American Aussie

Our Godson!

2011-04-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

Best overall athlete! That's our Godson!
Great job Blake! Nina & Nino are so
proud of you!

Kadance Nicholas

2011-03-22T14:52:00.000-07:00

I love this grandson of mine! I am really liking this new short hairstyle! I love you to the moon Kadance Nicholas!

It's only a number... isn't it?

2010-12-02T01:57:00.001-08:00

I don't have a problem with my age, I don't even mind telling my age. I don't look my age, so I'm told quite frequently... but sometimes I feel every bit of my 51 years.

At my visit to the G.P. yesterday(because I have had a red and very sore right eye for a few days) he called the eye specialist to make an appointment for me and said "I have a 51 year old female that I would like Dr. Morgan to see for me please." When he said that, I thought... surely he can't be talking about me... I'm not 51. Oh wait... yes, yes I am. I am 51.

Then I thought about the time (last year) that my gorgeous grandsdon Braylon asked "Nanna, how old are you?" I replied, "Braylon, I am 50 years old." His big, beautiful, brown eyes got bigger and he said "Wow, Nanna, that's a big number." Yes, yes it is a big number... but it's only a number, right?!

His Words Are Special...

2010-11-20T17:29:00.001-08:00

The following was written by Mark on my facebook wall... I feel loved.

It was a beautiful morning here in Melbourne, just perfect for a peaceful and picturesque ride to the Dandenongs. An easy 65km round trip with a coffee stop in Sassafras. Everything was travelling well. We were on our way back home feeling invigorated by our efforts and satisfied with the aromatic coffee and warm freshly baked blueberry muffins still leaving their impressions.

The atmosphere started to change. It wasn't the weather, we had the easterly morning sun on our backs urging us home, but something wasn't right. We were leaving the undulating hills of Vermont which increased the sweat on our brow and drew closer to K-Mart. Something wasn't right! The air became thick with grief. There was an overwhelming sense of loss! I could hear moaning, at first unintelligible, but then as we passed K-mart I could begin to make sense of the words...

Where has she gone? Why did she leave us? Is she going to come back? Why oh why did she abandon us???? As We cycled past Highview grove it felt like we were pedaling through molasses, the air was thick, we could hardly breath, people were roaming around dressed in black and were veiled in their grief! They were lost. Life seemed to hold no meaning or purpose for the people in East Burwood. How were they going to survive without the beloved dancing American!!!!!

Thankfully we made it past and on to Middleborough road. We were all in shock! How can one person have such a huge impact on the lives of so many? I need an elixir. I need something that will help remove the cloak of despair that I am wearing. How many sleeps is it till we see her again? How many days until we are warmed by her embrace? How many hours until we hear her delightful voice? Too long!!

Christmas has come early!

2010-11-09T13:42:00.000-08:00

My Christmas present from my wonderful stepson Phil and his beautiful lady Janelle. I LOVE it! Thank you so much!

I brought it home from the US with me and had to open up the box... it was too big to put in my suitcase. I wrapped it in bubble wrap and carried on in my handluggage... taking very good care of it!

I now have two very special tea sets.

Alone... but not alone.

2010-07-31T01:14:00.000-07:00

There is something very comforting about sitting in the chair at the salon you've never been before in the town you've never lived in before... and chatting away to the ladies who might be your next really good friends.
I heard some local gossip (which means nothing to me right now!), I learned about family and talked about mine. I had a really yummy coffee and if these ladies are not my next really good friends, that's ok too... because I know I will always walk away with a really good colour and cut!
It was a good day!

No more bad news please...

2010-07-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

In a space of about three weeks, we have learned that Peter's dad is terminally ill, my sister Deen was in a terrible vehicle accident and has a lot of broken bones, my Aunt Anna is in hospital seriously ill and my Daughter-in-law Doshia is in hospital with pneumonia but not without first thinking it might be a tumor or cancer.

We are very thankful that Doshia is being treated for pneumonia and will be well again with a lot of rest. Aunt Anna is still not well, but she is a fighter and will hopefully be well. Deen is very positive and says she is a little stronger everyday... and my father-in-law is still in hospital but is hoping to be well enough to go home.

We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers... family that we love.

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-03T23:06:00.000-07:00

Whatever you are doing on this 4th of July... have a happy and safe one!

A Late Birthday Gift...

2010-04-06T00:32:00.001-07:00

My beautiful twin nieces had a 20 something birthday recently. This is what I made for them.

She looks like my sister...

2010-01-10T15:13:00.001-08:00

My beautiful granddaughter Karla looks like my sister, her Auntie Debbie!

A Christening... Phoebe Scarlett

2010-01-10T15:07:00.000-08:00

Our sweet sweet niece Phoebe was christened on December 13, 2009.

Pretty Yellow Jumper

2010-01-10T14:50:00.000-08:00

This beautiful yellow hand knitted cardigan was made by my dear friend Libby. I brought it for Mickaela last year and she wore it then but this year it is fitting her better. She looks adorable... yellow is a colour she will always be able to wear! A beautiful jumper for a beautiful little girl made by a beautiful friend.

Turning 50

2009-12-29T14:52:00.000-08:00

A red and black birthday... the cake was made by Natasha, a special family recipe. It was delicious and beautiful. The room looked lovely with all the red and black... even all the guests dressed in red and black. Turning 50 was fun!

Beautiful Grandbabies

2009-12-29T14:43:00.000-08:00

This is the first time all these grandbabies are together! I am SO loving this!

Healesville with Susie

2009-11-10T02:21:00.000-08:00

Healesville is always fun and we love taking our overseas visitors there... it was very hot this day... but it was a good day! Peter and I will miss Susie, now that she's gone!

Nathan's Wedding

2009-11-10T02:16:00.001-08:00

Carla has been my friend for many, many years. Nathan and Tyrone (and all my boys) have been friends for many, many years. I wish Nathan and KC many, many years of health and happiness!

Our Halloween

2009-11-01T01:52:00.000-07:00

We had a really fun night at Karen & Nick's... celebrating Halloween. Karen and Nick went all out and the house and garden looked fantastic. Good food, great company... lots of fun!

More Halloween

2009-11-01T01:05:00.000-07:00

Tony, Robyn & Phoebe joined in the Halloween festivities... I think Phoebe enjoyed her first Halloween. She stayed awake the whole time...didn't want to miss out on a thing! The was a cute little pumpkin!

A Girlfriend Day

2009-10-26T16:22:00.000-07:00

Girlfriends, shopping, coffee, chatting, laughing... a great way to just hang out!

First Halloween for beautiful niece!

2009-10-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

...and this is what she is going to be for Halloween this year!

A Birthday Celebration

2009-09-12T03:40:00.000-07:00

Our Curves Girls Coffee Group and partners got together for my 50th & Judy's 60th Birthday Celebration. It couldn't have been more perfect... an absolutely beautiful lunch at Stones of the Yarra Valley Winery. The weather was perfect, the food was perfect, the delicious birthday cake made by Maria was perfect, our lovely gifts were perfect, the girls and partners were perfect! We had the best day!

Weekend Away...

2009-08-08T21:27:00.000-07:00

We had the best weekend away with our very special friends. Campaspe House is just beautiful... we came home soooooo relaxed!

Rereading...

2009-07-27T02:49:00.000-07:00

I read Tuesdays With Morrie years ago and am rereading it. It's the book for bookclub this month and was actually my pick. It's as good now as it was years ago. If you need a good read, pick this one up... so worth it!

Happy Reading!

Happy Fourth of July

2009-07-02T21:18:00.001-07:00

We are looking forward to another great 4th of July with special friends. I'm in charge of the apple pie again! Only fresh apples will be used!

Jersey Boys

2009-07-02T21:07:00.000-07:00

Dinner at Tea House, our absolute fav place for a great Chinese meal. Followed by an evening at the Princess Theatre to see Jersey Boys, the musical production that tells the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Great performance. We both loved it.

Why, oh why do they have to sag?

2009-07-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

Is it just me? Or is there anyone else that hates the sagging pants on young people. It's not a good look on either a male or female... yes female. I was at the tram stop yesterday, waiting for the tram... two young girls arrived, one with sagging pants. It was not a nice look.

Talking, talking, talking...

2009-06-23T21:13:00.001-07:00

I enjoy a good chat with a friend, sister and hubby. I have noticed however that most of my conversations, if they aren't in person... are either text, IM or emails. When I use my mobile to ring PJ he almost never answers and I get really annoyed so I now almost always send him a text. I catch my sisters mostly my baby sister on MSN Messenger and that's really great because it's very regular. Sometimes I think I don't need a home phone... I don't even like to answer it! Today I went to a friend's house and had a coffee and a geat chat! Now it's time to go to work... wonder if the phone will ring a lot?!...

Angus Perceval Browne

2009-04-25T00:53:00.000-07:00

We are very happy that our dear, dear friends Barry & Marj are grandparents. They have just welcomed this beautiful baby boy, Angus Perceval Browne, son of Mark and Oonagh Browne. Congratulations Browne family! We can't wait to meet him.

More Odd Spots...

2009-04-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

Odd Spot #400
Men sweat approximately 40% more than women.

Odd Spot #268
Dendrophobia is the fear of trees.

Odd Spot #401
Galileo died in 1642 - the year of Isaac Newton's birth.

Odd Spot #410
The bra was invented and patented by Mary Phelps Jacob.

Odd Spot #272
Laurel was born before Hardy

Odd Spot #328
Gynophobia is the fear of women.

Who picked that restaurant?

2009-03-14T02:08:00.000-07:00

Last night we joined friends Nick & Kaz and Pippa & Ed for a really great night with crappy food! Yup, crappy food...and did I mention not very good service? Yup, not very good service. Crappy food and not very good service but we still had fun. OK, to be fair... the chips and salsa at the beginning were DELICIOUS! Truly delicious... but it went downhill from there.
Our margaritas came out and the glasses, as beautiful as they were, were not filled to the top. It looked like someone sipped our margaritas on the way to the table. My main meal which was a combo had a burnt enchilada on the plate...I think someone else said the same about theirs. We never got dessert or coffee... no one came to ask us if we wanted dessert or coffee... no one asked if we were ready for the bill. Do you think they would have noticed if we just left?
We were celebrating Kaz's birthday... it was a fun night... with crappy food and not very good service.
Happy Birthday Kaz!

Pour me a glass of red please...

2009-02-27T22:29:00.000-08:00

PJ has gone under the house to select a nice bottle of red (two actually) that has been there for a few years, that we will take to T&S's for dinner tonight. This lovely red is now selling for $140 a bottle... so that being said, we are sure it's going to be a delicious bottle of red! PJ says you should always have good wine with good friends. We are having REALLY good wine with REALLY good friends!
Have a tour around the Barossa Valley... www.barossa.com

More Odd Spots...

2009-02-18T13:40:00.000-08:00

Odd Spot #269
The garfish has green bones.

Odd Spot #275
Hair grows slowest at night.

Odd Spot #175
A man's voice is deeper than a woman's because males have longer vocal cords.

Odd Spot #210
The skeleton of a 70kg body weighs about 13kg.

Devastation...

2009-02-09T19:05:00.000-08:00

65 dead, 640 homes lost in fire horror
Feb 08, 2009 5:49pm
By: NEWS.com.au
THE official death toll from Victoria's worst ever bushfire disaster grows as authorities move through affected towns, some of which have been nearly wiped off the map.
AT least 65 people are dead in the bushfires ripping through Victoria, in a disaster which has eclipsed the state's Ash Wednesday devastation of two decades ago.
Authorities are continuing a grim search for more bodies as Pictures: Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader photographer with Lilydale CFA
With The Herald Sun and AAP
Article from: News.com.au

Joining In...

2009-02-04T12:50:00.000-08:00

Within less than an hour at work yesterday three people came in reading one of the books in this series. Everyone seems to be loving it! My sisters love it... I think I'm going to join in this reading frenzy. Have you read this series? Do you love it too like everyone seems to be loving it?

Some of the Males in my family...

2009-01-22T09:58:00.001-08:00

At Mom & Dad's house in Silver City.

What New Mexico is to me...

2009-01-22T09:31:00.000-08:00

Green Chile Enchildadas... Yum...

Red Chile Enchiladas... YUM...

and Tumbleweeds!!!!

I love to see tumbleweeds rolling across the freeway on a windy day. I also love to see snowmen made out of tumbleweeds... I managed to see one this trip.

Chile... mmmm yum. PJ and I eat lots of chile when we are in New Mexico. I love both red and green PJ prefers green.

More Grandbaby Photos...

2009-01-08T10:40:00.000-08:00

Mickaela Rae playing in her exersaucer... she loves it.

Mickaela is getting her first haircut... (will have to find an after photo).

Kadance and Nanna in Socorro... waiting for dinner to arrive.

Dinner arrived... Kadance eating his past... messy, messy boy... but still cute!

Braylon eating pasta for dinner. It's his favourite.

Sister's Birthday...

2009-01-08T09:17:00.000-08:00

My sister had a special birthday in August. I made this quilt for her... I loved the colours when I bought them but once I put the quilt together I didn't really think the colours were her. I hope it keeps her warm... even if the colours are not really her! Happy Birthday Sister.

Sweet, Sweet Girl...

2009-01-08T09:04:00.000-08:00

Mickaela is so adorable. Such a good baby and so much fun. She loves putting her feet in her mouth!

Two Grandbabies...

2008-12-16T16:49:00.000-08:00

How cute are these grandbabies?! Braylon is almost 4 and Mickaela is 5 months... they are both adorable! It's become a tradition that Nanna takes photos with Braylon and now there's Mickaela. Say cheese!

So Touched...

2008-12-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

Four more sleeps and I'm off to New Mexico! Yippee! Can't wait to be there.
Yesterday at work (which was my last day until I return at the end of January) one of our patients came in JUST to say goodbye! How sweet was that?! I was so touched by his kindness. I will send you a postcard dear DR!

2008-11-24T18:39:00.000-08:00

DoughBuoys treats includes: Doughnuts, Muffins, Cold Drinks, Hot Drinks, and Ice-Cream.
And remember, when you see our ‘freshly baking now’ sign flashing, you know doughnuts and muffins are hot from our bakery and ready to eat!

I picked up a skinny latte at the drive-thru today and the coffee is not bad... and it smells of donuts!

A Wonderful Saturday Afternoon

2008-11-24T18:32:00.000-08:00

http://www.aurorasparetreat.com/
Have a visit... it was GREAT!

More Odd Spots

2008-11-22T16:48:00.000-08:00

Odd Spot #160
On average, a movie makes about five times more from its video sales than ticket takings.

Odd Spot #174
A cucumber is 96% water.

Odd Spot #40
Each King in a deck of cards represents a great leader from history:
Spades - Kind David
Hearts - Charlemagne
Clubs - Alexander the Great
Diamonds - Julius Caesar

Odd Spot #119
The term Karaoke means "empty orchestra".

Odd Spot #169
In most advertisements, the time displayed on a watch is 10:10.

Take a deep breath...

2008-11-18T17:49:00.000-08:00

I feel overwhelmed and a bit stressed with all on my plate at the moment. I know that I'll get thru it...one day at a time one project at a time... and then I'll be on that flight to New Mexico with a good book to read! 19 more sleeps.

Hhhmmmmm....

2008-11-15T16:55:00.000-08:00

My Horospcope Today:

You really need some rest, dear Virgo. Even though you have a list of tasks and errands a mile long, see if you can leave some of them for later. All signs indicate that you should not stray too far from home today if you can possibly help it. You are easily distracted, making you prone to accidents. Behind the wheel of a car is not the place for you to be right now. Stay home, and tackle all those little chores you've been meaning to.

Think I'll go take a nap now...

Some things are just meant to be...

2008-11-14T16:58:00.002-08:00

Months ago, probably in March my dear friend Charlie in Albuquerque emailed me and said Andre' Rieu is coming to Melbourne in November and we must go see him...

Today I received a call from dear friend Pippa saying she has tickets... do I want to go? duh...yes! We will be a group of five tonight... going to Telstra Dome to see what is supposed to be a spectacular event! Can't wait! Thanks Charlie, for suggesting it, thanks Pippa for making it happen!

American Candy

2008-11-07T17:44:00.000-08:00

I met Kaz at Chirnside Park Shopping Centre before a night of cropping. She took me into this lollie shop that has American lollies...YUM! I was in heaven... found PJ's favourite 100 Grand bar (I call it his million dollar bar) and also found RED VINES!!!! YUM... love RED VINES... got to the crop and what was there for me? RED VINES... special delivery by NJL from DH! Thanks DH! I love you!

Election 2008

2008-11-05T15:28:00.001-08:00

I am VERY happy with the US Election results!!! Time for change.

Silly Hats for Halloween

2008-11-02T16:49:00.001-08:00

Halloween

2008-11-02T16:32:00.000-08:00

If you are "in the know" then you know I LOVE Halloween... this year my Halloween started at my Creative Memories Workshop... and went on from there until Halloween night.

Spring Scents

2008-11-02T15:49:00.000-08:00

First bloom on our rose bushes.

A new perfume (love gift for my birthday from N & Kaz)...lovely light fresh scent.

Wildflowers

2008-11-02T15:27:00.000-08:00

We loved our time in Perth!

The Pinnacles

Beautiful flowers...

On the train...

Odd Spots continued...

2008-10-29T14:39:00.000-07:00

Odd Spot #55
214 crates were used to transport the Statue of Liberty from France to New Your in 1885.

Odd Spot #362
The only thing that can destroy a diamond is intense heat.

Odd Spot #261
On average, women dream more than men.

Odd Spot #317
There are 34 bathrooms in the White House.

Check it out...

2008-10-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

You have got to check out my niece's blog, http://www.thelifeofablogoholic.blogspot.com/... read her titled "Her Closet Was Our Wonderland". Some things are just meant to be!

Today's three good things...

2008-10-20T02:15:00.000-07:00

1. I inspired dear, dear friend NJL to de-clutter... clean up and clean out her home office. My inspration to her has inspired me to clean up and clean out my home office!

2. My absentee ballot arrived today and I voted!!!

3. PJ cooked a yummy dinner... and it was my night to cook!

Good and Bad

2008-10-12T23:56:00.000-07:00

Great movie... worth seeing! I actually saw it twice, first with dear friend B. It was sooo good I wanted PJ to see it too. We saw it over the weekend.
"The Vistor" - Vale is a dull widower and professor at a Connecticut university whose life is transformed for the better after he discovers Syrian squatters Tarek (a percussion artist) and his girlfriend Zainab (a jewellery maker), living in his New York apartment. When Tarek is taken into a corporate-run alien detention centre, Vale becomes his only conduit to the outside world and helps Tarek's mother Mouna with her efforts to free her son.

Bad movie... don't waste your time and money. Saw this with girlfriends last night. OK, we did laugh at some of the funny lines... but really, you can wait until it's on your cable channel.
"My Best Friend's Girl" When guys get dumped, they hire Tank to take their ex-girlfriends out on the worst date of their lives – an experience so horrible it sends them running gratefully back to their beaus. So when Tank's best friend, Dustin, is dumped by his new girlfriend, Tank naturally offers to help out... and ends up meeting the challenge of a lifetime. Smart, beautiful and headstrong, Alexis is the first girl who knows how to call his bluff, and Tank soon finds himself torn between his loyalty to Dustin and his love for his best friend's girl.

I'll be back in two minutes then...

2008-10-10T22:23:00.000-07:00

uuggghhh.... I HATE the sound of the vacuum cleaner. I really hate the the sound of the vacuum cleaner... did I mention I hate the sound of the vacuum cleaner?!

PJ took the vacuum cleaner out to get rid of the cobwebs in those corners of the ceiling on the landing of the staircase... the place that I certainly don't reach, not even with the vacuum cleaner.

"It'll take just two minutes" he says... "ok" I replied..."I'll be back in two minutes then."

I went for a walk around the block!

Good and Simple

2008-10-09T02:49:00.000-07:00

It was such a busy work day... and PJ was the last appointment tonight for JF so we got to come home together. I'm still the driver for another week (most of you will know what that means). Thursday night is PJ's night to cook and because we came home together, he made scrambled eggs on toast for me. It's good, it's simple, it's yum and most of all it's easy...for PJ! With a nice glass of red, it's a great night for comfort food! Thanks honey!

Books & Girlfriends

2008-10-04T23:29:00.000-07:00

Another Year
Another Celebration!
Join me for my
Birthday Book Exchange
Morning Tea!

Friday, Sept. 19th
10am @ Borders
Chadstone

Here’s what you do:
Bring a wrapped book
either new or used.
If it’s new, don’t spend heaps,
if it’s used, please have one in
good condition.

Call me if you
Have any questions.
RSVP by 18/9/08
See you there!
Matilda

No Insurance Available

2008-10-03T18:12:00.001-07:00

I'm a little behind on my quilt making projects but hopefully KD received this for her birthday. She is the sweetest 6 year old granddaughter ever and I just want her to be warm! I mailed it in plenty of time for arrival for her birthday but I wasn't able to insure it as no insurance to Mexico is available. Fingers crossed it was received! I love you to the moon KD!

A Box in a Box in a Box

2008-10-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

I picked this box up at the post office several days ago. It was addressed to me and PJ but I couldn't wait for him to come home, I had to open it up first! What a VERY special gift we received from M&M. It's SO beautiful. Thank you so much.

I'm going to have a cup of tea now...

Travel

2008-09-24T16:44:00.000-07:00

About three days ago my Horoscope on my Optusnet Home Page said I should go on a vacation. Good thing I'm having a few days in Perth with Betty! She said she organised it that way on purpose... so that our trip matched my horoscope!

We are really looking forward to our trip away!

I was simply curious...

2008-08-26T20:27:00.000-07:00

Last week I text PJ and asked "what did you iron and when?". Soon he called and asked if it was an inquisition. I couldn't stop laughing. I don't know if he believes I was simply curious be we both had a good laugh. PJ is pretty self sufficient so I was not surprised that he actually ironed... I just couldn't figure out what and when. How did I know he'd ironed? The cord was wrapped around different to how I do it and the big end of the ironing board was facing up and I always put the big end down. It was pretty simple really. Oh... and it was new shirt he ironed!

More Random Information

2008-08-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

Odd Spot #218
Camel's milk does not curdle.

Odd Spot #334
Flamingos are pink because they eat shrimp.

Odd Spot #391
Slugs have four noses.

Odd Spot # 223
Animals that lay eggs don't have belly buttons.

A Bit of Craft

2008-08-23T01:19:00.000-07:00

A handmade gift for a special friend. One was made for me and I made two...one for NL and one for KT (I've yet to get a photo). Handmade gifts are wonderful.

This is who he is...

2008-08-19T21:08:00.000-07:00

He is a marshmallow lovin', strawberry eating, helpin' daddy build things, helpin mamma bake things, hangin' out with his sister, all around great boy! I love when Damon comes over! He's such a boy! It's fun to watch him grow up.

Going, going, gone... I will miss them

2008-07-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

They are the best Starbucks staff ever... and I will miss them. They gave me flowers when my girlfriend's husband died suddenly, they knew how devasted I was of the news. They sent a coffee home with PJ when I was unwell with the flu. They made my 48th birthday extra special and even put a singing candle on the muffin they gave me! They have gone out of their way to make me feel special. I will miss them.

Starbucks at Forest Hill will be no more after tonight. I will miss them! Best wishes to all the staff at FH Starbucks.

Don't you just hate it...

2008-07-16T19:04:00.000-07:00

Don't you just hate it when the check-out person at the grocery store makes a mess of bagging your groceries? She said "just watch that the grapes don't get smashed." Well lady, if you'd done a proper job I wouldn't have to worry would I?

Don't you just hate it when you are trying to return a purchased item and the person at the cash register refuses a refund? Just give me (or SJ in this case) what I want and I'll keep coming to your store to shop. SJ didn't get a refund but did get a store credit for over the amount of her purchased goods... that was the mistake of the person at the cash register, but at least it helped SJ to feel a bit better.

Don't you just hate it when you don't have all the indredients you need for the recipe you are about to make?

Random Information

2008-07-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

Odd Spot #404
A camel can shut its nostrils during a desert sandstorm.

Odd Spot #242
Scientists have found chocolate has a chemical that helps counteract depression.

Odd Spot #311
It takes a week to make jelly beans.

Odd Spot # 194
The US bought Florida from Spain.

Odd Spot #76
Candles burn slowly and evenly with little wax drippings if placed in the freezer for an hour before using.

And here she is!

2008-07-04T19:05:00.001-07:00

She arrived at 8:14am on the 3rd. Weighing 7lbs.2.6oz. and is 19 3/4 inches long! She is beautiful!

Born on the 3rd of July

2008-07-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

I adore this photo. Braylon's sister Mikaela will be born on the 3rd of July. I know she will be as adorable and sweet and special and precious just like her brother!

I love you to the moon Braylon and Mikaela!

I tagged along to protect her!

2008-06-25T23:43:00.000-07:00

Young friend LJ is doing work experience in the city and on her first day her mum didn't want her catching the train home on her own. Mum SJ said the building where she is working is not in the nicest part of town so SJ was going to catch the train to pick up LJ. Well, I didn't want SJ on her own either so I tagged along. It was quite an adventure on a cold winter night!

Thank you dear friend LD for letting us park the car at your house which is close to the train station! I do like public transportation i.e. trains and trams, but don't do it very often because I'm sure I'd get lost! I always worry that I'll end up in Sydney!

Today's 3 Good Things

2008-06-19T22:39:00.000-07:00

Again, there were more than just three but these are my three for today:

1. I filled in at work for AT this morning (as she is in Ireland) so I got to see patients that I haven't seen for a while.

2. I had a yummy Starbucks coffee!

3. My Creative Memories order arrived this morning.

Footy Fan

2008-06-15T00:54:00.000-07:00

If you know PJ you know he is a huge Melbourne Demon fan. This photo made the papers and tv sports news a few years ago. He was not happy.
I'm upstairs at the moment and he is downstairs watching his team play. They aren't doing well this year so far but from his screams and yells I hear, I could tell they are playing well today. The game isn't over yet... I hope he doesn't scream and yell like he did the day of this photo! Maybe today his screams and yells will be happy ones!

Get Off The Phone...

2008-06-12T04:28:00.001-07:00

I don't want to hear your conversation on the phone when I am at a doctor's office, coffee shop, dentist's office, on the tram... or anywhere really! Is it just me? Or is there anyone else out there that doesn't want to hear other people's conversations in public?

Three Good Things Today

2008-06-10T03:18:00.000-07:00

1. I helped my friend AC with her album project.
2. AC & I met SJ at Starbucks for coffee this afternoon... we were taking a break from AC's album project.
3. I spoke to my dear friend (who is like my sister) KT on the phone today.

There are really more than three good things that happend today... but I'm only listing three.

People, turn your lights on!

2008-06-04T21:11:00.000-07:00

We have woken up to three very foggy days in row... it's amazing to me how many people do not drive in the fog with headlights on! Are they just stupid?! This fog has lifted today. It didn't really lift completely yesterday or the day before. I love foggy days!

I Can't Find It!

2008-05-17T01:37:00.000-07:00

I am devastated... I cannot find the beautiful card that came with those beautiful roses. I cannot believe I would have thrown it out... if I did, it was certainly accidental. PJ said he will be happy to rewrite the words (in his own handwriting) for me. I think that's what he'll have to do... I just can't find the card anywhere!

I Was the Envy of the Whole World...

2008-05-17T01:02:00.000-07:00

OK, not the whole world, but certainly all the female patients that came into work and also AT whom I job share with... these beautiful, long stemmed, pink roses from Roses Only were delivered to my work on Wednesday morning. AT rang me to ask me if I was in the area because a beautiful Roses Only box has been delivered for me... Of course we were both very curious about the sender of these beautiful roses... who could they be from? I asked her to read the card and of course they were from my wonderful husband! Why did he send them? Just because! My honey is such a honey!

Ella's Sport Day

2008-05-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

Ella is my young friend, the daughter of my dear friend Natasha. It was a very very cold Wednesday morning last week when I went to watch Ella run! There were several schools particpating in this sport day so there were a lot of kids on the field. Ella did really well in her events. It was quite a lot of fun to be there and cheer her on. I managed to be there for almost two hours and might have stayed longer if I didn't have to go to work... but really, I was glad to get out of the cold!!!! Good job Ella!

Ouch!

2008-04-30T23:56:00.000-07:00

Ouch! I hate when that happens... I was trimming the wick of a candle with the kitchen scissors and cut my finger too!!! I have a proper candle wick trimmer... why didn't I use it?!

More Birthday Photos

2008-04-19T00:53:00.000-07:00

Birthday Dinner

2008-04-19T00:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dear PJ! Dear, dear PJ was not happy with this birthday number... so I tried to make it special. He was instructed to just come home straight from work... which of course he did and soon the guests arrived. We had a house full of lovely friends and ate a delicious and spicy Mexican dinner which I prepared. SJ made the best corn bread muffins and the yummy chocolate mud cake was from Ferguson Plarre just around the corner (they have the best desserts) and the Apple Crumble was specially made by Kaz and they were FRESH apples in that Apple Crumble... not tin... FRESH! We had such a good night... we always do when great friends come over! Happy Birthday Honey, I love you more.

A Very Sad Week - He was my friend

2008-04-11T01:40:00.000-07:00

DOTSON — Harold C. Dotson Jr. was born September 2, 1952, lived a good life, and died April 6, 2008. Hal was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, outdoorsman and trusted friend. Born on Long Island, NY to a proud Air Force family, Hal grew up in the countryside of France, the dry air of Tucson, AZ, the Black Hills of South Dakota, and the neighborhoods of Riverside, CA. Hal graduated from Riverside's North High School in 1970 (but not before meeting his future wife in 1969) and earned his Associate of Arts degree from Riverside City College in 1972. Always a busy man, Hal married Nancy Reynolds on Dec. 15, 1973, which didn't stop him from receiving his Bachelor of Arts in accounting from Cal Poly Pomona in 1975 (a feat to be capped with a public accountant certification in 1978). Hal and Nancy welcomed their first child, a girl, in 1978, before moving the whole operation to Socorro, NM in 1979. There, while working in the family business, Raychester, Hal produced two strapping sons in 1980 and 1984. Hal divided his time among family, his CPA business, and civic duties. Hal held productive positions on the Socorro City Council, Socorro Consolidated School Board and the New Mexico State Board of Educators. Hal was also very active in Ducks Unlimited from 1980 until his death, serving for a time as state treasurer. In 2002, the family purchased land south of Socorro bordering the Rio Grande. Hal and his sons spent many wonderful hours at "the ranch", taking refuge in the beauty and tranquility of the land. Hal is survived by his parents, Lillian and Harold Dotson Sr.; his wife, Nancy; his daughter, son-in-law and grandson, Kathleen, Mike and Owen Dano; his son and daughter-in-law, Bradley and Eliana Dotson; his son, Andrew Dotson; his sister and brother-in-law, Sheila And Ed Berger; his nieces and nephews: Aaron and Liz Berger, Fred and Kathy Berger, Brenda Hesse and Johannes Pohl, Peter and Lindsay Icenogle, Lauren and Carlos Griego, Greg Icenogle, Emma Crawford, Jessica Crawford, and a wide web of extended family and friends. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Macey Center on the New Mexico Tech campus in Socorro with Rev. John Gregg officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd., Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA, 92057 (www.semperfifund.org) or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS, 66675-8517 (www.woundedwarriorproject.org). Cremation arrangements are under the care of Steadman-Hall Funeral Home, 309 Garfield, Socorro, NM. 87801

Brookes & Dunn Concert

2008-03-28T23:40:00.000-07:00

For Christmas PJ gave me tickets to the Brookes & Dunn Concert in early March. A special surprise from PJ was that I got to meet B&D before the concert. It was a wonderful concert and a great Christmas present!!! Thanks Honey, you're the best!

Blake's Wave Haircut

2008-03-24T02:21:00.000-07:00

Our Godson has a new haircut! How handsome is he?!!! I will see him and his sister tomorrow! I love the new haircut - it's called "The Wave".

Braylon Michael

2008-03-08T17:01:00.000-08:00

Braylon loved helping Nanna in the kitchen whenever
I was washing dishes or making his breakfast!
Braylon is such a sweetie and very wise for
his three years!!!! I love him to the moon!

Kadance Nicholas

2008-03-08T16:56:00.000-08:00

Cute, Cute, Cute, Adorable, Adorable, Adorable!

Lovin' these grandsons!

2008-03-08T16:48:00.000-08:00

How cute are these boys with their faces of pasta!? A grandmother can never get enough hugs and kisses from grandchildren especially ones that are as cute as these boys!
I love every minute I spend with them when I am in New Mexico... even when they are naughty! Braylon (3 year old) was sometimes naughty but he was still adorable!
Braylon had a 3rd birthday and Kadance had a 1st birthday in January while I was visiting. I love these boys to the moon!

Lunch with the Girls

2008-02-23T16:01:00.000-08:00

One of my favourite places to eat in Socorro is El Sombrero. They have great Mexican food. This particular Tuesday, Luana (on the right) organised lunch with the girls. So not only was the food yummy, the company was great! It was SO good to catch up with girlfriends after so many years. I hope it becomes an annual event!!!!

Don't Wanna Hang Out With The Oldies

2008-01-12T02:47:00.000-08:00

I went shopping with SJ & LJ to buy LJ's birthday present. We stopped at a coffee shop to have a skinny latte and clearly LJ really just wanted to be home... ok, maybe not home but not with her mother and her mother's friend (me). There was a large group of school kids that sat at the outdoor tables of the coffee shop and there were some really cute boys in the group... again, clearly LJ didn't want to be checking out the cute boys... ok, she did want to be checking out the cute boys, but not with her mother and her mother's friend (me). I told her "we've been there done that, we might have some good advice and tips"... still she was clearly not interested! Oh, to be young!!!!

Happy New Year

2008-01-12T02:14:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope that you are blessed in 2008 with good health, love and happiness!

We had a great summer Christmas and a very nice new year all with special friends and family. Christmas is a three day event beginning with Christmas Eve dinner at the Joyces. Christmas ends on Boxing Day (day after Christmas) with all of the Enlund's gathering for lunch... it was our year to host and we did yummy Mexican food! Oh, and of course the day after Boxing Day the boys all go to the Cricket... that's a must for them! Now I'm ready to go to New Mexico and enjoy the winter weather!

Wardrobe Surprise

2007-11-23T00:12:00.000-08:00

While PJ was away for three weeks I had the wardrobe in the spare bedroom rebuilt. The spare bedroom wardrobe holds A LOT of PJ's train magazines, slides, books and some of his clothes that I'm not sure why they are there... he doesn't wear them. There are two shelves for Paige's things and I have two articles of clothing hanging in there. OK, there's also a few things that I will be taking to New Mexico with me in January, but that doesn't count because that's temporary. So, mostly it's PJ's stuff and it was driving me crazy so I asked my special friend SD to come to the rescue! PJ came home a week ago and finally last night noticed the new wardrobe! I wondered how long it would take him to find it and also how long I could hold out not telling him! He's happy with it... I LOVE it. Do men ever LOVE things like that... being better organised?

Happy Halloween!

2007-11-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Halloween and this year I went all out at work. It was such a good day! My Godson Blake and his parents came to my work at the end of the day so that we could have a "little Halloween" together! Everyone at work really got into the spirit of Halloween...

Keeping the Babies Warm!

2007-10-11T23:24:00.000-07:00

This is my latest project, a quilt for Braylon. I made a quilt for Kadance too which he received a few weeks ago... I'm just a very beginner at quilting but I'm loving it! Karla's quilt will be ready soon too. I want my beautiful grandbabies to be warm in winter!

Blowing out the candles!

2007-10-02T22:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to me... It was a really good birthday and it seemed to last a week! I shared my birthday early with friends at Starbucks. My beautiful and delicious cake was made by Cate and Mark. I was very spoiled by my friends!

Birthdays are for blowing out candles... and that's just what I did!

3 Day Rule

2007-09-14T01:20:00.000-07:00

I've been a little homesick this week. That doesn't happen very often but when it does, I allow myself three days of feeling miserable and that really seems to help. I learned the "3 day rule" from my best friend Marie.

Three days are up... I'm feeling SO much better!

Beautiful Boy

2007-08-09T00:19:00.001-07:00

This beautiful baby boy, Kadance Nicholas belongs to JR and Doshia... JR is my baby boy. I write notes to Kadance in a notebook that I will give to him one day. I have not seen Kadance since January and he will be one year old when I see him again so when I received this photo online I was SO very happy! I wish I could have a photo of Kadance everyday. I love you to the moon Kadance! Nanna

Time to say Goodbye

2007-07-06T21:56:00.000-07:00

Saying goodbye at the airport is never easy. I had to say goodbye to Geraldine and Shyanne today. Peter and I are really going to miss them. We had such a good time while they visited. They were ready to be back in warm weather but they've gone home happy and full of fun experiences. We tried really hard to make their trip memorable and I think we succeeded. We came home to notes they left for us which were special thank yous.