I had the remote control for the weekend

Yes I actually had control over the remote...Your probably thinking whats the big deal but if you knew Dave and his obsession with the remote....
Dave went up to Bendigo/Dingee for the weekend. He had to attend a funeral in Bendigo on the Friday, his friend Cliff Doherty's brother Doc died of lung cancer. They are such an unlucky family, around 3 years ago one of the brother's daughter got killed in a car crash, there were a few people in the car, they had stolen it and there was an ensuing police car chase but the police backed off as it was too dangerous to continue and only about 10 minutes later she was dead, lost control on a corner and ploughed into a tree head first. Then last year one of the younger brothers, Lenny died of cancer then the Father at the beginning of the year and now Doc.

Dave then went up to the farm to mow the jungle and to make a start clearing the shed...lol
We've been asked again to rent out the house but we don't want the hassle of tenants and seeing as we are going to put it on the market there's no point, I know its dead money, its just easier the way it is.
So on Friday Bec, Luke & Paige came over we had a movie day/night, I cooked spaghetti (only time I can have it is when Dave's not here) the following day my SIL Fe and her kids Billy, Brodie, Meg and myself went to the Geelong show, we got there early so the kids could get to have rides without queuing for too long and get the show bags they wanted. I won this really cute yet weird toy for Paige (apparently its called a Chub Chub), I bought her a fairy show bag and got Dave his favourite Darrell Lea Pig Out Bag, I was very good I bought a pair of sunnies as I had left mine at home. I looked at the bags of fairy floss, but I walked away.
We came home just after 1.30 by then the crowd had started and you could hardly move, I still have problems with big crowds.
Bec, Luke & Paige came over in the afternoon and stayed for pizza, I sat up and watched some movies, went to bed around 1am hoping to have a sleep in but no I woke up around 7am, did a little bit of housework then sat and watched TV for the remainder of the morning until Dave came home just on 2pm. We went out for dinner as I didn't feel like cooking, so we went to the Sphinx...don't bother going, the meal was not how we ordered it, and for the price you would expect a lot better.
Dave went and played the pokies, so I went and sat outside fanning myself with the Chinese fan I have for my lovely hot flushes, I get quite a few stares and alot of smiles especially when I'm perched on the dairy section ledge in the supermarkets...

Bec had her Gall Bladder surgery on Wednesday they were able to remove it via keyhole so she has 4 puncture sites and is quite mobile, shes just having problems lifting Paige as she has put on so much weight...little porker, I even find it hard holding her for any length of time as it pulls on my stomach, which is infected yet again so I'm going to have to get some more antibiotics.

Totally inane stuff

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car), Prince Nissan
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie), Coffee Quatro
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name), J-Tar
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal),Blue Dog
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born), Anne Swan Hill
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 3 letters of your first), TarJen
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink), The Red Cougar
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers), Francis Edward
9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy), Ysatis Lindt
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ),Burnadette Stanley
11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter), Morris Manilla
12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower).Winter Rose
13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) Strawberry Pajamie
14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree), Cornflake Japanese Maple
15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”), Scrapbooking Storm Tour

Our 15th wedding anniversary

Some more Tasmanian holiday photos taken in Sheffield and the West gate Bridge at 7am.

Today the 11th October is our 15th Wedding anniversary, I spent he morning finishing off the books in readiness for our 11.30 appointment with the accountant. I came home and spent he afternoon with Bec, Luke and Paige while waiting for Dave to return home so we could get the kitchen table repaired and brought inside. We went and had a counter meal at the Fyansford Pub then went to the Sphinx Club where Dave won over $100 on the pokies so I made him leave, (Me still with the $20 in my purse he gave me)
Since the end of September Ive been feeling off colour, by Wednesday 3rd October whilst shopping with Bec I almost collapsed so I rang around Doctor surgeries to try and get in somewhere, I managed to see Dr Darling in Corio at 5.45 pm, he looked at my wound and suggest I go up to the Emergency Dept and see them there as I needed A CT scan and blood tests.
I was seen by 9pm and they then spent the next 2 hours trying to take blood and to get a vein to stay up without collapsing. After 4 attempts on my right arm and 6 on my left they settled for my right foot, even that was an effort. A swab was taken of my wound and it was cleaned up, I was given some Panadol Forte and sent home, I rang Dave and as it was 2 am he told me to catch a cab. The next morning I had a Ultrasound with a follow up Doctor appointment on Friday where it was A Staph infection so I was given 2 different types of antibiotics. I started to improve within 48 hours and now feel so much better, I still have limitations but its just time.
Since Sunday Ive been doing bookwork in readiness for the Accountant, Ive even been getting up at 2am in the morning to work on them, I normally are up to date but due to Bec having the baby and my operation I have let things go and have paid the price...over 20 hours of writing, adding and calculating.
I'm looking forward to the weekend as I have nothing planned and now that I have access to the scrap booking room I will be organising in preparation of the getaway, and maybe a sleep in...

Terrific Tasmanian Holiday

We started our holiday on the 21st August, we boarded the Spirit of Tasmania for an overnight trip. we did it on the cheap by booking lounge chairs instead of a room. Upon arrival in Tasmania we were given a discounted breakfast voucher which we used. Our first stop was Beaconsfield. We did the tour of the gold mine museum and then stet off for Bicheno on the east coast driving on the main highway until a Y intersection just after Conara we went left and drove to Stony Creek for a look and came out at Fingal, onward to St Marys down to Chain of Lagoons then to Bicheno. We stayed at the Bicheno Ocean View Retreat for 2 nights. The following day we went for a drive up to St Helens then inland to Scotsdale then to Launceston driving further down the highway to Campbell Town turning left to Cranbrook and returning to Bicheno.
The morning of our departure we went and visited the East Coast Nature World where we saw Devils, King Brown Snakes, Koalas, Wallabies. Kangeroos, a variety of birds and all sorts of animals.
We drove down the Tasman Highway via Richmond where I took a photo of the oldest Bridge then on to Hobart. We were booked into the Wrest Point Casino for the night as we had a surprise 70th birthday to attend to which was being held there. It was Roy Rowe birthday(Dave's Uncle) and he was very surprised to see Dave.
Saturday morning we went to the Salamanca Markets that are held near the wharf area, there was a very eclectic range of goods for sale...note to self take more money next time
That evening was spent at Dave's cousins place (Jenny) where we had a BBQ for dinner, it was so nice to catch up as the last time I had seen them was in Newman in the early 90's.
Sunday we had a sleep in, then off to Port Arthur for some tourist activities, however as we started walking around my knee got progressively worse so we had to leave. They gave us a ticket that is valid for the next 2 years so if we go back we are already paid. Sunday night was spent at Roy & Ariel's place we had a lovely roast dinner and then an early night.
Monday morning we set off for the Cadbury tour that was held at 10am, there was no more tastings but you do get a small box of Favourites at the end of the tour and you get to go into the shop and buy the seconds at a discounted rate. We then set off for Strahan on the West Coast on the Lyell Highway going through Queenstown where theres copper mines.
Strahan is a beautiful little town we were unable to go on the boat cruise or the railway but have definitely pencilled them in for the next holiday, We stayed overnight at the Strahan Village in a room that overlooked the harbour it was such a wonderful view and it started to rain so we left the door open all night just to hear the rain on the roof.
The next morning going via Zeehan then Rosebery and Tullah we headed off to Cradle Mountain to have a look then on to Moina where we were staying the night at Cradle Chalet Boutique Luxury Lodge, the rooms were gorgeous as was the meal and service.
The final day saw us drive through Sheffield where I took heaps of photos as certain walls in town have murals painted on them. We then decided to go back to the Beaconsfield gold museum and buy the jewellery that I liked, a gold wattle necklace with matching bracelet, it is stunning. I bought Dave a fleecy sherpa jacket and beenie.
We then drove to Devonport had a late lunch and waited to board the boat for the return trip home.
It was the best holiday I have ever been on, everywhere we went people were very pleasant and helpful. We are looking forward to returning.

Theres already Christmas stuff in the shops and other trivial stuff!

September started with my operation on the Wednesday 5th, Dave drove me up to Bendigo and dropped me at the hospital, I was seen by the registrar and anaesthetist, they were to give me an epidural and a GA. I was having my right ovary removed as it keeps on developing cysts and is no longer functioning properly, and removal of a pelvic wall cyst where the left ovary used to be, so I am now going through surgically induced menopause. I came home on the Saturday, looking forward to my own bed. Dave was spending the next week working up in Bendigo so I had the bed all to myself. Bec, Luke and Paige were still here as Dave had asked Bec to look after me for the first week post surgery as he knows I'm stubborn and I will get up and do things. Well not this time, this round of surgery has flattened me, I still tire easily, cant drive a car which is the most frustrating I feel like I'm trapped....Had the stitches removed on the Tuesday which also happened to be Becs 21st, as she had been sick with gall bladder attacks we stayed home and had a quiet night, we will celebrate later on.

Bec & Luke moved out on Friday 14th. gosh it was quiet around the house...I developed an infection, it took ages to come out. I stood up and it felt like a boil had ruptured inside my abdomen and heaps of pus and blood come out of the wound, so twice a day salt washes, anyway finally a strand of human brunette straight hair came out of the wound ( my hair is coloured red) another strand has since come out.

Dave took me to my Psych appointment on the 21st, I have to be careful as to what type of hormone replacement I have.

The 22nd saw Dave's brother Daryl marry his girlfriend Fiona (Fe), the ceremony was held at Serendip Sanctuary, with Fe's 2 boys Billy & Brodie and Daryl's daughter Meg also in the wedding party, with the reception at the sports club in Lara, the weather turned out perfectly as did the whole day, it was lovely.

The past week I have spent trying to slowly clear a path on the computer table, I have three months worth of bookwork to do, and now with the other truck theres even more invoices....yuck!

Friday 28th Bec & Luke took me out for coffee at Corio shopping centre, it was so nice to get out of the house even for a short while. As we sit outside so that I can have a cigarette I noticed an orange piece of paper on the road, I scurried over (as I cant walk fast yet) and picked it up and scored $20. We wandered around Kmart and came across aisles being set up with Christmas goodies, I was gobsmacked.

Saturday was spent sitting in front of the TV watching Geelong smash Port Adelaide all over the ground, it was not a good game of football to watch.

Bec & Luke picked me up this morning and took me to the market as I'm looking for a pair of ugg boots but am having trouble due to my foot size and the fact that I cannot bend my right ankle.

I spent the rest of the afternoon doing paperwork for the business.

And I'm going to be an Aunt again........

Time marches on

The 1st August arrived with Bec & myself looking at a rental house in Norlane for her, Luke and bubs. Its an old commission house but is no longer in the commission area, a very quiet neighbourhood. At only $150 p/w it was too good to pass up so we went and applied. On Friday 3rd Bec had a ante-natal appointment and was booked in for an induction on Monday, as she was contracting and bubs was completely engaged, Bec had been complaining of back aches all week. First thing Saturday morning Bec & I went to the real estate agents to sign up for the house, Dave and myself went to see Collingwood beat Carlton, at least it was a half decent game to watch.

Sunday was a quiet day spent waiting.....

We had to have Bec at the hospital by 7am on Monday morning the 6th, she was placed on a foetal monitor and was examined to see if things had progressed over the weekend, she spent one and a half hours on the monitor, then at 9am cervical gel was used. Bec was then allowed up and around so we went and had coffee and cake in the cafeteria, sitting outside in the sunshine was lovely. The contractions had started to pick up and Bec wanted to go back inside, so back up to Maternity we go, as she wasn't in really active labour, she spent the time in the day assessment unit being monitored. The doctor came around 2pm and after an examination she decided it was time to move things along so she ruptured the membranes, within minutes the contractions started to pick up pace, we were moved into one of the birthing suites. Bec sat on the large rubber ball and just focused on her breathing. She managed like this for another hour before asking for some pain relief so she started using the gas, at 4 pm she was 4cm dilated, but he contractions were now coming closer and a lot stronger, we moved into the shower. With Bec sitting on the ball and either Luke or myself behind her for support we ran the warm water over her stomach and back and alternated in giving back massages. At 7pm Bec kept on saying she wanted to push, and I kept on saying "no not yet it hasn't been long enough", after another half hour the nurse came in and suggested a quick examination, the baby's head was crowning, so Bec was told to push whenever she was ready. I held onto one of her legs and held around her neck for support, Luke was standing at the end of the bed with his mouth open in amazement. The student Doctor was on the other side of Bec, the midwife was trying carefully to get the head out when in a quick gush the head and one shoulder with the arm resting against the face pushed through, one more push and Paige Maree was born at 8.09 pm, weighing 7lb 13oz, 51cm long. Making the grand entrance that she did caused Bec to have over 60 external/internal stitches (they had to re-attach part of the labia) ouch...

Luke & I left the hospital around 11pm after making numerous mobile phone calls and sending texts with pictures attached.

Luke & I spent the next couple of days going to and from the hospital, Bec was finally released on Thursday 9th.

The next two weeks were a blur, the household getting used to having a baby around again which I thoroughly enjoy, lots of Nana cuddles. As Dave & I were going over to Tasmania for a week we asked if Bec & Luke would mind staying here and care for the dogs. So on Tuesday 21st at 5.30pm we boarded the Spirit of Tasmania for 8 days of doing nothing but what we wanted to do, no worries of the business, no worry about the kids, grand kid, dogs and cats.

Will do separate entry of Tasmanian trip.

We arrived back in Melbourne on the 30th at 7am and arrived back in Lara at 8.30am, Bec handed me my mail and in there was a letter I had been waiting months for, It was my letter regarding my surgery. I had an appointment that morning at 11 am on Bendigo, so after a real quick shower and a coffee ( I didn't sleep on the boat), Bec, Luke, Paige and myself headed off to Bendigo arriving at the hospital at 11am, I was checked over and given the all clear for surgery the following Wednesday 5th September. We then spent the afternoon visiting Luke's relatives as they had not yet seen Paige, we arrived home around 7pm. I collapsed into bed and spent the next day in there as well. That's how I saw out August. Whew!!

Time goes by

I was looking back at my last entry dated 20/6 and wondered where the time had gone, so I will do this in stages.
The following week was busy filled up with Doctors appointments, dog wash, Bec went back to Bendigo on the Wednesday, got the finance for the second truck, and on Saturday 30th we took Billy to see Pirates of the Caribbean.
July arrived with the most significant thing being was we saw a solicitor regarding the Leightons contract, they gave the go ahead so we signed on the dotted line and committed the truck to that site only. Which meant employing a person, and along with wages, there's superannuation, work cover so we got the name of a good Accountant that also does payroll, as we were going to form a company. So Dajentar Pty Ltd was born.
On the 19th we drove to Frankston Nissan and traded the Hyundai on a Nissan Patrol Turbo Diesel even though its not top of the range it has a cargo barrier, sub fuel tank, cruise control, retractable roof skylight and is white in colour.
On Wednesday 25th we went and saw Phantom of the Opera at the Princess Theatre, it was good but had altered quite a bit from the first interpretation which I think will always be in my memory.
On Saturday we went to the Telstra Dome to watch Carlton play St Kilda needless to say who won...not us.
Sunday night was spent in A& E with suspect gallstones, have to have an ultra sound.

Filling in the blanks

The last time that I wrote in my blog was back in March, so I think an update is well overdue. We saw out the end of March with a family wedding, Stacey (Dave's niece) married her long time boyfriend (Tim)at the Big Hill Vineyard in Bendigo, the ceremony was held in a 'shed' then the reception was held indoors, the meal was shocking all the food was cold and it was chops and sausages done on a bbq, each to their own. So we left around 9.30 and went to the All Seasons and played on the pokies until 1 am, we then went back to our motel. The next morning was Dave's birthday so we headed off early to see his Mum for a cuppa. Peg has decided to sell her house and move into a unit as the garden has become too much for her. We then headed down to Melbourne for the first game of footy Carlton v Richmond, not a good game to watch but at least footy's back. yay


Easter was a quiet affair we went to Queenscliff for the seafood festival along with some friends of ours John & Denise, there was live music and queues at all these different tents where you got your selection of different seafood, not being a mad fish eater I settled on the good old basic flake. Note to self next year bring a chair...


Friday 13th April Dave & I flew to Perth for a wedding, we picked up our hire car after having to pay an extra $216.00 and drove to Scarborough, where we met up with Melissa & Al, we had dinner in the restaurant at Observation city, the meal was a buffet style and was lovely. Melissa said she was unable to get any time off work to attend the wedding so Dave rang Daniel and invited him instead, that way we could all catch up, (Daniel & Jacob were playmates in Newman). Sue's (girlfriend from Newman) eldest son Jacob was marrying a young girl from Carmel in Perth on Saturday. We went to the shopping complex where they had their gift registry unfortunately the computers were down so we were unable to find out what they had listed so it was the good old money voucher in a card. We then picked up Daniel and took him to buy some new shirts then off to a friends Peter's to get ready, the men sat around and watched the football, with me reminding them we only have half an hour to get to the venue. So we set off at break neck speed and arrived with 5 minutes to spare. The ceremony was lovely as was the reception, we were under a huge marquee with a dance floor. The meal was sumptuous the whole event went off smoothly, it was great to catch up with Kirby (Sue's daughter) and Jacob.

We left after midnight and drove Daniel back home to Samson (near Freemantle) then drove to Armadale where Kirby lives, stayed for a couple of coffees then drove back to Scarborough collapsing into bed around 4am. I was up at 8am and left Dave in bed whilst I went down for breakfast. We left the motel at 9.30 and drove up to Elisa's in Quinns Rocks, it was hard driving past Jacquie's and not calling in to see the kids :(

We stayed and had lunch with Darian and his daughter Meagan as well as Elisa's tribe, I was amazed as to how much Matthew & Eloise had grown. We left around 2.30 and drove to Caron & Anthony's in Edgewater, it was so good to catch up with all the kids, Emily had grown taller, Chantelle, Laura & Josh were the same. Melissa & Al arrived followed by Eddie (Anthony's long term friend), we had a fondue for dinner which Dave had never had before, he thoroughly enjoyed it. Its a great way of catching up as you chat whilst your meat cooks. I decided to have a few bourbons well that turned into quite a few then the Galliano & Zambucca came out and of course I had to have some,

Dave & I had Nathans bed as he was away at a mates place, being used to a King size and going into a double Dave stretched out and I was pushed off the bed so I slept on the couch in the lounge, I woke up to hearing the kids giggling in the kitchen, Caron telling them to be quiet, I said it was okay as I was awake, the kids laughed even more. So I got up and in the kitchen was a sign saying "Do not disturb, snoring", I laughed that much my side hurt, it was a one of you had to be there type moments.
We then drove into the city and checked into our motel, walked around the mall, had an afternoon nap, met up with Daniel and went to Willeton to Pete's place for a roast dinner which was cooked in a webber. Took Daniel back home and returned to the motel checking back in around 1am. Thank goodness for late checkout, so at 10am we went off into the city having breakfast had an express croissant shop, we then walked the mall calling into Myer where Dave bought me my favourite perfume Ysatis by Givenchy. We met up with Al & Melissa for a smorgasbord lunch at Miss Maudes, enjoyed a meal there and walked into the city and had a couple of drinks at the Moon & Sixpence until it was time to leave for the airport. Miss & Al walked us back to our car and we said our goodbyes we arrived at the airport to find that the plane was delayed up to 3 hours so checked in and went upstairs to wait, Dave bought a car magazine & I bought Kathy Lettes's latest book 'How to kill your husband, and other handy household hints'. I think at times my laughing kept everyone amused, we rang Daryl to let him know our arrival time was around 2.30 am that went down very well. lol
I slept most of Wednesday away as I didn't get much on my 'holiday', the following 2 days were spent getting blood tests done here and in Bendigo, so whilst in Bendigo I drove up and visited Bec & Luke in Echuca coming home via the farm where I grabbed the last of my scrapping gear. So Sunday was spent setting the scrapping room, not that I have used it.
The following week was busy with Accountants appointment for our BAS, Kindy Day where I was invited to play with Brodie at his daycare centre, a GP appointment on the Friday so my week was filled up. All through this my depression was creeping back in.
Tuesday saw the start of May, Billy's birthday was on the Saturday he turned 12, he invited a few mates to go to TimeZone, I got an invite as well, and I love playing the old pinball machines. We had been thee for a couple of hours when I was walking down the stairs my left ankle let go and down I went rolling the pinned ankle, all I could do at the time was sit there and just let the pain settle down, so that ended the day. I came home and strapped the ankle, kept on applying cold packs to it and elevated it. On the Sunday I was admitted to the Swanston Centre (Psychiatric Hospital) for my own safety. They let me out for an hour on Tuesday so I could see my own private Psychiatrist and then released me home on the Wednesday, I spent the next couple of days in a haze as my medication got altered again. Saturday we went to the footy to watch the Carlton v Collingwood game (I took a panic attack pill, which really helped me with the huge crowd). Sunday was Mothers Day so off to Bendigo we go to have lunch at the Allies Hotel with Peg it was nice to go out but it was even better to get home. Wednesday arrived with the dogs having their bath & clip, Bec arrived by train for a week of rest. Friday I saw Dr Singh (Psychiatrist),he increased my anti-psychotic drug to 1200mg a day, so I was a real zombie of an evening. On Tuesday Bec & I called into Werribee Plaza so she could pay some money on the pram when my back spasmed, all I could do was drive home and have a Valium and lie down, so Dave had to drive Bec back to Echuca.
Dave took Billy to the football on the Saturday as my back was still spasmed. it hurt to sit, lie down, stand, actually there is nothing you can do to get comfortable when your back goes like this. I came good on the Tuesday and on the Wednesday Bec & Luke arrived for a visit and to check out the rental market down here. On Saturday we went to the Berkley Park Markets then on the Sunday the showground markets, whilst there Dave rang and told us we were going for a BBQ at Serendip Sancturary with his friend John & wife Denise. So we came home got everything ready and had a lovely BBQ, Bec went for a walk around the park with Denise, Luke set off afterwards to find them, Dave & John went off walking and talking about cars so I stayed behind and enjoyed the peace & quiet.
On Wednesday 6/6, I took Bec & Luke back to Echuca getting home around 9pm, Saturday we went to the footy to watch Carlton beat Port Adelaide :)
On the Sunday Dave & I went for a drive to Winchelsea and checked out this collectible store which was run by a friend of Dave's (Tim who also had a hot rod), whilst the men admired the hot rod, I had fun in the shop buying old swap cards and comics, we then headed off to the local hotel for a counter meal then drove to Colac just for a look at the town then drove back home, in all a lovely day out.
I was so looking forward to my birthday as Dave & I had planned to see Shrek 3 in the afternoon have an early dinner (Thai) then go and watch Pirates of the Caribbean, but on Monday night that got ruined by 3 jobs turning up, I spent it alone so I bombed myself out with some really strong sleepers.
Friday I saw my Psych again and he has reduced my anti-depressant by 20mg, went to the Dome and watched Hawthorn beat the crap out of Carlton, in fact it was that bad Dave insisted we leave at 3/4 time. So we came home where he watched the last quarter screaming at the tv....lol
On Saturday Bec arrived for another break, on Sunday John, Denise, Lionel, Bec, Dave & myself had a roast lunch which all went to shit as Denise stuck her nose in...
My first ever house inspection was held on Wednesday 20/6, we passed with flying colours, even managing to hide Elisa's cats. So Bec & I have spent the past week looking at & buying baby stuff, we bought a cot off ebay and picked it up from Altona, it came with mattress, protector, sheets & blankets. Not bad for $76. :)
The last week of the month has been spent looking at second hand stores, going to markets, mentoring with NEIS, joining a health fund, took Bec to the GP(general check-up, the baby is engaged), got dogs washed & clipped then drove Bec back to Bendigo via Werribee (pram payment) arriving back home last night at 7.25 pm, where I found Dave asleep on the couch so I left him there and got into my pj's and watched TV in bed. My mood this week has been all over the place, lots of lows with a few high days. You can tell when its happening by when I buy things on ebay, the voices are under control which is a good thing but now its my voice telling me to harm myself and I sit or lay in bed at night planning my own death, down to the last detail. So when I see the Psych next I will talk to him about it.
So Ive finally caught up after 3 drafts...time to do the books for the business
If you've managed to read this epic you have done well.

Have you ever done?

Have You Ever Done…
highlight the ones you have done.

1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
2. Swam with dolphins
3. Climbed a mountain
4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
5. Been inside the Great Pyramid
6. Held a tarantula
7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
8. Said “I love you” and meant it
9. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17 Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s nappy
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 8 states/Territories
41. Taken care of someone who was **** faced
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River (any river will do)
82. Been on television news programs as an expert
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Eaten fugu (pufferfish)
89 Had a one-night stand
90. Gone to Thailand
91. Bought a house
92. Been in a combat zone
93. Buried one/both of your parents
94. Been on a cruise ship
95. Spoken more than one language fluently
96. Performed in Rocky Horror Picture Show
97. Raised children
98. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds (45.5 kilograms)
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Ridden a bike
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey
135. Selected one important author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life

Footy's back.....

Yes it's that time of year, footy's back...yee har
For Dave's birthday I have bought him gold membership to Carlton which gives him all the games in Melbourne with allocated seats, on the lower tier near the goal posts. The first game is on Sunday which is Dave's actual birthday so we will be going to the 'G' to watch Carlton v Richmond. Go the Blues.....
He's already received a present from Melissa, which is fridge magnets and business cards, they look really neat and Dave was stoked. (See above pictures)
Were off to Bendigo on Saturday for Dave's nieces wedding (Stacey Tarr) which is being held at Big Hill Vineyard...well excuse me...lardy dar, I'm really not looking forward to it, so Fiona (Daryl's fiance) and myself will be doing shooters. Fiona has already got the shot glasses, when you bang them down they light up.
So were staying in Bendigo for the night at the Haymarket Motel(with a spa) and then heading down to Melbourne the following day.
I've spent the last three days doing bookwork, trying to get financials together as we are looking at buying another sweeper, so then the fun begins. We will probably become a company with myself as Director and I will then employ Dave as a contractor so he can then get work cover, superannuation and the rest of the benefits and it means we only pay tax at a company rate. Anyway I will be talking to my accountant about it. We are in the process of renting a shed in Lara for the trucks so that the men can have all their tools and spare parts stored and it will give them room to fix things. So were going halves with Daryl so the rent is only $160 per week which is totally tax deductible.
So I have made a decision I won't be doing the aged care course as I will be running the business full time, not only do I do my books but I help Fiona with hers.
Saw my Psychiatrist on Wednesday for an hour and we discussed treatment options, he believes he can help me, and their is a possibility I won't be on medication for the rest of my life.
Its going to take around six months of intense therapy (weekly appointments) its called psycho therapy. He has already warned me that its a huge possibility I will relapse and end up in hospital, he believes that I have schizoid tendencies with bipolar disorder totally bought on by childhood mental, physical and sexual abuse, and that the voices that I hear are of my parents and myself as a child.
So he has increased my Seroquel ( anti-psychotic) to 800 mg a day to eliminate the voices and then we are to start treatment. He has also given me really strong meds for anxiety, you only need a half. Otherwise you'll be zonked out. I've also got the best sleepers they are non-addictive and work within half an hour, (Stilnox) I have the slow release and the normal ones.
Went and saw the Doctor yesterday for tablets to stop smoking, as Ive tried the patches and gum to no avail, so I have a script for xyban, hopefully that will work, cause I really want to quit.
Just not this weekend, having to deal with Ron & Chris and the rest of the family is extremely stressful.

The female line continues

Becs having a girl. Yes its pink. lol Bec had her nineteen week ultrasound on Monday and everything is looking really good. I was absolutly amazed at the clearness of the pictures, we got to see fingers, toes, ribs, ateries to the kidneys and heart chambers. Bec not only received pictures but had a video made of the ultrasound. She is twenty weeks and her due date is still the 2nd August.

She is looking really well, and she's lost weight. She's booked into Bendigo Base to have the baby and to start ante natal classes.

My week started off fairly quiet, just going to the gym. Then dave 'accidently' stoved the side of the truck into a power pole and damaged the tank and running gear. He finished the job he was on and came home to repair it, so all Friday was spent running arond for parts and tools. It was finally repaired by 10.30 pm, On Saturday morningI sprayed primer on it whilst dave went into town for the remaining parts, Dave then spent the afternoon spraying the tank white.

We headed up to Bendigo that afternoon to surprise Trevor for his 40th, the party was being held in the White Hills Football club rooms, there was a great turn out, instead of presents a wishing well was set up where you could deposit money as Trev's dream is to go to America.

there was a TV set up inthe corner with the NAB cup being displayed, Carlton beat Brisbane. Go the Blues....

We left the party just after 11pm and went back to the Haymarket motel where we had a room for the evening.

At 4.30 in the morning Dave's mobile rang, I answered it, the caller asked if it was All Hours street sweeping, I said 'yes one moment' and handed the phone over to Dave. They then asked dave if he swept streets at night, Dave said Yes why, the caller then said" Can you come and sweep my street as I want to wake my neighbours up", Dave replied with some unmentionables and went back to sleep, I however was wide awake.

Breakfast arrived at 8.15 which we thoroughly enjoyed, I then paid the account and checked on the room booking for the niece's wedding thats in a fortnight.

Called in and had a cup of tea with Daves mum Peg, she has decided to sell her house and move into a unit. She's found a nice one and has made an offer all dependant on her selling her house, not that I think she'll have much problems as its a nice house with a lovely garden.

Dave drove back to Lara to finish a few repairs on the truck, I had a quick Nana nap and we set off back up to Bendigo, i followed the truck until we reached the Calder highway just out of Gisborne, then I drove straight through to Dingee arriving around 10.30 pm. I dragged the single mattress into the kitchen, left the door open and the fanon and crashed on top. Monday morning arrived too quickly as did the flies. So I packed some more boxes in the ute and went next door for a cuppa and a chat. Left there at 11 am and got down the road and heard a bang, i stopped the car had alook couldnt find anything, got back in, got up to 70 km and bang, bang, bang.... stopped thinking i had a flat, checked allthe tyres they were fine, nothing leaking under the car. Got back in slowly drove and nothing as soon I got up to 70 bang, bang, bang. I got out again and checked undr the front end, there was a piec of balck plastic hanging down, it seewmed to be attatched to the front bumper. Not wanting to destroy it I called into Rick's place and he repaired it for me while I waited so I counted the cats and there was quite a few new additions...lol

I set off for Echuca and arrived at 12, had a couple of cups of coffee whilst we waited for Bec's ultrasound appointment which was at 2pm. Dropped Bec and Luke at home and headed back to Bendigo to catch up with Dave, as he was working in town for the week and staying with his mum. When I called him all that changed the job was finished early and so he was heading back home for a couple of days. I left Bendigo at 6 pm and arrived home in time to play with two very excited dogs before watching Desperate Housewives.

Dave's plan of having a couple of days off got cancelled with 4 jobs comming up within hours, night shift in Melbourne and work out of Geelong. At least were getting the work.

So this week Im doing the books, going to Melbourne to get new brooms for the truck, going to Avalon to watch the Airshow...(Ive had to listen to the planes go overhead for the past week, and feel the house vibrate) I might as well go and see them in action. Hopefully get some interesting pictures.

The holidays over

Today Mum flew back to Perth after staying with Dave and myself since the thirteenth of February, she came over for a Burns Family Reunion that was held in Bendigo on the eighteenth of February at the RSL club in Long Gully. Rebecca, Luke (her partner) Dave, Mum and myself represented Frank & Elsie Burns along with Sharyn Ficarra and her son Charles and wife.
We visited a neice of Mums in Langwarren, we travelled across the bay on the Queenscliff ferry to Sorrento. We had a GPS with us that we nicknamed Smarty Marty as he managed to get me through Melbourne without going on any tollways back to Geelong. We drove around the foreshore and saw a ferris wheel all lit up so upon investigation we found it was working so we went up and the view was absolutly awesome. The beams were constantly changing colour, after our ride we walked down onto the beach and took some photos of the giant wheel turning.
We then had Thai for dinner, dining on some really yummy char-grilled octopus, then a chicken green curry.
The following day was spent driving to Steiglitz to find the cemetary to photograph the headstones of our great grandparents. We then used a map that Nana Burns had drawn to find the old farm, the map was so accurate it was spooky. We then went back to the local cafe and had tea and a ham roll, there was a sign on the wall describing Devonshire Tea and that the jam is home made by Fay a ocal in the area. Mum questions the lady saying that she had a cousin that once lived around the area, anyway a phone call was made a Lyn McFairlane was found a cousin of Mums and they have both been looking for each other for years. So a chance statement and a relation was found who is also into geneology.
Friday was spent on the train going from Lara to Bendigo to pick up the ute and go out to dinner with my mother and Daves mother. By the time we got everything finished up at the farm it was 8pm and Dave had headed back to Lara so I took Mum and Peg out to La Porchettas for Italian. We dropped Peg off and were home by twelve thirty in the morning.
So today was spent scanning photos and documents while Mum got ready for her flight that departed from Avalon at two thirty so she needed to be there by one thirty. Its great being so close.
I'm looking forward to sitting down and watching the football tonight.

OMG so much has happened since my last entry back in November. Melissa left to Perth so I was all alone. So I continued with packing up the house, what a humungous effort, the biggest room is the scrapbooking room. lol
I flew to Perth on Thursday 26th November and bedded down at Jaquie's she already had Elisa, her 3 kids & Melissa staying so it was a full house.
Then Elisa found a place in Quinns Rock and moved up there, Steve was still grumbling about her, Jacquie refused to go there without a personal invite so it was very stressful. My voices came back and on the 21st December it all got the better of me I took some pills then some more and collapsed at Jacquies friends place. I woke up in Joondalup hospital on a drip. The psychiatrist came and saw me the following morning when I was more aware and asked me what I wanted to do I said spend Xmas with the kids so she released me.
That evening at Jacquies was very uncomfortable with Steve, he wouldn't even sit in the same room as me, anyway the next morning I woke to find Jacquie and the kids out and I asked Steve if he would like a cuppa, his answer was curt and abrupt so I decided to have it out with him. He told me he wanted me to leave and stay away from the kids. So I went inside and packed my stuff up and moved up to Elisa's.
Right up till xmas morning no-one had bothered to get Elisa's address, the crosoints were burnt, the kids were starving. When everyone finally arrrived they thoroughly enjoyed opening their presents, which I missed most of as I was on the phone.
We had a BBQ at Steve & Jacquies and a swim in the pool, it was very uncomfortable being there :(
Boxing Day was spent at my girlfriend Carons place, they have a poo,l trampoline and cricket gear so the kids had plenty to play with, it started at 2 pm but the Precious clan didn't arrive till after 5pm, we then had the pinata which the kids really enjoyed.
The meal was lovely as it was just leftovers and pizzas, so not many dishes. I stayed at Carons and left the following day to Albany to stay with my Dad, Melissa & Al were going to be there at the same time.
It was great to see Dad & Alison again, I went fishing the following day with Alisons son Duncan, he caught a couple then we went 4 x4 driving and had heaps of fun. We stopped at Dingo cove and watched a huge pod of dolphins surfing the waves, we went down to the beach and were about 3 metres away, it was amazing.
The next day was spent with my Dad fishing up a river, I caught 4 brim and released them as I don't really eat fish I just enjoy doing it.
The next day was spent driving to Quinninup where my Mum lives, it was a very picturesque drive, upon arriving it was decided to go to the local pub for tea, the meal was lovely and there were some real characters there.
New Years Eve was spent atMum's friends house, I shared a bottle of Riccadonna with Mum then the homemade Bailey was brought out, I think I drank at least a litre of the stuff I was up dancing & singing the usual idiot stuff but I felt great.
The next day was spent touring asround the karri forrests and surrounding towns, then back home to a lovely lamb shank stew...yum
I returned to Perth the following day with a very large carved wooden crocodile table in the back of Elisa's car along wth a sign saying caution crocodile on board, it got quite a few stares and a lot of laughs...
I spent the afternoon/evening with Caron and left to go back to Elisa's around 8 pm, I got to the last round- about before the turn off when the light drizzle had caused the oil on the road to foam and my tyres hit it and skidded out, the back wheel popped the tyre off the rim, I was really scared as that was the first real accident Ive had and thankfully there was no traffic on the road.
I had to ring Elisa to get Darian to come out and change the wheel as the crocodile was on top of the spare wheel and I couldnt do it on my own. So an hour down the track I arrived home very wet and thankful to be alive.
I went out to tea with Al & Melissa to the Hogs Breath Cafe which serves the best steaks, then coffee and cake with Elisa at Miss Mauds.
I returned home on the 4th January to a very happy husband and even happier dogs. I got to see the inside of the house for the very first time and I liked it, its very roomy and easy to keep clean.
The next couple of weeks were spent doing boowork, driving up to Dingee and packing up stuff. Going to Echuca to see an ultrasound of my Grand child. Chasing up GPs and Psychatric services.
Then last Friday my husbands friend Mick Paulke died from his brain tumours the funeral was held on Wednesday at 11 am, the service was lovely.
So to take my mind of things I went and had some piercings and some tattoos done :)