Country Photographer

Few Days Away

Just got back from 4 days in the National Capital (Canberra), or the ACT as some know it.  Was a fun time.  Although by yesterday, and the drive home we were all too exhausted.  Grumpy kids, grumpy parents, and too much travel time.
So we started out on Friday morning, at 6:30am.  Got to the Victorian side of Bombala and encountered some SNOW.  Man were the kids excited.  We got up about 45 mins past Bombala and stopped for them to have a play in it.  Then a change of clothes before heading to Cooma for lunch.
It was amazing as we headed to Cooma, the landscape changed back to dry.  No snow.  An amazing contrast.  It was a very pretty drive, thats for sure.  But boy was it cold.
I cant share the pics of Cooma, as they are on Steves camera, and he has it with him today.  My camera didnt like the cold, and some of the settings were playing up.  Luckily I got them fixed before I got to far into the trip.

We stayed with long time friends Joan and Rex.  I have known Joan for over 20 years.  The kids love them.  And it was so wonderful to spend some quality time with them.
Steve and Keren spent the day out at the Canberra Kart Club, at practise day, before the racing on the Sunday.
Joan, Rex, Emma, Patrick and I went into Canberra.  We went to the National Muesum.  It was a great day.  Patrick loved the map outside (see photo).  And the K Space was lots of fun for the kids and the adults.  They made space houses and then got to see them 3D on a movie.  Great fun!  And FREE!!  It was great to go to places that were Free!  Gotta love that.
There was even a nice Cafe there for lunch.  And it was well priced too.
Steve and Keren got a little lost getting back to the house that night.  But all the kids enjoyed the spa.  Had homemade pizza for dinner (Yummy).

Sunday morning, was quite and early start.  Got up at 5:15am and got everyone else up so that we could go and see the Balloons at Dawn.  It was very cold, but a wonderful experience.  And a perfect spot for it, with 2 huge ponds for wonderful reflections.  Gotta love that.
We then went to the pancake palour for breakfast (what a treat that was).  Steve and Keren had to be at the track by 8am, so they had left us at that stage. 
Patrick and Rex had a game of chess on a big chess board.  Gotta love that they have fun things for the kids to do, in a restraurant.

We then went to the War Memorial.  Found Stephen's great uncle (will be doing a layout on this very soon).  He was an Air Gunner in the 2nd world war. 

His aircraft failed to return.(might make a seperate post on this in the next few days.
His name was Maxwell Bruckner, and Patrick laid a poppy on the wall, where his name was.  And we got to see a plane like the one he was flying in when he went missing.

The kids loved the discovery room at the War Memorial.  Patrick and Emma got to dress up in costume.  Patrick as an army man and Emma as a nurse.  Had a bit of trouble convincing Patrick that it was time to go.  As there were Army tents, a kitchen, a boat, and other fun things to explore, while in costume.

We would have loved to stay for Anzac Services, but we both had to be home for work. 

Thats it from me for today.  Gotta get ready for work!!

Dee

Rusty Pickle giveaway!

Ok, heres one for all the lurkers out there.
The 22nd person to tell me what 3 of the new Rusty Pickle lines are, will get themselves a nice little surprise!

Dee

Thanks for playing everyone.  The winner is Cheryl, as she was the 22nd person to post.  Not the 22nd post, but the 22nd person.

Keep an eye on my blog in the next couple of weeks for another chance! Make sure you read between the lines!  Have a great day!!

Growing Up

I think if I make this post real, it might mean I have to stop denying the fact that Emma is growing up.  Her dream is to be a model.  And me being the photographer that I am, love to take photos of her in that mood.  But today, I saw something different.  Something that Im not sure that im ready for.  My little girl is not little anymore.  She has a different "look" about her...something Im not sure I like.  Emma and I are very alike personality wise, so we clash pretty badly.  Sometimes in a good way too.  But I have learnt some of the things that grate on me now as a mum,  other times I think, oops, she got that from me.
Overall though, I have to say, she is a great kid, with a kind heart.  She is tenderhearted, and musical.  She has great friends, and is a great sister and daughter.
Here are some of the photos that I took of her today.  Isnt she beautiful??  I think so!!!

4th of April 2006

I just realised what today is.  And I am now at a stage where it doesnt worry me.  Today is the Anniversary of Christophers death.  He died on the 4th of April in 1993.  Kind of odd actually, cause we havent been talking about it.  But last night Patrick said that he wished that Christopher was still alive.  He feels ripped off that he has 2 sisters and no brother.

I actually feel really blessed.  Blessed to have the 3 wonderful children we have.  Life is good.  I have a good life.  Sometimes its not going where I would like, but overall, its pretty darn fine.

We found out yesterday that the car is ours.  Should pick it up in the next couple of days.  How darn kewl it will be to have a nice big car again.  I have really missed the station wagon.

Work has been very consistent of late.  Lots to keep us busy, which is always a good thing.  I'm starting to enjoy it again.  Its certainly not what I expected it to be, but its work, and I get paid each week, so thats a plus.  Its a stepping stone to bigger and better things.

Took some photos of RED (the cat) at the weekend.  Love that lovely red coat of his when the sunshine hits it.  He is affectionate, and cute.  He loves the kids.  I think Dad would freak out if he could see that Red sits on a seat with one of us while we eat Dinner.  But hey....this is our family life...gotta live it the way we are comfortable.
So, here is a pic of him, being his handsome self.  He is one year old now.  Cant believe where that time has gone.