Hi everyone.
Well not sure if anyone checks in here or not anymore but thought I would drop a line anyway.
As usual I have been busy with work and family. It has been an unusually wet and cold winter also but it has been nice just the same. We always welcome rain.
I have popped into the chat rooms occasionally but they all seem to be empty so I ressureected facebook and hopefully cancatch up with many of you there.
Escher is growing so fast and as cheeky as ever. She is doing so well and will have an early entry into "big school" She is now competent with the computer and enjoys playing many games on here which has advanced her with her numbers and reading to a year or so ahead of the others.
I have started buying itunes cards and downloading music, Esch sat on my knee once whilst I did this (Big mistake) later that week I went to download some songs for an upcomng wedding and all my credit was gone. Feeling kinda peeved I emailed itunes with a strong complaint. Then went about organising music onto my little memory stiock for that weekend and my folder seemed ot have grown a little $20 worth of tunes that I didnt buy but Esch had quite happily purchased. Another email to itunes apologising for my previous one and explaining what had happened. I think they got a laugh a week later I received $20 worth of credit on my account.
Cassie is doing well and is looking at returning to study when Esch starts "big school" she has finally decided what she wants to do with her life so a lonnnnnng haul through University with a teachers degree as the target. I hope she sticks with it this time. Kirsten has almost finsihed her final year at school and doing very well, she is now a jarate instructor as well as continuing on with her music and horses and works part time as an assistant at the local vets.
Geoff is plodding along as usual, not working at this stage but has a job in his sights that will have him travelling across Australia in the trains. Hopefully he will apply and get it.
Greg has settled in with a new man in his life and I actually like this one lol. I hope it works for them. I am still single, available but dont have time for fussing about it.
We dont see a lot of each other lately as I am always locked in my office working or out and about doing something.
Summer coming up I have scheduled a few weekends off so we can get some camping in.. I love work but am missing my family and friends, online and offline.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Mothers Day Mandy style
Happy Mothers day to all Mothers out there and Dads that are mums as well.
I am not one for celebrating days like Mothers Day, Fathers Day. Not because I feel that they dont deserve the attention ( am a mum several times over myself) but because I dont like all of the advertising hype over it.
This year they wre advertising items into the thousands of dollars price range with the Slogan Mum wont be happy unless.
This gave me the reason to sit my children down and explain to them why I wanted a $$$ free Mothers day.
When I explained I wasnt going to be happy with money spent on me they looked at me and were quite upset at the thought of not being able to show or express the Mothers Day sentiments by buying me items.
This in turn upset me, I felt I had taught them well about advertising tricks and ploys to get you to spend as much as possible. They argued it was because they wanted to not because of advertising.
So I argued back that seeing it was Mothers Day and they wanted to make me happy wouldnt knowing what I wanted make it easier for them?
Eventually they understood and my Mothers Day became one where no money was spent on gifts.
Escher made me the most beautiful card I have ever received. After having her tell me what the picture she so carefully drew depicted I placed it in my special box with her watching. She swelled with pride that it went in and the happiness in her eyes helped make my day.
Cassie received the same from Esch a beautiful picture hand drawn for her to treasure.
As there are two Mums living in the house we shared the cooking and tidying for mothers day luncheon, usually Cassie cooks and does the dishes these days so it was a nice treat for her to be able to share the chores.. I picked my mother up and bought her over for the afternoon. Esch presented her with another card she had made and it made great nanna's day.
After we ate, we piled into the car and went for a drive. I headed out into the country area along The Great Ocean Road (It took 16years to build) and we had a wonderful time stopping at different stalls, buying fresh fruit and veg from the orchards and tasted a few wines from wine growers.
Late afternoon we stopped at a little coffee shop that was tucked away in the middle of no where and had devonshire tea.
We stopped for a pub meal on the way home when it became evident we werent going to make it at a reasonable hour to be cooking.
We arrived back home late evening exhausted, but it was one of the most wonderful Mothers Day's I have spent.
Everything was spur of the moment, We had no time frame, we just took it easy and relaxed and went with the flow.
I am not one for celebrating days like Mothers Day, Fathers Day. Not because I feel that they dont deserve the attention ( am a mum several times over myself) but because I dont like all of the advertising hype over it.
This year they wre advertising items into the thousands of dollars price range with the Slogan Mum wont be happy unless.
This gave me the reason to sit my children down and explain to them why I wanted a $$$ free Mothers day.
When I explained I wasnt going to be happy with money spent on me they looked at me and were quite upset at the thought of not being able to show or express the Mothers Day sentiments by buying me items.
This in turn upset me, I felt I had taught them well about advertising tricks and ploys to get you to spend as much as possible. They argued it was because they wanted to not because of advertising.
So I argued back that seeing it was Mothers Day and they wanted to make me happy wouldnt knowing what I wanted make it easier for them?
Eventually they understood and my Mothers Day became one where no money was spent on gifts.
Escher made me the most beautiful card I have ever received. After having her tell me what the picture she so carefully drew depicted I placed it in my special box with her watching. She swelled with pride that it went in and the happiness in her eyes helped make my day.
Cassie received the same from Esch a beautiful picture hand drawn for her to treasure.
As there are two Mums living in the house we shared the cooking and tidying for mothers day luncheon, usually Cassie cooks and does the dishes these days so it was a nice treat for her to be able to share the chores.. I picked my mother up and bought her over for the afternoon. Esch presented her with another card she had made and it made great nanna's day.
After we ate, we piled into the car and went for a drive. I headed out into the country area along The Great Ocean Road (It took 16years to build) and we had a wonderful time stopping at different stalls, buying fresh fruit and veg from the orchards and tasted a few wines from wine growers.
Late afternoon we stopped at a little coffee shop that was tucked away in the middle of no where and had devonshire tea.
We stopped for a pub meal on the way home when it became evident we werent going to make it at a reasonable hour to be cooking.
We arrived back home late evening exhausted, but it was one of the most wonderful Mothers Day's I have spent.
Everything was spur of the moment, We had no time frame, we just took it easy and relaxed and went with the flow.
Smelling the roses, whiny voices and old friends.
Today I decided to take some time out to stop and relax a little.
I picked Esch up from daycare and deliberatly arrived a little earlier than normal.
Whilst sitting watching the little ones play and fight lol.. I heard a familiar voice and name.
Looking up I saw a woman around my age with her daughter and grandson talking to the staff.
I waited until they finished and walked over with the "don't I know you from somewhere" line.
It turns out we were at school together. She moved interstate after she got married and has only just returned to Melbourne after a divorce. Stayed with her hubby until the youngest of their children become established and then went their seperate ways.
Anyway with a lot of catching up to do we sat outside in the parking area chatting away. It was the first time both if us had relaxed in quite awhile and nice to catch up.
After awhile we just sat in silence, I guess pondering the conversations we had and enjoying the peace.
Mothers were comming meeting friends chatting, grabbing their kids and leaving. One in particular turned up in a brand new 4wheel drive, heavily pregnant and struggling to get out of her car. Sharon and I watched in silence with fascination. I guess we were both wondering why she would be driving a car she had trouble getting in and out of.
Anyway this woman waddled away from her car only to be stopped by another who was sitting in wait in her car, an old ford that had seen better days, paint peeling and dent marks all around.
Waiting lady waited until waddler got up beside the car and pounced.
"Hello there "WOW" you have a new car.
Waddler replied with plum in mouth "Oh yes we got it about 7 weeks ago" (I guess 7 weeks ago she didnt count on her belly enlarging)
Being a people who respects others privacy we decided to listen in to the conversation.
Apparantly waddling pregnant lady had missed a party at the laying in wait ladys home.
Apologies were made and excuses started to flow, Waddling lady's husband had lost his job 6 weeks ago and with 1 child and another on the way she wasnt thinking straight too much stress etc and totally forgot.
Waiting Lady said she was sorry to hear of the news and offered any help she could give, especially with a new baby on the way. "just call me I will be there" were her words.
Then waddling lady informed her that hubby had gained employment 2 days after his last job ended and was on a higher pay bracket. (should have been no extra worry and stress then right?)
Lady in wait was impressed but didnt seem to pick a contradiciton in there anywhere.
However she did invite Waddler and her family to dinner this comming saturday night.
Then the whiny voice started.
You know the one woman use when they dont really want to be talking to someone.
It kinda went like this. ohhhhhhhhhhh IIIIIII dooooooooont knoooooooowwwwwwww. We have been sooooooo up and dowwwwwwwn since hubby lost his job we arent sure wether we are coming or going. (Doesnt hubby have a new job with more pay????).
Waiting lady said well you have my phone number so give me a call tonight after 8pm and let me know.. we are having a few over so it wont just be us and the kids.
Waddler then remember that she had lost the paper that Waiting ladys number was written on. The real reason she didn't turn up on the last invite.
So numbers were exchanged again.
Whilst this was happening another heavily pregnant lady waddled on over (waddler2)...Stood back politely and patiently waiting for the conversation to end.
Sharon and I looked at one another, burst out laughing, then calmed ourselves down, We missed the goodbyes of waddler and waiter...However we caught part of the conversation with waddler and waddler 2. Funny the whiny voice was gone, she talked with speed and excitement, boasted about how much extra money was coming into the house and that the new car would be paid for in 6 months and then whined about lady in wait made a few nasty comments about her and then waddler and waddler 2 waddled off into the centre to pick up their children who Sharon and I both hope dont turn out to be whiners like their waddling parents.
Both of us felt sad for the waiting lady. She sounded friendly and genuine in her offers of help and invite to dinner. It seemed she just wanted to make friends.
We sat and chatted a little longer wondering if we were ever that way and both agreed that yes we have been. Feeling ashamed of ourselves we decided to wash it down with a couple of drinks at the pub. Cassie and Esch got a ride home With Sharons daughter and grandson and Sharon and I headed to the nearest bar where we sat on a stool leaned on the bar and as you do in a pub listened to more conversations around us.
We have agreed to meet once a week at day care and then head on to the pub afterwards. It seems we both like people watching and listening.
Maybe we will hit the single bars together in a couple of weeks.
I picked Esch up from daycare and deliberatly arrived a little earlier than normal.
Whilst sitting watching the little ones play and fight lol.. I heard a familiar voice and name.
Looking up I saw a woman around my age with her daughter and grandson talking to the staff.
I waited until they finished and walked over with the "don't I know you from somewhere" line.
It turns out we were at school together. She moved interstate after she got married and has only just returned to Melbourne after a divorce. Stayed with her hubby until the youngest of their children become established and then went their seperate ways.
Anyway with a lot of catching up to do we sat outside in the parking area chatting away. It was the first time both if us had relaxed in quite awhile and nice to catch up.
After awhile we just sat in silence, I guess pondering the conversations we had and enjoying the peace.
Mothers were comming meeting friends chatting, grabbing their kids and leaving. One in particular turned up in a brand new 4wheel drive, heavily pregnant and struggling to get out of her car. Sharon and I watched in silence with fascination. I guess we were both wondering why she would be driving a car she had trouble getting in and out of.
Anyway this woman waddled away from her car only to be stopped by another who was sitting in wait in her car, an old ford that had seen better days, paint peeling and dent marks all around.
Waiting lady waited until waddler got up beside the car and pounced.
"Hello there "WOW" you have a new car.
Waddler replied with plum in mouth "Oh yes we got it about 7 weeks ago" (I guess 7 weeks ago she didnt count on her belly enlarging)
Being a people who respects others privacy we decided to listen in to the conversation.
Apparantly waddling pregnant lady had missed a party at the laying in wait ladys home.
Apologies were made and excuses started to flow, Waddling lady's husband had lost his job 6 weeks ago and with 1 child and another on the way she wasnt thinking straight too much stress etc and totally forgot.
Waiting Lady said she was sorry to hear of the news and offered any help she could give, especially with a new baby on the way. "just call me I will be there" were her words.
Then waddling lady informed her that hubby had gained employment 2 days after his last job ended and was on a higher pay bracket. (should have been no extra worry and stress then right?)
Lady in wait was impressed but didnt seem to pick a contradiciton in there anywhere.
However she did invite Waddler and her family to dinner this comming saturday night.
Then the whiny voice started.
You know the one woman use when they dont really want to be talking to someone.
It kinda went like this. ohhhhhhhhhhh IIIIIII dooooooooont knoooooooowwwwwwww. We have been sooooooo up and dowwwwwwwn since hubby lost his job we arent sure wether we are coming or going. (Doesnt hubby have a new job with more pay????).
Waiting lady said well you have my phone number so give me a call tonight after 8pm and let me know.. we are having a few over so it wont just be us and the kids.
Waddler then remember that she had lost the paper that Waiting ladys number was written on. The real reason she didn't turn up on the last invite.
So numbers were exchanged again.
Whilst this was happening another heavily pregnant lady waddled on over (waddler2)...Stood back politely and patiently waiting for the conversation to end.
Sharon and I looked at one another, burst out laughing, then calmed ourselves down, We missed the goodbyes of waddler and waiter...However we caught part of the conversation with waddler and waddler 2. Funny the whiny voice was gone, she talked with speed and excitement, boasted about how much extra money was coming into the house and that the new car would be paid for in 6 months and then whined about lady in wait made a few nasty comments about her and then waddler and waddler 2 waddled off into the centre to pick up their children who Sharon and I both hope dont turn out to be whiners like their waddling parents.
Both of us felt sad for the waiting lady. She sounded friendly and genuine in her offers of help and invite to dinner. It seemed she just wanted to make friends.
We sat and chatted a little longer wondering if we were ever that way and both agreed that yes we have been. Feeling ashamed of ourselves we decided to wash it down with a couple of drinks at the pub. Cassie and Esch got a ride home With Sharons daughter and grandson and Sharon and I headed to the nearest bar where we sat on a stool leaned on the bar and as you do in a pub listened to more conversations around us.
We have agreed to meet once a week at day care and then head on to the pub afterwards. It seems we both like people watching and listening.
Maybe we will hit the single bars together in a couple of weeks.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Hi everyone
Hope you are all well and happy.
Well nothing has slowed down here. In fact it is getting busier.
I have at least 7 weddings a week now and I am starting my Funeral Celebrants course.
Amazing how many people get married during the week.
I am booked out until July next year.
I am rarely home anymore.
I just purchased a few wishing wells to hire out to clients for their weddings.
I had a client take one to theirs and everyone just placed money into the well and then it was donated to charity afterwards.
I thought this was a great idea for a couple entering their second marriage and had two houses full of furniture.
If you dont want to donate you can just keep the cash that people have placed in the well and buy yourself a wedding gift or put it towards a honeymoon.
They look bigger than they are...They fit easily on the back seat of a car.
Well it is late here so I am heading off to bed. Hugs all and take care
Well nothing has slowed down here. In fact it is getting busier.
I have at least 7 weddings a week now and I am starting my Funeral Celebrants course.
Amazing how many people get married during the week.
I am booked out until July next year.
I am rarely home anymore.
I just purchased a few wishing wells to hire out to clients for their weddings.
I had a client take one to theirs and everyone just placed money into the well and then it was donated to charity afterwards.
I thought this was a great idea for a couple entering their second marriage and had two houses full of furniture.
If you dont want to donate you can just keep the cash that people have placed in the well and buy yourself a wedding gift or put it towards a honeymoon.
They look bigger than they are...They fit easily on the back seat of a car.
Well it is late here so I am heading off to bed. Hugs all and take care
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Hello
Sparky I was hoping he would come over but he just looked at us, sniffed the air, am sure he knew us and then let me take his pic before he wandered off with the girls.
The difference between a Kangaroo and a wallaby is size, wallabies are much smaller and the nose is broader and shorter. Wallabies are widely distributed across Australia, particularly in more remote, heavily timbered, or rugged areas.
Kangaroos are more widely found on the great semi-arid plains because they are larger, leaner, and more fleet-footed than Wallabies.
Hi everyone. I hope you all have had a wonderful Easter.
Everyone here is fine and kicking along well.
Sparky is having a wonderful time in an enclosure with all females at the Zoo.
The weather is cooling down and we are all hoping for rain and lots of it. The drought has got everyone down and we are all tired of brown grass although much better than the burnt foliage that is very prominent at the moment.
Cassie and Esch are fighting fit and Kirsten has turned 18 years old. She now has her drivers licence and has moved out of home.
It frightened me at first that she wanted to leave home so soon but I know she will be fine and she hasnt moved far.
My father has cancer and she moved in with him. Not because he needs anyone to assist him but because she wants to spend as much time as possible with him. They are and have always been inseperable.
I am hoping she will move back in time but I kow she wont. She is far too independant and self reliant. I am proud to have raised her to be able to stand on her own but the mothe rin me is slapping myself for it.
I do worry she is burning the candle not only at both ends but in the middle as well.
She is in her final year of school and we all know that is full of study during and after school as well as in your dreams, but she is also busy with her horses and riding lessons for children, she has 3 students she is teaching music to after school and on weekends and also a part time job at a hardware store of all places and then she has her music studies and the Youth Orchestra on top of it all.
I dont know how she does it but she is never contactable.
I didnt get to see her for Easter, and I never got to see her for her birthday. She had a "party" with her friends, organised all the details herself. I have spoken to her and she said she had a wonderful time with 2 of her closest friends when the others left.
She popped in briefly to collect her birthday present but I wasnt at home so she grabbed the gift and left me a note LOL. It has hurt a little as I wanted to give her a nice party but she is happy.
She is looking at buying herself a small 2 bedroom unit close to the stables. So I am hoping to at least help her out with that, if she will let us. Still no boyfriend and still not interested. Smart girl!!
So all my children are now considered adults.
This is the time for me apparently. But what am I going to do with this time.
I am single, available as always and still overly fussy.
My work is keeping me incredibly busy. I am surprised at how many people contact me in a week for wedding ceremonies. I am starting to turn people away because I have bookings now a year in advance.
A celebrant isnt a great way to meet other singles. Most weddings I am invited to attend the reception afterwards but have to refuse so I can move on to the next ceremony. By the end of the day a party is the last thing I want to be going to so I am home and beleive it or not usually in bed by 11.
I miss chatting with everyone on here so much and think of everyone often. I hope you are all happy and healthy.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
So Busy
Hi everyone, If anyone still reads this lol.
I have been so busy the last few weeks I am slowly building the wedding business and that keeps me on my toes.
After being in hospital from the hot oil burns to the arms I have had many things happening. I took Cassie and Esch for a drive to see how much damage there was out there from the fires and we found a very thin injured roo. So we collected him up in a blanket and bought him home with us, named him sparky as he had a lot of spark burns on his fur.
After taking him to the vet we spent the next week or so feeding and caring for him, Cassie had the unwelcome job of washing him.
Washing a roo isnt an easy task so after several attempts in the bathtub and under the house outside she decided the best way was to take him to the outside bathroom and put him in the shower and close the door.. Poor Sparky.
After Sparky upended the coffee table in the living room we decided it was better that he go to the Zoo before he caused injury to Esch or more damage to himself. He is on a special diet and in solitary confinement until he is strong enough to join the others and they have eliminated any diseases he may have.
I do miss him though it was kinda nice having a roo sleeping on the end of the bed in his little bag and bottle feeding was fun.
It wasnt until after he was picked up that we realised we hadnt taken any pics of him so once he is allowed out of solitary we hope to go visit and get some pics.
This week we held a memorial and funeral service for my Aunts and Uncles lost in the fires. It was nice to finally have closure.
Without going into detail all of their remains were not there so it was very hard to sit through the services and remain calm.
Well off to bed for me. But before I go Congratulations to Grandma AK and Grandpa Buns...
I have been so busy the last few weeks I am slowly building the wedding business and that keeps me on my toes.
After being in hospital from the hot oil burns to the arms I have had many things happening. I took Cassie and Esch for a drive to see how much damage there was out there from the fires and we found a very thin injured roo. So we collected him up in a blanket and bought him home with us, named him sparky as he had a lot of spark burns on his fur.
After taking him to the vet we spent the next week or so feeding and caring for him, Cassie had the unwelcome job of washing him.
Washing a roo isnt an easy task so after several attempts in the bathtub and under the house outside she decided the best way was to take him to the outside bathroom and put him in the shower and close the door.. Poor Sparky.
After Sparky upended the coffee table in the living room we decided it was better that he go to the Zoo before he caused injury to Esch or more damage to himself. He is on a special diet and in solitary confinement until he is strong enough to join the others and they have eliminated any diseases he may have.
I do miss him though it was kinda nice having a roo sleeping on the end of the bed in his little bag and bottle feeding was fun.
It wasnt until after he was picked up that we realised we hadnt taken any pics of him so once he is allowed out of solitary we hope to go visit and get some pics.
This week we held a memorial and funeral service for my Aunts and Uncles lost in the fires. It was nice to finally have closure.
Without going into detail all of their remains were not there so it was very hard to sit through the services and remain calm.
Well off to bed for me. But before I go Congratulations to Grandma AK and Grandpa Buns...
Monday, February 16, 2009
In remembrance of the victims of the victorian bushfires
We are trying to create a sea of yellow ribbons across the world in remembrance of the victims of the Victorian Bushfires.
So please copy the ribbon and put it on your blog in remembrance of the victims.
The count has started again 181 lives lost and expectations of over 300 in total.
Fires have also taken off in the Healsville area again with a gust of strong winds pushing them toward the Dandenong ranges. So we are again on alert to evacuate :-(
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