Last day of 2009

Today we decided to go to the Dendy early, 10 am, and saw Broken Embraces (Spanish), excellent movie. As you can see there are no people in the background but when we came out of the movies the lines were long to go onto the Opera House steps and surrounds for the fireworks tonight. We were going to go into the Botanic gardens but it was closed off, so we walked up to David Jones to buy a treat for dinner plus tomorrows lunch. Then a visit to the dress department as the sales are on but could not find a black or pink bolero to go with the dress. Have to keep looking.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

Coffee at Westfields

On Wednesday I met Norma, Irene and Ang outside the po and we spent three hours over coffee chatting about one thing another. I did ask alot of questions on retirement and what happened next as both Norma and Irene retired earlier this year. I have applied for our seniors card!

Late Christmas Present

John is a great fan of the BBC show When The Boat Comes In and a couple of years ago I got series one and two. Well while shopping in eBay UK I found 3 and 4 and of course it was a 'must have' but they arrived in the first post after Christmas. John will enjoy the dvds.

c

First day of retirement

After breakfast, I completed the diabolical sudoku and finished the crossword John starts off. Spent the next few hours in the garden , which needs lots attention from all the neglect its had over the past few months. Then with lunch and my book, I spent a pleasant couple of hours reading down in the back garden. After another few hours weeding it was time to come inside. It was a very pleasant day and will be having lots more of them.

Christmas Day

It was an overcast day so it was great for cooking. John took over and here he is in the kitchen preparing. We opened gifts and relaxed for the day. A phone call to Katrina and talked while she was in bed as it was very cold. A web connection with Fiona but after 30 seconds the line died so left it for another time.

Lovely Boxing Day surprise, we had another web cam connection and were able to see Fiona Andrew Lucy and Henry. Thank you it was great to see you all. We loved the album from Disney world and were able to see the photos off the disc too.

Last week of work

It was an odd week when sometimes I would wish the time to move faster and then would think this is the last time. I didnt have to plan forward to the new year and begin to think of the sales/promotions to come and who was going to be at work and who would be on hols. On Wednesday the area manager and her team took me to lunch at the Beverley Hills hotel. Very nice meal and we chatted for about 2 hours and all returning to the office where I was asked to remain in the shop with the others. A few moments later Elvis appeared and say The Wonder of You. I have tried to upload images sent but am having no luck so you will have to use your imagination.

My last day went as normal and it was such a relief to lock the door at 5.

weekend before Christmas

Here we are gathered at Louises for Christmas lunch which was the full baked dinner with pudding as sweets. I had forgotten how much I lovvvvvvvvvvve custard. Its a once in a blue moon treat. We had a lovely time chatting and catching up with news.

Star City casino for lunch

9 working days to go

On Wednesday all the managers were taken to Rosehill races for the day where we had lunch and watched the races. Chap from work gave me instructions on the betting process and I think I will pick up some winnings tomorrow. I was still coughing so the doc gave me Thur and Friday off, I'm sure they all think I'm bludging by taking days before I leave. From continual coughing the headache is the worst part of it all.
Saturday was our offices Christmas party and as last year, we went to Star City for lunch.

Tuesday

Its not much fun as am coughing like a seal so its the doc today. Only 13 working days to go.

Counting down

John decided he would help with the weeding and here he is in the front garden getting ready the spot where the tangello tree died. We will put in another when the time is right, as the tangello is a very delicious fruit.

Liz had her baby on the 25th and after a long labour, Emily was born weighing 7lb 13, both mum and baby are well.

Tomorrow is St Andrews day and 41 years ago to this day, John and I met at the Overseas Visitors Club in London. We will open a nice bottle of red to celebrate. Also tomorrow is the 19th working day before retirement.

Last rostered day off

On Wednesday I saw the South Australian movie Prime Mover which was nothing to rave about and then I met Margaret for a quick bit to eat before seeing Genova. It was a light movie set in a spectacular city where I would like to visit one day. Its soooooooooooo hot, hitting 41 degrees, but we stayed indoors in the airconditioning and did odds and ends. Tomorrow its 25 working days to go.

64th

Another birthday gone and the number of years have increased. We had a nice day walking about the markets at Moore Park with lunch there and then the movies. The Movie - The Boys are Back was disappointing but we have been to some good ones of late.

The count down has begun and its 29 working days before, not only Christmas, but mainly my last day of working life. Its so exciting.

65th

On Friday John was 65 but says he doesnt feel it. We will celebrate both our birthdays together next weekend. As his cholesterol points are down, I treated him to some shortbread which he will eat in rations.

The ladies came over for afternoon tea to have birthday cake with candles for my 64th. A pleasant afternoon with lots of chat and news to share.

Beginning of November

A quiet weekend with a bit of gardening, shopping, cooking and a lot of reading. I picked the white turnips, spinach and broccoli from the garden and added other bought vegetables and made a huge batch of soup. Its great for taking to work during the week.

Opera House open day

When we started out today by train to town it was great weather but arriving at Circular Quay it was pouring. We made the trip to go to the open day at the Opera House but the queueing system was where the taxis stop and there were hundreds upon hundreds of people squashed in a small space. Consequently we didnt stay and so plan B was the movies - An Education and we both enjoyed the film with many others, who came in from the rain. Tomorrow its 44 working days til Christmas.

Wednesday was my last RDO and fortunately John and I spent it together by going into town where we went to the Dendy. Saw two good movies - Julie and Julia and Looking for Eric. Now John likes to say things like he has had a Julia moment. We did a bit of shopping and had lunch between the movies. John is just finishing his meal at the noodle night markets in Hyde Park which is on this month. It was so crowded and here we are sitting on the steps just near where they play chess. The man painting a bit more of the house. Thats me just before we went to ST Georges Leagues for a bit to eat as didnt feel like cooking.

photo wall

One wall is almost full so now we start on the opposite one. Need a nice American family photo as the one on the blog does not print up well.

October already

For the past two weeks its been cough and more coughing and have driven myself and all around mad. I had to take last week off work as I was no good around people and couldnt concentrate. Will see what tomorrow brings.

After putting the bait down for the slugs and snails last week, yesterday I picked the strawberries. They're small but could not leave them any longer and this time I had the feast not the snails. I think the next lot of fruit will be alot larger.

John said the wrong team won the rugby league so it was not a good year football wise.

Summery September

John received a father's day card and photograph keyring which he really likes.

Today we spent time pruning the fruit trees and now that big job is finished. The trees are lemon and lime down the back with mandarine, pink grapefruit, strawberry guava, lemonade and blood orange out the front. The tangello has died and John will dig it up tomorrow. I'm not sure what to replace it with - another tangello or maybe mango or advocado. Will decide when we go to the nursery in a few weeks time.

Its still Spring

The neighbours have gone to Greece for 6 weeks and we are looking after their home. Today was so hot that we couldn't pass up the opportunity of putting our feet in the pool to cool down. The water was freezing. John will have to give up wearing his western boots which he rarely has off his feet if this weather continues.

Spent a couple of hours in the veggie patch tidying up as the weeds seem to thrive the best. Parsnip, celeriac and new tomato plants are shooting up well. I still have alot of trouble with snails and slugs eating the strawberries.

The weekend has zipped by and now its preparing for work tomorrow.

Father's Day

A cup of coffee at Gloria Jeans in Kiama.

John reading his letter wishing him a happy day. We did as we had a drive down to Berry to the markets and a wander around the shops. It was great weather and the drive very pleasant. Bought some strawberries plus two very small Birds Nest ferns to plant with the others to fill in the gaps left by having to remove the tree ferns. Tomorrow John starts painting the house.

23rd August

Another week has gone with a couple of happenings. Afternoon tea at Louise's yesterday was enjoyed by us all.

I have always wanted a leather jacket and here I am, at long last with my purchase. Its lovely to wear and being calf leather, its soft.

I had an RDO on Wednesday and headed to the Dendy at Circular Quay where I saw Beautiful Kate. It was a very good Aust. movie with Aussie actors and directed by Rachael Ward. It was one of the movies I missed out on seeing at the film festival in June. From the Quay I walked up George Street to Greater Union cinema to see Public Enemy which was completely different from the first movie but still enjoyable.

John is taking the next week off as they are in between jobs and hopes to do bits and pieces about the house. Today was such a wonderful day with almost summer conditions and spent it down the back in the garden. No reading as the weeds had almost taken over, so lots to do. Have put in more tomatoes in another area of the garden and see if the summer crop will produce more that this great one in winter -we haven't had to buy tomatoes this winter.

16 August

The best news is we can get the baby site.

Today was supposed to reach 28 degrees, it didnt but it was lovely to feel the warmth from the sun while sitting down the back.

Yesterday my vaccum cleaner gave up after 10 years, so we went shopping today and this is our purchase.

Summer Salt

Yesterday, after the usual housework, I spent the afternoon reading the newspapers then my book, the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. John went to the shop to see Rodney but didnt buy anything. Today we had a very pleasant lunch at Summer Salt but must admit the setting is wonderful but the food/service was not as good as the last times. I wonder if its under a different management. There were suited surfers in the water as the water was freezing and a few brave kids playing football on the beach.

2nd August

These tomatoes are from my garden in the middle of winter. I'm amazed as I really thought they would not ripen but they are delicious even though the skin is a little tough. There are three types - apricot, money spinner and tom thumb with still a few still on the vines.

The past weeks I have battled with people regarding the baby site and still have no success.

The staff meeting was held early last week and we were informed that we would loose one full time staff member when the union signs off the paper work. All offices are loosing at least one which shows you that business is slow but the only problem is they have not taken into consideration that each day is not average and humans make mistakes. If it gets too hard, I do have a choice but others dont.

John has high cholestrol and now has to take pills (forever) to reduce the count and keep it level, and you know how much he loves butter, cream, cheese and icecream.

Last Saturday we had an afternoon tea at Norma's to celebrate Margaret's 72nd birthday and it was lovely to see everyone. Norma retired two weeks ago after 30 years of service and during this time was very very rarely sick. And in the new retired life has had the flu which is not pleasant.

Sun 19 July 2009

We drove to North Cronulla to make a booking for lunch at Summersault for Sunday the 9th plus go for a walk along the promenade. Look in the background and you will see there is alot of work going on to repair the beach area where the sea has taken away alot of the embankment and made the beach walkway unsafe. We had fish and chips at one of the many restaurants and then walked back.

John has had the week off and of course did jobs about the house ie a new front verandah floor. It looks good and now will last for many years.

I had Wednesday as my RDO and it was an interesting day. Firstly I ordered a jacket and it will be ready in about another week. Then it was the waiting game for the IT tech to help with the computer. No luck and after spending 2 hours trying to find the problem, he took it away for up grading the memory and some sort of clean up. Thursday I received a call from them asking for the licence for the XP and I had no idea what they were talking about. I found a sticker on a piece of cellophane and that was it. Then they rang again saying that the web site I wanted could be received from other sites, plus it worked thru my computer there, so it was a provider problem. The computer was returned and it is faster in operation but still cannot get the website. I rang the provider, People Telecom who said it would take about 48 hours, so hoping tomorrow will have an answer. We are both looking forward to seeing the site.

Two meetings this week and there will be staff shortages, so the week looks like being hectic.

Sun 12th July

Here is John standing in the doorway of the shed where he was doing bits and pieces, with radio on listening to the footie (Hawthorn won, only just). It was such a dreary day and then all of a sudden, late afternoon, the sun shone after the rain.

The best news of the week was the birth of Henry in the US. Congratulations Fiona and Andrew on the birth of your son, a brother to Lucy. We hope all is well. I just wish to could get the web site to work so we can see him.

5th July 2009

Wednesday evening we drove into town to see the French and Saunders live show at the Capitol Theatre. It was a disappointing show, the ladies are not stand up comediennes but they are good in their respective film roles. No matter, if we didn't go, we would always wondered.

John went to a wine show at Darling Harbour on Saturday and had a good time with the boys. Rodney is flying to the UK on Monday.

It was good weather today and I spent a number of hours in the veggie patch tidying up. During summer I had a poor quantity of tomatoes and now, mid winter, four plants came up on their own and have approx 30 if not more fruit but the fruit needs to be taken indoors to ripen up.

Sunday 28 June

I was given the clean bill of health by the Opthalmic surgeon also the thyroid and diabetes doctor on Thursday. Now must keep up my health program.

The weekend has passed so quickly just being home and doing odds and ends. I did a big cookup today, its easier to have pre prepared meals during the week. The rhubard is growing strongly - its apple and rhubarb (no custard for me) tonight for sweet.

Hawthorn lost last night.

21st June - winter solstice

This is one side of the mandarine tree from the verandah showing lots of the fruit. The other side is as full. The lemonade, blood orange and pink grapefruit are also ready to pick. John will have fun tomorrow putting together bags for the neighbours so long as its not raining as it is now.

We went shopping today after a hair cut for me, for some cushions. Bought two plus red wool and candles; we had a blackout for three hours during the week. Spotlight store in Rockdale is huge and such variety to choose from.

Today is the shortest day so, from tomorrow, we can expect that extra minute of daylight.

14th June

I went to two of the festival films on Wednesday - Missing Water and Rough Aunties. My plan was to see four films but after these two diverse films I had a lot to think about. I still havent been able to fix the credit card error and hope SFF contact me soon.
As we have grown older we have found arthritis is affecting us both in different places and different times.
Black Pepper has opened where Fayes were in Hurstville, Eastgardens and Roselands. We went shopping on Saturday to Eastgardens and bought a couple of outfits, they look nice and feel comfortable.
It was so cold today we didnt do anything other than read the papers, listen to the footie - Hawks lost, and play on the computer.

Queens Birthday weekend

The week at work felt long and difficult and was glad of the three day break. John went to lunch with the boys on Saturday, so I took myself to the Dendy and saw Angels and Demons and Is Anybody There. Enjoyed both although A. & D. was not as good as the previous one in the series. Couldn't fit in Samson and Delilah as had to fix an error I had made in ordering tickets for the Sydney Film Festival at the State Theatre box office. Apparently I bought the 20 pack and then proceeded to book the wanted films but was doubling the order of tickets. Spent $513 instead of $241. Anyway its sorted and await a credit for the lot. Consequently lost all the ordered seats and today (Monday) we went in on spec and found the cinema was sold out on both chosen movies. Thats a lesson learnt. I have Wednesday off and have chosen 4 movies at the State Theatre and so far, all are available. Sunday was spent doing odd jobs about the house and of course, a bit of reading down the back as the weather was perfect while John watched Hawthorn play and win.

New boots

As you can see behind John, the blood oranges are coming along nicely and in a couple more weeks they will be ready to pick.

Its been a heavy past week at work but was treated at home as John had the week off; he did the household chores, cooked and even washed up. Also he went shopping for a pair of Western (not cowboy) boots and found something he really liked.

Week ending 24 May

During the week had lunch with Norma and then another day, with Helen. Both look well, Norma being on holidays and Helen about to go to Canada in a week or so for a month.



Today John went to the golf club's 50 anniversay at Kingsgove RSL and had a good day catching up with people he hasn't seen for a long time.



I had a great time at the Writers Festival yesterday and heard three sessions with different types of writers and their ideas. It would be nice to go again but that will be next year. Now I look forward to the Film festival starting in two weeks - I wonder if I can fit in 10 movies over two weekends??

16/17 May

It was a quiet weekend with a bit of shopping and the hairdresser on Saturday and as you can see part of Sunday was spent down the back pretending to read.

Saturday 9th/Sun 10th

During the week, I went to the dentist for the 2nd root canal treatment and I think its ok.

Saturday was housework day as I hadnt done anything for almost a month.

Today is Mothers day and opened Fiona's gift which was a mouse pad with Lucy's photos plus small and large photos. Of course they went up on the wall. I would love a photo the three of you like the one on the blog. ( Cannot copy that one for some reason. Lovely bunch of flowers from Katrina. Thank you both.

I spent a lovely day in the garden and tidied up and weeded and planted. John made the lattice fence a few weeks ago and have planted scented pea flowers which will climb and in front of them some spinich. What a combination.

Sunday 3rd

The ladies got together at Margarets for lunch to celebrate Helen's birthday. A lovely day with good food and friends.

Hawkesbury Show

Every couple of years we go to the Hawkesbury Show instead of the Sydney Show at Easter which is twice the cost and lots lots more crowded. We had a wonderful day wandering among the livestock, in fact we really loved the alpacas which we found can be raised as pets. They have to come in twos to keep each other company but maybe the backyard might be a bit small when they are an adult animal. Its hard to beat a bbq sausage on a roll with bbq sauce for lunch with the smells of animals and wood chopping about. John bought the Acoubra hat and looks just the part of a country farmer.

Working weekend at Culburra

Just before we left for home on Sunday, we went down to the beach and the view was as beautiful as ever. A few surfers were catching the waves but no one else, as the wind had come up and it was cold.

The gardening was non stop Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, amassing a mountain of rubbish which is hidden in the shed and along the back fence. The areas that were done looked good but there are a few spaces where plants had grown for a while which could be replaced some time. The whole back fence area has to be done next time plus the guttering at the back must be cleaned of the grass growing in it. A large wasp nest was removed from the kids room window (outside of course). Put down poison on the vines that grow up the trees and strangle them and hope by the time we go down again, it has done the job and made it easier to remove.

During the week I had a dental appointment for root canal work which went well and so another couple of visits to go. As a reward, I took myself to the movies and saw a French movie - Summer Hours.

Jury Duty

On Tuesday I had to go to Downing Street Court where after 4 hours of eliminating various peoples there were 40 of us left for selection. 20 went to one court and when your number was called you had to go into the jury box. Again when your number is called you had to stand and the prosecuter or crown could ask for you to stand down. Twelve were called and two were stood down and my number came up last. I was supposed to be on a five week trial but this one was to be 4/5 days - thank goodness. All the others went to another court and there were quite a few panels to select. After lunch the trial started. Because the judge had a civil case the next day, we were told to go to work if we were required. It was so cold in court and am now still nursing a cold. Thursday and Friday in court and the final addresses were made just on 2pm. After lunch (sandwiches and apple) we had to make a decision and after asking a few questions (which meant a trip into court each time) no decision still at 4.45. The judge addressed us again and a little more info, which swayed us all to one decision. Thank goodness its all over.

At work the back office was flooded and a lot of stock was destroyed. I could do only a bit at it was up to Christian and Cecilia. Hope its all sorted for tomorrow.

This weekend did nothing as most of the past nights have coughed like a walrus so have felt very weary. Energy level is low. I have the wonderful thought of root canal work on a back molar on Wednesday!!!!

John goes back to work tomorrow after a week off doing lots of things about the house and garden. We had a lovely Australania bush blocking off the hen house but that died with the tremendous heat the other month. So he pulled it out and has put up a lattice fence on which sweet peas will grow this year and may put a passionfruit plant at one end later on.

Easter Monday

The whole four days were for relaxation, having no stress and doing what we wanted to do or do nothing in particular. Shopping on Saturday morning at Eastgardens was my only outing for the weekend and when visiting Kmart there was a new Harlan Coben book, which was a must have.
Part of Kodak photo gallery requirment now askes me to spend $20 on prints per year, so thats what I did this afternoon, pour over this years photos and having a reminisce as well.
The worm farms were cleaned and found a red back living in the lowest section where the liquid is usually stored but because I have the tap open all the time with a bucket underneath, the spider found a nice home.
Harvested radishes, lettuce and the last of the tomatoes this morning, plus a few strawberries and raspberries.
John is having the next 4 days off, so there is a to do list, with more items being added as they are thought of.

Hawthorn v Swans

John was so keen that his team was in Sydney that he went to the evening training on Friday. Unfortunately the plane was late and so was the training which he left earlier that he normally would have. The game was last night with the Hawks going down after a good first half.

My first week back at work was difficult not only workwise but getting back into a routine. I had also forgotten how much I dislike wearing stockings and shoes.

Worked in the vegie garden today for a couple of hours and then got out my book as it was just great down the back.