Bushfires / Wild Fires

Just a little, quick post, to let all my Canadian friends know that I am thinking of them, and hoping that they are safe and well away from the terrible fires we are seeing reported on the news over here. Your support earlier this year when this country was going through the same thing was amazing ... I just hope that we can be just as supportive to you all.

Stay safe and take care,

Bambi The Beautiful

I took this photo, and a couple of others, a few hours ago ... just as the naughty kitty stole my computer chair !!

She is wearing her winter coat, and sporting a layer of winter blubber, too !!! She looks absolutely healthy and gorgous (although I am a bit annoyed that I forgot to put on red-eye on the camera, and one of her eyes looks a bit odd !!).

Thought you might like to see how she is looking these days, as it has been awhile since I posted a current picture of her.

Hope you have been having a great weekend. Mine is almost over.

Take care,

Catching Up ...

Oh My Goodness, it has been such a long time sinc I have posted to this blog, and I sincerely apologise for that. Life has gotten in the way (and, I guess, so has Facebook !!). In one way, it is fortunate that so many of you, my blog friends, are also on Facebook, so we haven't really lost contact at all. For those of you who are not on Facebook, I will be by your blogs soon to see what you have been up to !!

So, on to what I have been doing since early March ....

As you may have been aware, we have been looking for ages for a new camper trailer (that was the reason we sold our permanent site at Bonnie Doon). We constantly looked on the internet, on the Trading Post, Ebay, etc., to see if there was any of the particular type (a Track TVan) that we were after, at the price we wanted to pay. By pure coincidence, Hubby was online on the Trading Post, when all of a sudden, up popped a new advertisement for a TVan. Turns out it was exactly what we were after, with all the accessories that we wanted, AND at the price we wanted to pay !! The only problem was, it was in Cairns, and we were in Melbourne (for all you non-Aussies, we are basically at the southern end of the country, Cairns is almost all the way to the north). We rang the people and discussed the camper with them ... decided it was for sure what we wanted. Next, we had to figure out our finances and options ... and decided we would go for it. We sorted out the money, booked airfares to Cairns, arranged a hire-car (with a tow-bar) and off we went. We flew up to Cairns on Monday 23rd March, early in the morning, arrived and collected our hire car, and headed off to collect our camper. It was love at first sight !!! After spending an hour or so with the sellers, who explained numerous things about the camper, we were off. We started driving home straight away (it was going to be over 3,000 kilometres till we got home !!). First overnight stop ... Townsville ... 348km (we didn't go hugely far, as we were very, very tired, after the excitement of the past couple days, and the early flight). It was hot in Townsville ... very humid ... something we weren't used to, as the weather was starting to cool in Melbourne at this stage !! We had picked out a lovely caravan park, and met some nice people. We had packed bedding, so we were able to sleep in the camper at night, saving money on accommodation. We ate on the run, at Roadhouses, McDonalds, KFC, and wherever. Not particularly nourishing, but filling, none-the-less !! Next morning, very early, we headed off again, stopping as little as possible (only for nourishment, petrol, toilet stops ... nothing much else). We got just over 870km, to Banana (south of Rockhampton), where we stopped for the night ... it was a very basic caravan park, but it had showers and toilets ... what more could we ask for. Next morning, again very early, off we went again ... this time we made 1014km to Dubbo, where we once again overnighted (this time in another really nice caravan park). Another early morning, and we headed for home ... 874km later. It was total madness, driving such distances in so little time ... we left on Monday, arrived home Thursday night ... OMG, were we tired. We had left Chicky at home with my parents ... didn't see the point in taking her out of school for a week, just so she could spend it sitting in a car !! But, we were soooo happy, we had our TVan, and it was just perfect ... it is what we have been wanting for quite some time, and we were excited to have finally gone one of our very own.

Our hire car and camper in a caravan park in Townsville

Next up, early April, and it is the school holidays. We had booked, months ago, a week in a resort in Bright (using our Timeshare). Of course, by this stage, we only wanted to go camping in our new camper, but the holiday was booked ... so off we went !! It was a great week, we took along a friend for Chicky, and we did a lot of exploring. We explored Bright; went driving around the district, doing a bit of 4WDing; went for a drive up to Mt Buffalo, found a lovely bush camping area up there; went to Beechworth, checking out all the history there, and lunched in the Beechworth Bakery; went to Albury / Wodonga, vising the Hume Weir ... sad to see how little water is in there ... less than 10%. We had a wonderful time, took plenty of photos, and did a lot of relaxing, too.

Autumn trees as we drive into Bright

We returned home the day before Good Friday, quickly unpacked, then repacked, and packed up the camper for a brief trip over Easter into the Victorian High Country. Chicky had made arrangements some weeks before we got the camper, to stay with a friend a Bonnie Doon, and was hesitant to change those plans, as she wanted to catch up with friends at the caravan park ... we weren't overly happy that she wouldn't be joining us, but understood her reasons. Anyway, after dropping Chicky off at Bonnie Doon, we headed into the High Country, to a lovely spot in the King Valley, near the King Hut. We had a perfect spot, on the banks of a flowing creek/river, in a gorgeous part of the country. We stayed here for 3 nights, constantly missing our daughter, but we had a lovely time. We were out of mobile phone range, which distressed me a little, as we couldn't keep in contact with Chicky, particularly on Easter Sunday ... but we all survived, and all had a great weekend.

Hubby enjoying a beer by the fire at our campsite in the King Valley

Late April brought Chicky's 15th birthday ... she had a bit of a gathering / party at the local roller skating rink, with a bunch of her friends. We also had a family day here at home, to celebrate her birthday. We kept it all fairly simple ... next year, her 16th, I imagine will be a big one !!

Not sure if I'd mentioned it at any stage, but I have joined Curves, a women's only gym. It is great fun, and I am trying to go as often as possible. Sometimes, the motivation isn't there, and I really need to push myself ... but life's like that sometimes. I am starting to see results, and am very happy with the program. I would recommend Curves to anyone.

I am still happily scrapbooking away ... currently, I am working on Chicky's dance photos ... it is great fun, and I enjoy the challenge of making every page different, and coming up with new ideas.

It was Hubby's birthday in late May ... we didn't do much, just a family gathering.

I went for an audition for Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Hot Seat ... ummm, that's all I'm going to say about that one !!

I have been majorly obsessed with the Twilight movie and books ... couldn't help myself, they are very addictive books ... read them twice through (there are 4 books, and they are all over 500 pages each) ... and have watched the movie a number of times. Can't wait for the next movie.

I am still working, only a couple of days per week ... just casual data entry ... but the social aspect of the work environment is great, and the girls (and guys) I work with are lots of fun.

Just last week, we had 5 days camping in Echuca (we were hanging out to use the camper, and decided that although it is very cold ... the middle of winter ... we would give it a go !!). We chose a nice caravan park, with a powered site (so we could take electric heaters !!). We had a great time. We explored new, and old, Echuca; went for a paddle steamer cruise, with lunch on board; went mud bashing in the Barmah Forest (well, it was just a drive, but as it had been raining, the tracks were very muddy !!); caught up with friends from Kyabram; and came home via Cobram and Yarrawonga, exploring our old camping area (Dead River Beach). We were horrified, when in Yarrawonga, to see that Lake Mulwala was empty. We also came home past Lake Nillahcootie (also extremely low), and Lake Eildon (last count, it was around 14%). Very sad to see how the drought is affecting the water levels. Although, it is great to see that the countryside was very green, due to the fact that we have had some rain throughout the Winter so far.

The PS Emmylou ... we had a wonderful lunch cruise onboard

Umm, what else can I tell you ??? Might leave it there ... I've probably bored you enough with my rambling writing for now.

Hope you are all doing well, and life is treating you as well as it could be.

Love to all of you, and your families ...

Take care,

A Drive Through The Fire Ravaged Toolangi State Forest

We decided to go for a drive to Yea on Saturday, something we do quite regularly, as there are some lovely shops and things in Yea. Anyway, it was the first time we'd been through the area from here to Yea since the bushfires started 3 weeks ago. I guess curiosity got the better of us, and we wanted to see for ourselves what had happened out there. We knew not to go to any of the townships that had been destroyed by the fires ... the police were at the entrance to the roads heading into them anyway. It wouldn't have been fair, as the people who lived there would probably be there, trying to rebuild their lives, and certainly wouldn't want (or need) sightseers hanging around. So, we just travelled through Yarra Glen, via the Melba Highway, to Yea. The roads were quite busy, with a lot of traffic going both ways.

We were horrified by what we saw, once we got out past Yarra Glen, and toward Dixons Creek. The fire had destroyed so much, and you could see how hard the people must've fought, to save their homes. Many sheds and outbuildings, fences, and the like were destroyed, but from what we could see, along the Melba Highway, most of the houses were saved (I can't imagine what it was like further in toward Kinglake, though ... ).

Once we entered the State Forest, into what we call The Slide, we were stunned by what we saw. The whole forest was wiped out, the tree trunks were blackened, the leaves (when there were any left) were all brown and crispy, and there was not a single blade of grass or anything remotely green remaining ... just bare, scorched earth. It was just awful. This used to be a beautiful, lush forest, with a river running deep down beside the road (which we'd never seen, due to the abundant vegetation). We were able to see how steep the hills were, alongside the road (once again, this was never that evident, due to the amount of trees and shrubs and the like that covered everything). I've got to say, I was sitting there, with my mouth open, aghast at what I saw. It is so, so very sad.

As we got to the outer edge of the forest, there were patches of green, which the fire obviously had missed. And heading out toward Glenburn there were big blackened areas, and smaller green ones. Unfortunately, the fires don't seem to have hindered the progress of the North-South Pipeline ... they were busy working away, and have completed heaps more since we were out that way last.

We knew the Glenburn Hotel had been destroyed, but it was so sad to see. This hotel used to always be busy, with bikers, and drivers alike, stopping for a quick drink, or a meal, or a catch up with friends. It was a great little pub. Now, it is just ruins. Again ... so sad.

The remains of the Glenburn Hotel

We kept driving, through to Yea, where we stopped for a drink and a nibble, then turned around and came home, through that devastation once again.

It really makes you think, how difficult it must be for the firefighters, and what an amazing job they do. They have been fighting these fires non-stop now, for 3 weeks ... they must be exhausted. And the poor, poor people who have lost everything (not to mention those who have lost family members). I pray that it rains soon, so the poor guys can have a break, and our state can start the long road to recovery.

What looks like ash in the foreground, is actually burnt hay bales.

Take care,

I Am Still Here ... Only Not Very Often !!

Hi everyone !!

Thought I'd better update my blog ... it has been long overdue. I think the last post was a Christmas one ... duh, it is now February 10 ... oops !!

We had a wonderful Christmas, and a great New Year, and 2009 has been pretty good so far.

In case any of you have been seeing the news reports on the devastating bushfires here in Victoria, and were wondering if we were OK ... well, we are !! Fortunately, we are in the suburbs, many kilometres away from the fires. Although, we are very familiar with many of the areas that have been devastated by the fires, and know people whose properties are still under threat from the fires ... please pray that they will be OK, and the fire will turn away from them. One of my blog and facebook friends is currently going through a horrendous time, as her brother-in-law has been missing since Saturday ... his property is within one of the areas devastated by the fires. My thoughts go out to all those people who have lost friends, family members, pets and/or property ... I really cannot imagine what they are going through. It is a terrible time for all, and so very tragic. It is all the more horrific when you realise that some of the fires were deliberately lit ...

A friend of mine posted the following pic on her Facebook, courtesty of the Herald Sun website (I think) ... thought I might share it too ...

The fire fighters, and emergency services personnel are doing an amazing job, in terrible conditions ... but this photo says so much more.

I'll try and blog more often, and I apologise once again for not visiting your blogs often enough. As I've said before, I do catch up on many of them via Google Reader, although don't always comment. If anyone is interested, here is my Facebook address ... http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=638705177 ... drop by, or add me as a friend ... I'd love to share another cyber world with you, too !!

Take care everyone,

Merry Christmas Everyone

Just a quick post to wish each and every one of you a

Very Merry Christmas

and a

Safe and Happy New Year.

Sending hugs and best wishes

from

Connie xxx

Alphabet Blogging - D is For ....

Howdy !!

It's been awhile, I know ... but I'm here now !!!

How have you all been ?? Life has been keeping me pretty busy, as has all this Christmas jazz ... shopping, cards, parties, etc., etc. !!!

Demon Blogger (now there's a "D") finally let me upload pictures (although it took quite some time !!) ... is anyone else having problems ??

On with the Alphabet Blogging ...

D Is For - DANCING ....

As you know, my darling daughter, who I call Chicky on this blog, is into dancing. At the end of November the dance school she attends held their annual Performance. It was wonderful ... the costumes were fabulous, the dancing was exceptional, the kids dancing had a ball, and the audience loved it.

D Is For - DAUGHTER ...

A follow on from the above ...

Chicky has just completed Year 8, her second year of high school/secondary college. She brought home her school report last week ... she passed, thank goodness !! She didn't do too badly, either !! We were pleasantly surprised with her end of year results, as we weren't expecting miracles ... she seems to be more interested in a social life than an academic one !! We may just have to push a little bit more next year, particularly when it comes to homework and revision !!

Chicky is a great girl, we get along very well, so far she continues to tell me everything that goes on in her life !! I don't expect this to continue forever ... she is 14 ... and I'm sure there will come a time when she becomes a horrible teenager (hopefully for just a brief time, though !!). So far, I think I am very lucky that she remains a loving, caring, easy to get along with young lady. Fingers crossed that she remains that way !!

D Is For - DAFFODILS ...

I love flowers ... in particular, I love Daffodils. They smell so beautiful. They are a symbol of Spring ... when I see a daffodil, I know that lovely weather isn't too far away. It is such a shame, though, that the flowering season for daffodils is so short !!

D Is For - DAEWOO ...

I got a new (well, not new, but second-hand) car back in March this year. I think I posted about it back then, not sure. Anyway, it is a cute little Daewoo Lanos. It is red/burgundy in colour. It is a 2 door hatch, but is quite roomy inside. It can seat 5 (it has seatbelts for 5, anyway !!), although the most I have had in it is 4 adults. It is a 5 speed manual ... great fun to drive, makes me feel like a teenager again. It is easy to park, as it is such a small car. It has a bit of get up and go, too ... quite zippy, really !!

D Is For - DOLLARS ...

Hmmm, wish I had a few more !!!

D Is For - DAD ...

I love my dad !! He is an amazing person, who has led a wonderfully amazing life. Dad is turning 70 next May, but has the looks and the health of a man 20 years younger, I think. He is fitter than most men half his age ... this is probably due to the fact that he spent the majority of his working life in Australia outdoors, building houses !! Dad is a bricklayer, and a very good one at that. Although he has now retired, and no longer builds houses, he still keeps himself very fit. I think I am very lucky to have a dad like the one I have ... he is just the best. Dad and Mum have been married for 44 years ... and are still very happy together. They do everything together, and really enjoy life. They go dancing at least every second Saturday, and are out with friends or have visitors at least once or twice a week. In fact, their social life is busier than mine !! Dad loves being a grandfather ... and Chicky loves being his grand-daughter. Dad was born in Germany, and migrated to Australia in 1959. He is very much an Aussie, yet both him and Mum retain their German heritage, which I find great. Quite simply, I am very lucky to have a Dad like my dad ... he is the best.

D Is For - DIET ...

A rude word in my world !! OK, I know I am overweight, and I know I really need to lose quite a bit of weight. I also need to get fit. However, I don't believe "going on a Diet" is the way to go about it !! As far as I am concerned, getting where I want to go (losing weight and getting fit) involves a permanent lifestyle change, and re-educating myself, rather than going on a "diet". From what I have seen, and from what I have tried ... most diets just don't work. OK, the majority of diets help you lose weight, but so many of them just don't educate you on how you should be eating ... they just give you substitutes (like shake-drinks or pills), that make it easier to lose the weight, or they provide you with ready-made meals. Once you've stopped this "diet", so many people go back to their old habits, and the weight returns. So, in the new year, my goal is to re-educate myself to change my eating habits, as well as my exercise habits, and create a permanent new ME !!!

D Is For - DUST ....

Dust ... the bane of my life !!! I can dust my house, and within 24 hours, it seems to be back ... what's with that !?!?! I've gotten to the stage where I've decided that I can live with the dust ... it's not hurting anyone, it's "clean" dust ... it hasn't been there long !!! I'm not stressing about the dust anymore. There's a huge different between dust and dirt. My house is clean (albeit dusty at times) ... I vacuum regularly, keep my bathroom and toilet clean, ensure my kitchen in clean and tidy ... it's only the dust that's the problem. Oh well !!!

D Is For - DOH ...

I'm not a Simpsons fan, particularly, but I do like Homer's saying ... DOH !!!

D Is For - DONE ENOUGH NOW !!! ....

Yep, that's enough for me with the alphabet blogging for now.

Catch you on the flip side !!

Take care,