Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year

And welcome to 2017!!!

It would be remiss of me to reflect upon 2016... I sold the home Louise and I purchased in Merrylands, bought a house closer to mum, a new car, and I also ended up in intensive care of all places!!!

The move, whilst traumatic, it also closed another chapter and allowed me to become more at peace with life as well...

I am also grateful for the many MANY friends, both near and far, I have... And whilst I don't have the time to send you ALL a personal message, I am just grateful for you all just 'being there' when needed...

So, to you and your family, from me and mine, I wish you ALL a safe NYE, don't drink too much, and a safe, happy and love filled 2017, what ever it brings!!!!

Whilst the Sydney Harbour Bridge was be covered in fireworks, theres no better show, that of 'Mother Nature'...

Happy New Year!

Hoo roo for now...

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I'mmmmmm Baaaaaccck!!!!

Well.... I am BACK!!!!

There has been SO much happening of late, I can not begin to tell you... But today, it has all come to a conclusion...

You see, after many months/years of agonising over it, I have sold up in Merrylands, the house that Louise and I had shared so many happy years, and also some of the darkest moments I have ever experienced. It was a delightful old home, built in 1927, and came with a large yard.

But, living alone, in a large house and yard, came with a lot of maintenance, which my bad back, could not do anymore. Although the memories will always be with me, it was just simply time to sell! Although purchased for a good price back in 2005, 'bring on the removalist', I was shocked at what I got for the house, which meant I could clear the mortgage, and then buy in cash, so I am a home owner, and debt free!!! It is truely a wonderful experience!

Whilst my sale went through without any hassles, I can not say the same for my new place. What was meant to be a 10 day settlement, ended up being a day short of two months!!!! Oh well...

NOW, I can get on and lay a new lawn in the courtyard, put a deck to the rear of the house with an awning as well, and then I am all done with nothing else to do!!!

Lots of posts over the coming weeks as we get things done, but for now, this is a brief update!!!

Whats everyone been up to of late??

Hoo roo for now...

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Ok - so today I got a new watch...

Ok, so today, I did something completely random, I got myself a new watch (as a belated Wedding Anniversary/Christmas present...)

A few months back, I did a market research for an international cloud company, and I got a Myers Gift Card. I also got some money for Christmas. So, this morning I trundled down to Myer in Westfield Parramatta and did some 'me' shopping. There was a few I liked, but it came down to two, this one and a Michael Kors model.

Otherwise, today was spent having lunch with a mate, and a trip to the chemist for a script and home, where housework (yawn) took my afternoon through to this evening.

Hoo roo for now...

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Goodbye 2015 and Hello 2016

Well, its another year, and welcome to 2016... Finally, the rest of the world is now here given we, in Sydney, are amongst the first to see in the New Year!!

2015 bought mixed feelings for me... Some good, some bad, some beginnings and some endings, but most of all, it was press good in most parts! I managed to supply some photos for a project in NSW, I did a shoot of a heritage aircraft which flew for the first time in nearly 40 years (and an article on it as well) and I am waiting for the magazine to arrive!!

But most importantly, friendships, I have this year had some of the best people around me, and I am grateful for this!

So what does 2016 hold? Well, I will be spending the first month or two with a very exciting moment in my life. It will take a little while to get done, but it is 'time' to do it now. Also, this year I will be looking at a replacement for the old Suzuki, it is still a fine car and does what its asked of, but it is just at the point of a few noises here and there... I don't know yet, but it will be the second 'big event' of the year!

So what ever it is you have planned for 2016, I hope that it brings you much joy and happiness!!

Hoo roo for now...

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Happy Birthday Louise... For you are 46 today!

Happy Birthday Lou...

Today, you are 46 years old...

• or 552 months 0 days
• or 2400 weeks 1 days
• or 16,801 days
• or 403,224 hours
• or 24,193,440 minutes
• or 1,451,606,400 seconds

Either way - my love for you never ends, regardless of how much I may miss you... (6 years, 7 months and 26 days...)

Hoo roo for now...

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2015 Excellence In The Environment Awards

The winner of the Louise Petchell Memorial Award for Individual Sustainability was Kelly Williamson - Campbelltown City Council!

Kelly was given recognition of the change she has facilitated across the organisation in regard to sustainability at Campbelltown City Council, and the resulting positive impact on both the organisation and environment. She has overseen many projects, including energy savings via the installation of photovoltaic systems, solar pool heating systems on all of Council's aquatic centres, sustainable products in building upgrades as well as organising committees and funding sources within Council!

Louise's parents were also attending the Awards, and here they are with Kelly

And here is ALL of the award winners from the Excellence in the Environment Awards 2015

(With thanks to Eventpix, for the photos to share...)

Hoo roo for now...

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NSW LG Excellence in the Environment Awards

Well, its been another year since the NSW Local Government Excellence in the environment Awards...

This year, I again was invited to judge the 'Louise Petchell Memorial Award for Individual Sustainability" Award, and then, present the award to the recipient.

This year, the event was held at the Dockside Function Centre, Darling Harbour; in 33c heat!! YAY, we ALL know how much I HATE wearing a suit and tie, right!!

Lunch was impressive, and I had the 'Seared Salmon Supreme, Almond Crusted with aged red wine sauce, caramelised vine ripens tomatoes & asparagus tip (which I left of course) on a bed of mash...



For dessert, I had the Mango & Raspberry sorbet cake, with a seasonal berry compote with a passionfruit coulis...



At the conclusion of the event, all of the awardees had an official photo taken, below, I will be sent the pics hopefully tomorrow, so I will update then with another post etc...



I would like to thank all those associated with the Awards, and making Louise's memorial even more important today, 6 years after her passing...

Hoo roo for now...

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Re-blogging again VERY soon...

Hey - remember me??

Well I have not forgotten about blogging, though post history would suggest otherwise hey.... lol

BUT, from the beginning of December, you can expect more posts, and perhaps a new layout, we will see.... Stay tuned!

Hoo roo for now...

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14 - Today we'd be wed 14 years...

Hoo roo for now...

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Wordless Wednesday No. 92 - Steel Wool Sparks

I KNOW it has been a while since posting, but I have been, somewhat busy...

Here in this pic, my friend from Brisbane, is 'twirling' steel wool, that is in an old whisk... When lit, and then twirled, it offers a spectacular result!!! Enjoy

Hoo roo for now...

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