tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9549926562429753452024-03-13T10:48:27.274-07:00McMillan Family Photo BlogA photo blog* to share with family and friends, many interstate and overseas.
*May contain other ramblings.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-64693899301919676112013-06-30T00:41:00.001-07:002013-06-30T00:41:42.074-07:00Last two posts...Um, photo blog sans photos, not so great. Silly me, I wrote the posts a while ago (unable to publish due app problems). The photos are now no longer on my phone, but the (new) app made it look like it was all ok. *grumble grumble* will have to fix it up later. Sorry :(Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-63306737834954189962013-06-30T00:37:00.001-07:002013-06-30T00:37:07.946-07:00Kittehs update<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="file:///var//mobile//Applications//0C97AADD-8FBD-435E-B21A-C1B8D3C6F06E//Documents//photo_805544.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg" style="max-height: 90%; "></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hellooooooo</span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="file:///var//mobile//Applications//0C97AADD-8FBD-435E-B21A-C1B8D3C6F06E//Documents//photo_288889.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg" style="max-height: 90%; "></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Playing, I promise</span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="file:///var//mobile//Applications//0C97AADD-8FBD-435E-B21A-C1B8D3C6F06E//Documents//photo_143071.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg" style="max-height: 90%; "></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Best of friends</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <br> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-70380798914397988092013-06-30T00:25:00.001-07:002013-09-13T12:44:25.435-07:00K&B's wedding - hanging with Isaac<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wrote this straight after the wedding, a couple of weeks ago... but the app I use has been playing up... here 'tis now, with a different app...</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Weekend trip to the central coast to hang out with a bunch of the Penrhos boarders and their families, who were visiting to attend Karen & Ben's 2nd/Aussie wedding. To cut a long story short... Matt and I babysat Isaac, while Skye & Marty were at the reception. Had a ball hanging out with this super little man, as well as catching up with his parents, and the other boarders and their families.</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The train trip up. We have done it a few times but should go more often. So cheap, yet so stunning.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="file:///var//mobile//Applications//0C97AADD-8FBD-435E-B21A-C1B8D3C6F06E//Documents//photo_263506.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg" style="max-height: 90%; "></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Isaac helping to make his dinner.</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="file:///var//mobile//Applications//0C97AADD-8FBD-435E-B21A-C1B8D3C6F06E//Documents//photo_843690.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg" style="max-height: 90%; "></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Matt has an essay due so took some study with him. We (Isaac and I) had to interrupt him briefly and they (Matt and Isaac) decided to do some typing together.</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="file:///var//mobile//Applications//0C97AADD-8FBD-435E-B21A-C1B8D3C6F06E//Documents//photo_480875.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg" style="max-height: 90%; "></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Next day, silly selfies.</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="file:///var//mobile//Applications//0C97AADD-8FBD-435E-B21A-C1B8D3C6F06E//Documents//photo_664557.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg" style="max-height: 90%; "></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">With Skye too</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="file:///var//mobile//Applications//0C97AADD-8FBD-435E-B21A-C1B8D3C6F06E//Documents//photo_613080.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg" style="max-height: 90%; "></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And a proper one.</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Matt and I solemnly promise that we will get over to Perth to catch up again soon. xoxo</span></div></div></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-31632346220056850572013-05-19T01:00:00.001-07:002013-05-19T01:00:10.885-07:00Sunday afternoon<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IxrV8kMNjPY/UZiGhoXAvGI/AAAAAAAADv4/GsqlhsXuOZk/s1600/IMG_20130519_175747.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IxrV8kMNjPY/UZiGhoXAvGI/AAAAAAAADv4/GsqlhsXuOZk/s640/IMG_20130519_175747.jpg' /> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-88480395588331142352013-04-14T07:58:00.000-07:002013-04-14T09:12:08.031-07:00A tough few months<div>To all my friends and family, especially those who have been trying to get in touch or I have been wanting to get in touch with, I want to apologise for not consistently returning messages and just generally being 'off the grid'.</div><div><br></div>Since about November last year, it has been one thing after another, nothing 'catastrophic' but constant stressors or highly emotional events. On reflection I think I am a bit emotionally fatigued. Some things I have mentioned, like Mr Smokey's passing, having pneumonia over the summer holidays, Matt starting uni and fertility struggles, but some things are too personal or sensitive to share here. I would love to say things are getting better but there are still a few issues ongoing. <div><div><br></div><div>I am well but I ask for your understanding if I continue to be a bit withdrawn for the next little while.</div></div><div><br></div><div>Thank you XO</div><div><br></div><div>On a lighter note... the kittens! They have confirmed names now. The ginger girl is 'Scout' and the black & white boy is 'Jasper'. Scout is a bit of a princess and knows to meow if anyone is in the kitchen. Jasper is very energetic, almost manic, hopefully he will settle a bit as he gets older. Despite their differences they are best mates.</div><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QuGFMjb64Zc/UWrVVXi9ztI/AAAAAAAADoQ/A-PKAZYeQ-4/photo_820482.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><br> <br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-16651810545369351142013-04-07T22:25:00.000-07:002013-04-07T23:05:44.756-07:00Introducing... tiny terrors What started as a conversation about mice escalated quickly to these two... names to be confirmed. <div><br></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lbf-hldcjdA/UWJdV9VHWyI/AAAAAAAADXk/MPBqMz2HZjI/photo_705600.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FIYamtZ6DHU/UWJdiQTKOEI/AAAAAAAADXs/5zngM430GZw/photo_212723.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wbDoxjqf8qU/UWJdw2TbdYI/AAAAAAAADX0/ZqnDi8ovjpA/photo_440197.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-q6D5Sr5wvS8/UWJd-TuFH1I/AAAAAAAADX8/AP7WEudYEY0/photo_881306.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fwj71DoJ_EQ/UWJeLSYjh0I/AAAAAAAADYE/odegCQCYj3M/photo_964301.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br>24hrs and they have made themselves at home quite nicely. No toilet accidents or escapees yet (fingers crossed!)</div><div> </div><div>Excuse me, need to take one more photo to be included... um... help</div><div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-p257yAFONY0/UWJeNjKX2sI/AAAAAAAADYM/g2wcLjoRwi8/photo_12349.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><br><br> <br></div><br><br> <br></div><br><br> <br> <br><br> <br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-8648730252701410172013-03-24T07:20:00.000-07:002013-03-24T07:20:00.212-07:00Liam's ding! Level 25Great night out to a Brazilian BBQ house for Liam's birthday, that little bit more special as Liz organised it and she is vegetarian.<div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DXzGP3jUSME/UU8BpHvjsxI/AAAAAAAADW0/vSBOSzFDG9w/photo_489990.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div>Green says go, red says stop. One by one, peeps around the table joked that these funny little things were traffic lights, only to be told 'yes' that's exactly what they are!</div><div><br></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-G8sSnNRz7AA/UU8Bp79aVmI/AAAAAAAADW8/K94XkQHwxng/photo_582505.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div>Moight</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tN-aB2Vyxx0/UU8BqqbhKdI/AAAAAAAADXE/aaiUdgGGsmc/photo_462548.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><br></div><div><div><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-guHkag4j3-I/UU8BrXLPizI/AAAAAAAADXM/sFrEImHHVOw/photo_998863.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div><div><div><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-t-K6gvSEjVA/UU8Br8rSIyI/AAAAAAAADXU/wB1vGrOW0y4/photo_468585.jpg" border="0" class="bloggoimg"></div></div></div><div><br></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-87576303388326511002013-01-13T17:39:00.000-08:002013-01-13T17:39:32.612-08:00January, Jacquie & JohnSo our summer holidays haven't been awesome. Matt's new job is going well, but a little stressful as he 'finds his feet' being his own boss and everything. Mr Smokey's illness and subsequent passing made Xmas & NY a major downer. And just to top things off... since new years, I have been sick, really sick. Some sort of flu thing with the works - fevers, chills, body aches, headaches and a horrendous cough - wracking my whole body until I (occasionally) throw up. I was even tested for whooping cough - which came back clear, thankfully!<br />
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In among this we did have a highlight, a visit from Matt's mum, Jacquie and her husband John. They caught the train down from Brissie (not as nice as they had hoped) and stayed in the city. Matt met up with them most days and I ventured out a couple of times. We showed them around our 'hood and Jacquie wanted to visit Vaucluse House. They bought Matt and me passes to the 'Historic Houses Trust of NSW' (<a href="http://www.hht.net.au/">http://www.hht.net.au</a>) and we visited a few sites/museums.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferry to Manly with Jacquie's friend, Karin.<br />
Matt and I also enjoyed catching up with Karin again, she's a cracker.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elizabeth Bay House</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great weather for sight seeing!<br />
This day we did an air-conditioned car trip.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-77964486417629358812012-12-28T04:34:00.001-08:002012-12-28T04:34:57.216-08:00Farewell SmokeyToday we said goodbye to Mister Smokey. He lived a long and loved life. He may have only lived with us for the past 2 years & 2 months, but Matt knew him since he was a kitten and in the time Smokey lived with us, he had a big, positive and lasting impact on our lives and relationship.<br />
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Rest assured, those who knew and loved this little guy, it was peaceful. In the past week his body just failed around him. He was increasingly lethargic, stopped eating and became rapidly thinner and weaker. Even this morning, he could barely stand but insisted on putting his head on our laps or hands and even wrapped his paw/claws around our fingers. We took him to the vet for what was due to be an injection for his arthritis but we strongly suspected what the prognosis and advice would be be.<br />
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He passed away under the gentle intervention of two Vets that clearly cared for him too, with his head in Matt's hands and paw wrapped around my finger.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Smokey McMillan</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Sept 1993 - Dec 2012</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both of these hoomans belong to me<br /></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-79468924266940695692012-11-22T00:21:00.000-08:002012-12-28T03:57:41.851-08:00Kitchen Garden - November 2012A fairly big reorganisation with the news that we will staying here at least another 12 months (yay). Making way for planned expansions.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making seed tape</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under spotlight. In this small space is: sunflower, corn, tomato, capsicum, summer squash, zuchini, sweet potato, luffa, carrot, lettuce, strawberries, brown onion, spring onion</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herbs near the kitchen\back door</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Away from the wall - better access, air flow and sun</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of the mushroom kingdom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For tonight's stir fry dinner</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-66749180911547619612012-11-19T23:46:00.000-08:002012-12-28T03:55:07.175-08:00Jake in SydneyLess talk more photos...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-60447822287112954062012-11-19T03:25:00.001-08:002012-12-28T03:56:16.219-08:00Busy busy, a lot of ramblingHi, I know I have been quiet again lately, with the change of seasons, and a bit of an attitude adjustment, I have actually been super busy. Some recent highlights include:<br />
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- did a 'mini' triathalon - one of the Pink series and have another this coming Sunday. Went freeform/meditative dancing with Nina - something I have had in the back of mind to do for ages. I am also starting a rollerskating class tomorrow night, with some friends from work and have been going to the gym regularly including completing an 8 week program being a prac subject for Matt. Despite being active and eating reasonably well, my weight and heath has not improved. *too much information warning* Recently I also hurt my back, and my weight no doubt contributed to this as well as the lack of success to date in making a baby. Just today my GP has referred me to an endocrinologist and doing some other stuff too - hopefully some answers soon.<br />
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- had my first piano exam - preliminary grade, woot. I got a B which I am happy with as nerves got the better of me and I made lots of mistakes. The feedback was, yes, I made many mistakes but they were minor, I captured the gist of the songs. My teacher and I have developed an ambitious plan to help me achieve my goals. Next up is Muscianship over the summer holidays and Grade 1 piano in Feb.<br />
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- as a wedding anniversary gift I bought Matt couple guitar lessons - romantic? Within 3 sessions Matt has quite comfortably caught up to me. I have not done a formal singing lesson in yonks, not since Nat has been busy touring, but would really like to restart them too, if I can find some time.<br />
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- tackled a few crafty things lately: crochet beanies and socks, paper-making, making seed tape for the garden, a few gifts/surprises ;) and a few fails.<br />
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- the garden is growing. Will do a separate post soon(ish)<br />
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- work is going along steady - still loving my Tuesday Toddler Music Group. Waiting to hear if my application to write a paper about the group has been accepted. The DA for the renovations went through council this week and the 'house' is very nearly finished. Next year is going to be challenging . We will all be working off site, mostly from home, hmmm, need to move the craft off my desk. But 2014 will be awesome - essentially triple the size, both in office and therapy space, including a dedicated 'sensory' room and expanded preschool program.<br />
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- family are all good. We have been unofficially offered another 12 month lease on our awesome little big house. Mr Smokey is his usual sooky self. Liam and Liz have both moved on from flipping burgers and have 9-5 corporate jobs. Liam with Suncorp and Liz, iinet. Liam plays two games of soccer per week and often goes to the gym with Matt.<br />
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- Jake stayed with us last holidays, with Neets and Sam in the city at the same time - separate post to come also. Also visits from my sister, Nita and recently Ewen and Margaret.<br />
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- finally, if you haven't heard the news... Matt is now officially a former film editor. He finished up his final gig last month. This has been 'in discussion' for the past two years. He still loves storytelling and may go back but the lifestyle was just too punishing and other things have called. Over the past year, while working full time, he has earned his Cert 3 and 4 in fitness. Now waiting for his rego and ABN to come thru and applying for gym work. The main goal is Uni next year, science. Application in, offers in Jan.<br />
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What's your news?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-29564399093480658862012-09-27T17:22:00.000-07:002012-09-27T17:22:53.668-07:00New toysNot that new any more, but three 'toys' that have made a massive difference to our lives.<br />
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Pushies<br />
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We have been babysitting a pair of bikes for friends who are living in the UK currently. At the start of the year we decided to dust them off and do some riding. Angus and Cheryl are both very tall and when we had the bikes serviced and adjusted the guy in the shop recommended that I don't ride either or risk hurting myself badly. New bike for Sarah :)<br />
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I may had already suspected that, had a look around and even test ridden a couple and found my bike - the Electra Townie. Unfortunately the bike in stock was pink and white, I had a look at the other colour options on the website but decided that pink and white was cute anyway and available now.<br />
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Over summer 11/12 we went on a couple of bike outings. I was riding my bike to work whenever I didn't have off-site visits and for quite a few months Matt was consistently riding a bike to his work. Sadly just a month or so before Cheryl returned to Aus, her bike, that Matt had been using, was stolen from his workplace. We have given Cheryl back Angus' bike, so Matt doesn't have a bike at the moment. As the weather warms up we might get him his own, though after riding to work regularly including through winter, Matt's enthusiasm has waned somewhat.<br />
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Rotary, two bin composter - add to one side while the other 'cooks'.<br />
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Even though I am gardening in pots I struggle to make enough dirt with just the worm farm. The worm farm also can't handle leaves from the neighbours trees and finished plants - it was frustratingly wasteful to be chucking them in the bin, even if it was a green bin. A while back I found exactly what I wanted on the Interwebs but it was horrendously expensive, so, around my birthday time I was explaining this to mum and using her awesome super sleuth skills she found exactly what I wanted from a local company at half the price. Thanks mum it is working brilliantly. I have harvested the first batch already, the 2nd is nearly cooked and the 3rd batch is filling fast.<br />
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BTW it came flat packed and I built it nearly entirely myself, by choice. Only needed Matt's long arms to reach inside a couple of times.<br />
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The dishwasher<br />
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Mid winter our (clothes) washing machine packed it in. It was 2nd hand and a top loader so rather than potentially wasting our time and money on repairs we traded in for a new shiny front loader. As we were researching the options I came across something a had seen previously a while back but never really seriously considered - a half-size, bench top dishwasher, perfect for renters - us. Something inside me snapped. After 5 years of hand washing, having grown up with a dishwasher and now that we have the available bench space I chucked a little hissy fit and insisted that we get it, it was not too difficult to convince Matt :) To misquote Gareth "there is just something more civilised about having a dishwasher"<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-10587508774198499952012-07-31T04:14:00.000-07:002012-07-31T04:15:44.299-07:00Qld trip April 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
End of term one NSW school holidays I headed north for a week. The focus of this trip was the friends catch ups that were sadly missed at Xmas due to illness. Unfortunately Wisowaty's were crook this time, so will have do with images and chat over the Interwebs for now.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cheeky Miss Paige and I</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy and huge (tall!) Dante</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You're a strange one Sarah!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entire Matthews clan</td></tr>
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I still had some good quality time with my family. For something a bit different I stayed a few nights with Joel and Bree. They are also into 'home harvesting' but have taken it to another level then me with a huge, drip irrigated, netted, staked, with worm hotels, raised garden bed in the front yard.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joel and I sharing a bevvy on the verandah</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the reasons the garden bed in the front yard. <br />
Joel and Bree's 'puppy' Kiddo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watched Jake play a game of soccer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and hung out on the sideline with Sammy.</td></tr>
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Alex, Neets and Scott were there too but I didn't get photo of them. Alex is tall! Well over me now - taking after his Dad and Uncle Matt.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-53882206426989308022012-07-30T06:30:00.002-07:002012-07-31T04:17:19.368-07:00Sarah's craft 2012 so farThis winter has been COLD. I (we) love our house but a large old house after a modern one bedroom unit above a restaurant kitchen has been a huge adjustment that I especially haven't coped very well with. Most of winter I have spent sick and/or curled up on the couch under my electric throw rug crocheting, knitting and crafting my little heart out. Here are a few of my creations (with cute models):<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sammy's slippers and bunting</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jambin's elf hat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darcy's monster hat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isaac's monster hat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacob's comic book birthday card</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some stuff for me/us!<br />
Reusing jars around the house - here in the bathroom for hand soap, moisturiser and plants.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the shower. We can buy in bulk then pour out as needed. The beautiful bottles were milk containers from a local food coop.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dishcloth from kitchen cotton. When its gets dirty - chuck it in the wash! I have made three different styles so far. Still deciding which is the favourite.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plarn (plastic bag yarn) work-in-progress basket. </td></tr>
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I have not bought a single pattern and a lot what I have made uses repurposed materials. Most of my inspirations have come from Pinterest.com - an online and 'social-media' pinboard. If you like craft (or fashion / food / photography / other) it's great, but addictive - I have heaps more things 'pinned' ready to tackle as I can find the time.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-11166215580762692502012-06-30T04:32:00.000-07:002012-06-30T04:32:00.037-07:00Smokey update - snug as Smokey in a rug<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Poor Smokey, usually he HATES being confined in anyway but lately it has been so cold we have found him like this on more than one occasion.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-65361741036333424682012-06-29T04:26:00.000-07:002012-06-29T04:26:59.986-07:00Long time, no bloggin'Hi y'all! Long time no bloggin'... a quick explanation:<br />
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Short - not much massively interesting happening!<br />
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Long - Last Christmas, Matt bought me an Android tablet, an Asus Slider to be exact. I love this thing! It means I can sit on the coach, half watch television, crochet, browse and be social. Right now as I'm typing this... a bowl of half finished soup and Matt and Smokey sitting next me.<br />
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The only downside was that the standard browser didn't cope well with pop ups, so trying to use Blogger (and Pinterest) was near impossible. But... I have Chrome on my tablet now, yay! So excited! Stay tuned for a bunch of updates...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-44517093789219241522012-04-15T02:00:00.000-07:002012-04-15T02:00:07.138-07:00DIY self watering pots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the garden I try to DIY as much as possible. For both environmental and financial reasons. When I first started out, quite a few sites on the interwebs had instructions for cutting a milk or soft bottle in half and inverting the top half to make a self watering pot. Recently I have been taking it a step further and turning the handle into a spout. It has been working so well that I thought I would document and share.</div>
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Empty milk bottle, that would otherwise go in the trash</div>
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Cut ~2 cm below the handle</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MaxJhvRa3Cw/T4FB5ZN_2wI/AAAAAAAACNY/P-Rwc8oeVB4/s1600/P87105908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MaxJhvRa3Cw/T4FB5ZN_2wI/AAAAAAAACNY/P-Rwc8oeVB4/s320/P87105908.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cut off the handle</div>
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Poke holes around the opening - for water to seep into the soil. Perhaps not necessary but I have found it works better if I do this.</div>
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Feed the handle back through the hole left where it was cut off. Can duct tape it into place, but I have since found its ok without the duct tape - as long as you hold the handle/spout in place while filling the pot with soil.</div>
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Place the top, with the spout, upside down in the bottom half of the container.</div>
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Optional extra - as I had some old hand towels I was cutting up for other purposes I added a wick - through the 2nd hole left by where the handle was cut away. Usually I don't bother. </div>
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Tada! Add soil to the top and pour water down the spout and you have a home made self-watering pot.<br />I have been using these in my greenhouse to raise larger seedlings.</div>
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Previously I added an overflow hole on the side - about half way up, but I don't bother anymore. As the container is see-through I can see how much water is in it. It is covered (in the greenhouse) so there is no chance of rainfall flooding the plant. Minimising access to the stagnant water will hopefully prevent mozzies breeding in there - I am very wary of creating too many mozzie breeding grounds in my garden.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-78686195121273676272012-04-08T04:28:00.000-07:002012-04-08T04:28:26.593-07:00Boxing Day - Happy Feet TwoGoing thru a bit of a backlog of photos at the moment and I have found some I forgot from summer holidays in Qld. On Boxing Day, Happy Feet 2 opened so the Aurisch/Bell/McMillan clan went to see it at a local cinema (and cheered loudly when we saw Uncle Matt's name in the credits).<br />
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<span id="goog_11015340"></span><span id="goog_11015341"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-37922026990099223952012-04-08T04:16:00.001-07:002012-04-08T04:16:27.687-07:00April in the kitchen garden<div style="text-align: center;">
So, I seem to have missed March in the garden, oops, oh well, here's April:</div>
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Currently growing L-R: Smokey's pot (Bottlebrush & Cat Grass); Tomato, Marigold, Sunflowers (behind the Marigold - can't see them yet here); Corn, Climbing Beans; Zuchini, Carrots & Lettuce box, Herbs, Lucerne, and Strawberry</div>
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Harvest! We have been adding quite a few bits and bobs to meals recently from the garden.[</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I harvested the sweet potato today - they worked! (sort of). Given it was 2x false starts and therefore very late in season they got under way I am pretty happy with this lot. Lessons learnt for next year :)</span></div>
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Winter seedlings - Broccoli, Cauliflower, Dill, Celery, Celeriac, Carrots (an experiment that I will tell you about if it works), Chilli, Onions, Alpine Strawberry</div>
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A couple of weekends ago I made an old Styrofoam box into a self-watering planter for Carrots and Lettuce. Both (according to the Internet) can be grown year-round in our climate and are good companion plants as carrots have a deep root while lettuce is shallow root. Unfortunately despite being behind the herbs, Mr Smokey has found them and lying in this box is his new favourite spot - hence few seedlings. I planted more seeds both directly in the box and in pots in the green house this weekend. I think I will put netting over it too.</div>
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Ladybugs! My poor Zuchini has suffered badly from powdery mildew due to the mild and humid summer. I nearly pulled it today but a whole colony of ladybugs (good bugs - they eat the mildew) have moved in and it is looking a bit better. Maybe I'll get another fruit or two from it (we have had a couple) and I quite enjoy looking at the bugs. The funny grey things below are the ladybug larvae.</div>
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A rewarding day in the garden can only finish with Smokey on my lap wanting a head rub.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-71282472460572409122012-03-18T00:30:00.000-07:002012-03-18T00:30:02.483-07:00Tina's WeddingI was very excited to be invited to go to Tina's (one of the girls I work with) wedding. No only is Tina awesome, gorgeous and deserves every happiness in life, she and her now husband John, are Aussie-Greek and we had heard at work all about the plans for their a smallish (375!) Greek Orthodox wedding. My first Greek wedding.<br />
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-77504281045481383212012-03-15T00:25:00.000-07:002012-03-15T00:25:00.374-07:00February in the Kitchen Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The garden was really starting to thrive in Dec-Jan, when, we moved. I kept a few smaller things (capsicum plant, herbs) but ripped most of it out (and into the worm farm) as we were concerned about how we were going to move it all. We need not have worried, our friendly removalists berated me for having removed most of the plants and some of the soil (quote from one of the guys "have you seen the muscles on that guy?!"), but, too late, it was done.<br />
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So, Jan was pretty much start all over again. I do have some photos of 'January in the Kitchen Garden' however I think they are currently 'stuck' on my old phone, hopefully I can get them later.<br />
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We jump straight to February:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XFm_NRI-9Sg/T1xeU2x9HjI/AAAAAAAACEE/Y-7tUQL9rRY/s1600/IMG_0292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XFm_NRI-9Sg/T1xeU2x9HjI/AAAAAAAACEE/Y-7tUQL9rRY/s640/IMG_0292.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Left to right:</div>
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Smokey's pot - Bottle Brush & Cat Grass</div>
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Square Foot Garden - Tomato x2, Capsicum, Bean, Corn, Carrots x3 'plots', Marigolds</div>
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Large pot - Zuchini</div>
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Four white herb pots - Lettuce, Rosemary & Mint, Parsley & Thyme, Oregano & something that repels mozzies</div>
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Large pot & climbing - Sweet Potato</div>
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Little white pot - Strawberry</div>
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From the other direction</div>
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Because I had to hit 'reset' on the garden, apart from the odd herbs, I had not really harvested anything from the garden... until late Feb. These cheesy zuchini enchiladas were the first meal made using produce from the garden, a HUGE zuchini.</div>
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Since then I have also bought myself (another) cooking book... Stephanie Alexander's Kitchen Garden Cooking with Kids. With ideas from this book I have massively increased the amount of herbs I am using and it has helped shape my plans for what to plant next. Anyone interested in kitchen gardening and simple cooking from scratch, especially a novice like me, I can't recommend it highly enough!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-1485689455410269732012-03-11T03:44:00.001-07:002012-03-11T03:44:34.136-07:00Smokey update - Jan-Mar 2012We might love the new house, but there is one member of our family who does not. His-Royal-Highness, Sir Bugalugs, Mr Smokey. He has become uber-demanding and crying frequently especially at night. He didn't seem to mind being shifted interstate but down the road...<br />
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It has been so bad at times that we were worried our neighbours might complain and we get evicted (we do have permission to have him here). We have tried all sorts of things, lots of cuddles, making designated Smokey places, bowls of water all over the house, initially keeping him inside only... then rigging up chicken wire and his own climbing frame so he can at least explore the backyard and (from the vet) pheromone spray and diffuser.<br />
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He does seem to be settling down bit by bit, we are now having 'good nights' and 'bad nights'. Last night we had less crying and back to the smoochy Smokey we know, though, it was a bit tricky at times to sleep with him on our chest, back or feet.<br />
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Smokey's stairs/climbing frame. That is our bedroom window.</div>
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Whatcha doin Matt? Can I play too?</div>
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He is cute, when sleeping.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-45755282009138186512012-03-11T03:44:00.000-07:002012-03-11T03:44:16.554-07:00New Home (and no phone)Sorry I have been a bit slack of late. Life has been busy and a bit disorganised. I have finally nabbed some computer time from Matt and Liam and will hopefully do a couple of posts tonight.<br />
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To further complicate things slightly, my (smart) phone has died (i.e. it was often my camera and browser). It was on its last legs for a while and a repair under warranty kept it going for a bit longer, but it has now completely gone (RIP Nexus One). I did toy with the idea of getting another, I think Matt was drooling at the thought of having a Nexus Prime in the house, but I have decided (with permission from work) to consolidate my work and personal mobiles. For the past 2.5 years I have been juggling with two mobiles... keeping both of them charged and available when needed. The downside is a change of personal mobile number. I will do a mass email and continue to forward my old phone to my new one for a couple more weeks.<br />
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On to the fun stuff... our new home. It's great! Exactly what we had been looking for. Has made waiting for the right thing to come by worth it. It is still in the Inner West (next suburb over but not quite as close to my work as we were hoping), terrace/duplex, single story, we think federation (not too hard to work out which part of the house is original and which came later), two bedrooms, small but adequate bathroom, massive retro-awesome kitchen, concrete back yard and separate garage. Let's have a walk-thru:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dIEqgnKDEkE/T1xDkzLTuaI/AAAAAAAACCQ/q_LmixWzk-c/s1600/IMG_0277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dIEqgnKDEkE/T1xDkzLTuaI/AAAAAAAACCQ/q_LmixWzk-c/s400/IMG_0277.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Front door, hallway with Liam's bedroom door on the left. This is one half of the hallway... it is huge. <br />This part (the original part) of the house also has beautiful, ornate and high ceilings.<br />The lighting is bad (phone camera), but the walls are grey, with white ceilings and a darker grey trim. <br />The carpet is a grey-cream, tawny according to Matt.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_z-c945_TII/T1xDZ8uxBcI/AAAAAAAACB4/NhqzJke0R1E/s1600/IMG_0275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_z-c945_TII/T1xDZ8uxBcI/AAAAAAAACB4/NhqzJke0R1E/s400/IMG_0275.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our room, again, huge! (please excuse the mess)<br />We have furniture from 1.5 rooms of our old place and it still feels nice and spacious. <br />Yes, that is an air-con on the wall too :)<br />Liam's room is roughly the same size, just no built-ins or air con. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Living space number one, our lounge room. <br />To the left (out of shot) is a non-functional fireplace.<br /> We have our TV etc there.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5NQL_W2krAs/T1xD5vtWAkI/AAAAAAAACDA/IpgIRhdmQkw/s1600/IMG_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5NQL_W2krAs/T1xD5vtWAkI/AAAAAAAACDA/IpgIRhdmQkw/s400/IMG_0283.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am standing in the doorway you can see in the previous shot.<br />2nd living space, that we are using as a study, and thru the archway to the kitchen.<br />We have mentally divided the room in half with a desk and bookshelf each.<br />Matt is sitting at his desk, studying.<br />Mine is to the right (out of shot) where the red guitar is.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHieH1sP2Gk/T1xECvZc9GI/AAAAAAAACDQ/_fANxQ8X68g/s1600/IMG_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHieH1sP2Gk/T1xECvZc9GI/AAAAAAAACDQ/_fANxQ8X68g/s400/IMG_0285.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So much bench space. This is about 2/5ths - the rest is to the left, you can see some in the last picture.<br />Also, beautiful big windows and cooking with gas!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kdeEaO04a68/T1xEDW3nu3I/AAAAAAAACDg/pssrRcwGfPs/s1600/IMG_0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kdeEaO04a68/T1xEDW3nu3I/AAAAAAAACDg/pssrRcwGfPs/s320/IMG_0286.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The necessities: toilet - left, bathroom - middle, laundry - right (you can just see it in the previous shot).<br />Not as nice as the rest of the place and our old unit, but functional.</span></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15278623113195424539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954992656242975345.post-86647147215254688792012-01-21T02:04:00.000-08:002012-01-21T02:04:37.304-08:00Xmas 2011, part 4/4 - Davey and CurtisThe 'real' Xmas afternoon was spent with my family - as there are currently no small kids we tend to have a few too many wine / champers / cider / beer and go into food comas from mum, Grandma, Anita and Bree's fantastic cooking. Unfortunately by this time I didn't have the energy to take happy snaps, here are a few the next morning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GxQlHkOdSnQ/TvyedyNlK2I/AAAAAAAABxQ/8McgBgr7cKU/s1600/shot_1324852068025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GxQlHkOdSnQ/TvyedyNlK2I/AAAAAAAABxQ/8McgBgr7cKU/s320/shot_1324852068025.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad, Mum and Kimmee on Dad's pressie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qozvRmBPsm4/Tvye2L-g2iI/AAAAAAAABxQ/FR6uaAHCNJw/s1600/shot_1324852486782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qozvRmBPsm4/Tvye2L-g2iI/AAAAAAAABxQ/FR6uaAHCNJw/s320/shot_1324852486782.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad & Grandad testing it out</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6otS9YEcJko/TvyeqcSBVyI/AAAAAAAABxQ/0gLjUILOH0o/s1600/shot_1324852026690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6otS9YEcJko/TvyeqcSBVyI/AAAAAAAABxQ/0gLjUILOH0o/s320/shot_1324852026690.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joel and Bree's emu</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvrEwMSOYpg/TvyeF5I8c8I/AAAAAAAABxQ/2bEgCootCyU/s1600/shot_1324852118569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cvrEwMSOYpg/TvyeF5I8c8I/AAAAAAAABxQ/2bEgCootCyU/s320/shot_1324852118569.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the dogs got pressies this year.</td></tr>
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