Meadow~ The glasses give me double vision so they are no good at all to me thanks for the pic and the thoughts. Hope you get back on a routine.I am fighting with that also! Good luck!

Linus~ Nice to know about the bike tires in the summer. I was hoping that was it. One of the men had said it but I was afraid to trust him! Been a loooong time since I rode a bike and I forgot! Craig had me laughing!!! Cute kid! LOL I know what you mean about certain areas. Even people in chairs I have heard were robbed. What happened to honesty among theives or compassion??? When I am out I wear all my seat belts and am alert as much as I can be! How goes school for the boys and your bumps and bruises?

Teel~ Your trip sounded grand. I have always been facinated with the changing of the Guard and all things of old tradition. I just watched a program about a castle that still has a guard that changes and I forget which one it was. I know it may sound silly but things like this make me feel "grounded" in some way comforting. Sorry about the backflip!! OUCH!!!
I did that in a van but the driver caught me before my head hit. Hope the head feels better today! Welcome home!!!

I called the Dr about the glasses. The Ins co. does not pay for mistakes no matter WHO makes the. They will see if I can fall into the catagory of the Eyes for the Needy Program. I have an appt. for October 11th!! That was the soonest I could get in without an emergency!
In the meantime I am without specs! LOL Better get some rubber bubby bumpers for my new chair!
Had a bit too much sun on Weds. So I stayed indoors yesterday and now today. I did feel better this morning though. It's not really the sun so much as the bad air. Stresses this body out and I forgot that. Between the doctors, the BBQ and then my "ride", I was outside for almost 6 hours. We will rethink plans next time and not squeeze so many things into one day! Have a great day/night and take care!

Thinking of you all too Shad, Happy and Nae!!!

My God The Entire Thread Has Been Abducted By Aliens And They Left Me Here To Die And Shrivel Up All Alone!!!
Those Green Eyed, Pointy Headed Bastaaards!!! Don't Worry Worldly Chicks!! I'll Save You!!!! Super Mel To The Rescue!!! Up! Up! And Away Flying Wheels!!! We Must Save The Others From A Fate Worse Than Death!!

Oh come back Mel, back to earth, we are here, freezing but here.
It's Saturday and I have been out to the market and got the meat and veges for the week. And I have bought myself some jeans - remember the stretch jeans that fell off, they were my last decent pair. I now have some new ones for the zoo tomorrow.

Went to the gym yesterday morning and I admit to cracking up laughing. There was this wee Chinese gent there all muscles and arrogance flinging the weight stuff around and strutting up and down. When I followed him onto a particular machine, the weights he was pulling were less than mine. Ha Ha Ha so much for his strength. Wonder where he got the muscles from. They were real - he was wearing practically nothing and the temperature was around 5 or 6 degrees. Some bits weren't worth looking at, must have shrivelled with the cold. Anyway....... I got through the weight session but know that I have missed the weeks I have been away. Will be back into it regularly from now on.

I see Meadow has found a picture of Melbourne and the Yarra River. My apartment is about 2 blocks back from the bridge on the right side. I run over the bridge in the mornings. The gym is on the river bank about 100 yards up from the bridge, under the train lines.

This bloody computer speaks in Chinese I swear it.

It's just gone and lost the bit I wrote to Teel. Some strange symbols came up and I got mad and hit the button twice and deleted the entire paragraph.

Anyway Teel, did you enjoy the pomp and tradition of the changing of the guard? See those guards raging up and down the courtyard and see and hear the Horseguards trotting by - no doubt HM checks on the use of the brasso as they go past.

Okay, time to move it and check out the journals. Got to go buy me some knickers. For some reason or other I didn't seem to pack very many. Anyway it's time for new.
See you Monday some time.

Good heavens Mel - whatever ARE you seeing with those new glasses of yours?

Hello ladies and laidies. I am still in a holding pattern here, I know I won't hear anymore about the job down south until the end of the month, but thought I might hear something about the local job by today. Don't know if silence means they are still thinking about it or silence means they have extended an offer to someone else and want to make sure all goes well with that person before they tell the rest of us "thanks for playing, try again soon..." Anyway I have been trying hard to focus on the things that need to get done around here and I'm making progress. Even got back on the bike again this week and doing some floor exercises too. DH is picking all sorts of lovely houses out down south still dreaming that all will come together and we can move before the harsh winter sets in...

Loved your story about the Chinese fellow Shad - nice of you not to make a big commotion as you UPPED the weights on the machine to get ready for your own set Seems like you are settling in nicely in Melbourne but it sounds like you might not mind if this is not exactly a long term contract either. Enjoy your weekend looking and visiting. $3.50 for 45 minutes at the Internet cafe????? Pricy.... we miss your daily presence.

Mel, I missed something on the glasses. I understand that given the difference in your eyes, there might be limitations to how much they can correct your vision but if they ground the lens improperly - why can't they be "persuaded" to fix them right!!!! I have gone to the chain type eye places and the expensive doctor's office opticians and generally argue with them almost all the time. I would think with new glasses you should see more CLEARLY, no???? I think most people doing so don't have a clue how to fit them. Hope you have time to rest up a bit and BBQ a little this holiday weekend. As for the tires, the pressure in them changes both with the temperature and the friction after you've been riding on them for a while. I was watching some news program and they were talking about the dangers of underinflated (car) tires and that's when I found that the temperature and friction from use can change the air pressure. Sometimes I swear it feels like my bike tires are completely flat but if I tried to look in back of me, I'd fall off the bike for sure. DH assures me they are fine and checks my car tires for me too. How's the new apple soap? Do you smell like autumn????

Teel, am glad to hear for the most part that you had an enjoyable trip to London. We anxiously await your photos. How did your chair tip backwards? Owwww that sounds not only shocking but painful too! I'm sure that's the last think the bones needed. Hope you are ok.

Linus, how are you doing with the cigarettes - have you set a quit date yet? I'm asking because misery loves company Where is Tiger Island?

Thank you Meadow for the lovely pictures. I got a good giggle out of the squirrel with the cell phone. I hope you can get back on your routine now that the school semester has started again.

Am in awe of Shad running across that bridge too. No wonder she has got to buy smaller pants!

Hellos to Nae, if you're getting sprinkles of snow already you must be in the midst of the fall colors too?

I am trying to get back on the wagon again. Made better strides with the exercising. Water isn't as good as it should be. Food was great this week as I had just gone shopping. Once again it was undeniable that I am much more successful in diet and life when I spend less time on the computer and more time planning and executing my plans.

We have a 3 day weekend ahead of us. I hate to see this one roll around even if it is "our" holiday to commemorate us working stiffs. As Labor Day approaches the days get shorter and cooler as we wave goodbye to summer. I also have to really focus on losing this post smoking weight gain or I will not be fitting comfortably into my winter coat. Every time I think about it - several times a day, I stop for a few minutes and do some exercises, getting back into a routine again. I am NOT buying another coat. However if we move down south I probably won't need one this winter. To me it's not really cold unless it's in the low 30's for a temp, although 40's with a chill the bone cold rain is pretty nasty. Not looking forward to winter again...

For those of us in the states, enjoy the long weekend ahead - I'm certainly shooting for 1 have fun day and 1 clean the basement / get on the treadmill again day. Take care, have fun, be good!

Happy~ I have the opposite feeling.....I am afraid I WILL fit into last years coat!!! After losing all the weight it was enormously too big. Now I am gaining it may just welll fit again! I too wish you would hear something. It would end the uncertainty for sure. ((((((HUGS)))))) to see you through the month! Thanks about the tires. I had been apprehensive but since they are filled again, I am rolling along! I saw an article about making a garden to attract Fairies and their friends the butterflies and thought of you and the DH. I think I will pedal this afternooon to the tune of his pics! Glad you are exercising! Keep those wheels and treadmill rolling!

Shad~ Isn't it a wee bit cold out for going out without knickers???? The little man at the gym cracked me up too! Egos! Must have made you feel good about your progress in the weights department! I expected an e-mail to post but see you already here!!! I agree with Happy....very pricey!! The nerve!!! Maybe we should open a gym/cafe with internet service! An all in one pit stop!! So glad you got new jeans. Don't want the old ones falling down at the zoo!! God knows what the monkeys would "say"! Have a great time.

I have been very bad with EVERYTHING!! Don't know what the heck is wrong with me. I am not particularly depressed or anything just not caring! I already made a turkeyloaf and am broiling tuna as I type this. Will get out for a ride and come back and make brown rice, salad and cut up the fruit. Sal the painter, gave me peaches the size of bowling balls! He went to a farm somewhere and picked them with his wife. He told her I am on a diet and now she tries to send fruit. They are Italian and she MUST send some kind of food! She's not happy that I live alone. Lovely couple. Well Chicks, this is not getting me out the door. Weather looks good for the next few days. Jen's bird and I had our showers and washed our respective hair and feathers! Too bad he can't come for the ride! LOL
Have a wonderful weekend and a Happy Labor Day for the celebrants!!!! 3 days of silence!!! I am thrilled!

September 3, 2004
A Garden Of Magical Delights
Creating A Fairy Garden
It's fun to believe in fairies, even if it's just "make believe" that you believe. Creating a fairy garden makes "make believe" yet more fun and may even invite some magic into your life.

You can start by doing some research into fairy lore to learn about different types of fairies and what attracts them. Different fairies like different plants and flowers, usually the same ones that appeal to their friends, the butterflies and bees. Designate a corner or patch of your garden for fairies. If you're fortunate enough to have a pond in your garden, you have the perfect spot for water nymphs. Fairies like hiding places like fern groves or an opening by the base of an old tree. You can also plant container gardens, making it even easier to miniaturize everything to fairy size. Troughs and barrels make wonderful miniature gardens or bring the magic inside by creating a tabletop garden.

You can create a wonderfully whimsical look by converting a small dresser drawer into a mini garden. Line the drawer with heavy plastic and fill it with potting soil. Baby tear and moss give the garden a magical look. Or plant herbs that both you and the fairies can eat. Add some small stones and pebbles, perhaps designing a little path and then add tiny accessories for the fairies to use. You can decorate with dollhouse furniture, or use your imagination to create benches, fencing, and trellises out of sticks, twigs, and miniature ivy.

Once you plant a garden for fairies, your imagination will start to bloom. You'll see acorn caps as fairy cups and walnut shells as fairy bowls. Christmas ornaments make wonderful gazing balls since fairies love to admire their reflections. A small champagne glass serves as a birdbath and a clay pot turned on its side and half-buried in the soil can be a fairy house. You may find that you start collecting miniature urns and statues, even tiny topiaries. And, you'll discover plants and flowers that enhance your garden such a miniature daisy, pink fairy rose, and fairy lunaria, which looks like small snapdragon.

You can hang out a "fairy garden" sign, which is of course more for humans, since the fairies will already know it's their garden. After all, "if you build it, they will come."

For more information visit Gardenfairy.com

Good afternoon ladies! AT last I have a good clear hour to get chatting and updating on all your news...
The weather is simply gorgeous here today as it has been for the last week or so, except for Sunday when we had a shower whilst on the Eye, and apparently it poured with very heavy rain whilst my neighbour was having their annual barbeque
Right I am back...the washing machine just finished it's cycle so I now have a few more bits drying on the line wating to go on the ironing pile
London was 90% great. As I said previously, I had a very nasty shock when the wheelchair was suddenly tipped backwards and I smacked my head on the pavement. My friends daughter was pushing and decided to do a free wheely down a very slight incline by standing on the leverage bars at the back..usually used to get the chair up kerbs and steps. I think it would have not ended in disaster had there not been a couple of bags also hanging on the back of the handlebars which totally over-weighted it and over I went. It was a bit like a whiplash injury and I still feel a bit bruised round my shoulders and neck today. I also think I hurt my hand/wrist area 'cos they, too are a bit achey. But apart from that and the fact that the youngest child is such a fussy eater, the week went along fine.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was absolutely FANTASTIC! Even more so 'cos my friend managed to get half price tickets from the booth at Canary Wharf and we were in row B so we saw everything really close up.
Mamma Mia was also brilliant. A bit of a sad story line but the music was brill.
Well more later....t.t.f.n.

Miss Teel....every time I think of what COULD have happened I have a heart attack!!! OMG On my chairs I have tiny wheels that are supposed to stop the chair from doing that. I hope they work! Since your post I have been a bit more aware of the damage these chairs can do. I would love to smack the kid!! But I know she was just doing a "kid" thing. Hope all the bumps, lumps and bruises go away. Chitty is a play?? I was unaware of that. Like the movie?? I loved that and have the dvd! I have learned a new trick with my wrinkled clothes.....I put hot water in a spray bottle, hang the clothes up in the bathroom and spray! I pay real good attention to the fronts as no one ever sees the backs! But I will share this with you...each time you speak of ironing I can almost smell it and miss that smell. There is something about it that reminds me of the good old days and sometimes my Gram. Maybe I should get out the iron!

No sun outside yet so cleaning and salad making are on the agenda. Moved some furniture around trying to fit a drum table into the scheme of things but it is too big. Will see if Jen wants to trade as she has a smaller one. I have a cactus plant that is about 3' tall and needs a stronger table. It's on a metal plant stand and the planter weighs a ton!
I was sorting out some stuff and think there is still more to toss out. Better go and find another box!! See you all later.
TTTT MISS TEEL!

PS Happy~ I smell like an orchard with the new stuff and am surprised my sinuses put up with it! LOL But my skin is greatly improved!!! I saw smallish pale yellow butterflies on my journey yesterday and thought of you and DH. One almost flew in my face!!
I now see butterflies everywhere! My hair clips, T-shirts etc. We talked about them and Jen bought them. Funny how things happen.

I must tell a funny story from my journal. A squirrel was on a cain link fence about 1 foot higher than I am. While I was driving he decided to run sideways down the fence like we were racing together. I laughed so loud that some men looked at me as if I was nuts. While he ran we were looking each other in the eyes. I almost hit the fence but he kept a straight line! Another one ran up to the fence and was very interested in watching my progress. Curious little devils they are. I will buy some nuts in shells and leave them inside the fence. I went many blocks from home and into another town and a park. I might bring a snack and water next time. Maybe tomorrow if the sun shows up!

Afternoon all. Back at the cafe and about to tell you all about the giraffes, hippo, rhino and lazy lions. Not to mention the cheetah. Had a lovely day out with my friend. We went into the park and got on the safari bus and drove all around the park. The day was gloriously blue and gold, but still cool. Then after lunch and a walk to see the cheetahs and hear the talk about them we went to the Werribee mansion which is a huge old historic house which used to be landowners mansion. It then become a college for priests and is now part of the historic houses trust and is being done up. Lovely place - tramped all over it and looked at the old clothes and things quite interesting. Gardens were nice too. They probably had fairies at the bottom of the grotto in the old days.
From there we went to the State Rose Garden. 5000 bloody rose bushes and about five flowers!!!!!! Bit of a disappointment - give it another month and it will probably look just great. Must try to get down there again before I go home for good. Mind you although the day was nice it was cool for me and I never got out of the jacket all day.
I'm either getting old or feeble as the cold is really getting to me. The knee has started to click again and I feel cold in the legs and feet which ache fairly constantly. I run just to keep warm I guess. Mind you I know I have not been at the gym frequently enough as I feel fat and flabby again. I have cranked it up a bit this week and will go 3 times and run the outside when it is not raining. Don't want to lose what I have got and will also have to watch the eating as cold weather begs hot stuff food - often the comfort type foods.
Happy, I will be glad when this contract ends. The guys on the project are fine apart from the team leads whom I have trouble getting to grips with. However the system is very flaky and we can't get on with the job in hand as the Info Pak system refuses to accept the SAP GUI and just errors out all the time. Add to that the fact that the main drive on the network is constantly full and there is no place to save documents other than C Drive which is not backed up. You can sense the frustration creeping in I guess. Aaah well, 4 days to go till Brendan arrives for the weekend and 11 days to go before I go home for the weekend. Things to look forward to!!!!
Teel, I hope things are settling down somewhat, it's not nice to think of you feeling all bruised and battered, but I'm glad you enjoyed Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, I loved the book and the movie. Haven't seen the play as yet.

Took some pics over the weekend. The films are in the photoshop and will be back on Wednesday. The digital stuff, I will put up when I go home for the weekend. So you will see Melbourne as I see it. Some good reflections pictures on Sunday as it was so calm and still early in the morning. Yes I took the camera out on the run, thought of what MEL might say if I didn't!!!! Umm yes I was going to send you daily outakes in the life of Shad in Melbourne Mel but it will have to wait until I find the broadband password otherwise it will cost me more money to do it. It's not a nice easy password like my dial up connection was.
Anyway, I better go and see the journals and put something in there, probably a copy of this.
Hello to you all - Linus, Rose, Meadow keep smiling - let the b*stards wonder what you are up to!

Good Morning Worldly Chicks! And the sun is finally out too. Don't know for how long. Very blustery in the woods today!

Shad~ Glad you dusted the camera off. I pedalled through Scotland last night on webshots. I want to live in the castle by the water and I forget the name. Dornan? Looked like a nice hermitage that I could get used to very fast!
Sorry bout the job. I had hoped you would have a grand time with then and they would ask you to stay! Ever the optimist am I.
Nice zoo trip and a lovely day with a friend is always something good. Hope the week goes well and the PC's programming runs smoothly! (or whatever is the problem....the lingo is lost on this feeble brain)

I have yet to get washed and dressed and it is almost 11 AM!!!
Off to the showers with me or there won't be time to go outside and play!! Have a great day and Happy Labor Day!!!!

good evening chickies just a very quick one just to let you know that alla well but just snowed under at the mo and the whole house seems to be falling about at the seams microwave went bang last week and let me tell you i cant live without one so going online tonight to get a new one DAMN sorry forgot to take the mince out of the freezer for tomorrws tea cant have spagetti bolognaise without mince dont think i spelt that right but at the moment i dont care speak to you all tomorrow
kirsty

Hi all! Nothing much new with me, just feeling petulant and goofy. Took a pair of velvet pants that bugged me because the bottom was tight around the ankles and put red/white geometric pattern triangle inserts in the seam with three buttons going up to the knees on either side. Looks very high stepping, majorette like. They are kicky cool now Kathy Smith supposedly has a bellydancing video out, she has lots of energy, she has been the only video babe to get me back so far, may have to purchase it

Hey Teel, is that Chitty chitty bang bang show the one with Michael Ball in it? OMG! How fabulous, he did a song "Me and my shadow" with Antonio on one of his albums, you are so lucky! He has a divine voice. ((((hugs)))) for your injury

Mel-Sounds like you are in your zone and enjoying the atmosphere, butterflies, faeries and all the magic they contain! Take a book of poetry to the park next time and you will be sure to float away! Lord Tennyson or Longfellow

Shad-Your life sounds hectic and wonderfully interesting. Your new job keeping you on your toes and sparking big time I hope Melbourne wraps you in wonderment and you get some relief from the stress of all the new job stuff and can get let loose into the new views around you.

Linus- Yikes! Exploding appliances isn't good. Hope you get yourself fixed up with a new one quickly. Hope the house stops messing about

Happy- Hope you hear about the job soon and you can start making your plans. Seems like DH is all for the move! Could be a big change, fun times ahead.

Rose-Sending many smiles and good energy to surround you

A bloody pop-up crashed my loooong post.
I will do it all again tomorrow. I had got as far as Tuesday in my holiday diary for you all

COPIED FROM MY JOURNAL TODAY.......

N.O.P.E. Goals for September
1-Read motivational books
2-Pedals/weekdays
3-New Sit & Be Fit video/weekends
4-Water
5-SBD

I did the new video this weekend. Great stretching. I highly recommend it for sitting exercises. I felt stretched and no real pain so far, we'll see how the day goes. My NOPE goals are simple and easier to stick to. One step at a time from now on. I think I can follow this for the month without too much trouble! Cleaned out the fridge and closets again. Amazing how bad food seems to magically appear in them!
Will gve the fruit to the office staff if the Kids are not back yet.
Feeling in control again and intend to hold on to it this time.
Yesterday was a good day out and fed a squirrel at the park. He waited till I was far away before coming back down the tree!
The pigeons were dive bombing me thinking I had something for them too! Brazen things that they are! All in all a very constructive weekend for me. More faith in myself every day. Still feel funny crossing busy streets. I hate thinking all those people in cars at red lights are staring at me. :bug: Nothing I can do but get used to it! :-)
Have a wonderful Tuesday.."


Linus~ Sorry you're under all the snow!!! I know it's not funny but you crack me up with every post! Shall I send someone over the pond to dig you all out?? Just let me know ans I'll find someone!! Or I'll strap on a plow and get you out myself!

Meadow~ I have heard a lot of good things from other women about Kathy Smith. Different sites I have visited I saw good comments on her videos. good luck!! Get the belly dancing one and tell us how it goes! I did feed the squirrel and eat my protein bar. I'm working myself up to staying longer each time. Takes time to get my "guts" back. Funny though, until recently I didn't know they were missing!

Well today started the new path to a skinnier me. Keep your fingers crossed! Have a great night.

Maybe I am still logged in. Don't remember clciking the thingy on this cafe computer.
It'll be a short post as I am cold, tired and hungry. Seems to be a normal situation with me these days.
Keeping up with the exercise more or less. Went for a run last night. I've decided to do the run in the open air rather than using up my expensive 10 trip ticket to the gym. I'll use that for weights and pilates - if I ever remember what day it is on. Generally manage to miss it and swear about it the next day.
I've been trying to sort out flights home for next weekend. It's footy finals on then so the b*stads have rocked up the flight prices. I'll have to pay at least $100 more than last time and I can't not go home because it is part of the contract and it will be even worse the week after. Grand finals on then. I often have a giggle about the premier finals, the minor finals and the Grand finals. How many finals do you have to have before you are finished around here???
Weather is still cool, showery and 4 seasons in one day. I need some more clothes but I refuse to buy any as I won't wear them after I finish here, Melbourne clothes are too hot and heavy for Brisbane clothes.
Job is going fine well almost, still can't do half of what we are supposed to because of lack of proper programs, but hey, who ever said you can't while away the day and be paid for it as well. It just drives me crazy that I have this pile of half finished stuff on my desk that I can't get rid of. WTF - why are they paying me and about 10 others to sit around and moan? Ours not to reason why???

Mel, that castle is Eilean Donan - and I really don't see you living there as a hermit or otherwise - unless of course you can install a lift to get you around and you have a key to Fort know to windproof, draftproof and heat the darned place. Beautiful to look at, **** to live in I would imagine.

Anyway, hello to all of you, and hope you are all having a reasonable time of it. Meadow the belly dancing sounds good. Get on with it. Teel, I do wish you would copy the posts and put in a firewall to stop the pop ups. I miss not having a whole lot of smilies to see when I finally get here. Linus, wtf........ what gives with the electrical appliances girl. Your cooking can't be that bad.

Okay, time is running along gotta go. Happy, any news????????