Wednesday 30 January 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ Leaping Lizards

A lovely reader Sarah tells me it's a Baby Bearded Dragon
“Faith is a process of leaping into the abyss not on the basis of any certainty about ~where~ we shall land, but rather on the belief that we ~shall~ land.” Carter Heyward

Please visit others linking up in the same row as you , so everybody gets a visit and comments.   
 

Tuesday 29 January 2013

Fear , love and beauty ... The light that shines

I saw a documentary video last night that is incredibly moving and beautiful.

Most women (I imagine) get the fear of losing their breasts and empathize with their 'sisters' who go through breast cancer .

I wanted to share the video & timeline , and encourage you to share it . It is long but worth watching . Jill , a young woman with breast cancer had an amazing photo shoot in Paris with photographer Sue Bryce.

http://www.inbedwithsue.com/the-light-that-shines/


Credit : Australian Portrait Photographer of year 2011 & 2012 Sue Bryce ...#jillinparis


I didn't feel so much fear in losing my breasts because the desire to live was far greater.
Feeling beautiful is important though not high on my list ...my to do list is long enough already.

Just saying ...while I do care about my appearance , it is the least of my worries . I embrace my scars and imperfections not just because I have no choice. I hope I have beauty within ...

My hair is growing back (a different colour ), not so my eyebrows. I still hardly recognise myself in the mirror .I am changed.

I am so thankful my husband of almost 23yrs has supported no loved me through all the changes and imperfections (I had zillions already) .

Linking up with #IBOT



Friday 25 January 2013

How Aussie are you ?

How Aussie are you ?

(compiled by Dee from Downunder)

1. Been dive bombed by a magpie on many occasions as a teenager ! 
2. Have seen a crocodile in real life in Northern territory on a tour and in the Australian Zoo & Sydney Wildlife  

Wildlife Sydney

3. Have seen a snake in the wild - yes, black snakes, red bellies, and a few dead ones...Joel saw one today EEEKKK 
4. Been bitten by a snake or other aussie wildlife ... a mossie ! 
5. Patted a koala at zoos /Koala Hospital/Featherdale & Wildlife Sydney
6. Seen a kangaroo in the wild - many times, dead and alive ...hundreds on our Farm. 
7. Climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge - No, but I'm going to VERY SOON ! 
8. Climbed the Story Bridge in Brisbane No 
9. Visited the Sydney Opera House - yes have even been to see Opera there when at school 
10. Swum at the beach yep, but I don't go out far, big drowning phobia because I thought I was drowning once in the surf ! 
11. Had fish and chips on the beach many times - yes I love 'sand'wiches too
12. Been stung by a jellyfish
no, but yes to Blue Bottles. 

13. Had sunburn that peeled many times when younger, never again, I slip slop slap 
14. Camped under the stars yes during Family/church camps - in tents or a camper trailer 
15. Visited Uluru - yes even climbed it in 1992
16. Driven the Great Ocean Road in Victoria not yet but it is on my list
17. Seen the penguins on Phillip Island Victoria no see above (saw them at Featherdale ;).
18. Had an outdoor BBQ with Friends YES 
19. Played backyard/beach Cricket played backyard cricket all the time with my siblings/neighbours as kids and adult rarely 
20. Watched a real cricket match live only when my teenager played for 3 (yrs spring/summer seasons ... exciting ;) 
21. Betted on the Melbourne Cup only in a sweep
22. Attended the Melbourne Cup Live from Flemington no have no desire to
23. Attended a live Aussie Rules or rugby football game
can't remember ? 

24. Ridden a Melbourne Tram yes, when we visited friends in Melbourne . DS19 chucked up in the aisle...he was about 2 1/2 and told us ( and the peak hour packed tram ...) Mummy I am going to 'bomit' loudly - and he did ! Imagine the stiffled giggles & ewwws
25. Snow Skied in the “high country” of NSW/Vic well I tried at My Selwyn ;) 
26. Visited the Great Barrier Reef no, does the Whitsundays Islands count ? 
27. Been to Kakadu - yes in 1992 , it was amazing.
28. Crossed the Nullabour by road - YES in 2011 twice from Start to Finish!


29. Gone down the Murray River on a paddle steamer we went on some paddle steamer ... not sure where but down that way! 
30. Survived a cyclone No 
31. Survived a bushfire No, had ash flaking over the house but luckily have not experienced a real bushfire NO DESIRE to THAT CLOSE. 
32. Experienced a big flood - YES if you count being bogged on the farm for 6 days in DEC 2010 ...town was flooded. 
33. Know who the Wiggles are. Of course! my eldest now 19yrs grew up on them and the twins loved them too ...  
34. Know who Humphrey the Bear is. "What a funny old fellow" - yes I grew up with him kind of and my 19yr loved him too as a toddler. 
35. Watched Play School as a kid or mum of a kid "there's a bear in there"... Yes , see 34 - 
36. Watched Skippy the Bush Kangaroo "whats that skip???" I loved Sonny & Skippy and the dashing pilot . Twins loved the new adventure series we got cheap on DVD.


37. Own an Australia Flag - yes on our power pole out the front door.
38. Know the words to Advance Australia Fair yes, - but don't ask me to sing 
39. Eat Vegemite - on toast absolutely yum yum and my kids live on vegiemite sandwiches - 
On toast

Sprung ...we were away in a caravan when Sam was 3yrs old.

40. Drink Milo double yum yum - love it in milkshakes too and on icecream ...kids eat by itself.
41. Know what lamingtons are mmm mmm (coconut/choc covered sponge cake) 
42. Know what Pavlova is mmm mmm with fruit & cream
43. Know what Tim Tams are yes - my favourite choky bic
44.Eaten a meat pie
love any meat pie and sauce in moderation

45. Gave or received a “dead arm” my yes , my bro & sis and uncles were good at it
46. Have owned an Akubra hat yes my hubby has - he surprised me by wearing one on our wedding day , the grooms too. 
47. Own/owned an Australia Cattle dog - yes, though Patch was a heinz version not pure bred - he got to 13 years Now we own a Kelpie.
48. Been to a B& S ball - or know what one is - never been, but heard about them!
49. Drive a ute I have driven one, yes , Hubby has owned a few (6-7 ) and still does - I can't drive a manual (well last time I drove it down the bank/gully) 
50. Say G'day ocassionally ...
51. Can cook damper -yes! but prefer others cook it and smoothered in golden syrup.. mmmm
52. Can make billy tea -
did this more than once camping and 4WD driving,! 

53. Supported a sausage sizzle - couldn't count how many times - hundreds of soccer games/scout/cricket matches/twin club ...
54. Own John Williamson CD/Music -yes, we (DH) has almost a whole collection of his albums
55. Owned backyard chooks or know what chooks are - ON my list when we finish our cabin to build a chook palace else the foxes will be having chicken tonight every night.
 

56. Call the toilet "the dunny" - yes - many times LOL - I WANT THIS ONE ! 
57.Wear thongs (on your feet...) - yes ...hot Purple right now.
58. Support Aussie music - Yes , Hubby is a great Country fan so we do buy Aussie music
59. Enjoy a beer - not really -Hubby makes up for me!
60.Swallowed a fly - have done this more than once - ewww ! 
 
How Aussie are you ?




A few of my favourite food pins !


Breakfast 
bacon & egg cups
a little snacktime ...
Lunch & Dinner ...


Linking up with Cooker and A Looker

 

Thursday 24 January 2013

Grateful for Square Eyes

I am grateful for the heartache, headaches and hilarity in our daily lives. Sometimes (especially with teenagers) it isn't easy but it is still enriching and worth every minute.

I have lived through the deepest sadness of losing a child.I know God had a reason, I am still working that one out. I am grateful for her brief life, though it wasn't the joy we all imagine when we first see those two little lines.

I am grateful for my two little boys (and the bigger one).I find that the hardest part is looking at my little boys wondering would they be here if my little girl was.

I am grateful IVF gave us the chance to 'birth' living children. Sadly not everyone can share the joys children bring.
 
Playing a trick on me ... Joel comes to announce Sam has square eyes from to much TV, then says BIG YELLOW square eyes ...I paid no attention ...then he lead 'blind' Sam to me !
I am grateful for my children because they give me a reason to clean smile, laugh, live and play (and bake gingerbread people). 


I pray the 'great' 'full' ness doesn't diminish and on days when I feel jaded I can focus on all these grateful things.

I am grateful that no matter how bad things seem and when they press all my buttons and I lose my cool -  my precious children are forgiving and still kiss & hug me goodnight.



(The 5 drops from the other day ...they rushed out with umbrellas to dance in the rain. Yesterday, we got 18mm)

 I am most grateful for the 18mm rain we got last night and hopefully it will be followed by more rain.

This year I'm trying to consciously seek out moments of grateful, be it the mundane or a little bit of magic in my own life .

What are you grateful for today ?

 

Wednesday 23 January 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ Baby Angus

The Hungry cows nicked the hay off the back of the truck parked out the front and from inside the shed ...

The new calves sat around waiting.

Up close ...

Even the cat wanted to see what all the fuss was about.
Off to the Dam... we think the Cow of the left is feeding 2 calves ? not sure if they are twins though.




“#1487: Hug a cow.” ― H. Jackson Brown Jr., The Complete Life's Little Instruction Book -

I would hug the baby Angus but the Mumma's get a little cranky and go crazy ..

Please visit others linking up in the same row as you , so everybody gets a visit and comments.  

Tuesday 22 January 2013

Restore and Embrace

Just one little word...no two.

I've been thinking about life and how to deal with the issues that are impacting on my life.
Life threw us a lot of curve balls last year.
We were twisted around.
I lost ground.
I survived.


This year I want to restore my life, to truly enjoy the beautiful journey.
Everyday I am reminded by the scars of what I've been through.
Breast Cancer ; it's just another stepping stone.
I will never be the same but I can be restored.
I will embrace life and the new opportunities that come my way.

So my words for 2013 are restore and embrace.
I can't believe 3 weeks are gone already.
It's been 2 weeks since I had my last chemotherapy.
My treatment continues until October with third weekly infusions of a different drug Heceptin.
I'll start a daily tablet, Tamoxifen, next week.

Onwards ...

In no particular order my intentions are to

Restore my health , find healing , achieve well-being in spite of side effects and fix my sleep disturbances.

Restore my mind ...got any tips ? {chemo brain is terrible , sorry my thoughts are disjointed and my memory is pathetic}
Restore my soul and my faith...listen to my favorite music or read inspirational blogs/books.

Restore my family- enjoy time playing with my sons and turn off my de'vices'  and tune into my husband.
Restore my home ...move from our little farm shed into our renovated 'Cabin'- a blank canvas for decorating too.

Restore my confidence and be at peace with my appearance.
Restore the balance and take time to treat myself to God's gifts in my life.

I'll embrace the changes.
Embrace every day positively, wake with enthusiasm , catch the curve balls and hurl them back.
I'll keep stepping forward and dance over the stepping stones...
Embrace and capture memories .
Then to look back in a year and say remember when ...

 

Have you got a word for 2013  ?

Wednesday 16 January 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ Rub a dub Ducky

Day 2 - Happy as a duck in water ...Darling Harbour !

Day 1 - How big ? - OH hello I'm taking a photo !

Please visit others linking up in the same row as you , so everybody gets a visit and comments

Tuesday 15 January 2013

Fire and Rain Dance

I mentioned how we received a phone call Friday to say the farm, our home and property 1000acres was at risk with an uncontrolled  fire burning about 6km away .Our neighbour called to warn us not realising we were in Sydney ...and we could do nothing to prepare.

His girlfriend's father is involved with the local RFS - so it was on good authority. The fire was on a property with bushland/woodland scrub and dry paddocks separating them and us.

It was a 'mentally' terrifying 1.5hrs till we got word from family, website updates and Facebook that all was okay, the fire was out. Not even a whisker of smoke in the sky.


Then Sunday night we had an hour of thick smoke in the southern sky and we could smell it.The same worried neighbour alerting us that he was heading to a fenceline, that borders the State forest to check for flames. We summoned the water tanker trailer from FIL's property , called 000 and waited.

Thankfully, they called back to say it was smoke blowing in from south and nothing to be concerned about, at the moment.

Except we were with strong winds blowing all evening and an uneasiness about the raging fire at Coonabarabran.

Nearby, about 1.5hrs away - a  40,000 hectare (100, 000 acres) bush fire continues to burn in the Warrumbungle National Park , west of Coonabarabran. They estimate 33 Properties (inc homes) 50 farm sheds and large amounts of machinery have been destroyed , countless stock and native animals have perished. As well as Sliding Springs conservatory where the exact damage is not known.

Putting it in perspective - trying to imagine 40,000 hectares - 50 x the size of our farm and my FIL's put together - it is 5km from one side to the other driving the track through the middle. If we drive by main road 7-8km out to the highway, 15 km along the highway and 4km back in to his farm it is 27km.

Picturing that area by x 50 is numbing. Stark and scary.

Today, I am thinking of all the families affected and those volunteers out fighting to save lives and property trying to contain this ferocious fire. I cannot imagine their loss or the terror of being in the middle of it.

It's a bit cooler today in low 30's and my hub is carrying a fire extinguisher when working and driving the tractor.

It's so dry here and we are surrounded by scrub, dry grassland paddocks, and thick woodland in places. We are a km or so from a State Forest too.

The long range forecast , after a few more days of temperatures in 40's, is for some rain. We really need it . We are hand feeding our cows and our water tanks are emptying. Quality feed is getting scarce and will be scarcer still with the fire damaging crops and paddocks at Coonabarabran.

We have purchased water twice in 6 months for our drinking water tanks. The dams for stock (and native animals) are getting low too. 

I am praying for rain soon !

Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain.  ~Author Unknown

It is your responsibility to reduce the risk to your family and your home and
take actions to survive a bush fire.
The most important decision is whether you and your family will 
Leave Early or if you will Stay and
Defend your well prepared home. 

Check the NSW website - http://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/
If you are in NSW get updates here  there is also a phone app. Fires near me.

Do you have a plan to protect your family and your life - Download your Bushfire survival plan

linking up with Essentially Jess IBOT
 

Monday 14 January 2013

They're back

Review - Sponsored by Countrylink

after 65 million years ...

The Drummer boys were quite excited when I asked them if they wanted to go on a special train trip to Sydney. It was the perfect way to celebrate finishing my chemotherapy on Tuesday.

They have seen the XPT Countrylink train at the station many times as it is nearby their school.
The sign was right in front of our seats.
They went wild when I mentioned it was to see “Dinosaurs in the Wild”.

I've always wondered what life was like when dinosaurs roamed Earth and I think I've been asked the question more than once ...were there dinosaurs around when you were little Mum ?

So Wednesday afternoon just after 2pm we boarded the XPT Countrylink train and traveled to Sydney to experience “Dinosaurs in the Wild”  {3 days-2 night family package}at Taronga Zoo.

Due to our train timetable we didn't arrive till almost 9pm and the return trip was leaving at 7am so we added 2 extra days to our package. Booking it was all was easy through Countrylink.


The boys were bubbling all day with the anticipation of riding a train instead of 'driving' the 5hours+ . It was a chance for hubby to sit back , relax and take in the scenery as well not having to drive. Due to my treatment he did almost all the driving for the last six months.

On the train, the seats are comfortable and spacious, with armrests you can lift if the kids get tired and go to sleep on your lap ;).

Hubby  seemed to enjoyed relaxing and hanging out with the boys who were busy checking out the toilets, chilled water dispenser, moving between us, eating, using the toilets, colouring-in, eating and playing snap (you have a little table like on aircraft) ...and conquering Scribblenauts !



The trains were very clean and staff came at regular intervals to empty the litter bags provided. As we rolled along the tracks the atmosphere was was jovial and relaxed. The buffet car on board provided to order select hot main meals ($9) or a cooked breakfast (depending on trip) , fresh 'cooked to order' devonshire tea was available too, at a set time.

I am amazed how quickly the time passed when we finally clickity clacked into Sydney and alighted. We had collected our bags within 5 mins and walked downstairs to catch a train to stay with a friend the first night.

You can choose which day you visit  “Dinosaurs in the Wild” at Taronga Zoo ; we planned to visit Friday.

Friday we caught the free shuttle bus 555 down to the ferry wharf at Circular Quay and boarded {with a minute to spare} the Zoo Express Cruise with Captain Cook Cruises (tickets include Harbour cruise transfer, Zoo entry and Sky Safari Cable ride - a spectacular view high over the Zoo to the city). The guide was very informative on the the return trip.


My twins rattled off names like Triceratops, Brachiosauras ,Allosaurus and Big daddy of them - 4 metre tall Tyrannosaurus Rex. We met the Aussie dinosaur from QLD - Muttaburrasaurus too. They shrieked excitedly when they moved (just the heads and arms...so not that scary for little ones) roared and grunted . The boys loved playing with the demo model on display. Sam named a new dinosaur ...Poppasauras.


They had Dinosaur Keepers on hand to guide and answer questions plus a bucket load of activities and crafts to keep kids busy.

It was our chance to learn more about these incredible creatures - seeing some of the 15 adult and many smaller Dinosaurs in the Wild as their real life size too. The aim of the adventure was to understand their story is to understand the need to protect today’s species from the same fate.



It is an understatement to say how much the Taronga Zoo had changed since my last visit when Mr 19 was about 7-8yrs. It was amazing to see new animals and exhibits, let alone to get up close to life-size and very life-like Dinosaurs in the Wild. They even have a big backyard with Silky chooks, a chookhouse, shearing shed, sheep, bunnies and guinea pigs too. The playground was popular too.

Our favourite shows were the Seal training show and the Free Flight Bird Show at 3pm...though it was stinking hot by this time.

Of course we enjoyed visiting all our favourite animals and seeing the differences between our local Western Plains Zoo and Taronga Zoo. We skipped a few animals because the kids were hot and wanting a swim tired by 4pm.
Be quick “Dinosaurs in the Wild” is only on at Taronga Zoo until February 3rd so if you think you would enjoy a short family break  these school holidays  (with options to add extra days) check  http://www.countrylink.info/promotions/events -  !

Our 'Citigate' hotel stay was most enjoyable , though we had a few hiccups they were quickly sorted.We received a room upgrade because they had overbooked queen rooms with a balcony. Not a bad thing when you consider it ...curious little monkeys. They loved the view out the secure windows from the windowsill.

The hotel swimming pool was a favourite hangout too. A buffet breakfast was included for two mornings.There were dozens of restaurants within walking distance for lunch / dinner at our own cost.


All over the city was bustling with families, tourists, buskers and workers. Even though we've lived over 40 yrs in Sydney suburbs we've never seen as much of Sydney City as we did in those 3 days.


Disclaimer - We traveled and stayed as guests of Countrylink -“Dinosaurs in the Wild” Sydney adventure 3 day/2 night short break package. All up we stayed for 4 days/4 nights - the 2 extra days and all meals except breakfast were at our own expense. 

Combined with the exclusive CountryLink offer with Sydney Attractions you can purchase 2 adult tickets to any 2 attractions and 2 children get in for free (up to the age of 15).

Spend the extra day in Sydney with a Sydney Attractions combination ticket. Choose from Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower Eye, Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo.

  
PS - Did you know up to four children from one household can travel to any of more than 365 destinations on the CountryLink network for just $1 each way, subject to the promotion conditions...but not for this package
 

Sunday 13 January 2013

My week - Instagram #2 ~ 2013

Sydney Wildlife
I hope my instagram pictures speak volumes - a snippet of our massive week. 
I had my Bonescan on Monday ( A relief to know my bones & joints are just vintaging and denegerating) 

Wildlife ...Wax...Windows

Taronga Zoo
It was lovely to have a short family getaway by train to Sydney ...being tourists.
I haven't laughed so hard with my boys or had so much fun in 7 months. 
Though we had a bushfire scare on Friday afternoon when our neighbour called us, to advise an out of control fire was heading for our farm. 

There was nothing we could do (and no photos because we were 400kms away) That was a little heart stopping for an hour and half till we got word all was safe.
Darling Harbour and homeward bound.

my week according to instagram