Been a while.....

I know it's nearly mid March - but my new year goal is to blog more this year.

Instead of these patheric updates.

So after this last one -  I'm on it!

In the mean time...

I've been making poppies as part to Lynn's #500poppies project. 

They all need to be done next week - so I'm dropping mine off tomorrow at the 

Melbourne Town Hall, 

where there is a hive of activity putting them into a more manageable form.

Can't wait to see the finished results.

I have been doing a bit of research - and have found a few relatives who were in several wars...

Douglas Inglis Scott Burnes #3587 - 19th Co, 6th Contingent - Boar War

Adam Allan Burnes #11/1126 - 5th Wellington Mounted Rifles (NZ) - WWI

Francis Joseph Griffin - Sth Afican Infantary (from Brighton Vic) - WWI

'died somewhere in France' 20th September 1917

George Maurice Griffin #22012 107th Bn - WWI

Gerald Francis Griffin #5830 - 24th Bn., 16th RF. - WWI

Francis (Frank) Griffin #3751 7th Bn. 12th RF - WWI

Joseph Patrick Griffin #21636 37th Bn, 2nd RF. -WWI

Angus Caughey #1255 8th Light Horse Reg, 10th RF. WWI 

'died of malaria in Egypt'

Francis John Caughey Morgan #451 4th Imperial Cont. - Boar War

Norman Edward Caughey Morgan #5080 Field Artillery Brigade 2, 9th RF - WWI

I never thought I had any relatives that went to war. It's a bit like finding out you have convicts - in this 100th Year of Gallipoli I'm really grateful to all these men that fought.

Before they were soldiers they were lamp-lighters, grocers, civil servant, farmer, labourer

Did you know you can go here to look up your own family

Other news....
Meet Jessica Mae.
She was born on 27th January.
The same day as Thomas (my younger brother) who died Dec 2013.

Anie & Jessica

I got a new garden...

Before

After

In the meantime I'm thinking of Pattie who has been diagnosed with cancer recently.

Her daughter Meg is writing a blog about the journey.

I know it won't feel like it - but they are lucky to have this time to talk, share stories and just be together while they can.

My Mum

On February 16th 2012 my beautiful Mum left us.

After about 5 years of suffering through a horrible illness

her body finally had had enough.

I have now lost 2 parents in the last 3 years

It's a odd feeling. I am now the oldest in my family.

I certainly don't feel grown up enough!

All I feel is sad

I can't even voice how much I miss her.

Mum with Zoe

Mum & Dad - few months before their wedding in 1965

My Christening - 1968

Mum & the 3 wise men

(my brothers - Thomas, Edward & Peter)

Mum & I

Ouch!

Angus broke his collar bone playing footy a few weeks ago. It's nearly fixed

A trip away....

I am taking a little trip to Thailand and Cambodia to source new products for my shop.

There are some amazing sites to see - over the next few weeks I will share them!

Colostrum Tablets found in Bangkok airport?

The first garbage truck I've ever seen in Cambodia......

not sure where it all ends up?

My sister-in-law has unusual taste in snacks. Yesterday while sitting having a afternoon beer we went for a small walk to 'get some of the ants out of my nephews pant'. She spied these fried frogs - and quickly snapped up a 6 for her & the kids!

I asked her what they tasted like.......chicken!

10

That's a big number

This is my millennium baby.....there are a lot out there!

2010 - a new year

Last night the kids and I went to Williamstown beach to try and get out of the repressive Melbourne heat.
It didn't really happen.
It was still about 38 at 8pm.
We then headed off to The Strand to watch the fireworks. This was our view at about 8.40pm. The Blue moon is just rising above the skyline, and the ominous grey rain clouds are getting ready to burst open.
This happened about 15 minutes later.....when people where running out of the rain.
We did get to see a few fireworks.
But the kids enjoyed the flares and car honking by all of the 'revellers' more.

Anyway have a happy and crafty year.

a year gone....

Today is my brother Peters 40th Birthday!
Dad was visiting him in Cambodia when he died - a year ago today.

I lot has happened since then.
Today I found out our old beach house has been demolished.
That makes me feel pretty sad. It had so much character.
But the 'cashed up boggans' who now have it will build some horrendous McMansion to get better views of the ocean.

The 70's.
A time of velour, collars, hair.
The photo above is of Dad and Peter. Taken in about 1973.

Peters Place

This is the beautiful Anita (with her new blanket) She is a very happy baby who spends lots of time swinging in her hammock.



You may think this looks like 'Starbucks'.....same same....but different. This is 'The Terrace'. It has half decent coffee - and wireless Internet. It's only taken me 6 days to discover this!
Nothing happens fast around here.

Yesterday we went to the Central Market. Anie, Ma, Par, Pundit, Mickey and myself.
It was hot, Mickey cried 80% of the time and Anie is a major bargain hunter. She will not buy anything for more 55% off the original price (which to me was pretty cheap to start with)

We stopped for a bit to eat - couldn't tell you what it was. Looked like jellyfish with worms sitting in coconut milk then topped with shaved ice. Yum! I declined this little treat, buy everyone else got stuck in!



On the way out there was a quick snack stop. They look like cockroaches to me - who knows. You do have to take the legs off because they have little barbs on them.
Again everyone (but me) got stuck in to theses little treats.



This is a photo at Peter's House. Anita with Anie, Peter at the back and Anie's mum Ma to the right

Back in Cambodia....

I am now in Cambodia! Staying with my brother - Peter and his family. At last count this was about 9 people. They are now living in a very nice house in sort of a compound - as there if a few guards at the front gate to get in. It means that it is really safe for the kids.....particularly as where they are only their immediate neighbours drive past. So the street is a bit of a playground. This is especially true at 'Happy Hour' when all the kids from the area get on their bikes and scooters and ride up and down the street before dinner.
I am still having a few issues downloading photos - so stay tuned.
I gave Anita the blanket I crocheted for her, and a little babushka doll. It was well received by all.
A picture tells a thousand words so - will let them do the talking

My new Neice....

and her mum sleeping after a 2 hour labour!

And Jack lost his front teeth.......
They were hanging out by a thread - and he ripped them out!

sold!

After 27 years of living in this house, raising 4 children, who produced 7 grandchildren, then 1 husband dying ....mum sold her home today!

The end of one life......begining of another.

You can help theses kids....

Some of you may know I have a brother living in Cambodia with his growing family. I can across this organisation and would like to let everyone know they are having a fundraiser in Melbourne.
These kids have a pretty hard life - selling 'trinkets' on the beach in Sihanoukville instead of going to school. CCPP give the kids the opportunity to earn money for their family in a safe way, and get an education at the same time.
If you need incentive check out this Video ......there is also a link to this on my side bar

Paying the price!!

The Daphne is out and smelling beautiful. I have it near my front door. It's great walking past it as you come inside the house - deflects the kaos inside!

Zoe is home from school - 'sick'. Sleep over party has done her in. So I'm stuck at home trying to work....while she sleeps.

What were we thinking.....

This weekend I made about 60 of theses cupcakes, honey joys & chocolate crackles. Somehow we ended up with two birthday party's on the same day.

Jack (7) started at 10am and was full on.

Zoe's (11) started at 5pm. I was the cook for this one, but as she wanted it at dads house......I was off the hook. I think these 8 girls will be very tired come Monday
During my travels over the weekend I took one of my shortcuts. Got a bit lost.....but found this place! Good find

It's hard rubbish in Hawthorn. I have such a full house - so am trying to give up this little addiction. So instead I took a photo of this great piece. I folds out flat. Very groovy. I went back the next day......gone!

If you popped by my site ....I'd love you to leave me a comment...so I know I'm not talking to myself.

finally finished

I've finally posted the blanket I finished a few weeks ago.

It's for my niece.....who is due in about 3 weeks.

She will get it in November when I go and visit ....over in Cambodia

The other day while walking down Lonsdale street I come across this fancy bird!

Another Birthday

Today this baby turned 11 years old.

My baby turned 7 today.

Next Project

Isn't it suppose to be Autumn? How hot was it today....too hot I say!

Today Stacey & I and 6 kids popped over to Wondoflex for a bit of wool shopping.

I have a policy of finishing one thing before I start another. But I need to be ready just jump straight into it....so now I am.

I have bought 100% cotton for a baby that's joining the family soon in Cambodia!
And one more book for the collection!

Summer..........

..........remember sleeping in the only room in the house with the fan...when your own room was so hot you could melt. (like the quilts I made for the boys)
........remember warming up on the hot concrete after your teeth started to chatter and your hands were all wrinkled from being in the pool so long...

.......and running through the sprinkler (no photo of cause!)

Leave of absence

This has been a weird few months. As you may have guested, Dad died. He was visiting brother #1 in Cambodia, became unwell, and died.

It took nearly 2 weeks to get him home. It still doesn't feel real.......like he is still away on holidays.

One week later I had carpal tunnel release on right hand. Very painful, but more frustrating being in a sling for a week.

So now we are down at the beach for possibly the last summer holiday in the house we've had for 20 years. There will be lots of changes in the next few months and years. Watch this space for developments.

dad

19 April 1942 - 28 November 2008