My Little Drummer Boys

Making a list ...

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:13:00 +0000

The Planning Queen just reminded me of a few Christmas gift ideas for children. That time of year is fast approaching.
I know I want to buy some Christmas Smiles (from World vision) top of my list but my little boys are going to need a few stocking stuffers.

Nicole has some great ideas.

A while back I joined a new forum and as a prize for submitting interviews with my boys I got to choose 2 gifts under $20 from Rudy & the Dodo range.
I must add I am not being paid to write this and apart from receiving my prize I haven't had anything to do with them . I love their website ...it starts with the greeting

Hello Gorgeous ! ...

well, you have found our site so you are clearly looking for something a little
out of the ordinary for the little individual in your life. welcome!

The best bit is Rudy & the Dodo have over 200 items under $20 , a lot of it is wooden, quirky & individual wooden products , cute as a button handcrafted and from across the globe.It's also arranged by ages to help out clueless relatives with age suitability. I am going to suggest my family members go shopping there...with a few hints.
Like ...

$6.95 for 160 funky stickers
wooden pirate fishing game $21.95 or
wooden pirate skittles $14.95

So what ideas are you tossing around for your children ? I need some more ideas .

P.S. They have gifts for mum's too ;).
PPS It's so much fun to shop without little ones in tow and battling the crowds.
PPPS I want to stay away from plastic & licenced items which seem to be invading our house piece by piece (mostly as hand me preloved toys/clothes for which I am grateful but i just don't want to add the collection)

♥

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Weekly Winners 43 2009

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:56:00 +0000

;) Where have we been , can you guess ?

Nov 1st- 7th

Fallen tree monster

Erosion from once a creek ...
Joel is all ok, Dr glued his laceration without a hitch. He has a big egg on the back of his head and a very sticky bandaid .Country hospitals are quicker than suburban ones sometimes.

Moving cattle to new adjoining property ...drought
Dams are drying up.

We had a busy week ending with 3-4 days at the farm...I took hundreds of pictures here are but a few. We wanted to make the most of today so it was really late when we got home.
Weekly Winners is a meme to show off your favourite snaps of the week ,not a competition so anyone can join in the fun ...Please go see more Weekly Winners @ Lotus's Lotus always has some breathtaking images.

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Random thoughts I

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Random Thoughts Part I

Who would have thought ???????

More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.
Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?
Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that noone in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk
I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
Is it just me, or are 80% of the people in the "people you may know"feature on Facebook people that I do know, but I deliberately choose not to be friends with?
There is a great need for sarcasm font or smiley.
Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.
I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.
The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.
Was learning cursive really necessary?
LOL has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".
I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't understand what they ~~mumbled~~ said?
I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a 'loser' from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!
Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in' examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my last name to someone and said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies"
While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel on the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.
'Where is' (Mapquest) really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my street & neighborhood.
I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water and scream because it's cold.
Bad decisions make good stories , now even better blog posts or tweets.

(I stole this from another blog who got this by email.This is the lamest I'll be all week...day 7 of NABLOPOMO .You'll just have to wait till next week for part 2 though I shamelessly admit I deleted the really inappropriate ones and editted a few others )

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A little monkey with a sore head

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:58:00 +0000

It's always a good idea when you are away from home to know where the local hospital is ...
We are at my FIL's farm just 20m mins from Dubbo.
My littliest monkey, Joel , decided it was a good idea to climb or swing from the shelves or stand on the chest of drawers. Whatever ...He was supposed to be having a rest.
I was in the other room with his brother and heard the blood curdling scream and thud.
I ran. Fast.
Joel was on the floor the chest of drawers tipped over.
While I was trying to calm him and see where he was injured I saw blood on the back of his shirt. A few drops , then the blood in his hair.
It didn't look too bad after we wiped the blood away but it is a 1.5cm gash at the back of his head.
A kiss can't fix that, though as a paed nurse I know how to care for head injuries.
About an hour before J fell out of the farm's 4WD onto gravel and slightly grazed his forehead
This morning he tumbled off the quad bike onto the grass ...it wasn't going and was climbing on it. (We make sure they wear motorbike helmets when the bike is going.)
He was okay after both events.
I was worried when he was very drowsy in the car on the way to the hospital to get the gash checked by a DR.
Dh stayed at the farm because his father is due to arrive and it would take too long to lock up put the motorbikes away.
We've been triaged.
Now it's just a long wait to see the Dr
I hope they just glue it.
Thankfully , Joel's not drowsy anymore just bouncing around and falling off the seat !

Ps. Last night at bath time the boys discovered a little baby(?) frog in the bathtub ... first Sam tried to drown him in baby oil , then Joel says "I'm going to whack him " (his weapon ~ a face washer).
...little monsters. Dh rescued the little Freddo and let him go outside.
At least his pal Kermit didn't give me a surprise on the loo again.

♥

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noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Days of Grace 25/365

TUPPERWARE busy blocks that keep Small Fry BUSY.
The Cool change
Loose gold change from Dh's pockets
Being able to laugh.
Smiling my way through difficulties looking for the bright side ;)

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Wordless Wednesday - way back when

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:51:00 +0000

3 years ago - fascinated by cake

the drums in my little drummer boy
1 year ago ...

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Small things

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:50:00 +0000

Days of Grace 23/365

Tuesday morning Playtime (playgroup) morning tea ...
Idle chatter over a mug of tea...though it should be ICED today !
Small boys who sleep a LONG time after Playtime.
Sounds of silence.
NaBloPoMo ...if you are let me know and we can link and encourage one another.

♥
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Nostalgia

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:36:00 +0000

Over the weekend I Spring cleaned the Brothers' 'wardrobe' . I had a jumble of mixed emotions.

It was a relief to de-clutter and tidy but I felt wistful and sad that I'd tossed out another link to my childrens' not so very distant toddler pasts and babyhood.

So, I'm packing up S & J's outgrown clothes or winter stuff that I know won't be needed again to next year.

The too small stuff makes me a little sad . I took a look in the box of their infant 0000 & 000 clothes that are now way too small now. It's so hard to imagine they were that tiny.

Sad, that my little boys are getting bigger.
Sad, that I will never see these clothes again ...on my children
Sad, that we never got to have other children and the sadness that came with losing one of our children.

They were asleep when I started. The moment they woke and spied their favourites in the too smalls (there were 3 x huge plastic tubs) , I was sprung. It got ugly and it was bad.

Bad, that they are now smart enough to know I am taking the stuff away, forever.
Bad, that they were quick enough to grab a few items back.
Bad, that they know if they scream loud enough I'll give in [at least for the moment ;)]
Bad, they changed clothes again.

The highlight was discovering a box of too bigs we had missed .A few bits and pieces from my nephew (7 ...but been through other kids too). They were mostly winter tops size 4 or stuff only fit for preschool. A few highly coveted pairs of spiderman P'js and a Spidey dressup (I think) were among the stash. The Brothers' were glad. So was I.

Glad, they changed clothes and I had time to hide away the boxes.
Glad, for good friends who give us their too smalls that fit perfectly. The boys love the 'new' clothes.
Glad, that I was given the chance at all to make these memories.
Glad for another who also gave us their 'Spidermans' they had outgrown ...thanks Mum-me Dragon.

Ok, Okay, just cracked open a ...no, actually, DH made me a cuppa tea. I'll be feeling better soon after I crack open a block of Chocolate currently unmelting in the fridge.
It's going to be a sorcher tomorrow 35 ° C (95F) so keep your cool.

Days of Grace 22/365

Monday morning swimming lessons
Husbands who make a great mug of tea.
Small boys who give the best hugs.
Holding the hand of a small boy or two.
This is as nostalgic and as melacholic as I'm likely to get this week.

♥

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Weekly Winners 42 2009

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:06:00 +0000

It's hard to believe another glorious week has flown by in the blink of a eye ... though we don't live in a paradise like the Greek islands ;)

Oct 25th -31st

We did have a short visit to a city 'beach' bay for fish & chips lunch on Dh's birthday. Though the seagulls were buzzing and almost bombing us trying to steal the food. I didn't have a hand free to take lunch photos.

We made choc chip cookies when it rained

it's hard not to taste

Our ebay blocks arrived in the mail ...hooray We built tall towers & toppled them !

I made this !

We did our Surprise picture before we returned the book to the library !
Written by Misc Mum ~Karen

Our lunch view

Loved this huge old tree

Mr Cheeky

Mr Funny

Choc on choc Mud cake - I copied the decoration ;)

Weekly Winners is a meme to show off your favourite snaps of the week ,not a competition so anyone can join in the fun ...Please go see more Weekly Winners @ Lotus's Lotus always has some breathtaking images.

♥

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Money & other musings

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:40:00 +0000

"If I had a little money" ...I'd take more than a trip down memory lane. I'd travel to the Greek Isles ;).

I work all night, I work all day, to pay the bills I have to pay
Ain't it sad
And still there never seems to be a single penny left for me
That's too bad
In my dreams I have a plan. If I got me a wealthy man
I wouldn't have to work at all ...

It sounds like the story of my life LOL. Though I wouldn't swap my man or my life. A ~~'an' old~~ girl can still dream.

6 years on my birthday we went to see the live musical 'Mamma Mia' at the Lyric Theatre , Star City. (It has returned again).

MAMMA MIA! sings the story of a mother and daughter the eve of the daughter's wedding. The fun begins when the daughter invites three men who could be her father to her wedding, after reading her mother's diary.They arrive unknown to her mother.

Some of ABBA's biggest hits are woven into the story, written by Catherine Johnson.

I borrowed it from my local library and today I watched it (alone). The movie was sheer fun. I was laughing, dancing & clapping... there was no audience as enthusiastic.

Though I had seen the musical before, I was still amazed , as ever, at the creative ways in which they managed to incorporate so many ABBA-songs. The stage musical was better but I still enjoyed the movie.

Equally brilliant were Meryl Streep and all the extras (beautiful Greeks especially older women) deployed throughout the movie to break into a chorus.The setting was enchanting, whisk me away to a Greek island anytime...

As a musical Mamma Mia doesn't take itself too seriously and the singing 'older eye candy' Colin Firth (MR Darcy) and Pierce Brosnan are hilarious (& still cute). Even if your not an ABBA fan it is good fun.

So , if you are a little crazy and if you secretly love ABBA you will love this movie.

I didn't get time to post this yesterday. I had more important things happening.

It was my husband's birthday and we have now celebrated 20 birthdays together through the good and bad times. Next birthday we will known each other half our lives.

We have shared the fortunate joys of children and a home. While it hasn't always come easy we have shared many good things in life as well as enduring the loss of loved ones.

I pray this next year is going to be a great one for us and I cannot imagine anyone else that I would want to spend my life with. You are my heart - even though we have had some hard times in past few years.

I pray that we will have a respite from the struggles and can pause a moment or maybe even a few months, to just reflect and recognize all that we do have and enjoy it simply for what it is, without thinking about what it is not.

You are a good and responsible man, the sort of man anyone can always call on for help. Where you can possibly find a way to help, you will... beyond measure. Even at the expense of physical and emotional pain.

Over the years you haved worked very hard for our family to find a blance in everything.You amaze me with your strength and tenacity.Our sons are going to be incredible Dads someday, owed mostly to your spirit and love.

I've seen the look in your eyes.The joy and laugher our crawling,almost walking 1 yr old brought to our lives (by adoption).The incredible awe and wonder twin newborns inspired and the anguish and disbelief that stillbirth brought.

When D, then Charlotte , and then S & J arrived neither us of knew what to expect but you have most definitely risen to the challenge and have every day since... I'd never have done it without you. Some days are hard but we get by.

Here’s to the year ahead with lots of fun, a long overdue holiday, more laughs and love, less arguments and more making up out!

Come rain, come shine, I will love you forever and beyond measure.

LIVE every moment ღ♥¸.•*¨`*. ¸.•LAUGH every day ღ♥¸.•*¨`*. ¸.•LOVE beyond words ღ♥¸.•*¨`*.¸.•
BE Grateful for what You have¸.•*¨`*.¸.♥☼

♥

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15 Rainy day activities

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:00:00 +0000

It's raining it's pouring ...I want to sing a sad song...Not really.
Rainy days as much as rain is needed can often be frustrating for toddlers & preschoolers ...not to mention their parents. The cabin fever sends 'tempers' soring with unacceptable behaviour . The kids behaviour can be extreme too :) .
So what do we do on rainy days - we organise stimulating activities (for mum) and the kids have fun too. Showing them extra attention helps guide us all into reasonable and calmer behaviours. The challenge is to have fun ...

Bake choc chip cookies - kids can measure/stir and press choc chips in (though hard to keep them from sampling)
125gm butter
1/2 cup castor sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1teas vanilla essence
1 egg
1 & 1/2 cups of self raising flour
3/4 cup milk & white choc chips
- preheat oven 160 °C
- cream sugar & butter until fluffy & light
- mix in egg & vanilla essence
- stir in flour and mix well
- add half the choc chips and mix in
- put teaspoonfuls - or bigger onto a baking tray lined with baking paper , press more choc chips into the top and flatten them slightly, bake for 10-12 mins depending on size.
- remove from oven and sit for at least 2mins :) .They might still be soft when you remove them from oven but should firm up and still be chewy, for crisper cookies cook a few mins more.
Don't eat them all at once !
Make playdough and create .
Puzzles ... jigsaws or other , or cut and make your own from magazines.
Indoor cubbies using kitchen table /chairs or lounges and have an indoor picnic (use a rug pegged down by table legs to contain any crumbs)
Make the tall block towers (then knock them down if safe) or crazy constructions from duplo/lego or megablocks ...
Play hide n seek (if only have one child use teddies to hide and seek)
Threading necklaces - breakfast fruit rings (if you like 'colours') / Cheerios or plain pasta.
Stickers ...buy a few different of the small booklets of 180 and give a sheet of each design.
Trainsets or teasets ...make a huge track and then go on a pretend trip and teaset picnic.
Balloon volley ball .. tie a piece of string or rope ? between door handles / chairs and have the kids hit it back & forth.
Look at photo albums of them as a baby or videos.
Boxes ...boxes ...what's in a box
Indoor obstacle course with pillows to climb over / crawl under tables /chairs in/out baskets or boxes/around whatever goes.
Dress ups
Make paper boats , put on their gumboots (rainboots) and raincoats or polar fleece clothes and let them jump in puddles/float a boat and when cold & wet or you have had enough come inside for a warm bath ;).

I hope the people (farmers across our drought stricken land) who really need rain are getting some of it !
It also hasn't rained for a while so the accumulation of oil on the highways/freeways causes a mess when the rain comes tumbling down.
Please drive safely and slow down to being involved in 'accidents'.
People should realize that it takes longer for a car to stop on wet surfaces, and not be surprised when they crash into the car in front of them ...or worse.
♥

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Weekly Winners 41 2009

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:51:00 +0000

Oct 18th - 24th

Sometimes I feel wired other days my wires are crossed, some days are diamond and some days are even better. Some days I ... have a long list of complaints , knowing others have far worst lists I won't bother you with mine.

I didn't get many pictures this week.It was a busy week with Mr DH away three days and almost three nights.It was a relief to have him home so I could enjoy a hot cup of tea. The Brothers were so BUSY (..& wild) ! I was exhausted mentally and physically. I suffer insomnia when DH is away badly.

The view out my kitchen window
Riding tandem in the rain .
Though it is a trike/bike for 1 !

I feel truly blessed when I see them having such fun together.
Having twins is a special blessing.

Some days they are inseparable ...the best of friends
others I can't separate them quickly enough when they are at odds each other.
(PS- J did a face plant on the Teen's skateboard and scraped his nose)

Our Operation Christmas Child boxes ...
we put the same photo in the boxes.
(We made ours for boys 2-4yrs. I'd like it to become a Christmas {early} tradition)

MG cars we saw in the rain !

J loves his bike /convertible trike ;).

Sky watching
(we sit on the low side of 2x two storey houses)

What I didn't get photos of ... the buffet at the Casino (OMG is was humungous) and Sydney City at dusk/night ...it is so pretty.

Weekly Winners is a meme to show off your favourite snaps of the week ,not a competition so anyone can join in the fun ...Please go see more Weekly Winners @ Lotus's Lotus always has some breathtaking images.

Operation Christmas Child

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Operation Christmas Child ...

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:31:00 +0000

Operation Christmas Child is a unique project of Samaritan's Purse that brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through simple gift-filled shoe boxes. They are practical and a lot of fun.

Gift Ideas

Fill your shoe box with one or more items from each ‘something’:

SOMETHING TO LOVE
Teddy bear, doll, soft toy, etc.

SOMETHING FOR SCHOOL
Exercise book, pencil case, pens, pencils, colouring pencils, sharpener, eraser, chalk, etc.

SOMETHING TO WEAR
T-shirt, shorts, underwear, cap, beanie, sandals, thongs, etc.

SOMETHING TO PLAY WITH
Tennis ball, cars, skipping rope, marbles, musical instrument, yo-yo, slinky, finger puppets, wind up torch, etc. (No battery operated items)*

SOMETHING FOR PERSONAL HYGIENE
Soap and face washer, toothbrush, hairbrush, comb, hair-clips, scrunchies, etc.
(No toothpaste or anything liquid)*

SOMETHING SPECIAL*
Carry bag, sunglasses, bangles, necklaces, craft kits, stickers, note or photo of yourself.

Visit The Operation Christmas Child website to find out more and to find out where to drop your shoeboxes call 1800 684 300. There are drop off points all over Australia.

Hurry the last day is 25th October.
It also operates in the UK. I only just found the church newletter tonight about last years collection ...which I missed. You know what I am doing tomorrow.

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Wordless Wednesday - How does your garden grow

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:42:00 +0000

I know that if odour were visible, as colour is,

I'd see the summer garden in rainbow clouds.
~Robert Bridges, "Testament of Beauty"

Early this morning ...the light was not good ;)

How fair is a garden amid the trials and passions of existence. ~Benjamin Disraeli

I think that if ever a mortal heard the voice of God it would be in a garden at the cool of the day. ~F. Frankfort Moore, A Garden of Peace

The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,
One is nearer God's heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.
~Dorothy Frances Gurney, "Garden Thoughts"

Three months ago my garden looked like this ...
"Life is like a rose garden - Watch for the thorns and keep the pest dust handy”

One year ago

This was 5 years ago ... not long after we finished

This was 2 years ago ...LOL the cute kid has grown too !

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Excitement

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:42:00 +0000

Days of Grace 21/365

Sleeping next to DH all night ... two big, little boys who finally slept all night in their own beds (AT LEAST till AFTER 6am or so).
Two little, big boys who both also woke up dry !
Opening the envelop containing the $200 wish card I won thanks to KOLEOS, Soup & Tina ... can you believe it is only 66 DAYS till Christmas 2009.
Opening surprise $100 voucher to Star City Garden Buffet restaurant (I won from local newspaper online Oktoberfest comp ...though only valid till 31st Oct)
'Winning' the eBay auction for Tupperware busy blocks (well it's exciting to me) ...

I am going to use the Blocks which are a cube with hinged opening to make an Advent calendar to count down to Christmas (first as a sleep in your own bed bribe).

Plus I found another lady on a forum after I placed a wanted ad - so I can do one for both S & J.

I want to make it a family tradition. I'll fill them with small animals for a Navity scene and or small chocolates /lollies.

PS I love the style of this one but I want it less Santa'ified. I hope DH can copy it ;)

♥

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Weekly Winners 40 2009

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:12:00 +0000

Oct 11th - 18th
A gorgeous and busy week was had by all. The weather was perfect.

Four Little ducks went out one day ...Then the Mother Duck went ~~crazy and chased me~~ quack when she caught me snaping them !

Mr Kookaburra in the old gum didn't mind posing a bit

My little car clicked over 9999km

We enjoyed a day with special friends Tiff & Blossom and their gorgeous children .We ate lots of yummy food ...

Cuddles from a gorgeous girl

We walked hand in hand

We went to the Teddy Bear Picnic the annual fundraiser for the Westmead Children's Hospital today ...

Danced with Dorothy the dinosaur

and wiggled with Wags

Listened to a legend ~ a large Frilled neck dancing singing lizard

Antique pedal cars

Miniature Train rides

It was so hard to chose just a few LOL !
The Thomas train ride was the boys favourite.

Weekly Winners is a meme to show off your favourite snaps of the week ,not a competition so anyone can join in the fun ...Please go see more Weekly Winners @ Lotus's Lotus always has some breathtaking images.

PS Last Sunday my battery was flat and the charger MIA ( found in DH's car console) so I couldn't upload anything !

♥

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Grateful ...days of grace

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:19:00 +0000

So it's been a while.
Days of Grace 20/365 (?)

Being blessed with friends who walk alongside, said friends who'll dance with you, cry with you, friends who'll listen and prove to be closer than family (and definitely less complicated!) as they are close-in-heart.
Smelling my scented and blossoming roses
Small boys hooting with rambunctious laughter in the park
Friends are those with whom you share your hopes, your dreams — and your chocolate!
Choc fudge brownies whispering to me ...eat me ...ok my grip on reality is twisted so shoot me ! {I did walk around the block after I ate 3 pieces.}

♥

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Burn brightly

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:08:00 +0000

October - specifically October 15th is recognised as a special day of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance, every year.

Light a candle at 7pm for one hour to create a worldwide wave of light for 24hrs.
The candle burns in memory of our babies.

Ordering a Pizza in 2010 ...

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:54:00 +0000

Today, I finally upgraded the RAM on my notebook from 1G to 2G. My computer has been running (well d a w d l i n g ) so slowly.

So what has this got to do with pizza ?

It was taking forever to load some web pages. Tonight, I was browsing a few old emails to delete and found a surprise gem. I hadn't bothered to look at it previously.

We live in an age when pizza gets to your home before the police.Jeff Marder

and probably the pizza delivery operator may know more about you than your mother ...

This is the funniest (well and the scariest) thing I have heard and seen. Big brother is getting closer than we think.

Ordering a Pizza in 2010 (p.s. this was sent to me in April 2008)

Though I am not sure what we can do to stop it happening ?

what do you think ? !
.

(PPS it has other links at the end to the Civil liberties against the US National ID card not relevant to Aust.)

There's no better feeling in the world than a warm pizza box on your lap~Kevin James

Everyone is guilty at one time or another of throwing out questions that beg to be ignored, but mothers seem to have a market on the supply. "Do you want a spanking or do you want to go to bed?" "Don't you want to save some of the pizza for your brother?" "Wasn't there any change?"~ Erma Bombeck

You better cut the pizza in four pieces because I'm not hungry enough to eat six.~ Yogi Berra

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Any which way ?

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 22:02:00 +0000

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go.” Dr. Seuss quotes

I had another post operative BAHA appointment yesterday. It was in the city so I decided to use public transport. Driving in Sydney city traffic is crazy and dangerous.

I used the transport info website to plan my journey. Easy I thought...

To start with it suggested the express train from Penrith that terminated at Central station . Great !

It was followed by a long, complex walk...10+ Left /right turns. BOO !

I knew Kings Cross Station was closer with a shorter direct walk.

I tried again but it wouldn't give me the option I desired so I started my journey in the trip planner at Kings Cross. Since I knew the train times.

“A man loses his sense of direction after four drinks; a woman loses hers after four kisses” Henry Louis Mencken

So I clicked to view the suggested trip ...

Option 1 ...what the problem with this ?
Oh you just want me to enjoy a little train ride from Kings Cross to Edgecliff , change platforms and come back !

Option 2 why would I catch the train to Town Hall ...is not the shortest nor easiest walking route ! The walk from Central was easier !

Guess it is good for exercising the feet but not your brain !

“I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”Jimmy Dean

In other news ... The skin graft where the abutment /screw was inserted into my skull is healing well. I have my next appointment 16th December and hopefully the abutment will be fully bonded with the bone and healed so I can get the sound processor fitted. I already have the appointment to follow the surgeon's appointment.

Yesterday , the wind in the city was so biting and strong, I think they said over 90km /hr. I was almost blown across the street while I was stopped waiting to cross at the lights.

Kings Cross is a very sad place, I saw a few people obviously with severe mental health issues , probably homeless from their disheveled looks and scruffy/tattered attire; crying or shouting at no-one in particular. No directions in life ...no one to care.

I also saw the adult night clubs (from the exterior) , Life size posters of semi naked women advertising the clubs 'entertainment' and the 'adult' shops ( no I didn't go in LOL).

I am still sure public transport was the way to go.

Ps:

For Sydney siders or families visiting Sydney on a Sunday you can buy $2.50 per person family funday passes that entitles you to travel most places on the transport network, buses & ferries included.
New train timetables start this Sunday.
World Masters Games are on in Sydney. Spectators are free for most events.

I ♥ Favourite things

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:42:00 +0000

I honestly didn't know the theme for I ♥ Faces was My favourite things .The song has been playing in my head for the last 2 days. Here are a few of my favourite things ...

Ps I forgot a few things ...will add more tomorrow !

My favorite thing is to go where I have never gone.Diane Arbus

“God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.” J.M. Barrie

“If life gives you lemons, stick them down your shirt and make your boobs look bigger.” –Anonymous

“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” –J.M. Barrie

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Weekly Winners 38 2009

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 12:47:00 +0000

September 27th - Oct 3rd
Raindrops on roses edition ...
(I just this minute realised our memorial garden is 5yrs old this weekend)
It's been a mixed bag of weather this week a few very hot days and now very cold and pouring rain.

“If I had a rose for every time I thought of you, I'd be picking roses for a lifetime.”

“True friendship is like a rose. We can't realize it's beauty until it fades.”

"The rose speaks of love silently, in a language known only to the heart.”

“Do not watch the petals fall from the rose with sadness, know that, like life, things sometimes must fade, before they can bloom again.”

“One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon-instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today.” Dale Carnegie

Picasso in training

Playdough Masterchefs

I also found this quote via Lotus's blog on misccariage & loss

“Be both. Be sad for what might have been, be glad for what is.” @wbgookin (author of Daddy Is Tired)

You know what ... I am !
Ps I'll have to log on to my desktop and find the early photos of our garden xo
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Bored ... Games and Monopoly

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 07:04:00 +0000

I was going through my google reader and came across this link in a post by Laura.

Interestingly , I learned how hidden maps in 'Monopoly' helped Prisoners of War 'get out of jail' during WWII.

So how did a simple board game end up in a position to help out one of the most powerful military forces on the planet? Silk and serendipity ...

The British secret service MI9 conspired with the UK licensee of Monopoly (Parker Bros.) to create special editions of the popular board game . Coincidently, they had just mastered the art of printing on silk.

The top secret escape kits included maps printed on silk, money, compasses, and other tools to help prisoners of war to flee from German war camps.The Silk maps being the key element. The German army had allowed humanitarian groups to distribute the 'innocent' game in care packages to the POWs.

Read the amazing story at Get Out of Jail Free: Monopoly's Hidden Maps

Gee, I haven't played Monopoly in ages might have to drag it out tonight and challenge my DH.
Monopoly has a new game online... Monopoly City Streets ! It uses google maps.
They say Board games are making a comeback too...along with Wii
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uHear !

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:10:00 +0000

Have you noticed a 'hearing loss' or is someone in your family reluctant to admit a hearing loss or even unaware . It is nothing to be embarassed about but some people live in denial (with the TV or radio roaring blissfully ignoring the obvious).

uHear™ is a unique hearing loss screening test application available for download to the iPhone™ and iPod touch^®.

uHear is for everyone. You can curb your curiosity with a simple and convenient six minute test from the comfort of your home. Parents and teachers can use uHear to promote healthy hearing. You can share it with your family and friends.
Don’t wait, take the test. Download uHear for free , at
http://itunes.com/apps/uhear
(you will need the iTunes application installed on your computer to download uHear)
It is worth doing this six minute test.
Don't have an iphone ...well I can't help you there but maybe someone you know has one. Read more about uHear™ u here (no pun intended LOL)
Please note: A self-administered hearing test is not a final diagnosis for a hearing loss. You should visit a Hearing Healthcare Professional for further testing if a hearing loss is suspected ~http://www.unitron.com. Uhear can help you locate one too !

Hearing difficulties can cause social isolation and other communication difficulties. It can be managed with the help of a good audiologist and/or ENT surgeon. So please stop putting it off !

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Wordless Wednesday - a good catch

noreply@blogger.com (•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Trish.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:20:00 +0000

“The smile on your face lets me know that you need me, there's a truth in your heart that says you'll never leave me, and the touch of your hand says you'll catch me whenever I fall.”

“There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart...pursue those.” Michael Nolan

see more Wordless Wednesday here

*click to enbiggen or see Weekly winners below ...

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	SOMETHING TO LOVE Teddy bear, doll, soft toy, etc.

	SOMETHING FOR SCHOOL Exercise book, pencil case, pens, pencils, colouring pencils, sharpener, eraser, chalk, etc.

	SOMETHING TO WEAR T-shirt, shorts, underwear, cap, beanie, sandals, thongs, etc.

	SOMETHING TO PLAY WITH Tennis ball, cars, skipping rope, marbles, musical instrument, yo-yo, slinky, finger puppets, wind up torch, etc. (No battery operated items)*

	SOMETHING FOR PERSONAL HYGIENE Soap and face washer, toothbrush, hairbrush, comb, hair-clips, scrunchies, etc. (No toothpaste or anything liquid)*

	SOMETHING SPECIAL* Carry bag, sunglasses, bangles, necklaces, craft kits, stickers, note or photo of yourself.