Bad Luck?

It's barely a month in to the new year and already I'm hearing about bad luck a-brewin' around the place.  If it's not bad enough to walk under ladders and letting black cats wander in front of you, now it's bad luck to leave your Christmas Decorations up after 6th, January.  Is it really that bad to do this?

I've looked this up on the net and a few sites told of the Christian beliefs of the Twelve Days of Christmas and what they originally meant; and have dwindled to unfortunately, as I never knew the meaning of them until I read them here.

Then I found another site where it was written that the decorations were taken down on 6th, January because a long time ago, they were brought in from outside.  The Holly and Ivy were used to decorate people's homes and to provide a safe-haven for the tree spirits throughout the mid-winter until it was time to let them go outside again on 6th, January.  If you didn't put them back outside, the vegetation wouldn't be able to start growing again; thus Spring wouldn't start over again as it's supposed to.

Until 19th Century, people used to keep decorations holly, ivy, box, yew, lauren and mistletoe up  until 2nd, February, which is Candlemas Day, the end of the Christmas season; 40 days after the birth of Jesus.  Also, the Three Wise Men aren't included in the Nativity Scene until Candlemas Day; and the scene traditionally isn't taken down until 2nd, February.

Also, during the reign of Queen Victoria, all the decorations were taken down on the twelfth night and generally burnt.  So, even though these superstitions are long gone, and our decorations are now made from glass, paper, plastic and foil, we still feel uneasy about leaving up past the 6th of January.  Have you taken down your Christmas tree as yet?  Or is still sitting in living room decorated?  Mine's still up but the decorations are put away.  Until my next post, take care.  

It's A Friday!

At around 5am, I was woken by a sudden opening up of the heavens.  It was amazing how loud it was; even on the tile roof.  But I got up and check the bathroom window to make sure it wasn't getting in; and as I did, I glimpsed the sunrise.  It was lovely, golden and very pretty; unlike the rest of the day.

Well, when I got up an hour or so later, it was still raining, but not as heavily, and I dressed quickly to get myself out and to the bus stop early.  But as it came closer to leave, the rain became heavier; and I was beginning to have my doubts about leaving.  However, I needed to get to Garden City to pick up a prescription, have a look at some sales and, basically, get out of the house!  I was beginning to go stir crazy being stuck here because of the dull days.

I took some photos of the cars driving past in the rain and made sure I had all my money, cards and Go Card with me before getting on board the bus; which was early.  As it was about to pull away, on of my friends - who lives in another unit complex - jumped on and we chatted about what we did over Christmas.  She went to Africa to visit family and I told her about Dad.  As the bus traveled under the bridges at Mt Gravatt - near the offramp of the South-East Freeway, we heard a clang.  It was loud enough to make the bus vibrate; but the driver didn't seem to worry about it.  But we wondered about what it was.  

Anyway, once at the shopping centre, the rain had stopped, but the place was still dripping from it all.  So, we walked inside and she chatted about how nice the centre was overall.  We talked about how crowded it had gotten over the Christmas Shopping period and that it was thinning out now; and then said our farewells as she went off to work and I had my list of stuff to buy. 

I purchased a book at QBD, some shampoo and conditioner, eye shadow applicators and make-up sponges at Priceline.  Then, I went to the Book Cafe for a coffee and found a book written by Umberto Eco there that I didn't have.  I had to get a prescription filled at the Terry White Chemist and then I wandered through the music section of David Jones and found a c.d. that I wanted to purchase over Christmas but couldn't because I didn't have the money.  Now, I do.  Anyway, I had a choice between Jamiraquai and Bon Jovi.  So, I asked to listen to the former and it a little slow for my taste; I like his faster works.  But Bon Jovi has all their greatest hits and a few more new tracks.  So, I bought that instead.  

Well, by the time I headed out of David Jones, I spotted the bus sitting there at the stop... how good was my timing?  I ran up to it and jumped on, touching my card to the box.  In no time at all, I was back at the Park Road stop and heading off to the Slacks Creek Post office to check the mail.  While there, I bought a box to post off a set of books to the US on a book spiral I've taken part in on Bookcrossing which had arrived at my door in October; and I have finally finished the book just last night.  All I need to do is get the next person's address and send the box off via sea mail and they can enjoy all seven books of vampire romance.  

Well, for a short week, this week has felt pretty long.  I think it's the weather that's done it.  Until next time I post, take care.

Grey Skies Above Us

Yep, it's raining again.  Over the last few days, it's been raining off and on; and we've had storms grumble pass, pound over us and cause me to unplug the computer, television and radio and just pretty much sit and read a book... yeah, there was that much lightning around.  So, love or hate it, the rain looks like it's here for a while.  Exactly what have you been doing this school holidays?

For some of us, it hasn't been all that great.  From just before Christmas, floods inundated Emerald, Townsville, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Chinchilla, Warwick and St. George and Injune.  That covers an area that's about the size of France and Germany put together... and they say there's more rain coming.  After such a dry spell, it's nice to see the stuff, but not so much in such a small amount of time.  And the news of this has reach across the world to so many countries, they're all willing to lend a helping hand to get people back on their feet.  

Mt To Be Read!  

I'm hoping to get some serious reading done while it's raining like this.  It's good weather for it; and I do enjoy cracking the cover of either a best seller or a classic and getting myself lost in the pages between them.  It's just something I've always loved.  And fortunately, with my other blog My Reading List I'm hoping to read and review more books than ever this year; well, more than 20 anyway.  Last year, I was stuck when I tried to read 'Under The Dome' and it took me 3 months to  get 3/4 the way through before giving up on it.  Well, I'll never do that again.

Another school holiday thing I love to do - once the weather fines up - is gardening.  I promised myself to fix up the garden; but every time it looks like it's going to look good, rain comes and makes everything soggy again.  Well, I guess I can't win them all.  I'll just keep on mowing the lawn and making sure the weeds are pulled out by the fences to make it look neat.

Movies and dvds are another thing I love to do when it's raining; and I've been meaning to see 'Tron: Legacy'... but I think I'll wait until it comes out on dvd.  It's just something I'm not too excited about as I love to watch movies on my surround sound home theatre system now and they sound brilliant.

Well, I guess,  that's all from me about the school holidays.  I'm never bored here with what I do.  And - even though the house is a little messy - I do enjoy getting into my painting, knitting and playing the piano.  Hope you're enjoying your holidays in this grey old weather.  What have you been doing?  Until my next post, take care.

New Year 2011

Well, it's the first week into the new year and I didn't make any resolutions.  Last year, I couldn't think of any as I sat out on the fly of the caravan with a notepad in my hand and pen in the other.  So, I went without; and got so much done!  This year, it's pretty much the same and I'll be getting a lot done.

This year, I do have some plans to work more on my garden and enjoy what I have already; instead of pining after what I don't have.  Seeing in the last year, I have been learning a lot of patience with myself and others, I will be putting that into action with what I'll be doing with my year this time.

There's a lot of writing to be done on my books, a lot of reading to accomplish and a lot of Bookcrossing I have to catch up with; not that I'm behind.  Last year, I was very active, and this year, I'll be active again; just I'll be doing fewer activities and enjoying the act of Wild Releasing as I have so many books that need to be set free.

This year, I've got a lot of paintings that need to be finished; and some collage too.  It's something I began working on late last year; and totally enjoyed, and won't let go of just because I have more writing to do or piano practice... or anything else for that matter.  And as John Lennon said: "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans".

So, this year, I'll be taking more photos for 365project and backing off from Farmville (as it's taken up a lot of my time; and really it's not a competition on what level I'm on, it's just a fun game for me).  I'll be reading more and enjoying more of life and getting into going to art openings at the Logan Art Gallery (which I haven't been to any for the past four or so years all because I've used the excuse that I don't like crowds.  Really, it just bites into my routine and I don't want to break this little rut I've put myself into.

This year, I'll be changing over my wardrobe again; and so hitting the charity stores and looking seriously at which kind of fashion I'll be into that I can wear out anywhere and which kind I can wear out nice.  Yes, I don't buy new clothes, books or handbags; everything is preloved and second-hand or on sale at really low prices.  This year is the year I really begin on looking good too with taking up a good exercise regime too; Zumba to begin with and then once I've gotten into the steps, I might even swallow my pride and go to a gym (I've never liked going to them as I've felt like I'm being judged by people there).  If I decide it's not for me, well, at least I've tried them out again.

There's a lot of things I want to try out this year - just like I did last year.  And there's travel involved.  I want to go to the GoMA and see more art exhibitions and enjoy being in a crowded place without feeling like I'm suffocating.  And yet, I love the city of Brisbane because it's not too big and not too small; but it has grown a lot over the last few years too.

This is the year I've planned for myself.  I hope I get in and can make it work; and not trip over anyone who might be interesting enough to catch my eye as well.  So, what are your plans for this year?  Have you got any resolutions; or don't you believe in them?  If so, share yours with us. 

Hangin' With My Bro!

Today, my older brother, Gabe, and I went to Garden City and hung out together.  It's something we don't get to do very often alone and we had fun; but it was also a belated birthday lunch from him too.  He hadn't gotten me anything for my birthday this year; so he took me out on the last day of the year and spoiled me instead.  How cool is that?

He picked me up at around 10:30am and we drove to the shopping centre and parked, grabbed a coffee and I got the lid on the mine for the first time in about six months without spilling it everywhere.  I was so happy; and Gabe wondered why... well, I had to tell him about the time - about 6 months ago - when I spilled my ice moch/coffee everywhere because the lids didn't fit properly; and I had gone through about 4 lids and when I thought the lid was going to work; it made the whole container slip and not only did I wear it, it went down half the side of the counter and the next customer was splattered by it too.  He couldn't believe it!  I told him that I hadn't put a lid on my coffee until today because I terrified of spilling the stuff on myself.  He joked saying it meant I was growing up. :P

He bought me a pair of sunglasses that were very cool; and replace my old pair that I've had for about 15 years.  Now, I've been meaning to buy a nice pair, but each time I've done that - and believe me I did it once - they didn't last 3 weeks.  So, I forked out $10 for my next pair and they lasted me around 15 years all because they looked butt-ugly enough not to be stolen.

Anyway, we went into different shops and had a look around and then I checked out my extra Westfield Voucher that arrived in the mail and found it was still active (if had not been and had been canceled, I would have handed it straight back); so that gave us more money to play with, a plus for us! 

Well, we were off to Zellows to get either a store credit or my money back; and we ended up getting a refund.  And seeing the bag was a gift, I gave my brother the rest of the first Westfield Voucher I had (around $50) to spend on anything he wanted.  He was amazed.  I said that I had one to play with already and to that the money was something that would be better spent there by him than me.  Unfortunately, he ended up giving it back just before we went off to lunch where he paid and we sat and talked for a bit about everything and anything.  He asked about my neighbours and we talked about Asia and how life is there and how we are too stressed out here and how we are making ourselves sick from being too clean and having too many vaccines for the flu flying around the place.  We agreed on a lot of things and it was great to just chill and talk.

We were off after a while looking at a music shop, getting some beer and a few things from 'Wild' then it was time to head off home.  We had enjoyed our day; and we don't do it enough I reckon.  

It was the best day I've had in a long time... and on the last day of my year of 2010.  Normally,I would have spent it hanging out here reading or computing.  Today was so much more exciting and fun and I totally enjoyed hanging out with my older brother.  Until my next post... which will - ironically - be next year!  Take care and party on!

December's Something Different!

This month has certainly been very different.  From the very weird weather to the shopping, I have had my Christmas totally turned around.  How about you?

Now, normally, I would have my present shopping done in one day during the first week of December; however this year, I was relying on the delivery of a $100 Westfield Voucher; only that it didn't arrive and I had to pay for all my Christmas shopping out of my own pocket.  It wasn't exactly great as it set me late in the grocery shopping too.  I finished my Christmas Present shopping on 14th December when it was supposed to be a fortnight before.  Then, my last pay before Christmas was three days before the actual day.  So, I was stuck out there shopping in the over-crowded shopping centres on a wet day; and I had to make sure I got everything I needed so I didn't have to tackle the crowds again.  Fortunately for me, I forgot only one thing and that was yoghurt for Christmas Eve; so I didn't do too badly.

During this month, my family went to Pullenvale to celebrate my Aunty Marj's birthday.  It was another wet day; but with the people there you wouldn't have thought so.  We saw Riley there along with Gabe and Kat.  Then, we had other cousins we hadn't seen in ages.  During the day, some of the kids played their instruments; one of the boys plays the guitar, one of the girls plays the flute and another plays the piano.  All very gifted.  I showed the young flautist my photo with Sir James Galway and his wife, Lady Jeanne and she didn't know who he was.  I told her about him and recommended that she acquaint herself with his music as well as all other different type of flautists.  When I talked to her Dad about James, he said that James was 'too European'.  I found him very much close-minded about James; and have found that people often do this with a lot of musicians and artists; whereas I haven't.  I tried out his favourite flautist (Jane Rutter) and I don't like her style; and she's too heavy when it comes to her playing style.

This month, I bought Little Miss Stevie's very first Christmas Ornament.  It's a gorgeous blue colour with her name in glitter on it... and a silver ribbon on top.  The whole thing comes in a box of its very own; and I bought it for $21 at Garden City.  I thought that seeing she's over 5 years old, she deserved to have an ornament as lovely as this.

Also, this month, my 'Tea, Read & Journal' Book Box arrived home from its long stay in Indonesia.  It landed there and the person there drank all the tea and mixed up all the books; then thought I'd forgotten about it.  So after a few firm - yet useful - e-mails, I got her to send it back to me.  This book box had been traveling around the world for just shy of two years and when it got to the last person, I had to push her to get it back.  Now, that sucks.

A few weeks before this happened, a generous, loving Bookcrosser was taken away from us by Cancer at a young age; and just when the Ornament Exchange was about to start.  So, as Christmas came closer, my ornament still hadn't arrived.  I let TexasWren know and found out that the BCer who passed away was my partner.  TexasWren was lovely enough to ask oi-reader's partner in the UK to send her ornament to me instead.  So, it arrived with a little note at the post office.  So, there I was crying the post office with a little kid asking me if I was okay.  I had to say I had something in my eye and it'll go away soon.

Then, I did a quick look at the year that was 2010!  And what a year!  I got so much done and so many books read, so much rain has fallen, piano practice and had so much fun doing all of the volunteer work, painting a TSB and enjoying all the photography on 365 Project that I'm almost sorry to see this year finish... our first decade of the 21st Century; and it's gone by so quickly.

On 15th, December, Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich and the Redland Bay area copped their first howler of a hail storm!  And what a storm it turned out to be!  I put my film of it up on YouTube and have a lot of hits on it since it's first viewing; over 100 actually.  Otherwise, but it's been fun doing watching Mother Nature have a go at us; and bring all this rain to us.

Then, Christmas Eve was wonderfully celebrated at Oma's place with food gifts and lots of fun.  We got home around 10pm or so as it poured rain outside.  And I got to bed around 1am; as I was still full from eating too much food.  I had spent a lot of time online that night; so I got to talk to people overseas on Facebook.

On Christmas Day, I woke around 6am and unwrapped my pressies, put on my 30th Anniversary of Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon' while I put together my laundry hamper and gave Little Miss Stevie a cuddle and then got ready to go to Gabe and Kat's place for breakfast.  It was a great day of eating, gift-giving and looking at photos of Asia.  It still rained, ants were everywhere and I photographed the chooks and other things around the place.  

Over the last few days, I've indexed my dvds in a large book, found out the annoying bitchy neighbours are away (and have been since Christmas Day night; but for how long, that's the question).  Then, we found out from my plumber that the knocking pipes is actually neighbour's fault if they did anything in the bathroom that changes anything to the shower; well, they probably took out the water arrester and had made my house knock since April.  So, he's coming in next week or so to check my place, make a report and then something will be done.  My nails are still long... and have been since I went to see James Galway. Yay!  I think I've kicked a lifetime habit!  Then, I went out yesterday and used my $100 Westfield Voucher at Garden city; and spent only half of it ... how cool is that?  I love it that it's so hard to spend that kind of money.   I bought a Dr Who mug, a pair of shoes and two books.  I want to buy things I'll actually use and enjoy for a long time and not just use once and throw out.  Well, it's been a very different month.  The sun has finally come out today and so, I've done almost all the washing (not including the hand-washing), posted off something to Mum and Dad, mowed the lawn (as it was up to my ankles) and paid my gas bill... all before 10am!  Now, that's how much energy I've had because my next door neighbours haven't been here to bug the crap out of me or anyone else.  

Well, until next time, I wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year in 2011.  Take care wherever you're celebrating; and remember that it's best to arrive late than not at all, and don't drink and drive.

Westfield Sales!

Today, I woke up and looked outside to a moderately decent day.  There was no rain, but the clouds were still blocking the sun; never mind, I didn't care about that.  I was going to Westfield Garden City to spend up big on my $100 Voucher for the place that I won through Triple M.  Thank you to this music station; I must say as they are the most wicked people in the world to give us Music Jury Members this prize for finishing their 2-hour music survey at the end of November!  I love it that they give away so many things to us.

Well, this morning I was on my way to the bus stop armed with this little red card, my blue trolley and a fair idea of what I wanted to buy.  One of the things was something to do with Dr. Who; another was a nice calendar to put in the kitchen.  And most of all, I needed a new pair of sandals to replace my old slip-ons I got from 'Rivers' outlet store at the coast three years ago.  So, I went through some shops I don't normally go into and searched for shoes, cruised through David Jones and found myself in 'Spend Less Shoes'... and yes, I sneaked a look in at QBD (of course, how could I not get a sneak peek in there?).  And I came home with a small collection of things and still had $53.80 on the card to have a go at for another time.

I bought a pair of sandals at 'Spend Less Shoes' ($20), Dr Who Mug ($12.99), Retro calendar with posters on it (half price at $15.00) and two books at QBD ($13.99).  Not a bad day out if you ask me.  And one of the books is a Matthew Reilly book that one of my old job search people had told me was brilliant; and this was about three years ago (and for me to remember that is pretty good!).

Well, my day out was great.  I loved getting these bargains; and got a wonderful idea on the way home.  With the calendar of retro posters, I thought it would be fun to get myself working in my house to make it look retro too.  So, next year, I'll be looking at charity shops to find things that will make my house look and feel like you've walked into a place from the 1960's or so.  I'm halfway there with the credenza, kitchen table and the piano; all I need to do is change the painting over and I'll be doing that soon enough to make this place look good.

Well, until my next post, take care and I hope you have a Happy New Year.

Boxing Day Rain and Sleepiness

Well, it's finally Boxing Day.  This is the day when we all sleep in after the orgy of greed; after the presents have been handed out, after we have all eaten ourselves into a stupor and then not wanted dinner... and worse of all... we can't sleep because we're all overtired from all that socialising on the big day of Christmas.  Yep, Boxing Day is the day where we all kick back, relax and drink in the day as we wait for our brains to catch up with whatever we've missed out on otherwise.  

Today, though, I woke to a day that was as dreary - or worse - as yesterday.  It's raining, cloudy and boring; except I have all my presents ready to use.  My laundry hamper is sitting just outside my bedroom door in use right now, I put the metal fish my brother bought in Asia on top of the sub-woofer (to keep Little Miss Stevie off it) and my Zumba Kit is sitting by the dvd player waiting for me to use it.  And this afternoon - around 3pm - I'm going to put in one of the dvds and give it a try.  I hope I like it; and I'm sure I will.

Today, of all days, we as people don't want to go anywhere or do anything too extreme.  Today, being Boxing Day, the sales are on, the bad movies continue on television and the weather should be nice, hot and sunny; but it isn't.  So, people have taken their kids to the movies and grabbed the best dvds from their collections, jumped online and pulled out the books they've been meaning to read.  After all, it's school holidays and this is the time when people get into the things they don't have the time for during the year.  

For me, I have this day reserved to do absolutely zilch.  It's a day where I sleep in, kick back and watch the day slip by and not feel horrible about it.  I have movie marathons, read a few chapters from a book, leave the washing up for another day (but I didn't this morning.  It badly needed to be done).  Today has been fun for me to do nothing much on the computer and not feel bad about it; not feel as though I need to be somewhere.  But tomorrow, it'll be different.

Yes, tomorrow, I am going to begin sorting out my dvd collection and putting it into an Index book so I know exactly what movies I have and they'll be in some kind of order.  Plus that index book will be stored with the dvds in the cabinet or nearby somewhere so I can keep tabs on what ones I get; seeing my collection is rather big now.

Tomorrow, I'll be finding places for my gifts.  Okay, I've begun doing that, but the rest of the it all will put away and the place will have a quick going over; as I didn't have the energy yesterday or last night.  So, seeing today it the nothing day for most of us, I'm looking forward to tomorrow... the day where I get into working on my things for everything to begin looking good again.

Until my next post, take care and I hope you had a very Merry Christmas; receiving all you wished for and more.

A Day of Giving And Receiving

This morning, I was woken up by my alarm at what felt like an inopportune time:  6am.  After a 1am curfew from spending Christmas Eve at the Koppenol's house, I felt tired and grumpy and didn't want out of my bed at all.  Just looking out my window described my attitude: bleak.  It was cloudy and raining.  Some Christmas Day it started out to be.  So, I reset the alarm and closed my eyes; only to be woken up again by a text message from my brother talking about Jebus Krost and how is was his birthday; and his gift to my brother was a passport into his own brain... hehe... yep, that's my bro!   I replied that I thought I was the only one who got that present; then I got up, dressed and began getting ready to go out.  Today, was going to be a long one.

I went downstairs with my camera, shoes in hand and everything else to the tree and found my presents I had bought myself; and I unwrapped them.  My first one was the 30th Anniversary Edition of Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon'.  I love it as I was born the year it was pressed; and so I thought to get it mainly for that and the great music on it.  I also got myself a beautiful new laundry hamper I put together while the vinyl played on my turntable.  It was a great morning; and I totally enjoyed my own pressies to myself.  I had also gotten myself a Leftie's Day Diary too 2011.  Not bad, eh?

Before long,  I was out the door with the presents for everyone else packed and meeting Mum and Dad down the front on the footpath.  It was raining gently and the roads were slick and almost empty all the way to Gabe and Kat's place; we were grateful.  But as we drove, the rain became heavier.  And as we pulled up to their house, I rolled up my trouser legs so my cuffs wouldn't get wet or dirty, grabbed my bag of gift, the umbrella, my bag and camera and another bag or two off Mum and Dad and headed in.

 

After we had the presents put under the tree and I had been introduced to Lynn from next door, we got into some delicious pancakes and tea.  Then, after we had filled up a little, Katrina put on the sparkly hat and played Santa; handing out the gifts to everyone.  We all had a great time getting out gifts, ripping off the paper and being surprised.  I received exactly what I wanted this year:  a Zumba Kit.  I asked for one thing; and that was it.  Everyone enjoyed what I bought them and Mum loved the block of chocolate and the $20 Bunnings voucher I gave her.  Gabe and Kat loved the two bags of Single Origin coffee and storage container I got them (I told them about Garden City's 'Gloria Jeans' and they said they had to have a look at the ones that are bigger and have the coffees for sale around their area; as they don't know of any).

Then, we grabbed more food of eggs, fried ham, avocado on freshly made bread that Gabe made... all wonderfully, delicious food and we jumped right in!  We ate until we were stuffed; and then Gabe made us freshly brewed coffee!  Yummo!  After cleaning up, we were shown their photos and movies from Asia and I played on their video game machine,  Mum played the one-armed bandit and I went outside and got some lovely photos of the chickens.  

Lynn is a lovely lady; and a real card!  She has a great sense of humour and isn't your average old person.  She's quick off the mark and can carry a good conversation without getting boring about anything.  We all enjoyed her quick wit and humour; as she made us laugh at everything this morning.

Too soon, it was around 3pm and time to leave.  Mum, Dad and I were off to Cameron and Kelly Killips' house to see the family there; and we had a bit of a drive ahead of us.  But as with this morning, there wasn't much traffic on the road; so it only took around 20 minutes to get to Holland Park.  Once there, we found Natalie and Stuart were there with their little girl, Arabella, and we stayed for a few hours eating cheese and biscuits, chocolate, Christmas cake and Almond Crescents over coffee.   All the while Matthew and Harrison played and ran around while it sprinkled rain.  By around 7pm, we decided to leave and head off home.  I got home by around 7:20pm and showed Mum and Dad what I had gotten myself for Christmas and they were really impressed with the vinyl and the laundry hamper; and Mum loved the ornament that was meant Bookcrossing's dearly departed member, oi-reader.  

Well, I have uploaded my picture for tomorrow today.  I have put away my drink - which I never used today - and I've put away my pressies and haven't found any places for them yet.  But I will.... don't worry.  I hope you spent a wonderful day with your family - or whoever you normally spend Christmas with - and enjoyed your day.  No matter how you spent it, together with family, or on your own enjoying the day flow quietly by, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas To You All!

It's been a busy, busy week of cleaning, shopping and getting my shit together.  But it has worked out in the end.  This week started out okay and orderly.  I had the shopping list in full swing and I was running around the house with a blue notepad and a pen writing down pretty much anything and everything I needed on it.  I had to finish up the knitted scarf I did for the K-Mart Wishing Tree and find the card for it to take in on the Wednesday and make sure I had enough money for the day; then catch the right bus too.

Tuesday was the day I was making sure I had all the laundry done; the day was lovely, with a cool breeze and the sun was out too.  It felt like Autumn had come around to dry our laundry and everyone was in getting as much on their clothes line as they could.  I even got some painting done that afternoon after I pulled out some long grass along the edges of my garden, mowed the lawn and had a nice hot shower and washed my hair.  It was a good day.  Then, it turned cooler and I had to make sure Little Miss Stevie was warm as the rain began to fall again.

Wednesday was shopping day. I posted away a few things, had the scarf and made sure I had my camera with me when I took off with the blue trolley; as well as a good umbrella.  As soon as I got to the bus stop, it began to rain.  It was such a pity my neighbours had decided to do their sheets at 6am that morning; and it was pouring rain by 9:15am.  While I was out getting Little Miss Stevie her Christmas gift and my fruit and veggies, it showered heavily.  I just had to time my walks between shopping centres and make sure I walked fast enough.

Anyway, I donated my hand-knitted scarf and beanies to the K-Mart Wishing Tree and had to go back and photograph it (as I had forgotten to do that at home) and then I headed off to 'Venus' Cafe' to meet up with Susan Waaga; a wonderful friend of mine from college.  We have made it a habit to meet up before Christmas for a coffee and a chat to catch up.  It's a great way to keep ourselves in contact with each other when we don't see each other during year (even if we do e-mail each other on a frequent basis and I do look forward to her e-mails).  And when we looked outside, I asked if she could help me with my shopping and a trip home as the cabs would be hen's teeth at this time of the year and in this kind of weather.  She was pleased to do it.  My shopping only took 45 minutes or so and I bought everything off my list and she drove right into my driveway; then helped me with my shopping.  Susan hadn't been to my house before and so I showed her around and she loved Little Miss Stevie and Grandma's piano.  I lifted the lid saying it wasn't sounding its best because of the moisture in the air; but once it dries out a little, it plays really well.  Then, I showed her my books collection and Susan was amazed at how many books I had here and she said that it's so good I read so much.  She didn't stay long; as I didn't wish to keep her from anything she might have been wanting to do, which she said was some Scrapbooking she had to catch up on.  Otherwise, she said that my house was lovely.  It was so good to catch up with her; despite the weather.

Thursday was a strange day.  I was over at the post office when a car on Kingston Road cut across from the right hand lane and headed straight for me.  I had been standing on the road a little to see past parked cars (only by about 3 feet) in the rain when I noticed this car doing this; and I thought to get off the road and onto the footpath.  Well, I was on the grassy part of the footpath and the car's front end mounted that, so I back onto the concrete and almost into somebody's front yard!  I was standing there right next to the boundary as the car stopped around 10 - 15 feet from me with the front end on the footpath and the back end on the road.  A man got out of the driver's seat and he had a strong accent saying: 'You fine, you okay.' smiling at me.  He acted as though he knew what he was doing and he did this all the time.  I didn't move from where I was standing until he finished fiddling around in the back seat of his car and drove away.  And even then, I waited until the road was absolutely clear.  I mean, bloody hell!  Two days out from Christmas and some nut does this to me!  I told Mum last night and she said that she was always concerned about me crossing the road where I do there, but is happy that I do take notice of the traffic like that.

Today... well, I've been working on the house.  I've swept the kitchen floor, vacuumed the lounge, checked the mail, been online here for a while and I'm hoping to get more work done around the place... just little stuff to make my life tomorrow easier when I get home seeing it's Christmas Day; and it's going to be a big one.  

So, this might be the last post until Sunday or Monday... so until then, take care and have a very Merry Christmas.  Enjoy the day, drive carefully and don't ever drink and drive.  If you feel you've had too much to drink, call a taxi/cab don't risk it.