tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89571662024-03-05T10:48:26.082-08:00Shabby ChookWelcome - I'm so glad you've called in!Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.comBlogger243125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-41379477104155497182014-01-30T13:42:00.006-08:002014-01-30T13:42:52.268-08:00Just Twelve Months<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I had promised myself I would continue posting - how quickly that little promise faded! Just twelve months ago - a whole year has passed and I barely thought of writing in that time. Oh yes, I've done correspondence, internet, emails, chats but the inspiration just wasn't available when I needed it. So much has happened in that twelve months! Not least of all my dear Mum finally passed to her eternal reward right at the end of September. I had been to visit just a week before and felt she may not have long to be with us. Sometimes its not till after the event that we realise that God's timing was perfect! </b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>A very busy family year is ahead - visit to our son and daughter in love and their children in Texas, a new great grandson and a wedding - lots to look forward to. I'm blown away by God's grace! Ever grateful!</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Blessings to you all dear friends!</b></span></i></div>
Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-78817919639896137092013-01-24T20:38:00.003-08:002013-01-24T20:43:13.782-08:00I'm back...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Three weeks seemed such a long time when we left - how quickly the time went while we were away. As the sole purpose of visiting Auckland was to see my mother, the first 10 days away saw us doing mostly just that. We stayed with my brother and SIL who live in the countryside just north of the city so without transport except him to drive us, it was an enforced rest as well. DH spent time resting and reading and I was able to catch up on my cross stitch piece which I have now almost finished. Because of a comment made by my SIL, I need to change my plan for making it into a cushion cover for my brother's 70th birthday. It seems he may prefer it framed. I was planning to stitch our clan name in Celtic script however the space in the pattern is too small. I'm thinking perhaps a small clan crest if I can purchase one, could be pinned to the space instead. I'll take a photo to show when it's complete.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">We found Mum reasonably well and much the same as I had left her 6 months ago. Of course she was overjoyed to see not only us but also her 91 year old sister who had traveled many miles to visit - she had a number of 'out of town' visitors over the Christmas and New Year period. It was unfortunate that about a week after our arrival, Mum became unwell and really doesn't seem to be much better. Tests were sent to the laboratory which all came back negative so the doctor doesn't seem to know what the problem is. A week afterwards, there was an outbreak of novo virus which put the facility into lock-down with no visitors allowed. The RN I spoke to didn't seem to think this was Mum's problem and when I made a phone call to her this morning she had been on a group outing yesterday so she may be improving a little. I do hope and pray so.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">After 10 days with my brother, we moved 'residence' to DH's brother and his wife. They live close to the water and because we weren't able to visit with Mum, we took the opportunity to have some outings. We went to places we hadn't discovered when we lived in Auckland many years ago, had lovely lunches in some of them, drove to some beautiful scenic spots and saw the movie "Quartet" - what a hoot! Loved it!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">We took a trip to Matakana Village, about an hours drive north east of Auckland on the coast and spent a few hours wandering amongst the market stalls, having lunch then later a huge delicious ice cream made locally. We drove to Black Bay Sculptural Walk which is in a bushland setting where many local artists have displayed large sculptures. Boardwalk areas have been made through the bush which makes the hour's 'wandering' very pleasant.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Isn't it surprising how quickly one gets back into 'normalcy' after arriving back home? Grocery shopping, laundry, housework - I guess we wouldn't have it any other way would we?</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-69616224290472348452012-12-29T14:57:00.000-08:002012-12-29T14:57:05.035-08:00One more day...<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">One more day till the end of 2012. An eventful year? Yes! The big '7 0' birthday, the big '5 0' years of marriage, eldest grandson engaged, so much to be thankful for with all of our family well and happy. Sadly my mother was told she could no longer live alone and was moved from hospital to her new 'home' in an assisted living facility. </span></em><em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">On the last day of this year I will be winging my way 'across the ditch' to see her. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">This past month has been busy - as it always seems to be leading up to Christmas but we've spent a very lazy week since the 'big day'. Reading and eating have featured large! Now the task ahead is to shed those unwanted kilos which have sneaked up on me. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">I've recently had a real sewing (machine) frenzy and finished making some tote bags and hanging hand towels which have been given as gifts. Now I must get on and finish the Scottish Thistle sampler I began at least 6 months ago. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My brother turns 70 next June and I plan to make this sampler into a cushion cover for him. The chart is by "M Designs" (Thistle Clock and Sampler) and I am stitching it on a seeded oatmeal colour #14 Aida cloth. I fear it will be the last cross stitch project I will complete as my finger joints are now very swollen and painful with Hebeden's arthritis. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">As I reflect on 2012, there have been so many 'showers of blessings' which have come from God through the Holy Spirit. Some say twists and turns of fate - I say only a loving Heavenly Father could have planned them at just the right time. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">I look forward to what He has planned for me in 2013 and rest on His promise - 'for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' (Jeremiah 29:11 BNIV) My future is secure in Him.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">May the blessings of God be with you also in 2013!</span></em></div>
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Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-32697667193383284602012-12-20T15:18:00.004-08:002012-12-20T15:18:56.465-08:00Am I ready for Christmas?<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>Tomato Relish is made...</em></span><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Shortbread out of the oven...</span></em></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>Is my heart ready to receive Him?</em></span></div>
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Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-36320080963427027502012-11-29T14:08:00.000-08:002012-11-29T14:08:09.782-08:00Chit Chat<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Last day of November! I guess we all have a tendency to say 'where's this year gone?' and in some ways I feel that way too but I also can look back over the past few months and realise I've crammed so much into those days and weeks. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Today is the day I remember my youngest brother who passed away 5 years ago. He would have been 64 today had he lived but he was a person who lived life to the fullest. He had travelled the world, loved the sea and its creatures, and was passionate about whales and dolphins and in the early '70s was an instigator of Project Jonah when the anti-whaling movement in New Zealand was in its infancy. Many times he frolicked with dolphins, they seemed to be a magnet to each other, them coming right up to him and nudging his face - wonderfully lasting memories we have on film.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">So - one more month till we bring in 2013 - quite often so busy we reach Christmas day exhausted - but this year, I'm hoping for quieter days. Christmas gifts for the two little grandies already done - thanks to a well organised daughter - Christmas cake made 3 weeks ago - sweet!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">The weather forecast for today and tomorrow is not so good though - we have a heatwave and no relief until Saturday night - meantime though I have a trim to my very 'out of <strike>control</strike> shape' hair this morning - and a 'Santa' beard to purchase (if I can find one). DH is being 'him' for our church again this year. The 'suit' is one I made 30 years ago and is still in fairly good 'nick' but the beard has become rather tangled and 'itchy' to wear - so I'm on the hunt. Let's hope there's a few Christmas shops around that I can search through.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Blessings!</span></em></div>
Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-43623520374282005482012-11-17T22:54:00.000-08:002012-11-17T22:58:39.917-08:00Cockatoo Island<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>Woke to an abysmally dull and overcast morning - disappointment - afternoon outing with our "Top of the Hill" bunch from church looked unlikely. As time drew near for our departure from home the sky brightened so with rain jackets packed we left for the railway station. An hour's ride into the city, a 15 minute walk to the ferry at Circular Quay and the sun shone and sparkled on the water underneath the Harbour Bridge. It was cool, but the 30 minute ride to Cockatoo Island was pleasant. Alongside at the passenger terminal was the massively large white 'Radiance of the Sea' cruise ship, and passing under the bridge with myriad of yachts and other boats of all sizes bobbing in front and past us caused large waves to send our little ferry comfortably up and down. </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>Cockatoo Island is within the Sydney Harbour, steeped in history but retaining all its character. It was used as a convict prison between 1839 and 1869 and was recently inscribed on the World Heritage list because of its significant convict history. The Fitzroy Dock, built for the Royal Australian Navy, was carved by convicts in leg irons in the 1850's, often waist deep in water.</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>For many years the dockyard of the RAN, some 4000 men and a few women were employed on the Island during World War 11, building some of Australia's largest ships and its first aircraft carrier. </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>With its remarkable historical landmarks and the worlds first urban waterfront campground, Cockatoo Island has much to offer both overseas tourists and Aussie dwellers alike. Recently it has been the venue of the Redbull X-fighters final and the Southern Hemisphere's biggest Street Art Festival, with the upcoming launch of the Cockatoo Island Film Festival.</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Another half hour ferry ride back to the main terminal set us right below the train station where we boarded our transport back home. We arrived a couple of minutes before 6pm, armed with our bundle of hot fish and chips purchased from the local 'takeaway'.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">All in all, a very pleasant afternoon!</span></em></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><em>Approaching Cockatoo Island</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Old historic homestead</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">View of the harbour from cells</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Old Jacaranda tree in grounds of historic homestead</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Back view of Harbour Bridge</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Spectacular Opera House right at the ferry wharf</span></em></div>
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<br />Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-12224144025134861222012-11-15T15:14:00.002-08:002012-11-15T15:18:44.072-08:00I seem to recall...<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>I seem to recall that I've said this before. In fact I'm sure I have - where has the time gone? No journal since I turned 70! Was this just me being tardy or remiss? Or was it a sub-conscious effort to not get any older? I'm not sure but I cannot get past the fact that it has probably just been plain old laziness that has prevented me from posting here since January. If by chance it was my sub-conscious mind trying to prevent me from getting any older I can tell it right here and now that it hasn't been successful! (LOL) For here we are almost at the end of another year and before I know it, I will be turning 71 - and no effort on my sub-conscious mind will ever change that.</em></span><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I could say... where has the time gone? But that would be rather boring and not at all entertaining for anyone who might chance upon this page - but then again, my life does tend to be fairly mundane - doing much the same things each week - but when I glance my mind's eye back through 2012, I realise that there have been some times when life has sprung some surprises.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Many years ago we befriended a Korean family who had come to live in Sydney while the dad did 3 years of university studies. We have kept in touch over the years and in February they came back to Australia to be with their daughter when she married an Aussie fella! It was great to meet up with the family again and reminisce. In June, eldest grandson B22 left on a long-waited-for overseas trip along with his girlfriend and another young couple. In Venice while riding on a gondola, he 'popped the question' - and she said 'yes'! That was exciting news!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My mum turned 93 in May and was admitted to hospital in early July with a chest infection. She had taken a couple of falls at home during the early part of this year and it had been apparent to the family that she really should be in care. Time came when she was ready for discharge from hospital but the medical team felt she should not live by herself any longer - how sad to not be able to go back home where everything was familiar - but to be placed in a rest home where everything was strange and different. I was able to go to Auckland to close up her home and help resettle her and spend a few weeks visiting. I am pleased to say though that she's now OK with it all, enjoys the meals and likes the staff who are very good to her plus she's now situated not all that far from where my brother lives - which is indeed is a blessing in itself.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Our friendly neighbourhood birds continue to come each day for their afternoon tea (or breakfast, lunch or dinner - whichever suits) and I continue to get pleasure from their visits.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Health wise, we've been fortunate this year - not even a sniffle! Life continues in much the same way - minding grandsons during school holidays - photography club - craft group - bible study - regular worship attendance - much to be thankful for - serving the Lord in my little corner - where He's placed me - and where He wants me!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Blessings!</span></em></div>
Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-75097961979314914682012-01-22T02:59:00.000-08:002012-01-22T02:59:09.373-08:00The BIG 7 0<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XvL-ctFa_06in-WQEJ6X0kpeJOAjy1A2anrp33T2LlUk015ZH8yYS9niMqBsM93ib9gGonCR14Xte15_mHKRIQE5PsV70OCYSaXdLFWVfydfJdLHxyQZlf34SnnY58CqsIsKJw/s1600/Birthday+balloons+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XvL-ctFa_06in-WQEJ6X0kpeJOAjy1A2anrp33T2LlUk015ZH8yYS9niMqBsM93ib9gGonCR14Xte15_mHKRIQE5PsV70OCYSaXdLFWVfydfJdLHxyQZlf34SnnY58CqsIsKJw/s320/Birthday+balloons+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1b6Mh4CYxl4vo8Chs0x_MRB3XXon7VkrGhMyeBRl7yFD4pr_X12HXHS5fv5HxxD8pNUUit2-04DIimKgFGYpTCwN-UDQXPTBapCxW3BV3yYxyuBkN_kuoh541aiTNW3TsHFmG6g/s1600/Birthday+kiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1b6Mh4CYxl4vo8Chs0x_MRB3XXon7VkrGhMyeBRl7yFD4pr_X12HXHS5fv5HxxD8pNUUit2-04DIimKgFGYpTCwN-UDQXPTBapCxW3BV3yYxyuBkN_kuoh541aiTNW3TsHFmG6g/s320/Birthday+kiss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div>Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-3223251177732727342012-01-13T23:30:00.000-08:002012-01-13T23:34:57.054-08:00I just had to tell you...<div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's been a dull old day - not at all like summer! Temperature has barely reached 20C (average for this time of year around 26/27C). For a long time I had promised myself I would sort out all of my embroidery threads and 'catalogue' them. Today was a great day to do it.</span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">As I was sitting at my kitchen table sorting and winding and labelling I heard a bit of a commotion outside. Got up to look and saw the funniest antics I've seen in a long time - just had to tell you!</span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Over the past week or so there's been a family of magpie birds around the yard. Mum and possibly Dad - with 3 big babies. I say big because they look big - but they're still getting food from Mum as well as picking around the garden.</span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Three youngsters were having a total scrap! I got my camera and got a few shots! They were more like puppies or kittens than birds. I was laughing to myself so hard!</span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">One of them found an old corn husk in the compost heap and was playing with it like a dog would a bone. Sibling arrives on the scene and tries to take it away. No way, Jose! First baby runs quickly to my laundry trolley and hops up into the peg basket. Deposits the husk in and picks up a red peg. All the while the other two siblings are trying their best to antagonise and get up to the corn husk. Eventually when the three of them were back on terra firma, another little tussle ensued. Biting each other's tails, rolling on backs, pecking, pecking! Oh it was such a delight to watch!</span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">I stood there at the kitchen window and hubby joined me - thoroughly entertaining! Eventually the scuffle broke up and they continued their meandering around the garden. I looked out a little while later as it seemed quiet and one of the babies had fallen asleep on the fence. So cute!</span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Love all of God's creatures!</span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Anyway I did manage to get all of the floss sorted and even ended up with a bag of duplicates. Felt satisfied that the job that I'd put off for so long was done.</span></em></div><br />
<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Blessings!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">PS (sorry about the spacing of the photos. I don't seem to be able to do anything about it this time)</span></em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOL_MVZTT72UiIptgW2EXOzALZl1zk3pHS4tGl_Gv7n8L9T49DvhmZTlaHn7Apa4yCtZtiE50rBVigF3utqmyOttWtLcacJBNxpT7ppr7p6rnHTWKbnlb71cH5oqQaMVRRTJ6QLw/s1600/Threads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOL_MVZTT72UiIptgW2EXOzALZl1zk3pHS4tGl_Gv7n8L9T49DvhmZTlaHn7Apa4yCtZtiE50rBVigF3utqmyOttWtLcacJBNxpT7ppr7p6rnHTWKbnlb71cH5oqQaMVRRTJ6QLw/s320/Threads.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-50138755035874010262012-01-01T01:59:00.000-08:002012-01-01T01:59:21.899-08:00New Years resolutions?<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>What better New Years resolution could we make - Paul's words say it all!</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Philippians 3:12-14</em></span><br />
<sup><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> </em></span></sup><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. <sup>13</sup>Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, <sup>14</sup>I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Blessings on this first day of 2012 dear friends!</em></span>Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-86932388448782269432011-12-30T04:55:00.000-08:002011-12-30T04:55:28.801-08:00Up in the middle of the night!<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, it's almost the middle of the night here - just 20 minutes before midnight. Have had a couple of those nights where I haven't been able to get to sleep - or in the case last night, slept for about 30 minutes then was wide awake for hours. Managed to drop off about 4am then slept late till nearly 8. I guess when this happens, one tends to just try too hard at getting to sleep - then it never seems to happen.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Well I think the last couple of days my mind has been overly active - at least more than usual - and I was kind of 'wound up' and things were going through my head at a real rate of knots.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Yesterday I spent the day on the computer trying to sort out some information for DIL's family tree. I did get quite a bit done though for which I was pleased. Today the morning was fairly quiet with watering the garden and grocery shopping but after lunch DH and I decided to go to the movies. I had library books to return as well so we got seat bookings online to go to "The Iron Lady" which I've been wanting to see since I heard it was being released. I really enjoyed it - and Meryl Streep's acting was superb as one would expect. I love her movies - she is so skilled. We talked about the movie later in the day, and about Margaret Thatcher, where she lives now and how old she is and of course my mind stayed pretty well active until bedtime. But despite doing a little reading to relax, sleep has evaded me again tonight. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">So after a warm drink I'm planning to head back to bed and hope I can drift off to sleep this time.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Tomorrow is the last day of 2011. It's hard to believe, the last week has just zipped by so quickly - I guess that's what happens when DH is home from work between Christmas and New Year break. Looking forward to seeing the wonderful fireworks display tomorrow night to mark the end of the year and the beginning of 2012. Hopefully will stay up and see the 9pm show but it's debatable whether I last the distance for the midnight extravaganza. We won't be heading off into the city to see it live - it's pretty good to watch on the television! Sydney is well renowned throughout the world for its New Year's Eve fireworks display and I have no doubt tomorrow night's will live up to expectations.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Happy New Year everyone - and blessings in abundance through 2012!</span></em><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKqm46SuaxcCXTpEd6y9UjJFJuHtYTr38bl1eHrJyB9EItPkQn7myb5YRFCJc2TI4nBHFnbZLMkEYryzmQDMbelXVw93DVsEIlTvzzbpGbv0JvtSyvqkjGHv6xbpF48ALWSinaQ/s1600/Syd+fireworks+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKqm46SuaxcCXTpEd6y9UjJFJuHtYTr38bl1eHrJyB9EItPkQn7myb5YRFCJc2TI4nBHFnbZLMkEYryzmQDMbelXVw93DVsEIlTvzzbpGbv0JvtSyvqkjGHv6xbpF48ALWSinaQ/s320/Syd+fireworks+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Sydney Opera House 2007</span></em></div><div align="center"></div>Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-11366825270161092752011-12-26T16:13:00.000-08:002011-12-26T16:13:24.466-08:00Long time catch-up<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christmas Day is over! It seems such a long time in preparation then so quickly, food is eaten, gifts are opened and it's clean-up time. And we'll do it all again next year I'm sure. We will have forgotten all of the negative things about Christmas and the lead up to it, but in our hearts I believe we can remember the most positive aspect of Christmas for the whole of the year. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Yes, the fact that Jesus was born, died at Calvary and rose again is an amazing thing - the way it all happened and was planned by God the Father is something our finite minds find difficult to grasp and hold - but the most amazing thing of all I think, is that God loved us all so much that he not only planned it immaculately, but carried it out - just so that we have the opportunity of eternity with Him. Oh how I long for that time!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Happy Christmas dear friends and a bright and wonderful 2012.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Blessings!</span></em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmITUPg4p9EV_4puVlhu2RxenB2TeZ6Vs9FCVmoSXQ-AsfXKq6TLyc2sDdwrXjHTL03Uu3MbjQClnfo-qwN8LTvTdf0DzuxLKdLZQmtvW0XFQZup1KMgNTDOoYPmKXf01ZUveQw/s1600/Kate+and+Ed+carving+turkey+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmITUPg4p9EV_4puVlhu2RxenB2TeZ6Vs9FCVmoSXQ-AsfXKq6TLyc2sDdwrXjHTL03Uu3MbjQClnfo-qwN8LTvTdf0DzuxLKdLZQmtvW0XFQZup1KMgNTDOoYPmKXf01ZUveQw/s320/Kate+and+Ed+carving+turkey+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>Carving the turkey</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUp-f5Sl9RVGL7bmiG85Uc5K1Ab06iQqlmQN57Mow3S2HOqqbGWV-3RyqNkfwPvukrOOVjhfuJR2FLdCRvvsReLC7ssEZBWzvCb0AL-50ObfYrovJc0vhey6MnEerNDQJ-vhjfSQ/s1600/Ethan+with+new+camera+Christmas+Day+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUp-f5Sl9RVGL7bmiG85Uc5K1Ab06iQqlmQN57Mow3S2HOqqbGWV-3RyqNkfwPvukrOOVjhfuJR2FLdCRvvsReLC7ssEZBWzvCb0AL-50ObfYrovJc0vhey6MnEerNDQJ-vhjfSQ/s320/Ethan+with+new+camera+Christmas+Day+2011.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">E with new camera</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2ZNJk71soc0bOewkk6MalGGUTfB6KOwBX_EMue1mq6QZ5UWJQqpcrmVBHVygNo3nvspJsBchJ2roGLCulu59WqcWyUmbobPWrwm4V-zeCUSrOtpOH1O3U-IWzjUbv_V-g-Xmtw/s1600/Liam+with+new+camera+Christmas+day+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2ZNJk71soc0bOewkk6MalGGUTfB6KOwBX_EMue1mq6QZ5UWJQqpcrmVBHVygNo3nvspJsBchJ2roGLCulu59WqcWyUmbobPWrwm4V-zeCUSrOtpOH1O3U-IWzjUbv_V-g-Xmtw/s320/Liam+with+new+camera+Christmas+day+2011.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">L with new camera (and a sticky mouth)</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheU_u1HbFeBb4jzZbsTPHEzmjkEDzvDAFkwZjq-hsckdbtWoagYiLHlblbVgpek_owHg_IIKAP64r3s3ZbMvvJto-I3LLo9QZ7IQUFeWnn6jZRTqIK31YpbSZGJHSG7XF45linCw/s1600/Carolyn+Campbell+Liam+Ethan+Dec+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheU_u1HbFeBb4jzZbsTPHEzmjkEDzvDAFkwZjq-hsckdbtWoagYiLHlblbVgpek_owHg_IIKAP64r3s3ZbMvvJto-I3LLo9QZ7IQUFeWnn6jZRTqIK31YpbSZGJHSG7XF45linCw/s320/Carolyn+Campbell+Liam+Ethan+Dec+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">C, C, L and E waiting for the turkey!</span></em></div>Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-87457831439957970972011-10-16T16:08:00.000-07:002011-10-16T16:10:32.344-07:00Convicts and bonnets<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: TTFF4BE3C0t00;"> <em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The craft group I belong to are making Convict Bonnets as part of a living sculpture called "Roses from the Heart".</span></em></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: TTFF4BE3C0t00;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Conceptual artist and Artist in Residence at the Cascades Female Factory, Hobart, Tasmania and Christina Henri have designed this as a tribute to the convict women of Australia.</span></em></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">The "Roses from the Heart" project aims to have 25,566 bonnets made, one for every woman transported to Australia between 1788 and 1846 when tranportation ceased. To date about 20,500 have been collected from all over the world. Many of the bonnets already made have been adorned with a convict woman's name, the ship in which she arrived and the date of arrival.</span></em></div><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;"><em>This link will give you more information. </em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;"><a href="http://www.christinahenri.com.au/index.php?/ongoing/roses-from-the-heart/"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">http://www.christinahenri.com.au/index.php?/ongoing/roses-from-the-heart/</span></a></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>There are 3 convicts in our family from my husband's side (must have been a bad lot! LOL) however they were all male so to honour a convict woman on my bonnet I have chosen a person with the same surname. She was Elizabeth Double who was sentenced to transportation on 14 January 1818 and sailed in the "Maria" to Sydney in NSW. She was in Sydney until 1820 when she was sent to Tasmania and shipped on the "Princess Charlotte" to Hobart. </em></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">It's been a really interesting exercise for me to check out not only this woman but the three rellies who were sentenced two years apart - Joseph in 1842, Edward in 1844 and John in 1846. Although from the same family name of 'Double's', none were directly related however Edward was a nephew of Joseph.</span></em></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">It's hard to imagine what life must have been like in those days - so hard - most of the crimes punishable by transportation then, would not even rate a mention today - although one of the above was charged and sentenced for arson - burning down a barn of hay! </span></em></div><br />
<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Some of the records make interesting reading!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Blessings!</span></em><br />
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</div>Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-14092572489676263032011-10-08T01:53:00.000-07:002011-10-08T01:53:40.047-07:00Baby birds and birthdays<div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I rushed out to rescue the washing from the clothes line - it certainly wasn't dry, but too dry to get wet in the rain that was threatening. I was casually watching out the kitchen window at the rain as it absolutely hosed down and to my great surprise I saw a brilliant flash of fire then smoke rising from behind the trees not far from our back fence. Almost instantaneously our power went off. The lightning must have hit a transformer supplying electricity to our area. At a guess I'd say a good inch and a half of rain fell in the next hour. Absolutely pelted down!</span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">The power was restored a couple of hours later. At least there was enough light by sitting close to the window, to read for that length of time.</span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">But no matter what the weather, baby birds continue to feed, and birthday parties happen. For the past three days, Mr and Mrs Scaly Breasted Lorikeet have brought baby SBL to my window. I simply love their huge black baby eyes as they stumble around the tray trying to make out what they are supposed to do with this stuff that mum and dad seem to be wolfing down their throats. It hasn't taken long and he/she has gotten the idea of what to do, but despite that still needs some from mum as well. It is amazing thing to watch at such close range!</span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">And parties! Grandson E had his today to celebrate his 8th birthday. Daughter had asked me to make the cake so after trying to decide how to decorate it, finished up with a 'Mario' theme since the kids at the moment are all crazy for DS and Wii games featuring this cute character. The water is really too cold at this time of the year but the new pool has a heater installed and after 12 hours switched on overnight, the kids were able to swim and play in 30C warmth! A bit chilly getting out though! </span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">The storm has now gone and the skies are clear-ish but tomorrow we are promised from the weather bureau a bit more of the same - and rain throughout the coming week. At least we won't need to water the garden or top up the pool!</span></em></div><br />
<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Blessings!</span></em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvmxgu1IDQoGpOeoD8UKCKmUaXjW_5VUDffuGuBEIHKIB37_pwZYIUsST4Bw5V_SengoAKSdB2XFHfufioNhnvuXHezad3_ZG1WmXgp1ahegr36Zl2oeZXZbt3a9Z5WG_3y4kVA/s1600/Baby+lorikeet+Oct+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvmxgu1IDQoGpOeoD8UKCKmUaXjW_5VUDffuGuBEIHKIB37_pwZYIUsST4Bw5V_SengoAKSdB2XFHfufioNhnvuXHezad3_ZG1WmXgp1ahegr36Zl2oeZXZbt3a9Z5WG_3y4kVA/s320/Baby+lorikeet+Oct+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmb6SSDHOC1PbzRjSFenGEIZ4p4MRSwgcixq68aXvy20mRhDed-VTdm4ok3yWQ2DAPr6FWD82IKi9G1TSnxdGABfKM20XP3XiUsz0ZJqT9H_HTjTh_P3w2VROgO7WnPLSaln6GFg/s1600/8th+birthday+cake+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmb6SSDHOC1PbzRjSFenGEIZ4p4MRSwgcixq68aXvy20mRhDed-VTdm4ok3yWQ2DAPr6FWD82IKi9G1TSnxdGABfKM20XP3XiUsz0ZJqT9H_HTjTh_P3w2VROgO7WnPLSaln6GFg/s320/8th+birthday+cake+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-29812587251706689072011-10-02T16:10:00.000-07:002011-10-02T16:10:45.652-07:00It's Monday!<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Monday - public holiday - Labour Day! Has been a kind of 'nothing' weekend I guess - weather foul, wet, windy, cold - first time I can ever remember having the fire going in October!!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Despite the weather our Mr & Mrs Butcher Bird are still waiting each morning for a hand-out! I hope they will bring their offspring to visit soon - they must be about to fly the nest I would guess.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Blessings!</span></em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpDHnJAixy_KHU4-I8x5HJu5T51QGQLgZ_4_di3-tDk3jKcb1J0rkFjkqSxLgyQ39udMVM2SPpboQ_jjFqF9TChzJyAnG-Tj6OlUUwtDEniDae_sT4vffU5n4uUYD4a-AGufd0g/s1600/Mr+and+Mrs+Butcher+bird+Sept+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpDHnJAixy_KHU4-I8x5HJu5T51QGQLgZ_4_di3-tDk3jKcb1J0rkFjkqSxLgyQ39udMVM2SPpboQ_jjFqF9TChzJyAnG-Tj6OlUUwtDEniDae_sT4vffU5n4uUYD4a-AGufd0g/s320/Mr+and+Mrs+Butcher+bird+Sept+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-25259408382631821362011-09-25T15:46:00.000-07:002011-09-25T15:46:58.142-07:00Floriade 2011<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Weather was not great! From warm Spring temperatures a few days before, it had zoomed backward to winter - cold - windy - rainy. Still we ventured out into it, after all this is what we'd come for - to experience Floriade 2011, an annual Spring event in our Capital, Canberra.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">We had been fortunate indeed to secure an overnight accommodation booking so our first port of call on arrival in Canberra was to check the whereabouts and get keys and address of our apartment. We were surprised and delighted to find it was in a security block, and very new. Beautifully appointed close to all tourist attractions Canberra offers, it was all we could have hoped for. After surfing the net for over an hour and almost giving up hope of finding anything under $400 per night available, this was amazing!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Wrapped up in winter woollies and armed with camera we joined the thousands of people all heading for Commonwealth Park. It didn't disappoint. The colours, sights, smells were all we'd imagined. For the most part we stayed dry - the one huge downpour struck just as we entered a huge marquee where we sat and enjoyed a cooking demonstration for the time it took for the rain to stop. Fortuitous indeed!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">So many photos taken, which to choose? Just a few of the amazing colours we saw!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Blessings!</span></em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sSmdcC7Ubfd3vJrYl5jRWjpyeVCHEqPTYywCDUCXyRTMe3sWxlkFZlK_W9xjjPz6KP9qQBEHcAM8k_caxfkxW4ovFsjL2Ze3syO4ViHyYOMEKCRs6WDd2rxSB62ijd4N1RUmsw/s1600/Red+Yellow+tulips+white+pansies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3sSmdcC7Ubfd3vJrYl5jRWjpyeVCHEqPTYywCDUCXyRTMe3sWxlkFZlK_W9xjjPz6KP9qQBEHcAM8k_caxfkxW4ovFsjL2Ze3syO4ViHyYOMEKCRs6WDd2rxSB62ijd4N1RUmsw/s320/Red+Yellow+tulips+white+pansies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-18168560182683453872011-09-20T23:39:00.000-07:002011-09-20T23:39:13.641-07:00Would an anaesthetic do that?<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I guess I'm just looking for an excuse to blame for my slackness! I'm doing well in terms of recovery and rehabilitation - just lacking in things to say.</span></em><br />
<br /><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Have had a couple of nice outings in the last week or so however my life at present is still rather mundane.</span></em><br />
<br /><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">We travelled to the city to join with about 60 others to help a very 'young in heart and mind' 80year old celebrate her birthday. It was a 'high tea' event but held at 1pm which I guess was more like a luncheon. We gathered in a big city hotel which was all very 'swish' and spent a couple of hours mingling and nibbling with her, her rellies and friends. It was a very happy time and her daughter was so pleased it had turned out so well. It had taken her 18 months to actually persuade her mum to have the celebration. 'Do you know people treat you differently when they know you're old' was her comment. Now if ever an elderly lady didn't look her age it is this one! So I'm sure that no-one will be treating her any differently now that they know her real age!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">The Bible Study I attend on a Tuesday is run from the local Anglican church (not my regular worship place) and is held during each 4 school terms. Towards the end of each term, we forgo our study on one morning and join at a garden centre which isn't too far away, for a social get together and morning tea. It's really nice to just chat. This morning was our last day until after the school holidays are over. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Have started making some Christmas cards too. On our recent trip to Perth our niece showed me a really nice design for a card which opens up like a shallow box. I'm doing some to give as gifts this Christmas and will place a small remembrance inside. Once I have some finished I'll get a photo up. After I'd put my camera up on the shelf last week, it fell out and onto the floor. I did check it and it seems OK but I'll have to really give it a good run soon and make sure it hasn't been damaged. Fortunately the lens was locked! </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Many blessings!</span></em> </div>
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<br />Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-58779290072194713002011-09-11T16:43:00.000-07:002011-09-11T16:43:50.973-07:00It's Monday<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Despite the inclement weekend weather, the last couple of days have been good. On Saturday morning we attended a Spring Fair at a local retirement village - our real motivation was to view one of their units currently for sale. Although we feel we are probably not quite ready for village living, we are trying to think ahead to get an idea of what it might be like, what the accommodations are like, what charges we'd be up for etc. Although lovely and in beautifully set out grounds with so many facilities, the actual unit was very tiny. Two reasonably sized bedrooms, small living area and two huge bathrooms. We felt the bathroom situation was rather overkill however it may be that they were planned with wheelchairs in mind. We'll keep looking over the next few months to get a feel of values but truthfully, I'm not sure that kind of living is for me - just yet. Ideal for a single person probably.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Enjoyed getting out to our worship service on Sunday morning - my first time since surgery.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Put the fire on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons as temps still quite chilly. This is the first September ever I can remember being cold enough for fires. Global warming eh?</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">This morning's U S Open win for Aussie Sam Stosur was a great feat - today was just her day! Shame about her oponent losing her cool at one point and would certainly not go down as good sportsmanship in the eyes of many. Good for Sam to overcome when her emotions might have easily over-ridden her calmness.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Our Butcher birds are back - cheeky as ever! Normally a shy and fairly elusive bird, they perch themselves on the pool fence just outside the back door waiting for the ground beef I throw out for them. They take the morsel in their beak and fly off to the next which I've discovered is in a neighbours high tree. I look forward again to the time when they will bring their babies to visit.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Have a blessed day!</span></em><br />
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Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-80982771350753740022011-09-07T17:07:00.000-07:002011-09-07T17:07:53.398-07:00Back to wheels<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm so happy - I'm allowed to drive again! No, I didn't lose my licence to drive but had to have a break after my surgery however I've now been cleared to get back behind the wheel and my first 'outing' today is to the public library to get more reading material.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">I'm feeling really good and although I still have to be very careful and cautious of what I do - no lifting, twisting etc - I'm doing well and so grateful for such a terrific recovery. I am confident that if I 'stick to the rules' I'll be 'up and at it' in no time at all. Of course I'm not going to be silly about those things like vacuuming and putting washing on the line at present - especially when DH is such a darling and so willing to do it for me!</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Thanks for all your good wishes dear friends!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Blessings!</span></em>Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-68570424711189746892011-09-03T23:17:00.000-07:002011-09-03T23:18:00.389-07:00Fathers Day Downunder<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been a perfect Spring day! Temperature warm and sunshine. Beautiful! What has made it more special is that today in Oz is 'Father's Day'!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Talk about being waited on - a visit at lunch time by son and DIL with gifts (gold pass for both of us to the cinema) plus a beautiful roast dinner for us each for tonight. We were just finishing up lunch with them - home made chicken and vegetable soup which DH made yesterday, when in came daughter, SIL and two grandboys. More Fathers Day wishes and chocolate cake to celebrate.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">We are so grateful for such a loving and caring family. Thank you Lord!</span></em></div>
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Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-32284162784194358142011-09-02T20:08:00.000-07:002011-09-02T20:08:33.840-07:00Took a little wander this morning<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>I'm getting stronger each day. Took a visit to the library today - my book needed returning and I need some extra reading material. DH drove me and did the shopping while I mooched. Was good to get out of the house for a little while.</em></span></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Thanks to those of you who have cheered me with your kind comments.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Blessings!</span></em>Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-69584995124056170632011-08-31T03:19:00.000-07:002011-08-31T03:19:27.839-07:00I'm so glad to be home<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The surgery's over and I'm back home. I'm so pleased everything seems to have gone extremely well and the surgeon was happy with what he did. I'll have a better idea what that actually was when I see him for my post op appointment in a few weeks.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Meantime I have a wonderful (DH) nurse and cook looking after me and all I have to do is now slowly get back to normalcy.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Thank you Lord for a (so far) great recovery.</span></em><br />
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Blessings!</span></em>Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-43356675426764817322011-08-22T03:18:00.000-07:002011-08-22T03:18:03.761-07:00A legitimate excuse<div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll be missing for a little while and since only just returning you'll be wondering why in fact I'm 'off line' again. Tomorrow I enter hospital for my spinal fusion surgery so I'll literally be 'on my back' for a little while. Hospitalisation probably about 5 days then at home to slowly get back to 'better than ever'! </span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">I'm a little apprehensive about the procedure - although I've had this kind of surgery twice before, it doesn't alter the fact that it is surgery after all and quite a long one at that (3 hours). I know though, that my Heavenly Father has everything in His control so from that point of view I am totally confident that I'm in His hands and He will be guiding all that happens in that theatre tomorrow. </span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">So although I'll be able to look in on my friends in a week or so, it'll be a bit longer than that before I'm up to actually writing anything here.</span></em></div><br />
<em><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana;">Take care my blogger friends - blessings!</span></em>Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-21689692188787523662011-08-18T16:41:00.000-07:002011-08-18T16:41:24.470-07:00Just another showery day<em><span style="color: #660000;">Yesterday was so beautiful - sunny with a cool breeze. Today is one of those misty, rainy kinds of day - snuggle up by the fire kind of day. Four or five daffodils are poking their heads up - Spring definitely is just around the corner. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000;">Saw the funniest thing this morning (at least I thought it was funny)! In the lounge room opening up the venetian blinds to the dullness of the day when up the driveway strode a duck. Now there was once when a pair of ducks flew in to our back yard and promptly dunked in the pool - salt water pool that is. Anyway it was a rainy sort of day then, and they proceeded to peck around the grass looking for the odd grub before they winged their way again to who knows where. As far as I know, the nearest place to us where ducks may congregate is around 4 kilometers. Maybe this lone one came from there - perhaps on its way to another watering hole.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000;">Anyway I digress! From the waddling position on the driveway it suddenly lurched into upward flight and perched on a large branch on our huge gum tree. There it sat, peering around in all directions. I wonder if it was looking for a mate maybe lost along the way to who knows where. Anyway I left it to its own devices in that high perch - can't imagine it would have stayed long with so many native birds <strike>invading</strike> using the tree for their own romancing.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000;">Got a lovely surprise yesterday in the mail - a beautiful 'Welcoming Angel' (Lordi) gift from our Texan DIL - a thankyou after their stay with us recently. Entirely unexpected and appreciated! Thank you so much R - you are a treasure!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000;">What to do today? A few things cross my mind - grocery shopping (now out of spuds), card making (got some new cardstock yesterday), laundry (no - out of the question today with the sprinkling happening), I'm sure I'll think of something!</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000;">Have a wonderful Friday with blessings!</span></em><br />
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Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8957166.post-17242196021907844172011-08-14T00:35:00.000-07:002011-08-14T00:35:16.162-07:00I was just thinking...<div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was just thinking... do they kick you out of blogger if you don't blog enough? 'They' would have every good reason to do that to me if my recent non appearance had anything to do with it. Over 8 weeks since I was here and you know when I think about it I really don't have a very good excuse.</span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana;">Well, l must say our USA family (the Texas Connection) did come stay for over 4 weeks and in that time we drove to the Gold Coast in Queensland and spent 10 days in a lovely resort. There were about 16 of us all told as we had planned it to be a family reunion holiday and we had such a great time. It was so very sad to see the family leave for their home - this time with no plans in place to go visit - that was an eerie feeling not knowing when we might see them again. </span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana;">During that time DH has finished work, had a few weeks break, then a few weeks working two mornings a week, then finally 2 weeks ago after being offered another job, began working full time again. Quite a whirlwind of emotions for him considering he is now past the official retirement age by a few years.</span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana;">We have purchased another car to enable him to take one for work transport. We were'nt looking for a hybrid but came out of the dealership with a Toyota Prius. It's 2 years old but like brand new - beautiful to drive and so quiet - so far is proving to be quite economical as well.</span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana;">Over the past months my lower back has been acting up again and is now at the stage where I require more surgery. Have been seeing my Professor neurosurgeon over the last 3 or so months and last week we made the decision to have an extension to the fusion in my spine which was done in May 2 years ago. The surgery will take place on 23rd August and I'm hopeful it will relieve the pain.</span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana;">It's been quite a cold winter and we've been so grateful for the lovely cosy fire. Mostly we use it for most of August but we're hoping by September we can clean it out and not use it again until next winter. One can never tell in Sydney, already a couple of weeks ago we had a few days of 23/24C degrees - was a bit of a rude awakening to go back to 17C or so which it has remained. </span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana;">Some of our Spring bulbs have flower buds emerging and I'm looking forward to seeing the cheerful yellow daffodils - a sure sign that winter is almost over.</span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana;">Blessings!</span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFmE8Fw3sLpz8fYpwrYlgo5CTt7mXFX9l4gumvrURzoZ-h0BX2PmHme0_DTdQkvD0VBvn87zY_Cl1t5T02ZITLZIhHTP6M35i3UpxsJyaDEnT59ivXNckB9ir3HnGmQMx0Q2emg/s1600/Bev+Janice+Viv+Thelma+Pt+Danger+Herb+Malc+John+Ash+ash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFmE8Fw3sLpz8fYpwrYlgo5CTt7mXFX9l4gumvrURzoZ-h0BX2PmHme0_DTdQkvD0VBvn87zY_Cl1t5T02ZITLZIhHTP6M35i3UpxsJyaDEnT59ivXNckB9ir3HnGmQMx0Q2emg/s320/Bev+Janice+Viv+Thelma+Pt+Danger+Herb+Malc+John+Ash+ash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <em><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Four brothers and their wives</span></em></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2tkLtHC-wGtCzwszco9BkncS0nH_5gin8iS3coaXrtH2A7EvQ_q1T2ZJvAzCRztcuEVXbakgWSOWsjvzlP0PojO8ZJmLEcsq6XQx2uUJLCSZi-BvKmYlOZ6N7-vinhcov_ZyWg/s1600/Early+morning+beach+fishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2tkLtHC-wGtCzwszco9BkncS0nH_5gin8iS3coaXrtH2A7EvQ_q1T2ZJvAzCRztcuEVXbakgWSOWsjvzlP0PojO8ZJmLEcsq6XQx2uUJLCSZi-BvKmYlOZ6N7-vinhcov_ZyWg/s320/Early+morning+beach+fishing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <em><span style="color: #660000;">Beach fishing sunrise Currumbin Beach</span></em></span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Wfls26WjMBeJr4wTlnD0crTOTvtjdC2pOU1DuCUkZLb317uvTSpa3BCWcZnUGYqYo9dVdP9fziWh0tmILDNqeRXjIVXA3B_wbRrCnFLkjJ_6jLHLjsFKiPoPAwv4kDXlRKR55g/s1600/Waves+from+Elephant+Rock+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Wfls26WjMBeJr4wTlnD0crTOTvtjdC2pOU1DuCUkZLb317uvTSpa3BCWcZnUGYqYo9dVdP9fziWh0tmILDNqeRXjIVXA3B_wbRrCnFLkjJ_6jLHLjsFKiPoPAwv4kDXlRKR55g/s320/Waves+from+Elephant+Rock+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <em><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;">Waves</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrN_wBIDLRC0gw946XcZ0jSWTOGEE1MzEDFh6YoZxqCUNaPhkP9sW8wTAKcGYiAbd6tWndi9h-IhetajcH0kCWoSKnvrnz1s0TiC4oZBL3G8nxKIywrBy0XowdLBoH8GCTPdqo_g/s1600/Family+group+Hogs+Breath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrN_wBIDLRC0gw946XcZ0jSWTOGEE1MzEDFh6YoZxqCUNaPhkP9sW8wTAKcGYiAbd6tWndi9h-IhetajcH0kCWoSKnvrnz1s0TiC4oZBL3G8nxKIywrBy0XowdLBoH8GCTPdqo_g/s320/Family+group+Hogs+Breath.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Family Group</span></em></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div>Bee Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18080155581161310122noreply@blogger.com2