tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5479206739273298832024-03-13T21:39:39.774-07:00NINKERSJAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-90186281916534756612020-12-22T13:31:00.011-08:002020-12-22T22:45:41.954-08:00Twas the Week Before Christmas<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOPBXMJchYS9KlyNKANFpksAcweGjB-_VcyMZafdOgYWGovnyxjjNFkJa2tO_ZVyYt64kOVuW9I3HhosePU_SFVsuETtPof3FuThQjLMcKnr7RWBFvbIYurlvO7Vj8sf59YdzP5U-pNg/s600/depositphotos_16307151-stock-photo-sleigh-of-santa-taking-off.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOPBXMJchYS9KlyNKANFpksAcweGjB-_VcyMZafdOgYWGovnyxjjNFkJa2tO_ZVyYt64kOVuW9I3HhosePU_SFVsuETtPof3FuThQjLMcKnr7RWBFvbIYurlvO7Vj8sf59YdzP5U-pNg/s320/depositphotos_16307151-stock-photo-sleigh-of-santa-taking-off.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Twas the week
of Christmas 2020, when all through the land. </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Everyone was
nervous, there’s a pandemic at hand.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The plastic
gloves and glen20 where hung on the mantel with care and toilet paper a plenty
on that we don’t spare. </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Stay
COVID safe these germs are not something to share.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We are all
looking forward to spending time with family and friends, and the day when
COVID 19 finally comes to an end.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The
children where nestled and snug in their beds, while the horrors of home schooling
play in their heads.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And Mamma
in her gown and I in my mask had just woken up we had long been in bed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When all of
a sudden, the phones started beeping and making a clatter, I had to get up to see what was the matter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I ran to the lounge and turned on the TV, and there was the news – my heart filled
with dread.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The reporters
told me what I needed to know, a new hot spot in NSW had started to grow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Then what
to my wondering eyes should appear, but SCOMO, Greg Hunt and Josh Frydenberg
too,<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And a
sleigh full of Premiers telling us what we must do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">More rapid
than eagles his National Cabinet came, and he introduced them to the media and
called them by name:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, Gladys!
Now, Anna! Now, Steven and Dan. On, Gunner On, Peter, on Andrew and Mark McGowan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">To our
screens they all came and all said their bit, the boarders must close on our
hands we won’t sit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">People
started panicking to cross boarders if time would allow, to get to their
families for Christmas was the priority now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As I went
back to watch TV and catch up with the News, SCOMO was stating the Government
views.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Doctor
Kelly on hand talking of flattening the curve, and what it involves, but
SCOMO would not let it weaken his resolve.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">His demeanor
oh how calming!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His words so soothing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His smile is quite cheeky, and his spin is just
oozing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>No more Scotty from Marketing but
a Leader with flair, how did he get there in only in 1 year.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">He
continues along the constitutional lines, these decisions are State based,
and to try and over turn would be asinine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The National Cabinet has defined their hot spots and we have to learn to
live with them if we like it or not.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our economy
is good, compared with most, though we don't like to boast. With Job Seeker, Job Keeper, Job Maker and tax cuts economic stimulus is an absolute must.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We hope and
we pray for those so unwell, we wait for the vaccine but on that we can’t
dwell. 77 Million cases and nearly 2 million dead, these are the stats we
really should dread.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This virus is lethal so get it through your heads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay home if can, sanitize your hands, socially
distance from others and wear a mask is the plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Get tested, if unwell or in a hot spot and
then stay at home and just stop the rot.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Keep your
family safe and remember those who have passed, to this horrible virus that
stuck us so fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">2020 is different, on
that there’s no doubt, but we will come through this if we just bear it
out.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">One day we’ll look back and
remember these days, and how they made us better in so many ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So this
year, be thankful for your health, your family and friends
and one day soon this virus will end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I heard them exclaim as they went out of sight - Merry Christmas to all and
to all a Good Night.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Julie-Ann
Crossley<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">May your Christmas be happy, may your Christmas be bright and in 2021 we should all see the light.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">22 December
2020<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">At the time
of penning this the Statistics where <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">77.6M cases
world wide<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">1.7M deaths<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Australia:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>28,198 cases<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Australia
908 deaths<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Qld 6
deaths<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Christmas 2019
I had never heard of COVID<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our
Government in all forms has given us a great result, they all worked together
regardless of their Party Lines and got us through something horrific.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We thank you for your hard work.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-44983202071291566212020-04-18T16:43:00.000-07:002020-04-18T16:43:32.334-07:00That was the week that was<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Easter - been and gone, it didn't go any slower but it was just more lonely. We had been at home not going any where for 8 days so it was a bit of a treat to go shopping on Wednesday. Another quick in and out - no hanging around, but still good to get out.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We did also go to Volunteer Marine Rescue where surprise surprise every man and his dog was out boating and of course they where all breaking down and needing assistance - so much for social distancing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With D1 getting married in just over 2 weeks and everything now being cancelled we did have to go out yesterday - some shops at the local home base where open and one that sells artificial flowers, so we did get a bouquet and some flower pots for decorating. Its funny as soon as I go out like that I always come home feeling sick - psychosomatic I suppose or hope anyway.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That is the silly thing about weddings and D1 was quite upset yesterday because here she is only allowed to get married in front of 2 people (excluding the celebrant and themselves) and yet 20 people are allowed to aimlessly wander around The Outlet Shop most not really buying anything and if they did it just seemed so superficial - it upset her a lot as they have been working at home now for 4 weeks and really have gone nowhere, they didn't even know that petrol was so cheap as they haven't needed any for so long.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It looks like it is going to be a progressive wedding (where there's a will there's a way) - no doubt something they will talk about for the rest of their lives getting married in a pandemic. I am proud they still want to get married regardless that's the important bit. Get married in front of Derek and I, then we clear out, and its done again for his parents to be apart of . They go to the photographers house for pics, then drive by to say hi to Granny. I hope it's a nice day for it they deserve it. Their sisters miss out , but hopefully soon we can all be together to celebrate.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How proud are you of our Prime Minister - ScoMo is doing such a great job - how much has changed for him in the the last few months, there he was being ridiculed about not being here for the bush fires and then not reacting fast enough etc - so he obviously learnt a very valuable lesson - get everyone working together not apart, and that has given us all so much more confidence in the health of our country. I hope that arse hole who would not shake his hand is rethinking how lucky he is we have a strong and stable Government and Leader.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the other hand I have to say while I had thought that Trump was doing a good job in the US generally - yes different to other Leaders, definitely not regal, he did seem to have the economy in better shape - but the last couple of weeks OMG he really just looks and sounds like a fool. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-54249161422656217262020-04-12T16:13:00.000-07:002020-04-12T16:13:01.209-07:00Easter Monday<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbncDxmW6d219RmHpI5NO-brmLlFInfZp7IvwC7lMtF09SqyBQgUGEdIORVzixMNOHBJjQWfGzkr-bCm7mi6eIEn8EyJPySHX1z6UozVzZcS_Vz8E9Mn0rCB7I2F9fC4K8Uy2-aEo9sc/s1600/Facebook+-+Google+Chrome+13_04_2020+9_09_30+AM+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="637" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbncDxmW6d219RmHpI5NO-brmLlFInfZp7IvwC7lMtF09SqyBQgUGEdIORVzixMNOHBJjQWfGzkr-bCm7mi6eIEn8EyJPySHX1z6UozVzZcS_Vz8E9Mn0rCB7I2F9fC4K8Uy2-aEo9sc/s200/Facebook+-+Google+Chrome+13_04_2020+9_09_30+AM+%25282%2529.png" width="183" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just another day - finding anything to do is becoming boring. Its even hard to call anyone and get excitement because guess what they are doing nothing as well. If you are doing the right thing then chances are you are bored and if your friends and family are doing the right thing they are also bored. We all understand why and it is about trying to find something more to do that keeps you occupied even if just for half an hour.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While the numbers look good here in Australia - it is of course the amount of people returning form overseas that is causing the issue and because our testing really hasn't been anyone feeling ill its hard to know how many people are walking around with the thing and just not aware of it - that's the scary part. As someone posted on Facebook the other day, if someone said there is a shooter at your local shopping center just randomly shooting people chances are you wouldn't just pop down for some bread.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I finished doing all my shopping last Tuesday so that in fact we did not have to leave the house for 1 whole week for anything - it is amazing</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> how a little trip to the shops does fill in your day - while I haven't spent much time at the shops in the last month, it is about thinking about what you need, getting in the car, getting out of the car and getting into the shops fast - it is still an outing and without that this week gosh it is hard there isn't much to break up the day.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbncDxmW6d219RmHpI5NO-brmLlFInfZp7IvwC7lMtF09SqyBQgUGEdIORVzixMNOHBJjQWfGzkr-bCm7mi6eIEn8EyJPySHX1z6UozVzZcS_Vz8E9Mn0rCB7I2F9fC4K8Uy2-aEo9sc/s1600/Facebook+-+Google+Chrome+13_04_2020+9_09_30+AM+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A small price to pay I suppose for the well being of everyone and that's what is important - everyone coming out of this on the other side.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">D2 posted a good one asking her friends to refrain from having sex because she wouldn't be able to afford 27 baby showers in December - there will be a lot of 2020 babes born as there always is when these types of things happen. My neighbor is pregnant and its scary for her - as she has to go to Doctors etc but she is being a good girl and primarily staying away from everything as well as having cravings for things she can't get - so while we are all a bit bored spare a thought for others.</span></div>
JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-24300529552422401312020-04-10T13:25:00.000-07:002020-04-10T13:25:10.616-07:00Easter Saturday<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have been self isolating since the first week of March - the last time we went out was the 2nd March with the exception of shopping for food. While we would normally keep away from everything over public holidays and school holidays this year we are beginning to go a bit stir crazy. I suppose that what happens when you are an early adapter. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Normally I would be tired after a big day of entertaining, and looking down the barrel of a big clean, but not this year. This year everything is sparkling because we have continued to find little projects each day that could be done like clean out a cupboard, clean up the garden, but really now we literally have no projects left to really do.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know the kids are also going a bit stir crazy, D1 and boyfriend (soon to be husband in 4 weeks) have been working from home for 4 weeks now and they too are finding it difficult to keep themselves busy when not working and each day is becoming a little more like the same.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We try to only watch the early news in the morning and then the nightly news at 6pm because the day can just get away from you watching the same information all day long. At first it was sort of OK to keep up to date with whats going on as there were messages from every politician but that has also faded a bit. Me I now follow ScoMo on facebook because that's the truth and Annasticia Palaszczuk, this gives me a good overview of our National information and our State information. I am not saying the TV networks aren't doing a good job, because I think in the main they are - not a lot of fake news at the moment and they are I believe trying hard to keep it real, but I don't want the watered down versions of press conferences, I don't want their opinion on what these people are saying, I want to hear it from the horses head and not the horses arse so to speak.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jt-w3qYEnU4Pd_pEv4PoyGMout1iq_cZ-Vg-6RCrZdxoGS-htjNHgJHA1EVNVQbkvvRSJ72o1a2w0nnQl3WnCsi0BpJ29GX1TvjM2HTNQmlXYOBrG2wo_XEkLnLn431V2IE69C7lcsA/s1600/93258600_10158413589373991_1980213131590238208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="922" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jt-w3qYEnU4Pd_pEv4PoyGMout1iq_cZ-Vg-6RCrZdxoGS-htjNHgJHA1EVNVQbkvvRSJ72o1a2w0nnQl3WnCsi0BpJ29GX1TvjM2HTNQmlXYOBrG2wo_XEkLnLn431V2IE69C7lcsA/s320/93258600_10158413589373991_1980213131590238208_n.jpg" width="307" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Australia has done an amazing job, ScoMo and his national cabinet what a stroke of genius, able to put all those people together to make one team and that is such a great thing to see, it will also mean there really shouldn't be any finger pointing when we reach the other side. We are one! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also I am particularly over football players and their woes - who cares, from where I sit they should all be sacked and let a new group come through but under different guidelines so sporting stars (or so they think) understand they are not above it all and the people who really pay their wages are hurting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is so sad to see pictures of mass burials in New York, and other places where the bodies are left on the roadside - and yet we still see people not taking it seriously and that is so annoying. Lets keep our fingers crossed that Australia continues on its path, as we seem to be fairing better than most.</span></div>
JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-65272584594409070012020-04-09T12:06:00.000-07:002020-04-09T12:06:40.475-07:00Happy Easter<div style="text-align: justify;">
S<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">uch a different feeling this year to most Easters. I hope everyone gets the message to Stay@Home this year - even though there are lots of things we would prefer to be doing - it's hard.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHVFnws9lN82FWAw54Rv0bPjkCoeOdR6SH-u4ym5RmgA_KxCz3zGeX7GCgy7rLApXYq701c35GqKGIQIJt8X3-OXZwbwxQXMgqSEEFGfFIkSFiDA-kH44LTwI5hhpf_G-d2Hr9yPbMBU/s1600/getting+ready+for+Easter+Essential+Corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHVFnws9lN82FWAw54Rv0bPjkCoeOdR6SH-u4ym5RmgA_KxCz3zGeX7GCgy7rLApXYq701c35GqKGIQIJt8X3-OXZwbwxQXMgqSEEFGfFIkSFiDA-kH44LTwI5hhpf_G-d2Hr9yPbMBU/s200/getting+ready+for+Easter+Essential+Corner.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Generally at this time of the day as I write this I would be getting everything ready for our big family Easter celebrations. We always do this on Good Friday because generally nothing is open (but hey that's just life now) no one can really go anywhere - again because nothing is open so it is a good time for us to all get together as a family and still give everyone else time to do other things over the nice long 4 day break.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year however I was able to spend some time getting things to deliver to all my beautiful family who I am missing so much so they can Stay@Home and stay safe. It was a challenge but over 3-4 weeks every time I went shopping I just popped some extra things into my shopping bag - what I can put in my own shopping bag doesn't get purchased. I don't want to use trolleys even though I see them being cleaned I prefer to take my own big bag and one other and use the self check out to reduce the strain on the girls at the check out and reduce spreading anything, this also generally means that I can just do a pay wave because it is under the $100 limit again reducing the need to touch things. I also found it stopped me from just going ooooh that might come in handy - being limited to only those things that fit in my bag made me understand exactly what I was looking for.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7hL6eJ-d6rGKe2Hw9Kh8fzd0UwoEdMCQZuTnQSmq-LUuzpTQirIMRmsEJ4ygZp8qnHAjgWfM_hWtxr-RawlesOzAyZK7J_e7Ef8SVOclQndCqqgKP9kE7UwtFDUZ2gcPNisVsHeTyDo/s1600/useful+basket+for+easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7hL6eJ-d6rGKe2Hw9Kh8fzd0UwoEdMCQZuTnQSmq-LUuzpTQirIMRmsEJ4ygZp8qnHAjgWfM_hWtxr-RawlesOzAyZK7J_e7Ef8SVOclQndCqqgKP9kE7UwtFDUZ2gcPNisVsHeTyDo/s200/useful+basket+for+easter.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So for as long as I can remember we have celebrated Easter on Good Friday - I would buy so many Easter Eggs and Easter goodies and food so that we could have a lovely day all together eating, playing games. I would now generally be getting Julies Yummy Corner ready but not this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week I went to my useful box where I store all my various holiday and special occasions decorations - got out my Easter stuff (all Corona virus free) and packed up everyone what we called Julies Easter Essentials pack so everyone could have the joy of food, essential products that are often hard to find and Stay@Home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think everyone enjoyed their delivery and enjoyed all the bits and pieces in it - things we take for granted most of the time but today are just hard to get.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAGyWJC4rfjzjrQ9hMZSLcdfh66hLmhh9k1bVbmEwcIBanh8SjYjxkcWBrCDuje851ZSFMSWtLA32JzgjPGd7Tg8nVFYnNXTJhnfM847-QPo6rslb_26hfg5APC_BepgPiNqDimfCuko/s1600/Delivery+of+Easter+Essential+Pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAGyWJC4rfjzjrQ9hMZSLcdfh66hLmhh9k1bVbmEwcIBanh8SjYjxkcWBrCDuje851ZSFMSWtLA32JzgjPGd7Tg8nVFYnNXTJhnfM847-QPo6rslb_26hfg5APC_BepgPiNqDimfCuko/s320/Delivery+of+Easter+Essential+Pack.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope it is a Good Friday and everyone Stays At Home and our numbers reduce so that we can get out again soon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!</span></div>
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JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-20184489225428489882020-04-07T17:23:00.002-07:002020-04-07T20:05:06.764-07:00April 8th Thoughts<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We have so much information at our fingertips these days and I must say I was surprised that so many people really couldn't see what others in the world where facing and didn't see it was going to happen here. Sometimes you are just better off being prepared - nothing lost if the worst doesn't happen, but better safe than sorry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As per one of my previous posts our little group started way earlier than most, and therefore we where not in a panic. As I also said, we where not hording but ensuring we could sit it out for a few weeks without worry, without stuff, and without useless stuff. That is what has amazed me, people buying large amounts of stuff that I wonder would you normally buy that many beans - whats the point in having stuff that you don't normally eat, that you don't normally prepare - but when there isn't much on the shelves because you haven't prepared maybe that is what happens - but to me it was clearly out there earlier than most wanted to believe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We are so lucky here to be honest - but it still surprises me that many just do not get the Stay@Home message and feel like they must go out, must socialise. Yes it is hard but I will say I have seen people walking around our suburb I have never seen out and about before - so maybe there will be a lot more fitter people when this is finished, but what did they do before? That is what perplexes me, did they really spend that much time at pubs, restaurants, casinos just generally out shopping because a lot of these folks don't look like they have been out on the beaches exercising etc for a very long time. Or is it now that they are meant to sit down, have a beer and watch telly the don't want to because it is more about rebellion.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am still surprised by people who go shopping in groups - yes I know the kids want to get out as well but it is so much harder to keep your distance when everyone is in groups. This is probably more to do with smaller blocks and not enough room really for the kids to romp around on like we did and our kids did. My kids could play for hours out in the yard, collecting things, making things, running around but then again we had larger yards. Maybe governments should be rethinking block sizes and instead of trying to get as many blocks into an area look at making application fees smaller for larger blocks so that families can be at home with enough space. The space provides more for everyone to do while staying at home. It could be that kids are now just use to being carted out and about as well, most people I knew when my kids where growing up didn't take their kids to the shops - they where left at home with Dad but now it does seem like a bit of a family event - have we really just lost touch so much. I will say that most of the kids in our area seem to be happy, I haven't really heard any whinging so maybe they are happier than what parents think, but it's the parents that are bored.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So today our Parliament is sitting to pass the Job Keeper package - I feel this is great and of course there will be winners and losers there always is, but I am not feeling for the OS Students to be honest - they signed a form to say they could support themselves 12 months - evidently they can't so go home, go to a family members home and yes they may well have paid some tax but how much can you pay when you are a student they would have made more than they have paid in tax and how much are they making each week - why should they get a Job Keeper $1500 a fortnight when New Start now Job Seeker is only $250 a week (yes it is also being increased in this pandemic, but apparently that was enough for people without jobs to live on in the past).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now on to the whingers and whiners about the quarantining that started 2 weeks ago, they say it wasn't well planned - guess what it wasn't but it was necessary to reduce the spread, I would be interested to know how may left Australia for their oversea trip after mid Feb when travel warning where already in play - to me that wasn't good planning.</span></div>
JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-19134537661277465262020-04-06T17:47:00.000-07:002020-04-06T18:13:43.345-07:00A Letter to Greta<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A LETTER TO
GRETA<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">RE: Be
careful what you wish for<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It has
occurred to me in the last few weeks, that I have not seen your somewhat
miserable face telling the world what we all need to do<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and realized there is a new kid in town – one
who seems to be getting all the attention and to some extent is fulfilling your
wishes within weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While
everyone understood your desire for a cleaner world, (we all wish that) it was
not understanding what would actually make that happen practically, the new kid
does! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A cleaner world was only ever
going to happen by:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reducing
population – the new kid has that one under control.</span></span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reducing
consumption – of things and food – again the new kid seems to have managed to
keep our consumption of everything reduced, everyone will be eating less,
buying less.</span></span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reducing
travel – planes, trains and automobiles (you know plus ships etc) are big
polluters – it is now just about non-existent – yes still occurring but reduced
significantly and reducing the carbon emissions with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The new kid did that!</span></span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Acting and
staying local – unfortunately you cannot make a cleaner world while everyone
wants something that is imported from overseas – things get to you from the big
polluters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Staying local and buying
local will reduce transportation needs and make the world a cleaner place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That new kid knows how to keep everyone at
home.</span></span></li>
<li><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reducing
manufacturing – without consumption there is no need to mass produce – now we
are only producing necessary items – thus reducing emissions and making the world
a cleaner place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Less greed, less
entitlement – less emissions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The new
kid understands that.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Reducing
farting cows is not the issue today is it?</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Petrochemicals are the cheapest they have been in a decade, however
there is no need for them given we are not going anywhere.</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Reduced emissions thanks to Stay@Home and
isolation.</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">It is a new world for the
time being and no doubt cleaner, but was this what you were really wanting?</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fighting
climate change and COVID 19 on both fronts probably isn’t necessary except to
keep you in the media as the new kid is getting the lime light.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are
more but while you want to promote a cleaner world for the future – maybe you
are getting a small picture into what that practically means.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not pretty and it’s not nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your parents allowed you to be entitled by
providing an environment for you – I understand that, but all your cohorts are
on a band wagon and from what I see do not really practice what they preach in
the main it’s about notoriety, and making a living out of being seen, but none
of us is being seen anymore because the new kid has changed that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Influencers are not required anymore it was
always a hyped up look at me unsustainable reality – it is now about substance
and getting back to basics. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So be careful what you wish for - you may get it just not in the package you thought it would come in.</span></span></div>
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JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-11556580920649530742020-04-05T17:23:00.001-07:002020-04-06T17:24:45.670-07:002020 Oooh Dear<div style="text-align: justify;">
T<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">his is now about giving me something to do while in lock down and to provide me with my own account on how we are all getting through in our little bit of the world, it will help me to remember and it will help me to continually focus on the important things in life. So this is my little COVID 19 diary.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJwn2KyS8rSKUvyZAVc1QUYh8fU6vEBJsegzrWwCM8GEJqIOk0x7YNSdVBzPuprm1toIcYVH0MFmOFJHPh4-2LKBOBaACHKA8HZ0eqQQ7KkTBsExoC9gSgE_6MDDYdF-i6hKFCfMEdIU/s1600/72312208_401212843900922_3024357425420435456_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJwn2KyS8rSKUvyZAVc1QUYh8fU6vEBJsegzrWwCM8GEJqIOk0x7YNSdVBzPuprm1toIcYVH0MFmOFJHPh4-2LKBOBaACHKA8HZ0eqQQ7KkTBsExoC9gSgE_6MDDYdF-i6hKFCfMEdIU/s200/72312208_401212843900922_3024357425420435456_n.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the Birthday Parties - </span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">we will be together again!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While I usually write something at the end or beginning of the year about our year what we did, what we are going to do I didn't this year. It wasn't that we didn't do anything in 2019, because we did. We bought a new camper trailer and we went off many times. We tried to go places we hadn't been before and continued to discover lovely parts of our world here at home, places more isolated than we would normally go.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79Y3_NbJkXSBqgcK_Y9GN8xr0oJrf40z9LEpY0ixWDs2rdsE4gVgVwnmHLc5HNfPJMS433SNcFXzf5OYAAtHdIHzrA_5oSQTWoQWaHF4y4s2lTiPvMfQOYK64jnUO_1Dh8zBqp6XZraY/s1600/Before+and+After+of+Alexs+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79Y3_NbJkXSBqgcK_Y9GN8xr0oJrf40z9LEpY0ixWDs2rdsE4gVgVwnmHLc5HNfPJMS433SNcFXzf5OYAAtHdIHzrA_5oSQTWoQWaHF4y4s2lTiPvMfQOYK64jnUO_1Dh8zBqp6XZraY/s320/Before+and+After+of+Alexs+garden.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The after and before of D1s garden - felt exhausted</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We made some changes to our Birthdays in 2019, no presents just everyone's presence - going to local pubs and everyone chipping in. That was fun and it meant we all got together every month or so and went out as a family. That was a real highlight for me, just happy, fun and loving.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The end of the year got hijacked as Mum (87) fell and broke her knee and that took the best part of the end </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">of the year to get her recuperated. D1 and boyfriend moved out of our home here and </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">bought their first house - so moving and gardening and fixing bits and pieces rounded out 2019. Family type stuff which happens. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjic26BfkU8yPNSyj4HuVAwT-hppOs1y__nAv-GERvUZ49pvqRpeL0L5gJtqW6_8xmJ869yxV2uX8rgv9IDiNk6A77dPN6SDIwMqIQORLYI4WgAzpPst3ioevJB03EiQKlW4X5wtoNhPlY/s1600/IMAG1449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="520" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjic26BfkU8yPNSyj4HuVAwT-hppOs1y__nAv-GERvUZ49pvqRpeL0L5gJtqW6_8xmJ869yxV2uX8rgv9IDiNk6A77dPN6SDIwMqIQORLYI4WgAzpPst3ioevJB03EiQKlW4X5wtoNhPlY/s320/IMAG1449.jpg" width="179" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course we did have our normal mega Christmas - something I am always grateful for having everyone at home but we where less generous on the present giving and more generous with the love and I loved that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What where we going to do in 2020 - well we did have some plans but as 2019 and 2020 ended and started so bad with drought and fires we sort of just put everything on hold. Those events seemed so devastating and just felt going away wasn't necessary. In hindsight I am so glad we made those calls.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We where also planning D1s wedding which was scheduled for the beginning of May, so we had plenty of lovely things going on - you know dress shopping, trial makeups etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fast forward to Feb - we had started to learn of the WuHan Virus now called COVID 19 - like most of these things we are not generally too affected, however I really did start to see the increase and what was happening elsewhere in the world - it was frightening, it was sad and heartbreaking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By the last week of February I did decide to withdraw my superannuation - I just felt this virus was going to cause havoc - it did and I am glad I withdrew because it gave me more money to look after my family in these times. In January Woolworths gave emergency service works (which we are) 10% discount so I did a big shop on all the expensive items like cleaning products, loo paper, sanitisers toiletries etc - that too was a God send, it meant by February I had a good stock of all of these things. I did at that time also get the girls to begin getting food in case we go into a lock down - now this was well before others where as I said to them just do bigger shops and look for long life stuff you know a Deb, frozen veg, rice, pasta and meat products for the fridge and freezer - just ensure you could survive for 2 or so weeks without needing to go out. We all did this at the end of Feb including me making sure Mum was well supplied as well - I did put her in lock down at the end of Feb for going out anywhere. We where lucky because it meant when there where big runs at the shops we where only topping up and being able to keep away entirely while all the panic buying was taking place - that was what I was hoping to achieve, keep us away from crowds. Being prepared to the best of our ability.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6owV1afKzjBOTgh7_M9Aj_6CVL5VaXMsw0aIFUzWC1MxiVCQEh8mwunf-G6JBFK806hPIXWWDlOQkYKSF4127mbQbChfCaF8np9E4eiaqkDQH2xPVLe_bitqeOye5alF152a9uwIBs2I/s1600/alexs+covid+19+pork+dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6owV1afKzjBOTgh7_M9Aj_6CVL5VaXMsw0aIFUzWC1MxiVCQEh8mwunf-G6JBFK806hPIXWWDlOQkYKSF4127mbQbChfCaF8np9E4eiaqkDQH2xPVLe_bitqeOye5alF152a9uwIBs2I/s320/alexs+covid+19+pork+dinner.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">D1s home cooked meal picked up and taken to their home<br />Now that is social distancing.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Derek and I have been self isolating with the exception of going to the shops and going to Volunteer Marine Rescue each week, we really wanted to stay safe so we can help others including Mum and the community we serve - boaties and boy have they all been out in force. Shopping now is my main activity as all the kids are working still (and they find it hard to get to the shops while there are stocks) and needing to get Mum stuff and then stuff for us I can shop early 7am and pick things up for everyone and then do the drop offs. At the moment it keeps me busy and feeling like Mum again.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r4ykyudG3pfEvbJ9pKVSVgYnImUrQ0E0nOI6YKMoOlDUogl4uRmG9bCretBT7tM1WFkhjv3H_FN6ZslsnGyxDOCRSuVSmoghU3Cizp7PGSxDQiL7GUJ3uK_2k3N25dTpqRNcbjcXkyM/s1600/P1160082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r4ykyudG3pfEvbJ9pKVSVgYnImUrQ0E0nOI6YKMoOlDUogl4uRmG9bCretBT7tM1WFkhjv3H_FN6ZslsnGyxDOCRSuVSmoghU3Cizp7PGSxDQiL7GUJ3uK_2k3N25dTpqRNcbjcXkyM/s320/P1160082.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We are also doing weekend cook ups for pick up by the kids so they can relax a bit and recuperate after what are now very hectic weeks for them, this is been good for me and gives me yet another little activity to do and then they drive by, pick up and we get to see them even if only for 5 mins - all with social distancing of course but it means we are having family meals even if we are not together. I like it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am now getting ready for Easter - there will not be a Julies Yummy Corner this year the first for many years, but there will be a Julies Essential COVID 19 Easter Essentials</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Pack being delivered to everyone I have spent the last couple of weeks finding odds and sods as they have been available. Stay Tuned and Stay at Home!</span></div>
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JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-88513885009710633742018-12-31T05:01:00.001-08:002019-06-02T15:43:18.880-07:00That was the year that was - Good Bye 2018 - Hello 2019<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVVkGTLsK97-YVDW4gEwvswiPeuB8MCqWesYmbN40L4YOr10CCxL3ecFyPemqaJPDOGdAS8_DoGmmHzQ18ru0dIPaUAmU57PMRX86k-D2cFGyxPV6EgWdnj7d2VpypAJ_4S8V6ST-Tf8/s1600/P1160514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1246" data-original-width="1600" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVVkGTLsK97-YVDW4gEwvswiPeuB8MCqWesYmbN40L4YOr10CCxL3ecFyPemqaJPDOGdAS8_DoGmmHzQ18ru0dIPaUAmU57PMRX86k-D2cFGyxPV6EgWdnj7d2VpypAJ_4S8V6ST-Tf8/s320/P1160514.JPG" width="320" /></a>It would appear our 2018 was "life is a beach", I didn't really think we did that much this year, but when I look back and really think about it, we didn't really stop and most things revolved around beaches, days at Volunteer Marine Rescue, taking our own boat out and then finding new 4WDing beaches to do. I really don't blog that much any more and that is probably due to the fact that life is just life. We have learnt to enjoy short holidays more often in our own back yard this year and I have blogged about those, and our 4WDing adventures so won't bore you with those again.<br />
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I don't feel we have stopped though, it is just different to other years, we have done a lot more family type things this year as well as well as learning and growing as individuals.<br />
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If I look back to this time last year, we have changed quite a lot including:<br />
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<li>Loosing weight - we have both dropped about 8 kilos this year - it was a goal we had since we retired, but just never really got around to addressing - me I still have a few to go but I do go up and down a bit but that journey started around April this year and I know we both feel better for it.</li>
<li>Reducing Dereks sugar levels - it is an on going trip for us but we are trying to keep his sugar levels into a more moderate range - some days are better than others however we keep plugging away at this.</li>
<li>Changing our smoking habits - it is what we do unfortunately, but I will say we have been able to make advances in changing this habit, from 2K a month to less than $500 per month so that in itself is a big change for us.</li>
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It was a year of leasurely pursuits.</div>
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January: Tennis ( it is our summer of tennis after all), and our first little 4wD trip to the border ranges<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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February: North Straddie and lots of beach 4WDing as well as our 14 River Crossings of the Condamine</div>
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March/April :our 30th Wedding Anniversary and travels to Yamba/Cresent Heads and Mums 86th Birthday</div>
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May/June: Mothers Day, D1's Birthday, My Birthday, Foster and Tuncurry plus painting Mums house</div>
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July: Lots of boating, Port MacQuarie</div>
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August: Bribie Island and Training for VMR</div>
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September: Dereks Birthday, Rainbow Beach</div>
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October: D1 moves back home and D2's Birthday</div>
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November: We find our little hide away at North Straddie and do several over nighters in the Wallaby tents</div>
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December: Xmas and a nice week at Ballina </div>
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So lots of beachy things, lots of 4Wding, lots of lovely country drives, and we never seemed to lack for things to do.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQcIvGFD13171FEE44__EckeKu37mh49Bot6ryQV5oQYIHMb5nsvroR9LPCDbPLrjk3nuZF19D58gs2xSHgv1QhHcr2xG5Bue5JwRlkuOajagvJAA1jB-GpUgNMahRGPZxBDy0tVbQuE/s1600/IMAG0606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1049" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQcIvGFD13171FEE44__EckeKu37mh49Bot6ryQV5oQYIHMb5nsvroR9LPCDbPLrjk3nuZF19D58gs2xSHgv1QhHcr2xG5Bue5JwRlkuOajagvJAA1jB-GpUgNMahRGPZxBDy0tVbQuE/s320/IMAG0606.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
While these are not big things, we did make a concerted effort to make lifestyle changes which we hope to continue through to 2019.<br />
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We tried to learn new things like 4WDing, painting, Derek got a Drone and has been learning how to concur that, as well as becoming a full MSQ Coxswain.<br />
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So life is changing for us, it isn't all about where we have been to any more, it is about where we as individuals want to be as people and that is a bit of a different journey. Yes we could jump on a plane and fly somewhere, do a tour etc but again we there isn't a lot of places we haven't been to , but right now it is about us finding US and the people we want to become, not about the places we want to go to. WE have leant to find nice little hide aways that provide us with a balance to our lives.<br />
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Family is a big focus for us right now, being there for those we love and as Mum becomes older it seems more and more important to spend time doing things for her and with her.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodVGCushgCOpf2Ie3KtbhucJEKNsZ9Ey0kymkIb6ac1dxrsYwRKa9Yuwvs_JsHUbQdqR5sS-mUyp9nKHfMRMmpzB6CJKxpVR6h7Q4KYaOfO3NNVjNJeE9qEh97reXBG9_8yv2G1GP0ds/s1600/P1160497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodVGCushgCOpf2Ie3KtbhucJEKNsZ9Ey0kymkIb6ac1dxrsYwRKa9Yuwvs_JsHUbQdqR5sS-mUyp9nKHfMRMmpzB6CJKxpVR6h7Q4KYaOfO3NNVjNJeE9qEh97reXBG9_8yv2G1GP0ds/s200/P1160497.JPG" width="200" /></a>D1 and D2 also now need our support in more ways than they did a few years ago and that fills the heart with so much more than travelling, helping them and doing things with them gives us so much pleasure right now that being here for them is important to us.<br />
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What does 2019 have in store, who knows at this point in time - will tell you same time next year.<br />
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<br />JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-78841864881423145632018-09-08T13:03:00.001-07:002018-09-08T13:32:01.899-07:00Old dogs can learn new tricks<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8Y9Xf7JGi2FEa_R2vI1yWReVXxJlIOKQUOh8nKpVbIgB4uNNw9Xk6_xh-O6KplaMppJ3Omhsmamulyc8ToRw7mgJ_khbL3kWC0VIPJ090R1YN3s8r97QCNQzR2dI_qPseEXtoidtYJ8/s1600/IMAG0731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="897" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8Y9Xf7JGi2FEa_R2vI1yWReVXxJlIOKQUOh8nKpVbIgB4uNNw9Xk6_xh-O6KplaMppJ3Omhsmamulyc8ToRw7mgJ_khbL3kWC0VIPJ090R1YN3s8r97QCNQzR2dI_qPseEXtoidtYJ8/s200/IMAG0731.jpg" width="111" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3Liqr71twACivkhnA0m5mR_ZR_WhiQd_sWtMRU4SlGmg14zg7cBMz19rAsOXOluJ2MFw2nDRUxGVmQQL0hM9cKnVBZp3rlLSmBBHtiqlIGs6I5JMbzmBIalhDgK2fzpANPpIVDo8Y0o/s1600/IMAG0750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="897" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3Liqr71twACivkhnA0m5mR_ZR_WhiQd_sWtMRU4SlGmg14zg7cBMz19rAsOXOluJ2MFw2nDRUxGVmQQL0hM9cKnVBZp3rlLSmBBHtiqlIGs6I5JMbzmBIalhDgK2fzpANPpIVDo8Y0o/s320/IMAG0750.jpg" width="177" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">The one thing we have learnt in retirement is to keep busy, learn new
things and be prepared to try and challenge yourself. I will admit there
are a lot of things we have done in the last 6 years (yes we have now been
retired for 6 years - how fast that has gone) that I would never have
imaged doing much less love doing them, if you have read some of my other blogs
camping and caravaning was one example but there are many more. Our
retirement journey has been quite different to what I would have thought it
would be, it was not what I had envisaged.</span></span><br />
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="color: black;">We seem to find new things that keep us
not only occupied but learning and taking on new challenges. Last year we
bought a 4WD and I did blog on our I-Venture Club trip to Moreton Island where
we learnt how to use a 4WD properly and get the value for money out of
them. So this year has seen us do a lot of beach and bush bashing, it has
been a fun new adventure for us as we discover not only new areas but also some
old ones with a new vantage point, but it also has helped us to think more
about where we go and what sort of driving might be available to us.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I don't suppose I realised just how many beaches there are that you are
able to drive on - let me tell you there is just nothing more beautiful than an
early morning beach drive it sure beats the motorway run each day!</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="color: black;">Originally we have bought the Isuzu in
case we wanted to do some 4WDing, when we traveled around Australia we did feel
there where a few places that we would have liked to explore, but because we
didn't have a 4WD could not go to. It also helped in our reducing our
cost of living by getting a diesel, (we are spending significantly less on fuel
these days) however it has turned out that we get a lot more from this
purchase and it has given us a whole new interest and reason to get up and go
and as I have said, in some instances they are new places we have never been
to, and in others places we have been many times but seeing only from a Street
view.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLJQiJAQOHOIgkTfvwW45zElU_pZaVI2JGnGIb33AuaMeb1TiW586-8mrgd7xtkBL2BGqZd-ADNNsskdtSZSsYyFLJFEKmEAt5SgKpAo6lnkNiLv2LSklh8rRTly8FuONQ3glI9pj0n8/s1600/IMAG0400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1600" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLJQiJAQOHOIgkTfvwW45zElU_pZaVI2JGnGIb33AuaMeb1TiW586-8mrgd7xtkBL2BGqZd-ADNNsskdtSZSsYyFLJFEKmEAt5SgKpAo6lnkNiLv2LSklh8rRTly8FuONQ3glI9pj0n8/s200/IMAG0400.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">It is fun to go back on old maps and see where there are national parks
with 4WDing tracks and of course beach drives. We felt very confident after our
I-Venture day to tackle these drives and knew what equipment we needed and must
say we are loving it.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="color: black;">We did the Moreton Island course in
August last year (<a href="http://ninker.blogspot.com/2017/08/isuzu-i-venture-club-giving-you.html"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I-Venture Day</span></a>) and felt
we really wanted to give this a better go, so in September we headed for one of
the iconic beaches in Queensland - Fraser Island, having a few lovely days at
Rainbow Beach and doing the Cooloola Coast beach drive as well. Yes at
first it was a bit nerve wracking but we started on the small run first -
sussed out the area to get on and off and you know we took our time, we probably
did look like silly old farts but we checked and then double checked and felt
quietly confident as we put our toes into the waters. That week was
exhilarating I must say and of course the beauty of these areas driving right
on the beach is so incredible, we all traveled around the world to see beauty,
but here it is just a few hours from home and most people in the world would
love to experience our vast beaches without a person in sight and nothing but
water views. Most beach drives generally include a bit of bush driving to get
on and off the beaches and these are particularly lovely as well. We love
Rainbow Beach and in the few years since we have started going there we are
really seeing change (not sure if that's great but most of it is being done in
consideration of the place itself).</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="color: black;">After the success of our beach drive we
started to look for day trips we could do from the Gold Coast - not a lot of
beach drives here but a lot of good national parks on the dirt side of 4WDing,
these are great for those beautiful Queensland days where you can just pack a
picnic and be back by dinner. We specifically loved The Border Ranges
National Park and the drive to get there was lovely - again places we have
driven through and by, but we have never done the national park because you
need a 4WD to do so - and of course the views did not disappoint. These
are great to fill in a day here and day there and we have enjoyed quite a few
now.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6QmkfFzkUL3zFMg5VmeIimBkqRy03yfeTUHMT8Miboiw3_Eb2jftVbt8bnxmsGrCPvbLRDyXtOv-apzUFHJelGhjES8pQstzBDm2-b3Zh54fjcIiEJ4NibBiQDGMXum2xExBPyhmzNI/s1600/P1150892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="1600" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6QmkfFzkUL3zFMg5VmeIimBkqRy03yfeTUHMT8Miboiw3_Eb2jftVbt8bnxmsGrCPvbLRDyXtOv-apzUFHJelGhjES8pQstzBDm2-b3Zh54fjcIiEJ4NibBiQDGMXum2xExBPyhmzNI/s200/P1150892.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotgI_mrORUxqka9xPaX8zSbEzpO7pPwUBSUj-oh12xhqINF-MofEdSKGnu3L5IG-LfQZkE50JaGqJu8qvw9iEqeQUZiofICyjeBpiTpQjYDl4OAusQ08JlL8Rf0P0EQeWZqJ2c4L8qmY/s1600/P1150883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotgI_mrORUxqka9xPaX8zSbEzpO7pPwUBSUj-oh12xhqINF-MofEdSKGnu3L5IG-LfQZkE50JaGqJu8qvw9iEqeQUZiofICyjeBpiTpQjYDl4OAusQ08JlL8Rf0P0EQeWZqJ2c4L8qmY/s200/P1150883.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since we
bought our Isuzu 4 others from VMR have as well so we decided to create our own
little VMR MUX Venture Club and took off to do the 14 River Crossing of the
Condamine - now this wasn't arduous in any way at the time we did it because at
that point we hadn't had a lot of rain, but for all of us it was the first time
we had done river crossings and it's nice to do things like this in a group,
another wonderful picnic by all and we did a little bit of bush trecking
through Queen Mary Falls so just a lovely day and the 14 Rivers track was just
so picturesque.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Other drives have included North Stradbroke Island - just beautiful,
Bribie Island, Foster/Toncurry Beaches and National Parks as well as Port
Macquarie region - making it both a NSW and Qld driving experience. All
of these came with a few lovely nights accommodation, and a discovery of new
places and beautiful scenery - as one of my friends put on a Facebook post of one
of our drives - "So Good for the Soul" and that it is. We have just finished the long beach drive from Bribie Island, Noosa to Rainbow and Rainbow to Fraser which is just a fantastic few days driving and a week or so away. So it
has been a bit of a hectic year with many new and lovely experiences for us.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCTAJauGKIbVdgJX9-ufJtYQDpJorwUXdT-1xNdJxAnmq9LxG0Y6gPH4xuEMiYVik4F0Ttekx4RmAHSVljqUH5SSps_bxLxflJQf8zMSScBdyGY9CkWJYutTgIZECQsvRB2qymaXDuuE/s1600/IMAG0606.jpg"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_7"
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="color: black;">In line with learning new things -
Derek has continued on his VMR journey and is now a Skipper - such a fantastic
achievement and this has given him so much confidence in both study, learning
and mentoring - in a great mateship environment. At times it was hard and
at times we both could have just thrown in the towel, but we hung on and he
continued to push himself and now is a MSQ Coxswain something he would never
have thought he would do.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh535lemCWB7C6GBru6VEQRLDoQZYj9lRGes979JWEkvX7PZiiSaTZM44kHuyfehG6YsfM63VRLUtO1j3Z10Acqb_f6op4skPvo36w2p0MJSkNZnQXMUOKx0QL8E49bXfWES6tbvPsonyw/s1600/IMAG0598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1600" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh535lemCWB7C6GBru6VEQRLDoQZYj9lRGes979JWEkvX7PZiiSaTZM44kHuyfehG6YsfM63VRLUtO1j3Z10Acqb_f6op4skPvo36w2p0MJSkNZnQXMUOKx0QL8E49bXfWES6tbvPsonyw/s200/IMAG0598.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoi3SFmv0mXjLzknk63Yj1ITV0-YWDyn-OPQUoMkHoe0U2COOLSCFKpf9tfYmhyphenhyphen0S7LRnkzzz3_A3Vp5XN0Q_It4kCWWv5xsXOv-LEOJhcxOOfHmdD2OXjZ902zNtUveqEs8NEfMAMonY/s1600/IMAG0587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1600" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoi3SFmv0mXjLzknk63Yj1ITV0-YWDyn-OPQUoMkHoe0U2COOLSCFKpf9tfYmhyphenhyphen0S7LRnkzzz3_A3Vp5XN0Q_It4kCWWv5xsXOv-LEOJhcxOOfHmdD2OXjZ902zNtUveqEs8NEfMAMonY/s200/IMAG0587.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">The confidence we learn at VMR also helped us to realise we can do
things we may never previously have undertaken and one of these things is
maintenance jobs - you know we work in a Volunteer environment where things
have to be done on the cheap - no just calling in people to do things like
painting etc (like you do when you have a good income coming in) , but this has
been great for us and with some of these new found skills we adventured into
painting my Mums house. We had never painted a house before and this
wasn't a small job but again we looked at the job, decided what was needed and
gave ourselves 6 weeks (2-3 days a week) and it just looked incredible from the old fashion greens and whites to more modern jaspers and dune colors so this
is another thing we achieved through learning new tricks this year.</span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59HMSIi2_eOcAf195P-vfXR4w0WLvK9WcG-WzOyQgm70NsV51qn5ET5TAey3Mg1XCKFuXqVVzhekOTe_PLKpLjva4G6tMW3R-SKtS0MDc4rRT64meEZeSTqgov7-hwCKLnkRDtSH__V0/s1600/31045344_10215921242885409_1008219877401427968_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1475" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59HMSIi2_eOcAf195P-vfXR4w0WLvK9WcG-WzOyQgm70NsV51qn5ET5TAey3Mg1XCKFuXqVVzhekOTe_PLKpLjva4G6tMW3R-SKtS0MDc4rRT64meEZeSTqgov7-hwCKLnkRDtSH__V0/s200/31045344_10215921242885409_1008219877401427968_n.jpg" width="184" /></a></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span style="color: black;">I have always wanted to paint something
(no not a house) but artwork, with You Tube now you can sit in the luxury of
your own home and taking online painting lessons and while I am definitely no
Van Gogh I really have enjoyed learning how to paint, how to create and being
creative it's a nice past time to fill in rainy days, days where it is just dam
hot and those days when you don't have a lot going on and you get a bit of
original works around the place. It is very cathartic and I must admit it makes my dreams more colorful. I have improved a lot over the last 8
months and enjoy finding new art classes to do - these are free and there are
some really great step by step lessons so if you have ever wanted to learn but
like me not really all that artistic and feel a bit embarrassed by your lack of
ability - use You Tube and google how to paint a flower or how to paint a house
etc you may well be amazed at how many there are and how good it is to produce
something.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So thats our learning this year and it does go to show old dogs can
learn new tricks.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-44639191709113939552017-11-02T15:23:00.000-07:002017-11-02T15:23:09.423-07:00Everything old is new again<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHddApcPUAKY2oXCdvP6kaMImgDNwL1NJ6IR5gcwvgkRyfQJjs_80tERieLKCp-uyKIgwB-kbEqscc7Fm_jtAN0TwEU_xDcJIkX7dNntkoVo6Vf67j8e5aDb5oMRlWAjBXcYsUO6fWTI/s1600/IMAG0292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="1600" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdHddApcPUAKY2oXCdvP6kaMImgDNwL1NJ6IR5gcwvgkRyfQJjs_80tERieLKCp-uyKIgwB-kbEqscc7Fm_jtAN0TwEU_xDcJIkX7dNntkoVo6Vf67j8e5aDb5oMRlWAjBXcYsUO6fWTI/s400/IMAG0292.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our new boat</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We started our retirement journey taking out our cruiser for a week of total relaxation and to be out and about on the beautiful waterways of Moreton Bay, it was a perfect way to start our new life. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over time we found that the cost of running our beautiful boat was a bit prohibitive in long journeys so about 4 years ago we sold the boat as we went through our "what do we want to do next stage", this included selling our beautiful waterfront home as well and deciding to move to Vision where we had access to boats as a part of the community, it helped to put a lot of bucks back into the bank and we felt that was a great win win situation, we had access to boats, still lived on the water but we didn't have to maintain them, and often not even pay for petrol. Then of course we joined VMR so here we where out and about on the water 2 days a week so we seemed to be out on the water enjoying our beautiful Broadwater both in a learning/volunteering capacity and in a leisurely environment several days a week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first year was fine, all worked well for us, as there where few in the community who wanted to take the boats out, so we could wake up and go this is a lovely day and get a boat and go, that changed over time as we got more residents in and the boats where booked out more in advance - which is fine in concept but who really knows what the weather is going to be like a week in advance, so we stopped using them. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GyP-n5A7GLI_2vb9jKe4gFe1Zfq_Kj6uNCSPbGL7M3R-PHxNR_ReBuVsUFfRdgQygihmUvAnZrEbqImUxDEvyF2rRmPujenvoYWsNao-rlqTox-K7nqYuDZddClJJM9yPD0h5SPI5t0/s1600/P1010175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GyP-n5A7GLI_2vb9jKe4gFe1Zfq_Kj6uNCSPbGL7M3R-PHxNR_ReBuVsUFfRdgQygihmUvAnZrEbqImUxDEvyF2rRmPujenvoYWsNao-rlqTox-K7nqYuDZddClJJM9yPD0h5SPI5t0/s320/P1010175.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our old boat</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So just about exactly 4 years to the day that we sold our big boat, we bought a new boat - yes much smaller and perfect for the 2 of us and Teddy. Now we have Teddy back full time, we needed something we could do regularly that included him and at the same time give us something we love to do as well. We had anticipated a bit more travel next year - off road holidays and a NZ driving trip, but now that D1 has moved into a unit, we have Teddy full time and to be honest just don't know what to do with him if we want to go away - the problem with pets. This however made us stop and think about what would accommodate us all. We do love the waterways, we love going out on beautiful days stopping on deserted beaches going for walks, having a swim and of course Derek loves his metal detecting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We started at first looking at jetski's and then small fishing type tinnies (even though we don't fish), but then we saw a perfect little half cabin - the interior was a bit worse for wear, but the hull was perfect for us and it was the right price for us. We had a full interior refit and now we have a lovely near new boat for day to day enjoyment. It means while generally it will be a day boat, we can d</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">o overnighters (probably in the cooler months) if we want to.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dereks finds this week - paid for the petrol</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are keeping it in a trailer storage facility at Horizon Shores Marina - their slogan is boating made easy, and it sure does. Ring up in the morning within half an hour to an hour your boat is in the water on the marina ready for use, come back tie up and they wash and flush the motor and put it away ... so civilised. They also have a great work area with power, water etc so we can do maintenance, big cleans etc. Derek of course is now fully accredited to keep boats and engines maintained himself as a part of his Skipper licensing so that saves a lot of money. He also enjoyed doing all his own splicing of the ropes - saved heaps of money to be honest but also gave him a good sense of achievement.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgURgsAHRIVP646WPEPxmelcbWnLiU2Pk8WGYiBeEAv_3yfkiH1gebP1Vwi-f0BSXsKKcYpNsCkD2GXJTrUk0OfINSYnkA2RnIUhV-r6dK9QRcz8iD-AGRwweE_fWHLY2UbjvICAJkt54/s1600/IMAG0296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="1600" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgURgsAHRIVP646WPEPxmelcbWnLiU2Pk8WGYiBeEAv_3yfkiH1gebP1Vwi-f0BSXsKKcYpNsCkD2GXJTrUk0OfINSYnkA2RnIUhV-r6dK9QRcz8iD-AGRwweE_fWHLY2UbjvICAJkt54/s320/IMAG0296.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is nothing like being out on the water to make you feel alive, those negative ions certainly do invigorate you, sun on the body, fresh sea air and beach walks - love it. Must admit though we have been coming back a little sore and sorry for ourselves, using muscles that haven't been used in a while even Teddy comes back exhausted and sleeps for about 24 hours after his big beach runs, rolls in the sand, swimming etc, but this is what we wanted something to occupy us mentally and physically while we also got out and enjoyed life.</span></div>
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<br />JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-57462451836948944682017-08-04T15:50:00.000-07:002017-08-10T13:32:38.865-07:00Isuzu - I-Venture Club: Giving you the confidence to Go Your Own Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94P5ix6QdjSkMUkL50fH0sRtybaONlD4pwDGkn_SLYeWt7v6YGoBPzkk0zVDgv4p24Ty8Qe39FtCov7z71z6iIN8q-CueBwa0cJbS2F7cETTpfptTmSvqYONql0w1QmWnl5_wqVidmsQ/s1600/I-Venture+-1586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94P5ix6QdjSkMUkL50fH0sRtybaONlD4pwDGkn_SLYeWt7v6YGoBPzkk0zVDgv4p24Ty8Qe39FtCov7z71z6iIN8q-CueBwa0cJbS2F7cETTpfptTmSvqYONql0w1QmWnl5_wqVidmsQ/s400/I-Venture+-1586.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Isuzu certainly deliver on their brand promise of "Go Your Own Way" via their I-Venture Club. Yesterday we joined one of their adventures over to Moreton Island to learn how the Isuzu performs and how to use the vehicle properly via theory and practice, which certainly has now given us the confidence to go out on beaches and go our own way.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbskAoBGaEVmS3M9kvafyQwtyzZJZMnI-IL7jQRexeiaWJy81wpic2KP4VX5V2PdKakODh4c_4Vtl5UBkG53z5TpoAPF9XzT9QICSUgeS2AX2Wl2f8bXgyKdSKx00wOG4_4vFpxDztx8o/s1600/P1150426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="1600" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbskAoBGaEVmS3M9kvafyQwtyzZJZMnI-IL7jQRexeiaWJy81wpic2KP4VX5V2PdKakODh4c_4Vtl5UBkG53z5TpoAPF9XzT9QICSUgeS2AX2Wl2f8bXgyKdSKx00wOG4_4vFpxDztx8o/s640/P1150426.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoQHahkJX62LPfMRPX4o4F7iKWItCEaB9s1RM1sn-DpI7HEc2blflD823OAVbrCP8GP9MZE4sa3NDk8G_ma4aMLSGsOeNl4R5XYYk14gc4cI4KnFYagj9fiq-gpO7rwSpCogBIZFulF8/s1600/P1150344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkoQHahkJX62LPfMRPX4o4F7iKWItCEaB9s1RM1sn-DpI7HEc2blflD823OAVbrCP8GP9MZE4sa3NDk8G_ma4aMLSGsOeNl4R5XYYk14gc4cI4KnFYagj9fiq-gpO7rwSpCogBIZFulF8/s200/P1150344.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think we all know people who buy 4x4's or AWD's and they never go off road even though the vehicle has the capability, it is often our own confidence which stops us from utilising the vehicle to its fullest potential. I must admit I have always been a little apprehensive in exploring too far from the main roads and while Derek had in his early life done a lot of 4x4 adventures with his Dad and Brothers in the outback and of course I trust him no end, it has been a long time, and of course we don't have a clapped out old manual Land Rover that he was use to but a new Isuzu MU-X auto so there is a bit of learning to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Going on a Friday, most of the people where in the 50's/60's and all wanting to be a part of a group, learn in a controlled environment so they could get the best value for money from their new purchase, there was probably $1M worth of vehicles in a convoy yesterday and made for a wonderful experience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I liked the fact that we all had the same vehicle type - yes there where D-Max's, MU-X, LU-X types with all different sorts of accessories but, essentially everyone was on the same page, there was no "my vehicle is better" type thing. It also made the theory part of the day easier as everyone is looking at the same dash board, the same controls etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So how did the day unfold? I will say after many years of going on tours etc this one was certainly very well organised and the day ran on time, had a great flow of learning, doing and demo's and it seemed to just fly past.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKvNjOdOwmKInB53jJi8E1Cb6CBB8ta79mwG9Ba8nxh1Qe1ZjYNuF6B5FqrhxklX7yhPCpxLuFK3yRAxKuuY_gHwEpmEKdXNNEm_4MtUIhXmopXAKfTExCpfYxjVwaNmESXSyAjB092w/s1600/P1150349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKvNjOdOwmKInB53jJi8E1Cb6CBB8ta79mwG9Ba8nxh1Qe1ZjYNuF6B5FqrhxklX7yhPCpxLuFK3yRAxKuuY_gHwEpmEKdXNNEm_4MtUIhXmopXAKfTExCpfYxjVwaNmESXSyAjB092w/s200/P1150349.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-ZI2MwOJxh3WfLIYkfSro7VCMUXSYkeqFmXgTx5KFWwoI4j7YrGSajMAO1nNpgFS1IH5CmqBW0xx5bL2qZ-huLl9eYKwe_UsBNYf7HcjmTdQ2G8L8RqtgLtB-anSGDYjMl5no8So6Wg/s1600/P1150340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-ZI2MwOJxh3WfLIYkfSro7VCMUXSYkeqFmXgTx5KFWwoI4j7YrGSajMAO1nNpgFS1IH5CmqBW0xx5bL2qZ-huLl9eYKwe_UsBNYf7HcjmTdQ2G8L8RqtgLtB-anSGDYjMl5no8So6Wg/s200/P1150340.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As usual we where there an hour early and I was surprised that the crew from Isuzu where already there, handing out goodie bags (full of good stuff like hats, stubbie coolers etc), ensuring everyone had deflated their tyres (as well as equipment to do this), and installing 2 way radios into each vehicle so that right on time the convoy could drive on to MICAT. How many times have we all gotten to an event and the organisers are unorganised, running late and using every excuse in the book for that - but not the Isuzu Crew well done guys, you all did an amazing job throughout the entire day in keeping everyone on time and entertained.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4ByeSCiHt0yRuQzippRwWNlzoFJjvBXXBx_k0YsHbSfsphN5uuSfUAS8jn631JY0L5e32TudEgRwSY-3koc8QlJmATn7B_kR-mEIIioDMuYAbZ1osX1C9_wZ1Z9o0WS6jFZQRHblSXU/s1600/P1150346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4ByeSCiHt0yRuQzippRwWNlzoFJjvBXXBx_k0YsHbSfsphN5uuSfUAS8jn631JY0L5e32TudEgRwSY-3koc8QlJmATn7B_kR-mEIIioDMuYAbZ1osX1C9_wZ1Z9o0WS6jFZQRHblSXU/s320/P1150346.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg77WqeqbwM1DPb1S6LRlj-QP7FGrxTvseNgbLrR8DZ7bkU7R-UjYZJCeh9GemoLXaoR140v674gZ2RkpwzbVHbY871t4h9JQZ11VfmZD63DIVkCQB4oEICq1BCHL2F0AgshZEmwT_QYw/s1600/P1150351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg77WqeqbwM1DPb1S6LRlj-QP7FGrxTvseNgbLrR8DZ7bkU7R-UjYZJCeh9GemoLXaoR140v674gZ2RkpwzbVHbY871t4h9JQZ11VfmZD63DIVkCQB4oEICq1BCHL2F0AgshZEmwT_QYw/s320/P1150351.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqKlK0EUGvV0vMdq6VN0kLQM5j9t1lptvjMuDkbGkFJEMbKnx1DlwqrTd4YSEX2Ftu3Y1QsZy4z3FXwyuhLz35Rp9wCYVayoR3sogvz7KHmlsb70EnLnZ6Ja2_uEZmpiYkcVrAY6SSVQ/s1600/P1150355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqKlK0EUGvV0vMdq6VN0kLQM5j9t1lptvjMuDkbGkFJEMbKnx1DlwqrTd4YSEX2Ftu3Y1QsZy4z3FXwyuhLz35Rp9wCYVayoR3sogvz7KHmlsb70EnLnZ6Ja2_uEZmpiYkcVrAY6SSVQ/s200/P1150355.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After boarding the ferry, we didn't even need to worry about getting coffees etc as our orders where taken and then delivered directly to us along with a lovely plate of hot croissants as we settled in for the journey over to Moreton. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Enter David Wilson, our Chief Instructor for the day! WOW full of energy, full of knowledge and able to deliver this in an entertaining manner, but for me this was an important part of the day - not knowing anything about cars in general and more especially 4WDs he explained all the bits and pieces our Isuzu have and explained in an understandable manner their importance, what to do in on-road and off-road situations, how to set the vehicle into 4WD, tyre pressures etc. A small part of his presentation with yours truly assisting <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/zrfsDygWjtE1yLoB8">Entertaining Presentation</a> . I know I now know far more about our vehicle and more importantly it helped solidify our purchase decision. David also has his own website <a href="http://www.loaded4x4.com.au/">http://www.loaded4x4.com.au/</a> as well as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Adventure-4WD-138840459476854/?hc_ref=ARQ5vRVPCl6VJEVlR2royNudTtcvCaZFh2yOevgG-mhv84uV_6iCsgyxDQbnBk1fbos&fref=nf">Adventure 4WD</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuh11Fp-CZNBG47v69Grzj_dawu7RbMeoHI4C7FzzBRm3TnAC70Q1LP-uDqbCEmFuIIfrAbonhyNed9kqak5fAU89mUCsxKY6HCw6DHlKig6rTjTS_dXIQTPqUpsiOHU7SwXs8G_JARY/s1600/P1150383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuh11Fp-CZNBG47v69Grzj_dawu7RbMeoHI4C7FzzBRm3TnAC70Q1LP-uDqbCEmFuIIfrAbonhyNed9kqak5fAU89mUCsxKY6HCw6DHlKig6rTjTS_dXIQTPqUpsiOHU7SwXs8G_JARY/s320/P1150383.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before we knew it we where heading off MICAT and on to the beach in an impressive Isuzu Convoy in 4WD mode. It was an absolutely glorious day as well which made the entire trip just that much better, it is hard to believe that this is winter in Queensland, and of course every time I go over to Moreton I think why do we all go off overseas when this is right on our doorstep. You can read my previous blog on Moreton <a href="https://ninker.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/tales-of-tangalooma-moreton-island.html">https://ninker.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/tales-of-tangalooma-moreton-island.html</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We stopped several times throughout the day for demo's, talks, food &drinks - all very delicious and just perfect for the type of day we where doing, like nice cold watermelon on the beach it was superbly catered for and while having lunch we where entertained by whales frolicking just off from the beach - does life really get better than that.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTxy7cteTviSyGBHcWNZe5dCcCxbugrS0mNUkan6JyVghs1pl1ljGxWTn5XCBBEN5dlcW7THLUlXqOpCz2hhZoRYc_zVZ41Oa_QsCKZ87HKmF0HRmQ-i2mInrgHjgZe9V6SW-sjCwrgc/s1600/P1150375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTxy7cteTviSyGBHcWNZe5dCcCxbugrS0mNUkan6JyVghs1pl1ljGxWTn5XCBBEN5dlcW7THLUlXqOpCz2hhZoRYc_zVZ41Oa_QsCKZ87HKmF0HRmQ-i2mInrgHjgZe9V6SW-sjCwrgc/s320/P1150375.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-paT9d1P1nXc50Ul4W5V_XsYvMEh2n58Ab8XAQ_-tQ04Byi4kUFv9PlVwsCPk7XF85qrqVfzqP6TEaCYfd45uo7-8eTDOZrgzYOLcBPjYSOnwL8WZ7LvbzBlmiS-vRMyALOOR687lmQ4/s1600/P1150427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-paT9d1P1nXc50Ul4W5V_XsYvMEh2n58Ab8XAQ_-tQ04Byi4kUFv9PlVwsCPk7XF85qrqVfzqP6TEaCYfd45uo7-8eTDOZrgzYOLcBPjYSOnwL8WZ7LvbzBlmiS-vRMyALOOR687lmQ4/s320/P1150427.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Isuzu crew really provided a fabulous day for us, entertainment, commentary, food, training, photographer and support vehicles and people and I thank them for their hard work to make this day so enjoyable. Obviously Isuzu do subsidise the day because it only cost us $300 which included everything from breakfast to cheese platters on the journey home and we know at this time of year MICAT cost $200 per car with 2 people just to get over there and back so it's great to know that Isuzu are investing back into those who support them and ensuring the brand lives up to its name. I know 2 of our other crew members at Marine Rescue have bought an Isuzu since we purchased ours and through I-Venture Club I am sure others on the trip will be recommending Isuzu to their friends, and of course what a statement it made on the beach 15 Isuzus lined up - no doubt had the Prado and Land Cruiser owners on the beach yesterday rethinking their purchase. What a great way to promote your product, keep your customer satisfied and providing a very positive message</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> to the 4WD community.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The day finished with cheese platters a few wines and beers and we even got a Certificate, just lovely touches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There will be copies of the official photos over time so this blog will be updated with these when they arrive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank You I-Venture Club - a fabulous day and more importantly authentic - not enough can be said about Authenticity in a brand and I am looking forward to doing more with you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/ejnf1HfxIr">Highlight Photos of the Day</a></span></div>
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<br />JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com4Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia-27.0873207 153.41542329999993-27.539279699999998 152.76997629999994 -26.6353617 154.06087029999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-34215239718025875382017-07-21T02:28:00.004-07:002017-07-21T02:46:23.832-07:00The Last Piece of the Puzzle <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since we put our house on the market late last year, it feels like we have been putting together a jigsaw puzzle. So many things to do like packing, storing, going to the dump, finding a new house and then unpacking etc then of course there are so many dates to remember, every week since 1st Feb I have had a long list of things to achieve each week, dates to remember and today sees the end of that as we put the final piece of our puzzle together.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDQczPmfJUjrSV6u26koupuoo6Ld-abgRfdy0DBUWm_GWCAovLQqKPV-bV1QjShBY6bJ6zyoIGLww93QuSZOLt8l1GT4EAH4dE466eA4PwtETCRWlKAKwZGEN7nY3uCb1wGM4lHUHt_4/s1600/Landscaping+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDQczPmfJUjrSV6u26koupuoo6Ld-abgRfdy0DBUWm_GWCAovLQqKPV-bV1QjShBY6bJ6zyoIGLww93QuSZOLt8l1GT4EAH4dE466eA4PwtETCRWlKAKwZGEN7nY3uCb1wGM4lHUHt_4/s320/Landscaping+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had a lot of things to do once we moved in, including decorating 4 extra rooms so that meant going out and finding the right furniture, as with all furniture these days, waiting for them to be delivered and then needing to put everything together, adding those funny little things that where missing like a clothes up, buying tools etc that we had given away when we moved into Vision - lawn mowers, wheel barrows etc all of these things take time to see, decide on what is the best value for us. Buying a new car, getting solar on the house finishing off the interior decorating with blinds etc and then of course the task of landscaping, something we had not expected to do ourselves, but given we really couldn't get anyone to give us a quote and if they did it was ludicrous, we ended up biting that bullet and just getting in and doing it ourselves. It saved us over $10K so we are happy with that result.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While I will be please not to need to go to Bunnings in the next few weeks, I will say they have certainly made our job much easier with the wide range of products they have - we really don't have the strength these days to be lugging heavy items and the new composite sleepers made for easy retaining and they where easily handled by us both. While digging up grass, digging holes, moving stones, filling up garden beds with copious amounts of soil, dragging large pot plants and putting them in was dirty work and we used muscles that hadn't been utilized for many years, it was yesterday removing the concrete slab where the air conditioning unit was (as we had this moved so the noise levels where reduced on our patio area) that was the worst, grinders, jack hammers and then picking up each piece of that concrete and putting it in the car was exhausting and the concrete dust atrocious, but it's over now. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RLgT83pxC8qcBcJs7_ViJZaBUOOUDk8ILdKXZPiNbGAI7phavn1NY_AJMpdLCCR20l2KYCJAZn5EM7gGL1D4J8H2vehty6asQxGVY-kKrEbvjvIwpDmTuV0435z-ZSApgCJViOxpj5s/s1600/IMAG0168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1188" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RLgT83pxC8qcBcJs7_ViJZaBUOOUDk8ILdKXZPiNbGAI7phavn1NY_AJMpdLCCR20l2KYCJAZn5EM7gGL1D4J8H2vehty6asQxGVY-kKrEbvjvIwpDmTuV0435z-ZSApgCJViOxpj5s/s320/IMAG0168.jpg" width="237" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today though we put the last touch on the landscaping by laying the turf, YAY! We have been blessed with the beautiful weather but I will say I am sick of being dirty and digging holes but now we have the little oasis we where wanting, a nice space, with nice gardens and plenty of entertaining room, so exactly 3 months to the day since we moved in the long list of things that needed to be done have been completed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Its been a fun journey though even though it has taken up all of this year so far, and I am now really looking forward to just being. Anything else we want now is vanity not essential, so they are nice things to look for and buy when just out and about. It will also be nice not to see the money pouring out of the bank account at such a great rate of knots, as doing all of these things is not cheap.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the main reasons we wanted to move excluding just needing more space, was to reduce our cost of living on a day to day basis which with the Solar being turned on this week completes that side of the list of needs, the new car also has provided a great saving as well, we where filling up every week, but now its every 3 weeks and the fuel cost per tank is about the same and of course the biggest expense we where able to rid ourselves of was the $200 a week fees for Vision, and yes the facilities where great but we just where not getting our value out of that spend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It will be nice next week not to think about what needs to be achieved this week, and possibly just getting out for a few days, possibly even going away, although with D1's wedding now just 10 weeks away I feel this quickly fill any idle moments, after all I am the MOTB and as yet have not even found a dress to wear and my nails are in desperate need of major attention after all the digging, barrowing, planting, etc. This of course was another reason for needing the landscaping finished so we can get some beautiful shots at home prior to the main events.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everything except a major clean after all the dirt and dust is gone 1 week in advance - I had said right at the beginning I want to be fully settled by 1st August and tick that has also been accomplished so we are feeling very happy! Although a bit like finishing a jigsaw I am a bit sad as this little adventure has been fun, it let us know we still could do these things and while it's great to have the last piece in place it has been a great project to complete but that journey is now finished.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Impressive bunch of tools for landscaping</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImGGthIe7I6uBnQd10zx4l0CQWhBDtQJR4DH-KGwM2mtJ0EQLpCtpkIErW72LwdStYNNA1nTXZHJM_EMdcZHFznfDJoW3dw1QNta-Bb9I2fJZmSAknVy8TwqXrJ0AYU5mT5AvD_NBktE/s1600/IMAG0085+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="1600" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImGGthIe7I6uBnQd10zx4l0CQWhBDtQJR4DH-KGwM2mtJ0EQLpCtpkIErW72LwdStYNNA1nTXZHJM_EMdcZHFznfDJoW3dw1QNta-Bb9I2fJZmSAknVy8TwqXrJ0AYU5mT5AvD_NBktE/s320/IMAG0085+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL66cULWMmVWUrRXNAzjRdVmUwSdOb-uTgaUnj_pq770-ICaOWmi4M2jOjQUJTa1o4G6YQuasss6yQh69QOFl2OFfGR11jIc6p62_26CnqIlhgu5E0ZH5w7OjvCWsTMUbYmLI3XkCWW4Q/s1600/IMAG0090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1188" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL66cULWMmVWUrRXNAzjRdVmUwSdOb-uTgaUnj_pq770-ICaOWmi4M2jOjQUJTa1o4G6YQuasss6yQh69QOFl2OFfGR11jIc6p62_26CnqIlhgu5E0ZH5w7OjvCWsTMUbYmLI3XkCWW4Q/s320/IMAG0090.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
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<br />JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-79249735118191000412017-05-25T17:14:00.000-07:002017-05-25T17:14:21.152-07:00The Grass Between My Toes and The Joys of a Bath<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b>OOOH the joy, bath goodies for Mothers Day</b></span></td></tr>
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W<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ill we ever stay in a home forever? It is a question we ask ourselves often, however we have for over 20 years seen our home as our Superannuation. I was never convinced that making additional contributions to Super would provide us with the flexibility we </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">may want and of course it is all regulated by Government rules and laws, which unfortunately continue to change. It's my money and I should be able to do with it what I want, when I want and when I retire. So we chose instead to build houses, and move on taking the capital gains with us over the years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have been retired now for nearly 5 years and our ability to continue to enjoy our retirement has been all about the money we where able to pocket selling our homes in this time, because I still cannot touch my Super.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may have read my blogs about moving a few years ago, about moving out and then moving in - so I won't bore you with the messy details of this move, moving is moving but in case you didn't read my last blogs see:</span></div>
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<a href="http://ninker.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/moving-emotions.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://ninker.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/moving-emotions.html</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://ninker.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/life-in-over-50s-lane.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://ninker.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/life-in-over-50s-lane.html</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lets just say while we enjoyed our time in the Over 50's environment it wasn't for us now, I did miss the grass between my toes and the space to still have the entire family over as well as friends. Also we were lucky enough to be able to sell at Vision buy a newer and larger home on a standard residential block and put a good sum of money back into the bank account, which was another primary reason for the move.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xrGHkR847_NBtTG_NEYVBR7Kdb85Z-ZrFM8kOi5e_Xeup38xqdr_Gt-hPk3YxRBZa36ovT1bIXMvQxnCfnBuHIeJOpGfnQ65YihCaVSi1KIUdztnxRcdtc1q-WzKPHn07LXCKw3dyhA/s1600/P1120519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xrGHkR847_NBtTG_NEYVBR7Kdb85Z-ZrFM8kOi5e_Xeup38xqdr_Gt-hPk3YxRBZa36ovT1bIXMvQxnCfnBuHIeJOpGfnQ65YihCaVSi1KIUdztnxRcdtc1q-WzKPHn07LXCKw3dyhA/s200/P1120519.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We left Vision with more friends than when we arrived and that was nice - you can never have too many friends, and we thank those people (you know who you are), we had some lovely times in those 2 years with you all. However the important things we discovered about ourselves in those 2 years really helped us understand what we where looking for, and without those years there we may not have felt as contented as we do just after a few weeks. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of my more favorite photos with mates from Vision.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SDgxM6Usb7Jz068lFDruByDKB2fs5CT-AX3Id39bpw_mbebWvpZqVkFPmNax2mT_N5hDjcl3771SNUS46GC-ZRbWwC9C21ny_8NAS111JnTNUn04inRbyNWtrwn6RIXENKhcWPrd1og/s1600/12509711_10207434000261155_8949756875567286295_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SDgxM6Usb7Jz068lFDruByDKB2fs5CT-AX3Id39bpw_mbebWvpZqVkFPmNax2mT_N5hDjcl3771SNUS46GC-ZRbWwC9C21ny_8NAS111JnTNUn04inRbyNWtrwn6RIXENKhcWPrd1og/s200/12509711_10207434000261155_8949756875567286295_n.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We knew 3 years ago we had to move, our beautiful waterfront home was just too large for 2 of us, too costly to maintain and had too much of our hard earned capital in it, but we didn't know what we really wanted, and moving to Vision gave us a safe environment in which to go through that</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> process, we would never have ended up where we are today without that. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGilSQBcYO6Wgd-OJtIRs1haRlEaAghmk7ph-Urhz_AALRNjuW3SHbHq2pIKmVS7B8Pi7vxUTaS7tACiMgRodnnudD4mS7xQKOo1-ZLCsDd-cDmcD627f19iEFzNgSnsXPZMZUS7W_wMM/s1600/P1150030+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGilSQBcYO6Wgd-OJtIRs1haRlEaAghmk7ph-Urhz_AALRNjuW3SHbHq2pIKmVS7B8Pi7vxUTaS7tACiMgRodnnudD4mS7xQKOo1-ZLCsDd-cDmcD627f19iEFzNgSnsXPZMZUS7W_wMM/s200/P1150030+-+Copy.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHG38fApfSHMZ5Qq2vOsmCUeMWQVKgCjqjLW8fD2gXhw_5UntJ7vqAs6jws2HOClNYsnqJZ25viC7Rb0iqzlJxmMKAA820dwixNmUZDLfjor5kR1t-xJK_PFtWAugRZvc9N-vVvY3G_Ig/s1600/P1110829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHG38fApfSHMZ5Qq2vOsmCUeMWQVKgCjqjLW8fD2gXhw_5UntJ7vqAs6jws2HOClNYsnqJZ25viC7Rb0iqzlJxmMKAA820dwixNmUZDLfjor5kR1t-xJK_PFtWAugRZvc9N-vVvY3G_Ig/s200/P1110829.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After selling our beautiful waterfront property and then travelling around Australia for 6 months while we awaited our home at Vision to be built, we where still in that phase of retirement where you are not 100% sure of what you want to achieve. After a lifetime of setting goals and working towards milestones - you know getting married, having kids, watching them grow etc for a while you just want to chill, not really have to think of too much except enjoy life, which is OK but .... at some point you need or at least we needed to have something more in our lives, something we where committed to and something that gave us a sense of achievement as well as camaraderie. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazzWj8foiMDSDD3Wx6QuQ_WCZUSuclUGWQ8X6ZiKNRrRoOwhqax_b6E216p4fQVny9pgwf_F5soDFn-Mbr2TEOx01I4JniLaoJqlRg7kodXgA7zufH_Wg0EoLjesXf35VOIL6uYOqogY/s1600/20170405_203016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazzWj8foiMDSDD3Wx6QuQ_WCZUSuclUGWQ8X6ZiKNRrRoOwhqax_b6E216p4fQVny9pgwf_F5soDFn-Mbr2TEOx01I4JniLaoJqlRg7kodXgA7zufH_Wg0EoLjesXf35VOIL6uYOqogY/s320/20170405_203016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Derek has pushed himself and is now Senior Crew - 2 Stripes and a Gold Anchor</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We originally thought that moving to Vision might help us in that process and it did and as I said above, we made some lovely friends whom I am sure we will continue to be friends with. Moving to Vision however made us look closely at what we wanted and we discovered our wonderful past time of Volunteer Marine Rescue where we are constantly learning and being challenged to go above and beyond what we may have thought of as our limits, it provides us with a regular activity which helps to define the week/month etc and of course we found a great crew and some more wonderful friends who we get to have the pleasure of every week.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YjQQ58jLBs1w54Fv9A-lb8kTzewj48fcE8RNWPdThymQciVTmTeO5Yy04L-vvoXH74qewBLxrgZMoqT10hzPLhZ9vkT7fVI-Ela_p1tOwMXVfNST7jrzQcy_yleirHuDpkWeJW3DAlc/s1600/P1120463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YjQQ58jLBs1w54Fv9A-lb8kTzewj48fcE8RNWPdThymQciVTmTeO5Yy04L-vvoXH74qewBLxrgZMoqT10hzPLhZ9vkT7fVI-Ela_p1tOwMXVfNST7jrzQcy_yleirHuDpkWeJW3DAlc/s320/P1120463.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So in the 2 odd years we learnt a lot about ourselves and we learnt what it was we wanted to do and where we wanted to be. At first finding the right house seemed the impossible dream, but eventually we found it. I knew I wanted to feel that grass between my toes again - have a bigger yard as well as a bigger home. While over the years we have had up to 3 baths in our home of which most where rarely used, I didn't know how much I had missed having a bath from time to time so I have been enjoying the luxury of a bath again. Of course it is just lovely to be able to have everyone stay over in their own separated area and to be cooking up a storm because I have the space to cook, the space to store my stuff and access them easily and a pantry for all those wonderful cooking items. It is those funny little things that we missed. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tgIreO82q3du4_DQM_IZNj1PerkYHo8d5g8L_zs-vxcazZFye3rHi8zFFiaDmQTv8DZi3N4fa9ocIZ4uWxt3Tf0Or6PWHunr_xo1SCSE5L5LKfD3eyufPIYO9w_o0lJTkM0GtbNUqVE/s1600/main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="789" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tgIreO82q3du4_DQM_IZNj1PerkYHo8d5g8L_zs-vxcazZFye3rHi8zFFiaDmQTv8DZi3N4fa9ocIZ4uWxt3Tf0Or6PWHunr_xo1SCSE5L5LKfD3eyufPIYO9w_o0lJTkM0GtbNUqVE/s320/main.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is nice to be in a safe environment with like people, but I now enjoy hearing the little girl at the back of us saying "I Love You Mummy", kids voices, the sound of lawn mowers going on a Saturday morning, families enjoying life - these are things I had not realized I missed, they where not things I had on my list of things I wanted in a new home, but in the last 4 weeks found I had missed. We love our new home and all it gives to us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course extra dollars in the bank account also help because they seem to depart so quickly when there is nothing else coming in, but that is the additional bonus over and above feeling the grass between my toes and the joys of a bath. Fingers crossed we get at least 5 years in before we get an itchy bum again lol.</span></div>
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JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-52621455166557704772016-12-20T16:39:00.000-08:002016-12-20T16:39:33.436-08:00Cooking up Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_tBYDpTLvXyfDe32ox_hElyPj6EX4fF9T5DiCOp7h6mYeLWG-B68vZxFhjjzsdFSwAnzUwvWfIcZinJLgzwSdkfdxIRcg8BGcEm7fAxnfMuKdGlZeCKLy2jh3vYGh__IPEQZ77nR4_4/s1600/P1150069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_tBYDpTLvXyfDe32ox_hElyPj6EX4fF9T5DiCOp7h6mYeLWG-B68vZxFhjjzsdFSwAnzUwvWfIcZinJLgzwSdkfdxIRcg8BGcEm7fAxnfMuKdGlZeCKLy2jh3vYGh__IPEQZ77nR4_4/s200/P1150069.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2Qm_hH7UqFo_LyFGJ-nlbsiRIyb-xDHRF4-pEuj-_1hpB1SbIj9o_qKx5KyNqVCSWDefolh-zOzX0xYNEazVCO1s73VIgxarBZcQln-jjzsj2ST0rPPDprEBmDLOnqPgNQE0H0BrP0w/s1600/P1150072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2Qm_hH7UqFo_LyFGJ-nlbsiRIyb-xDHRF4-pEuj-_1hpB1SbIj9o_qKx5KyNqVCSWDefolh-zOzX0xYNEazVCO1s73VIgxarBZcQln-jjzsj2ST0rPPDprEBmDLOnqPgNQE0H0BrP0w/s200/P1150072.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many years ago, we would all start thinking about our Christmas baking very early - around November, then our Supermarkets decided to start providing us with all the trimmings - not just Christmas cakes and puds, but everything - Rum Balls, Coconut Ice, White Christmas, Rocky Road etc. So like everyone with too little time to spend days baking and making I joined in the easy Christmas. That was about 9 years ago now, and of course what happens is we simply forget to plan, we simply forget how to make our favorite things as the years go by.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2Qm_hH7UqFo_LyFGJ-nlbsiRIyb-xDHRF4-pEuj-_1hpB1SbIj9o_qKx5KyNqVCSWDefolh-zOzX0xYNEazVCO1s73VIgxarBZcQln-jjzsj2ST0rPPDprEBmDLOnqPgNQE0H0BrP0w/s1600/P1150072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTa0UwvLU0nzB0v0QiW9Rr_9dJ69UjI1ePIBY9hKj9MNUm2OEoDZq6Z9KJRi7Xbnm89toT0PL0p2cV_fl0riQ4Zc03KhJ03zmEmTQpyjylLF0jBbQUaw_xTYY85EKlwDrj-bvRkh_Ho4/s1600/P1150070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTa0UwvLU0nzB0v0QiW9Rr_9dJ69UjI1ePIBY9hKj9MNUm2OEoDZq6Z9KJRi7Xbnm89toT0PL0p2cV_fl0riQ4Zc03KhJ03zmEmTQpyjylLF0jBbQUaw_xTYY85EKlwDrj-bvRkh_Ho4/s200/P1150070.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sZrLx_fsXt3NrheDHUDIfFrlavLoeeseOxX_OkwwSApFdXxXFeJgxDM4_bOD7CFKuG8dY17dGRLabbKW7KYD7hPSrPKrVqG-5vVPTColTyJwBqzQj4AOcbjAY6jKJQ68YF5iT6WDHZU/s1600/10492465_10205462883992973_2208773607132339321_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyne9hFRaDylvSjG46oX851B7Kn2fopQbQzIjWB6jvfmaU4Z87qgG1XBbdgStWw8v4nltdlA_fnR5IfifG0KiAJsNUp2BXLcv0ON5RCqNZk2u1QpD-yB81LYXsQ8LZeixDi6QRHm0hkmM/s1600/P1120543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyne9hFRaDylvSjG46oX851B7Kn2fopQbQzIjWB6jvfmaU4Z87qgG1XBbdgStWw8v4nltdlA_fnR5IfifG0KiAJsNUp2BXLcv0ON5RCqNZk2u1QpD-yB81LYXsQ8LZeixDi6QRHm0hkmM/s200/P1120543.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At first I was proud of Coles because they didn't have all these things out in October and I thought YAY they have finally worked out to wait until it is actually Christmas time - so image my surprise this year when in the first week of December I asked "when are your Christmas Yummies coming out" not just cakes, puds and fruit mince pies (after all not too many of today's generation eat these things), and they said - not getting any this year. BOO Coles, (but to be honest I also tried Woolies and Aldi and they didn't have these things either) not really good enough after all these things would walk off the shelves quickly and if you didn't get in early often there was nothing left even the week prior to Christmas.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sZrLx_fsXt3NrheDHUDIfFrlavLoeeseOxX_OkwwSApFdXxXFeJgxDM4_bOD7CFKuG8dY17dGRLabbKW7KYD7hPSrPKrVqG-5vVPTColTyJwBqzQj4AOcbjAY6jKJQ68YF5iT6WDHZU/s1600/10492465_10205462883992973_2208773607132339321_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYzNA7tjGSd0A52PjVC0oLprjKZwA2Eoc4fEeITDjAqrTspQHPMAyieIEkt9Q7uXzi-fbUbJFEpXRRaBFNRfqlXlxCN86M4lid3NbYoIqXzpBszMDXca-vkCBP4ky7prEMFhqlU-z1_Y/s1600/P1030303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYzNA7tjGSd0A52PjVC0oLprjKZwA2Eoc4fEeITDjAqrTspQHPMAyieIEkt9Q7uXzi-fbUbJFEpXRRaBFNRfqlXlxCN86M4lid3NbYoIqXzpBszMDXca-vkCBP4ky7prEMFhqlU-z1_Y/s1600/P1030303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYzNA7tjGSd0A52PjVC0oLprjKZwA2Eoc4fEeITDjAqrTspQHPMAyieIEkt9Q7uXzi-fbUbJFEpXRRaBFNRfqlXlxCN86M4lid3NbYoIqXzpBszMDXca-vkCBP4ky7prEMFhqlU-z1_Y/s200/P1030303.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Samples of Julies Yummy Corner</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sZrLx_fsXt3NrheDHUDIfFrlavLoeeseOxX_OkwwSApFdXxXFeJgxDM4_bOD7CFKuG8dY17dGRLabbKW7KYD7hPSrPKrVqG-5vVPTColTyJwBqzQj4AOcbjAY6jKJQ68YF5iT6WDHZU/s1600/10492465_10205462883992973_2208773607132339321_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sZrLx_fsXt3NrheDHUDIfFrlavLoeeseOxX_OkwwSApFdXxXFeJgxDM4_bOD7CFKuG8dY17dGRLabbKW7KYD7hPSrPKrVqG-5vVPTColTyJwBqzQj4AOcbjAY6jKJQ68YF5iT6WDHZU/s320/10492465_10205462883992973_2208773607132339321_n.jpg" width="179" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However in hindsight, I have had a lovely Christmas making things I haven't made forever. Yes at first it seemed daunting, but I quickly got on line, found all those recipes I haven't needed forever, plus a few more - and low and behold Christmas was served. To my amazement it didn't take days it just took some thought. It was actually fun - if not a bit sticky, but I really enjoyed my day of Christmas Yummy Making, so maybe I should thank Coles for being baa-humbugs and putting me out of my comfort zone, for making me create shopping lists and troll through recipes and then have to find all the ingredients - yes that part was mildly annoying, but the end result was fun and it made me think of all those Christmas's with the kids making, baking and faking (for those things that didn't quite work out - we would rename them into something that seemed credible) in anticipation of a Julie's Yummy Christmas Corner.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhja_1Rz_4rMaGkfRdIHLReo_HbM1h5SfSfUCTamskycZXkjsH9V9lNW2-J3zv88bhGqUXcEX9gbL-qrIWkbYLO6OKxUb2BkdDTUVPLJB3zCQ5eOlrfcGLer0vXCBErEmmOYmvTg64zqIM/s1600/P1090985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhja_1Rz_4rMaGkfRdIHLReo_HbM1h5SfSfUCTamskycZXkjsH9V9lNW2-J3zv88bhGqUXcEX9gbL-qrIWkbYLO6OKxUb2BkdDTUVPLJB3zCQ5eOlrfcGLer0vXCBErEmmOYmvTg64zqIM/s1600/P1090985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhja_1Rz_4rMaGkfRdIHLReo_HbM1h5SfSfUCTamskycZXkjsH9V9lNW2-J3zv88bhGqUXcEX9gbL-qrIWkbYLO6OKxUb2BkdDTUVPLJB3zCQ5eOlrfcGLer0vXCBErEmmOYmvTg64zqIM/s200/P1090985.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you want good recipes that take you back in time - google Nanna's eg Rum Balls - using the word Nanna in front seems to bring up the good old fashioned recipes - however I tried to do a bit of combining of the old and the new. How? Well back in the days Weet-Bix where primarily used - of course today its more upmarket biscuits or cakes - so I chose to use Weet-Bix. Weet-Bix where used primarily because they where in easy supply as well as back then no one had blenders etc - it was crush by fingers or rolling pin - usually however there were lumps - now days well blenders do the hard work - but Weet-Bix are healthier, cheaper and still easier to use in my books, although the use of a blender helps to make the mixture more in keeping with the textures of today. Also I found most of the older fashioned recipes used milk powder/coco and copha (something I have not had in the fridge for years), but the new ones tend to use melted chocolate so I decided to use a bit of both to give a smoother more luxurious taste (by using melted choc), but making the mixture go further and easier to handle by using copha and powders.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I must say I enjoyed the journey back and the fun of creating Christmas rather than buying Christmas in a packet. I love my Christmas and love to get my Yummy Corner out early Christmas Eve (see my photos of my various Yummy Corners of the years) when everyone arrives. We make guts out of ourselves as we hoe into all those incredible sweet Christmas treats, and I think we will enjoy them even just a little more this year given we haven't had any all month - yes Christmas Eve will be the first time we will have any of these out. Well ..... except for my pudding nights.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAOyw2pgdQ0jx8hXobh-V4mteLUQ4PWb9VA3uXbaEC-WGMIJpf6zws6DGy4tMI-z4d3XIRS2bH0NqxkKceNc-kwyHnkRy-NeCf0owO8mIR7Z0s7pbNIGhCbfgFB7I2zJoGZ9bODf2D6k/s1600/P1150033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAOyw2pgdQ0jx8hXobh-V4mteLUQ4PWb9VA3uXbaEC-WGMIJpf6zws6DGy4tMI-z4d3XIRS2bH0NqxkKceNc-kwyHnkRy-NeCf0owO8mIR7Z0s7pbNIGhCbfgFB7I2zJoGZ9bODf2D6k/s200/P1150033.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whats a pudding night you ask - well a few years ago after Christmas we had a lot of puddings left over (generally while I buy puddings for our Christmas Eve dinner we are generally too stuffed to eat them) and then the same goes on Christmas Day - so we </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4tnVEpxFBJiJ_7S22bu0qx3EACwoUoT-I8qynqyoX4IjPLq1AtauEhpju2TNcjQPsSSp071hSBBulVtkTG2yqJTxgutDA9bgJY7Zf9-ijbe07xHizpiL373UOftkMMh1oynF07owodc/s1600/P1150060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4tnVEpxFBJiJ_7S22bu0qx3EACwoUoT-I8qynqyoX4IjPLq1AtauEhpju2TNcjQPsSSp071hSBBulVtkTG2yqJTxgutDA9bgJY7Zf9-ijbe07xHizpiL373UOftkMMh1oynF07owodc/s200/P1150060.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">invited some friends around to help us eat the remaining Christmas puddings (primarily this was to stop Derek from eating them all), it was most enjoyable. I was looking for a way to have some pre-Christmas fun with friends this year and so we decided to have some pudding nights, as they generally are a bit easier to prepare, they are a bit different and it's a nice way to share Christmas with everyone. It helps to get you into the spirit, it's a night time event so generally a bit cooler and there isn't lots of prep and mess so a good way to entertain. Take my advice if you are looking for something different to do next year try the pudding night. I started off with Egg Nog (spiced with espresso and Tia Maria - very nice), we crank the air to about 20 and then put on the video of the log fire just add to the atmosphere, then some nice bits and pieces and then to the table to enjoy warm puds with all the trimmings. Very yum, very special.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzWAluBA9WlFqCnZwtg6F00V8dRVxIgl1pKNmevdwFLY0mV2sa0LRgzZJoTh7kMWfJdi0556HUoP9lFPLQYgq4rut7y6gDHp62pSy5limIMocgjE8eZvyPYNLiJqI7qK4a83fux8Gjlo/s1600/P1150048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzWAluBA9WlFqCnZwtg6F00V8dRVxIgl1pKNmevdwFLY0mV2sa0LRgzZJoTh7kMWfJdi0556HUoP9lFPLQYgq4rut7y6gDHp62pSy5limIMocgjE8eZvyPYNLiJqI7qK4a83fux8Gjlo/s200/P1150048.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGe4dvAxGzAvDZl8A-Y7_ooyJNqD7VYUhyphenhyphenDg0aPVfKwsyRmFSSzq4RAK-uqa8wdq-xgwYGKgMt9DDsDhSBn6tNv4wm9JSr2hCIjSNbvQvMRBUl-fROtH1tiXjBNevKzuzoji4zpTJugcU/s1600/P1150030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGe4dvAxGzAvDZl8A-Y7_ooyJNqD7VYUhyphenhyphenDg0aPVfKwsyRmFSSzq4RAK-uqa8wdq-xgwYGKgMt9DDsDhSBn6tNv4wm9JSr2hCIjSNbvQvMRBUl-fROtH1tiXjBNevKzuzoji4zpTJugcU/s200/P1150030.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you haven't started on your Christmas treat shopping don't be surprised if your favorite supermarket doesn't have much, but prepare to make a few things and enjoy the making of Christmas once again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Merry Christmas Everyone!</span></div>
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<br />JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-55936734802631512352016-09-23T22:57:00.004-07:002016-09-23T22:57:59.012-07:00The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers .... flowers yes but a lot more<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40ljM0szgg3Mx3f2MXECV7HVhvIxPxE0vOIYr3TVMdOjs1eHUi-10VDB_IITFD8oeq_ODAh15IuidOTb5LUVY79o1H82MB5wcRcS3GzGaMCd9ju5fhRERgaDykAzPJ6UminGaI2xSIhA/s1600/P1130429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40ljM0szgg3Mx3f2MXECV7HVhvIxPxE0vOIYr3TVMdOjs1eHUi-10VDB_IITFD8oeq_ODAh15IuidOTb5LUVY79o1H82MB5wcRcS3GzGaMCd9ju5fhRERgaDykAzPJ6UminGaI2xSIhA/s640/P1130429.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In keeping with our short breaks to areas having an event theme we headed off to <a href="http://www.tcof.com.au/">The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers</a> this week and let me say it was fabulous, well done Toowoomba what a great place to be for a few days of pure beauty, color, food, wine,music,art and generally appreciating a thriving country town center that hasn't lost its country feel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has to be a must do town at this time of year - so put it in your calendars - but pre-plan as well, as there are a lot of great events and things to do outside of viewing all the lovely gardens (some free and some for a fee). They have a great website - </span><a href="http://www.tcof.com.au/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.tcof.com.au</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> so you can pick and choose bus trips, food trips, music events, beer festivals (commonly call brewoomba), street festivals etc - don't wait until you hit town the website is easy to use and shows you a good calendar of events, prices etc. The tourist center is packed and not sure if you would get the best out of the offerings. Also by pre-planning and booking you can ensure you don't miss something that you might have wanted to see, do or hear as this event is over 2 whole weeks. Also by pre-booking we where able to choose our accommodation close to where buses would pick up from so we didn't need to take the car and park. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJf9m2uBkG8uDq7LEQ8HWMNnInjzVSi4prH7WTGmEZX6mQtSD3W7clrBRsUEEfQwY3w5cO_A07T4v7kDui_1v_Zgug9qgFOeH9QYnTlb0EzGuPwwr0qx9z7heK6Q0uUEesKEg9SUnwZTE/s1600/IMAG5691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJf9m2uBkG8uDq7LEQ8HWMNnInjzVSi4prH7WTGmEZX6mQtSD3W7clrBRsUEEfQwY3w5cO_A07T4v7kDui_1v_Zgug9qgFOeH9QYnTlb0EzGuPwwr0qx9z7heK6Q0uUEesKEg9SUnwZTE/s320/IMAG5691.jpg" width="214" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We found enough here to do and keep us busy for a 3 night stay. Usually Toowoomba would just be a day trip for us and over the years yes we have been up for the festival, but generally came and went the same day, probably spent little money but these days they have full festival events and calendar to just about please everyone. After all Brisbane and Gold Coast dwellers are only a short 1 to 1 1/2 hour trip away, but again get online and book some accommodation for a few days and also book for some of the great tours available.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We stayed at The Bourke & Wills - it's a bit tired to be honest and really they could have taken the time I feel to have planted a few punnets of flowers 6 weeks ago to pretty it up for the carnival, but the service was good even offering a free drink at the bistro which was attached to it, offered room service and served up a lovely brekky in their conservatory room which was nice and it was right in the middle of the town center making it easy to walk to a lot of places and while they didn't take the time to plant a few pretty plants in what could only be called the worst garden in Toowoomba at this time of year the street it self had flowers a plenty. For us it was pure luxury given we did choose the spa suite which offered great space, comfy bed and a room service each day (remember we have been caravaning, camping, and cabining for the last 2 years so this seemed like a major luxury).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had booked into 2 events prior to even booking our accommodation being "Talking Pubs Tour" and "Progessive Food & Wine Tour" through the <a href="http://www.tcof.com.au/">www.tcof.com.au</a> website about 6 weeks prior to leaving. As I said earlier there where heaps of great offerings especially if you are a music buff, but these where the ones I really wanted to try. Both where really great nights out, but I must say I did prefer the Talking Pubs Tour most. Booking was easy and everything ran smoothly throughout the night all organised by Evenbright so well done!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was raining when we arrived - too much to go out looking at flowers so we headed for the bistro in the B&W - cashed in our free drink and had a nice warm soup for me and chicken & vegie pie for Derek - it was nice in the cold misty weather and preceded to go and have a snooze - so we would be full of beans for the Pub Tour. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bus was picking us up at the railway station at 5:30 (a few blocks away) and with the weather cleared we headed off for a lovely walk around the city, looking through the shops on the way, all of which where lovely and it is just so nice to see independent shops - no one wants to go and walk through a mall full of the same old same old - however I think this may well soon disappear now they are building their new large, undercover shopping mall, sad really because we have been to towns like Rocky where the building of these types of shopping areas creates a main street devoid of personality, shops and unique shopping experiences, but for now it is still thriving and looking great.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We finally arrived at the Railway Station which has been so beautifully restored after the 2011 floods and waited for our bus. I must say it would have been nice for Eventbright to have had some sort of signage to say bus tour meets here or something - there was no one around in the station at the time and we were the first there so hoped we were in the right place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Talking Pubs Tour was much more than we had anticipated as we all got out at Fitzy's a beautifully restored pub, which is very upmarket while keeping the charm and character of the building. We were taken on a tour and told all the stories of the building that is in the 100 year old bracket, this was the really nice thing about this tour - the stories, the interaction with the staff as they gave you the history of the building, of the business, of the people. If you are in Toowoomba would highly recommend a meal, or even just a drink in this historical pub. If you are into craft beer this would also be a must visit place, we had a lovely platter of Mini Angus Beef Mignons, Pork & Veg Spring Rolls (which were absolutely delish probably the nicest I have ever had) and Crumbed Prawns - along of course with your choice of beer, wine or bubbles - very nice start. So good food, drink, ghost stories the night was off to a great start.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next stop was the equally impressive Mort Estate - another historical building, with a great story and beautifully restored and as I watch the platters of food coming out to the other guests my mouth was salivating - impressive presentation. Again we had a great presentation about the history of the pub, area, people whilst being served cheese, breads, prawn aranchini balls and bruschetta and yes you guessed it our choice of drink. I probably enjoyed Mort more than Fitzy's but both where great and maybe Mort felt better because we had all loosened up a little and had started to enjoy the company of our bus friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now onto the Spotted Cow - another boutique brewery but a bit more of a standard pub arrangement, the owner again gave us a great run down of the pub and its past as we ordered our main meal. This was more pubgrub, but yum nevertheless and as you can see we were all feeling happy and having a great time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last stop was desert of course and let me tell you, if you like a Sticky Date Pudding, then you will not be disappointed with the offering at the Irish Club, which once was a hospital - again the stories of its past and choice of drink, we were served up what could only be described as the biggest bowl of SDP I have ever had and it really was to die for. The 4 hour pub crawl went all too fast, but we left full, happy and had a terrific time - Hammond our bus driver was terrific and gave us a good understanding of Toowoomba, its history etc while we drove from one place to the next - Thank You Hammond you did a great job. This tour had it all, great personalities who where passionate about their establishments, their foods, their grogs and the buildings they where in, the 4 hours just flew by, it was so much fun - Thank you Toowoomba and thank you Eventbright for a fabulous night and thank you to our hosts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next day the rain had cleared, but the winds had set in, so it was freezing, of course the one time I decided not to pack everything we own, let me tell you it was cold so don't forget to pack your winter woollies, but it didn't stop us from going and seeing the gardens. Now we didn't go to any of the gardens where you had to pay to get in, and we didn't do a bus tour. Toowoomba isn't the largest city in the world, it's not hard to find your way around and parking is pretty good. I won't bore you with all the details, but between Picnic Point, Spring Bluff (not only a lovely country drive away, but a beautiful destination - some choose to take the train), Queens Park and Laurel Banks you really don't need to spend a cent on touring beautiful gardens. The rain and wind had taken their toll a little, but generally the stood up really well. This along with more street walks, galleries etc and general sight seeing took up 2 days. All of the gardens where beautiful, colorful, had some great themes and had everyone happy, smiling and of course taking photos (flowers seem to be a great equaliser people from every race and religion had the same smile on their face - maybe flowers should be introduced into the UN), because there was always just another more beautiful bed of flowers awaiting. <a href="https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipNVqGaffNk1x45SJ98hQO0khn1b5NJY3aItZTOn">Click here to see my entire album of beauty</a> be warned over 300 photos!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We finished off our great 3 day adventure with the Progressive Food and Wine Tour - there where a lot more on this tour than the Pub Tour, but that was probably because it was a Friday night. We started off at The Cobb & Co Museum - this was probably the best part of the night - seeing the museum under lantern light - yes we walked through all the exhibits with our little lanterns and where told the stories of bush rangers, ghosts and life in the 1800's. It was such a unique experience - I suppose we have been to so many of these types of museums over the last few years travelling around Australia, that it wasn't really a place I would have gone to, but this unique way of seeing it was lovely. The curator was again passionate about the place and told the stories with such gusto, that you just couldn't help get involved and feel the history. We walked through the museum and finally we where treated to drinks and canapes and of course a few more stories. Lovely! I suppose my only criticism if I had one, is it probably would have been nice to have been able to sit down to listen to the stories and eat rather than stand, but the food was lovely and generally it was the highlight of the night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I suppose we had become accustomed to from the 5 places we had been to on the 2 tours so far of not only food and wine, but learning about the establishments we were visiting, hearing about their passion to restore the buildings etc and for food - this was a great part of these tours so we where a little disappointed when we got to Gip's Restaurant our next stop for dinner that this didn't form part of the event and while the food here was probably the best of all the food on the 2 tours, and the ambiance here was fantastic, it all felt a little cold - sit, drink, slap a plate of food in front of you and we felt a little disappointed - it also meant the time spent here didn't go as fast and we where left to our own devices to converse with the others rather than be entertained - as I said the food was superb, but there was no personality here unfortunately even though since writing this blog I have found out it is set in a 1800's mansion and hearing about what they want to achieve from their food style etc would have been fantastic, and also made the time we had there go a little faster. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In saying that it was still a better experience than our desert stop, which was at The Rex Theatre, where we were originally picked up from, I was really looking forward to perhaps a tour of the Theatre, or being told about its history, who had acted here etc but this was even colder than Gip's, at least it had great food and great ambiance (and I suppose that in itself should be enough), at the Rex, we were lead up to what looked like a standard conference room with 3 large round tables - nothing in the room to represent you where in a historic theatre, and plates being shoveled at you - also while the menu had said desert wine will be served it would have been nice to have had a choice, but the wait staff came and went and that was the end of it. My other issue with this stop was - if you are in Toowoomba on a cold night who wants a fresh fruit mile feuille over a pecan and maple syrup pudding - at our table no one so there wasn't a choice (Gip's was the same and yet at The Spotted Cow the night before we got a choice of which main we wanted but at least at Gip's both where beautiful and appropriate to the weather etc), so that also was a bit disappointing. While none of the 7 establishments we visited put on the worlds best wines let me tell you cheap desert wine is hard to shallow and in fact at our table everyone took 1 sip and sort of went grrrr, there were a lot left half full. Our bus picked us up 1/4 of an hour late to start with, and the tour was meant to finish at 9pm, we arrived at The Rex about 8pm and we were back at our room by 8:30, whereas the Pub Tour was 41/2 hours in total so half an hour longer but the night just seemed to roll along better. The food generally on this tour wasn't any better, the wine definitely wasn't better and the night didn't roll quite as well, but still a lovely night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall Toowoomba was a fantastic getaway and the tours a great experience - talking to others who had done other tours it seems like they where all good and where providing everyone with a lot of different experiences. The town walks are nice - street art, trendy shops, nice cafes etc. The free city gardens where blooming beautiful and Toowoomba itself seems to have recovered well since the 2011 floods which is great. With hop on hop off buses as well you don't have to drive or walk to see the beauty. So don't forget to put September into your diary for next year and take a trip to The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers you won't regret it. For those who do not want to scroll through my 300 odd photos in the link above, here is a small example of the beautiful color you will see if you go to Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers</span></div>
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<br />JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com0Toowoomba QLD, Australia-27.5598212 151.95066959999997-27.7850227 151.62794609999997 -27.334619699999998 152.27339309999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-68074594060732204672016-09-09T17:11:00.000-07:002016-09-09T17:11:00.939-07:00A Change of Pace<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKI2tdhebofh0FEPLsi-8q8i-bKAa2tKIn6rER48pd7h1Wzr1lJkMleG8bjFnxi1V5dS8I9870csPyihluuLc17pNlZx80XOU0jn8eMP_g9pB4r_p56yHTHr6Ky8cuMPjnq0q3MGXUXM/s1600/VMESS-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKI2tdhebofh0FEPLsi-8q8i-bKAa2tKIn6rER48pd7h1Wzr1lJkMleG8bjFnxi1V5dS8I9870csPyihluuLc17pNlZx80XOU0jn8eMP_g9pB4r_p56yHTHr6Ky8cuMPjnq0q3MGXUXM/s320/VMESS-9.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems like forever since I have blogged, and of course looking back it is a long time ago. I am not quite sure why this is, it is either that I don't have much to say (yes I know hard to believe), or not sure if what we are doing is all that inspiring. We have been trying to live a more simple life this year.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHi2F_LD51gpn6m-dnO-z5kMXbF0PUz5mXUrqYduFGXrBAblUNW2CUJ8JLZDmAO2dxh_7QF19LH4o9_xrZB1bFhpV_th829rR9XInYmpE5acYjz7tv52rPWYfp0CeT1NlgD63ILflhz8/s1600/12670061_10208396783578629_2020878455485581239_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHi2F_LD51gpn6m-dnO-z5kMXbF0PUz5mXUrqYduFGXrBAblUNW2CUJ8JLZDmAO2dxh_7QF19LH4o9_xrZB1bFhpV_th829rR9XInYmpE5acYjz7tv52rPWYfp0CeT1NlgD63ILflhz8/s320/12670061_10208396783578629_2020878455485581239_n.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's not that we have been boring or lacking for things to do, but maybe I feel they are just a little more routine - something we haven't been since we have retired. There is nothing wrong I suppose with routine, it is just harder to write about. It did make me think though what have we been doing and this year has been the year of short trips - this is primarily due to us now doing Volunteer Marine Rescue 2 days a week and not wanting to let the team down by being away and like all volunteering the more you can do the more you get lumbered with - not that we mind but you do have to be strong sometimes and say NO or otherwise it can take over your life, we learnt this lesson during the year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The beginning of the year seemed to be hectic with us doing our ESS (Essential Shipboard Safety) weekend - mid January and stinking hot this took a lot out of us but we did thoroughly enjoy it. It meant we could finally participate in VMR at a higher level - it was a big weekend of theory and practical involvement - learning how to fight fires, flare handling, getting life rafts up etc.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZdMiy7WL3bjJre632BsgLUaaWRN6OGTG_DuRla6r5LzmEsgJ6JoWjyTK_zS7TFQ6zUUMOJgMNkXEgZt60h3bfuw8C5dbC5KVOYMwCqVg8rkt9lljytowEqBPmyvZt_cSn1hSBqGnMng/s1600/12552757_10208353474015917_8174515289275153845_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZdMiy7WL3bjJre632BsgLUaaWRN6OGTG_DuRla6r5LzmEsgJ6JoWjyTK_zS7TFQ6zUUMOJgMNkXEgZt60h3bfuw8C5dbC5KVOYMwCqVg8rkt9lljytowEqBPmyvZt_cSn1hSBqGnMng/s320/12552757_10208353474015917_8174515289275153845_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was quickly followed by a few days in Melbourne for The Australian Open, I love my tennis and had always wanted to go to the Aussie Open - what a great time to go and discover Melbourne - while I had probably been to Melbourne 100 times during my working life I never really had the time to discover all it has to offer. It was great to catch up with friends but it also showed us how good it is to go somewhere when there is a specific event on as they are usually held at a time when the weather is good and there is lots of activities on making your stay a little more enjoyable as everyone is out and about enjoying the festivities. So we learnt to start doing shorter trips to places where events are on - this month we are off to the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers as they have some great events on at the same time so it gives you more to do in some towns that you may just drive through - more on that when we come back.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZcjR4Zkk6p4BmYMYuts86HJP5riQuiLXhdSFo7k-K8_eVNCLHbUptQdwuHjjqaCm6lQT0vLCJAvSsd1Do0uEeU2ubL59nZ8Wt5XIo7mDe73R20-MfgIGhzo1WGdr6F4zvvhWjJF4m60/s1600/P1120733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZcjR4Zkk6p4BmYMYuts86HJP5riQuiLXhdSFo7k-K8_eVNCLHbUptQdwuHjjqaCm6lQT0vLCJAvSsd1Do0uEeU2ubL59nZ8Wt5XIo7mDe73R20-MfgIGhzo1WGdr6F4zvvhWjJF4m60/s200/P1120733.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNl9aPTZ26Qjcey1vaYVgmhiAHfgtjTVU-L6Ku_aIu9aaeSgIVyErTYzGRIdo2WLcfxk6JAw1jyUIl90_sXvCDz6dvZ9EV_mhBGeyWTokmJ0OQu_CX-wSRH9ay7kP0m2HzY-8OAMh1qA/s1600/P1120735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNl9aPTZ26Qjcey1vaYVgmhiAHfgtjTVU-L6Ku_aIu9aaeSgIVyErTYzGRIdo2WLcfxk6JAw1jyUIl90_sXvCDz6dvZ9EV_mhBGeyWTokmJ0OQu_CX-wSRH9ay7kP0m2HzY-8OAMh1qA/s320/P1120735.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have also boarded 2 cruises this year - one in early March which to be honest was horrible, and we found ourselves getting off the cruise after 2 nights of a 14 night cruise in Noumea. I am not going to go into why we got off, but lets say I fell into the trap of trying P&O from Brisbane - to try and avoid airports and large amounts of air travel but I think once you have done Princess or Holland American cruises P&O leaves a lot to be desired. It wasn't a total waste though because we discovered Noumea - what a beautiful place this is and we had a lovely time enjoying fantastic French cuisine in a place where the Bonjour was more than just a greeting, everyone here was happy, helpful and more importantly unlike France itself cheerful, in a beautiful clean and pristine environment. So we ended up doing airports and flying back from Noumea - c'est la vie. See below for some more of the beautiful foods we consumed and all at very reasonable prices.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I booked the cruise from hell above, I also booked a family 4 day cruise - which we did and while still P&O the short cruise and especially with the whole family is a fun way to all get together and enjoy each others company.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We did something we haven't done for years and drove to Sydney to catch up with some of our oldest friends - WOW the roads now are so good, just about dual carriage way the whole way which made the drive only 9 hours and enjoyable. We both love Sydney having met there, getting married there and building our first home there so it was a lovely couple of days full of all things Sydney as well as catching up with friends.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMLuEey4ZvaO3rPxc84Bk2HvqpUHmo7FIU3Nr18kKJnO9lklOj0dFd7sIDfqIbgoOcrTdXhFQ_GkAasju5CMPQTIQHUzEn5WQj4PuOil__ODxEo-1HveMhRr5gZLLi3dpVe016Xx1Yg0/s1600/P1130396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMLuEey4ZvaO3rPxc84Bk2HvqpUHmo7FIU3Nr18kKJnO9lklOj0dFd7sIDfqIbgoOcrTdXhFQ_GkAasju5CMPQTIQHUzEn5WQj4PuOil__ODxEo-1HveMhRr5gZLLi3dpVe016Xx1Yg0/s200/P1130396.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We discovered a perfect get away at Byron Bay earlier in the year as well - staying in a cabin at the beachfront caravan park - we miss our camping adventures and chats with vanners - people are not so chatty in motels so this helps us to connect with people travelling around while being in a great place right on one of the worlds iconic beach fronts, and of course there is always something to do at Byron - Derek keeps busy with his metal detecting, I get long beach walks followed by some great sun baking, reading and of course just a little retail therapy. We have enjoyed just looking at the weather forecast and saying lets go for 2 or 3 nights something we have done a few times this year.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4bNzA2j3S2FY36g60Sivl9vVA0NsqtwXl14gQii7ewBCRHnhvfIEA2HxX0w-ZPxeU_oZKAaRHNmFs5Ya5zlTVrv1LaS4vLv_0YY-X68UkEFyWYgeLuyu13gAM1I6v8vGv3B4YQq_4A8/s1600/P1130364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4bNzA2j3S2FY36g60Sivl9vVA0NsqtwXl14gQii7ewBCRHnhvfIEA2HxX0w-ZPxeU_oZKAaRHNmFs5Ya5zlTVrv1LaS4vLv_0YY-X68UkEFyWYgeLuyu13gAM1I6v8vGv3B4YQq_4A8/s320/P1130364.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have recently just returned from Hervey Bay where we celebrated Dereks 60th staying at the Mantra - I went via booking.com and got a fabulous room for just $90 a night - right on the water front and in a nice active area. We did something we have never done before and did a day trip to Fraser Island. I had always wanted to go to Fraser so it was a great way to discover it. The 4 wheel drive bus ride certainly was a great way to see all it has to offer, then as we are driving up the 70 miles of beach we came across one of only 4 beach front airports so decided to do a scenic flight which was truly spectacular.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Derek was studying hard over June and July and finally got his 2nd Stripe. This along with fund raising events etc seemed to make it like we never left VMR over these months - like I said earlier it can consume you life if you let it!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHuCzhR0yRpGTMbuhrYXn4OAiZeh7UhV4c05wF7pn5aoMcfl8NcYN2aAqlb1oB_hjcOpFW55JDSRJZi5xkxq1M07mz1DqiNdXs0z3dzIrOxdnaGSIauZFw2wIskcjuZ8aAC44kyBpgTE/s1600/IMAG5595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHuCzhR0yRpGTMbuhrYXn4OAiZeh7UhV4c05wF7pn5aoMcfl8NcYN2aAqlb1oB_hjcOpFW55JDSRJZi5xkxq1M07mz1DqiNdXs0z3dzIrOxdnaGSIauZFw2wIskcjuZ8aAC44kyBpgTE/s320/IMAG5595.jpg" width="305" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We still continue to participate in life here in our community, albeit not as heavily as we did in the early days - but when the weather is great we still love to take the boats out, beat everyone at Bocci which is a fun Sunday afternoon event we have here, go to events like Christmas in July, Chinese New Year etc and enjoy our facilities - yes even using the gym grrrr - no matter what I do I cannot seem to loose weight but at least the body is moving I suppose.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have started back on our being a tourist in our own back yard again, doing Whale Watching Tours and other touristy things prior to the influx of the late spring and summer visitors. We live in one of the biggest tourist regions of the world and it's nice to sit with people from other countries/areas and see things we take for granted through their eyes and thoughts as they experience our world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shove in the stock standard family events and it really seems like the year so far has gone just way too fast - it has been nice making a change to the way we live this year so far and while maybe not as exotic as past years it means we are doing something every week. month rather than 1 or 2 big events a year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On reflection living in an over 50's community and volunteering can take up most of your days without even really trying and I suppose that is what it was all about - living a simpler life where there is always something to do, but at the same time you have to get away as well otherwise you can be consumed by it all, so the short breaks and event travelling has worked well for us this year.</span></div>
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JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-43920761564362188692016-04-14T14:38:00.001-07:002016-04-14T15:06:29.763-07:00The joys of volunteering<div style="text-align: justify;">
I<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">f you read my blogs you know that we started on our volunteering journey mid last year - we took a lot of time to decide on the type of volunteering we wanted to do - just like working if you are doing something you love then it is so much more enjoyable.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyUQ2xHSrnoteSVMBni8tutQitc41SwSGK028X4_1xYm-AU0jtSkbI5oPGGPfZ0tSRSJlZPlN5ZzYw7_qJ8bQsmKjMQXnPnHzhTfgfdLtRsg0296mVwAbkEdv2amBKHiYn_OE6IubwTQ/s1600/P1120394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyUQ2xHSrnoteSVMBni8tutQitc41SwSGK028X4_1xYm-AU0jtSkbI5oPGGPfZ0tSRSJlZPlN5ZzYw7_qJ8bQsmKjMQXnPnHzhTfgfdLtRsg0296mVwAbkEdv2amBKHiYn_OE6IubwTQ/s640/P1120394.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We chose Volunteer Marine Rescue - primarily because we obviously love boating, the environment is great - you can't beat working on a beach front - it makes for an inspiring office, plus it provided a learning environment for us - we could gain new knowledge and being in a learning environment and feel a sense of achievement - but we have gotten a lot more from it than what we expected to.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Learning how to use a life raft - <br />now there is something I would never<br />thought I would learn!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Volunteering puts you in contact with like minded people, people who are passionate about what they are doing - lets face it you don't trudge off to volunteering like work unless you truly like it and like being there and you feel it is a worthy environment - so I would say generally you are in a good uplifting space.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You meet some great people along the way - both those you work directly with and those you may well be helping - the appreciation from those you have been assisted by the organisation you volunteer with is generally high and it makes you feel good that you have able to do something of significance. Those you work with can also inspire you - I know we look around at the people we work closely with and those in other teams and think WOW how great are these people, they go above and beyond nearly everyday, their knowledge about the organisation is fantastic to learn from and many go over and above what is required of them to ensure these volunteer organisations continue to grow and prosper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not only can you learn new skills, new information, but it can provide a unique platform for you to practice and enjoy success in areas of business you use to participate in - so you can bring new skills to an organisation as well which is also great and makes you feel like you are contributing.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44RVv7L50toZfxDfG6LSMt7DIFR0X3-T2utNClseR60kud9T5cRaxAnEEdaU5Az7wGeMIl7d7H9Yq57ntuJmI04iJejjJp_IZlfXrAPLzohdO18nqXjicKQQ46vGFh865LO0c1dTUY24/s1600/P1010132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44RVv7L50toZfxDfG6LSMt7DIFR0X3-T2utNClseR60kud9T5cRaxAnEEdaU5Az7wGeMIl7d7H9Yq57ntuJmI04iJejjJp_IZlfXrAPLzohdO18nqXjicKQQ46vGFh865LO0c1dTUY24/s320/P1010132.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes sometimes volunteer environments can look a little disorganised - but that is generally because they don't have the money to spend on the things we all take for granted when working, and yes often you have to do things like clean the office because these are not things that get done by professionals and of course in a lot of cases many volunteer organisation rely on retired people who may not be as quick to respond to an email or be as tech savvie as those in business - but you know everyone is just trying their hardest every day they are there, and each person is contributing something to a worthy cause.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We have more certificates now than we have ever had in our entire working life, and our training in all areas of rescue has been full on, but on the other hand we have been able to provide others with information on things we know as well (and that is the beauty of volunteering - everyone brings something to the table) and we are able to provide the organisation with a skill set from our previous working lives that was not readily available - Sales & Marketing - so it is the coupling of new skills and the well known ones that make volunteering such a valuable thing to do and make you feel like you are contributing to a good cause. </span></div>
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JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-15341949095798772012016-02-21T17:18:00.004-08:002016-02-21T17:18:59.117-08:00The Retiring Intern<div class="left" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday I had the great please to watch The Intern with Robert De Nero and Anne Hathaway - what a joyful movie it was but more importantly it had a powerful message - utilising retirees to mentor business owners, university graduates and teams and generally assist in bringing values back to a company. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFwQ-_BV4t2h38IsZGvm9BgPcJat265LJS3pzX-vlw47ibelRUnkOTd_LNsp1Wxjfhh_ZaBTqwfZWTRsaBTa9XSbyTCNpjgcJY0D5uliyo7q2ssju4pWsYO2D0QZ6MgtBKFz8MCHK8no/s1600/the-intern-movie-quotes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFwQ-_BV4t2h38IsZGvm9BgPcJat265LJS3pzX-vlw47ibelRUnkOTd_LNsp1Wxjfhh_ZaBTqwfZWTRsaBTa9XSbyTCNpjgcJY0D5uliyo7q2ssju4pWsYO2D0QZ6MgtBKFz8MCHK8no/s320/the-intern-movie-quotes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a must watch for everyone in business and more especially those who own a business or those who are struggling to understand that while the world is changing - new positions being created, new ways of reaching target markets, new technology etc some things don't change and never will - like work ethics, standards, dress for success (yes look like you are successful and not just gotten out of bed) and how older people within the organisation can bring a sense of calm, stability, values as well as a common sense approach not necessarily learnt in the home or school these days and a life time of experience and support to an office environment in a non-threatening manner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It made me think how lucky I am - I have 2 daughters - one who at 23 has her own business and one who is 24 and working her way through a large banking organisation, each week I get the joy of experiencing what Robert De Nersos character did in the movie by helping and mentoring both them through their daily business issues, how to overcome them, work with them with new technologies, research things for them to help them in their business lives - it along with my Volunteering keeps me connected with the business world, provides me with a sense of purpose while being able to help the next generation to learn, grow and take on issues in a supportive role. It is very rewarding and I believe they are more successful because of it and so are their companies. I believe more companies would prosper from utilising switched on Retirees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I have been retired, I have had many people contact me to help them with their businesses, or with projects that simply don't get done in a busy office environment - I love these projects however it always amazes me that most people seem to think because I am retired I will work for nothing - guess what as a self funded retiree happy to work and keep connected, but I too like to be paid - unless of course I am volunteering.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxzF-xIzw8QDUKHyDclwVl46f6TLMAs0Np-EaVehkEgHq1GbYcda62CCEH1Cwjx5iIJf-a2dcBVl5G0yfuWoC_0vvZv762795IncaBhF0UDTcVwmAeASlL4iwddhDcRDXarnvrZd4ePo/s1600/160137480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxzF-xIzw8QDUKHyDclwVl46f6TLMAs0Np-EaVehkEgHq1GbYcda62CCEH1Cwjx5iIJf-a2dcBVl5G0yfuWoC_0vvZv762795IncaBhF0UDTcVwmAeASlL4iwddhDcRDXarnvrZd4ePo/s320/160137480.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living and being around retired people most of the time now, there are so many people out there with so much life left in them, so much experience and so much knowledge like the Robert De Niro character they are busy doing things but could give so much more if only organisations understood the value they could give and not look at them as being old, not expect them to work 90 hour weeks but look at them as being experienced in lifes ups and downs, business up and downs and they have made it through, they have gone through changes in business and life and seen that while often it seems fruitless perseverance, support and people can get your through and they also understand that a good work life balance is important because without friends and love ones around you when you retire you have nothing no matter what you put into building the organisation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be bold and find energetic Retirees to help your business or people within your business, provide them with support and mentoring not from the latest speaker of the day or methodology of the day, not from some upmarket counsellor, but with someone who can support them in the office and help guide them in a unique manner (personally and professionally) so your business will thrive and in return maybe some older people will feel that their life experiences are not going to waste and they learn and grow as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Food for thought</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-8986020561253177482016-01-16T14:28:00.000-08:002016-01-16T16:53:07.618-08:00Looking at life through rose coloured glasses<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many years ago I got sick of wearing glasses - at about the age of 40 I started to have difficulty reading etc, but after a few years of where are my glasses, I decided to get my eye lasered. I only needed one eye lasered at the time given my long vision was fine. It was such a fantastic thing to be able to read things again without wearing glasses.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The only problem was all of a sudden I could see things I hadn't seen for ages - like my eyebrows - of course I could see them when I looked in the mirror, and they always seemed to look quite respectable, until I could really see them after having my eye lasered -and realised they really needed a good old fashion pluck, there were wrinkles I had never seen before as well which was quite disturbing at the time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So after 7 years of not needing glasses I have realised that the 4 year laser treatment is finally wearing off - so after all these years I needed to head down to the optometrist once again - unfortunately being a self funded retiree I found it hard to justify spending $3000 again, especially given we fork out for private medical insurance of which we very rarely use and laser is not covered so it is back to wearing glasses for me once again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No doubt when I look in the mirror again and can see I will be shocked and horrified but that's all a part of getting older I suppose, but I have missed reading over the last few months because it really was just too difficult so I had to bite the bullet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just hope when I look around the house with my glasses on I don't see too much dirt this time - that was another thing I noticed when I got my eye lasered, all of a sudden what I had thought was a nice clean house turned out to be not so clean at all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I always recommend laser eye surgery to anyone who will listen because to me it was such a great thing, to be able to see and read once again without glasses all in under 24 hours if you can afford it - and I suppose I got nearly double the amount of time out of it so I am happy enough with the value for money.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me being slightly short sighted is like looking at life through rose coloured glasses - yes you can see your face - but not every little wrinkle or facial hair, yes you clean and think you have done a good job because you cannot see everything quite so well. I might even see flaws in you that I had not noticed lately. So I guess next week when I get to look at myself with glasses on I might be doing a lot of cleaning and quickly making some appointments at the local beautician - hopefully it won't be too much of a shock and at least this time I am prepared for it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't choose glasses quite like the ones in the photo here, and of course Derek hasn't worn his lasered eye out so he doesn't need glasses yet (given he doesn't read - so maybe that is the secret to a never ending lasered eye - just don't read) but it is going to be strange to need to wear them again and no doubt to begin with they will feel like those in the picture.</span></div>
JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-31004233048588437782015-12-30T19:18:00.002-08:002015-12-30T19:41:52.743-08:00Goodbye 2015 - Welcome to 2016<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIllHZVCFDyEjaaeRkejDeIxak125O8Ysc8_NyLgbAab97CkEsqp_i7F3fojxjzlzYhMmmyt29GaHgT769hKdx4_GENr-iVXylhyphenhyphenrbOpriDKJeDD0IVj2uCsqhJry4JN4Sz5KFycdZcvw/s1600/Happy-New-Year-2016-Images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIllHZVCFDyEjaaeRkejDeIxak125O8Ysc8_NyLgbAab97CkEsqp_i7F3fojxjzlzYhMmmyt29GaHgT769hKdx4_GENr-iVXylhyphenhyphenrbOpriDKJeDD0IVj2uCsqhJry4JN4Sz5KFycdZcvw/s320/Happy-New-Year-2016-Images.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">How fast do the years fly by, it just feels like yesterday that I was welcoming in the New Year and here it is all over again, right at the moment days, weeks and months seem to come and go in flurry and I seem to always be trying to catch up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I generally try not to make New Years Resolutions instead try to give the year a theme for us - but I am not really sure what it is this year because I feel there is something awaiting us, so maybe it the year of surprises. I also just want to be a better person generally.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We didn't know what 2015 had in store for us but we knew we wanted to just settle down for a while, but it ended up being a truly fantastic year with us finding many new friends from both our new community, and more importantly from our volunteering. As I had written previously one of the things we missed about working was camaraderie and we were hoping to find that by moving into our new home (and we did), but it is the camaraderie of our fellow crew mates that has been fantastic - thank you Purple A team it is great to work around a group of older people who have so much life and such a sense of purpose - these guys are true inspirations of get up and go, get up and move, get up and get things done now - not just when they are at VMR but what they do for the rest of the week, like paint the house, make incredible things like little caravans, write books and the list goes on and on, sometimes I get tired just listening to all the things they each achieved throughout the week when we have our catch up on Monday mornings. They are like a breath of fresh air, and unlike some in our community live life to the fullest everyday, don't complain, never stop and give so much to so many. So in line with my being a better Mother I am generally trying to be a better person because of them, give more and take less, do more for others and expect less back in return, help those who need help and try harder to make those around me happier. I learnt that this really is the secret to a great retirement and while living in our new community provides many activities I realised that so many of them are just selfish pursuits, like happy hours, going out to lunches and or dinners - primarily so people feel like they are doing something but they are mindless pursuits generally and don't give a purpose of real achievement. Yes of course many in here do these things as well and of course they are similar to our wonderful Purple A crew members, but unfortunately many really don't have a lot going on in their lives and somehow seem to expect others to entertain them, and I am still out on if this is the way to retire. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We also learnt to get rid of things that aggravated us and we learnt to walk away without complaint (well sometimes), and I want to extend that more this year. Its funny the things that can aggravate you - communications is one of them these days - honestly I don't have a need to answer the phone anymore, I will get around to it, I don't need to be online all day every day, I am participating in life, not watching it through others posts etc. I rid myself of many of my Facebook friends this year, you know the type those that always seem to know what you have done, but can't seem to bring themselves to like anything, but when they post they expect everyone to comment etc, I like to call them stalkers because in some respects they are - also those who only share other peoples stuff - nothing personal about themselves - these things where annoying me because a) I missed important posts from people who actually have a life because of all the crap they were posting and b) I got sick of being cut short on a story I might have been telling about something we did only to be told "yes I read that on Facebook" but how would I have known when they make no comments or like anything - now my circle is smaller but way more intimate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel renewed in these last few months - learning new things, studying, exams and being active to the extend of exhaustion and I feel there is something new around the corner for us - not sure what that is, but our selfish life of travel and indulgences which is good when you first retire because you need to have a break and just learn to live again is over for the time being, but after 3 years of its all about me, its nice to be useful, helping others,and with real purpose, not just making someone rich and I feel there is something new and exciting out there just waiting for us - because our eyes are once again open to new and wonderful things and we are invigorated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you all have a wonderful New Years Eve and more importantly I hope you all have a fantastic 2016 and that it gives you everything you are wanting in life - enjoy!</span></div>
JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-15939608956728830412015-12-23T14:39:00.004-08:002015-12-23T14:39:53.389-08:00Merry Christmas<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hoping everyone has a beautiful, relaxing and joyous Christmas.</span><br />
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JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-7314360522981520922015-09-11T16:02:00.000-07:002015-09-11T16:02:47.392-07:00When did we ever get time to work?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHopHnFrydrGGXCto5B2dfZB2-9rzVVkvGy_aPGZsoz3IOfhF8in6LZ4HU40pIJW6ltKWeodBWXR5Dp0OKONLr5WqfmaobrZmmrXxqqWBmZv6yCSUA5oW3YprbYEebJvUe-jij6UnfogM/s1600/IMAG5288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHopHnFrydrGGXCto5B2dfZB2-9rzVVkvGy_aPGZsoz3IOfhF8in6LZ4HU40pIJW6ltKWeodBWXR5Dp0OKONLr5WqfmaobrZmmrXxqqWBmZv6yCSUA5oW3YprbYEebJvUe-jij6UnfogM/s320/IMAG5288.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This month marks our 3rd anniversary of our retirement journey, when I look back I wonder how did we ever get the time to go to work.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FDzHHfvHRKl8JIxodqv6fDLD7cBqYXYbpAem74ft7on3QS2UJjTIuFSDgwWmWnsUyK2RJ1wy2kNfqto2vWCpb3cvdi1c72pbAxoeM_xSK4oY1Hze0NKMKHe8FN-mb7-hnwLzT59_pdA/s1600/IMAG5111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FDzHHfvHRKl8JIxodqv6fDLD7cBqYXYbpAem74ft7on3QS2UJjTIuFSDgwWmWnsUyK2RJ1wy2kNfqto2vWCpb3cvdi1c72pbAxoeM_xSK4oY1Hze0NKMKHe8FN-mb7-hnwLzT59_pdA/s200/IMAG5111.jpg" width="112" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are we bored yet? Short and sweet answer to that is NO. Sorry to all you doubting Thomas's who went you are too young to retire, you will get bored, you will run out of money etc (the list of things everyone said is way too long to put them all here, but I am sure you get the picture).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anniversaries are a good thing to sit back and reflect on things and if you have spent your time wisely, and achieved the goals you set out to. I don't know if we had a plan ,in fact I know we really didn't have a plan as such - yes there was travel we wanted to do, yes we knew at some point we would want to downsize, we knew we wanted to do something more meaningful in our lives - not just make the man richer but help the community - although we didn't know in which form that would take, we knew we wanted to be with like minded people - how all of those things transpired was the fine tuning of life the suck it and see type thing, but no real plans as such.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlyEAQj_xWRHyqATvhHuTrK2ID-61XyFqYAaDUE0hW2O1BSH3DdyrpKMQFKq2v00eAu5ftQBj2OwIIaibEooDRlraDNvNZ5lXXmaFZUj_EZDNBRnYCXT5mR_ZWE0PgJFqTAeiRDZDjZ4/s1600/VIDEO0384_0000083099_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRlyEAQj_xWRHyqATvhHuTrK2ID-61XyFqYAaDUE0hW2O1BSH3DdyrpKMQFKq2v00eAu5ftQBj2OwIIaibEooDRlraDNvNZ5lXXmaFZUj_EZDNBRnYCXT5mR_ZWE0PgJFqTAeiRDZDjZ4/s320/VIDEO0384_0000083099_1.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those 3 years have gone by so fast and outside of the years of having babies and staying home to look after my beautiful little girls, these last 3 years have probably been the most enjoyable days of my life. Sure there are days where we are a little bored, but its those days that make you take stock and make you re-evaluate things - without them you may miss something new and exciting to do, see, participate in, but generally these days have been few and far between.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dhce2ORo8phcGjiXTSs-oxSfgF_fNwSkj-vwTZqpP2TEivZ_uMwXYUyBxhBFTIC8vWIppuKaVDsZD3RyMk-HDg8oT1QTLPfGsp2zxErLDb08zjEGvxyZ8kNh440Omy1xASMzRtfHeOw/s1600/IMAG5149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6dhce2ORo8phcGjiXTSs-oxSfgF_fNwSkj-vwTZqpP2TEivZ_uMwXYUyBxhBFTIC8vWIppuKaVDsZD3RyMk-HDg8oT1QTLPfGsp2zxErLDb08zjEGvxyZ8kNh440Omy1xASMzRtfHeOw/s200/IMAG5149.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have been in our new home now for 9 months - this time last year we were still away eagerly awaiting the completion of our home, now we are truly settled in with a long term plan for living here. We always knew we would sell our last home - it was the when and where would we go that we didn't know so some days it was hard to settle down because you where always looking for the next move opportunity, watching the real estate market etc - so its nice to be somewhere without that cloud over your head. Its also nice not to have a mortgage and heaps of bucks in the bank - it helps you to really plan ahead better. We live somewhere where there is always someone to talk to, people to do things with so those days when you have nothing on your plate can be filled in easily by taking a stroll around, sitting in the boat shed and chatting to others.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexUZptWUVsvJR5tgDO3norW4Nw_984Kkt6p5hSqLdmsRCdAAGFSMf5J2Lp2SUMwiqa7a-a6syGAJDvFGia09wTjzDh4TOFe7aYnnMJskGNB5phW4YPbYKBRQ_2FsWafCo4wTA7OREI8o/s1600/IMAG5083_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexUZptWUVsvJR5tgDO3norW4Nw_984Kkt6p5hSqLdmsRCdAAGFSMf5J2Lp2SUMwiqa7a-a6syGAJDvFGia09wTjzDh4TOFe7aYnnMJskGNB5phW4YPbYKBRQ_2FsWafCo4wTA7OREI8o/s320/IMAG5083_1.jpg" width="202" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TMfhrNJ18fwWC8Y4CSIURWYtimsahID84NoNiedOAqYYXMGRWqcGzAKWU9RbreyX9mvLFk25h-KzQdiaRCjXqd_b5SBkdkoiq0cpOJU2CKovddYfzWepSia-V_5tlH3zCO_42UvVkk0/s1600/IMG_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TMfhrNJ18fwWC8Y4CSIURWYtimsahID84NoNiedOAqYYXMGRWqcGzAKWU9RbreyX9mvLFk25h-KzQdiaRCjXqd_b5SBkdkoiq0cpOJU2CKovddYfzWepSia-V_5tlH3zCO_42UvVkk0/s200/IMG_0236.JPG" width="112" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buying our caravan provides with a quick, cheap way of holidaying when we feel we need to get out or away and even though we have only had it since April, we have been away 4 times now taking up about 7 weeks of our time - sometimes you just have to get away, but heading off overseas is expensive and we have been lucky enough over our time to have traveled extensively so right now we are happy with the lets go now and travel in our van. We have had some great times away and our last trip to North and Central Queensland was heaps of fun, very relaxing, we saw things we haven't seen before - like the Undara Lava Tubes (where I had my birthday) what an incredible place, we caught up with friends in Port Douglas, we hired a mini moke at Magnetic Island, and caught up with the Crocs in Cairns - all paid for by Dereks metal detecting, it was a good way of escaping the cold.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzh3RyRufvHkACfcsuwN92B1zhFLKXP6hPYH2i9LlHkFZBWHb-UZfSoKNoTCb30dgbFJRJ7Hl49glvN9xC8MQF4gv_jFeyWngk5t_eLT0iOYSHpncGT2xl3kXZ7LNGdk-IbQLb9utW9g/s1600/IMAG4984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzh3RyRufvHkACfcsuwN92B1zhFLKXP6hPYH2i9LlHkFZBWHb-UZfSoKNoTCb30dgbFJRJ7Hl49glvN9xC8MQF4gv_jFeyWngk5t_eLT0iOYSHpncGT2xl3kXZ7LNGdk-IbQLb9utW9g/s320/IMAG4984.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We still look for other holiday options as well, and recently took advantage of a standby rate for a house boat for a week - just like camping but on the water, we hadn't realised how much we had missed a week long boating trip - but with our use of our free boats here, and the standby rates for the houseboat, it is significantly cheaper than owing a boat. We try to use the boats here at least once a week for a days escape to the beach and we love it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMi6FrMONOu36LiWkSAcTO5vHUkgINX4gB17C1BZxaGFBBsgkMQJPLB2ZRehCyzb9MyCHr_LNyqFrqqfj2-Xp9kR1BPqGbBRlwgHbJeUK7oKPdiRYBvl1eV_F6QYkLYq-QsVFC7Euj0SA/s1600/11960172_10207422734428009_1936849715747809931_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMi6FrMONOu36LiWkSAcTO5vHUkgINX4gB17C1BZxaGFBBsgkMQJPLB2ZRehCyzb9MyCHr_LNyqFrqqfj2-Xp9kR1BPqGbBRlwgHbJeUK7oKPdiRYBvl1eV_F6QYkLYq-QsVFC7Euj0SA/s200/11960172_10207422734428009_1936849715747809931_n.jpg" width="112" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVToZuuwPo77141PYDsNZe3fdzj4CSP0546NRZxFVHc7uQb228u3whmQvKARBDJREsdpOGLbUKXGA8xvDOwy8ErhgwF1ouAX5PqpA36dEKNGWJUqcJ17-g8kzzCS9Jco9roivU841uc8/s1600/11951943_10207397810484926_6920484316725274435_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVToZuuwPo77141PYDsNZe3fdzj4CSP0546NRZxFVHc7uQb228u3whmQvKARBDJREsdpOGLbUKXGA8xvDOwy8ErhgwF1ouAX5PqpA36dEKNGWJUqcJ17-g8kzzCS9Jco9roivU841uc8/s200/11951943_10207397810484926_6920484316725274435_n.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With our new found freedoms, our new found lifestyle we have also now been able to decide how we volunteer, something we had wanted to do since we retired - give back to the community, do something for others, be less selfish - so we are now Marine Rescue on Monday and Tuesdays from 6am to 6pm, those first days where tiring but now we have gotten our energy back, have learnt to wake up earlier again and its great to be learning new things, getting new skills and being apart of yet another group of like minded people and be a part of team. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Yes it is tiring, yes it really takes it out of you, but it is so rewarding when you rescue someone who is in trouble, and learning true boating skills is exhilarating. It took us a while to find the exact right thing for us, we don't spend any money on these days, the week just seems to fly by now and we feel like we are being useful in a way that is interesting for us. Volunteering was always in the long term plan, but the first 2 1/2 years just didn't fit in, now it does in the exact right way for us.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtJptsGFcqLKEurgS9_c4juRtvm_cbKFgIN2CZuMEgwu21aFKsn9k973stVp3uR0om76kp3QmN2mkaow2Ly1u-yOxUzBzzmjsfbp6ssX1UFleAlMr6NUhF0tjbzgHhSXarhmwzw3eVkY/s1600/11954579_10207397810764933_8683642512599785994_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtJptsGFcqLKEurgS9_c4juRtvm_cbKFgIN2CZuMEgwu21aFKsn9k973stVp3uR0om76kp3QmN2mkaow2Ly1u-yOxUzBzzmjsfbp6ssX1UFleAlMr6NUhF0tjbzgHhSXarhmwzw3eVkY/s200/11954579_10207397810764933_8683642512599785994_n.jpg" width="112" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I now also doing Tai Chi on Wednesday and we both do a walking group on Thursdays so our week is fully booked up and it all goes too fast, so we now have a routine that provides us with a good array of things to do, keep fit physically and mentally as well as enjoying the company of fantastic new found friends.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtyzXkJQ9LaAmzKM024a_zYis4Tm_TcK5zx3xsmtS6_HuovbN5ubhEerknFM0ryhf0nJQ9Hczkdpom8RM-f91PQb_ote2caT6PYVDT8wsy5IILjhLjxfcJXnoQIro_qlRBw4dgf71LPY/s1600/IMAG5224+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtyzXkJQ9LaAmzKM024a_zYis4Tm_TcK5zx3xsmtS6_HuovbN5ubhEerknFM0ryhf0nJQ9Hczkdpom8RM-f91PQb_ote2caT6PYVDT8wsy5IILjhLjxfcJXnoQIro_qlRBw4dgf71LPY/s320/IMAG5224+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not so long ago someone said to me "You haven't really done much since you retired", and it got me to thinking about what we have done, so with our 3 year anniversary here are our stats (of the things I can think of - no doubt have left something out), but I am not sure if we really could have fitted more in to be honest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Days Retired:</b> 1095</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Days spent travelling:</b> 440 (and they are the ones I can remember) 80 days overseas 14 countries, domestic about 300 days (including our around Australia camping trip) and about 60 days on boating holidays</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Moving:</b> 180 days - 90 days moving out, and about the same moving in (by the time you go out and buy new stuff, rearrange things and really settle in) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Day trips/lunches etc:</b> about 100 from the things I can reme</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">mber - but probably more</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GdCgWErQeUKsOHzOOV3OqNkyRfhtq4petxKEoXXLm-QQXkq8lXV2cqyhNWViu6DGoFZxpeN8SYV-9f6SpuZO8sqSs2zXDkmwN83bLFYsBjX8XOlkyDnnRGWh1aurzhjU0ht8_BrjUnw/s1600/IMAG5203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GdCgWErQeUKsOHzOOV3OqNkyRfhtq4petxKEoXXLm-QQXkq8lXV2cqyhNWViu6DGoFZxpeN8SYV-9f6SpuZO8sqSs2zXDkmwN83bLFYsBjX8XOlkyDnnRGWh1aurzhjU0ht8_BrjUnw/s320/IMAG5203.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes there would have been other things, but that accounts for about 65% of our retired life so far, at some point you have to be home and attend to the mundane as well as recuperate so overall I feel we have not really stopped. It will change now for us a bit, as we do our volunteering and have set things that are done regularly each week - but that is also good, and a stage we were wanting to get to. We are already planning our next camping trip for after the school hols and I must admit, I am hanging for a nice cruise holiday so I doubt the next 12 months will be boring as we look forward to some more new adventures.</span></div>
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<br />JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-63977856873091149842015-05-17T15:15:00.003-07:002015-05-17T15:18:39.916-07:00A camping we will go<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just 3 short years ago if you had said that I would find pleasure in camping, or that as a part of our retirement journey I would be camping I probably would have laughed and said "you have to be joking". I hadn't had a lot of experience with camping in my life except the school trips and the really cheap tent experience in my late teens, and to be honest I hated each and every one I went on. I had made it my life's ambition never to camp - to me 3 days in a 5 star resort was more of a holiday than 3 weeks camping.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it's a strange feeling in my mind that here I am less than 3 years into retirement and I find I love the camping experience and now look forward to our next trip and spending money on being able to camp in a better environment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We did start our retirement with a relocation van (looking for cheaper ways to travel - and this sort of set the ball rolling) if you missed my blog on that here's the link <a href="http://ninker.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/brisbane-to-cairns-britz-motor-home.html">The Relocation Van Blog</a>, at first I thought I enjoyed it so much because it provided just so much freedom and given we had only just retired it was such a great feeling to just be on the road, no plans other than to be in Cairns in 7 days and travelling with very little - just shorts, t's and thongs - it felt so good after years of constraints.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now being settled in the new home and after our big trip around Australia we started thinking about what we really want to do, yes we love the overseas travel and we love our cruising holidays, but you can't do this type of travel on our sort of self funded retirement money all the time - and we want to be able to pack up and go when the desire strikes, not planning for something in 3 months time, be more spontaneous in our adventures and to be able to do things more regularly. So you have guessed it, we have bought ourselves a new pop top camper van.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03q30SC-cdp1BhrUaWUVHv4ZrMi_kqxihMfMGdtsvukEWx4hwaWZ4EYvp7q6Q58qGl-W_EGZjV0Y2QpKAJmyTSW2cZrEPIp0gWeiErCf-8IPXtPZClvP1w9icrVfl7GZPGKdklKSJMW4/s1600/IMAG4862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03q30SC-cdp1BhrUaWUVHv4ZrMi_kqxihMfMGdtsvukEWx4hwaWZ4EYvp7q6Q58qGl-W_EGZjV0Y2QpKAJmyTSW2cZrEPIp0gWeiErCf-8IPXtPZClvP1w9icrVfl7GZPGKdklKSJMW4/s640/IMAG4862.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Given we have limited space in our new house to store a van we had to be quite succinct in what we wanted ie: we only have a limited width and a limited height we can go to - in our travels the most common van we saw were the Jayco Pop Tops - more than any other type, brand or style and those that had them seemed to have the best of all worlds - not too big, but with the convenience of internal sinks, beds, lounge areas and dining areas,off the ground, easy to tow and easy to setup. So a few months ago we started on the journey of looking for our new home away from home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like all buying decisions these days, we try hard to take our time and do our homework - looking at as many possible options we can see - to ensure we are getting the best bang for our buck - so given we knew exactly what we were after (we hired one for a weekend first to make sure we did like them) and also to ensure it would fit into the limited space we have, and yes it was for us. We searched for second hand ones to begin with and then soon found that most of these where of a similar price to a brand new one, so we did elect to buy a newbie (beautiful).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have spent the last 2 months now just packing and going when the weather appears to be good (although that really hasn't worked out so well given our current weather patterns of late), but this hasn't fazed us at all, because one of the reasons we wanted a pop top caravan was so we were not limited by rain like we were on the soft floor/roof camper and it would appear we could possibly hire ourselves out as drought busters.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Tw3KJ1aPdE-Aus7EPcRMs4lnY51Mb1GNeknHJT6WJyzb8nh6DBSWPmEmenRwV07NeGjHwwmGr5Hl0aIiXM526jygrQbGGkvd3WYtwQBFxKoOWtJpfG6q1Ppxieue-BW_CHW7rHmQXqA/s1600/IMAG4880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Tw3KJ1aPdE-Aus7EPcRMs4lnY51Mb1GNeknHJT6WJyzb8nh6DBSWPmEmenRwV07NeGjHwwmGr5Hl0aIiXM526jygrQbGGkvd3WYtwQBFxKoOWtJpfG6q1Ppxieue-BW_CHW7rHmQXqA/s320/IMAG4880.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So yes we have experienced a lot of rain (in 3 trips over 300mm), but at the same time we have been comfortable when it was raining, we have had the luxury of being able to get inside and keep dry as well as be off the ground (which was a great thing in these types of situations). We have been learning how to get the van up and down quickly, getting everything in its rightful place and establishing our living while away - so while the weather hasn't always been on our side (although in some places it was perfect), we have learnt about our new van which has been great, and so far we love the thought and of course the doing of just going - lets go!.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our first trip was to South West Rocks - about half way between Brisbane and Sydney and we had a great camp site on the mouth of the river - it was a fantastic camp site with a ensuite (we always try to get an ensuited site if we can), on large sites and in a beautiful environment. It took us a bit longer to setup than we originally anticipated that first time as we had to remember how to do everything and of course it was all new - but we got there and the first day was magnificent - sunny and warm and just so lovely to be sitting under our annex in the shade having </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a chat to people feeling pretty chuffed, but that night the heavens opened to 140mm of rain - but guess what - we didn't care and not one drop of water in the van and the site was still dry around us because of the annex (the things we didn't have before). Overall it was a great first trip and we really enjoyed ourselves. We did only have 3 days here though because of the rain - but that is what this is about, we don't have to be away for weeks now, more regular trips for shorter periods of time. Derek of course continued on his winning way in the metal detecting stakes and had a fantastic time.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfNZJrTvpsTYuXy7OYdlfWfHhr49vuTQ3KTHHvdH7jw3gZEmt2xhKj6WOg83t_tYuMnUWjjo5ZtzxSx3Paq6TzLYGp3FNaFFhmCKG1MiprRI9o86-43BJC2UXX9Mkxvw_JyzmO_1ST_I/s1600/IMAG4918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfNZJrTvpsTYuXy7OYdlfWfHhr49vuTQ3KTHHvdH7jw3gZEmt2xhKj6WOg83t_tYuMnUWjjo5ZtzxSx3Paq6TzLYGp3FNaFFhmCKG1MiprRI9o86-43BJC2UXX9Mkxvw_JyzmO_1ST_I/s320/IMAG4918.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjsRzNjv3x3Ho-5kvBu6Zb3lqHh6R-5TOOK5DwmKURikugLPDItn4vr4-OLJ83Zf3IccE-CMnhTUU7pAl9-lfBz2kTCF0g51eADR15nVsfNhOoFrW_1I3rFh8ygnjoS2YRHzr38-alro/s1600/IMAG4909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjsRzNjv3x3Ho-5kvBu6Zb3lqHh6R-5TOOK5DwmKURikugLPDItn4vr4-OLJ83Zf3IccE-CMnhTUU7pAl9-lfBz2kTCF0g51eADR15nVsfNhOoFrW_1I3rFh8ygnjoS2YRHzr38-alro/s320/IMAG4909.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next we decided to head into country NSW at this time of the year the Armidale area is so beautiful with its Autumn leaves and we had another lovely camp spot and after a few lovely days here we headed for Stanthorpe - I love Standthorpe and there is so much to do there at this time of year with the wineries, lovely town center, bush walks etc (check out my <a href="http://ninker.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/stunning-stanthorpe-queenslands-wine.html">Stanthorpe Blog</a> for more info on this area). We headed to Storm King Dam rather than the town parks because we wanted a more bush camp site and the caravan park here didn't disappoint, with exceptionally large sites complete with fire pits (absolutely necessary in Stanthorpe this time of year as the days are beautiful, but boy can the nights get cold), right on the dam and boats, bikes etc to hire - we will be going back here again. Once again our trip was cut short by RAIN another 200mm in 2 days so it was a wet pack up which was also good to experience.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2oaSB0Pxecge-D-sFJwrfb8g2ZqL0XTGyF5XIo1DheKyD6-pH_CGWSfOx8lP7Puze3I7GVqmCn_Zn4sYSI23Y9PuzZv7uribH9-ImBU1tjlg3OlT-IQEeO7VvHF79ZbcFkMTJV8n4AU/s1600/IMAG4969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2oaSB0Pxecge-D-sFJwrfb8g2ZqL0XTGyF5XIo1DheKyD6-pH_CGWSfOx8lP7Puze3I7GVqmCn_Zn4sYSI23Y9PuzZv7uribH9-ImBU1tjlg3OlT-IQEeO7VvHF79ZbcFkMTJV8n4AU/s320/IMAG4969.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few weeks back home - still getting things in their rightful places in the van so each time we go out the experience gets just that bit better, more organised and easier to setup, then we headed off to Rainbow Beach (I haven't been there for probably 35 years), again the Rainbow Beach caravan park is fabulous with views to die for, the weather was glorious for the 3 days we were here - but unfortunately we had to pack and go because we hadn't booked and on the 4th day we were told they where fully booked - bugger. Headed up to Bigara Beach just of Bundaberg for a few days there (probably wouldn't go back here again, really not much to do and no beach as such so a little disappointing), but again we got to do the pack up and set up in one day and this is so helpful in learning how to use your van so we were not really all that upset.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are now getting ready to take off for the Winter though, heading North for the sun and hope to be away for 4-6 weeks (this is sort of what we want to do, short trips during the year and then 1 longer trip in the Winter months). We feel we now have everything in the right spot in the van, have all the things we need for a comfortable trip and we feel confident in the setup and pack up process. At this point in time we feel this has provided us with a lot more travelling opportunities at a more affordable price and while we love where we live it is still nice to get away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are loving the Jayco Eagle, it suites us to a tee, it has all the comforts of a big van (sink, stove, fridge, lounge, dining and 2 beds - one queen and one double as well as an electric awning - we are hopeless with annex setup so with a push of a button we have our awning up and out with no fuss). Its easy to tow and you can still do the normal speed limits and now we have setup a few times we are doing this in about an hour from pull in to sitting down having a coffee under the annex, we could probably do it faster but we like to get everything out properly first up. We are enjoying our small jaunts when we get the urge to move which is good, and yes we have been taking Teddy (but he really doesn't enjoy himself all that much - but we can take him if we want to so that is nice as well</span>).</div>
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JAChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251770246707613733noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-547920673927329883.post-36127658360312345232015-03-12T19:01:00.000-07:002015-03-14T15:27:13.844-07:00Life in the over 50's lane<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WOW how fast time flies, we have been in our new home now for over 3 months, and I really can't believe it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So how is it going you may well ask?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a totally different experience living in an over 50's village, and so far so good. While we have had some teething issues that are always associated with a new estate, generally the move has provided us with everything we were looking for.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As in previous posts on the move, we were looking to up size the bank account so we could enjoy more things over a longer period of time, have less expenses and spend less time on chores like gardening, maintenance etc, but at the same time, have more camaraderie around us, and be somewhere where we could share with like minded people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was hard at first but those of us who moved in together on the first day are now well entrenched as we all got to know each other, and now we get new neighbours every week, which is exciting - its nice to see the community taking shape, and we get to do lots of nice things with each other using the community facilities (which are not totally finished as yet), but when they all are, I believe we get a great bang for our buck.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Teddy is loving it here as well, which is nice, I was a bit worried about him and his sometimes cranky attitude but he enjoys going out and saying hello to everyone on his daily walk, so all good on that front.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_18es7L8HnWMIh_NDFr79xFvGpxMhVUP-Ycn2nWoOdq1_dibuQppXeMppOyl4C5HtbLppBh6S9vLsurq6lpvwBvTxAHH0yztqpxl0t1RnsFkSNjwUdE-fO4PO3qPhI8GP-Zri48wSJ3I/s1600/Dinner+Black+Angus+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_18es7L8HnWMIh_NDFr79xFvGpxMhVUP-Ycn2nWoOdq1_dibuQppXeMppOyl4C5HtbLppBh6S9vLsurq6lpvwBvTxAHH0yztqpxl0t1RnsFkSNjwUdE-fO4PO3qPhI8GP-Zri48wSJ3I/s1600/Dinner+Black+Angus+3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So while we have now settled in it is time for us to begin a new journey where we can do more travel with less worries as we leave, so have bought ourselves a new camper trailer (hard top, off ground and easy to put up) and are looking forward to being able to just jump in and go off whenever the urge arrives.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1pIDJJuqjFGViW51BK48TLgxlL_gdEIH-12phsYz9dQZNGz0AmrBHy8bQnrGNwGIHAAIs8kXgB9u00yf_qbxabBbCIGgl8L1vpmtAooM5tKTCj75LWJS0sSAxRgbOYdhlVN3aeCacm4/s1600/P1110836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1pIDJJuqjFGViW51BK48TLgxlL_gdEIH-12phsYz9dQZNGz0AmrBHy8bQnrGNwGIHAAIs8kXgB9u00yf_qbxabBbCIGgl8L1vpmtAooM5tKTCj75LWJS0sSAxRgbOYdhlVN3aeCacm4/s1600/P1110836.JPG" height="272" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We don't seem to have stopped though since moving here, and with our new found friends and companions in our community we have been off doing heaps of lovely day trips, having drinks and nibbles and generally getting to know each other so its been a fun way to settle in and get to know everyone while moving in and getting things done, and getting to know your new environment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what have we done since moving in you ask, lets see if I can remember all the wonderful things that have made the last 3 months fly by.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Q2aELkvjIGUEWEaWoyFcEEDdMEwfk3MlayaAj8hH2a-PFTPX5U0TZ8F-qPTsWHtm7pjbrvPXjpt4jaAoxF6Oxl3Y5i0ML9dWk5Cyn-4BfQtR9PODJ8mRhw4WxerOphghZDjPtuaoWIU/s1600/P1110934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Q2aELkvjIGUEWEaWoyFcEEDdMEwfk3MlayaAj8hH2a-PFTPX5U0TZ8F-qPTsWHtm7pjbrvPXjpt4jaAoxF6Oxl3Y5i0ML9dWk5Cyn-4BfQtR9PODJ8mRhw4WxerOphghZDjPtuaoWIU/s1600/P1110934.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>A lovely dinner at The Black Angus at Sanctuary Cove- a wonderful way to meet everyone and get to know each other and being picked up in a Limo with champers for the trip up the road, while we were all tired having only moved in for 2 days and all of still unpacking it was nice to find some good clothes out of the boxes and go and relax. Dinner was yum and I think a great night was had by all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiY1u1eySD4EIeWJQM_vP-zsx8uHwSJNNNDg-xiO6EOrBMeMaJFBrkj6WAiMQ0DK6Pnbr5VyApm_kTzkeY20z27T-vl5-k_YT_2ODrGSbbzNAD_vZJc0eS7T4pRNJ7h3-L0PC7sgS-6s/s1600/P1120004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiY1u1eySD4EIeWJQM_vP-zsx8uHwSJNNNDg-xiO6EOrBMeMaJFBrkj6WAiMQ0DK6Pnbr5VyApm_kTzkeY20z27T-vl5-k_YT_2ODrGSbbzNAD_vZJc0eS7T4pRNJ7h3-L0PC7sgS-6s/s1600/P1120004.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>A day at the Brisbane International Tennis - in the Corporate Box no less but being driven to Brissy and enjoying something new and exciting with a great vantage point, I know I had a ripper day and thoroughly enjoyed it - I will be going back next year albeit paying for myself this time, but it introduced me to something I had not done before and I loved it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking our new community boat over to Tipplers Resort for lunch - it was a hot day, but being on the boat with the cool breezes blowing, then having a wonderful lunch when we arrived was just so nice. Derek taught some of the others the art of metal </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">detecting </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- it is these things that have helped to fill in the days, give you something to look forward to and in the early days of settling in gave some reprieve from decorating, unpacking etc</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYY-IMUS_Z5b7Z4MBXw0IoqKtG6IBK17EMGSmq0pi-f0cMAgoTKTvGlV5TrWuuTTiNQ23TA3jbyHf6hSDPDwkPBWRB9FXTE_TXC5YJkfj1rg7II4apg-pQ-6OS2znXzV3Ag4-PhlQIejw/s1600/P1120018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYY-IMUS_Z5b7Z4MBXw0IoqKtG6IBK17EMGSmq0pi-f0cMAgoTKTvGlV5TrWuuTTiNQ23TA3jbyHf6hSDPDwkPBWRB9FXTE_TXC5YJkfj1rg7II4apg-pQ-6OS2znXzV3Ag4-PhlQIejw/s1600/P1120018.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Australia Day at South Straddie, with great games, you can't beat thong throwing and frizby throwing competitions, and then the mandatory egg and spoon race, follow all of this activity with a </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BBQ lunch, nice walks and generally getting to know not just the people who already live here, but those expecting to move in in the near future.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiY1u1eySD4EIeWJQM_vP-zsx8uHwSJNNNDg-xiO6EOrBMeMaJFBrkj6WAiMQ0DK6Pnbr5VyApm_kTzkeY20z27T-vl5-k_YT_2ODrGSbbzNAD_vZJc0eS7T4pRNJ7h3-L0PC7sgS-6s/s1600/P1120004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone getting their boat inductions and bus inductions so you can take them out whenever you want filled in a few days as well.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKopgAL-eZJAOCRtcv_c-WXbrhDeoQfwTwrwzHbp4iEQO1rrWjvPB3a3Vxy2wc509AZ6W5Z2TWMU34-LcLFJFURV_FdYdB7UQFhhcprgUt4ByMg4i6XONBSyqmTZamgYQhxE_SbQKRick/s1600/IMG_0214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKopgAL-eZJAOCRtcv_c-WXbrhDeoQfwTwrwzHbp4iEQO1rrWjvPB3a3Vxy2wc509AZ6W5Z2TWMU34-LcLFJFURV_FdYdB7UQFhhcprgUt4ByMg4i6XONBSyqmTZamgYQhxE_SbQKRick/s1600/IMG_0214.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another great Chinese New Year night with Dragons and general fun, and of course great food.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The boys had a boating day where they stopped at Curan Cove for coffee and then at the spit for a fish and chip lunch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Us all taking the bus, with Derek as the driver out to the Fox and Hound - a beautiful old English Pub, that was bought out piece by piece from England and rebuilt at the bottom of Tamborine Mountain, with good English food, and generally quaint in this beach environment.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QnYQkQCYRoS9bmeB61kDTTR-NFoN0DN2V6DbwJYPj_jlUM2Re4CC7a1TqLHbcLcUD87yHCK3FwnecOiXNT43wZOe74gFSA7PTu-PHqG0B-QS0Vm_XPUqAY8N1AA0-80HXaG4UtPIwjE/s1600/10914975_10152695716066476_7712013201255908969_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QnYQkQCYRoS9bmeB61kDTTR-NFoN0DN2V6DbwJYPj_jlUM2Re4CC7a1TqLHbcLcUD87yHCK3FwnecOiXNT43wZOe74gFSA7PTu-PHqG0B-QS0Vm_XPUqAY8N1AA0-80HXaG4UtPIwjE/s1600/10914975_10152695716066476_7712013201255908969_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Too many happy hours to remember (every Friday night) usually involving Pizza, a Susage Sizzle or similar so a nice way to finish off each week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And this week we are having a Pot Luck night where everyone brings a plate to share - looking forward to some yummy foods and then it will be off to St Paddies Day on Tuesday to be sure to be sure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So there has been no rest for us wicked retirees with something happening just about every week, but that isn't enough for us, this week we bought our new camper and take delivery of it on Monday (no doubt there will be a blog about it) as we make ready for more jaunts out into our beautiful country on a more regular basis, while we are being kept busy here we are now getting itchy bums to travel again, and given we enjoyed our camping trip around the country, we decided this was a perfect way for us to go away more regularly and with less costs overall - to make those retirement dollars stretch , take Teddy with us and see and experience other places in this great land that we didn't do on the last trip.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcqj5rS1blGN_IDNWQ_EwTBEmXdf3gUPhyklhoiIRDraLxB4KdM8IlzAraOHT9QnwK4ire_1ijrryNFuhDe1GGLGkYyPtyMudzUW5AkcaNzECeCEsKVN5ZXM2PIcH5F6ZcbHjMJ0hThs/s1600/IMAG4843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcqj5rS1blGN_IDNWQ_EwTBEmXdf3gUPhyklhoiIRDraLxB4KdM8IlzAraOHT9QnwK4ire_1ijrryNFuhDe1GGLGkYyPtyMudzUW5AkcaNzECeCEsKVN5ZXM2PIcH5F6ZcbHjMJ0hThs/s1600/IMAG4843.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So as you can see we are keeping busy, put this in with a happy hour every week, still going out and buying things for the house, then the normal mundane things it has gone by too quickly, but it has been fun and its nice to be surrounded by fun people in a similar age bracket to us, and yes there are always going to be things that annoy you when you live in a new estate (noise, dirt etc), these are short lived and easily forgotten when you are having fun.</span></div>
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