About Me

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Brisbane, Australia
I came to Brisbane in January 2009 to be near my family. From teaching art to secondary school students I moved in to working with people with special needs, and now am making little friends for children - surprise, surprise! I have always loved creating things with my hands - pictures, clothes, jewellery, gardens, food, and now toys. We have recently sold our house in Victoria so are now seriously relocating = furniture sorting and disposing, deciding what's imperative to bring and what's not, then doing it. You don't need much and it's a relief to simplify, once again. As my mother says, "There aren't any pockets in a shroud." Cheers Penny May 2010

Saturday, June 26, 2010

down the coast



When people from Brisbane go to the beach south of the city, they say they are going "down the coast". Well, that is where we are now, at Simon's having a bit of R&R. Here is Charles displaying his version. If you look very hard you can see Cape Byron in the background. It is whale season, so fingers crossed we see some.
Lisa and I spent some hours this morning at Byron Bay doing a small shop (new "handbag" for me, tho it goes over my shoulder rather than in my hand) and a couple of small surprises for you-know who, including a beautifully crafted and balanced yo-yo made in Austria, then back to Brunswick Heads for a late lunch. Charles and Simon caught 3 fish, 2 whiting and 1 flathead, all undersize, but are having another go tomorrow morning.
We are also meeting up with Pam and Ian tomorrow, and Kaye, Peter and Thea later in the week. Very exciting to catch up with friends and we are looking forward to seeing them all.







Work goes on bit by bit at Gladstone Rd, the latest being a new clothes line. This may not seem significant, but believe me, if you had been climbing over wire and through a rapidly growing garden that had overtaken the old line, you would be as grateful as I am. As well, the interior has taken on a totally new look with its new plastering and paint. It was all hands on deck and it looks fabulous, and much lighter now.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

what a day

Well, June 24, 2010, what a day. The first female PM took office, replacing poor old Kev who thought he had the right idea, but didn't ask anyone else. Another historical event we have lived through. What does the future hold now for Australian politics?
June 24, 2010, Charles was given the OK to start driving again, and to resume work slowly. His BP is right down, so the new medication is doing its job. Great news.
June 24, 2010, on a sadder note, Helen's faithful old dog, Maxie, came to the end of the road of life. It has been a day of weeping, and I daresay there will be a few more tears before the week is out. Max has been Helen's faithful companion since he was a tiny pup, and has been everywhere with her. He was much loved by us all, including Cosi, but it is a relief that he is no longer struggling as he was for the last few days. Here he is with Remi a year or so ago, still looking youthful. Vale Max.

Monday, June 7, 2010

first kindy concert



Remi had a wonderful time a couple of weekends ago, one Sunday morning in a local hall with all the other kindy kids. They sang a variety of songs with Remi and another boy leading the way with their pure joy and great enthusiasm for singing. One song, "I love you" brought a tear to my eye, and lots of memories of Bec and Mat performing their many concerts when they were children.
We are in the process of negotiating the house next door to Bec and Helen, along with Mitchy, Remi's dad. We are all very excited and full of plans, although the house won't be available for about a month or so. I will keep you posted.