Today was spent just being lazy and catching my breath as I considered my educational future and contemplated life.
For the second time since I began my studies, the 'powers that be' have moved the goal posts and I am discouraged enough to withdraw completely.
I have a number of reasons for doing so, which I won't go into here, but the 'cons' far outnumber the 'pros' at this point and I'm actually feeling positive about my future without study!
So many areas of my life have suffered in varying degrees during the last 18 months. The housework, my photography, my time in the kitchen (which I have really missed), time with the family, my social life and even time with Adoring Husband.
For a 'part time' course, it sure took a LOT of my time.
The one thing that has not suffered, and in fact my skills have become more honed, is my ability to procrastinate!! I was always good at that, but now it has almost become my super power!
My plan for tomorrow is to go through the photos that I took while I was away last week, cook a Sunday roast and then make a plan to methodically clean my house over the next couple of weeks in readiness for Spring, during which I hope to be out with my camera taking amazing shots of nature at it's best!
Tomorrow night, some of you might be interested in watching both Sixty Minutes and Sunday Night because both have a story on the Paleo Lifestyle. Mike Willesee and Charles Wooley will be guinea pigs for the Paleo Lifestyle. I'm very interested to see how they handle the stories.
Well, I may have an early Saturday night into bed and if it's not too chilly in the morning, I might attempt to get up early and head out with my camera! We'll see. I really do enjoy spending these chilly mornings snuggled under the doona. This weather doesn't last very long, so I like to make the most of it while I can.
So watch this space for some family pics tomorrow.
Nite all.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Friday, August 14, 2015
Earthquake Madness
Home safe n sound after a very long and slow trip home on the train.
A magnitude 4 earthquake that struck approximately one hour before the train was due to arrive at my stop, meant that it had to slow down to 40kph, which made it 30 minutes late to my station.
The trip to the next stop, would normally take 40 minutes, but took two hours.
Of course, I had no idea about the earthquake, and no idea why the train was travelling so slowly ... until I overheard one of the attendants tell another passenger that the train would take another 90 minutes to reach the next station, which is normally a 40 minute trip.
Finally, an announcement came over the system "As you are all aware, the earthquake has caused long delays with our travel today"
Nooooo, I was NOT aware that there had been an earthquake and NO I was NOT aware that there were delays!!!!
Ugh!!
So Adoring Husband offered to drive to Maryborough and pick me up from there. That wonderful man was waiting at the station AND had bought coffee on the way, so that I had a delicious hot latte waiting in the car for me.
He dropped me at the Club and then drove home to get ready himself.
I hadn't eaten all day .. I'd had just two coffees. I drank two glasses of wine at the club and by the time we arrived home I was 'hangry' .. for those of you who don't know, hangry is a combination of 'hungry' and 'angry'. AH heated up some pre-made curried sausages and boiled some rice for a quick and delicious dinner.
So I guess he was my Knight in Shining Armour today. Thank you Adoring Husband :)
Now I am looking forward to climbing into my own bed and sleeping the night away.
My Dad would have been 75 years old today. Happy birthday Dad. I expect that wherever you are, you were there to welcome Uncle Ken as he passed and you just might be sharing a beer right now.
I hope that's how the hereafter works!
Nite all.
A magnitude 4 earthquake that struck approximately one hour before the train was due to arrive at my stop, meant that it had to slow down to 40kph, which made it 30 minutes late to my station.
The trip to the next stop, would normally take 40 minutes, but took two hours.
Of course, I had no idea about the earthquake, and no idea why the train was travelling so slowly ... until I overheard one of the attendants tell another passenger that the train would take another 90 minutes to reach the next station, which is normally a 40 minute trip.
Finally, an announcement came over the system "As you are all aware, the earthquake has caused long delays with our travel today"
Nooooo, I was NOT aware that there had been an earthquake and NO I was NOT aware that there were delays!!!!
Ugh!!
So Adoring Husband offered to drive to Maryborough and pick me up from there. That wonderful man was waiting at the station AND had bought coffee on the way, so that I had a delicious hot latte waiting in the car for me.
He dropped me at the Club and then drove home to get ready himself.
I hadn't eaten all day .. I'd had just two coffees. I drank two glasses of wine at the club and by the time we arrived home I was 'hangry' .. for those of you who don't know, hangry is a combination of 'hungry' and 'angry'. AH heated up some pre-made curried sausages and boiled some rice for a quick and delicious dinner.
So I guess he was my Knight in Shining Armour today. Thank you Adoring Husband :)
Now I am looking forward to climbing into my own bed and sleeping the night away.
My Dad would have been 75 years old today. Happy birthday Dad. I expect that wherever you are, you were there to welcome Uncle Ken as he passed and you just might be sharing a beer right now.
I hope that's how the hereafter works!
Nite all.
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Another Loved One Gone
This is just a brief post to honourably mention, my Dad's brother, Ken Griffin, who passed away yesterday.
He and Aunty Fay have been married 56 years this year - they were married on the same day as my Mum and Dad. They lived in Mt Isa for many years and retired to Mackay in the 90s where they did this ...
Environmental Achievement Award – Ken and Fay Griffin
Turtles throughout our region will be joining in the applause for husband and wife team Ken and Fay Griffin, worthy Environmental Achievement Award winners.
They have been volunteers for Mackay Turtle Watch Association since it was established in 1992
Over the past 23 years they have spent tireless hours observing the laying habits of turtles and monitoring and collecting vital information about the turtles that lay upon our shores.
The Griffins have passed on their experience and knowledge, training other group members.
They have also implemented information sessions for school groups and the general public, and helped families, children and individuals witness the amazing experiences of turtles laying and hatchlings emerging from nests and dashing for the sea.
Last year Mr Griffin initiated a satellite tracking program in conjunction with James Cook University (JCU) to learn more about where the turtles go when they leave our shores.
And adding to their environmental credentials, they've collected tonnes of plastic rubbish from along the region's beaches.
Their dedication is made even more remarkable by the fact that Mr Griffin's ill health means he needs portable oxygen.
Mackay Turtle Watch won a state award in 2013 and was a finalist for a national award in 2014, where they were highly commended.
This evening the Griffins were presented with this individual Australia Day honour for the role they play in this wonderful organisation.
He and Aunty Fay have been married 56 years this year - they were married on the same day as my Mum and Dad. They lived in Mt Isa for many years and retired to Mackay in the 90s where they did this ...
Environmental Achievement Award – Ken and Fay Griffin
Turtles throughout our region will be joining in the applause for husband and wife team Ken and Fay Griffin, worthy Environmental Achievement Award winners.
They have been volunteers for Mackay Turtle Watch Association since it was established in 1992
Over the past 23 years they have spent tireless hours observing the laying habits of turtles and monitoring and collecting vital information about the turtles that lay upon our shores.
The Griffins have passed on their experience and knowledge, training other group members.
They have also implemented information sessions for school groups and the general public, and helped families, children and individuals witness the amazing experiences of turtles laying and hatchlings emerging from nests and dashing for the sea.
Last year Mr Griffin initiated a satellite tracking program in conjunction with James Cook University (JCU) to learn more about where the turtles go when they leave our shores.
And adding to their environmental credentials, they've collected tonnes of plastic rubbish from along the region's beaches.
Their dedication is made even more remarkable by the fact that Mr Griffin's ill health means he needs portable oxygen.
Mackay Turtle Watch won a state award in 2013 and was a finalist for a national award in 2014, where they were highly commended.
This evening the Griffins were presented with this individual Australia Day honour for the role they play in this wonderful organisation.
********
Sadly, another of Dad's brothers has been fighting lung cancer for quite some time and today was given the news that he has just 8 weeks to live.
Not a good day for the Griffin family.
Uncle Ken sent me emails every Christmas and every year on my birthday, (always calling me Rozzy Pozzy, as he did when I was a little kid) and sometimes emailed me when something newsworthy happened with the family. He was a loving Dad, Gramps and Great Grandfather and the love he showed for the extended family was far reaching and warmly received.
He and my Dad were very much alike and had the same sarcastic, dry sense of humour. They even looked alike and while that was always a comfort to me after Dad passed, it always distressed my sister who struggled to be around him.
Many years ago, our families spent a lot of time together and his oldest daughter, Terri, and I were very close. The years, and life, have widened the yawning gap between us and we seem to only catch up at funerals these days. When we are together, it still feels very comfortable though.
It's a shocking realisation that the older generations that we loved and relied upon, are thinning out and we that are left are now the older generation being relied upon.
For now, I am feeling the love and appreciating the wonderful memories.
RIP Uncle Ken.
Nite all.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Food Heaven
Today, I was introduced to another cafe in Noosaville that is a little piece of food heaven.
The 'Deli Cafe' which is totally gluten free and located on Weyba Road, is very spacious, with a large deck which has a bohemian, rustic and relaxed style and serves the most delicious food .. especially their sweets and desserts!
Blueberry and lemon cheesecake, white chocolate tart, turkish delight slice, lemon meringue tarts, chocolate brownies, passionfruit cheesecake, salted caramel tarts and the list goes on and on. They sell different flavoured kombuchas, delicious coffee, paleo meals, vegan meals and a variety of fresh salads to die for.
If I lived in the area, it would be my 'go to' whenever I wanted to eat out.
After lunch we took Chicklet to the play area in Civic, while the Bare-chested Chef shopped for some groceries. Upon his return, we tag teamed and Vegan Chickie and I went for a short stroll to check out some tops that I admired on the way in and then bought some fresh juice and a smoothie, while TBCC watched Chicklet playing.
This afternoon, as Chicklet and I played 'artist' on our iPads, a huge storm blew over us providing very large black clouds, an amazing light display, cracking thunder and heavy rain .. all lasting for about an hour. We got about an inch (24mm) of rain out of it.
The Bare-Chested Chef covered the dining table tonight, with an array of prepared salad items, dressings, cheese and nuts so that we could create our own salad for dinner. We had avocado, watercress, red & green capsicum, snow peas, radish, pea & bean sprouts, lettuce, fennel, carrot, artichoke, goat's cheese feta and flaked almonds.
My body was so grateful for all of that fresh, crisp, healthy goodness.
I attempted to eat the lemon meringue tart that I had brought home from the deli today, but didn't even get halfway through it .. I am hoping that tomorrow will bring more success .. I'm not used to all that sugary sweetness!
It's almost 10.30pm and it's definitely sleep time for me, but just before I go ...
Nite all.
The 'Deli Cafe' which is totally gluten free and located on Weyba Road, is very spacious, with a large deck which has a bohemian, rustic and relaxed style and serves the most delicious food .. especially their sweets and desserts!
Blueberry and lemon cheesecake, white chocolate tart, turkish delight slice, lemon meringue tarts, chocolate brownies, passionfruit cheesecake, salted caramel tarts and the list goes on and on. They sell different flavoured kombuchas, delicious coffee, paleo meals, vegan meals and a variety of fresh salads to die for.
If I lived in the area, it would be my 'go to' whenever I wanted to eat out.
After lunch we took Chicklet to the play area in Civic, while the Bare-chested Chef shopped for some groceries. Upon his return, we tag teamed and Vegan Chickie and I went for a short stroll to check out some tops that I admired on the way in and then bought some fresh juice and a smoothie, while TBCC watched Chicklet playing.
This afternoon, as Chicklet and I played 'artist' on our iPads, a huge storm blew over us providing very large black clouds, an amazing light display, cracking thunder and heavy rain .. all lasting for about an hour. We got about an inch (24mm) of rain out of it.
The Bare-Chested Chef covered the dining table tonight, with an array of prepared salad items, dressings, cheese and nuts so that we could create our own salad for dinner. We had avocado, watercress, red & green capsicum, snow peas, radish, pea & bean sprouts, lettuce, fennel, carrot, artichoke, goat's cheese feta and flaked almonds.
My body was so grateful for all of that fresh, crisp, healthy goodness.
I attempted to eat the lemon meringue tart that I had brought home from the deli today, but didn't even get halfway through it .. I am hoping that tomorrow will bring more success .. I'm not used to all that sugary sweetness!
It's almost 10.30pm and it's definitely sleep time for me, but just before I go ...
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Zawsted!!
After two bad nights sleep, eating poorly today, meeting up with Bubbles and the Chicklet family, playing in the park, shopping at the Plaza, having fun at Underwater World, saying goodbye to Bubbles, arriving at Chicklet family's home, playing with the new toys, having a bath, reading the bed time books to get Chicklet off to sleep and then eating dinner...
I am absolutely exhausted!
I got lots of great photos today, but unfortunately I have to wait til I get home to download, edit and then share them here because I don't believe that this laptop can cope with any more photos!
Here is one taken with my phone today ...
It has been a pretty big couple of days and at 9pm (right now) I am going to attempt to get a good night's sleep so that I can put in some quality time tomorrow with my little Chicklet.
*yawn*
Nite all.
I am absolutely exhausted!
I got lots of great photos today, but unfortunately I have to wait til I get home to download, edit and then share them here because I don't believe that this laptop can cope with any more photos!
Here is one taken with my phone today ...
It has been a pretty big couple of days and at 9pm (right now) I am going to attempt to get a good night's sleep so that I can put in some quality time tomorrow with my little Chicklet.
*yawn*
Nite all.
Monday, August 10, 2015
Sunny Coast, I am in You!
This morning, I arose much earlier than I have for probably a year.
I had a 6am start.
I made 50 energy balls for Adoring Husband and then some curry sauces ... two large containers of curried sausages, two containers of Butter Chicken sauce and two containers of Korma curry sauce.
I showered, washed and blow dried my hair, finished packing and then we left with enough time to get two coffees and check the mail, before driving to the train station in Howard.
I had an easy train trip, although there seemed to be a lot of kids and babies and one woman who wanted to spend 90 minutes of a two hour trip talking very loudly on the phone .. I could even hear her over my ear phones on full volume while attempting to listen to a Harry Potter movie!
The Nikonian was waiting for me at the station and with lots to catch up on, we chatted non stop as we headed into Montville for lunch at 'Poets' cafe. The food, as always was delicious and afterwards we browsed through some shops, but didn't buy anything (yes that may seem surprising coming from me!)
We bought some alcohol and nibbles and headed home for a relaxing afternoon of drinking, eating and talking.
I already feel like I've been on holidays for a week. It's been fun and relaxing catching up with my friend.
It's already after 11.30pm and we have an early start tomorrow, so I'm signing off right here.
It's going to be a big day and you know what it's like the first night with my little Chicklet, so I may or may not be here for tomorrow!
Nite all.
I had a 6am start.
I made 50 energy balls for Adoring Husband and then some curry sauces ... two large containers of curried sausages, two containers of Butter Chicken sauce and two containers of Korma curry sauce.
I showered, washed and blow dried my hair, finished packing and then we left with enough time to get two coffees and check the mail, before driving to the train station in Howard.
I had an easy train trip, although there seemed to be a lot of kids and babies and one woman who wanted to spend 90 minutes of a two hour trip talking very loudly on the phone .. I could even hear her over my ear phones on full volume while attempting to listen to a Harry Potter movie!
The Nikonian was waiting for me at the station and with lots to catch up on, we chatted non stop as we headed into Montville for lunch at 'Poets' cafe. The food, as always was delicious and afterwards we browsed through some shops, but didn't buy anything (yes that may seem surprising coming from me!)
We bought some alcohol and nibbles and headed home for a relaxing afternoon of drinking, eating and talking.
I already feel like I've been on holidays for a week. It's been fun and relaxing catching up with my friend.
It's already after 11.30pm and we have an early start tomorrow, so I'm signing off right here.
It's going to be a big day and you know what it's like the first night with my little Chicklet, so I may or may not be here for tomorrow!
Nite all.
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Date Day with AH
I struggled to get out of bed this morning and missed my time with the boys at the Seat of Knowledge, but I did go for an extended trike ride to soak up that glorious Winter sunshine after I bought my coffee.
I've begun my search for Tawny Frogmouth nests, but I may be a touch early .. end of August, early September is the usual time for their nesting to begin, so when I return from the Sunny Coast, I will really get serious with my search.
Adoring Husband had to spend the morning in SES uniform, but then invited me to 'Goody's on the Beach' in Toogoom, for lunch.
It was a beautiful sunshiny day, with just the softest breeze blowing, so conditions were perfect for eating outdoors with water views and enjoying wonderful easy listening entertainment.
I had a Pumpkin and Rocket Salad with Pine Nuts and Prawns, while Adoring Husband ate Moroccan Pork on Wild Rice. We had GF Orange and Almond Cake with Pouring Cream for dessert. I could have easily spent the entire afternoon drinking, eating and listening and enjoying time with AH.
Needless to say, there was no study today. No cooking as I'd planned.
We arrived home, just in time for the football on TV.
I've partially packed my suitcase for my trip tomorrow and I'm excited that the stars have finally aligned and I get to spend tomorrow and overnight with The Nikonian at her home. I worked out that it has been over a year since we've spent any time together .. just one morning tea in February this year, so there may be a wine or two to share and heaps to catch up on!
The next day, I get to see Bubbles again! She is up this way for an engagement party and the Sunny Coast is about the halfway point between our place and where she is staying.
Of course, I am also excited about seeing the Chicklet family and spending a few days with them!
It's going to be a great week.
So, in saying that, I should head to bed and get a good night's sleep, so that I can wake early and at least make AH his energy balls to keep that sweet tooth of his happy while I'm away!
Nite all.
I've begun my search for Tawny Frogmouth nests, but I may be a touch early .. end of August, early September is the usual time for their nesting to begin, so when I return from the Sunny Coast, I will really get serious with my search.
Adoring Husband had to spend the morning in SES uniform, but then invited me to 'Goody's on the Beach' in Toogoom, for lunch.
It was a beautiful sunshiny day, with just the softest breeze blowing, so conditions were perfect for eating outdoors with water views and enjoying wonderful easy listening entertainment.
I had a Pumpkin and Rocket Salad with Pine Nuts and Prawns, while Adoring Husband ate Moroccan Pork on Wild Rice. We had GF Orange and Almond Cake with Pouring Cream for dessert. I could have easily spent the entire afternoon drinking, eating and listening and enjoying time with AH.
Needless to say, there was no study today. No cooking as I'd planned.
We arrived home, just in time for the football on TV.
I've partially packed my suitcase for my trip tomorrow and I'm excited that the stars have finally aligned and I get to spend tomorrow and overnight with The Nikonian at her home. I worked out that it has been over a year since we've spent any time together .. just one morning tea in February this year, so there may be a wine or two to share and heaps to catch up on!
The next day, I get to see Bubbles again! She is up this way for an engagement party and the Sunny Coast is about the halfway point between our place and where she is staying.
Of course, I am also excited about seeing the Chicklet family and spending a few days with them!
It's going to be a great week.
So, in saying that, I should head to bed and get a good night's sleep, so that I can wake early and at least make AH his energy balls to keep that sweet tooth of his happy while I'm away!
Nite all.
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