Weekend reflections...

I have been away at Mount Martha for a couple of days for meetings and fellowship and feel spiritually refreshed.

A slight challenge on Saturday when we confirmed that there were no caterers booked for dinner. I did a quick trip to the supermarket and within half an hour dinner for 40 was organised. Everyone enjoyed it far more that the catered meal last year - and the bonus was that it cost heaps less. Roast chicken, pasta salad, coleslaw, tossed salad, baked potatoes, hot bread rolls (we had 2 large catering ovens so it made it very easy) - and enough cold chicken left to contribute to our lunch on Sunday. I had also donated a box of handmade Christmas cards and sold around 30 of them. Can't wait until next year.

Might have been nice to come home to a clean kitchen...but then my front verandah had been tidied and I could get past the boxes at the front door so I can't have everything.

Only 1 more BAS to do and I have finished for another quarter YAY!!!!

Dolly is having a makeover....

My home away from home is closing :(

Very sad for me, but in the scheme of things, the best decision for Wendy and her family. I have been so lucky to have found this little haven - I walked in on the day it opened and met Leeanne - who at that stage hadn't even done a layout. Booked in for the shop's first crop night and stayed ever since.

Wendy has made Paperdoll more than a shop - it is a community of friends. I have met so many wonderful ladies there. Friday mornings have always been drop kids off, clean up at home as quickly as possible then off to have coffee with Wendy.

No more running around the corner when I need a piece of cardstock or something else I have forgotten (or when family are annoying me!) and no more Harry's cheeky smile on a Saturday.

See you after your makeover Dolly xx

Karen

Thought for today....

Downhill run...

Today I had to be in the city at 9.30 with Bec as her rollerskating club were participating in the Myer Christmas Parade. It was huge and the organisers did an incredible job. It was a brilliant way to showcase community groups. The parade started in Spring Street and went down Bourke Street to the Mall and Myer Store. For anyone unfamiliar with this street - it is on a hill. This is fine for all the groups dancing or marching but when you are on rollerskates AND have to negotiate trams tracks and drains it is very scarey -and quite dangerous. Luckily no one fell.

Their coach doesn't want them to do it next year

Bec got a bit sunburnt on her back - where we put the sunblock. The Mall was packed and the parade was televised on Channel 7 tonight.

Tomorrow I plan on a sleep in! Then need to prepare some audit work papers - and write annual reports for printing on Monday - fun! I really want to be making my last batch of Christmas cards and finishing circle journals. I know Emily will want me to do other things with her.

Just for today - I will take care of myself and have an early night.

Karen

The week has ended....

Today we farwelled my father. The service was lovely - bright, cheerful and full of memories. We decorated with his footy scarves and the flowers were Swans colours. I was very impressed with his minister - when he spoke it was clear that they knew each other well. Two of my brothers delivered the eulogy and my daughter Rebecca stunned everyone with her clear and expressive scripture reading. I caught up with relatives and family friends I had not seen in a while. My boss gave me these lovely flowers yesterday.

Thank you everyone for your kind messages. The support I have received has really helped during this week.

Karen

A long 3 days.....

In the last three days my world has been turned upside down. My father was diagnosed with leukemia and we were told that he would probably only be with us for two or three days. One of my brothers raced here from the country and my uncle flew over from Devonport to join my mother, me and my other two brothers. Although he was very weak we had a lovely day with him yesterday - one that we will all treasure. He even spoke to Bec on the phone. He knew he had a difficult road and spent some time with his minister. The doctor kept telling us how brave he was. He deteriorated rapidly over night and passed away this afternoon with all his family around him.
The care and dignity shown to him and the family by the doctors and staff on 33N at Monash was wonderful - a room change away from a noisy door, making sure we had enough chairs and keeping him as comfortable as possible the whole time. Palliative care staff and social workers dropping in to look after all our needs and queries. We were kept informed at all times and nothing was too much trouble. I thank you all.

23 Years....

Wow - is it that long since I was young and single! Where have the years gone?

Don't think I would fit in the dress anymore as I was only 55kg then - and thought I was fat! I took a week off work to make it - and I still use the same sewing machine. Thanks to my mother all seams were either french or neatened properly and I used a pattern - she doesn't cope with me just laying material on the floor and cutting it! John came up a treat in a formal suit.

Life and partnerships have ups and downs - but they are worth fighting for.

Happy anniversary John xxx

Kaz

A work in progress......

Sounds just like me.

I know it will take me time to get everything I want in here - and then I am sure I will want to change it all again. My 3 not so little computer experts are all offering help to write everything in Html, give me pretty colours, and probably put their You tube and Sketchfu links in. Thanks guys, but.....

I was excited to hear my American Crafts layout for Paperdoll won this month's challenge. So were Sarah and Sean - which was lucky as I pinched the photo out of the shared folder on my computer.

I haven't done many "normal" page layouts lately - I seem to have been doing 6x6 and 8x8 circle journals forever. Not many left now and they are all done. Next time someone wants to start another group I am going say no - well try at least! I received my pages back today from my Boxx of Pages group on Scrapboxx - now I have to do mine and make my journal.

Better go and do some work

Check out my Slide Show!

Beginnings....

Today is the first day of the rest of my blog.......