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• I'm late! -- Ellie., 02:16:14 04/14/06 Fri (128.16.233.220.exetel.com.au/220.233.16.128)
  Tina, I'm sorry to hear about Barney, I know how painful it is to lose a loved pet. It reminded me of the day my daughter lost both her cat AND her dog on the same day. The dog.Jake, had to beput to sleep, and the cat died of natural causes. To make matters worse it happened on my birthday! My daughter and family came to see me that day, but she was close to tears most of the day, and so was I. This was some years ago, but it's still vivid.
  Anyway.. Spring is here for you over there, and Autumn here for us. Today is Good Friday here, so I wish you all a happy and safe Easter. Not sure if I'm seeing family over Easter, but I've got together some chocolate goodies for them if I do! Tomorrow night I'm going to a service where my friend Lorraine will be admitted to the Church (adult confirmation) It's a Catholic Church.. I'm not Catholic, but Lorraine has asked me to go.. and I feel the essence of it all is all people, all faiths.
  Play rehearsals are continuing.. next one on Monday night.
  Walking the dogs in the woods sounds magical Tina.. and congrats on Zoe's achievement!
  Happy Easter, everybody!
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: I'm late! -- tina swinimer, 15:03:13 04/14/06 Fri
  
  
• Tina- Sending you hugs -- Phyllis, 18:36:26 04/02/06 Sun (dial-66-218-26-118.usadatanet.net/66.218.26.118)
  Dear Tina,
  
  I just read your posting and my heart goes out to you for the loss of your beloved Barney. When our pets suffer we must do the right thing for them. I can only imagine the pain and sadness you are going through.
  
  I dread the day that my sweet golden retriever, Rufus will depart this world. He is the first dog I ever had and I do not have any other pets. He has been my faithful companion for 14 years. He has touched so many lives and thanks to him we have met many people on our walks and made new acquaintances. I treasure each day as I know our time is limited. I am so thankful that he can enjoy traveling with me to my granddaughter's home.
  
  We are having cooler weather here this week and it is predicted that we will get some much needed rain.
  
  I too will either have to do some yard work every day but think that I will have to hire someone to do the work. I will probably get a couple of estimate first before I make up my mind. Our city will only take the leaves/small branches in biodegradeable paper bags and only for 5 weeks.
  
  I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and send hugs to you.
  Phyllis
  

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  • Re: Tina- Sending you hugs -- tina, 14:57:32 04/08/06 Sat
  
  
• My Old Computer Is Up and Running At This Time -- Phyllis, 19:01:07 03/30/06 Thu (dial-66-218-24-76.usadatanet.net/66.218.24.76)
  Hi Tina & Ellie,
  
  I enjoy reading about your activties and fun time with your grandchildren and great grandchild. A little one brightens up everyone's day.
  
  I remember working backstage at a community play when I was a teenager and it was lots of fun. Everyone who contributes to the play is a valuable part of the finished product.
  
  Kaitlyn will be turning 10 months the 7th of April. She loves to crawl and stands up holding onto furniture. Yesterday we went for a carriage ride which was fun. My daughter's mother-in-law usually comes over in the afternoon for a couple of hours. It is a long day as I watch Kaitlyn from 7:00 a.m. until 4:30 with my dog, Rufus who also wants attention. He came along on our carriage walk. I have to limit him for several shorts walks due to his age. I watch Kaitlyn 3 days a week and am very tired at the end of the day. I do so enjoy being with her and am happy to help out. She understands a lot of words and says a few words which of course is so delightful to us. I cherish these special times and look forward to watching her grow up.
  
  We are having beautiful spring weather. I almost think it is safe to put my winter shovel and salt away. Today I am catching up on housework. This year I think I will hire someone to clean up my back yard. There are lots of branches and leaves that need to be hauled away
  
  I have to run a few errands but wanted to say hello and let you know that I have been reading your e-mails.
  
  Wishing you both and any other readers a good week and weekend.
  
  Phyllis
  

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  • Re: My Old Computer Is Up and Running At This Time -- tina swinimer, 15:27:30 03/31/06 Fri
  
  
• Good morning.. -- Ellie., 01:58:42 03/27/06 Mon (128.16.233.220.exetel.com.au/220.233.16.128)
  Hello Everyone. Just a quick catch-up. We have just finished the Commonwealth Games here in Melbourne. Tina will know what this is about being Canadian.. but Americans might not. So it's like the Olympic Games, but only for British Commonwealth Countries.
  I didn't go to any of the events, but watched quite a lot of it on tv. Pretty Spectacular!
  My theatre group is now in rehearsal for a series of plays by Bertold Brecht. We have rehearsals Monday and Thursday nights. The performances (six) will be in June.
  It's getting exciting!
  Saw my little great granddaughter Jemillah at the weekend. She is now seven months old and gorgeous. Big Dark brown eyes.
  Hope all are well.
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: Good morning.. -- tina swinimer, 13:26:08 03/29/06 Wed
  
  
• out and about -- tina swinimer, 14:34:38 03/19/06 Sun (hlfx26-119.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.76.119)
  March break is fun for the children who have the week off from school and extra fun for grandmas that are invited to join their excursions.Thursday my daughter and I took my 10 yr old granddaughter and 2 of her friends to Hatfield farms, about and hours drive from here.
  We were taken on a long woods drive by horse and wagon "other yrs it would be horse and sled but no snow this March." 2 big persherons "splt wrng"-lol pulled a long wagon holding 20 people, seats were comfy , we went way back in the woods,there we got off by a big log lodge.
  Inside the lodge they had a big fire in the fireplace,lots to eat and from there we went to the games building that had everything to thrill the children.Three hours later we were back on the wagon for the ride out of the woods, tired but happy.
  On our drive there and back in our car the girls kept us amused as they sang every ditty they could think of.All three are very good singers and it made me so happy to be with them.
  Spring is officially supposed to be here Monday but we have been crossing between spring and winter all month-one day cold one warm so to know what to wear is a challenge.
  It was in the newspapers that this was the warmest winter on record for all of Canada.
  I hope you are all enjoying yourselves ,Happy Spring and Happy Fall "wherever the term applies"
  

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  • Re: out and about -- Ellie, 14:23:24 03/22/06 Wed
  
  
• Announcing A Special Birthday -- Phyllis, 02:59:44 03/17/06 Fri (dial-69-67-231-149.usadatanet.net/69.67.231.149)
  Hi to All,
  
  Rufus turned 14 this month and I received a birthday card on his behalf. Family members also called to wish him well.
  Although he has slowed down a bit, he still takes 2-3 short walks a day. His doesn't eat as much as he use to. My sister works real hard at coaxing him. He seems to response to her well that because she is not here as often as I am. He does enjoy traveling to my daughter's house and watching Kaitlyn with me.
  
  I wanted to let you know that I have been having computer problems so if you don't hear from me time to time, you will know my computer gave out. I still will try to read your postings at my daughter's house when Kaitlyn is taking a nap. I do not have it in my current budget to purchase a new computer at this time.
  
  We have been having very cool weather for March but at least we haven't had any snow.
  
  I hope everyone is doing well.
  Please keep in touch.
  Phyllis
  

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  • Re: Announcing A Special Birthday -- Ellie, 14:18:15 03/22/06 Wed
  
  
• A Dramatic Birthday picnic. -- Ellie., 20:43:52 03/06/06 Mon (128.16.233.220.exetel.com.au/220.233.16.128)
  Hello All.. Well, the Saturday after my birthday my family aranged a picnic for me in a beautiful park called Warringal Park.. and the afternoon just went from one thing to another. Firstly my daughter-in-law lost the car keys after we arrived. Then we were thrown out of the rotunda ( 6 adults, 2 little babies, picnic baskets,rugs etc, as a wedding party had prebooked it) So.... we moved up onto the lawn under a huge oak tree and a ferocious thunderstorm came in and lightning hit the ground near our tree with a tremendous CRACK! So we hurriedly packed everything up and raced back to my son's house to finish the picnic.
  Then the rain started, it poured down in torrents, cascading off the roof in solid sheets of water, and a down pipe broke and the water started pouring down inside the window of the baby's room, so we all rushed in to move things and mop up etc. After the rain eased off we finished eating, then as a last straw when I got home I found my lovely piece of birthday cake which was wrapped in foil in my bag was all squashed!
  Certainly a birthday picnic to remember!
  Tina, Hope you're feeling better from the flu now..lazy is fine!
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: A Dramatic Birthday picnic. -- Phyllis, 02:57:39 03/07/06 Tue
  • Re: A Dramatic Birthday picnic. -- tina swinimer, 14:56:13 03/09/06 Thu
  
  
• lazy -- tina swinimer, 14:44:25 03/01/06 Wed (hlfx64-1-119.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.114.119)
  I feel like a hibernating bear-lazy ! this past 2 weeks have been very cold-not as cold as most winters but we were spoiled by the unusually warm winter up to now.The cold weather plus the flu I have had made a lazy me.
  I have no exciting news, have done nothing real interesting,so I will just hope you all are having a good time and not being like lazy me.
  

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  • Re: lazy -- Phyllis, 03:09:24 03/07/06 Tue
  
  
• Catching up. -- Elllie., 23:26:17 02/21/06 Tue (128.16.233.220.exetel.com.au/220.233.16.128)
  Hello All.. It's my birthday today, 22nd-- getting older!
  I will go to my Wed morning writing group this morning, not sure what after that! Yesterday I got a great book in the mail from Son and wife in Sydney.. it's called The Cambridge Compendium of Women Writers, and lists heaps of women writers, their bios.. and excerpts from their work.
  I finished work yesterday after 8 years. It was my last day with my student Chris.. I felt a little sad about that.. however as the old saying goes-when one door closes an other opens-- and hopefully there will be new things in the future.
  Last Saturday our theatre group performed a play at a big Sustainable Living Fest in the city.It was fun and went well in spite of our nerves at performing in a BIG theatre instead of small local ones as we usually do.
  Hope all are well.
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: Catching up. -- tina swinimer, 13:53:39 02/22/06 Wed
  • Re: Catching up. -- Phyllis, 17:23:29 02/23/06 Thu
  
  
• Happy Valentine's Day -- Phyllis, 18:04:43 02/14/06 Tue (dial-66-218-18-213.usadatanet.net/66.218.18.213)
  A Valentine "Hi" to all and friendly thoughts. Thinking of you and sending best wishes for a Happy Valentine's Day and Happiness Always.
  
  Phyllis
  

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  • Re: Happy Valentine's Day -- tina swinimer, 14:34:48 02/17/06 Fri
  
  
• I thought you might like.. -- Ellie., 23:23:05 02/04/06 Sat (128.16.233.220.exetel.com.au/220.233.16.128)
  While we are on the subject of grandchildren I thought you might like to hear read my 'list' and why I'm so excited about the new 'crop". I didn't have any new grandchildren in 23 years!!! I married young, as did my daughter.
  She had Rebekah, now 26, and the twins Andrew and Glenn, now 23. And my eldest son had Matthew, 25.
  So then this long gap... till Alexander was born 15 months ago. Next was Jemillah, 5 months.. (my great grand-daughter,Rebekah's baby) then Matilda, 5 weeks.youngest son and wife's baby. A whole new blossoming crop!
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: I thought you might like.. -- Phyllis, 19:51:38 02/07/06 Tue
  
  
• About babies too.. -- Ellie., 23:09:54 02/04/06 Sat (128.16.233.220.exetel.com.au/220.233.16.128)
  It's great to see the babies growing and learning.. Yesterday afternoon I visited with my youngest son and wife whose baby girl was born on last Dec 30th. So she's now 5 weeks old. Sooooo cute. She was dressed in a little bright red romper suit and already smiles and gurgles. And my second son who lives in Sydney (they have Alexander 15 months) is expecting.. along with his wife..Lol! another baby late June. The new one is to be another little boy.
  Talk about besotted Grandma's! By the way Tina and Phyliss what do you grandchildren call you? Mine call me Grandma (the ones that can talk that is!) There was a funny experience when my daughters twin boys were about four years old.. We were taking the children for a walk. Pam and I were in front chatting away with the children behind us. Apparently Andrew one of the twins had been trying to get my attention by calling softly 'Grandma, Grandma.." I didn't hear him and all of a sudden he bellowed 'ELLIE!" at the top of his voice. We turned around in surprise, then just burst out laughing.
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: About babies too.. -- tina, 12:58:49 02/05/06 Sun
  
  
• New Things All The Time -- Phyllis, 02:03:32 02/02/06 Thu (dial-69-67-229-28.usadatanet.net/69.67.229.28)
  I just wanted to update you on the fun times I am having while taking care of my granddaughter.
  
  Kaitlyn is turning 8 months on the 7th of Feb. She is doing some new things all the time. We asked her to sing and she does make sounds. She has a cloth book with different things in it and she can pull thee zipper up & down. I clapped my hands and she is excited that she has done something special. She recently figured out how to sit up on her own. I still keep her in the playpen sometimes. She has jumperroo chair and really bounces up and down.
  
  My daughter's mother-in-law comes over in the afternoon to see Kaitlyn. Also when she comes I usually take my dog for a short walk weather permitting. Everytime she comes to the door my dog starts barking as he wants his walk.
  
  I am so happy to be able to share this exciting time with Kaitlyn.
  
  Phyllis
  

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  • Re: New Things All The Time -- tina swinimer, 12:12:30 02/02/06 Thu
  
  
• It's nice when.. -- Ellie.., 23:31:52 02/01/06 Wed (128.16.233.220.exetel.com.au/220.233.16.128)
  Birthday celebrations go on so long! Happy belated birthday from me Phyliss.. and anniversary wishes to you Tina.
  Our hot weather has gone for now, much to my relief! It's much cooler and we had a day of light rain yesterday.
  Well, my big news is I guess that I've resigned from my job. It was only part-time but I've been involved with that project for the last 8 years, there have been some very good times and some very bad times, and I felt it was time to 'go'. I will continue to work till the end of Feb (a months notice) then who knows!
  We started back at our Wed morning writing group yesterday and it was lovely to see all my writing friends agan ater the 2 month break/Also the theatre group will start again soon so that will be meetings and rehearsals for the plays which we hope to have ready to perform in May.
  Happy days to all.
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: It's nice when.. -- tina swinimer, 05:29:01 02/02/06 Thu
  
  
• belated happy birthday Phyllis -- tina swinimer, 12:41:24 02/01/06 Wed (hlfx22-95.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.72.95)
  Nice that you got to celebrate your birthday twice with family at different areas.Our 53rd wedding anniv. was yesterday..didn't get to celebrate because of the storm.Wow when I looked out this morning at 5 to let the dogs out..we finally got dumped on for the first time this year...oh we had some storms but not THE big one.Phylilis I suppose you also go it.Just announced on the radio-no school which I was sure the announcement would be made.The way the wind is blowing the snow it will not be cleared by the plows today..they will try to keep it reasonably plowed but sure is advisable not to travel today.
  I can picture Ellie in her warm climate grinning that she doesn't ever have to worry about roads like this.Snow above the kneese Ellie..picture it and cool off-lol
  Have a great week everyone!
  

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  • Happy Anniversary Tina -- Phyllis, 01:55:53 02/02/06 Thu
  
  
• Happy To Read Your Posting Tina! -- Phyllis, 03:32:00 01/30/06 Mon (dial-66-218-24-23.usadatanet.net/66.218.24.23)
  Hi Tina,
  
  I was so glad to read your posting and the good news about your health. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
  
  What a shopping spree you had. What luck to find such bargins. We can always use new clothes and never have enough. I enjoy Fish & Chips too.
  
  Last night, Nancy and another of our mutual friends (Mary) celebrated my birthday at a nice restaurant here in town. I was in Florida on my actual birthday so we decided to wait until I came back. We all order broiled haddock, baked potato, salad and squash with homemade rolls. It was excellent. Next month we will go out again to celebrate Mary's birthday. Nancy's birthday is not until October.
  
  I also celebrated with my daughter, Kaitlyn and one of my sister last Saturday. We had pizza and ice cream cake.
  
  We are expecting back weather later tonight and then early tomorrow morning. I hope it is not too bad.
  
  I was very excited as my daughter told me that Kaitlyn said "Nana" for the first time yesterday. I wonder if she will say it to me tomorrow.
  
  I can't believe how fast this month has gone by. I already bought Valentine's cards as I was printing pictures out and had time to wait in the store so I decided to buy them now.
  
  Have a good week.
  
  Hello to Ellie, I hope you are having a good week too.
  
  Phyllis
  

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• Florida Trip -- Phyllis, 03:14:22 01/28/06 Sat (dial-66-218-18-4.usadatanet.net/66.218.18.4)
  Hi Ellie & Tina and any other readers.
  
  I had a wonderful time visiting my son,daughter-in-law and granddaughters, Ariana (age 4), Athena (age 2) in Florida. It is about 3 hours flight time from the airport. We had a beautiful day as it was warm and clear outside. When we came back we found out we missed a storm. The temperature was freezing on our trip home.
  
  While we were visiting we celebrated Ariana's 4th birthday. She had a large party with lots of children and parents. It was cold in Florida and I was told I must have brought the New England weather with me. It still was warm enough to have the birthday celebration in their fenced in back yard. My daughter-in-law had mini-cupcakes instead of a regular cake. I thought to myself, what a great idea. She didn't have to cut individual pieces and less waste. They also had a large puppet stand with curtains and the children could stand inside and play with the hand puppets.
  
  I enjoyed playing games with my granddaughters and watching them in their activities. Their parents are big football fans and the children know their parents favorite teams.
  I was sad to leave but I am hoping to visit them again next year.
  
  My daughter took vacation time and enjoyed being home with her daughter. She also watched my dog while I was gone. I was happy to resume my care of Kaitlyn. She is crawling now and likes to play with her toys. She actual watches Baby Einstein DVD's and laughs and smile at them.
  
  I have been reading your posting and will write again soon.
  
  Tina,
  
  I am sorry to hear about your son's MS and hope he will improve again.
  
  Ellie,
  
  Sorry to hear about your fall from the bus and am glad you are alright. Also am glad that the weather is a little cooler. It must be very hard without an air conditioner.
  
  Take care and please keep up your postings. I look forward to reading about your adventures and activities.
  
  Phyllis
  

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  • Re: Florida Trip -- tina swinimer, 15:35:52 01/29/06 Sun
  
  
• Ha..Ha.. Ha..! -- Ellie., 16:17:42 01/24/06 Tue (128.16.233.220.exetel.com.au/220.233.16.128)
  Tina,I just about fell off my chair laughing at the thought of you looking like a tuna! Actually I've tried for a few days to get on here, but the site wouldn't come up, seems alright now.
  Yes, my brother in Kingston,Ont. said the weather has been unseasonably warm there too. Birds at the birdfeeder, trees in bud. Meanwhile here it has been incredibly hot.. last Sunday was totally horrible, up to around 106F. My place doesnt have airconditioning, and it was so hot inside by the end of the day. Eveything you touched was hot, the table, all the bench surfaces etc. I kept putting icecubes in the cats drinking water and in the goldfish tank.
  The last 2 days have been much cooler, but very hot coming up again on Thursday.
  Well, looks like Margaret and Donna have disappeared off the site again..I hope they come back!
  Bedtime now for me, gals..
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: Ha..Ha.. Ha..! -- tina swinimer, 15:07:11 01/25/06 Wed
  
  
• re :below -- tina swinimer, 13:23:37 01/16/06 Mon (hlfx53-2a-243.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.103.243)
  re: below..computer must know I am soon going to look like a tuna if I don't slow down on the winter gobbling of goodies! Its telling me something-wow
  

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• instant winter -- tuna swinimer, 13:20:15 01/16/06 Mon (hlfx53-2a-243.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.103.243)
  We had been enjoying spring-like weather,record breaking warm weather for weeks now but this morning-instant winter,so far just a bit of snow but down to minus 5 cels which is still not as cold as January usually is but way colder than it has been for weeks..we knew it had to come but wished it wouldn't.
  Ellie hope the knees got better quickly.Phyllis, have you settled down after your trip-lol..I haven't done anything too productive yet this year except visit family and gave the house a major cleaning after Christmas decorations were all put away.Guess I won't be doing anything much outside today-just this second they announced on the radio the roads are extremely icy and the salt trucks are out, any outdoor activity for me today will be done on foot like walking the dogs.Oh those mild days gave me lots of time to scoop up any and all doggie doo in the yard-lol
  Usually have to wait until the snow melts and then there is buckets of doo to do all at once and have to walk all over the place to find it.Worst part is if you step in it-lol .The hazards of having 4 dogs:cleaning up doggie doo, vacuuming every day,dog food expense,vets etc.Pleasures of having 4 dogs: Lots of adoring looks,fantastic greeting when you come home,un-ending love,lowered blood pressure,makes the heart beat more regular and lots of laughs!Happiness is a wagging tail and adoring eyes!
  

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• Projects.. -- Ellie, 13:38:41 01/10/06 Tue (128.16.233.220.exetel.com.au/220.233.16.128)
  Hi Tina and all. Yes, I will be involved in some new projects but not yet.. everything virtually shuts off here in January.. but my 2 writing groups start off again at the beginning of Feb, and the theatre group is hoping to put on some plays, so it will be exciting when we start rehearsing for those! I was supposed to start back with my literacy student today, but he rang in sick.. so that didn't happen.
  Well, last Friday I did a really dumb thing. I fell out of a bus! What happened was that I'd been to have lunch with my friend Cate at her place. Coming home when the bus pulled up at the terminus I was going out the back door and slipped on the step. I pitched forward out the door and banged one knee on the concrete and hit my head against the bus shelter! Fortunately no damage done to my head, not even a lump or a headache, but my knee is out in 2 huge black bruises, and is quite sore. Not a good way to start off the New year!
  Tina, I'm sorry to hear of your sons MS getting worse, he sounds like a lovely person. Thoughts to you all.
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: Projects.. -- tina swinimer, 14:08:02 01/12/06 Thu
  
  
• new year -- Tina Swinimer, 15:37:51 01/08/06 Sun (hlfx31-183.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.81.183)
  Phyllis I trust you had a wonderful trip..I envy you going to the warm weather area but so glad you got chance to go and visit your "far away" family" but you will also enjoy coming home to your closer family.
  Ellie have you any special projects coming up in this new year? I have no plans that I can think of..guess I'll have to take each day as it comes..weather wise it is cold but still bare roads so good for travelling but I have been mainly staying at the home front.We had such a wonderful Christmas week that I am still elated by all the visits from friends and family so for a while it will be a "let down" after all the excitement..Christmas eve at church with candlelight service and having a granddaughter in the junior choir was especially lovely..then all family here for a feast.One sad note, my son with Multiple sclerosis and his wife had to come here the night before the rest because a lot of movement around him makes him dizzy.Although he had ms for twenty some years it didn't really get bad until the last few years and last year worse than ever..he finally has had to resort to using a wheelchair these last 2 months.He was always such a giving soul,so good to everyone ,lending a helping hand where ever he could so it makes it so sad to see his health letting him down..I still pray for a remission.
  I hope you all are in good health with events moving smoothly and all the best comes your way this year.
  

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• Upcoming Trip -- Phyllis, 02:03:10 01/06/06 Fri (dial-66-218-28-108.usadatanet.net/66.218.28.108)
  It is great to read about all the babies being born. It is such a pleasure to read of such wonderful news. Babies brighten our days and put a smile on our faces.
  
  I am so fortunate to be able to share in the care of Kaitlyn. She is very good natured and will be turning 7 months old in 2 days. The time has gone by so fast. She has been eating cereal, veg.and fruit for about a month and a half now.
  
  I plan on leaving for Florida next Friday to celebrate Ariana's 4th birthday (actual date was Jan.3rd). I am looking forward to seeing my granddaughters, son & daughter-in-law. It has been 2 years since my last trip to Florida.
  
  My daughter will take care of my dog. He requires a lot of attention but is used to being at her house since we have been taking care of Kaitlyn. I hope he will be good while I am gone.
  
  It snowed today and is turning colder outside. Many accidents today due to the slippery roads even though we did not get a lot of snow.
  
  I will write again to let you know how my trip and visit went.
  
  I hope everyone is doing well and send my best wishes.
  
  Take care,
  Phyllis
  

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• January Birthdays.. -- Ellie, 10:40:25 01/05/06 Thu (128.16.233.220.exetel.com.au/220.233.16.128)
  There must be something about January.. my second son in Sydney has his birthday January 9th..Phyliss.. I hope you have a lovely time with your friends on yours.
  I didn't say in my last mail, but my dear and longest time friend Ruth (we've been friends since I was 16 and she 18--- so that's QUITE a while!) was an expectant grandmother too, and her new baby grandaughter arrived just four hours after mine! Her son and d-in-law named their little one Ella.. a pretty name. They have a son,Jordan, 8, and had been trying for some time to have another baby, so joy all around.
  Weather has been cooler since new years day.. I'm on holiday from work.. so it's been quiet but nice.. I've been reading, watching movies, meeting up with friends now and then for lunch or afternoon tea. Pleasant interludes.
  Ellie.
  

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• Phyllis and all -- Tina Swinimer, 14:08:56 01/04/06 Wed (hlfx62-1-26.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.112.26)
  Congratulations on your up-coming birthday..hope you have a great time with your friends.My number 5 son has a birthday on the 5th and the twins,number 2 and 3 sons on the 23rd.Jamuary holds many special memories for me.If you read my post to Ellie you will see we are having a different "weather wise" winter so far.It has been great for travel to friends and relatives and their travels to us.
  

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• A baby.... -- Ellie, 00:41:11 01/02/06 Mon (128.16.233.220.exetel.com.au/220.233.16.128)
  Hello, and a Happy,Healthy and safe New Year to everyone!
  Well, youngest son Simon and wife Sinead's baby girl arrived at 11-30pm Dec 30th.(their first) She weighs 8lbs and is just beautiful (of course!) She's been named MATILDA which was a bit of a surprise! They hadn't discussed names with the family at all, and elected not to know the sex before she was born.. so it was all a big surprise.
  She's Matilda Mary (lots of Mary's in Sinead's irish clan)
  When grandaughter Rebekah and I went in to see them yesterday afternoon we got caught in a rain storm that came in after the horrible, horrible heat on New Years Eve, so we were wet when we arrived at the hospital, but I didn't care a scrap! It was so nice to be cool again.
  Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday time with family and friends.. I got so many chocolates for Xmas! Is it an effort to make me too fat to move??!! Lovely day with family tho.
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: A baby.... -- Phyllis, 18:33:10 01/03/06 Tue
  • Re: A baby.... -- Tina Swinimer, 14:02:19 01/04/06 Wed
  
  
• It's Xmas Eve here in Australia. -- Ellie, 04:20:09 12/24/05 Sat (128.16.233.220.exetel.com.au/220.233.16.128)
  Hello Everyone.. already Xmas eve here in Aus as we are a day ahead of you-all in the northern hemisphere. Windy and sunny, but cool after a very hot day yesterday, and tomorrow is supposed to be pleasant as well.
  Well, some news! Rang my son in Sydney last night (Daddy of Alexander 13 months) and found out they are having another baby at the end of June next year! They're delighted, they wanted more than one, and not too far apart, so Alexander will be 19 months old when his new brother/sister arrives. Lovely Xmas news!
  Have a wonderful day everyone.
  Blessings and hugs..
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: It's Xmas Eve here in Australia. -- Tina Swinimer, 12:48:38 12/24/05 Sat
  • Re: It's Xmas Eve here in Australia. -- Phyllis, 19:25:22 12/25/05 Sun
  
  
• best wishes -- Tina Swinimer, 12:22:30 12/22/05 Thu (hlfx28-126.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.78.126)
  It is so near christmas and these last few days we are always so busy preparing food and goodies for guests and relatives so here and now I want to send my best wishes to all of you and your families not just for the Christmas season but mainly for a wonderfull and fullfilling 2006.
  May it be a year in which your wildest dreams come true,full of love and happiness.
  

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• Snow and Freezing Rain -- Phyllis, 21:48:33 12/16/05 Fri (dial-66-218-15-121.usadatanet.net/66.218.15.121)
  Hi Tina & Ellie and any other readers,
  
  I just read both your recent postings
  
  Ellie,
  
  What wonderful news about your brother. That makes this Christmas a special celebration for your family.
  
  Tina,
  
  Your description of winter wonderland sounds so beautiful.
  It started snowing around 2:00 a.m.here and now it is freezing rain. The good news is that tomorrow it is supposed to warm up.
  
  I did not have to sit today because my daughter had a planned day off. I was glad because I would not have liked to venture out. Schools are all closed. I will be going out later on when the storm stops so I can clean my car off and wait for the plowman to come later this evening.
  
  I have been writing the rest of my Christmas cards and some handwritten messages on them. I also have some recent pictures of my granddaughter.
  
  Ellie,
  
  A trip to Canada would be something nice to look forward to.
  My sister and her husband have traveled to Canada several times over the years. My sister took a look of French in school and college and can read and write it too.
  
  I am hoping to go to Florida sometimes in the coming year as I miss my seeing my two granddaughters, son and wife. Every time I get new pictures I can see how much the children have grown. I talk to them on the phone. I told my oldest granddaughter, who will be turning 4 in January that I have to get on a plane in order to come to Florida. She said, my Daddy gets on the plane all the time. He has to travel alot throughout the US as he is an attorney and his firm sends all over.
  
  My wishes for the Holidays and the New Year for all and your love ones is a Healthy, Happy coming year and time spend with families.
  
  Fondly,
  Phyllis
  

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• moonlight -- Tina Swinimer, 13:35:35 12/16/05 Fri (hlfx55-2a-243.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.105.243)
  I was outdoors with the dogs at 5 this morning, a full moon was shining on the snow,playing shadows of the trees and making the snow look like diamonds were sparkling where there were no shadows , oh Ellie if you come to Canada next winter remember to go outside in a full moon to take in this glorious beauty. So very happy to hear of your brothers good news.
  Was to yet another Christmas party last night..at the church hall this time,pot luck meal and carol singing, so very nice.
  Phyllis hope your roads are not slippery for you to travel to look after your grandchild.Since I have gotten older my only symptom of old age is that I am afraid to drive unless driving conditions are almost perfect.
  I often wonder about our other friends who used to share their thoughts with us have gone.Perhaps sometime they will return, I hope so.
  Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas season or holiday season whichever one cares to call this time of year.We are such diverse countries now with all nationalities in each country and love each and don't want our greetings to hurt anyones feelings..personally if little purple people from outer space moved next door I would be right there inviting them over for dinner-lol
  love to all
  

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• Hello. and some old news.. -- Ellie., 00:02:40 12/15/05 Thu (128.16.233.220.exetel.com.au/220.233.16.128)
  Getting closer.. Xmas I mean! Just to let those of you who would remember my going back a year or so mail re my brother In Kingston, Canada. who was having chemo for cancer. Late last month John had his final check-up and has been declared CANCER FREE! As you can imagine that was wonderful news for all the family. He and wife Jane celebrated by having a weeks holiday on the sunny beaches of Cuba, then came back to zero temps and snow in Kingston!
  Tina, Adelaide is a nice place.. I've been there several times, have friends living there. And Yes, it should be a warm Xmas for them.. well, John wants me to go to Canada Xmas 006 to experience a winter Xmas.. and snow.. which I've only seen about 4 times in my whole life!
  Hope your sore throat etc get better soon Tina.
  I can imagine how proud you were of Zoe.. which reminds me-funny story time. When my granddaughter was a little thing, just in prep class at school, her class was doing a nativity play. Rebekah came home full of excitement declaring 'I'm the star! I'm the Star!' Oh, we thought, the star, she must have been chosen to play Mary"
  But Bek meant it literally.. she was the STAR, which meant she didn't have a line to say she just had to stand there and glitter brilliantly! We still laugh over that.
  Hope everyone's activities are going well.. will try and write again before Xmas.
  Hugs to all,
  Ellie.
  

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• some things we just do not want -- Tina Swinimer, 18:25:18 12/12/05 Mon (hlfx44-103.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.94.103)
  woke up with a funky old flu.Sore throat,caugh,fever.
  Saturday we had 30 cent of snow..was beautiful,then .
  Sunday we got freezing rain..not so beautiful.Today is foggy..yukky !
  Hope Margaret is not in the smoke area where the oil tanks blew up in England.
  Neice and husband went to Adelaide,Australia to join their daughter who is a chiropractor in Adelaide,other daughter from British Columbia joining them there so all are going to spend a warm Christmas.
  My granddaughter Zoe ..9 yrs old sang a solo in church yesterday..oh Grandma is so proud because she performed so beautifully.
  Phyllis I suppose you had this messy storm this week-end,not so nice for your travelling .
  Hope all you Australian friends are enjoying your warm weather.
  Love to all!
  

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  • Re: some things we just do not want -- Phyllis, 22:26:58 12/13/05 Tue
  
  
• Hello.. Hello. -- Ellie, 11:07:55 11/28/05 Mon (128.16.233.220.exetel.com.au/220.233.16.128)
  Well, gals, I've been baby cuddling too. My daughter and grandaughter came over last week with my great grandaughter Jemillah, now 3 months old, and just like a dainty little doll with her dark hair and eyes. And pretty soon yet another to cuddle, when youngest son and his wife present their first in about 4 weeks time!
  Tina.. we decided with ever expanding families just to Kris Kringle this year. Everyone buys just one gift to the value of $20.. boys for boys, girls for girls, and they go into lucky dip baskets.. the babies are exempted.. they get gifts from whomever wants to give them.
  My eldest son Peter now has his girlfriend Liz, and her 2 children living with him, so that's three more.. so you can see why we decided just to do the Kringle thing.
  This week on Wed morning, then Thursday evening we have break-up Xmas parties for the 2 writing groups I belong to. Then on the 11th I've been invited to a dear friends 70th birthday party, on the 8th I've been invited to a council xmas party, then 2 works Xmas lunches later in Dec. Nice tohave so many social things to go to.. but tiring as well!
  Hope everyone is enjoying the prefestive season!
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: Hello.. Hello. -- tina swinimer, 14:42:54 12/01/05 Thu
  • Re: Hello.. Hello. -- Phyllis, 02:15:22 12/04/05 Sun
  
  
• Ellie,Phyllis & anyone-lol -- tina swinimer, 14:52:51 11/19/05 Sat (hlfx22-11.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.72.11)
  You bring back such fond memories Phyllis-cuddling and reading to a baby..she must be a real charmer..no babies in my family for 9 yrs.You must also be so busy looking after home and travelling back and forth.Glad some of your family will be with you for thanksgiving,as you know our thanksgiving was in Oct.Perhaps its a good thing they are not on the same date because of air travel would be terrific because a lot of Americians live here and vise versa.
  Wishing you the very best of thanksgiving with family hugs and good food.
  Ellie that is so cute-you feeding the senior cat..she must have thought she was in pussy cat heaven-lol Your heart was in the right place and she could have been abandoned so you did the right thing regardless of the outcome.We have had a marvelous autumn weatherwise, but now starting this week each day gets a bit colder with a few mornings in the minus one cels.I have to finally give in and use my winter coat..no more sweater days..snow boots will be next..last year at this time we were under a foot of snow..not even a fluffy yet.I have all my Christmas shopping done..thanks to a few new store opening specials and some Oct sales on things I wanted for the grandchildren.With my 7 children,10 grandchildren,sister,brother,hubby and a few friends 20 plus gifts run into quite a bit of money but by luck I have been able to halve last years expenses.
  I even have them all wrapped so I remember whose was whose.Now I won't have to drive on slippery roads to do shopping if the weather gets bad.
  All the best to all
  

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  • Re: Ellie,Phyllis & anyone-lol -- Ellie, 10:58:11 11/28/05 Mon
  
  
• Enjoying My Granddaughter -- Phyllis, 02:53:33 11/19/05 Sat (dial-66-218-17-32.usadatanet.net/66.218.17.32)
  I really enjoyed reading about all the fun Tina that you had on your most recent outing. Live concerts are so exciting except getting back home and out of the parking lot. I also can picture you enjoying yourself watching all the creatures outside near your home.
  
  I have been busy and am enjoying Kaitlyn (now 5 months old) discovering new things. Last week she started rolling over to her tummy but could not figure out how to get back on her back. Well today she figured it out and it was so exciting to watch her. She also said Da Da for the first time 2 weeks ago. I read to her every day and we watch a DVD, Baby Einstein every morning. She is very good natured and now amuses herself quite well.
  
  My youngest son (Kaitlyn's mom's twin)is flying home very late Wednesday night to celebrate Thanksgiving. I will be cooking dinner and it will be fun to have Kaitlyn celebrate her first holiday with family in the area.
  
  Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate it this month.
  
  I am going to a large craft fair tomorrow and am hoping I can find some good Christmas gifts for my granddaughters in Florida.
  
  Best wishes to all readers and chat contributors.
  
  Phyllis
  

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• re thought for today.. -- Ellie, 14:22:50 11/18/05 Fri (128.16.233.220.exetel.com.au/220.233.16.128)
  Ho.Tina I'll remember that when I feel tired and dispirited.
  And your story about the sad elephant just about brought tears to my eyes. The good thing is though that I feel people are becoming more and more enlightened now about animals and their rights.
  But a story here where I thought I was doing the right thing and I wasn't! Along my street is a house that was being entirely renovated. It was obvious that the owners were'nt in residence, but there was a very scruffy longhaired black cat that hung around the front fence every day mewing pitifully. I thought 'How could they? They've gone away and left their cat!" I also told a neighbour Bill. So every day as one or the other of us walked past we gave this cat some food.She was always there and seemed hungry.So a few days ago I stopped and put some cat kibbles on the grass for her, and a head popped out the front door and said 'Please don't feed the cat!"
  Ooops! The lady explained that Yes, they had moved out while the house was being renovated, but they came back every day to feed the cat, and that she was 18 years old, which is why she looked bedraggled. I felt like a fool.. but the woman was really nice and said I was kind to have thought of feeding her, even though she wasn't abandoned as I'd thought!
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: re thought for today.. -- Margaret, 23:57:11 11/18/05 Fri
  
  
• thought for today -- tina swinimer, 15:35:39 11/09/05 Wed (hlfx49-142177099196.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.99.196)
  just wanted you to know "you are all winners"Did you ever stop to think that out of all those thousands of squiggly things swimming up stream "You won"
  

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  • Re: thought for today -- Margaret, 16:19:41 11/09/05 Wed
  
  
• running around-lol -- tina swinimer, 15:09:39 11/09/05 Wed (hlfx49-142177099196.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.99.196)
  Friday my daughter and I and a friend went to Halifax shopping..went to some newly opened stores-didn't buy much,just enjoyed ourselves,went to a fish and chip place for lunch,at 5 pm daughter dropped off the friend and I and went to my second oldest granddaughters.We had pre-planned for other friends to pick us up because we were all going to George Jones show in the metro center-George is getting older so is Ronny Prophit the other mainline country singer.Great show"newspaper next day said there were 6000 people there.We knew we wouldn't get out of the parking area for about an hour after the show"we were on the 2nd level parking" so we went for an hours walk.For us country folk it was so much fun walking late on a warm calm evening around the city streets.After eventually gettin out of the parking we went to a chinese restaurant for a good feed. Got home 1:30 am .The five of us had a lot of fun-lots of laughs.
  Meanwhile , my daughter who does not like country music went as I said to my second oldest granddaughters and they decided to each take $20. a go to the big city casino..Granddaughters $20. was gone in 15 minutes,daughter won $900. and decided to leave before she was tempted to play more and loose her winnings.The went for lunch very happy.
  Almost every morning I have my first mug of coffee out on my back patio enjoying the wild birds and ducks and squirrels or whatever might be running through the yard..this morning I had to put my big fuzzy bathrobe on to enjoy my coffee out there.This means soon I will not be able to go outside with my morning coffee..there was skim ice on the pond,I love sitting out and watching the sunrise but have to watch from inside now.I always put the dogs out first for their duties then put them in the house for my 15 minutes of outdoor enjoyment of life.The dogs go out later with me for a walk but I like to have my housework done before the walk.The sun is shining so nice out there right now but we are supposed to get quite a rain storm tomorrow so I must go and enjoy my day - joy to all of you!
  

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• We are on an Elephant Binge! -- Ellie., 01:01:00 11/04/05 Fri (128.16.233.220.exetel.com.au/220.233.16.128)
  Tina.. you are a triumph of joyful living! Happy belated birthday.. it shows how much you are loved and appreciated by your family. Elephants.. well you mentioned yours.. I read the mail from Phyliss and she said that her little grand-daughter had an elephant costume for Halloween, and would you believe last night at our writing group meeting, one of our oldest members, lovely Jessie-- 84-- read us a story about her elephant collection!
  I actually have a few elephants too.. tho I don't actually collect them. So now I'm thinking of giving mine to Jessie for her collection.
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: We are on an Elephant Binge-my reason! -- tina swinimer, 15:12:33 11/06/05 Sun
  
  
• gave up -- tina swinimer, 13:10:24 11/03/05 Thu (hlfx42-142176092028.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.92.28)
  I looked in on voy day after day and I seemed to be the only one putting anything on so I gave up-this morning"since I was up extra early" decided to take a peek..low and behold there were messages there-great!
  On Oct 23-two days before my birthday my family had a "bang up" surprise birthday party for me at the local English style pub.I thought my daughters and I were just going to evening lunch.they had reserved half the pub and to add to it there were 2 men singing ,they were great.I had gifts of roses,books,gift cert to coffe shop,dvd player,elephant nic nack,elephant pattern socks,case pop and opera and bird magazines,beautiful silver dolphin bracelet.We had a marvelous time.This was the big 70 and the fact that I surpassed the doctors expectations of living more than 2 yrs after my cancer.
  I feel in good health,still volunteering at hospital and animal shelter events also church events.
  Not looking forward to winter weather..some of it I love but the bitter bitter cold I hate so hopefully we will not get too much of that.
  So very nice to hear what the rest of you are doing,getting together with families and friends is always so rewarding.
  Ellie I hope you don't get too much of real hot weather and Phyllis heres hoping you and I have a milder winter,we did escape the hurricanes thank heavens.
  All the best to all!
  

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  • Re: gave up -- Margaret, 19:28:29 11/03/05 Thu
  • Belated Happy Birthday -- Phyllis, 22:17:35 11/03/05 Thu
  
  
• Heat and thunderstorms..Oh, My! -- Ellie., 00:37:48 11/03/05 Thu (128.16.233.220.exetel.com.au/220.233.16.128)
  Hello everyone. As you on the other side of the world know here in Australia were are now coming into summer, and the last 3 days have been hot, sultry, sticky-- with rolling thunderstorms-- a series of them came in this morning starting around 4am.. the first one woke me and I didnt get back to sleep afterwards! Summer is NOT my favorite season!
  Well, enough of moaning.. this weekend my son and his wife and little Alexander are coming down from Sydney for a few days.. I am SO looking forward to seeing them. Alexander has his first birthday on Nov 8th.
  Another son, and his girlfriend are having a housewarming party this weekend too-- so looks like a busy weekend! Always great to get together with family tho.
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: Heat and thunderstorms..Oh, My! -- Margaret, 19:23:44 11/03/05 Thu
  
  
• Enjoy Reading Your Chats -- Phyllis, 02:33:13 11/03/05 Thu (dial-66-218-20-91.usadatanet.net/66.218.20.91)
  Hi Tina,Margaret and Ellie,
  
  I was glad to read all your e-mails. I enjoy reading about all the activities and descriptions of events and gatherings.
  
  I do not get on line as often as I did in the past. I am enjoying my granddaughter, Kaitlyn. She will be 5 months the 7th of this month. My days starts early as I am up around 5:30 a.m. and leave my house 10 minutes of 7:00 as I travel to my daughter's house. I take my golden retriever for an early morning walk (weather permitting) and then another short one around my daughter's area before she leaves for work.
  
  My daughter dressed Kaitlyn up in a elephant costume for Halloween. It was pink with gray and the headpiece had large pink ears. It was so cute.
  
  We just changed our time for the fall and winter months. It is light in the A.M. but dark very early in the evening.
  I am not looking forward to our New England winter weather, especially since I must travel this winter.
  
  I joined my sister and her former college professor and his wife for dinner at an Italian restaurant. We try to meet them once a year to catch up on our families and visit. They live about an hour distance near my sister's old college area.
  
  I wish you all a good week and please keep in touch.
  
  Phyllis
  

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• stocking up -- tina swinimer, 13:15:18 10/17/05 Mon (hlfx64-2a-179.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.114.179)
  On Friday we went on the "bubble gum run"meaning my daughter has bubble gum machines around the province and we go get the money out-half to the store owners half to her-and refill the machines.While we were in the valley ,which is in the center of our province and a real garden belt, we stocked up on all the veggies that we could without taking too many that they would spoil before we ate them.less than half the price we pay here because transportation prices are not on them if you buy them there.We bought corn,cantelopes,apples,cabbage,carrots,tomatoes and cucumbers.We had dinner at a chinese food place.those of you who know me,know how I love chinese food and there are no really good chinese food places in my immediate area.
  We have had rain for Sat and Sunday and supposed to continue today but no flooding.
  Phyllis I hope it hasn't made the problems in your area worse,I was so shocked to hear about the flooding there,I was watching cnn when they showed to damage.
  Today being Monday and I have made no plans for today so I don't know what mischief I will get into-lol.
  Have a good week all!!!
  

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  • Re: stocking up -- Ellie., 00:30:05 11/03/05 Thu
  
  
• Guy Fawkes -- Margaret, 23:12:09 11/02/05 Wed (webcacheB11a.cache.pol.co.uk/195.92.168.173)
  Saturday is Guy Fawkes day or some people call it Bonfire Night. Guy Fawkes tried to blow up our Parliament a few centuries ago and we still celebrate it.
  
  We are taking the caravan up into the Pennines Friday to Monday to get away from all the fireworks, my dogs are frightened of them. We will still be able to see them on the plains, but too far away to hear them.
  
  This is a lovely part of our country with view aross for quite a distance. It is very bleak and poor soil so only very hardy plants will grow. No hedges, just stone walls to seperate the fields.
  
  It is close enough for me to go home if I want or need to, which is a bonus, I usually forget something. I was here last year when Bill was in hospital and it is close enough for me to have visited him.
  
  I love this site, very calming and peaceful especially when the windmills are going but it can get very windy because we are so high up.
  
  What is everyone else up to?
  
  Margaret.
  

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  • Re: Guy Fawkes -- ellie, 00:27:44 11/03/05 Thu
  
  
• what a day! -- tina swinimer, 02:19:49 10/11/05 Tue (hlfx59-1-115.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.109.115)
  Got home 15 minutes ago-told you this morning we were going to number 4 sons for another turkey dinner-man I am stuffed!Had a wonderful day with lots of goodies to eat and fun chatting away-reminicing about old times, the fun the kids had growing up etc.Son has a hugh beautiful house so lots of room for everyone but mostly we sat and chatted about things.It was all so enjoyable.Their girls are 19 and 21..beautiful girls-one a hairdresser the other in house and construction drafting.The girls are not married yet. All my grandchildren are slow on the boyfriend/marriage bit so I have no great-grandchildren.Actually I am glad they are not getting married too young.
  Hope you all are having a great week-bye for now!!
  

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  • Re: what a day! -- Phyllis, 23:38:51 10/13/05 Thu
  
  
• Bonnie -- Margaret, 00:38:28 10/06/05 Thu (webcacheB08a.cache.pol.co.uk/195.92.168.170)
  Ever since we lost Dixie and Tommy Bill has wanted a dog that looked like them but none came along. There is a message board that has a lot of dogs wanting home on, I found Gracie there,and one day I saw this picture.
  
  
  
  This little girl had been run over and both her back legs were broken. Thankfully she was in a pound that worked with a rescue and her legs were put into splints and bandaged, Bonnie was put on cage rest for 8 weeks. I stuck it out for this 8 weeks but nobody was interested in her and she was going to be moved and possibly pts, I couldn't let that happen.
  
  I phoned up on the Friday afternoon to the person I got Gracie from and the following day we took our dogs to meet her. The meetings went well and they were pleased to see Gracie again, so we came home with another dog. Bonnie is Bill's dog, but I have to do all the work.
  
  These pictures were taken the day after we got Bonnie.
  
  
  
  Playing with Merlin
  
  
  
  This is what her leg looked like when I brought her home, they are completely healed now but I doubt the hair will grow on them.
  
  
  
  This little girl was 8 months old when I brought her home, had no manners because she hadn't been taught them, can't when they are in a crate. She is a quick learner and has improved a lot in the 10 weeks we have had her.
  

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  • Re: Bonnie -- Phyllis, 20:16:04 10/09/05 Sun
  • Re: Bonnie -- tina swinimer, 14:07:13 10/10/05 Mon
  
  
• thanksgiving -- tina swinimer, 14:04:18 10/10/05 Mon (hlfx22-32.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.72.32)
  This is the Canadian Thanksgiving week-end..the American one is in November.
  Yesterday we were to our youngest daughters for a big turkey dinner.wow..turkey,yams,dressing,potatoes,gravey,peas,cucumber salad,other veggies,key lime pie,lemon pie,chocolate squares,apple and peach pies..great feast,16 of us!
  Today which is really thanksgiving day we go to number 4 sons place..I will really have to do a lot of dog walking this week,all those extra calories!
  It is so nice to get together with so many of the family at one time.
  At church yesterday morning mostly everyone took unperishable food to be taken to the food bank for those who cannot afford the extras.One church in town has free dinner for the poor and the elderly and anyone who does not have family to eat with so no one need feel badly because it is not just for the poor and left overs are given to take home.The same church does this at Christmas,New Years day and Easter.Our church collects every third sunday all year long to take to the food bank.There is no one terribly poor in the area but some need help tiding the family over if they havbe lost their jobs etc.
  We went weeks without rain but sure have lots yesterday and today..good thing to fill peoples wells before winter..those in towns are on a water system but outside of towns people have to rely on their own wells..we have a drilled natural spring well and are quite fortunate for that.
  Must scram now and finish housework and look after the birds and fur babies before going to our number 4 sons "for those who don't remember there are 5 sons and 2 daughters.
  

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• I am back -- Margaret, 00:19:49 10/06/05 Thu (webcacheB08a.cache.pol.co.uk/195.92.168.170)
  Thanks to Donna who sent me the address. My computer died on my and I had to get another so lost everything on it.
  
  It has been quite a year, one that I hope I never have again. Last October Bill went into cardiac arrest and thankfully he was already in hospital they were able to save him. This was because a doctor had put him on beta blockers instead of giving him a pacemaker.
  
  He was recovering from this and waiting to go into rehab when he had a build-up of water round his heart and lungs so again I nearly lot him. I was asked if I wanted his heart restarting if it stopped, I was devestated. He would have been a cabbage if he did survive his heart stoppping and he wouldn't want that.
  
  He was on oxygen for 2 weeks, every time they tried to take it off him he couldn't breath. Eventually he was ok and was transferred to a rehab unit were he was over Christmas and New year.
  
  He was discharged in March, walking a little again but his heart is very weak and a sneeze or cough could take him.
  
  The Tuesday before Christmas my hot water packed up and the plumber couldn't fix it until after Christmas. Luckily there is an electric shower in Bill's bedroom so we could shower.
  
  4 weeks later, my kitchen was flooded, I had a leak under the sink. The plumber still hadn't been to fix my hot water and now this. I had problems getting hold of him but eventually I did and he fixed both.
  
  No sooner was this fixed when my patio was flooded from the drain. It cost me £70 to get it cleared, and that weeked I went off in the caravan on my own. When I arrived back the patio was flooded again only this time it was sewage. The next house in the line had cleared theirs into mine and didn't take it along to the road, so they had to come out and fix it again.
  
  I then had problems with my internet connection, in fact I didn't have an internet connection, Freeserve had messed up my account and deleted the wrong one. I managed to get back on line and my computer decided that it had worked hard enough and wanted to retire so gave up.
  
  Off I went an bought a new tower, so now I had a computer and an internet connection, but still I had problems getting on line. I also had problems with my telephone and thought it was the answer machine so bought another and the problem was still there. Then the penny dropped, I had a faulty line. I phoned BT and it took the nearly a week to fix it, the cable into the house needed replacing.
  
  Bill has missed the last 4 summers so this year we have been away most weekends, only had 3 weekends at home since the beginning of June and one of them was picking Bonnie up. Bonnie is our new dog which I will put in another post.
  
  We had 2 weeks on the south coast and went to the jousting, this was really good fun with members of our group being dragg out to take part. Really good slapstick comedy.
  
  We were home 5 days then off again for another 2 weeks, first at a big rally and we help to put it up the week before, and then onto a water park, so relaxing.
  
  We are off again on 14th October, back 24th then away for Halloween weekend. We will be staying out until 7th November so that the dogs miss the fireworks.
  
  Bill will be going into care full time next year. With all this going off I have been quite ill as well. I have had a chest infection since March which came to a head a few weeks ago when I nearly colapsed. I feed that I can help him better if I didn't have the day to day care of him. He will still be able to come in the caravan if he carries on walking, but I think he will give up. I would prefer him to stay at home but I am now not well enough or fit enough to cope with him.
  
  I think I have told you everything apart from I had a bit of a breakdown the end of February, but fully recovered now.
  
  Hope everyone is ok.
  
  Big hugs.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: I am back -- Ellie.., 02:01:13 10/06/05 Thu
  • Re: I am back -- Ohyllis, 02:23:40 10/06/05 Thu
  • Re: I am back -- tina swinimer, 14:47:35 10/06/05 Thu
  • Thanks you -- Margaret, 21:36:28 10/06/05 Thu
  
  
• confusion-total confusion -- tina Swinimer, 13:25:40 09/27/05 Tue (hlfx51-2b-189.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.6.189)
  Last wednesday-I go to the city to have my cat scan on my pancreas-have appointment for it ordered by cancer specialist.I go to 4th floor like I was told-they look at me like I have 2 heads-go to next desk-they too look at me like I have 2 heads"found out later all they had to do was enter my name in any of the hospitals computers and it would have told them exactly where I was to be.then someone told me to go to 3rd floor-got that 2 head look again..for Petes' sake doesn't anyone know where the cancer cat scan dept is?I decide to go to the main floor and at this point realize my letter has wrong instructions.I stop at a desk on the main floor-nice lady puts my name in the computer and knows in seconds exactly where I am to go.Finally get my cat scan-supposed to get the results in 2 weeks "this is for the lump in my pancreas that has been there 2 years and to see if it grew any since spring-can't tell if it is tumor or cyst and they don't want to operate unless it gets to life and death matter-dangerous area"
  Well I finally get a message through to my daughter via phone what floor I am on"she went shopping and was expecting to find me on the 4th floor cancer area" then we went for lunch and since it was such a beautiful day and only about noon we went for a 3 hour drive along the coast and played tourist in our own privince-lol stopped at tourists shops-enjoyed looking but thankfully didn't see anything we wanted to spend money on-lol
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: confusion-total confusion -- Phyllis, 02:01:46 09/28/05 Wed
  • Re: confusion-total confusion -- Ellie.., 02:12:20 10/06/05 Thu
  
  
• the big storm passed by us -- Tina Swinimer, 14:26:09 09/19/05 Mon (hlfx44-92.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.94.92)
  The weather forcasts said we would be hit strongly but thank goodness the storm passed by us out at sea.
  I am feeling fine-today is a week since my heart acted up.
  Phyllis-I can well imagine you would be tired after a day
  with your granddaughter,I went through that with Zoe "pronounced Zoey" Love her dearly but there were days I could hardly keep my eyes open until her mom came for her and I didn't have to travel to her home so you have it harder yet.They always had supper here before they went home.Zoe is 9 yrs old now and her mom works while Zoe is in school and on some occaisions I do pick her up from school and keep her here 'till her mom comes.Her divorced parents are friends and her dad keeps her some week-ends,they only live 12 miles apart.So much easier on the children if the parents stay on speaking terms.
  Zoe feels rich-pile of toys here and at home and at her dads.
  Don't know what mischief I will get into today - the weather is kind of overcast.Guess housework is the only thing on the docket for now.Hope you all have a nice dayor actually a great week.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: the big storm passed by us -- Phyllis, 15:54:39 09/20/05 Tue
  
  
• babies -- tina swinimer, 13:47:34 09/15/05 Thu (hlfx51-2b-223.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.6.223)
  Ellie and Phyllis , how are the new babies doing?
  Oh it must be fun watching them grow..Phyllis I hope you are surviving the extra work.
  Phyllis I guess you and I are going to have a wet week-end and perhaps a bit windy..tail end of Orphelia. We haven't had rain for weeks so we can do with some rain.We have been lucky-as dry as everything is in the woods there have not been any woods fires.
  I am glad to have my granddaughter back from Connecticut"spt wrong" where she was an au pair for a year.
  She and my oldest daughter are enrolled in community college nursing course.Funny to have a daughter in her forties and a granddaughter in the same class.Oldest daughters children are grown up and she was working in a nursing home and loved it but wanted to further her nursing skills..I am proud of her.
  I spent a few days in the hospital first of this week.I had a very minor heart attack.Came on so sudden and so suddenly painful..chest felt like fire..pain down neck and left arm..youngest daughter took me to the Doc and Doc ordered an ambulance right away and off I was whisked..I am now home feeling fine but on 3 kinds of pills..oh the joys of the golden age we are supposed to look forward to.!
  Never had even a hint of heart trouble ever before.
  Next Tuesday have to go for a stress test..all this stuff is darn hard on the pocket book..I'll have to go look for a gold mine-lol
  Anyway hope you are all fine and have a good week!
  

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  Replies:

  • Thinking of you and sending best wishes -- Phyllis, 19:38:10 09/18/05 Sun
  • Re: babies -- Donna, 21:27:43 09/18/05 Sun
  
  
• Hi.. -- Ellie, 00:32:50 09/16/05 Fri (128.16.233.220.exetel.com.au/220.233.16.128)
  Hello Everyone..Tina, good to hear that your heart attack was just a little one.. but even a little one is not good! Hope you are feeling better now.. just take care of yourself!
  Well, I saw my great grandaughter Jemillah, again last Sunday.. she is nearly three weeks old now and Sooooo beautiful. Unfortunately I live on the wrong side of town! That is, family live on the other side of melbourne, and I don't have a car, it takes 2 train trips for me to visit.
  Last Sunday we had a family get together for one son's birthday.. so that's when I got to see the baby.
  But listen to this! My son Peter and his girlfriend Liz cooked us all a beautiful dinner, roast lamb and assorted vegetables.. and I couldnt eat a bite of it!
  Why? Because the meat AMD the vegies all had garlic in them and I have a bad garlic allergy!
  Peter had forgotten about that. So while all the rest tucked into a beautiful dinner I had to make do with a sandwich!!
  Never mind.. it was lovely just to be together with family
  Sunday I'm hoping to go to a 'Moon Festival' It's being run by the local Chinese community-- and there will be kite making and differet things including baking 'moon cookies" so it should be fun!
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Hi.. -- Tina Swinimer, 13:39:08 09/16/05 Fri
  • Re: Hi.. -- Phyllis, 20:01:52 09/18/05 Sun
  
  
• WHATS HAPPENED -- Donna, 06:01:59 09/12/05 Mon (dialup-4.183.227.116.Dial1.Tampa1.Level3.net/4.183.227.116)
  Hey you guys..where is everyone?? Where is Margaret and Susan..my Jacqueline sounds good .. I talked to her the other morning (to me)..night to her...lol..anyway where is everybody???
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: WHATS HAPPENED -- tina swinimer, 14:30:10 09/12/05 Mon
    • Re: WHATS HAPPENED -- Donna, 01:18:19 09/13/05 Tue
  
  
• Hurricane News -- Donna, 02:46:16 09/09/05 Fri (0-1pool119-148.nas3.charlotte2.nc.us.da.qwest.net/63.232.119.148)
  Hey guys,
  Well you know how you want to help and "DO SOMETHING" but never know what....I never like sending cash ,cause you really don't know where it is going...but my neighbor is great and she was loading her SUV and (we were chatting Labor Day)and sure enough she found an actual place here close on the beach we could send STUFF!!!LOL...So I loaded many, many bags of everything and anything I could find and think of them needing....and she took it all to a close area!!! I was so glad to be able to do something!! Made my day!! So how are all of you?? Cory Vette is still fat and lazy and will not jump on bed..needless to say I am not sleeping well!!Ha Ha
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Hurricane News -- ellie, 11:49:23 09/09/05 Fri
  • Re: Hurricane News -- tina swinimer, 13:24:38 09/09/05 Fri
    • Re: Hurricane News -- Donna, 22:43:03 09/09/05 Fri
  • Re: Hurricane News -- tina swinimer, 13:28:34 09/09/05 Fri
  • Re: Hurricane News -- Donna, 22:49:20 09/09/05 Fri
  
  
• BABY NEWS!!!! -- Ellie, 03:01:12 09/01/05 Thu (128.16.233.220.exetel.com.au/220.233.16.128)
  Hello all.. yes, it has happened at last after a week of my granddaughter Rebekah going in and out of hospital. My great grandaughter arrived at 6am Monday 29th August.
  I saw her on Monday night and she is small, pink and perfect with a lot of wavy,dark hair.. weighed 5lbs 11ozs.. and her name is Jemillah. According to the baby book Jemillah means 'beautiful' and that she is!!!
  Bek and Jemillah are now at home.. they were only in hospital for 2 days.. and both doing well.
  Donna!!!! I see you are back.. but haven't read your messages yet.. and Tina.. Yes I will send you my email address later today.. Have to go now and pay bills and those things you would rather not have to do!
  Hugs to all.
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: BABY NEWS!!!! -- Donna, 01:39:23 09/02/05 Fri
  • Re: BABY NEWS!!!! -- Donna, 02:19:45 09/02/05 Fri
  • Re: BABY NEWS!!!! -- tina swinimer, 15:08:53 09/02/05 Fri
  • Re: BABY NEWS!!!! -- Phyllis, 21:36:54 09/03/05 Sat
  
  
• Donna -- tina swinimer, 15:03:25 08/30/05 Tue (hlfx25-32.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.75.32)
  Donna how wonderful to hear from you and hearing that all your beautiful fur babies are doing fine.
  Sure hope you are having a great time in your new life..must be what a year now?
  How is your son ?
  Did you get any effects of the hurricane at all? I forget which part of Florida you live in now but I think you said you were near a beach.Anyway so nice to hear from you.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Donna -- Donna, 01:53:41 09/01/05 Thu
    • Re: Donna -- Ellie, 16:43:09 09/01/05 Thu
      • Re: Donna -- Donna, 01:49:15 09/02/05 Fri
  
  
• new computer up and running-whoopie -- tina swinimer, 13:39:28 08/27/05 Sat (hlfx42-142176092198.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.92.198)
  I think I know why we have lost most of our friends-once you are out of chat..vie computer breakdown it is hard to find your way back-thanks to Phyllis I found my way back.
  Ellie if you e-mail me I will send you Phyllis e-mail as she requested.I need Margaret and Ellie to e-mail me then all my contacts will be complete.If anyone is speaking to Margaret please ask her to e-mail me.
  Thanks Phyllis for your great help.
  I will be working all day at a penny auction fund raiser for shaid animal shelter -needs funds drastically.When oh when will more people spay/neuter animals so there are not so many staring homeless pets?
  Hope all are fine..awaiting for baby news!Love to all
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: new computer up and running-whoopie -- tina swinimer, 13:10:34 08/28/05 Sun
  • Re: new computer up and running-whoopie -- Donna, 21:56:31 08/29/05 Mon
  
  
• babies etc -- Tina Swinimer, 14:36:16 08/11/05 Thu (hlfx53-2b-85.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.8.85)
  Ellie I have been trying to post on here but my computer is acting bonkers..please e-mail me when the baby comes..
  tmswinimer@hotmail.com
  oh I know I am leaving myself open to un wanted mail by posting my e-mail here but it is the chance I will take..perhaps someone will send me a new computer-lol
  It is so hot I have been spending every other day at the lake or at my oldest granddaughters place-she just moved to a place where there is a beautiful beach right across the street from her..the house is high up a hill but just 2 minutes to walk down the driveway to the beautiful salt water beach and beautiful ocean views.Our house is quite long-one story high and the air conditioner just cools the huge living room and a bit of the kitchen..have fans in the bedrooms but stay at the lake when I can..the trailer there is air conditioned..has kitchen-living room..3 peice bath and one bedroom..right beside a big lake called big Mush-a-mush.
  pets like the living room home with the air conditioner and usually stay home with my hubby who doesn't go to the lake very often..Tadpole the part chihuahua part jack russel terrier loves the heat so lays where he can be warm.
  Hottest summer of my lifetime and I will be 70 in Oct.Scientests say these hot summers will continue every year for some years.
  I better close this before the computer decides to shut down again..love to all..ps I can always read the posts on voy even when it won't allow me to post.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: babies etc -- Phyllis, 03:58:54 08/12/05 Fri
    • Re: babies etc-..Phyllis glad to hear from you -- Tina, 01:48:46 08/17/05 Wed
  
  
• Good Morning! -- Ellie, 03:04:33 08/05/05 Fri (dsl-202-173-157-93.vic.westnet.com.au/202.173.157.93)
  Tina, Phyliss...others? Where are you? No mail since my last note! Well, it's a beautiful sunny morning here after a day of rain and cold winds yesterday. Still winter, but signs of Spring in the air. I see it's been a VERY hot summer in the USA and Canada, and I dread to think what ours might be like when it comes. I am NOT a heat lover!
  I've just put bread out on my window sill for the doves.Yesterday there was one, today four, obviously they are telling the neighbours!
  Only 3 weeks to go to expected arrival of my grandaughters baby.! Had afternoon tea out with her and her Mom last Sunday. Rebekah is looking gorgeous, but tired now.. wanting it to be over.
  We (work) have moved into new share premises at a place called Preston Creative Living and Learning Centre. We get 2 offices, art space, and use of all facilities including a spacious dining room.Outside there is a large pleasant lawn and garden area with seating.. so much nicer than the tiny hole of an office we had before.
  On Thursdays and Fridays the centre puts on a free community lunch which anyone is welcome to come to.. so as we were celebrating a client's birthday yesterday we all went to the lunch which was very nice, chicken chow mein and apple crumble and icecream. They even made him a birthday cake!
  Hope all are well, and children, grands, and pets!
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Good Morning! -- Phyllis, 21:33:47 08/08/05 Mon
  
  
• Cabaret, Flu, Babies.. -- Ellie, 01:38:32 07/04/05 Mon (dsl-202-173-157-93.vic.westnet.com.au/202.173.157.93)
  Hello dear friends. Where to start? Well, for a week now I've been sick with the flu.. a heavy cold maybe? Whatever, very unpleasant with sorethroat, aches, sneezing, coughing-- just plain nasty.. hopefully I'm on the tail end of it now.. but still don't feel too bright.Had a laugh when my friend Carol in Chigaco wrote me 'How can you get flu in summer" She forgot that here in Aus. its winter!
  Well, before that it was all systems go for rehearsals for our theatre groups cabaret night, then the night itself on June 18th.. it all went marvellously.. we had full house, and the play (that I was in) has been asked to do two more performances. One in ten days..Hope I'm better! And one later this year. Good to hear baby Kaitlyn is doing so well Phyliss, and Tina, lovely to share time with your grandchildren.
  More baby news from me. The arrival of Alexander last Nov really started something! I think I mentioned my grandaughter is expecting a baby at the end of August.. now just recently found out that my youngest son and wife are expecting a baby (first) next January! They've been married seven years, done a lot of overseas travelling and have now decided 'baby time' They are both thrilled to bits, and my daughter in law is doing fine. So within a space of 14 months there will be 3 new babies in the family!
  Hope all are well.. will try to write again soon.
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Cabaret, Flu, Babies.. -- Phyllis, 00:07:44 07/06/05 Wed
  • Re: Cabaret, Flu, Babies.. -- Tina Swinimer, 06:14:44 07/08/05 Fri
  
  
• how is everyone? -- Tina Swinimer, 14:17:19 06/26/05 Sun (hlfx35-57.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.85.57)
  It just 7:02 am here and the house is still hot..yesterday we had the hottest day on record for the past 40 years..34 cels.I was looking after Zoe who is now 9 yrs old and just graded into grade 4 with top marks.We went to a customer appreciation celebrations at a store..had three haywagon rides through the woods.pulled by 2 big horses....ice cream,hot dogs ,pop and balloons..all free.,then we went to the lake for the rest of the daym we really needed to be near water to cool off.My oldest granddaughter and her 16 year old brother came to the lake to cool off ,they are the 2 with cystic fibrosis, both are doing fine,MacKenzie at 16 passed his grade eleven by leading the class in marks,most cystic fibrosis children are extremely intelligent,,his sister at 26 is doing well health wise,once cf children were thought of as a mericle if they lived to be 12 years old.Thanks to modern medicine they have a better chance to keep their lungs clear now.
  My dogs are enjoying a hard plastic swim pool to cool off in.
  Phyllis-how is the baby doing? Have you got this heat wave there?Our Australian friends must have it cooler this time of year..it is a marvel how climates everywhere have changed these last few years..Ellie are you having an exciting time with all your interests? We were to an operetta Friday night in Lunenburg..it was wonderful and I was so glad Zoe was with us because she sings in the junior choir but this showed her how her voice could be her champion in other ways in her life.
  How are everyones children doing..even the grown up ones..how is our nurse who went to England?
  Our friend Dudo was always such a joy and now she must be too busy to join us but I keep hoping we will hear from her of at least one of her poems.
  Bye for now all..Make good use of today because after all you are using a whole day of your life to do it in.
  

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  • Re: how is everyone? -- Phyllis, 02:15:23 06/28/05 Tue
  
  
• Fantastic Result,Tina. -- Ellie., 12:08:41 06/12/05 Sun (dsl-202-173-157-93.vic.westnet.com.au/202.173.157.93)
  Tina, that's wonderful that so much money was raised for the animal shelter. I tried to get on here a few times, but got the 'This Page Cannot be Displayed' thingy, so left it for some days before I tried again.
  Had a hectic last few weeks. The Project I work for arranged an exhibition of art work by aboriginal artists, so I was busy helping out with that.. it's over now and went very well.Only a few paintings sold, but many people came thru and looked. Then there have been rehearsals and rehearsals, and a modicum of panic! for the caberet the theatre group I belong to is putting on on June 18th..
  Good to hear you are getting some warm weather Tina, my brother in Kingston, says it's HOT there now, they have their AC on.. and had their Airdale Riley clipped as she was feeling the heat too much.
  Here in Australia it is of course winter, but till a few days ago we had had little rain, but now we've had really good rain, the farmers are rapturous.. it's gone a long way to help break the drought, but we still need more.
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: Fantastic Result,Tina. -- Tina Swinimer, 13:53:35 06/15/05 Wed
  
  
• Baby Kaitlyn's Arrival -- Phyllis, 23:53:56 06/14/05 Tue (dial-66-218-13-106.usadatanet.net/66.218.13.106)
  My daughter's baby was born on June 7th. (this was her due date) Her name is Kaitlyn Nicole and she weighed 7 lbs. and 7 1/2 ozs. She was 19 l/2 inches long. She has blue eyes, light brown hair and light eyebrows and chubby cheeks. Several people said she takes after her father's side of the family. His sister is a blonde with blue eyes.
  
  My daughter had a c-section which was scheduled after 12 hours of labor that was not progressing. Her husband and I were in the operating room as we were both her labor partners. She went into the operating room at 9:00 p.m. at night and Kaitlyn was born at 9:38 p.m. It was very exciting to see her and hold her so soon after her birth. It was an experience which I will always cherish.
  
  I have been helping them out as I live nearby. Her husband has paternity leave too. Nights are difficult as Kaitlyn sleeps a lot during the day and is wide awake from 9:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. She is one week old today.
  
  . I will being taking care of Kaitlyn at her home when my daughter returns to work in about 3 months.
  
  Rufus (my golden retriever)will be coming along too. We are looking forward to this new adventure. I had bought a baby doll and wrapped her in a receiving blanket with Kaitlyn's scent on it. I also will be introducing Rufus to her next week. I will let you know how things are going
  
  Phyllis
  

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  • Re: Baby Kaitlyn's Arrival -- Tina Swinimer, 13:45:28 06/15/05 Wed
  
  
• animal shelter yard sale -- Tina Swinimer, 13:02:20 06/06/05 Mon (hlfx32-68.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.82.68)
  Finally-Sat June 4th was our giant yard sale..Nineteen thousand dollars!!! Isn't that great. So few of us volunteered Most of May and up until the sale.Thousands of items to be priced,sorted etc.The money is now in the bank and only cheques pertaining to shaid-re:food , vet bills,electric bill can be written and signed by 3 board members.Hopefully donations of clean used bedding,soaps,food and dog treats etc. will keep being donated like other years.
  by the way:SHAID means shelter for helpless animals in distress.
  I thought we were never going to get summer weather this year but finally and very late for us we are getting some warm weather and flowers are getting so pretty.
  Hope all is fine for all of you.
  

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• Baby Shower -- Phyllis, 21:16:29 05/20/05 Fri (dial-66-218-11-21.usadatanet.net/66.218.11.21)
  My daughter's baby shower was held last Sunday at a restaurant call "The Cat N' Fiddle". It began at 1:30 and lasted until 5:00. We had a large room to ourselves. She was surprised as we all managed to keep it a secret.
  
  Nancy wrote about the shower so I am going to copy her description of it. Michelle is Nancy's daughter and she is a close friend of my daughter Kristina(Kris for short).
  
  "It was a comfortable setting with 8 at a table.
  43 attended including family and close friends.
  Michelle was in charge of decorations and expressed her talent with bunches of pastel balloons, antique style -Winnie the Pooh napkins and gift table covering and crepe papered the guest chair. Each of the 6 tables had a center piece of pink, lavender, white flowers in a round container trimmed in gold color. I was in charge of picking up the sheet cake that I had to wait at Shaw's for finishing up, but in time for the shower. It was artistically decorated with Winnie the Pooh and finger- licking good. (Michelle was first to taste it while we removed cake from the box) Phyllis looked lovely in pink and a charming hostess for her guests. Mary, Michelle and I sat together.
  
  Kris received so many gifts. The outfits were adorable. One pastel colored blanket was a special gift. Phyllis had saved this handmade blanket that her mother knitted so many years ago. (Her mother made 3 of these blankets and told Phyllis to give one when each of her children had their first child.)
  A four year old girl named Mary Ellen helped open the largest packages by tearing the paper from a lower level. She was adorable. We all ate delicious cheesy vegetable lasanga, sandwiches, spinach pie, cold pasta dish, tossed salad and pickles. Punch and coffee was also served. Favors with a baby's bottle attached with a ribbon in a small box that contained pastel colored chocolate candy and coated candy with nuts were distributed along with homemade baklava by Aunt Yiula. I had three cameras to take turns in snapping memories of the celebration. Michelle recorded the gifts while a couple assistants taped cards and discarded wraps. The event was well organized.
  
  I had wrapped a sassy maternity top for Kris and she went right out to put it on for us all to see. It had pictured a stunning dressed young pregnant girl out walking a dog and shopping the streets of Paris..
  Colorful blue background and rhinestone decorated with french words relating to love of shopping for mother and child. " by Nancy
  
  My daughter's due date is June 7th. I will let you know when her precious bundle arrives. I plan to be with her and her husband in the delivery room.
  
  Best wishes for all and hope everyone is having a good week.
  
  Phyllis
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Baby Shower -- Tina Swinimer, 13:19:49 05/22/05 Sun
  • Re: Baby Shower -- Ellie., 02:14:12 05/23/05 Mon
  • Re: Baby Shower -- Nancy Fransen, 09:03:34 05/24/05 Tue
  
  
• feeling a bit more chipper -- Tina, 12:42:15 05/18/05 Wed (hlfx32-191.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.82.191)
  doesn't seem possible but that time of year for the animal shelter giant yard sale and auction is here. The big day is june 4th but we are a bunch of busy bees getting the donated articles sorted out-all will devided as usual-jewellery boutique,toy section,big boys toys"tools etc.Sport section,household section,a giant room of clothes and shoes,bicycly and electric gadget sections all in the giant exhibition building.Thousands of people"hopefully" will come like other years and it will be all over in one day,leftover toys and clothes will be sent to 3rd world relief etc.
  I am getting out of my "doldrums" from my recent medical woes and feeling much better.
  Most of you probably know Margaret has more worries with Bill and I am sure we all wish them good health and much deserved happiness.
  Our weather is still unusually cold for this time of year,very few flowers and the leaves are just starting to open up on the trees.I think the odd weather was another reason for my doldrums.
  All the best to any looking in.Don't forget we like to hear from you.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: feeling a bit more chipper -- Phyllis, 19:14:32 05/19/05 Thu
  
  
• Happy Mothers Day -- Ellie., 07:24:47 05/08/05 Sun (dsl-202-173-157-93.vic.westnet.com.au/202.173.157.93)
  It's Mothers Day here in Australia, and know it's the same date in Canada as my brother told me, but not sure of theUSA? Anyway, all you dear Moms and Grandmas of people and pets great and small have a lovely day.
  I went out with the family for dinner last night at Ryan's, which is an Irish restaurant, there were 14 of us, my family, and my daughter in law Sinead's family who drove down from a country town, and we all had a great meal and enjoyed time together. This afternoon my son Darren,the one who lives 700 miles away in Sydney rang me, and I spoke to his wife Jen too. They were at her Mom's place.
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Happy Mothers Day -- Phyllis, 17:47:55 05/11/05 Wed
  
  
• Don't know any more than I did before.... -- Tina Swinimer, 05:23:32 05/08/05 Sun (hlfx44-112.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.94.112)
  After seeing 2 specialists in Halifax I am told to come back in 6 months time for all the tests over.Where the lump is in my pancreas it is more dangerous for them to open me up than it is to wait until either I am in pain or throwing up.If it is a cyst..I should not get in dire pain or throwing up.If it is cancer..time will tell.cheez..I feel like a sitting duck.
  They said my tiredness is that I am doing too much and expecting too much for my age and for the operation I went through in the past.But I want to "do" things. I like to volunteer at the hospital and the animal shelter..like visiting the lonely ones in the nursing home.Like getting ready for the church and shelter yard sales..like so many things..tired or not darn it I am going to keep doing them as long as I can.Like going places with friends and family and darn it I will keep doing that too!!
  If the weather ever gets "normal" for this time of year I am going to add swimming to my schedule again and if Sammy "up at the corner block gets his exercise -fitness shoppe on the go I am going to that too.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Don't know any more than I did before.... -- Ellie., 07:18:38 05/08/05 Sun
  • Re: Don't know any more than I did before.... -- Phyllis, 17:37:50 05/11/05 Wed
  
  
• Orthdox Easter.. -- Ellie, 08:51:27 05/01/05 Sun (dsl-202-173-157-93.vic.westnet.com.au/202.173.157.93)
  Hello again. Is Orthodox Easter what we call Greek Easter here in Aus? it's 'Greek Easter' this weekend, and as I walked down to the local shopping centre this morning there were the remains of colored, smashed hardboiled eggs on the footpath. Not as many as other years tho.. I think the priest or the council must have had a go at them about cleaning up.LOL!
  Yes.. we know the sex of my grandaughter's baby, I went with her and her Mom for her 20 week scan, and she is a little girl! Rebekah is rapt, she wanted a girl, tho of course he would have been just as much loved if a boy.
  AND she continues the tradition! For five generations now, there has only been one girl and she ihas been the eldest, my Mom was the only and eldest of 2 brothers, I was the only girl and eldest of one brother, my daughter was the eldest and only of 3 brothers, and my grandaughter the eldest of 2 brothers! Kind of amazing!
  Have a lovely week everyone..
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Orthdox Easter.. -- tina swinimer, 13:41:06 05/01/05 Sun
  • Re: Orthdox Easter..and Ellie's question -- Phyllis, 22:01:33 05/07/05 Sat
  
  
• Ellie I envy you -- Tina Swinimer, 03:44:03 04/24/05 Sun (hlfx26-81.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.76.81)
  You are going to beat me at being a great grand mother I envy you! I am a lot older than you but have a slow bunch of grandkids-lol
  I love watching hot air balloons or at least I did when I was in Florida - alas there are no hot air balloons in Nova Scotia or any part of eastern Canada.Our weather can change within minutes and our ocean breezes would have you out over the ocean before you knew what hit.I am sorry I did not go in one when I was in Florida.
  For a spring day it is very cold here today and the rain is almost to the point of freezing.
  Today was our secret sisters club meeting-that once a year thing I told you about before-we found out today who our secret sister was for the past year and pulled a new name from a basket.We give each other a gift on our birthdays,Christmas and Easter and send a cheerful card once in a while.With everyone bringing something different to the luncheon we had a great feast..so much left over we delivered some to some senior citizen widowers on our way home.The old gents are always so pleased and that makes us feel good.
  All the best-bye for now.
  

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  Replies:

  • How Exciting on Your News of the New Arrival in August -- Pjhyllis, 18:04:31 04/25/05 Mon
  
  
• Ellie and Phyllis & hopefully old friends -- tina swinimer, 13:13:22 04/17/05 Sun (hlfx43-22.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.93.22)
  Ellie what a wonderful trip for you and your daughter and such a reward at the end to see your new grandson and family.Bet the thoughts of those hugs you received will warm you for a long time.Love the name of your grandson.
  I never had an experience like you and Phyllis at an airport but at customs after crossing from usa to nova scotia on the prince of fundy when we came ashore we were searched and since it is a car ferry the car was searched also and cleared but we will never know what happened to an old couple next to us,even the wheels were taken off their car.
  My scan showed that the lump in my pancreas has grown a bit-we knew it was there for 2 years now but the doctors thought it was a cyst-there are only 2 doctors in Nova Scotia who know how to scope a pancrease and my doctor is trying to get me an appointment with one of them to determine if it is cancer or a cyst and if it is in an operatable part of the pancreas. I imagine it will be a while until I get an appointment with one of the specialists.I am feeling fit as a fiddle but with cancer that doesn't always mean anything.
  Phylllis I hope the dog vets are not as expensive there as they are here and I hope your dog will be fine.
  All the best to everyone..oh yes spring is finally acting a bit like it should-Phyllis I suppose you have green grass by now..the only green showing here yet is the hostas and all lily type plants are peeking their noses through the ground.
  4 members of my family spent a day cleaning "raking up my yard" I am so glad it is all neat and tidy-this was a hard winter and I had more limbs and stuff than in all the years I lived here.Oh well all is so nice now.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Ellie and Phyllis & hopefully old friends -- Phyllis, 02:08:15 04/19/05 Tue
    • Re: Ellie and Phyllis & hopefully old friends -- Ellie, 01:33:57 04/24/05 Sun
  
  
• Hi From me too.. -- Ellie, 11:43:30 04/14/05 Thu (dsl-202-173-157-93.vic.westnet.com.au/202.173.157.93)
  Hello all.. I'm back from Sydney.. went to see new baby grandson Alexander. He is SOOOO Gorgeous, 5 months old now, and such a round, happy, friendly baby.. he wasn't all fazed by a grandma and Aunty he hadn't seen before hanging over him (daughter Pam came with me. Sydney is around 700 miles from here.We flew upSat morning, home Sunday night, and Gals.. have a big laugh at this! As your probably know airports are a nightmare now with with all the security checks.. and I was stopped and checked for explosives! My daughter went thru okay, but then I was checked, my person and bags... Pam had gone on ahead and looked back to see where I was.. so I called out.. 'It's okay.They're just checking me for explosives!" and all these people turned around and looked at me!
  The weather was fantastic, fine, blue and sunny but with a cool breeze, and we walked for miles to parks, and the beautiful Boatanical gardens, and an art gallery, and a ferry ride.. and back.. across beautiful Sydney harbor.
  It was so good to see my son/his wife and their lovely little boy.The time was too short.
  Tina, I hope everything was fine with your check-up.. let us know.. and all good thoughts.
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Hi From me too.. -- Phyllis, 23:51:14 04/14/05 Thu
  
  
• just a Hi! -- tina swinimer, 13:02:58 04/05/05 Tue (hlfx55-2b-91.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.10.91)
  Phyllis sounds like quite an adventure with your furnace..anything wrong with any heat source is scary.
  Sounds like the baby shower will be lots of fun.
  It was nice to hear from Nancy-hope she joins us again.
  Ellie how is the writers group doing?
  Our time changed this past week end to daylight saving time,everyone seems to have a hard time adjusting to it,my problem is the dogs are still waking at 5am which was 4 am..hope I can soon break them of that.
  We have no green grass yet, or flowers but the summer birds are coming back and there are signs of buds on some trees..oh I can hardly wait-yes I know about july or Aug you will see me complain about the heat and that I have to soak in the lake to survive-lol but I want to see green leaves,flowers.
  Had to drink some yukky stuff last night and will again this afternoon to light up my insides for a scan this afternoon at the hospital to see if my cancer "bugs"spores have returned.Routine scan but I am a bit worried.
  Oh my isn't the price of gas high? I love driving and now it is costing soo much! Why is it that all the fun things cost so much?
  Bye for now-best wishes all!!
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: just a Hi! -- Phyllis, 00:23:57 04/07/05 Thu
  
  
• Late Night -- Phyllis, 20:08:18 04/02/05 Sat (dial-66-218-14-12.usadatanet.net/66.218.14.12)
  Hello,
  
  Today is Saturday and it is going to rain all day.
  
  I thought I would share my experience last night.
  
  Around 9:00 p.m. ,I heard a loud noise like something was banging. I went to investigate and was not sure why I heard that noise, so I went down cellar to check the furnaces (I have 2, one for upstairs apt and mine). On one of the furnace, I have to add water to keep it at the right water level. I noticed the water was rusty looking (I could tell where the water level was) and I decided to call my oil company as I was worried something was not right. The serviceman told me he had 2 calls before he could come out. He arrived at my home close to midnight. He decided to drain some of the water from the furnace with a hose. It was quite a job and he finished around
  1:15 a.m. This was well past my bedtime. He couldn't tell my why this happened but said it was a good thing that I called. I guess we are right to trust our instincts.
  
  I have a protection plan but this service call will not be covered as they do not cover anything to do with water issues. Everything seems to be ok this morning but I am dragging as I am not a night owl.
  
  On a more pleasant note, Nancy drove me to Macy's dept store last Wednesday and I found 3 cotton maternity tops for my daughter. One has rainbow colors, one was pink and the other white. I also bought the cutest baby outfit.
  We are planning a surprise baby shower on May 15th at a restaurant with around 40 guests. We are having a buffet luncheon. Nancy will be helping me writing and sending out the invitations. Her daughter will be decorating and assisting my daughter while she is opening her gifts.
  Nancy and I went out to eat after our shopping spree at an Italian restaurant. My sister came over to feed my sog supper so that Nancy & I did not have to rush back, The afternoon flew by and I returned home and took my dog for a walk. He was barking up a storm when I came back as if to say where were you.
  
  I hope everyone is doing well and send my best for a good week.
  Best wishes,
  Phyllis
  

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• Easter thoughts to all -- Ellie., 03:46:08 03/25/05 Fri (dsl-202-173-157-93.vic.westnet.com.au/202.173.157.93)
  Safe and blessed Easter to all. Nancy and Phyliss.lovelythat you live close each to each other to get together for lunch.. now, if only Tina and I were within reach the four of us could have a merry old time together!
  Today here is cool, grey and windy.. I did a heap of housecleaning this morning (not my fav. thing, but unfortunately has to be done!) now I'm relaxing a little catching up on my emails and doing some reading. My 2 cats are blissfully sleeping.. one under my desk and one in an arm chair.. what a life!
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Easter thoughts to all -- Phyllis, 16:36:20 03/25/05 Fri
    • Re: Easter thoughts to all -- Nancy, 07:42:06 03/30/05 Wed
  
  
• Tina,, Just a Question,, -- Ellie.., 10:44:14 03/27/05 Sun (dsl-202-173-157-93.vic.westnet.com.au/202.173.157.93)
  Tina, do you have contact with Margaret,Susan,Dudo, Kylie etc through Dog or Cat Chat sites now? I haven't been to any of those sites for ages now.. and I do miss the others. I wondered if they wern't posting here because they are doing all their 'chatting'elsewhere!
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Tina,, Just a Question,, -- tina, 13:17:57 03/27/05 Sun
  
  
• Easter -- Tina Swinimer, 13:23:41 03/26/05 Sat (hlfx42-142176092012.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.92.12)
  Happy Easter to all ! I love Easter, not just for the religous reasons but for the memories of Easter when my children were growing up.
  The children made their own Easter baskets and the Easter bunny would fill them with goodies.The Easter bunny also always left eggs in little hay nests about the yard.Of all 10 of my grandchildren the youngest is nine years old so I don't have to fun of watching the egg hunt.
  One year our old dog that we had at that time went out and ate a lot of the eggs..I had to do another bunch up before the children got up from bed.After the egg hunt we would go to Sunday school and church and come home to a feed of ham and eggs.
  Wishing you all love and happiness Easter and all year through!
  

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  • Re: Easter -- Ellie, 01:40:00 03/27/05 Sun
  
  
• Correspond via email -- Nancy Fransen, 04:23:28 03/15/05 Tue (netcache-3002.bay.webtv.net/209.240.205.61)
  Hello,
  My dear friend, Phyllis in New Hampshire informed me of your chat site. I retired last June with 41 Yrs of State Human Services in the Child Support Division. For years I enjoyed my hectic, demanding and rewarding position as a Supervisor II for 20 employees in a busy Interstate office. I'm trying to get used to retirement. I'm currently focusing on exercise for myself. It's always been an effort for me. Once I'm involved, I enjoy the exercise and the socolizing. I started Tai Chi today and next week will return to Acquacize. Doing exercises in water is less tiresome. Of course, walking is always good. WE are anxious for the snow tp melt off the sidewalks. I have a newly adopted cat, named Snowball who is entirely all white with strange color eyes.. amber (yellowish). When I adopted him (age 2) he had already had his front paws declawed. He loves attention. This week will be first time leaving him alone for 24 hrs so will
  interesting to see how he does solo. I do have a neighbor to check on Snowball and feed him. I have probably said enough for my first email.
  Please write when you have a few moments. I could use advice on my new role as retiree.
  Be well and enjoy each new day.
  Nancy in NH
  

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  • Re: Correspond via email -- Nancy, 04:39:55 03/15/05 Tue
  • Re: Correspond via email -- tina swinimer, 12:42:51 03/21/05 Mon
    • RE: Correspondence via email -- Nancy, 20:28:01 03/23/05 Wed
  • Re: Correspond via email -- Ellie, 00:48:51 03/22/05 Tue
  
  
• Hot Sunday! -- Ellie, 02:48:52 03/13/05 Sun (dsl-202-173-157-93.vic.westnet.com.au/202.173.157.93)
  Tina and Phyliss, so sorry to hear that you have both been ill... me too. what a threesome we are! Mine wasn't too bad, some sort of gastric bug that left me uncomfortable and woozy/tired for 2 days, but okay again now, as I hope you both are too!
  So now we officially have our first month of Autumn.. but today is HOT, in fact we have a 4 day heatwave, as tho summer is not going to let go without a fight. I went out for an early walk to the fruit and vegie market, and it was still moderately cool then and pleasant walking. I noticed some of the trees already had their green leaves turning golden.
  Yesterday afternoon my youngest son and his wife left for London,England for 3 weeks holiday.. it's a long flight from Melb.Australia to London.. around 24 hours, well, London for a week, then on to Scotland. We had a family barbeque the weekend before they left, and that was lovely.
  My eldest son made an absolutely superb lemon meringue cheesecake. It was the first time he had ever made it and we were all awestruck!
  AND on the 9th of April I'm flying up to Sydney for the weekend.. 700 odd miles from here to see new grandson Alexander for the first time.He will be 5 months old by then. As you can imagine I'm looking forward to that!
  Keep Spring in your thoughts and stay well..
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Hot Sunday! -- Phyllis, 03:44:12 03/13/05 Sun
  • Re: Hot Sunday! -- Tina Swinimer, 04:05:22 03/13/05 Sun
  
  
• Hello -- Phyllis, 22:04:21 03/03/05 Thu (dial-66-218-18-215.usadatanet.net/66.218.18.215)
  Hi Ellie, Tina and Other Readers,
  
  It was good to hear from you Ellie and I am glad that you are doing something that you really enjoy. Writing is such a great skill and a gift.
  
  Tina,
  
  I am sorry to hear that you have the flu. I hope that you continue to feel better each day. It certainly makes one feel so tired and takes quite a while to get back to normal.
  
  I recently had the 24 hour bug that came on so suddenly in the middle of the night. I felt so sick and got about 2 hrs of sleep and the next morning I had to lay on the couch only getting up as necessary. My dog was not happy to see me resting so much. I had sprite and saltines and when I stepped on the scales I lost 5 lbs but I'm sure I will gain it back.
  
  We had a Nor'Easter on Monday dumping about 8 inches of very heavy snow. I am getting sick of this weather and looking forward to Spring.
  
  Take care and I am sending you good thoughts for your recovery from the flu.
  
  Phyllis
  

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• Hello! -- Ellie, 00:38:09 03/02/05 Wed (dsl-202-173-157-93.vic.westnet.com.au/202.173.157.93)
  Sorry, time has been flowing by again... just now off to my writing group.. my good friend Shirl picks me up for that at 9am.. will write more later!
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: Hello! -- Tina Swinimer, 12:59:58 03/03/05 Thu
  
  
• Another Snowstorm -- Phyllis, 16:29:15 02/21/05 Mon (dial-66-218-11-131.usadatanet.net/66.218.11.131)
  Hi Tina, Ellie and any other chat readers,
  
  It started snowing in the wee hours of the night and looking out my window it is pretty. Right now it is very light snow but weatherman states it will turn to heavy wet snow. The good thing is that it is Washington's Birthday and many offices are already observing the holiday. Schools were cancelled once again. They will just extend the school year to make up for these snow days.
  
  I stocked up on groceries because of this predicated storm. I plan on making a beef stew today and sharing it with my family. My daughter and her husband both are working today.
  
  I guess that there will be no walks for my dog today. I will have to let him out in my back yard which fortunately is fenced in. He prefers his walks of course and will not be happy.
  
  Tina, you probably received more snow too. It is also very cold outside. I will have to bundle up to clean off my front walk and car and back steps but will need another cup of coffee before doing so.
  
  Just wanted to say hello. I hope everyone has a good week.
  
  Phyllis
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Another Snowstorm -- tina Swinimer, 14:08:18 02/23/05 Wed
  
  
• Yesterday's Nor'Eastern & More Chat -- Phyllis, 21:02:45 02/11/05 Fri (dial-66-218-19-92.usadatanet.net/66.218.19.92)
  Hello to all Chat readers.
  
  Wishing all of you a Happy Valentine's Day!
  
  We had all rain to start with and then it turned to heavy snow most of the day yesterday. Schools were closed and the traveling was not good. By late afternoon, wet , heavy snow pulled down power lines leaving thousands in the center of our state without electricity. (we were lucky as we did not lose power here in the city). There were numerous car accidents. The weather is turning much colder today with windchill too. Schools were delayed for 2 hours today.
  
  Tina, how great that you get to spend time with your granddaughter and for your daughter to have a trip with her friends. I miss my granddaughters in Florida but did get some new pictures recently of the girls together and was told that they get along very well together. The oldest granddaughter turned 3 last month and her sister is now 15 months old.
  
  My daughter's baby is due in June and I can hardly wait. I will help her out with child care.
  
  My daughter and I plan to go one of our local stores so she can register her wish list for the baby. My sister-in-law plans to give her a shower nearer when her baby is due.
  Also my daughter's office asked her if she was register anywhere yet. Times have changed since we had babies.
  
  I hope everyone is well and when they have time that they write on this chat site again to let us know how they are doing. I know that Ellie is busy with her work.
  
  Have a good weekend.
  
  Phyllis
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Yesterday's Nor'Eastern & More Chat -- tina Swinimer, 04:15:43 02/13/05 Sun
  
  
• Tina- Belated Congratulations on your Anniversary -- Phyllis, 16:54:17 02/04/05 Fri (dial-66-218-28-161.usadatanet.net/66.218.28.161)
  Tina,
  
  Congratulations on your wedding anniversary! I am sure that you and your husband enjoyed celebrating with your family. I bet the years has flown by.
  
  Did you get any snow recently? We got the heavy fluffy snow last night. It was so pretty to look at the trees covered with it. It was not good driving early this morning. There were lots of school delays.
  
  I have to venture out because Rufus has an appointment with the vet to recheck his ears.
  
  Have a good weekend.
  
  Phyllis
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Tina- Belated Congratulations on your Anniversary -- Tina Swinimer, 14:57:12 02/11/05 Fri
  
  
• Gimee Some! -- Ellie., 00:32:42 02/01/05 Tue (dsl-202-173-157-93.vic.westnet.com.au/202.173.157.93)
  Snow that is! I would roll in it, play in it.. eat it even!
  So as you can guess it has been awfully hot here in good ole Melbourne Australia.. and on those days... well, I don't have airconditioning, just fans.. and after a while they do little to help.
  Sorry I haven't caught up for a while, that intense heat just about wrecks me.. and also I'm now back at work.. as from Yesterday.. also my interest groups, writing, theatre have all started again.. Happy about that!
  Going to work with my literacy student at the library now. More later.
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Gimee Some! -- Tina Swinimer, 13:25:10 02/02/05 Wed
  • Re: Gimee Some! -- Phyllis, 16:47:53 02/04/05 Fri
  
  
• Phyllis-Tinas weather report-lol -- Tina Swinimer, 22:46:09 01/25/05 Tue (hlfx59-1-70.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.109.70)
  Well !! The nerve of mother nature..she dumpped 3 more feet of snow on us..everything was closed for 3 days-sunday church..Monday and today..stores,schools even liquer stores and post offices.I imagine you got some of it because I watched the American weather report for the Eastern coast.
  Where are we going to put it all , I mean the snow that we plow out of the driveways and roads?
  Lord help us if it rains anytime soon because if it does we will all be swimming or rowing..hope the sun comes out enough to melt even half of it away.
  Well have to go shovel some more-lol
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Phyllis-Tinas weather report-lol -- Phyllis, 20:56:58 01/26/05 Wed
  
  
• some folks are extra lucky -- Tina Swinimer, 15:57:42 01/21/05 Fri (hlfx42-142176092030.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.92.30)
  Oh you lucky people in Australia!! We just had another snow storm on top of the one I mentioned below.there are snow drifts higher than I am and after the plows went I had to shovel a path off the patio and shovel the front patio off so the dogs could get out and so I could feed the poor little birds. It is minus 12 cels this morning and supposed to go to minus 30 tonight.I have tights on under my slacks and 2 layers of tops on and the heat turned up high which will cost a small fortune.I do have to admit the beauty outside this morning is a glory to behold.White snow clinging to the green pines and other evergreens.Beautiful clear blue sky with the sun glistening on the snow.
  The only wild animals are a few rabbits running to keep warm and the deer must be deep in the woods to keep warm..I saw tracks of one fox but other than that all wild animals are asleep in their dens for the winter.I don't know how the poor little birds stand this but there are plenty of them coming for seeds that I put out.
  At night after work you can hear folks out running around with their snowmobiles..I used to do that but not any more.
  Snow is too deep for sleds but good for tobogganing or snow boards but a heck of a tough job walking back up the hill with snow above your hips.lol
  HOpe everyone has a good day..I just couldn't resist trying to portray the beauty and the cruel cold..
  

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  • Re: some folks are extra lucky -- Phyllis, 16:54:10 01/21/05 Fri
  
  
• Happy Birthday Phyllis -- Tina Swinimer, 14:30:49 01/19/05 Wed (hlfx43-9.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.93.9)
  Isn't it wonderful to celebrate Birthdays with friends and relatives.My wishes are for your greatest year ever with all your wishes coming true!!!
  

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• blizzard..Phyllis I think you dodged it-lol -- Tina Swinimer, 20:41:22 01/17/05 Mon (hlfx44-21.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.94.21)
  Wow! we go snow and snow hills from the 90 to 100 klm wind gusts..hopefully we will be plowed out by tomorrow, I had to shovel a bit of a path so the dogs could go doodle..no easy task to shovel any of this stuff..oh well only the 3rd bad mess this winter, I have seen a lot worse .for those on the old measuring scale we got about 2 feet all in one night and about 5 inches this morning but the wind was causing white-outs and they had to pull the snow plows off the road because the drivers couldn't see where they were going.Kids love it no school and lots of snow to play in but alas no children here in my yard but the furry ones.
  

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  • Re: blizzard..Phyllis I think you dodged it-lol -- Phyllis, 21:19:02 01/17/05 Mon
  
  
• Something Nicer... -- Ellie., 00:43:02 01/16/05 Sun (dsl-202-173-157-93.vic.westnet.com.au/202.173.157.93)
  Well, the year seems to have started off with sad (world)news.. so I thought I'd tell you about a day out I had with my daughter Pam, a week ago. For those of you interested in Aussie wildlife.. we went to a place called the Healsville Wildlife Sanctuary.. which is about 2 1/2 hours drive from here (Pam has a car and drives even if her Mom doesn't!)
  It's a sanctuary in the hills for all sorts of Aus.animals,birds and reptiles. The day we went wasn't like mid summer, it was more like mid winter! It belted down rain at times, and cold too. Wet animals, dripping forests of trees and ferns, soaked people, muddy tracks.. but even so it was great! We saw koalas and kangaroos, all sorts of native birds.. wombats (that's the one we talked about last year Tina, that you thought was a small pig!) the 'wetlands, with all sorts of waterbirds.. Pam made ham and salad rolls to take, and we bought cups of tea and a cake each from the kiosk then found a shelter out of the rain to eat our picnic lunch.
  There are waterbirds called ibis, and they just wander freely through the crowds of visitors, so tame and so cheeky. Two kept coming up to us and trying to snitch bits of our lunch!
  So it was a precious 'sharing 'time with my daughter.. it's not often that the two of us are just out together without her husband, or other family members.
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: Something Nicer... -- Tina Swinimer, 14:58:53 01/16/05 Sun
  • Re: Something Nicer... -- Phyllis, 02:54:53 01/17/05 Mon
  
  
• Well sadly... -- Ellie, 10:52:24 01/13/05 Thu (dsl-202-173-157-93.vic.westnet.com.au/202.173.157.93)
  Tina, it's midsummer here now and tho the first half of summer was very cool, the last days have been blisteringly hot and in South Australia.. the next state across from mine on Tuesday there was a terrible bush fire (wildfire) that killed 14 people, including 4 young children.. the fire was just so swift that people didn't have time to get away before it was on them.
  I do NOT like our Australian summer. I hate heat, not just because of personal comfort.. but because there is always the worry of out of control fires.
  I live in a suburb of the city of Melbourne Tina.. about 5 ks out from the CBD, It's not too bad, close to public transport ( I don't have a car, and don't drive) but there are parklands and trees, and 2 creeks with walking tracks, close to shopping and amenities as well. I guess there are worse places to live!
  I hope you will get good news of the little girl in Shri Lanka..
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: Well sadly... -- Phyllis, 17:31:34 01/13/05 Thu
  • Re: Well sadly... -- Tina Swinimer, 14:14:46 01/14/05 Fri
  
  
• Great News! -- Phyllis, 17:46:40 01/08/05 Sat (dial-69-67-230-119.usadatanet.net/69.67.230.119)
  Hi to Everyone,
  
  I just had to share my exciting news! My daughter and her husband are expecting their first child in June. They have been married for 11 years and have wanted a family for a very long time.
  
  My daughter lives nearby (l l/2 miles from my home). I went with her to one of her ultrasounds and heard the baby's heartbeat. She has been sick with nausea and dry heaves but finally feels better as time goes on. We feel truly blessed for this wonderful news.
  
  My 2 granddaughters in Florida are 1 and 3 years old but because they are so far away I missed seeing them grow up. I love it when I get new pictures of them.
  
  I will be able to help my daughter as we live nearby and I am retired.
  
  I hope all of you have a wonderful year this year.
  
  Phyllis
  

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  • Re: Great News! -- Ellie, 10:36:14 01/09/05 Sun
  • Re: Great News! -- Tina Swinimer, 14:20:57 01/11/05 Tue
  
  
• Hello, in 2005 -- Ellie., 10:46:27 01/09/05 Sun (dsl-202-173-157-93.vic.westnet.com.au/202.173.157.93)
  Hi people, the very best to you all for this year, which started off (or the aftermath) so badly with the Asian tsunami. But I thought you might like to hear one little miracle story. When I heard the news something kept nagging at me about Thailand. I had the awful feeling that someone I knew had gone there for Xmas, but I just couldn't pin it down. Then I realised what it was. My good friend Cate's youngest brother John lives in Thailand, in Phuket, one of the worst hit areas there.
  I straight away rang Cate to find out if their was news on John. Well, John and his Thai wife's house is up on a hill. John had been down on the beach, but left shortly before the tsunami hit, to walk up the hill home for something.
  He left his motorbike down on the beach, and the waves washed it out to sea, then amazingly washed it back, and it was ultimately returned to John by a local who knew it was his! So John, his wife, and their house are safe.
  Certainly makes you count your blessings.
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: Hello, in 2005 -- Phyllis, 19:49:08 01/09/05 Sun
  • Re: Hello, in 2005 -- Tina Swinimer, 14:47:54 01/10/05 Mon
  
  
• May 2005 be a rewarding year for all -- Tina Swinimer, 15:13:01 01/02/05 Sun (hlfx43-13.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.93.13)
  Phyllis has said mostly all in her listing of quotes but I also want to say all the best to all of you.
  Love and a few extra efforts by us can change this world for the better.Hugs and smiles go a long way and doing a friend a favor can enrich their lives and ours.
  was to a wonderful New Years party and then spent New Years day at my oldest daughters along with other family members..we had sweet and sour meat balls,potato salad,corn bread,cakes,pies and lots of warm feelings as we shared our funniest most embarassing or best feelings in the past year-I hope the good feelings of yesterday last forever.
  Love,hugs and best wishes to all of you for 2005
  Lots of hugs to the fur babies and feathered friends !
  

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  • Re: May 2005 be a rewarding year for all -- ellie, 10:38:14 01/09/05 Sun
  
  
• New Year's Eve Day -- Phyllis, 17:19:25 12/31/04 Fri (dial-69-67-229-9.usadatanet.net/69.67.229.9)
  Wishing all of you a very Happy New Year for the year of 2005!
  
  My wish is for peace, good health. good fortune and happiness for you and your family members and friends.
  
  My best friend sent me the following quotes which I am sharing with you all in the spirit of the New Year:
  
  "Dance as though no one is watching you. Love as though you have never been hurt before. Sing as though no one can hear you. Live as though heaven is on earth." - Souza
  
  "To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch... to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!" - Emerson.
  
  "Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. (Thank You.)" - Marcel Proust
  
  Best wishes to all.
  
  Phyllis
  

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• wonderful Christmas -- Tina Swinimer, 02:38:27 12/29/04 Wed (hlfx32-150.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.82.150)
  7 children and their mates-12 grandchildren and 2 old friends visited with us Christmas eve..we had a great time eating and gabbing and I always open my gifts while they are here..then Christmas day went to youngest Daughters for Christmas dinner-actually we all ate around mid-afternoon..most of us bought things to add to the dinner.
  Next day visited some of the children..then Sunday night it snowed and snowed..just got all cleared out today.It is a light fluffy snow this time and it looks beautiful even though it is knee deep.Hope to get some more visiting done tomorrow because Thursday I will be busy-I still do a day volunteering each week at the hospital.
  I certainly hope you all had a great Christmas but I know like me many of you have prayers for the poor souls in the devestated Asian countries.The horror for the survivors wil continue for a long time.I hope none of you had friends or relatives visiting the tourist areas that are in ruins.
  

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  • Re: wonderful Christmas -- Phyllis, 16:53:28 12/29/04 Wed
  
  
• Australian friends plan for Xmas.. -- Ellie., 12:19:16 12/24/04 Fri (dsl-202-173-157-93.vic.westnet.com.au/202.173.157.93)
  Hi Tina..Here's your wish granted! Well, at least from one of the Australian friends! I've going tomorrow (Xmas Day) to eldest son Peter's home in Kinglake, which is a beuatiful little 'mountain' town bordering a National park.
  Most family members will be there, except the Sydney son, wife and new baby grandson.
  We all contribute food and drinks to the Xmas meal.. Australian Xmas's can be really HOT, tho blessedly tomorrow will be cool/mild.. so usually a huge cooked Xmas meal isn't eaten, rather things like cold meat, salads, fruit and icecream and Xmas cake.. we do go for the traditional hot plum pudding tho with custard or cream.
  We exchange our gifts from under the Xmas tree on Xmas day, and also on the 26th, as youngest son and wife are with her family on Xmas day, then come to us on the 26th.
  Some people picnic on the beach, or have barbeques in parks and gardens.. it's very varied, being our summer, so w're not confined to doing things indoors.. tho I will sayjust for once, I would love to experience a really snowy winter Xmas such as you have in Canada and the states!
  Have a lovely day everyone.
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: Australian friends plan for Xmas.. -- Tina Swinimer, 15:23:08 12/24/04 Fri
  • Re: Australian friends plan for Xmas.. -- Phyllis, 20:47:12 12/27/04 Mon
  
  
• Update from New England Area And Wishes for the Holidays -- Phyllis, 18:24:36 12/21/04 Tue (dial-66-218-11-146.usadatanet.net/66.218.11.146)
  Hi Tina, Ellie and other readers (who we miss very much),
  
  I enjoyed reading about your festive activities and you both sound like you are social butterflies. It great that you have such good times.
  
  We received our first real snowstorm yesterday. We had about 3-5 inches of snow but then the weather turned so cold. The temperature here was minus 1 degree. Up north it was really cold. I went out for supper last night(even though the driving was bad.) Michael called me and asked if I wanted to go out to eat. He has 4 wheel drive, so I said yes. The traffic was all backed up and everyone was going very slowly. It was very very cold outside and it was good to come home to a warm house. I had baked haddock with baked stuffed potatoes and salad. The potatoes were so good.
  
  I have been still doing some more Christmas shopping and I meeting one of my former co-workers for lunch today at an Italian restaurant. I decided yesterday to make one of her favorite cookies. It is a recipe that my Mother used to make without a written one. They are cresent shaped and call for a lot of butter and confectionary sugar and are very light and tasty. I like them too, so I plan on giving her most of them so I won't have them around.
  
  
  Our choir will be singing on Christmas eve and it is a beautiful service. We have a practice tomorrow night.
  
  I will be having Christmas dinner for my family and friends in this area. We are having baked ham, scalloped potatoes, vegetables, salad and bread. Of course we will be having spinach pie too. For dessert, we will have blueberry and apple pie with vanilla ice cream.
  
  I wish everyone a joyous holiday season and good health and happiness in the New Year!
  
  Phyllis
  

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  • Re: Update from New England Area And Wishes for the Holidays -- Tina Swinimer, 05:30:54 12/24/04 Fri
  
  
• From me too! -- Ellie, 00:15:18 12/17/04 Fri (dsl-202-173-157-93.vic.westnet.com.au/202.173.157.93)
  What a lovely message Tina. Yes, it's a pity that lately it seems to have dropped down to you- Phyliss and me corresponding here, but hopefully the others are reading.. but just not getting around to replying. I'm glad you've made the best of the year Tina while you are feeling good, and I hope with all my heart for you that that continues on.
  No snow here! But it has been-so far.. cool for December, and rain.. which is what we need. Warm and sunny today tho.
  Yes, I've been busy with end of year things too. This week there has been the theatre group Xmas party, an afternoon thing, at one of the members homes.. that was lovely.. also the works Xmas lunch at a hotel, then the next night out to dinner for grand-daughter Rebekah's birthday.. then last night meet theatre group members again for a drink and chat.
  Also had my 2 writers group break-ups in the last couple of weeks. It's all Go!
  January here is usually long and hot, not much social activity.. so I look forward to all my things starting again.
  New grandson Alexander is now nearly 6 weeks old, and doing beautifully..
  My 2 cats and 2 goldfish are well..
  So have a lovely, safe and happy time everyone.
  Hugs to all,
  Ellie.
  

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• just good wishes to all who peek in on voy chat -- Tina Swinimer, 12:25:11 12/14/04 Tue (hlfx21-65.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.71.65)
  well folks I have been so busy running around that I left some things un-done.One big "undone" is sending out Christmas cards so I want to wish you all the best of the season.
  I have been to a couple live plays-lots of Christmas luncheons-I have been making the best of feeling good this year and seem to be in a race to have a good time while good health lasts and while hubby is feeling good although he won't go out anywhere,he likes his television programs too much.
  It would be nice to hear from more of you but I guess you are all busy with your families both 2 legged and 4 legged.When you get time it would be nice to have an up date on everyones progress and or hindrances-lol
  We all have ups and downs so don't be afraid to let us in on your downs.
  My 3 dogs and 3 budgies and 4 love birds are a lot of work but I enjoy them so much..you Aussies have the enjoyment of beautiful birds all the time ,oh we have some beautiful birds but not with the charming antics of tropical type birds.
  Once again all the best of the Christmas season to all.I most likely will be writing in here before Christmas again but just in case not I wanted you all to know I have been thinking of you.
  

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• First Snowstorm -- Phyllis, 20:00:24 12/07/04 Tue (dial-66-218-12-219.usadatanet.net/66.218.12.219)
  Hi Everyone,
  
  We are having our first snowstorm with sleet and freezing rain. It is very slippery underfoot.
  
  My dog, Rufus still wanted to go out for his early morning walk, so I put on my hiking boots and went only up our main street and back (Just enough to satisfy him). My back yard is fenced in but Rufus rather be roaming out and about. We were pretty fortunate to have had good weather up until now. It is very cold out today too.
  
  How is everyone doing with their Christmas shopping? I am getting my packages ready to mail to Florida and still have some more shopping to do. I did order some gifts through mail order.
  
  I will be having Christmas dinner for my family who lives in the area. One of their favorite dishes is Spinach Pie made with filo dough. My Mother used to make the crust from scratch but I never could master it.
  
  My friend Nancy and I are going to see one of our other friend's new granddaughter tomorrow. I love holding a little one and look forward to seeing her precious granddaughter.
  
  I hope everyone is doing well. Have a good week.
  
  Phyllis
  

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  • Re: First Snowstorm -- Tina Swinimer, 13:43:50 12/09/04 Thu
  
  
• Once More.. -- Ellie, 02:19:38 11/25/04 Thu (dsl-202-173-157-93.vic.westnet.com.au/202.173.157.93)
  Hi Everyone.. well maybe it's just a threesome, Tina,Phyliss and me.. but maybe others are reading to be included in the 'Everyone"!
  Tina, sorry your winter wonderland turned ugly.. my brother in Kingston, ontario wrote their town had their Santa parade a few nights ago, but the weather was really MEAN! Here in Aussie land it's bright and sunny and warm today,Dec 1 starts our summer..Shops are full of baubles and bright shiny things..
  Today I'm treating daughter Pam to lunch in celebration of her finishing her 2 year college course.. she is now a qualified masseur.. I am so proud of her as she had a tough year.
  Sunday.. what an experience! I went sailing out on the bay in a fully rigged wooden sailing ship called the Enterprise.
  It was a 70th birthday celebration for my son-in law's Mom Joyce. There were about 40 of us in the party.. had to laugh. 2 of the guests got off before the ship even left the dock! Said that even that gentle rocking made them sea sick! A couple of the guys got really into the act by dressing as pirates, so that was fun.
  Joyce's family provided trays of sandwiches and savories, tea/coffee and a beautiful white chocolate ganache birthday cake.. so it really was quite an experience.
  Hope everyone is well and getting ready for the festive season.
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: Once More.. -- Tina Swinimer, 14:50:46 11/26/04 Fri
  • Re: Once More.. -- Phyllis, 18:55:02 11/26/04 Fri
  
  
• winterwonderland -- Tina, 23:18:26 11/13/04 Sat (hlfx54-1-98.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.104.98)
  wahoo..first snowstorm of the season and lots of it.Had the dogs out to play and threw snowballs..surprised faces when they catch the snowballs I throw.
  Snowplows haven't plowed the roads yet so only trucks travelling and very few of them..this is a packy type of snow-not the light fluffy kind so the roads are slippery.
  Have fun on the "other side" of the world sniffing your flowers ! The trees limbs are all drooping with the weight of the snow..looks so pretty.
  I hope the roads are good tomorrow because I was asked to help out with the television telethon on cable t.v. for the s.h.a.i.d. animal shelter . Funds are low there at the shelter so the telethon success is needed but I have to travel to another town so I hope the roads are plowed .
  All the best to you all.Tina
  

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  • Re: winterwonderland-turned ugly -- Tina, 14:02:20 11/15/04 Mon
  • Re: winterwonderland -- Phyllis, 20:34:36 11/19/04 Fri
  
  
• Silly Grandma! -- Ellie, 11:29:08 11/11/04 Thu (dsl-202-173-157-93.vic.westnet.com.au/202.173.157.93)
  Thanks for your congrats Phyliss and Tina, but did you notice I said he was born Oct 8th.. and it was of course NOV 8th! Must have been all the excitement! Mom and baby are home now and doing well. To add to, Darren and Jen have also just bought a house.. their first.. so lots happening for them. We have lots of Spring rain here which is lovely. eveything is looking so fresh and green.
  Amazing that Xmas is looming up on us again.. I've done about 3/4 of my Xmas shopping.. feel proud of myself!
  Ellie.
  

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• Grandma (again) Grin.... -- Ellie., 11:36:56 11/08/04 Mon (ppp155-134.lns2.mel2.internode.on.net/150.101.155.134)
  Hi, all..Just to let you know that new grandson Alexander Edward, arrived at 4-30am Oct 8th in Sydney,Austalia, and all is fine! Spoke to proud Mummy and Daddy,Darren and Jen this morning, and Jen said he is just beautiful, black hair, blue eyes and a creamy skin 'Not all red and flaky" which made me laugh. Family combined on sending up flowers, so expensive these days.. the ones we ordered cost $100, but with different family members sharing cost, not so bad.
  Dark blue, white and yellow flowers with a small blue teddy bear.
  Happy grandma Ellie.
  

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  • Congratulations! -- Phyllis, 17:26:21 11/08/04 Mon
  • Re: Grandma (again) Grin.... -- Tina Swinimer, 13:22:02 11/09/04 Tue
  
  
• just to say Hi to all -- Tina Swinimer, 03:43:15 11/06/04 Sat (hlfx62-1-157.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.112.157)
  Wish I had digital camera set up to send pics vie the e-mails etc. I had the cutest hallowe'en kids visiting-27 in all..lots of folks get up to 100 but I live in a quiet area and the little ones looked so cute in their painted faces and costumes.
  Ellie I hope that grand baby has arrived.Doctors here now are not allowed any more to tell the baby sex before birth..sometimes it is opposite than what they thought they saw.
  Ellie I have 5 boys two girls but in grandchildren 4 boys and 6 girls..funny how it runs.
  Phyllis thanks for the birthday greetings..yes we had a great time.
  This was my week to do church visitation at the nursing home..one of the new ones was a lovely woman about 65 who has been transferred to the Mahone nursing home..12 years paralized from a wrong slip of a Doctors knife..she didn't sue..she has a lovely personality but it broke my heart to think she was unable to move from the neck down.Sometimes I come home so re-inforced with the idea that we must make every day count for something good and enjoyable that I feel like yelling it out to make people relish in their everyday life if it is going good.
  Phyllis is it deer hunting season there? I will be so glad when it is over-I think the first week in December..one doesn't dare walk in the woods right now for fear of getting shot..I think all hunters should have their eye test before getting their deer hunting license but I must say so far this year I haven't heard of any dogs,cows or people accidently shot except for one in Dartmouth they don't know if it was murder or an accident.If you don't like someone invite them to go deer hunting with you-lol
  It poured all day along with high winds so I took a lazy day and read,watched t.v. and only did a minimum of housework and the dogs enjoyed sitting all about me.
  Hope all are fine..
  Miss hearing from Belinda,Susan kylie and all the rest who
  started in here but at least there are a few of us left.Hope the others come back as well.
  

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• Hello! -- Ellie, 05:57:52 11/05/04 Fri (ppp152-161.lns1.mel2.internode.on.net/150.101.152.161)
  Gals.. it has taken me another week+ to catch up.. So glad you had a good high school reunion Phyliss.. and you your PJ party birthday Tina.. Loved hearing about both events.. and you 2 rustling thru autumn leaves in your northern fall (Autumn here) but of course it's not.. its Spring! At the moment it is very wet, rained all last night and most of today.. but the gardens are so beautiful with all sorts of flowers.. some of the roses have heads as big as saucers!
  I am waiting on news! My new baby grandson is due tomorrow, 6th.. but nothing happening yet! As they live 700 miles from me as you can guess I'm hanging in to hear!
  Yesterday I had lunch out with daughter and grandaughter.. I only have one of each.. Our family runs to BOYS. I have 1 daughter, 3 sons. My daughter has one daughter, 2 sons.. now the new coming babe is a boy too!
  I just had fish and chips and a lemonade 'spider' for lunch. Do you know what a 'spider' is? I guess the nearest over there would be a 'float'. It's lemonade mixed with icecream.
  Outside my window here (in the yard next door) is a big pear tree, the baby pears are just growing, and so cute, little pointed things only half as long as your littlefinger
  I love to see the new,tiny fruit growing.
  Well, all... have a good weekend.. will catch up on baby news when it comes.
  Ellie.
  

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• Update on My High School Reunion -- Phyllis, 02:01:45 10/27/04 Wed (dial-66-218-15-135.usadatanet.net/66.218.15.135)
  Hi Ellie & Tina and other chat readers,
  
  I had a great time at my reunion. One of my long time school and childhood friend's (she lived up the street from me when I was growing up) and her husband drove me and Michael (my ex) to the reunion. He had come to a reunion with me many years ago and I thought he might like to see some of my old acquaintances. There were around 120 people attending. Around 70 of them were actual from our class, the rest were invited guests. We had a cocktail hour from 5:30 - 6:30. Class pictures were taken at 6:45. One of our classmates owns a photography studio and he has taken the picture at each reunion and he has it developed that night and gives it to us for free. We had dinner at 7:00 - 8:00. Everyone has a small bowl of creamed soup, salad and main meal. Michael had prime ribs, with small red potatoes and carrots & broccoli. I choose the chicken dish which was served with rice. We had a tasty chocolate cake with whipped frosting for dessert.
  
  After the meal we were entertained by a magic show. Then we held our traditional auction to raise money for our next reunion which is planned 2009. Some of the items auctioned off were paintings, handmade items, gift certificates and a watch. One picture of the Old Man of the Mountains in a beautiful frame went for $400.00. That was the most expensive item and there was a bidding war going on between 2 people at the same table. To top the evening off we had a live band called Rhumboogie playing a variety of music.
  
  I was happy that I found one of my classmate that I had not seen for at least 30 years. We exchanged e-mails and I found out that she lives in Pembroke. We plan to get together so we can catch up on things. Some of my classmates I did not really remember but others I did. It was fun and I'm looking forward to the next reunion. I volunteered to help with the next one too.
  
  I have had a busy week. We now have choir practice every other week too. Our church is having a Fall Flea Market and luncheon next month. I have several items to donate as I have been trying to work on things I have collected over the years in my spare room.
  
  We are having beautiful weather and I hope everyone is doing well and you all have a good week and weekend.
  
  Phyllis
  

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  • Re: Update on My High School Reunion -- Tina Swinimer, 02:12:57 10/30/04 Sat
    • Happy Belated Birthday Greetings Tina -- Phyllis, 18:44:44 10/30/04 Sat
  
  
• Ha.Ha. Tina. -- Ellie., 03:07:28 10/14/04 Thu (ppp167-110.lns2.mel2.internode.on.net/150.101.167.110)
  Tina, maybe you should have yelled back at her 'And you've got so DEAF!!' Have a lovely time at the womens camp.
  Ellie.
  

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• High School Reunion.. -- Ellie., 01:01:28 10/13/04 Wed (ppp154-89.lns2.mel2.internode.on.net/150.101.154.89)
  Hi Phyliss, hope you have a great time at your reunion.. and will look forward to hearing about it.
  Will tell you the EMBARRASSING time I had at mine a couple of months ago. Well, not high school. It was a reunion of 2 Neighbouring Baptist Churches, one of which I attended in my youthful days. Iwent with my long time friends Ruth and Barrie to this reunion.
  First was a morning Church service, then that was to be followed by lunch in the Church hall.
  The Church was packed.Ruth, Barrie and I were looking around and around for anyone we knew, or who might recognise us. First came the sermon, which was good, then communion. The ushers started passing the trays of little glasses of communion wine up and down the pews.
  Because the pews were so tightly packed with people,AND the tray I got had a wobbly handle, when I tried to take it from the woman next to me I bumped my arm and four glasses of communion wine went crashing to the floor, spilling all over me on the way down!
  Next was the lunch. It was delicious.. so many different sandwiches, savories, cakes etc, but apart from Ruth and Barrie I still couldnt spot anyone I really knew.
  Then I spotted this guy,Don. Iremembered him really well.
  He and I used to go to night school together when we were about 19.. then with another young guy,Wally, we would all go to a cafe together for hot chocolate before going home.
  So I hurried up to him and eagerly greeted him, to be met with a blank stare.. he just didn't remember me at all!!
  Well, that was that for my Church re-union!
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: High School Reunion.. -- Tina Swinimer, 02:17:35 10/14/04 Thu
  
  
• A funny story about Odin. -- Ellie, 15:03:40 10/10/04 Sun (ppp154-89.lns2.mel2.internode.on.net/150.101.154.89)
  No, not Odin the Norse god! My eldest son Peter has a beautiful blue heeler pup, about 8 months old, named Odin.
  Peter isn't married, so it's just him and his dawg. Pete is renting a house in a beautiful place in the hills called Kinglake. Anyway, the lady across the road from Peter has a big rottweiler, and one day she gave Pete 2 big marrow bones
  for Odin. They were lying around for days in the yard with Odin chomping on them as dogs do.
  One evening Pete got home from work and Odin raced up to 'kiss' him, but his (the dogs) breath was really rank, so Peter pushed him away and told him he stank!
  Peter went inside and made a cup of coffee, then looked around for Odin to find him lying on the living room floor with a cake of soap beside him!
  I laughed so much when Pete told me.Odin had never done that before, taken soap out of the bathroom.. but it just fitted in so well!
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: A funny story about Odin. -- Phyllis, 17:04:54 10/12/04 Tue
  
  
• missmash -- Tina Swinimer, 02:24:14 10/09/04 Sat (hlfx32-35.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.82.35)
  Well here we are a few days into fall and today was so warm we could have sunned outside in a bicini and tonight it is so cool you need a coat on.
  I bought cranberries today to make a few batches of cranberry sauce-some will be used at our family thanksgiving this week end-ironically thanksgiving falls on the first year anniversary of my cancer operation.They said 7 months to 2 years...I have had a wonderful,wonderful year and thank heavens I still feel fine..well the first few months of the year I had to endure the chemo but it made the rest of this year possible for me.
  Oct 23 my girls are having an old hags sleep over for my birthday on the 24th..there will be wall to wall sleeping bags on the floor after the party..no one will have to drive home..should be fun and then the next week end I am going on a week-end retreat with the Lutheran church ladies at a lakeside campground-cabins are heated if we need heat.Tuesday night I was to a neighbors "spa party"thats a party where you try out lotions like peppermint foot lotion or lavender lotions etc.I ordered peppermint foot lotionsand the hostess had such wonderful food for lunch-actually it was more like a feast..she loves baking things and feeding people.
  I hope you are all having a great fall or spring depending on where you live.
  

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  • Re: missmash -- Ellie, 14:50:08 10/10/04 Sun
  • Re: missmash -- Phyllis, 16:45:26 10/12/04 Tue
  
  
• First Day of New England Fall -- Phyllis, 21:16:19 09/22/04 Wed (dial-66-218-17-49.usadatanet.net/66.218.17.49)
  Hello to all,
  
  We are having a beautiful Indian Summer day here in New Hampshire for the first day of fall.
  
  I have been busy catching up on some paper work and also raking some of the leaves in my yard. Our local dump will pick up 3 bags limit each week of any leaves or small branches, so I am taking advantage of it.
  
  We our having a JUGS (Just us girls) get together tomorrow at a good restaurant here in town. It will be good to catch up on everyone's summer and news.
  
  My sister and I are going to visit my daughter this afternoon as my daughter is on vacation this week. She lives nearby and has a nice home with a large fenced in back yard in a lovely neighborhood.
  
  Also, does anyone have a really good recipe for banana bread? I have to make several loafs for our church fair. I have misplaced my favorite recipe when was given to me from a neighbor many years ago.
  
  Will write again soon but wanted to say hello to everyone.
  
  Have a good day and good weekend.
  Thanks.
  
  Phyllis
  

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  • Re: First Day of New England Fall -- Tina Swinimer, 02:43:47 09/30/04 Thu
    • Reply to Tina's recent posting -- Phyllis, 23:55:05 10/01/04 Fri
  
  
• Hello..Hello! -- Ellie., 12:46:47 09/07/04 Tue (ppp158-177.lns2.mel2.internode.on.net/150.101.158.177)
  Back again.. Sorry I've taken a while to catch up again. Thank you for asking after the cabaret Tina and Phyliss. the whole night went marvellously.. it was absolutely packed.. people that hadn't bought tickets in advance kept coming and coming.. it was standing room only and still they keep coming. We made $1,300 on the night. It was a fundraiser for our theatre group to 'float' our next play Baxertown' My daughter, son in law, and son and daughter in law (campbells soup)! Okay, daughter Pam, her husband David, my son Simon, and his wife Sinead all came on the night and really enjoyed it. Pam gave me a beautiful bunch of flowers. That was lovely, as my part in the cabaret only consisted of about 8 lines! I was mainly in the 'background' selling tickets at the door etc.
  Last Sunday Pam,David and I went to a Wattle festival. Did you know the wattle is Australia's national flower?
  Its a tree (acacia) is the correct name, and in late winter, early spring it comes out in masses of golden flowers, some like tiny fluffy golden balls(there are many different varieties) The festival was great fun.. a community market, art/craft show, horsedrawn wagons and steem train rides etc.. we did LOTS of walking.. sure got our exercise that day!
  Tina, so glad that everything is fine with you so far. My brother has to go back to the cancer clinic at the end of Sept for an assesment.. but he seems to be doing fine so far, tho has put back very little of the weight he lost.
  Phyliss. I hope your family in Florida are okay.. it sounds like s scary place to live! But then California has its earthquakes, and here we get damaging wildfires and floods, so no place is totally safe.
  Take care all, and enjoy life!
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Hello..Hello! -- Tina Swinimer, 13:58:30 09/08/04 Wed
  • Re: Hello..Hello! -- Phyllis, 21:17:18 09/13/04 Mon
  
  
• sort of like cambells soup-a mix -- Tina Swinimer, 13:19:53 09/02/04 Thu (NoHost/142.177.99.188)
  Ellie how did the play go? I love local live theatre!
  Phyllis my granddaughter loves Conn. you live in a wonderful state.Oh and another hurricain on the way for Florida..hope they don't get hit as bad as the last one.We usually get the tail end :wind and rain-I don't want us to lose the leaves off the trees until after they turn yellow-red and orange in October.
  Alas outdoor swimming is coming to an end because the water will soon be too cold-just another week or two.Well I certainly did my share of swimming this summer.Hope the Aussies have as great a summer as we did.
  School starts today-I will miss having 8 yr old Zoe as much as I had her this summer while her folks worked-will still be picking her up after school some days.Out of 10 grandchildren only Zoe-in grade 3 and Evan and Mackenzie in grade 12 left in school-David-Sarah and Tammy in college.The rest are in the working world having graduated
  other years.
  My best school friend comes home from Courtney British Columbia around Sept. 8 ..we plan lots of fun.She lives as far west as you can get in Canada and I as far East.Most likely will be our last time together..I am fine right now but the old cancer can flare up anytime although they can't determine whether the lump in my pancreas is cancer or not-tests show no change in 8 months which is a good sign-they think.
  Hope everyone is fine and please everyone keep in touch.
  

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  • Re: sort of like cambells soup-a mix -- Phyllis, 18:43:07 09/06/04 Mon
  
  
• Are we aloooone? -- Ellie., 13:05:03 08/23/04 Mon (ppp158-177.lns2.mel2.internode.on.net/150.101.158.177)
  Hi Gals.. are Susan,Tina, Phyliss and me the only ones left now? Where are Kylie,Dudo, Margaret.....???
  Susan, good to catch up with you again.. tho I've been a little slow.. Thanks for thoughts re my brother.. Yes, he's doing well so far, but alas.. they recently decided to sell for financial reasons their beautiful holiday cottage on the Georgian lakes at Pointe Au Baril. It was a sad time. The cottage had been in the family for generations, and I spent a week there when I was in Canada 2 years ago.
  They listed it and it sold in 10days.
  Good to hear news of cats and Jake and Mitch... Grania and Fellerare well.. also my 2 goldfish!
  Cats are shedding like crazy for summer, especially G, she has such thick fur.
  Tina, I hope your grand daughter enjoys her year. One of our writing group members, Jessie ( a lovely lady in her 80's) is writing her granddaughter Bianca's story of Bianca working in Italy for a year, as a nanny to a 3 year old girl, Matilde. The family lived in a genuine castle!
  Bianca was supposed to teach Matilde English.. but the only English word the kid learnt was 'Birdie"!
  I've just been busy with my usual stuff, part time work, study, writing group and theatre group.. Our theatre group is putting on a cabaret next Sat night.. I have a small part in it. We;ve sold nearly all the tickets and it looks like it's going to be a fun night!
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: Are we aloooone? -- Tina Swinimer, 13:49:37 08/23/04 Mon
  
  
• Hi Girls -- Susan, 18:19:48 08/08/04 Sun (CPE-144-137-195-212.sa.bigpond.net.au/144.137.195.212)
  Well, I've found a few minutes to catch up. I haven't read all your news and what's happening yet but will do so once I've finished having a chat with you all LOL. Ellie, I did see about your brother and I am so very very happy that he seems to be okay now, so very relieved for you.
  
  Well, not too much to report....these last few weeks I've been down and back to Adelaide a fair bit with tests for my Mum. Nothing serious but just getting her to the doctors etc and she doesn't have any close family in Adelaide now since Leigh left for overseas. She is fine but have found her neck and shoulder problems are something called Spondylitis (sp) and nothing much can be done for it.
  
  Well our picking season is in full swing now. We've had a couple of rainy weeks and cannot pick while wet. The last few days have been lovely and picking is resuming. Most of our fruit is exported to USA and actually shipped to Florida so I'm told. Phyllis, you might get to eat one of our Tangellos or oranges one day, they go from Florida to all over USA LOL.
  
  My sister and husband are coming for the weekend to visit next weekend and I'm looking forward to their visit. We will probably take them to a few places and Tony (BIL) loves getting out on the block and picking and eating the fruit off the trees. I think it's his Italian heritage where his parents had a farm back in his hometown of Molinara, Italy. He came to Australia at 8 years of age.
  
  Leigh is still enjoying London. He is living at South Kensington in a nice area and about 5 minutes walk from Kensington Palace and not far from Notting Hill and Holland Park, although he is on the south side and says it's where the "plebs" live LOL. He is getting lots of shifts in Emergency at different hospitals around London, and learning lots. He's in Holland at the moment taking a break. He's been to Spain and ran with the bulls....barbaric sport but I suppose I understand why the young ones do it. Luckily, he told us afterwards, he knows me well. He is making plans to do a trip to Macca Pichu (sp) in the Andies early next year and from what I've heard is just beautiful.
  
  Hope everyone is well and hopefully, work will settle down a bit, been doing a fair bit of overtime and not much computer time as well. Now that Mum's trips to the doctors and specialists have calmed down a bit, I will hopefully have some more free time. She's pretty good for 85 but is relying on me more now that Leigh is not nearby and down and back to Adelaide is a 6 hour trip. I've tried to get her to move to Berri, but she is too settled in Adelaide.
  
  All is fine here and enjoying some sunshine the last few days.
  
  Ellie, Abby and Ted the cats are fine. Abby is 3 now and Ted is about to turn 3. He is now weighing in at 8kgs, which is about the size of a fully grown Brit boy. Jake and Mitch are fine as well, although Jake's arthritis is getting worse.
  
  Bye for now,
  Susan
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Hi Girls -- Tina Swinimer, 14:21:41 08/15/04 Sun
  • Re: Hi Girls -- Phyllis, 19:37:51 08/21/04 Sat
  
  
• Phyllis-granddaughter working in Conn. -- Tina Swinimer, 14:48:45 08/16/04 Mon (hlfx28-205.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.78.205)
  Phyllis one of my granddaughters left this morning for your state-she will be an aupair for one year at Malborough,Conn.
  is Malborough near you?
  She is going to look after2 little girls for a lawyer and his wife.The wife is in a computer business and travels a lot.Michelle will have her own apartment in their house-supplied with a car etc.
  Michelle wanted to try this for a year to save money for university and to decide if early childhood education is the thing she wants to take.
  This week she and other aupairs will be given an intensive training at a hotel near New York and then be picked up by the people she is to work for.This has all been arranged through the high school she graduated from.Only Michelle and a girl from Antigonish Nova Scotia will be Canadians..the others they will train with are from other parts of the USA.
  Thank heavens the tail end of the hurrican only gave us showers and hardly a breeze, but I feel so badly for all those who lost their homes.
  

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  • Re: Phyllis-granddaughter working in Conn. -- Phyllis, 04:18:52 08/21/04 Sat
  
  
• Aww come on you gals.... -- Tina Swinimer, 04:00:32 07/31/04 Sat (NoHost/142.177.99.96)
  Give us some news-what is your weather like this time of year..how cold is it? Does anything grow this time of year..what are the children doing? Do you do hobbies this time of year? Tell us if there are any wild critters in your neighborhoods..tell us something..you are our window on Australia..Phyllis and I live hundreds of miles apart but have similar weather..what she gets we usually get a few days later.We are in a real hot time right now 30 cels..and it is the kind of heat I try to keep myself out of by staying in the lake as much as possible.Heat and I don't get along very well but I am glad it is hot because the lake and ocean waters are beautifully warm right now.
  Tomorrow it is supposed to be real hot but one of my daughter-in-laws and I are having a yard sale at a friends yard where lots of traffic goes by.My street is too quiet..one could wait an hour for a car to go past.
  I am going to look in here Sunday and by golly I hope someone has something to say-lol
  

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  • Re: Aww come on you gals.... -- Phyllis, 20:56:45 08/04/04 Wed
    • Re: Aww come on you gals....answer to Phyllis -- Tina, 05:15:33 08/05/04 Thu
      • Re: Aww come on you gals....Thanks for your answer regarding beach -- Phyllis, 18:21:19 08/06/04 Fri
  • Re: Aww come on you gals.... -- Ellie., 16:28:07 08/05/04 Thu
    • Re: Aww come on you gals....thanks Ellie -- Tina, 14:28:55 08/06/04 Fri
    • Re: Aww come on you gals...Nice to hear your update. -- Phyllis, 18:36:15 08/06/04 Fri
  
  
• Great Concert -- Phyllis, 23:49:15 07/28/04 Wed (dial-66-218-5-205.usadatanet.net/66.218.5.205)
  Hi Everyone,
  
  Just wanted to let you know that the concert that I went to was great! We had the best seats. We were in the center seats in row 10 and it was just perfect to watch the center stage. There were also 3 large screens too for people who were further back. It was an outdoor concert but they have a roof covers all the reserved seats so that even if the weather is bad the concert still goes on.
  
  This was the 6th concert that I have attended of Kenny Rogers. I first saw him when my children were still in high school. Do any of you know him? Are any of you fans of his?
  
  We had to go an alternate route because there were estimated crowds of 200,000 attending car races on the route that we would usually take to attend the concert. We left early and stopped at a restaurant before attending the concert. I also bought a VCR tape of Kenny (it was made 2 years ago)as it was on sale. I had many CD's of him also and a Christmas VCR too.
  
  We have been having very rainy weather but it is supposed to improve tomorrow. I hope so as we are also planning a trip to the beach next Monday, weather permitting. Nancy will do all the driving as she loves the beach! This will be my first trip to the beach this year. My daughter has the day off so she will take care of Rufus (my golden retriever) as we will be gone until late in the evening.
  
  Hope everyone is doing well.
  
  Best wishes,
  Phyllis
  

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  • Re: Great Concert -- Tina Swinimer, 05:31:39 07/30/04 Fri
  
  
• all of the monkeys ain't in the Zoo -- Tina Swinimer, 23:04:48 07/21/04 Wed (hlfx54-1-79.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.104.79)
  All of the monkeys ain't in the zoo
  there's some a hangin round me and you
  thats an old song which Cynthia-zoe and I sang on our way to the zoo yesterday!
  We had a marvelous day..camels,llamas,donkeys,one zonkey-half donkey half zebra,zebras,lions,tigers,some little creatures from australia..looked like small pigs,there were pot bellied pigs..a big old sow with 8 piglets,panthers,bears,reindeer,deer,goats of several breeds,Monkeys,apes,gibbons-parrots,cock-a-toos,peacocks,owls,guinea hens,and on and on..then we had a big feed at the Zoo restaurant.All in all it was a wonderful day....what are you all doing?You are all so quiet
  

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  • Re: all of the monkeys ain't in the Zoo -- Phyllis, 22:38:15 07/23/04 Fri
  
  
• Update and thank you.. -- Ellie., 06:16:15 07/23/04 Fri (ppp146-219.lns1.mel2.internode.on.net/150.101.146.219)
  Tina, Phyliss, Susan, and all others who have offered thoughts and prayers for my brother with the malignant neck cancer. The news is GOOD!! After John's treatment finished they went away to their holiday cottage on the Georgian lakes for a week.The day after they got back John went to the oncologist. The lump is entirely gone, inside of mouth and throat looking good, and his bloodwork came back excellent! So much so they made no short term further appointments for him, so they've gone back to the cottage for another 2 weeks R and R.
  He is still very thin, unable to keep a lot of food down, but they said that will slowly improve.
  Thanks again Everybody!
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: Update and thank you.. -- Tina, 06:30:34 07/23/04 Fri
  • Re: Update and thank you.. -- Phyllis, 22:20:56 07/23/04 Fri
  
  
• Small Pigs?? -- Ellie, 02:03:04 07/23/04 Fri (ppp146-219.lns1.mel2.internode.on.net/150.101.146.219)
  Australian animals in the zoo that looked like small pigs,Tina? You have me intrigued trying to think what they might be! Possibly wombats? Rotund, brown, furry..kind of coarse hair rather than fluffy.. short legs.. but they can run when they want to! If they were wombats they are Aussie bush creatures, can become very tame, but have a real grip on something when they get hold of it with their teeth. Vegetarians, they eat roots, leaves, and things like that.
  If not wombats.. then I'll have another think!
  Great that you,Cynthia and Zoe had such a lovely day together.
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Small Pigs?? -- Tina, 06:27:12 07/23/04 Fri
  
  
• all of the monkeys ain't in the Zoo -- Tina Swinimer, 23:04:47 07/21/04 Wed (hlfx54-1-79.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.104.79)
  All of the monkeys ain't in the zoo
  there's some a hangin round me and you
  thats an old song which Cynthia-zoe and I sang on our way to the zoo yesterday!
  We had a marvelous day..camels,llamas,donkeys,one zonkey-half donkey half zebra,zebras,lions,tigers,some little creatures from australia..looked like small pigs,there were pot bellied pigs..a big old sow with 8 piglets,panthers,bears,reindeer,deer,goats of several breeds,Monkeys,apes,gibbons-parrots,cock-a-toos,peacocks,owls,guinea hens,and on and on..then we had a big feed at the Zoo restaurant.All in all it was a wonderful day....what are you all doing?You are all so quiet
  

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• Christmas in July -- Tina Swinimer, 15:21:13 07/18/04 Sun (hlfx53-1-70.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.103.70)
  yesterday and last night was the big "Christmas in July party" at Mush-aMush lake.What fun..all the cottage or property owners come-everyone brings something different in food"menu is planned ahead of time. Everyone brings one gift and goes home with one gift.Christmas tree is decorated and lit-only difference it is outdoors.Swimming,horseshoe and other games..one fun one is two rows of people-first person in each row starts pulling a real long thin rope down their blouse-next person pulls it up their pant leg and so on until one team has used up all the rope ahead of the other team.Relay races with marshmellow on a spoon racing to a bucket-team who fills their bucket first wins.All in all it was a great time.
  I left the lake early this morn"7:30" so I can get ready for church..I take an elderly lady who has no friends to take her..she is rather crotchity "cranky" so friends and distant relatives won't bother with her..I don't mind her crankiness - poor soul never married..probably was cranky all her life-lol and her parents wrote out their will that her home which was theirs goes to a distant relative when she dies..and she always disliked these people..she could break the will but they put the home deed in the relitives name so it is out of her hands.Just another thing for the poor soul to be cranky about.Today is fellowship day after church-meaning a big feed in the Sunday School hall..that should make her day brighter-lol..not to mention that although I had a great feed at the party but I know I will enjoy some of the fellowship feed as well-lol..I love food darn it!!
  We have been having some great weather and today is no exception.Have to take Ralston to the city tomorrow for a check-up on his knee replacement..he is doing fine from that and his gall bladder operation. He turned 72 on the 13th but has the body and movement of someone 82..let that be a lesson to you all to exercise by lots of activity..if you don't use it you lose it-lol
  Happy days all!!!!!
  

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  • Re: Christmas in July -- Phyllis, 21:56:15 07/18/04 Sun
  
  
• Great Movie! -- Phyllis, 06:19:46 07/15/04 Thu (dial-66-218-11-247.usadatanet.net/66.218.11.247)
  Three of us went to the movies this afternoon to see "Notebook" starting James Garner. Before leaving the theatre I must admit that tears were rolling down my face.
  It was a very touching and entertaining movie and I would highly recommend it.
  
  Phyllis
  

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• Great day!!!! -- Tina Swinimer, 04:17:29 07/11/04 Sun (hlfx29-108.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.79.108)
  Wonderful time at my oldest daughters..about 1/2 hr drive from here.She had a birthday party for her dad/my husband.
  Speghetti and meatballs-potato salad,cucumber salad,steak , weiners,hamburgers on the bar-b-que..Strawberry shortcake,Birthday cake etc.fire in the outdoor fireplace..lots of friends and family.We just got home a little while ago.
  Been having a good summer-a bit cooler than most summers..but have been enjoying it between Ralstons and my doctor appointments anyway.
  Think I told you all about my oldest dog being a silverware thief..well she has turned into a kleptomaniac..steals whole loaves of bread or any food she can and hides it-never eats it.Stole a book and hid it in her kennel which we call her cave..and I never ever tought her to read-lol
  What would possess a dog who is 3 months short of being eleven years old to do all this stealing?We give her lots of attention,lots of walks and love.
  My 3 budgies and 4 love birds are so much fun and sooo beautiful.Oh I know you lucky Aussies have them flying wild but to me they are a great joy even if I can't let them outdoors.My two little dogs the poodle and the half jack russel/chua. are so funny I cant begin to tell you of their funny antics-for 2 male dogs they get along so well together.
  Well I certainly hope everyone is having a wonderful time and enjoying every day as much as those of us who learned through health problems that every day should be treated like as if it is the last day ever.I am glad I was always a hugger so no one thinks it weird now if I hug them.No one leaves the house without a hug.Except polititions-lol
  

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  • Re: Great day!!!! -- Phyllis, 01:37:37 07/12/04 Mon
    • Sorry to hear about your computer -- Phyllis, 18:59:58 07/12/04 Mon
  
  
• Remiss again....! -- Ellie., 12:58:57 07/10/04 Sat (ppp154-142.lns2.mel2.internode.on.net/150.101.154.142)
  Hello all.. seems it's taking us all a while to catch up.Busy lives Hmm? Phyliss, pleased that you had such a nice July 4th, and a birthday party for your sister, and that you and Nancy plan to do some happy things together.
  What have I been doing? Well, I was away for the weekend a few weeks back.. it was kind of a 'work'retreat, with my boss Margaret, and a couple of other staff members.
  It was at Chelsea, a bayside suburb. The weather was appalling, storms and driving rain and bitter gale force winds.. but still the house was right on the beach, and as I love the sea, I walked on the sand in all the wild weather,wrapped up like a bunny.
  Then, my eldest son has just moved house to a place called Kinglake, so last Sunday went up to visit him.. it's beautiful there, near a huge National Park.. but very cold.
  His house (rental) is great, LOTS of space inside, and beautiful tree ferns and gum trees in the garden.
  Have also been involved with my theatre group who are putting on a fundraising cabaret on 28th of Aug.
  Hope to hear what everyone else is up to soon!
  Tina, how are you.Miss your news!
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: Remiss again....! -- Tina Swinimer, 03:46:37 07/11/04 Sun
  • Re: Remiss again....! -- Phyllis, 01:00:44 07/12/04 Mon
  
  
• Fourth of July -- Phyllis, 16:15:44 07/09/04 Fri (dial-69-67-235-38.usadatanet.net/69.67.235.38)
  Hello to everyone,
  
  Hope everyone is doing well. Haven't hear from anyone in a while.
  
  We celebrated fourth of July with a barbecue at my daughter's house. Her husband did all the cooking and the food was delicious. In the late evening our city had fireworks at a large field. They have this every year.
  
  Earlier in the day, I had a birthday party for my sister, Shirley as she was born on the fourth. My oldest sister and her husband came as well as Shirley's husband. My best friend, Nancy also joined our family celebration. We had ice cream cake.
  
  Since Nancy retired 2 weeks ago, we are going to set aside an afternoon once a week to get together and do something fun. We went to a matinee at the movie theater to see "Stepford Wives". Other trips will be shopping, visiting, fairs, eating out, etc.
  
  We have been having great weather, nice & cool. It is going to get warmer this weekend and next week.
  
  I have also been working on some much needed home projects, especially during rainy weather. I have a long ways to go. I have also been gathering good clothes that I have not worn for a while and am donating to local drop offs.
  
  Just wanted to let you all know that I was thinking of you and hope you will update how you are all doing.
  
  Phyllis
  

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  • Re: Fourth of July -- Tina Swinimer, 03:52:29 07/11/04 Sun
  
  
• Bummer -- Tina Swinimer, 13:55:39 06/26/04 Sat (hlfx51-2b-133.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.6.133)
  Hubby is home from the hospital and doing fine...NOW the bummer..ultra sound shows a spot on my pancreas..more tests coming up on the 5th..then?
  I am going to write amublance on my station wagon-lol
  It is going from one hospital to the other since last fall and a lot before that.
  Oh well I am still alive ...thats a plus..I think!
  

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  • Re: Bummer -- Phyllis, 20:20:51 06/26/04 Sat
    • Re: Bummer-collections -- Tina Swinimer, 13:32:56 06/27/04 Sun
      • Re: -collections -- Phyllis, 17:03:44 06/27/04 Sun
  
  
• Susan-Leigh -- Tina Swinimer, 13:45:33 06/27/04 Sun (hlfx47-126.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.97.126)
  It was so nice to hear of Leighs' adventures..I feel like an Aunt ..It is so nice to know everything is going well for him and he is having travel adventures..I also know there is such an empty feeling at times for you with him away so far.I ofetn watch Robins teaching their young to fly and I wonder of their heartbreak when the young finally fly from the nest.Sometimes I think the Lord put them on earth to teach us to free our families as well.
  

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• Mill Valley Ranch. -- Ellie., 02:18:53 06/13/04 Sun (ppp146-241.lns1.mel2.internode.on.net/150.101.146.241)
  Seeing I was off line for a few weeks, thought you might like to hear about my weekend at Mill Valley Ranch a few weeks back. (some of you may remember I went there for a weekend last November) It's -primarily-- a Christian youth camp, but they do take adults too, and my friend Ruth her husband and family have booked it a couple of times then invited their extended family and friends.
  So this time there were forty of us! It's just basic accom, bunkhouses and covered wagons, but the fees are very resonable and cover the accom, all meals, and various activities. The accitvities include horseriding, which was a BIG attraction for me as I don't get much chance to ride a horse here in the suburbs!
  This time I had a BIG white mare named Jumble. She was such a sweetie.. I fell in love with her! There were lots of other activities too, and the meals were good and plentiful. The scenery was beautiful, rolling green hills and beautiful red and gold of the Autumn leaves.
  Seven of my own family members went too, so it was great to have a 'together' weekend.
  There's another one later this year.. so maybe...!
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: Mill Valley Ranch. -- Phyllis, 05:23:57 06/13/04 Sun
  • Re: Mill Valley Ranch. -- Tina Swinimer, 13:36:58 06/27/04 Sun
  
  
• Trying to remember what being married is like -- Kylie, 03:43:50 06/26/04 Sat (NoHost/144.139.9.34)
  I am married aren't I???
  
  Dh has just spent three weeks in Adelaide, nearly two weeks in Canberra (home on weekends) and going back to Canberra until the 30th. On the 2nd I head out of Sydney for a trip to Dubbo (dh is dropping us off and then coming back to pick us up at the end of two weeks). That makes a total of seven weeks where we might have been lucky to spend seven days together. (where's that wobbly eyed smace?) Then, when I get home, dh may be off again on another long trip.
  
  I'm off to my parent's home to housesit for them while they're away, so will be spending time knitting and playing on my computer (that I'm planning to take with me/no internet).
  
  I'm also planning to take China and McGuiness with me to give dh less things to have to think about while he's still at home working. It will be interesting how China is in the country. Mum and Dad still have Nip's enclosure (Nip passed last year), so I've got somewhere safe to keep her at least.
  
  Kylie
  

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  • Re: Trying to remember what being married is like -- Tina Swinimer, 13:49:48 06/26/04 Sat
  • Re: Trying to remember what being married is like -- Phyllis, 20:29:09 06/26/04 Sat
  
  
• Trip -- Tina Swinimer, 02:47:17 06/20/04 Sun (hlfx35-119.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.85.119)
  Ahh ...what a wonderful trip-18 hrs on the train each way and I stayed in the observation car as long as it was daylight=didn't want to miss a thing.There is Quebec city and old Quebec city. Old Quebec city is marvelous..we went to something different every day-horse and buggy tour-ferry tour- 4hr bus tour to water falls higher but not as wide as Niagra falls-went to a sugar shack where they make maple sugar,bought some maple sugar and maple butter-went to the cathedral where the mericles take place-lots of crutches and wheel chairs left behind-the cathedral is a fantastic building-went to the places Phyllis told me about..excellent..all in all it was like a dream-exceeded my wildest expectations!
  Alas 2 days after I came home-hubby had to have his gall bladder taken out..they couldn't do the new short operation-he had to have the full "big incision" operation..and now in the next 2 days he is being taken to Halifax Hospital from Bridgewater hospital to have a stone that is blocked in a duct removed by scope and laser..then bought right back to Bridgewater again by ambulance.My oh my what fun and games we are having with doctors and hospitals!
  Hope you are all fine and having good weather.Lots of love to all!!!
  

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  • Re: Trip -- Phyllis, 03:28:13 06/20/04 Sun
  • Re: Trip -- Kylie, 09:19:15 06/20/04 Sun