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Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Shrove Tuesday
...International Pancake Day...

Nobody knows just how long people have been making and eating pancakes but you could almost call the flat bread made by primitive families twelve thousand years ago, a pancake. Pancakes were made by grinding grains and nuts and adding water or milk. This mixture was then shaped into flattened cakes and baked on the hot stones surrounding the fire.

I suspect that the making and eating of pancakes has always been much the same… a noisy, stimulating, exhilarating, greedy, happy time. Pancakes just seem to affect people that way. So it's not too surprising that two happy events for people… pancakes and festivals are often linked together.

Perhaps the best known one is Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day, which heralds the beginning of fasting in Lent. On this day (so the historians say) there were feasts of pancakes to use up the supplies of fat, butter and eggs... foods that were forbidden during austere Lent.

In England there arc several celebrations on this day but perhaps the best known one is the Pancake Day Race at Olney in Buckinghamshire which has been held since 1445. The race came about when a woman cooking pancakes heard the shriving bell summoning her to confession. She ran to church wearing her apron and still holding her frying pan, and thus without knowing it, started a tradition that has lasted for over five hundred years.

According to the current rules, only women wearing a dress, no slacks or jeans, an apron and a hat or scarf, may take part in the race. Each contestant has a frying pan containing a hot, cooking pancake. She must toss it three times during the race that starts at the market square at 11.55 am. The first woman to complete the winding 375 metre course (the record is 63 seconds set in 1967) and arrive at the church, serve her pancake to the bellringer and be kissed by him, is the winner. She also receives a prayer book from the vicar.

On the same day at 11 am at Westminster School in London, a verger from the Abbey leads a procession of eager boys into the playground of the school for the Annual Pancake Grease.

The school cook, who must be something of an athlete to manage it, tosses a huge pancake over a five metre high bar and the boys frantically scramble for a piece. The scholar who emerges from the scrum with the largest piece receives a cash bonus from the Dean. The cook also gets a reward.

Across the Channel in France the main ceremonial day, for pancake eating is Candlemas on the 2nd of February. This holy day is six weeks after Christmas and is the day that Christ was presented at the temple by his mother. During this festival, French children wear masks and demand pancakes and fritters.

In various parts of the country, there are different customs. In Province, if you hold a coin in your left hand while you toss a pancake, you'll be rich. And in Brie the first pancake (which is never very good anyway) is always given to the hen that laid the eggs that made the pancake. And it's always regarded as bad luck to let a pancake fall on the floor while tossing it.

Legend has it that Napoleon, who liked to make and eat them with Josephine, blamed the failure of his Russian campaign on one he had dropped years before at Malmaison during Candlemas.

Pancakes are the traditional treat of the Jewish Hanukkah festival. They are fried in oil to commemorate the oil found by the Maccabeans when they recaptured Jerusalem from the Syrians, two thousand years ago. The one day's supply of oil for the temple lamps burned miraculously for one week. And, tradition says, the wives of the soldiers hurriedly cooked pancakes behind the lines for their warring husbands.

Large or small, fat or wafer thin and made with a wide range of flours, pancakes are given different names by different peoples. There are Hungarian palacsinta, Chinese egg rolls, Jewish blintzes, Russian blini, Italian cannelloni, Swedish plattar, Mexican tortillas, American hotcakes, German pfannkucken, Norwegian lefser, Austrian nockerin, Welsh crempog and Australian pikelets: but undoubtedly the most famous of them all is the great French crepe.


From Pancake and Crepe Cookery by Diana Daisy

I hope everyone has a lovely day today. Enjoy your pancakes ... I know I will !!

Take care, 'till next time,

MEOW

Saturday, February 25, 2006

A Thunderstorm.....

We have just had a huge thunderstorm. It finished about an hour ago. It lasted about 2 hours. I was at my parent's place for lunch, we looked out the window ... the sky was black. Chicky and I decided it was time to go ... don't like getting caught driving in a storm. We made it home, just as it started drizzling. The wind had picked up, there were branches and leaves flying everywhere. The downpour began ... wow, what a lot of rain. The gutters and drains overflowed, our garage flooded (the gutter in front of it was full of leaves ... ooops !!) The thunder claps were incredible, the whole house shook when it was right overhead ... amazing. Chicky was somewhat frightened, the cat didn't know what was going on. We had all the TV's, computers, turned off, in case the lightning caused a surge or something. The lightning was incredible, and when it hit at the same time as the thunder ... wow !!! I loved it ... I think electrical storms are amazing (so long as I am not outside in them !!)

This photo is of the retreating storm, looking down the end of our street, toward the nearby hills ... The Dandenongs.


Once the rain stopped, I grabbed the camera and went outside to see what I could snap. I love the look of wet plants and flowers, everything looks fresh and clean again (it has been very dusty around here, as there is a freeway under construction nearby, and it is generating heaps of dust ... you should see the color of my car - it is usually black, but not at the moment!).

These flowers were in the front yard of my next-door neighbours house. I am blessed with the uncanny ability to grow amazing weeds, but not flowers, usually !!

Anyway, it is now 8.30ish Saturday night. Chicky is watching Cheaper By The Dozen 2, Hubby is asleep on the couch, and I think I might sign off now and go and watch an old Elvis movie ... Flaming Star.

Have a great Saturday / Sunday (where-ever you may be when you read this !!), and take care of yourselves and your families.

Bye for now,

MEOW

Friday, February 24, 2006

Goodbye Week, Hello Weekend ....

It is Friday night here in Summery Melbourne. We have had a very warm day today - at least 35ºC ... the air-conditioner has been running strong all day. It is meant to only get down to 21ºC overnight ... fairly warm, makes for uncomfortable sleeping. Tomorrow is only supposed to get up to 27ºC, with rain developing. Guess it will be a humid type of day. Not real keen on that type of weather, but at least it won't be too hot.

I have had a fairly good week, busy, but haven't got much done at home. I haven't been home much, so haven't had as much computer time ... hence the email-type posts. I haven't even had time to do my last 2 lessons in my Web Design Course. I will need to get on top of those over the weekend, before the next lesson is issued next Wednesday.

I am in a bit of a dilemma at the moment. My Chicky (11 - almost 12 - year old girl) has asked if she can go to the movies on Sunday with a bunch of friends - boys and girls (one of them being a boy who she has liked, and who has liked her, since Year One at school). I said OK. Now, here's the thing .... they want to go without parent supervision, just be delivered to the cinema, and picked up again when it's over. I'm afraid that I don't know how to feel about this idea. Is she too young ... apparently all the kids are going to see movies without their parents these days. I know she is responsible, but are all those other kids ?? I have said yes, but I indend to wait there until they go into the cinema, and be there precisely when they come out again. Am I being paranoid ?? Do 11 and 12 year old boys think differently than 11 and 12 year old girls ?? Is it all still about having innocent fun, or is there already other stuff going through their heads ??? Please, if anyone has any thoughts, I would love to hear them.

Well, that's all for me at the moment. I need to have a nice cold drink, and something to eat (somehow I have forgotten to have dinner !!!). Then I might just watch a bit of TV and head off to bed. Or, I could sit here and blog some more !!!!! Oooooh, I just remembered ... I bought myself a new phone, a Nokia 6101 ... I think I will sit down and transfer my numbers, and have a little play with it ... what fun !!!

Have a great weekend everyone, don't do anything I wouldn't do.

Take care,

MEOW

Thursday, February 23, 2006

Another One From My Email ...

I am not being very original this week ....

I received this via my email today, and thought it was hilarious. You have probably seen it ... but then maybe not. Enjoy it, anyway ... I did !!! (Sorry, it is a bit long ... but worth reading !!)

For those of us who sometimes get flustered by our computers, please read on...

If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, "Who's on First?" might have turned out something like this:

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT
ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.

ABBOTT: Your computer?

COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou.

ABBOTT: What about Windows?

COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?

ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?

COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?

ABBOTT: Wallpaper.

COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.

ABBOTT: Software for Windows?

COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?

ABBOTT: I just did.

COSTELLO: You just did what?

ABBOTT: Recommend something.

COSTELLO: You recommended something?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: For my office?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!

ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.

COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?

ABBOTT: Word.

COSTELLO: What word?

ABBOTT: Word in Office.

COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.

ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?

ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue "W".

COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue "w" if you don't start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?

ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.

COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?

ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.

COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?

ABBOTT: One copy.

COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money?

ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.

COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?

ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!

(A few days later)
ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?

ABBOTT: Click on "START".............

Hope you got a laugh out of it !!!

Have a great day,

MEOW

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

From My Email ...

I received this in my email inbox today. Although it has done the rounds, and many of you may have already read it, I thought it was too good not to share anyway ....

A woman named Emily renewing her driver's license at the Transport office was asked by the clerk to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

"What I mean is," explained the clerk, "do you have a job, or are you just a ......?

"Of course I have a job," snapped Emily. "I'm a Mum."

"We don't list 'Mum' as an occupation...... 'housewife' covers it," said the clerk emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our local police station. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it, I do not know... the words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, pen frozen in midair, and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly, emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire!


"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing programme of research, (what mother doesn't), in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (the whole bloody family), and already have four credits, (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree.?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the girl's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.


When I got home, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 10, 7, and 3. Upstairs, I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby), in the child-development programme, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had triumphed over bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mum."

Motherhood.....What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.
Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research Associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations" , and great grandmothers "Executive Senior Research Associates"??? I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants".

Isn't that just wonderful ??? I thought so ... hope you did too !!

Have a great day,

MEOW

Not A Lot To Say, Really ....

It's been a quiet couple of days in the world of Meow. Monday I spent much of the day on the computer ... blogging, of course (but not posting ... naughty, naughty !!) ... but also helping out a friend ... Hello Judith, if you are reading !!! I have temporarily volunteered to be Newsletter Editor for Multiple Mirths, which is a monthly newlsetter for the Australian Multiple Birth Association - Victorian branch. I was asked to help out, and me being the computer nerd I am, and I love to type, said Yes - I'll do it. It is a lot of fun, and doesn't really take too much time ... it can be a bit fiddly, though, as I'm not involved in the committee and stuff, so I have to ask lots of questions !!

Anyway, apart from that, I have done .... washing, washing and more washing !! For a household of only 3 people, we sure do generate a lot of washing. And me being me, I hate folding and putting it away, so it piles up. Then, when I run out of baskets, and space, it takes me ages to fold it all. Guess what I'm doing today !!!!

Last night I went to my painting class again. Have a look what I did ....

This is No. 2 of a set of six cat coasters I am making. As I said last week, it is still a work in progress ... it will eventually have some sort of border (I'm thinking a plain gold line, but not sure yet).

My painting class is a lot of fun. There are only a few ladies there, but we have a ball. Lots of gas-bagging goes on !! I sometimes think we talk more than we paint. I have been going for about 2 1/2 years now, and have painted all sorts of stuff. As I mentioned, I may put a link on this blog to another one with my craft stuff ... stay tuned !!

Not much else has been happening in my world ... aren't I boring !!

I am looking forward to my next Web Design lesson coming out today ... I have completed 2 lessons already. It is great fun, and really interesting. Can't wait to get into some more in-depth stuff. I'm gonna use what I learn to tweak my blog and make it look more interesting. Maybe even make a new template for myself ... hope I'm not being too ambitious !!

Anyway, better go have some breakfast, and get Chicky off to school. Hope everyone has a great day.

Take care,

MEOW

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Another Weekend's Over ...



Another weekend's over
It was a lot of fun.
The weather was quite mild,
We had a bit of sun.

Went to a German festival
And ate ourselves some food.
There was some entertainment,
It really was quite good.

Visited some relatives,
Went to a 4WD show,
Had some pizza for dinner ....
Now it's time to go !!
(to bed, that is !!!)

My sincere apologies for the corniness of my poetry ... I'm having fun !!

Have a great week everyone.

Take care,

MEOW


Saturday, February 18, 2006

The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof.

-- Barbara Kingsolver --

Friday, February 17, 2006

I've Been Tagged ....

I have been tagged by Sharon. Thanks Sharon ... I really do love doing tags, they are so much fun !!

What were the three things you wanted to be when you were growing up?
1 Teacher.
2 Computer Programmer.
3 Mother and Wife

You can relive one day from your childhood, what would it be?
Spending the day with family & friends down at Emerald Lake, here in Victoria ... Mum was operating a small boat with an outboard motor, when it started sinking. The lake was shallow, she remained in the boat, moving the steering doodah back and forward, as it sank. We were on shore, laughing ourselves silly. It was so hilarious ... she has never lived it down !!!

You have 2 minutes (and a mover with you if you need heavy lifting help) to grab 5 things from your home before it morphs into a polka dotted hobgoblin and hops away. What will you take)? (Food/drink/family/friends excluded)
1 Family photos
2 Toiletries bag full of toiletries
3 CDs and CD player (I don't have an Ipod!)
4 My cat
5 Laptop & Camera (they always go everywhere together !)

You have to paint one quote on your kitchen wall what will it be?
Kitchen closed due to illness ... the cook is sick of cooking !

What is the one thing you want to accomplished by the end of the year?
To have finished my web design course, and be able to design a web site of my own.

You are moving to the moon for one year and can only bring one flower with you. What flower will it be?
An Aloe Vera plant ... the juice and gel can be used for sun (moon) burn. (I know it's not a flower, but it can be kept in a pot !!)

You just received word that beside the one flower you can bring 5 books. What books would you bring?
1 The latest James Patterson
2 The latest Sue Grafton
3 A cookbook ... "Cooking On The Moon"
4 A blank journal to write all my experiences in (oooh, wonder if I can bring a pen ?)
5 A photo album (that's a book, isn't it), with all my favourite family photos in it.

Tagging 3 lucky people
1 Maysiemae
2 Michelle
3 Connie
I'm gonna make it 4 lucky people.... Green Eyed Girl

Well, that's me folks.

Hope you are all having a great day. It is quite warm here today ... about 35ºC (around 95ºF). I am sitting inside, with the airconditioner on.

It's been a nice day so far ... I spent a couple of hours this morning with Maysiemae, helping her get more familiar with some of the finer points of Blogger (don't know how much help I really was, as I am still learning myself !!). Afterwards, I went to the local shopping mall to do some groceries, and ran into a couple of friends ... stopped for a chat (of course, you didn't think I'd be anti-social, did you !!). Now I am playing on the computer, and shortly I will need to head off to pick up Chicky from school. After that we both head off to German school, where Chicky does lessons, and I am a volunteer helper mum - listening to the kids read in German. When we get home from there (around 7.30pm, I will cook dinner and spend some time with Hubby, who has been doing a 12 hour shift today. Once he has fallen asleep (probably on the couch !!!), I will probably jump back on the computer to blog some more. It's nothing for me to be sitting at the computer until midnight, quite a few nights of the week. I am such a computer-geek !!

Anyway, take care of yourselves, everyone.

Bye for now,

MEOW

Thursday, February 16, 2006

A Present In The Mail ....

I am so excited ...

I received the most wonderful goodie package in the mail today from Connie (Mumbo Jumbo). It is amazing, and so thoughtful. She sent me a gorgeous book written by the Chicken Soup for the Soul people called Cats And The People Who Love Them ... that would be me !!! Also some beautiful 3D stickers (cats, of course). A gardenia scented sachet cushion, that I know she made herself ... she is so clever. Also, a terrific fold-out, 3D card ... more cats. Absolutely special stuff, put together with so much thought.


Connie, you are an amazing, beautiful person. Thank you so much. I love it all.

Apart from receiving my gorgeous package, my day is going fairly slowly. My Web Design course starts this afternoon ... I am really looking forward to that. It is a lovely warm day here ... forecast to be around 29ºC, and sunny. I have some laundry to do (don't we all !!!), and some housework I should be doing ... maybe I will, maybe I won't !!

Hope everyone has a great Thursday (only one more day after this, then ..... yay, it's the weekend !!).

Take care all,

MEOW

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Psst ....

Can you keep a secret ??? My friend Maysiemae has started her first blog , and I know she would love to make some new blog-friends. Drop on over here to visit her and say G'Day ... I know you will like her. She is a lovely Aussie girl ... just like me !!! Don't let her know I told you !!!!

MEOW

My Valentines Day ....

Well, Valentines Day is over. Hope everyone had a wonderful, romantic day, with your loved ones. We don't really do anything about Valentines Day ... it is usually just another day for us. My Hubby worked a 12 hour shift ... we forgot to wish each other Happy Valentines Day at 5.30am, when he left for work ... that's normal !! But when he came home at 6.30pm, we both - in unison - said "Happy Valentines Day", gave each other a kiss ... and that was that !!! Now, isn't that romantic !!!

I had a fairly quiet day yesterday ... I helped out in the school Uniform Shop in the morning, then came home and did some work on the computer, then (of course) some blogging. I also caught up on a video I taped last week ... Desperate Housewives (I know, some of you despise that show .. I kinda like it, don't hold it against me !!!). Oh yeah, I also did a couple of loads of washing (how exciting !!). Then picked Chicky up from school and started preparing dinner ... we had a great meatloaf type thingy (sort of a curry, zucchini, carrot, onion & sausage mince creation), a yummy vegie bake, and roast potatoes. Mmmmm, mmmm ... nothing nicer than a roast meal - I don't do them often enough !! Then, like I said, Hubby came home, we exchanged greetings ... then I was out the door !!! I had a painting (sort of folk art / decorative painting) class.

It was the first class for the year, so I had to start a new project. I decided to do a series of cat drink coasters ... using craftwood / MDF precut coasters. I lightly stained the coasters, to keep them fairly natural looking (also, I had no idea what color would work with all the different cats I plan to paint !). I finished my first coaster ... a tortoiseshell cat. All I am doing is using a basic outline of the head, then using a cat book I have, making it look (somewhat) like a real cat. I hope to do a Tabby, an Abysinnian, a black & white shorthair, a white long hair, and probably some other one that I haven't decided yet !! I'm not sure if I will put some sort of decoration around the border of the coaster ... I will wait until they are all finished and decide then.

Here, have a look at what I have done so far ... keep in mind it is not finished, still a work in progress.

Ooops, I noticed after I took the photo that I still need to erase some pencil lines around the head. Oh well, like I said, it is a work in progress. So ... what do you think ??? I am not artist, never claim to be, but I enjoy what I do. I get a real buzz when something turns out nice ... and I think this looks cute (it looks better in real life than it does in the photo). Looking at it in a photo, I think it does need some sort of border around the edge, only I don't know what, or what color yet.

Over the years I have done a heap of different crafts ... ceramic painting, teddy bear making, long stitch, cross stitch, paper tole, scrap-booking, and now the painting. I also have dabbled in sewing ... I used to make most of Chicky's clothes when she was little, have made most of her dance costumes for the annual concerts, curtains, and various other things. I guess you could call me a "Jack of all trades ... Master of none !!". I thought I might (eventually) add a link to my blog to a gallery (of sorts !!) of craft work I have done. Don't know if anyone would be interested, but I think it might be fun to do, anyway !!

I have a nice day ahead of me today ... blogging this morning (as well as hanging out and taking off a couple of loads of washing), visiting a friend for lunch, going to mum & dad's for dinner tonight. Yay, I don't have to cook today !!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday.

Take care,

MEOW

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

I hope everyone has a wonderful, loving Valentines Day.

All the best & lots of hugs


MEOW

Monday, February 13, 2006

A Hug To Start Your Week ....

I have (hopefully) a new friend coming to vist my blog today ... well not really a new friend, but a friend new to blogging. This is especially for her, but also for everyone that feels they may need it. You know who you are ....

MEOW

Sunday, February 12, 2006

My weekend was a busy one
It really was quite good;
Went to a party Saturday night -
Talked, laughed, drank and had some food.

We got up early on Sunday
And went for a lovely drive;
Through some pretty countryside
It made me feel alive.

Now the weekend's over
But it was a lot of fun
I only have to wait five days,
Then it'll be another one !!!
(Weekend, that is !!!)

Well, as you can see, my weekend is over. It is around 9pm on Sunday night. We just had pizza for dinner, Chicky is getting ready for bed, Hubby is already asleep on the couch (can't you hear him snore ?!?!). I haven't been on the computer all day ... withdrawal symptoms were starting to kick in. LOL.

We have had a wonderful weekend. Last night's party was fabulous. It was held in a theatre restaurant called "The Tivoli", which has been around forever, but is still a really good fun place to go. The show was fabulous ... set in the 50s and 60s, with rock and roll, Elvis, Blues Brothers, and some hilarious sketches. A little bit risque, but not crude. Chicky was there with us, and although the "F" word was dropped by the compere on a couple of occasions, it wasn't overboard. And, let's face it, they probably hear worse in the school yard. We laughed so much ... it was good old fashioned fun, in a way. The owners of the restaurant are somewhere between 60 and 70, and also perform in the show, so the humour is a little bit "not modern", if you know what I mean, but a lot of fun ... sort of like the stuff that used to be on the old night-time variety shows, 25 - 30 years ago. It is most definately a place I would like to go again.

Today we went for a drive to Bonnie Doon, where anyone who regularly reads my blog would know that we have a permanent site in a holiday / caravan park. We went up there to pick up our boat, and bring it home for a clean and service. It hasn't been home for about 18 months, so it needs a bit of TLC. The weather was fabulous, 31ºC in Melbourne, apparently, but always a few degrees warmer up there. We spent a nice few hours catching up with friends, then drove home again.

So, I had a wonderful weekend, spending most of it with my family and friends. I love weekends like this, there aren't enough of them. Hubby often does overtime on the weekends, so Chicky and I get to do stuff on our own. There is nothing nicer than doing stuff as a whole family, though ... I love it.

Anyway, I had better get off my blog now, and read some of yours !!! Hope everyone had a great weekend, and are perhaps still having one !!!

Enjoy the week ahead.

Take care,

MEOW

Friday, February 10, 2006

Yay, The Weekend's Here ....

Well, in my part of the world it is now officially the weekend. It is around 10.30pm on Friday night, work is over, school is over, for the week. Yay. I ended up having a really good and successful week. I got everything done that I wanted and needed to, and then some !! (Aren't I good !!!)

I have some interesting news, well at least I hope it will be interesting !!! I enrolled in an on-line short-course, starting next Thursday, on Web Design. All this blogging, and fiddling with my blog (the side-bar in particular) has got me interested in getting into it more. I'd love to learn all the HTML code, and design really cool web-sites. I have borrowed some books from the library on Web Design and HTML & XHTML, and am spending time reading through them. Very interesting stuff. Reckon it might be something I could get good at (I hope !!). I have put the idea of becoming a swimming teacher on the back-burner for now ... I can always fall back on that. You are probably all thinking, "This girl doesn't know what she wants" ... I'm just keeping my options open ... nothing wrong with learning new skills, is there ?!?

I had a bit of a transformation today. I bought some new jeans, some new runners ... New Balance brand, no less (in my eyes, they are comparable to Nike and the like), had a hair cut, and just now finished coloring my hair. I am a new woman. But don't go getting any ideas ... I ain't posting no pictures of my hairdo, na uh, no way, no-one's gonna see a picture of me on the internet (not close up, anyhows !!). You'll just have to use your imaginations ... the length is about mid back (level with bottom of shoulder blades, sort of), wavy curls (I use lots of product to scrunch great curls into it), layered all over, and now it is Natural Burgundy in color (although I've never seen anyone born with hair this color, so don't know how "natural" it really is !!!). I'm just trying to think of a movie star who has similar hair (someone tall, dark, curly haired and sexy will do !!). We are going out tomorrow night, to a 21st birthday, and all the family and multitudes of friends will be there. I couldn't turn up with long, scraggly hair (that hadn't been cut since July last year), stacks of grey showing through (grey hair is a sign of intelligence ... did you know that !!??), looking like a walking disaster area. I have no idea what I'm going to wear, but I know my hair will look great !!!

One of our TV stations is just showing the movie "Cool Runnings" ... what a fabulous movie. I've seen it dozens of times, have it on DVD, but laugh myself stupid every time I see it. It's one of those all time classic feel-good type movies.

Wow, I just realised that this is my third post for today (although the others weren't anything I wrote, just stuff I wanted to share). That's a bit extravagent for me, don't you think !?!

Anyway, I might just get along and enjoy my weekend ... hope yours isn't too far away. I'm going to check out a few more blogs, just to fill my quota for the day, LOL, then I might watch some TV. I intend to sleep in tomorrow, and have a lazy day (apart from doing mountains of washing), then spend the afternoon getting ready for the party. Sunday we are going as a family for a drive to Bonnie Doon, to collect our boat to bring it home for a clean and service the jet and motor. Love going for Sunday drives.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Look after yourselves and our families.



Take care,

MEOW


From My Email ....

I just received this on my email, and just had to share.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did !!!

Cleaning Poem !

I asked the Lord to tell me
Why my house is such a mess.
He asked if I'd been 'putering',
And I had to answer "yes."
He told me to get off my butt
And tidy up the house.
And so I started cleaning up...
The smudges off my mouse.
I wiped and shined the topside.
That really did the trick...
I was just admiring my work...
I didn't mean to 'click.'
But click, I did, and oops I found
A real absorbing site
That I got SO way into...
I was into it all night.<>
Nothing's changed except my mouse
It's very, very shiny.
I guess my house will stay a mess..
While I sit here on my hiney !

Have a great weekend.

Bye for now,

MEOW


Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children. -- Author Unknown

Thursday, February 09, 2006

See Previous Post ....

Regarding my previous post ...I think I confused everyone into thinking that my cactus was beautiful, just because the flower was exquisite !! To prove my point, here is a photo of the whole plant ... weeds in pot and all !!! The two dead flowers are still dangling there. Still think it's beautiful ?!?!? I only keep it because of the beautiful flowers, which only happen once a year. As you can see by the condition of the pot ... gardening is not my favorite thing !! Most of my plants thrive on neglect. I grow brilliant weeds, though ... anyone want me to share some with them ?!?!

Have a great day,

MEOW

My Little Cactus ...





I have a little cactus,
It's really rather nice.
(Actually, it is really ugly !!)
It usually only flowers once,
This time it was twice !!!
(Except I missed photographing the first one !!)

MEOW

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Let's Have A Barbecue .....

This was in the newspaper during the Christmas holiday break. I thought it was very funny, so I cut it out, and have now decided to share it with my friends who may not have read it. I think it may be very Australian, however I guess all you non-Aussie bloggers will get the idea … I imagine men & women & barbecues are the same the world over !!

THE FEMALE POINT OF VIEW …
1. The woman buys the food.
2. The woman makes the salad, vegetables and dessert.
3. The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill ... beer in hand.
(Here comes the important part).
4. The man places the meat on the grill.
5. The woman goes inside to organise the plates and cutlery.
6. The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is burning. He thanks her and asks if she will bring out another beer while he deals with the situation.
7. The man takes the meat off the grill and hands it to the woman.
8. The woman prepares the plates, salad, etc, and brings them to the table.
9. After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.
(And most important of all).
10. Everyone praises the man and thanks him for his efforts.
11. The man asks the woman how she enjoyed "her night off". And, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women.

THE MALE POINT OF VIEW ....
RE 1. The woman does not need to buy the food. The more intelligent male would just stop at the bottle shop at the local licenced supermarket to buy beer and would cunningly ask the obliging young lads to run upstairs and grab him some meat and snags. Job done.
RE 2, 5 and 8. All of the above organising is unnecessary and against the spirit of a true barbie. Problem solved.
RE 3. Meat does not need to be "prepared for cooking". It should be slapped on the barbecue. We don't need sauces. We don't need utensils. A real man turns snags with his bare hands, or the spanner he keeps nearby.
RE 6. We know the meat is burning. Like the American indians, we also know that smoke signals are important for communicating ideas, that is, "Bring me more beer !"
RE 9. All of this hoohah wouldn't be required if you followed the above process properly.

There you go ... I thought it was great. Hope you do too.

Have a great day.

MEOW

Monday, February 06, 2006

And It's Only Monday Afternoon .....

Even though it is only Monday afternoon in my world, this is how I feel (already !). I have had a very busy day, with many things scheduled for the remainder of the week (my diary is a scary place at the moment !!). I guess my week will go very quickly, as it always seems to when there is heaps to do. I will get to the end of the week and wish it were longer, in order to complete the things I haven't completed. Oh well, better than a boring week, where when I get to the end of it I wonder what on earth I have done !!
Hope your week is successful.
Take care,
MEOW

Sunday, February 05, 2006

Word Cloud

This is my Word Cloud ....

I have seen these on a few other posts recently, and thought they were great. They are made up of words found thoughout your blog. Each one is individually made, according to the blog-site it is referred to. The link for it is here - they can even make it up into a t-shirt (if that's what turns you on !!).

Don't know if it is everyone's cup-of-tea, but I like it !!

Have a great weekend.

Take care,

MEOW

Saturday, February 04, 2006

My Blogging Place ....

Thanks to Cathy, Chloe and Connie, I was inspired to take a photo of my computer work area. As you can see, it is very congested ... there is more stationary than can be found at Officeworks !!

I work on a laptop, however I have a cordless keyboard and mouse, so when at home the laptop is basically just a monitor and hard-drive. It has been (sort of) tidied up, so there is actually a tiny bit of desk top showing !!

The window (you can only see the curtains !!) has a nice view of our backyard - an apricot tree which my cat loves to climb, and which lovely colorful birds regularly visit.

On the desk, to the right is my Canon Multifunction printer - it prints, copies and scans. It is a fabulous printer, and does amazing photos. I am very happy with it. Under that is my DVD burner (the laptop has a CD burner installed, as well).

My husband and daughter bought me the beautiful, big, comfy, leather chair for my birthday last year. I could fall asleep on it, it is that comfortable (the cat uses it at night, she thinks it's OK, too!!).

OOoops, I think I need to empty my rubbish bin under the desk ... naughty me, it looks ready to overflow !!

The pile of paper to the left of the keyboard are bills that need paying ... better get onto that, one of them is my car registration ...$546.20, thank you very much !!!

Now, although I work (and play) in a very busy looking area, I like it that way. My whole house is somewhat busy (although not as untidy as this area!). I get lonely if there is nothing around me.

Now, I will continue the challenge ... What Surrounds You ???

Have a great weekend everyone. Take care,

MEOW

Friday, February 03, 2006

Why, Why, Why ...

I received this via email today, and although we have probably all seen it before, thought it was too good not to share. So, here goes ....

Why, Why, Why ....

Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak?


Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough?

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?

Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?

Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?

Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?

Why do Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?

If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?

Why is it that no matter what colour bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?

Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?

Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?

Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?

Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?

How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?

When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "It's all right?" Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, "That hurt, you stupid idiot?"

Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?

In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?

How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?

And my FAVOURITE......

The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you.


Enjoy,

MEOW


Thursday, February 02, 2006

I've Been Tagged Again !!!

I got tagged by Viamarie, and although I’ve done a similar Meme a while ago, here I go with this one …

3 Names You Answer To

* Meow
* Connie
* Cornelia

3 Parts of Your Heritage
* German
* Polish
* Australian

3 Things That Scare You
* Fire (as in bushfires, out of control fire)
* Snakes
* Standing under trees in heavy wind

3 Everyday Essentials
* Family
* Laughter
* Blogging !!!

3 Things You’re Wearing
* Clothes
* Underwear
* A smile

3 Favorite Songs
* I’ve Had The Time Of My Life – Dirty Dancing Soundtrack
* Rock Lobster – B52s
* Anything by INXS

3 Things About the Opposite Sex that Appeals to You
* Eyes
* Sense of humour
* Niceness

3 Things You Want in a Relationship
* Love
* Friendship
* Sharing

3 Favorite Hobbies
* Reading
* Computers
* Travelling

3 Things to Do Before You Die
* Travel all over Australia … it’s a big country
* See my daughter grow up, settle down and have kids
* Continue to enjoy myself

3 Ways You’re Stereotypically Female
* I cry at weddings, funerals … anything !!
* I love chocolate
* I like looking at the male body !!!

2 truths & 1 lie (in no particular order)
* I type really quickly
* I sing really well
* I love my family

3 people I am tagging
* Anyone who wants to have a go at it
!!

That's all from me for now, folks. Have a great day.

MEOW

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Well, Chicky just finished her second day back at school ... she is now a big Grade 6er ... the last year of primary school.

She was really excited yesterday, when she was getting ready. She wanted to go at 8.30am (school doesn't start until 9.00am) so she could catch up with all her friends before class. She came home just as excited ... she had had a good day, her teacher was cool, her classmates were great. They didn't do much school work yesterday, just a lot of discussion about what this year is all about, and other orientation sort of stuff.

Today, however, they did some work ... all I got out of her was some Maths, mapping stuff (I'm guessing Geography), and Music. I'm sure there was other subjects, but you know kids ... they never tell you much. My Chicky will tell me what she did today, probably on Friday !!! I guess some things take a long time to compute !!! Whenever something interesting pops into her head !!!

She seems happy, and I hope that continues. Her new teacher is somewhat stricter than those she has had in the past. Her previous teachers have all been really soft, warm, loving types. This one is fairly strict, and somewhat cooler towards the kids. They appear to like her, though. I have heard good stories about her, and how she is excellent at preparing the kids for next year ... High School (Secondary School), where life is very different.

I imagine, as the days go by, and they start to get homework, Chicky will come home from school a bit disillusioned ... she doesn't like homework (what kid does !!). This year will be tougher for her, but she should cope just fine. She is not a "brilliant" student ... rather a middle of the road, Miss Average type child. She "goes with the flow" so to speak, happily completing everything, but not necessarily excelling at anything. That's OK, she does her best. Perhaps this year we may see her start to fly ... who knows. As long as she is happy, doing her best, and keeping up with what is required of her, that's all that matters.

So, there you go, my almost 12 year old is back at school. My husband is on day shift. I have a routine again. Guess what I did today ??? I went to the local Trash & Treasure / Craft / Fruit & Veg market with my mother. Tomorrow I am going shopping for groceries, again with my mother. Friday I am helping in the school canteen. It's nice to be busy again. Oh, yeah ... I have had some typing to do, too (don't know if I ever mentioned it, but I run a small home based typing service ... business has been very slow lately, hopefully it is now on the turn-around !). My life is not particularly exciting, but I like it.

Hope you all have a great day.

Take care,

MEOW

Just Because ....



"A hug is a great gift ... one size fits all, and it's easy to exchange."
(Natasha Isabelle)