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• Now that I'm back.. -- Ellie., 13:50:34 06/07/04 Mon (ppp157-211.lns2.mel2.internode.on.net/150.101.157.211)
  Hello again.. Tina and Philys.. re Quebec. I went to Quebec when I visited my brother in Toronto nearly 2 years ago. We. brother John, his wife Jane, and my long time friend Ruth whom I travelled to Canada with drove there for a weekend stay. Itwas SO beautiful, in fact the whole of Canada (well what I saw in 3 weeks) is beautiful.. so clean and so much water!! Australia looks like a desert (well it is in many parts) compared with all the lakes and waterways of Canada. I can read some French, and tried to teach myself some more.. even tried to speak a little!
  I found the Canadian people unfailingly polite except for Montreal (what is it with Montreal?) We were warned that no-one would speak English to us in Quebec and people would be rude. Not so. They did talk to us in English and were really nice people. It was Montreal where we encountered rudeness.
  Has anyone heard from Susan lately? I know she is really busy with their business, but I was wondering how her son Leigh is getting on in London.
  Kylie.. hope those slow payers pay up soon! Good to hear news of J and X.
  I was talking(phone) to a friend in Mildura tonight.. her daughter,28.. has just had her 5th baby! A little boy.Jonathan, that makes 3 boys and 2 girls-- under 8 years old. Guess my mind is a little on babies with a new grandchild arriving later this year!
  Catch up again soon.
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Hi -- Susan, 15:10:20 06/09/04 Wed
  • Re: Now that I'm back.. -- Phyllis, 05:01:11 06/11/04 Fri
    • Re: Now that I'm back.. -- Ellie, 13:42:49 06/11/04 Fri
      • Re: Now that I'm back.. -- Phyllis, 03:42:39 06/12/04 Sat
  
  
• Haven't Forgotten about you all -- Susan, 15:23:45 06/09/04 Wed (CPE-144-137-206-221.sa.bigpond.net.au/144.137.206.221)
  Hi girls. Tina I've lost track but wish you a good holiday and hope you have fun. Phyllis hi and hope you and family are well also. Good to see you back as well Kylie. Anyone heard from Belinda (Dudo)?
  
  We have been very busy with our new business and thought it was settling down. The main problem to begin with was learning a new computer system and at um....48, took a little while longer than when younger but I got there LOL. Now, we have so much work (which is good) but Rob is doing long trips now and spending a good bit of time in the office at night and Saturday. So, I've trying been trying to help him out. By the way, Rob is 50 on Sunday and I can't believe it. I've known him since he was about 15 and just don't know where the years have gone. We've had some rain the last few days thank goodness and a few frosts which is causing the oranges and Tangelos to ripen nicely. Should be picking about end June/early July.
  We are missing Leigh dreadfully, but have emails every couple of days and phone calls about every 10 days. He has found a nice flat in South Kensington about 5 minutes walk from Kensington Palace and about 1 minute walk from the tube station, which as he's working shift work he wanted not to have to walk too far late at night and early in the morning. He's doing about 4 shifts a week as an agency nurse (in Emergency) and the shifts are 12 hours, and he's earning about 20 pound an hour which is about $45.00 Australian dollars. He's seen most of the well known tourist spots and on his way to work last evening, eventually found where Big Ben was LOL. He says the temperature is about 30C at the moment and it's daylight from about 4.00am until 9.00pm, sounds quite different from here. He's been a bit lonely as he's not really met any friends yet but the last hospital he worked at there were some Aussie nurses and they have asked him to a social event, which he's happy about. On the whole, he's happy, saving money but missing friends and family. He's already been up to Manchester to see a concert (on his own) and next month he hopes to go to Ibiza.
  
  I will try and get back again soon but certainly don't forget my friends on here. Wow, Ellie your friend will have a busy time with so many children. Mildura is only about 1 and half hours from here and is such a lovely large country town.
  
  Cheers to all,
  Susan
  

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  • Re: Haven't Forgotten about you all -- Kylie, 03:03:41 06/10/04 Thu
  • Re: Haven't Forgotten about you all -- Phyllis, 16:48:55 06/10/04 Thu
  • Re: Haven't Forgotten about you all -- Ellie, 13:34:16 06/11/04 Fri
  
  
• Hello, and THANK YOU TINA! -- Ellie., 03:08:49 06/06/04 Sun (NoHost/150.101.158.111)
  I'm back, thanks to Tina. A few weeks ago I had an email crash and lost my list of 'favorites' so I couldnt get on here. I emailed Tina last night and asked if she could give me the website, which she promptly did.Thanks Tina.. I've now added it to my new list of favorites so I won't lose you all again!
  Haven't read down the page to the messages when I was absent yet, but will do so and get back to you-all later!
  Hugs,
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: Hello, and THANK YOU TINA! -- Phyllis, 06:27:00 06/06/04 Sun
  • Re: Hello, and THANK YOU TINA! -- Kylie, 14:23:19 06/06/04 Sun
  
  
• Tina - Your trip to Quebec -- Phyllis, 01:01:18 05/30/04 Sun (dial-66-218-7-17.usadatanet.net/66.218.7.17)
  Hi Tina,
  
  My sister, Shirley is visiting with me and she asked about my coffee chat friends. I told her that you were planning a trip to Quebec and she insisted that I give you a few pointers.
  
  She and her husband have been there many times. Shirley tells me that areas of Quebec have very steep hills and that a good pair of walking shoes is essential. She recommends a restaurant called "Le Creperie," which specializes in crepes. On Grand Allee Street, there is a revolving roof top restaurant with daily luncheon buffets. It is called "L'Astral" and located in the Lowes Concorde Hotel. The Chateau Frontenac is a very old castle that is well worth seeing.
  
  There is a wonderful mall in Ste. Foy called "The Place Laurier." Shirley says your best bet is get a travel book from the Canadian Automobile Association. If you have any questions regarding Quebec, please let me know and I will ask Shirley for more information.
  
  Hope you are having a good weekend and that your husband is doing well with his recovery from his knee surgery.
  
  Phyllis
  
  P.S. Shirley sends her best to you.
  

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  • Re: Tina - Your trip to Quebec -- Tina, 02:18:38 05/31/04 Mon
    • Reply to Tina -- Phyllis, 04:55:32 06/01/04 Tue
  
  
• Been Offline -- Kylie, 07:20:58 05/27/04 Thu (KTPP-p-203-54-145-133.prem.tmns.net.au/203.54.145.133)
  Hey everyone! I've been offline for a while and just found my way back to voy.
  
  Meantime, dh is in Adelaide installing Foxtel, J just got his yellow belt in hapkido, X is busy being a little girl (complete with a giggle to drive any mother crazy) and I've been catching up on housework and having inspections.
  
  We've had lots of problems getting money out of a couple of people, and therefore paying our own bills, hence the time offline. This new work with Foxtel is fixing that problem and we should be back up on our feet shortly.
  
  Kylie
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Been Offline -- Tina Swinimer, 11:34:36 05/27/04 Thu
    • Re: Been Offline -- Kylie, 15:15:02 05/27/04 Thu
  • Re: Been Offline -- Phyllis, 16:40:40 05/28/04 Fri
    • Re: Been Offline -- Kylie, 04:38:25 05/29/04 Sat
  
  
• Phyllis you had our best interests in mind & ahhh spring -- Tina Swinimer, 13:19:53 05/20/04 Thu (hlfx55-2b-20.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.10.20)
  Nice to know you were on the ball with a warning-someone started the same with fabreeze when it came on the market..it gives us a chance to investigate-thankfully for pets neither was true but so nice to know someone will alert us to dangers.
  Ahhh beautiful spring..georgeous flowers..beautiful song birds are all back but darn it all the flies are starting-ugh!
  I am busy looking after my husband who had his new kneee replacement..hopefully he soon recovers to the point where he can look after himself..rather look after 5 babies than one sick man-lol
  Hope you all are doing well..come on...some up-dates!!
  The wild ducks in my pond concist mostly of male mallards waiting for their "wives" to come forth from their nests with ducklings..one has come up to my back patio with 10 ducklings looking for cracked corn and one with only 3 ducklings..I suspect some critter ate the rest of her young.
  

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  • Re: Phyllis you had our best interests in mind & ahhh spring -- Phyllis, 16:08:29 05/22/04 Sat
  
  
• Warning of Health Hazard to Pet Owners -- Phyllis, 02:51:11 05/16/04 Sun (dial-69-67-229-63.usadatanet.net/69.67.229.63)
  I was recently forwarded the text from an e-mail as shown below from another dog owner. Although I cannot vouch for its accuracy, I would like to pass it on in case it is true. I know how we all want to protect our pets, so I thought it was best to share it with you.
  
  "Subject: Animal Owners Beware!
  >Date: Wed, 12 May 2004 12:59:32 -0600
  >
  >I recently had a neighbor who had to have their 5-year old German
  > >Shepherd dog put down due to liver failure. The dog was completely
  > >healthy until a few weeks ago, so they had a necropsy done to see
  what
  > >the cause was. The liver levels were unbelievable, as if the dog had
  > >ingested poison of some kind. The dog is kept inside, and when he's
  > >outside, someone's with him, so the idea of him getting into
  something
  > >unknown was hard to believe. My neighbor started going through all
  the
  > >items in the house. When he got to the Swiffer Wetjet, he noticed,
  in
  > >very tiny print, a warning which stated "may be harmful to small
  > >children and animals." He called the company to ask what the
  contents
  > >of the cleaning agent are and was astounded to find out that
  antifreeze
  > >is one of the ingredients. (Actually he was told it's a compound
  which
  > >is one molecule away from antifreeze). Therefore, just by the dog
  > >walking on the floor cleaned with the solution, then licking it's
  own
  > >paws, and the dog eating from its dishes which were kept on the
  kitchen
  > >floor cleaned with this product, it ingested enough of the solution
  to
  > >destroy its liver. Soon after his dog's death, his housekeepers' two
  > >cats also died of liver failure. They both used the Swiffer Wetjet
  for
  > >quick cleanups on their floors. Necropsies weren't done on the cats,
  > >so they couldn't file a lawsuit, but he asked that we spread the
  word
  > >to as many people as possible so they don't lose their animals!"
  >
  

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  • Re: Warning of Health Hazard to Pet Owners- According to Dog Chat readers this is not true -- Phyllis, 17:20:01 05/16/04 Sun
  
  
• Alas No... -- Ellie., 02:24:09 05/11/04 Tue (NoHost/150.101.158.88)
  Tina and Phyliss... the new grandchild will be living 700 miles from me. The other 3 are close by tho. Tina, great to hear of the 'sale' again, look forward to hearing news of it each year.. It's wonderful that you are feeling well enough to help again this year.I don't know about the toys being lighter than books LOL! Some kids toys are Heavy.. trikes and cars and things.
  Well, if your Spring is late, so is our Autumn.The days are cold, but the trees are still mainly green, not much leaf color at all yet. I do love to see the reds.golds, wines of the Autumn leaves!
  Hope everyone had a good Mothers Day.. Mums of humans, and of 'furries'. I went for afternoon tea with my daughter, son-inlaw, his Mum, and younger brother.. we went to Fairfield park Boat house, which is an old boathouse/cafe overlooking the river. We got a table where we could see right over the river, and so many ducks.One white one made us laugh.. he had the loudest QUACK! We had big scones, with rapsberry jam, lots of thick cream and pots of tea. Lovely!
  My 3 sons were also in touch.. so that was great.
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Alas No... -- Phyllis, 19:26:53 05/13/04 Thu
  
  
• goings on -- Tina Swinimer, 13:24:42 05/07/04 Fri (hlfx26-86.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.76.86)
  This morning I am volunteering at the Bridgewater hospital-since feeling better I volunteer there once a week-then this afternoon going to Halifax to visit my husband who had a knee replacement yesterday, he will be there about 5 more days.
  Starting May 11 I will be volunteering at the big ex building getting things ready for the big Animal shelter sale.Some will remember me saying every year things are collected or for 3 weeks folks can bring things to the big ex-we place things in "boutique stalls"jewelry,one big book room,a big toy room,lamp and appliance room,rug room,hugh clothing room,dishes and nic nacks have center court,all antiques are auctioned off after noon on sale day.Thousands of people come and the building is sold out in one day.The profit for the shelter is always around twenty thousand dollars.A months work sold in one day..more than a months work for some because some folks collect all year and have to empty their basement by truck to take it to the big ex building.
  all other years I had the book department but this year books are too heavy for me so I will have the toy Dept.Each person gets 3 or 4 friends to help sell in his/her dept. on the big day.First Sat in June.
  WE are having a very late spring-the weather is warmer but very few days that you can go without a sweater or jacket.
  I think where Phyllis lives it is much warmer than here.
  She is in USA but not terribly far from here.
  Best wishes to all!!!
  

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  • Re: goings on -- Phyllis, 04:48:16 05/09/04 Sun
  
  
• I'm going to be....... -- Ellie, 17:01:23 05/04/04 Tue (ppp145-170.lns1.mel2.internode.on.net/150.101.145.170)
  A Grandma again! Got news on Saturday night that second son Darren (in Sydney) and his partner Jen are expecting their first baby in Nov. It's quite a gap since the last grandchildren were born.. so it's exciting!
  Hope you are all doing well!
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Congratulations on your good news! -- Phyllis, 21:52:14 05/04/04 Tue
  • Re: I'm going to be....... -- Susan, 12:23:10 05/05/04 Wed
  • Re: I'm going to be....... -- Tina Swinimer, 13:08:36 05/07/04 Fri
  
  
• Birthdays.. -- Ellie, 03:29:38 04/29/04 Thu (ppp145-87.lns1.mel2.internode.on.net/150.101.145.87)
  Anyone else have a February birthday like me? My kids are January, May, and 2 in September, 4 days apart. No, No, I wasn't some sort of medical miracle Mum, four days apart, but also ten years!
  Ellie.
  

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• hello -- Dudo, 07:45:51 04/28/04 Wed (mxpp-p-144-138-188-46.prem.tmns.net.au/144.138.188.46)
  Well, drought time again
  No promise of rain
  To grow some stock feed, or sprout needed grain!
  
  The trees are all dying
  sheep churning up dust,
  the only good thing-
  it's too dry for rust!
  
  new owners "next door"
  and also up- river
  The amount of new blood
  makes my skin shiver!
  
  For tourists, its done,
  all over this region-
  by the way it is going, they're going to be legion!
  
  We have our share, but non noisy and tidy-
  not kids and a boat,
  and a b%$##^ jet-ski!
  
  The River was home to the birds one fine day-
  now it's a place where the rich come to play!
  
  
  A bit of what's happening here- folks...nothing wonderful, unfortunately.
  I will be cooking "fulltime" for a month or so, the regular cook has resigned, and so I'll be fill in until a replacement is found! at least I'll be getting a pay cheque!
  
  bye for now........
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: hello -- Tina Swinimer, 13:39:44 04/28/04 Wed
  • Re: hello -- Phyllis, 00:04:26 04/29/04 Thu
  
  
• Hug an Australian.. -- Ellie, 03:07:15 04/27/04 Tue (ppp145-87.lns1.mel2.internode.on.net/150.101.145.87)
  Thanks for that Tina.. haven't heard about that here. Maybe th bosses don't want people to waste a day by going around hugging all their co=workers!
  What is the thing about May Birthdays?? My daughters is in May..3rd, my good friend Pat is on the 11th.. and HER daughter Gillian on May 24th.
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Hug an Australian.. -- Susan, 11:33:20 04/27/04 Tue
  • Re: Hug an Australian.. -- Phyllis, 20:44:22 04/27/04 Tue
  
  
• Hug an Australian day-and Margaret is back -- Tina Swinimer, 13:22:58 04/26/04 Mon (hlfx44-24.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.94.24)
  On the radio they post a reason for each day and this is "hug an Australian day"so hugs-hugs hugs"all of you.
  So nice that Margaret is back-at least I got some e-mails from her-joke ones and saw some of you heard from her as well.I still don't know why she was not on but perhaps her computer was on the blink..just glad to see her joke e-mails because that is a good sign that all is normal.
  Phyllis..you said about May birthdays-my brother and sister both have their birthday May 15..no not twins-sis is adopted and 10 yrs younger than me and bro is 2 yrs older than me..I weighed eleven pounds when I was born and mother could not have children after that so my sis is adopted.
  

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  • Re: Hug an Australian day-and Margaret is back -- Susan, 11:31:32 04/27/04 Tue
  
  
• Bon Voyage Leigh! -- Ellie., 07:00:32 04/24/04 Sat (ppp145-87.lns1.mel2.internode.on.net/150.101.145.87)
  Hi Susan.. I wish (well I guess it's from all of us) Leigh a safe trip and a terrific time working in London!
  Yesterday we got RAIN. Lots of it and heavy.It was so good, Melbourne has been so very dry. Today, just one day after the rain all new green grass was shooting up among the dry.browny yellow stuff.. now that's a miracle for you!
  Thanks for the sites for C and D Chat.. may get around to looking in.. at present I'm involved 'work) in helping setting up an art show (aboriginal artists) to be exhibited during 'Reconciliation" week in May. I'm the 'writer' for the artists.. and I've also been asked if I will teach a creative writing class for residents of an Aged Care facility near me.. this will be voluntary work starting in June.
  Just put Grania on a 'weight management' diet.. that grey lady has got FAT! My son asked if she was pregnant! LOL!
  I told him No, she was speyed at 6 months and is now 5 years old.
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: Bon Voyage Leigh! -- Susan, 13:20:58 04/24/04 Sat
  
  
• Hi -- Susan, 12:57:19 04/20/04 Tue (CPE-144-137-201-177.sa.bigpond.net.au/144.137.201.177)
  I've not disappeared totally girls, just been a tad busy. Easter weekend we moved Leigh out of his flat and he's now home until he goes overseas, which is this Monday 26th April. He is going via Tokyo with an overnight stop there. Our weather is getting cooler at nights and just lovely. Glad to hear your weather is heating up and Tina, those walks sound lovely.
  Ellie, I too saw Donna posting on Dog Chat with her new married name of Donna Dean Hansen. I knew she and Michael had split up but not that she had remarried.
  
  Also, Cat Chat is still there and it's address is:
  
  http://members2.boardhost.com/CatChat/
  
  Also, most of the girls that you would probably know now post on Cat World which is run by Julia. Beware it's addictive LOL. It's:
  
  http://www.cat-world.com.au/
  
  It's a very friendly site and you just have to sign up to register.
  
  Hope everyone is well?
  
  Cheers for now,
  Susan
  

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  • Re: Hi -- Phyllis, 21:41:40 04/20/04 Tue
  
  
• Everyday (or not so everyday) Happenings! -- Kylie, 06:26:03 04/16/04 Fri (CWPP-p-144-134-231-227.prem.tmns.net.au/144.134.231.227)
  Well, all the visitors have gone home.
  
  My niece was disappointed in her efforts at the swimming competition, but as usually happens the country kids were put in the outside lanes, which never works well toward best times. I truly believe that there needs to be a fairer way of allocating lanes for these competitions. It seems that many of the exclusive schools end up in tbe fastest lanes. :^((
  
  My parents and brother had a lovely stay and J especially didn't want them to go home at the end of their visit. Thankfully their motorhome fit just perfectly on the one piece of flat land we have on our block.
  
  Dh is now back from a quite unsuccessful trip to Brisbane, but thankfully work is again picking up in Sydney.
  
  We have ringworm *bleh*. How do the people of the house end up with something like ringworm when the animals (thankfully - although I've still had to bathe them) are clear.
  
  Kylie
  

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  • Re: Everyday (or not so everyday) Happenings! -- Tina Swinimer, 13:55:05 04/17/04 Sat
  • Re: Everyday (or not so everyday) Happenings! -- Phyllis, 17:20:54 04/17/04 Sat
  • Re: Everyday (or not so everyday) Happenings! -- Susan, 12:52:44 04/20/04 Tue
  
  
• Margaret etc -- Tina Swinimer, 13:51:55 04/15/04 Thu (hlfx53-2a-194.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.103.194)
  Has anyone heard from Margaret? I have tried many times to contact her.Another old pal Donna..has anyone heard from her?Last I heard was that she was getting re-married-donna I mean not Margaret.Well! our weather is finally above the zero mark-but raining today-that should help put some buds on the trees so leaves will grow-can hardly wait for nice green grass to grow-love snow but 5 months of it was a bit much.Want flowers and humming birds and baby robins and swimming.
  Hope everyone is well.Get your fingers walking on the computer and tell us what is going on.
  My dog walks are getting a bit longer each day as the weather and my health seem to improve.I want to enjoy each day because as you know ovarian cancer has a 70% chance of spreading to other parts of the body-hopefully I will escape the 70% but for now I want to enjoy each day.
  the old saying"live each day as if it is your last" is so true..if only we all would do that always.
  

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  • Re: Margaret etc -- Kylie, 06:14:46 04/16/04 Fri
  • Re: Margaret etc -- Phyllis, 00:27:54 04/17/04 Sat
  • Re: Margaret etc -- Susan, 12:49:55 04/20/04 Tue
  
  
• What have I missed----!? -- Ellie., 13:09:20 04/17/04 Sat (dsl-203-113-198-118.VIC.netspace.net.au/203.113.198.118)
  I haven't heard from Margaret either.. not had the joke emails from her for ages. DONNA? RE MARRIED? I didnt even know she had split up from her husband..!!!! (Gorgeous hunk0 way back she emailed me some pics of him) However, she doesnt seem to post here now, and I don't go to Dog or Cat Chat anymore.. don't think I even have the websites now.. This was after I got back from Canada 20 months ago, and was shocked to see while I was away I had been banned from posting!
  I hadnt done anything wrong, it was someone else that was sending bad messages, but because of that they cut everyone in that ISP range off including me.
  Guess there are so many new people there now I wouldn't know anyone anyway.
  Tina, thanks for your messages re my brother.. he went in to have the 'mask' for the radiation therapy fitted today, his treatment starts May 8th.. and thank you too Phyliss.. lovely that you in the northern hemisphere are enjoying your Spring.
  Kylie, beaut that you enjoyed family visiting.. shame about the swimming..
  Ellie.
  

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  • Re: What have I missed----!? -- Tina Swinimer, 13:44:44 04/17/04 Sat
  • Re: What have I missed----!? -- Phyllis, 22:15:07 04/17/04 Sat
  • Re: What have I missed----!? -- Kylie, 05:27:53 04/19/04 Mon
  
  
• Hey Phyllis we are catching up to you!! -- Tina Swinimer, 03:42:25 04/19/04 Mon (hlfx44-117.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.94.117)
  We had a sweater day-not a coat and hat day-at last !!!!
  I even see flower fronds peeking out of the ground-mayflowers-Tiger lily fronds oh my I am excited-going to soon be able to do some garden digging!
  Just wanted to brag because last week I was complaining-lol
  

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  • Re: Hey Phyllis we are catching up to you!! -- Phyllis, 04:42:50 04/19/04 Mon
  • Re: Hey Phyllis we are catching up to you!! -- Kylie, 05:19:03 04/19/04 Mon
  
  
• Computer lied-lol-said message wasn't posted-now 2 of them -- Tina Swinimer, 13:54:25 04/15/04 Thu (hlfx53-2a-194.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.103.194)
  just wanted to explain double post-
  

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• Margaret etc -- Tina Swinimer, 13:50:02 04/15/04 Thu (hlfx53-2a-194.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.103.194)
  Has anyone heard from Margaret? I have tried many times to contact her.Another old pal Donna..has anyone heard from her?Last I heard was that she was getting re-married-donna I mean not Margaret.Well! our weather is finally above the zero mark-but raining today-that should help put some buds on the trees so leaves will grow-can hardly wait for nice green grass to grow-love snow but 5 months of it was a bit much.Want flowers and humming birds and baby robins and swimming.
  Hope everyone is well.Get your fingers walking on the computer and tell us what is going on.
  My dog walks are getting a bit longer each day as the weather and my health seem to improve.I want to enjoy each day because as you know ovarian cancer has a 70% chance of spreading to other parts of the body-hopefully I will escape the 70% but for now I want to enjoy each day.
  the old saying"live each day as if it is your last" is so true..if only we all would do that always.
  

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• Happy EASTER!!! -- dudo, 15:27:15 04/11/04 Sun (mxpp-p-144-138-188-195.prem.tmns.net.au/144.138.188.195)
  Hello all!
  Hope everyone has had /will have a lovely easter day!
  I hope you all get to spend time with those you care about- sharing food & fun times.
  I hope you all have a visit from the EasterBilby/bunny, too!
  We had tea for about 20 last night, being Paul's Birthday, as well as Easter Sat. We did roast lamb and chicken, and had fresh-picked melons as dessert. Very nice, sitting by the river on a balmy evening.
  I've been working/cooking this w/end, so have ben busy, but not too busy to eat lots of chocolate today!!As a committed chocaholic, today is a GOOD day LOL.
  Try this link....Paul has put his name down, as it is 150 yrs. this yr. since our family came to Australia, and moved to this part of the country,( about 15 km. from where we still live) along the river.We just have to wait & see!
  www.wall2wallapps.co.uk
  
  Gotta go- have a safe & happy time, all!!
  

  [ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • Re: Happy EASTER!!! -- Susan, 12:37:31 04/13/04 Tue
    • Re: Happy EASTER!!! -- Dudo, 14:11:35 04/13/04 Tue
  
  
• The Wonder of It All -- Phyllis, 19:50:06 04/06/04 Tue (dial-66-218-5-204.usadatanet.net/66.218.5.204)
  Good Morning to Everyone,
  
  I wanted to share this site which was sent to me from a friend. It has the most beautiful pictures and sound (my speakers do not work so I could not listen to it). It is by Ralph Marston, Jr.
  
  The site is: http://wonderofitall.com/
  
  It does take a while to view all the pictures but it is worth it.
  
  It is a beautiful sunny day, but cool in the 30 degrees with strong winds so feels much colder.
  
  We are off for our second walk as Rufus keeps dragging his leash out. I guess I can take the hint, but believe or not, I have to wear my winter hat.
  
  Phyllis
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: The Wonder of It All -- Susan, 12:38:51 04/13/04 Tue
  
  
• Easter and... -- Ellie., 01:50:23 04/12/04 Mon (dsl-203-113-198-118.VIC.netspace.net.au/203.113.198.118)
  Thanks to all who sent messages re my brother.The lump is malignant. The good news is that is has a high curability rate for this sort of cancer.The bad is that he's been told that the radiation treatment (which starts in about 2 weeks) is going to make him very sick. But they're hanging in there.
  Oh, Easter.. what an excuse to eat chocolate! I had a visit Sat afternoon from daughter and granddaughter bringing me a small cane basket chock (no pun intended!)full of choccy Easter eggs. Never mind, they've now proved chocolate is GOOD for you!
  Dudo, great to see you post again.Sounds like you had a lovely Easter feast by the river.
  Kylie, belatedly.. great pic of China.. In a few weeks time my eldest son is going up to Maitland to collect his puppy.He's been waiting 3 years for a pup from these particular parents. They are blue heelers, but a variation of,slightly smaller than the standard but born without tails. His is a male and he's already named him Odin.
  Susan.. hope your Mum had a lovely birthday and you all had a great family time.
  Tina, how are you doing? Hello to Phyliss.. and any others who may be reading.
  Ellie.
  

  [ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • Re: Easter and... -- Phyllis, 02:32:52 04/12/04 Mon
  • Re: Easter and... -- Dudo, 14:37:59 04/12/04 Mon
  • Re: Easter and... -- Tina Swinimer, 14:41:29 04/12/04 Mon
  • Re: Easter and... -- Susan, 12:35:21 04/13/04 Tue
  
  
• oops -- Dudo, 17:03:55 04/11/04 Sun (mxpp-p-144-138-188-195.prem.tmns.net.au/144.138.188.195)
  that link SHOULD "VE been
  www.abc.net.au/outbackhouse/
  Sorry
  

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• Is it nasty planets or....? -- Ellie., 02:45:52 04/05/04 Mon (dsl-203-113-193-169.VIC.netspace.net.au/203.113.193.169)
  My friends who are into atrology say there is a HEAVY configuration of plantets just now.. well, after my last mail regarding my friend D, I've had news that my brother John in Canada has a lump on his neck that very likely is malignant. He's had tests and X rays, seen Drs etc, and is schedulled for more stuff this week. However, he's keeping very positive which is great. We've been exchanging a lot of email as you can guess.He has a very supportive wife in my lovely sis-in- law Jane, and good friends.. that is so important.
  Next last night I got news that my friend Cate somehow drastically wrecked her back.. spent one night in hospital, in a lot of pain.. so I'm off to see her today and will do a little shopping for her on the way.
  Susan, it's lovely that you will have leigh home for a while before he leaves for London.. I wish your Mum a very happy birthday, great that the family will be together for that. The wedding sounded beautiful.
  Phyliss, I think those spiders are what we call white tailed spiders here, vicious little so and so's, .I hope that your ex will be fine, lovely that you are still friends and that you are helpinghim out.
  Gotta get ready to go and visit Cate! A beautiful Autumn day here, but really we could do with rain.
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Is it nasty planets or....? -- Tina Swinimer, 13:56:56 04/05/04 Mon
  • Re: Is it nasty planets or....? -- Phyllis, 02:55:36 04/06/04 Tue
  
  
• China and other Things -- Kylie, 03:38:03 04/05/04 Mon (CWPP-p-144-134-231-192.prem.tmns.net.au/144.134.231.192)
  Hey everyone!
  
  Just sneaking in quickly while my family (sister and family are visiting) are out. My niece made it into five events in the State Swimming Championships. She was all excited last night because she got Brooke (?)'s autograph - the young girl who's been in the news lately. My sister said they saw one young boy get within 14 one hundredths of the world record.
  
  Here's another pic of China - not the best, but I just had to show off my new skills in being able to post pics I've taken with my phone.
  
  
  
  Kylie
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: China and other Things -- Kylie, 03:42:06 04/05/04 Mon
  • Re: China and other Things -- Tina Swinimer, 14:01:06 04/05/04 Mon
  • Re: China and other Things -- Phyllis, 23:49:22 04/05/04 Mon
  
  
• Hi All -- Susan, 07:01:10 04/04/04 Sun (CPE-144-137-210-249.sa.bigpond.net.au/144.137.210.249)
  Well, it's been a bit busy for us lately and not looking to slow down for a few weeks. We've been busy with work, which is good really. On Friday we went to our niece's wedding in Adelaide. She is 26 and looked just lovely. They were married at a place called Camelot Castle in the Adelaide Hills, such a pretty setting. The building does look like a castle and the gardens were just beautiful.
  
  Next week end we are going to Adelaide to shift our son, Leigh out of his flat. He is off overseas around the 20th of April and will spend the time until then with us. I'm looking forward to having him home for a while. His work Visa has come through and he is excited and nervous about going to London.
  It is my Mum's 85 birthday on 17th April and my sister and husband are coming over from Melbourne for the weekend, so we will go to Adelaide again (about 3 and a half hours) and take her out to lunch. She is pretty good for her age and very "switched" on mentally.
  She will miss Leigh's visits, as he only lived about 5 minutes away and used to visit and take her out to lunch which she really enjoyed.
  Hope everyone is well.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Hi All -- Tina Swinimer, 21:54:53 04/04/04 Sun
  • Re: Hi All -- Phyllis, 22:47:29 04/04/04 Sun
  
  
• April Fool's Day -- Phyllis, 19:53:41 04/01/04 Thu (dial-66-218-28-124.usadatanet.net/66.218.28.124)
  Happy April Fool's Day. Hope no one fell for any April
  Fool's jokes. The weather man said the sun was going to shine today, then he said April Fool's.
  
  We have had rain now going on the third day and expect more through the weekend with possibility of snowstorm on Sunday night into Monday. That's sounds like an April Fool's joke for sure.
  
  My ex-husband, who I am friendly with, got bitten by a brown recluse spider and it became infected. He had to be admitted to the hospital last week and they opened up the infection and had to pack it. They advised him to keep his leg elevated as much as possible. It was very, very painful. It was on his leg and he didn't know that he got bitten, thought it was just an itchy area, that was infected. He is doing better now, but had to return to work as he was almost out of his sick time. He is a chef and of course has to be on his feet all the time.
  
  I have been cooking extra food so he can have supper at night. I am baking stuffed peppers right now. He lives about 1 1/2 miles away, so at least he is near by.
  
  He has a black lab that he adopted from the animal shelter. He has had him for a little over a year and what a wonderful dog and companion he is. Someone had tied him to the animal shelter in the winter of 2003. So there was no history on him but he turned out to be a wonderful dog.
  
  We have been having choir practice during the week to prepare for Palm Sunday & Easter services.
  
  Just thought I would drop everyone a line to let you know what I have been doing this week.
  
  Hope everyone is doing well.
  
  Phyllis
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: April Fool's Day -- Tina Swinimer, 13:11:07 04/02/04 Fri
    • Re: April Fool's Day-reply to Tina -- Phyllis, 17:12:02 04/02/04 Fri
  
  
• Whoops.Where have I been? -- Ellie, 07:27:43 03/26/04 Fri (dsl-203-113-194-151.VIC.netspace.net.au/203.113.194.151)
  Hello Everyone. I've been remiss again.Actually I've had a v/bad couple of weeks. I have a work collegue/also friend..D. D is schizophrenic. I've known this foa a long while but she was pretty well controlled by her medication, and we were real pals.. went out on trips together etc. Also she recently got a darling little black and white kitten, named Marilyn. I was delighted for her as D lives alone. I took her around a cat basket, bunny rug and various kitty toys. Almost felt as tho I was Marilyn's second Mummy.
  Anyway,D went off her medication for some reason, and went seriuously off the planet.She didnt harm Marilyn whom she loves to bits, but she turned against all her friends, including and mostly- me. She was ringing me constantly day and night with all sorts of horrible and untrue accusations.
  We all know it was her illness talking, but it was still very nerve wracking.
  Well, she is back on her medication now and has a pysch. team calling in to see her every second day, and we are all hoping she will be better soon, but in the meantime I've been exhausted by it all....
  Feeling a bit better and brighter on this lovely Autumn Melbourne day..
  Thoughts to all,
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Whoops.Where have I been? -- Susan, 09:53:59 03/26/04 Fri
  • Re: Whoops.Where have I been? -- Kylie, 02:07:33 03/27/04 Sat
  • Re: Whoops.Where have I been? -- Tina Swinimer, 13:23:10 03/27/04 Sat
  • Re: Whoops.Where have I been? -- Phyllis, 04:10:05 03/29/04 Mon
  
  
• Upcoming Concert -- Phyllis, 00:25:25 03/26/04 Fri (dial-66-218-22-171.usadatanet.net/66.218.22.171)
  I am so excited as Kenny Rogers is going to be putting on a concert here in New Hampshire in July. I have been to 4 previous concerts to see him live and am looking forward to seeing him again. Tickets are going on sale this Saturday. The last concert we went to was 2 years ago. He is one of my favorite singers.
  
  I do like most music: country, opera, soft rock and some classical songs. I do not care for jazz even though I have tried to like it.
  
  It is raining out today, but at least it is warm so it is not slippery out. We are going to have a warm up for the weekend.
  
  My sister walked over to visit me. Since she does not have her own computer, she usually checks her e-mail a few times a week weather permitting. We live in the same neighborhood. It takes her 10- 15 minutes to walk over.
  
  When my sister was a child, she had a penpal in Hamilton,Australia but unfortunately she lost touch with her.
  
  Looking forward to spring weather. It's maple syrup season now and a lot of the maple sugar houses are having open house and are advertising. I sent some to my son in Colorado. Is maple syrup available in Australia?
  
  Sending my best to all "coffee chat readers".
  
  Phyllis
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Upcoming Concert -- Kylie, 05:52:03 03/26/04 Fri
  • Re: Upcoming Concert -- Susan, 09:58:14 03/26/04 Fri
  • Re: Upcoming Concert -- Tina Swinimer, 13:54:57 03/26/04 Fri
  
  
• Here's China -- Susan, 13:34:34 03/22/04 Mon (CPE-144-137-210-249.sa.bigpond.net.au/144.137.210.249)
  Kylie, I have just visited Dogzonline and found these lovely shots of China (lol). Thought I would share on this board. I noticed you've post the link below, but thought it would be nice to show her off on here. She is a lovely girl.
  
  
  
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Here's China -- Kylie, 14:38:47 03/22/04 Mon
  • Re: Here's China -- Phyllis, 17:20:14 03/22/04 Mon
    • Re: Here's China -- Kylie, 01:03:16 03/23/04 Tue
  • Re: Here's China-Kylie how perfectly beautiful -- Tina Swinimer, 02:18:22 03/23/04 Tue
  
  
• Pics of China -- Kylie, 13:11:19 03/22/04 Mon (NoHost/144.139.9.202)
  A very generous person spent some time uploading some pics for me this afternoon, so here finally (I hope) is my beautiful China.
  
  http://forums.dogzonline.com.au/uploads/post-10-1079947950.jpg
  
  http://forums.dogzonline.com.au/uploads/post-10-1079948033.jpg
  
  I couldn't get the HTML to work properly this time. *wobbly smile*
  
  Kylie
  

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• Happy Spring! -- Phyllis, 16:59:05 03/19/04 Fri (dial-66-218-28-27.usadatanet.net/66.218.28.27)
  Wishing you all a Happy Spring. The temperature today is in the 20's right now and expect that it will get up into the 30's later on today. We are having snow flurries. Does not seem like first day of Spring.
  
  One of my best friends, has a group call JUGS (Just Us Girls)and they meet once a month at different restaurants for dinner and chats. Most of the girls work for the State of New Hampshire. I joined them for the first time for dinner and enjoyed meeting and visiting with the group. There were 10 of us that night. We met at 5:30 pm and did not get home until 9:00 that evening as we all were having a good time.
  
  They wanted to know what I did now that I was retired. My best friend will be retiring in June also. I told them that I enjoyed reading and writing to my "computer coffee chat" and learning about their countries and sharing with you all. I also told them that I can take walks, whenever I feel like it, even during the middle of the day. I enjoy reading.
  
  Since one of my sisters lives in my neighbor and she and her husband are retired. My sister and I enjoyed each others company and walk together often. I find that times flys by too fast. Also my daughter works for an insurance company and works "Flex" time so that she gets 2 days off a month and we usually spend those days shopping and having lunch together.
  
  Well enough chatting for now as I am going out for a walk with my golden retriever.
  
  I hope all of you have a good weekend.
  
  Phyllis
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Happy Spring! -- Kylie, 00:16:20 03/21/04 Sun
    • Re: Happy Spring! -- Susan, 05:26:27 03/21/04 Sun
  • Re: Happy Spring! -- Tina Swinimer, 01:07:14 03/21/04 Sun
  
  
• SChool March break -- Tina swinimer, 13:06:32 03/16/04 Tue (hlfx54-1-37.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.104.37)
  It is March break where the students have a week off from school - Zoe who just turned 8 stayed with me Sunday and Sunday night for a sleep over..we still play with all the toy animals she has in my laundry room-put on plays "no one to watch"making the animals"talk-etc"lots of fun.
  Yesterday her mom took us to "Ross Farm"about an hour from here..It is a government run farm and museum.We stayed all day..went to the craft workshops and made ornaments..blacksmith shop to watch them make horseshoes-the old farmhouse with its'working fireplaces and bake ovens,coopershop where they make barrels..then sleigh rides-2 big horses hauling the sleigh..we had a wonderful time travelling through the snow filled woods paths..then at the end of the day Zoe got to help one farmer feed the horses,cows,pigs, turkeys,ducks,geese and hens and sheep..since she was so good the farmer taught her how to milk a cow and let her do it herself.
  Aaah what a wonderful day.
  Her mother is taking her to the city for a couple days so they can go to all the exhibits at the museums..a lot created for March break..bought in from other museums for a change..they are also going to a place where you can creat your own pottery pieces and paint them and have them baked in a kiln.
  I wish all children could have the attention that Zoe gets!
  I am feeling much better although the cancer can come back at any time since the larger Tumor burst and spilled all its spores..we can only hope the chemo killed all the spores..time will tell and I am not going to dwell on it..every day that I can I do something to enjoy each day.
  Hope all of you are having a good season..Spring starts here the 20th of this month but that is no guarentee that we will get spring weather just because the calender says it is spring-lol
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: SChool March break -- Ellie, 14:20:19 03/16/04 Tue
  • Re: SChool March break -- Phyllis, 16:26:22 03/16/04 Tue
  • Re: SChool March break -- Kylie, 01:11:36 03/17/04 Wed
  • Re: SChool March break -- Dudo, 11:40:23 03/17/04 Wed
  • Re: SChool March break -- Susan, 13:01:44 03/17/04 Wed
  
  
• I did a very, very BAD thing! -- Kylie, 15:41:05 03/13/04 Sat (webcache02.mas.optusnet.com.au/211.29.136.12)
  I got a free kitten (Mr/Miss No-Name yet)!
  
  He/she (still trying to get through all that long hair to be able to tell) is a tabby grey with a small amount of tortoiseshell and ginger legwarmers that have been pushed up too high on it's rear legs.
  
  Out of the six kittens in the litter (I've never seen five such feral kittens that have supposedly been brought up in a loving home) it was the only one that let X pick it up and then it just curled up on her lap and had a snuggle.
  
  He/she is so quiet. I even got a purr this afternoon.
  
  Don't ask where I'm keeping it right now. I don't want to have to make up something. *grin* Dh is making the enclosure next weekend.
  
  Kylie
  

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  Replies:

  • Pics -- Kylie, 10:48:18 03/14/04 Sun
    • Re: Pics -- Dudo, 13:11:12 03/14/04 Sun
  • Pictures -- Phyllis, 20:02:50 03/14/04 Sun
  • Re: I did a very, very BAD thing! -- Susan, 11:11:43 03/15/04 Mon
    • Re: I did a very, very BAD thing! -- Kylie, 03:44:28 03/16/04 Tue
      • Re: I did a very, very BAD thing! -- Susan, 10:48:55 03/16/04 Tue
        • Re: I did a very, very BAD thing! -- Kylie, 00:55:51 03/17/04 Wed
  • Re: I did a very, very BAD thing! -- Tina swinimer, 12:48:29 03/16/04 Tue
  • Re: I did a very, very BAD thing! -- ellie, 14:17:02 03/16/04 Tue
  
  
• This and that... -- Ellie., 01:35:10 03/08/04 Mon (dsl-203-113-223-148.VIC.netspace.net.au/203.113.223.148)
  Hi Everyone. catching up again..Tina, it's really inspiring to read your posts, think of you often!
  Re the koalas.. I think Susan has filled you in pretty well on that. I'm not sure but I think they only euthanise the sick ones.. the well ones get moved to locations where there is more food.. apparently koalas are not endangered specie.. (tho they nearly were! The first settlers nearly wiped them out, shooting them for fur.. maybe meat.. tho a koala would taste like a vat full of eucalyptus oil!)
  Susan.. I know you will have mixed feelings when Lee goes to London.. believe me it tears the heart when the baby birds fly the nest! Laugh, but when one of my sons moved out at 18, (and he only moved a few miles to a neighbouring suburb!!-- I bawled like a baby!)
  Later on I had to get used to all 3 sons at various times living in Sydney. and even 700 miles can seem a long, long, way. But Lee will be fine, and you will be able to keep in touch daily of you want thru email.
  Hello Phyliss and Kylie.. hope the new car is behaving well there,Kylie..
  Hi to all the others, who may be reading- but not writing..!
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: This and that... -- Kylie, 12:44:20 03/09/04 Tue
  • Hi Ellie -- Susan, 11:17:12 03/15/04 Mon
  
  
• Try again!!!! -- Dudo, 07:37:46 03/09/04 Tue (mxpp-p-144-138-188-174.prem.tmns.net.au/144.138.188.174)
  Sorry- I have put a newsy post up- but I think I forgot to submit or something...it's lost forever!!
  I hope every one who needs it has had some rain, or some sun...depending on where you are!
  
  
  Well- more bush news- it's not very grand,
  small things are "big news" when on the land!
  
  Looks like the drought's back, just what we need,
  Dusty and dry sheep, searching for feed.
  
  The "padre" called here just the other day,
  on his visits to people so far away-
  He's a friendly young chap, very free with his smiles,
  bringing rockmelon and apples for miles and miles!
  
  He arrived just at tea-time...oops, set a new place-
  We were embarrassed- we forgot about Grace!
  
  
  last week was the turn of a man hunting FROGS
  he rustled the rushes, and peered under logs-
  
  in search of a rare one, the Southern bell
  he found some right here, alive, fit and well!
  
  he stayed for some nights, while he travelled the River
  looking for beasties that make some people quiver!
  
  He's an ecolgist person- very knowing and wise
  he'll tell about dunnarts, and geckoes and flies,
  
  about how the salinity's killing the frogs,
  and why our environment's "gone to the dogs".
  
  We had a "few" folk over to tea
  I lie, I admit, it was a round fifty!
  
  WE cooked them a roast, and made sponges and cream-
  did breakfast as well- it went like a dream!
  
  egg , bacon and toast , and lots of hot tea-
  The amount some did eat was something to see!
  
  
  Any way folks- must go & feed chooks-
  then me for a "cuppa", & a look at some books.
  
  I've been busy on eBay- it's a bit of a trap
  i buy gifts for others, & then i just snap!
  
  See a book I MUST have( as if we need more)
  the house has been taken over, I'm sure!
  Oh, well..it's better than smoking or gambling-
  to be reading, or cooking, or, like now- just rambling!!!
  
  
  bye all!
  

  [ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • Re: Try again!!!! -- Kylie, 12:40:53 03/09/04 Tue
  • Re: Try again!!!! -- Phylli, 17:46:47 03/12/04 Fri
    • Re: Try again!!!! -- Dudo, 14:04:17 03/13/04 Sat
      • Thanks for explanation -- Phyllis, 20:09:11 03/14/04 Sun
  • Re: Try again!!!! -- Susan, 11:13:07 03/15/04 Mon
  
  
• Hi All -- Susan, 12:36:05 03/05/04 Fri (CPE-144-137-215-185.sa.bigpond.net.au/144.137.215.185)
  Well, all is well in our part of the world, except it's hot (lol). Work has been going well and we are getting to get the feel of the different system now and it's starting to click. It's been good to get ourselves out of the routine we've been in for the last 10 years and shaking us up a bit (lol).
  I am feeling a bit sort of "up and down" at the moment. Our son, Leigh rang today and his Nursing registration for overseas has come through. So, now it's just a matter of applying for his work Visa (which will probably take between 3 and 6 weeks) and he's off to England.
  Mixed emotions really. I am so excited for him and the adventure that awaits him, but also sad as we will miss him
  dreadfully (not that I've spoken about that to him).
  Hope all is well with everyone.
  

  [ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • Re: Hi All -- Phyllis, 16:18:37 03/06/04 Sat
  • Re: Hi All -- Tina swinimer, 02:13:35 03/07/04 Sun
  • Re: Hi All -- Kylie, 12:54:26 03/09/04 Tue
  
  
• Been out of Touch for Far Too Long! -- Kylie, 14:31:18 02/28/04 Sat (webcache02.mas.optusnet.com.au/211.29.136.12)
  Wow! Time has been going quickly this year.
  
  That's probably a good thing with everything that's been happening, the year didn't start well. We ended up having to give up dh's car. Because we didn't have the money, my car has remained unregistered to the point where it would now require a blue slip.
  
  BUT, we've borrowed a friend's car up until last week when it's engine went again - discovered that when the engine was rebuilt the screw in the sump plug was cross-threaded and that caused the engine to die - don't buy a Kia (we've had two friends with them, and heard of several others, and far too many lemons amongst them).
  
  Dh thought he was going to have to stop working for a couple of days while we organised some stuff, but another friend gave him a lift to his job the next day, then the day following we got a call from the Toyota yard we're getting a new car for dh from to say it wouldn't be in on the date specified - again! Well, they were also ringing to ask if dh would like to come in and make use of a loan car until his arrives. Dh jumped at the chance, and for now we're driving around last year's model Toyota Camry stationwagon. I keep telling dh that I wish we had a deposit to get it too. It's a very nice vehicle.
  
  Oh, the new car will be a gunmetal Toyota Hilux twincab.
  
  Other news - I had my first singing lesson today, and am still on a high.
  
  Kylie
  

  [ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • Re: Been out of Touch for Far Too Long! -- Phyllis, 17:04:36 02/28/04 Sat
    • Woohoo!!!! -- Kylie, 04:50:48 03/03/04 Wed
      • Re: Woohoo!!!! -- Tina swinimer, 13:03:42 03/04/04 Thu
      • Re: Woohoo!!!! -- Susan, 12:30:45 03/05/04 Fri
  
  
• just to say Hi! -- Tina swinimer, 13:27:30 03/04/04 Thu (hlfx54-1-96.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.104.96)
  Last night on the news they said some parts of Australia were in for some terrible wind storms..some already had them plus floods..hope all of you are out of the storm line..also heard someplace has to do major koala bear euthenasia..is the food scarce or just too many of them?
  We are getting a few signs of spring..sun is higher in the sky and tomorrow for the first time in months the temp is supposed to be above zero.snow in my yard has melted down to about 1 and 1/2 feet..or a little over 1/3 metre..you can see ground where the driveway was plowed..we usually get 1 or 2 big snowstorms in March,,hope not this year..love snow but getting a bit tired of it this year..want to go swimming-lol..
  Had my last chemo last week..the effects were horrid for a few days and I am sort of tired but looking forward to Spring..I will have to go for check-ups every 2 to 3 months..most ovarian cancer folks have the cancer show up again later on..I won't dwell on it..will do as many fun things as I can each day along with anything good I can find to do..like enjoy my family and pets..I have returned to doing some oil paintings.
  Well, my friends lets me know how things are going in Aust.by now you must know I am fascinated with your country.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: just to say Hi! -- Phyllis, 17:43:11 03/04/04 Thu
  • Re: just to say Hi! -- Susan, 12:29:23 03/05/04 Fri
  
  
• Hi All -- Susan, 03:18:48 02/22/04 Sun (cheyenne.riverland.net.au/203.18.28.218)
  I'm still around girls, just been a bit busy with the changeover with the new business, but we are getting there. What used to take 10 minutes is now taking 30, as I'm getting familar with their computer system. Have been working a bit of overtime but should settle down in the next month or so. It's been going well and we are happy being part of a bigger company. It's been a good change for us.
  
  Well Tina, I read your message about the weather and your blizzards. I hope it is settling down now. I just can't imagine not being able to take the dogs outside for a pee, without having to dig an area for them. It's been the opposite here, last weekend the thermometer on the back porch hit 50C. The hottest I can remember and it was just scorching. I had the clothes out on the line and they dried to a crisp in about 15 minutes. The back door handle was boiling as well. Yesterday and today are in the mid 20s and just lovely, we even had a bit of rain last night.
  Our son is coming home today for a couple of days with us, so looking forward to catching up with him. He's on annual leave at the moment and trying to get his roomed cleaned and tidied up for him.
  He's been offered a contract in a London Hospital (originally he wanted to be out of London, but now he's realised a number of people he knows are in London itself and wants to go there). How the young change their minds so quickly (lol). The contract he's been offered is for
  Emergency and Thoracic nursing, both of which he's done in Adelaide and loves. He'll probably be off over there in a couple of months. He's just waiting for his overseas registration to come through and then he will be off.
  Our nephew is overseas as well (my sister's boy) and he's living and working in Brighton at the moment and loves the area.
  Take care all and hope the weather settles down soon.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Hi All -- Phyllis, 06:48:38 02/22/04 Sun
  • Re: Hi All -- Ellie., 13:49:18 02/24/04 Tue
  
  
• Thanks to all......... -- Ellie., 14:41:51 02/22/04 Sun (dsl-203-113-194-218.VIC.netspace.net.au/203.113.194.218)
  Thanks to all you lovely people who sent me Happy Birthday wishes. I had a really great afternoon. Got a phone call from son in Sydney, and the biggest surprise from the 'down here' family, they got their heads together and decided they would collectively give me a gift of money to go towards my special 'Canada Fund' (so that I can make a return visit to your beautiful country Tina) it might not be for another year or 2 yet.They also decided they would do this on 'special days' birthday, Mothers Day and Xmas instead of giving me gifts to make my 'Canada Fund' grow bigger.
  Had a nice meal of chicken and salad, birthday cake, and a few glasses of wine.. what more could a gal ask for!
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Thanks to all......... -- Susan, 13:04:37 02/23/04 Mon
  
  
• Happy Birthday Ellie -- Tina swinimer, 14:17:45 02/21/04 Sat (hlfx56-1-46.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.106.46)
  Hope the whole year through brings pleasant surprises and good luck..theatre and writings..what wonderful interests..how I wish you well in everything!
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Happy Birthday Ellie -- Phyllis, 18:34:30 02/21/04 Sat
    • Re: Happy Birthday Ellie -- Susan, 03:10:57 02/22/04 Sun
  
  
• we are in the midst of a blizzard -- Tina swinimer, 14:08:34 02/19/04 Thu (hlfx35-3.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.85.3)
  We are in the midst of the worst blizzard I have seen for years..even the big government snow plows have been getting stuck in the snow banks-30 cm of snow plus we are to get 30 more yet today..snow plow drivers cant see through the blowing snow so are being pulled off the roads until the wind dies down some..winds now are 90 to 100 klm..everything is closed-airports,banks,schools and malls..well everything.the wind has blown some snow banks so high you can't see over them.
  Just wanted to cool some of you folks off..just close your eyes and pretend you are here.
  Where in heck is everyone anyway..Phillis did you folks get the blizzard?
  Have a good week everyone..still like to hear more adventures of your lives and your childrens and pets.You are my far away family the I adopted.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: we are in the midst of a blizzard -- Ellie, 12:37:51 02/21/04 Sat
  
  
• follow up from yesterdays -- Tina swinimer, 14:33:29 02/20/04 Fri (hlfx25-34.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.75.34)
  We really got dumped on-most snow from one day since 1944..3 and 1/2 feet..hip deep for most people but then there are heaps of snow blown higher from the 90 to 100 klm gust of winds.Most people lost their electical power but thank heavens we didn't...the snow is too deep for our plow truck to clear..called a man to come with his loader to clear our driveway today plus a tree blew down across the driveway so he has to saw that before he can get through-my driveway is real long and circles behind the house so you can come in one entrance and leave by another.
  All schools stores are closed again today until things get cleared up..no one is supposed to go on the roads unless it is an emergency..the storm is over but the wind is blowing the snow that is down and causing white outs.
  The big city of Halifax is just about closed down..first time in History of the city .and everyone was talking about global warming..well where did all this come from?
  Had to shovel a path big enough for the dogs to go have a pee etc...does this cool you folks off?
  Phillis did you folks get any part of this..watched your american channels and didn't see anything about it.Nova Scotia and PEI have been declared as being in state of emergency.
  Are you folks in Aust. familiar with "Killer Instinct" t,v program..I love it..always shows the beautiful birds and animals you have..last night it was showing the beautiful animals in the crator lakes area.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: follow up from yesterdays -- Phyllis, 21:46:08 02/20/04 Fri
  
  
• Hugs and Kisses -- Tina swinimer, 06:12:24 02/13/04 Fri (hlfx56-1-92.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.106.92)
  Happy Valentines Day to all !!
  Remember to hug and kiss a pet every day-both the 2 legged pets and the four legged pets.
  Remember it doesn't matter how many breaths you take in life..its how many wonderful things in life that take your breath away !!
  Love-kisses and hugs to all of you !!
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Hugs and Kisses -- Phyllis, 17:18:58 02/13/04 Fri
    • Re: Hugs and Kisses -- Susan, 06:02:42 02/14/04 Sat
  • Re: Hugs and Kisses -- Ellie, 12:03:19 02/14/04 Sat
  
  
• thank you all -- Tina swinimer, 11:55:16 02/04/04 Wed (hlfx64-1-120.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.114.120)
  thanks you all who sent anniv.greetings..it was a great day for Ralston and I.Children took us to the city for a wonderful chicken dinner with all the trimmings.the weather was even beautiful just like the day 51 yrs ago when we got married.
  the weather has stayed beautiful all week so far..beautiful sun shining on the white snow..roads melted bare after the plowing.
  Was to Halifax yesterday for my chemo..only one more to go on Feb 24th.They told me I will be having very sore joints and legs..gets worse each time.
  In the chemo waiting room yesterday there were about 28 people waiting for different kinds..or varying degreeg of chemo depending on what type of cancer they have..usually the room is quiet and somber but yesterday we were a gabbing crew..it turned out fun..I started it by saying I washed my wig and then company came..I usuall just wear a cap around the house..well after I washed my wig I hurridly put it on its form and sat it in the bath tub to drip..then later made a mad dash to the bath room..my company aked what happened I said:I left susie my wig in the tub and just thought one of the dogs may kill it" Well this caused a laugh in the waiting room and it broke the ice for fun conversation..on woman said she wished I lived next door to her..she said I was the first jolly cancer victom she met.
  I said well"we have it-we have to make the best of it-I said I never knew how many friends i had until I got ill and they all said come to think of it that is so true.We meet lots of people at the chemo room where the actual chemo is administrated..we have had lots of new experiences..granted some very bad ones but are learning our strenghts.The actual chemo room where I get 6 1/2 hours of chemo..there are about 25 lazy boy chairs that we get to relax on while the chemo is entering through intervenus..they bring us lots of juices and a noon lunch donated by city ladies clubs and bought to us by volunteers..there are comfortable chairs by us for a relative to sit with us if we want.Cynthia my youngest daughter sat with me yesterday.There was only one other person there for 6 1/2 hours like I was.. so the 2 hour and 3 hour folks kept coming and going.The 25 chairs were filled at all times with these change overs.
  The hospital technical people and the nurses have such sweet personalities.
  I have spent some time this morning trying to condition my thoughts to "well it should only be this week of misery-and Tina old gal get out and walk while you can-laugh when you can-cheer up someone even if you are hurting-play with my great supporting dogs..they know something is amiss..I have gotten thousands of kisses from them since this all happened.You can't fool a dog.I was going to find homes for them when I first got ill..then I thought I may live a year or two so just make arrangements for whats to be done with them when I leave this place..I am so glad I decided to keep them they are part nurse and doctor to me.Some people with overian cancer make it to 5 years..one or 2 out of 2000 make it to nine..2,5, or 9 I will keep my loving babies.
  Hope everyones weather is good so that they are enjoying the great outdoors.love to all
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: thank you all -- Phyllis, 02:30:06 02/07/04 Sat
    • Re: thank you all -- Susan, 03:29:39 02/08/04 Sun
  
  
• hello, from Belinda. -- Dudo, 05:35:54 02/06/04 Fri (mxpp-p-144-138-188-230.prem.tmns.net.au/144.138.188.230)
  Hi, folks-
  another scorcher today- yesterday it was 40- and I had to take Mum to have a scan done on a leg- we thought she may've had a clot or something. Nothing showed up, so she's home again- it was a long day.
  
  I;m back doing some tutoring for my little friend up the road- he started high school this year( distance Education). but as his reading level is about 3 yrs. behind, he needs a lot of help still.
  
  Just saw this on Dogz
  sit at your desk, or in a straight backed chair. raise your right foot slightly off the ground, and "draw" clockwise circles with it.At the same time, and with your right pointer finger, "draw" a "6" in the air in front of you.
  
  what did your foot do? bet it reversed direction!!
  
  gotta go- will catch everyone eventually..
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: hello, from Belinda. -- Susan, 13:42:14 02/06/04 Fri
  
  
• Happy Anniversary Tina -- Phyllis, 16:15:02 01/31/04 Sat (dial-66-218-6-192.usadatanet.net/66.218.6.192)
  Wishing you a Happy Anniversary as you celebrate your special day. Congratulations!
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Happy Anniversary Tina -- Susan, 03:08:50 02/01/04 Sun
    • Re: Happy Anniversary Tina -- Tina Swinimer, 13:42:29 02/01/04 Sun
      • Re: Happy Anniversary Tina -- Susan, 02:02:25 02/02/04 Mon
    • Re: Happy Anniversary Tina -- Tina Swinimer, 13:45:40 02/01/04 Sun
    • Re: Happy Anniversary Tina -- Kylie, 05:43:48 02/02/04 Mon
  • Re: Happy Anniversary Tina -- Ellie., 10:23:10 02/01/04 Sun
  
  
• And after this.. -- Ellie., 01:32:53 01/28/04 Wed (dsl-203-113-205-75.VIC.netspace.net.au/203.113.205.75)
  I will shut up about names! But this sill makes me laugh, so I wanted to share. Some years ago, my daughter and I and her 3 small children were in the city(melbourne) and did a tour of St Pauls Cathedral. The kindly verger walked us around inside showing us points of interest including the beautiful stained glass windows.
  He asked the kids names..Then said 'Rebekah. We have you right here in the Church" and showed her a window that featured Rebekah at the well. Then he said to Andrew..'And here you are too Andrew' and pointed out a window of the 12 disciples.
  Then he looked at Glenn and said 'I'm sorry Glenn....."
  Glenn pointed to a window featuring animals and said resolutely.. 'That lamb's name is Glenn!'
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: And after this.. -- Kylie, 02:53:36 01/28/04 Wed
  • Re: And after this.. -- Susan, 13:50:22 01/30/04 Fri
    • Re: And after this./.Susan.. -- Ellie., 09:05:18 01/31/04 Sat
  
  
• First Day Back -- Kylie, 14:05:22 01/27/04 Tue (webcache01.mas.optusnet.com.au/211.29.136.11)
  Well, we started back with homeschooling today, and had a great time.
  
  I came to the realisation today that J has forgotten everything I've ever taught him about writing a report. *wobbly eyed smace* I guess I know what we're doing for English for the next month or so.
  
  Other than that it was a very productive day, even with a sick husband at home.
  
  I was so glad that all the neighbourhood kids haven't gone back to school yet (they go back tomorrow). I went in to check on dh and told J and X to go outside and play some hopscotch for PDHD. I sat down and dh laid his head on my lap and promptly drifted off to sleep. I was sitting there rubbing his (now bald - he shaved it about a fortnight ago) head and the next thing I know J and X come racing into the room and X is, "Mummy, J won one game and I won one, so we're both even!" I'd fallen asleep too. At least people are still used to seeing kids racing around outside for now. OOPS!
  
  We're busy tomorrow with schoolwork and registration for dance. J and X want to do a ballet duo together this year, X wants to do ballet and modern and J wants to do ballet. Also J wants to do Tae Kwon Do this year so I might be registering him for that tomorrow as well once I know the days dance is on. We've checked out one Dojo, but they insist on the kids being there twice a week (both times the classes are offered for their age group) and that's $80/month, so I'm not yet sure if we'll be going there. Maybe if dh takes it back up too, because then they give a family discount.
  
  Kylie
  

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  Replies:

  • And the funny for the day was.... -- Kylie, 14:12:13 01/27/04 Tue
  • Re: First Day Back -- Susan, 13:54:28 01/30/04 Fri
  
  
• Still Names.. -- Ellie., 01:06:08 01/28/04 Wed (dsl-203-113-205-75.VIC.netspace.net.au/203.113.205.75)
  Well Kylie.. I suggested Aragon or Legolas for Susan.. because I couldn't remember what the girls names were in the film.*grin*
  However when you think of all the 'dual' names there are now.. who even knows if they are boys or girls!
  For instance.. a young cousin of mine has a girl named Jamie.
  Then there is Lindsey, Leigh,Or Lee.. Peta (Peter)
  Glenn (Glenn Close. definitely a woman) Leslie/lesley/
  and who knows if a Morgan or a Jordan is a boy or a girl till you actually see them!
  Even John Wayne's first name was really Marion!
  Never met a woman called Walter yet tho!
  Thanks for sharing your childrens names Kylie.. Xanthea is indeed a lovely name.. and I must tell you that I once used that name for a cat in a story that won a prize.However it was a BLACK cat! I didn't check on the meaning beforehand!
  Some people I know have a little girl named Iolanthe.. it means 'purple flower' Very unusual and pretty name.
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Still Names.. -- Kylie, 02:46:33 01/28/04 Wed
  • Re: Still Names.. -- Susan, 13:52:04 01/30/04 Fri
  
  
• And now to............... -- Ellie., 14:26:46 01/25/04 Sun (dsl-203-113-205-75.VIC.netspace.net.au/203.113.205.75)
  Thanks for adding how you named Leigh too,Susan. So as well as pets, maybe some would like to say how they named their children (perfectly okay if you don't want to owing to privacy etc), so maybe you could tell how your parents named YOU instead.
  My four are all adults now.. so I don't mind.. don't think they will either. From eldest down to youngest...
  Pamela. Because I thought it was a pretty, sweet sounding name and in fact it's of Greek origin and actually means 'All Honey' Of course as she got older people started shortening it to Pam!
  Peter-- first son.. Just liked the name,tho it was a toss up between that and Andrew.
  Darren.-second son... This poor little tyke was without a name for a whole week! Hubby and I just could not agree.
  Finally he said' How about Darren or Darryl? I said of the two I liked Darren better. so that's who he became.
  Simon.. 3rd son.. )last child!) I had liked the name Simon for a long while but a girlfriend had recently had a 'Simon' and was worried she's think I was 'stealing' however I bit the bullet, and Simon he was.. second name John after my brother in Canada.
  Me.. I was named after a dead Aunt! My Dad;s sister who died before I was even born.
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: And now to............... -- Kylie, 04:51:59 01/26/04 Mon
    • Re: And now to............... -- Susan, 13:19:09 01/26/04 Mon
      • Re: And now to.............Susan.... -- Ellie, 14:36:59 01/26/04 Mon
        • Re: Lord of the Rings Trilogy -- Kylie, 07:21:39 01/27/04 Tue
      • Re: And now to............... -- Susan, 13:36:24 01/27/04 Tue
        • Re: And now to............... -- Kylie, 13:54:18 01/27/04 Tue
  
  
• Happy Australia Day -- Kylie, 04:41:13 01/26/04 Mon (webcache01.mas.optusnet.com.au/211.29.136.11)
  Hope you all have a great time.
  
  For those it applies to, what are your plans?
  
  We're having a quiet evening at home. We were going to go over to a local celebrations, but had our plans changed at the last minute, so at least now I'll be able to make sure China is OK with the fireworks.
  
  Kylie
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Happy Australia Day -- Susan, 13:22:35 01/26/04 Mon
    • PS Kylie -- Susan, 13:25:09 01/26/04 Mon
      • Re: PS Kylie -- Kylie, 13:42:03 01/26/04 Mon
  • Re: Happy Australia Day -- Phyllis, 16:55:42 01/26/04 Mon
    • Re: Happy Australia Day -- Kylie, 07:16:37 01/27/04 Tue
  
  
• Naming..... -- Ellie, 01:22:45 01/25/04 Sun (dsl-203-113-205-75.VIC.netspace.net.au/203.113.205.75)
  I was wondering how you all got to name your pets as you did? Well, you can talk about naming your children too if you want.LOL!
  For instance,Kylie's dog China? Different name fora dog, tho a couple of times lately I've seen China as the name for female characters in novels.
  I've talked about my 2 before..Grania, after the Irish pirate queen,because she is such a spirited little cuss, and Feller.. because he's a Feller!
  I've also had at various times..
  Gypsy (a dog) because she wandered in off the street)
  Nelson (cat) has she only had one eye.
  Lizzie (cat) because she was a poor little waif and a very skinny lizzy when I found her.
  Piggy (cat) because he was huge and ate like a well.. pig!
  Bagpipe ( a hurt magpie that I kept till he was well enough to fly again) because he made this odd, garbling noise)
  And finally 'December' a black tropical water shark.. (small) as my son insisted (he was 4 years old at the time) that it be given a name starting with D the same as his!
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Naming..... -- Kylie, 01:38:42 01/25/04 Sun
    • OK, I couldn't resist some more.... -- Kylie, 01:57:47 01/25/04 Sun
    • Re: Naming..... -- Ellie, 08:18:04 01/25/04 Sun
    • Re: Naming..... -- tina Swinimer, 14:32:10 01/25/04 Sun
  • Re: Naming..... -- Susan, 12:38:45 01/25/04 Sun
  • Re: Naming..... -- Tina Swinimer, 13:09:26 01/26/04 Mon
  
  
• Hi Girls -- Susan, 09:00:21 01/24/04 Sat (cheyenne.riverland.net.au/203.18.28.218)
  Finally, have a moment to myself. Been busy learning a new computer program and my head is spinning (lol).
  
  Kylie, Happy Anniversary to you and your husband. Sounds like you had a nice quiet day.
  
  Ellie, I didn't know you daughter had twins as well. I have learnt something new.
  
  Tina, how are you going along?
  
  Margaret, hope you, Bill and the furries are all okay.
  
  Dudo, I enjoyed your poem and Ellie's. Sounds like you are not having a great time at the moment. Hope your Mum is better soon.
  
  Phyllis, I love new recipes for sure. Hope the weather is not too cold. When do you visit the family and see your Granddaughters and of course, the newest one.
  
  I saw Donna post on Dog Chat and have just emailed her The Chat Shop email address as it seems she may have lost most of her addresses. Hopefully, she will find her way back here again? Finger crossed.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Hi Girls -- Kylie, 13:22:20 01/24/04 Sat
  • Re: Hi Girls -- Phyllis, 19:07:32 01/24/04 Sat
  
  
• Good morning -- Phyllis, 17:41:38 01/23/04 Fri (dial-66-218-28-42.usadatanet.net/66.218.28.42)
  Good morning to everyone.
  
  Ellie, could you please tell me where you live as I have recently been back on this site as I am now retired and have more time to catch up. I have been on this site on & off the past couple of years, but did not write very often. I enjoy reading and learning new things.
  
  How exciting that you were able to get together with your pen pal of 20 years. It's alway great to renew old friendships as well as new ones. I do remember that you really enjoyed visiting the ranch and riding on a horse again.
  
  Susan, it always fun to try new recipes especially if the main ingredient is one of your favorite dishes. Twins are very special and they have a closeness and share a special bond with each other no matter what age they are.
  
  
  Dudo, enjoyed your poem. My sister is also a good writer. She used to write policy when she was working. She opted for an early retirement as 30 years of state service.
  
  
  Tina, you must be having the same cold weather. Our wind chill factor will be bad this weekend but February is just around the corner.
  
  Kylie, I enjoying reading about all your adventures. Happy Anniversary!
  
  Margaret, I know you are very busy with your husband and with your new sweet dog.
  
  Sorry if I missed anyone.
  
  Phyllis
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Good morning -- Ellie., 19:18:37 01/23/04 Fri
  • Re: Good morning -- Kylie, 06:39:44 01/24/04 Sat
    • Re: Good morning -- Phyllis, 18:59:34 01/24/04 Sat
  
  
• hello -- Dudo, 04:55:13 01/23/04 Fri (mxpp-p-144-138-188-25.prem.tmns.net.au/144.138.188.25)
  Dudo is here, tho' not really chatty.
  She's been kinda slow, and her brain's a bit scatty!
  
  Don't know if it's age, or Summer, or illness,
  but she is looking for rest, and a time just of stillness.
  
  
  Not much news to report, at least it's not boiling-
  we've had some hot days, with red dust clouds roiling
  
  There've been lots of guests, to swim and to burn-
  then houses to clean, I'll never learn.
  
  
  My mum's got a cold, with earache and pain,
  It's at times such as this, we wish for a rain-
  
  to wash away "bugs", and freshen the air,
  to water the plants and put curls in my hair!
  
  The land's looking weary, most grass has now gone,
  and the red rocks and earth look tired and worn.
  
  I'll finish this now, and send some more soon
  Gotta go and get hamlet, he's being a hoon!
  
  take care every-one- till I catch up again-
  I hope you can all add a wish for a RAIN!
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: hello -- Ellie, 10:59:43 01/23/04 Fri
  • Re: hello -- Kylie, 13:21:13 01/24/04 Sat
  
  
• New recipe -- Phyllis, 21:11:58 01/19/04 Mon (dial-66-218-6-85.usadatanet.net/66.218.6.85)
  Good afternoon as it is noon time here in New Hampshire.
  
  I went out for dinner yesterday afternoon with a couple of my friends and the waitress asked us if we would like sweet potato french fries instead of regular fries. None of us had ever had sweet potato fries. We all like them and then one of my friends said she had a great recipe for Silky Sweet Potato Puree which was a bit hit for the holidays. This is the recipe if anyone is interested in it:
  
  
  3 pounds sweet potatoes, pricked with fork - 1//2 tsp salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste - 1/2 cup each, buttermilk and whole milk - 6 Tbs. butter. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position; heat to 425 degrees. Place potatoes on foil-lined pan; bake 45 to 60 minutes, until tender. Peel when cool enough to handle. Puree with salt and pepper in food processor or mixer. Gradually add milks then butter. Process until silken. (can make 2 days ahead; store in an airtight container.) Reheat and serve. Serves 8
  
  Our weather is still cold but the sun is out so it doesn't seem to bad compared to last week.
  
  Also I caught part of the big football game. Our North East team the Patriots are going to the Super Bowl in 2 weeks. I am becoming a football fan as I continue to learn more about the game. Most of my family are into watching football so I have decided to join them now that I am retired and have more leisure time.
  
  January is a great month to be celebrating both Kyle's and Tina's upcoming Wedding Anniversaries. Congratulations to both of you on this special occasion!
  
  Tina, I did not know that you have twins. I have twins also. My daughter and son are 33 years old. They are very close even though they live far apart. They keep in touch once or twice a week.
  
  I am going to bundle up and take my dog, Rufus out for a short walk.
  
  Hope everyone has a good week.
  

  [ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • Re: New recipe -- Tina Swinimer, 12:23:59 01/22/04 Thu
    • Re: New recipe -- Susan, 02:48:40 01/23/04 Fri
  
  
• It always Happens! -- Ellie., 02:00:39 01/21/04 Wed (dsl-203-113-205-75.VIC.netspace.net.au/203.113.205.75)
  Hi Everybody.. I don't look in for a few days.. well maybe a week.. and when I do there is so much news!
  I will go down later and add a message to each one but just briefly now..Tina.. am so glad along with all of us I know, that you chemo is working and that you are making the most of life (as you always do lovely lady)
  Kylie,Susan.. lots of news from you. Phylis,Hello.. I don't think we quite know each other yet, tho have been reading and appreciating your mails.
  Happy anniversary to those who have them coming up.
  Where is Dudo??
  Margaret.. Oh, what a darling Gracie looks. You know my grey cat is Grace, well Grania (but that's Irish for Grace)
  I'm still being a bit of a sloth.. but go back to work next week. LOTS of reading, and some writing, looking after cats,fish, potplants.
  Metup with my NSWfriend Jill last week, we've been penfriends for 20 years, but only met twice. Had lunch together and then went to the Museum. She's a nice lady.
  Had an invitation for another weekendatat Mill ValleyRanch
  at the end of Feb (horse riding!)
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: It always Happens! -- Susan, 10:39:54 01/22/04 Thu
  
  
• It always Happens! -- Ellie., 01:58:46 01/21/04 Wed (dsl-203-113-205-75.VIC.netspace.net.au/203.113.205.75)
  Hi Everybody.. I don't look in for a few days.. well maybe a week.. and when I do there is so much news!
  I will go down later and add a message to each one but just briefly now..Tina.. am so glad along with all of us I know, that you chemo is working and that you are making the most of life (as you always do lovely lady)
  Kylie,Susan.. lots of news from you. Phylis,Hello.. I don't think we quite know each other yet, tho have been reading and appreciating your mails.
  Happy anniversary to those who have them coming up.
  Where is Dudo??
  Margaret.. Oh, what a darling Gracie looks. You know my grey cat is Grace, well Grania (but that's Irish for Grace)
  I'm still being a bit of a sloth.. but go back to work next week. LOTS of reading, and some writing, looking after cats,fish, potplants.
  Metup with my NSWfriend Jill last week, we've been penfriends for 20 years, but only met twice. Had lunch together and then went to the Museum. She's a nice lady.
  Had an invitation for another weekendatat Mill ValleyRanch
  at the end of Feb (horse riding!)
  Ellie.
  

  [ Edit | View ]
  
  

• More News -- Kylie, 14:33:30 01/17/04 Sat (CWPP-p-144-134-231-126.prem.tmns.net.au/144.134.231.126)
  Well, it's that time of year. My eldest sister had her 25th wedding anniversary yesterday. My 11th is on the 23rd.
  
  I spoke to my Mum tonight. They are just about ready to leave for Tasmania (three month holiday in a campervan).
  
  No new news on dh's grandfathers.
  
  Rellie is still very skittish, but letting me pick her up for a pat before getting fed now.
  
  I also got to handfeed our possum the other night. Actually, it came and snatched the piece of bread I was holding out from my hand and then ran back up the tree. I really do need to start cutting up some fresh fruit for it.
  
  China was a pain all day today. Our neighbours across the drive were having a new deck installed, and every time the nail gun went bang China yelped. :^O
  
  We're going to see the new baby tomorrow, so will probably be all clucky tomorrow evening.
  
  I've got the very basics of what we're doing for school organised now, so expect that we'll be ready to start by Monday week.
  
  Kylie
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: More News -- Phyllis, 18:11:30 01/17/04 Sat
    • The Silver Lining -- Kylie, 09:54:51 01/18/04 Sun
  • Re: More News -- Susan, 12:03:59 01/18/04 Sun
  • Re: More News -- Tina Swinimer, 12:57:07 01/19/04 Mon
  
  
• Meet Gracie -- Margaret, 23:59:22 01/16/04 Fri (webcacheB16a.cache.pol.co.uk/195.92.168.178)
  Gracie is one of the reasons I have been so busy, plus trying to get Bill to walk again and he is coming on nicely.
  
  Gracie is a rescue who has been in kennels for a long time, because nobody could see what was inside her. She has a lovely personality, a cauliflower ear, due to a hematoma that was neglected, and is only about 11 inches tall. The vet thinks she is about 7 or 8 years old.
  
  
  and this is what I fell in love with.
  
  
  
  
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Meet Gracie -- Kylie, 07:24:43 01/17/04 Sat
  • Re: Meet Gracie -- Tina Swinimer, 11:14:52 01/17/04 Sat
  • Re: Meet Gracie -- Phyllis, 17:50:10 01/17/04 Sat
  • Re: Meet Gracie -- Susan, 12:01:56 01/18/04 Sun
  
  
• Hi All -- Susan, 14:16:47 01/16/04 Fri (cheyenne.riverland.net.au/203.18.28.218)
  I am not ignoring you all, just been very busy. I have news of my own but later.
  Tina, I an so happy that the Chemo seems to be working and you have been in my thoughts constantly and still sending postive thoughts you way. You and your family must be "over the moon". I have been in awe of your positive, strong spirit.
  Kylie, lovely to hear about your friends and your niece, how wonderful.
  Phyllis, Happy Birthday to you.
  Ellie, cats (Abby and Ted) and dogs (Jake and Mitch) are fine. Ted is now just over 2 and weighs in at 7kgs. We seem to have Jake's, Pancreatitis under control and she is fit and healthy. She is now tolerating "roo bones" so that is helping clean up her teeth.
  
  Ellie so glad to hear that Grania is back to her confident self and Big Feller seems a lot like our purry Ted.
  
  I've not said anything (or at least I can't remember)if I have but we are merging our insurance loss adjusting business with a multi national company. We basically had to, to survive. The last two days have been quite busy, down in Adelaide updating our computers with their software and today and tomorrow we are being "trained" up here at home (lol).
  
  The new venture starts on 1st February and we are both looking forward to this new path we are taking. Not as much worry being on you own and it's nice to be part of a business that is Australia wide. The people seem very nice as well.
  
  Hope the above made sense, very tried after a few tiring days and more training tomorrow. When I have time I will update a bit more.
  
  Cheers
  Susan
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Hi All -- Margaret, 23:53:11 01/16/04 Fri
  • Re: Hi All -- Kylie, 07:30:45 01/17/04 Sat
  • Re: Hi All -- tmswinimer@hotmail.com, 11:26:23 01/17/04 Sat
  • Re: Hi All -- Phyllis, 17:59:40 01/17/04 Sat
  
  
• HAPPY BIRTHDAY PHYLLIS !!!!!!!! -- Tina Swinimer, 12:37:42 01/16/04 Fri (hlfx47-206.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.97.206)
  Wishing you all year filled with love and joy ...and great weather-lol
  May good fortune come your way always!
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: HAPPY BIRTHDAY PHYLLIS !!!!!!!! -- Margaret, 23:51:06 01/16/04 Fri
  • Re: HAPPY BIRTHDAY PHYLLIS !!!!!!!! -- Kylie, 07:21:59 01/17/04 Sat
  
  
• Time to catch up! -- Kylie, 23:19:51 01/10/04 Sat (NoHost/144.139.9.124)
  How has everyone been, and what have you been doing?
  
  I know I've been very busy having a relax. I finally started really getting the house in order yesterday, so that I could feel comfortable starting to work on lesson plans on Monday. I have a whole list of things to do outside today. Now I just need to convince that darling hubby of mine that he wants to help, because they are things like using his big ladder to get up on the roof so I can sweep it off. All the gums have been losing heaps of bark because of the dry, and that creates a major fire hazard when it all lands on the roof. I also want to get the fishfern that has started growing back poisoned, but because of asthmas I'm trying to convince dh that it's his job. If he doesn't do it soon though, I will do it asthma or not, because I'm not going to watch all the hard effort I put in last year to pull it all out just fade away as it all grows back again.
  
  Talking of my darling husband, he's completely changed his look in the last week and is now shaved bald and has a small goatee and moustach.
  
  J and X have been busily catching up on lots of computer games over the holidays, and we had a fishing/kiteflying day last week that they thoroughly enjoyed. I got sunburnt despite using sunscreen. The burn is just going down now.
  
  It seems that Kameow is gone for good, but Relly (the stray) seems to have made our house a semi-permanent home.
  
  Dh's (maternal) grandfather is very sick right now. We fully expect dh to be travelling west very soon for a funeral. His Mum and Dad travelled across yesterday because they called all the children to the hospital.
  
  I have been doing a reasonable amount of writing recently, and the manuscript I have been working on is now at 10,000 words. My goal is to have it completed by June to send away to a publisher.
  
  I haven't yet achieved my daily goal of training China, but it is happening more regularly than it was, so that at least is a bonus.
  
  Kylie
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Time to catch up! -- Susan, 12:12:36 01/11/04 Sun
    • Re: Time to catch up! -- Kylie, 04:05:41 01/12/04 Mon
  • Re: Time to catch up! -- Tina Swinimer, 12:27:27 01/16/04 Fri
  
  
• Just a message from bitter cold Nova Scotia -- Tina Swinimer, 12:28:13 01/15/04 Thu (hlfx52-2b-181.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.7.181)
  We are having a cold snap-minus 29 to minus 33 cels..only about 8 cent of nice fluffy snow..snow is fluffy because it is too cold for moisture to soften it.Poor pets-run out only long enough to do their doodles-run back on 3 feet-changing foot positions as they rush in.Supposed to be like this next few days..I don't mind zero weather but the minus zero is far from my liking.Very expensive on whatever anyone uses for heat.ours is all electric.
  I have some good news..perhaps due to those of you who prayed for me..the chemo is working acord to my tests..I have 2 more 6 and 1/2 hour sessions of chemo-oneFeb 3rd and the last Feb 24..after that it is up to the lord whether things get all right.They can't give more than that in chemo because it will eat up my good cells..only so many can be given before the body gets immune to the chemo or the chemo burns up needed cells.
  I did not have to postpone any chemos - most people have to wait an extra week sometimes because the white cells go down and have to replenish-Doctors said what ever I am eating to keep it up..must be what my body needs..I eat a sweet potato every second day-lots of Blueberries-frosen and stewed this time of year-lots of strawberries and all the green veggies I can eat.Regardless of the chemo and some of its effects I have been enjoying my winter and each day I make the best of-visiting-having visitors in..playiong with the pets or grandchildren..walking outside withthe dogs each day I am able.,some days the chemo hurts the legs toomuch for walks..so just a walk in the yard has to sufice.
  I know Phyllis must be having as cold weather as we are here if she has returned from Florida..must get after her for an update.
  The rest of you may cool off for a bit thinking about us being as cold as the inside of your deep freezes..Except Margaret who must have it better in England.
  Love to all..writers-Moms-pet Moms - friends
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Just a message from bitter cold Nova Scotia -- Phyllis, 00:23:28 01/16/04 Fri
  • Re: Back from Florida -- Phyllis, 00:24:49 01/16/04 Fri
  • Re: Just a message from bitter cold Nova Scotia -- Kylie, 02:48:41 01/16/04 Fri
    • Re: Just a message from bitter cold Nova Scotia -- Kylie, 02:52:01 01/16/04 Fri
  
  
• Wonderful News! -- Kylie, 03:33:01 01/13/04 Tue (KTPP-p-203-54-3-238.prem.tmns.net.au/203.54.3.238)
  Does anyone remember me talking about friends of ours who got back together after 13 years?
  
  They just had their second child - a little boy called Carter.
  
  Hopefully, if dh arrives home at a decent hour today, we'll be able to take a trip across and see them.
  
  Kylie
  

  [ Edit | View ]
  
  Replies:

  • And More Wonderful News! -- Kylie, 01:34:33 01/14/04 Wed
    • Re: And More Wonderful News! -- Tina Swinimer, 12:00:32 01/15/04 Thu
      • Cooler Temps -- Kylie, 02:43:50 01/16/04 Fri
  
  
• Busy Life.Kylie.. -- Ellie., 15:21:25 01/12/04 Mon (dsl-203-113-194-177.VIC.netspace.net.au/203.113.194.177)
  Hi Kylie, Love hearing about all your day to day news, isnt there someway of getting rid of those pesky fishferns for good? I am so sorry to hear about Kameow.. cats do sometime come back after a long period of time but of course the more time that goes the less hopeful it gets.Seems as tho you have a new feline willing to take up residence tho!
  Enjoy hearing about your days with J and X, reminds me of school hols when my kids were little, plans to do things to save the 'boredom' I had no rellies for us to visit, and no computers then, well not in the average household! But we made do with trips to the park, the Museum,Vic Market, the local pool.. I also would like to know a little about the novel you are working on Kylie.. as you know I write too, but I'm not working on a novel, just short stories.
  Susan... thanks for the cat enquiry.. Grania has got bold again and is once more venturing outside, however she still uses the laundry sink in an emergency!
  Poor Feller he's so accepting. Today Grania bit my finger and I told her she was an 'attack cat' and to prove my words she jumped up and slapped Fellers face.
  Hope your cats are well too Susan, and Jake, and ? sorry forgotten the other doggies name.
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Addition.. -- Ellie., 15:27:35 01/12/04 Mon
  
  
• LOL !! -- Ellie., 13:56:53 01/05/04 Mon (dsl-203-113-205-54.VIC.netspace.net.au/203.113.205.54)
  Dudo.. love the humour of the photos.. I wanna know where I can get some of that gum juice the tipsy koala has been imbing on!
  Tina... that is a beautiful poem. I wish all the same, and more for you.
  Kylie.. What is the on line fantasy book thing? Is it a book trade group, or do members read the same book, then comment on it? Can anyone join?
  Hiya,Susan..Hope all is well over there in orange country and that you enjoyed your time with your sister over Xmas..
  Alas, none of my ;cultural' plans for the hols have eventuated.. it's been so $#^(^@*^ hot, all I've done is scuttle out for necessary grocery shopping for me and cats, and to the library, then scuttle home again. I don't have a car, or drive, so even to get to public transport is a longish walk in the heat Now that we are finally getting some cooler weather I'm due back at work..!
  Ce'Sera, Sera..
  Elliie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Fantasy -- Kylie, 02:59:58 01/06/04 Tue
  • Re: LOL !! -- Susan, 12:14:43 01/11/04 Sun
  
  
• Some Photos for Dudo -- Susan, 04:56:43 01/04/04 Sun (cheyenne.riverland.net.au/203.18.28.218)
  Guess whose got a new graphic toy?(lol). I had a laugh at some of these, they are great. Dudo can perhaps fill you in a bit more, I'm going from memory here, which can be a little hit and miss for me (lol).
  
  A photo taken and Melbourne zoo, which Dudo has added a bit of something (lol), this one's called "Koala Brew".
  
  
  Daddy Christmas (a friend?)
  
  
  Her dog (is it Cailie?) and entitled "It's an Alien" (lol).
  
  
  Dudo has been creative and made a Teddy Bear for her Mum, it's great by the way, but imagine stuffing the poor Ted into your scanner like that (lol)?
  
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Some Photos for Dudo -- Tina Swinimer, 12:49:24 01/04/04 Sun
  
  
• Photos for you -- Dudo, 09:50:35 01/04/04 Sun (mxpp-p-144-138-188-89.prem.tmns.net.au/144.138.188.89)
  Thanks Susan- I'm having trouble posting on here AGAIN...
  Koala pic was actually Healesville Sanctuary(connected to Melb. Zoo), and the original shows a happy sleeping koala, not the weird one you see here!
  Daddy Christmas was just because this guy had such "a look" on his face, and it was Christmas day...he doesn't really have a white beard!
  Tiy, the dog has only 1/2 a light blue eye, and a lovely dark brown one, altho I prefer my version!
  
  Not brilliant art work, but I thought they might give you a giggle!!
  

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• Teddy Bear Photo -- Susan, 05:03:38 01/04/04 Sun (cheyenne.riverland.net.au/203.18.28.218)
  Okay, will try again with the Teddy Bear (lol).
  
  Dudo has been creative and made a Teddy Bear for her Mum, it's great by the way, but imagine stuffing the poor Ted into your scanner like that (lol)?
  
  
  You've done a fantastic job with him, well done. Does he have a name?
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Teddy Bear Photo -- dudo, 09:43:42 01/04/04 Sun
  • Re: Teddy Bear Photo -- dudo, 09:44:58 01/04/04 Sun
  
  
• HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL -- Tina Swinimer, 04:28:16 12/31/03 Wed (hlfx58-1-151.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.108.151)
  May all your dreams come true
  and your troubles very few
  May you be blessed with health
  and lots of wealth
  
  May all you pets be happy
  we hope not too yappy!
  May their eyes glow with love the whole year through
  Wishing 2004 the best year ever for them and for you !!
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL -- Susan, 10:09:02 12/31/03 Wed
  • Re: HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL -- Phyllis, 18:15:47 12/31/03 Wed
  
  
• Apri Xmas. -- Ellie, 14:04:47 12/29/03 Mon (dsl-203-113-193-159.VIC.netspace.net.au/203.113.193.159)
  Hello all, hope your day was good however you spent it. Dudo,have not yet seen the Myer windows, too crowded before Xmas, and now too HOT! Will be gone by the time I get there I guess. Did see the giant Xmas tree in the Square tho.
  Am waiting for some cool days before I do my holiday round of Museum, Art Gallery.. lots of new exhibitions.
  Spent Xmas day and 26th with daughter and family at their house, night of the 26th a family mob went together to see the third Lord of the Rings film. Return of the King.Fanatastic special effects. Anyone else seen it yet?
  Doing LOTS of reading just now. I have a while off work, family and friends gone off on holidays.. so I get carried away into the world of books... and it's not a bad place to be!
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Apri Xmas. -- Tina Swinimer, 03:22:07 12/30/03 Tue
  • Re: Apri Xmas. -- Susan, 10:20:11 12/30/03 Tue
  • Re: Apri Xmas. -- Kylie, 14:29:27 12/30/03 Tue
  
  
• Christmas Present -- Kylie, 13:36:56 12/23/03 Tue (KTPP-p-203-54-145-248.prem.tmns.net.au/203.54.145.248)
  I have always said we have terrific landlords. Just wanted to share what they have just done.
  
  They are (right now at 9.30pm) installing a new air-conditioning unit in the house. It will be up and running for Christmas Day.
  
  Woohoo!
  
  Kylie
  

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  Replies:

  • Wow!! -- Susan, 10:32:23 12/30/03 Tue
  
  
• Happy Christmas everyone -- Margaret, 01:59:46 12/25/03 Thu (webcacheB03a.cache.pol.co.uk/195.92.168.165)
  Sorry I haven't been round much lately, loosing Dixie so soon after Tommy and Bill in hospital again, I haven't been coping very well.
  
  For some time I couldn't make out why my asthma was bad, I found out, my cleaner wasn't doing the job properly, she cleaned were it was noticiable, but not were it wasn't. This has been affecting my health, and I had to redocorate my bedroom to get rid of the dust, it was ingrained into the skirting boards etc, behind the furniture. All the furniture is on casters and is easy to move. I am now looking for a new cleaner.
  
  Bill is very demanding, most stroke patients are, it is part of a stroke, and most of my time is seeing to him. I don't have much time for myself, except when I come on to the internet, then he is still demanding.
  
  I had a terrible fight to get Bill home for Christmas, Social Services weren't doing anything except to tell me that there were no carers. Bill already had carers set up, but they seem to put the staffs time off before the patients. He is home now, he came home yesterday.
  
  I have been having problems with both my shoulders for a long time now and eventually went to the doctors, I have repetitive strain injury to both of them. Every anti inflamitory tablet he suggested I have had before when my hip was bad and I had a bad reaction to them all. He has given me some anti inflamitory cream to rub in instead. If this doesn't work, I will have to have injections in both.
  
  Merlin has settled in well now and is learning how to be obedient, but he insists on pinching my shoes and taking them to bed with him. He is now house trained and never walks, just bounces, a very different dog to the one I got at first.
  
  Susan, I am sorry you have diabetes, my mother had it but at least once it is balanced you can lead an near normal life. It does take some getting used to, but I am sure you can do it. I am sending healing thoughts across to help you.
  
  It is lovely to see that everyone is with their families for Christmas, and I hope that you all enjoy yourselves.
  
  Tina, I am sending lots of healing thoughts across to you daily, to help you through this. The positive way you have is an inspiration to us, hair or no hair You are going to be fine, it is ordered specially for you.
  
  It is 11pm Christmas Eve, Bill is in bed and I have to load the dishwasher and tidy up a bit before going to bed, my shoulders won't let me do any more. Thankfully my brother and his wife are coming tomorrow so I will be up early to walk the dogs before the carers come to get Bill up.
  
  Take care everyone, and thank you for being there for me, even when I have problems posting. You really are a wonderful bunch of friends.
  
  Big Hugs.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Happy New Year -- Phyllis, 21:21:37 12/27/03 Sat
  • Re: Happy Christmas everyone -- Susan, 10:30:25 12/30/03 Tue
  
  
• Belated christmas wishes, etc! -- Dudo, 11:47:16 12/28/03 Sun (mxpp-p-144-138-188-6.prem.tmns.net.au/144.138.188.6)
  hello, all.......I have been having truoble with this site- so will try again!
  I hope all is well...
  Margaret, I hope your shoulders are more comfortable- try some Kinesiology! It can do magic! Did Bill enjoy his Christmas? Hope so
  
  Susan...Bummer! Still, in this day & age, Diabetic food , is really what we all should be eating... low fat, low sugar, lots of fibre... you'll be so fit it'll hurt!!LOL
  
  Kylie- Glad you've got "that" discussion out the way!!,Glad to hear about the air con. too!Have you found Kameow?
  
  
  Tina- how're the aches & pains after Chemo? Bet the Christmas celebrations were wonderful!
  
  Ellie- Aaah- Chrissie in melbourne- myer windows, Church all decked oput with trees from all over the world, Carols by candlelight.... Hope Yours went well.
  
  
  Phyliss- Hope the snow didn't spoil your Christmas..
  
  
  
  Our Christmas was very quiet!I worked the previous day... Christmas eve we sat & watched the "carols", Christmas Day we went up to a neighbour's in the morning, and had cold lunch. Paul bought a small cray, and some prawns- first time ever! We had a simple , but expensive lunch, which was delicious! In the afternoon, we played with what Father Christmas left us- a wonderful big Dyson vacuum cleaner, and a scanner for my computer!!The scanner has a wonderful program so I can "play" with photos- Susan, if u don't mind, I'll email u some to post!!
  We had a hot Chicken roast, (& pudding) for tea... took the dogs for a swim, and tidied up wrapping paper etc.
  Hamlet was VERY good all day- didn't touch any boxes or paper or anything, and we're NOT tidy people! hehad his own pressies- a soft frisbee, and a squeaky canvas ball, plus a scarf and christmas hat- he carried these around all day!!I thought that was pretty good for a 6 monthish pup!
  Anyway...hope 2004 is kind to us all...
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Belated christmas wishes, etc! -- Kylie, 11:21:45 12/29/03 Mon
  • Re: Belated christmas wishes, etc! -- Tina Swinimer, 03:35:47 12/30/03 Tue
  • Re: Belated christmas wishes, etc! -- Susan, 10:23:35 12/30/03 Tue
  
  
• Merry Christmas -- Kylie, 23:43:49 12/24/03 Wed (KTPP-p-203-54-145-158.prem.tmns.net.au/203.54.145.158)
  Had to pop online to check out the time of the Christmas Day church service, so thought I would pop in while I was online.
  
  Merry Christmas everyone, and may God bless your day.
  
  Kylie
  

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• Merry Christmas and a Better New Year -- Susan, 05:24:27 12/21/03 Sun (CPE-144-137-199-145.sa.bigpond.net.au/144.137.199.145)
  Margaret, Ellie, Tina, Kylie, Dudo & Phyliss I hope the festive season with family and friends is a great one. Yes, I hope 2004 is better in every way for you all. Thinking of you all and wishing every happiness.
  
  Ellie I am so pleased you will be spending the Christmas/New Year holidays with all your family, how wonderful to have them all home.
  
  Tina, Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family. I know you have problems, but are very blessed having such a wonderful support as your family seem. Take care and hope you are feeling okay over Christmas.
  
  Dudo, I can imagine you guys having a "true blue" Christmas, maybe a barbie?
  
  Margaret, I hope Bill is feeling better and your family has a good Christmas as well.
  
  Phyliss, I hope you have a wonderful time in the New Year with your family and two Granddaughters, I imagine you are looking so forward to seeing them.
  
  Kylie, I know your beliefs and totally respect them. Shall I just wish you all the best in the New Year and please continue to let us enjoy J & X's stories, I know we enjoy them.
  
  Me? Well, off to Adelaide for 2 days from very early Christmas morning to Saturday. My sister, husband and one son are coming over from Melbourne. The other boy is in England at the moment. Rob will come back Christmas night to look after the animals and I am looking forward to catching up with my Mum and Leigh. Leigh is actually working until 3.00pm Christmas day but will see him for dinner.
  
  On a side note, I have been a bit quiet on here of late. I have not felt my normal self all year (thinking it was Menopause related) and just found out that I have Type II Diabetes. Hence, my feeling of general unwellness. My Dad and an Uncle had the same thing, so not really surprised. Basically, it's a change of diet to a healthy one, not as restrictive as I thought. I'm certainly not complaining, it's given me the wake up call I needed to look after myself better (Leigh always says I take care of the animals better than myself - lol). So, next year I will be fighting fit and and feeling a million dollars - I do like to be positive.
  
  Anyway, just thought I would let you all know about my very small problem and if anyone has any tried and successful Diabetic recipes I shall be grateful.
  
  I treasure the friends I have found on this board and think of you all often. Take care.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Merry Christmas and a Better New Year -- Phyllis, 17:45:08 12/22/03 Mon
  
  
• Sex and the Holidays -- Kylie, 01:53:03 12/22/03 Mon (NoHost/144.139.9.71)
  Aaaarrrrggggghhhhhh!!!!!!! It's happened! My little girl asked me what sex was the other day. She's only seven! By the time I finished explaining she was giggling and her brother (who was in the room at the time of asking) was completely disgusted.
  
  We're staying home for the holidays as dh is oncall over Christmas/New Year.
  
  Susan, I think there's been a bit of a mix up over that conversation about Santa. We do celebrate Christmas here, just don't do Santa Claus. So, Merry Christmas one and all, and all the blessings of the season.
  
  Please pray, as I haven't seen Kameow in over a week and nor have any of our neighbours who usually see her wandering in their back paddocks.
  
  J and X are out sorting sticks from leaves right now. Our neighbours want the mulch to fill up part of their garden, but can live without the sticks.
  
  We're looking at getting dh a new work vehicle very soon, so keep in mind that we need the finance to go through before New Year for things to work out.
  
  Kylie
  

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  Replies:

  • Hi Kylie -- Susan, 11:56:01 12/22/03 Mon
  
  
• Cheers to All!! -- Susan, 05:41:28 12/21/03 Sun (CPE-144-137-199-145.sa.bigpond.net.au/144.137.199.145)
  
  
  
  
  
  As you can tell I am a total cat lover (lol).
  

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• Best Wishes -- Tina Swinimer, 04:54:00 12/21/03 Sun (hlfx42-142176092239.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.92.239)
  May all of you and your families,children,mothers.fathers..have a wonderful happy Christmas and a New Year filled with Joy and good fortune and love throughout it all.
  May all your pets
  have extra purrs and tail wags for you.
  For you Aussies..wish I could see those 6 white boomers!!
  

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• Writing now because.. -- Ellie., 14:48:34 12/20/03 Sat (dsl-203-113-193-159.VIC.netspace.net.au/203.113.193.159)
  I'm not sure how much of a chance I'll get before Xmas. So this is to wish all of you,families and loved ones, friends and neighbours a blessed, safe and happy Xmas.
  Tina, thinking of you especially.. and hoping that the following weeks and year will be the best they can for you.
  Susan, you are a gem, the way you think about and keep in touch with us all.
  Kylie it's been beaut hearing about J and X and your everyday family doings, and Dudo.. love the stories of country life.
  Margaret, wishing all the best for you and Bill, and Merlin, and other 'furries'
  It's been a year of ups and downs, joys and sadness for all of us.. as most years are!
  Me, well will be spending Xmas day and 26th, with my daughter and family at their home.Youngest son,Simon and wife Sinead are happily back from 3 months traveling in Europe, and eldest son Peter arrives home from London on the 27th.
  Thank you all for your friendship thru the year (including all that I haven't named personally)
  Blessings..
  Ellie.
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Writing now because.. -- Tina Swinimer, 04:44:16 12/21/03 Sun
  
  
• Spring cleaning! Bleh!!! -- Kylie, 02:17:39 12/15/03 Mon (CWPP-p-144-134-231-126.prem.tmns.net.au/144.134.231.126)
  Hey everyone! I'm just taking a break from spring cleaning. I pulled all the furniture out of J's room the other day, and so far have cleaned his vertical drapes and the top of his window architrave. I need a bit of positive encouragement cause I've hit the wall and I've still got a bed and bedroom furniture cluttering up the dining room.
  
  I need to get in and clean the ceiling and walls today (in prep for painting), then I'm planning on doing the windows and screens before dh puts the new furniture he's planning to build over Christmas into the room.
  
  He wants me to leave the old furniture where it is because he thinks it will give him a push in the right direction to getting the new stuff made (constant reminder kind of thing). To me it's just a constant reminder that the house is a mess.
  
  Kylie
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Spring cleaning! Bleh!!! -- Tina Swinimer, 09:13:59 12/15/03 Mon
  • Re: Spring cleaning! Bleh!!! -- Phyllis, 20:02:23 12/15/03 Mon
    • Re: Spring cleaning! Bleh!!! -- Kylie, 09:50:38 12/16/03 Tue
      • Re: Tina's message -- Kylie, 09:55:39 12/16/03 Tue
  • Re: Spring cleaning! Bleh!!! -- Ellie., 01:14:29 12/18/03 Thu
  • Re: Spring cleaning! Bleh!!! -- Susan, 13:03:28 12/19/03 Fri
  
  
• Phyllis-snow -- Tina Swinimer, 13:48:38 12/10/03 Wed (hlfx29-136.ns.sympatico.ca/142.177.79.136)
  Phillis what part of the USA do you live in..you beat us with snow-so far this fall we only go 2 inches althought the northern parts of NOva Scotia got dumped on like you did.Even central NS got tons of snow.Today we are supposed to go to 10 cels and have rain for 2 days..odd for us but nice for travel.Tomorrow is my youngest granddaughters school Christmas concert and my "chemo pains" seem over for this run so I am looking forward to going.Next chemo Dec.23 so from 26 to 30 will most likely have the leg and foot pains..I have all the things done ahead that I can do..even some of the types of meals made that can be frozen in the deep freeze..so we won't go hungry for cooked meals.Plus lots of baked goodies frozen.I like fresh best but one has to do what one can.
  Do you live in a town or city? this is a little village where I live but it is the hub to 2 major towns so we are positioned in a very nice area..minutes to the ocean in summer-minutes to a very large lake in the opposite direction and a yard like the garden of Eden..if I don't make it to the right place in the next world at least I have known a bit of heaven here-lol
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Phyllis-snow -- Phyllis, 19:22:36 12/10/03 Wed
    • Re: Phyllis-was to your state -- Tina Swinimer, 14:14:31 12/11/03 Thu
      • Re: Tina's e-mail -- Phyllis, 23:30:14 12/11/03 Thu
        • Re: Tina's e-mail -- Tina, 14:37:36 12/12/03 Fri
          • Re: Tina's e-mail -- Phyllis, 19:09:27 12/12/03 Fri
    • Hi girls -- Susan, 12:50:19 12/14/03 Sun
      • Re: Susan and others. -- Phyllis, 00:28:23 12/15/03 Mon
      • Re: Hi girls-Chinese food!wait 'till I get my boots on -- Tina Swinimer, 09:05:37 12/15/03 Mon
        • Re: -Chinese food! -- Phyllis, 19:53:35 12/15/03 Mon
  
  
• Ballet News -- Kylie, 01:47:35 12/08/03 Mon (CWPP-p-144-134-231-54.prem.tmns.net.au/144.134.231.54)
  Hey everyone!
  
  I've been really busy recently with all the end of year dance stuff with the kids (sewing lace embroidery onto tutus, sequins onto shirts and pants, running kids to lessons etc) so haven't been around as much.
  
  Well, we have ballet exam results. J got 73% and a Distinction. X got 85%, a distinction and equal topped the school.
  
  At the concert yesterday, which we wondered whether J would get to participate in because of an allergic reaction, J got a small trophy and a certificate and X got a certificate, a ribbon, a special gift given to all the soloists (a picture frame with all ballet stuff around it) and brought home the perpetual trophy for the Junior grades.
  
  They both danced fantastically yesterday. I was so proud of them, and seeing them on stage made all that nasty sewing worthwhile (sewing is not my favourite task).
  
  For tap dancing - X had a lime green and watermelon pink sequinned leotard with feathers on the back and a lime green feather and pink sequinned headpiece; J had a pair of black pants with a lime green sequinned stripe down each leg and a lime green shirt with a lime green sequinned pocket.
  
  For ballet - X had a lilac leotard with soft chiffon cap sleeves, a lilac half tutu made of tuille and a purple ribbon in her hair; J wore a pair of black boys leggings with white socks up to the knees , white ballets and a lilac button up shirt. They danced to Grieg's 'Wedding at Troldhaugen'.
  
  For her classical solo X wore a hot pink tutu (one of the ones with the fluffy bum) embroidered with gold lace and satin ballet slippers with the ribbons up the legs.
  
  Kylie
  

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  Replies:

  • Re: Ballet News -- Phyllis, 20:40:19 12/09/03 Tue
  • Re: Ballet News -- Tina Swinimer, 13:30:06 12/10/03 Wed
    • Re: Ballet News -- Kylie, 01:20:44 12/11/03 Thu
  • Re: Ballet News -- Susan, 12:51:42 12/14/03 Sun