Ginnysspot

I think I'm dying

2010-07-02T22:58:00.000-07:00

Has anyone noticed I haven't been on here?? Well I have been/am sick. I started getting sick last Sunday and have just been REVOLTING. Too many details to write about but 2 trips to the emergency department, 3 trips to the doctors (including having 2 litres of saline), 2 trips to the chemist and I'm still vomitting..YUK!!
I really think I have some horrid disease. Asking all my friends who believe in God to pray for me for healing.
Now I don't need phone calls or anything..but flowers would be great ...LOL Just explaining my absence. Alan has been amazing. He has worked like a dog..(sorry Molly)

Presently I am having an ok moment. They don't last but when I have these I try and pretend I am ok..but really since Monday I have eaten about 6 Saltines, 3 slices of toast and thats it..anyone else would be tiny by now..but not me.. especially with the 2 litres of saline..It went in and stayed there..(i think i was a tad dehydrated) so will keep you posted on how I am feeling in the next few days.
Currently standing firm on Gods word..Proverbs 3: 5-7
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
   don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
   he's the one who will keep you on track.
Don't assume that you know it all.
   Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
   your very bones will vibrate with life!

Please stand with me and believe..

on a brighter note our neighbours have gone away for 3 weeks and we are feeding their cat. It lives inside and in the 3 days I've been going in I am yet to see it..Mind you its eating the food so I am guessing its somewhere..or else they have a very contented rat that has also eaten the cat..yep i guess its in there somewhere..

OK this picture has given me an idea where to look...

another video of the infamous Molly new shoes

2010-06-27T23:05:00.001-07:00

Wednesday Wickedness

2010-06-22T16:11:00.000-07:00

Today we picked Heather Locklear. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. "With a parent, it's always guilt. You want to be there, but you kind of also want to be here." Tell us about a time where you had to be selfish with your time, and felt guilty about it (whether it was time taken from your children or a S/O).
Heck, doesn't every parent struggle with that? I don't think I can give one example. look truly 5 kids in 9 and a half years my first at 18 I reckon I have so much guilt. But you know what? I did my best and THAT ladies and gentlemen is what counts. 30 years ago you weren't supposed to feel guilty it was your job. I was fairly modern and forward thinking, but I never left my children for even a night until the baby was 2 and a half..so we were married for 13 years. So yeah I did my best, and no no guilt

2. "Sex appeal is not on purpose." Do you feel that you can create more sex appeal or that it's just a given?
Well I reckon, that the difference between being in my trackies and slippers, no make up and hair messy to being dressed up, make up on and hair done..a little perfume etc is NONE!! he still finds me sexy. The difference being how I feel about myself. I feel far sexier dolled up..o yeah

3. "One man is not enough." Has there ever been a time when monogamy seemed difficult?

OOOO no. Honestly one man is often way enough!!

I have an amazing husband and ok sometimes dreamy movie stars look great, but the truth is I love my man he loves and accepts me and honestly I wouldn't want anyone else

4. "I think I've always been good so God wouldn't strike me dead." Do your religious beliefs really influence your behavior?

Before I found Jesus as a friend and saviour, I did have images of Father God being up there with a big stick.ready to smite me!!! But now I just like being good (some would say boring) My life and heart is for God. So yes I guess my "religious beliefs" do influence my behaviour, but I'm not concsious of it.

5. "You just have to forgive them for being men." Do you feel there are some things in a S/O that you can't change because of their sex?

Heck yes..their obsession with the female form..sex, breasts, sex, legs, sex, o and did I mention sex!!!

6. "When I look in the mirror I see the girl I was when I was growing up, with braces, crooked teeth, a baby face and a skinny body." Do you see a younger less secure person when you gaze in the mirror?

O if only i saw myself as younger. I see every wrinkle, age spot, and evry blemish, but I also see a much more confident woman. I see a woman who has a loving husband who is obsessed with her and loves and desires her for what she is..see answer to above question!!!

7. “I was a pregnant vixen.” If you have ever been pregnant, or have been with a woman who was, how did effect your sex life?

well really, i was pregnant 5 times to the man mentioned above and guess what, even though I vomitted for 9 months..he still desired me (hanging over the toilet bowl) got to love that

8. “Everything needs to be worked on...” What would you like to work on to become a better person?

Maybe the times i go into myself..withdraw a little.. Its safe in here and so I like to spend time in here regularly, unfortunately its often to the detrement of those around me.

9. "From an early age, I was aware of what America meant, and how the Marines at Camp Pendleton were ready to defend us at a moment's notice. I also remember what fabulous bodies those troops had." When did you think that you understood the sacrifices that people in the military make on behalf of their country?

I've always been aware of Australian soldiers. I knew my dad was in WW2, that his brother was killed in WW2, I knew that my grandpas brother had been killed in WW1, but until I became an adult with children of my own., I don't think I fully grasped the sacrifices that not only did and does the military make but also their families. We have had 5 Australian soldiers killed in the past few weeks and my heart goes out to all their families. So grateful that my boys showed no interest in the forces.

10. "The bigger the better. Do I dare say that!?" In your experience, is there truth here?

Well heck yes..I'm big and I am awesome. Why have a small icecream when you can have a big one, a small pay packet when you can have a big one, a small chocolate when you can have a big one..need I go on????

kidney transplant (the donor family) (a serious blog)

2010-06-21T20:01:00.000-07:00

Ok so most of you know that just over 5 years ago I received the gift of new life from an anonymous donor.
The call to get my new kidney was received at about 2.45. Those amazing words.."we have a perfectly matched kidney for you" are ones I will never forget.At the time the thing furthurest from my mind was that somewhere a family was grieving the loss of a loved one. Maybe I was thoughtless, calous..I don't think so it wasn't till much later that I really began to think about it.

On the anniversary of my 2 year post transplant, wrote to the donor family. I wrote to let them know I was doing well and to say thank you. We remain anonymous and all cards/lettes go through the transplant coordinator at the PA hospital Brisbane. Well 1 year later out of the blue I received a reply and it was then I discovered that my donor had been female and a mum and wife AND a christian. Blew me away. I had always said that I had some old mans kidney..so then I knew the truth. The day i received the letter i burst into tears and wouldn't show anyone for a long time..

Well this year (5 years) I decided to write again. I let them know how much I had achieved since my transplant (including my NZ trip and all the weddings our family had celebrated) Before I sent it I rang the team at the PA hospital and they said as it was an out of state donor family they weren't sure if they were still in contact. So I sent the letter anyway and then got caught up in our move. I completely forgot about it..until yesterday.. There in the mailbox was a letter from the "donate life" team at the PA hospital.

Woah..I was suddenly silent..a rare thing for me..I opened the envelope....

Yes a beautiful card..thanking ME!!!..wow Iopened it and this is what i read..

Dear Recipient,

It was wonderful to receive your letter earlier this year and at the time of my wife's 5 th anniversary of her death.As a family we are so pleased that you have now had over 5 years of new life with your kidney.We are also so very pleased that you chose to write and share your good news with us.

My wife loved life as you obviously do as well. She particularly loved music and travel, New Zealand was one of her favourite places.

As a family we continue to be actively involved with our church family which has been so very helpful to all of us over the past 5 years.

In so many ways I feel that I would like to meet you and your family, but I know that his is not possible. So I will continue to keep you in my prayers and hope that you continue to enjoy great health and happiness.

The 5th anniversary was a fairly emotional time for all of us, receiving your letter however helped ease that pain.

My best wishes to you and your family

May God bless you all

"the donor family"

Was I blown away??? yep..and there is my very serious blog but it was with such joy that I received the card that i wanted to share it..

Molly in her new shoes

2010-06-20T19:32:00.001-07:00

Claire was here..in Charlies Trousers and having fun

2010-06-19T00:16:00.000-07:00

So after our big trip to the dam/falls and Ravenswood we were pretty tired but pumped to be seeing Claire. She had texted me about 4 and said she was leaving Emerald. 6 hours I figured..I told her to txt me when she got here.
So about 10.05 i got a txt and it said she was at the saleyards. I gave her what I thought to be easy directions..(note to self..next time go meet visitor..) O my gosh..when she hadn't turned up in like 15 minutes later, my mind was racing..car accident? on her way to cairns? abducted by aliens? broken down? O where was she? So an hour later..when every possible scenario had played itself out in my head..Alan went driving and found her. Scary isn't it. That you can still find someone in this town. Poor thing she had got lost.
Well after we got her and Kevin (her faithful cockatiel that travels everywhere with her) safely inside It was time to catch up and then into bed.

.t

The next day when we were out driving she kept saying "I've been here..and here and here" I think she has seen more of CT then me.Honestly she really did see heaps.

Claire would have loved to go to Hughenden (where Kirsty spent her first 2 years teaching) to see Mutabuttasaurus, but i felt 6 hours driving was a bit much when she had a 40 hour plus return trip to make.

So we did very little, but laugh, watch tv, and enjoy the company. We did do the lookout a few times..fed the rock wallabies, fed the birds ( well ducks,chooks and peacocks)at the park went to the dam..had "wet cake" up the street and she did a tour of Alans Library. She also helped me to buy a heater..big help. I have now officially frightened winter off..it hasn't ben under 10 degrees since i bought it..lol

The wet cake incident was hillarious. I have been off wheat for a few weeks so we decided to have a friand at one of the local bakeries. I tasted it first and Claire asked what it was like? I said sweet playdough..but her answer was the best.."wet cake" she reckons that it had slipped into a sink full of water and the people had said..o its still good..we will just call it gluten free now..the funny thing was we both ate it all..

the said wet cake

where we had the wet cake and our slushy

So I have includd a few snaps..it was just a fu time.. She left Thursday and was on a mission to photograph every big thing between here and Ballina..with her bucket hat..It took her 2 full day to get to Gympie..so I bet she has lots of pictures..

We visited the tourist information centre..Claire holding "the world"

Lunch at our place..with kevin

Claire taking a sneeky photo..of the most awesome mullet ever..and not only 1 there was 2...O Yeah!!

Claire and me..what a team

The afternoon we did the lookout and captured some pics of rock wallabies. The Mother and baby were so cute

Claire leaving..complete with Kevin

Anyway thanks for visiting..thanks Clairebelle.. Hope u come again.. I know I know the excitement was too much.
You who are reading this blog can also have this fun.just come visit me..in Charlies Trousers. A name coined by son in law Michael and quickly picked up by Grandchildren..Natty, Chari and Sammy..But how cute is it??
Lave u with some snaps of the birdlife at the park...

WHAT A WEEK in Charlies Trosers (Charters Towers) curtesy of my beautiful granchildren

2010-06-17T03:13:00.000-07:00

SOO..what a week..Its been ages but its been a very busy week.
I heard late last week that our friend Clairebelle was coming for a visit. I couldn't believe that she was coming to visit. She was leaving Friday spending Friday night with Kirsty and arriving Saturday night. WOW a visitor!! Then the panic set in "what do i do with a visitor??" Out here its not like rivetting..but hey then I relaxed and decided to just enjoy the time.

Friday night we went out to the civic club..an amazing building ..originally was a "gentlemans club".being slowly restored. We did our bit for the economy 2 drinks, $10 in the pokies..and off. We had a great time..

Yes a bautiful building..certainly worth a visit..may go again..need tostimulate the economy again.

Anyway Alan and I decided to be adventurous and drive to Burdekin falls/dam. We left the crazy dog at home..outside prepared to come home to chaos..
Its a 2 hour drive..through 100 cattle grids, past 1,000 cattle and zillions of acres of dead grass, trees and causeways. No other car to be seen I also pointed out I had not seen one sign for RACQ or a phone to call if we needed help. Heck those help phone things are everywhere on major roads..LOL
So we got to the dam..it was quiet.why people would chose to go there with their vans completely escapes me. I obviously am missing the point here. There was no green grass..nowhere to swim (o a pool sorry) no shop, nothing.."ah the serenity"

On the way to the dam..we stopped at the dam viewing spot..so funny..bus shelter facing the view..

As you can see it was a tad dry..this was at the dam itself..there were about 12 peacocks wondering around..a little random but cute.

THis is the actual dam..please note that the skinny wavy section under the dam wall is an actual road..It obviously is closed due to water running over it..I'm thinking I wouldn't drive on that in the dry..thats a lot of water behind that wall..but check it out in the wet...

Road????? what road

Ok so as I had been feeling a little down and so I did a silent prayer..God please show me you are here with me..let me see something today I don't normally see..so after the peacocks and heaps of Apostle birds at the dam..I thought Ok was that God? ok..but then on the way back to Ravenswood we saw....

2 huge eagles..like enormous..complete with furry legs..I have never seen anything so amazing..I think they are wedgetail eagles but regardless of names I WAS IMPRESSED...then...

2 emus..I was beginning to think it was a sign of huge rains to come..should I build an ark??? 2 by 2???ok Thank you God i know you are with me..how awesome that God hears our little prayers too..

There was lots of straight roads..but it was fun ..apart from the lack of phones and RACQ signs..I mean with all that wild life we could be picked clean in no time

One of the "cute cows" I think they are droughtmasters..I know I know..I sound so knowledgeable..they did like their road...they looked at us like we were rude to be on their road.

Ok so then it was back to the historical town of ravenswood for lunch..we just made it..1.45..phew. Our next door neighbour had told us about the Railway hotel and their Railway burgers...the town is amazing and the pub was awesome and the burger??? well Alan devoured it. It was massive and we believe a trip out here for Danny when he comes to visit will be a must

an awesome pub and just an amazing town..full of history..we ate in the beer garden..but check out the beer holder they put Als beer in..

Thinking they are not doing so well..or very hungry people..need to order the railway burger

After lunch we went exploring.walked up to the mine lookout..O my gosh.very steep but very spectacular..a huge working mine just there..right beside the lookout..so after I pretended to stop for the view.(as i was gasping for breath) several times I made it to the top..great viewand you can see heaps of the old chimney stacks still scattered through out the town

We then headed for home..on the way we stopped at Macrossin bridge to see the flood height marker..check it out..mammoth ammount of water..can't wait to be here for a flood.

Then it was home..We pulled up and Molly was happy to see us..but no siree I was not fooled.I told Alan I was going to check with the neighbours..He wanted to know if I really wanted to know how bad she was..yep..I was brave.. I went over and guess what????? they thought she had gone with us as she had been so quiet all day..YAY YAY YAY..Molly is settling down.. Thank you Jesus..

It was then dinner and settle down to wait forour first ever visit in Charlies Trousers...

Wednesday Wickedness

2010-06-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

1. “When it comes to luck, you make your own.” Do you believe you have that type of control over your luck?

O if only it was that simple.. No but I do believe in God and a God thatis a loving and good God who supplies ALL your needs..Unfortunatly i have lots of wants too!!!!!

2. “You've got to learn to live with what you can't rise above.” What is something you have had difficulty rising above?

OOO it would have to be my weight..I hate that it always rears its head..But yep you have it..my battle with the bulge

3. “Poor men wanna be rich, rich men wanna be kings, and a king ain’t satisfied till he rules everything.” Would you want to be rich?

Heck yes

4. “The best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with.” Tell us about a song that helps you "face the world."

here and now..a song by C3I

"when I;m on a mountain I'm going to worship, when everythings falling I'm going to worship" awesome song

5. “In America everything's about who's number one today.” Have you ever been a fan of someone you thought would last but turned out to be a flash in the pan?

LOL lucky I'm not american. But O yes. I remember a boy when I was 13. My whole world revolved around seeing him...Thought he was the bees knees..now?? what was his name and where the heck is he??

6. “Is a dream a lie if it don't come true, or is it something worse?” Has any dream of yours come true?

Yes and I think continue to dream..cause without dreams we are dead. dream big..I'm waiting for my boat to come in and dam it if it doesn't I'll swim out to it.

7. “Our American government has strayed too far from American values. It is time to move forward. The country we carry in our hearts is waiting.” What would you change if you became the president?

Um as I'm not American.a little tricky but def make a 4 day working week.

8. "Yeah, I had gay friends. The first thing I realized was that everybody's different, and it becomes obvious that all of the gay stereotypes are ridiculous." How do you feel about gay rights?

Tough call. I'm taking the chickens way out and passing on this one

9. " It's a sad man my friend who's living in his own skin and can't stand the company." Have you ever been disappointed in yourself

No I am awesome. I really rock!! OK OK OK maybe occasionally I have let myself down. But certainly don't dwell on it.

10. "The best music is essentially there to provide you something to face the world with." What's your favorite type of music? What's your favorite band?

WAIT!! this is so tough. I know noone in particular. I love certain songs but not all of a band. I don't know who sings any songs and songs??? I hardly ever know the words.. Not that that will stop me..I sing them anyway with my own words..So really can't answer

What am I reduced too???

2010-06-09T19:54:00.000-07:00

Ok so I have just recorded a video to put on you tube for my darling grand children..Hope it loads. So i decided to video and after watching it decided that really my top was way too short and you could see my fat tummy and my trackie pants were dragging on the floor. Ok go get changed. Put higher shoes on and a longer top and give it another whirl. Now I did have trackie pants on (which i didn't change) so the end product is..I still look daggy..LOL Why didn't i change everything..dear o dear..

Anyway the day before yesterday i was stoked to be asked to join a weekly thing (wednesday wickedness) Daughter Kirsty does one all the time.so I did that and actually had 5 people comment..I was blown away. Made my week really. So I decided maybe a blog is the way people in isolation cope. maybe I dont ever have to leave my house.. (come summer that could be good) I can shop online..I can talk online, i can play online, and so much more.

Just thought I would mention my very good friend Luke Vassella has released hisnew double album. Luke takes his 2 girls to story time at lismore Library and is a very talented local singer/song writer. This is a picture with one of his girls..i think it may be Rosie..when she was little..

I believe he will go far. He actually helped me record a cd for baby bounce and rhyme..in HIS recording studio. He has a very mellow easy listening voice..He did come and help at Christmas time with some Carols..go Luke. Check out his website.

http://www.lukevassella.com/

I am so privileged to call luke a friend..

Ok so the last few days I have been unwell..Took theplunge and went to the drs the other day..YIKES..so scary for me..A nice Indian Doctor..He was lovely but it took so long to get all my medication down that it cost me an arm and a leg..and really I was always bulk billed in ballina..lucky me. He thinks its all stress related..could have been when i told him that "i only noticed it when i got here..i was busy b4 that. My husband left 3 weeks ahead of me and I had to pack up the house, had 2 garage sales, organise the van, keep working and then drive up" Honestly stress..Women do that sort of thing all the time..

So really the last few days have been quite boring..thus I have made a video for youtube (in my trackies no less) If itever uploads it is called Ginny in charters towers..yikes now everyone will see it..and my daggy trackies.

Well ok had trouble uploading it on to youtube..which it is now..but what the heck..its here for all to share now..enjoy

.Hang in there guys i've got a great weekend planned should make for good reading..I'm certain of it

Wednesday Wickedness

2010-06-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

Today we picked Frank Sinatra. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. “I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day.” How often do you drink alcohol?
Lets say that i don't have to think "that this is as good as it gets" No really I only drink on the days ending in "Y"

2. “The best revenge is massive success.” Have you ever gloated or wanted to over success?
ME?? never..ok maybe sometimes there is just a small monster inside that I try to keep under control

3. “You gotta love livin', baby, 'cause dyin' is a pain in the [butt].” What do enjoy most about your life?
Every little part of it..breathing helps!! Really watching my children be the wonderful adults that they are, would really give me the best buzz ever.

4. “I'm not one of those complicated, mixed-up cats. I'm not looking for the secret to life.... I just go on from day to day, taking what comes.” Do you ever overthink a situation in your life?
O heck yes. If there is something that could go wrong, don't worry I have already been through that scenario. I have gone from extreme to extreme. My problem is to NOT think of situations.

5. “I would like to be remembered as a man who had a wonderful time living life, a man who had good friends, fine family - and I don't think I could ask for anything more than that, actually.” Tell us about your best friend.
Wow..my best friend. My very best friend would be my friend Vicki. We have known each other forever. She has always been there for me. She and I have had very similar paths in life. She is beautiful. She always cares. She tells me off if I need it. She sat with me through some tough times. She and her family are amazing. I also have a ya ya. My ya ya is Lara and she too I love to bits. She and I have done a few wicked things and heaps of fun things. She knows me way too well.. I am blessed

6. “I like intelligent women. When you go out, it shouldn't be a staring contest.” How important is intelligence when picking (or having picked) a s/o to you?
Nah its all about the body and the looks..thats why I have my husband

7. “I drink to the confusion of our enemies.” What's the closest situation that you've had to dealing with an enemy?
Um would have to be a situation at my work. Surfice to say that the saying "meet you in the car park after work" is now a common saying around the circle of people in the know

8. “Orange is the happiest color.” What's your favorite color?
Need you ask pink,

9. “Dare to wear the foolish clown face.” Are you ever a clown?
Yes..and I love it. Has got me out of heaps of embarrassing situations.. I must admit have never doned the wig, nose and lips..but then when you are as good as me who needs them? Mind you some people are harder to convince then others of my hillarious nature

10. “Don't get even, get mad.” Have you ever tried getting even?

O my gosh no..that would require thought and energy, things I really don't have the time or energy to spare on such useless energy, but i have thought about it..see answer to 4...lol
Thanks for checking out our Wednesday craziness. We hope you join us again. Please visit our other player's posts and make a comment. Join us next week for our next meme!

Did I mention Charters Towers is a tad chilly

2010-06-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

OK so we moved from sunny Ballina..when we told people we were moving to CT their immeadiate reaction was mostly "o my gosh it will be so hot up there" and we smiled and agreed and knew it to be true. What no one mentioned to us was how cold it also gets.

So as I packed up I threw things out left right and centre..winter pj's? nah warm coats..nah beanies..scarves..thermals?? ok we will keep them in storage..heater? nah kim n Beth can have that? Mollys extensive range of coats, jumpers etc..nah (should have listened to sister Helen. Ok we will take a few blankies ..mainly for summer so when i have the air con cranked up we can pull a blanket up.

When we were looking at houses to rent one of my stipulations (i had just a few) was that it was air conditioned. Now when I was looking I saw quite a lot had "R/C (reverse cycle) Split..hot n cold) but all i cared about was the air con. We got an amazing house built out of besser blocks (i think that's what it is called) and guess what???? Its bloody freezing (excuse my language) The temperature overnight in the past few weeks has been under 10 degrees and quite a few nights 5 degrees. The trouble is the house stays like an ice box. Why we bought a fridge I don't know..we could just use the house..Most windows in the lounge/kitchen area are bare (psycologically cold all ready) lovely white tiles on the floor. I have taken to having a rug on my lap to watch tv (ok just call me granny)

At least I arrived with mt winter pj bottoms..I have a very narrow margin of comfort (temperature wise) over 24 I'm hot..under 22..freezing. So I often wear my flanelette bottoms in summer..All I can say is thank the good Lord we both have our dressing gowns.

Today I went and bought my poor husband winter pj's..O but wait..target only had size "s" in mens winter pj's..(all the big men in town are warm) but they did have 1 size "xl" i do think they may be a tad large but hey with the extra material i may be able to make a scarf for Al!!! I had no choice in colour, style or material but hey desperate times..call for desperate measures..

So at least Alan should be warmer tonight.
I have taken to getting up in the morning donning about 5 layers of clothes (remember nothing is really warm) plus my dressing gown, then rugging up in a blanket and watching telly till about 10.30.then shower (using every last bit of hot water ) then get dressed (while i'm still smokin from the shower) I had to order Molly a jumper and that arrived yesterday..naturally pink..Poor girl..has to start her wardrobe all over again

Sorry its such a bad picture but she was so comfy and warm in her bed...

I think what is even more depressing though is when people say "o it will get a lot colder..dam!!" and when i first came to town I laughed at all the winter clothes in the shops "o look they think its cold..ha ha ha" guess who has egg on their face now..

Ok I know it will get hot..but for now me and our house are freezing..the really great news is outside during the day it is amazing..lovely and warm..so I will head out now and enjoy the warmth..cause I am guessing it will start cooling down in about 2 and a half hours..

A quick update and Our weekend

2010-06-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

So to add to my previous blog about Charters Towers, good and bad points...for Danny..

On the plus side we certainly have far better coverage with our mobiles then we did at Skennars Head. Mind you it didn't have to do much to improve on the Skennars reception ..it was pitiful. So here we are using our mobiles as our main line of communication..its worked so far..

Now electronics?um Not sure there is a plethora. There is a leading edge store..smallish and a computer store/coffee shop. Now that is my entire knowledge of these things. 2 junk (sorry discount) stores and quite a large wolies supermarket.I do miss Big W and Kmart but we do have a target store..so hope that answers questions.

We were horrified to wake on Thursday morning to the news hat lennox Head had just had a tornado..soI rang Kim (AJ has no mobile reception..she is living still at Skennars!!) Kim answered and was having breaky with AJ. They were oblivious to the whole thing.. No idea. O well I knew they were safe. It was just horrific the damage caused and I can only imagine the terror these people went through.

I still can not comprehend that this much destruction was caused at beautiful Lennox..5 or so km to where our little bit of paradise is. It so easily could have been us.

I was in the supermarket on Friday and a lady stopped me and said.."I think you are our neighbour, in Hilton Court..you have the little dog that cries all the time!!!" YIKES!! O dear. Molly is being bad. I got home and Miss Molly had tried to dig to China. It was only the 2nd time we had left her out..so the soil mixed with water and she was a clay mess..

Yep another bath..the 2nd in 3 days..o dear. Alan has spent this morning putting shadecloth all along the fence. He says that Miss Molly watched him and has already worked out how to break out..o dear!!!

But also awaiting was a beautiful card from our Chari. Saying thank you for her present. I am sure prompted by her Mum but it was beautiful mail. Thanks Chari Beth. It made Ginny (and Poppy) very happy. It now has gone 'straight to the fridge" where all my tresures are..

Friday night we fired up the new bbq..the one that looks ready to "TWAANG" and it was awesome..sausage sandwiches for tea..bacon, and eggs for bereakfast Saturday morning and steak on the bbq last night . Not sure if it all tastes so good cause Alan is cooking it or if it really is just amazing..but trust me I can see bacon and eggs on Saturday morning quickly becoming a tradition. According to Kim you only have to do something once to become a tradition!!!
Church this morning was at the Baptists. Mind you a 9am service is a little rude hey. We are struggling with church and where to go, but Doug and Anne our neighbours (the pastors at the Baptist Church) are so lovely (and patient with Molly) we really would like to support them..I did tell Anne I did not know the hymns that they mustn't have had them in the catholic church..she said "o thats cause these are the modern ones..we like to use the new modern ones.." YIKES..modern o dear.. I so miss C3 music. I took a picture of the beautiful stained glass window..

Like most things in Charters..its very old..I saw the sign on the building today 1888..wow..

Last night we went up to the lookout b4 sunset to check out the sunset. Heck it was like pit street up there. And then a bus pulled up..out jumped the crowd..out came the wine, bickies, cheese etc..wow.They were up there for the screening of the movie, that they present every night at 6pm. Moly loved being up there and loved the rock wallabies..she nearly had a heart attack when she saw the first one...so funny..

so this is the East at sunset..very beautiful..

I miss my kids so much..It just seems a little empty without them..but I know we are here for a season. I pray that it be a fruitful season..No car pulling up with AJ or Kimmy. No visitors from Mundubbera, No Clarey from Brisbane ans def no Canberra visitors. Just remember guys I love you. I also miss Helly (my sister) so much.

That's it for now..keep visiting and I will keep writing. I am actually enjoying doing this..more then I ever have.I hope people are reading..

Here and now

2010-06-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

I love this song so much..I play it every day and get so much joy from it

Charters Towers...whats good..whats bad

2010-06-03T22:39:00.000-07:00

OK so this is the end of my 4th week..so I thought I'd do a list of what I like and dislike about Charters Towers..at this moment

Whats Good.
* love the library and the staff..awesome
* Love the street we are living in and our neighbours
* Love the house we are blessed with
*.Love the parks..they have done a fabulous job in greening the place and making it pretty.
* Love the small town "idea" or whatever you call it. That people know you..I was just in Woolies and a lady stopped me and said "I think you are my neigbour"..the one with the litle dog that cries every time you go out..YIKES
* Love that it so close to Townsville and the water and the airport, but so quiet away from all that business
* Love that it has coffee shops and brand name store.
*Love that it so different to wherever else we have lived

Whats Bad
* So hard to get anything you specifically want..a dish drainer?? nah..a cheap watch ..Nah
* Hate that there are so many HUGE dogs everywhere..that people have so many of them. they terrify me and Molly
* Hate the prickles everywhere
* Not having a C3 church here in town
* No really modern coffee stores..(now I am getting fussy)
* That there are no shopping malls. (REALLY fussy) but I think shopping may be on the back burner come summertime.
* I also hate that everyone shops at the same place, which means everyone has the same glasses, cups, etc etc..Although Townsville is just down the road.

OK so far that is my list..not so bad..some funy sights. I am fascinated with the variety of fashion around here..very modern, funky, countryish, ordinary, daggy and frightful.This would possibly describe most places in Australia..However he icing on the cake was today seeing a man in long brown ugg boots, black very baggy trackies and a very tight very dirty white singlet. Yep even Lismore may not have seen that sight yet.

I am loving being here and really my whinges are small. God is in control and learning to trust more and more. I read on FB yesterday a status update from my friend Moika (which she apparently stole from someone else)
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning how to dance in the rain..

Love it and it is so true. Thanks Moika..or whoever. Its now my motto.

So i came home from shopping to find Molly has tried to dig to China. Her feet are all red..from the dirt and her water bowl is red too..she has had a great time..no doubt crying and digging..o what will the neighbours think.

This is not Molly but she looked a little like this

Anyway its Friday..we fire up the BBQ that looks set to pop.. we have decided to keep it and just enjoy it..till it suddenly goes ttwwaannnggg...!!!..Hope your weekend is great..Till next time

Media tart "the Northern Miner" Charters Towers..and happy Birthday sister Barb

2010-05-31T22:05:00.000-07:00

OK so today I featured in the local paper "the Northern Miner"..yep is me and my new neighbour who is also new to town (from Noosa) Apologies for quality..but t was in the paper.

Also the excelsior library National Simultaneous Storytime featured. Alan's photo..very good

Love the fact I am NOT in it. So pretty much the Tysons dominated the local rag..considering the size of it.

Also today its happy birthday to sister Barbara. The first of June has always heralded sister Barbara's birthday.I thought it was way cool that her birthday meant the first day of winter..how cool. Barb has been very encouraging since our move and actualy reads my blog. So happy birthday Barb..

This is at Clareys birthday just recently..

This is an old family photo..1 Christmas in Goonellabah..guessing 1971. Barb nursing Rebecca..the idoised first baby in the family

Love this..my BIG sisters in their children of Mary coats

Finally Barb with her P's..we were so proud of her.Me and friend Vicki in background.

Poor Barb, until the age of about 3-4 I thought she was a boy. I think it was because she always had all the cool toys. Cars, cowboys and Indians, plastic knife, comics (that we were NEVER allowed to touch) and she wore shorts heaps..I remember when I was sick she and Sue would bring me little gifts (see no wonder my love language is gifts) I remember when she went through the stage of photographing dead trees. and me driving around with her.and her love of exploring caves. I remember her taking me on one of those trips too.

How proud she was of her simca, when she got it. I think she got it from Uncle Frank in Lismore. how she and another girl rode all the way into Tamworth..about 45 kilometers..How she was the one who would tell dad stuff that none of us were game enough to.How she used to go small bore rifle shooting. How she always had a sense of adventure and always seemed to do stuff that I only ever dreamed of doing. Her love of the phantom, Elvis, and Emma Peel. She actually got an Emma Peel doll..O my gosh it was awesome..complete with gun

How she was the one that went to PNG (papua new guinea) to Mt Hagen..and even then sent gifts to me. She was soo brave.

So many memories. Thanks Barb..you are a great sister, sorry I don't see enough of you and when we do spend time together we just don't seem to talk..so Id love it if you made the sojourn north to visit with us and then we would have to spend time talking.
So happy birthday to a sister who I have always been proud of and one who has always cared about me. May you have many more

WHOOP WHOOP another great weekend in Charters Towers

2010-05-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

So this weekend was great. Saturday morning we had a sleep in..up and ready to go to Townsville. Alan managed (we hoped) to secure Molly safely in the yard..and we were off. Molly yapping miserably as we left.

A great day in Townsville. We went to Stocklands first. I felt very disappointing..old and pokey but some great shops. I believe that Myer is opening here next year..in which case it will become my fav place to shop.

Then drive over the road to kmart, where we found an awesome bbq. A jackeroo jazz 2 burner bbq..$139. We had seen a very similar one here in town for $289 (on special) so we bought this one. We had to unpack it from the box..but we got itinto the car..in 1,000 pieces..no wories my husband is awesome at putting things together

Then it was into the Strand for lunch. We went to "rockpools" which was delightful. Yummy and the view magnificent. Anyone who flies into Townsville to visit us wil be treated to a meal or something there. Its my new fav place..

this is my prawn and avocado salad..yum..and Alan had a baby octopus (poor little things..)and penne salad. Delicious. i have been told the fish n chips there are so yummy.. will try them next time.

After lunch a walk along the Strand..then out to the Willows shopping centre..yes they have coffee club...Its a great centre..modern and Ilove it..has target, big w, autograph, city chic and heaps of others..and Leonards. Our new fav shop to buy and bring home and freeze. O Yes we are having chicken tonight...

We just made it home before dark. Molly was thrilled to c us and we were thrilled to see her still in our yard. After we patted ourselves on the back and thinking yes she is settling down..our neighbours told us yesterday that she sat and cried at the fence (where she had tried to dig to China) so they came and got her and she spent the whole day with them. In fact she apparently jumped up onto the servery at Annes kitchen window (about 1.2m off the ground) and curled up there for ages..then when Anne took her out toplay ball about 5ish she picked up her toy and stood at our gate..ready to go home..gosh she is naughty..Praise God for good neighbours. I did buy her shoes on ebay the other day..(toprotect her delicate feet from the prickles)

concept is good..just not sure how she will go...

So Sunday we went to CTAOG.. http://www.ctaog.com/

The music was ok , just not C3 and the Pastor Alan Kitto spoke really well. But we "aren't in kansas anymore" Our preferred choice for church would be C3 Townsille but as the service is at 4.30pm its too late then to be getting home (kangaroos are a problem on the road)

Home toput our amazing bbq together..

OK my man working very hard. Note he wore his "genius at work" tshirt!!!

OK the finished thing..a bit of a problem...it sort of didn't fit together..the front is not big enough for the base..weird..we coulduse it but?????

I rang the customer hotline..their advice? just return it..swap it No problem!!!! Noproblem. Swapping it would mean..undoing it (and when Alputs something together it stays together) then put it in the car..drive to Townsville..explain..swap..unpack the box again so it fits in the car..drive it home and put it together all over again..YIKES!! dear o dear..what to do.

Anyway then last night it was over next door for dinner (i made one of my amazing cheesecakes but the base didn't set..) so quickly made an apple crumble.we had a great night.Molly stayed home and cried inside we met some new couples from the church..all young with kids.. 2young policemen and their families and Rachael and Bob from next door.. (heis the firey) then it was home to discover..ARRGGHH we were locked out. Alan only had the security screen key and I had locked every door except the security screens. We had left no lights on and Molly was going crazy..what to do?? We knew our landlord would have a key..but did we have his phone nmber .? Yes inside.. the cops and the firey all said hey could get in ..but??? yep it would wreck the windows. Eventually we got onto a locksmith who came and let us in. Molly was so happy. Even the locksmith was funny and kept saying "its ok Molly we are coming. After he got us in i said Can i pop in and pay you? no he said i'll send u something in the mail..I know where to catch u..O gosh he works at council..apparently moonlights as a locksmith.So funny

Anyway that was our weekend. Busy but fun.. I am finding it a bit tough.Everything is different, home, church, work (none) town (no malls) well I know it will be ok but just for the moment it is hard. I knew it would be hard but didn't realise this hard. We also had news last week that Alans sister in law is far from well.Please be praying for healing for Lucy.Many thanks

Thanks for dropping by..Hope to have visitors one day in the flesh up here..

PS..

so we bought the Princess a little dog tag..so cute and pink seeing as this "princess" seems intent on escaping.. we decided to get her a tag with name and my mobile phone number..

Charters Towers a welcoming morning tea..for new residents

2010-05-27T03:05:00.000-07:00

So how quaint. This town is so cute that on the 4th Thursday of every month they have a morning tea, at the visitors information centre. So funny. Anyway, I have had such a busy wek..AOG brunch Tuesday, Storytime yesterday, I said to Al, maybe I wouldn't go..BUT he said..."you might meet some new people who are new to town too" so I went..and I met Rachael...my next door neighbour who I have already met..but it was so good to have a chat..mind you next door and we had to chat at the morning tea. Mind you we were the only new people..and guess what? Photo taken by the Northern Miner (could be a celebrity) They handed us a pack with the last 2 issues of the local paper and heaps of info on the town. As Rachael had her little girl Emily with her and was riding her bike I offered to take it in the car and to drop it in when she got home.

Now the morning tea was held almost where this photo was taken from.Alans Library Is right at the far end of the street on the right. Its a long street...I imagine pretty horrid in the heat

I had a bit of an adventure driving around town (keep being amazed at the beautiful old Queenslanders, and the nice modern homes, sprinkled with some rally daggy places.

Then home and went over to Rachaels. She offered a coffee and we had a great hour os so chatting. Molly yapped and barked the whole time I was over there. Gosh I was so cross. She was inside, but knew I had gone just next door,,when I got home I was so cross with her. It put a dampner on the day.

Then after our walk this afternoon, I tried to make the chemist..(missed it by - that much) But Molly jumped out of the car (in the main street) and when I yelled at her to come back, she rolled over and played cutesy on her back (in the main street) AARRGGHH.Was I cross???? OO yes..

And so tonight my great morning is a distant memory ( a great one though) and I'm still cross with the fur baby. Of course they have the memory of a newt and she has no idea.

Anyway tomorrow is another day AND its Friday..Great.Alan and I are going to Townsville on Saturday so I'm excited. I told Alan it was time to get him out of town (he has been here for 6 weeks...YIKES)

Sure I'll be happier next blog

Brunch in Charters Towers and a huge surprise

2010-05-24T23:21:00.000-07:00

So today was like "O my gosh, so excited going out, meeting people, being civilized. what shall I wear etc etc" Up early baked muffins (i know how domesticated) they were from a packet but hey I had to put hem together..add ingredients spoon them into the muffin tray, put them in the oven etc..def home baked.

So I arrived with my home baked goodness..and also arrived at the same time as a young Mum with a young boy and a baby..AND a tupperware container with home baked goodness (sigh) Helped her in and arrived to a huge spread of home baked goodness.. I introduced myself and said I was from ballina. The young Mm said I am from Byron bay and anothe said O my husband comes from lismore..WOW. But wait it gets better. The young mum told me her Mum and dad were the C3 pastors at Byron Bay up until 2 years ago when they went out to Tamworth (she was born at Gunnedah..me in anManilla ) and had goe to Byron high AND Summerland Christian college. So when I asked did she know the Jansens.."yes Beth, Bec and sarah!!!) o my gosh I am Bethy's Mum in law..so exciting. She apparently was besties with Bec...Beths younger sister.Also went tocollege with AJ (our daughter) in Sydney..What a surprise.

The morning was great. About 15 women..some quite old most about my age (young and spritely) and Therese. It was great. Might add that I did leave with all 9 of my muffins still in the little tupperware container..(:-() ItsOk I then dropped them into the staff at the Library and hopefully they might get snaffled up.
It was a great morning chatting about nothing and everything.

Big day tomorrow..will take my camera to get shots of the herds of kids at the library listening to "little white dogs can't jump). My new best friend Therese (or Bethy tells me its Tess) said she will come..cool. 1 participant

Ok..random shots of everything..Clareys party, Molly on our walk, a cute sign I saw and loved, the awesome present danny n Del gave me for Mothers Day. (chocolates and wine..slowly eating my way through them) Also my sister Barb showed me how her daughter Jodie and husband Davids wedding picture cropped up unexpectedly in a NZtravelmag..very random..

OKso more pictures..sister Barbara will like her one...and then there is one of Molly at the site I published in yesterdays blog and the last one is a road train going past our park..these things are quite large.esp whenovertaking at 100 kms per hour.

Thats it for today..internet at home..but it gets better tonight we will have wireless working so yay..canuse internet on iphone AND the laptop amywhere instead of me sitting on the moxt uncomfortable thing in the house.

Cheap Tuesday at Eagle boys we are going to have a chicken club..YUMO..and wine..def wine
till next time

what a weekend in the "Towers"

2010-05-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

This was my first weekend here..Alans 5th but my first. It did't start well with me waking up feeling poorly. Great! thught I.I had been feeling"off" since arriving with quite bad pains (its definitly a tumor..its not a tumor) but Saturday I felt crook.

Anyway, Alan was up and off to a mens breakfast.. So classy.At the local big 4 caravan park. Where for $5 he dined on bacon, eggs, sausages toast..etc.
He had a great time..meeting some of the locals.He did think it was going to be a Christian thing..which it wasn't he really enjoyed the time.
http://aussie-outback-oasis.qld.big4.com.au/
Said it was a great spot, a really nice area and worth visiting.
I wasn't up to a coffee which was very disappointing, but after a quick tea..(which everyone knows I only drink when I am prenant or sick, we set off to explore the town. It was fun. I still am amazed at the size and recourses in this town. A great rehab centre.. (rehab for what I am not sure) saleyards, etc etc.. Gosh that sounds boring hey..but it has everything you need..Went to Woolies and bought 15 litres of water as I feared my pain could have been bought on by the water!!!
We then came home and had a quiet afternoon.Very enjoyable. Did some unpacking and just enjoyed our first Saturday together in weeks.

Sunday morning we were off to the Baptist. It was a tad disappointing (remember our neighbours are the Ministers) Just fairly traditional and a lot of old people. We really have felt we need to be in a church where there is young people. So came away disappointed but uplifted by a great message from the visiting central Qld Baptist overseer.
Off to the markets. O My GOSH!! fun.

Yes this is really a picture from "our park" Molly and I walk past this very day

Chickens, birds, kittens in boxes, puppies in cages and home cooking and sewing everywhere. These markets are held at the park around the corner from our house. I bought jam drops and a dark pink desert pea (another plant for me to lovingly kill)..come home with me little plant to die..

Then we did coffee..complete with waffles, banana, icecream and syrup.yum. (obviously i was feeling much better). We were thrilled toknow we could goout for coffee/lunch still in CT.One of our fav things to do.
We went to polkys and we loved it. Not quite cafe 29 or shelleys but wonderful.
Home to the fur baby, who almost has a heart attack with excitement every time we come home. (ooo I missed you so much..so much)

then a quiet afternoon..some footy and off to the combined church service again at the Baptist. Before we arrived we took a detour and went to the lookout and just loved looking or the town and the little rock wallabies everywhere. So cute ( yes Iknow they are a pest..but so cute)

Thenoff to church. I said a quick prayer "O God let it be better then this morning" and I truly was blown away. First met Shane the local Scipture Union guy. Then walked in to the church to see about 6-8 young people sitting together..YES and met a lovely happy couple..my spirit was soaring.
Yes it was the same old songs but my hands still lifted in praise and the message was great. Then afterwoods met the local AOG pastors. Regina was just lovely ...

she and I chatted and she invited me to brnch on Tuesday.yes yes yes..I am going out.o Yes..am I excited..o yes heck I am. so yes I am happy..today went through the process of blood tests sorted (still don't have a local gp..) and I am sorting out a craft for Wednesday..busy week for me..

Yes we are not in Skennars anymore but today I am feeling great. God is in control. All is OK. Yes I am lonely, yes I miss everyone, yes I miss my job..but I am here. God is here, my husband is her and weare going to have fun.
Till next time..

Well another week in "the Towers"

2010-05-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

I can not believe another week has zoomed past. This time last week I was getting ready to head to Brisvegas to catch up with family (faux family naturally..as Pipers and Tyson (Daniel n Del) were not going to be there.. and here it is a week later.

The party was awesome.I left Charters about 8.20 made it to the airport about 10am and was in Clareys car at about 1.10..sure beats driving 19 hours.

We went straight to the hall 9which was so handy..(right next door to Clarey and Shanes) It was here that Clare Shane and I blew up thousands of balloons..ok maybe not quite but lots

I mean checkout how many..and thats only one side..Also checkout that sleezy character..

Anyway with the arrivalof Kim, Beth n AJ the decorating and setting out was complete..the man arrived with the frozen dacquari machine (gosh she had gone all out) and then it was home to get ready..

Clare had done an amazing job ordering all of us costumes and the decorations were outstanding..we loooked awesome(if I may say so..)mind you feathers were everywhere allnight..It was a worry in the kitchen near the ovens etc as we allwere in complete polyster

how good did we all look..Beth looked so different with her wigon, Kim complete with mascarad moustach, Clare in her short short SHORT dress, AJ i her plus plus size dress (that I had to quickly run in By hand about 30cm each side) Shane in his plus size gangster pjs (with pretend shirt..ew he kept showing his nipple all night!!!) and me in my amazing outfit..allthat was missing was Dad, (my beloved) Kirsty, Michael, Natty, Chari, Sammy, Danny and Del..It was sad that all couldn't be there..I must amit Kirstys absence was esp noted in the kitchen but Kim stepped up to the mark and worried about his "products" coming out of the oven not quite right (too soft, too cold, too burnt????) but he did do a great job. Shane was amazing and cleaned and tidied all night.I did say how awesome he was and then Clare and I laughed and said.."he just wants his $500 deposit back!! He was great.

So the party continued..it was great to c cousins Dianne and Sharon Reid..(well maiden names) It was also fantastic to see my sister Helen. One of the hardest things in coming to Charters (apart from leaving my kids) has been leaving Helen. I love her so much and we have been so blessed to work together..saying goodbye a 2nd time was awful..I hope she will make the trek north..but it is a big call seeing as she hates flying so much.

OK so with all the pictures taken on the night bt my forever snappy sisters..I ended up with none of my 3 sisters who came..this is the only one..Sister Sue n Barb made the huge trek to Brisbane and it was so good to see them..Apologies to sisters for the bad photo.but yes they were there..

So a great night.Home in bed fairly early after Shane completely cleaned the building..good man. Next morning it was Clareys birthday and it was off to sizzler breakfast..yum..

then home for a nap..shopping to buy a present for Clarey and then back to bed..flew out at 8.35 am (thanks Clarey for getting out of bed so early to drop me at the airport and back to Townsville for a fun day shopping..o it was good.. Loved the shpping and loved coming "home" to my man..

This week has been a bit hard..no adult company (sorry Alan) apart from Alan but last night decided that as next wednesday is National Simultaneous storytime I would do a session at the Library.

so went in early printed up some posters and handouts and that was fun..looking forward to doing that..I may have noone come but hey its still fun to be back "in the seat"

So Molly and I continue at home..she is settling in more..had a bad encounter with plovers in the park the other day..but she is becoming more used to this new life..she misses the kids (from the school that was near us) and when she saw a girl on a bike yesterday she kept stopping and staring..she so wanted her to talk to her..very sad..

Its a lot cooler then I thought it would be here..10 degrees the other night brr..lucky i bought my slippers and our dressing gowns..the house is a tad chilly..but hopefully will be cool in summer..
So hoping to have the internet on in the next week..keep watching and I'll keep posting..

Hope you enjoy my blog

I'm here..and my grueling trip

2010-05-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

Well the past 3 or so weeks have been a nightmare..so busy..I feel everything (life etc) is a little surreal..
Last week I had to say goodbye to all my babies and children from storytime.

Some were harder then others..here is one of my real cuties who now has a little brother coming to Baby bounce.

I made up a cute story including Molly the dog (our very confused puppy) looking for her favourite chair,, It was a hit and maybe one day I will get it published,,(well the parents thought it worthy)
So last week on Monday I said goodbye tomy babies x 2, Wednesday it was goodbye to my storytime kids..again on Thursday and then Thursday night a farewell at the Hilltop from work.

Saying Goodbye to my sister Helly was the hardest thing ever..love you Helly

I stayed at hellys which was awesome and then went to work Friday fro the last time (for a while)
I found it very hard at work filling in the time and not doing anything..very tiring.
I left work Friday about 3.20 got home and packed the car..Molly would not get out of the car..she knew something was up..I ended up having to leave so much as I think I must have thought I had a truck instead of a little pulsar. We were chockers..we left about 5.45 and arrived in Brisbane at about 8ish. Clarey and Shane had a yummy dinner for me and I think I inhaled it..bed and then up and away b4 6.
Travelling with a dog is certainly interesting..esp one who doesnt like to wee or poo.unless she feels familiar with the surrondings..GOSH!!! Molly slept all the way (no help with driving) but as soon as the car slowed she was up checking out the scenary..
The day flew past but that last 3 hours from Rockhampton to Sarina was awful. I did love the signs "are we there yet Dad?" "still a long way to go kids" "time to swap drivers" "tell another joke Dad" etc made it a tad amusing..
We arrived in Sarina about 6.30 so a HUGE day had pizza and wine and was eternally grateful for the awesome lady at http://www.tramwaymotel.com.au/ she was so great and if any pet people out there it was a very welcoming place.

in bed at 8.30 and up and on the road again by 5.10am. We finally drove into Charters Towers about 12.30ish..very tired and I am still recovering..
Charters Towers Library is beautiful. I am so excited for my husband..The town has all you need but I am sure it will take me forever to find where everything is..Missing everyone..but I do fly down on Saturday for Clareys party and back Monday ..so will c some of my family..Kirsty and co wont be there which makes me very sad.. Little Charie Beth turns 8 on Monday..where do those years go..
Once I get the net on at home I will be able to do much more blogging..until then I might just do some more unpacking

Saying goodbye to Baby bounce and rhyme at Limore Library..hello Charters T

2010-05-03T16:33:00.000-07:00

Charters Towers is another step closer after yesterday,

I did my final Baby bounce and Rhyme sessions yesterday. I was very sad. This was my baby. I began over 3 and a half years ago..

I was so sad as we sang the closing song.."goodbye, goodbye I'll see you soon, see you soon, see you soon. Goodbye, goodbye I'll see you soon, on another day"

There were tears in my eyes..I have about 8 of my babies who have been coming since about 3 weeks and now attend storytime. I can not describe what a privilege it has been to be apart of these young little peoples lives.

I was given some cute little gifts, lots of cuddles and beautiful words. I am now trying to look to Charters Towers and doing something very similar up there. Early literacy skills are so important in this very young age group.

So the past week and a half have been a nightmare. I have been so busy and so stressed. Pains in neck, chest, back palpatations, not sleeping, mind racing. The whole gammit. Just a really bad time. I threw out way too much, but got to the stage where I really didn't care. I just had to do it. But do it I did. Last Wednesday the truck fronted up (very late) and packed my precious furniture, 24 cartons, 3 porta robes 3 scooters, 1 box lego and 1 doll house. It was supposed to arrive today but now won't arrive till Thursday, so Alan continues to camp for another few days...I to have joined the camping club. A bit sad when AJ and I were both stoked to take left overs to work cause we could heat it in the microwave. So sad.

So now we really are on the downhill slide..5 sleeps..YIKES!!! how exciting 2 sleeps on my camp bed, 1 sleep at sister Helly's place (after my night out) 1 sleep at Clareys en route, 1 sleep at Sarina (a hotel where miss Molly can stay too) and theninto my loving husbands arms.. YES!!!

We have a home..Charters towers adventure

2010-04-23T00:40:00.000-07:00

This is 1 week since Alan left,,perhaps the week from hell. It has been tough. Tuesday was the day I fell apart..and today I just had chest pains ..GREAT!!!

But today at 3pm Alan tecxted me and we have a house,,

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-qld-charters+towers-404456934

Ok so this is the web address where i got the pictures..the house is air conditioned..( I feel a very important factor in "the Towers")

Alan can "move in" tomorrow..yes him and his 30kilos of stuff. It may be a LOT like camping for a week or so..but the furniture should arrive Tuesday 4th May.

O my Gosh..this brings me to the next heart attack material Our furniture is being uploaded on Wednesday..so AJ and I will be doing our own share of camping..

OOOO I miss my 'usband so much..he really does bring light to my life..He has done so well. He has lived in this back packers and managed to NOT cook one meal. He has become a fan of Woolies salads..(chicken ceaser etc) and loves the red rooster roast dinner..he did go out one night to the pub and ordered a steak and vegies..he reckons there were 4 people in the place including staff. It took forever for his meal to come..I told him it was probably that they had to go to woolies and buy a steak..(WHAT someone ordered a STEAK)

OK Clarey is coming down tonight and we are hitting the town..Then its packing all weekend..YAY

We are moving to Charters Towers

2010-04-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

OK so you say.. we know that. But this week the reality set in. My Husband, my best friend (my bff), my lover and everything left. Yep he has left paradise here in Ballina and started our new life in Charters Towers..but I am still here and feeling very down.

yep thats us...

He flew out at 8.45am yesterday morning and I have about 33 days till i see him again..how will I do it. Last night was the longest night ever.
WE left home Thursday afternoon..He had 2 suitcases (in excess of 27 kilos) a backpack and laptop (these 2 exceeded 10 kilos ) what was that you said carry on is supposed to be 7 kilos..Yep!! add to the back pack 5 new shirts for work we purchased at Carindale and I am guessing it was way over 11 kilos.. I kept saying.."just don't let them "look" heavy...Light as a feather..
Lara and Howie great friends made the big trip from the nirth side of Brissy to say hi and bye for 30 mins at Maccas at Capalaba..complete with all 3 children. Alan felt very special.
Then it was on to Clarey and Shanes for the night. Clare had excelled and come home at 6 and whipped up her famous (or was that infamous) potato bake..

and some yummy lamb chops and even yummyier salad. We had a great night and Clare and Shane excell as hosts.

Then it was up at sparrows (Clareys normal getting up time) and off to the airport.

So we got to the airport..and Alan had to pay excess baggage and then he carefully carried his enormous bags through security and they looked "light as a feather"

we had breaky and all to soon the announcement to commence boarding came..I was so sad..He was gone. My buddy was gone. not coming back..instead I had to drive home (with about 6 hours of retail therapy)

and organise a whole lot of stuff..I was exhausted by the time I got home. Miss Molly was stoked to see me..the saddest thibg was her looking for Alan..:-(

Slept badly last night and I keep thinking he isn't coming back..I have to work for 3 more weeks then hang around for a week till Clareys party then drive to meet him. I saw his towel hanging on the bath rail this morning..it doesn't need to be there. O my gosh can only begin to imagine if your husband/wife dies..

OK so will keep everyone posted on my progress..I still have a car to sell, a bike to sell, about 2 rooms of rubbish to get rid of..organise renting the house, hold another garage sale, organise removalists and so much more...HHHEELLPPP!!!!

WOW what a weekend..way to relax..NOT!!

2010-04-11T04:04:00.000-07:00

I arrived home from work on Friday night so tired. Gosh I could barely move. It had been a fairly intense week with all the moving stuff and then coupled with Lismore Library School holiday activities as well as storytime it had been a huge week.
But wait..no time to relax..it was garage sale day Saturday..Thank God Clarey arrived to help, complete with all her tupperware, to try and sell. Unfortunately for Molly, no Buddy. She was so excited to see Clare arrive..but no matter how carefully she checked the car out.no Buddy.
We made signs and put them up Friday night..all set to go

Up early 6am Sat morning and was into it. It was really hot and by Midday we called it quits.wedid make $250 which was largely made up of Alan's junk...sorry tools..lol .the saddest thing was saying goodbye to my ugly bird Rosie. I have had Rosie for 1 week more then my kidney transplant. She came up and spent 7 weeks with me in Brisbane and then she spent 6 weeks in the wild..a checkered life but as funny as..i cried when she left but she was off on another adventure..

Then Clare and I slept, then she headed home..it had been so much fun with her..AJ on the other hand shopped (or hidden) at Pacific Fair, all day. She did do an early morning coffee run...which was awesome.

Today it was up off to church, Kim spoke so amazingly about giving..(so proud) Dad got a free cd off him as the first person up the front over 50 (he was so FAST) a beautiful prayer for us from church people and a great picnic in the park..attended by about 40 people.. it was an honour to feel the love of so many people..

.Kim n Beth couldn't make it ( due to busy church stuff) so they rocked up at home and had a couple of faux family hours. Watched some old dvds..way funny.
Now tonight Iam so tired and about to hit bed..hoping when we wake up Alan will have his pay in...3 days late,,so bad and so unprofessional..we are really disappointed but shouldnt be. Happy weekend to all..and I'm off to enjoy the last few days with my best friend..

2010-04-06T04:59:00.001-07:00

How do I update my blog

WOW so excited..and not much packing happening

2010-04-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

SOOOOO My husband discovered that on one of my previous blogs there was a comment about my blog being nominated for an interesting blog to read!!!!! MINE!!!! yep I was so excited I can not tell you. Mind you I know that I have an awfully interesting life and people come in droves to read all about me..and are amazed that my life is so interesting BUT I didn't realise that I was SO popular..

Now I know you regular blogees have probably already fuilled all your forms in submitted tham etc etc etc,,.. and then found out you were out of area..which I did (dam American stuff..or else they are already pilfering my exciting email account as I write) but it was a moment of intense excitement for me..So I am now fueled with enthusiasim and will endeavour to blog even more for my myriad of fans..hello....hello... to you all.

So we have continued to enjoy the long weekend with little packing going on. So far I have managed to watch about 12 hours of Emma Peel and John Steed in the Avengers (so lame but o so good)..

eat about 400gm of easter eggs

and clean out 2 or 3 cupboards..O well Alan is still home for 9 more sleeps.

O my gosh ...MOVING to CHARTERS TOWERS

2010-04-04T01:10:00.000-07:00

O my gosh..yes you read right.We are moving from beautiful Ballina..Skennars Head actually..to Charters Towers..before you rush to google maps, its about an hour and a half west of Townsville..
Yep thats what I said. We are telling people we are going for a good time not a long time.
Alan my beloved husband has had a really tough time during the last 18 months in his job ( that is putting it mildly) so we knew about 6 months ago that it couldn't go on and so we began praying and seeking God for something. Never did we guess that our prayer would lead us to this remote area. It may be our desert experience. We are so going to miss our Church, C3 Ballina, we are also going to miss our family, friends, and I will really miss my job..BUT not the travel..
That said..I now will tell you what I am looking forward to..
* the adventure
*exploring new places
*being with my husband
*seeing my husband thrive and flourish where he is meant to be
* seeing my husband happy..
Lots more.. he leaves on Friday 16th April and will be staying at

http://www.royalprivatehotel.com/

This is Alans new room..and the view from the verandah
My new best friend patricia has been great and is organising a backpacker room for him. $145 a week..shared facilities and kitchen but his own a/c room, bed and fridge.. He will begin looking for a house for us to rent.. I don't want much..just modern, a/c and a pool and pref a deck and no gheckos...o well he will do his best..

I have requested 12 months leave without pay. Just in case it goes belly up and it is really bad I will at least have a job to come back tooThey have aprooved 6 months with the possibility of extending it to 12 months..upon furthur application...I am working through till the 7th May and so will be without my husband for a month..ooo going to be very hard. I will miss my babies and kiddies but not the travel. When I told my mums last week one of them cried..so sweet.

There is a possibility of getting work up there ..in the Library. There is a position earmarked for 2-3 days a week doing school holiday stuff and storytime..yep right up my alley and hopefully baby bounce and rhyme..

So after the 7th I will head up to Brisbane and be in Brisbane for daughter Clares 30th birthday and then head off ....Miss Molly and I for our trek to the far North od Qld..how exciting..lucky Molly likes the car..
So stay posted..lots of blogs coming from Charters as I struggle to stay in contact with froiends and family..feel free to visit..

What a few weeks

2010-03-11T04:29:00.000-08:00

So long since I blogged..so much has happened in our lives..i have had another birthday ..GASP!! and am now 36. Heck when did that happen. I had an ordinary birthday..but everyone remembered my birthday. Alan and I had an awesome few nights away at Mantra on Salt..I have popped some pictures on...itwas beautiful. The worst part was being awoken at 4am with the smoke detector. They finally came and replaced the battery at 5.15..but we were awake for the day (lucky it was the day of the tsunami warning) so we kept an eye open..note the early morning pictures..very rare for us to be up for a sunrise..
That day we went up the coast and I met up with my transplant buddies. Agreat day catching up.

This past month I have also drunk my way through "several" bottles of wine.
Life is "interesting" to say the least. We are currently reading ecclesasties and realising that there are seasons in our life..and so we wait for a new season..

We have melted our way through summer this year and have really missed the normal sea breeze..

Thats it..just a few thoughts

My husbands Hawaiian party

2010-02-19T19:04:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was one that the Tyson family will remember for a long time I am sure..
Everyone was there..all 5 children, 4 inlaws, 3 grandchildren and heaps of add ons. We had a few squeezy nights in Carroll ave with 11 staying in our tiny place..We had coconuts, grass skirts, tacky hawaiian shirts, flowers in the pool, blow up palm trees and even a crcodile in the pool (not sure how Hawaiian that is!!!)

Dan and Adele arrived the weekend before and began buying out everything Hawaiian at the Lismore party shop. They were so into it. Loved them for it.Clare too was in the spirit. When she arrived (on the Friday evening) she was heard to say "has anyone else been as excited as me?" She arrived armed with grass skirts, coconut bras, floating candles etc. I beleive one of the partners from her firm was NOT impressed with the idea of a Hawaiian party for Al's 60th..

Kirsty, Mick and children arrived about 1AM Saturday morning and must get the prize for committment..Kirsty had also cornered the market on ebay and all things hawaiiany..AJ arrived Saturday afternoon with the piec-de-resistance..a blow up palm tree..esky. O my gosh it was awesome..and doubled the next day as a boat..

Kim and Beth had kindly allowed us to use their place, complete with pool and Bali hut..

And so Saturday was a whirl of action..shopping..decorating, cooking and dressing,busy, busy, busy..

Finally the night arrived..some hillarious moments but all in all an awesome night..Perhaps the funniest part of the night was when Mick walked out in a brand new shirt (all buttoned up) and said to Alan."i don't think this is going to fit you" Yep he had found a present of Als..(it was just in a plastic bag) and donned it..so funny..
My beautiful grandchildren behaved so well..they had a bal..but were so good.They did Limbo very well too..learnt everything off their Ginny

Clare and her infamous cob dip

I excelled at the limbo when holding the stick myself

AJ and Kirsty topped the night off with a dip

John Hannaford admiring Alans coconuts

the awesome esky

Friend Clairebelle..with her feet with no shoes..just forgot them..She made an awesome desert

My Hawaiian princess

Alans sister arrived as a surprise

Funniest picture EVER..Just what is KIM thinking??"mad man" "am I related to him?" "if his head starts spinning 'm out if here"

This is the amazing drink esky being tried out as a boat

Alan cutting the amazing cake made by awesome, talented friend Amy

The kids carved it up at Limbo

Danny and Del

Hawaii in style

Poor Charlotte Elizabeth was not very well..but she did party hard.. (she limboed so well)

Pirate Sam..never knew they had pirates in Hawaii

This is THE cake..Not only beautiful tolook at

BUT AMAZING to eat..Thank you Mrs Amy Black

OK so theday after the boys all went off to the cricket in Brisbane and the girls did the markets..Then went up to Beth n Kims and continued on what Clare had already nearly finished..cleaning up.

We did have an incident with the passionfruit vine that hangs over a neghbours fence. Funniest thing ever...In fact Clarey thought it so funny she had to use her ventolin as she was laughing so much..

All in all it was a fantastic weekend..all together and all good times.. Love our family so much. can no thank everyone enough for all they did. For the money they put in and all your help..cooking, serving, cleaning, buying etc etc thanks guys. Finally happy birthday to my beautiful amazing man

My 5th anniversary post kidny transplant

2010-02-14T19:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday marked 5 years since I received that phone call that sent my whole world spinning. The phone call that changed my world, the phone call that gave me hope, the phone call that sent Alan and I Brisbane for 8 weeks, the phone call that allowed me to receive the gift of a donor kidney.

I had been on dialysis for 3 years minus about 3 weeks and had finaly gone on the transplant list in October 2004 after finally getting all my tests done and attending a transplant seminar in Brisbane at the Princess Alexandra hospital. I told the boss people at work that when I got the call I would be away for about 3 months but even as I said it I really didn't think it would happen....

In Dec/Jan I had an overwhelmimg need to pray for the future donor and the family..I didn't know why and still don't know why..but I just did it for days...then the feeling was gone.

About 3 weeks prior to the call I felt God prompting me to buy pyjamas..I eventually did buy A NIGHTIE...I really should have been prepared for the call..a bit like a Mum packing her hospital bag when having a baby..but no I really thought it would be ages away.

Anyway at 3.45 am on 11th Feb I awoke to the phone ringing..Luckily it was not a dialysis night and so I got out to the kitchen and it stopped ringing..then my mobile started ringing..by the time i found that in the kitchen it stopped ringing and the home phone started ringing..I did think wow someone really needs to talk to me..I finally got to the phone while it was still ringing..

Mary..hello
phone..Is that Mary Tyson
Mary..yes
Phone.. Its dr ???? from the PA hospital Brisbane. We have a kidney for you if you want it.
Mary.. What??
phone..we have a perfect matched kidney for you..

And so the conversation went. She also gave me heaps of information that included all her telephone numbers..I wrote them all down and then said "why are you giving me this for?" she said just in case you want to check with me about something.. They told me it was a 3 out of 5 quality kidney but it was a perfect match. I would need to be at the PA hospital by 6.30am so they could do testing etc..

O my gosh..panic unreality..etc etc.. Kim was at home at the time and as we ran around Kim came to me and said (very seriously) "Mum you just need to take the essentials...not the hair straightner" so funny.. I said "Kim get the hair straightner"

We ran around and were quickly on our way..neither Alan or I remember the trip..we just arived at thehospital..and then realised hat with daylight saving we were in fact an hour earlier and had heaps more time to get ready..

We were then directed to the radiography dept for x rays and then to the transplant ward..where I had heaps of tests and the waiting wa interminable. I rang Ballina Library at 8.30am as I was supposed to work that day..Finally at around 11.30am Iwas on my way. I remember saying goodbye to Alan and wondering if I would ever see him again..I felt at peace as I knew that if I died I would go straight to Heaven,but I also knew that I wanted to live for my family so much.

I had to wait up outside the theatre for ages..and then it was time..I awoke about 4.30pm and had so many tubes etc coming out of me..including a cathetar..which was passing some urine..but tiny amounts.
I was returned to the ward quite late but Alan was there and I was so happy to see him.

That night wa sone I hope never to have to repeat. The pain (my back was so sore) the tubes the fear (not from God) as I was passing only very small amounts of urine. I had been warned that often you have to drink heaps to keep up with your kidney..mine?? 50 mls...30mls etc every hour. They did obs and bloods all night as well.
The next dat they informed me I needed to dialyise again..Fantastic.. so I did it..put my own needles in and was so sad. A big surprise when Dan, Del and Clare arrived from Canberra..almost blew me away..

I was told I had a sleepy kidney..but gradually over the weeks it got better. I think fear ruled my life at that time. The lady in the bed beside me told me that her first transplant only lasted 6 weeks and I really beleive that put such fear into me.
The next 8 weeks were filled with goodtimes. sad times, angry times and fun times..learning to take so much medication..measuring every wee and every drink for 2 weeks was interesting.

Thank God that is behind me now..It probably took about 2 years to start feeling really good..but I have now been really well for 12 months Praise God

my 5 favs

2010-01-30T22:39:00.000-08:00

We are finding it a bit tough going at the moment..In fact really challenging. I think it all sucks big time but you know what?? God is in control and I know that it says the truth shall set you free. So we await to be ..ffrreeee

Anyways onto my 5 favs..so looking forward to Als party and Danny and Del arriving next weekend..yay that will cheer up the Tyson Household big time.

1..this week would be blogging. It was through this that I was able to read Kirstys beautiful blog about Sammy heading off to school and how she felt about it. I was so sad that we were not there to share this great time with him. He is off into the big wide world now and Kirsty did do an awesome job of describing it. In fact it was so good I did a story about it.. I have hated living so far away from our precious little ones that are now speeding on and upward. So Thanks Kirsty.

2..Sharing Kirsty and Micks story and Sammy and the girls story with all my kids at storytime

3.. well I am guessing doing random things..like at 6.30 last night we decided to go to the movies adn saw "Its complicated" Great movie..terrible morals..but I laughed heaps..it was a good funny movie..we both enjoyed it..

4..Cooler weather and rain..we have had the stinkiest longest summer..since Augsust when it got to about 40 degrees we have had hot weather. I am really over it..so to be awoken this morning by cyclonic winds and driving rain coming in our bedroom door..despite 1 metre overhang on our eaves..so today it has been a pleasant 29 degrees...come on winter..warning to Dan n del better bring some cool clothes..(summer ones that is..wouldn't worry about any jumpers)

5..Again my husband. I feel he is being badly treated I get so angry..but I do know that God is in control..He sucks it up and goes to work..(although he was off 2 days thsi week unwell!!! stress related...who knows) I just love him and think he really is awesome..

Thats it for this week..dont forget to comment..love comments makes it all worthwhile..

My favouritest present ever..or at least this year

2010-01-23T21:57:00.000-08:00

My sister Barbara came to visit a few weeks ago. Barbara and her husband live in Echucca Vicand had driven to Hervey Bay for Christmas, to see husband Jason and Katherine.
They spent time there and then travelled to Lismore for a few days. We had organised to go out for dinner on the Tuesday night. I was pleased when she rang Tues morning and said she and friend marilyn would pop out around lunch time ...I mean pop out??? It is a 45 min drive. They arrived..we chatted, had a cool drink and then she gave me a stick with all my dads slides on it. I was stoked.
To way of explanation. My Dad only took slides from about 1965-till his death in 1975. So from when I was about 8-18. So many memories were in these slides for me. I had asked Barb about them a few times..but knew they were safe in her hands..
Anyway when she gave me this USB It was so exciting. I was soo excited..

They left and I spent the aftrnoon loking at all these memories. Loved it. Alan came home and I showed off my new present/toy. We then set off to the Goonellabah club where we all meeting for dinner...3 sisters and a special friend (a 4th sister) and partners for dinner.
At the end of the meal sister Barbara gave Helly and I a wrapped gift. WOW!! When we opened it I cried. She had made the slides into a book for all the 5 Reid girls. so all my sisters (including herself)
Now I know scanning the slides must have been long and painful..It this was the best ever..
Thanks sister Barb. It was a fantastic present..

You really do rockHave just taken a few shots of this book of memories

Might add that my previous post was done by my beloved "special 26 year old" I made the mistake of leaving it (my open post) and there it was. Thanks AJ!!!

My Daughter AJ is a great daughter!

2010-01-23T21:24:00.000-08:00

My 5 favs

2010-01-22T17:48:00.000-08:00

well its sooo long since I have done these ..I struggle to remember how to do it..ha ha ha ha

1..My husband..He is so amazing. He has had a really tough few months with work and he still gets up and goes. This past week would rate up ther as one of the hardest of our married lives..but still he gets up and goes. Kudos to him. I see a man so strong, a man trusting in God, I see a righteous man a man who continues on and perserveres..and you know it says in the bible "perseverence produces hope..and hope does not disappoint. Good on you my husband. What a privilege to call you that.

2... Yep following on from that PRAYER.. This week ( and the past 2 months) have been a pretty tricky time..and so this week prayer certainly rates in my 5. I could not keep going without it..

see had lots of practise

and I was always angelic

3...The WEEKEND so we got through this hideous week and we made it to the weekend how awesome are weekends. got to love them (says I sitting in my towel at 10.20am)

4.. Ok sitting in my towel I recently became a "fan" of this group on FB..O my gosh I just thought it was me. Love it love it love it. I AM showwered I am ready to get dressed and start the day ..just not yet. YEP LOVE IT!!!

5...Tea at Fishy Fishy..so last night Al and Molly and myself headed out to Lennox Head for dinner. Armed with a bottle of wine and a bit of an appetite. We had the best tiime. Weather was perfect, great seat, Molly was so good, Food and wine was fantastic and company the best. Saw a great sunset and simply relaxed. One of the best spots ever to dine.

Gosh ours was way healtier AND with salad..YUMMO

Well thats it for this week. It has been a bit of an ordinary week..only about 3 weeks till Alans big birthday bash so hope everyone is planning to come..love to all..and I hope to see comments posted..

This girl needs to hear

from you. She's on the

verge of a full blown,

Hissy Fit, if she doesn't

get some COMMENTS

soon

thought I would leave you with a couple of old snaps

A bit of stealing from sweet teas page

2010-01-22T15:09:00.000-08:00

I read the following on "sweet teas" blog page and as quick as a flash I copied and pasted..hope "sweet tea" who I do not know at all..except to say she sounds awesome ( and is getting her mojo back) doesn't mind...

This girl needs to hear from you. She's on the verge of a full blown, Hissy Fit, if she doesn't

get some COMMENTS soon

Day 19 Mt Cook-Christchurch

2010-01-15T16:58:00.000-08:00

As I awoke..I was feeling a little down..we wereleaving to head back to Christchurch. Our holidays were coming to a finish. We had just had so much fun and I never wanted it to finish. But then I relised i had to enjy the moment. So wegot up and were disappointed to see the mist/clouds/snow back on the mountains. I decided that washing was a priority. We had washed last at Queenstown..so i went to the car to get the washing and was stoked to realise it was sleeting.. O My gosh it was so exciting. I scanned the weather news and they were expecting snow down to 900 metres. Rats we were at 750m. It was still way exciting. Washing on ( after I embarresed myself by trying to change a $1 coin for 2 $1 coins..whoops) ..back to breakfast.Yummy yet again..It was just an amazing place to stay.Very plush and the restaurant wasjust amazing. Somuch food and such yummy food. We packed up washing all driedand Alan went to check out and I drove the car around to the front and guess what "IT WAS SNOWING" flakes softly falling.Like a dream.One of the things I had prayed for.Good o Mary was responsible for sending New Zealand back to winter. People were out filmimg it..It was pretty spectacular.I so wanted to stay.
As we drove away people were pulled up on the side of the road to film it watch it.It certainly exciting. we had a few stops..one at Lake Tekapo where we had a dipin the hot springs (yes we had 2 towels) It was great there. The weather was cooler and it really was beautiful. Then on to Geraldine for lunch. We were feeling more tense and money was becomming a bit worrisome and our carefree times were closing in on us. We finall y arrived back in Christchurch quite tired ( it had taken us about 7 hours from Mt Cook) We had booked into Hotel So
http://www.hotelso.co.nz/Home Alan decided that we needed to get EVERYTHING out of the car and sort it all out (yes we had been living like gypsys) See it was all this reality I really hated It was all finishing.our carefree days. So we found the hotel were directed to park in the paid parking next door. And we proceeded to unpack the car.. we had bags and more bags, coats and rubbish and more and we struggled through the car park and into the ancient elevator that rumbled to a stop on street level,which happened to be in a swanky homewares shop. O my gosh I was so upset. I struggled on with all this "stuff" feeling like a real gypsy. Then out onto the street and up 3 or 4 shops to the hotel. We then somehow squashed everything into the Hotel lift and found our room. OOOO OUR HUGE ROOM ....all i can say is I am pleased we booked a Kingsize bed as this meant we had an extra big room just so the bed would fit in it. OOOOO I was so cross. there was no room for anything..but we did it..sorted it all out and thankfully realised the bed had space under it..obviously for just such occasions. The bathroom was about 1 metre square. You could almost sit on the loo and have a shower and do your makeup. On reflection we decided it was a great hotel. Free wireless free internet..all mod cons ipod dock mood themes everything. We decided we would go out for a walk and lo and behold 2 doors down Alan said "there is Bronwyn and John" Friends of ours were arriving that day from Dunoon and doing just waht we were finishing. A 3 week driving holiday. WOW couldn't beleive it.They then asked us to meet them for dinner at exactly the place we had dined at on our fiirst night in NZ. Woah..so amazing.Of all the eateries in Christchurch hey has chosen the same. It turns out that they were staying just a few doors up from us. Such a small world. We talked and talked about our trip.gave them a few hints and had a great night.The nect day we were heading upon the Tranz alpine train.
http://www.tranzscenic.co.nz/services/tranzalpine.aspx so after leaving bronwyn and John it was into bed and an early pick up (8am) tomorrow.

The snowwhen leaving the Hermitage

Again snow o the mountains at Mt Cook

Scenary

The hot springs at Lake Tekapo

Foyer of Hotel So

Note the screens that go over the windows..we were lucky as some rooms

have NO windows

The really plush bathroom..and above the headboard of the bed..

Day 18..our day at he Hermitage Mount Cook

2010-01-11T21:33:00.000-08:00

We awoke, disappointed to see it was overcast and still drizzling. We had told the staff we wouldlet them know if we were staying for a second night. I rang up to see the possibility of staying in one of the swanky suites up at the main building, where we were going for breakfast anyway..an extra $100..including another continentalbreakfast..butit was on like to 11th floor with the best available view. YES we took it.We packed up and headed up for our breaky and a day of fun....
The breakfast was amazing. Cereal,yoghurt, croisants, cheese, ham, fruit, toast, pastries and heapsmore..o my gosh..yum yumyum..
http://www.hermitage.co.nz/ check outthe site..it does have our room flash upon iy. Beautiful

This was my suggestion of a great Mt Cook shot

We went to the Sir Edmond Hillary museum, the planetarium..drank..and more and laste in the afternoon..yhe clouds cleared and we got some great shots of Mount Cook

Our room was 2nd floor from the top

A wonderful shot by my husband

getting dark..but what great colour

We went to dinner..a quickoutside trip tolook at the stars..and then back to the room and watched our view..a great day//

The only downside of the day was when I lost my heart locket from my bracelet..thank God I didn'tloose my bracelet..

Day 17...

2010-01-11T20:41:00.000-08:00

This was the view from our window..car park..but ocean views

We woke up and went down to a scrummy brakfast in the mostamazing breakfast room..the Hotel really was quite spectacular.
We visited the Library..one of many we had popped in on..then it was off. We planned to go Twizel..why I am not sure. I knew they had a LOTR tour. En route we came across Maori rock paintngs..the rocks were home to 1,000's of pigeons. So noisy.

You can xee where the birds were living and a little of the paintings..never knew Maoris painted.

We continued onto Twizel..a little disappointed. Nothing there. We organised to go on th LOTR tour..I had to go(pay to go) as their were no oters going. So after a delicious lunch we met our tour guide..well it was pretty amazing.Loved it (from one who has nOT watched the movies) Amazing info re the filming.It was from the 3rd film. They did 33 days of filming 5am-9pm and used about 30 seconds of film. We were able to participate in a little skit and wear the masks and hold the sword..

Please note As I kiled him my lines were "I'm no man"

One of the few scenes that were not changed in the film,It was shot downlow so the road on the mountain was hidden behind the trees..aomw dude rode his horse over the creek.

So after realising that Twizel was shutting down at 4pm and also realising there was accommodation at aroaki/mt cook..we setoff on a very scenic trip to this place. We arrived quite late..about 6.30 and booked in to a fairly ordinary room at the heritage motel unit,,It did include a breakfast in the dining room..but we would have LOVED to stay in the main hotel complex.

http://www.hermitage.co.nz/ We ate in..cheese bickies and wine (AGAIN) abd settled in hoping it would be fine in the morning so wecould actually see Mount Cook

The amazing colour of the lake is just how it was

Mount Cokhiding there..in the snow

This pair of ducks were quaking outside our unit in the rain when we arrived

Day 16 Omereau and Bryce Taylor

2009-12-23T16:07:00.000-08:00

We awoke and decided that we would try and get somewhere a bit closer to town..So we booked out, went into town had a pretty ordinary breakfast and a wander around and came upon the very old but quite nice and very central http://www.millenniumhotels.co.nz/kingsgateoamaru/index.html It was a little dodgy but very handy.

Alans cute face as a penguin

Then we set off to the sights of this great town. The penguins were high on the list. We visited the tourist info centre (Al had a turn on a penny farthing) This town has a historic section, many buildings made of limestone..they had markets on so we visited these. It was at these, whilst I was looking at a stall that a young boy asked me "are you a local" when I said no he said "I have a penguin out the back do you want a look?" well it seemed very shifty so giving Al that nod nod wink wink he thankfully followed me and this young fellow out the back to this junk yard where the boy went over to a little box and knocked on the lid, lifted it up and there was a little fairy penguin sitting on an egg. How special. He ezplained it had made a nest behind old wood, so he and his father had made the box and lured it there with feathers..o so cute. So no he wasn't a white slave trader or anything..I did buy one of his little statues (naturally a penguin)

We then went to the penguin place and found out when to go, had lunch overlooking the water, visited a cheese factory, visited Janet Frames house (an angel at my table) then it was off to see the first lot of penguins to come ashore. They are the yellow eyed penguins. We were blessed to see one so close. About 50 metres up the cliff face and we were told she was a 16 yr old who had lost her life long mate this year and had picked up a toy boy and he was a bit wayward and didn't always come home and she was waiting for him. How funny. The man who has a site http://www.yelloweyedpenguin.com.nz/ mentioned us on his page..."stood next to the viewing platform for about an hour, she preened and gave a few calls before moving off into the bush. Excellent. I spoke to nice folk from Czech Republic, France, States, Australia (especially Mary & Allan) and the rest of the world. " wow we found that after we got home.
Then it was a race to get to the site for the blue penguins (or fairy penguins) where we saw about 90 penguins come ashore. Whta a site..and then afterwards they were everywhere waddling along the road etc. They are sweet. The next day we were off to Twizel

One of the rare black lambs we saw

Where we staye night 2

Lucky it was attached to something..

The young man...I think it was Bryce who

showed us the little penguin

the penguini bought is in the front centre

Outside Janet Frames house

Waiting for her toyboy

Coming ashore

in someones healighs (o maybe ours)

My Christmas letter

2009-12-22T23:34:00.000-08:00

WOW what a year we have had! A family holiday, a wedding, an admittance, an awesome overseas holiday as well as good health.. That in a nutshell is 2009 for us. Last Christmas, we were blessed to have everyone home. It was wonderful and enjoyed a great time together.

We started 2009 with just one focus in mind. Clare and Shane’s wedding. The time slipped quickly past and before we knew it we were off to Brisbane for a hens night and then over to Straddie for a week of holidays and then the wedding. The week was great. We had an old B & B, where we all stayed, so plenty of room for all. A fantastic view over the beach and just perfect weather. We did have the threat of a cyclone, which never eventuated and the threat of containers of some disgusting stuff being washed up on the beaches but that too did not eventuate. God was so good. Clare was the perfect bride. So easy going and when even the beach washed away, she took it in her stride and we found a beautiful grassy headland overlooking the beach. Much better for access, with my Cinderella shoes. It all went well and a great day was had by all. It was lovely to catch up with so many family members. A huge thank you also to our own Pastor Jeff Frankham who stepped in and married Clare and Shane. A big effort but so appreciated. After that it was back to normality.

Alan working at the Salvos, I still at the library and Aj still at Ballina High. She is now also the school Chaplain. A role, that complements her Scripture teaching role. We really see very little of her. She has a hectic social life, and with Boot camp and swimming it really is go go go. We are very grateful to her for taking such great care of our baby Molly and all the other animals and the house whilst we were in NZ.

I did fit in a surprise quick trip to Mundubbera for Chari’s birthday. I had never been there for her special day and I had a wonderful weekend. So exciting to be there when she opened her pressies and blew out her candles.

Just before I went Overseas I became the proud owner (or at least I am paying Optus) of an Iphone. O my Gosh it is fabulous. It warra nts a paragraph all to itself in bold and Italics. I LOVE IT!!!

All too soon it was time for a quick trip to Canberra for Clare to be admitted to the law society. Danny and Del put us up in style and we got to meet the new Grandpuppy “Ellie” a miniature schnauzer. Very cute. We were so proud of Clare and as she stood and took the bible to swear her Oath, I felt such love and pride in her. She had worked hard to achieve this and it was great that we were able to see her be admitted. As she was admitted in Canberra she is admitted to the law society as well as the Bar….impressive.

We also got a chance to catch up with my precious Aunty Joan. She is in a nursing home and is very frail. It was so good to see her. Clare was very sad to see her, as she had not seen her since she became ill. We were sure she understood about Clare being admitted. I so love Aunty Joan. We also saw Uncle Geoff and cousin Peter, which was great.

From then on it was a downhill slide to our NZ holiday. We were so excited.. There were a few dramas with me getting my passport, but eventually I held it in my hands. YAY. The day arrived and we were off. We had an amazing time. We drove over 3,000 kms saw some fantastic sites. Baby seals frolicking in a waterfall pool, went in a helicopter, sheep, seals ever so close, sheep, morning sunrises, sheep, deer, snow on mountains, played in the snow and some sheep. While over there we had the sad news that a young man we knew was killed in a motor bike accident. Really threw us a blow and left us in shock. My blog actually has a day by day update of our holiday if you are interested.. www.ginnysspot.blogspot.com

So we returned 3 weeks later, excited and so in awe of what an amazing country we had just visited. We arrived back in Brisbane to be greeted by Clarey, Kirsty and all 3 of our grandchildren. What a surprise. When we finally got back to Skennars Our Molly puppy was so excited to see us as was AJ, our precious at home baby. It really was hard to tell which one was more excited.

Kirsty, Natty, Chari and Sammy stayed for the next 2 weeks and it was so nice seeing so much of them. The sadness of having them live so far away is a daily thing and we love when we get to spend time with them.

We came back feeling that we would like to really do something different with our lives. Not just sit back here at Skennars till we retire. So who knows what the future will bring. We have prayed a great deal about it and know that God hears every prayer and will answer us.

Our children, their wives and their husbands are all well. Grandchildren well and just amaze me how quickly they are growing up.

Kirsty and Michael and kids are still in Mundubbera, Kirsty working at home, scrapbooking and then working at the NAB a few days a week. Michael, who had his gallstones removes this year is now really well and has been promoted to be in charge at Mundubbera Parks and wildlife. Also just a few weeks ago they became new parents again with the arrival of Daisy. A shihtzu maltese 8 week old puppy. They are all besotted with her and we are looking forward to meeting her at Christmas. Although I believe toilet training is a not so happy event, currently.

Danny and Adele continue to work hard and much to my dismay continue to be really happy in Canberra. I keep hoping they will move this way. As mentioned earlier they have puppy Ellie who is O so cute and really very loved and spoilt. (naturally)

Clare and Shane had a wonderful wedding and then honeymoon in Hervey Bay and did so many exciting things. Shane has just finished at Aldi and is commencing in a blind cleaning business with his brother. He is really happy about it and we hope he does well. Clare is still at HBM lawyers and would love a change in the new year. She continues to be a great Tupperware dealer and certainly is kept very busy. We get to see her fairly regularly, but nowhere near enough for us.

Kim and Beth continue to go well. They are the leaders of the young adults program in our C3 Church, where they are helping to make a direct impact on peoples lives. Bethy is still working with the photographer and Kim now works with Life without Barriers. He seems to be enjoying it and I think very good at it. He has a high tolerance level and often sees the humour in some difficult situations. They have recently had a Bali hut put up in their yard. It is amazing and Alan and Kim did the decking for it. It’s fabulous. They also have had a new fur grandbaby a bunny named “Sunny” but after I was left to babysit it, I have renamed it Houdini.

We will be spending some of Christmas day having Breakfast with Kim and Bethy, and then off to Brisbane for lunch with Clarey and Shane and hopefully Christmas desert will include the Piper family. Naturally AJ will be with us. The only ones missing will be Danny and Del. Danny working 7am-7pm (sucks to be him) Lucky Del has her family all down there.

We were shocked early in the year to hear of my cousin Julies sudden death. So young. It really rocked us and we really think of her family at this time of year. It will be a hard Christmas for them.

We continue to pray for all our families, both Alans and mine for health and happiness. We both managed to catch up with our families during this year and hope that 2010 will be the same.

Happy Christmas to all..may you be blessed and really enjoy this amazing time..

Love always and many apologies for my really quick letter but it was this or none at all..

Day 15..Oamaru

2009-12-22T23:29:00.000-08:00

Our morning view from porthole

We awoke early and stood on the bed and looked out the porthole. we were about 60cm above water line. It was a very grey light as it was early, but a clear sky. We figured we had been sleeping under the waterline...weird!! We quickly got dressed and went up on deck. IT WAS FREEZING. But beautiful. Most other people slowly arose too and as we stood and watched and took photos the sun started touching the mountains..It was berautiful. Al got us coffee and that was wonderful. It is hard to describe just how cold it was.
At about 6.45 a rooster began crowing on the boat to wake everyone up who wasn't already up. A cute way to get people up and going. Breakfast at 7.30 and the boat underway soon after. Out to the Tasman sea. First time this season. We were up on deck but it was rough and freezing (did i mention it was cold)
Then it was a mad scramble to get ready to be dropped off at the underwater observatory. We had paid for that when we booked. We had not realised that we left the boat then and were returned to the terminal on another boat.

The sun kissing the mountainsHeading out to the Tasman

So at the observatory..it was just Alan and I that got dropped off. Funny!! Yep we had the whole place to ourselves complete with 2 staff. The reef under Milford sound was pretty awesome. Its about 15 m under the water but because of the high rainfall..Milford sound had a layer of fresh water on top and sea water under. The sfresh water acts as sunglasses so its quite light down so deep. Fascinating. When our 30 mins was up it was back to the top to discover a huge sea cat ready to take us back. Yep 10 staff a huge cat and Alan and I..so funny. "Its ok Al I'll save you a seat" The trip back was eventful as the boat nearly ran aground. But it was so fun.
We then set off on our trip back. We had no plans and decided to just go until we found somewhere we wanted to stay.
We stopped and had a snowball fight..the tunnel was not as scary when I was ready for it..plus going up hill so way slower
We travelled once again across the country. From Milford Sound to Dunedin..When we arived there we were tired and cross but really busy there (we nearly got divorced) so we kept going and arrived about 8pm at Oamaru. The drive across was amazing. we came across rolling green hills..that were awesome.
We finally found a little spot north of the town http://www.391oamarumotorlodge.co.nz/ Then it was time to organise dinner as we were both suffering low blood sugar levels. Of course it was the rugby night so Alan decided NOT to wear his wallabies jacket. The pubs were thick with people. I saw a few naked men doing a run through a car park. But we did find a lovely spot and enjoyed a wonderful meal. Then it was home to bed.

Yes the Tasman

A typical Milford Sound view..note the day

Al in an action shot just b4 it hit me

O so green..on our way to the East Coast

Gore..a sister city of Tamworth

Day 14 Milford Sound

2009-11-07T21:53:00.000-08:00

WE awoke so excited. We were off to Milford Sound. An overnight experience. We had booked and paid for this while at home. It had been fairly expensive but it included everything. So when we got out of bed and saw drizzly skies and fog everywhere, for a second we were concerned, but then we realised we had prayed specifically for this time and then we knew it would be good.
So up and packed, breakfasted on our supply of goodies and were off. So much to do before we could leave. Alan and I had decided we would buy the camera for me as I was not happy going to this great place without a camera. We got that, after spending ages on the net at the Te anau Library (which was free)

Camera bought, Petrol topped up in the car and tramping supplies (LOL) we were off.
Nothing could have prepared us for the amazing journey we had. The views spectacular and as the cloud and rain disappeared, the steam on the road was incredible, the snow, everything was just breath takingly beautiful. We passed reflection pools and so many amazing sites. Saw more of the Kea birds (the local bush parrott) Such a funny bird and heaps more.

As we climbed higher into the mountains the views became more and more spectacular. Suddenly we were about to enter the Homer tunnel. We had read about the homer tunnel and how the traffic is worked on a one way system with traffic lights..we had been told to be prepared for an amazing view..etc BUT no one told us that in avalanche season, which was when we were there, with warning signs everywhere not to stop that there are no traffic lights. Another thing no one told us was that the Homer tuunnel is VERY dark. Like really dark. As we approached the tunnel there is little warning..maybe 200 m from the tumnnel..no time to stop and think m(no traffic lights) suddenly we went into this hole and bang..darkness.. "Mary turn on your lights" "yes they are already on Alan, I need my glassses, my sunnies are no good in here" and then suddenly buses coming the other way, hazard warning lights flashing..seemingly taking up 75% of the road. It was incredibly scary..It is downfhill all the way so the good thing was the buses were going very slowly.

All I can say is the scenery was just magestic. after the tunnel and as the road went steadily downhill and all we did was go "ooo" "wow" "gosh" It really was great. Even though I was driving i still was ooing and ahing.
We arrived at Milford and found out where we needed to be and then went and had coffee at the one little coffee place there. After that we walked down to the terminal, and saw for ourselves how beautiful it was. There was a waterfall that was sending as mist over everything. By this time it was about 3.30 so I walked back up to the car, drove it down and unpacked our gear and sat and waited. Alan was so excited.
Come 4.30 we boarded, were given a quick run down (safety check included) shown our cabins and we were off.
That afternoon we saw some of the Fiord (which is what it really is as it is caused by a glacier) and then we parked (dropped anchor) for the night and went out on a tender (a small boat) where we saw penguins, and seals. I might add here that God once again looked after me. I prayed to see penguins and we saw penguins and seals. The other boat saw nothing.

We declined to kyak or swim but the 30 or so high school kids (who we were lucky enough to have along with us, for the night) all did (FOOLS) just in normal swimmers. I might add it was freezing on the water and we were told the water temp was about 9 degrees..ha I swim only when it is over 25 degrees..
Back on the boat, wine, yummy dinner, informative talk, a walk out on deck (ever so briefly to admire the stars) and bed. A great day

PICTURES

* One of the reflection terns we passed

* Avalanche warning signs. they were everywhere

* Some of the mountains around us

* Al after another photo shoot

* Homer tunnel with a warning sign not to stop..note the snow.Caused by an avalanche a few weeks earlier..

*Our first glimpse of our boat

* Al checking in at real journeys counter

* the next 3 are just some from the boat..beautiful

* Al and I freezing about 5pm on the small boat

* Photo of the big boat from the little boat

* One of the Fiordland yellow crested penguins.. (native to that area)

Just thought I would do 5 favs

2009-11-05T00:54:00.000-08:00

Gosh its been so long..I realy apologise to my myriad of friends..\

My 5 faves this week are..

1.. having my friend Lara back. I didn't realise how much I missed her..but she is now back and staying within 2 hours reach so I am stoked.

2. Knowing my daughter Kirsty is so talented..re her painting. I already knew she was talented as her scrapping is awesome..but her painting is WOW. check out her blog..

3. Having time alone in the house. Al is out at his photothingy tonight and AJ breezed in for 5 mins and is gone again. Its just me and Molly..good times..

4. A glass of icy cold white wine after a long hot day..so nice and refreshing..and relaxing o YES.

5. Going to the Melbourne cup luncheon with my sister and friends Jenny and Marilyn. So fun and so good..Jenny and Helly and I all won stuff (Helly even won a bottle of wine lucky door prize) It was good fun..We really enjoyed dressing up and wearing our 'fascinators'.

Thats it for my favs..I thought I would add an extra list for this week..things that make me foul

* Hot weather..sucks. We have had hot weather (around 30-35) since August on and off..YUK What will summer bring???

* Plus then there is the humidity..woah..today was sauna like..Horrid horrid

* being on a diet..I have been on one my whole life (well never just eating what I want. Always thinking ...no thats not good..shouldn't have that. I'd love to never have to worry and just eat whatever I like.

* blood tests..trying to get in early. All the old dears who have nothing better to do hen race down to the pathology office at sparrows. (a really important day for them) Heck I MUST have my blood tests done TODAY at sparrows. One almost gets run over by the motorised scooters..rushing down to the pathology office..NOOOOOO

* House cleaning..I hate that too..wish I could get someone into clean. I feel I would allow someone to do what they are passionate about.. and then I wouldn't have to do something I really hate.

Ok enough for this week..I will keep up with my NZ holiday. Hope you are enjoying my day by day commentary. I can tell you are by all your comments..LOL

Ok thats it

Day 13 Lake Te anau

2009-11-05T00:34:00.000-08:00

We arose and had a lazy morning..self service breakie again..We had a late check out so we took advantage of it.. I finally wrote some postcards and then left them downstairs at reception for them to post for us..they finally arrived back in Australia about 4-5 weeks later..so bad..

We set off slowly taking in sights and enjoying the ever changing landscape.
We had morning tea at a cute little cafe, complete with shetland pony and picnic tables outside. It was relaxing. We were surronded by windmills (modern ones ) on hills and Alan took heaps of pictures.
We arrived in Te anau and checked out the itag place and then into town where we found our "cheap" accommodation $120 (nz) a night. It was very dodgy but clean and ok..

When I say dodgy I just mean it was very dated and like a little house complete with hallway..seperate toilet etc and the bathroom was so dated..quite funny really..then we set off for a walk into town..

We booked in at real journeys for our overnight cruise the next night and got the run down on where to park etc..then headed off for sight seeing. Al took a picture of me with a Takahe statue and on handing the camera (my camera ) back to me we both managed to let go and broke it..V SAD..
We both were in shock. Our big day the next day on Milford Sound and me no camera.

We went to the local store and he only had some point and shoot cameras..so We went and had coffee and decided to think about it. He did however confirm that the camera was broken..

On the way home we called in to the Moosehead pub and ended up staying for dinner. Alan watched the footy and drank and I played the pokies and drank and then we both had dinner and continued to drink..a perfect night really. Just what we needed.

Then we walked (stumbled home) well really we weren't so bad but it was a great night. albeit I had a broken camera. It had been a good day very relaxing..and we were way excited about the next day

The entry to the Queenstown snow fields..v famous. Al nearly had a heart attack when I pulled off here. He thought I wanted to go all the way up to the fields..

About 40 mins out of Queenstown and still the lake comes. Looking back towards Queenstown.

The view from our "dodgy" hotel..great view.

Me and my Takahe

The final picture with my "ol faithful"

Day 12 Queenstown.

2009-10-30T21:36:00.000-07:00

So we awoke to a beautiful sunrise and a huge day planned..onto the jetboat..to the kiwi park and up on the gondala.

We set off around 9.30 after another delicious toast and free spreads breakie. We had decided on the jetboat ride in Queenstown..which went to the shotover Dart river.. see web address..http://www.kjet.co.nz/Press-Gallery/default.asp We arrived about 9.50 and bought our tickets..11am was the time for the jetboat. So we went off and had coffee, got some sea sick tabs (just in case) and were back to clamour into huge coats and life jackets. Off we went. It was rough accross the lake but as we headed up the river it was fun..a few 360 degree turns and some low trees on the shoreline and we were at the Dart river...very exciting..shooting over tiny 'puddles' of water 360 degeeing etc etc..It was terrifying but fun..

I got a tad wet and when we got back we were ablr to go downstairs and look in the underwater observatory..diving ducks..so funny..

Then we headed off to the Kiwi park.. This was located adjacent to the entry to the gondala and the walk up was quite hard (for unfit me!!) we found kiwis and were lucky enough to sit through a talk while they fed them.v interesting. I did loose the map over a balcony at one stage but my amazing husband rescued it..YES!!

Then it was off to the gondala..O M Gosh..scary as ..never thought it would worry me but it was such a steep accent..These are stats for anyone interested.

Bottom Terminal Elevation: 340m

Top Terminal: 790m

Vertical Rise: 450m

Total Length: 730m

Incline Angle: average of 37.1 degrees

Average Speed: Variable to 3.5m/sec
Now if my maths are right it means that the thing actually rises almost 1/2 a km at a 37 degree angle..yep it was scary..and Al wondered y I hated him changing sides and bouncing around..oo scary.

The view was amazing..but I was wet and being a princess so I was miserable and hungry so we ordered lunch at about 3pm and left. Now there was a haka show on at 6.30 but no way was i waiting that long.. So it was back down the mountain..back to our warm room..and then we ventured out later in search of PIZZA!! All we felt like was pizza and eventually found it in HELL!! Down a back alley the best pizzas ever..we had seen it advertised the night b4 on a current affair show and it won against dominoes and pizza hut in healthy, time etc..so we tried them and they were great.
The other thing I wanted to do was go to the icebar..but by now I was actually sick of being cold and we headed home..what a day..

The pictures are..

morning at our unit

The 3 pictures i stumbled on of us on the net..(we had bought the pictures

Al on the jetboat

Our place from the jetboat

The diving duck

The weka (nz mountain parrott)

My kiwi photo

Alan outside the kiwi park

Going up that scary mountain

Alan and Us at the top

At lunch on the mountain

The amazing sheep on the side of the mountain

Day 11 Queenstowm

2009-10-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

So we awoke to a fresh dusting of snow on the hills and dined on delicious toast and coffee.
We packed up and prepared to head to Queenstown. People had "warned" us about Queenstown "the Las Vegas" of NZ> We figured we loved the Gold Coast for a visit..so we would give it a try.

Before we left Wanaka we visited the "puzzling world". WOW>>It was really fun. Puzzles, queer rooms..(on a slope ) so everything looked like it was moving uphill, 3d stuff, and such a funny thing outside the toilets..yes..it was worth the money to go visit. As well the whole front area was chok full of puzzles and things that you could sit and do..It was fun!

Then it was off to Queenstown.about a 90 min drive, but enroute we stopped at the AJ Hackett bungy jumping (the original bungee jumping in NZ) Very well set up with a huge complex and so we watched with our Mochas for quite a while. There was a Melbourne school group, who apparently kept coming back as each time a few more wanted to jump. I got to inspect a bungee rope..like thousands of rubber bands altogether. It was at this point that Al decided he could not do the bungee jump..well he could possibly jump but no way could he walk out on that little platform..LOL

Then off we went again and called in on Arrowtown. Such a quaint little town. All old fashioned (with cobbled streets and stone buildings..very beautiful.

Finally off to Queenstown..We had looked at staying at a place we saw advertised in Wanaka, but when we got there decided it was way out of town, so we would drive around. Then we parked and visited a itag place and they recommended some nice ones (as we planned to spend 2 nights there) We then went and had a kebabb..(at the dodgiest place ever) but by this time we were starving..

We then drove around and parked and Alan and I both went in opposite directions to enquire about accommodation on the esplanade (overlooking the lake and the Remarkables (the mountains)

The lady at http://www.peppers.co.nz/beacon/ was lovely and gave me the keys to their 3 types of rooms. I went and found Alan and we checked them out..Naturally the first one (and the most expensive) was the best..but we took it.. It was great AND came with a laundry, remote controlled gas fire( which we had to ring up to find how it worked) heated floor in bathroom and a view..YESSo we settled in and went for a walk..grabbed some groceries and ate in that night (very tired) It was also quite chilly..

Pictures show 'puzzling world' Wanaka

The Baronneness of the landscape

A bungee jumper at AJ Hackett place

Arrowtown (how pretty)

coming into Queenstown

Day 10 Wanaka

2009-10-26T21:58:00.000-07:00

We set off from Fox Glacier still buzzing about the day before. It was a trip that will stay with us forever (i think)..
We originally were only going to Haast but on reflection decided that there really was nothing at Haast so would would drive through to Wanaka. I had read that this was a firly spectacular part of the NZ trip..so we were ready for more ooing and aahing.

We set off and along the way came across a beach on the side of the road that had heaps of stones..and people had been stacking them..it was pretty impressive..Al took pictures and If I have one I will enclose it. We stopped at haast at the itag place (we may have been running short of touristy stuff NOT) and then headed off.

Such beautiful scenaery. Waterfalls everywhere and mountains and snow..and then..FLAT..so strange. We stoped for lunch at some dodgy place and listened to a weird conversation at the next table..this man reckoned you would have way more chance in a helicopter if the engine failed as opposed to a big jet..Personally I have seen the movies and I have so seen helicopters crash..round and round.. anyway the whole time I was thinking Kim would tell me to stop staring. It was true i was staring..couldn't beleive this man. All at the table were transfixed by him..Tosspot!!

Anyway after a pretty ordinary lunch we were off again. Saw the prettiest lake..but a huge change was rolling in and so windy. We later learnt that a tree had killed a man in Arrowtown (near Queenstown) We arrived in Wanaka and got a great room overlooking the snow covered mountains and the lake. We stayed at the moorings Wanaka http://www.themoorings.co.nz/
then set out for a walk.
we had coffee then walked over to the lake and onto the jetty and Alan says theres Simon.. O my gosh the couple we had met on the wine tour were just there. They had only just called in. How random is that?? Even more random that Alan remembered their names. So a quick hello and they were off.

We organised to go out for dinner at the Botswana Butcher as the people at the hotel recommended it. We arrived wet and bedraggled and in our jeans ( which may have been getting a little stanky) As we walked in we knew that this may have been a place where a fresh set of clothes wouldn't have been a bad idea.
On checking the menu out I noticed the wine and said to Alan that maybe that bottle of wine wasn't 33.90 as there was no zero..YIKES.
The food was great but the steak just came with the steak. We shared a serve of beans and potato.. (the beans as a side of the day were $8) and a glass of their cheapest wine..An interesting night.
Then it was home and into yet another bed..and more heated flooring..It had turned bitterly cold..

The pictures are in random order but show

waterfalls,

the very windy lake on our way to Wanaka

'Al trying to take pictures in the wind

another 1 laned bridge (a v long one)

Stone cairns

The view from our unit

sunrise from our unit

Day 9 Fox Glacier

2009-10-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

So we awoke and Al had an agenda. He wanted to go in the helicopter to Fox Glacier. Now if anyone knows me they will know that I am not a fan of flying. I also knew this may well be a once in a life time experience..lets do it.. So Al rushed off all keen to organise our flight (really who calls a helicopter a flight???? its a nightmare) The weather was good and as Fox glacier recieves about 6 metres of rain a year we thought earlier was better.. He came back so excited. He was to go back to the office to confirm times but was about 10..We had booked the short 20 min flight and on reflection I said we should have paid the extra and done the longer flight. Al said he didn't wan to push me and he was stoked that we were going at all..

He went back to confirm and came back busting with excitement. We had been upgraded to the longer flight and would now go up to Mount Cook as well.. (GREAT!!!) We had been upgraded for free.. ( a story I can tell you face to face) and so our adventure was about to begin..

First stop though was Al wanted to buy me a waterproof/windproof jacket. So we walked up town and got that and then waited for our time (sounds so fatalistic)

We were given the safety check by a young lady with such a thick NZ accent that when she had finished Alan and I both turned to each other and said "what did she say" a worry when that was the safety check..
Into the van out to the heli pad and lucky us got the FRONT seat..o great..It got better and better..

Then we were off.. so loud, so rough (just the vibration) so high but so spectacular..so amazing. It seemed like just minutes and we were up over the glacier and facing Mt Cook ( I heard the pilot check when the next fklight was and said he wanted an extra 5-8 mins on the ice ..o cool) It was pretty amazing. We were told some of the crevaces on the glacier are over 60 metres deep (heck) they didn't look that big..I was sooo scared,,but it was breath taking..the website of who we flew with is
http://www.glacierhelicopters.co.nz/fox.asp

We landed on the glacier and seemed to be there forever. It was pretty amazing..plenty of pictures..and then back in (in the back this time) and back to the helipad..

After the excitement of that the day was pretty boring. Lunch and some pretty exciting chatting the we decided to go out to the coast and maybe see a western sunset..So off to Gillespies beach. A dirt road, a historic cemetary, wild sheep, complete with tails, a beach completely littered with driftwood, names and dates written in rocks on the top dunes, and heaps of the infamous sandflies. No way were we waiting for sunset which was still 2 hours away..back to the chalet and an easy dinner and another spa, more fire and bed..

Mount Cook up close

Excited Alan on the glacier

Us in the Back seat

an old sign at Gillespies beach

the wild sheep

the trip to Gillespies beach

Fox Glacier town from the helicopter

Day 8

2009-10-26T16:11:00.000-07:00

OK OK OK I know I have been slack..Life gets in the way of blogging sometimes.

We awoke at Hokitika and walked down to the cafe that was attached to the jade factory. We had coffee at this spot yesterday and then run into the lady again at the pub last night. It seemed a fair call to go there for breakfast. Bacon n eggs and it was yum!!

Back to the Hotel, packed and on the road again. We were off to Foz Glacier. This was one of the few places we had booked accommodation. Sat and Sun night. About 2 weeks b4 we left we had an email from the B and B that we had booked into and was told they would have to cancel. I quickly looked on the net and had booked the chalet with spa and continental breakfast for $120 a night. Hoping it would be good. So off we went quite excited.

On the way to the glaciers ( we were to pass through Franz Josef Glacier first) we saw some great things. Including we stopped at a quaint little place with the hugest ever sandfly on this little rustic tourist spot. I guess it could have almost rivalled our big prawn.

At this spot we got to see a reindeer, a wild goat, Al got to eat a venison pie (they were out of possum pies) and we also bought some quaint possum products ...They also had some hillarious signs that I will post piccys of.

On the road again. More beautiful scenary..and then we spied the glacier. In the distance. First we thought it was a waterfall.. How spectacular... We stopped at the Itag place but they were shutting for lunch so we set off to the car park of the glacier and went for a walk down to to the base area where you can walk over to the glacier. The view was amazing and even though it was drizzzling we were a little in awe to see signs of where the glacier had been only 50 years ago..there fore when you read that it had gone right down to the ocean it was overwheming. A great walk and I do have a tiny rock from the glacier bed..

In the car park I saw my first Kea. A mountain parrott from NZ notorious for being Very cheeky..and often capable of destroying a car (chewing rubber off windows, wipers etc) It was then back to Franz Josef wher e we had some much needed lunch, and then off to Fox Glacier..only about 30 mins away.

We arrived at our Chalet and were pleasantly surprised at how lovely it was. The lady who was managing it was also great and I would recommend this to anyone heading to Fox Glacier.

Then it was stright out to Lake Matheson. This is a reflection lake and as it was not raining and reasonably fine we thought we should do it. We had heard so much about this lake. It was about 3.45 when we arrived and so we set off. It was a horrid walk. Long and very forresty. Not a lake walk. It had lake glimpses..which were great..but we had not been prepared for the mountain walk. I only had my work shoes on and my feet began to groan about half way around. O well we will always remember Lake Matheson. We finally finished and got back to the car about 5.30pm We were tired.

Back into Fox Glacier and a "wee" walk over to the restaurant near where we were staying and had dinner. Back for a spa, sit by the remote controlled gas fire (brillianT) and bed

The photos show this quaint place

complete with

reindeer and queer signs.

Lake Matheson,

Franz Josef Glacier, and the view

from our window in our chalet

Will this happen

2009-10-22T02:19:00.000-07:00

Well I am trying a blog from my phone. My " iPhone" that is. Let's see if it works. If itdoes there willb no stopping me!! O yes

New Zealand Day 7

2009-10-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

We got up and decided the washing really was a prority today. Such trivial things. We just did not know what devastating news was going to hit us later that day..
Al decided to bundle it all together and wondered down to the laundry. We met at the restaurant for breakfast. It had been included in our accommodation, so it was a nice change after toast and my stolen spreads. YUM YUM..The restaurant was almost level with the beach. It was great sitting there looking out at the sea, trying to get our heads around we were looking West.. Washing done but dryer busy so while I interneted (dear dear) Al popped in and out of the laundry. Finally with 30 mins before checkout time the dryer was free..(staff using it rats) so we got it in (well Alan did) It didn't dry but we had to be off. So with wet washing we headed back to check out the touristy shops.

After having a wonder we set off for Greymouth. This is where the Tranz Alpine comes to from Christchurch and we were hoping to do that trip later in the holiday. The trip there was just fantastic. The weather was not fantastic but neither was it miserable. The views were simply stunning. A very relaxing trip.

When we arrived in Greymouth roadworks blocked our way, but after a stop in town, a shop (at the warehouse..similar to our Kmart) we were off to Hokitika where we planned to spend the night.

By this stage our car had filled up with so many brochures, catalogues etc from every tourist place and Itag place we had visited we were indanger of not fitting in the car. Every time we came to a town we scanned the various catalogues (we had also taken our lonely planets guide and the DK NZ guide (way better then lonely planets) to try and find accommodation. I might add we did not ever book anything from these. It was way better to look and find.

We got a great hotel right on the beach (hoping for a western sunset) http://www.beachfronthotel.co.nz/ and were delighted to be there. Alan was impressed that the TV had a local channel which gave you all the touristy things to do. Unfortunatly there was a thick fog?cloud covering the ocean and so we hoped it would clear by sunset

Our number 1 stop was at the Kiwi house. Heck we had to see a Kiwi. The above photo shows the picture of a kiwi I managed to snap..using Als Canberra with its little bit of light. Cameras are not to be used..

We arrived at the Kiwi house and saw all the other things (giant eels..pictured above so ugly and very plentiful in NZ) crayfish, white bait..etc but we really had paid our $28 to see the 2 kiwi. We arrived at the enclosure and waited. We stood for 1/2 an hour waiting. They were way down the back of the enclosure. So frustrating. Sometimes one would come about a third of the way forward but mostly we could just see them running and jumping and squaking way down the back..possicly 30 metres (at least) away. I even said to Alan I was surprised they didn't do something to encourage them up near where people could see them..and we waited somwemore. Finally another couple arrived and we gave them the run down..Too far back..but u can c them if u look..they nodded and walked off. I said to Al "no committment" then I relised the not committed people had followed the track around and were now standing at the back of the enclosure where the fr...n kiwis were..did we feel foolish??/ did we know the path went AROUND the enclosure?? So embarressing..

After that incident we headed off to the jade factory (1 of about 3 in town) went to the gold place where I got to hold a gold nuggett weighing about 1 kg.. WOW) we looked and walked, coffeeed and then back to the hotel to hopefully see our western sunset.

We were sitting there when my phone rang. It was AJ telling me she was devastated? Y said I cause your iphone is dead (read it on FB) no she said "Kane is dead" A young friend of all of us from RCC (our church) had been killed earlier that day in a motor bike accident. Shock was all we felt. Devastation and lonliness. All the joy left us. We really could not describe how we felt.

We never did get our sunset..the pictures above were about as good as it got but sunset pictures were not uppermost in our mind. We knew Kane would not want us mopping around. We left and headed off to look at glowworms. Just a short drive and then a little walk off the main road in a little path overshaddowed by trees ..almost cave like. It wasn't quite dark when we arrived and as we watched and it got darker, it was just fascinating. Like watching a city at night..they kept appearing.. just beautiful. We watched for about an hour and headed back to town, still feeling quite desolate. We headed to a local wine bar and had some local chatting, wine and nibbles. An enjoyable thing under the circumstances. The day had been long, a very memorable day..funny and sad. A day we would always remember.

New Zealand day 6

2009-10-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

So we awoke, braeakfasted and were off. Excited to be heading to the West Coast. We knew it was going to be a big day. Originally we were going to stay at Westport (one of my Mums from storytime had mentioned that her husband came from there) But after speaking to a man at Kaikoura on our 2nd morning while on our walk ( and when asked what was there "...er u can do a tour of the coal mine...") we decided to head to Punnikiki. We actually dragged the theermas out and readied ourself for a snack on the way..I mean we were going into the wilds of the west coast. By looking at the map there was not a lot along the way..

So we were off..I really wasn't sad to be leaving Blenheim. I felt it didn't really have a distinctive NZ feel..(whatever that may be) we started to drive. Quite quickly we left the valley behind us and were into the mountains. We stopped at an information spot near/on Lake Rotoiti and spoke with the ranger there. O my gosh..it was like pulling teeth. He certainly was not forth coming with information.He did tell us that there were 5 Kiwis lived around the lake and no it did not snow there (where the itag place was) but did a bit further up. We decided to go and have a look at the lake. I walked (a mere 3 min stroll..all downhill) and Al got the car. O my gosh it was FREEZING!!! We met up and decided to have a coffee (aggrrhh NO COFFEE) stupid me..and no teaspoon. You can see I do not do the take along coffee very well. Anyway tea did..sort of. We had a black swan (which I must admit were quite numerous in NZ and I was constantly singing the ami add 'a little bird told me that u loved me') and ducks galore to share our morning tea while we huddled in the car. A delightful view..Photos included (i hope)
Then it was off again.. We came across an accident (a huge semi had rolled) and that held us up for about 30 mins. We were lucky it could have been way longer. Out came the trusty thermos again and I went for a walk and talked to a guy who lived in the town (Murchison) funny guy..had a sticker on his car which said "JUST BUILD A BLOODY BRIDGE AND GET OVER IT!!" For some reason he reminded me of my brother in law Gary Smith.. Wonder if Gary has relos in NZ>
Soon we were back on the road. My friend who I had been talking too told me to imagine Buller gorge (where we were now driving) covered in snow. It would be magic.

We arrived in Westport after plenty more 1 laned bridges, v narrow roads, windy roads, spectacular sceneary. We were hungry but Wesport offered little in grab and eat. We wanted to visit cape Foulwind as we had heard that the seals were there. We ended up grabbing sandwiches from the local new world supermarket.

At Cape Foulwind, a fairly desolate and aptly named place we went for a 20 min walk to see the seals. Far better at Kiakoura.but enjoyable still. When we got back to the car a weka ( a west coast local flightless bird) tried to join me in the car. Al thought it hillarious or maybe it was my reaction 'what is it..what is it'

Then we were off to Punikiki and the pancake rocks. By now it was starting to drizzle..but the drive to Punnikiki was amazing. Very rugged but awesome.

The pictures are the weka at Cape Foulwind AFTER it had scared me, the rugged West Coast, Me at cape Foulwind (note all the clothes) Alan at Cape Foulwind, The beautiful view at Lake Rotoiti.

So we continued onto Punakaiki and found amazing accommmodation right on the beach. It was an eco lodge http://www.punakaiki-resort.co.nz/accommodation.aspx and as it was already 4pm we headed straight over to the Pancake rocks and blowhole. We had missed the best time to see them (which was about 2pm) but we went anyway as there was noway we were going at 2AM and we wouldn't be staying another day. We parked and encountered more Wekas..then off we went. I don't have pictures as all my photos were video. They were way impressive . I have included a web picture.

Unfortunatly it was raining while we were checking out this amazing feature and by the time we got back to the car we were wet and cold..Freezing really, so we went to the local tavern. All we wanted was somewhere warm, dry and guess what thats what we got..WOW so great. A fire, friendly people, a dog lying in front, 2 bubblies (fraise) for me, some new beer (more different ones ) for Al and some little nibbles and I was "goneskies" back to the resort and into bed. A big day, a long day but a fantastic one!!

New Zealand day 5

2009-10-10T00:34:00.000-07:00

Ok Heaps of photos..really the whole day revolved around our wine tour..Alan admiring the barrells and really wanting to take some home, The last winery of the day "nautilus" I think..I was so over it by then. Our group outside our hotel..The Allan Scott winery and the gum trees..The platter Alan and I shared for lunch..complete with green lipped mussells, olives and all the etc..Mary and Alan enjoying some Malborough wines.

This day was great. A sleep in (felt like my first one on holidays, )breakfast and then off to explore Blenheim. We walked and walked and had another 'bowl' of coffee and then walked some more. Mindful that we had to be back home by 12..we got postcards, popped into the local Salvation Army store and spoke with the manager and then shopped some more.

We were picked up on time and by the time we had picked all the crew up that were doing the wine tour our little mini bus was full. I think there were 10 of us and we set off to try the local wines..we went to 1 winery, then a boutique chocolate shop ( where we bought some divine chocolate) and then to another winery and our lunch stop.

I have enclosed the picture of the platter Alan and I shared...Divine. We shared lunch with a delightful couple Emily and Simon both from England. Emily had just finished working at Queenstown in the ski fields and Simon had come over to join her and they were on a fast forward tour of NZ. There were a few stores in this one location and I did buy some pinzels butterscotch schnapps amd butterscotch cream and 2 shot glasses..YUMO...now I know y they give taste tests. Needless to say this concoction did NOT make it very far..
Then it was off to 3 more wineries. Sad that really none of the wines were to my liking..but I did try them all..LOL I do beleive that I am too used to the good old australian wines..these were far too dry for me..

Our bus dropped us back at our hotel at about about 5 and then we set off on the mother of all walks into town, around town and into an internet cafe and home again. We dined in the hotel restaurant that evening. Very nice. Our room was only about 30 steps to the restaurant..so extrememly handy..
We were heading to the west coast the next day..more excitement to come

my 5 favs

2009-10-09T02:19:00.000-07:00

Ok so I have spent heaps of time blogging about NZ and I promise to do more on the weekend..IF I feel better. After all winter long cold free..I have sucuumbed. Dam. Thinking of Del and her family this weekend with the big weekend. Love to all
1. This brings me to my number 1 fav. esp since I have been away..even Out of the country.. Family. So important. I know each one of us has things that irritate others (ok I hear some say 'not me') but yes at some stage we all drive each other mad. We get angry, frustrated, disappointed, jealous etc etc etc..but we are still family. And I treasure mine. I treasure each one of you. When we got off the plane we were so excited to be seeing Clarey..and suddenly she was there and then so was Kirsty and Natty and Charie and Samel..it was wonderful.. When I get txt messages from u guys when u talk to me on FB comment on something (even Kims comment about not drowning me with a stick) yep I love hearing from you and love seeing you . Family got to love them all.. My sisters are still really important to me too and also aunts and cousins..all special..

2. Going to the beach with the 3 children. they are good fun..so funny and so love the water. Last weekend was excellent fun.. we went 5 days out of 5. Monday we merely walked on flat rock but it was awesome. Saw 3 star fish..and heaps of snails..such good fun..Mind you Molly managed yet again to fall in the deepest rock pool there was..

which brings me too

3..Molly. O my gosh she makes me laugh. Since we got home she is constatly at my side and last nights antics with the drink bottle (which I posted on FB) was hilarious.

4. Remembering. Alan and I are going through our pictures and me writting this blog has prompted us to remember so much about our wonderful holiday..Memories..have to be excellent (and I know Danny better enjoy them while they are still with me....)

5..Being well. I started suspecting I was getting this drated cold on wednesday when my ears were really blocked up..and by last night nose starting to run and really feel a bit miserable tonight. Great in time for the weekend..So yes My 5th fav is feeling well and embracing life..

Hope everyone is good..Once again Del and danny have the best ever wedding weekend.

New Zealand Holiday day 4

2009-10-08T03:39:00.000-07:00

Picture to the left is the "Johaneshoff winery" Picton

Well day 4 and once again we were up at sparrows. Heck why waste the time sleeping...we decided to walk the other way from the motel..and even though it was away from town (and the chance of coffee) we were confident that by the time we got back the joint next door ( some touring group..complete with cafe) would be open..
so it was another loong stroll. heaps of pictures more ooing and aahhing and talking. we were loving it. Our plan was to go back to the hotel (after a coffee) and have some breaky (toast and some of the tasty spreads I had from hotel Millenium) and off to Blenheim..and then to Picton (where the ferries come in from the North Island ..just so we could say we had been there)
A great walk and back for coffee ..A BOWL of coffee ..AWESOME.. then as planned headed off to Picton..
I wasn't feeling 100% and I did the driving..maybe not a good idea as I was way tired..but we made it.

I have just checked my book and noted that I haven't mentioned seeeing heaps of deer EVERWHERE>> and also we saw heaps of Alpacas.. they were on 1 farm but deer are everywhere. They have venison dishes everywhere..
Picton harbour was boring..Al got out and took pictures but very unassuming and then back to the Picton hub (the main street) to another bowl of coffee,,YES.
We had a bit of a look around and then headed back to Blenheim where we wanted to have 2 nights so we could do a wine tour on Wednesday. However on the way we wanted to stop off at a winery that we had been told about from friends from church..somehow someone they knew (maybe a sister ) owns this place and so we called in..Johaneshoff winery or something. http://www.johanneshof.co.nz/Default.asp?page=1 It was great. We never caught up with however was supposed to be there but we tasted some nice wines and my fav was a pinot gris(???) actually not sure..but it was a white wine..of which we bought a bottle..smooth. So we headed off again.. No idea where to stay, but we did have lunch at a great winery, we happened to stumble over, Allan Scott winery (originally owned by an Australian and so gum treees are planted everywhere ..) We then found a hotel . see link. http://www.marlboroughnz.co.nz/ Now as nice a sthis place was it really did have the dodgiest bathroom...y they didn't renovate it is beyond me..but hey.. V small and V tacky but adequate. We organised a winery tour with the bubbly grape tour group and was told they would pick us up at 12 the next day..

We then went walking..and walking and walking..It was so great to be out and about loving the new place. People so friendly. we asked a lady in a shop about where to find a supermarket and she took us outside down an arcade and explained it to us. V impressive. An early night was in store..so we had cheese, bickies and wine. What else do you eat in the Marborough region of NZ???

The sun on the snow

Ok so the photos are bowls of coffee..Alan at the Allan Scott winery where we did lunch the view of the pool from our room..(sure it would never be warm enough to swim in

New Zealand day 3

2009-10-06T04:17:00.000-07:00

Our sunrise Al

The Pictures are our sunrise. The garden with whale ribs, the levee bank (shows you how much water comes through with the snow!!! and Al reading the paper where we got our coffee from

The sun hitting the snow (very early)

The little stream where the seals were going

We awoke at sparrows and were off to explore and take pictures. In the 23 weeks we were in NZ between us Al and I took over 10g of photos..whoopsy. We walked and walked. It was freezing but beautiful and exciting..loved every 2nd of it. Frost on the ground (v rare where I come from) then had a coffee at some little shop and home again..

then off to try and find the seals in a stream, about a 15 minute drive north of town and try some crayfish from Nims Bin.. (Al had seen this on getaway!!) Yes we did all that.

Found the seals. They were on this little stream walk..just a small sign on the main road, but one of my transplant buddies had told us about them..and so we went looking and found it and it was just wonderful. On the walk up to the waterfall 9we had been told was there) we saw seals making their way up the creek bed over rocks etc and when we finally reached the large pool (complete with waterfall) it was almost sacred, quiet (and freezing) and there were about 20 seals, chasing and frolicking in the water. They even came over to the edge to check us out when we arrived..Complete with what we started calling their "pose" head thrown carelessly back..

It was FANTASTIC.. I was videoing it and suddenly I realised other people had arrived but just silence. It was special.

We were so cold we couldn't stay any longer then the 20 min or so but its a memory that will live forever. I would LOVE to go back there.

On the way back to Kiakoura we saw more seals on the side of the road (beach) and shared a crayfish from the infamous Nims Bin..The seagulls also tried to share it with us. It was quite tasty and as we sat on the side of the road on an old picnic table, with our crayfish that had been cut in half, we felt as if we were in Heaven.

Back to a winery, (our first but not last) some shopping (Al had to buy me a new sd card) (yes Al 1g will be heaps!!!) some internet more seals and then walked up to town for a great dinner at the local tavern/pub. Al checked out more bears

A top day yet again

New Zealand day2

2009-10-05T17:31:00.000-07:00

Ok so I do not know how the new uploader for blogger goes.

The photos I have uploaded are ..as we drove out of Christchurch..just looking at the different houses etc..

Alan checking out a little place where they do bungy jumping and jet boating on the way to Hamner Springs,

At Hamner Springs

Then at kiakoura and the seals at kiakoura..

I awoke fairly early on day 2 and got up, rugged up and headed out for a walk. It was magic. Freezing but delightful. I wanted to take Al back a coffee but alas..nothing open except starbucks and i was not that desperate. I walked for about 30 mins taking in sights and everything, then headed back and we both went down to a full breakfast at the hotel. They had delighful little pots of spreads.,(and sauce , they had asked if I wanted sauce with my dinner the previous night at the Irish pub) I did manage to pocket enough of these to keep us going for our whole holiday.

We then packed up and left for our first drive out of Christchurch. we planned on going to Hamner Springs..having a bath in the hot pools and then onto Kiakoura. which is what we did.

a few stops on the way..many photos and lots of fun.

The hot pools were awesome..we did only hire 1 towel between us (bad move) but it was good. very set up with hot showers, lockers, a machine to spin dry swimmers, hair dryers..in fact everything. Unfortunatly the day was fairly warm so it was not as good in the hot pools as if it was a cold day. Mind you when I say warm it may have been 16 degrees. so its really all relative.

we the drove on our very first New Zealand windy, one laned bridge road. Incredible. Luckily I drove or I would have been sooo car sick. Really windy, hilly and soo many one laned bridges, Not little ones. All sizes from really large to just small ones, but heaps of them.

We arrived in Kiakoura mid afternoon. Whta a spot. Magic. Mountains with snow and the ocean. It reminded us of what we thought a place in canada may look like..the main street with the mountains in the back ground (complete with snow) We were gob smacked. So beautiful. We booked into the "white morph" which was just lovely..first encounter with in floor heating..GREAT!! Also more bath robes. Also the most fancy spa bath I have ever seen..very nice and relaxing.

We then had an early dinner at some little cafe thingy.. and home to relax as we wwere pretty tired. Big day..

My New Zealand Holiday..self driving (day1)

2009-10-04T00:19:00.000-07:00

Well we have been back for 1 week today and thought I should start blogging about our wonderful holiday. All I say to people is you really need to go to experience the magesticness of the South Island.
It was really beautiful. The mountains and the snow and the colour all combined to make it a truly spectacular, unforgetable holiday..
We can not describe adequately how great it all was.. we loved it..like really loved it. Before we left and for the time we were away we prayed for 3 things.. ! Good health 2.. Good weather ..3 Time to go slowly..

Well God gave us all these things and more. I am going to do our holiday in a series so sit back and relax and enjoy instalment 1 of our holiday..

The week b4 we left was really extreme. Excitement was at an all time high plus anxiety about things getting done. There were jobs to be done, washing to be done, all the little things to be tidied up. After all I was becomming an International jet setter..yep me Mary tyson was going to travel OS.

Al ready to go

There were numerous mix ups with how we were even going to get to the airport to go on this extreme holiday. AJ was initially taking us, then had to dip out as she was house sitting, so then Kim thought he had the night off work so he would take us..but no he had to work..so we drove ourselves to Brisbane. We left Carroll ave about 6.30. So very excited, We arrived at Clareys about 9pm and I then quickly began to finish the last 100 or so rows of my scarf that I had been attempting to Knit for the past 5 weeks..nothing like leaving things to the last minute.

Filling in forms

We awoke at about 5.30am (thanks Clarey) She was very perky and happy and we are very grateful that she woke us. After many impromptu photos, showers and final checks we were off to the INTERNATIONAL terminal.Many thanks to Clarey and her chaueffeur services.

Well after filling in forms, getting bags checked AND passports, going through security, where Alan was whoisked away for a body search.. O My gosh it was awful. We just got through security and I was looking for my missing handbag "Alan have you got my handbag" and as I looked up I saw Al being whisked away by 3 burley men..no stopping no chance to reply..so I who was still missing my handbag (backpack) ran over to where he had disappeared and yelled over the petitions "have u got my handbag" I had visions of it having been nabbed by some scary person..
Finally through time to relax and have coffee and breakfast..we were so excited.

Finally the call came to board.. on we got and settled ourselves for our 3 and a half hour trip. We were leaving at 9.30am and arriving in NZ at 3pm.. I ordered a dvd player and eventually got one that worked (no sound and the other froze) and we watched ghosts of girlfriends past..by the time we had watched it, had a snack I could see NZ..I can not describe just how excited we were. I have attached some pictures of our first view (the land of the long white cloud) right through to our arrival...an amazing sight..

Please note in the last photo you can see Mount Cook. We were told that is very rare to get such a clear view of the Alps..and even rarer to see Mount Cook.

Ok so we arrived and as we walked up the entrywalkway we could feel the chilliness. Our hearts were buzzing. we were stoked. We got through customs..no probs. The man was wonderful. We then rang for the hire car and he told us where to wait...and so we did and it was sooo cold. In the shade..but it was all exciting. Even when we were picked up and buzzed over to NZ rentacar and saw our luittle bomb for the next 3 weeks we didnt care. We were there for 3 weeks and we were pumped. After signing up for everything and with map in hand we headed off into a new land. Everything seemed different..houses, streets, businesses everything.

We found our hotel easily enough and they immeadiatly convinced us to upgrade..(our own bathrobes). We went to our rooms and then quickly head out in wonder and awe. we felt like children in a candy shop. Our eyes wide, mouths open and gaping at everything. We were in a different country, it was so exciting. We saw beautiful gardens, red telephone boxes, baby ducks, tourist shops and heaps of eateries. In one souvineer shop we got me a cheap NZ pink fluffy zip jumper (which was very warm) and it was on sale for $20..so in Australian dollars that was like 50cents (!!!!)

We then settled on an irish pub for dinner just opposite the Millenium (our hotel) and Alan started his 3 week tasting of NZ beers. Our holiday had begun.One of the beautiful gardens in ChristchurchAl ordering the first of many NZ beers Cathedral square Christchurch..Our Hotel on rightOur Hotel room

a quick post from Omareu

2009-09-19T15:54:00.001-07:00

OK since I last wrote..we have travelled to Milford sound and had an awesome, amazing, spectacular, massive, majestic time on board the Mariner, overnight on Milford sound,....WOW WOW WOW..what elae can i say...
We then yesterday travelled all the way across the country west to East.. took about 5 hours..and ended up here in Ormeru or however you spell it.. about and hour and 15 north of Dunedin..off to see penguins tonight. very excited//..

Must away love to all

more NZ stuff and 5 favs)

2009-09-10T14:25:00.001-07:00

well its friday and thought i would quickly do my 5 favs all the way from NZ.. Yep there have been way more then 5 but i guess i will do the real 5 so far

1..the alps as we flew in, They were so amazing.. I saw them from about 20 mins or more before I knew what they were..thought it was cloud (guess the name land of the long white cloud)..they were awesome.. so clear and amazing..

2.. the seals at the pool at Ohau (i think that is it) there are heaps of Maori names.. and can't quite get my mouth and brain around them) They were so cute..friendly even..playing and having fun. If I went back i reckon if you took a ball they would play with it)

3/.. the views..the one at Kiakoura from the town..the sea and the mountains and snow so amazing.. yesterday as we travelled through the mountains Bulla pass I think it was mountains. They do vertical very well..then the drive from westport to here at Punnikiki..WOW..very rugged coastline but majestic..even though it was drizzling rain..

4.. the pancake rocks and blowhole here at Punikiki..to be seen to be beleived..it was wet and miserable but still was just incredible..and afterwards went to the local tavern for a wine or 2 and sat inf ront of the fire..gorgeous.

5..the wekas a local bird. About the size of a bantam hen and are described as a bush fowl..similar in colouring to a kiwi.. one frightened the heck out of me at cape Foulwind as I was getting in the car..almost hopped in with me..Al is still laughing about it ans is one of his personal favz..!!!

Well thats it..got to keep going..love to all..we are loving this and the things we are experiencing..hope to read your 5 favs next time I am on..