canal walk

come on, lets go!

Yesterday, B and I took the boys for a walk along the Lower Prospect Canal walk/cycleway from our place as far as the Cumberland Hwy, one-and-a-half hours in total. It was fantastic, we have walked in the other direction but thought it might be nice to explore somewhere new. At one point we could see Chatswood and the City and whilst we had beautiful weather the rain was coming down in these areas.


lower prospect canal reserve

Yesterday, Joe also got to meet some of the members of his new family (the mum, son and daughter). Apparently, apart from the dad, there are three more children, a live-in nanny, and a cat. He got on really well with them and they loved him, which is keeping at bay the panic that was beginning to rise in my stomach at the thought of him going.

Today, we did another part of the Lower Prospect Canal walk/cycleway, one hour this time, and starting from Gipps Rd towards the Reservoir. Unfortunately, we got just short of the Reservoir as the gates were being shut at 6.35pm. I asked the security guard how far it was to the reservoir and it was only a 5 minute walk. If we had been 5 minutes earlier we would have made it!

When we got home, we were greeted enthusiastically by Jasmine.

"You could have taken me with you on the walk".


Sleepy Boys

something different

view from the pool

We spent the night as the guests of Star City Hotel last night. After the last few months of juggling work and uni, and the late nights over Christmas, it was really nice to have dinner cooked for you, a quiet nights sleep, only to wake up and go for a swim, and not have to make the bed or breakfast. It was strange but I felt more refreshed from that one night at the hotel than I have from having just had time off over Christmas/New Year.

Today, I picked up the cottons for my next x-stitch L'Ete and ordered Le Printemps, and Garden Cat, also by Birds of a Feather. I bought L'Ete off ebay, however, I have since discovered that The Crewel Gobelin generally stocks them. They also kindly supplied me with a wholesalers website, that if I see anything I want on it, they will get it in for me. I have been to the site briefly, and it is truly enormous. I was so pleased we dropped into The Crewel Gobelin before going to mum and dad's for a cup of tea. I was going to order the threads I needed from them online (they are the cheapest for them by as much as 50%), but then I wouldn't have been put onto such a great resource.

news of a new home for joe

Joe will be going to a new home next week. He has been with us for two weeks tommorrow and already I am really attached. Actually, I was attached to him from day 1. I really admire those who foster dogs regularly, and like my friend Lynne who looks after the furry family member in her home whilst people are away, sometimes for weeks at a time. I know she gets quite attached, and now I can appreciate how difficult it is for her to say goodbye.


Joe

a year has passed..

it is now 2005, and although it was only last week since we updated the BLOG, it does seem like a year has passed. Our New Year celebrations were a bit of a let down in some respects. We were supposed to be going to the City to watch the fireworks display with A, meeting up with Auntie C and Little L. But as luck would have it, B was sick again with stomach cramps (they have been on and off since mid December) and somehow an evening in the City mixing with the millions didn't seem such a good idea. Soooo,it was a night at home with DVD's, and the company of A (who had also not been feeling great).

We have not spent New Years at out place before. Intermission and finale fireworks were provided by Sydney City, whilst hours of intermittent local displays were provided by our neighbours in the park next door. In some respects it was just as well we weren't able to go to the city and were at home, as Slow Joe our foster dog and Jas the cat were absolutely terrified by the explosions taking place just metres from our tiny abode. Macc, on the other hand dealt with the whole ordeal in his own unique way, marching up to the back door, with a 'let me at it' attitude.


the Boys

After a good sleep in on New Year's day, the boys (Macc and Joe), B and I went to the Pittwater Dog Beach for a bit of sunshine and sand. Macc was not too impressed with the aspect of a swim, that 'let me at it' attitude from the night before was nowhere in sight. Whilst Joe was in his element rushing in and promptly dropping into the water. He loved it, and mixed with the other puppies large and small. It was a shame the boys had to wear their muzzles, as it puts some other dog owners off, they jump to the conclusion that because they are wearing muzzles they must be biters or dangerous, which couldn't be further from the truth. Regardless, the boys created a lot of interest and quite a few people came over to talk to us, they had seen the Greyhound Adoption Program at the Royal Easter Show. One lady from Greysteynes, and her friend spent a considerable amount of time with us, which was great, as the friend had a small maltese terrier and people could see that 'the Boys' were just happy to play with the smaller dog, and were not interested in eating it.


at the beach

Sunday we took a trip out to Bali Gardens and had lunch at Windsor, followed by an afternoon sojourn to the new IKEA at Rhodes Waterside. The new IKEA is HUGE, but it was also really packed full of people. Too many people for it to be a truly pleasant experience. It was a super late night with A and B playing X-box into the wee hours. I checked out at about midnight, after finishing the main part of my rose gingham quilt and pondering my next project, which is either to be a felt creation or Le Ete (I think this means 'Summertime') a Birds of a Feather X-stitch pattern I purchased off ebay. I am going to use Stitches and Spice linen and the Weeks Dye Works, but may not be able to get started for a little bit yet, as the size of linen required will need to be made to order, and I still need to pick up the cottons in order to determine exactly which colour sensation is best.

Monday, after a bit of a sleep in, it was back to my assignment, which got finished today.

oh macc!!!!!

What can you say when you have a goloptic Greyhound!!!

Young Macc was comfortable upstairs on our bed, (or so I thought) when I heard this almighty CRY!!!!!!

Upon going upstairs, I looked at Macc, and he was not looking his 'normal' self. He looked as though he was in pain! When I took a closer look, his front right jew claw (sorry if this is not the right spelling/word for this occasion) was at 90 degrees to where it should be, and he was now licking at it in an attempt to not let me see it.

So, I thought, here we go again for an afternoon trip up to Uncle Allen (local Vet) for another payment for his services!!!!

We were all (Macc, Joe L and I) waiting in the waiting room, when 2 other ladies came in with a cat each in a box. Both Macc and Joe went and said their hellos, and when Uncle Al called, it was Macc and me into the operating theatre. After a brief look, prognoosis made, and a tactical approach to it removal was complete, Erin (vet nurse) went out to the waiting room and told all and sundrie to block ears and to come back in another hour!!

Then, with a quick clip of the HUGE nail clippers, it was all over, not to mention a huge call for help from Macc!!! A bright green bandage in place, medication given, and a treat for being a good patient, and we were once again off to the register with Amex in hand!!!


Sympathy please!!

He is now at home recuperating with dinner in bed, and looking very sorry for himself.

its all in the smell.... but what's the smell???

Well, it happened again this morning. L, after washing her hair, left it sort of slightly wet, just toweled dry. The only problem here was the fact that it sent the boys (2x2yo GH) wild with them trying to muzzle their way into her long golden locks. It is really quite funny, dogs going everywhere, sort of like an aphrodisiac!!

Joe is now well and truly settled in, with no problems at all!!

Hoo Roo

christmas day drive

the day started with a (30 minute) drive to B's mums for breakfast. Presents were exchanged, a family photo and a chance to get a few minutes viewing of the 'how to' channel on Foxtel and we were on the road again.


Santa's little helpers take a nap

With the battery on the camera going flat it was a trip to my family home via our place (1-1.5 hours). More presents, lots more food (lunch, dinner and endless snacking in between), as well as a walk to the park and back with the dogs. It was a great day, relaxing with our families.


christmas table 2004

And as if we hadn't done enough driving for the day, our trip home (45 minutes) took in a detour (15 minutes) along Pennant Hills Rd where I can vouch, A's place rivals the later day saints' amazing display.

christmas lights

we didn't actually get around to putting up the Christmas Tree this year even though I really wanted to, something to do with too much study, and other lame excuses. I had purchased some new decorations from Grok that will now have to wait till next year. I also didn't around to the last minute shop at Westfield, Parramatta, something to do with being too tired Thursday PM. We did however, make the trek to Maple St, Lugarno with A, D and their girls, for Christmas lights. It was a trip well worth it; spectacular lights complete with lots of people, its own radio station playing Christmas carols dispersed with commentary to divert your attention from the queue of traffic km's long, that is following signposted directions and closely mangaged by the SES.


Champagne glass


a bit too much champagne


elves at work


Thomas the Tank Engine with Santa

welcome slow joe

Joe

We have a temporary addition to our household, a gorgeous blue fawn greyhound boy. This is our first time at fostering and everything has gone incredibly smoothly. I was a little anxious as to how Macc would take to having to share us with another greyhound, but as you can see from the photo you couldn't wipe the smile off his face.


I couldn't be happier!

My other concern was with Jasmine the cat, but Joe was not really interested in her, and his gentle calm manner quickly reassured her so she was happy to walk up to him and rub noses.

So far we know that Joe is two years old, very pretty, perhaps a little too skinny (but he is a greyhound), is an excellent passenger in the car, quiet, doesn't pull on the lead (Macc please take note), is cat friendly, and very affectionate.


I like Macc's bed

a good weekend

my weekend started at noon on Friday. The week before Christmas we get an early mark to attend the work Christmas Party or just get in some last minute shopping. In my case it was to get home for a K-Mart delivery. As luck would have it, even though we were the first to book in for the Friday afternoon timeslot (1pm - 7pm), the delivery guy didn't get to us until 7pm. I was really glad I hadn't booked the La Premiere seats for Lemony Snicket's. It could have been worse however, the guy still had more deliveries to get done. It was quite good he didn't get to our place actually, I was able to catch up with my statistics study, the only study managed this weekend. What was not so good was I didn't get around to getting anything for B for our wedding anniversary. And before terrible thoughts are cast my way, the plan was to get down to the shops once the delivery guy had been, but the shops were shut by the time he got here and there was the small issue of me being carless on Saturday, which thwarted my attempts to make up for Friday. Enough said on that though, except sorry B.

Last night A, Maggie, B and I went to the Carols in the Domain. We caught up with Annali (Hi Annali, she told me she reads this. It's so comforting to know that there is an audience, I think we're up to 4) and her friends. Carols was Fantastic, I liked this one even better than last year's. We had great seats as usual, in the VIP area, just metres from the stage. I caught up with the next sister down (NSD), she was with the littlest sister, their partners and friends mingling with the masses. The NSD came down to see us, B and A visited them in their spot when they went in search of Pavlova (which was very yummy, by the way). B got some great photos....


Carols 2004


so close we could see Guy Sebastions nasal hairs.


We love the Wiggles including Henry the Octopus


Carols Finale

We did the candle thing this time around (thanx A), although A and I were a hazard to ourselves with the whole flame and wax thing.

Today, we had the family (and that includes A) over for lunch, again another good day. The NSD made the cutest cupcakes, I was going to get a photo of the sole remaining one, but B has informed me that he has just eaten it. They were iced pink or white with a frangipani made from marshmallow on the top. Very clever.

All this fun has to stop however, even though my weekend has another day. Tomorrow I must get back to the books. I will take time out though to enjoy the latest addition to our garden...

our first waterlily