Happy Holiday Candice and Koby!

Koby and Candice - ready to head off to the airport

Candice & Koby left Melbourne this afternoon for their much awaited holiday in South Africa with Candice's family. It's a long flight but I am sure Koby will travel well. I took him out for a walk this morning while Candice did last minute things and Darrin slept for a couple of hours after his night shift. I will miss them - I have been looking after Koby two days a week during November. Always so good unless he wakes up grumpy - who does that remind me of!!! Darrin follows in December when he starts his leave.

I am enjoying the bathroom, finally made up my mind about wall colour - Malcolm will probably paint it over the next week or so, when he has some time. It's a busy time of year and especially with small children. I have a gift voucher to spend on accessories for the bathroom - thank you Candice, Darrin and Koby - looking forward to using it very soon.

Not much else happened last week I did go out for dinner which was lovely - I didn't see Fergus and Zac. The weekend was busy. Was great catching up with the 'gang' for our Kris Kringle and Rose's Birthday on Friday night. We met at Beaches in Mornington had a lovely dinner a few drinks and some 'dancing'. I didn't have to drive as I stayed the night at Rose's house. Saturday night was Gail's friend Ian's 60th birthday - Sunday I spent most of the day doing chores, I cancelled my Young and Jackson date - was looking forward to seeing Jimi and the band but I had to get some things done around the house before my holiday.

The Christmas shopping is almost done - I may not get around to Christmas cards this year - so once the gifts are bought and wrapped this week then I can concentrate on my wardrobe for the cruise!! I love getting dressed up every evening - with two formal events and 11 smart casual nights that's a lot of mixing and matching!! Then there's the shoes, bags and jewellery - LOL lots of fun for Jill and I. i hope I can update my blog while I am away, I think my camera is ok...i spent a lot of time on Saturday afternoon reading the manual and also restored all the settings to the default setting, recharge the battery and it seems to be once again taking reasonable photographs

I have a busy week this week with shopping, catching up with Gail for dinner, also Shelley and Darrin on Wednesday evening. out with friends on Friday evening, babysitting on Sat night then concentrate on clothes on Sunday I have a hair appointment on Friday morning can't forget that.

Jill and I have booked our tours for each port in New Zealand - one of the highlights being a trip to Rotorua and a spa experience. We are going to Te Puia in the Whakawerawera Valley, a natural wonder and considered to be a sacred place by the Maori people. Then on to Polynesian Lake Spa retreat. Sounds wonderful!!

Sending lots of love to my dear friends who aren't feeling that great at the moment - think of you often x

That's about it for now - till next time

New bathroom and other stuff

The bathroom renovation went well and was completed in record time! Last Saturday (13th Nov) the bathroom was complete except for the shower screen which was installed on Tuesday. I love it. What a pleasure to soak in a brand new bathtub in a brand new bathroom. Malcolm will start the painting soon and that will complete the 'project'! i took some pics of the progress,unfortunately they didn't turn out too well, and I am only hoping that its my photography skills (lack of) and not my camera.
I will need that camera on 8th December when Jill and I set sail from Melbourne on the Dawn Princess bound for New Zealand. Exciting! The last few months have flown by. I have lots to do before walking up the gangplank, all the Christmas gifts and preparations organised before I go. A birthday present organised for my dear Mum who will be 90 the day after I get back from the cruise.
Candice and Koby set off on 29th November on their trip to South Africa. Johannesburg first for a wedding and then onto Capetown. Darrin heads off on 21st December. to join them in Capetown. i may not see Darrin before his holiday as I arrive back on the 21st. I will miss them, but it will be lovely for Candice's family. Koby will meet all the family and no doubt be thoroughly spoilt - easy to do - he is a darling. I look after Koby on a Wednesday and this month on a Thursday too. We have lots of fun together. This Thursday will be our last day together for a few weeks.
On Thursday evening I went to Gimmee that Guitar - a benefit for Harvey James and Peter Mac Cancer Centre What a great night!!!. I learnt a lot about Australian Rock music and the musicians. Harvey James played with Sherbet. The music was great wonderful talent on the stage with some amazing guitar playing from a courageous from Harvey James. Follow the comments and feedback on FACE BOOK.
Life presents all sorts of challenges - and to my friends who are not too well at present, or undergoing treatment - lots of love and good wishes. I think of you often.
I am looking after Fergus and Zac this evening, all is quiet, both went off to bed and were asleep in no time. Last Saturday evening I looked after Koby, while Darrin Candice, Shelley and Malcolm had a night out together!!
Well that's about for now so til next time .....

New bathroom - work has begun

Very exciting - yesterday work began on the new bathroom. The bathroom was gutted yesterday except for the bath which is cast iron. It was moved today with difficulty - and the new bath is being installed at the moment. I have picked out the tiles for floor and walls - nothing fancy plain white wall tiles and blacks floor tiles. I think I may have been lucky to get it done before I leave on 8th December. Most of it will be finished by Saturday and the shower screen will be installed last of all.
Not much More news for now - standby for the next installment...

Home Today - time flies

The time in Perth Has just flown by...It's so hot today, although i am looking forward to being home, the weather doesn't sound that great.

It's been a lovely lazy time in Perth and apart from the first day the weather has been great, perhaps even too hot at times.

Rottnest Island was great very relaxing with lots of little coves and bays for swimming and snorkeling. I didn't snorkel, the size of the stingray swimming around put me off!!! My intentions were good.

Lot's of ice creams and fish and chips this holiday, washed down with ice cold Corona's and/or red wine from Margaret River. Freemantle was very hot yesterday, there was a festive feel about the port with so many people dressed up for the CUP!

I didn't have a bet this year so no big win for me.

It's lovely to spend time with my 'old' friends - friends are special along with family and to my friends who are undergoing treatment, or about to start,or facing surgery i am sending lots of love and good thoughts. thinking of you.

I have missed the grandchildren this week, looking forward to seeing them all very soon!

Next week I am looking forward to bathroom renovations!!! a brand new bathroom!!! photos coming up on the blog...

Till next time...