MY FUTURE HOME

I have found myself a little home!  Below is the link if you would like to check it out.  My offer on this villa unit (that's what they call it in Australia) was accepted on Thursday 27 December.  I am so relieved to have found something that I can work with!!  There is much work to be done on it, but at least I can do what I would like & not what someone else has done (well, that's the plan anyway).  It is due to be settled on 24 January 2013, if all goes smoothly.

http://www.noeljones.com.au/property-details/4678417/

Our Darling Husband & Father

 Jocelyn & Roger at Monets garden in France - July 2010

Roger & Glenda - 18 December 2004

Roger & Tim, early '90's

Tim, Jocelyn, Glenda & I had a nice lunch together yesterday - 15 December to mark the 1st Anniversary of Roger's death.  We were hoping to have a family picnic but the heavens opened and the rain did fall so we decided to move inside!!

It was so lovely to spend time with the family.  It was a difficult day for us all.  I am so glad I am now in Melbourne with the support of my beautiful family.  Of course the grandchildren are the delight of my life and bring me much joy.  

I am staying with Glenda, Tom, Nathan & Edward until I find a home of my own.  The unit that was auctioned on 1 December went for far too much money.  We will all go to another auction this coming Saturday 22 December and see how we go.  I am not getting my hopes up.  Real Estate is done so differently here in Melbourne and most places are auctioned.  I don't like the way they do it here!!

I have received so many lovely emails and cards from dear friends far and wide.  Thank you if you are one of them.  I am finding it hard to settle down and write Christmas cards this year and also don't feel like pushing myself.  I know you will understand.  The big relocation to Melbourne has taken it's toll on me, along with everything else that is going on.  But I am sure I will settle down and 2013 will be a happy one.  Finding a home of my own is top of the list.

Moving to Melbourne

So, I am on the move to Melbourne, flying out on Thursday 6 December.  It will be wonderful to be in the same State as my kids again and of course my lovely grandchildren.  Selling the house and packing up is a huge step for me now that I am on my own and I am missing Roger and his help very much.  He was always good at packing and calming me down!!  But I am getting there slowly and I don't feel overwhelmed, thankfully.

I received an offer on the house on 30 October, 10 days after Irene put it on the market.  I put so much pressure on her to get it on the market after I returned from Europe and then a quick trip to Melbourne from 11-16 October.  But we did it together and I am very pleased with the outcome.  A young 32yr old man has bought the home and will live in it.  In my heart I really wanted to sell it to someone that would live in it and not rent it out, but Irene kept telling me the one with the highest offer is the best!!

Now I have the task of finding a little home in Melbourne.  Glenda & Tom have found a unit which they know I will like.  It will be auctioned next Saturday 1 December, so we will see.

I am having highs and lows at the moment, which is to be expected as I near the anniversary of Roger's death on 15 December.  I still miss Roger very, very much but after my trip to Europe I feel I am better able to get on with my life, which is a big plus.  

I've recently had 2 young 21 yr old German guys staying with me for 6 days.  They have working permits for Australia and are looking for jobs.  I gave them a timeline for staying as I really needed to get on with my packing and not entertain/look after young men!!  They were enjoying the 'home away from home' a little too much.  They left Friday to stay in a backpacker hostel.  Hostels are far too expensive here in Perth.  It is quite ridiculous.  I am surprised the boys didn't check out accommodation before they left Germany, but I think they have rose coloured glasses on really!!

I enjoyed my first Thanksgiving Dinner the other day and it was very special.  Of course I ate too much!

I've only been for 1 swim this summer.  The weather has been unseasonably cool in Perth.  I would love to get some morning swims in, but looking at the weather forecast, I don't think this is going to happen.  But Irene & I did enjoy 4 hours down at Cottesloe the other Friday.  Picnic lunch, 2 swims, 2 games of Chinese Checkers and lots of talking with 3 cups of tea!!  Very special.

My Beloved Family

Tim, Amy & Chloe spent 2 beautiful weeks with me recently here in Perth.  What an absolute joy and delight it was for me to have them in my little home, especially as they would be my last visitors before my big move to Melbourne.  Oh how I enjoyed being Nanna to 5 month old Chloe with lots of cuddles, walks and babysitting.  I loved spoiling the family (or trying to) with cooking (something I am not doing a lot of these days) and generally trying to give them a good holiday in Perth.  Unfortunately the weather was not warm enough for swimming which was a big disappointment for them as they wanted to introduce Chloe to the ocean and of course we wanted to see her in her new bathers that I bought her in Rome (remember the pictures I posted after my trip to Rome?!!!).  Oh well.  

Amy had the phone ready to capture this beautiful photo !

I love this face.

Tim & Amy at King's Park.  We had a picnic lunch there.

This is my 500th post!!  Wow!  (Actually it has taken a bit long!  I have been trying to blog since April 2006!!).

Here is my 14 month old grandson Nathan playing peek-a-boo with Peach the dog.  As you can see, Peach is not taking the slightest interest, but it is 'oh so cute'!!  Just had to share it with you.

The days are racing by and I am ever conscious of the fact I will soon be leaving Basel and my beautiful friends here and heading back to Perth.  

I really can't begin to tell you all the things I have been up to!!  I can tell you I have been to Scuol in the mountains for 6 days with my lovely Swiss friend Christine and we absolutely had the best time together and I didn't really want it to end.  We hiked, went bike riding (and racing through my mind was......"what goes down, must come up"!!!), went on a rather hairy bus ride to 1800m and had a nice walk, saw the cows coming down from the mountains and even a little snow was falling.  It was bitterly cold! 

We had lunch up at S-Charl.  Disappointing not to see any wild life.  They were all hiding from the hunters who go up there this time of the year.  Christine was telling me the animals go into the National Park where they are protected.









Today Kiwi Christine and I went to a Cello Concert by Cyprian Kohut at 11am.  Roger and I met Cyprian and Alina in 2006 in Basel when they use to busk on the streets.  A very special couple and I think they will really go places in the music world.  They are from Poland.  I hope to catch up with them both for lunch next Saturday.

I continue to catch up with friends, enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful surrounds of Basel and I continue to thank God for all the blessings he has given me, but especially that I am here and beginning to feel music come back into my heart. 

PS  A little birdie has told me that Grace is keeping up with my writings here and I just want to send her my love and "see you soon"  xx

Wednesday 5 September 2012

I thought today might be quite an emotional day as I met together with our beautiful friends Dave and Simea and their cute little daughters in Weil am Rhein.

Getting to their place proved to be a bit of a challenge (and in the back of my mind I am saying to myself  'I don't always want to be a strong and brave person!!')  Read on .......

I left home at 9am and caught the train to Stetten.  I waited for the connecting train to Weil am Rhein.  I heard an announcement in German and panicked a little bit.  So I got on the train that was going to Loerrach and I found someone that spoke a little English.  "No, she said, you need to get off and go to the other platform"  (I knew this already).  So then I got on the train that said "To Weil am Rhein" and when it was arriving at Stetten (back to where I started!!) there was an announcement in German!!  Everyone got off the train and so did I!!  So...... what to do.  I spoke a little German to a lady and she was telling me there was no problem.  But I felt there was!!  

I thought, I could get a taxi but I did not have Dave's address OR phone number.  I only knew how to get there from the train station.   Grrrrrr.  Silly me.  Fancy not having his phone number.

So I decided to walk to the bus stop and saw the bus went to Weil am Rhein. I asked a lady what was going on and sort of worked out there were bridge works on the line!!  I thought that if I got to Weil am Rhein I could work my way back along the train tracks to the train station I needed!!  Needless to say I was very clever and arrived at Dave and Simea's home, but 1 hour late.  I was only slightly emotional.  Nothing that a good hug seeing old friends couldn't fix (and a cup of coffee).  We had a precious time together, but all too short.

I was picked up from their place by one of Roger's good friends Andreas.  Andreas was one of Roger's train buddies and they had some good times together.  Andreas has looked after Roger's model train layout and he discussed this a little bit with me.  (The layout has gone to a good home, which I am so pleased about).  He also mentioned that he still had Roger's trains and would I like them.  I didn't realise the impact this would have on me once I received them and got them home.  I burst into tears and had a good long cry on Christine's shoulder.  Now to get them back to Australia!!

I had a happy time with Andreas, Constanze and David and I was treated to a very yummy BBQ lunch which we were able to eat outside surrounded by very green German countryside.  A picture indeed.

Needless to say I now need to calm down and try and get some sleep.  I seem to be experiencing so many emotions whilst here in Basel, which is very natural I am sure.

My Granddaughter

I want to introduce my beautiful  granddaughter Chloe Grace born 31 May to proud parents Tim and Amy.  This picture was taken quite a few weeks ago.  She is now 3 months old.  How time flies.  I love her to bits and can't wait to see her again.

Reflecting

I am enjoying my time in Basel in every way!  Not only do I feel very much at home here, but because I am so happy and content I have been able to take time to reflect and set some goals for the future.  I promised Christine I would do this when she left for her trip to Canada/US for a couple of weeks.  

It has been good to do some challenging reading (3 books already) and to have chats with close friends about issues that are on my heart, and especially about moving into the future.  I do have rather big decisions to make when I get back to Perth and I need to be in a good place within myself and have a peace about the decisions I make.  Of course calling on my Heavenly Father, as always, is top of the list. What does he want me to do in the days/months/years to come.

Being here has again reinforced to me the wonderful life long friendships Roger and I made in Basel and surrounds and also how much our friends have loved and cared for us.  And of course they continue to do this for me and it is very touching and at times quite emotional just thinking about it.  Again, I feel so blessed that Roger and I had the 4 1/2 years in this area of beautiful Europe and made such happy memories together.  (I am thrilled to bits that 'Men Modelling' is still going at Centrepoint).  

As I walk the streets, catch the trams/trains/buses I often just long to have my family with me to share with them how I feel when I am here.  I just feel different.  I feel like I belong here.  Even though I don't speak the language, it is all very familiar and comforting somehow.  The other amazing thing is that I keep bumping into friends in the streets of Basel!!  But don't worry my beloved family, I will not be coming back here to live.

I think I can count about 7 clocks chiming at any one time from Christine's apartment.  They chime around the clock and on the 1/4 hour!  You do get used to it.  It means I don't always have to look at the bedside clock in the middle of the night!!  Also the clocks chime extra long at 7am!!  It really is time to get up!!  But thinking about it, I don't think they do this on the weekends!!  Of course on Sundays I can hear extra chimes!

Rogers name comes up often in conversations I have with him in my head (or out loud!!), but also with friends.  Laughter and tears are often the order of the day, but in a happy way.  Of course there is sadness that he is not here with me physically, but I can feel his presence and often his advice or chiding over this and that!!  But mostly I know he is so proud of me being here again and doing what I am doing.

I was very spoilt with special gifts on my birthday.  I now have new perscription glasses, vouchers to special baths in the mountains in Scuol when I visit with Christine 9 - 15 September, Ballroom dancing lessons (I've had 2 already - and I get very nervous before I go), and dear Sabine and I spent a wonderful day at the Thermal Baths the day of my birthday, her gift to me.

I have been here 4 weeks now and the time is going so quickly.  I am so pleased I made the decision to come for a couple of months and it is thanks to Christine and her lovely apartment that I have been able to do this.  To be able to stay in the same place for the time I am here, has indeed been a blessing.  I don't think I would have coped with moving around from one friend to the other.

So, no pictures this time.  Jocelyn said you are not leaving comments because you are jealous, so I am being careful!!  I don't want to lose my blogging friends!  Thank you to those of you who have left a little comment.  I love them and I love that you take the time to say hi through my blog.  It really is good to be back blogging again.

   

A small hike in the Black Forest

Here I am with Carla at the beginning of our hike.  The green in this area is amazing and I never cease to wonder at all the different greens there are!

Carla and Harry

Along the path.  Sometimes it seemed to disappear altogether.  

We were the only ones on the path.

 A couple of fitness signs!!

Harry was amazing the way he could find pfifferlinge (special field mushrooms you

 can find during the summer months).  They are delicious.

Back to the special Italian Ice Cream Cafe for a treat.  We felt we has worked for it!!

Sunday with Carla and Harry

On Sunday I caught the train to Schopfheim and Carla and Harry met me at the Bahnhof and drove me to this gorgeous restaurant in Pfeffenberg in the Black Forest.  It was a Birthday lunch and another celebration for me.

Carla and I chose the Menu of the day with half portions.  This is the starter.  You might just be able to see a sweet corn terrain - yum

This is the view from the balcony where we had lunch.  We were certainly perched on a mountain!!

We had a small bowl of minestrone soup - very cute.  Forgot to take a photo.  So here is the mains which is beef steak with a crusted herb topping and sauce.  Cooked to perfection.

Dessert!!  My goodness it was so delicate and yummy and beautifully presented as you can see.

What an absolutely beautiful lunch with Carla and Harry.  I was meeting Harry for the first time.

CELEBRATING MY 60TH BIRTHDAY

As I thought about the way in which I wanted to celebrate my 60th Birthday, I knew whatever I did I wanted to keep it small!!  I mean, with so many friends, how was I going to do this!!  Also, the diversity of our friends, and I wanted everyone to feel comfortable.  I gave it a lot of thought. 

So, here I am at Gasthaus Zum Loewen in Schopfheim.  This was Roger and my favourite restaurant.  It is a traditional German Restaurant/Hotel owned by a family in the 3rd generation.  (Roger always enjoyed speaking to the owners in German, but I couldn't do this).  

back l-r  Mark, Kevin & Gaudenz
front l-r Christine E, Sabine, Moi and Christine A (who I am staying with)

Each one of these friends are special to me, but then, all our friends are special.  That is why they are our friends!!  All of us stayed overnight in the hotel apart from Gaudenz who had to work on Saturday.

Gaynor, Christine, Sabine & Kevvy in the garden

With my boys!!!!!

One of the entree's enjoyed by my guests!!  I had Pfifferlinge soup (a special type of tiny mushroom found in the forest for about 2 months of the year - it has a divine taste).
Obviously the evening deteriorated after this as I didn't take a photo of the other courses!!

The Chef/Owner came out to the 2 groups in our dining room and wished myself and the man on the other table a Happy Birthday.  I was given some Faller Quince Jam by his wife (gave it to Kevin & Mark).  Then at 11pm he came back with his piano accordian and played Happy Birthday first to me and then the other gentleman.  Then he played quite a few traditional songs and we had so much fun.  Gaudenz and I did a little dance together.  What a perfect way to end my birthday celebrations.

Blessed, blessed, oh so blessed and I know my darling Roger was smiling down at me and us all.

BASEL

My arrival in Basel has given me so much joy.  It is so good to be back here and in such beautiful and familiar surroundings.  I can hardly believe it.  To know so many of our friends are here and ready to welcome me back is so lovely and warms my heart.  In some ways it really is like coming home as Roger and I spent 4 1/2 very happy years together in this area from March 2006 - September 2010.

This is where I have truly felt Roger is with me in spirit.  As I walk along the Rhein, travel on the tram, go to Centrepoint, see interesting new building developments, travel on the S6 train - I am conscious of Roger being with me and making little comments like "what a mess, how long is it going to take them to finish this"..... speaking about the building works going on at Messeplatz where all the big conferences are held here in Basel e.g. Art Basel and Jewellery and Watch Show.  

Being right in the heart of Basel is quite fantastic, but it has taken some little time to get used to the evening noises!!  Buskers begin playing outside the open window around 7pm and can go till 10pm.  But I think the Swiss laws have this in hand.  Even at lunchtime they seem to disappear for siesta!!  There is no traffic noise but lots of pedestrians walking back and forth to early hours of the morning (especially on weekends) and the talking carries up to the apartment 4th floor window.

I took myself off to our German Church (FeG Loerrach) Sunday morning and it was good to be back there.  Of course I didn't understand a lot of the service but that didn't worry me one little bit.  It was wonderful to see special friends again.  Then Johnny and Bettina (Ghanian friends) took me to their apartment in Zell for an African lunch of Black Eyed Bean Stew (my favourite and request).

Sunday 6pm I went to the Anglican Evensong in a small chapel off the Munster and a short walk from where I am staying.  I had arranged to meet one of Roger's friends there.  Talk about an Evensong totally out of date.  My goodness I didn't even understand some of the language.  A very well attended service with everyone obviously living in the past.  Definitely King James english!!  I won't be going back, just wasn't my style, though I did enjoy singing the hymns and the organist was very accomplished.

Today I treated myself to a pedicure and I was very, very pleased with the result and price, especially as it took 2 hours.

I will be having dinner with my lovely Swiss friend Christine and her partner Gaudenz this evening.  They have a beautiful apartment on the Rhein, so I am going to enjoy myself.  We won't be sitting outside though as it is rather nippy today.

My Kiwi friend Christine, who I am staying with, is currently in England and will be back on Thursday night, so I have the apartment to myself.  I've been enjoying watching the Olympics, even though the commentary is very GB one sided!! 

Dining in Rome

Carla and I really did have some experiences dining in Rome.  Our first breakfast together was an advertised "English Breakfast" at a small cafe.  Lots of meat on the plate which was a bit of a shock!!


After our siesta on Saturday we had a late lunch at a restaurant opposite our hotel.  We decided we wanted Preseco (Champagne), but when it came out, it definitely lacked bubbles!!  Carla asked if it was a fresh bottle, but that was lost in translation!!  Our main meal was 7euro each - the bill came to 37euro!!  We still can't work this out!!  Very expensive Preseco!!!  We made up for the cost by making our own dinner that night on the balcony at the hotel.

Sunday morning we decided to go local and just have tea and coffee!  We ended up having an omelette each and then became a little wary of the very attentive waiter (we were the only ones in the cafe).  Goodness we did have to laugh when we were well away from the cafe.  What were we thinking!!

Our next dining experience was in the evening.  We had been shopping and decided to try a cafe close to a train station before we headed back to our hotel.  There were several different menu combinations at set prices.  We asked the waiter what was the mains and he very rudely gave us the 3 choices quickly so we couldn't understand what he said!!  Carla asked him to repeat and he did the same thing.  We almost got up and walked off!!  (Why can't I do this?!!)  But we stayed and the meal was very nice BUT the waiter did not get a tip from us!!  We don't like rude people who should be there to serve us.

Again we were looking for somewhere a little bit special to have a tea/coffee.  The place above was decorated in orange with pictures of Roman Holiday on the walls.  They were great and it had a nice atmosphere and very friendly staff.  I wanted gelato (3 SCOOPS) but I did share with Carla.  We bought a very nice sandwich from this place to have later for our lunch.


We kept our Monday breakfast very local, going just down the street BUT were certainly invaded by locals on their way to work for their expresso.  A lovely small clean place and friendly staff.

As we were visiting the Vatican Monday morning I wanted to find the Cafe Roger, Jocelyn & I had found in July 2010.  I had their card with the address on it and I can't believe I took Carla straight to it.  Carla loved the place and we had a yummy lunch together then headed back to our hotel for a siesta.

We had a great dining experience on our last night in Rome.  It was a set menu with pasta, salmon and vegetables, bread, coffee.  We ordered Preseco and red wine to celebrate our last evening together.  Our waiter had a great sense of humour and it was our best dining experience.  We wished we'd discovered this place at the beginning of our stay!

S H O P P I N G ! ! !

Due to the heat and exercise in Rome, I have reduced my dress size considerably!!  Here are a select few of my purchases.  The lovely Carla is my model, though of course she is much bigger than me  ! !

In Rome

My stomach was churning over something terrible when I left for the Airport with Irene at 12.30 on Thursday 26 July.  Poor Irene sure did have to keep me talking to calm me down.  I was thinking (what on earth am I doing.......etc!!).  Well, I did get safely on the plane and all has been well after that.


I had a good flight to Singapore and once off the plane headed straight upstairs for a massage, and it was a beauty (9.30 at night!!).  Did a little shopping of things on my shopping list - small alarm clock, a little makeup.  Time went rather quickly.


Flight from Singapore to Rome was great and I slept like a baby so felt good when I arrived in Rome at 7.25.  Went straight through customs and caught the bus into the Termini (main train station) for 5 euro.  Was able to leave my case at the Hotel and then headed off to say hello to the few 'friends' I have here (shop owners of course!!).  Francoise was able to tell me where I could get a manicure/pedicure from the cutest couple in their 70's who couldn't speak a word of English.  We had lots of fun together.  


I wanted to get a sim card for my phone from Vodaphone.  What fun.  My phone had a restricted code on it and I didn't have a clue what this meant!  Darling Tim was able to tell me what to do.  Ah, the things I have to be learning!!


Did an awful lot of walking around and my feet hurt so much.  Had a lovely shower and rest before heading out to the supermarket to buy dinner.


Carla arrived at the room at midnight.  I had been sleeping a little while.  It is so good to be with her and have her lovely company.  She is such a darling and great to help me with my shopping!!


Saturday morning we had an 'English breakfast' at a Cafe and then headed for Saxon's to do some serious clothes shopping.  I was so pleased to see Erik at Saxon's.  He designs the Edas range of clothes.  He dressed me in all sorts of things, most not suitable for a Nanna who would like to be spending lots of time on the floor with her grandchildren!  I'm just going to have to be one very hot Nanna when I take them to the park, cafe, zoo, etc.  Can't promise any photo's just yet.


After a siesta and late lunch we headed for the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, etc.  Lots of walking, so many tourists and great fun together.  We finished the night on the balcony of our little hotel having our nibbles, salad, red wine and lovely.


Just woken from a really good sleep and getting ready to face another day of sightseeing.  Mustn't mention the heat as I was complaining about the cold in Perth (well it was actually just George and Irene's cold house)!!

My beautiful sisters

l-r:  In order of age!!  Jillian, Cherith, Irene, Gaynor and Brenda

I want to pay tribute to my beautiful sisters.  It's not often the 5 of us all get together.  In fact I think we have only been all together 3 times since I returned to Australia in Sept 2010.  So, it's pretty special.


My sisters have loved, supported, encouraged, prayed for me, in every possible way and I realise how much this has meant to me and helped me to continue my journey on this earth.  


Visiting Cherith & Ken's farm in Hyden is a real treat, even if it is a 4 hour drive to get there.  Irene drove Roger & myself there last November for the annual Hymnfest where the Annear girls featured!!  Even though Roger wasn't well, it was such a happy, relaxed and encouraging time for us.  Then Irene & George drove me up there at the beginning of June for the long weekend.  A group of us girls even managed a trip to 'Hollywood Bowl' - (a dam on the property), for champagne and nibbles late afternoon!  Great fun, even if it does take a bit of organising. 


The following Thursday I bravely drove 3 hours on my own up to Jillian's farm at Badgingarra, which is north of Perth on the way to Geraldton.  What an absolute treat it was to have Jillian all to myself.  I don't think this will happen again in a hurry, which is a shame.  We made sure our work was done (mainly having to hand feed the 500 sheep) so that we could cuddle up on the lounge and watch a good DVD in the evenings!!  Jillian has regularly sent me lovely encouraging messages and just given me the will not to give up.


Brenda rings regularly and we try and catch up when we can.  I was able to help Brenda when she came out of hospital a couple of months ago.  I went over to her place and stayed for 4 days and we had a great time together.  Brenda is so practical and loving.


Irene has just been plain AMAZING!  She was so good with Roger and was always ready to pitch in and help.  Roger's face would just light up the minute Irene walked in.  So precious.  Irene is my Chinese Checkers buddy.  We play VERY regularly and it's a great form of relaxation.  Most times we are neck and neck and we always look forward to the next game.  George gets a bit....grrrrrrrr!!  Irene keeps me grounded and charged up!  Irene & George have loved and supported me through this year, inviting me to dine with them regularly and stay over night if I've enjoyed wine!!  It's been a good distraction to get 2 Apartments up and running as Fully Furnished Rentals.  Fun and hard work at the same time.  Finding good short term accommodation in Perth is at a premium, especially with the Mining boom here, so you can't go wrong with rentals.


Jillian, Cherith, Irene and Brenda - I love you all very, very much and want to thank you for being here for me.  You are all so very special indeed.

MY SATURDAY

What a day!  I decided to rent my home out whilst I am away in Europe.  This has meant that I have had to strip the house of all things personal!  What a job!  I can tell you I am now totally over it and wondering what on earth I was thinking!!  I am sure once I get over the pain of doing what I'm doing (!!) it will be all worthwhile (especially the $'s).  


I have the nicest couple & their 13 yr old daughter renting my home for 7 weeks.  I leave for Europe next Thursday 26 July and they come in on 28 July, so it's perfect.  My darling sister Irene is going to have to take charge whilst I am away.  She has been absolutely amazing and I couldn't have done it without her.


The house is looking beautiful.  I've been gardening out the front and it is quite a picture.  I am having reticulation installed on Monday and this will be a big help with the watering, especially during the summer.  I've thoroughly cleaned every nook and cranny.  In fact Irene is making me come and stay with her and George from tomorrow so I will stop fussing!!  


I do feel so blessed to have such a lovely home to live in.

MY FAMILY

I was recently in Melbourne with my beautiful family for 17 days.  What a joy it was to welcome Chloe Grace Ridley (born 31st May, 3.97kg) into the family.  Here we are at the celebration of Edward and Nathan's 1st Birthday on 1st July.


l-r:  Tim with Chloe, Amy, Glenda with Nathan, moi, Tom with Edward and Jocelyn

 Edward enjoying his new cart

Gorgeous little Chloe Grace Ridley

Very proud Nanna

Very, Very proud Daddy Tim