glittababe

The kids go out in all weathers too (whether they like it or not)! My sister, on the other hand, moans like hell when its raining and insists on spending £15 a go on taking them to those indoor play areas! what a rip off! We do loads of mountain biking, presently the boys are going through a bike a year due to wear and tear plus height growth. they'd like new bikes for xmas, but not sure what to do? Do we spend a lot of money in Halfords on adult bikes for them that they can grow into and we can take to aus, or do we pop to tesco's and grab some cheapy ones, then buy new in aus??? Oh I hate having to make adult decisions!

merlotsmum

Just re-read my post, I don't mean I am the only gay in the village

Caroline - your story and attitude to Australia and life is spot on, long may it continue for you.

MMum

CasG

Thankyou

glittababe

Thats the other thing we take forgranted! Shopping!

We have some really good quality stuff here, very well priced and stacks of choice. Clothes shopping is great! Definately haven't got that luxery out in aus.

Also taken forgranted, the NHS. I know everyone has their moans about it, but its been good to me. The fact you can see you're GP free of charge, have emergency treatment and in some cases, get free prescriptions is always a bonus. I know we all pay tax, but in aus you pay high taxes and STILL have to pay for healthcare???? Whats going on there then???

merlotsmum

You are welcome, your posts are inspirational and a pleasure to read

merlotsmum

Very true, I have had to pay for healthcare in other countries and it is no laughing matter, the NHS ain't perfect but better than most.

suzy

Good point about mountain bikes. Nick's dithering over whether to get a new one in Oz or take his. He's got 2 - flash git - is it worth transporting them.

glittababe

I'm taking mine as I love my bike! Mark's is new so he's taking his as well. I'd say on the whole, there's no difference in quality, but they're cheaper here and you know what you're getting from halfords. I'd take them X

suzy

I'll take your advice on that then. And thoroughly cleaned with jeyes fluid and jet washed

glittababe

oh yes they love British dirt at customs! Was sorting through the attic the other day, and finally (only a year later) managed to unpack a suitcase. Inside was stacks of aussie sand (in the kids jean pockets etc). no one stopped me about that at heathrow. in fact, we were gobsmacked that we never got checked at all on our return! we could've sneaked a little indonesian guy through no probs

poshrice

HIya i am not in Oz yet but have decided to film my little boy doing some of the things that he will won't remember doing as he is only little so on his Birthday on Sunday come rain or shine we are wrapping him up in an old coat hat scarf and gloves(he looks so cute all bundled up) wellies on and an old pair of jeans and then we are going puddle busting in Sutton park and filming him doing it he loves jumping in puddles the wetter the better for me it is not so much the puddles but the fact that when we are in Oz he will be celebrating his birthday in the summer rather than the winter so this birthday will be extra special have asked the grandparents along too so we can get us all on video. I think i take it for granted here that we have such beautiful places to visit and don't get out there. If only we could have a big snow like we used to before we go in January so i can film him building a snowman. Our friend used our camcorder at our leaving do t film us loads of messages from our friends we haven't watched it yet as we are going to wait till we get to Oz. I also want to film our house and our street so that when thomas gets old enough to understand we can show him where he lived in the UK. Anyway will let you know how our winter walk goes on Sunday.

Poshrice

merlotsmum

Awww, sounds fab, have fun

Stitch

Family and friends on the whole.

Hubby still makes my heart skip a beat. Kids are adorable. Mum and stepDad drive me nuts but I will miss them unbelievably when we're in Oz.

Life I feel I take for granted. A friend of ours just over a year ago suffered a brain hemorrhage. Amazing he lived but has changed totally. Destroyed his family and kids. Just don't know what's around the corner.

Cheers

Ginny

ROBnCAZ

Off on a 'slight' tangent but trying to stay on topic..........

One thing I have realised that I take for granted in the UK, is our close proximity to some 'fantastic' European countries!

I have only visited a handful but am starting to realise how difficult it will be to visit the ones I really want to see once we get to OZ....

Spose I'll have to make do with Bali then

diddy

Eh? You or the Dog?