This was prompted by another friend on the internet...The top was a 1950's find, the skirt genuine Victorian, the hat? well not sure, the party was in Bath in the grounds of a grand house...and in the gardens in Bath. had a great night, but the skirt started to fall apart during the evening, the lace overlay was rather ripe.!

These items I also bought on a stall in Bath, we sold them later, they were pure Victorian, great fun, but wierd to wear! The 'scarf collector' got me started on this.... The other true and rather sweet story, our daughter wore a dress I had bought (for our stall in a market) for her wedding.
The dress and hat and stockings had been preserved by a lovely old lady, from her wedding day. She never had any children, and told us the story of her wedding day. So my friend and I bought the three items with a view to selling them. Daughter decided to get married very quietly, (she had been almost married before with the full white dress, but it went wrong) So she saw the dress I had just brought home, and said she would love to wear it... Happy ending, the old lady was so thrilled when we told her... We also sent her photos of the big day and she was so happy to think her dress was worn. Daughter looked fabulous in the dress....It was a crepe apricot coloured calf length dress from 1935... she didn't wear the hat or the apricot silk stockings. Many of the things we bought and sold for so little, I now realize were worth a heap more than we got for them... Like the 'Clarice Cliff' jug, but those are stories for another time.

My impossible dreams.



A holiday on a Spanish Island with daughter and son in law, that would be bliss....

Going back to Paris, with a wad of cash and perhaps DH....LOL, and staying in Monmartre.

Going with DH to Singapore, letting him look at cameras while I sightsee... again need wad of cash.

Now 13.THINGS TO DO BEFORE I DIE
1. Write a life story for our grandchildren, and illustrate it.
2. See New Zealand, especially Auckland and the Bay of Islands...left a little part of me there.
3. Have daughter and her husband here for a nice long holiday, three weeks is not long enough.
4.lOSE THE 12 KILOS i WANT TO...IN SPITE OF AGE AND SLOWER LIFE STYLE...

5. Go to Queensland again, and further north this time, also see where my brother died, say goodbye properly.

6. Decide on where we will have the quiet celebration for our 50th anniversary...and actually get there first!
7. Dance to wild music, when no one is watching a few more times.

8. Write another short story I am happy with, get it published.

9. Learn how to paint flowers properly.

10. See my grandchildren settled and happy.

11. Try to put my 'black sheep' back on a better path, but slim hopes for a miracle.

12. Keep in touch always with all friends, build bonds, keep the thread between us alive.

13. Live to the fullest. Don't destroy precious moments and golden days with anxiety about the small things.
"Remember yesterday, dream of tommorrow, BUT LIVE TODAY"

I think I should be medicated,!!! fingers hitting all the wrong keys....sometimes life is trying to tell you something, so am getting a cup of tea and going for a short sit down. No wine, no wild music, no strange blogging, no searching the net, no re-uniting, with friends re-united, am definately going... well nearly went then....Thursday thirteen to think of now...oh cripes...

Well it was quite a day, great fun to see people in 3 D as Dee wisely remarked. The kids were so good, and that's not easy when they are confined in a small space! We both enjoyed the meal and the chat, the only problem was; I had so many questions; so many conversations I wanted to have, in the short time we were able to stay, it just wasn't long enough! So the questions never got asked, the conversations never got started. But I was so impressed at the trouble some of the others had taken, and the distances travelled. I am just sorting some of DH's photos, and then catching up with blogs,....am getting there, have been shopping today;

The fridge seemed to contain only some wrinkled carrots, a limp piece of celery, and a lot of bottles of sauces, ginger, and items that must be thrown out... very little that was edible,...well I have been on a diet, and we are on holiday ! So had to do a swift shopping trip, and bought lots of healthy stuff, and two packets of some very illicit crumpets. My only sin. More bargains today... a top from Target, for 4.00dollars, and some grey jogging pants, soft material for 10. dollars... almost as good as the pyjamas I bought in Melbourne...5.00.( for three items.) Mind you they are an enormous size, but thought I didn't want tight pyjamas anyway!

It was a harder trip home for us, due to roadworks which delayed us. We had decided to go home via the beach road, which is lovley, then after Moorrabbin we started hitting the traffic jams... got home after a stop and start trip, at about 6.20. Hope the others got to the beach or whatever... We alwyas sigh with relief when we get to Cranbourne, as there are hardly any stops from there on...

Have had time in the sun, as well as shopping, and even time to completely change all beds, and do some painting... a good day.

Going away...whee, going away....yay going away today! Cats will probably do something dastardly like throw up on the bed, as they hate us going away, they watch the case being filled with slitty eyes! It is far too early to be up, will probably never make it to a romantic candle lit dinner,...expect I shall fall asleep over afternoon tea. Its going to be a full table at Taco Bills. So no more while I whiz around doing last minute jobs. Deciding what I can take and what I should leave.
We both are frustrated travellers, we love going away, and if life was kind, which it ISN'T we would be travelling all the time. We love seeing new and exciting places, ..not that we don't love this place, we are happy in our backwater. So even small trips to ordinary places are enjoyed...
But the history of our relationship, and the thing that brought us together was our sense of adventure. I was 19 when we married and willingly went 12,000 miles with my husband, without a thought, without a backward glance, and through all the bad and good things I don't regret that.

So a little trip to Melbourne, or Lakes Entrance, or anywhere is fun for us... see you all soon.

A quiet Sunday, started a painting for a girl at work, footballers from the local team this time trying to tell myself I can finish it in less than a week, and put it in the exhibition..Ha, I am mad! But stranger things happen. Packing my case for one night in Melbourne, meeting all the LJ friends. some I know very little about, and I blush to say I have just visited a couple of sites, and wish I had done more before, wish I had known how they felt, ...what they wrote, so have some catching up to do, but life is so fast sometimes, we have to prioritise! Try and just do the things that come up that day, and some days far too many pop up.

Want to try the recipe Dee had posted, but haven't found it yet...and I shouldn't anyway, chocolate cake in a mug....wicked.

Setting out early Monday to arrive in Melbourne, and staying overnight, then the Taco Bill's extravaganza!!! 26 of us now. See some of you there....

I should not whinge, it was sunny today, I was able to do some useful work and lots of washing. But I hate the wind being so strong!, It drove me mad, as it blew all the goods I was sorting across the lawn, or tore trousers off the line three times. I am getting ready for a garage sale, well a verandah sale really, and was selecting things to sell, washing items, dusting things and trying to sort them into piles. So then the wind would stir everything and blow it all away. Ah well, suppose I should be happy it didn't rain.

Every now and then I put articles I am not wearing out and give them to charity or put them in suitcases for a sale. I am not into e bay yet, perhaps I should be? Anyway the funny thing is, as I was sorting things today I decided to 'reclaim' about 6 items. Some grey slim fit trousers that now fit me, a white sports blouse that I might wear, some 3/4 pants etc. Things I had discarded, become more desireable again...just need to put them away for a few months. Washed all the pale clothes I had in storage too, ready for real Summer, which is getting close. The local Post Office has all its Christmas cards and merchandise on display...oh dear, can't ignore it, Christmas is three months away.... Must start addressing the cards before the end of October.

Due to serious family problems (not our doing) have not seen our grandson for about 6 months, so today made an effort to get in contact. Hoping now we can see him soon, he has grown up so much I hear, and looks more like a man than a 13 year old. Can't wait to see him. This is the age when they change so rapidly, such a shame we have missed some of it. Every family has its problems, or its black sheep; our is no different. The more you talk to others the more it becomes clear, we just have to deal with it.
Missy and Smokey were out 'helping' me as I worked, sitting in the suitcases, or on the piles of clothes, sniffing all boxes, but they eventually got bored and went to sleep on my clean washing.

Have just been to the club for our usual Friday night, 12 of us for the first time for ages, as we have all had family or other committments recently. Dh is watching the game on TV, but only because its all that seems to be on. I am full of Chardonnay and a good steak and salad, so should be in bed soon before I fall asleep on the keyboard. I have a whole Saturday ahead with no real pressing chores... sounds perfect.

13things ....random thoughts for a Thursday...
1. Today was so perfect we had our diet drinks out on the veranda with the cat and a magpie.

2. Went to school to put polish on the floor of the oldest classroom, then waited as DH got rid of a few cobwebs, will return and do a final sweep and dust and clean two days before they go back to school. new building starts early next year.

3. Went to Port Albert for a coffee, it was perfect......sunshine and not much wind.

4. Walked back from the water tower in town for exercise.

5. Finished journal, ready to post, do I do it early? Could post anytime.

6. Bought three punnets of strawberries...yum.

7. Hunted for my old exam papers to help another PCA doing the course I have just done. Eventually found them..

8. Looked at the beauty as I walked back through town, trees in blossom, and white camelias...

9. Am also like Path 124. lacking music....about to put some on now.

10. DH is looking summery in paler colours am fed up with the dark shades of winter, we both look like summer has come, but guess we will be back in woolies soon.

11. Cats lie under our chairs as we have lunch outdoors, warm enough to strip off, pale flesh in the sun.

12. Feeling fatter today, suppose I will fluctuate, try not to be discouraged at slight increase on scales! Must keep at it, and WALK more!

13. Am content with life today, so much I should have done; tidied cupboards; cleaned windows! ha, no not doing any of it, just doing very little' cooking some chicken drumsticks in sauce, stir frying veg, and hulling strawberries. sounds simple enough?

I did receive Jacqui's journal on the right day, but as I was away from home it was at the post office. Thanks Jacqui, I will not let out any secrets, but you have made it wonderfully easy, a lesson I can learn!!! Thanks again.

Yesterday we used our 'freebie' tickets and caught the 7am bus to Melbourne, we decided we wouldn't walk too far from the station so stayed mainly in the Factory outlets place. Oh boy, retail therapy, we should never be let out we are hopeless!!!! DH and I stayed around the shops, drank coffee and ate a sensible lunch there. I found wonderfull bargains.... must think about writing a book one day about bargains hidden in shops.
1. This reduced from 99dollars to 10.dollars.
OK a little 'theatrical' but that's my style, its a silver effect hoodie..
This reduced from 150 dollars to 49....

Cerise theme in my wardrobe, but can wear it over black pants, and leggings in winter. One more I loved, but reduced less. It was only slightly lower at 19 dollars. A pretty sheer top, totally unsuitable for an ancient raver, but love it, and it can be passed on to grandaughters, as can Hoodie, as its easy fit.

Also got a pair of shoes, leather very good quality reduced to 10.00. So was happy, could have spent 460.00. if it had all been full price, but instead spent too much...but only a quarter of that amount!

Its wonderful thinking of the journals hurtling across the country, with photos, good wishes and all sorts of ideas we are sharing... thanks Dee for organising. Will post next on 6th, or does it matter if I post it earlier, not sure if you want it to be on the day?

Well after too much spending must be very good for the rest of the holiday. Except for a wild time at Taco Bills! No it will be just kids and conversation, none of us will be into cocktails....

Weight loss...yes still going down, nearly 7 kilos now... want to do another 7 before the end of November... DH has stuck at one weight, but trying to keep him motivated....

This was such fun, we had time at Lakes Entrance to catch up with the grandaughters! Had a super meal together, and a day walking across to the beach, drinking coffee, and catching up. They are now in Pambula, and we are home again....
Chloe having a play on the beach.
Family walking back to the shops...
So now we are home again.
I POSTED OFF THE LITTLE CIRCULAR JOURNAL!
Not at all happy about what I have done. But I know I will learn from others, and get better as time goes on...

* Two things I regret.... Finding the perfect book to work with in Lakes Entrance, when it was way too late. Mine is scrappy, thin, and not a good example.

* Getting a DVD about some scrapbooking techniques, etc, and only having time to see it today! when I arrived home and had unpacked.
But on that subject this thing was way too involved with buying machines... The Xyron 900, the Xyron 150, a tape machine, an ink pad, box boards and on and on......Nope won't be doing that, but will be trying to learn more as fast as I can.
Who would have believed I would find so much stuff to buy (too late) in a BI LO! the one in Lakes Entrance was great. So have learned a few lessons too late. But life is full of lessons, and some do come too late! I think I also learned that hell is definately covered in double sided tape#####@@@@****

OMG....here goes again...the scrapbooking. I got the envelope not the SATCHELL, so was going crazy trying to find a book that wasn't too big, in desperation did the first page or two, and was not really satisfied. had already cut down two books and taken the spine out of one... In my confused state I had paper and glue everywhere... It was funny, especially when I nearly stuck the cat to the table with double sided tape! I was extremely stressed, I know that was silly as its just a bit of fun....
Then as I tried to gain another hour or so to myself, they rang from work, (I am on holiday!) with a sort of emergency, so I had to drop everything and go in to help out. That de-railed me further. We had also decided to clean the school as soon as they finished today at 2.30. as it would give us and advantage before the holiday started. So my timing was even more desperate.
We are going away Sunday and I wanted to have everything ready to post by then. Well... it is now 6.30. am, I do have the correct satchell...at last. Why did I just look for the magic 500gr in the first place,? Didn't realise the larger one was also 500gr. GRRRRR indeed. So I may, ...or may not,..... spend some of today doing scrapbook mark 4...Watch this space.

But if the day does not pan out as I hope it may have to be the book I have almost done, which is rather teeny weeny.....

The washing is rumbling in the washer, I have fed the cats. DH is still asleep, and I now want to iron a few shirts etc, we have to pack today for a short time away. about 17 outfits for one night away should do!!!? LOL. I want to clean the house, wash and tint my hair, shop for a few things, and catch up with family. We had a night out with friends last night, and are planning our 'social calendar' for the next month or so. We are having a wig night, just for fun, and having 'bring your own food' but our little club will pay for the drinks. (We pay in every week for this) Our big outing will be dinner on the Puffing Billy sometime in the new year, and we will stay somewhere up in the hills too. There are 6 couples in our group, think we should be the 'dirty dozen'! We do have fun, and it makes life more interesting.

So will catch up with all later today, for now life is a little busy....

It has been a good but rather punishing day today, I am totally flat and exhausted, so have turned my blanket on, will have a shower and give in I think....
DH has a meeting so might make the most of the peace and quiet!

Thursday 13....almost too early... but have heaps to do Thursday, and will be at work alone, with exercises to take, (Motivate, motivate) and Bingo, and the High School kids are coming.....

SO. Got to thinking about the snow season, and how people go for pleasure....
13 things I like and dislike about snow.

1. The soft silence, like the world has stopped.

2. Sun on sparkling snow and ice. Especially in the country, trees and hedges look like fairyland festooned with diamonds.

3.Ice sculptures from the buildings hanging down making unfamiliar shapes.

4. Staying snug indoors with the family when snow was deep there was no work or school. Just home together having soup pancakes, and hot choc.

5. Taking the dog for a walk across fields. The fun we had as he tried to eat it, and ran about like an excited child deep in powdery depths.

6. The smell of the air, clean, cold, sharp, hits your lungs like a tonic.

What I don't like;
7. Trying to walk on lethal impacted ice! slipping and falling to the shops.
8. Worrying about the family driving to work on black ice.

9. Buses and trains cancelled, no way to get anywhere.
10. Being cold and wet when I walked to school, my gumboots full of melted snow, painfull freezing fingers.
11. Having to cancel all social life, because the roads to that special party were cut off.

12. The ugly dirty slush as it melted at the roadside, full of road grit.

13. The yellow/grey light when there is no sun. Bleak cold days seem endless.
One year when I was, thank goodness, in New Zealand the paths and roads were frozen solid for months, even the Thames froze... People were cut off and without supplies for weeks. No bread deliveries, no milk, etc.

Nope, think I shall give the snow a miss! Must look for some photos I have of my garden deep in snow, when I lived in Wiltshire.

Last night had a talk to the grandaughters, am so looking forward to catching up with them, we shall only have a short time together but it will be great. They are travelling up the coast for the holidays and we will just be in the same hotel for a day before they leave.

Today, the sun shone, and although it wasn't hot, it was a vast improvement on the horrors of the days before. With a lot of planning...we organised 14 residents on an outing, to see 'Annie Get your Gun".
I thought it was a film, (idiot) but in fact it was a stage show, and they enjoyed it!

It takes a lot of planning to make these things work, 6 wheel chairs helpers, cars, blankets, money and co operation from all the staff to get them ready on time. But it worked with a few hairy moments when we thought we lost one! Luckily we only had a ten minute walk to get to the theatre, how lucky is that? At one time the theatre was being manned by one person, and as I arrived with the first three and settled them I got co-erced into manning the lift to get the wheel chairs in!

I finished later than I thought I would, and then had to help do the school, so we decided what the heck! would it be takeaway or a meal at the club? well a meal at the club won. Nice end to a busy day.

Haven't done my scrapbook, but fully intend to finish it and send it by the end of the week...I hope. I need time to spread things out and get some ideas.

Hi, well what a foul day...weather wise, anyway, the day for us together was lovely. Did some retail therapy, bought a few nice things, got some scrapbooking items....now there is no going back! Had a really healthy lunch, Moroccan chicken and salad...did food shopping, also bought more diet items.
Life is sort of evened out again, after a few bumpy months.

I can see light at the end of the tunnel. We have curbed some bad habits, got our finances back on track, and started dieting. All positive things.

Am expecting a busy day Wednesday, we are taking 14 of the residents to see a film of "Annie get your gun" at the local cinema, which just happens to be our local theatre. It will be a bit frantic, as we try to organise the trip! But guess it will work out.






Husband with his paintings, a few years ago....

It has suddenly gone black as night, as the rain pelts down. Am having a reasonably non rushed day. had an interview with the newspaper about our shared exhibition in October. Then I attempted to put all the bits of paper I keep into my diary, and record the information! Bits of paper fly away easily and get lost. Have so many things to remember, exhib, nights in Melbourne, Scrapbooking, family things, birthdays, friends re-united...just joined. Shopping lists, work related problems, dripping taps, dirty floors, cats messes...list of things to do... I drive myself insane.

I sadly washed one of my favourite earrings in the washing machine, and the colour is nearly off. ahhh. I might try repainting them with nail polish! have just had to get up and put two lights on as the dark clouds roll over dropping rain. The washing on the line has wound itself around about ten times, and I just dashed out to get the things i really need. I have a drier we keep on the verandah, but try not to turn it on, as its costly. Had to light a fire today, and am not wearing sandals or 3/4 pants today!


This is almost finished I think....

More to do, and a frame.

We both lost weight this week, am happy to report, not as fast as I would like, but have lost 4 kilos altogether, and DH 3 in a week, so a result! It gets less painful as time goes on, but do miss naughty cakes, and chocolate when I see them... just have to stay with blinkers on. The healthy foods should help our general well being, and in a few weeks we can allow the odd carb... bread in the freezer and totally unused butter leering at me, cereal boxes begging to be taken off the shelf, potatoes screaming at me...eat me! It seems as with most things the first place you have to get it embedded is in the MIND, I just wasn't ready when I tried before; Now as I am not quite as stressed as I was when I was working two jobs at the hospital doing the school and studying there is time for me. Well that's the theory anyway. dah....

Wow, now I am wondering how I will manage to do the circle journal, but as I like a challenge am happy to go for it. Have never done scapbooking, but have been told I can use another decorative medium if I wish.. Aim to get to Sotlight later this week, the problem is how much time will I have! I might be totally overwhelmed by the variety of choices there.

Planning two spells away, one with our son next weekend, going to the Lakes again, and another when we meet lj friends in Melbourne, love these little trips, it makes for an interesting existance. Thanks for clarifying where the Taco Bills was, DH was stressing, I wasn't if in doubt would have got a taxi.

Today has been a total contrast to the early Spring weather, back to cool, then wild winds. Painted a fair bit today, results soon. Have almost finished a ballet scene.

Visited a friend, and due to my amazing (ha ha) forward planning didn't have to cook at all today. We have not eaten, bread, past, rice, potatoes or cereal now for a week. Phew...No chocolate of course...cruel. Had cold beef and salad, no naughty things at all. DH wieghs in for the week Monday. More soon about to catch up with friends pages.....

Well today has been just glorious, it must have reached about 25 here, and I sat outdoors in a strappy top when I had a moment to spare, and soaked it up. Was busy, cooking, school cleaning, and doing the usual stuff, but to be warm, and wear less clothes, pad about in bare feet, and not feel cold was just perfect for me.
Have just watched "funniest Home Videos" and realize I never want to see a baby doing projectile vommiting again... OK? I have a phobia, and although I have dealt with every situation in that scenario, and done it well, I still don't find it entertaining!
I am now drinking a brandy...sort of helps!



This was a place called Infinity gardens where we stayed a few years ago..It is perched high above Trafalgar in Gippsland.

Ok I am sitting here rather sloshed after drinking a half bottle of red with DH, it has been an eventfull day. Work related problems were varied. I was rushing around trying to fit it all in at the end of the day. The temperature here reached 25, which was warm! After getting thoroughly stressed at work came home about 4pm. Then had a short rest and got ready for a brief club visit, had a swift meal and saw friends then as I had had said I would attend a trivia night at the hospital, off we went, a bottle of wine and some nibbles to do battle, well, we came second, so the team was pretty good. The years certain films came out let us down, for instance can you remember when"The Castle or Strictly Ballroom" came out? So in spite of our pooled general knowledge didn't win. Did well on the general knowledge and the music questions.

Now am looking forward to our get together at Taco Bills, on the 30th, the trouble is DH informs me there is no such place..! please tell him he is wrong. I know it exists, as my friends have told me so. Please give correct address or Melway ref. The cat is sitting on the computer mouse, I think she is trying to tell me something....

I am tired and emotional so will get to my bed.

Photo of clouds a day or so ago... Now for 13 things...


1. Today needed to check on what no 2 son was planning for our meeting when the school hols, start, so phoned and found he was putting up scaffolding for a job. He is a stone mason, and until this year has been flat out. We chatted and then sorted when and where. We will meet in Lakes Entrance, and have a night together, and then he will continue to Pambula. Great i get to see grandaughters!

2. Diet drinks for breakfast as DH later booked a hotel for Lakes Entrance. Did it all with Skype, clever isn't it?

3. Getting ready for work, planning meal for the evening. Chicken with tomatoe and olives, green beans etc. Decide I can put it in the oven in the time I have between 3.30. and 4.pm.

4. Then plan my lunch, chopped avacado, two thin ham slices, and a few strawberries. With a pack of the diet drink.

5. DH helps me put 80 photots I have taken for work on a memory stick, so I can take that and have it uploaded for them.

6. At work look in day book and catch up on latest happenings. See friends and ask about resident's and any new problems. All seems well. I go in and see them all, and start to 'motivate' them! Try to get as many as possible into the room for strength training.

7. Manage to get most of the active ones in, a few in wheel chairs, and use foam 'noodles' and weights for gentle exercise. We sing or do it to music. marching, punching, swaying, anything to keep the body moving!A good session then I have to take those in wheel chairs back, and put the equipment away.Direct the lost ones to the dining room.

8. Write a list of who did what for the computer later.

9. Have a short break for lunch, a chat about what we have to do.

10 See how many lollies are left for prizes for Bingo. Try to organize enough chairs and places for the players. Get a drink for the caller.

11. Had to ring DH to come and help as watching all the tables and making sure they cover the correct numbers needs help on each table. he is a vol. so he kindly came to my rescue! A lot of laughs and jokes as we proceed.

12. Home, swiftly fry chicken (3.40pm), chop onion, open tomatoes, make sauce mix, boil a little put in oven covered with foil. Rush off to the school to clean it.

13. Find there is a teachers and parents information night, we can't clean so off we trot! Home to feed cats, light fire, eat, then blog! Found time for a nice shower and got into comfy clothes. Ahhhhh.