.
Birthday boy - opening his presents at 6-30am.

Holding up his new swimming top from Grandma and Grandpa - Granny was really clever and bought it to match his new fishing rod !

Sherry making herself comfortable in a box!

Trying the new car out in the park... the car was a success.

And still driving in our driveway ! Off for another swim now (much to my relief - I did not blow up the new floatie lilo for nothing!)

Domestic Diva ....

2010-01-15T14:50:00.003+11:00

I don't know what came over me yesterday but I decided to try the Amish Friendship Starter Recipe again - so yesterday was day one and all I had to do was combine one cup of sugar, milk and flour together in a bowl, cover and leave. Giving it a sit every day for a while - let us see how long it lasts this time!

And while I was mixing this I decided to make Toad in the hole for dinner. I have not made this for ages (I think it was when Greg's parents were in the UK visiting us!)

It went down a treat with my two children and it kept in the oven well for Greg too - so I will make it again!

Two Afternoon Visitors.

2010-01-14T15:22:00.002+11:00

While I was sitting on the sofa reading, Brandy got all excited at the window, so I got up to look and saw these two creatures. They do not have the same colouring as the Lorikeets we see - these 2 had a lot of turquoise on and reminded me of budgies - but slightly bigger. They stayed around for a while but then I tried to get closer and they flew away. We hope to see them soon!

Playing in the park.

2010-01-13T17:19:00.003+11:00

Luke and I went to the park right next door to our house and he took all his 'throwing toys' and had fun throwing them in the open area. Then he went to the play area and had a climb / swing / turn on all the play equipment before going home again.

The Animals Are Home!

2010-01-13T17:10:00.003+11:00

Brandy (the dog) and Sherry waiting for Greg to come home.

Tequila looking out onto the balcony.

They are all well - although Brandy has become a little blind and deaf she is very happy to be back with us. The cats have not put up too much of a fuss staying indoors - I suppose having the run of the house is better than being cooped up in Australian Quarantine for a month! (Although the place which looked after the animals was lovely - it is not home!)

New Year's Day on MacMasters Beach.

2010-01-13T16:22:00.004+11:00

We decided to go back to MacMasters Beach for a little while on New Year's Day.

But we did not stay for long as a shark was spotted in the sea so we went back home for a swim in the pool instead !

New Year's Eve. Fireworks !

2010-01-12T17:46:00.008+11:00

The last day of 2009. We have had a hard couple of years with Greg being away - but that is all to change now that we have moved to Australia. Yes we miss our extended family - but we are happy to be together as a small family unit - and we welcome anyone over here for a holiday !

We heard that people gather along the waterfront at Point Clare to watch the fireworks from Gosford. We went at about 8pm as they were to start at 9pm for family viewing.

Luke and I waiting patiently !

The view back down the waterfront - towards Tascott.

A few pictures of the lovely fireworks - it was a lovely evening. We walked from our house and it was a lovely (hot) evening!

Christmas Day - On the Beach.

2010-01-12T16:20:00.009+11:00

After opening all the presents and having a quick swim in the sea we decided to pop down to MacMasters Beach. Creating a new tradition of going to the beach on Christmas Day ! The weather was perfect, it was not too hot and was slightly over cast so you did not feel as if you were going to burn.

This picture reminds me a little of Nahoon Beach in East London. There were a few surfers out - but maybe we were a little early!

Anna-Kate rocking the dress I made her in June /July - it fits her much better now and as soon as I have my sewing machine I will make at least a couple more for her!

Anna-Kate and her Dad - don't have many pics of these two together!

Greg teaching Anna-Kate how to use her body board. They did have fun !

Anna-Kate caught on pretty quickly!

While Luke stayed with me! Greg, Luke and Anna-Kate did go for a walk along the beach and found a tidal pool .... which I think they swam in. We went home at about 1pm for lunch and relaxation!

Christmas Day - Around the Pool.

2010-01-11T14:05:00.004+11:00

After opening the presents we went outside to try out all the pool / beach toys!

Here Anna-Kate is modelling the new look for summer 2010 !

Anna-Kate's first snorkeling attempt in Australia - it eventually was successful.

Body boarding in the pool .... we then decided to go to the beach ! I will update tomorrow!!

Christmas Day - Opening the Presents.

2010-01-11T13:14:00.010+11:00

The Christmas tree - as Father Christmas left it on Christmas Eve.
Luke and Anna-Kate seeing the presents under the tree. We had opened a few small presents on our bed found in Christmas Bags - we are still awaiting the Christmas stockings. They are on the ship coming over here still.
Happy faces opening presents one at a time ! They opened these presents at the same time - video cameras. I managed to buy and wrap these in the UK and hid them amongst the family presents Luke and Anna already knew that I had !
Anna-Kate modeling her Hannah Montanna sun glasses!
Anna-Kate and Luke with all their stash - I think that they did quite seeing as we moved in just before Christmas !

Luke having a go on his body board !

Christmas Eve 2009.

2010-01-11T12:11:00.006+11:00

We decided to have our cooked meal on Christmas Eve - in the evening so not too hot and we could enjoy a roast meal with all the trimmings.

The Peppermint Pavlova - full of whipped cream!

The children laid the table. Luke even made place names for us all. He drew Christmas trees for the boys and snowmen for the girls.

I even made Anna-Kate eat all her cauliflower cheese!

The children spent time outside until nineish in the park as the families around us gathered together for Christmas.

Merry Christmas to everyone and may 2010 bring you everything you could ever deam of!

Computer Problems.

2010-01-04T20:41:00.001+11:00

Still having puter probs - so only have Greg's puter in the evenings. Life is good here in Australia. Off out for a picnic tomorrow....

Love to all - we are all well and hope you are too ! Have loads of pics to share so get ready !!!

HUGS - Vanessa

No Photos -

2009-12-31T19:00:00.001+11:00

Sorry I have been away for a while. All well here - am using Greg's computer when I can all my Christmas photos are still on my camera. My computer is broken at the moment - am awaiting a vital part but with all the Public Holidays it is not here yet ! Hope it is here on Monday !

Keep well - and may 2010 bring you all health and happiness.

Off to see fireworks at 9pm.

Swimming.

2009-12-23T19:14:00.008+11:00

My first pavlova. Have to make one for Christmas Pudding as it is a traditional pudding here in Australia. Will just be putting whipped cream and peppermint crisp on top - people will be able to add a fruit of their choice to it on the day.
I thought I had better try it first as I have never made a meringue before. This was the same meringue five minutes later - so I think it was liked!
Anna-Kate and Luke playing cards in the shade this morning.
A lorikeet feeding in our tree. Love these birds!
A big smile from Luke. He loves the pool.
Hugging each other in the pool. Having fun in the pool while I read / act as lifesaver and take photos!
One, two, three JUMP !
We have had a great couple of days getting the house ready for Christmas, doing the laundry and enjoying the sunshine.

I hope that you all have a Peaceful Christmas and a Safe New Year. I wish all your dreams come true. Stay well.

My Apologies !

2009-12-21T18:59:00.002+11:00

I have been missing - life has been very busy this weekend. Registering my car, swimming, wrapping Christmas pressies..... The children had a lovely walk with Greg from here to Koolewong on Saturday afternoon and then on Sunday they went for a walk about. It was overcast on Sunday so the wild life park was very quiet.

I stayed at home to wrap pressies and tidy up.

Tomorrow we are getting a delivery from Ikea so we will soon be able to sleep on beds. And sit on a sofa.

Life is good here in Australia.

Missing all of our family. Those in the UK keep warm!

Day Fourteen and Fifteen.

2009-12-17T18:24:00.005+11:00

Day Fourteen - Wednesday.

Today we stayed at home until 1ish then walked up a very steep and long hill to Point Claire Primary School. We all really liked the school and the head master was very nice too.

My 2 met their teachers for next year too so they are now very excited about going to school and not as scared.

Greg worked in Newcastle today so he was home early which was great as he got to swim with the children.

Day Fifteen - Thursday.

Was VERY hot today. So we just melted at home - around the pool or at the park.
Luke and Anna-Kate waving (Hello !!!) at 9am - the first swim of the day.
Luke and Anna-Kate still in the pool at around noon.

A little lady bird I saw while watching my 2 in the pool.

Luke swimming without a noodle !

Must dash my two are back in the pool as after the rain and thunderstorm it is hot again !

Twelve and Thirteen.

2009-12-15T19:07:00.006+11:00

Day Twelve was Greg's first day at work. He left the house at 6-30 to catch his train. The journey takes an hour and twenty minutes - but at least it is relaxing (or so he says - and he doesn't have to fight traffic). We live less than 5mins away from the station and his work is close to the station there too.

Anna-Kate, Luke and I stayed at home. We walked to Aldi - which is exactly like the one in the UK. It is also next to their new school - so we timed the walk too (it took all of 15 mins).

Greg was home by 7, ate his dinner than went to K-mart, which was staying open until midnight.

We have now finished the Christmas shopping. Just need to buy food now.

Our Christmas tree - it only has red baubles on (from Ikea), lights and 5 silver baubles on !

Day Thirteen.

Awoken at 5am - thanks Mr Cockatoo ! Very loud birds flying about in the morning.

We decided to walk to the waterfront, have a picnic and find the play park. Great fun was had !

The waterfront is a little further away than it appears in a car ! Quite a few steep hills - but I am hoping that is a GOOD thing! Had to go over a bridge (over the railway) and across a road. But eventually we got there and found the play park too.

Once they had, had a play we had a picnic there. The walk back was quicker - but maybe that was because we knew the way!

At home we had a swim and then the children took themselves off to the play park in our street.

After dinner we went swimming again and listened to the birds !

Nine, Ten and Eleven.

2009-12-14T07:55:00.012+11:00

Sorry I have been quiet - life has been VERY busy.

Day Nine (Friday).

Was our last full day in the park. Greg managed to buy a car - a gold Kia. Luke went with him in the morning as a train journey was involved.

In the afternoon Greg took Anna-Kate to choose mattresses, so we would have something to sleep on.

I stopped at the cabin to pack up all our belongings.

Greg, Anna-Kate and Luke all enjoyed a last swim together on Friday evening.

Day Ten ( Saturday).

We got up really early (had packed the car the night before) and drove to Point Clare to pick up the house keys. We were in the house by 9-30.

I stayed at the new house to unpack while Greg had to go back to the Caravan Park to get the second load of luggage. Anna-Kate and Luke had a swim in the pool.

The view of our house from the street. The balcony is lovely to sit on as you are right next to the trees. I can also see the children playing in the playground just off the street.

This is the lounge from the front door, the door opposite leads out onto the balcony.
The kitchen. Don't mind cooking in here. I can see the water from the window.

Anna-Kate having a swim.
Luke sitting in the shade.

Our neighbours were having a party on the rather large driveway, we were invited and a good time was had by all.

Day Eleven (Sunday).

We drove to Erina to do some Christmas shopping. We don't have much for the children this year but I am happy that most of the pressies have now been bought. Now need to sit down and work out Christmas Day menu.

The afternoon was spent looking for a Christmas tree and decorating the lounge / outside.

Day Eight.

2009-12-10T19:35:00.002+11:00

A lovely morning was spent at Ikea. Lots of fab bits and bobs were bought.
The family went to see my fur babies. They are all well and were happy to see the family.

Catching up with laundry. Have a lot of packing to do tomorrow. Greg off to pick up the car tomorrow and will buy some mattresses.

We move into our rented house on Saturday (day 10). Sunday has been set aside for Christmas shopping.

Day Seven.

2009-12-09T17:43:00.002+11:00

Tomorrow we will have been here a week. Today I had a very quiet day. Greg and the children went off to our new house to have another viewing. They had a play at the nearby play park too.

While out a tv and fridge was bought - as Greg found them at great prices.

Back home here - children and I went to swim while Greg bought us a car - something in gold !

They are all swimming now I can hear them all having fun while the birds are in the trees. A good day for all I think ! (Except when Greg lost our passports / driving licenses etc - but he found them and that is all that matters!)

Day Six.

2009-12-08T19:19:00.008+11:00

Had to wake up early to get to Point Clare to get on the books to rent a house - we were lucky and got the house which was on top of our list in Tascott. Although I loved the one in Koolegong it wasn't very child friendly !

We were back by 12 - so spent the day next to the pool with another family who are from New Zealand. Here are some pics of Luke and Anna-Kate having fun. Luke even learned how to dive !

Very proud of Luke xxxx

Day Five.

2009-12-07T17:31:00.003+11:00

Greg went off to Sydney this morning. He had to organise the banking, get a letter from his new employers and look at some cars.

So Anna-Kate, Luke and I stayed at the Park - we actually spent most of the day next to the pool. Chatted to another mum who is here from New Zealand, also looking to rent.

We have finally decided on Point Clare - it is good to have made a decision ! No pics today as there were loads of people in the pool with us!

Day Four.

2009-12-06T20:00:00.008+11:00

As it is Sunday we went to the beach, we went to Manly as it is not too far away from where we are now.

Here is Luke running away from the sea - you are only allowed to swim between the flags.

I hardly saw Anna-Kate she spent 2 hours in the sea!

Luke playing on the beach - next to my feet.

Me ! I was there too ! I take pashminas everywhere!

I could not believe how blue the sea was - it was stunning!

We were back at the campsite by 1pm and spent the rest of the day in and around the swimming pool. Greg bought me a nice chair so I sat under the trees until about 7pm reading a book and catching the breeze - it is hot here !

Day Three.

2009-12-05T20:59:00.002+11:00

Going around in circles. Empire Bay, Tascott, Point Clare or Koolewong. Sigh. Decisions are so hard !!! Tomorrow is Sunday must find something fun to do. Will sleep on it ... any advice will be great !

Day Two in Australia.

2009-12-04T18:53:00.003+11:00

Today we did the grand tour of Woy Woy, Umina Beach, Point Clare and Gosford. We also detoured and visited Tascott and Koolewong.

Umina Beach is the front runner at the moment (due mostly to the sweet school and beach.)

Greg going off to estate agents tomorrow alone - to rent a property and to talk about purchasing another property!

Day One.

2009-12-04T18:35:00.004+11:00

We arrived in Australia just after 6am on Thursday, the 3rd of December. Luckily we breezed through customs - phew , hours of watching Nothing to Declare has paid off !

Our first view of Sydney Harbour Bridge. We arrived at Dural early - but luckily our cabin was ready. It is right next to the pool, which makes the children happy.

I slept most of Thursday as I was really tired !! Anna-Kate also had a nap, but Luke made it through the day. As did Greg - but we all had an early night anyway. The weather was lovely so the children swam (a lot) I sat on my bed and listened to the birds - there were 3 noisy parrots in the tree outside!

Living in an empty house !

2009-11-28T00:06:00.011+11:00

Good Morning ! Having breakfast before the packers arrived (this was on Weds). Luke's face says it all !

Anna-Kate in the lounge on Thursday morning.
The lounge from the hallway. Boxes, boxes everywhere.
In the dining room with her daddy.
In the playroom - posing.

From another angle.

Then we saw the sky - Thursday morning - it was a very strange colour!

The 20 foot container, waiting to be loaded with all our boxes.

One Week to Go !

2009-11-24T17:35:00.003+11:00

We only have one week until we get on the plane leaving for Australia. It is getting very exciting now. Today I begin packing our suitcases. Tomorrow the packers come to begin packing up the house.

Boxes, boxes everywhere !