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March 2011
I like to be around nice people, to associate with polite people. I like to try to help people. Sometimes in this world, we come across others who just like to try to annoy others, and unfortunately everything is contagious.
Whilst having thoughts like these recently, and finding a shortage of time to do other things that I have needed to do, I decided to concentrate for a while on those other things.
I found again that it is nice to be away from aggravating people, to be away from those who only want to see the negatives in life, and for me to get back to the positivity,
to see, and even feel, the smiles from people.
Life is too short to waste on negativity.
My future lies in the positives of life.
ABCDiamond
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Posted: 8:06 AM, Mon 7 March 2011 by |
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The weather all around Australia
The Weather at 8am EST 3rd June 2009 (3rd day of Winter)
Brisbane
12°C : Cloudy
Victoria Point QLD
12°C : Cloudy
Perth 6:00am in their local time
11°C : Fog
Darwin 7:30am in their local time
23°C : Partly Cloudy
Hobart
5°C : Partly Cloudy
Sydney
15°C : Mostly Cloudy
Melbourne
12°C : Fog
Adelaide 7:30am in their local time
7°C : Partly Cloudy
Canberra
10°C : Mostly Cloudy
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Posted: 8:11 AM, Wed 3 June 2009 by |
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The Weather in my area... Redlands Queensland
The Redlands Weather Low/High Temperatures for the Redlands area
August 2009
Lowest 6.0°C 4th August although 14.8°C by 9:00am
Highest 31.0°C 25th August
Lowest and highest temps at 9am and 3pm during August 2009
9:00 am temp: Lowest: 12.8°C - Highest: 23.4°C
3:00 pm temp: Lowest: 20.2°C - Highest: 27.3°C
July 2009
Lowest 4.2°C 15th July although 12.3°C by 9:00am
Highest 23.5°C 22nd July
9:00 am temp: Lowest: 12.0°C - Highest: 18.9°C
3:00 pm temp: Lowest: 15.4°C - Highest: 23.0°C
June 2009
Lowest 3.2°C 12th June although 11.6°C by 9:00am
Highest 23.0°C 85th June
May 2009
Lowest 8.3°C 15th May although 17.2°C by 9:00am
Highest 28.9°C 4th May
April 2009
Lowest 8.0°C 29th April although 18.5°C by 9:00am
Highest 29.0°C 15th April
March 2009
Lowest 14.5°C 27th March although 25.0°C by 9:00am
Highest 31.9°C 1st March
February 2009
Lowest 17.0°C 25th Feb although 26.8°C by 9:00am
Highest 32.4°C 9th Feb
January 2009
Lowest 15.5°C 14th Jan although 26.2°C by 9:00am
Highest 32.6°C 1st Jan
December 2008
Lowest 13.5°C 1st although 25.7°C by 9:00am
Highest 31.5°C 8th
November 2008
Lowest 10.3°C 24th although 24.5°C by 9:00am
Highest 32.5°C 23rd
October 2008
Lowest 7.3°C 23rd although 18.8°C by 9:00am
Highest 27.3°C 6th
September 2008
Lowest 8.6°C 8th although 18.3°C by 9:00am
Highest 26.9°C 21st
August 2008
Lowest 00.1°C 12th although 12.0°C by 9:00am
Highest 24.0°C 31st
July 2008
Lowest 2.0°C 15th although 14.0°C by 9:00am
Highest 24.5°C 31st
June 2008
Lowest 5.9°C 16th although 16.5°C by 9:00am
Highest 25.8°C 9th
May 2008
Lowest 7.1°C 26th although 16.7°C by 9:00am
Highest 27.0°C 7th
April 2008
Lowest 5.0°C 29th although 16.0°C by 9:00am
Highest 27.1°C 27th
March 2008
Lowest 10.9°C 31st although 22.2°C by 9:00am
Highest 29.1°C 26th
Details from: BOM Redlands Weather Station Todays temps on the hour, July 29th 2009:
0:00 13.7 °C
1:00 13.7 °C
2:00 13.3 °C
3:00 12.3 °C
4:00 11.6 °C
5:00 10.9 °C
6:00 11.2 °C
7:00 11.7 °C
8:00 12.8 °C
9:00 14.4 °C
10:00 16.4 °C
11:00 17.8 °C
12:00 19.3 °C
13:00 20.2 °C
14:00 21.3 °C
15:00 20.6 °C
16:00 20.4 °C
17:00 18.2 °C
18:00 16.4 °C
19:00 15.7 °C
20:00 15.3 °C
20:55 14.6 °C
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Posted: 9:05 AM, Fri 24 April 2009 by |
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We have moved. Please update your bookmarks accordingly
We got moved house last weekend. We both had a 5-day weekend and as it turned out, we needed it. Friday morning, we packed up the dog and a few essentials and went to get the keys from the estate agent. The keys that would definitely be there at 9 o'clock. The keys that ended up being posted into the letterbox of the new house at 10 o'clock. Good start!
So we got in and took in the atmosphere in our new house. It smelled of dog. We took a look around the empty shell. Empty except for the ant colonies in every corner anyway. So the plan was that Vanessa would stay and clean - she's a clean-freak it has to be said - while I went back and forth with a few car loads of gear. But the place was bloody filthy, so a bit of cleaning became a 2-day job. Unbelievable. I left Vanessa to it and did several runs in the car, all with the help of the dog. And by help, I mean hinderance. He's only small and just loves to get under your feet while you're trying to do anything. Meanwhile, Vanessa was cleaning.
At this point we also discovered that we couldn't lock the downstairs of the house. there are three doors - one of them is only designed to lock from the inside, one of them has a chunky old-fashioned lock (and no key) and the other has a keyhole but no key. We called up the estate agents and the previous owners admit that they were never given a key for downstairs. And never got one cut. In three friggin' years! So more expense to get a locksmith out - who did a bloody good job as it happens - and now we can protect our gear.
We also discover that nothing is fixed down. Or rather Vanessa discovered this as the glass shelf in the bathroom drops and smashes on the floor, badly cutting her leg, when she tried to clean it. How this family survived with 4 small kids is anybody's guess.
So Friday and Saturday follow this pattern - it's pissing down both days by the way. Then we roll around to Sunday, get up early to collect the truck and prepare for the big part of the move. We decide that it's probably best we move the spa first. This is on the back patio outside the kitchen, about 1.5m above the ground at the back of the house. Now when this was delivered, two guys brought it in and made it look really easy. So we decided that the two of use could get the thing back out again. You might say we 'mis-judged' the situation though. And when the $4000 spa rolled off the back deck, bounced onto the garden and rolled dramatically towards our motorhome at the bottom of the garden, closely followed by two seriously amateur removalists, this would have been evident to all. In all the spa rolled about 25m down the garden and we managed to stop it right before it crashed into a palm tree. The damage only appears to be superficial but we haven't plugged the thing back in yet anyway. If only we had video'd it, we would have won the next Australia's Funniest Home Videos show hands down.
12 hours later, we unloaded the last of the bits off the truck and collapsed in a heap on the lounge floor. Job done. Well, except for all the unpacking anyhoo. |
Posted: 22:03, Friday 20 February 2009 by wmoore |
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Welcome to The Moore Inn
Well hello there. Haven't written anything for a while so thought I might get back into it. If you're wondering about the title, it's twofold really. A few years ago when we were still in the UK, a friend was moving from London back 'home' to the north east, so we offered him a room at ours. Then as he moved out a few months later, another mate needed a bed for a few nights a week so we took him in. From then on our house became known as The Moorings B&B.
Then when we moved to Australia in '05, one of the first things we bought (despite being skint!) was a bar. I had always wanted to have a bar so when we saw this in a second hand shop for $200, we really couldn't pass it up. Despite having bills to pay and no income at the time. So then The Moorings became The Moore Inn.
This old bar has been shifted around 4 houses and spent some time in storage but is about to be moved to its new - and final - home. Now in it's new home, it will play second fiddle to a full on fixed bar (pics to follow) so we don't really know what to do with it. On the one hand the new bar will overshadow it in every way. On the other, this bar has something of a story to it and some sentimental value too. I guess we'll find a place for it because I really can't see us parting with it but who knows.
So we're moving into the new place in less than two weeks. We've been very good the last few weekends and packed most of our crap valuables into boxes ready for the big day - Friday 13th would you believe  . We're looking forward to finally getting into our own place again, after 4.5 years of living in other people's. I've got Foxtel and the internet on order but ... er ... not the electricity yet. Ooops, better sort that.
Anyhoo, that's about all I have to say for today. Not much I know but I'm sure I'll find something more interesting to write about next time. Maybe. |
Posted: 21:01, Monday 2 February 2009 by wmoore |
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The History of ABCDiamond on British Expats
| In 2003 I joined British Expats, it was actually December 2nd 2003.
I spent many an hour on this site, answering questions and making friends. In 2006, actually it was July 10th 2006 at 4:44 pm, I stopped visiting, after making 9,761 posts in 951 days (just over 2 years and 7 months.
I had decided that I needed a rest, I needed a break from all things migration. During that time I had accumulated a lot of information, which I also place on my own web pages, which used to be www.abcdiamond.com, but is now located at www.britzinoz.com In October 2008, just over 2 years later, I looked back in on the migration forum scene again, and slowly became hooked in answering more questions, often the same questions as two years before  . I noticed that a few of the old people were still around, but also lots of new faces. Even my own old ABCDiamond forum was still running, but my Brits in Brisbane forum had died  So, I spent a few hours revamping my old web site, and then creating a new design for it. Now, it is just after Christmas 2008, and it has been about 3 months since my return. I have spent much more time working on my old information site, and made it much more interesting to look at. I have updated some of the information that had become out of date, and added more as I came across interesting subjects. |
Posted: 6:00 PM, Sun 28 December 2008 by |
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OMG its May already
Well what been happening since last update......
My mum had been over for a 6 week visit, which was wonderful, she is the perfect house guest
Cleans, washes, hangs out washing, cooks, pays for shopping plus much more 
Although it was very hard to say goodbye to her (again) it was nice to be able to buckle down and get on and study.
Yes i have returned to the study with a vengence (not sure if i mentioned it??) i have just completed 1st semester of my 2 1\2 years to complete my teaching degree, so only 2 years to go (woop woop) i must be really sad actually as i've found i've enjoyed studying and working again!
I am now working every day, i do 4 mornings in Kindy and Primary, supporting a special ed child, teaching a chinese child English (ha ha don't think they thought about the words i may teach him) and running a literacy group
Plus i do 1 morning and 1 afternoon (as well as any other afternoons i am needed which is normally at least another 2 each week) working in a Special Ed unit which caters to physical and mental disabled children
and i really love it!!!!!
Alan has settled down in his work and seems to be really happy now, he's had invesigations into his health (problems he's had before coming here to Oz) and has been diagnosed as having an ulcer and hietus hernia (sp) but they say its all treatable so hes much happier
Amy loves her school and Kirsty will be following her there next year (Feb), Kirsty is playing for the local netball team again this year and Amy is off to tampolining Wed.
I have some very special friends who are lovely and have replaced my family (here in Oz) in a way, but i think we have finally made it!!!
The house just needs some 'Sam' work on it (LOL) and it will be home totally then
Right thats it for now, Be happy people!!! Life really is for the living |
Posted: 09:47, Tue 20 May 2008 by alan and sam |
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Things looking up
Well after a totally shit month of Feb (which has never been a good month for me, but this one was the worst)
I looked forward to March and i have to say......... it's been all pretty good so far
I have decided to be more positive in life and after having some bad news from the UK regarding one of my best mates i looked at my life and put it into prospective!
I have a job thats a breeze and i love..
I get extra work from the Ed support, again which i love to do...
I get to keep all the money i earn for myself (and the girls of course)
I am fit and healthy with a wonderful family
I get my own way (most of the time...) I have wonderful children who are both intelligent and well-behaved (if a bit lippy on occasion)
I am back at the study to finish my degree to forfill an ambition of mine from years ago....and am enjoying every bit of it (OMG)
I love the laid back way of life that WA offers me and i have got some really extra special friends (especially those drinking ones LOL)
You know what?............
I like living here, it has taken me a while to re-adjust and i'm not saying we wont explore elsewhere in Oz and may even relocate there in the future (watch out Bixie) but for now i am happy and content where i am in life!
Will give a proper what we've been upto update another time, just needed to get all that off my chest (so to speak) |
Posted: 05:58, Thu 17 April 2008 by alan and sam |
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Well, There You Have It, I
I've decided to copy a whole lot of my other blog into this one. It's taken ages and please don't feel you need to read it all, most of it's rubbish remblings anyway.
I'll try to keep my BE blog more up to date from now, promise ;-)
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Posted: 07:52, Sat 8 March 2008 by herrchook |
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Had My Wrists Slapped
I've just had my wrists kinda slapped by Moneypen for not updating this blog in ages. I have been blogging, it's just that I've been doing it on anothersite (http://thecarraghersinoz.spaces.live.com/).
Anyway, I'll try to do an update. But first I need to know the best way to do it. I can bore you all to tears by copying and pasting the entire blog conents or I can just pop in some hyperlinks? What do you think? |
Posted: 06:43, Sat 8 March 2008 by herrchook |
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Today Just Keeps Getting Better
Well, you already know about our nice financial surprise today. On top of that someone might want to inspect the rental house on tuesday so hopefully they do, and they like it so we're off the hook. Please keep everything crossed for us. Paying rent and a mortgage is painful!!
And, well, they say it come in 3s and for us it certainly has today. Mike had a 2nd interview today for a job which he's really excited about. It's a PM role in a company which administers superannuation funds. Basically, for a long time now, he's been hankering after a job which more accurately reflected the type of work he was involved with at Scotam (yeah, I know, Elaine, Izy, Sandy, Mike and Fiona I know you're screaming nnnnooooooooooo) but that's where his heart is.
Anyway, he's been offered the job and as they say in Oz he's stoked lol. He is soooo excited and thinks this could the the job which he has for years to come. They are going to put him through Prince2 certification also which is a huge bonus.
It's slightly less money than he's currently on, but hopefully, he'll get a whole lot more job satisfaction and there's a bonus scheme too so at the end ofthe day he might be better off.
Finally, it's Labour Day weekend here which means a long weekend for us and Monday off yyeeehaa. We've not got a lot planned and we cancelled going to the Port Fairy Folkie as we didn't know what pennies we'd have which is a shame. However, Andy and Helen have invited us round for curry on Saturday so it's not a complete washout, and we'll get to catchup with the Port Fairy Contingent next week as they're coming up so we can sll go see the Formula 1 GP together (and Mike and Campbell get to go see Ozzy play live too). Sunday is supposed to be 35 degrees so we may go to the beach to relax - oh life is hard lol.
Hapy Friday :-))))))))))))))))))))))))) |
Posted: 07:51, Fri 7 March 2008 by herrchook |
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Don't You Just Love A Surprise
The Australian equivalent of the child benefit is called Family Assistance and is managed by the govt organisation called Centrelink. To be honest, we never thought we'd be entitled to it as it's means tested and Mike earns a good wage. Anyway, we've looked at the forms many times and they always looked so complicated that they always ended up back at the bottom of the inbox.
Well, a couple of weeks ago, and with a new mortgage looming, I decided to procatinate no longer, and got online and on the phone and filled in all the forms. I quickly got a letter telling me they needed to see our rental lease, visas and bith certs for the girls and I duly trotted off to the local centrelink office last Wednesday.
I was just this morning wondering how long it would take before I heard from them when the postie brought me a nice surprise in the mail....
They owe us over 6 months back family assistance payments and have paid a lump sum into our bank account. Also, with effect from next week, we'll get regular payments which will cover about a whole weeks food bill per month so I'm really really excited. Of course, it may well be reduced once we stop renting as I think a portion of it is what they call "rent asistance" but for the time being it's all very much appreciated.
Advance Australia Fair |
Posted: 07:51, Fri 7 March 2008 by herrchook |
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Update on the Week So Far
Well, we've signed a notice that agrees to the extortionate charges imposed to break our lease. They want almost $1000 but we have no choice as it's us who's breaking the lease. Oh well. Then, laughably, I got a call yesterday from the real estate agent asking if we'd give access for someone to come quote for air conditioning. I actually laughed at her !! We asked him to get this in 3 months ago and despite many many hots days and nights (some over 40 degrees) he only blinking does it now!!***~~@@!!!!!!!!!! And some of those hot days we had no curtain or blind on a north facing patio door as he was too tight to fix the broken blind ~~@@**&&!!!!! I HATE RENTING.
Suffice to say, we can't wait to get out now and finally be in our own place after over a year of effectively living in someone else's house.
Katie, I have actually taken a leaf out of your book and penned a letter to you. I haven't written a letter in years - hope you like it :-)
This week I'm mostly trying to keep the house immaculate for and possible inspections. Keep your fingers crossed for us please that they find a new tennant quickly as we don't want to be paying rent on an empty house.
We've had some very pleasant weather this week so far. It's been hovering around the high 20s low 30s with glorious blue skies. It was a tad warm last night but the fan by the bed was enough to sort that out. |
Posted: 07:50, Thu 6 March 2008 by herrchook |
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Happy UK Mother's Day
After a few cool days to end the summer, Autumn offically started yesterday and the temperatures rose again !!! Today it was 28 degrees and tomorrow it's to be 32 !!
We've had Lynn and Campbell and Ahren and Brody here this weekend. We managed to polish off 5 bottles of wine with them on Friday night so that might explain the sore head yesterday lol.
We called the real estate agent for the rental on Saturday and she has confirmed our landlord has agreed to us terminating our lease and they've written out with the details and costs involved. Assuming that's all in order, we can get this place advertised and hopefully, re let quickly.
No movement on the new house yet but the conveyencer says all hre stuff's in the post so hopefully the postie will have a bulging bag when he puttles up on his wee motor bike tomorrow.
Swimming lessons went well today. Becca had her first "big kid" class and she had us and er teacher in stiches with her enthusiasm. She was beaming ear to ear and wouldn't stand still, even swimming when it wasnt her turn. At the end she even got a merit for her torpedo with a float (torpedo is the way they teach the kids to hold their hands outstretched with hands together while they learn to kick). I suspect we may have a budding Olympic swimming champ on our hands lol. We also asked Ellie's teacher how she was doing as she seems to have been in the same class for months. They did a test on her and told us she will probably get moved up next week or the next which she's delighted with.
After swimming we popped over to Helen and Jonathans so Mike could fix their wonky pc and then home to clean the manky windows. Sadly, it was a bit too hot for that today and it wasn't an easy job (poor Mike even burnt his neck) but they're pretty much all done now. The only one's not done are those which have fixed fly screens on and we need to actually take the windows out to do those so that's a job for a cooler day.
Well, it's Mothers Day in the UK today so Mike's currently trying unsuccessfully to top up our international calling card. Just in case it really is not working we might not be able to call so apologies. I'm hoping to call Nicola tonight too as I've not had a decent chat in ages so hopefully we can get the kids down sharp.
Happy Mother's Day everyone. |
Posted: 07:50, Mon 3 March 2008 by herrchook |
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Life Jim But Not As We Know It
Not much to report this week as we've been laying low trying to get the mortgage paperwork etc all sorted. Everything is now with the lenders awaiting approval so keep everything crossed they give us the green light soon.
Over the weekend we had a visit from Jim and Sandra and the girls, it was great to catch up with them and hear all their news.
Still haven't heard anything from the landlord as to whether or not he's prepared to allow us out of the lease. We're hoping to hear soon as each day it's empty when we move is a day we're paying rent and a mortgage and that's not a cheap option.
I've also been busy getting quotes for removalists, as they're called here. They seem to typically charge by the hour here and we've about 6 quotes so it's just a case of deciding how long we'll need them and making the booking. Then begins the fun of packing, again. Seems like that's all we've done for the past year sometimes.
It's Mother's Day in the UK this week so we've been scouring the shops for a card, which, of course there are none of as it's not Mother's Day here. Must remember to buy extra when it comes around here so we've got some for next year.
I've got a meeting with Ellie's teacher this afternoon and then tomorrow after school, Helen and Ellie are coming over for a cuppa. Then on Friday night, Lynn and Campbell and the boys are coming up for the night as they have a wedding in Melbourne on Saturday. Haven't seen them since Xmas so it'll be nice to catch up. Once they leave though, I plan to go full steam ahead with packing so I need to start finding boxes and bubble wrap.
Oh yeah, and did I mention I've now had a headache/migraine for 5 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Stressed - no, not me :-) |
Posted: 07:49, Thu 28 February 2008 by herrchook |
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blimey it has been a long time
since updating this blog
I didnt realise the last time was when we came back from QLD (god i love QLD)
ok whats happened since then......
well same old, same old really..
you know same shit....sunnier bucket (i wont say shinier)
Had a lovely but quiet xmas, at home in the pool but did decide that next year i (we) need to do something different!
Alan had 10 days off over xmas (that we hadn't planned for as we didn't know) which was ok but financially we could have done without!
I spent nearly 8 weeks enjoying my time with the girls, friends and the pool (so glad we bought a place with one in)
Went back to work, and compared to last year, this year is fantastic, i was ready to hand in my notice last year due to unsupportive staff members and a shit of a kid (lol) but this year i am in a different class, still with a special needs kid (as that is my speciality) but totally different experience, a supportive teacher, wonderful parents and grandparents of the child and positive thinking from all!! god it makes such a difference i can tell you! plus this child isnt as violent as the last one... !!!!!! i dont come home with bruises and teeth marks this year
I have started back at uni to complete my teaching degree that i started 4 years ago back in the UK, i completed 2 years there and had 18 months off since being here
I have decided to focus on early years though instead of upper primary! working in early years this last 18 months has been really enjoyable (if i ignore the shit that i had lol) and have to say i'm enjoying going back into study (so far......ask me this again in 6 months LOL)
On a personal level
Life has been shit!!!! but i wont discuss
I am fine, the kids love it over here, Amy has settled into private high school like a duck to water, she always has either a friend coming here or like tonight off to a friends house till 5.30, Kirsty is doing well as school and has been made a prefect this year (so pleased and proud of her) She also has loads of friends
I will hasten to say at this point, that both the girls did well at school in the UK too, but their whole outlook is different over here and socially its easier for them to mix, they both still play netball for the local district, something that they would never have done in the UK!
So its good for them!
Well i will try and not leave it so long next time
oh and just before i go
PP arrives 8th March, i shall pick them up from the airport (as its only 10 mins from me) and drop them at Gobbyjocks
and then my mum arrives again on the 19th March.....god i can't wait to see my mum again!
and then......
we fly back to the UK on the 26th Sept!!! WOOHOOOO!
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Posted: 04:53, Tue 26 February 2008 by alan and sam |
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Breaking News
Just back from swimming lessons and Becca just swam a complete length of the pool unaided - not just to the flag and back Mum and Dad - a complete length !!!!!
We're really proud of her. She is now officially promoted out of the kinder groups and into what she calls "the big kids lessons". Go Becca |
Posted: 07:49, Sun 24 February 2008 by herrchook |
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What A Difference a Week Makes
In a bid to overcome our homesickness this week we spent hours and hours finalising our decision about where in Oz we are going to settle. And the winner is right here in Caroline Springs. It was actually seeing the kids happy here that we finally made our minds up. Ellie is really happy at school and Becca, well, she simply adores her new kinder. In addition, we have made some really amazing friends here and add to that the decent property prices and good commute to the city and the decision was made. At present, property here is still a good price but there's a new bypass being built which will grossly reduce the drive into the city and with that, and the completion of the suburb in around 5 years we fully expect it to be a good investment.
Anyway, anyone who knows us knows that once we've decided to do something, we just get on with it (think back to brief engagement, then 2 kids in two years - get the picture lol). Anyway, we have inspected a fair few houses this week and on Tuesday, I spotted a new property come on the market which looked perfect. I called the estate agent and asked to inspect it then heard nothing back!! After a few chase up calls, we got in to see it on Thursday night and almost immediately fell in love with it. I won't go into the whole story but there was another offer already in on the property and the owners had reduced the price to sell quickly as they'd already moved out (a previous buyer dropped out last minute). So we thought about it all Thursday night and on Friday, confirmed our mortgage was Ok and made a cheeky offer which was promptly refused. So, we went back to them with the offer the same as the other bidder (but we'd found out by now they couldn't get the finance so it was just us bidding). We found out about 4pm yesterday that the offer was accepted so today we took the deposit cheque in and signed the official offer.
What can I tell you about the house? Well, it's right in the heart of Caroline Springs which means a 10 min walk to school, shops, library, pool, pub etc. It's about 1 year old and it was built by a company called Metricon. Long time readers of this blog will remember that's the same builder we chose when we were thinking of buiding so we were chuffed when we heard that as we think they're a great builder. We also discovered that the style of the house is exactly the same as the house we wanted to build with Metricon but couldn't afford (talk about fate). Thankfully, because the seller needed to sell quickly because of the previous lost buyer, the price was amazing. Actually, we had to go see the realtor for the place we're renting so arrange breakign the lease and she couldn't believe the price we got it for.
The house has everything we wanted including a nice added bonus of a proper home theatre room and a guest room upstairs right next to the bathroom. The girls have identical rooms next to ours as well as a rumpus area on the landing for their toys. As for our room, well, it's more of a suite than a room lol. When you go through the door htere's a corridor which opens on the left into a walk in dressing room with mirrored robes either side and a door into the ensuite. Follow the corridor along past the dressing area and the bed area is there with the balcony and lovely views (perfect for those early morning coffees). The ensuite is fab, it's got a massive spa bath, double sinks, large shower and separate WC.
I've added a few photos we took on our 2nd inspection today, there's also a floor plan in ther from the current model of the house. The only difference there is the layout of the master bedroom and that ours is the flip (i.e. mirror image). Also, here's a link to the builders site on which you can take 360 degree tours of the showhome of the same design and also see more photos and a video (bear in mind it's a showhome though so it's top of the range everything)...http://www.metricon.com.au/victoria/homes/tribeca/default.aspx
Right, we're off to sink a bottle of something strong.
BTW, we had a lovely night along at Helen and Andy's last night catching up on all their news, thanks guys. |
Posted: 07:48, Sat 23 February 2008 by herrchook |
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I'm Lost
Well, I'm still feeling a bit lost since Mum and Dad left. We got a call from them early on Saturday so at least we know they're home safe and sound. In a bid to keep busy and make the house feel a little less empty, we moved the lounge furniture around and actually it looks pretty good. I'll post a photo - what do you think? Also, Mike spent some time building the new chest of drawers we bought for our bedroom, they look fab. Of course, we needed a few new nick nacks for them so we popped out to Watergardens and got a new vase and a couple of little pink candle holders. I think it looks really good now. All we need now though is a nicer room to put it all in lol.
On Friday night I got a really bad migraine which lasted most of Saturday too (but just as a headache mostly thankfully). Anyway, i fell asleep at 8pm last night as the kids watched Willy Wonka on TV, I think the emotion of the past few days was catching up with me. I slept better last night too which is good.
Today we had the usual swimming lessons at 9am. We're really seeing a huge improvement in Ellie's swimming stroke week on week. for a long time it was just the same all the time but she's really getting into it. She's now owrking on butterfly stroke as well as developing her breathing technique further. Last week at swimming, we were told Becca only had to swim a third of the pool and back unaided to get moved out of the kindergarten class. Well, today, they told her and boy did she try hard to get it. Her biggest problem was though that everytime she got halfway, she'd have a wee chat with the teacher lol. Anyway, she very nearly made it and we expect her to get it in the next week or 2. We'll keep you posted.
After swimming we came home and got a picnic ready and set off to Daylesford Lake with Helen and Ellie. Boy was it hot today, it reached 34 so as you can imagine it was searing in the sun. We had our lunch and the girls fed the ducks. We then set off on a walk around the lake but got about half way when we discovered a little bit of the lake where some kids were swimming. Well, that's all it took - 2 mins later, all 3 girls (and Mike) were in the lake fully clothed - and much cooler than Helen and I can I add lol. They had a blast. Goodness only knows if they'll all hae gostro tomorrow from swallowing lake water but boy did they have fun. I couldn'thelp thinking it's a shame we hadn'y taken Mum and Dad ther eas they'd have loved it - really good old fashioned fun. Oh well, we didn't know about this place when they were here - maybe next time.
I truly think Mum and Dad brought the UK weather with them when they arrived, and took it bakc when they went home. It's been really warm and sunny ever since they left, yet they had some horrible weather when they were here. Tonight, it's still 32 degrees and the house is really hot and horrible!! It's to be the same tomorrow and Tuesday before cooling on Wednesday to mid 20s again - phew! |
Posted: 07:47, Mon 18 February 2008 by herrchook |
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They're Gone
Mike left to take Mum and Dad to the airport around 7.40 last night. I personally felt worse than when we left in July. The house feels full of ghosts. It's weird, before they came it was just our house but now there's their bedroom, some of their stuff still in the bathroom and I can see Dad pottering in the kitchen. After over a month of being together all day everyday it feels like someone's died. I'm so sad.
I called Pam after they left last night just so I could chat to someone I know and that helped a bit. She has her own problems right now so it kind of put things into perspective for me.
The girls are doing OK. Becca had a few tears when she got up and realised they were gone and Ellie's mentioned it, but she said a proper goodbye last night so she got it out of her system then. She was great actually. I put her to bed just after they left and we both ha a good cry and a hug together. She then told me she was really sad but she knew I would be sadder as it was my Mum and Dad - just when did she get so grown up? Even this morning having breakfast we overheard her sayig to Becca "you can't talk to Mum about Gran and Grandad as it will make her sad". How sweet? We told her that its a nice thought but that we should talk about them even more as it'll make us happy.
Right, school run time, today's gona be a toughy. |
Posted: 07:47, Fri 15 February 2008 by herrchook |
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