Saturday May 5, 2007    Maddy Feels Thrilled

I am moving to WordPress after constant guest book junk mail from unwanted sellers of watches, viagra and goodness knows what else. For a little while I will have two blogs on the go but eventually this one will magically turn into my WordPress file (fingers crossed please).

So check it out http://www.madelinedunster.com/wp/

TTFN

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Monday April 30, 2007    Maddy Feels Knackered

Now that's what I call a busy week!

I had my sisters 50th birthday album gift to finish, which I did at midnight on Wednesday. Considering we had risen at 4.45am to attend the dawn service for Anzac day it was a really long day.

Saturday morning was a mad rush to get Nick to baseball by 8am and Bailey to Auskick by 9am then back home to madly clean and tidy my house for the 50th birthday bash. Bake 50 pinwheels for the evenings nibbles as my sister Penny, Mum and I decided self catering was the way to go ... it was a good idea at the time! I also needed to get all my washing done and hung in the laundry due to the pending weekend of rain which didn't really eventuate.

The party was a huge success, we danced, sang, chatted and drank until well into the early hours and got to bed after 2am. Sunday was then spent re-cleaning and tidying after the party.

There is nothing like a very late night/early morning to remind you just how old and tired your body has become and today I feel every bit my 40+ years and have come down with the dreaded "lady-bug". I can barely lift myself up to get the boys ready for school. Filling in a permission slip found at the bottom of Nick's school bag almost finished me off! Sadly I must confess that a *nanna nap* may be on the cards later today and I'm hoping that lots of rest and vitamins disguised as coffee will fix me!

On a much brighter note my sister Jackie loved her album and had an absolute ball at her party so all that hard work was very worth while.

The kettle has just boiled so I’m off to refill my cup ... have a fantastic week everyone.

Later that same day .............

The mail man was very welcome today ... not only did my May issue of Oprah arrive, thank you Christy, but Nicholas's acceptance letter to the private Catholic collage too. A little later in the day the parcel delivery man also knocked on the door and handed me my most recent Ebay purchase, an 19th century blue and white china plate which is going to look fantastic in my dresser. This of course all happened after I had my predicted and much needed *nanna nap* .... I'm feeling a great deal better just encase you're worried!

TTFN

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Tuesday April 24, 2007    Maddy Feels Busy

Here is this weeks *work in progress* ... it's a photo album for my sister Jackie’s 50th Birthday gift. This has been a lovely project, I've found lots of old photos that I wouldn't normally have looked at, lots of black and white shots that are just beautiful and also memories have been stirred up too. It should be a wonderful day on Saturday, she is having a big bash at my house with over 40 people expected. As much as I love to see rain forecast, and don't get me wrong we neeeeeed it sooo badly, but if it could just hold off for Saturday that would be great.

Big Brother's back and I'm already addicted. Last night was pretty good with a *couple* in the house being revealed and then they put the poor girls ex-boyfriend in the house too, the look on her face was priceless.

The final for The Biggest Loser is on Thursday and I just hope Patty wins ‘cos I couldn't stand it Chris won, he is so fake!

Also the Amazing Race is back on and I am stoked that Rob and Amber are in it, I love how Rob is always scheming and plotting.

Sadly the West Wing finished for EVER I loved that show so much , oh well at least they replaced it with Parki!

Last week my web site host was hacked into by some weirdo's and this resulted in some radical changes to the hosting situation. Unfortunately my site may be down sporadically over the next few days as they do some maintenance, please come back and check a little later if you find my site unavailable .... Thanks!

Have a fantastic week everyone, I'm off to get my boys dressed and off to school so I can scrap!

TTFN

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Saturday April 21, 2007    Maddy Feels So Proud

This is the first time I have tried to add a You Tube thingy to my page but it's too exciting for a proud Mum not to have a go. Today Nick played his first Under 14's Baseball game and I thought it would be pretty hard on him so I offered a little financial incentive, more fool me! On his first time up at bat he did this ....

He did the very same thing the next time up at bat and I am now up for $20! Had I realised that all you needed to do to hit the ball was turn *pro* I'd have done this two seasons ago.

TTFN

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Well I am not sure what has been going on over at my web host but it appears we have been hijaked!!!! I opologise if anyone was offended by the link that came up on my site during the past 24 hours and for any which may well come up untill the situation is corrected.

TTFN

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Wednesday April 18, 2007     Maddy Feels Pooped

Tuesday is my *day off*, well it's not really a day off as such it's more like my *work at home* day. I generally do housework, ironing and try to get in a couple of hours scrapbooking too. By the end of this busy day I am totally knackered.

Here, for your reading pleasure, is a small glimpse through the window of my *day off*.

3.45pm Run Nick to the doctor
4.pm Take Bailey to church group
4.45pm Pick Bailey up from church group
5pm Take Nick to church group
5.30pm Take Bailey to JuJitsu
5.45pm Pick Nick up from church group
5.30pm Take Nick to baseball training (note the impossible timing)
6pm Cook dinner
6.45pm Pick Bailey up from Jujitsu
7pm Pick Nick up from baseball
7.15pm Eat dinner
8pm Spend some quality time listening to the boys read, trying very hard not to nod off while listening.
8.30pm Tuck those boys into bed ... just in time for The Bill.

No wonder I feel like I need a day off!

TTFN

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Saturday April 14, 2007     Maddy Feels Relaxed

Well I survived Friday the 13th without incident, I always think something's going to happen even though logic tells me it won't. This afternoon I'm off to Her Majesty’s Theatre to see Miss Saigon, which I am thoroughly looking forward to. The musical score is beautiful and if you get the chance I recommend you have a listen.

I went back to work on Thursday following my week and a half's holidays only to be bombarded with lots of busyness, it took all of five minutes to forget I'd just had my holidays and start looking forward to the next. You may recall I have a girlfriend living in Dubai, whom I miss terribly, well she will be visiting for three weeks in July and so I'm planning a week off to catch up with her ... only 93 days to go woohoo!

A couple of weeks ago, at the garden show, I picked up a delightful new hibiscus for our Asian garden and this morning it's first lushes flower burst forth, I'll leave you with it's gorgeousness and trust you will all enjoy a relaxing weekend.

TTFN

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Wednesday April 11, 2007     Maddy Feels Relaxed

I will be heading back to work tomorrow and although I'm feeling blue my garden is all purple and pink ... enjoy.

TTFN

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Tuesday April 10, 2007     Maddy Feels Overwhelmed

That's ridiculous!!!!

In the name of good health I thought this year we would put a limit on the chocolate consumption but I guess my family had other ideas!

TTFN

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Sunday April 8, 2007     Maddy Feels Romantic

**Happy Easter one and all**

The year is 1989 ...
George H. W. Bush becomes the 41st President of the USA.
Serial killer Ted Bundy is executed.
The first of 24 Global Positioning System satellites is placed into orbit.
In Egypt, a 4,400-year-old mummy is found in the Great Pyramid of Giza.
In Alaska's Prince William Sound the Exxon Valdez spills 240,000 barrels of oil after running aground.
The first free elections for the Soviet parliament go against the Communist Party.
The Hillsborough disaster, one of the biggest tragedies in European football, claims the life of 96 Liverpool supporters.
Students from Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, and Nanjing begin protesting in Tiananmen Square.
The Ayatollah Khomeini dies.
The television show Seinfeld premieres.
France celebrates the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution.
In Beverly Hills, Lyle and Erik Menendez shoot their wealthy parents to death in the family's den.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunges 190.58 points, this mini-crash became known as the Friday the 13th mini-crash.
The Guildford Four are freed after 14 years.
East Germany opens checkpoints in the Berlin Wall, the next day celebrating Germans began tearing the wall down.
South African President F.W. de Klerk announces the scrapping of the Separate Amenities Act.
George Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev release statements indicating that the Cold War between their nations may be coming to an end.
The first full length episode of The Simpson’s premieres.
Daniel Radcliffe is born.
Salvador Dalí, Lucille Ball, Laurence Olivier, Bette Davis and Irving Berlin die.
The Monkees disband and The B-52's release Love Shack.
Batman, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Lethal Weapon 2 and Look Who's Talking premier at the movies.
The Academy Award for Best Motion Picture goes to Driving Miss Daisy.

And finally ... on the 8th day of April Lee and Madeline Dunster become husband and wife.

What a year!

TTFN

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Saturday April 7, 2007     Maddy Feels Relaxed

Triple movie review time, I'm on holiday and had time to watch a movie or three.

TMNT : First up was a trip to the flicks with the boys to watch, what can only be described as a "boys movie". It was loud, fast and for the boys lots of fun. They came out of the theatre spinning and kicking and yelling and well LOUD. They loved it and if you have boys of any age they will love it too.

Casino Royal : Now I had heard lots of reviews about this movie and most said it was rubbish but I have to disagree, I loved it. Daniel Craig the new blonde blue eyed Bond was wonderful and I found him very sexy, he has that naughty boy glint in his eyes. If you like a bit of action and don't mind some blood and guts you'll enjoy this movie.

Children of Men : This has to be my pick of the bunch, Clive Owen had me from *hello*. I can't say this is a feel good movie but it is gripping. Set in 2027, a chaotic world in which humans can no longer procreate, a former activist, Clive Owen, agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to sanctuary. A stand out in this movie has to be Michael Cane as the weed growing and smoking hippy, Jasper Palmer. The only disappointment in this movie is that it has to end, hopefully leaving an opening for a sequel.

So if you're looking for a flick to watch this long weekend I'd highly recommend Children of Men and if you want a bit of action Casino Royal. I hope you’re enjoying this wonderful long weekend, I’m heading off to the shops to get a couple more Easter eggs for the hunt tomorrow morning.

TTFN

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Friday April 6, 2007     Maddy Feels Relaxed

Today christians celebrate Good Friday and I wondered “why is today called Good Friday when it's the day Jesus was crucified?”, and with that in my head I went directly to Wikipedia.

It is likely that the name "Good Friday" came from the earlier English name, "Godes Friday," meaning "God's Friday." Most Christians consider the death of Jesus, followed by his resurrection, the cornerstone of their faith and the most important event in history.

According to the Gospels, Jesus and his followers went to Jerusalem the week of the Passover where they were eagerly greeted by a crowd. In Jerusalem, Jesus cleansed the Temple, and predicted its destruction - heightening conflict with the Jewish authorities who were plotting his death.

After sharing his last meal with his disciples, Jesus went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane where he was betrayed by his disciple Judas Iscariot and arrested by the temple guard on orders from the Sanhedrin and the high priest Caiaphas. Jesus was convicted by the Sanhedrin of blasphemy and transferred to the Roman governor Pilate, who had him crucified for inciting rebellion. Jesus died by late afternoon and was entombed.

God raised Jesus from the dead on the third day, that Jesus appeared to his apostles and other disciples, commissioned his disciples to "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son (Jesus) and of the Holy Spirit." and ascended to heaven.

So with the history lesson over I wish you all a Good Friday and Happy Easter.

TTFN

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Sunday March 31, 2007     Maddy Feels Relaxed

Yesterdays visit to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show was wonderful, so wonderful in fact that I took over 80 photos which I feel compelled to share with the world. To get a really good look at these photos go to my Flickr.

The show has two sections, inside is the flower exhibition which is breathtaking and these first photos are just four of my favourites. Each one is made entirely from flowers, or parts there of. My favourite being the dressing table which is covered in delicate pink and cream roses.

We then moved outside along with thousands of other people who pushed and shoved us ... a lot! This set of photos are from the first prize winner of the outside garden. I love the big shiny sphere, and the pool has seats in it so you can sit and drink at the bar and stay cool too!

This photo needs no words.

I also found myself taking photos of architecture, I always admire it but yesterday I felt compelled to take photos of it.

This is more like what actually happened, we ate ice-cream, watched the ducks and the boys climbed trees!

All of the things in this next photo left me totally inspired to rush home and do just that in my own garden. The mirror and the path were especially good along with the large black stones.

And finally some things I just found far too interesting and wonderful to leave out.

TTFN

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Saturday March 30, 2007     Maddy Feels Very Happy

Yeeeehaaaaa I'm on holidays woooohoooo!! The boys have finished school for two weeks and I have a week and a half annual leave so lookout weekend here we come.

We began the day with Bailey going to his first Auskick session. He just loved it and had so much fun with all the kids, it took him a while to get the hang of not always getting the ball and not always being in charge but by the end he was running with the best of them. All in all it was a huge success and I was so proud of him for joining in and not sitting on the sidelines watching as he would have done in the past.

This afternoon we are all off to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. I have wanted to go to this show for a couple of years now and I am taking the camera to catch all the inspiring gardens and displays. It should be a fun family outing ... fingers crossed.

Tomorrow I'm going out with the girls for Yum Cha and lots of chatting and catching up. I might even stop by at the Vic Market on my way home and have a brows. I love this huge market but it's just too hard with the boys as there are hundreds of people and the boys get bord, on my own I can linger at any stall I like and for as long as I like.

Monday is looking like a fun filled day for the boys with a visit to the Western Bulldogs football ground for a holiday program fun day. The kids will get to meet the players and do all kinds of footy activities.

Have a great weekend everyone, here is a mosaic of this mornings activates and one very proud Mum.

TTFN

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Thursday March 29, 2007     Maddy Feels Busy Busy

This will have to be the fastest post ever as I have five minutes till I go to work but I just HAD to post this pic. As a grade 6 Nicholas gets to wear a red jumper with all the grade six childrens names on the back, they arrived yesterday and OMG he looks so grown up and so happy. Sniff Sniff my little boy is growing up way too fast. ( know time to spell cheque sorry! )

TTFN

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Wednesday March 28, 2007     Maddy Feels Busy Busy

As promised here it the solar system diorama .... now we just need to work out how Bailey will get it to school on his bike ... his idea NOT myn!

TTFN

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Tuesday March 27, 2007     Maddy Feels Crazy

In the cold harsh light of day I have a big hole in the bumper of my car!! Yesterday on my way home from work, the car in front of my decided to stick it's huge tow bar into my bumper, well OK it wasn't quit like that, your honour, I bumped into the tow bar leaving this big ugly hole in my car. I am so annoyed with myself as this means next week on my holidays I have to go and get quotes, fill in claim forms and then arrange for a convenient time to get my car fixed, I just feel so dumb. Luckily no one was hurt and the car in front didn't have any damage at all. We were only going 5km an hour around a corner when two kids ran in front of the car ahead of me, they slammed on the brakes leaving me with knowhere to go. @#?*#!!

It's Tuesday which means scrapbooking, I love Tuesdays. Dad will be over in an hour and we will get into his album, I'll be scanning more photos of Jackie for her album. Oh how I love to scrap.

This afternoon Bailey and I are making a diorama of the solar system using a big box, foam balls, fishing line, pain oops I mean 'paint', although I am sure there will be a bit of a pain as Bailey is soo particular about these things. I'll take Bailey off to the shops as soon as school is out and then we will get into it, it really should be loads of fun, pics will be posted.

Have a lovely week everyone and don't forget to enjoy each day and I will leave you with a pic of the car and it’s huge hole.

TTFN

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Sunday March 25, 2007     Maddy Feels Relaxed

Two birthdays this week, Happy Birthday to my brother-in-law Ray and my big sister Penny. Does everyone have trouble buying gifts for men over 30? I have no idea what to buy Ray and I guess I will end up with a gift voucher from the music shop or the huge hardware store, it feels like a bit of a cop out but I just can't think of a thing.

The school Twilight Fair was a huge success and our 200 pies sold in one hour and 25 minutes, how cool is that! I must say it was pretty exhausting getting all those pies baked in time for the Fair and the very high temperature on Friday was a pain but it was lots of fun seeing them sell three packs of four at a time. So if you need a quick fund raiser I can definitely recommend home made pies.

Yesterday I took Bailey to the local footy ground and signed him up for Auskick, this is junior Aussie Rules football and I am hoping it will encourage a little more activity in his week. Bailey has always been a solid kid but lately he has gained weight which I worry about constantly, with more running about with the football I hope he will burn a little off. We have tried Auskick before, when Bailey was 6, but he wouldn't have a bar of it, now that he has had a few years at school and has friends that go to Auskick I am hoping for more success this time round.

And so to this week, with the school holidays and Easter looming I can't wait for a few days off. I plan to get my sister Jackie's birthday album finished and also get back into Nicholas's album. My Dad has been scrapping with me every Tuesday, he is cataloguing his many years in the military. He joined the army in 1946, one year after WWII, as a 14 year old band boy, he travelled the world with the band and even has photos of a Leper Colony in Malaya that the band played a concert for, eeewwwwww!!

Have a great weekend everyone. I will leave you today with a photo of my sisters and I and our cousins in England dating back to 1973 just before we came to live in Australia, note the absolutely enormous back garden! Hi Aunty Pauline and Uncle George this one is for you.

TTFN

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Wednesday March 21, 2007     Maddy Feels Busy

I have been soooooo busy it's just not funny. My husband had a small operation a couple of weeks ago and has been at home resting, he has lots of stitches in a very delicate area ! So for two weeks I have been a single Mum and nurse maid with endless "Mum can you do this?" " Mum can you help me?" and most common of all "love can I have a drink?" "anything to eat love?" Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera! (Yul Brynner in The King and I style). Anyhoo he is on the mend and hopefully will be back at work next week.

Last week my Mum and I spent the day at the wonderful Stitches and Craft Show which I just had to attend. It's a full day spent looking at craft stalls, doing workshops and shopping, what more could a girl ask for? I did two free Hot Off The Press card making workshops with my Mum, I loved it and now, you guessed it, I have a new hobby, oh well! I was able to buy a lovely photo album for my sisters 50th Birthday gift and I have been franticly scanning as many photos of my sister as I can find, the black and white photos from the 50's are just wonderful and I can't wait to get scrapping with them.

And now to this week and it's all about the boys school Twilight Fair. My friends, Jo and Amanda, have roped me into *pie making*, so Thursday night and Friday morning we are making 200 pies to sell at the fair. Our trading name is *House Wife Pies* and Jo has made us the cutest gingham pinnies to wear. This idea came about while we made our fabulous tomato sauce, we originally said "this sauce is so good we could sell it" then came "why not sell it at the Twilight Fair" then it inexplicably became "we could even make and sell home made pies" ... I still have no idea how making sauce turned into making pies!

I will leave you all with my favourite black and white photo of my lovely sister Jackie, have a great week.

TTFN

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Sunday March 11, 2007     Maddy Feels Tired

I did it ... I finished a project! As I have previously posted, my mother-in-law was a fantastic crotchetier in her younger years but due to chronic arthritis is no longer able, by framing her work we will be able to treasure it for many years to come. So with one project down it's onto the next one which is a memory album for my sisters 50th birthday.

Out in the garden there has been a lot of growing and flowering going on, even though it's autumn lots of things are still lovely to look at including the most unusual flower of all ... it's ginger. Yes that odd looking green pod turned into the most delicate flower, it's quit big and lasted for about 3 days. My pumpkins are also still growing with new growth just this week, and my herbs and tomatoes are being picked daily and consumed immediately YUM!

Yesterday I spent the day making traditional tomatoes sauce with my girlfriends Jo and Amanda. All afternoon we chopped fresh herbs from my garden, blanched and peeled tomatoes, boiled and blended and finally bottled. It was a fantastic afternoon and we ended the day with pink fingernails and lots of lovely sauce to take home. The total cost per person was a whooping $5 and we came away with five huge bottles of delicious sauce each. I’d recommend to anyone, just collect your bottles and when you see the tomatoes on special go for it!

And so to Sunday, what will we do? I think I'd better get some washing done as it got missed yesterday. I also need to get Nicholas ready for next weeks school camp, he had a shocking experience at camp last year and I am a bit nervous about him going this time, I’m going to have to get over it as my anxiety may rub off on him and I don't want that. I might even get to spend an hour in the garden, fingers crossed.

This has been a mixed up post, I've been a bit mixed up myself for a few weeks but hopefully things are getting clearer and I will be more in control next week ha ha ha!

Have a great weekend everyone.

TTFN

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Tuesday March 6, 2007     Maddy Feels Much Better

I had a lovely weekend filled with family and outings. My first adventure was to my sisters on Saturday night for *pizza and poker*. We played Texas hold'em which is great fun, you do need someone who knows what their doing as it gets tricky but it was loads of fun and we had a good laugh.

Sunday was lovely with bacon and eggs for breakfast followed by a trip to the flicks to see Miss Potter. It was perfect and just the kind of movie I needed. At first I wasn't sure about Renee Zellweger's accent but it grew on me and she did a fantastic job as Beatrix Potter. The music is wonderful and I downloaded the entire soundtrack the moment I walked in the door, it's just beautifully calming and magical. I wouldn't say this movie is for children as it's very sad in parts, not a chick flick either but just a lovely Sunday afternoon kind of movie. I loved it!

I am feeling so much better than I did last week, and thank you to all the lovely bloggers who left me messages of support, they all meant a great deal to me. This week I hope to finish off a couple of projects I have had on the go for ages. My sister turns the 50 in April so I plan to make her a lovely album for her present, I need to get over to Mum's and start scanning, it should be a nice project to do.

I hope everyone has a lovely week.

TTFN

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Saturday March 3, 2007     Maddy Feels Thoughtful

It has been a week of reflection, not only about my husbands father but also about what I would like said at my funeral, a little morbid I know but funerals have a way of doing that to you.

I have been to two funerals in the past couple of years, both fathers aged about 80 years old. The first was held at our local Catholic church, attended by over 200 mourners, the service went for about 2 hours and there were hymns sung and letters from overseas read out. My brother-in-law read the eulogy in Italian out of respect for his father's heritage and I cried from go to wow. Following the church service we went to the cemetery where all 200 mourners filed past the grave and gave each family member a kiss, then on to the wake at the Italian Social Club. It was one of the saddest days of my life, and the eulogy was a rich tale about a man who migrated to a new land, built a prosperous life for his family and made life long friends. One of the moving stories I recall was that John was buried holding a pack of playing cards, the same pack he used to play cards with his friends. Those same men are buried along side him, you see one day they decided to buy grave plots in a row so that when they passed away they would still be close to one another, it makes me cry just recalling that story of such strong friendship. John’s widow mourns his loss every day and his family and friends miss him and recall his love and generosity often.

My father-in-laws funeral could not have been more diverse. It was held at the funeral parlour, a celebrant read a small piece, it was attended by fifteen people and went for approximately 20 minutes. I did not shed a tear, nor did my husband and only my sister-in-law went to the cemetery. You see my father-in-law was not a nice man, he drank too much and beat his family, he never told my husband he loved him nor found a nice word to say about much at all. At his life’s end he lay in a funeral parlour mourned by only a few and will be remembered for only his harsh way. I can’t imagine a sadder state of affairs and I hope to never revisit that place again, it was cold impersonal and lifeless.

I’m so glad the week is over, it was tense and stressful and to top it off Billy Thorp died. I’m also glad summer is over and autumn is with us, although today is hot and sticky. I have dozens of works in progress to finish and I intend to make March my month of completion.

I promise tomorrows post will be filled with cheer and hopefully a photo of something finished. Have a great weekend, and make everyday count.

TTFN

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Saturday February 24, 2007     Maddy Feels Concerned

My husbands father went into a nursing home about 5 years ago following multiple strokes, he subsequently had a heart attack and suffered with dreadful diabetes. On Friday evening he passed away peacefully in his sleep and is now in a much better place, with no more pain, discomfort or indignity. My husband is doing well as are his family, my eldest son Nicholas has taken the news very badly, he feels it's so unfair for his Pa to have been so sick. The funeral is planned for Thursday and in that time I hope to get the boys to write a letter each to send off with Pa. I’ve never had to organise a wake before but my husband volunteered our house as we have plenty of room, so I will be giving the house a special clean to make it sparkle and cook lots of comfort food for all to enjoy.

To help the boys with their grieving we will be making a Concertina Memory Album for each of the boys to keep, filled with photos and stories about their Pa. These albums are a little tricky but the end results are wonderful and can be kept in a draw to bring out and treasure.

So our week will be quiet and reflective and just a little sad.

TTFN

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Sunday February 18, 2007     Maddy Feels Happy!

And to all my non Chinese speaking readers ... Happy Chinese New Year!

My son Nicholas is a pig, he is and my other son Bailey is a real Ox, I think my husband would agree I am a true Dragon but he is too. What am I on about you must be thinking, well worry no more it's just our Chinese horoscope and if you would like to know your star sign just go here. Today we are off to the city to join in the celebrations, there will be loads of food stalls, dragon boat racing, lantern making and lots of dragons dancing around, it should be a really fun day.

Have a wonderful Sunday and if you are celebrating I wish you peace and prosperity.

Later that same day ...

Our trip into the city to join in the Chinese New Year celebrations was a great success, even with the very hot temperatures. Each year the casino put on a Hawkers Market along the river front and there are dozens of stalls selling all kinds of food, drinks, deserts and nick knacks, we tried a bit of everything, even a disgusting desert made of crushed ice with a kind of condensed milk squirted on top!! Inside the casino they put on a spectacular light show which goes off every half an hour, it was magnificent with a huge dragon, beautiful colourful fish and these amazing lanterns which fell from the ceiling to reveal all kinds of different Chinese symbols. We ate some delicious and some not so delicious treats, my favourite being the fish balls ha ha ha! The boys had fun and we only lost one of them for a few minutes, which is amazing considering the thousands of people milling about and the fact that my boys tend to daydream a bit and wonder ahead. Even with the scorching heat it was a fun day for all.

TTFN

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Wednesday February 14, 2007     Maddy Feels Happy heart day!

Happy Valentines day everyone. Today would have been my Gran's 102nd birthday, fancy that!! She died in 1989 just a couple of weeks before my wedding and honeymoon to the UK where I would have had one last chance to see her, alas it was not to be. Anyhoo she was a wonderful lady and I remember her fondly.

Every afternoon at 5pm I make myself a coffee, plonk myself down in front of the TV and watch Antiques Roadshow, a fantastic British show where people bring along their old things and have them valued. I just love listening to all the history and stories behind the pieces brought along and often they are valued at thousands of pounds to the shock of their owners. Which brings me to today’s post! When I was 7 my sister gave me a Paddington bear for my birthday, at the time I vaguely recall her telling me it was one of only five made. I still have my lovely Paddington and he has always lived in my bedroom no matter where I have lived, he has a very crumpled hat, red duffel coat, a battered suitcase and handsome royal blue Dunlop wellies. Last week while admiring my old bear I got out my Paddington books and realised I don't have book number one! I got onto the internet, as you do, and looked up Paddington books and memorabilia, I do hope you know what's coming!!! It would appear that my Paddington is indeed one of the first ever made and he may very well be extremely valuable. I have received an email today from the officials at the Paddington web site who have asked for photos to verify his age, how exciting is that?

Here is a photo of my lovely Paddington along with one of me in my pretty party shoes on board the ship as we sailed to our new life in Australia.

TTFN

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Sunday February 11, 2007     Maddy Feels Nostalgic

My youngest son Nicholas has always been compared to my husband, and often people have said things like "poor Mum, you didn't get a look in" or "he's the spitting image of his Dad". I've always found this a little hurtful really considering he has blonde hair, blue eyes and freckles like me, very unlike his Dad with dark hair, brown eyes and no freckles. Well last weekend Nicholas had his wild hair cut and for the first time people are saying "don't you look like your Mum". My Mum even dug down her photos and found this picture of me when I was around Nick's age, maybe a little younger. So I thought I'd share my lovely son with you all and have a laugh at me back in the 70's.

TTFN

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Saturday February 10, 2007     Maddy Feels Ready for the weekend.

What could possibly be better than getting to sleep-in on a Saturday morning? It can only be getting up to go to the local craft market. Today is market day and I enjoyed every penny ooops I mean minute of it! We were actually a bit late getting there, it opens at 8am and that's when all the freshly baked goods are abundant, we got there for all the half price closing up sales, which is just as much fun. I got a huge bunch of roses for $10, an enormous bag of hydroponic tomatoes for $5 as well as two camellias for $10, so much to buy so little time. I think my favourite buys of the day though had to be the bag of almond bread and a very cute bird house soon to be hung in a tree.

I am quite glad that week is over, all in all it was pretty crappy as weeks go, my husband had a small car accident, Nicholas burnt his thumb on a hot reading lamp and I gained uhum … well you know what I gained!!

My week did finish with the arrival of a gorgeous parcel from my friend Claire who is currently living in Dubai. The parcel contained a beautiful coffee mug and a henna set which Claire tells me is all the rage in Dubai, apparently there are coffee shops were you sit and sip coffee while you have you hands done, sounds very exotic to me. She also included a cd filled with photos from their recent holiday to Europe. I can’t wait to get some free time so that I can take my time and follow their journey from Rome to Paris.

Have a great weekend everyone!

TTFN

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Tuesday February 6, 2007     Maddy Feels VERY FAT

For the past two weeks I have been walking with my girlfriends in the balmy summer evenings. We walk a long way and we walk very fast, by the time we get home I am knackered, soaked and very red faced but I feel great for the one and a half hours of exercise. So this morning I thought I would treat myself and get on the scales to see just how much weight I have lost, to my horror I have gained weight! I looked and I looked, is that ten kilos over, OVER OMG! Yes that is the sad horrid truth ... I have gained ten kilos since I last weighed myself, which was probably before Christmas.

This morning I declare that for the next ten days I will have NO FAT in my diet what so ever, I will NOT have one chip, chocolate bar or hot cross bun, I WILL have grilled meat with veg or salad, baked beans and low cal everything. I also declare to the masses that I will walk walk and walk some more! I am still reeling at the idea that I have gained TEN KILOS!!!!!

Now where did I put those running shoes??

TTFN

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Saturday February 3, 2007     Maddy Feels Excited

I've had a lovely week, getting to go out with my girlfriends TWICE which is amazing for me. Firstly I went to the movies to see The Pursuit of Happyness staring Will Smith. I have to say this is a very sad movie, Chris Gardner's true story of victory in the face of adversity leaves you contemplating your own life. Take a big box of tissues when you go to see this one. Then on Friday night I went out for dinner with more girlfriends, if this keeps up I'll be getting a reputation as a party animal ... wooohay!

This afternoon I headed off to the craft shop with Mum in search of a pattern for a lovely bag to make with the fabric I received earlier in the week. While paying for the pattern the sales assistant made a fabulous suggestion to go thrift shopping and pick up a vintage bag for a couple of dollars and recycle the handle after she over heard me complaining about the cost of a new one. Well you don’t need to convince me that it’s a great idea, I can’t wait to get to the thrift shop now.

I was also able to pick up a frame for a second project I have on the work table. My mother-in-law was a fantastic crotchetier in her younger years but unfortunately she is now racked with arthritis, and so her work is very precious to us all. I had seen a great way of displaying doilies in a magazine many years ago and I've been hanging on to it waiting for the right frame to pop up and today I found one ... finally. I think I will gently wash the doily tomorrow and then get a bit of starch into it so that I can work the doily into shape. It should look fantastic.

Have a very crafty lovely weekend all.

TTFN

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Wednesday January 31, 2007     Maddy Feels Oh so Happy

I'm glad to report that the boys had a awesome day, two lovely teachers and lots of friends to play with. My decision earlier today to spring cleaning turned into a marathon when I took the net curtains down to give them a quick wash, I then needed to take the fly screens off and dust them then the windows themselves needed a good clean too, buy 2.45pm I was finally done and the house is now fresh and sparkly!

I received a lovely parcel in the post today all the way from Quilt Fabric Delights and I just can't wait to start on this amazing fabric, I think I might try my first bag ..... I think!! Thank you Sarah for the very fast delivery and for the gorgeous surprise inside the fabric, it really put a smile on my face which I needed today. So now I am on the hunt for a pattern to make a bag, suggestions anyone?

TTFN

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Wednesday January 31, 2007     Maddy Feels Anxious

It's a bitter sweet day for me, the boys started their new school year this morning amid much excitement and anxiety. Bailey headed off excited to begin grade 4 unlike Nicholas who was filled with nerves and worry about starting his final year in Primary School. I too felt happy/sad, happy that the boys are off to school as they have been on holidays since the 21st of December and sad to see Nicholas going into his final year in Primary School. Goodness knows what I'll be like this time next year when Nicholas is starting High School!

Yesterday I took the boys to the movies to see Arthur and the Invisibles just to round out the summer holidays. I particularly loved Madonna’s performance as Princess Selenia. All in all it was a great film enjoyed by all and I’d give it 5 stars.

Last night I baked three dozen bacon and cheese pinwheels as the boys felt they would make great school lunches, not sure how long I can keep this up but for this week we have freshly baked lunches. I'm going to have to keep myself busy today as each time I stop to think of the boys at school I feel a wave of anxiety wash over me, so it looks like a good day to spring clean.

Here is this mornings happy snap as the boys headed off to school, bags loaded with well labelled books and freshly baked lunches.

TTFN

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Sunday January 28, 2007     Maddy Feels Inspired

Just lately I've noticed heaps of Aussie blogs popping up and they are all wonderfully inspiring. So being as it's Sunday on our Australia Day long weekend I thought I'd pay tribute my top 10 lovely Aussie blogs. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have and find some inspiration too.

Head For The Hills

Leanne's House

Loobylu

Melly & Me

Lolli b chie

Quilt Fabric Delights

Two Lime Leaves

Cute Colors

Di Mill

Musings of a Textile Itinerant

I will be spending the day with my newly acquired and already much loved Brother Ptouch 1000 label maker, putting names on anything that moves in readiness for the new school year on Wednesday. Enjoy your Sunday!

TTFN

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Saturday January 27, 2007     Maddy Feels Happy

Being the last week of summer holidays I needed to get the boys out of the house for some exercise and so on Wednesday I took them roller-skating, what a laugh. I'm spitting chips that my photos didn't turn out as it was way too dark at the rink. The boys were, how to say this nicely without sounding mean, oh you can't, they were totally un-coordinated and it was hilarious to watch. I have never laughed so much as they tentatively hit the rink, legs going every which way, up then down, crashing into the barrier. They had a great time, totally exhausted and only a little battered and bruised.

Thursday was a day from hell at work, pension day plus the last day of the week, due to the Australia Day holiday, lots of pay cheques being cashed and companies banking for the week, the bank was packed from opening to closing.

Now I need to ask for your opinion about something that happened to me after work on Thursday. I left the bank and went to the ATM to do a transaction, I’m wearing my sunglasses, shopping bags in hand and I'm in the middle of doing a transaction. A middle aged woman (my own age) started to ask me questions, she didn't say ‘excuse me’, she just launched into "what time is the bank open till?", I turned to face her and replied that the bank had closed at 4pm, the normal closing time. She then began to berate me at the ATM for closing early??? I explained that the bank normally closed at 4pm on a Thursday, it was only on a Friday that we remained open to 5pm. As I tried to complete my transaction she continued to berate me, telling me off for not being open and that this was "crap", on and on she went. I explain that I was not working now and that I was not prepared to stand and argue with her.

Just to clarify for anyone who may not know this but bank tellers are at the bottom of the food chain in the multi million dollar banking industry. We get paid a pittance and sometimes we don’t even get a thank you for the service we provide to our customers, I’ve even had customers who talk on their mobile phone for the entire transaction and leave without even a glance at me. I love my job and take great pride in looking after my customers banking needs, if I get a customer with a problem I go out of my way to help them and have had many compliments on my customer service. So my question to you is - am I wrong to feel offended by this woman, should my customer service duties continue after hours, or do I have the right to tell her to bugger off?

Ok enough of that rubbish and on to something amazing. All week here in Melbourne we have been able to see a comet in the sky at dusk. It is so bright and big that I was even able to get a photo of it to share with you.

Enjoy your weekends and stay safe.

TTFN

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Friday January 26, 2007     Maddy Feels Proud To Be Australian

~*~ I Am, You Are, We Are Australian ~*~

I came from the dreamtime from the dusty red soil plains
I am the ancient heart, the keeper of the flame
I stood upon the rocky shore
I watched the tall ships come
For forty thousand years I'd been the first Australian.

I came upon the prison ship bowed down by iron chains.
I cleared the land, endured the lash and waited for the rains.
I'm a settler.
I'm a farmer's wife on a dry and barren run
A convict then a free man I became Australian.

I'm the daughter of a digger who sought the mother lode
The girl became a woman on the long and dusty road
I'm a child of the depression
I saw the good times come
I'm a bushy, I'm a battler

We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We share a dream and sing with one voice:
I am, you are, we are Australian
I am, you are, we are Australian.

I'm a teller of stories
I'm a singer of songs
I am Albert Namatjira
I paint the ghostly gums
I am Clancy on his horse
I'm Ned Kelly on the run
I'm the one who waltzed Matilda
I am Australian

I'm the hot wind from the desert
I'm the black soil of the plains
I'm the mountains and the valleys
I'm the drought and flooding rains
I am the rock, I am the sky
The rivers when they run
The spirit of this great land
I am Australian

We are one, but we are many
And from all the lands on earth we come
We share a dream and sing with one voice:
I am, you are, we are Australian
I am, you are, we are Australian.

Written in 1987 by Bruce Woodley

TTFN

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Tuesday January 23, 2007     Maddy Feels Happy

I did something today that I have always wanted to, I visited a friend with arms laden in gifts from my garden and kitchen. I took a basket filled with spuds, carrots, spring onions and plenty of herbs, along with two dozen freshly baked pinwheels. If I had thought about it I could even have added some fresh chillies and lemons as they are ready too! The boys and I had spent Monday night baking our butts off and so we had plenty to share and seeing as we were gests in her home I thought it only fitting we bring a gift. I had a lovely day visiting and catching up with my oldest and dearest friend, Julie, and the boys enjoyed playing with her twins, even if they are only 2! All in all it was a great day.

TTFN

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Monday January 22, 2007     Maddy Feels Weird

Firstly I’d like to say a big thank you to the 24 people who came to visit here yesterday, I’d have loved for you to have left me a note so I could return your visit. I think I may have to make this my “de-lurking” week as I missed the official one earlier this month. So if you’re here for the first time or returning for another gander, don’t be shy I promise not to turn into a storker … unless of course you’re Jude Law then sorry I can’t make any promises.

Ranae tagged me with the ‘6 Weird Things About Yourself’ tag. OK let me think hmmmmm, nope nothing weird here, well to me they are normal but I guess others would disagree, you decide.

No. 1 - As a child I hated eggs, milk, cheese, vegetables and meat, how I grew is a surprise even to me. As a parent I have two boys who love eggs, milk, cheese, vegetables and meat … how weird is that?

No. 2 - In the shower I always wash from the top down, not sure why but I do and I always wash in the same order, hair, face, neck etc.

No. 3 - I am terrified of breaking my leg, no particular reason but it crosses my mind often and it scares me to death.

No. 4 - I talk to myself … all the time … sometimes out loud!

No. 5 - I check for email way too much, at least once an hour if the computer’s on, oops there you go I did it again.

No. 6 - My four very best friends all started off living in Werribee and have all moved a long way from Werribee. Two are now living over an hour away, one is a three hour drive away and the other is in Dubai … I keep telling myself it’s nothing personal. So if you are dreaming of a seachange or a treechange but not sure how to go about making that dream come true just be my best friend and it’s guaranteed.

Now to tagging 6 others, well all the bloggy people I know well enough to tag have already been tagged so I have decided to tag YOU, don’t forget to let me know when your weird stuff is up so that I can come and see just how weird you are.

There are some rules to this tagging business so here they are: Each tagged person writes a blog post of their own 6 weird things then tags 6 more people, oh and don’t forget to state this rule.

TTFN

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Sunday January 21, 2007     Maddy Feels Wonderful

I took this photo yesterday while it was raining and then tweaked it using fd's Flickr Toys. The little bumblebee is just so busy going from trumpet to trumpet, completely unperturbed by this huge human snapping one photo after another. The rain has lasted and so the ground is beautifully soggy and wet and the air somehow smells clean and fresh. What a beautiful day.

TTFN

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Saturday January 20, 2007     Maddy Feels Very Happy

I have awoken this morning to the most beautiful and long awaited sound ... rain on the roof top. Yes here in Melbourne, Australia it is finally raining, and not just a quick shower like we have experienced in the past, but long, slow, gentle rain. Sitting here in my study I have the blind up as high as it will go, the window is open and I am listening to the soft patter of rain on plants. The sky is grey for miles and miles, no sun in sight and not a break in the clouds to be seen, it may rain all day if we keep our fingers crossed and keep thanking the weather gods for such a blessing. The plants are all bright green, the green that only comes when a plant has had a shower and a drink of beautiful pure rain water. It feels so serene to sit here and watch as the huge clear rain drops fall from the sky to the trees, pooling and then rolling down the leaves to the plants below and from the plants to the thirsty earth. And just like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid I feel an uncontrollable urge to sing Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head. If this is any indication, it's going to be a wonderful weekend.

Last night my husband and I watched the DVD Hotel Rwanda, staring the amazing and beautiful actor Don Cheadle. This film is based on a true story about Paul Rusesabagina, who works for the Hôtel des Mille Collines as the assistant manager, the hotel is in the city of Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. During the 1994 Hutu uprising, and subsequent genocide of over one million Tutsi, the hotel becomes a refuge for over one thousand people. This film is riveting and knowing that this really did happen made it overwhelming at times, such tragedy and terror. Paul Rusesabagina is relatively safe as he is Hutu and well connected, but his wife is Tutsi and therefore at risk of being massacred along with many of their family, friends and neighbours. I won’t tell you anymore other than to say watch this movie, it’s well worth the effort.

And so to the weekend, what to do now that we have all this rain, I won’t be able to peg out the washing, I can’t garden, no I will just have to do …. housework!!!!!! Have a great weekend everyone.

TTFN

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Wednesday January 17, 2007     Maddy Feels Balanced

Over the past month I have been noticing a number of bloggers are choosing a word in which to live by for the next twelve months. This is a great idea, especially if you are like me and your days are filled with so much and consequently there is little time for yourself. I contemplated for a long time, what it is that I seek but never get? So many things, a balanced diet, a balanced cheque book, a balanced family life ... and there you have it ... balance! I seek balance in my life, no more swinging wildly from one extreme to another.

I often decide at the beginning of a week to diet, I buy all the good things like lean meats, yummy vegetables and fruits, this lasts to about Thursday and then something will upset the apple cart and we get take-away dinner and I give up, not good. I also start the year with great financial plans, start saving for one thing then find another to spend the money on, financial plan scrapped! As a parent I make fairly firm parenting rules which I stick to for a really long time, then one of the boys gets sick or has a hard time at school and I start to slack off on the discipline, they get away with stuff they shouldn’t and before you know it the old ways are back.

This year will be different, I will strive to seek a balanced life and do my best to get back on track as quickly as possible after a slip. I will allow an occasional take-away dinner, an occasional shopping spree and occasionally allow the boys to slack off with their homework or jobs. What I won’t do is allow these deviations from the plan to throw me off balance.

Here’s to a year of balance.

TTFN

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Tuesday January 16, 2007     Maddy Feels Wonderful

Happy Tuesday!

TTFN

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Sunday January 14, 2007     Maddy Feels Inspired

I've had a pretty boring old week, Lee and the boys were on holidays and I had to work plus it was bloody hot. We did go to the movies and see A Night At The Museum which we all enjoyed, followed by some shopping and more spending! I have spent way too much this past few weeks and it really is time to STOP, but hey if I have the money and I don't use credit then I shouldn't feel too guilty.

My good friend Claire and her family are back from a fantastic European vacation, they currently live in Dubai and I miss our chat's so much. We catch up as often as possible using Skype, which is a fantastic free way to chat and see each other at the same time without spending a fortune on long distance calls. I think they will be coming home to Aus for a holiday some time mid year and I really can't wait.

My garden is pretty dry and we have lost over a dozen plants since the very strict water restrictions came in. I am only allowed to water on Wednesdays and Sundays, no watering the grass so it has all turned a horrid cream colour and looks dreadful. The veggie patch is the only green bit in the garden, the tomatoes are getting bigger and the herbs smell divine. My pumpkin is now as big as a dinner plate, how exciting is that! I do hope and pray this horrid drought breaks soon.

I will leave you with a picture I use as inspiration, I imagine it's a photo of an English garden, one day maybe I'll have one as green and lush. Have a great week everyone.

TTFN

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Wednesday January 10, 2007     Maddy Feels Refreshed

I've spent the past few days clearing out the old, tidying the new and preparing for 2007 and it feels great. Each year I keep all the bills and receipts in a box, I find it's the easiest way to keep all those important documents and receipts in a place where I can find them. I alway choose a nice box from the local $2 shop and each year I find the box gets slightly bigger, ahem! This years box is in shades of lavender, cream and peach, with ribbons and roses amidst hydrangeas, it isn't the least bit nerdy or accounty looking for a years financial records, and that's just how I like it!

Lee has been on leave and looking after the boys while they enjoy five weeks of summer holidays, next week he is back at work and the juggling act will begin. On one of the days the boys will visit their Aunty Judy and she is taking them to the movies, they love going out with Judy and she always spoils them rotten. Then Grandma and Grandad take their turn. I’m sure all working parents experience this same level of stress and guilt when the holidays come around, as nice as it is for the boys to visit family it is still highly stressful for Mum’s and Dad’s.

I’ve been sorting through our photos getting them ready to scrapbook, this year I hope to get the boys albums completed up to school age. It was really wonderful to look at the photos of when the boys were very small, it reminded me of how beautiful and fun loving they were, especially Bailey. From age 3 and up to at least 6 he was very demanding and hard work and there were many nights I went to bed exhausted and crying, looking back at these photos reminded me of how funny and beautiful he was and how he loved to dress up and act the clown.

I am off to get ready for a long hot summers day, it’s going to be another scorcher here in Melbourne so the air con’s already on and it’s only 20 past 9! I hope everyone enjoys a wonderful day no matter if it’s sunny or snowing in your part of the world.

TTFN

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Thursday January 4, 2007     Maddy Feels Relaxed

Today I go back to work after a very relaxing 12 days off. We had a wonderful family Christmas, a holiday away and the oddest New Year on record ... no alcohol but a hang over?

Out in the garden we have been able to harvest the first of our organic veg, potatoes, carrots and spring onions. I made my first potatoes salad with the beautiful spuds and spring onions and added the carrots to the salad, this was devoured by the boys who were amazed how good our home grown produce was, I wasn't at all surprised.

Yesterday I went to the movies and saw The Holiday with Cameron Diaz, the drop dead gorgeous Jude Law, Kate Winslet and Jack Black. It was quite a long film but very lovely. Set in LA and a beautiful English village, which had me from the start, the two girls house swap to get away from their lives and just happen to bump into two guys. Definitely a *chick flick* to see with lots of girlfriends, I loved it.

I will leave you with the fruits of my labour from the garden and go and get ready for my first day at work for 2007.

TTFN

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Tuesday January 2, 2007     Maddy Feels Relaxed and much better.

Following what can only be described as a *slothy* weekend we are all feeling so much better, we may even eat food with substance and drink coffee with milk. Today I must do some tidying up around the house, wash some clothes and unpack the suite cases from our holiday, being sick for so long really upset the old apple cart.

On Sunday we just sat around feeling hung over when we hadn't had one drop of alcohol at all, just tiny sips of water and .... chocolate! We spent the day lounging about in our PJ's and watched the complete series of Long Way Round with Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, what a fantastic journey, I found it very inspiring on the eve of a new year. We also couldn't go into a new year without watching The 2006 Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the telly. My Dad was a Sargent Major with the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry band where he played the Clarinet, so it’s no surprise that these tattoos are a part of my very being. As expected it was fantastic and my favourite bit by far was the Top Secret Drum Corps from Switzerland.

Following the tattoo I suggested we make some kind of effort and take a quick drive to watch the new year fireworks. As we all felt lousy we didn't dress up just got in the car and went, I’m glad we did as there were thousands of people all excited and tooting there celebratory trumpets. Then it was back home and in bed for another much needed sleep.

And now to the resolutions for 2007, so much to do and only 363 days left in which to do it all.

Top of the list is to improve our eating habits, do at least 30 minutes of exercise each day and drink more water … Hmmm that looks familiar!

Save … that looks familial as well. This is far more important this year as it’s Nicholas’s last year at primary school and we have enrolled him in a private Catholic Collage for high school, this means expensive school uniforms and school fees. My plan is to save all year so I am ahead with the fees … that’s the plan.

Next is a pleasure … finish the garden. We have been in our house for 7 years this March so it’s time we finished off those annoying bits left to do. I also plan on getting much more organic in our food intake so growing our own will help with that one.

Last on my list, and by far the least important, is to buy a bedroom suite. We will have been married for 18 years this April and we are still using my old white chest of draws from when I was a girl at home. I don’t have high expectations to achieve this as the suite I covet is rather expensive … oh well you can only dream.

So there we have it, my first entry for 2007. This photo of the new years eve fireworks display truly reflects our feelings at the time it was taken ... all a little blurry!

TTFN

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