I have (finally) added a bunch of new photos to my "My Favourite Pictures" blog. Please take a look at them, if you would like to. You can get to them from here, or via the link on my sidebar. I would really love for you all to have a look at them, if you have the time. Thanks, Meow

Friday On My Mind ...

Hello, dear Friends ....

Another week is almost over ... it's Friday again !!

How has your week been ?? I hope it has been as enjoyable as mine.

I'm a bit sad, though, as after the weekend Chicky is back at school, and we go back to routine ... getting up to an alarm, going to bed earlier, homework (hers, not mine !!), and all the other stuff that goes with a normal week of school and work (for Hubby). Boooooring !!! I think I like holidays better. Nothing nicer than waking up whenever, hanging around in your PJs until all hours, and doing a lot of nothing. Mmmmm, bliss. Oh well, life goes on, I guess !!

I found the lyrics to one of my favourite old Easybeats songs ... Friday On My Mind ...

Monday morning feels so bad

Everybody seems to nag me

Come on Tuesday I feel better

Even my old man looks good

Wednesday just won't go

Thursday goes too slow

I've got Friday on my mind

Gonna have fun in the city

Be with my girl, she's so pretty

She looks fine tonight

She is outa' sight to me

Tonight, I'll spend my bread

Tonight, I'll lose my head

Tonight, I've got to get tonight

Monday I'll have Friday on my mind

Do the five day drag once more

I know of nothing else that bugs me

More than working for the rich man

Hey I'll change that scene one day

Today I might be mad

Tomorrow I'll be glad

'Cause I've got Friday on my mind

Gonna have fun in the city

Be with my girl she's so pretty

She looks fine tonight

She is outa' sight to me

Tonight, I'll spend my bread

Tonight, I'll lose my head

Tonight, I've got to get tonight

Monday I'll have Friday on my mind

I'm gonna have fun in the city

I'll be with my girl she's so pretty

I'm gonna have fun in the city

Gonna have some fun

Be with my girl she's so pretty

Gonna have some fun

Gonna have fun in the city

Gonna have some fun

Be with my girl she's so pretty

In the city tonight

Gonna have fun in the city

I found an interesting article in our Melbourne Herald Sun newspaper this morning ...

CAFFEINE BLAST FOR KISS FANS
Glam rockers Kiss opened their first cafe yesterday in a bid to rival Starbucks.
Kiss Coffeehouse opened for business selling Kiss Frozen Rockuccino, French Kiss Vanilla and Demon Dark Roast.
A crowd of 2000 turned up for the opening at the South Carolina resort of Myrtle Beach.
"Every army needs food and drink and the Kiss Army is no exception!" shouted Gene Simmons, the bass player in the 1970s rock group.
Singer Paul Stanley said other stores could be opened in Las Vegas and other resorts.

I was wondering if any of you, my American blogger friends, have seen this store, or will be soon ?? If so, it would ge great if you could share a photo of it, as our newspaper didn't show us any photos. I imagine the interior would be really interesting. I am a Kiss fan from way back (bet you didn't know that about me !!).

Anyway, that's about all from me for today. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and if you have a long weekend for the 4th of July holiday, hope it is amazing. Happy 4th of July to you all.

Take care,

MEOW

A Winter's Wednesday ...

Hello again, Friends.

Since I last posted, the Aussies lost their second round game against Italy in the World Cup ... booo !! (Look, I'm not really a bad sport, I just feel it was a very bad call ... enough said !!)

Chicky, Hubby and I decided to go for a day-trip drive on Tuesday (yesterday). We went around Port Philip Bay toward Portsea ... we hadn't been out this way for years, and felt that seeing as how Hubby had the day off, we should do something together, as a family. Turns out the weather was pretty yuck !! It started off a sunny day, but predictably, as we set off, it began clouding over. Oh well, it was a day out, we would make the best of it !!

It was only about an hour's drive from home ... not far, but far enough to get away !! The traffic was light (it was the middle of a week-day, not the weekend, so not many were heading that way !!). We took the freeway, and the highway ... the quick way ... and thought that we would take the coast road on the way home !!

On arriving at Portsea, we were amazed at how it had changed ... there are now so many new buildings ... it certainly looks like many very well-off people live, or holiday down there ... you should see the size of some of the houses (shame I forgot to photograph the ones I really liked !!).

We went exploring down some side roads, and came across a natural rock formation called London Bridge. It is really pretty, and with the sea being so rough, due to the windy winter weather, the water gushing though the hole through it was spectacular (unfortunately I didn't catch the waves at the right time, but this picture should give you a general idea !!).

Next we went over to the ocean beach ... the views were amazing. The air was almost foggy looking, with the ocean spray being blown around ... it was really beautiful.

I must explain where Portsea is ... Melbourne is at the top end of a bay, which is sort of circular (well, not really, but I have a vivid imagination !), with an opening almost opposite where Melbourne is. On the right of the opening (when looking at a map) is Portsea and Point Nepean, on the left is Queenscliff and the Bellarine Penninsula. Anyway, Portsea has both bay beaches and ocean (surf) beaches ... it is a really beautiful place. We used to go there alot in our younger days ... pre marriage, mortgages and kids ... when we were all single and hanging out with our friends, with no responsibilities.

We drove around a little bit, exploring. Unfortunately, it was too cold and windy to walk along the beach ... we tried, and our noses felt like little icicles, and the wind just blew right through us. It was very, very cold ... more so than at home, I think !!

We stopped in Sorrento for lunch. We had Pizza and Pasta at La Porchetta. La Porchetta's is a restaurant chain, found all over Australia (I think). We had never eaten at any of their restaurants, and though it might be nice. It was great ... Hubby and I had pizza, Chicky had pasta. Goodness, were we full ... we had to take home doggy-bags, as we couldn't finish what was on our plates. Fortunately, then, I didn't have to cook dinner ... just re-heat the leftovers !!! It was raining when we emerged from the restaurant, so we decided against a walk through the town.

We jumped in the car, and headed in the direction of home, driving along the bay road through to Mornington, stopping here and there for a photo or two. Here are a couple of photos of Beach Boxes, found all along the bay beaches.

We got a stunning view across the bay toward Melbourne, from above the Mornington Marina.

After Mornington, we cut back over to the highway, then onto the Frankston Freeway, then home, always mindful that we didn't want to make our return trip too late, due to it being a week-day, and the afternoon peak starts around 3.30 / 4pm. Fortunately, we missed the peak, arriving home around 3pm. It was a lovely day, not too long (we were pretty tired, anyway, due to having stayed up until 3am the night before to watch the Soccer). It was great to do something with just the 3 of us ... we always have fun, and enjoy each other's company, and enjoy doing the same things. We are very lucky in that respect, I guess.

Chicky had a friend sleep over Tuesday night (a girl from down the road, who is almost another daughter, anyway !!).

We all slept in, or lay in bed reading, until quite late this morning. It is now almost 1pm, we only had breakfast an hour or so ago, so lunch is still quite a way off !! Chicky and I are heading over to visit my parents later on, Hubby will be off to start work at 2pm (until 10pm tonight).

I might leave you now with a quote I discovered ... I thought it was beautiful, and very true ... I hope you do, too.

People are like stained glass windows: they sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light within.

--Elizabeth Kubler-Ross--

So, dear friends, I bid you farewell for today. I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday, and enjoy the rest of the week.

Take care, all,

MEOW

PS. For those of you who haven't yet, but would like to, don't forget to join my Guest Map ... the link to get there is on my side-bar, under my profile. Thanks.

Monday ...

Hello Friends,

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend ... I know I did. I didn't do much, just pottered around, and I feel soooo relaxed. It's nice to have a weekend of nothing, don't you think ??

I found the lyrics to one of my favorite old songs. I wonder how many of you remember it ???

The Mamas And The Papas
Monday, Monday

Monday Monday, so good to me,
Monday Monday, it was all I hoped it would be
Oh Monday morning, Monday morning couldn't guarantee
That Monday evening you would still be here with me.
Monday Monday, can't trust that day,
Monday Monday, sometimes it just turns out that way
Oh Monday morning, you gave me no warning of what was to be
Oh Monday Monday, how yould cou leave and not take me.
Every other day, every other day,
Every other day of the week is fine, yeah
But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes
You can find me cryin' all of the time
Monday Monday, so good to me,
Monday Monday, it was all I hoped it would be
Oh Monday morning, Monday morning couldn't guarantee
That Monday evening you would still be here with me.
Every other day, every other day,
Every other day of the week is fine, yeah
But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes
You can find me cryin' all of the time
Monday Monday, ...

Well, despite the words, I am not always crying on Mondays !!! Today I am happy and smiling and having a lovely day.

It is a beautiful Winter's day here in Melbourne. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, there is an ever-so-slight breeze, I have the front and back doors open, letting in some fresh air. It is still cool, but not cold (if that makes sense !!). Chicky has gone shopping with some friends (and their parent), and I thought I might sit down and either do some scrapbooking, or finish painting the final coaster in my set of six kitty coasters. Not sure yet which I will do ... I may even just curl up with a book, or watch a movie ... who knows !! I need to stay relaxed, and not over-do it today, as I will be having a really late night tonight ... the Australia V Italy soccer match starts at 1am our time. Can't wait ... Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oy Oy Oy.

So, friends, that's me for today. I don't think I have said anything particularly mind-boggling, or really interesting for that matter, but I just wanted to say hello to you all. So .... HELLO.

Have a wonderful week.

Take care,

MEOW

Sunday ...

I thought I might share some information I found in Wikipedia, all about Sunday ...

Sunday is traditionally the first day of the Judaeo-Christian seven-day week, between Saturday and Monday, and the second day of the weekend in some cultures. It is considered a holiday in lands of Christian tradition, and is the day when most Christians attend Church.

In India, Sunday is Ravivar. It is based on Ravi - Vedic God of Sun.

In the Gregorian calendar, no century can start on a Sunday. In the Hebrew calendar, no year can start on a Sunday. Any month beginning on a Sunday will contain a Friday the 13th.

The name Sunday

In ancient Jewish tradition Saturday is the Sabbath, a day of worship on which abstinence from work is required. The first Christians were Jews and maintained the observance of the Jewish Sabbath rest, but by the first half of the second century many Christians no longer observed the Sabbath, instead gathering for worship on Sunday.

The majority of Christians have continued to observe Sunday ever since, although throughout history one sometimes finds Christian groups that continued or revived the observance of the Saturday Sabbath. More recently in history, Christians in the Seventh-day Adventist, Seventh Day Baptist, and Church of God (Seventh-Day) denominations (along with many related or similar sects), as well as many Messianic Jews, have revived the practice of gathering for worship, and abstaining from work, on the Saturday Sabbath.

Many languages lack separate words for "Saturday" and "Sabbath". Eastern Orthodox churches, as well as many Roman Catholics, distinguish between the Sabbath (Saturday) and Sunday, which most Christians traditionally call the Lord's Day. However, many Protestants and Roman Catholics refer to Sunday as the Sabbath, though this is by no means a universal practice among Protestants and Catholics. Quakers traditionally refer to Sunday as "First Day" eschewing the pagan origin of the name.

The name "Sunday" (Day of the Sun) originated in pre-Christian Egyptian culture. In Egyptian astrology, the seven planets, Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, the Sun, Venus, Mercury, and the Moon, each had an hour of the day assigned to them, and the planet which was "regent" during the first hour of any day of the week gave its name to that day. The Egyptian form of the seven-day week spread from Egypt to Rome during the first and second century, when the Roman names of the planets were given to each successive day. Germanic-speaking nations apparently adopted the seven-day week from the Romans, so that the dies Solis became Sunday (German, Sonntag). See also Sol Invictus.

The first Christian reference to Sunday is found in the First Apology of St. Justin Martyr (circa 150 A.D.). In a well-known passage of the Apology, Justin describes the Christian custom of gathering for worship on Sunday. "And on the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place . . .", he writes. Evidently Justin used the term "Sunday" because he was writing to a non-Christian, pagan audience. In Justin's time, Christians usually called Sunday the Lord's Day (because they observed it as a weekly memorial of Jesus Christ's resurrection) or "the Eighth Day" (because of the Christian belief that Christ's resurrection on the day following the seventh-day Sabbath is a portal to timeless eternity that transcends the seven-day weekly cycle).

Position during a week

In many countries, including most of Europe, Asia, and South America (except Brazil), Sunday is held to be the last day of the week. In others, including the United States, Canada, and in parts of Africa it is seen as the first day, a traditional view derived from ancient Jews, Egyptians and the Holy Roman Empire. ISO 8601 defines Monday as the first day of the week, making Sunday the seventh.

Common Sunday occurrences

Among Christians (with the exception of seventh-day Sabbatarians, such as the denominations listed above) Sunday is considered holy and often a day of rest and church-attendance.
During Christianity's first three centuries, Sunday was consecrated as the preeminent day for worship. Consequently, Christians would avoid secular activities to allow time for worship. However, it is not until the fourth century that ecclesiastical and civil legislation was enacted forbidding work in a manner similar to the observance of the Jewish Sabbath. Throughout history there have been Christians, especially Protestants, who believe Sunday must be observed with the just the sort of rigorous abstinence from work associated with the Jewish Sabbath, but for most Christians the custom and obligation of Sunday rest has not been as strict.

In orthodox Christian families and communities, some activities are not done, e.g. working, doing something that requires somebody else to work such as buying goods or services (including the use of public transport), driving a car, gardening, washing a car, etc. Exceptions which are allowed are making use of religious services, and, usually, using electricity, and urgent medical matters. In Roman Catholicism, those who work in the medical field, in law enforcement, or soldiers in a war zone are dispensed from the usual obligation to avoid work on Sunday.

In the United States, professional football is usually played on Sunday, although Saturday and Monday (via Monday Night Football) also see some professional games. College football usually occurs on Saturday, and high-school football tends to take place on Friday night or Saturday afternoon. It is not uncommon for church attendance to shift on days when a late morning or early afternoon game is anticipated by a local community.

Also in the United States, many federal government buildings are closed on Sunday. Privately owned businesses also tend to close or are open for shorter periods of the day than on other days of the week.

Many American and British television networks and stations also broadcast their political interview shows on Sunday mornings.

Many American and British daily newspapers publish a larger edition on Sundays, which often includes color comic strips, a magazine, and a coupon section.

In Ireland, Gaelic football and hurling matches are predominantly played on Sundays, with the second and fourth Sundays in September always playing host to the All-Ireland hurling and football championship finals, respectively.

Radio stations often play specialty radio shows such as Casey Kasem's countdown or other nationally syndicated radio shows that may differ from their regular weekly music patterns on Sunday morning and/or Sunday evening.

Named days

Easter Sunday, the day in the Bible on which Christ rose from the dead, celebrated across the Christian world and regarded as the most important day in the Christian calendar.

Low Sunday, first Sunday after Easter, is also known as the Octave of Easter, White Sunday, Quasimodo Sunday, Alb Sunday, Antipascha Sunday, and Divine Mercy Sunday.

Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter.

Passion Sunday, formerly denoting the fifth Sunday of Lent, since 1970 the term applies to the following Sunday also known as Palm Sunday.

Septuagesima Sunday, before 1970, was the third from the last Sunday before Lent.

Stir-up Sunday, is the last Sunday before Advent.

Trinity Sunday is the first Sunday after Pentecost.

Laetare Sunday

Gaudete Sunday

Whitsunday

Super Bowl Sunday

Bloody Sunday

Sunday in popular culture

In the popular rhyme, "The child born on Sunday is fair and wise and good and gay". Another version of the rhyme was "And the child born on Sabbath Day is bonny and blithe, and good and gay."

There you go ... everything you may (or may not) have wanted to know about Sunday.

Have a great Sunday.

Take care,

MEOW

Where Has The Week Gone ???

Hello again !!

I've been a bit slack with my blogging this week, I'm sorry to say. It has been an interesting week, fairly busy, but lazy also (late nights, sleep-ins in the mornings) !!

I think it was Tuesday, last time I posted ... it is now Friday afternoon, and almost the weekend (not that it will really be any different for me and Chicky, as it is school holidays, although it does mean that Hubby will be home ... that will be great.)

On Wednesday night I had my parents over for dinner ... I made a yummy huge pot of potato, bacon and leek soup ... mmmmm, nothing nicer on a cold day than a steaming hot bowl of soup. We had a lovely evening, catching up, and watching TV with mum and dad.

Thursday I did the groceries (how boring), then Chicky's 2 friends came over for a sleep over and play. They were at it, chatting, laughing, running around, and generally having fun, until around midnight, when I thought it was time for them to go night-nights, as they had a big day ahead of them.

I got up early Friday morning (5am) to watch the Aussie V Croatia soccer match ... it was a great match, with the desired result ... the Aussies have made it into the second round. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oy, Oy, Oy !!

After brecky, the girls and I went to Knox City for what they called a "shopping spree". They wanted to shop till they dropped !! I let them run around alone (together) for a couple of hours, whilst I did some window shopping also. They basically went to the same shops as I did, so I was really only a couple of steps behind (sort of). We then had hot-dogs for lunch, then headed off to the roller-skating rink for a few hours. I decided not to skate (I felt lazy, and wanted to be able to move tomorrow !!), so sat and read, whilst they expended some more energy. I think they will sleep well tonight.

Tonight should be a quiet one ... the girls go home shortly ... and we have no plans for he weekend. Might do a bit of a day-drive on Sunday, if the weather allows it, though.

Hopefully I will get around to visit all your blogs over the next day or so. Thanks for perservering with mine. If any of you haven't yet placed your mark on my Guest Map (via my sidebar), and you would like to, please do.

Have a great weekend, friends.

Take care,

MEOW

Oooooh, It's Cold Outside .... brrrrrr

It's around 10.30pm Tuesday night, and I just came back inside from walking Chicky's friend home, after a day of playing outside in our backyard for the two of them and a pack of other kids !!

It is sooooooo cold outside ... my nose felt like an ice block (we were only outside for about 10 minutes). I think we are in for another frosty night tonight. We have had some beauties lately. Check out my car from last week ....

It's been a productive day on my part, although it started and finished very lazy. I got out of bed around 9am, watched Little House on the Prairie on cable, had my shower, had breakfast, and watched last night's final episode of Six Feet Under. (Chicky was over at a friends for a sleep over, then to a movie, so I was alone !). Then I decided I really had to do something. I went to the supermarket to buy some food for dinner, then came home and stripped ..... I bet you are thinking something naughty here ... my spare room. It has been ages since I have seen the floor in that room, it has become a sort of dumping ground for anything and everything. This took awhile, but the end result was worthwhile ... I have a floor again, and I found some things I've been looking for for ages !!

I then cooked a lovely dinner ... roast chook, roast spuds, honeyed carrots, peas and corn, with yummy roast chicken gravy. Mmmmmmm ... gosh did that taste good, even if I do say so myself !!!

We have just finished watching the final episode of Survivor (wish Terry had won, rather than Aras ... oh well !!), now CSI is on (which I don't watch ... which is why I am here on the computer!!), then they are showing the Survivor Reunion show. Then I think I will watch the Soccer ... I think it is Germany V Ecuador (my family are German, so I am hoping the Germans win !). Thursday morning our time, the Aussies play Croatia ... they need at least a draw to make it into the next round ... come on Aussies come on, come on !! (Gosh, I really sound like a TV-head, don't I ... well, I guess I am !!!)

Anyway, that's my day ... not particularly exciting, but I enjoyed it !! It is school holidays, so we can relax and not do anything if that's what we want. Tomorrow I have my folks coming over for dinner, then Thursday night Chicky has 2 friends over for a sleep over. Guess I'll be doing a bit of extra cooking these next few days.

I think I might leave it there ... I have probably bored you enough with my rambling !!!

Oh yeah, please don't forget to put your pin on my Guest Map (find the link on my side bar), if you want to and you haven't already done so. I would really love to see lots of my blog-friends join me on it, and to see where-abouts you all live !! It's all in good fun. Thank you.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone.

Take care,

MEOW

Please Join My Guestmap

Just a quick request for anyone who may be interested ...

I have included a Guestmap Button on my sidebar, just below my profile. I was hoping that many of you would like to join me on this map, by placing a pin on it where you live. Many people have these now, and I think they are wonderful. There are so many of you out there, it would be lovely to get a snapshot of where you are all from.

Thank you, Friends, in anticipation.

Have a great day,

MEOW

Monday, Monday ...

Hello Fellow Bloggers !!

Just a short post to let you know that I am still here, and I survived another weekend. I hope you all did, too.

My weekend was fairly quiet, I guess. I spent Saturday typing (how unusual), doing a bit of housework, and preparing for dinner guests on Saturday night. We had a lovely evening with a couple of friends, just catching up. We haven't seen them for quite some time, so it was really nice just chatting. My meal turned out pretty yummy, too. I made a pasta sauce of cream, lots of mushrooms, bacon, spring onions, peas, parsley, seasoning ... mmmmmm, tasty. We had it with flat noodles - fettucini. We also had herb bread, and garlic bread. And I made a non-bake cheesecake for afterward.

On Sunday we all had a bit of a lie-in, then I continued with my typing (which I have now finished ... yay, I am free for awhile !!). I watched TV in the evening, whilst Hubby did an extra shift at work., falling asleep on the couch around 11.30ish (which is fairly normal for me these days !!), but awoke just as the Australia V Brazil soccer match started at 2am. I watched this until it was over, then went to bed. Shame the Aussies lost, but I felt it was a great game ... they played pretty well, I think. Now all we need is at least a draw with Croatia in a few days to make it into Round 2. Hopefully they make it.

My plan for today is to write this post, catch up on all your blogs, and then do who-knows-what. It is school holidays for the next 2 weeks, so our days will be slow starters, and no planners. We will do whatever takes our fancy at the time. Should be wonderful having 2 weeks of no structure. Unfortunately Hubby doesn't have holidays, but he has a couple of days off here and there, so we should be able to do stuff together.

Today is a gorgeous, sunny Winter's day. I hope the beautiful weather continues throughout much of the holidays ... my Chicky loves to play outside with all her friends, so the good weather makes for good play (also, not too many kids inside, to trash my house !!).

Anyway, I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, and that the upcoming week will be a great one for you all.

Take care,

MEOW

Friday Night and All's Well ...

Just a quickie from me, to let you know I am still alive ....

I still have a small amount of typing to do ... but it's not due until Tuesday or Wednesday ... so I am going to play with my computer for awhile. I am very excited, as I bought myself an external hard drive today, with 200gig of storage space ... whoo hoo !! I am in the process of transferring photos to it, that I have on disc, so I can play with them, as well as cleaning out heaps of stuff from my little 40gig drive on my laptop, in the hope that it may run faster with less crap on it !!

I have attempted to stop by many of your blogs today ... apologies if I haven't dropped by yours ... I will get there. Thank you to everyone for your wonderful comments re my photos on the last couple of posts.

I would like to wish everyone a wonderful weekend ... stay safe and happy.

I would also like to share with you a quote I found today ...

He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much.

Bessie Anderson Stanley

Take care, friends, until next time ...

MEOW

More Postcards, A Surprise Gift, Another Coaster, Photos ...

Hello again, Friends ...

I just wanted to share another few things with you.

Firstly, I have 4 new postcards up on my postcard blog ... click here to have a look, or get to it via the link on my sidebar. Thank you friends for all the lovely cards.

Secondly, I received a lovely surprise gift in the mail yesterday from my friend Gail, in sunny Queensland. It had some gorgeous things inside ... a beautiful cat shopping list notepad, a yummy smelling Apple scented sachet, an amazing crystal echidna (I think echidnas are just gorgeous little critters), and a lovely poem entitled Friends. I'm not sure if my photo will do the items justice ... for some reason it didn't come up too clear, no matter what I tried ... must've been the light or something. Thank you so much Gail, you are a wonderfully warm hearted person. I love your surprise gift.

Thirdly, I finished the 5th of my 6 cat coasters last night. Here it is. I only need to do one more, then I will put a gold border / edge around each, put my initials on each of them, lacquer them, put felt on their backs, and then ... vwala ... they will be done !!

Finally, I want to share another couple of photos of the Bonnie Doon bridge (I didn't include all the ones I wanted to in yesterday's post). It is a really pretty place.

Oh well, enough from me for now. I must get on with my typing (again !!).

Have a wonderful day, everyone.

Take care,

MEOW

The Morning After A Long Weekend ...

Hello Friends !!

I wonder whether Blogger will behave himself today, and let me post. According to a couple of comments on my Friday's post, he has been misbehaving over the weekend ... I guess it was lucky I wasn't here to blog, as I wasn't in the mood to get frustrated by Blogger !!!

Anyway, I just wanted to tell you about my weekend, and share a few photos.

We left Saturday lunchtime (Hubby was on night shift, so needed to have a few hours sleep first). It was pretty foggy for most of the drive, but the traffic was light, so the trip went fairly quickly.

A View From the Car

We arrived at our van at Bonnie Doon, turned on the heating, unpacked, and went wandering to socialise with the friends who we hadn't seen since our last visit. It was great catching up. That evening there was a "P" party, which was heaps of fun. I wasn't very original ... I went as a Pink Press Photographer (I wore a pink top, hat, and hung a camera around my neck !!!). Hubby went as a Printer (which he is ... so all he had to do was put on work clothes !!) Chicky went as a Party Princess (pink clothes, makeup, a tiara !!). It was a great night, lots of laughs.

Sunday started out windy, so no fog for a change. We decided to go out for a drive in the lake bed (the lake is down to 22% at present, so plenty of places to drive). We headed in the direction of the Bonnie Doon bridge ... it is weird to be driving a car under it, rather than a boat !!

The Bonnie Doon Bridge

We tried crossing a creek, which ordinarily wouldn't have been a problem, but with the sun in his eyes, Hubby drove straight into a really boggy patch, and the car promptly sunk !! What to do, what to do !?!? The other cars had to find another way to cross, to get over to where were, in order to attach the "snatch strap" and get us out. Took a while, but finally we were out. I was worried, as it was starting to get dark, and I envisioned having to leave the car there until the next day.

Ooops !

Looking Over Lake Eildon

Sunday night, more socialising, drinking, talking ... same old, same old. A fun night, however. It was very cold, and although we usually have good heating, the reverse cycle heater / air conditioner decided to ice up, and we had no good heating (only little ones, that don't do alot!!). Had to wait until it defrosted, then all was OK again.

From Our Caravan Deck, Across the Park

From Our Deck, Looking At Mount Buller

Monday was a sleep in, breakfast, then start to get everything together so that we could leave around lunch time. Hubby had to work Monday night, so he wanted to get home, unpack and have time to relax. We stopped for lunch on the way home. Arrived home around 3.30, unpacked, and did some washing (why is there always so much washing after a couple of days away !!!).

This morning I helped out in the Uniform Shop at school, then went to the library to return some books, grocery shopping, picked up the cat from the Boarding Cattery, now I am home, quickly posting, then back to the seemingly never-ending typing. I won't be able to visit and comment on all your blogs right now ... hopefully tonight or tomorrow ... I really miss you all. But, I will be back soon.

Oh yeah, did anyone catch the Australia V Japan soccer match in the World Cup ??? Go Aussies ... they won 3 to 1 ... yay !! Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oy, Oy, Oy !!

I have received another couple of postcards, but as yet haven't had a chance to scan them in. When I have, and have posted them in my Postcard Blog, I will let you know.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, and that the week ahead will be a good one.

Take care all,

MEOW

HAPPY WEEKEND, FRIENDS

Hello everyone.

Just a short one from me today. It has been a busy week, I have been typing like a mad-man ... I am just about typing in my sleep. I am almost finished the current document (thank goodness), then I can relax for a few days.

We are heading off to our caravan at Bonnie Doon tomorrow (Saturday) until Monday (it is a long weekend here in Victoria ... not sure about the rest of the country!). I'm looking forward to the break. Only, first I need to finish this #@*& typing !!!

I will get back to blogging properly next week (I hope). I apologise for not having dropped by all your blogs this past week. I will catch up next week. I hope everything has been going well in your worlds.

I also hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

I will leave you with a great quote that I found in a book I picked up in a $2 shop ... it's called "Women's Wit & Wisdom - A Book Of Quotations". There are some interesting quotes therein.

"The world is round, and the place which may seem like the end may also be the beginning."

Ivy Baker Priest

Take care,

MEOW

A Movie, A Package, More Typing ...

Tuesday started out as another foggy, cold morning, which turned into a lovely sunny day. That's the way of my world at the moment. I think the weather is about to turn, though, as the forecast is for cold, wet weather over the upcoming weekend ... great, just in time for a long-weekend !! Typical !!

Hubby and I went to the movies with my Mum and Dad this morning ... the 10.50am session. We have cheap movies on Tuesdays, so thought it would be ideal. Also, Hubby had the day off. Anyway, we went and saw "Poseidon". What can I say, other than ... Wow, what a great movie. Although it was very similar to the original (with Shelley Winters) ... it was a remake, after all ... it was still really, really good (at least we thought so !!). The special effects were spectacular. We were on the edge of our seats throughout much of the movie. It ended very slightly differently to the original, but much the same, also. If you like disaster movies, you will love this one. The actors were great ... I just love Kurt Russell and Josh Lucas (I loved him in Sweet Home Alabama ... those gorgeous "come to bed" eyes !!), and it was great to see Freddy Rodriguez in a role other than that he plays in Six Feet Under. If you get the chance to see it, do it ... I give it 4 1/2 pawprints (out of 5) !!

I received another package from a blogging friend today. Thank you, dear Connie, for the lovely things you sent me. I ask again ... how on earth did you know I like cats !?!?!?!

I got another rather large typing job today, so it looks like I may be stuck in front of this computer typing (instead of blogging) again for a day or two. It will have to wait until tomorrow afternoon, though, as I am working for a few hours Wednesday morning at the boarding cattery again. (For those of you living in Melbourne, if you are ever in the need of a boarding cattery, when you go away on holidays or something, I can recommend a great one. It is called Catnap Cattery, and is in Rushdale Street, Knoxfield. I have been taking my cats there since 1989. They receive the best care, and the people that work there are wonderful ... real cat lovers. Just had to get in this promo, hope you don't mind !!). On Thursday afternoon, I will be with my elderly friend at the retirement village again, helping her with her book, then Friday morning I am helping at the school canteen. I also need to do the shopping, and pack some stuff together, so that we can head off up to Bonnie Doon on Saturday morning for a 3 day weekend. I guess the remainder of my week is looking kind of busy ... oh my goodness, and here I am blogging. I guess I'd better close here !!!

Hope the remainder of your week allows you some relax time ... mine probably won't !!

Take care everyone,

MEOW

What A Weekend !!!

Hello Dear Friends ...

It feels like ages since I have had the chance to say G'Day to you all (although I think it was only last Thursday !!). I feel like a lifetime has passed !!!

Before I start rambling, I must tell you about Chicky's performance in the Dance Contest on Friday night. Her school's dance groups did amazingly well, with the teams coming 1st and equal 2nd, and the Troupe (which Chicky was part of) came second. They danced so well, they should have come first ... but second is pretty good too !! It was so exciting ... the cheer-squad for her school was most definately the loudest !!! We are so proud. She just loves dancing, and being on stage. Don't know that I could do it (even if I could dance!!). I think I'd get stage-fright !!

I have spent most of the past 3 days in front of my computer ... but unfortunately not doing anything fun !! I had the most boooooring document that needed typing (You know I have a typing business, I think !!). It was a Franchise Agreement ... a legal document ... and was 99 typed pages long (very full pages, at that !). The guy that wanted it typed no longer had it on disc or computer, so it needed re-typing. It was full of indentation, numbered lists, bolding, and heaps of other formatting. It wasn't just straight typing, which would have been easy ... it was hard yakka !! I spent ages just trying to set it up, and then nasty Word kept stuffing up my formatting ... all in all I had a bugger of a time !!! It was worth it in the end, as the pay was lovely !!! I finally had it finished around mid-day Sunday. The document and disc was collected, and I was paid ... yay !!

Afterward, we went out shopping !!! I had seen a great computer corner desk that I wanted, as the desk I was using was way-small !! It was the perfect opportunity to go out and get it, so we did. Hubby and I spent a couple of hours putting the thing together ... it was like a jigsaw, with zillions of little (and big) screws and fixtures !! Eventually we got it together, I sorted out everthing from the old desk (which is now in Chicky's room ... she's excited, too !!) and put it all together in and on the new desk. I loooove it, it looks wonderful. What do you think ?

I had another document to type today, for another guy, which was also a pain. But I got through that, and now I am free again ... yippee !!! I can get back to the world of Blogging. Watch out, I'll be coming by to visit !!

I received a lovely postcard in the mail today ... check it out at my Postcard Blog - here !

I also received a lovely package from Cathy. Thank you so much Cathy, it is wonderful. The package consisted of: a little stuffed kitty (which is sitting near my computer, keeping me company), a couple of Canada pencils and a Canada Pen, a great little notbeook, a gorgeous kitty magnet (which is already on my fridge), some cute tissues, and she wrote me a lovely note in a beautiful kitty card. Here, have a look at all my lovely things ...

It has been really cold here today ... it got down to 4ºC overnight, and only got up to 11ºC during the day. The sun took ages to break through. I found it very hard to stay warm today, and really cranked up the heating. I am not feeling 100% ... a bit achey and stiff (from sitting in front of the computer in one position for such a long time, I guess), and fairly tired. I feel the cold heaps when I am tired. The rest of the week is looking to have more cold nights, and cool (but sunny) days. Then the weekend is looking wet ... typical, we have a long weekend coming up - to celebrate the Queens Birthday.

Anyway, how was your weekend ?? I hope it was better than mine !!

Hubby and I are off to the movies tomorrow with my mum and dad. We are going to see "Poseidon", which was only very recently released here. Looks like a great movie ... I loved the original. I'll let you know what I think next time I post. Poor Chicky will be at school, while we are having fun !! Oh well, only 2 weeks until end of Term 2 ... then they have 2 weeks holiday. Don't know what we will do during this 2 weeks, hopefully lots of fun stuff !!

I hope you all have a great week.

Take care,

MEOW

A Little Bit Of Fog ...

I looked out my front door this morning, and discovered it was rather foggy. Not a pea-souper, but fog never-the-less !! I grabbed my camera, and decided to share my view with you.

The first photo is from our front door, looking at the road and our over-the-road neighbours. (That's my car hiding behind the trees !!)

The second photo is from outside our house (near the front door), looking toward the south-west (sort of), looking at our corner-garden ... do you like the succulents ??

After all the lovely sunny days we have been having, I guess it was time that Winter became Winter !! The forecast is looking pretty yucky for the next few days. Thank goodness for central heating.

Fog

The fog comes
on little cat feet.
It sits looking over
harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.

Carl Sandburg

I may not be around much for the next few days, as I have a couple of huge typing jobs to do. So, whilst I may be in front of the computer, I may not have much opportunity to blog (I will try and answer any comments, however, as they come to me via email, and my MailWasher notifies me when emails come through).

So, to all of you, have a great Friday, and a fabulous weekend. I will be back soon.

Take care,

MEOW

The First Day Of Winter ...

A PINCH AND A PUNCH

FOR THE FIRST OF THE MONTH

Today is the 1st of June 2006 ... the official first day of Winter in Australia. It is a glorious, sunny day, although quite cool ... a duplicate of the last few days, actually. There is some whispy, white cloud in the sky, but it is generally a lovely shade of blue. The upcoming forecast is looking cold and wet, but at the moment it is beautiful.

I took a couple of photos in my backyard earlier, to show you that Winter is really here ... now, my backyard is not what you would find in any gardening magazine ... more like something you would find in a "Before" photo of a garden makeover. We are not gardeners, and don't claim to even like gardening. We only do what is necessary, and then only if it is REALLY necessary !!!

Anyway, this first photo is of my Apricot Tree (which, incidentally, grows the best apricots ... it is amazing how it thrives from neglect !!). The poor tree is almost naked !!

This next photo is of my Japanese Maple ... the leaves have changed colour, and shrivelled, during Autumn ... but it hasn't shook them off yet. Maybe it has decided to keep on it's coat to stay warm !!

I bet you are expecting more photos ... oooops... I only took two !! (Rather fortunate, I might add, as Blogger is taking absolutely ages to upload a photo ... I think it is having a bad day !!)

We had a lovely evening last night, over at my parent's house for dinner. We try to alternate every Wednesday ... one week here, one week there. Mum made a yummy spaghetti bolognase ... mmmmmm. It always tastes better when someone else cooks it, don't you think. (Particularly after my disasterous meal last week !!!)

This afternoon, I am off to the Retirement Village again to do some typing for my elderly friend. She is trying to get her life story finished and fine-tuned, and is working on getting it published. She was born in England, and migrated to Australia in the early 60s. It is a fascinating story, and I really enjoy hearing about her early life. I think she enjoys my company, too. I will be taking my postcards (which I have put into an album, finally) to show her. I think she'll enjoy looking through them, particularly the few I have from England.

I have a typing job on the go, which I really should be doing now, instead of blogging (whoops !!). I regularly do typing for this gentleman ... it's nice that he keeps coming back to me for his work.

Chicky is in a dance competition tomorrow (Friday) night. It is a sort of battle of the schools competition. She is part of a troupe of 12 girls. They have been practicing like crazy, and seem to have it down-pat (let's hope they get it right on the night !!). Their costume is simple, but cute. Their school seems to usually do very well each year in this competition. Hopefully that tradition will continue this year. If not, doesn't matter ... so long as they have fun.

My weekend is looking fairly quiet, apart from going over to friends for dinner on Saturday night. I plan on discovering the floor in my spare room, though. It has been some time since I have seen it, there is so much stuff in there. We seem to just open the door, find a surface to put in whatever we have, and then quickly shut the door again, in case it all escapes !! I know many people have a "junk room" ... but this one is getting out of hand. It will be a big job ... hope I don't get lost in the wilderness in there !! If you don't hear from me for a few days, you know I have disappeared, hopefully to be found again !!!

Well, that's all from me for now.

Have a wonderful Thursday.

Take care,

MEOW