The life and times of Libby Withnall

Woke at 6am, got up and dressed and let the dogs out. So nice being so light in the mornings again.

Then it was time for …..

We reached the lake just as the sun was coming up over the horizon. See the little speck.

Back home I had a big drink of water and checked out pininterest.

I said goodbye to Kevin & Amy, who headed off in the little loan car.

went to wake up Christy….

and had my shower and got ready for the day.
I then made breakfast for Christy and got mine out of the fridge.

Now I know it doesn’t look very nice but I promise these overnight oats are delicious (and I’m not a cereal lover).

Then it was to gather my bags…

get in my car…

and drive to school to run the uniform shop. We’re selling off the current stock so it was pretty busy and I didn’t end up leaving until after 10am

I then went to the local mall where I visited two banks, two supermarkets, the fruit shop, the bakery and the travel agents (to get a brochure on Fiji). Then loaded up the car (totally forgot to take any photos while out shopping)….

and headed back home…

I parked the car and went next door to get the dogs who were at Nan & Pops.

I was starving by now so grabbed a piece of fresh bread to tide me over until I got lunch made.

I got the groceries unpacked and hung out the washing…

I made myself a yummy salad for lunch using a pureed mango for my dressing.

After lunch I went over to chat with Mum & Dad about our possible Christmas trip to Fiji. I was there for 3 hours……. Dad went and picked up Amy from the bus stop and collected Christy on the way back. Finally (at 5.30pm) I came back home and cut my flowers for the vases.

Christy decided to make a volcano (as that’s what she’s doing at school)

Then it was dinner time for the pups…

and for us…. spuds with mexe-beans and cheese.

After dinner I got the kitchen cleaned up, took my make-up off and got into my PJs. I then watched some TV with the girls (Kevin was playing on his laptop). By 8.30pm I was very tired (after having a bad nights sleep last night) so put Christy to bed and read to her, then headed off to bed for my own reading time.

I’ve been waking around 5am with sinus pain and unable to go back to sleep. Today was no exception. But at least I’m getting a good nights sleep. I let the dogs out and made a cup of tea.

Christy came down around 6am. Amy & Kasumi were up and getting ready.

I was feeling hungry so had part 1 of breakfast.

I helped Amy organise lunches before they left just after 7am.

I then made Christy some toast and went to have my shower and get dressed as the pool cleaner is coming around 8am. I then emptied the dishwasher and did some washing up.

Christy headed off at 8.15am. I hung out our bedding and tidied downstairs. I got a phone call to say the pool man wouldn’t be here until 10am. I was a bit annoyed as I would have taken the dogs on a walk even though I’m not feeling good.

Because I wasn’t well and had done a good clean on Thursday before Kasumi arrived I didn’t do my normal weekly home blessing. Instead I got the ironing all up to date and worked on about 4 loads of washing.

After I ironed the tablecloth I put it on the table.

The pool man eventually turned up and got to work – looking better already without all the leaves.

I then cleaned out the fridge and chopped up some veggies ready to grab and eat, or grab and cook with.

Doesn’t this look so colourful?

I also tackled the crisper.

Then made a nice salad with egg and pasta salad for lunch, which I enjoyed while catching up on youtube videos.

After lunch I worked on printing out photos for Project Life and catching up on journalling – only about a month behind now .

At 3pm I headed to the bus stop to pick up the girls and had a chat with Kay (who had left me a message saying she’d do the pick up but I didn’t read it!). The girls got changed and hung out with Kasumi. I gave the dogs their flea and heartworm treatment. Rosie hates the flea stuff and always runs away – I think it must tickle her back or she dislikes the smell.

We then had a HUGE performance over getting Christy’s earrings out (the first ones they have are always so stiff) and putting some new ones. There was crying (from Christy) and yelling (by me). Not that you’d know it from this happy face.

I put the clean sheets on our bed, gave the dogs their dinner and we headed back to Amy’s school (where we met Kevin) for the Sayonara Party for the Japanese exchange students. We were a bit lost when we arrived – not knowing anyone to talk to. The girls all went off to hang with their friends – Christy made a new best friend. But once we sat down for dinner we ended up having a good conversation with others about our experiences over the last 5 days.

Dinner was pizza – I only had one slice as it was a thick base and rather greasy. The exchange students then sang We are the World and their school anthem. Kasumi is the one in the white jumper.  There were some speeches and crying, and they were given a bag of things from the school.

I had to leave early to attend Christy’s school P&C meeting. And boy what a meeting it was tonight. So not fun.  We’ve been planning a new school uniform since last year but, of course, on voting night, we had some people come along not happy with the fact the school colours are changing. To my way of thinking life is about change. The vast majority of people love the new look uniform and I think the kids will look so much better. No white shirts to try and keep looking white!!! Yay. I came home so stressed. Even though I didn’t get into the whole arguement/debate I guess I take it a bit personally since I run the uniform shop and have been involved in the whole process. Glad it’s all over.  Back home I said goodnight to Amy and Kasumi – who had stayed up until I got back – and made a cup of tea. I was needing a little something so had an anzac cookie as well .

I took them up to bed, proceeded to complain and whinge to Kevin about all the goings-on at the meeting. I then read for quite a while to calm me down and get my mind of the meeting and the fact at Kasumi leaves tomorrow – asI’m sad about that as well .

I’m back on early mornings again at the moment – waking between 5 and 5.30am. If I can’t go back to sleep or have already had close to 8 hours I get up and do the usual routine of putting the heater on, letting the dogs out and making a cup of tea. When Bailey comes back in he always heads straight to the heater.

And I get settled with my cup of tea and laptop. This morning I caught up on some youtube videos.

About 6.45 I headed upstairs. I’m liking the fact that the days are getting longer and we’re getting nice sunrises again. Within the next months I’ll move my dog walks/rides back to early morning – which I always love – but it’s still too cold now .

I have my shower (Kevin has to help me wash my hair as I can’t get my back wet – where the mole was removed), get dressed and do my makeup.

Christy comes in already dressed and has a chat with Kevin, who has climbed back into bed to warm up.

I put on a small load of washing – the girls white shirts I didn’t get too yesterday.

We’re going to be out all day so I want to take the dogs on a run before we leave. I get the tricycle and Christy & I head out with the dogs.

So beautiful down by the lake this morning.

Since Christy was with me I took the opportunity to get some photos on the bike. I certainly look a sight!!!! But the dogs can’t pull me off this beast – yay!

Love the long shadows you get early in the morning.

Back home I got breakfast organised for everyone and unpacked the dishwasher. Kevin hung out the washing for me, Christy helped with the animals and I got stuff organised for the car.

Just after 8.30am we were out the door and on our way, with a quick stop for petrol.

I ate breakfast – a spinach wrap with cheese & pasta salad – on the way.

We arrived at Macather Square in plenty of time.

Our movie – Harry Potter – wasn’t on until 10.30am but we were meeting the Powell’s – who were taking Christy to see Kung Fu Panda 2 at 10am.

We took some photos while we waited….

Once they arrived and headed off to their movie we went in search of a pet shop. We had to wait till it opened…

Amy got a new pump for her fish tank and I took a photo of this cute picture….

On the way out we found these inquisitive kittens – who seemed to love my camera.

Then it was time for Amy’s first Gold Class movie – using a gift vouchure she had recieved for her birthday.

We order an early lunch and headed into the theatre.

We had ordered lunch for 11.30am but it ended up coming in around 10.45am!!! Amy and I shared the vegetarian nachos. We loved the movie and it seems sad that it’s all over. Afterwards to headed to the Powell’s, where we hung out for the rest of the afternoon.

Leanne supplied a yummy afternoon feast, which also included some spring rolls and cheese triangles.

Sarah & Amy went for a walk to the shops, I tried to photograph Lilly….

and Christy and Alyssa spent hours playing “house” outside…

Just before 5pm we headed home, just as the sun was starting the set….

Christy had a little nap…

Luckily we got home before it was fully dark as there were two very excited pups outside….

We had a  play before i got into my PJs, brought in the washing, and the budgies, and made a quick dinner of quorn enchiladas. Christy made herself some nachos.

We then settled down to watch the movie “Balto”, which Christy and I have been reading.

After the movie (which was rather cute) Christy went to have a bath before I read her the last few chapters of Balto.

We then watched another show (which I can’t remember) before Kevin headed to bed. I then watched another Dog Whisperer before heading to bed (along with Amy) around 9pm, tired after my early start this morning. I managed to read just a few pages before turning the lights out.

Woke up around 6am, feeling slightly better than yesterday, but still not that great. I’ve got a bad flu/cold – have had it for a week. Luckily I manage to get a reasonable nights sleep. Downstairs for the normal routine – dogs out, tea made, computer time.

I don’t think I’ve been drinking enough water lately and read that you should have 80 oz. I found this great cup Kevin had been given at a conference and it’s 20 oz. So four of these a day….

I didn’t feel like proper food so made a chocolate protein shake for breakfast.

I helped Chrsity set up the TV so she could play on the PS3.

Not to0 many photos of the girls as they spent most of the day playing on their computers or watching TV. Amy is also unwell but Christy is okay.

After breakfast, and more time online, I had my shower and got dressed, then got on with my morning jobs of emptying the dishwasher and feeding the animals. I went out to check on the chooks and collect some eggs.

They have started laying well again and we’re back to getting 2-3 a day (not bad for 3 yr old chickens in the middle of Winter)

I then decided to clean the guinea pig cage as it was way overdue. Here’s Jasmine – our only remaining piggy at over 6 yrs old – who needs her nails trimmed.

I was feeling quite a bit better so made a snack to have while writing out my grocery list.

Then left the girls at home and headed to the supermarket.

Unfortunately by the time I got back I was feeling horrible again. Still I managed to get the groceries put away and hang out the washing.

I also picked up the back yard so the dogs have a clean area. It’s amazing how quickly the house falls apart when you’re out of action for a week.

I was glad to sit down again and have some lunch (and cup number 2 of water).

After lunch I did the last thing I needed to get done today – I vacuumed the floor

Just a bit better don’t you think.?

Even though it was only 3.30pm I decided to go have a bath. Christy had gone to the park to play with a new friend she made yesterday and Amy was watching TV. The hardest part of a bath is choosing which Lush bath product to use. Today I went with the comfort bubble bar.

I took in cup number 3, a towel to dry my hands and a book to read (by one of my favourite YouTubers). Bailey is always close by as he loves to drink bath water. Lucky the lush products are made from natural ones.

After my bath I got into my PJS (it’s okay to that at 4pm when you’re feeling yuck ) and painted my toe nails.

The remainder of the afternoon was spent on the couch, painting my finger nails, using copious amounts of tissues and feeling sorry for myself. Kevin came home around 6pm, with the start of a cold. I made us an easy dinner of Quorn Dippers, sweet potato and corn. Which we ate while watching the first Harry Potter movie (we’re going to watch them all in the lead up to seeing the latest, and last, in Gold Class in a few weeks.

Oh, doesn’t Harry look so young and so cute?

We all started to crash around 8.30 so stopped the movie (to finish tomorrow) and tidied up downstairs before heading up to bed. I managed to finish the book I’m reading before heading off to snoozy land.

Woke up at 5am and started thinking about things. Realized I wasn’t going back to sleep so got up and went downstairs. I let the dogs outs…

and myself a cup of tea….

Then watched some vlogs on youtube while the dogs went back to sleep for bit.

Eventually Kevin came downstairs all ready for work.

As did Amy, who wanted to show me one of her school projects.

When they left, I went around and opened up all the blinds.

Christy was already up and dressed so I went and had my shower and got ready for the day.

I then made some breakfast for Christy and myself – a tea to take in the car, and a bagel (I ate half now and half later for morning tea).

Then it was time to drop Christy and Shantel at school

and head to my appointment at the Skin Clinic to get a mole checked.

This mole has now been frozen 3 times and the Doc was concerned that it has grown some blood vessels so he wanted to do a biopsy. He did it then and there and I get the results next week.

I then headed over to the mall to get some groceries and bread.

All packed in the car.

I then drove to the school to pick up some cheques that had to be signed by the principal. Then went to pick up some school hats. Back to the school to drop them off and then home.

Love this row of trees – we don’t have a lot of seasonal trees around here.

I put away the groceries and then took the dogs for a walk.

LOVE that my feet are good enough to walk them again. This is my 5th day in a row and boy have I missed it.

I had some Leek & Potato soup for lunch while playing on the computer.

I had made the soup yesterday and packed some up to put in the freezer.

I arranged the flowers I had bought into vases.

And headed into the scrapbook room to make some thankyou cards to send to my Aunties.

I then receive a phone call to say that the car place needed to swap the loan car I am driving (while I wait for my new car to arrive). They took away a really nice car – one I loved driving – and left me this. I’m sure it’s not a bad car but it’s not what I’m used to – no cup holders, no cruise control, no place to rest my arm and no digital speed reading, oh, and the boot is TINY!!!!! And it was a shock after the lovely car I had been driving.

At 3pm I left to pick up Amy & Emerson, and then Christy.

We dropped Emerson off and headed to the hairdressers where both the girls had an appointment.

We didn’t get home until after 5pm, just as the sun was setting.

I made a cup of tea and rang Kevin to find out where he was so he could pick up pizza for dinner on the way home. He was on his way so I quickly placed the order online and he went straight to pick it up.

How cute are the new Domino’s boxes?

My favouirte – thin & crispy, BBQ sauce, cheese, double pineapple, tomato & onion. Yum.

We took our pizza into the loungeroom..

and ate while we watched Tron. It was a bit slow in places but I enjoyed it and the special effects were pretty cool.

Christy and Rosie had cuddles on the couch.

And Bailey warmed up in front of the heater.

When the movie finished around 8.30pm I cleaned up the kitchen and put the dishwasher on and we all headed up to bed. Kevin & I have been getting up really early – around 4.30 -5.30am so we’ve been going to sleep pretty early as well. I managed to read just a few pages before turning out the lights.

Woke up around 6am – a sleep in for me – but not surprising after I had to be at the hospital last night from 7.45pm – 9.15pm having an MRI. Have to go back later today for part 2. We had cuddles with the dogs this morning. They aren’t normally allowed up on the bed these days but we’re stocking up on extra cuddles this week .

Eventually I got out of bed and headed downstairs and let the dogs out.

Both the girls were already up. Amy, because she has to be ready to leave just after 7am and Christy because she has an excursion today and has to be at school early

.

I had a cup of tea and sat for a few minutes before making Kevin & Amy a green smoothie for breakfast- which I started doing this week when they were both sick. Once Amy & Kevin had left I made some toast for Christy and left her eating breakfast while I went up to have my shower and get dressed.

Then it was time to drop her off at school.

Of course, Bailey had to come along for the ride.

Back home I unpacked the dishwasher

fed the animals, put on the first load of washing and made myself some breakfast – I’ve been on a real bagel kick lately and can’t wait to enjoy some in the USA – they are SOOOO much better than what I can buy locally.

While eating I made our finally booking for the trip  – our airport pickup I also signed a few things supporting Animals Australia’s campaign to ban live animal export – something I am very passionate about – and it finally seems to have upset a lot of Australians. The videos are absolutely heartbreaking and sickening but it’s something everyone needs to know about. I truly can’t believe that Australian animals are allowed (by our government) to be treated in this manner. Even more-so that people could be so cruel as to torture an animal that’s about to die. Looks like I’ll need to reapply my mascara as I’ve just cried it all off.

On a happier note, I hung out the first bit of washing – Christy’s quilt, and put on another load. It was so weird that all this was done by 9am!!!! I then took the laptop into the laundry so I do watch some youtube videos while doing the ironing

.

I went to start packing our clothes (I did my toiletries yesterday).

while the pups had a snooze.

Then Mum & Dad came to take the dogs on walk.

I had a chat with Mum & Dad when they dropped the dogs back. Then time for some lunch. I wasn’t that hungry so just a bowl of Potato and Leek Soup. Then headed off for my MRI appointment at the hospital.

I had left 15mins to get parked but the parking lots was FULL. I didn’t know where else to go  and after driving around for a bit ended up getting a bit claustrophobic and having a bit of a panic attack – a first for me. I couldn’t stand the thought of going back through the parking lot so just waited by the entrance. After about 5 mins I saw someone leaving and their car was RIGHT in front of where I waiting – how’s that for luck. Unfortunately I ended up being 15mins late for my appointment but what could I do???

I had a canula (sp?) put in, and was then taken to the MRI room. Today I had my right hand and foot done (last night was the left side). It’s noisy (even with ear muffs) but it’s surprising relaxing just lying there. I did start to cry at one stage when my thoughts had returned to the cows I watched earlier this morning. So I had to turn my thoughts to our upcoming trip .

An hour and half later and I was done. I was hungry so bought a packet of chips which I ate on the way home. Thankfully I was close to the exit of the car park.

Christy was due to be picked up at 4pm so I just waited at the school even though I was 20min early. The bus arrived and the kids had to get marked off, then we headed home.

I folded up the clothes from the dryer and put in another load so I get everything ironed and put away tonight. Then it was time for a cup of tea and to read some blogs. Dinner tonight was Mexi-Bean Burritos – which we haven’t had for ages. Since Christy was just finishing up her bath and Amy watching TV we decided to have a casual dinner tonight…in front of the TV.

Christy came down and we watched Got to Dance UK – about the only show she likes to watch with me. Tonights episode was all about the selecting the performers for the semi-finals.

Next we put on the Dog Whisperer and the girls wrote up their lunch orders for tomorrow. They don’t get them very often so it’s a big deal when they do.

Rosie seems to have a lot of lose fluff so I thought I’d better giver her a brush…

which was obviously VERY needed…

Later we had some ice cream and Rosie & I snuggled on the couch.

We all headed up to bed. I read to Christy, said goodnight to Amy and read on my kindle for around half an hour before going to sleep.

I’ve been waking up around 5.30am this week and not able to go back to sleep and this was the case today. After letting the dogs out I made a cup of tea, which I enjoyed while watching youtube and reading blogs while waiting for the household to awaken.

Eventually they did surface and Kevin was greeted with hugs from Rosie.

Amy was kind enough to make breakfast for us…

Spaghetti on toast today.

I then did a bit of washing up….

and fed the dogs their breakfast – do you think they’re excited?

I then made the bed..

found Christy practicing her choir songs…

had my shower and got ready for the day.

Nan & Pop came to get the dogs to take them for  a walk. I’m so lucky they are able to do this with my feet causing me such grief.

We had been going to stay home for the day but I really needed to get the girls some Winter shoes so decided to go into Wollongong.

First stop was Gloria Jeans (neither Kevin or Christy had eaten breakfast).

I enjoyed a very yummy HOT chocolate.

Then it was time to shop for shoes.

Both girls ended up with new boots.

They also got some new clothes. Kevin scored some new DVDs and I got an empty wallet! Oh wait, I did visit Darrell Lea to pick up some more of my favourite chocolates .

Kevin had heard good things about the new Indian place in the food court so we decided to get lunch there.

But rather than eat in the noisy food court we took it home to eat. It was REALLY yummy.

I then hemmed two new cargo pants I bought for Kevin yesterday.

Just as I was finishing Kay dropped off Emerson to hang out (I don’t think they “play” once they’re in high school). Kay stayed for a drink and a chat. Once she left I got stuck into doing a bit more planning for our trip (just 3 weeks and we’ll be on our way) while Kevin played War of Warcraft.

The girls made some mars bar slice (but burnt the chocolate for the top )

The pups hung out with us…

and we enjoyed a cheese and dip platter for afternoon tea.

We had been planning to go out for dinner so had organised for the girls to have dinner at Nan & Pops. But our plans were cancelled so Kevin and I decided to have a spa.

Amy came back from Nan & Pops – Christy is sleeping over. I got the dogs their dinner…

and organised our own dinner. Kevin had leftover Indian and I had leftover mexican .

I then painted my nails…

before settling down with Kevin (and Rosie) to watch The King’s Speech.

Very good movie. I can see why it won so many awards. Then it was time for bed. With all my early mornings I didn’t even end up reading tonight – just went straight to sleep.

Slept into 6.30am, which is amazing for me. Then had cuddles with Bailey and Rosie before getting up. There was a lovely sunrise this morning which made me miss my morning walks with the dogs.

After saying goodbye to Kevin and Amy I made myself another cup of tea.

When I went to check on Christy she was already up and dressed.

I reminded her to have her asthma medication as she is suffering a bit at the moment (due to having a cold).

I then made us some breakfast. Plain toast for Christy and toast with marmalade for me.

At 8.15am Christy (and Shantel) left for school on their bikes.

And I headed upstairs for my first workout on our new exercise bike.

I felt quite at home since it’s exactly the same as the ones at the gym. And boy did it feel good to sweat – it’s been such a long time since I was able to workout. Here I am nice and sweaty . The best part about exercising at home…. I could stay in my pj’s .

I showered, dressed, made the bed and came downstairs to put my feet up for a bit.

Then it was time to tackle cleaning downstairs. With my feet so swollen and painful and my heel spur acting up I had to take it easy. I did half of downstairs, had a rest, then finished downstairs. Upstairs will have to wait if I want to be able to walk this afternoon.

Ah, gotta love a clean and tidy house.

My favourite falafel salad for lunch – looks a little bland as I was out of tomato but it still tasted yum. I ate it while watching a Trinny & Suzannah in the USA that I had recorded a while back.

One of Bailey’s many snoozes.

After lunch I made some vegetable soup for Amy to have after school.

And went to do a few layouts. I’ve been really struggling with my scrapbooking lately and have been trying to decide whether to continue with it. I think I just need to try and do some each day.

As usual the pups joined me and enjoyed a sleep on the lounge.

I had to go pick up Amy from the bus stop at 3pm. She spent the afternoon packing for a music camp she’s going on tomorrow and Christy went to ride her horse (ie. bike) with Shantel. Just as I was preparing dinner the post lady (who usually comes around lunch time) arrived with a parcel from Crush Cosmetics.

Before dinner went in the oven I made a batch of banana muffins.

Then time for dinner. Tonight was a veggie snitzel, mashed potato and veggies.

Over dinner we had our Monday night family meeting.

While Amy went up to have her bath and I did the washing up….

Kevin played with his new toy that he got at Questacon…

I then painted my nails

and settled down to watch some Dog Whisperer….

with my puppies….

I put Christy to bed at 8pm and read her some stories, then had another cup of tea before heading to bed around 9.30pm. I read a few chapter of the Pioneer Woman romance story (loving it) and had to laugh when I found Bailey like this . I think he missed (his bed). Not that he minded he was like this for ages.

Woke up at 5.30am, dragged myself out of bed to get the camera, took the above  photo, said hello to Amy, took this photo of Christy asleep as I closed her curtains,

took a photo out of my side bedroom window – loved the sunrise hitting the front glass of the Q1,

and went back to bed (and to sleep) for another hour. When I finally got up it was the usual – computer time, girls to get bread from the bakery and Iced Chocs from Gloria Jeans today. I got a load of washing done and around 9am we headed downstairs to the pool.

I caught up on some magazine reading…

Christy went in the pool but said it was very cold,

so instead she prepared some sand meals for me to eat,

then joined Amy in the spa when it opened. We then headed to the indoor pool where I discovered the sauna.

After cooling off in the pool the girls wanted to try out the sauna as well. They enjoyed it more than I thought they would. Around 11am we went back up to get ready for today. Unfortunately the girls weren’t being the most co-operative today. Luckily I had checked up the website last night and discovered we all needed closed in shoes for todays activity. I had some, but the girls did not. So we had a side tour to Harbour Town to get some.

Amy got some boots from Adidas and we found these cute shoes for Christy. Of course when we saw the style name we knew it was meant to be .

We then drove up to Tambourine Mountain. I’ve not been here since I was a child. It’s always on the to-do list but we never seem to make it. Of course, when I read about Thunderbird Park (which I had visited as a child) I knew we had to make the trip as Christy is mad about rocks. It was a lovely drive through the rainforest. So many amazingly tall trees.

And finally we had arrived, much later than planned.

Since it was after 1.30pm, first stop was lunch.

I had THE most delicious vegetarian warp. It was so big I kept half and ate it on the drive back home.

Luckily the food was good as the service was  a little slow. Christy went off to play on the swings while we waited and Amy & I met a few of the locals.

And yes, that’s a real bird peeking over the top of the sign – so cute.

Before leaving we had to visit this place and Christy took a photo of the sign .

The finally the rock shop. The attendent tried to talk us out of going (or rather warned us) because he said most kids need around 2.5 hours on the mine site, and it was only open for another 1.5hrs. Since we had made the trip we were not discouraged, and got our picks and buckets.

After the safetly talk and being shown what to look for we huffed and puffed our way up the hill to the mine site. Goodness me I didn’t realize my fitness level had gotten so low . We found another friend… see him lying on the fallen tree…

Then it was time for more exercise in the form of digging.

Within 15 min I had two blisters on my hand – I had to laugh as Kevin always says I have delicate hands – I guess he’s right . So worked for a bit longer then had to down tools and enjoy the scenery while the girls continued digging.

The hour on the site was definitely enough for Amy & I, though I think Christy could have kept on digging. Unfortunately we didn’t really know what we were looking for so I’m pretty sure we just had buckets of rocks.

We walked back down the hill and across this river. Check out the views on both sides. The Australian bush at it’s best.

Then back to the shop to have our haul inspected. Amy got two thundereggs worth opening. Which we did so they could each have  a half (I forgot to get photos so will do so tomorrow). Christy was still happy with her haul of rocks, and did in fact have a thunderegg – it was just a small one. I had NOTHING…. except blisters .

This is what the big eggs look like when opened. Aren’t they gorgeous?

We debated doing the skywalk but everyone was a bit tired and grumpy so we decided to leave it to another trip – they also wanted to visited the adventure park (but we had arrived after last entry). We were looking out for a famous cheese shop but didn’t find it. We did however, find this gorgeous spot to enjoy the view. Hard to believe this is just 50mins from the high rise of the Gold Coast. I know where I’d rather be .

Then it was back down the mountain to the bright lights of the city. We got to enjoy a bit of a sunset on the way.

Back in our room the girls watched TV while I did my nails. This is new thing which you just stick on your nails. No drying time which was a plus tonight. I’m pretty happy with the result but time will tell (with regard to wear and tear).

Unfortunately Amy had a bit of a breakdown tonight – hoping it blows over and she’s back to normal tomorrow.

Tonights dinners was vegetarian nachos (made the quorn – our new favourite fake meat).

Amy went to bed and Christy & I watched The Never Ending Story.

Tomorrow : If moods have improved… Wet ‘n’ wild

Those of you who are friends with me on facebook will know that on Tuesday Rosie caused me to fall off my bike. In addition to grazed knees and elbows I’ve jarred my ribs which results in pain when moving, and breathing, so as you’ll see I’ve been taking it much easier than I normally do.

Surprisingly I’ve been able to sleep pretty well, provided I lie flat on my bad. Kevin had to go into work early this morning so the alarm went off at 5am! I stayed in bed having cuddles with the dogs but got up shortly after Kevin left at 5.30am. I let the dogs out, then made myself a cup of tea, which was enjoyed while playing on the computer.

As always the dogs went back sleep.

Amy was dressed and ready for her school excursion to Luna Park. Can’t believe she gets to go to Luna Park for a science excursion!

Finally the sun was up, and so was Christy.

I haven’t eggs for ages and we’ve got almost 3 dozen in the fridge so I thought I’d make some scrambled eggs for breakfast.

At 7.45am Amy went down the front to wait for her lift to school (since Kevin had left so early). Don’t you love her shirt – she picked out by herself on her first shopping with friends outing last week. It says Horror Movie in case you can’t tell – bacon and eggs on the plates. Pretty appropriate for a vegan .

Next up was the dogs breakfast. I got Christy to help me as reaching down to the ground is very painful.

Then Fudgie had to have his medication. Talk about fun.

I got dressed and kind-of made the bed, and once Christy headed off to school I sat down to enjoy my tea (and a couple of Easter eggs).

I played on the computer on and off for most of the morning. I find I can do a few jobs but then get a bit sore. When I’m sitting and nice and relaxed my chest/back don’t hurt at all. I had some raspberries to eat but they were a little tart so I added a bit of cream – then they were perfect .

With doing so much vegan baking these days I had a few lots of butter which needed to be used up so I thought I’d make some non-vegan chocolate chip cookies to take to Jamberoo tomorrow. Of course, with the girls not home, it meant I HAD to lick the beater .

Bailey was close by – hoping to get to lick the bowl.

While the cookies were baking I did a bit of ironing. I had taken some Panadine and it seemed to be helping with the pain.

And naturally I had to sample one (or two) of the cookies when they were done.

Nan & Pop came and took the dogs for a walk and run at the park. So grateful they can do this when I can’t.

Lunch today was leftover Sweet Potato Rissoto while watching a bit of TV. I’m trying to get through all the programs I’ve been recording. Today I watched Real Simple, Real Life – definitely my kind of show.

Then when the dogs got settled for the post lunch sleep

I did a bit of scrapbooking. Haven’t really found my mojo yet and it seems a struggle to get anything done but I seem to get 1 page done most days.

We had some books arrive in the mail. All three from the same place in the UK and all 3 in seperate packages!!!!! And another Judy Moody had arrived yesterday!

Christy arrived home from school but disappeared to play with Shantel. Amy arrived home about 4.30pm after her excursion and disappeared as well. I started to feel unwell but thought maybe I was hungry. I had some cheese/cracker/grapes and some lemonade and felt better . I really enjoyed the cheese and crackers – definitely a treat now I haven’t had for a long time. The only cheese I really buy now is Bambarah Organic (they don’t kill their male calves). It is so delicious (but obviously expensive) so I don’t eat it often. And the babybell has to be used up.

Kevin arrived home just before 6pm and we had dinner shortly afterwards. It’s been very easy meals this week. Tonight was veggie snitzel, corn and potatoes cooked on the George Forman Grill. So easy yet so yummy. Oh, Christy was having dinner and sleeping over at Nan’s.

Amy (and Britney from next door) were attending a fundraising rock night at school. When I said she could go we thought it was from 7-9pm. She now informed me it went till 11pm. Do you remember our alarm going off at 5am this morning? Kevin decided if he came back home he would not want to go back out so said he’d wait in the car (and play warcraft) until 10pm. I felt bad for him and had planned to drive in with him. But he seemed “reasonably” happy with this arrangement. The things we do for our kids. And I realized this is just the START of it .

Once they left I cleaned up the kitchen and went to get changed for bed. The dogs decided it was playtime.

I settled down with some knitting (finally started something – another scarf just to get something going) and more TV.

I watched an episode of Location, Location, Location, The Dog Whisperer and Build a New Life. Just after 9.30pm the heard them arrive home. Amy was tired so they’d left early (oh, forgot to mention earlier they’d had to return home because Amy forgot to take the tickets). I’m sure Kevin was glad to be back earlier. They headed up to bed. I finished off my show, let the dogs out and headed up to bed myself. I was so tired I didn’t even read tonight.