Highland Warriors

My 2 beautiful kids

2011-11-20T21:39:00.001+10:00

This is Princess Jess on her formal night with our skater boy Dan - we love them immensely!

2 blooms today

2011-11-19T17:30:00.001+10:00

Tonights Dinner (well not mine but the rest of the familys)

2011-11-14T19:11:00.000+10:00

Paul's Penang Chicken Curry

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 tablespoons red curry paste
2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped
1 2/3 cups Ayam coconut cream (unshaken)
2 tablespoons grated palm or brown sugar
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 cup beef stock
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
500g chicken (we used a bought cooked chook)
4 kaffir lime leaves, spine removed, shredded
1/2 cup Thai basil leaves
steamed basmati rice, to serve
2 small red chillies, thinly sliced, to serve

Method
Combine curry paste and peanuts in a bowl. Heat wok over medium heat until hot. Spoon thick top layer of coconut cream into wok (see note). Cook, stirring, for 8 to 10 minutes or until oil separates and floats to the top. Add curry paste mixture. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add sugar and fish sauce. Cook for 5 minutes or until sauce reduces slightly. Gradually add remaining coconut cream and stock. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until sauce thickens.
Add chicken, kaffir lime and basil to curry and stir to combine. Spoon curry over rice. Top with chillies and serve.
Notes
If the coconut cream you are using does not have a top layer of cream, cook curry paste mixture in 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in step 1.

It's a little spicy so a drink was needed by all.

No man in the world has more courage than the man who can stop after eating one peanut. ~Channing Pollock

Beautiful orchid flowers

2011-11-13T17:46:00.000+10:00

A beautiful Gold Coast evening

2011-11-12T21:55:00.001+10:00

A night at the Footy with the Girls

2011-09-18T09:51:00.000+10:00

Fortunate to see Legend Lockyer lead the Broncos into the Semis. Great night with my girls at the Footy!!

Vegie patch

2011-08-20T16:06:00.001+10:00

Our small veggie patch is starting to take shape. Won't be long until we are enjoying home grown beans, capsicums, spring onions, bok choy, tomatoes and lettuce. Come on Spring!!

The next challenge

2011-08-17T20:16:00.000+10:00

This one should be easy! I am going to use everything in my pantry. My pantry is full of stuff that we have bought and used a little of or bought just in case we need it! So I figure with google, the pantry and a few groceries (bought on line of course) we should be right for meals for the next 3 or 4 months.

A few new challenges

2011-08-17T20:12:00.001+10:00

I have set myself the challenge of buying everything on line. I have found that, generally, you can get everything cheaper on line these days. So we needed a new fridge water filter and yes I was able to get it half price on line. Success!!

Colourful rainbow

2011-08-15T10:25:00.000+10:00

A beautiful end to a glorious day!! We are truly blessed.

Colorful end to the day

2011-08-14T17:22:00.000+10:00

A beautiful end to a glorious Gold Coast day!

A great night out with FRIENDS

2011-08-14T15:05:00.001+10:00

Peking Duck restaurant provided great food and environment for a wonderful night out with beautiful friends!!

Local wildlife

2011-08-13T16:51:00.001+10:00

Unusual for a possum to come out in the middle of the day!

Wow

2011-08-13T15:38:00.000+10:00

Wow can't believe it is so long since I blogged. I shall be on here more often. I have missed you all xx

Our holiday 27/12/10-6/1/11 on Rhapsody of the Seas

2011-01-09T15:47:00.000+10:00

The Ship: Rhapsody of the Seas

The itinerary:

Day 1 - 27 Dec, Sydney, Australia Arr. Embark Dep. 6:30pm

Day 2 - 28 Dec, At Sea

Day 3 - 29 Dec, At Sea

Day 4 - 30 Dec, Noumea, New Caledonia Arr. 8am Dep. 6pm

Day 5 - 31 Dec, Vila, Vanuatu Arr. 11am Dep

Day 6 - 1 Jan, Mystery Island, Vanuatu Arr. 8am Dep. 6pm

Day 7 - 2 Jan, 6pmLifou, Loyalty Island Arr. 7am Dep. 5pm

Day 8 - 3 Jan, Isle of Pines, New Caledonia Arr. 7am Dep. 5pm

Day 9 - 4 Jan, At Sea

Day 10 - 5 Jan, At Sea

Day 11 - 6 Jan, Sydney, Australia Arr. 6:30am Dep. Disembark

More tomorrow!!

Remembering my Nan

2011-01-08T22:15:00.000+10:00

On 7 January 2010 my beautiful Nan passed away. I miss her more than words can say! Nan I love you forever!

We should all have one person who knows how to bless us despite the evidence, Nan was that person to me.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-26T14:21:00.000+10:00

From Us to You wherever you are we hope you have a wonderful, merry Christmas and a New Year full of love, laughter, sunshine and Joy!!

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. ~Charles Dickens

End of year concert coming up!

2010-12-05T18:58:00.000+10:00

Only one week until our Christmas dance concert! Myself and my girlfriends have been dancing together for about 5 years. We have a great time!! Can we dance, well that's questionable, but we certainly do share alot of laughter, love and friendship. Here we are after a little practice today!!

Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair... ~Susan Polis Shutz

Photo Hunt - Hard to find

2010-12-04T08:21:00.001+10:00

It's hard to find the sun and blue sky at the moment - even though it's summer!

Go here to tnchick for more photos

Happy Weekend everyone!

There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart. ~Celia Thaxter

Beautiful one day perfect the next??

2010-12-03T19:55:00.000+10:00

La Nina has taken hold!! The weather outlook for the week ahead!

Enjoy your weekend!

The plants are getting a watering today

2010-11-30T06:05:00.000+10:00

On this last day of Spring - it's rainy - the plants will love it! Busy with a work conference over the next 2 days!!

Enjoy your day!

Where does the time go!!!

2010-11-27T17:58:00.000+10:00

Well it has been a while and it's nearly Christmas - so to all my blogging friends and family I hope you have a wonderful time!! We are almost ready for Christmas - love to you all!!

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale

Long time no talkie!!

2010-08-17T20:58:00.000+10:00

Well it has been a while since I have blogged - life goes on!!

Visit from my wonderful God Parents:

It was wonderful to spend and share time with them - I love them very much

xxxxxxx

Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family. ~Anthony Brandt

Love is a Battlefield by Pat Benatar

2010-06-26T21:13:00.000+10:00

Whether it's the 1980's or 2010 young people are still the same, it is us who have gotten older!!

Helen Reddy - 'I Am Woman' (Live) 1975

2010-06-24T21:29:00.000+10:00

I am proud that we finally have a female Prime Minister!!!!

UFO - main beach Gold Coast 5 June 2010.mpg

2010-06-13T18:57:00.000+10:00

So the story is - our daughter Jess and her friend needed to film a dance sequence for their dance school assignment. We had to be at the beach around 5am (before sunset) so filming could occur while still dark, then while the sun was rising and then when the sun had risen. The girls were fortunate enough to capture a UFO. This video was shown across the country on Channel nine news on the Saturday night - channel 9 did interview the girls, but unfortunately that part wasn't shown. Anyway it was very exciting for all of us.

Video taken at Main Beach Gold Coast at 5.45am Saturday 5 June 2010 - Sorry the sound did not come across when we copied it.

There's Nothing Like Australia - via Mumbrella

2010-06-01T07:24:00.000+10:00

There's nothing like Australia!!

Sunday dinner

2010-05-30T21:12:00.001+10:00

Dinner tonight was wonderful Yummy chicken pie!

Serves 4
Cooking time approx 35 minutes

2 tbspns olive oil
1 leek or brown onion thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
500g chicken mince
2 carrots sliced
2 celery sticks sliced
40g packet french onion soup
2 teaspoons cornflour
1 cup of peas
600g potatoes, chopped
400g parsnips, chopped
50g butter
1/2 cup milk

Heat oil in large frying pan over moderate heat. Add leek and garlic, cook and stir until leek/onion softens. Add mince, cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to break up lumps, until browned.

Stir in carrot, celery, 1 1/2 cups water and soup mix. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat, simmer until vegies are tender. Blend cornflour with 1 tablespoon of water. Stir peas and cornflour mixture into chicken mixture, cook and stir until mixture thickens. Spoon mixture into a shallow 1.5 litre ovenproof dish.

Combine potoato and parsnip in a microwave safe dish. Microwave on high until tender. Add half the butter and milk, mash until smooth. Season with salt.

Spoon potato mixture over chicken mixture in prepared dish. Dot remaining butter on top of potato. Bake for 15-20 minutes in a preheated oven of 180C/160C fan forced until golden brown.

Enjoy!!

When baking, follow directions. When cooking, go by your own taste.

Laiko Bahrs

Sunday in Surfers Paradise!!

2010-05-30T12:14:00.000+10:00

Last Sunday we spent a lovely day in Surfers Paradise. Jess was filming for her film and tv assignment. It was great to sit and watch her film her friends exercising in the middle of Cavill Ave!!! We then had lunch with great friends!!

Jess preparing her equipment!

Chloe and Amanda rehearsing!!

Chloe rehearsing her part!

Setting up the shoot!!

OK let's have a look - we may need a couple more shoots!!

Maybe the meter maids might join in!!!

Ok thats a wrap!!

mmmmmmmmm lunch with great friends to end the day!!!

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."

- Anais Nin

Uncle Kracker - Smile

2010-05-30T10:45:00.000+10:00

Happy Mothers Day Mum

2010-05-09T21:00:00.000+10:00

To my mum I am wishing a wonderful Mothers Day!! To my wonderful Aunty Maureen and Aunty Maryann I also wish a wonderful day to them. To all mums have a wonderful day.

As a mum I know the great things that mothers do. But without our children we would not be able to do them!! So thankyou to all the wonderful children out there who we, as mums, are blessed to have!!

And to my Nan who I miss so much - I love you more than you will ever know xxxxxxx

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.

Author Unknown

More time with my wonderful family

2010-05-02T21:19:00.000+10:00

At Advancetown!!

I miss and love you all!

When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses

Time with Family

2010-04-26T20:25:00.000+10:00

A great day at Crystal Castle and Tropical Fruit World with the family

I don't care how poor a man is, if he has family, he's rich.

Happy 21st Daniel

2010-04-26T07:39:00.000+10:00

On the 25th April 21 years ago we were blessed with an angel boy. He has been our joy for the last 21 years. We love him and are very proud of him. Happy 21st Dan!!

Then

Now

We love you

"Inside every older person is a younger person - wondering what the hell happened."

Another fun filled Saturday night!!!

2010-04-18T10:49:00.000+10:00

A BBQ, dancing, laughing with family and friends - you tell me a better way to spend a Saturday night!!!

Enjoy your weekend!!

“I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun.”

Charles R. Swindoll

Photo Hunt - vertical

2010-04-10T17:36:00.000+10:00

From our Disney Holiday 2007 - only seems like yesterday!! All very vertical!!

Go here to tnchick for more photos

Happy Weekend everyone!

I have had a holiday, and I’d like to take it up professionally!!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-07T20:39:00.000+10:00

Wordless Wednesday

Refreshing after a hard days work!!

“Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.”

Benjamin Franklin

Watery Wednesday

2010-04-07T06:32:00.000+10:00

Watery Wednesday

Fountain of Peace - Nagasaki

Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.

Buddha

Enjoy your day.

Happy Birthday Mum

2010-04-06T06:26:00.001+10:00

Happy Birthday Mum - we hope your day is filled with sunshine, love and happiness. We wish we could be there with you to celebrate, but we will see you soon.

We love you very much!!!

Enjoy your day!

A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.

- Cardinal Mermillod

Happy 24th wedding anniversary to us!!

2010-04-05T09:28:00.000+10:00

This time 24 years ago Paul and I said I do!!! 24 great years. Sure we've had our ups and downs, but that goes with the territory. We have had many laughs, experiences, great times, great holidays and of course we have our 2 beautiful children!! Here's to another 24!!!

Then

Now

“There is no feeling more comforting and consoling than knowing you are right next to the one you love.”

Enjoy your day!!

Easter Sunday - Church then the winery!!

2010-04-04T20:18:00.000+10:00

Happy Easter to all my wonderful family across the country. This morning we went to Church up at Marian Valley. Quite a traditional Catholic service, but my Nan would have loved it and I am sure she was watching over us.

Then we went for a drive around Mount Tamborine and enjoyed a light lunch at Cedar Creek Estate winery with some of the local wildlife!!

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them

Desmond Tutu

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T07:37:00.000+10:00

Happy Easter everyone, have a peaceful and blessed day!

Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life.

S.D. Gordon

Easter Saturday lunch on the Sunshine Coast

2010-04-03T21:05:00.001+10:00

We drove up to the Sunshine Coast today to have lunch with Pauls mum and family - great company, great food and plenty of laughs!!

Back home we with wonderful memories!!

Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts.

Author Unknown

Photo Hunt - Sweet

2010-04-03T07:09:00.000+10:00

This weeks theme is SWEET - I could use many photos of my wonderful family, because they are all very sweet people, but have gone with a beautiful strawberry Souffle that my wonderful husband, Paul, made a few weeks ago!! It was a dish that was very sweet!!

Go here to tnchick for more photos

When baking, follow directions. When cooking, go by your own taste.
Laiko Bahrs

Good Friday - spicy fish with great friends!!

2010-04-02T21:19:00.000+10:00

“true friendship isn't about being there when it's convenient; it's about being there when it's not.”

Have a great Easter

Marian Valley - Happy Easter

2010-04-02T07:53:00.000+10:00

We recently visited Marian Valley (again), such a peaceful place - here are some pictures!

St Anthony

Maryann lighting candles - St Anthony

4 candles burning bright

Our Lady

The Church - very open and beautiful

From the stations of the cross walk

Walking the stations of the cross - Maryann, Maureen, Paul

He has risen

Information on Eritrea

http://www.eritrea.be/old/eritrea-keren3.htm

Lighting candles for my children - Mariam De'arit is a sign of hope, courage and continuity of life.

With my 2 Aunts - Maureen and Maryann

Happy Easter and enjoy you weekend

'We have no choice of what color we're born or who our parents are or whether we're rich or poor. What we do have is some choice over what we make of our lives once we're here'

Saturday night out to dinner

2010-03-27T23:30:00.000+10:00

Caught up with some friends for dinner tonight!!

A wonderful night with great friends xxxxxxxxxxxxx

“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.”

Graduation - congratulations Maryann you are now an Enrolled Nurse!!!

2010-03-27T17:31:00.000+10:00

My Aunty, after 18 months of study, graduated as an Enrolled Nurse - we are very proud of her!!

Maryann

Maryann and Maureen

Maryann and Jacinta

Myself with my 2 wonderful Aunts - Maryann and Maureen

Maryann and her friend Tess

Maryann receiving her certificate

Myself and Aunty Maureen

Maryanne and Kate

Maryann and Kate

Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study. Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life.

~Henry L. Doherty ~

Earth Hour 2010 Official video

2010-03-20T07:05:00.001+10:00

Inspirational!!

Peking Duck on a Saturday night!!

2010-03-14T08:30:00.000+10:00

One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.

~Luciano Pavarotti and William Wright, Pavarotti, My Own Story

Memories!!

2010-03-07T20:57:00.000+10:00

I have started to scan all my old photos into the computer - and have had a real giggle going over the old pics!!!

Dan & Jess - 1997

Paul, Dan and Mum - Dan's 1st Birthday - 1990

Dan, Mum, Barb and Keith - Dan's 1st birthday - 1990

Mark and Jeff - Hawaii - 1980?

Jeff - graduation - date?

Dan & Jess - Jeff & Yvonnes wedding 1998?

Mark, Jeff, Dad and Dan - Jeff & Yvonnes wedding - 1998

Mark, Maryann and Aunty Barb - Jeff & Yvonnes wedding 1998

I'm so glad that I love to take photos!!

Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them.

Richard L. Evans

Enjoy your week!!

More pictures of my wonderful Nan

2010-03-01T19:46:00.000+10:00

More pictures of my wonderful Nan - I love you

Family faces are magic mirrors looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present, and future.

Gail Lumet Buckley

My Nan

2010-02-28T15:56:00.000+10:00

Just some wonderful memories of my Nan::

When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses

~Joyce Brothers

Marian Valley

2010-02-21T09:39:00.000+10:00

Yesterday we spent a peaceful morning at Marian Valley. The gardens are gorgeous and there are beautiful religious statues all over. Here are some pics:

St Andrew Kim Tae-Geon

Our Lady of Vailankanni Good Health

Some more pics soon

Enjoy your day!!

Wealth is the ability to fully experience life

Henry David Thoreau

Photo Hunt - cuddly

2010-02-20T17:49:00.000+10:00

This Polar Bear that turned up at my front door August last year, was cuddly (picture is a bit blurry)

Enjoy your weekend

Go here to tnchick for more photos

Ask yourself this question:

"Will this matter a year from now?"

Richard Carlson, writing in Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-16T21:39:00.000+10:00

Remembering my Nan - Jess, Nan and myself - taken 12 months ago - one of the last photos taken with her. I miss you Nan.

A Grandmother is a special person who causes a joyful happening in the heart of a child.

Author Unknown

Wordless Wednesday

Just some photos - a time for reflection - Okinawa Japan July 2009

2010-02-14T19:45:00.000+10:00

These photos are from our Asian Cruise in Jun/Jul 2009. We had a wonderful time. The cultural experience was fantastic. These photos were taken in Okinawa Japan at the Peace Centre - I certainly shed tears walking through the gardens and looking at the exhibitions. We certainly will be returning to Japan - the best place we have ever visited.

The more a man knows, the more he forgives.
Catherine the Great

Photo Hunt 200 - broken

2010-02-14T08:20:00.000+10:00

We had floods last week around our area, so there was plenty of 'broken' - here is a broken tree that ended up on a broken road

Enjoy your weekend!!

People with many interests live, not only longest, but happiest.

George Matthew Allen

Sunday night Dinner - Chicken Florentines

2010-02-07T20:57:00.000+10:00

Chicken Florentine with Kumara Saute and Steamed Asparagus

Vegetable Oil

2 Chicken Breast fillets, halved lengthwise

80g bab spinach leaves

2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced

4 slices of tasty or Jarlsberg cheese

Pre-heat oven grill to high, heat oil in pan over moderately high heat. Add chicken, cook for 3 minutes each side or until seared. Transfer to a baking tray. Add spinach to pan, toss over heat for 1 inhute or until just wilted.

Arrange spinach and tomato over chicken, top with cheese. Place under grill, cook for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and chicken is cooked.

Serve with steamed asparagus.

Serves 4

Enjoy

'Preach not to others what they should eat, but eat as becomes you, and be silent.'

Epictetus (55 AD - 135 AD)

Dancing, food and floods - what a week!!!

2010-02-07T12:17:00.001+10:00

What a week!!!

Dancing started again for us - so I get to spend more time with my Dancing Diva buddies - which I love. Our first dance is to Heat Wave from the film "There's no business like show busines"!!

My great dancing buddies from last years Concert!!

Lots of fun and games playing WII this week - note the concentration and my tongue hanging out!!!

Plenty of food this week, including a visit to the local Yum Cha haunt!! Some new recipes including Strawberry Souffle and Soy Pork with Kumara Saute.

Me and Sally at Yum Cha

Peggy and Julie enjoying Yum Cha

Paul and myself enjoying Yum Cha

Paul made strawberry souffle -yum!

My Soy Pork and Kumara Saute - real nice!!!

I finished book 3 in the True Blood series - can't wait to start book 4 'Dead to the World'.

Watched a few more movies that are on my list of 101 things to do in 1001 days - Bladerunner and The Evil
Touch - both great movies.

And the floods of Feb 2010. Today our area is flooded - I'm told hasn't been this high since 1954!!!

The photos below are from the local causeway!!

Enjoy your week!!

"Imagination is the eye of the soul"

Joseph Joubert

That's my World

2010-01-26T16:04:00.000+10:00

A little piece of my world. To see pieces of other peoples world visit That's my World

Enjoy your Day!!

"Seek the wisdom of the ages, but look at the world through the eyes of a child."
Ron Wild

Happy Australia Day

2010-01-26T09:01:00.003+10:00

Happy Australia Day - celebrating everything that makes Australia a great nation.

Our Flag

Our National Anthem

Be proud of this great country!! Enjoy your day!!!

Photo Hunt 197 - balanced

2010-01-23T21:14:00.000+10:00

These beautiful ballerinas are very balanced!!!

Enjoy your weekend!

See more photos at tnchick - take a look.

The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.
Paul Valery

Skywatch Season 4 Episode 28

2010-01-22T13:35:00.000+10:00

Skywatch Friday - take a look.

Here is my contribution for this week

A little cloud above the beautiful Gold Coast.

Enjoy your day

101 things in 1001 days

2010-01-20T16:09:00.003+10:00

The Challenge:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple challenges such as New Year's resolutions or a 'Bucket List'. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips, study semesters, or outdoor activities.

So I have set 101 tasks to complete in 1001 days. Some will be easy for me such as:

1. See a movie in 3D
18. Watch the sun set
52. Take dance classes

Others will be a bit more challenging:

40. Lose 10 Kgs
81. Do not log into facebook for at least 2 days per week
99. Bake a dessert once per month

And then others will really stretch me:

31. Join the SES
34. Do the 10 km walk in the Gold Coast marathon
36. Put all my photos in a photo albums

And then those that I really wonder what I am doing!!

62. Climb Mt Warning!
69. Eat 3 pieces of fruit each week day!
77. 2 AFD's (alcohol free days) each week!

Anyway I will update on my progess weekly - I'm sure I'll learn alot about myself and those around me!!

Task 89 - Watch 50 of the top 100 films from www.films101.com this is in progress -

first film I watched was Gone with the Wind (borrowed the film from the library and I have a few more on hold). First time I watch this movie - long but enjoyable!

A peaceful hour!!

2010-01-17T10:24:00.005+10:00

So I went to Church today. Haven't been for a while, but wanted to go. St Mary's, a lovely church. A very peaceful hour I had. 2 babies christened. A pleasant start to the day!!

Enjoy your day!!

PS I have a new haircut!!!

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
Helen Keller

Happy Anniversary Mum and Dad

2010-01-16T06:54:00.004+10:00

May memories of all you've shared
Be in your hearts today,
And may they fill the coming years
With love that's there to stay

Happy Wedding Anniversary

Go out and enjoy yourselves!!!

Love Paul, Lisa, Dan and Jess
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

“Love life and life will love you back. Love people and they will love you back.”
~Arthur Rubinstein

Happy Birthday Jeff

2010-01-15T09:32:00.006+10:00

Have a wonderful day - we are thinking of you and love you heaps. Enjoy yourself and maybe do a bit of fishing!!!

Love Paul, Lisa, Dan and Jess
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
Henry David Thoreau

RIP Nan

2010-01-13T12:38:00.014+10:00

Betty Eliza Clarke 22/2/1924 - 07/01/2010

Nan I love you and will miss you more than words can say
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It has been a tumultuous start to our year with the loss of my beloved Grandmother - Betty Eliza Clarke. But she would expect us all to remember her with love and pride and get on with our lives. Her funeral was nice and it did bring family from wide and far, which did give me the opportunity to take a few photos - and my Nan knew how much I loved to take photos!!

Popping back to say Hi!!

2009-11-22T16:37:00.004+10:00

OK Family - sorry I haven't blogged for a while - I've been caught up on facebook!!

Anyway I promise to post regularly with photos!!!

Here's a few:

We went camping late Sept to a beautiful spot called Jimna - somewhere northish of Brisbane - great spot with great friends.

Have a great week and remember Confucius says:
It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.

Happy Fathers Day

2009-09-06T08:01:00.001+10:00

Happy Fathers Day Dad - enjoy your day!!

From all of us up here in sunny QLD!!

Saturday night with the Family Aug 09

2009-08-24T19:46:00.002+10:00

Me and my brother - I love this photo!

My brother and his wife enjoying the music and the drinks!!

Jeff and Duncan comparing heads!!

Beautiful Princess K on the trampoline

Yvonne - yes she is enjoying that tom collins!!

More pics from Family visit 09

2009-08-23T08:57:00.004+10:00

Paul and Jeff contemplating what to have for dinner!!

Jeff and Maryann

Beautiful Princess K

Jeff and Paul preparing dinner - yummy!!

Brother & family visit Aug 09

2009-08-09T15:27:00.003+10:00

My brother, his wife and 2 girls are up here for a couple of weeks holidaying. Here are some pics:

Princess K feeding the ducks and swans

Me and Jeff (my brother)

Jeff and Ballerina

Family of ducks

Keelung - Taiwan

2009-08-08T07:50:00.002+10:00

Keelung City (also: Jilong or Chilung) is a major port city situated in the northeastern part of Taiwan. It borders Taipei County and forms the Taipei-Keelung metropolitan area, along with the City and County of Taipei. Nicknamed the Rainy Port for its frequent rain and maritime role, the city is Taiwan's second largest seaport (after Kaohsiung). Keelung is currently administered as a provincial city of Taiwan Province, Republic of China.

The city of Keelung was known as Kelung or Keelung to the Western world during the 19th century. However, the Taiwanese people have long called the city Kelang (Taiwanese language POJ: Ke-lâng, Chinese characters: 雞籠, meaning rooster cage).

It has been proposed that the name Keelung was derived from the local mountain that took the shape of a rooster cage. However, it is more probable that the name was derived from the first inhabitants of the region, as are the names of many other Taiwanese cities. In this case, the Ketagalan people were the first inhabitants, and early Han settlers probably approximated "Ketagalan" with "Ke-lâng" (phonetics of the Southern Min Language).

In 1875, during Qing Dynasty rule, the Chinese characters of the name were changed to the more auspicious 基隆 (pinyin: Jīlóng; POJ: Ki-liông, meaning prosperous base). In Mandarin, probably the working language of Chinese government at the time, both the old and new names were likely pronounced Kīlóng (hence "Keelung"). Under Japanese rule (1895-1945), the city was known to the west by Japanese readings of the new name: Kirun, Kiirun or Kīrun. In Modern Standard Mandarin, the official language of the Republic of China, the new name is read Jīlóng, although the locals have continued to call the city Ke-lâng throughout changes in government.

2008 Latest Edition - Did You Know 3.0 - From Meeting in Rome this Year

2009-08-07T23:33:00.001+10:00

Did you know??? Times are changing!!

Saturday Photo Hunt - Rocks

2009-07-18T08:29:00.005+10:00

Rocks from our recent trip to Taiwan:

Join the Photo Hunt with tnchick

Saturday Photo Hunt - garbage

2009-07-12T10:12:00.003+10:00

As beautiful and clean the streets of Hong Kong were - some of the waterways had a bit of 'garbage' along the edges:

Join the Photo Hunt with tnchick.

Happy weekend.

More from Hong Kong

2009-07-12T07:56:00.004+10:00

More photos from Hong Kong:

Up on Victoria Peak - a great spot with a great view:

Ballerina and Paul at Ocean Terminal:

Buildings:

Beautiful Kowloon Park:

Hong Kong

2009-07-11T12:39:00.005+10:00

Hong Kong (Chinese: 香港), officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a largely self-governing territory of the People's Republic of China, facing Guangdong to the north and the South China Sea to the east, west and south. Hong Kong is a global metropolitan and international financial centre, and has a highly developed capitalist economy.

Beginning as a trading port, Hong Kong became a crown colony of the United Kingdom in 1842, reclassified as a British dependent territory in 1983, and remained so until the transfer of its sovereignty to the People's Republic of China in 1997. Under the "one country, two systems" policy, Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy in all areas with the exception of foreign affairs and defence, which are the responsibility of the PRC Government. As part of this arrangement, Hong Kong continues to maintain its own currency, legal system, political system, immigration control, rule of the road and other aspects that concern its way of life, many of which are distinct from those of mainland China.

Renowned for its expansive skyline and natural setting, its identity as a cosmopolitan centre where the East meets the West is reflected in its cuisine, cinema, music and traditions. The city's population is 95% Chinese and 5% people of other ethnicities. With a population of 7 million people but land area of 1,108 km2 (428 sq mi), Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

Views from our Hotel room

There is plenty of building happening in Hong Kong - note the bamboo scaffolding - knocking down older, smaller buildings for more modern taller ones

More photos later - we really loved Hong Kong and plan to go back!!

Evian Roller Babies US

2009-07-10T17:13:00.001+10:00

This is so cute!!

Back from holidays

2009-07-10T11:13:00.004+10:00

Well our Cruise is over for another year. We spent a wonderful 15 nights aboard the Costa Classica sailing to Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and China. We had a great time and over the coming days I will post pictures of our holiday - but here is a sneek peek!!

Paul and myself in Kowloon Park, Hong Kong:

Ballerina and Paul in Cheju, South Korea:

Cheju, South Korea:

Family time

2009-06-17T14:50:00.004+10:00

We were lucky enough to have family visit us last week to celebrate my Aunts 60th birthday:

Mum, Dad, Paul and me

Mum, Skaterboy, Ballerina and Dad

Dad, Skaterboy and Mum

We had a great week, went too quick though - we love them heaps.

365 reasons to be grateful - day 51

2009-05-30T09:43:00.004+10:00

that I work with people who like to have fun!

365 reasons to be grateful - day 50

2009-05-29T20:57:00.001+10:00

for my fruit and veg deliveries!

365 reasons to be grateful - day 49

2009-05-29T20:48:00.001+10:00

for friends who give me flowers!

365 reasons to be grateful - day 48

2009-05-29T20:41:00.002+10:00

for our little dog Tommy!

365 reasons to be grateful - day 47

2009-05-29T20:34:00.003+10:00

the Global Corporate Challenge has commenced!

365 reasons to be grateful - day 46

2009-05-29T19:51:00.004+10:00

for my two favourite men!!

365 reasons to be grateful - day 45

2009-05-29T19:42:00.002+10:00

when Paul comes home!

365 reasons to be grateful - day 44

2009-05-29T19:15:00.003+10:00

for fresh corn on the cob!

365 reasons to be grateful - day 43

2009-05-29T19:10:00.002+10:00

for candles to light a gloomy night!

365 reasons to be grateful - day 42

2009-05-29T19:03:00.003+10:00

for jewellery, not much, but plenty of sentimental value!!

365 reasons to be grateful - day 41

2009-05-29T18:44:00.003+10:00

for cask wine, it's cheaper, lasts longer, but tastes as good as bottled wine!!

365 reasons to be grateful - day 40

2009-05-29T18:30:00.002+10:00

To see these doors after a few days away from home!

365 reasons to be grateful - day 39

2009-05-15T22:22:00.001+10:00

for girl time - we all need it!

365 reasons to be grateful - day 38

2009-05-15T22:15:00.002+10:00

to be able to visit new places - Newcastle Beach!

365 reasons to be grateful - day 37

2009-05-15T22:08:00.002+10:00

for fresh fruit, the next day after Baskin and Robins!!

365 reasons to be grateful - day 36

2009-05-15T21:55:00.004+10:00

for Baskin and Robins!

365 reasons to be grateful - day 35

2009-05-15T21:46:00.003+10:00

To spend Mothers Day with my daughter and a nice Japanese green tea!