Well read about a photo competition so though..'Why not'!??
The theme was Langhorne Creek - so I dragged the family out for the day :) Stopping the car at any given opportunity and we came across a winery that had barrels and an old wagon out the front! Perfect :)
Out of 186 submitted photos, one of mine has come in the top 25 for voting!! Wooo :)
Voting is on until the 20th July 2011 so get voting at: http://www.langhornewine.com.au/news/2011-photo
Mine is the wagon on page 2 (hover mouse over the picture and it says my name!)
Thank you xx
Saturday, 9 July 2011
July already!?
Well how did that happen!?? July already and coming up to the 8 month mark!
So what have we been up to?,...
Our old banger died a week before getting our new car so that was a pain - but also a relief that we had it sorted!
I have got involved with the Blackwood photography club and we have done a few events and competitions now - tend to post my pics on flickr (www.flickr.com/photos/yvonnesears)
and getting my head (slowly) around photoshop.
I have also joined a gym and started dance classes... with my 2 left feet and total unco-ordination, it is very difficult!
But good exercise and I need to work off those goodbye meals, BBQ's & xmas dinner!!! (just so I can get on and enjoy those BBQ's in the summer!)
My brother and his partner came down over Easter, it was really nice having them down, and of course we did they tourist activities which we had put off. Ade was really impressed to see dolphins on our dog walk :)
Sadly we found out Kandy got run over and died, so feel really guilty and question whether we did the right thing. Was so sad - i cried myself to sleep that night, plus I was away in Melbourne on my own, very hard. I will miss her RIP Kandy baby :(
Kids are doing well at school and the nagging seems to be working ;)
Both settling in well which is great.
It is important to put yourself out and go and make friends / do activities etc... to get involved, I'm loving finally having a life and getting out, very much looking forward to meeting up with the Pommie Princesses as there are a few like minded people around, will be good to start making some true friends now I am able to stay local longer than once a month!
All in all, I'm happy, glad we made the move and time has really flown by.
Still think of you guys in the UK a lot and certain times such as weddings, birthdays and births does make it hard, feeling we are all the way out here, but there is so much to see of the world - this is just the beginning of our adventure!
***I'll try not to leave the post too long next time!!****
So what have we been up to?,...
Our old banger died a week before getting our new car so that was a pain - but also a relief that we had it sorted!
I have got involved with the Blackwood photography club and we have done a few events and competitions now - tend to post my pics on flickr (www.flickr.com/photos/yvonnesears)
and getting my head (slowly) around photoshop.
I have also joined a gym and started dance classes... with my 2 left feet and total unco-ordination, it is very difficult!
But good exercise and I need to work off those goodbye meals, BBQ's & xmas dinner!!! (just so I can get on and enjoy those BBQ's in the summer!)
My brother and his partner came down over Easter, it was really nice having them down, and of course we did they tourist activities which we had put off. Ade was really impressed to see dolphins on our dog walk :)
Sadly we found out Kandy got run over and died, so feel really guilty and question whether we did the right thing. Was so sad - i cried myself to sleep that night, plus I was away in Melbourne on my own, very hard. I will miss her RIP Kandy baby :(
Kids are doing well at school and the nagging seems to be working ;)
Both settling in well which is great.
It is important to put yourself out and go and make friends / do activities etc... to get involved, I'm loving finally having a life and getting out, very much looking forward to meeting up with the Pommie Princesses as there are a few like minded people around, will be good to start making some true friends now I am able to stay local longer than once a month!
All in all, I'm happy, glad we made the move and time has really flown by.
Still think of you guys in the UK a lot and certain times such as weddings, birthdays and births does make it hard, feeling we are all the way out here, but there is so much to see of the world - this is just the beginning of our adventure!
***I'll try not to leave the post too long next time!!****
Monday, 3 January 2011
Shaggy Dog Story
how can I forget!?
Keira was knackered when we picked her up - like she had spent the last month awake! Poor thing - plus she stank!!
Decided to get her hair cut n full works - she even came back with a little bow in her hair!! Smelt like lavendar and looks like a puppy :0D
She LOVES the beach! Runs around like a luney, eats the sand and paddles in the sea (until she gets a sudden wave!)
Keira was knackered when we picked her up - like she had spent the last month awake! Poor thing - plus she stank!!
Decided to get her hair cut n full works - she even came back with a little bow in her hair!! Smelt like lavendar and looks like a puppy :0D
She LOVES the beach! Runs around like a luney, eats the sand and paddles in the sea (until she gets a sudden wave!)
Tuesday, 28 December 2010
6 weeks in!
Wow that time went in a blur!
After 2 weeks we managed to secure a long term rental (THANK GOD!!) panicing slightly only having 3 weeks holiday let plus starting work in week 2 !!
Anyway got the keys and moved out just in time :)
Thank goodness for Garage sales :) Have got so many bargains and good quality things too, only things we've bought new are washing machine, tv & small table. Furniture seems very expensive so every penny counts at the moment.
Settled straight into work, but had the usual waiting before being handed a project of my own so a bit bored making things up to do! Should make the most of it though as I'm going to be very busy by the looks of it!
Was sent to Sydney for a day, very tiring as there and back in a day - thank goodness thats not the norm! Didnt see a lot but did sit on the right side of the plane to get a view of the Opera House :)
Since I've just been working & doing Garage sales! Poor kids!!
Thankfully Christmas so can fully relax!
Xmas was strange as it was so warm, Jen was ill so could not do what we planned (i.e. beach) so just sat around reading - which was really nice being able to relax properly!!! Jen soon picked up after seeing her pressies :)
Boxing day was spent at friends, however as weather turned again we couldnt sit poolside :( Ah well.. Company was really nice and i think it picked Pete up a bit.
Tues after we went to Gorge Wildlife Park to finally do some touristy things and hold a Koala!!! YEY :)
Was soo excited. They are so laid back, light and very very soft!! Loved it - certainly a moment to remember and I actually feel like I've arrived in Oz!!
Very good day, followed by a visit to the biggest rocking horse :)
An amazing day was topped off by seeing Dolphins on my dog walk! At sunset, it was beautiful!!! Love this place :)
After 2 weeks we managed to secure a long term rental (THANK GOD!!) panicing slightly only having 3 weeks holiday let plus starting work in week 2 !!
Anyway got the keys and moved out just in time :)
Thank goodness for Garage sales :) Have got so many bargains and good quality things too, only things we've bought new are washing machine, tv & small table. Furniture seems very expensive so every penny counts at the moment.
Settled straight into work, but had the usual waiting before being handed a project of my own so a bit bored making things up to do! Should make the most of it though as I'm going to be very busy by the looks of it!
Was sent to Sydney for a day, very tiring as there and back in a day - thank goodness thats not the norm! Didnt see a lot but did sit on the right side of the plane to get a view of the Opera House :)
Since I've just been working & doing Garage sales! Poor kids!!
Thankfully Christmas so can fully relax!
Xmas was strange as it was so warm, Jen was ill so could not do what we planned (i.e. beach) so just sat around reading - which was really nice being able to relax properly!!! Jen soon picked up after seeing her pressies :)
Boxing day was spent at friends, however as weather turned again we couldnt sit poolside :( Ah well.. Company was really nice and i think it picked Pete up a bit.
Tues after we went to Gorge Wildlife Park to finally do some touristy things and hold a Koala!!! YEY :)
Was soo excited. They are so laid back, light and very very soft!! Loved it - certainly a moment to remember and I actually feel like I've arrived in Oz!!
Very good day, followed by a visit to the biggest rocking horse :)
An amazing day was topped off by seeing Dolphins on my dog walk! At sunset, it was beautiful!!! Love this place :)
Saturday, 13 November 2010
We've landed!
Hi all, well we've landed!
It was a strange day, no thanks to the council who no longer collect bulky items without charge had to start the day with 3 trips to the skip! Quick rush around. said goodbye to a good friend and handed over my house keys - oddly this was a really emotional event as it was final...we're on our way.
Had a final supper with my mum and brothers near Windsor so obviously had a few tears to share with mum, actually it was Jennah's fault as she said "Dont worry nan, they're happy tears!" That's it I just couldnt hold the tears in then!
Drove to LHR with butterflies as suddenly remembered that I do not like flying PLUS this is really happening! Faired quite well at check in, no tears actually, got a bit aprehensive when we were told we only had 20kg (plus 5kg gift!) but thank goodness I printed off my e-mail from singapore airlines stating we could have 40kg! Very worried about weights (we packed / unpacked / weighed and repacked god knows how many times!!) but in the end we were under by 1KG! PHEW :)
We were a bit cheaky with the hand luggage (and to be honest really wish we had just 1 bag each!).
The tears came again when we said our final goodbyes at the security gates, but then rush/unpack/repack/find seats/departure lounge/rush/called on - and we're off!
Feel like a Zombie but all in all the flight through Singapore was faultless (thank goodness) given the current issues around the A380!! Happy to have seen the Himalayan Mountain tops!! (Will attach photo when I can!)
Kids did well but sadly Jen got quarantined as she felt sick when we landed
Bless her she thought she was going to see Keira!
Arrived at Arcacia Rentals and now just settling in. Met our first few spiders already - which is good as it reinforced my point that the kids shouldnt leave clothes on the floor! Brandon soon learnt after having a bath
Feeling a bit scared and overwhelmed by it all - even when we were leaving the airport it did not seem real! i think that is done to the fact that all of this has happened so quickly.
It was a strange day, no thanks to the council who no longer collect bulky items without charge had to start the day with 3 trips to the skip! Quick rush around. said goodbye to a good friend and handed over my house keys - oddly this was a really emotional event as it was final...we're on our way.
Had a final supper with my mum and brothers near Windsor so obviously had a few tears to share with mum, actually it was Jennah's fault as she said "Dont worry nan, they're happy tears!" That's it I just couldnt hold the tears in then!
Drove to LHR with butterflies as suddenly remembered that I do not like flying PLUS this is really happening! Faired quite well at check in, no tears actually, got a bit aprehensive when we were told we only had 20kg (plus 5kg gift!) but thank goodness I printed off my e-mail from singapore airlines stating we could have 40kg! Very worried about weights (we packed / unpacked / weighed and repacked god knows how many times!!) but in the end we were under by 1KG! PHEW :)
We were a bit cheaky with the hand luggage (and to be honest really wish we had just 1 bag each!).
The tears came again when we said our final goodbyes at the security gates, but then rush/unpack/repack/find seats/departure lounge/rush/called on - and we're off!
Feel like a Zombie but all in all the flight through Singapore was faultless (thank goodness) given the current issues around the A380!! Happy to have seen the Himalayan Mountain tops!! (Will attach photo when I can!)
Kids did well but sadly Jen got quarantined as she felt sick when we landed
Bless her she thought she was going to see Keira!
Arrived at Arcacia Rentals and now just settling in. Met our first few spiders already - which is good as it reinforced my point that the kids shouldnt leave clothes on the floor! Brandon soon learnt after having a bath
Feeling a bit scared and overwhelmed by it all - even when we were leaving the airport it did not seem real! i think that is done to the fact that all of this has happened so quickly.
Monday, 8 November 2010
update
Just a quick update.
We are now residing in an empty house which is quite scary! Managed to get rid of everything through house clearance & ebay, not for a great deal but at least it's gone!
I'm completely stuffed having spend the last week having goodbye meals and eating out every day! Now really fed up with eating out! Plus I must have added a dress size :0/
Nevermind - all good except the 'Goodbye' bit!
My puppy dog leaves us this afternoon so I'm gonna have a few tears :(
Suddenly remembered that I dont like flying (especially thanks to Quantas to reminding me why!) and getting a bit anxious now.
Despite everything we have done - its an odd feeling, still has not really sunk in that we're going, been asked if I'm excited, but havent had time to think about that really! Too much to plan and get right before I can be excited!!
so long for now
Von
We are now residing in an empty house which is quite scary! Managed to get rid of everything through house clearance & ebay, not for a great deal but at least it's gone!
I'm completely stuffed having spend the last week having goodbye meals and eating out every day! Now really fed up with eating out! Plus I must have added a dress size :0/
Nevermind - all good except the 'Goodbye' bit!
My puppy dog leaves us this afternoon so I'm gonna have a few tears :(
Suddenly remembered that I dont like flying (especially thanks to Quantas to reminding me why!) and getting a bit anxious now.
Despite everything we have done - its an odd feeling, still has not really sunk in that we're going, been asked if I'm excited, but havent had time to think about that really! Too much to plan and get right before I can be excited!!
so long for now
Von
Thursday, 4 November 2010
One week left :0/
Well with all these leaving dinners I'm going to gain a dress size!!
had our House Clearance Sat and managed to get rid of quite a bit - also sofa's were taken away so having to resort to cushions / beanbag & camping chairs!! Not fun but for a good cause!
Rest of left overs are on e-bay so fingers crossed it will all go - if not = freecycle or dump!
This time next week Keira will be in Melbourne and we'll be on our way to LHR :)
Things have calmed down a little at least, but just worried about finding a rental when we get there. but sure we'll be fine!
had our House Clearance Sat and managed to get rid of quite a bit - also sofa's were taken away so having to resort to cushions / beanbag & camping chairs!! Not fun but for a good cause!
Rest of left overs are on e-bay so fingers crossed it will all go - if not = freecycle or dump!
This time next week Keira will be in Melbourne and we'll be on our way to LHR :)
Things have calmed down a little at least, but just worried about finding a rental when we get there. but sure we'll be fine!
Saturday, 23 October 2010
A final farewell
My brother and I took time out to spread dads ashes together on top of the Westbury White Horse. Apart from being extremely cold and windy (!) we had great views over Wiltshire and said our final goodbye to dad which will be complete if I get a clear night and send up a lantern with the following poem:
"Into the freedom of wind and sunshine
we let you go
Into the dance of the stars and the planets
we let you go
Into the winds breath and the hands of the star maker
we let you go
We love you, we miss you, we want you to be happy
Go safely, go dancing, go running home."
Love you dad xxx
"Into the freedom of wind and sunshine
we let you go
Into the dance of the stars and the planets
we let you go
Into the winds breath and the hands of the star maker
we let you go
We love you, we miss you, we want you to be happy
Go safely, go dancing, go running home."
Love you dad xxx
Leaving Party
Had a week of goodbyes already :(
Girly lunch with Emma & Chloe which was really nice - managed to hold myself together...just!
Jennah was very sad leaving school and some of her friends also upset - this I could NOT handle and ended up in tears too! anyway we soon forgot tears as we had a party to organise.
So after an odd day of saying goodbye to my boss, collecting dads ashes and decorating the local pub for an early halloween party I finally had the chance to let off some steam!
Girly lunch with Emma & Chloe which was really nice - managed to hold myself together...just!
Jennah was very sad leaving school and some of her friends also upset - this I could NOT handle and ended up in tears too! anyway we soon forgot tears as we had a party to organise.
So after an odd day of saying goodbye to my boss, collecting dads ashes and decorating the local pub for an early halloween party I finally had the chance to let off some steam!
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Removals!
Well it's the eve before the heart of our home makes its journey 'down under'! it's an amazingly big step, have not stopped smiling to myself over the last couple of days :0D
However it does mean THIS IS REAL!!! We are really on our way.
However it does mean THIS IS REAL!!! We are really on our way.
Thursday, 14 October 2010
Stamp!
Well we have our Passports returned with the Ozy Permanent residency stamp on them! :) Woohoo!!!
Monday, 4 October 2010
VISA !!!!!
OMG we have the VISA approved!!!!
My head is spinning I have so much to do! First things first = tell everyone :)
Party is booked for the 22nd and we're looking at the 2nd week in November to fly out!!! AAARRRGGGGHHHH
it's all too real now....soooo excited, no way I can work lmao :)
My head is spinning I have so much to do! First things first = tell everyone :)
Party is booked for the 22nd and we're looking at the 2nd week in November to fly out!!! AAARRRGGGGHHHH
it's all too real now....soooo excited, no way I can work lmao :)
Thursday, 16 September 2010
10 Year mark
Wow, 10th Wedding Anniversary today!
Cant figure out where the time has gone, but we have squeezed a lot in :)
Must be an emotional blob at the moment as I cried over my card!???
(Was a nice card though!)
Here's to the next 10 my love, a new journey awaits us xxxxxxxx
Cant figure out where the time has gone, but we have squeezed a lot in :)
Must be an emotional blob at the moment as I cried over my card!???
(Was a nice card though!)
Here's to the next 10 my love, a new journey awaits us xxxxxxxx
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
An Emotional time
Sat watching 'Wanted Down Under' and I'm a complete mess!
So excited about the move but just thinking about saying goodbye is really tugging at my heart-strings.
It's going to be so hard, but I'm happy that we're going to get a chance to say goodbye properly and have a party with everyone (once we know for sure!!).
So many things going around my head, happy, sad, anxious, excited.
I know we are doing the right thing.
As a reminder to myself I went to Oxford Street in London on Monday and it was so depressing - Grey, Noisey, Dirty and looking very sad for itself as lots of roadworks. Plus on the way home I ended up having to sit on an arm rest on the last train because it was so busy - fair enough this was because of a festival, but not the first time I've had to stand/sit in an awkward place on the train!
Another reminder - I left London at 13:20 and got back at 16:30!!
Here's to the '30 minute city' :)
So excited about the move but just thinking about saying goodbye is really tugging at my heart-strings.
It's going to be so hard, but I'm happy that we're going to get a chance to say goodbye properly and have a party with everyone (once we know for sure!!).
So many things going around my head, happy, sad, anxious, excited.
I know we are doing the right thing.
As a reminder to myself I went to Oxford Street in London on Monday and it was so depressing - Grey, Noisey, Dirty and looking very sad for itself as lots of roadworks. Plus on the way home I ended up having to sit on an arm rest on the last train because it was so busy - fair enough this was because of a festival, but not the first time I've had to stand/sit in an awkward place on the train!
Another reminder - I left London at 13:20 and got back at 16:30!!
Here's to the '30 minute city' :)
Hobby
All set and ready to go...with a new hobby.
Decided to treat myself to a professional DSLR Camera and a couple of lenses as [hopefully] I will have time to myself when we move!!
It will be great to continue what I loved at school and really get involved with the science of Photography.
My intention is to also join a camera club as an excuse to make new friends and explore my new home :)
As I get going I'll be sure to load up my pics on my blog.
... New life...New hobby GREAT!
Decided to treat myself to a professional DSLR Camera and a couple of lenses as [hopefully] I will have time to myself when we move!!
It will be great to continue what I loved at school and really get involved with the science of Photography.
My intention is to also join a camera club as an excuse to make new friends and explore my new home :)
As I get going I'll be sure to load up my pics on my blog.
... New life...New hobby GREAT!
Friday, 10 September 2010
Meds
Being poked n prodded for meds but really excited as this is a major step for visa!! Woooo :0D
Sent from my iPhone
Thursday, 26 August 2010
Healthcheck time!!
Finally heard from immi!!
Have to send a few documents plus get our Healthcheck done :0D
Woohoo - looks like we may well be on our way end of Oct!!!
Now I'm getting anxious :0/
Have to send a few documents plus get our Healthcheck done :0D
Woohoo - looks like we may well be on our way end of Oct!!!
Now I'm getting anxious :0/
Sunday, 22 August 2010
DIY #1
Well having a need to do something - I cracked on with sorting the bathroom out! I've made a small dent in the 'to-do' list anyway!
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