Just had some news from home, upsetting news, I can't go into any detail, but I will say that no-ones dead or dying, thank God. In saying that, the news is very upsetting and this is the first time ever, since moving here, that I've felt bad about being so far away. Really wish I could pop back to give some hugs out but it'd not be practical or sensible. Just feeling a bit upset and really incredibly far away!


EDIT: Anyone who is also a friend of mine on Facebook, please don't mention this, please!

I understand ... I am sure we all hear you.

Hugs Jen, its the curse of the Expat.
I've lost count of the number of times I wished I was closer over the last few years...... They know you care and are thinking of them, whatever the problem is, thats the main thing

I can relate. We've been hearing some news from "the old country" that is very upsetting to us. There's nothing we can do we're just so far away. Some news is personal family issues. Other news is on a larger scale where friends are impacted. Nothing to do but pray, and write a letter....maybe find someone local you can share with.

indeed.

Well, 34 today and this is part of my pressie from the OH:



How cool does that look!? lol

The other part of my pressie is still being made due to my being disorganised but photos will follow when it's eventually ready!

Thanks for that Jen.

My dad is a hovercraft builder/racer and I grew up with the stuff. I used to paint resin on the fiberglass for pocket money. I could also drive one of these before I could ride a bike. I think one of the reasons my dad does not sound keen to visit me in Aus is because they dont have as many hovercraft fanatics as UK/Europe. Some of the footage is definitely from a race in Europe, but I am glad to see the company that put the clip up is in Queensland. I have sent the link on to him and maybe he could go visit them when my parents come over in Aug. I am fully using your clip as bait for my dad!

Do I understand you correctly, are you going for a spin on a hovercraft for your birthday?
Happy birthday and I hope your man spoils you rotten.

Yes, it's today, he got me an hour at the Flying Fish place, it's about 2 hours from where we live. Probably go in April sometime...

He's also got me a ring, but it's being handmade and may still take another week to complete so, my fault as I organised it, DOH! LOL

Happy Birthday!! Hope you do something special this weekend too....at least a meal out

Hope things back in the home country are OK and you have a great birthday mate

Off out for dinner later, then to see Danny Bhoy, can't wait! YAY!

Thanks Sonlyme, things aren't good, but I'm in a position to help out with the situation, even from over here, so that's comforting if nothing else!

It's good to see that whatever the obstacle you always find a positive way mate

Enjoy your dinner mate .......and seeing Danny whatsisname (no idea who that is)

TY

Happy Birthday! Hope you enjoyed your meal.

Well, for those who were following closely and with baited breath (yeah right) I finally got my handmade ring. I had seen a similar ring in white gold but wasn't keen on the whole maintenance thing involved with white gold, so opted to have it made in silver. I picked it up today and all I can say is WOW I am very very happy!

(PS it was a birthday pressie and due to my stupidity I didn't arrange enough in advance for it to be ready in time, thus my only getting it now! Isn't it gorgeous?)

For anyone who is looking for handmade jewellery the bloke who made my ring is:


Don Ziesemer and he is based in Toowoomba. You can google his number if you're interested in having him make anything. xo