Sarah Day

Today we decided to devote the whole day to do whatever Sarah wanted as she has worked most Sundays for the last 14 months. She had a think about what she wanted to do and presented us with a list. First up was a Mario Cart racing comp on the WII which Sarah easily won.Then we drove out to Dalyellup in search of some sand dunes to sand board down. We walked for ages along the beach as they were all fenced off for revegetation. Anyway we had some fun on some small dunes.We got some Subway for lunch and had a picnic in whats left of our pool, might as well keep using it for something. Sarahs next idea had me very worried but I was up for the challenge. We went out to the Rink and hired skates. It was a very long time since Peter and I had done any skating, Peter went ok but I spent a lot of time hanging onto the edge but eventually could go some distance without hanging on. Sarah just took off no problem at all!
Time for a well earned snack.We then chopped up a bowl of fresh fruit and went to Queens Gardens to enjoy the lovely day. Sarah insisted we have a swing but due to old age I no longer enjoy this pastime.

We walked the dogs at the Canals watching the sunset and pelicans.Then made homemade hamburgers and settled down to watch the movie 'Australia' which was very long but we enjoyed it. We were all worn out after a busy day.

Sarah's trip and Gardening

Sarah had a fantastic time on her trip to Sydney and Canberra (16th - 21st April). Day 1 : after flying over they went to Bondi beach (desperately wanted to surf some waves), checked into their motel and then went to the Aquarium. Day 2: Off to Taronga Zoo then enjoyed a ferry ride to the Opera House where they did a tour. This was followed by a visit to the Maritime Museum and a Monorail ride. After dinner they went to Luna Park.

Day 3 : After packing up and loading the bus they drove to Canberra. First up was a visit to the National Museum and then to Questacon ( an interactive fun science centre) and then after dinner it was time for a quiz night. Day 4 : Up bright and early for a bus trip to Mt Kosciuszko. A few managed to climb to the summit. It was freezing cold there. After the drive back they had dinner then went up the Telstra Tower. Day 5 : A busy day started with a cruise along Lake Burley-Griffin, then visits to Film and Sound archives, Parliament House, Art Gallery and the Australian Institute of Sport. Finishing off at the Mount Ainslie Lookout. Day 6 : A few more "interesting" places to see being the National Archives, Old Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial. Finally some free time to do some shopping then fly home and arrive in Perth at 10.30 that night. We then drove home to Bunbury and didn't see her until lunchtime the next day. A great time had by all!

We decided to extend our side vegetable garden so we could grow a few more things in winter as not much sun reaches all the areas. To do this Peter had to move some reticulation and do some rewiring.
Today we went to Waldecks and bought some brocolli, cauliflour and bean seedlings. We planted them along with some peas in our new garden in the lovely and stinky cow manure. Hopefully they will grow and supply us with some healthy winter vegies. Nicole decided she wanted to learn to knit so with the help of you tube she got to cast on stage and then I helped her with the knitting, which I only have a real basic knowledge. Anyway she got a few rows done.
And one final note Yeh! they finally won a game against the Sydeny Swans, first one for the season.

ANZAC Day

Today is a special day where we pause to remember those who went to war and fought for our country and the freedom we all enjoy today. Lest we forget. We attended the service mid morning in town with a very large crowd.

Our grandfathers fought in the wars. My Grandfather in the 2nd world war and Peter's in the 1st world war.

This is Peter's grandfather in his uniform and the photo was taken in 1915. He served in the Australian Imperial Forces 32 Battalion 8th Brigade, it is believed much of his time was spent in France.






This my grandfather in his uniform and the photo was taken in 1942. He did overseas service in the 2/2 Battalion in New Guinea and Borneo and was not discharged until 1946.


Wreaths which were laid at our local was memorial.

Inspirational @ 95

Today is our dear family friend Nanna A's 95 th birthday. What a fabulous milestone. We have known her since the early 1970's when we lived next door to her and her late husband Alex in Collie ( he also lived into his 90's). Dad, Janelle, Sarah and I visited her this year in January. She is such an inspiration still living independently, baking cakes, going to swimming classes, writing short stories and poetry, gardening on her balcony and is right up with technology using a computer and emailing. She didn't even put on any glasses to look at something very small. The girls were very inspired by her activities and humour. I phoned her to wish her a very Happy Birthday and she told me all her family had gathered on the weekend for a celebration and she had a lovely time. She has always lived the simple life and we are very privileged to know such a wonderful lady.

Karri Valley Weekend

With Nicole settled back to work after her holiday in Broome, Janelle back at uni and Sarah enjoying a school trip over to Sydney and Canberra Peter and I headed down to the Karri Valley Resort near Pemberton for a well earned break. Unfortunately Dads previous wrist surgery didnt "work" so he had to have the operation redone so he is staying with Steven this time. So that just left us with the dogs which meant much to their disgust a few more days in kennels. This time we took them to High Tree Kennels in Busselton. We then drove down to Nannup and had lunch there. As we headed closer to the resort there was a lot of smoke about so we were very disappointed when we arrived to see nothing much more then a grey haze everywhere.This is a view of the lakeside units and restaurant. We were on the top floor third balcony from the right. The smoke eventually cleared and we able to enjoy a drink on our balcony and admire the lovely view. The next morning we set off on a bush walk to the Beedleup Falls. The morning was crisp and fresh and although the bush was very dry it was very beautiful. We then hired a canoe and went for a paddle around the lake. After some lunch we hired bikes and rode around some of the bush tracks. It was quite hilly at times and hard work so we enjoyed a nice cuppa lakeside for a rest.

With all the activities available there our next bit of fun was the mini golf which I managed to win.

In both the reception area and mini store at the resort were heaps of mini cans of Edgell Corn for sale. I thought this was rather strange but we were later to find out that this is what they use for bait to catch trout in the lake. Anyway Peter had a go but got nothing except a marron that fell off. We finished off the day with a lovely meal in the restaurant.

The next morning after we were all packed we went for another stroll around the lake to admire the view again.

We drove into Pemberton and got tickets for the tram ride for nearly 2 hours through the bush to Warren Bridge.We rode over 5 bridges some were quite high up and quite old. It was an interesting ride and very pretty.

After some lunch in Pemberton we went out to see Gloucester Tree. I thought I might climb it! It is over 60 meters high and not much to catch you if you fall. Anyway we both chickened out and went up a few meters for a look as did most people who were visiting it as well.


It was a nice relaxing weekend. We picked up 2 very excited dogs and went to visit Mum and Dad J in Busselton and the came home. Lucy continued to suffer from separation anxiety and refused to stay in her bed all night and wanted to be with us.

Easter Sunday

Today was a beautiful and hot day for Easter Sunday (31 degrees for Bunbury). Nicole came over with Sonic for our annual egg hunt. Sonic joined in.

Lucy and Bella are still scared of Sonic but eventually ventured outside with him but then climbed onto Pop for safety. Big sooks!
Janelle made some cupcakes and we had fun decorating them in an Easter theme with eggs and some little chicks.

We then all headed over ot Busselton to have afternoon tea with Nan and Pop. It was a lovely warm afternoon sitting under the Jacaranda tree.





The girls then had fun "playing" with the chicks off the cakes. Small things amusing small minds!
They then took to photographing Nannas flowers.

We finished off the day with a walk along Marlston area with so many people out and about with very unseasonally warm weather. Pizza for tea and then we watched The Notebook movie.

Last Thursday (9th April) Peter and I travelled to Perth to pick Dad up from the SJOG hospital in Murdoch after he had his wrist surgery the day before. We then headed up to Kings Park for a picnic lunch. We found where the Boab tree that had been transported down from the Kimberley had been planted. It was good to see it was actually shooting and had settled into its new home.

We then picked up Janelle from Trinity and headed home before the heavy Easter traffic started.