Hello again. Time sure flies doesn't it? No kidding! I suppose once people start to settle in and enjoy the new lifestyle in Australia it's easy to forget what all has happened in such a short space of time.

Well I was in the middle of my motorbike course when I got a call from an I.T. company to help out over December as one of their guys was going to be on leave in December and they needed someone to cover for that time. So I accepted and finished with them yesterday.

So I still have some work to do to finish my instructors course and hopefully soon I'll be able to start working as one and bringing in some good 'ol money doing something I enjoy.

My wife started work in the middle of November and was there for a week when she heard the dreaded news that her father had passed away. So she flew back to Johannesburg for a week to attend the funeral etc... while I remained at home with the kids, now teens. It was a sad time overall for us as he was a lovely man. Her mom has all the rest of her family over there to support her, so that's good. She is also planning to come and visit us here in Australia later this year, if all goes well.

Our daughter then flew back to London for two weeks in middle of December to visit her boyfriend and surprise some of her friends. She had a great time overall. She couldn't believe how COLD it really was. We reminded her that's why we moved over here. She agreed it's much nicer here weather wise.

She starts Year 11 in Jan this year and our son starts Uni at UQ, so hopefully they'll both settle in really well and make some good friends soon enough.

Out little Holden Barina had its first accident as well. Our son was parked on the side of the road when a driver reversed out of his driveway into the car and dented the drivers door. Anyway it's in for repairs now and the other driver admitted full liability. We also got posted a bottle of Nando's mild peri-peri sauce from the other driver via the insurance company!!!

Then it was Christmas time. We dug out the lights and tree from the garage (still in boxes) and set up home with colour and presents. It was fab and relaxing.

We were invitied around to John, Lynne & Family for Christmas Eve dinner. It was fantastic. We were really spoilt rotten. We had an amazing dish of huge prawns and all the trimmings. Thanks guys. We'll try and repay you guys with a braai sometime soon.

Watched bit of cricket and posted a lot on BE as usual.

Now it's New Years Day 2011 and we'll be having another barbie tonight, at home, with prawns and the usual spread. A small bottle of bubbly is in the fridge as well, and plenty of beer.

Have a very happy and prosperous 2011.

Take care.

Alf