Life Events a quick catch up

I must apologise I did intend to update more frequently but unfortunately life got in the way.  So much has happened that I don't know where to start so this blog will give brief updates on the happenings of the last few weeks.  Firstly there  was the trip to Carnarvon to catch up with friends and my first photo is of the fish that was caught when they went out fishing.

A Cod caught near Carnarvon WA

We also celebrated my beautiful grand daughter's 18th birthday........

Very proud grandparents and the star of the day

 I would also like to show you my new aquisition.....

Nicknamed the "Jelly Bean" by courtesy of my brother Colin....probably because it is red or as it is a diesel it sounds like jelly beans rattling in a jar......Anyway I drove it behind the bus down to Mt Barker where we are farm sitting at the moment.  I nearly missed Mt Barker and started heading back to Perth but that is another story....Now for the best news of all...Drum Roll Please...
We are now the proud great grandparents of Chase Mark K....born early on the 18th July, weighing 9 pounds and a very long 55cm at 2.25pm...I did a trip up to Perth to see him and he is of course very gorgeous as you would expect...

Already an eagles fan!!!!

and very cheeky!!!

I promise I will be back very soon with more updates.

Wild Wild Weather in the West

What utter bedlam!  Just came back from the shops and most of the shopping centres are closed and the queue for petrol at the few outlets with power is huge.  In case you were unaware WA has been hit with vast storms and ferocious winds especially along the coast and the South West.  The shops that are open are absolutely packed.  Some areas will be without power for up to a week as the electricity Company tries to deal with the enormity of the problems it has to deal with.  Trees and electricity poles are down and in Mandurah along the foreshore the water is covering the walkways along the estuaries.  The Canal Tour boats have also cancelled all trips today.

Mandurah Foreshore walk way

We spent last week in Carnarvon with friends and Bill managed to get in one day’s fishing.  I will tell you all about it later. 

The new Carnarvon boat ramp underwater

About 3am yesterday the storm hit Carnarvon and we left about 7am.  There was water awash over the road in several places but one benefit was that the wind was behind us all the way pushing us home.  Geraldton was feeling the brunt of the storm as we passed through.  Listening to the radio we heard that the storm had swept through Bunbury and power lines and trees were down and a lot of storm damage was reported.  I think some off the worst spots were Rockingham, Port Kennedy, Baldivis, Mandurah and Bunbury and North of Perth.  Family fared OK with one grandson with damage to his ute.  The wind lifted the tray cover off its hinges and smashed into his back window.  Trees and debris was everywhere on their property and the horses were going wild.  The family were most concerned as one is in the late stages of pregnancy.  Our other son had branches down and a broken window on his house.  We also lost a huge aerial on our property in Bunbury.  Here in our apartment only the outdoor chairs had blown about, I had expected to see them floating in the canal below but we were very lucky indeed.  Luckily no major damage and no injuries were reported.  The winds were reported to be up to 140klms an hour when the worst of it hit.  I predict a major cleanup will be the go for the next few weeks here.  It is still very wild outside but a lot calmer than yesterday.  Our hearts go out to the people with damaged properties and our thanks to the SES, Western Power workers and others who worked tirelessly trying to secure properties and make everything safe again.  You could probably check out more pictures on the West Australian newspaper facebook site  www.thewest.com.au or at  www.mandurahmail.com.au

Our New Year

By the way as you can see by my countdown widget on my side bar we are again being blessed with the anticipated arrival of another Great Grand child.  Corey and Ashleigh are expecting their first child which is due in July.  We are so excited!! Congratulations to both of you, we can't wait.  We managed to survive Christmas with the family.  An enjoyable day with about 19 of us.  We were entertained by viewing old old photos on the TV screen, having the odd giggle and with great grandson Ben whizzing around the lounge in his walker, almost doing burnouts as he rounded the coffee table to add to our amusement. We managed to keep him out of the kitchen with an obstacle barring his entrance, which I promptly responded to by nearly tripping over and falling flat on my face. lol.  Boxing day had us doing a sojourn to Bunbury City Speedway to watch Grandson Corey burn around the track in his street stock car no 68.

I now know why everyone wears sunglasses even though it is in the night.  The dirt and dust that the sprint cars throw up can be quite a health hazard, I'd forgotten about this aspect of the speedway although I can still recall the street sedans state titles in Collie when both sons competed, arriving home with the only part of me not covered in dirt was where I had my glasses on.lol.  Corey did well even though the track was wet and slippery, I think the sprint cars use the street stocks and juniors to mop up the track following the water truck leaving the track in perfect condition for them to race on.

  New Year was spent at Wandi with our fellow Motor Home Family, a beautiful meal was prepared on NYE followed by games of "a minute to win it", then to cap it off we participated in "laughter Yoga" directed by Claire, a visitor from the eastern states.

  I think if our kids looked in the hall we would all have been committed, but lots of joy and laughter prevailed.

  The weather was unpredictable with hot steamy days alternated with cool overcast days.

Disc Bowls added to the frivolity with competition close but with no one winning the sheep station.  We were also joined on Friday by #1 son on Friday showing us his new acquisition.  We spent the night before leaving for Wandi at #2 son's country property and were surrounded by lovely trees and birdsong.  

Our nearest neighbours were Pixie,
my granddaughter's miniature pony and Lulu, one of the family's adored pets.

 The family has purchased an acreage in a beautiful rural spot where they can unwind after a busy day and enjoy more of an outdoor life.  I agree with them it is a lovely retreat.  So have a Happy New Year everyone.  I hope 2012 is a very prosperous and healthy year for you all and all your dreams and desires come to fruition.  bless you all.