General Chat

Morning all Easter is upon us - seems to have snuck up all of a sudden. Hope you all have a safe and restful time and that there is lots of chocolate!! Lew - it's the circle of life isn't it. Your beautiful Chester has gone yet there is another new life coming into the world waiting for lots of love. Be kind to yourself - such a range of emotions to deal with. ((hugs)) ANd Tony - such a difficult time for Barb. My Mum had dementia and it's such a sad and difficult time. I remember reading a book written by a daughter who had cared for her Mother with dementia and the title was 'I never got to say goodbye'. What she meant by that was that loved ones with dementia slip so slowly into confusion etc that there is not one moment in time that you can say - 'This is my Mum/Dad with the personality that I have known and loved over the years' and 'This is the new Mum/Dad who is just as beloved but is different and not recognisable as the person they were before.' It is almost as if you are giving up your role of child and becoming the parent to them and there is grief, hurt even anger at the change of roles. All of a sudden the person you depended on for so long is dependant on you. For me, it is in the past - my Mum died 12 years ago - but the ache is still there. And there are things I would have done differently - but we can all be wise in hindsight I guess. This weekend is the big reunion of my mother's family at Goombungee - only about 50 k's from where I live. It will be interesting catching up with known and unknown rellies. I'm really looking forward to the family history book they have produced. One rellly works in the Family HIstory Centre in Brisbane so has access to lots of great 'stuff'. Still no resolution of my son's search for a rental house. I am really stressed about it. They have applied for a few but have not been successful. If I am feeling stressed, I can only imagine what they must be going through as my son has depression and it is harder for him to cope with a crisis like this. Am looking after little grandson quite a bit to give them a free go at looking for places. Jude 3 - looking forward to the photos - you have certainly put some bloood, sweat and tears into the place. Good luck Laurie at the records office - hope you find gggrandfather's will. How lovely for you to catch up with your old navy friend. Amazing how you can see real friends infrequently and just start up where you left off. Trifley - glad the sciatica is better - hope it leaves you alone over Easter. Susy Q - haven't heard from you lately - hope you are keeping well and that broadband is not too far away. Rebs - you are ominously quiet - what are you up too??????????? Hi to everyone else. Shall pop in again sometime over Easter - keeping my fingers crossed for a lucky night on Saturday. Thanks for the numbers Tony. Lara - that singing is 'interesting'!! Don't give up your day job!! Cheers Anna

Good morning all, beautiful day on the Bay. We sat out on the balcony with breaky this morning watching the sun play in the light clouds as it made its way into the day. We had the changing of the guard as one ship left and another arrived, and all those early morning flights from O/S arrived to a spectacular sight! Back to normal at Port Botany, only three giraffes reaching for the skies!! Had great tiime yesterday at lunch with my friend, we were in the Navy together ?? years ago, and dont see one another very often - she was just in town for the day, if I had gone to records office as planned yesterday I would have missed her, everything happens for a reason! Packed my lunch when I packed Rays, ready for the treck out to Kingswood - wont forget my readers ticket this time (didn't have the head screwed on right last time I made the treck). Fingers crossed for me that gtgtgramps will has mention of Denmark because we know he got money sent over regularly from a family estate. Hope I can give an Easter pressie to those who have asked for lookups! Lew, so sorry you have lost your Chester, makes it so much harder for you, knowing that your good friend suffered. I know how deverstated we all were last year when we lost our Muffy, selling the house up home is a lot easier to contemplate knowing she is not there any more. Hopefully by the end of the day your friend will have her new bub, (just love the smell of new babies) and you get to have lots of aunty Lew hugs . . . and no, dont ask her to call the baby Chester !!! Celebrations tonight, do it right with a nice Mudgee Red. ((((hug)))) Jude the travel addict - have a wonderful time in London with your daughter, should be alive over Easter, I remember seeing the program at Covent Garden for the Easter street entertainment, it looked like it was non-stop! Glad you had a good birthday party 'Pop' . . . our boys were the only ones that ever called my Dad Pop - it was Grandma & Grandad to the multitudes . . . when Glen was a wee thing he was in his high chair eating a banana ( making a right mess) Mum & Dad were up in Rocky on holidays with us, Gleno was saying 'Nanananana' and my darling Mum decided he was calling her 'Nana', so that was it from then on they were Nana & Pop just to our boys. I had some good giggles at Mum at the time, but now I'm really pleased for the boys that they had a special tag for them - both boys have said how it makes their relationship with their grand parents feel a bit special. Big hug for Barb, such hard stuff to go through, like you said lots of TLC - best medicine. I understand completely about the car - with my aunt it was the stove that had to be disabled, and warn all the electricians in the district. Trifley, glad your getting some relief from the dreaded pain - keep up the stretches! I'll keep an eye out for a stray convict for you today. Valley Jude, your reno job sounds great, brings back memories - you know you will never be finished dont you! Have a great weekend with grandson Lara - hope he catches lots of fish! Well were in it . . . so we have as good a chance as anyone else to win it - I want two weeks in the Dover records office reading the old newspapers thanks! (and I'll probably need new glasses after that ). well nearly time to hit the road - all the busy people are well on their way to work, I tend to not want to take any of the road space off them at this time of day. Have a good one . . . to those who are travelling on the weekend, take special care - have a wonderful Easter all, hope it is full of family, and no stress (hehehe) !! We are haveing a quiet one - Ray sent most of the staff off yesterday and they wont be back until after Anzac Day, so he needs to stay close by - (Indonesias dont have holiday on Monday). Hope the Easter bunny brings your favourite chocolate !! cheers ! luv Laurie

Morning All, still a bit weepy this morning, but my dear friend from the office has just gone into labour with her first child, so I'm having the full range of emotions! Tony, that's so sad about your MIL. She must be very confused, but at least she has her loving children to rally around her. Yes, take Barb out for a nice dinner, she sounds like she needs the break. Let's hope our numbers come up on Saturday night. Keeping all me bits crossed. Well, off to the office - only 11 Fridays to go!!!!!! Lew Lew x

Evenin' wafflers Lara....because I come from such a long line of upstanding people I have to get my chance at a convict any way I can. Any way....if you have to have someone of notoriety, who better than Fletcher Christian? When I'm on Norfolk Island in September I'll see if I can find one for you pmsl :o) Thanks for the lotto numbers....fingers X X X Lew Lew....what do you mean '..JUST a cat'. Our 11 year old Burmese cross, Winnie, is a member of the family and I would be devestated if she died. I know how you feel. Let yourself grieve for Chester. Both he and you are worth it. Tony....thanks for sending the lotto numbers on, don't know what we would do without you mate. Please give Barb a hug from me. I understand what she is going through. My poor mum was also an Alzheimer's sufferer until taken by a ruptured ulcer. It is often worse for the family than it is for the person. I'm off to bed shortly so I'll give a big ~~~~~~wave to you all and bid you a good night. love Trifley Queen of the Nile

Good evening everyone , Tony please give Barb my love and tell her thinking off her and her poor mum she must feel so alone even though she has the girls its not the same as your lifetime partner and she probably doesn't understand that he has gone like my nan said 'He said he wouldn't go first' when my pa passed away as though he had a choice but he had doted on her and always did what she wanted but this time he couldn't and she could not understand at all because of the beginning of Dementia we used to explain to her sometimes five times a day that Pa wasn't late he had gone, and two hrs later she would say Dad's late meaning Pa and we gave up in the end as it was no use telling her we just tried to make her think about something else so big hugs for Barb horrible time for her at the moment ((((((((( B))))))))) Tony also tell barb to ask can her mum be given something for the depression a s mum had it when she seold her house she said she was leaving dad behind and was so miserable and the after pleading with them to give her something they did half a tablet a day as she was on heaps of tablets for her heart etc and it was miraculous, she was like a new person. back to her normal self again. Tony, glad your little mates birthday went well sounds like you had a ball Lew it doesn't matter that he was a cat darlin he was your friend and companion and it hurts so much please accept a hug for you and Terry as he must be so upset too , so sad to happen when this should have been a really lovely time for you with retiring and your lovely new house lots of love and cuddles coming your way and do cry it does help to get it out talk to us whenever you are able again ((((((((( xx))))))) Please send positive thoughts for our tattslotto tickets surely we have been in it long enough now to win something LOL Mike and I have won one prize in 35 yrs $400 between 8 of us so will need all the positive thoughts we can get ok as we don't seem to have what it takes. Mary you won't know yourself with a nice little car what are you thinking of getting? Trifley glad to hears the sciatica has eased a bit I have fibromyalgia and can sympathise with you. Oh by the way DI that's cheating borrowing someone elses convict is not allowed as I havnt got any either and not even one I can borrow. Sue walking round now singing Money ,Money Money you'd be really glad you can't hear me I can tell you Shuffles off singing 'In a rich man's world ' lol Hello Reb, Wilson Gwenda Pat Donna Cilla Susan Ian in the west Abigail wa too hope Doug is feeling good Leah Sandra Joodles Jude 2&3 and any one I've forgotten to mention have a lovely happy easter drive carefully if going away and don't eat too much chokky love Lara

Tony Sorry to hear of Barbs mother..what a worry for you both.. Do you think a little pet might help,, a bird or fish.. something that dosent have to be fed everyday.. May brighten up her day..Glad the party went off well.. I dont think I could stomache that sort of food any more.. I would take my own vegemite sandwiches I think... Lew So sorry to hear about your cat.. what a shock and you will miss him so much.. he is part of the family..(((hugs))) Jude 3 yv Boy you have done a lot to the house.. and you are going to be busy over Easter.. cant wait to see a after photo as I have a before one..Glad the locals are friendly if not handy with a hammer..LOL Well I had better get to bed so see ya all tomorrow, Love Maryxxx

Evening Wattlers....You have Email..:>)). Lew. Sorry to read the sad news about your cat mate. Our pets are part of our family. Iv'e had to put a few down myself....not an easy job. Well the grandsons B/party went well last night, but i did suffer..:>(( To much Fairy bread, Party pies and chocolate frogs in jelly, followered by Ice-cream cake......Oooooohh boy...:>(( Its worse than a hangover...lol Poor Barb is around at her mum's tonight, as the death of dad is hitting home with her mother ( Loneliness - Depression ) Its quite sad really as her mum has early Alzheimer's. Her car licence has been cancelled ( test ) and she was assesed not long ago, and is not allowed on the roads. We had to take the car keys off her( without her knowing ) and i had to disable the car, as she is still quite capable of ringing up a service guy to come round and look at the car. So we had to ring R.A.C.V...and everycar car mechanic in the area and explain....not to repair the car. So Barb and her sisters are around her mums with a solicitor ( freind of family ) and working things out. Its always very difficult when one partner dies, and the other is left to cope. I have first hand expeariance, although i was only 41 when my wife died and still sound in mind and body. Barbs mum is 82 and with Alzheimer's there is much to work out what is the best to do. I'm sure many of you have been in this position before yourselves, with parents or family. Not an easy job. Sorry to sound depressing, but Barb is still coping with the loss of her dad...and now this with her mum. Think some extra TLC is needed, so might take her out for Tea and a nice bottle of Wine, over the weekend. Hope everyone is well. Tony Oz...:>))

Thanks Guys for all your concern. I've had several good weeps this arvo and that has seemed to help. I know he's only a cat, but he's been a good and faithful companion for a long time. Anyway, have just received Lotto numbers from Lara (via Tony) and feel really good about it. All things crossed. Lew Lew xxx

Afternoon Wattlers, Lew Lew my condolences on the loss of Chester, nothing I can say will make a difference but sending you lots of hugs. Only back at work today, and you lot have been sooo chatty as usual. Must be the week for washing windows/fly screens and cob webs Lara, I did all mine yesterday all b****y 20 of them! Who invented georgian thingy paned windows? I would like to know so they can tell me easy way to clean them. Mary congrats on selling the van, good luck with the car, I'm sure you wont have any problems selling it , judging by the amount of people who want them for towing, its a pity you couldn't have done a 'towing package' and sold them both together lol. Cottage is coming along fine if I can persuade son to help I'll put a couple of photos on ASL I'll let you know if it works! We pulled down the eyesore sun room last weekend and over easter weekend are rebuilding the verandah and decking, plus getting rid of the hardie plank and replacing with weatherboards. (well the front anyway we only have 4 days) I love how the older locals give us advice and encouragement on their daily walks - can't get any to lend a hand though - lol. I have a domino kitchen - had to pull everything out to lay the new floor and now everything is just sitting in place - have to keep telling everyone not to lean on anything. Well Jude 2 if I'm not too late - have a great trip and make sure you contribute to the economy by visiting all the shops! Safe trip. Well I'm off home, wave and a hug to everyone catch you tomorrow jude 3

Lew Lew, That's so hard. (((((((HUG)))))) Vonny

Ohhhh Lew Lew! I'm sooo sorry to hear about Chester :(((. There are no words to express the loss one feels when something like this happens. <<<hugs>>> please know I am thinking of you. love Trifley

Awwwwwwww Lew Lew I am sooooo sorry to hear the news. Thinking of you Love Jude (sorry, I mean Jood)

Lew Lew how sad, there is nothing I can think of to say. My thoughts are with you I know how hard it is to loose a faithful friend. >>>>>>>>Big Hugs<<<<<<<<< Jude2

Well after all the excitement of announcing my retirement, I'm now devastated. My hubby has just phoned to tell me that one of the workmen has just run over my 18 year old cat named Chester and Terry has had to shoot him. I feel gutted! He was too good a friend and companion to have died that way. I may be off the air for a little while, as I feel too sad to chat. Lew Lew xxx :-(

Hi Wattlers I've been a bit busy the last few days so have only just caught up on all the posts. Caravans sold, retirement, gardening, packing for UK trip, unpacking boxes.....my god you are a busy lot. It's a pity the rain dancing hasn't worked though. But keep trying, I'm sure it will work eventually. My sciatica has eased considerably which alowed me to do some re-potting of house plants on Monday. I could almost hear the poor little things cry out for joy, it was so long since they had been done. Spent a wonderful day on Sunday with my nephew, his fiancee and his youngest daughter. She lives in Mackay and this was my first meeting with her. We got talking about families and relatives and my nephew comes up with the info that he is distantly related to Fletcher Christian. It is a rather fine thread along my ex-brother in laws line but can I still claim it as a convict relative :o)???? I'm feeling left out of things with all you lot and your famous rels heee heee. I hope you are all fit and happy and enjoying your selves. I am off to potter in the garden and enjoy the autumn sunshine. Big hugs and ~~waves to all. love Trifley Queen of the Nile

Well, the deed is done. We've told the partners and staff that we're out of here on 30 June and one of the partners even shed a tear (we're not that good!!!!). I feel wonderful. Probably won't be able to concentrate of any work now. Hooray!!!!!!! Lew Lew :-))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Morning all Well we have a cool but sunny day today, rained most of last night. Been busy unpacking things from girls camps and making sure clothes are all washed and have started getting clothes together for our trip. When into town this morning and bought another pair of jeans, that fit better lol. I was going to hold of and buy a new pair when I finish losing the weight that I want to, but I thought I can pass them to David when these ones get too loose and I can buy another new pair hee hee. Jude 2 glad to hear that we should have nice weather for our trip, someone asked me if I was going to the Cattery to watch the game on Saturday, my response was bugger we will be out Geelong way on Sunday, not Saturday pmsl. Hope you have a nice trip also, would be good to catch up with the children. Tony thanks for all those links, will be enough to keep me going for ages. Your Grandson sounds like a chip off the old block, I always called my Grandfather Pop when he was alive and I still call my Grandmother Nan. My children also call Nan, Nan. She wouldnt have it any other way as Gran nan makes her sound too hold. bless her, she is only 90 in July. My parents also get called Nan and Pop from my children. Mary good news on the van, you wont know yourself when you buy a small car, we are hiring a small 4 cylinder when we are in Vic, so it will be different from driving our big Ford Falcon. Lew congrats on retiring or should I say being a woman of leisure for at least 6 months, who knows you might like it sooo much you may not want to go back to work. Looking forward to the piccies of the new house. Hello to all who I havent mentioned, hope everyone is well and if I dont catch up with you before you vacate this place for Easter and before I disappear for my break away, I hope Easter bunny comes and you all have a wonderful time with family and friends. P.S. Lara you popped in while I was typing, good luck with getting a winner with the Tattslotto, sending positive winning thoughts 'Money Money Money' hope it helps lol. Cheers Sue

hello all yes laurie got it right he thinks he is tiger woods and wants to play like him but not quite up to that standard b*****r we'd be in the money then for sure my mates, going down to get the tattslotto today so wish me luck and will get it you all this afternoon folks must go and do some work man is here putting in the gas fire and I need to do some work too but Tiger has the water turned off as he is disconnecting vanity and loo to put new ones in the ensuite Josh is jumping up and down as he can't do his washing poor pet I'll choke him in a minute and other wise a beautiful day in the funny farm, bye for love Lara

Laurie...whats the real reason????? or is he really just a pussy cat??? Lew, the hair is pretty thin so I didnt want to make it too short, it looks ok, although I believe there have been a few little remarks around the factory this morning. Idont think any of the guys out there willbe lining up...lol Off to UK tomorrow morning and back sat week, hubby wont leave work any longer than that ,we are too busy. That will give 2 weeks for our winning nos to come up so I'll be expecting to come back to lots of excited wattlers....... Jude2

ANSWER TO THE RIDDLE . . . . Mike is 'Tiger' because he loves his golf and is a fan of Tiger Woods !!!!!! Well not off to the Records Office today - but I am going in the morning, realized last night the car rego is due on Monday - so off to fix that! (and lunch with a friend) Will do the lookups then so hold onto your horses! Will catch you all later cheers! luv Laurie