Well Christmas is Nigh, Bah! Humbug!
Just got the tug back after being fitted out with Black Widow drawer system, Red Arc dual battery system, Anderson plug, aux plugs and second battery in the rear for fridge. The guys at TJM Cairns have done a beautiful job on the ford; it definitely gives you much more room and versatility in the back. The drawer system seems very strong and robust.
Sister Sylvia finally made it up from the deep south after an eventful trip. Flat tyres, running hot radiator in the Merc, Keys locked in van (yep twice ha! ha!) and a coming together with a kangaroo which tore out the trailer wiring from the van, bugger!!
That took a day out of her schedule awaiting an auto elec in West Wylong..
Still she is here now all safe and sound and trip number one under her belt, it will only get easier from here on. Healthy breakfast on the first day. (I saw her getting fresh mangoes for breaky from the tree.)Champagne etc for dinner tonight.
We have booked at our favourite restaurant for Xmas dinner and have just seen the menu, yummmm!! Looks great. This together with a champagne or three should just do the job, a nanna nap after will finish the day off just fine.
We installed a “doggie door” for Misty so she can please herself wether she goes in or out of the van, she picked it up quite quickly really, marvellous what a treat on the wrong side of the door will do!!
John and Sandy have left the park to drop their gear in to their new house before travelling south to be with family for Xmas, have a safe trip guys and we will look forward to your return in the New Year. These two are great people and we will miss the afternoon drinks etc with them. It is very quiet in the park as I said before but also it is very nice, we have more birds and wild life around this time of year. I planted a tomatoe plant and had a great first bunch, then the catapillars had a great second bunch between them!! Bugger again.
Just had a call from some very good and long time friends (way back when we first got hitched, loooong time ago) more later.
OK that’s all folks, to all our readers have a very happy and safe Xmas and new year and above all live life!!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
November
Well how things change, Fae has finished working full time and is going gently into retirement, (sound like we are putting her down!!!) She is only doing 10 hours per week now, just to help her old company out. I admit it is great to have her home when I arrive from work, meals cooked, van sparkling clean and every thing in its place. That is until I get home then it looks like a bomb hit, ha! ha!
Speaking of bombs, Misty is so very full of life. She was going to Pup Stars day care whilst we were both working, and at $95 per week it was like she was a star. The people there called her “energizer” as they would put her with various dogs during the day until she had run them all into the ground with her playing. She has grown up a bit now but is still in puppy mode while she plays, biting every thing, very sharp little fangs she has got as well.
She started in a bed along side ours, that lasted about 3-4 minutes then in to our bed, where she rules the roost. She has been sleeping right through the night now so it really is great.
Heard from sister Sylvia the other day and it looks like she will be joining us for Christmas, we will have a ball, she is getting her pop top fitted out with her stuff so it will be a good shake down trip for her. (a long way from Barmera S.A.)
The rains have just started to hit Cairns, not much really, just a promise of things to come. The park is almost empty now just a few of us left, our neighbors, Harold & Ann have had there house finished, a beautiful residence it is too! Our other friends John & Sandy are building at trinity and their house will be ready by Christmas, (may be!!!) so my lovely Fae and I will be alone for awhile I guess. Nice and quiet too!!
Well folks that wraps it up for today so drive safe and please keep in touch.
Speaking of bombs, Misty is so very full of life. She was going to Pup Stars day care whilst we were both working, and at $95 per week it was like she was a star. The people there called her “energizer” as they would put her with various dogs during the day until she had run them all into the ground with her playing. She has grown up a bit now but is still in puppy mode while she plays, biting every thing, very sharp little fangs she has got as well.
She started in a bed along side ours, that lasted about 3-4 minutes then in to our bed, where she rules the roost. She has been sleeping right through the night now so it really is great.
Heard from sister Sylvia the other day and it looks like she will be joining us for Christmas, we will have a ball, she is getting her pop top fitted out with her stuff so it will be a good shake down trip for her. (a long way from Barmera S.A.)
The rains have just started to hit Cairns, not much really, just a promise of things to come. The park is almost empty now just a few of us left, our neighbors, Harold & Ann have had there house finished, a beautiful residence it is too! Our other friends John & Sandy are building at trinity and their house will be ready by Christmas, (may be!!!) so my lovely Fae and I will be alone for awhile I guess. Nice and quiet too!!
Well folks that wraps it up for today so drive safe and please keep in touch.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
A VERY SAD AUGUST
As you know by my last post, Fae and I had a holiday in Bali, more later. Unfortunately before we left one of our best friends lost his fight with the dreaded cancer. Darren was only 42 and married for just over two years to Jo. He was diagnosed with cancer shortly after they got married and was operated on very quickly, everything seemed to be going OK until a few short months ago. Darren left us on the 2nd August he was at home with family and friends as he wanted. He has left a very big void in our lives and all that had dealings with him, Darren was just one of those sorts of people, helped everyone and asked nothing in return.
He took all the photos at Fae and my recommitment ceremony on the 9th May and all was OK. So short a time, remember, do not take time or friends for granted they leave so suddenly. I don’t want to be morbid on this blog so I will leave it at that, Darren, you will be very sorely missed my friend RIP.
Fae and I left for Bali on the 7th August for a few days of r&r, we flew from Cairns to Darwin and then on to Denpasar, we flew with Jet star and were quite happy with the flight etc. We were picked up at the airport, after clearing customs and taken to our hotel in Seminyak. We stayed at the “Grand Bali Sani Suites” it was a beautiful hotel on the beach. It was listed as three stars but was in fact maybe 4 1/2 stars. Very clean and large rooms, fantastic service, great meals and views over the ocean. Yes it was a little away from the bustle of Kuta but great for what we wanted, just a quiet time. I will put a couple of pics on the site later. We were there for 4 nights then moved up to “the hotel from hell” in Ubud. It was called the Champ lung Sari resort, what a play on words, our room was very small, very dirty, the sheets were mouldy, the food was plain awful, and to top it off you had monkeys sitting on top of your food before you eat Yuk!!! I put a report on trip advisor for all to see.
Well I have never been so glad to be back in OZ, Fae liked it but this trip left a bad taste in the mouth. Never mind life goes on.
On our return I finally weakened and we purchased a very small pup.
Pomeranian, Chihuahua cross. See pic we named her “Misty”. You will probably hear a lot more of her over the rest of our saga.
Well that’s all for this month so stay safe and live life.
He took all the photos at Fae and my recommitment ceremony on the 9th May and all was OK. So short a time, remember, do not take time or friends for granted they leave so suddenly. I don’t want to be morbid on this blog so I will leave it at that, Darren, you will be very sorely missed my friend RIP.
Fae and I left for Bali on the 7th August for a few days of r&r, we flew from Cairns to Darwin and then on to Denpasar, we flew with Jet star and were quite happy with the flight etc. We were picked up at the airport, after clearing customs and taken to our hotel in Seminyak. We stayed at the “Grand Bali Sani Suites” it was a beautiful hotel on the beach. It was listed as three stars but was in fact maybe 4 1/2 stars. Very clean and large rooms, fantastic service, great meals and views over the ocean. Yes it was a little away from the bustle of Kuta but great for what we wanted, just a quiet time. I will put a couple of pics on the site later. We were there for 4 nights then moved up to “the hotel from hell” in Ubud. It was called the Champ lung Sari resort, what a play on words, our room was very small, very dirty, the sheets were mouldy, the food was plain awful, and to top it off you had monkeys sitting on top of your food before you eat Yuk!!! I put a report on trip advisor for all to see.
Well I have never been so glad to be back in OZ, Fae liked it but this trip left a bad taste in the mouth. Never mind life goes on.
On our return I finally weakened and we purchased a very small pup.
Pomeranian, Chihuahua cross. See pic we named her “Misty”. You will probably hear a lot more of her over the rest of our saga.
Well that’s all for this month so stay safe and live life.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Paradise in July
Hi all you good folk, well as I said in the last up date “Fae” had a birthday on the 7th July. Surrounded by friends we had a beautiful meal at our favourite restaurant in Palm Cove. Bella Baci is on the esplanade at Palm Cove north of Cairns, A provincial Italian Restaurant of the highest calibre. After a complementary bottle of one of the best French champagnes and some of our favourite meals we had a great night.
The park is still full and “happy hour” seems to be taking on a personality of itself. There are groups setting up all over the park and circling of the chairs is a requirement (just like the wagons of the wild west). It is great to see people enjoying them selves.
Just got our rego in for the Tug and My cruiser, christ they know how to charge, about $800 for the old cruiser and around $700 for the Ranger, this puts a hole in the budget I tell you. Never mind could be worse. We are off to Bali next month for a week, yeah I know but some one has to do it. !!!!
The park is still full and “happy hour” seems to be taking on a personality of itself. There are groups setting up all over the park and circling of the chairs is a requirement (just like the wagons of the wild west). It is great to see people enjoying them selves.
Just got our rego in for the Tug and My cruiser, christ they know how to charge, about $800 for the old cruiser and around $700 for the Ranger, this puts a hole in the budget I tell you. Never mind could be worse. We are off to Bali next month for a week, yeah I know but some one has to do it. !!!!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Beautiful in June
Monthly Report
June has been a rather good month weather wise at least. Fae and I have both been very busy at work. At Norstate we have had the best month since I have been here, great for business.
Funny thing, one of my work mates was having trouble losing his chooks at home, he looked hi and low for the culprit and low and behold he found the trouble maker. A 3mt scrub python., said python must have been full from his last meal as he was no match for my mate, quick as lightning he is!!! (see Pic) Poor old bugger was very sedate (snake that is) so we held him up for a pic. I then phoned another guy who is with the wild life carers and he will look after the old fella until he is ready to be released in to the wild again. Hopefully not near anyone’s chook run??
The park is looking very busy and full of holiday makers and a few sundowners thrown in for good measure. Plenty of kids running and generally making noise!!!! (not too bad though) I did tell one gent that “did he realise that you can buy puppies now” you should have seen the dark look I got! Never mind he will age soon enough.
I was reading the Caravan & Motorhome Mag the other day, in it were some horror stories about van parks re pricing etc. We must be very lucky up here in Cairns. Lake Placid Van Park is one beautiful place; just far enough out of town to be quiet but only a few minutes from a large shopping center and some local “must do “ attractions. The amenities are great as are the various activities arranged by the staff. Asian night feeds, quiz nights and Saturday morning breakies!! Great.
We had an American naval vessel in for the 4th of July celebrations and the council did put on a great fireworks display for the 2800 service men and women from the USof A,
They seemed like a likeable lot of young people, very polite etc, good on em!
Have a very special day coming up on the 7th July, Fae’s birthday so we will have a special night out with some friends.
See you all later and stay safe
June has been a rather good month weather wise at least. Fae and I have both been very busy at work. At Norstate we have had the best month since I have been here, great for business.
Funny thing, one of my work mates was having trouble losing his chooks at home, he looked hi and low for the culprit and low and behold he found the trouble maker. A 3mt scrub python., said python must have been full from his last meal as he was no match for my mate, quick as lightning he is!!! (see Pic) Poor old bugger was very sedate (snake that is) so we held him up for a pic. I then phoned another guy who is with the wild life carers and he will look after the old fella until he is ready to be released in to the wild again. Hopefully not near anyone’s chook run??
The park is looking very busy and full of holiday makers and a few sundowners thrown in for good measure. Plenty of kids running and generally making noise!!!! (not too bad though) I did tell one gent that “did he realise that you can buy puppies now” you should have seen the dark look I got! Never mind he will age soon enough.
I was reading the Caravan & Motorhome Mag the other day, in it were some horror stories about van parks re pricing etc. We must be very lucky up here in Cairns. Lake Placid Van Park is one beautiful place; just far enough out of town to be quiet but only a few minutes from a large shopping center and some local “must do “ attractions. The amenities are great as are the various activities arranged by the staff. Asian night feeds, quiz nights and Saturday morning breakies!! Great.
We had an American naval vessel in for the 4th of July celebrations and the council did put on a great fireworks display for the 2800 service men and women from the USof A,
They seemed like a likeable lot of young people, very polite etc, good on em!
Have a very special day coming up on the 7th July, Fae’s birthday so we will have a special night out with some friends.
See you all later and stay safe
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Full Moon ceremony
Full moon on the 9th May, three days early (We were married on the 12th but because of moon) we had a recommitment ceremony, Yeh! I know, married again, and to the same Sheila!!!
It was great, very small with only our son and my sister from our family and close friends. As our readers know both Fae and I follow Wicca so our ceremony was done as a “hand fasting” (you can look that up if you want) It all went very well and some onlookers were a bit enlightened as to what was going on. No sacrifice, or nude debauchery (Bugger! She said that was in!!) Just a very nice gathering. My Fae looked beautiful, and almost brought a tear to my eye. We originally got married in a registry office sooooo long ago!. Fae has always wanted to do this so I just bought it up out of the blue. It was great and I should have done it many years ago. OK enough self flagellation, have a look at the pic and I will try to add a picture file later.
Have a great time dreaming or doing it. (Travelling I mean??)
It was great, very small with only our son and my sister from our family and close friends. As our readers know both Fae and I follow Wicca so our ceremony was done as a “hand fasting” (you can look that up if you want) It all went very well and some onlookers were a bit enlightened as to what was going on. No sacrifice, or nude debauchery (Bugger! She said that was in!!) Just a very nice gathering. My Fae looked beautiful, and almost brought a tear to my eye. We originally got married in a registry office sooooo long ago!. Fae has always wanted to do this so I just bought it up out of the blue. It was great and I should have done it many years ago. OK enough self flagellation, have a look at the pic and I will try to add a picture file later.
Have a great time dreaming or doing it. (Travelling I mean??)
The Sundowners Arrive
Fae has gone down to Brisvagas for the day to attend a training session, not enough time to shop!! BUGGER says She!! Ha! Ha! Says I
Still it gives me some time to do the washing etc to surprise her, also to have a look at the water inlet. Jayco’s have a pressure reduction valve that keeps from blowing all the pipes off your van with high water pressure. A great thing but it seems to be playing up on me, when you get up in the am some times you can't get the water to run for some minutes, bugger if you are in the shower at 6am I tell you. Still I will have a look at same today, if any one knows any secrets feel free to drop us a line in the guest book!
On that subject I would appreciate some comments etc in same as we don’t seem to get many. I am starting to feel unloved, Yeh! Right.
We had some friends join us a few months back Paul and Lynne who I mentioned earlier had a bit of a set back. They too are a great couple and we saw quite a bit of them during the wet season. We have missed their company and seeing the dogs (Fae even bought dog chocs for Cindy & Honey) over the last few weeks. We came home the other day to find they had left with out saying good bye and wonder what we did? Still we hope they have good and safe travels where ever they go and some of you will meet up with them I am sure.
The park is really starting to fill up with lots of very nice people. There are still some kids, sorry ,I mean children about, running around and yelling. Hopefully they will go soon and I can pretent to be a "Sundowner" again for a few months.
Ok that’s all for today, have to fix that valve before the boss gets home, safe travels to you all.
Still it gives me some time to do the washing etc to surprise her, also to have a look at the water inlet. Jayco’s have a pressure reduction valve that keeps from blowing all the pipes off your van with high water pressure. A great thing but it seems to be playing up on me, when you get up in the am some times you can't get the water to run for some minutes, bugger if you are in the shower at 6am I tell you. Still I will have a look at same today, if any one knows any secrets feel free to drop us a line in the guest book!
On that subject I would appreciate some comments etc in same as we don’t seem to get many. I am starting to feel unloved, Yeh! Right.
We had some friends join us a few months back Paul and Lynne who I mentioned earlier had a bit of a set back. They too are a great couple and we saw quite a bit of them during the wet season. We have missed their company and seeing the dogs (Fae even bought dog chocs for Cindy & Honey) over the last few weeks. We came home the other day to find they had left with out saying good bye and wonder what we did? Still we hope they have good and safe travels where ever they go and some of you will meet up with them I am sure.
The park is really starting to fill up with lots of very nice people. There are still some kids, sorry ,I mean children about, running around and yelling. Hopefully they will go soon and I can pretent to be a "Sundowner" again for a few months.
Ok that’s all for today, have to fix that valve before the boss gets home, safe travels to you all.
The Waiting Goes On
Ok so I have been very slack and some of our readers have said so.
I just checked the guest book and saw a message from Shiela&Willymakeit, I thought we had lost contact with those pair, as I have said before and for those of you who have been lucky enough to meet them, would agree, they are the salt of the earth, and a great couple. You can spend so quality time over the odd ale or three with them.
I & Fae have been working very hard and long hours for some time now and coming home to the van is very precious to us just to spend some time together and rest up. It seems as though I have got a thing called Lymph Oedema in my lower legs, (that sucks, when I get home I look like balloon man) There is no history of it in my family and I have had no trauma or ops so it is a bit unfair. I will find out on Monday the total verdict but looks like I will have to wear compression stockings on the lower leg to stop the swelling. As far as I can find out there is no cure and I am stuck with it. Ah! Well, I am still alive and have Fae with me.
Our son hit us with the news that he and his fiancé have split up after seven years of living together, he is shattered and just doesn’t know what to do at this stage, as I said life sucks some times.
The weather is getting much better but so bloody cold during the night, I try to cuddle up to Fae but she tells me I’m too cold and to keep on my side. 26 during the days though and plenty of sun, beautiful!!!!
Has anybody had any trouble with the top of the line Coleman reclining chairs?? We purchased two of the 130kg rated ones, (Fae stops the scales at 50kg if she is ringing wet) me well I am getting up there at 110kg. We have managed to break two arms and the seating on Fae’s tore at the seam. This all happened over a six month period. The guy where we got them replaced the first two with nary a problem, but when we took the latest one back he said he did not have stock and was not getting any in the near future. We asked if there was a problem with them to which he replied that they had a few returns!! After telling us to take them to some other shop who had stock to get them replaced, I asked if we could get our money back, no probs so long as we had receipt. Fae always keeps these things, typical female!!! (Ouch) But he would not return the one that was not broken saying there was nothing wrong with it. I said that he had just hinted that they have problems with that model and I would like a refund on that one also, no go. So guys just beware of the arms breaking on the adjustable Coleman 130 kg chairs.
I just checked the guest book and saw a message from Shiela&Willymakeit, I thought we had lost contact with those pair, as I have said before and for those of you who have been lucky enough to meet them, would agree, they are the salt of the earth, and a great couple. You can spend so quality time over the odd ale or three with them.
I & Fae have been working very hard and long hours for some time now and coming home to the van is very precious to us just to spend some time together and rest up. It seems as though I have got a thing called Lymph Oedema in my lower legs, (that sucks, when I get home I look like balloon man) There is no history of it in my family and I have had no trauma or ops so it is a bit unfair. I will find out on Monday the total verdict but looks like I will have to wear compression stockings on the lower leg to stop the swelling. As far as I can find out there is no cure and I am stuck with it. Ah! Well, I am still alive and have Fae with me.
Our son hit us with the news that he and his fiancé have split up after seven years of living together, he is shattered and just doesn’t know what to do at this stage, as I said life sucks some times.
The weather is getting much better but so bloody cold during the night, I try to cuddle up to Fae but she tells me I’m too cold and to keep on my side. 26 during the days though and plenty of sun, beautiful!!!!
Has anybody had any trouble with the top of the line Coleman reclining chairs?? We purchased two of the 130kg rated ones, (Fae stops the scales at 50kg if she is ringing wet) me well I am getting up there at 110kg. We have managed to break two arms and the seating on Fae’s tore at the seam. This all happened over a six month period. The guy where we got them replaced the first two with nary a problem, but when we took the latest one back he said he did not have stock and was not getting any in the near future. We asked if there was a problem with them to which he replied that they had a few returns!! After telling us to take them to some other shop who had stock to get them replaced, I asked if we could get our money back, no probs so long as we had receipt. Fae always keeps these things, typical female!!! (Ouch) But he would not return the one that was not broken saying there was nothing wrong with it. I said that he had just hinted that they have problems with that model and I would like a refund on that one also, no go. So guys just beware of the arms breaking on the adjustable Coleman 130 kg chairs.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Thar she blows (or breathes easier)
December 20th
Well Fae came home and was looking pretty good in all. No black eyes or brusing. Very lucky girl mine. When you see the size of the splints they put up her nose it would bring tears to the eyes. She has stopped coughing a bit now and is well on the way to recovery.
We hope you all had a great xmas, we did nothing special but enjoyed the break and it gave Fae time to recover before going back to work.
We are having a very wet ,wet season. The park flooded in the worst of it (just the center bit) the drains had a lot of trouble keeping up a flow away from the roadway. We had some terrific down pours like you wouldn’t believe. 200 mm in four hours, hell that’s wet I tell you, it don’t matter what you wear you got wet from the rain or humidity or both. Great fun though, I had a few wines late one afternoon and thought my eyes were playing tricks when Fae told me to look at the road, cripes it was going up and down, rolling around like me on a Saturday night. It was truly errie, the road finally gave way and burst upwards, spliting all the bitumen all the way down the hill in front of our van. In the morning it looked like a mini earthquake had struck. ( must check the date on that wine bottle!!)
Well Fae came home and was looking pretty good in all. No black eyes or brusing. Very lucky girl mine. When you see the size of the splints they put up her nose it would bring tears to the eyes. She has stopped coughing a bit now and is well on the way to recovery.
We hope you all had a great xmas, we did nothing special but enjoyed the break and it gave Fae time to recover before going back to work.
We are having a very wet ,wet season. The park flooded in the worst of it (just the center bit) the drains had a lot of trouble keeping up a flow away from the roadway. We had some terrific down pours like you wouldn’t believe. 200 mm in four hours, hell that’s wet I tell you, it don’t matter what you wear you got wet from the rain or humidity or both. Great fun though, I had a few wines late one afternoon and thought my eyes were playing tricks when Fae told me to look at the road, cripes it was going up and down, rolling around like me on a Saturday night. It was truly errie, the road finally gave way and burst upwards, spliting all the bitumen all the way down the hill in front of our van. In the morning it looked like a mini earthquake had struck. ( must check the date on that wine bottle!!)
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