Sunday, December 19, 2010
Busy in the Kitchen
Meg got busy in the kitchen today and made these little beauties. I've already had quite a few with a several cups of tea today. It's been that kind of weather. They're gingerbread flavour - the house is yet to come.
Photo Catch up
Have added a few photos to the coast posts and Meg's graduation and am catching up on some overdue blogging. I miss it when I don't post for a few days, then it takes me ages to catch up (not on anything exciting, just documenting what we've been up to).
The vines in the garden certainly appreciated the wet and steamy conditions while we were away. They've nearly taken over.
The goats were pleased to see us.
Woofman was especially pleased to see us. He started to wander four days after we left. The boys at the feedlot had to keep returning him. In the end, he was locked up in the Footrot Flats cage for four days.
The vines in the garden certainly appreciated the wet and steamy conditions while we were away. They've nearly taken over.
Miss Chloe has really grown. Sounds like she was a bit naughty at the R's; she became very familiar with their Christmas tree, on several occasions.
Not a Lot of Talking Going On
Well the patient has recovered at last - but it's been a very unpleasant few days for him. Plenty of sleep, plenty of antibiotics, plenty of painkillers, plenty of rinsing with Savacol and not much food have led to a still swollen face and a boy who has lost nearly 3 kilos. I knew he was feeling better today when I saw him give a little step and a shake of the head when a song came on tv. The night in hospital was uneventful; he got back to the room around 9pm and I stayed until nearly 11 then went to G's Mum and had a very comfortable nights' sleep. Went back to the hospital at 8am but didn't leave there until mid-morning after the surgeon had been. Mum came home with us and proceeded to lavish much attention on Drew which he duly lapped up! Day 3 was definitely the worst day. Today he looks much better and can even manage half a smile.
Yesterday, with friends.
Happy Smiley People
Something made them laugh!!! One of the sunny days on the coast - the day of the Big Challenge at Pacific Fair (where I ran UP a DOWN escalator and Meg recorded it on video) and where the girls were victorious over the boys across the 30 or so tasks set by Drew and Jack. Yeeeeeesssssssssssss!!! Also the day of young Hugh's birthday party.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Graduation No. 3
We left the coast on Sunday and headed to our usual Bris accommodation, the Cosmo on Park Road at Milton. We stay there because of its' proximity to head office (a 3 minute walk); an added bonus is that Mary Ryan is a 30 second walk from the front door and that's where I found myself on Sunday afternoon for a couple of hours. I told Megan I was NOT going to buy myself a book - but I did. Hopeless in a bookshop I am. I also found the two architecture books that Chris had suggested might make good Xmas presents.
We went to Megan's favorite restaurant for dinner - A Night in India. Gibbo was rather dubious but ended up enjoying his meal; we all did.
Gibbo had three days of Strategy, Operations and Rangelands meetings at head office ahead of him so he headed off early on Monday; the kids and I went to Indro. Meg had her hair done and Drew and I finished off Xmas.
We caught the city cat to Southbank................................(I love the city cat. One day I'm going to ride it from one end all the way to the other and back and just sit and enjoy the gentle rocking and rolling).
..............and made sure everything was in order with her gown and the lost tickets that actually weren't lost; they showed up today. That's cutting it way too fine for my liking. Meg disappeared to go and get ready. When she was gowned up, the three of us went outside for another photo opportunity or ten.
The wind played havoc with my fringe.
Chris arrived then Gibbo strolled in after strategizing all day. Lots of Action Items, AI's from that one!
We were finally allowed in to the Concert Hall and the ceremony began. Drew was reminded of the UQ graduation two years ago when he thought he'd been transported to Hogwarts! Pomp, Ceremony and a Stick Thing - ah, that would be a Mace, Drewboy. He didn't come to the grad last year, we left him at home for some reason I can't now remember. The men in my family have little patience for sitting still and quiet for any period of time. I confiscated one Blackberry and nearly confiscated an iPad. Then they got the giggles and were later caught trying to discreetly play Scissors, Paper, Rock. I thought I was at Kindy.
We could see Meg up on the stage but had to wait until nearly the end for her to come forward....and then there she was....Master of Justice (Intelligence)....Megan Gibbons. She flashed the waiting photographer a dazzling smile then strode forward, tipped her headgear, shook the Chancellor's hand and accepted her certificate. He told her "that's a very good degree to have" - the number of wisecracks she's had about studying intelligence is amazing. We clapped and cheered and Drew yelled out. As she moved off she turned her head to the audience and smiled at them, like a Princess, all the way along the stage as her gown billowed out behind her. She was very proud of herself - and so were we!
We met up afterwards and took some family shots then went to the CClub for a quiet celebratory meal. After five years of study she is finished. Amazing.
We went to Megan's favorite restaurant for dinner - A Night in India. Gibbo was rather dubious but ended up enjoying his meal; we all did.
Gibbo had three days of Strategy, Operations and Rangelands meetings at head office ahead of him so he headed off early on Monday; the kids and I went to Indro. Meg had her hair done and Drew and I finished off Xmas.
We were finally allowed in to the Concert Hall and the ceremony began. Drew was reminded of the UQ graduation two years ago when he thought he'd been transported to Hogwarts! Pomp, Ceremony and a Stick Thing - ah, that would be a Mace, Drewboy. He didn't come to the grad last year, we left him at home for some reason I can't now remember. The men in my family have little patience for sitting still and quiet for any period of time. I confiscated one Blackberry and nearly confiscated an iPad. Then they got the giggles and were later caught trying to discreetly play Scissors, Paper, Rock. I thought I was at Kindy.
We met up afterwards and took some family shots then went to the CClub for a quiet celebratory meal. After five years of study she is finished. Amazing.
Tired and Hungry
Well I'm tired and Drew is hungry - starving actually! I'm sitting in the waiting room at St V hospital in Twba after farewelling Drew as he disappeared through the doors into theatre. He is about to have three wisdom teeth removed. The surgeon is running very late, around three hours. Someone's op took a very long time, poor person.
Drew last ate at 8.30 this morning; it's now 7.30pm - and when he comes out he's not going to be able to eat much for a little while. He glimpsed the theatre through the doors as staff walked in and out and was quite nervous. He wanted to leave (and go to Maccas). It's a little disconcerting seeing your child dressed in hospital gear on a hospital bed with a drip thingie in the top of his hand. He started to feel better as the anesthetic took effect...that's when I kissed him goodbye...and here I am, sitting, waiting.
They will pick me up on the way back to the room and I'll spend a little while with him before going to stay with Gibbo's Mum.
He spent an hour or more in his room beforehand, waiting. See how flat (ie normal) his hair looks without a handful of product in it?
Bored
After.
Next morning. He thought this receptacle was a water bottle. He needs to get out more.
Drew last ate at 8.30 this morning; it's now 7.30pm - and when he comes out he's not going to be able to eat much for a little while. He glimpsed the theatre through the doors as staff walked in and out and was quite nervous. He wanted to leave (and go to Maccas). It's a little disconcerting seeing your child dressed in hospital gear on a hospital bed with a drip thingie in the top of his hand. He started to feel better as the anesthetic took effect...that's when I kissed him goodbye...and here I am, sitting, waiting.
They will pick me up on the way back to the room and I'll spend a little while with him before going to stay with Gibbo's Mum.
He spent an hour or more in his room beforehand, waiting. See how flat (ie normal) his hair looks without a handful of product in it?
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Sunshine and Rain
Well, more rain than sunshine but I don't mind so much; I like watching rain, listening to rain and being woken up by rain at 3am as it fills roof gutters and cascades over the edge and hits the ground with a loud splatter. It poured buckets on Saturday night and Sunday; we managed an early morning walk on Monday. Since then it's rained on and off, often. Yesterday was sunny and the pack made it to the beach; today is just the same and HOT. When I went out for the papers I walked back along the beach and near melted.
Saturday night was grilled or crumbed fish and salad, Sunday night was home-made pizzas at Seagull Pde, Monday night was wagyu night, Tuesday night was spaghetti bog night, last night was seafood night; tonight is another wagyu night and tomorrow night is Friday Night Dinner night up the road at D&A's. We've had some wonderful feasts and haven't used our vouchers yet.
I haven't yet experienced that feeling of holiday freedom that usually strikes me here. I put that down to the fact that I've made three trips to the two biggest shopping centres on the south coast desperately seeking inspiration for Christmas gift ideas. I have managed to nearly wind it up now but I felt like today, Thursday, was the first real day of my holiday when I didn't have to do anything more taxing than buy the paper and read it!
My life is a little different this year too. Out of the four families in our group and the one that lives nearby, we have the oldest child (by 5 years) and are the first to step off the education treadmill. There are 14 offspring spread across the 5 families, ranging in age from 3 to 22. Everyone gets along famously and the U shaped complex and courtyard lends itself to communal living. We all eat together for the nightly meal and provide our own breakfasts and lunches which are still often eaten together at the picnic tables outside the rooms.
Four of the group have headed off to see U2 tonight at Suncorp, catching the train from Robina to Central then walking from there.
Drew bought a laptop for Canada - a Macbook Pro. He is very chuffed with it. I appreciated the assistance and advice of his friend Jack who is quite conversant with the whole Mac range.
It's about 50 days until Drew flies out; just the other day it was 3 months!!! Time waits for no man...or woman.
I haven't yet experienced that feeling of holiday freedom that usually strikes me here. I put that down to the fact that I've made three trips to the two biggest shopping centres on the south coast desperately seeking inspiration for Christmas gift ideas. I have managed to nearly wind it up now but I felt like today, Thursday, was the first real day of my holiday when I didn't have to do anything more taxing than buy the paper and read it!
My life is a little different this year too. Out of the four families in our group and the one that lives nearby, we have the oldest child (by 5 years) and are the first to step off the education treadmill. There are 14 offspring spread across the 5 families, ranging in age from 3 to 22. Everyone gets along famously and the U shaped complex and courtyard lends itself to communal living. We all eat together for the nightly meal and provide our own breakfasts and lunches which are still often eaten together at the picnic tables outside the rooms.
Four of the group have headed off to see U2 tonight at Suncorp, catching the train from Robina to Central then walking from there.
Drew bought a laptop for Canada - a Macbook Pro. He is very chuffed with it. I appreciated the assistance and advice of his friend Jack who is quite conversant with the whole Mac range.
It's about 50 days until Drew flies out; just the other day it was 3 months!!! Time waits for no man...or woman.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
The Week
it's always the same for us; the week before we go away is a mad rush of lists and jobs as we try to get everything in order. It didn't help that end of month was in amongst all that. S is taking over the cattle arrival part of my job as from Dec 1 so there were lots of last minute bits of knowledge I tried to impart. I also moved offices to accommodate the change. I'm hoping to have a bit more time to cover Gibbo's admin and pay the carcass analysis and contract numbers more than the cursory glance they currently receive. I also hope to have a bit more time to give the house garden the attention it requires in the summer months; and I'd like to pay myself a bit more attention too!!
Mum came out and had dinner with us on Monday night. Gibbo had won a meat tray at cricket so we had a selection to choose from; I had the pork.
Tuesday I planted lettuce,spinach, beetroot, tomatoes, Italian parsley and some rockmelon and rosellas that the nurseryman gave me for free.
I ended up canceling the wisdom teeth op; Drew was just too sick. I managed to postpone it until the 15th but I couldn't get a morning slot which has probably worked out a little better in the long run. It meant that Drew wasn't feeling foul for his Canada orientation day last Saturday plus he'll have to stay in hospital overnight which I'm quietly pleased about.
We had tea in town on Wed night with someone from head office and then a BBQ on Thursday night where the staff gave us vouchers to use at a Jupiters restaurant.
So we finally did manage to get away. The kids left early on Saturday to get to Brisbane on time for the orientation. We left in time to get to parent orientation at 3pm - and then got a phone call at 12.45 from Drew telling us they were running ahead of schedule and wanted to start the parent session at 2.30! We did manage to make it 5 minutes late. It was good. We received a handbook, listened to what the kids had been told in their session, asked questions and met the girl (Margie) that Drew will travel over with (they will meet up with another girl in Sydney on the way). Margie's mother was excited and relieved to know that she would be traveling over with a boy.
We arrived at the coast just on dark and caught up with the W's. The D's arrived Sunday and the N's arrived Tuesday. More to come.
Mum came out and had dinner with us on Monday night. Gibbo had won a meat tray at cricket so we had a selection to choose from; I had the pork.
Tuesday I planted lettuce,spinach, beetroot, tomatoes, Italian parsley and some rockmelon and rosellas that the nurseryman gave me for free.
I ended up canceling the wisdom teeth op; Drew was just too sick. I managed to postpone it until the 15th but I couldn't get a morning slot which has probably worked out a little better in the long run. It meant that Drew wasn't feeling foul for his Canada orientation day last Saturday plus he'll have to stay in hospital overnight which I'm quietly pleased about.
We had tea in town on Wed night with someone from head office and then a BBQ on Thursday night where the staff gave us vouchers to use at a Jupiters restaurant.
So we finally did manage to get away. The kids left early on Saturday to get to Brisbane on time for the orientation. We left in time to get to parent orientation at 3pm - and then got a phone call at 12.45 from Drew telling us they were running ahead of schedule and wanted to start the parent session at 2.30! We did manage to make it 5 minutes late. It was good. We received a handbook, listened to what the kids had been told in their session, asked questions and met the girl (Margie) that Drew will travel over with (they will meet up with another girl in Sydney on the way). Margie's mother was excited and relieved to know that she would be traveling over with a boy.
We arrived at the coast just on dark and caught up with the W's. The D's arrived Sunday and the N's arrived Tuesday. More to come.
Friday, December 3, 2010
At Last
We're all going on a Summer holiday, no more working for a week or two; well not if you count the two monthly reports I have saved, half finished, to a memory stick. We're waiting on financials from head office before being able to finish them off.
it's been a very busy week trying to get everything ready before heading off but I think we're nearly there. The kids are going early as Drew has his Canada orientation day in Bris and we will follow later for parent orientation. We won't reach the coast until tomorrow evening.
So hopefully there'll be lots of sleeping, walking, reading and eating going on...and maybe even a bit of blogging.
it's been a very busy week trying to get everything ready before heading off but I think we're nearly there. The kids are going early as Drew has his Canada orientation day in Bris and we will follow later for parent orientation. We won't reach the coast until tomorrow evening.
So hopefully there'll be lots of sleeping, walking, reading and eating going on...and maybe even a bit of blogging.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)