3 weeks since last POST... Sorry!

Ok ok, I know it has been a while, A LONG WHILE, since my last post, but I have been frantically busy... trust me!

So as a catch-up, I will simply do a photo 'wrap-up' with a short commentary!

I made a Katsu Curry, which was YUMM

Chicken Katsu Curry

Went to Melbourne

Melbourne Yarra

MET, my name sake at Mass

Bernie Proctor Dennis Webster Bernie Proctor

Caught Macc sleeping, and hasn't he got a 'comfy' looking pillow

Sleepy Macc

And last night, I had some friends over for dinner, and I was going to cook the Katsu Curry above, but I decieded to do the Drunken Chicken instead... It was YUMM, I had some wicked potatos, pumpkin and some greens of peas, beans and brocolli! Oh, and some AWESOME gravy as well!

Drunken Chicken

Drunken Chicken Feast

Drunken Chicken Dinning Room

After dinner, we did some Karaoke, and played some BUZZ on the PS2... It was such a good night, and I hope to get out and about more often!!!

Hoo roo for now...

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Louise 11 Dec 1969 ~ 15 April 2009

Today, is the first anniversary, I would like to repost the tribute I did for Louise...

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

I do not know where I would be, had it not been for my family and friends.

Of particular note, Alex and Sam (Max & Will), I am endebted to your love and support... I really DO appreciate it! Camille and Paddy (Riley & Jamie) & Olivia and Ian (Rosie & Jack), knowing that I have you all there (and the offers of dinner...) thanks guys!

Michael and Julie... I so wish I could simply turn back time, and give you your daughter and friend back... I know that you're hurting, and I love you both dearly...

Mum, for you have given me the strength, love and support, thank you. Helen and Kieran (Jayden and Cameron) and David... I thank you for supporting me through te last year as well.

Maribeth and Jack, my dear friends, I so do not know how I would have coped, for you have been so supportive... Thank you also for your Skype calls and for just being there... Love to you all...

My 'EB Girls' to whom we were suppose to share the wonders of childbirth... Thanks for just being there as well, and for your continued support and friendship.

And all of my friends and family, I say thank you!

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Quotes that mean something to me...

Here are a 'sample lot' of quotes, that in one way or another, have a personal meaning to me...

"Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practise to deceive!" (Sir Walter Scott, Mamion, Canto vi. Stanza 17. Scottish author and novelist (1771 - 1832).

I first learnt this one when working with my mate 'Chook'... He was, of course, talking about a past friend of his, but he often recited this and it has sort of 'stuck' in my head. There are times today even when this is oh so very much the case, and I just so wish it wasn't the case!

"If quitters never win and winners never quit, who came up with "Quit while you're ahead?""

Again, I originally heard this one when training, but I have NO idea who came up with it. I just remember as a 14yo gymnast, my coach yelling it out!

"To the world you could be one person, but to one person you could mean the world."

This one is very close to my heart, as I heard it (who's name escapes me...) only very recently since April last year... I just love it!

Of course, Chook and I had a lot of 'other ones' (FUBAR, SNAFU and FIGJAM) and you can use your OWN imagination as to what these may mean, but they were often used when something worked out, something didn't work out and when either one of us need to reinforce one's own goodliness ;)

Now its not long now until I have to pass through Immigration (again) to head overseas... But tomorrow, I might take Macc out for a swim (I just KNOW how much he is going to like that NOT), just like this couple is with their dog infront of the Singapore A380.

9V-SKD, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

And for some reason, I like this shot of the Seagull, pity I didn't have anything to give him to eat, but given that I was close to an active runway, probably the best thing really!

Sea Gull, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

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A night out with the girls!

Last night, after MANY attempts to have a 'get together' we finally all caught up to have dinner at 'The Vintage Cafe' in 'The Rocks' and a chat. There was Mel, Sheryl, Geri and Clare. Sheryl is still at my work, where as the other girls have all gone to greener pastures...

Out with the girls 04022010, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

We originally met at Löwenbräu Keller (also in 'The Rocks') for a drink where I had a German Beer, which really, was not that nice for me... I think mainly it was to malty?

Anyway, we had a starter of Garlic Bread, yumm (there goes the diet!) and then, needless to say, we had a Seafood Paella with Crab, Prawn, Calamari, Mussels, Fish, Chicken & Chorizo. It was a MAJOR yumm!!! It wasn't until after we had finished, that I remembered I should have gotten a photo, DOH! After dinner, since I knew I had already blown the diet, I thought blow it, in for a penny in for a pound (or two or three) I would have a dessert. It was the most wicked Dark Chocolate Cake, served on a chocolate, raspberry and a sweet syrup that was to DIE for.

Thank GOODNESS for going back to the trainer today to work of all of the calories I had put on last night alone!

Thanks girls for a wonderful night, I totally enjoyed myself... We must do it again, but a bit more frequent OK!

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A Road Trip South...

Last week, I had a bit of a road trip to get my mind back into, well, horticulture stuff. So I headed down to the South Coast to visit my old boss, Dr AH. He has a lovely property on 6 acres. I was asked ordered to bring Mr Macc with me, so I folded down my seats, put his bed into the back of the car and we headed off. Now I could have taken the F6 south down past Bulli Pass which overlooks the Illawarra:

The Gong from Above Bulli Pass, originally uploaded by .sarahjane.

But instead, I took the M5 down south to Picton, turned left, and headed past Cordeaux Dam:

Cordeaux Dam, originally uploaded by titancatwoman.

Cordeaux Dam, originally uploaded by Daniel O'Connor.

Again, I could have taken the easy way and re-joined the freeway, but instead I headed down the escarpment via Mt Kiera and Mt Kembla, through Kembela Heights and then onto the Princess Highway at Dapto.

Lookin South, originally uploaded by e0nn.

Mt Kembla at Dusk, originally uploaded by Momentary Glimpse.

And finally, arriving at Meroo Meadow...

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Sydney James...

Yesterday, I got to celebrate the Christening of little Sydney James Fisher... He is a funny little man!

The day was scheduled to be hot, and it was! Saturday was hot as well, which meant getting into my suit was going to be a very uncomfortable experience! I had a spa, and then a shower, but at 9.30am it was over 31c! So, I made the Executive decision to NOT wear the jacket, and I was ok with this... Thank you to the Executive!

The service was great, and Fr Michael was a funny enough fellow! At the outset of the service, he mentioned that if anyone wants to see something again, or to do it for a photo oportunity, to yell out 'Re-run' and they will do it over... But I think everyone had pity on him in the heat in his vestments, as he was constantly wiping his brow due to the heat! At the very end of the service, I wanted to get another family shot so I thought I will throw a bit of bait to Fr Michael...

Me: Father, I was wondering if it was possible to get a photo?

Father: But of course, where/how?

Me: Ok, you mentioned the word "re-run" earlier, so I would like that please...

Father: Oh ok, which part?

Me: The whole lot please... (I thought I need to run...)

Father: Not bloody likely (with a rye grin), it's too bloddy hot!!

At least he took it with the punn that it was intended... As I said, he was a funny fellow!

As soon as I got back to the house for the celebration, I could NOT get changed quick enough into a pair of shorts and a tee-shirt. We had a lovely afternoon, and the people were all very sociable... And the kids were even great given the heat! Here is a montage of the day...

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Welcome to Spring... NOT!!

Today, marks the official, unofficial start to Spring, but for me, I just wish it to pack its bags, bongos and drums, and head back to where it came from! Yes people, I am a Hayfever sufferer, and I am in agony! Since I was in London, I have been sneezing and suffering from itchy eyes and a runny nose...

Saturday, saw me do more than a few kilometers with an early start out to Penrith Show, to see if a friends photo had won, as he had entered in a couple of divisions. He had won First Place in the 'Rural' division! After this, I headed to the nearby soccer fields, and caught up with my mum, sister and her family. Her youngest was playing in his soccer grand final, which they won 1-0. Do you think he is happy in this shot just after the whistle had blown?

Cam GF 29082009, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Cam GF 29082009, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Later in the day, I also went to the Swans v Brisbane Lions match with A,S and the boys, (thanks to my brother and a couple of mates of his from up the mountains!). It ended up being a good match, but (bare with me here and try not to get lost...) the second half of the first quarter, and the entire second quarter, were as boring as ... well, you know! BUT, both the third and last quarter were really exciting indeed!

SCG Members Stand, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Centre Bounce, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Alex Will Max & Sam, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Sunday morning was here, and it was another early morning to an old neighbours place to have a look at his rear garden, with suggestions for them and their son, Lee. After a few hours there, I had to go as I was going to be running late for a very dear friend (of L's) who was doing a presentation for the Soi Dog Foundation. When I got there, Lynne was somewhat stressed for some reason, and she was so glad to see me there! As it turned out, the laptop she was using and the data projector were not 'talking' to each other... A simply reboot of laptop followed by Fn & F5 (shortcut for toggle between Laptop, Laptop & Screen or Screen only) and she had a smile and a very relieved lady indeed. I urge you to visit the Soi Dog Foundation, and if you can help in any way, I can assure you it will go to a very worthy cause...

Lynne Soi Dog Talk, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

But, in late breaking news, I would like to introduce little Jack Rupert... The youngest sister to L gave birth to a healthy little boy via a C-section at 8.30am. Is he cute or what?

Jack_Rupert_sleeping, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

Jack_Rupert, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

BP_& Jack_Rupert, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

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Get Well Soon nieghbour...

Recently, a neighbour of ours was diagnosed with cancer, Breast Cancer. This was just before Christmas (great timing hey...) and in the interim, she had been assessing various treatment options mainly for reconstructive surgery. She had three options available, and chose a suitable option for her, and her family.

Today, was a day of reflection and prayers as she went into surgery to have her breast, her femininity, removed. Under the surgery, she will also be having a prosthetic inserted and over the coming months, will be filled (and stretched) with saline, via a valve. I sent an SMS to her husband around 4pm, thinking it should be all over, but she was still in surgery after going in at 8.30am!

Fortunately, for her, she will not require any radiotherapy or chemotherapy, so she will maintain her head of hair...

L&D, wishing you a speedy recovery and that you are in our thoughts and prayers...

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Mother's Day 2008

Well, it's all over for yet another year... Mother's Day! This year, the festivities were to be held at our place, where all were treated to a feast of butterflied lamb leg (roasted, and then finished on the BBQ); BBQ Plum Chicken Kebab skewers and to many salads to mention!

We were also treated to two Sri Lankan dish's that went down a treat (they were also extremely HOT!).

Both mother's were here for the day, as with L's sisters and sister in law with their children, AND L's grandmother at 93 years young! Here are a couple of photo's of the day, the cake:

Mothers Day 2008 Cake

And the family:

Mothers Day 2008

Hope you had a great day mum...

circles and squares: yet another quilt!

L has been somewhat busy of late, fulfilling some of her "New Year's resolution's" listed here.

So, here is a bit of an update of her progress...

1. Make a Picnic Rug, the store bought one we used for NYE, is ugly and uncomfortable. This is now underway, thus the title of this posting on a lovely very warm Autumnal afternoon.

   
   circles and squares quilt
2. Laundry Conversion to be complete by the end of February. DONE! (well almost, we just have to have the shower screen installed...)
3. Bathroom Makeover to be completed by the end of June. This is about to go, here is the vanity we picked up on a 'Kerbside Pick-up Sale!
   

   
   Bathroom Vanity
4. I pledge Handmade. This has been started, and will continue throughout the year...
5. I plan to 'Pay it Forward'. This is still continuing, so will update more on how this has been going!
6. Phone a friend a month, some of my friends have been so neglected, we didn’t even get out Christmas cards in 2007, this will not happen in 2008. Those of you who have stayed with us, I thank you. Now, who of you has had a call... hmm??? I guess this needs more attention!!
7. Cook more dinners, I hate to admit it, but B carries more than his weight in this area. And it makes me feel real bad. I am still waiting!!!
8. Work smarter, I gotta get this sorted for a more sane 2008. I don't think that she is wining here. The last couple of weeks, she has spent many a night at work until 9.30pm!

So, I guess she is doing sort of OK, albeit busy. Another thing, not on the list but certainly is going to happen, is getting a spa for the backyard. This is of course for therapeutic nature for my rehabilitation of my back injury and surgery. I got a great deal of relief from the spa's in New Zealand, so I can't wait!!!

Oh, have you ever see a cat that likes vegemite?

Vegemite