Woohoo!

For those of you who know me, you probably know that I've been acting in the position of business manager at EEPS since July last year. The position has been advertised - I applied - I was interviewed - and I got the job! Woohoo! On the whole it was a nerve wracking experience (probably for the panel as well) but now it's over I can concentrate on the future.

So much devastation and loss of life

We have all been affected so deeply by the devastation of the Victorian bushfires. We are fortunate in Eltham to be just far enough away to feel relatively safe, although it could so easily have been our town that was razed. Everyone knows someone who has lost their home and possessions and sadly some who have lost their lives or lives of loved ones. It's heartbreaking!

The holiday - first instalment

Day 1
We finally did manage to organise ourselves out of the house (not particularly early though) for our road trip to Coffs Harbour. We chose to travel up through Shepparton and Tocumwal to the Newell Highway and then cut across through Cowra to Orange where we stayed the night.

Day 2
After breakfast we drove to the Western Plains Zoo near Dubbo. It was lovely but soooo HOT! Full of whining screaming little children who were also soooo HOT! We saw as much as we could but most of the animals were being very sensible and were sleeping in the shade. We did manage to glimpse a huge tiger in the shadows and were lucky enough to see the baby cheetahs on their daily outing. They played with the keeper, chasing a rope around just like little pussy cats would chase a piece of string. So cute but I bet their claws are sharp. We then drove on to Coonabarabran via the Warrambungles scenic drive where we stayed overnight.

Day 3
The next morning we had a leisurely breakfast and then drove back into the Warrambungles and walked to the White Gum lookout and then drove up to the Siding Springs Observatory and were able to visit the Anglo Australian Telescope. Lots of people in hard hats were actually changing the telescope head which looked quite an involved process. The head was hanging from a gantry on the roof and they moved the roof to position the head downstairs.

We then headed off from Coonabarabran through Gunnedah and Armidale on to the Waterfall Way through Dorrigo and Bellingen to Coffs Harbour, with a quick stop and a walk at Ebor Falls on the way. It really is a very pretty route through gorgeous rainforest, although the road is very windy and with a couple of one vehicle only corners. Anyway, we arrived at Coffs Harbour about 6 pm and settled in to Sandcastles Apartments almost opposite the Park Beach Bowls Club on Ocean Parade for the next ten nights. Great 2 bdr apartment on top floor so we caught the sea breeze and with with a lovely little balcony to relax on.

photos to follow

more instalments to follow

Procrastination (it's my second name) ...

Peter and I will be off on our road trip to Coffs Harbour this weekend but neither of us has started thinking about packing. He's playing with his new toy - a SatNav and I just can't get motivated. Ah well, there's always tomorrow. Jo and Matthew have gone up to Bright for a few days of bush camping (SO not Joey!) with Matthew's parents. We'll leave before they come home but Katie and Andy will house and dog sit for the weekend. Jasper knows something is happening and looks very glum!

The Christmas rush is over ...

I've been too busy to blog for a little while but I'm now officially in holiday mode now that Christmas is over for another year. I finished work on 22 December and will go back on 19 January 2009!
Peter and I are heading off in a few days up to Coffs Harbour on the NSW north coast for a couple of weeks. We are driving up and hope to do a bit of sightseeing on the way. We've booked an apartment opposite the beach so here's hoping for some sun. The girls (and their boys) are all organised for house/dog sitting while we're away.
We had a lovely Christmas lunch here with all the family (that's five + one partner). We had a delicious glazed and baked ham, a chicken salad with lychees and baby mandarins, numerous salads (Fay brought some too) and followed up with Christmas pudding with home-made brandy sauce (authentic threepences and sixpences in the pudding). We all ate far too much and are still finishing leftovers.
Peter's sister, Ann and her husband Darryl, visited on Saturday for arvo tea and we continued the feast.
Wishing you health and happiness for the new year! ... Neety

I believe

I believe I can fly

I believe I can touch the sky

Helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls and out to the Kimberley coast of Western Australia in July 2006. I loved every minute of it!

Created for SM Roadmap to Scrap (formula) challenge 12/11/08

Requirements
1. 1 edge to edge photo
2. 1 frame
3. Stitching
4. 1 or more fasteners (paper clip, staple, etc)
5. 1 or more ribbons
6. a brush or stamp
7. 1 element of your choice (choose wisely…there can only be one!)
8. No alphas

credits
Clouds background paper by Happy Scrappy/Attic Treasures
Crumpled background paper from Kindred Spirit collab by Scrap Muss and Erica Zane
acrylic background from Matted and Framed by Sya's Blueprints NEW
frame by I've Been Framed by Fluffy Bunny Feet Designs
sheer ribbon from Ribbon Jar by Britt-ish Designs
fairy wings brush from Obsidian Dawn
bling from Hang Em Fancy by Matahati
stitched squares by In Stitches Basic by Britt-ish Designs
cross stiching by In Stitches Frames by Britt-ish Designs
staples from Kindred Spirit collab by Scrap Muss and Erica Zane
wordart by Bethany Harty
font is Windsong

Elegance

Intermediate egrets on Yellow Water Billabong in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia

Created for SM Tuesday Template challenge 18/11/08

credits
paper and elements from Woodland Fantasy kit by Erica Zane
template by Jeni Hopewell
font is dear Joe

I must go down to the sea again

I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and the sky
and all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by
... John Masefield

I remember mum reciting this poem to me when I was a child.
Mum knew all the classic English poems.

Photograph taken on Broome Harbour while sailing on Willie in July 2006.

Layout created for SM Saturday Special challenge 15/11/08 - create your own word art

credits
background paper and swirl border from Friday Flea Market SM collab
acrylic star from Matted and Framed: Acrylic NEW from Sya's Blueprints
glitter effect and sparkles on swirl and wordart are from Mega Glitter Pack by Flergs
silver jewellery from Precious Pack by sussieM
fonts are Windsong and Scriptina

Reflections

These gorgeous photos were taken during a cruise on Yellow Water Billabong in Kakadu National Park in Northern Territory, Australia, July 2005.

The background photo has been blended for ScrapMatters Saturday Special challenge for 08/11/08.


credits
all elements from Erica Zane's new kit Woodland Fantasy
font is Jane Austen

Katie Joy

credits
Background paper and stitched heart from Fairy Footsteps kit by KSK Designs
Frame, ribbon and glittered swirl from She Dreams by Ellie Lash
Jewellery cluster from Precious Pack by SussieM
Alpha from Dandelion Dreams kit by Vicki AWP
Font is Jane Austen