It's an Amineko Party

Hi Everyone ...

Yesterday (Saturday) I joined a group of women, two of whom I have known via blogging and Facebook for five or so years, but have never actually met face to face.  One of these lovely ladies, Susan (along with her beautiful daughter Renata) has regular get togethers, which she calls UFO days (or occasionally Stitch & Bitch days !), where the attendees bring whatever stitching / knitting / crocheting / whatever project they happen to be working on, along with a plate of something to share for lunch.  Susan has been inviting me to join this group for quite a few months, but various circumstances have stopped me from being able to attend.  This month, I decided that nothing would stop me from attending !!

So, after dropping Elisabeth off at work in the morning, I filled my car up with petrol, and off I went with my Google Maps instructions on how to get there.  It took around 2 hours, there was a bit of traffic, but eventually I got there, just before 11am.

There were around 8 or 9 women there, as the day progressed, and the room was full of crafting and chatting.  We had a lovely lunch, there was a great variety, and lots of it.  I had made some mini quiches, which everyone seemed to like, as they were all eaten.

Susan has a family of Amineko cats (and a dog) which she has crocheted, so I took my Amineko cat, Neko, along for a visit ... he loved meeting Susan's critters, and it seemed they had lots of fun catching up.

Here is a photo of the 4 of them ... My Neko is the one on the left !!

Here is a photo of Susan, Renata and myself (hmmm, you'd think I would've smiled a little bit, wouldn't you !?!?!  I've never liked myself in photos, and in this one I am all shiny ... oh well ... Susan and Renata look great !!)

As the afternoon progressed, the sky started to darken, and as the majority of us had travelled from Melbourne (the gathering was just outside of Castlemaine), people started heading home so as not to get caught in the forecast storm.  I left around 4pm, and had an easy drive home, arriving just as the rain started spitting.

I had a great day meeting these lovely two ladies, along with all the other ladies that were there.  I am really bad with names, so unfortunately I cannot remember most of their names ... I hope they forgive me when next we meet, if I don't know them by name !!!

I just want to say a big thank you to Susan and Renata for inviting me, and for opening their home on a regular basis like this.  I look forward to joining the group again, as it was a wonderful day.

Happy crafting, everyone ...

Take care,

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

Hello Everyone !!

Hope you had an enjoyable slide into the New Year ... it's incredible to think it is already 2012 ... it seems like only yesterday that we were welcoming (or dreading !?!?!) the new Millennium ... and now it is 12 years later ... wow, how time flies !!!

We have been enjoying holidays since December 23rd (that was Baron's last day of work for the year), although Elisabeth hasn't been fortunate enough to have a holiday break this Summer ... she hasn't been working long enough yet !! 

We celebrated Christmas Eve with my parents, and had a wonderful time, as always, eating, talking, exchanging presents, drinking, and just enjoying each other's company.

Christmas Day was fairly quiet for Baron and I ... Elisabeth spent most of the day with her (now ex) boyfriend and family, but came home with a good friend for dinner outside by the spa ... it was a lovely evening, with lovely weather (and a few too many mozzies, unfortunately !!).

We had a quiet Boxing Day at home, then Baron and I headed off the next morning to join friends on the Murray River, near Barooga, for a few days (poor Elisabeth had work, so she stayed home !).  We had fun, enjoyed the company of lovely people, but I felt bad about leaving Elisabeth home alone.  We arrived back home on the 30th December.

New Year's Eve, as soon as Elisabeth finished work around 5pm, the three of us headed off to Bonnie Doon, to celebrate New Years with all of our friends at Peppin Point.  We had a great time, partied hard, and (unfortunately) felt a bit seedy for New Year's Day (particularly Baron, who slept through half the day !!!).

This photo is the whole gang, just after midnight, posing for a (very drunken) group shot ...

We went out in our friend's boat in the afternoon on New Years Day, for a while, had a swim, and enjoyed the great weather ... it was quite hot up there !! 

My beautiful daughter sitting in the front of the boat ...

Going under the Bonnie Doon bridges ...

Looking toward the bridge on Dry Creek Road, Bonnie Doon ...

We came home yesterday (Monday), before the day got too hot, and have had the airconditioning on almost non stop ever since (only turning it off briefly, as it iced up overnight ... must've got humid overnight!). 

I picked up Bambi this morning, from the boarding cattery ... the silly cat has been meowing not stop, wanting cuddles and attention, going in, and out, and in, and out ... OMG, wish I had a revolving door, or a cat flap, for her !!!

It seems weird being home already ... we are usually away for a full two weeks ! Baron doesn't go back to work till the 9th January.  We plan on doing a lot of nothing between now and then ... maybe go for a drive or two, and do some stuff around the house (maybe !!). 

I hope your holidays are going well, and the weather, wherever you are, is being kind.  Enjoy your time with family and friends.

Until next time ...

Take care,

Hello Everyone,

 

I know it has been some time since I posted (even with my good intentions, time has gotten away from me ... again !!), but I hope you can forgive me.

 

Life has been hectic, I have been sewing my little heart out, creating Christmas Presents for people ... and in doing so, I ran out of time to write and post Christmas Cards.

 

Please accept my apologies (for those of you who usually receive cards from me), as you won't be receiving one from me this year.  My aim, for next year, is to write them in early November, so they are ready to post by the beginning of December.  I have even written in my diary to do so ... let's hope this happens.

 

So, on that note, I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a Very Merry Christmas, and a Safe and Prosperous New Year.

 

Please stay safe on the roads, don't drink and drive ... make it through the holiday period alive.

 

Until next year, love and best wishes from my family to you and your families ...

Take care,

(Connie)

I've Got A Job ... Yayyyyy !!!

Hi Everyone !!

As the title says ... I've got a job ... yay !!

During the past couple of years I have had a few casual / part time jobs, nothing permanent, nothing steady, always unpredictable from week to week ... all through choice, I didn't want full time work, just casual, so I could come and go as I pleased.  Most recently was a temporary position, 8.30 till 5, four days a week, customer service ... this was way too many hours, I hated it, my family hated it ... plus dealing with unhappy customers via phone and email is not my "cup of tea".  After three months, this job ended, and at the same time, a previous data entry job I also had, shut up shop, no more shifts there ... sooo, I was left with no job at all.  Which, initially, was great ... I finally had time again to do all those things I couldn't do during that time I was working 4 days a week (quilting, scrapbooking, catching up with friends, reading, etc.).  I did miss the money, which sure came in handy.

After awhile, I started getting bored ... I lost motivation, felt flat and down, and I felt lonely, too.  Baron has his shift work, and Elisabeth was at school and working ... I spent a lot of time alone (which ordinarily doesn't bother me).  So, I started job hunting !!

Looking through the local paper, I noticed a job for Casual / Relieving School Crossing Supervisors with the local Council ... yep, the people we also refer to as "Lollipop Ladies (or men)".  I thought to myself that this might be fun, a maximum of 10 hours a week (2 hours per day), the money was pretty good, and they get school holidays off !!!  I spoke it over with Baron and Elisabeth, and they said to go for it ... so I did !!

I sent in my Resume and covering letter.  I heard back from them soon after, and was asked to come in for a group interview.  During this session, we did a few little tests and a bit of role playing, and filled in the paperwork for a Police Check.  Then went home to await a phone call.

I got a call from the Council soon after, requesting that I attend a pre-employment medical, followed by a function test (to see if I could perform to the ability that was required for the job).

The other day, I got a phone call saying I had passed the Police Check, medical and function test, and to go ahead and put in the paperwork for a Working With Children's Check.  I did that this morning, then rang the Council to advise them.  They said congratulations, and made an appointment for me to come in late next week to fill in (more) paperwork, and get my uniform and equipment.

I am officially a "Lollypop Lady" ... how cute is that !?!?! 

For the time being, it is casual ... I go where I am needed (when people are off sick, on holidays, or whatever).  I've been told that if a position becomes available that I am interested in, I can apply for it ... so I may get my own crossing in time.  At this stage, I probably won't be working every day ... but who knows.  My first appointment will be with a senior Supervisor, to assist me for a day or so ... it is on the job training.

Not sure I really like the uniform much ... fluouro yellow / green is interesting !!  And the hat ... well, I'm not a fan of "hat hair" !!  But, all that is minor ... I can deal with it, it's no big deal !!  I am really looking forward to the job ... I love kids, and think it will be fun.

So, I am a little bit excited about what is to come ... hope I like it, hope I can do the job properly, hope the kids like me, hope the parents like me !!

Wish me luck ...

Take care,

My Bucket List

It seems like everybody has, or is in the process of putting together, a Bucket List ... a list of all the goals you want to achieve, dreams you want to fulfill and life-experiences you desire to experience before you die.  So, I thought I might join in, and share mine with you.  Do you have a Bucket List you'd like to share ??

Here's mine (it is a work in progress, so I might be adding to it from time to time, as I think of things that I have forgotten !!).

• Take a cruise & tour through Alaska and Canada (and whilst in the area, visit a dear blog friend in Newfoundland ... you know who you are !!).
• Visit the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert in Arizona, Yellowstone National Park, the Colorado Rocky Mountains ... and travel the whole of Route 66 in the USA.
• Cuddle / pat a tiger ... a real tiger, not a household pet that thinks it's a tiger (I've got one of those !!)
• Stand on the edge of an active volcano and feel the heat, smell the smells, and experience the fear and danger of it all.
• Take a cruise down the River Rhine / Danube.
• Visit Auschwitz in Poland, or what remains of it.
• Visit Machu Picchu in Peru.
• Take some gourmet cooking classes.
• Visit Cape York, Far North Queensland, again ... and see the things we missed out on last time we were there !!
• Win Tattslotto (I can dream, can't I !?!?!)
• Get down to my ideal weight.
• Find an exercise program that I enjoy, and will continue with.
• Organise a family reunion, and encourage everyone to forget the past and keep in touch.
• See my daughter happily married, with children, if that is what she chooses to do.
• See my daughter complete her apprenticeship, and become a qualified hairdresser with her own successful salon (once again, if that is what she chooses to do).
• Travel around Australia with my hubby, stopping where we want, when we want.
• Live to a ripe old-age.
• Ride all of the world's largest Roller Coasters.
• Swim with dolphins.
• Get a tattoo (only a little one !!).
• Go to a deserted island, and spend some time living like a native.
• See The Northern Lights.
• Write a book and have it published.
• Visit the Pyramids in Egypt.
• Physically meet more of the people I have "met" through blogging and facebook.
• Make a difference in someone's life.
• Take a photography course.
• Go on an African Safari.
• Appear in a movie, or TV show.
• Take part in a archaeological dig.
• Learn another language.
• Learn to play the guitar.
• Buy the beautiful Aboriginal work of art I fell in love with in a gallery in Hahndorf.
• Take a "Mystery Flight".
• Always stay true to myself, and to those that I love.
• Travel by boat / houseboat the entire length of the Murray River.
• Be the best person I can be.
• See a "real" UFO.
• Be debt free.
• Stand on the mountain-top where Julie Andrews is singing "The Hills Are Alive" at the beginning of The Sound Of Music.
• Complete all the Unfinished Projects I have stashed away in my craft room.
• Reconnect with old friends that I haven't seen for years.
• Continue to love, and spend as much time as possible, with my wonderful parents.
• Start visiting the blood bank again to donate blood.
• Visit Niagara Falls, and watch somebody going over them in a barrel.
• Go exploring with a metal detector, and find a big hunk of gold.
• Buy a Brand New car, just to experience that "new car" smell, and watch the odometer turn over from 000000 to 000001.
• Buy a Digital SLR Camera, with all the bits and bobs that go with it.
• Own a convertible car, and drive with the top down, the sun shining, and the wind in our hair.
• Do something great for my parents.
• Learn to draw.
• Ride in a limo whilst sipping champagne.
• See Uluru (Ayers Rock) after a big rainstorm.
• Visit Wolf Creek Crater in W.A., and watch the movie Wolf Creek whilst there !!
• Live life to the fullest.

Kids ...

Hi There !!

I've often wondered if kids these days realise how good they have it (well, the majority of them have it good, I know there are exceptions).  They have so much handed to them on a platter, it's a wonder they are able to get on in this world on their own.  I think we, as parents, often do too much for our kids ... I know that I am guilty of this !!

For example : 

My daughter (I've always called her Chicky on this blog, but you all probably know her name is Elisabeth) is currently doing Year 11 at Tafe (this course is the equivalent to Year 11 VCE, only trade orientated, rather than academia orientated).  She needs to catch a train or bus from a local bus depot each morning to get there.  She could catch a bus from the end of a nearby street, but that would mean her getting up and leaving the house earlier than she already does (we usually leave home around 7.25am).  So, I drive her to the bus depotevery school morning.  She does catch the bus home, though, getting home at around 5.30pm ... a long day away from home !! 

Chicky also works part-time (at a hairdressing salon in Knox City, usually all day Wednesdays, Thursday and Friday nights, all day Saturday and all day most Sundays). I usually take her at the start of her shift, and wait around (sometimes for up to an hour) for her to come out at the end of her shift, to take her home again.  I also drop her over at her boyfriend's place, and pick her up.  I am her taxi driver (but do I get paid ... NOOOOO .... I could be earning a fortune !!). 

On Saturday nights, she often stays over at a friend's place ... so instead of me sleeping in like a normal person, and letting her find her own way to work (her friend doesn't live too far away from there... walking distance almost !), I set my alarm, message her at the appropriate time to make sure that she is up and getting ready, then hop in my car to pick her up and take her to work !!!  I hope she appreciates it !! 

I know you are probably all thinking that I am nuts, that I need to let go and allow her to become more independent ... but she is my only child, a girl, she is not yet 18 ... she will grow up and become independent soon enough !! Whilst I can still help her, I will ... so there !!!  Am I nuts ... for sure ... but that's just me !!!  I'm sure that I'm not the only one out there somewhat over-protective of my child !?!?!  There will be a time, soon enough, I am sure, that I will be wishing that she wasn't independent, that I knew where she was, that she needed me ... I can't say that I am looking forward to that time very much :(

As far as Chicky is concerned, she is a good kid, who genuinely appreciates what she has (mostly), and doesn't really take advantage of our generosity (any more than a normal teenager does, anyway !!).  But, when watching TV, and walking through the shopping centres, it isn't hard to pick out the kids that are taking major advantage of their good fortune, and generally being horrible people ... they are nasty to their parents, and just treat everyone like dirt, as though they are better than everyone else.  These kids need a swift kick up their behinds, and need to be taught that life isn't just all about them.  It's sad to see, as these are the kids that will find it hard to get on with their lives, and who will get themselves in trouble.

Kids sure are a product of their environment ... and I hope that the environment that Chicky has grown up in will will help her become a responsible adult, who is kind and loving towards others, and won't let others take advantage of her.  So far, so good ...

So, that was my spiel for this post ... sorry it was a ramble, but it was what was on my mind at the time.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Take care,

Holidaying With Friends (part two)

This is a continuation of the previous post.  As before, if you click on each photo, it will enlarge it.

The Trip Home ...

On Friday 7th October, 8am, we departed Goolwa, South Australia, for our journey home.  We had planned to do some detours along the way, overnighting 2 nights, to arrive home on Sunday.

We stopped for morning tea at a place along the Limestone Coast, called Salt Creek ... interesting little roadhouse, staffed by a young woman who was backpacking her way around the country.

We then headed down to the beach.

From there on, we got back on the highway, going through Kingston S.E., the home of the Big Lobster.

We then headed into Robe for lunch, and a visit to the Information Centre, where we got some maps and information in order to do some beach / sand dune driving.  We chose to do the our trip through the Little Dip Conservation Park.  The guy in the information centre said there wouldn't be much actual beach driving ... well, he was wrong, there was, and it was fun.

After this, we headed to Beachport, where we overnighted.  We explored, and had dinner, which we had made that morning in the Thermal Cooker ... what we had made as a stew, due to all the shaking around in the car, turned out to be a soup ... but yummy nonetheless !!!

Next morning, another 8am start, we departed Beachport and headed to Mount Gambier.  We wanted to explore a couple of particular attractions that we had heard so much about.

Firstly, the Umpherston Sinkhole ...

After this, we headed out to the Blue Lake ... apparently it becomes much brighter blue during the warmer months, but we were impressed with the blue it was at the time.

From here we went into the centre of town, where the Cave Gardens were situated.

We decided we'd seen enough of Mount Gambier for the time being ... we will make another trip there some time in the future ... we needed to get moving.

Next stop was the Princess Margaret Rose Caves, just over the SA/Victorian Border.  They were amazingly beautiful caves, and it was a bonus that we didn't need to stoop over to enter them (just climb down a bunch of stairs, and, unfortunately, back up those darn stairs to get out again !!).

Then we headed back out to the coast, and visited Cape Bridgewater.  There was a huge windfarm there, which had me totally fascinated.  Those windmills are huuuuuge, and they make the most awesome humming noise as they spin !!!

We headed down to the Petrified Forest ...

Then over to the Blowhole Rocks area ...

From here we thought we'd better skedaddle, as it was getting late-ish, and we still had to find somewhere to stay ... we headed to Portland.  We found lovely accommodation, reasonably priced, settled in briefly, then headed to the pub for dinner.

Next morning, Sunday 9th October, was our last morning, and we were aiming to explore the Great Ocean Road briefly, before heading home.

First stop, Bay of Islands ...

Then London Bridge ...

Next was The Arch ...

Then into Port Campbell, where we visited another Visitors Information Centre (you know, there are always wonderful knick-knacks and souveniers to purchase in these places, along with all the free information and pamphlets you can acquire !).

The coastline along the Great Ocean Road is just spectacular ... my photos don't really do it justice.

Next was the Loch Ard Gorge ...

From here, we headed a little bit further down the road to see the Twelve Apostles (there are no longer 12 of them, only 8, I think).  Seems that the only way you can see them now is via a very touristy visitors centre, which more than likely demands payment to walk through it, then through a tunnel under the road, and out to a viewing platform.  We didn't have time to fight our way through the hordes of tourists that were there, and we thought that we could glimpse them further down the road.  Sigh, this wasn't the case, they were in a cove we couldn't see from where we could get in.  We will have to make another trip out this way, just to see them (I have never seen them, and have always wanted to).

From here, we headed to Apollo Bay for a quick lunch on the run, then headed inland to make a bee-line for home.  We finally arrived home at about 5.30pm.

We drove 2,611 kilometres in our car (plus another 700+ in Jack & Melinda's car on Kangaroo Island), and fortunately had no car problems.

We had a wonderful holiday, very full-on ... we were all exhausted by the end of it.  But it was worth it.  We saw some amazing places, and have decided that we want to go back and spend more time in a few of them at a later date (in particular, around the Robe area, to do some more sand driving !).

I would like to thank Jack and Melinda for their company ... they are both awesome people, and I couldn't think of anyone else I would have wanted to share this holiday with.

Anyway, enough for now ... I'm sure you are all sick of reading and looking at my pictures.  Thank you, though, if you have perservered this far.  I appreciate that you have taken the time to enjoy our holiday.

Looking forward to our next holiday ...

Take care,