A busy week complete...

Man, have I been busy this last week... So much so, I am now looking forward to going BACK to work for the rest!!! Of course, I am only joking here...

Over this last week, with thanks to a mate (F), I have swapped the office upstairs, to into the third bedroom, and put the third bedroom upstairs! This will work MUCH better for me as getting up and down the stairs is not much fun with my back. But, after a few hours of cleaning and trying to get the writing desk down (eventual FAIL as a corner went through the gyprock ceiling), it will remain upstairs as a second study place with a bed and an air-con. Here are some pics of the before and I will do some when they are finshed IN FULL!

3rd Bedroom, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

3rd Bedroom: - bed removed already, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Upstairs Study, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Upstairs Study II, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Next on 'The List' was a trip to the tip (Recycling Station) to dump the Greenwaste from Mum's garden makeover the other day. Whilst I was there, I got a before and after of how it is processed. There are lots of rows of mulch everywhere!

Greenwaste Pile Tip, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Compost Piles Tip, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

And then I had the luxury (as if...) of having to tidy up the garage so as the Solar Panels people could install them onto the roof, and have access to where I wanted the inverter and access to under the house. This had me going to the Tip (Recycled Station) again to dump another trailer of rubbish... I can now fit my car into the garage (for the first time...), Within 5 mins of power being turned back onto the house, the meter started to run BACKWARDS!!! Yeah for me!

During Install, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Rails Installed, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Job Finished, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

So, Monday its back to work... YEAH!

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34 Left, clear for takeoff!

New Years Day was a day where I spent it (the morning) with L's mum and dad... I met them at the local St Vincents (which was open for a 50% off sale; even the charities have sales!) and then we headed to the cemetery. We then headed over to their place where we planted the new tree they got as a Christmas gift from the kids! It is a red Maple and two Gardenias!

Then this morning, I was awake early for some reason I still don't know why, so I jumped in the car and headed to Sydney Airport for a bit of 'Spotting' of the arrivals and departures! By mid morning, it was something like 100% humidity and storms were about to roll across, so I headed home to do the lawns. Here is a short montage of the day...

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

And JUST in case the slideshow above still does NOT want to play here is another form of it!

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

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Out with the old and in with the new...

In more ways than ONE!

Well, Happy New Year, first and foremost! I hope that it is a much better year than last!

I went out to mums to plant her Christmas present the other day, I had been meaning to post about it, but I really have been flat out! The garden had become a little overgrown in the years since it was originally planted out by the previous owner. A lot of weeds and dead plants, and it was quick to clean it all out. After a very quick break for a cool drink, we quickly did the plant out and a watering of it all in to establish. Now all she has to do is keep it alive!

Mums Front Garden Before, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

As you can see, it was a bit of a mess. I had two Magnolia 'Little Gems' and 10 Gardenias. I left the two Azaleas in (moved one though) and hedged the Abelia into more of a cube at the corner of the verandah! It was terribly humid and I was sweating like nothing else!

Mums Front Garden After, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

And as for NYE, what did I do? I watched the 9pm fireworks that were in Sydney, and not long after, I left Macc in the house (local fireworks were sending him insane and Jasmine was in the wardrobe, of her own doing to escape the noise) and I went for a drive. I did a lot of kilometers, but it was really peaceful in the dark night air. I ended up at Richmond Airforce Base, opposite there is a park. I was there when the clock struck midnight and I could still hear the fireworks from Sydney! There is most likely 50-60 klms in between! I was able to simply sit and take stock of what I am going to do this year, one of which is to travel in April with my mum and L's parents! I am going to a conference in France, and we are going to continue to England, Italy and Greece (then a cruise) before heading back home. Both ways, we will be stopping in Dubai for a rest (for the 'older folk' that is!).

Happy New Year!

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It's raining, its pouring, NO I'am not snoring!

Today IS supposed to be a day of planting trees that were mum's Christmas present, but alas, the powers that be have another thing in mind!

Radar 20~12~2009, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

So, now I am at a bit of a loss as to what to do? Well I could go to the post Christmas sales, NO, or I could go to the Nursery and get some more plants, NO (I have enough for now)... But I do know WHAT I am not going to be doing and that is staying home and doing nothing! Any suggestions?

Macc is curled up on his bed fast asleep, and Jasmine is more than likely on my bed fast asleep as well. Nothing better than being in bed on wet days like this!

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Boxing Day!

Boxing Day is traditionally for us, a day to rest and recuperate... But this year, for me, it was with mixed feelings. But first let me tell you about the day of Christmas!

Now, Christmas Eve (spent going to Mass with the in-laws and Nan) I had dinner before heading back home. It was a terribly hot and humid day. I did the lawns, again, had a spa to cool down and got myself ready for last minute shopping. I was SO not in the mood for Christmas this year, but it had to be done! By the time I got home, early at around 9.30pm, I had good intentions of wrapping the presents. WRONG! Instead, I had the TV on and I was watching Carols from Melbourne. I love watching the Carols on the TV! Anyways, I digress... I had a call (SKYPE) from my friend Maribeth in the US, and we had a long chat and I eventually hit the hay at around 3am. No, I was not talking for that long, just could NOT get to sleep!

I awoke to a certain puppy wanting to go outside, I wonder why, at 7.30, so I complied to save cleaning up a mess! And just as I started to do the wrapping, my phone rang and it was my nephew Max ringing to wish me a Merry Christmas and to make sure I was not sad... awwww. We had a quick chat and he went on to tell me they had a WII from the Man in the Red Suit (he's 8 so it was very exciting). As I was now running very late for the drive out to my mum's, I had a quick shower and got ready. In the drive out, I was fine (or so I thought) until I started to make a couple of calls to friends whilst taking the long drive. I started to get all teary, so I wished them well and had to go. I had NO clue on what to do, so I called the US, for help!!! Thanks Maribeth, I simply needed to hear your voice! I was fine after you reassurance! After exchanging of gifts, breakfast with my drunken brother (he works nights, so breakfast is really his evening) and my sister and her husband and nephews, I then headed for Lou's parents for lunch. I only wished I had remembered to have taken my camera OUT to get some pictures!

Table Centre, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Dining Table Nan, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Christmas lunch is always wonderful day in the in-laws house, but today it was somewhat subdued. But it was still a great day. Exchange of gifts, and boy, do the kids know how to rip open pressies, it was time for the Family Photo!

Someone in trouble? Nah, just Max! (just ME making sure camera settings were OK!), originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Family Christmas 2009, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

After lunch, we normally stay for dinner, but I had to get to my third 'family' for a get together! My God-daughters family and I have been friends for eons, so they are really more like family! By the very end of the day, it was now pouring with rain, I was exhausted, so when I got home, I simply fed the pets and went to bed. I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow!

So, Boxing Day, what did I do? NOTHING*!!!

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*(except watch the Cricket!)

Merry Christmas 2009!!!

Christmas Video 2009 Originally uploaded by AussiePomm

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Happy Wedding Anniversary my love...

Well, for our wedding anniversary, what is there to do? I feel kinda lost... I feel kinda lonely... I feel kinda ripped off not to be sharing the day with you... We had a lot of good time along the way...

We were married for 3040 days, 13 hours, 45 minutes and 0 secs approximately (or 8 years, 3 months, 28 days, 13 hours and 45 minutes)!*

So What am I to do? Apart from seeing the Psychologist in the afternoon for Christmas drinks, I am going to be thinking of you, rejoicing the years we had and will be happy for the fun times instead of think of what could have been, or SHOULD have been!!

So, to all my friends and family, I would like to share with you some of the photo's out of OUR Wedding Album, which I have scanned, so sorry about the quality...

Wedding Mosiac, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.1. 1. Petchell Family Pre wedding, 2. 2. Monte Chapel Outside, 3. 3. Wedding Ceremony, 4. 4. Monte Chapel, 5. 5. Wedding Couple Fr Lex, 6. 6. Congregation, 7. 13. Couple, 8. 7. Petchell Family, 9. 8. Proctor Family, 10. 9. Bridal Party, 11. 10. Lou n Bern, 12. 11. Lou n Bern, 13. 12. Lou n Bern, 14. 16. Wedding Couple Warf, 15. 15. Wedding Couple Looking, 16. 14. Wedding Couple, 17. 17. Wedding Cake, 18. 18. Bridal Louise

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A life celebrated...

Long post, sorry!

Plaque, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Yesterday, L's birthday, was a wonderful day... I tried so hard to make it a tribute! It was a lovely day weather wise, she must have been playing a part in that I suspect!

After L's parents arrived, we headed West to collect my mum before heading to PCC. The staff, senior management and Councillors were all there, as with a lot of staff and work colleagues and friends. Camille (with Riley and Jamie), Alex and Olivia were also there. The formalities commenced with the General Manager giving a brief introduction and before the Mayor making his address. He outlined L's career at PCC, and how she was so highly regarded across Council, NSW and Australia, not to mention her International contacts!

Next up, one of the Councillors also made an address, she also did a Eulogy and address Council for the Mayoral Minute, before Michale, Julie and I planted the tree.

Tree Planting, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

After it was in the hole, and aligned of course, the plaque was unveiled by the GM and I was invited to make an address where I thanked Council for not only supporting L through her career, but also myself and her family. I also thanked them for doing this memorial as well.

Plaque and Stone, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Me Tree Planting, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

PCC Crowd Tree Planting, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

After me, Michael also made an address, where he read a poem, and how it related to his eldest daughter... Towards the end, he was starting to get quite upset, and I just wanted to go up to him and support him. But I also did not want to make it any harder than it already is for him and Julie. He did such a good job! I am so proud of him!

Michael Tree Planting, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

We then headed up to a luncheon of sandwich's, wrapps and refreshments! There was also a slide show of photos that PCC had of L, but, at nearly 50mb, it is way to large to post! If I can reduce it down, I will do so, so stay tuned!

We then headed home, for another bite to eat, before Michael (who was a little unwell and tight chested) had a nap. My two mums and I had a walk around the garden and a cuppa tea, before Michael awoke (another cuppa tea) and we headed to the local club for a Smorgasbord Dinner where Camille (Paddy, Riley & Jamie), Alex (Sam, Max & Will) & Olivia (Rosie & Jack) all came along. Such a good dinner, but we headed home for the birthday cake and coffee! Do you like the cake???

Lous Cake, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Lous Cake, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

So, L, I and your family wish you a Happy Birthday...

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Happy Birthday Lou...

Happy Birthday Lou...

Louise, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Nothing more to say really...

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A weekend catch-up

Man, have I been busy! Last week, really, was simply a bit of a blur... I thought I was going to get a new outdoor setting, but in the end (and thanks to the sales woman who wanted to force me into the sale) I have decided to leave it until the Boxing Day Sales instead!

But on Friday, I picked up Sam and William and we went looking at all sorts of 'stuff'! First stop was Harvey Norman to show them the outdoor lounge I was looking at, and then we went to another store for the runner up selection. It is clear that the Seychelles is the best!

After lunch we then headed up north to Dural, where I had visited an Advanced Tree Nursery the week before with 'The In-laws', as they are looking for a tree for the front yard. I now have a very clear decision as to a Christmas present for them, plus I will get some plants for home as well. Mainly a couple of Jacaranda's for the roadside. But, speaking of the front yard, here is how it is coming along. We are having L's birthday here on Friday, so I do want it to look good (and the back as well)!

Frontyard, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

In other news, my sister had surgery yesterday after dropping a knife into her left foot/ankle. At first, the doctors thought she may have severed a ligament or a tendon, so she underwent surgery to have a look. Fortunately for her, she had not and movement should return in her foot soon... Get well soon SIS!

And finally, here is Macc enjoying the front lawn... awwwww

Macc, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

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My backyard...

Just a quick post to show you my backyard, including the 'Spahouse'!

As we have had a bit of rain, not much, but enough to put out some fertiliser in readiness for Lou's upcoming birthday family celebration to look nice and green. I am really happy with how it is coming on this year, although it still needs a topdressing to level it out in more than a few places!

Aussie Backyard Spa-house, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Not that you can see it in the photo, but the small area below the spa is still a little bare, and I will be (now that I am staying home) paving it and putting the outdoor table setting onto it. And under the verandah, I am trying to find a Rattan or Water Hyacinth lounge. I am going shopping (looking) today, and this might just be my Wedding Anniversary present!

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Rembered by an AWARD!

Mulberry Jas, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

After doing a bit of work around the house the other week, I forgot I had taken this photo, I had noticed that Jasmine had been 'helping' me somewhat... When I finally got to her, note when she was eating, I noticed that whilst she was now a LOT cleaner, she still had a red spot on her back. I thought that maybe she had been in a fight or something, but on closer examination, it was only Mulberry stain, phew!

Last week, we also went to the Importers Warehouse Sale (a traditional event of Christmas Shopping in the 'in-laws' family)! As I had nothing much on (like do I ever at the moment?) I thought I will go as well, it's got to be better than sitting around the house, right? Whilst there wasn't a lot of people there at first, and it was stinking rotten hot, it quickly got fuller as the day went on. And let me tell you, NEVER get in the way of a woman with a trolley when there's a SALE on!!!! I felt somewhat out of place, I think I could have counted the amount of men (inside) on my hands whilst out in the carpark, it was a different story!

Importers Warehouse Sale, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

And then this morning, I attended the 2009 LGSA Excellence in the Environment Awards. In 2003, 'L' (and her Council) won the Award and a Study Tour. We went to the UK, Denmark, and whilst I came home via Japan, she and her Manager went onto Canada and the USA. It was a great trip, and I learnt a lot!!!

So, the LGSA have, in conjunction with both Council and myself (and family), have created an award "that will acknowledge the contributions of committed individuals to the cause of sustainability, and thereby also remember her significant contribution and legacy".

Louise, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

I, and the family, are truely honoured and touched by this award in her name...

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Thank you Mr GPS...

nokia 6110 navigator, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

I would like to thank my GPS (built into my Nokia 6110 Navigator) for my trip today... For without it, I would have gotten to my destination a LOT quicker! It has been mentioned before, by my brother-in-law, that I may resemble somewhat of a walking street directory. I might even agree at times, but today I had my GPS on, primarily for those pesky red light and speed cameras that the NSW Government try to pass off as 'Revenue Raisers for the Annual Ball' 'Speed Deterrents'! But I put in a location as well, just for fun.

Anyway, it took me off a major road, not once, not twice, but THREE TIMES just to put me back onto it a couple of blocks down the road!!! And, in the duck and weave in the back streets (yes I saw some fantastic houses, but that is another story), it then made me having to cross a major road at an intersection with no traffic lights and it felt like ages trying to get out as well! grrrr....

I was so glad to get to my location, just to be out of the car (and into the rain) to find out just why, Waterfall (just before the descent of the Illawarra escarpment) is just named after 3 days of 40+ heat... The rain, was Water Fall(ing)!!

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Another part gone...

Today, we said another farewell to some more of L... I donated her more formal clothes (work and evening) to an organisation called 'Suited for work. We, her parents and I, last week went through all of it and sorted it all into piles of shirts, skirts, pants and dresses. They were in the second bedroom. All of the boxes of shoes were also sorted into groups as well! I was going to take a photo of it all, but alas, I forgot... Sorry! (picture is linked to their website IF you want to have a look at them...)

Suited For Work, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

So today, they came and collected what they wanted (which was most of it). Now, whilst it says 'Women helping other women build self esteem and gain Independence', I feel honoured that she is still making a difference by her clothes helping the cause. More so, as her work has also done a clothing drive, as she had talked about this program at work, so I now feel more confident, that I have done the right thing...

After that, we (L's parents and I) went up to the Hills district to look for the tree for the front yard to remember L. It was awfully hot, the cars thermometer at one point said it was 44c, so we called it a day and came home for lunch. Storms are now rolling through and it is a little cooler, but humidity has gone through the roof!! ------

Spa Repair

As it is getting hotter in town, and after doing a water change last week, the spa developed a problem... The circulation pump, which actually pumps water through the filter, went 'belly-up'! So I took it out, and off I went to the Poll and Spa shop only to find out that, even though the parent company Monarch, had gone out of business, the circulation pump was actually a cheap Chinese import, and that a NEW one (that will not match existing plumbing OR union joints) will need to be sourced, grrrrrr!

So the search began (by the pool shop) to find a newbie, and I headed on my way. That was Tuesday. This morning though, with the temp heading north of 35 today and 40+ over the next two days, I got a call telling me my pump was in, an Aussie one and everything will match up, YEAH!

So I drove to the shop, and the first thing I saw was that the end of the electrical cable was wrong, but I think I can make do with that... Simply open up the electrical box and swap it for the one on the old pump, right? Simple? Sure was!!!

Old (left)_New (right), originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Inside spa circ pump removed, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Spa Circuit Board, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Job Finished, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

As you can see, the Supervisory Cat was on duty...

Watch Cat, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Whilst all of this was going on, me outside in the heat, where was Macc? Asleep of course (and I dare not startle him, as his head is UNDER the TV cabinet!

Sleepy Macc, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

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It's nearly harvest time!

It's nearly harvest time!!! But, some I will get and some I may not see... Ho hum! I planted the tomato's at the start of the season, just 3... I thought that would be enough for just me! I then thought of what else, so I planted some corn as well! Both of them have really kick on! The corn has started to set its 'ears' and the tomato's are nearing ready to harvest, just starting to blush.

Vege Patch, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

YUMM Tomato , originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Today, I also headed on a road trip, up north... This was a hard trip to make as it was a service to farewell little Lewis who died last week, just 11 days old. Whilst it was a sombre service, his parents were incredibly strong throughout, and I was honoured to be there. We (EB girls and I) gave them a standard Rose, Mother's Love, which was very fitting we thought... Fly free little man!

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Trying to stay ... OK!

Sunday, after doing the Schnitzel Challenge the night before, I was feeling a little so so (mentally, NOT sick or anything... just a bit flat), so I decided to go for a drive. I ended up heading up to the Nth Beaches and I found myself at Mona Vale. Not for any reason at all, it is just where I ended up stopping!

After sitting on the beach, pondering (not to mention getting wet as it was showering a little) I then headed for my other little spot and did a bit of 'spotting' at the airport. It is a well know little spot for spotting, but it is quite 'hidden' within the two parallel runways of Sydney Airport. I had been there for about 30-45mins, when this little black 4wd turned the corner, and OMG, it was friends of mine, D&A, with little B! They had been on a little adventure and low and behold, they found me!! This is not the first time this has happened either, when a few months ago, LH and her family had also driven there to pick-up another family member! Also, a couple of weeks back, D A were at at Hungry Jacks for a breakfast, and another mutual friend also happened to be there... WHAT ARE THE CHANCES???!!! lol

Anyway, Monday found us sorting through Lou's clothes and to try and find some missing bits of jewellery. It was a tough day, for both the MIL & FIL, and I tried so hard to keep it together. We went to the club for lunch and had the Buffet, which was really nice. It sort of picked us up a little. We went back past the townhouse where the Jacarandas were in full bloom, and even the White ones, before heading for home. We found almost all of the jewellery (Bolder Opal earring's yet to find) and I said farewell to M&J. Here is where it got tough, REAL tough. I ended up walking through the house, seeing all of her precious things out on display, and all of her work clothes, in piles (shirts, skirts, suits and dresses) and I fell into a blubbering mess. I was this way for about 30 mins, before pulling myself together as I had to meet up with a friend who had just had her first baby, a little girl, but my feelings of 'lost' and 'loneliness' came flooding back when I got back from the hospital... I went to see my GP today, and we have changed a few things, and set up some strategies to cope with it all. It is all a matter of all of the legal stuff, the sorting of stuff and her due day coming up, but I am trying (hard) to stay OK!

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