Happy Birthday William!!!!

Today I spent doing some catch up housework... A bit of everything really, dusting, vacuuming, cleaning the bathrooms and mopping the floor. Mow and whipping the lawns and pressure cleaning the back veranda... But for some reason, last night I was unable to sleep until around 3am and my body clock woke me at just after 6am, so I started with some more washing and internal stuff so as not to make to much noise outside!

But at just after 9am, I was half way through cleaning and I so needed a break! So I thought I will do something different, and in hanging out the washing, I noticed something weird... MACC!!!

Maccs assisting in the Bromiliade bed, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Maccs Visiting Hole to dog nextdoor, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Maccs Vege Bed, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

On closer inspection, it wasn't TOO bad, but the damage was done. So I grabbed the shovel and filled it back in! I also had to do the vege patch (thankfully fallow at the moment) and behind the Lemonade tree, where he is trying hard to 'talk' to the new dog next door!

So after the lawns were done, I also weeded the front Rose Garden and with what I could not get out Onion Weed mainly) I mixed up some chemical and sprayed the little buggers! Hopefully, it will kill it off!

I ended my afternoon with a nice hot spa, a drink of Gatorade (I am now drinking my 3lt/day of water or clear fluids) and rested! But then it hit me, (thanks to the wonders of technology) that was my Nephews Birthday! He was turning 5 today, and I had done nothing! I feel so bad right about now... Luckily, we are seeing him on Sunday (for Jamie's birthday) but I will TRY to get over to see him tomorrow! And, in the interim, here are a couple of additional pics of young Will!

William Zachery, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

William Zachery , originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

William Zachery , originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

William Zachery , originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Sam & Will, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

OMG Schnitzle Challenge Bernie William Alex, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Happy Birthday Mr 5!!

William, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

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A SUPER busy week

Last Sunday, we celebrated my birthday (42) and had a great day with the family over. I knew what I wanted to do for the day, all I had to do was pull it off! The weekend started with a busy Friday night at the footy with the 'other B', and his brothers J & A. They are really more like brothers than friends as I have know them for well over 20 years now! Anyway, as I mentioned in my last post I am a Parramatta EEL's fan and unfortunately, they lost. Anyway, Saturday I got busy shopping and running here and there getting things ready which included making sure that the garden was at its possible best! Sunday morning, and I started early getting the BBQ ready, potato's peeled and the copper (old Australian boiler for washing) full of drinks and ice. Then I started the BBQ at around 10.45 and put the 'Drunken Chicken' in to cook, and potato's into the oven.

Drunken Chicken, originally uploaded by lounbern.

By midday, people had started to arrive and all was ready. I was, naturally, busy making sure people had drinks, socialised and mingled and then got the Lamb Leg, butterflied, and marinated in Rosemary and Mint onto the BBQ.

Anyways, food was ready to be served, and everyone helped themselves to the feast on offer:

Bday Lunch, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

After lunch, and for everything to settle, it was then time for pressies and cake. I was asked (numerous times) as to what I wanted for my b'day and I was not sure I really wanted anything. But in the end, after considerable thought, I suggested Bunnings Vouchers as I will be able to use these when I get back from overseas on the house! Needless to say, I had some help with the blowing out of the candles, and thanks to SIL 'S' for making the cake, and for Riley for the finger spots in the side when he saw the 'Happy Cake'!

Bday Cake, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Some more of the day:

Pop KING of the kids, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Cam Jamie Alex, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Jack, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Riley, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

I also have fallen into a low, after some bad news the week before my b'day. Needless to say that this bad news is now filed after consulting all of the family. So, I have taken so time off work, and I took myself off for a drive to catch up with some girls I know who have been so supportive to me since last year. But I came across this funny sign on an old vacant block, and whilst the spelling was close, it reminded me of a dear friend in the USA whom I hope to meet one day soon!

McEwens, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

And today, whilst I was out running around in between counsellor visits, collecting ALL of the travel documents, I headed down to Berowra Waters, but the car ferry was closed so I was unable to cross and continue my drive, so I turned back and headed home. So it has been a busy week, and a trying time ahead until I head off in just 13 days!

Berowra Waters, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

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Happy Birthday to the F-I-L

Today, we celebrated (early) the FIL's birthday... Now I am far to much of a gentleman (cough cough I hear you say) to mention his age, but the card I got him went a little something like this

"Age is like a game of golf, The higher the score, the more you lie"

Now, naturally, this was taken with the pun to which was intended, and the celebration lunch was quite good. A morning rain shower did make it incredibly steamy though, but a great time was had. I guess you could really tell by the way the kids enjoyed themselves! I & O have also done a wonderful job on the house and gardens, not to mention the cubbyhouse and Chook House!

Sedgewick House, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Sedgewick Cubbyhouse, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Michael, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

The Boys, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Cousins, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Will & Rosie Swing, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Riley 2, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

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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 L

Ok, as L had her surgery on friday (instead of Thursday) this meant that her birthday party may have been cancelled... But, being the 'trooper' that she is, it went ahead...

Here are some shots of the day (and I have not really included any of her, as due to the pain she was in (and still is today mind you)), she was not looking her 'best':

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Happy Birthday... TROLL!

Yesterday, was L's birthday... And it was going to be a 'special' day. You see, last Thursday, I had a meeting with her specialist and it was arranged that she will be 'slotted in' where he can for a couple of investigations for recurrent miscarriages. Guess what, he got her in ON her birthday! What's more, she was first on the list and had to be there by 6.30am! But a call from the clinic the following day rescheduled it for today, Friday...
So how did we celebrate it??? Croissants and fresh brewed coffee in the morning with the delivery of her present, a Troll Bracelet.

Fish Lock

Birthday Troll

After a nice morning relaxing spa, we headed north for the morning taking BACK the bracelet, as it was a little long and I had fears of it falling off! The girls at M-Studio were fantastic and she swapped it over no worries. However, whilst we were in there, she Had to get another three beads now!!!
After all changes were made, we headed over to a new shop for some lunch, Fourth Village Providore (an Italian market/Café) in Mosman. This was FANTASTIC! We shared a pizza (Bufalo Cheese, Prosciutto, Basil and fresh Parmesan)! Dessert was a Chocolate Fig Tart with Mascarpone and chocolate sauce drizzled around the plate!!!! YUMM!
After lunch we headed home to finish getting the house ready for the family and friends gathering on Sunday, maybe. L has come up rather sore from the surgery, so it is on notice... It would be terrible if she could not get out of bed! The cake is ordered and I will be collecting it tomorrow morning... More on that over the weekend!

A birthday celebration x 3!!!

Yesterday, we had a celebration... Not only ONE birthday, but a total of THREE!!!

The day started out lovely, sun was shining, birds were singing... We even had a spa nice and early at 8am! Our Chinese visitors were having a sleep in, and we had a peacful breakfast. After the visitors had their breakfast, we loaded up the car and headed down to Bicentennial Park for the Birthday Parties.

When we got there, Tables were being set up, and nibbles weree dispersed around at each table as people were arriving. Both the babies were here already, and naturally, we took over baby holding duties!

BBQ was alight and 'The Boys' were over cooking, and I was sitting back and thought, as it was getting a little cloudy, to check the radar on my mobile phone... It was not looking very pretty, as there was a cloud front coming from the NW, and a similar front from the SW, both heading for Homebush! I mentioned this to the organisers, and we started to move the Grandparents into the undercover area, just in case! Food being served and a gust of wind, and slam bam thank you mam, it POURED down! Not only this, but the wind made the rain almost horizantle as well! With the wind, the temperature also plumeted, and it was very bitter, so the decission was made to go to Ya Ya's house near by for desserts and coffees (YUMM), as well as the opening of presents...

Now you can watch a slide show here or here are some shots to see anyway...

Birthday x 3!

1. Rosie..., 2. Rosie's 'Ice Cream Cone' cake, 3. Rosie 1st B'day, 4. Hat-Riley....-MOB, 5. Riley walking, 6. Riley's 'Blue Bear' cake, 7. Lou & Rosie, 8. Nan's 89th B'day, 9. Oh-Paddy.... Blowing out candles, 10. Riley and Alexandra rolling, 11. Will riding his bike..., 12. Rosie, kiss from mum...

All sorts, but not licorice...

Ok, so this is a bit of a long term catchup on things... A bit of craft (a lot actually), a bit of house work and a birthday wish thrown in for good measure!

First, a couple of weeks ago, L and the MIL went to the Quilting and craft show at Darling Harbour. They had such a great time and here are their goodies:

Crafty Goodies

And this 'little' piece of Japanese Linen, was a hefty $5 for 15cm!

Japanese Linen Trim

Owl close up

Then, it was a piece that had been 'sitting around' for a couple of years. L got it when we were in the UK. Wye, in Nth England near Furness Vale and Stockport.

Wye Fish Tapestery

It sat for a while, before going off to an upholsterer to make into the cushion it is today.
Now, apart from L having eBay as her FAVOURITE store (it is even in her phone for some reason), her next major website is etsy where she purchased this fish after a tip off from meet me at mikes. The crafty goddess that made it must have gotten her inspiration from Sydney Water I think given it has three eyes!!

3 Eyed Fish

3 Eyed fish!

We have been really busy of late, between all of this, and repairing some cracks in the bedroom. That is now complete and painted and is looking really good. It is only the fiddly bits of painting the windows and a door and paint the ceiling (more on that in another post...)

Today, we had a busy day between doing a meat market research (a take home pack to cook and assess; tonight was Pork Belly!), and going over to Pa's birthday afternoon tea. I thought he was 94, L thinks 95 but the MIL (eldest daughter) thinks he is 93! So happy 90 something Pa!

Happy 90 something B'day Pa

After getting home, putting dinner on going to the bedroom to look at the painting to do, and thought I will not do anymore tonight, and that it time for a cuppa:

Cuppa Eye

Here's looking at you...