tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73605010173914155222024-03-18T20:35:52.973-07:00Silvana's PlaceDaily thoughts and musingsSilvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-77692192434242958042015-09-10T06:11:00.002-07:002015-09-13T06:54:17.525-07:00I fancy something rich and dark"I need a coffee!" - how often have you said that? How often have you emailed or called a friend and finished off by saying "we really must catch up, let's get together for a coffee"? Or as a very famous movie star once said "come up and see me sometime" - I'm sure she was talking about coffee.<br />
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How did it all start? Legend has it that in the year 850 a goatherd (a lonely goatherd?) in the hills of Ethiopia noticed that his herd became a bit friskier after eating the berries of a certain shrub. After trying the berries himself and experiencing their wonderful effect he then shared his find with the local monks who declared it the work of the devil and threw the beans into the fire. But after retrieving the beans, putting them into water and drinking the brew the monks then proclaimed that it was a miracle and continued to drink it to help keep them awake during their evening prayers.<br />
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The first coffee houses were opened in Mecca in the 13th century and soon became places of social interaction - chess and backgammon were played there, gossip was exchanged, singing, dancing and music were enjoyed - and all for the price of a cup of coffee.<br />
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Coffee shops are still centres of social interaction. You can visit any coffee shop on any given day and see groups of friends catching up, business people with their laptops, job interviews in progress, students relaxing after an exam or study, couples ..... and lots of first dates.<br />
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What makes a place your favourite coffee shop? For me it's a combination of things - when I walk in I want to smell that rich, warm inviting aroma of coffee brewing. I want the staff to welcome me, to be friendly but not intrusive. I like the lighting to be a bit dim, the furniture comfortable - couches are a bonus, they give the place a cosy feel. I like to see a selection of food on offer and it must look fresh, inviting. A decent selection of current magazines and the morning paper is a must.<br />
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I can sit in my favourite coffee shop, or any coffee shop for that matter, on my own, and feel very comfortable. I blend in - I don't have to have a companion. I can sit and read a book or simply watch the world go by.<br />
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My favourite coffee, a cappuccino, in my favourite coffee shop is a work of art. The perfect cappuccino - which takes its name from the cappucin monks, the layers in the cup representing the different layers of the monk's habit - is made up of 1/3 coffee, 1/3 milk and 1/3 froth. The barista is the artisan.<br />
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Let's begin: the coffee takes about 20 to 30 seconds to flow from the machine into the cup and it is rich, dark and syrupy, not bitter or burnt. It has a reddish-brown crema that sits gently on top. The milk for my cappuccino is steamed to the right temperature and has a creamy, velvety texture. The barista pours this hot foamed milk over the shot of coffee resulting in a thick creamy foam forming on top ....... and I am treated to a sprinkle of chocolate. When I finish drinking it, it leaves a coating of crema on the inside of the cup. And the taste in my mouth is exquisite.<br />
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So - what do you say? Let's get together - let's have a coffee.<br />
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Life is good.Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-12629559348479933612014-03-01T22:41:00.001-08:002014-03-01T22:41:16.907-08:00The year of turning 60<strong>Yesterday was my friend's birthday. Not just any friend .... and not just any birthday. </strong><br />
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<strong>My dear and almost oldest friend Julie celebrated her 60th - a milestone in anyone's calendar - and together with her loving family and friends old and new, we enjoyed a night of fun, reminiscences, soothing background music (well she is 60) and delicious food. Her beautiful husband Peter, aided and abetted by their two gorgeous children organised a couple of surprises to add to the excitement and joy of her special day.</strong><br />
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<strong>Julia and I met in primary school - year 3 - and were inseparable all those years through to year 7. Once in high school our circle of friends expanded yet we remained close even though new and different girls came into our lives. And the fact that one of us had the freedom to explore and enjoy adolescence while the other was subjected to a strict Sicilian upbringing was at times challenging. But friendship is about accepting and through those sometimes difficult years Julie was always an ally. I'm sure there were times when she didn't get it - hey, neither did I - but I always knew that she was there for me.</strong><br />
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<strong>Over the years we came and went. We left school, worked in totally different careers, married, travelled, eventually had babies, moved houses, wouldn't see each other for years and then a phone call and we would reconnect. Although our paths went in different directions yet at some point the Universe would arrange for us to get together again, stay for as along as needed and then move on. </strong><br />
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<strong>In recent years we have both lost a loved one and it was like losing one of our own. When you have a friendship this their family becomes your family too. So the loss of a mother or a sibling is as heartbreaking for one as the other. </strong><br />
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<strong>Julie has been back in my life for a couple of years now and what inspires me about this vivacious, bubbly woman is her generosity. Julie lives the adage "a friend in need is a friend indeed" and willingly and instantly gives of herself when she knows that someone is doing it tough. She heard about an organisation called the Pyjama Foundation which arranges for volunteers to visit children in foster homes and through the beauty and magic of books, provide them with friendship and a constant in their otherwise uncertain lives. She became a Pyjama Angel and recently was honoured at a celebration dinner when one of her "children" got up to thank her for her friendship and for introducing him to the wonders of reading. I wish I had been there.</strong><br />
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<strong>Last night I watched as Julie enjoyed her night - mixing and mingling, sipping her champagne like a lady (hehe), looking fabulous in her blingy clingy dress (looking good for 60 Jules) and just .... beaming. I watched as she soaked up the love from each and everyone of us as we helped her to celebrate this very special birthday for this very special lady. </strong><br />
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<strong>Life is good.</strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Vh_7l15Fa6TbtJk1Z_X8DQInXGSojlsN_6Pzt2l6xjxtaDkj85TQLRu0GvkUNGnYopo-IoL0jR5HSHr0wo0VZcHaqdCWJfUH320jaVDQdBIfuMj0Ei6MXfws5IvuQ5yWc7ue7ePNVC3t/s1600/270413+156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Vh_7l15Fa6TbtJk1Z_X8DQInXGSojlsN_6Pzt2l6xjxtaDkj85TQLRu0GvkUNGnYopo-IoL0jR5HSHr0wo0VZcHaqdCWJfUH320jaVDQdBIfuMj0Ei6MXfws5IvuQ5yWc7ue7ePNVC3t/s1600/270413+156.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #660000;">With dear friends Moya (left) and Julie (right)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #660000;">We're not getting older, we're getting hotter</span></strong></td></tr>
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Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-1056281685097449302014-02-15T23:50:00.000-08:002014-02-17T00:59:57.259-08:00Size does matter<strong>We have a man shed - one of those aluminium (strong and durable of course) custom made, perfect fit sheds with a window for fresh air and two doors for easy access. It's been a long time coming, this shed, and the preparation and planning was meticulous and precise until the final execution or should I say, erection.</strong><br />
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<strong>I have to agree with Rob on this and say that yes, we did need another shed. When we bought the house it came with a tiny garden shed at the side and it barely has enough room to hold the lawn mower and a couple of garden tools. As a result the double garage has become the storage shed, so much so, that we have room for only one car (mine) and Rob's has had to sit outside in the weather. We did need another shed.</strong><br />
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<strong>Now as you know - you don't just buy a shed and plant it in a corner of the yard where there happens to be a space. No, no, no. This is a project in itself - where to put the shed. Obvious sites are rejected with a patronising explanation as to why it can't possibly go there - reasons ranging from access issues to proximity to the house.</strong><br />
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<strong>Once a site has been chosen then the fun begins - well for Rob it did anyway. Brochures were pored over and hours spent on the internet researching places, prices, styles and the all important size. Because when it comes to sheds my friends - size does matter. But nothing seemed to suit - those off-the-shelf numbers just weren't cutting it and finally Rob decided that this was too important to just make do. It had to be right, it had to fit the space, it had a job to do - it had to be custom made - a no brainer.</strong><br />
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<strong>The rest pretty well fell into place and the shed builder - chosen with care and a lot of research - was able to assist and guide Rob through the next stages of shed acquisition - concreting, power supply and finally the delivery and installation. </strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1KXHtV2BTDFb9GMRh5ZG7YPw9s_B-Juo1WXwWisDCmhJq2lguF4zIpwNURy-VcqoH63MfepCEUE8FfBdd-dDhjspJktsFEVfL0vOhgK3LodDgGIRKP0kWwLkQf_BHvLled9OZKtYvpFG/s1600/160214+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP1KXHtV2BTDFb9GMRh5ZG7YPw9s_B-Juo1WXwWisDCmhJq2lguF4zIpwNURy-VcqoH63MfepCEUE8FfBdd-dDhjspJktsFEVfL0vOhgK3LodDgGIRKP0kWwLkQf_BHvLled9OZKtYvpFG/s1600/160214+065.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Rob preparing for his man shed</strong></span></td></tr>
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<strong>What a day that was. The excitement was palpable and I almost felt sorry that Rob had to go to work and was not able to hang around and watch while the miracle unfolded. I'm sure he knew at what point each screw and fixture was coming together and could envisage the structure as it grew and developed until finally .... he had a shed. </strong><br />
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<strong>The past two weekends have been a series of trips to Bunnings and Masters, buying shelves, plastic crates, little storage systems for screws, nails and other little bitsy things. And finally this weekend Rob has had fun installing shelves, emptying the garage of tools, boxes and other stuff, organising and rearranging in his shed. </strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>A place for everything - and everything in its place .... for now</strong></span> </td></tr>
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<strong>There is a little bit left over that didn't quite fit but with clever shelving and rearranging in the garage he has been able to accommodate them and we can fit in both our cars. Happy days.</strong><br />
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<strong>Last night I noticed that the mower was sitting out on its own, sort of homeless. There didn't seem to be a space for it in the garage and the new shed is quite full. Maybe it goes in that space in the middle and Rob will just move it out when he needs to go in and work there or look for something. Yes, that's what he'll do. </strong><br />
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<strong>Last night at dinner (mini lamb roast with vegetables and mint sauce) I casually asked about the mower. "Oh - I haven't told you what I'm doing have I? (Pause) I'm getting another shed....."</strong><br />
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<strong>Life is good :)</strong>Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-27051150965560621622014-01-21T22:24:00.000-08:002014-01-21T22:41:12.262-08:00A sense of camaraderie and pride<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Where is your Tupperware drawer/cupboard? Mine is under the oven (now a new oven, 11 functions no less - very intimidating ... but I digress). When we left Dahlia Street I actually culled quite a bit of "tupperware". I put the word in inverted commas because it wasn't all real Tupperware. I had some fakes - take-away containers, some cheap plastic things that were out of shape and often lid-less and quite a few items that I wasn't using anymore.</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Now my Tupperware drawer is organised, tidy and is a mixture of the real thing and some imitations. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Why am I telling you this? Well - Rob has been asking me for ages to bake him a sponge cake. Now, modestly speaking, I'm pretty good at making cakes (ask my family) but a sponge? Uh - no. So for ages I've been trying to sidetrack him, throw him off the scent. I even convinced him that really, it wasn't a sponge cake he wanted, it was a madeira cake. Yes Rob - it is a plain cake.</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>But with a new oven comes new enthusiasm and a desire to try something .... new. So onto </strong></span><a href="http://taste.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>taste.com</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong> and voila - "Easy Sponge Cake". I was ready for the challenge.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>I am happy to report that now Rob has his sponge cake - finally - and can eat it too. I was so pleased with the end result that I posted a picture on Facebook for all the world to see. And said sponge was proudly and unashamedly displayed on a Tupperware cake storer (I think that's what it's called, but am happy to be corrected). And not a new ansty-fancy one either - no new shades of pastel or vibrant fluro. It was the old, or should I say 'classic' yellow that was once the colour of Tupperware.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrd6CWVsATh_3Todjlpwr5FTO1QJSjU1vB30MgG5Ue538ieRVES6Ri_7tcdkFhEpu4gjmkP7cxCZ8kSkV3lccPNbkamfi8f-c5B3bP8hyphenhyphenx2VsgL0a1iI9z78d2qlQoPCq3y07r62-wlrBA/s1600/220114+573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrd6CWVsATh_3Todjlpwr5FTO1QJSjU1vB30MgG5Ue538ieRVES6Ri_7tcdkFhEpu4gjmkP7cxCZ8kSkV3lccPNbkamfi8f-c5B3bP8hyphenhyphenx2VsgL0a1iI9z78d2qlQoPCq3y07r62-wlrBA/s1600/220114+573.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>My friend Trish noticed and commented. And got me thinking. Everyone knows Tupperware. I don't know about you but I am regularly bombarded on Facebook with requests to 'share' pages that depict old Tupperware items. It was even a topic in a Seinfeld episode - remember Kramer and the 'burp'?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>There's something comfortable and familiar about it - nostalgic. One of the first toys I bought for Hannah and Alana was the Shape-O ball - and they love it. Just as Ford Festiva owners have a sense of camaraderie and pride (apparently) when they see another Festiva on the road, so too do Tupperware users. </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Oh yes, I've been tempted by imitators over the years - who hasn't? - with their fancy promises and claims of keeping our sandwiches fresh and our muffins moist. But has anyone yet come up with anything comparable to the meat marinator, the lettuce saver, the chicken storer thing and the olives container with the middle bit that lifts up and brings the olives out of the oil and brine? I'm sure the answer is NO! And if they have, well ... pfft</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Tupperware - worthy of its own space in the kitchen, be it a drawer or a shelf in the cupboard. Tupperware - worthy of being labelled so that it doesn't get lost in the lunch room or mixed up with someone else's container. Tupperware - worthy of being sold exclusively in your own home while we sip on champagne and taste food that has been kept fresh in a display set that the hostess will win if everyone buys up big and books a party. </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>I know it's expensive, I know that there are other products that <em><u>may</u></em> do the same job but really has anyone ever heard of a Décor drawer?</strong></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Life is good.</span></strong>Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-73936769807972858032014-01-16T00:10:00.001-08:002014-01-16T00:11:25.074-08:00In the midst of life .....I'm not one for new year's resolutions - why put myself under that kind of pressure? Instead I have chosen to set goals - realistic goals, do-able goals, achievable goals. And not a lot of goals either - again, why put myself under that kind of pressure?<br />
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Now I won't bore you with the details. Do you really want to read how I plan to live a healthier lifestyle - exercise daily, eat clean food and rid my system of sugar? No - I didn't think so.<br />
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But I will share with you my intention to stay in an attitude of gratitude every day - with God, the Universe and the angels. Airy-fairy? No, not really. Just grateful.<br />
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I can list off in my head any number of things that have me in this state and while obvious they are not by any means of a lesser blessing. On the contrary - health, fitness, the love of family and friends, a loving partner, my adorable grandchildren - healthy and growing beautifully, a beautiful home in a beautiful place, a loving puppy (although she is 8 years old now - getting on, isn't she?), a job I love, colleagues who make my work environment joyful - I can go on and on.<br />
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But today I feel most grateful for the blessing of my mother. My mum - a woman who gets on my nerves, who drives me crazy with her ideas and stubbornness, who gives advice when I don't want it (or need it for that matter!), who does and says things that leave me gobsmacked and wondering what planet she is visiting today. My mum - the woman who leaves fresh milk, bread and fruit for us to find when we get back from holidays, who brings over chicken soup when she knows I'm not well (yes - chicken soup), calls around regularly to see how we are, who rings when I forget to, who has supported me through a marriage breakup and a new relationship, who accepts my friends, who adores my kids (and they her) and delights in her great-grandchildren. <br />
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This woman who had never heard of gluten free until my girls became gluten intolerant, will now cook her famous crumbed chicken with GF breadcrumbs and keeps GF pasta in the pantry as well.<br />
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My mum surprised and delighted me last year when she agreed to accompany me to Perth to meet up with Rob for a short holiday after his stint in one of the mines where he trains in Western Australia. I was concerned that she might baulk at having to travel at night (don't ask me why) and that we would be arriving in Perth at midnight. For some reason I thought that would faze her. But not at all. When I rang to inform her of the flight schedule she asked "What are you going on about? It's all part of the adventure Silvana" (!).<br />
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We holidayed well together and she joined in willingly on the wine tour, trying out different foods, trying to keep up with us on walks, taking great pleasure in the WA wild flowers and scenery. My greatest buzz was watching her on the flight back home - Rob was able to upgrade us to business class with his points. She took to that like a duck to water.<br />
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Recently my kids and I bought her an iPad for her birthday. We thought it would be a good way to keep her interested and stimulated - you know, keep her brain active so that she doesn't get bored. Any doubts I may have had about our idea went out the window the minute she unwrapped the gift, took the iPad in her hands and asked how to switch it on. And we haven't looked back since. <br />
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I'm sharing these little snippets with you because yesterday I attended the funeral of my best friend's mother. My girlfriend Maria had texted me just after Christmas to let me know that her mum, Connie, was on life support. That in itself was a shock. I kept in touch with Maria daily by text, rang the family every couple of days to offer my support ... and prayed. I really thought she would pull through. God knows the woman was as stubborn as my mother. In fact they are both Scorpios and their birthdays are only 3 days apart.<br />
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But she didn't. And yesterday I watched as a family laid their mother to rest. It was heartbreaking. Maria brought the church to its knees with the most beautiful eulogy that I have heard given at a funeral in a long time. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren paid tribute to their Nonna with wonderful memories of special times and special traditions. <br />
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After the service I found Maria and hugged her as I have never hugged her in all the years of our friendship - 55 years. We have known each other for 55 years and the first time we met was through Connie. Our mothers were talking outside the year 1 classroom on the first day of our first year at school. Maria was shy and clinging to her mother's dress, I was confident and cool - after all I was a kindy graduate so I knew the drill. Connie said to me "Why don't you go and talk to this little girl?" meaning Maria. So I did ... and the rest is history.<br />
<br />
I've thought about this a lot since Connie's passing. And I've thought about my own mum a lot too. And how lucky I am to still have her. No doubt she will continue to bug me and boss me around (well she'll try to). And no doubt I will react. But I have a feeling that my reactions now will be slower, that I will allow stuff to just go by me and that I will cut her a bit more slack.<br />
<br />
In this new year of sadness for my best friend, may I help her to honour the memory of her mother by cherishing what I have. Thank you to God, the Universe and my guardian angels for the gift of my mum - stubborn, hard working, generous and kind.<br />
<br />
Life is ever changing.Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-25593676250352313192013-06-01T22:25:00.000-07:002013-06-01T22:25:15.118-07:00A woman of a certain age<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Layering - the art of dressing in layers so that as you warm up or cool down you can either take off an item of clothing - e.g. a cardigan or a scarf - or add an item - e.g. a longer sleeved top, a cardigan or a scarf. Layering - the art of dressing for the menopausal woman.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">It came home to me this morning as I sat in church. While adding my croaky voice to that of the very sweet sounding choir as they sang their repertoire of uplifting hymns I happened to glance down at my bag. Sitting just inside the zip was my red pashmina - warm and comforting - and jutting out next to it - where I had placed it not two minutes ago - was my white fan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I had arrived I was wearing the pashmina and appropriate gear for a coolish Sunday morning. Two readings and two hymns down and I had peeled off the pashmina and fished around in my rather largish bag - too big it turns out when I want to find something in a hurry - to look for my fan. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then followed the menopause tango - a layer on, a layer off, a layer on, a layer off - repeat until .... well until you feel comfortable again. aarggh!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Life is ..... hot, then it's cold ...... hot again ..... cooling down...... :-)</span>Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-22366221611650256882013-05-23T05:58:00.001-07:002013-05-23T05:58:58.068-07:00Grandparenthood<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5Ycpwv13rVK77U4lN2BFR24WEvHXQMb5nrUfb4AP8StaGYbJceuw10_xh2b6AkSia9sTFvrQrlwp04O_UxKsCaO8ojEbTnZMIA4lv5kW2lG7Y2JRKhuq0hNUDMJ-peVOYIoLAjtI4Q-y/s1600/SILIATO+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5Ycpwv13rVK77U4lN2BFR24WEvHXQMb5nrUfb4AP8StaGYbJceuw10_xh2b6AkSia9sTFvrQrlwp04O_UxKsCaO8ojEbTnZMIA4lv5kW2lG7Y2JRKhuq0hNUDMJ-peVOYIoLAjtI4Q-y/s200/SILIATO+018.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Alana and Hannah - new borns</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Just under twelve months ago I entered a new phase of my life - grandparenthood. Now, up until then, when engaged in conversation with a grandparent I was ...... polite. I would listen politely as they described to me how cute their little grandson/daughter was - how they giggled and gooed, how clever they were to grasp at their fingers, how they recognised them and smiled as they walked in the door, how fast they could crawl etc etc. </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>I would listen in bewilderment as they told me how 'funny' their grandchildren were - how they did this and that and "oh gosh, I could just sit and watch them all day". What?? Really? All day?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>How can watching a baby be .... funny? interesting? worthy of telling and retelling? All babies smile, crawl and grasp at hands - why is this clever? Get a life. </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>What I didn't realise is that they did have a life - the life of the grandparent. And what a life!</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Now - I find myself stopping innocent passers-by and regaling them with little snippets of information about my grandchildren - my twin grand-daughters Hannah and Alana.</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Like the time I attended the funeral of my sister-in-law's father. It was in the little township of Nobby on the Darling Downs and after the very moving and emotional service we all gathered at the local church hall for the wake. The room was filled with family and close friends and I knew none of them save for my sister-in-law's immediate family.</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>But from across the room I spied a young mother, sitting on the stairs leading up to the stage, feeding her new born baby. I made my way over to her - a woman on a mission - and smiled. "How old is he?" (he was wearing blue, that's how I knew it was a boy), "he's lovely," (he was), "is he good?" </strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>And then I started. I couldn't stop. The words just poured out of my mouth. "I have twins .... identical .... girls. Well, I don't (laugh), my son and his wife actually have them ......" and it went on and on. How gorgeous they are, how much joy they bring me, how I sleep over once a week to help ..... on and on and on.</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>The young woman sat, and listened ..... politely, And I could see in her face the question - "who is this woman?" I suddenly came to and made a hasty retreat. I looked around and desperately tried to find my sister-in-law Debbie so that I could (1) hide and (2) confess. I had to get it off my chest and bring her in the loop so that when she later heard about a deranged woman ambushing her cousin/friend/whoever, she could make an impassioned plea on my behalf and explain that I am a new grandmother and please - could they just cut me some slack?</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjir6rDF9cWmEfcOaBX5f65ttLvAPMXpOqegBLniUoDXbcnz93UpmBB228jJFjtKyoj59XfTFzDIrksArHFWOKA8j_8GXZhqCLqRsZpMGmLt1pxJOAvN0KyHnCuGSOJQn9gOu2f2kVNEZ3/s1600/bath+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjir6rDF9cWmEfcOaBX5f65ttLvAPMXpOqegBLniUoDXbcnz93UpmBB228jJFjtKyoj59XfTFzDIrksArHFWOKA8j_8GXZhqCLqRsZpMGmLt1pxJOAvN0KyHnCuGSOJQn9gOu2f2kVNEZ3/s200/bath+time.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Mirror image - who's who?</strong></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Look - I make no apologies. I am a grandmother. And I love it. And one day when you're a grandparent too - if you're not already - you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. In the meantime - listen politely as I tell you about the time they ......</strong> </span>Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-80483542960015520532012-05-04T21:26:00.000-07:002012-05-04T21:26:20.219-07:00Back in the saddle<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m sitting in a favourite coffee shop that Rob
and I discovered one night quite by accident. We had just had a wonderful dining
experience at a local restaurant – well sort of local - and before getting in
the car and driving home, we went for a leisurely stroll. Just a bit further
down the road I noticed a new establishment – Tonn’a beanz – cute name - and although
it was closed as we looked through the glass we could see that it was very clean
and inviting.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rob and I ventured back after about a week and met
Troy, the owner, and his lovely Mum who helps him out. This place has it all –
great coffee, friendly atmosphere, friendly service and each and every time we’ve
been since that first visit, we are made to feel so very welcome.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The décor is clean and crisp – lime green and
white, wooden venetian blinds and black accessories. You may be thinking that
this is a paid advertisement – it isn’t. It’s just the thoughts and feeling of
a very satisfied customer who wants to see this gorgeous young man succeed in a
very competitive industry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Tonn’a beanz now does weekend breakfasts and I’ve
already locked it into our schedule once Rob gets back from Laos.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So – what has this got to do with anything?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well … it’s a start, that’s what it’s about. It’s
about getting me back into the saddle of blogland. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve missed blogging – and the reason I stopped?
Well I don’t feel interesting anymore. You see being on TI I felt different and
interesting enough to want to share my experiences with everyone. Originally I
did it to keep family and friends up to date, but then it sort of grew of it’s
own accord. And I loved it.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But once we came home I lost confidence in myself
as a blogger because … well, what could I possibly have to say of interest? Sad
but true </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">But – sitting here in my new favourite coffee
shop, I’ve decided to climb back onto the horse and reopen the flood gates and
let it all flow out. After all my blog title says it all – “Life is good –
daily thoughts and musings”.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So – let the musings begin anew and allow me to
give you a glimpse into my life again with all it’s richness and blessings –
family, friends, new experiences …and new coffee shops too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Life is … very good </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-37208796263525642632011-12-14T16:19:00.000-08:002011-12-14T17:17:16.550-08:00Gulf tour<strong>Before the last September holidays Bonnie had mentioned that she and her sister Glenys were taking a day trip to the Gulf (of Carpentaria) - did I want to join them? Yeah - sounds good, but no - can't afford it. Remember I was flying home for the holidays to be with Rob after his back operation and air fares from Horn island to Cairns are ridiculously expensive. I was trying to be careful and conservative with my spending.</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>But as the end of term got closer and holiday mode loomed, I began to rethink my conservative approach to spending and at the last minute sent Bonnie a text saying "count me in"! I'm so glad I did :-)</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Up bright and early - the ferry leaves at 6am - and kitted out with water bottle, sunscreen, hat, camera and walking shoes, the three muskateers met at the wharf and waited for Peddell's ferry to arrive. It did and on time.</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>The Gulf tour starts with a 45 minute ferry trip to Seisia Jetty on the mainland where we are met by our genial host and mini bus driver and guide Jeremy. He obliges us by taking our photo standing in front of the bus to mark the beginning of the tour. </strong><br />
<br />
<strong>First up is a drive through the township of Bamaga and onto the Loyalty Beach caravan park for a very delicious breakfast - more so for the view than anything else.</strong><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWLCzsj0CUypkfGqmIbM7tWY7cFJr1wmKjdxxByBFPILw5qQXnb5CC832TL2LC2pbq2PGUMRt3f0RUcieGAj8LQ1jRMHsWOMyYE23I_emnxl88r2AoGfBajNUhpyXiCaqvhr-vbdFQ4nq/s1600/2011_09190001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWLCzsj0CUypkfGqmIbM7tWY7cFJr1wmKjdxxByBFPILw5qQXnb5CC832TL2LC2pbq2PGUMRt3f0RUcieGAj8LQ1jRMHsWOMyYE23I_emnxl88r2AoGfBajNUhpyXiCaqvhr-vbdFQ4nq/s320/2011_09190001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Seisia Jetty - the little white ferry next to the big barge :-)</span></strong></td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34bpjBY4S6YxV-AXAQIpgDOm1rGXWFy6ZwrfbF2pzckMHMBZbJCppB7XkRyTsle_9Essy7wQeXVgk7hpAOTpvXCyYwbkYpW__1CTBO_Xtu2zBDtG9FTYyTz4KOnWfVFS7QuhJLvYg_TIU/s1600/2011_09190004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34bpjBY4S6YxV-AXAQIpgDOm1rGXWFy6ZwrfbF2pzckMHMBZbJCppB7XkRyTsle_9Essy7wQeXVgk7hpAOTpvXCyYwbkYpW__1CTBO_Xtu2zBDtG9FTYyTz4KOnWfVFS7QuhJLvYg_TIU/s320/2011_09190004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Breakfast - simple, help yourself and very delicious</span></strong></td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFYUd3ztnVqEp655141-2OmQGkTkeeYxhsIt82y0x0zrHLaUkpQGU_wl4zXa93br97aW1KDt_dHLUyynocRkP884P1agJ4Ck3ioe-5LbFz9pLp42HtD76KLPZc5tB4JqpmxGUfBXEJSB6/s1600/2011_09190005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFYUd3ztnVqEp655141-2OmQGkTkeeYxhsIt82y0x0zrHLaUkpQGU_wl4zXa93br97aW1KDt_dHLUyynocRkP884P1agJ4Ck3ioe-5LbFz9pLp42HtD76KLPZc5tB4JqpmxGUfBXEJSB6/s320/2011_09190005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Breakfast with a view. Glenys on the far left in red. She and Bonnie started chatting to the two guys in the middle - turns out they all went to the same school in Sydney!</span></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<strong>Then it's back to the bus and for the next hour and a bit we experience a very bumpy but interesting drive to the tip of Australia. Jeremy is a very knowledgeable and pleasant guide and has lots of stories and historical information available to make the rather tedious drive just that bit more enjoyable.</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Once at the Tip, he parks the bus on the beach and then we have about a twenty minute walk over rocks to the top of Australia.</strong><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxKWzzSt0lUcJhTHPz4RBNn-kcPIrrT6UZs5aQsiBeDC6nZA2-EaMcf3e8tIU2apx8VisTEAoLqF-kfJNEdbIGx5IdK1epYgLprGTEVHr5LEB-8x7AV7ql0n-O34cUHSdTAV7WmP29biq/s1600/2011_09190007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxKWzzSt0lUcJhTHPz4RBNn-kcPIrrT6UZs5aQsiBeDC6nZA2-EaMcf3e8tIU2apx8VisTEAoLqF-kfJNEdbIGx5IdK1epYgLprGTEVHr5LEB-8x7AV7ql0n-O34cUHSdTAV7WmP29biq/s320/2011_09190007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Over rocks and crannies to get to the top all the while enjoying this most magnificent view</span></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGzCSvh-0EB6kC-y-q3rVc116-kiX4ReAUeyjIed3D9MHt_Tr7IRnHd6MY3g4Q1LN0NvsMRqO3wm8yPO4nKksBRFaQNhbliEhoVaqfcnCtXWpduN0_x29EQ9Fjv_As6imWTWZInnkh76H/s1600/2011_09190011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGzCSvh-0EB6kC-y-q3rVc116-kiX4ReAUeyjIed3D9MHt_Tr7IRnHd6MY3g4Q1LN0NvsMRqO3wm8yPO4nKksBRFaQNhbliEhoVaqfcnCtXWpduN0_x29EQ9Fjv_As6imWTWZInnkh76H/s320/2011_09190011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Bonnie (left) and Glenys at the Top</span></strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvG4xLQ3xJ6qUu7eK2X87DknfC-XDZO8XP4mGzfC95vFegklAfYD72Skvg1oZfrsHJpdco_91LADsHa4f6HTu-x4nWIH0b4_RnhViH9BhfgRG8pJkvO-Gdn1DryHCxpaKKCOvBeWryVgg/s1600/2011_09190012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvG4xLQ3xJ6qUu7eK2X87DknfC-XDZO8XP4mGzfC95vFegklAfYD72Skvg1oZfrsHJpdco_91LADsHa4f6HTu-x4nWIH0b4_RnhViH9BhfgRG8pJkvO-Gdn1DryHCxpaKKCOvBeWryVgg/s320/2011_09190012.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Me! at the Top</span></strong></td></tr>
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<strong>The day doesn't end there. After that amazing adventure Jeremy whisks us off to lunch - and a more gourmet experience I have not had in a long time. We might as well have been in a multi star restaurant - the ambiance and the taste of our meal were beyond compare.</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Jeremy drove to a beach - pristine white sand, turquoise water lapping gently onto the shore and ..... he set the table. The side of the bus folds down to make a bench/table and from underneath he retrieves a portable fridge and picnic basket. We are each given our own lunch box - a delicious roast lamb salad, juice, fruit, crackers and cheese - more than enough for a healthy appetite. </strong><br />
<br />
<strong>He then asked where did we want to sit - at the picnic table or on the beach. We all opted for the beach, so Jeremy - amazing guide that he is - opened the back of the bus and took out 3 folding camping chairs which he insisted on setting up for us himself on the beautiful sandy beach. </strong><br />
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<strong>I sat for minutes just taking it all in. We could have been anywhere. I wish I had a photo but unfortunately my camera died that day so the pics I had taken of the bus, Jeremy, lunch - they don't exist :-( </strong><br />
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<strong>We would have loved to have taken a swim or at least paddled but - you guessed it - crocs. So not a good idea in that part of the world to test the waters.</strong><br />
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<strong>After lunch, a short walk along the beach to visit some historical graves, then back to the bus to make our way back to Seisia. On the way we stopped at the Croc Tent. This is a shop - well, actually no, it's a tent - in the middle of nowhere that sells souvenirs, t-shirts etc. It's run by a delightful young couple who have taken a sabbatical from their well paid jobs in the big city. They were enjoying their sea change, or should I say bush change, with their 7 month old baby. Don't know if I could have done it with a baby -but then again I never thought I'd ever live on TI either.</strong><br />
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<strong>The day ends back at the Jetty, a few more pics, fond farewells to Jeremy and a leisurely ferry ride back to TI. Thanks Bonnie and Glenys for your company - it was a great day.</strong><br />
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<strong>Rethinking spending habits - life is good :-)</strong>Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-59403010847108240152011-12-11T20:36:00.000-08:002011-12-11T21:21:46.650-08:00TI Wharf<strong>My friends - you're going to have to induge me for a little bit longer. I still have so much of TI in me and I want so much to share it with everybody.</strong><br />
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<strong>Last Wednesday came too fast for me. It was a bitter sweet day - bitter for the leaving of my island home and sweet for the homecoming awaiting me back here. The day dawned very overcast and grey and by the time I'd had breakfast and finished packing it was pouring rain. The wet season is about to start - if it hasn't already. I told Rob that TI was crying because I was leaving - he sort of laughed :-)</strong><br />
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<strong>All too soon Maggie arrived in the Silverleaf Taxi. This is a great service - the two ferry services, McDonalds and Rebel, also provide free taxi pick up from either wharf to house or house to wharf. We always used McDonalds - you always got a smile and a bit of friendly banter - and that goes a along way anywhere. </strong><br />
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<strong>Last Christmas Eve when I left the island to meet up with Rob in Cairns, I caught the ferry and was greeted by the crew wearing Christmas decorations and handing out candy canes. Once on board we were treated to cold drinks - beer, wine and soft drinks - and a cheese platter. </strong><br />
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<strong>Daniel, who owns and runs the service with his wife Rhonda, is a graduate of Tagai high school and is truly a role model to our students. In fact, a few of the kids have part-time jobs with McDonalds as crew members.</strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">McDonalds ferry - a great way to get to TI. You can also hire the ferry for twilight cruises, either fully catered or BYO food. Downstairs is quite roomy once the seating has been removed.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<strong>The wharf was very crowded that day - lots of people were leaving, most of them teachers. Our much loved principal Craig and his family was also leaving TI after 17 years on the island. He and his wife Robyn met, married and had their family here - they are such a big part of this community ..... and the community came out in force to say goodbye.</strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Friends came to farewell Craig (front left wearing black) and Robyn (cute blond lady next to him).</span></strong> </td></tr>
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<strong>And I had a small contingent come too - Prainy, Nola, Zips ... oh, and Rob :-) </strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">David and Rob. David is the fire chief on TI. I met him through Rotary but actually knew of him before I went to the island - we have a mutual friend.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Nola and Zips - two of my favourite people</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Gosh, I'm going to miss her. How will I cope? What's it all about? I'm so lucky - she's the best thing that's ever happened to me. </span></strong><br />
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<strong>All too soon, the ferry arrived, we boarded and it pulled out on its way to Horn Island. I've done that trip quite a few times now - and I always come back. It felt surreal - is this really the last time I pull away from the wharf?</strong><br />
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<strong>No - it's a small yawo - "small goodbye" ....... life is good</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiga8cY6iWtvZg-vaPdJhZzFg3cWt97eJrkk_1RK2qCiwjEd-Jo1MuB1NuFVMndX8vxO0dL_A4EfaAIJnjPGWu8-3GJYWJVR0x9FXltrDmDCxQ77951BfsX8IG13UXZxJvAum7T537jSlN4/s1600/2011_12120018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiga8cY6iWtvZg-vaPdJhZzFg3cWt97eJrkk_1RK2qCiwjEd-Jo1MuB1NuFVMndX8vxO0dL_A4EfaAIJnjPGWu8-3GJYWJVR0x9FXltrDmDCxQ77951BfsX8IG13UXZxJvAum7T537jSlN4/s320/2011_12120018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-44323522688967513382011-12-10T00:19:00.001-08:002011-12-10T06:18:42.572-08:00My TI friendsI'm loving being home. I love our little house, green leafy garden, welcoming front deck and the lovely array of potted plants that give it a warm , friendly feel.<br />
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True - it's still early days. I'm used to leaving the rock every three to four months, staying here a few weeks and then heading back. So I guess the test will be in January when my body clock will be getting ready to go north ..... and I don't.<br />
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TI is still vivid in my mind - the streets, the beach, the church. And the people - the beautiful, gentle, loving people - our wonderful friends who supported us for better or worse, in sickness and in health till McDonalds ferry do us part.<br />
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<u>My friends:</u><br />
<u>Ron, Robyn and Ben</u><br />
When I met this loving family I was immediately taken by their generosity. When Rob and I had to leave the pilot house, Robyn without hesitation offered us a place in their house. Robyn - I'll miss your blingy glasses and your smile. Ron - I'll miss your stories. And Ben - I'll just miss you.<br />
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<u>Jan and Colin</u><br />
Fun, loud, down to earth, caring ..... and mad - that's Jan. When Rob spent time in hospital after he'd hurt his back, Jan and Colin were regular visitors. It was also not unusual to have them call in of an afternoon while out on their daily walk. And it wasn't unusual for them to sometimes stay and share a glass of wine - great company and good fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Jan and I doing our thing at the Wongai Ball. She loves wearing red - it's her colour. She's also mad, loud, fun and a good friend.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<u>Marina</u><br />
Accommodation on TI is very hard to come by, and when I was thinking of staying on TI while Rob commuted around the globe, Marina kindly offered me a room in her house. I'm kind of sorry I'm not going back now - I think we would have had fun. <br />
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<u>Pat Jones</u><br />
This lady is an island identity. Pat is not ..... young, but gosh I wish I had half her energy and drive. She is actively involved in Rotary, the church, teaches RE at the primary school, volunteers at the nursing home, babysits her grandchidren regulary and helps out whenever and wherever she can. A very generous, warm lady.<br />
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<u>Nola</u><br />
Creative, fun and generous Nola is one of the very first friends that I made on TI. She couldn't come to drinks on Tuesday night because she was home making me a necklace. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">On the wharf with Nola saying farewell to Peter - my dancing partner.</span></strong> </td></tr>
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<u>My island sister</u><br />
Zipporah - Zippy, Zips - my sissy. I knew of Zippy before I met her - her brother Patrick was one of the coxswains at Reef Pilots where Rob was working at the time. He told me he had a sister who worked at the high school and once I started working there I would see her around the campus.<br />
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This year we ended up in the same staff room office - and apart from the fact that I absolutely loved my job, it was Zippy who made me want to come to work every single day :-) To say that we clicked is an understatement. We were so in sync - we felt each other's joy, pain, delights, frustrations and fun. We had a lot of fun. <br />
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I miss her already and can't wait for her to come and visit ... after all, we are family :-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3fUA9lTQ_nnFEZMd6H7yQIX8ax4nPTtSwEr7e8yMPPfvUu-3tIv5uydIlbnMH3oXP1kEn6z36d990-xarCJFr7R34y4I_aN_D4OueKdU5cSAjNsJEXQX5ZAageQElJwwRZ8xKJiIIw-6/s1600/Zippy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="310" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3fUA9lTQ_nnFEZMd6H7yQIX8ax4nPTtSwEr7e8yMPPfvUu-3tIv5uydIlbnMH3oXP1kEn6z36d990-xarCJFr7R34y4I_aN_D4OueKdU5cSAjNsJEXQX5ZAageQElJwwRZ8xKJiIIw-6/s320/Zippy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">My sissy Zipporah - see the resemblance?</span></strong></td></tr>
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My TI friends, my wonderful TI friends ....... life is good!Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-78346164169765856362011-12-05T23:49:00.001-08:002011-12-07T03:26:16.011-08:00I'm back!!Hi everyone - it's been a while, hasn't it? I don't know why I stayed away. So much started happening the minute we got back to TI after our last trip to Brisbane and it seemed easier to just let it happen.<br />
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In a nutshell:<br />
* Rob went back to work at IBIS on light duties after his back operation. He lasted less than a week and had to take more time off until the pain in his back settled. With the help of physio and a few mild pain killers he returned to the servo and has worked there ever since. <br />
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But he was not happy. So after sending off a few job applications one finally came to fruition and he happily quit IBIS, his final day being last Friday.<br />
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* I went back to work at Tagai as public relations officer and hit the ground running. My predecessor, when doing a handover, had told me that speech night preparations later in the year, would be hectic and crazy. I thought - yeah, OK. I had no idea. Hectic? Crazy? Yes - and more. But what a ride :-)<br />
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Long hours, long lists, long phone calls, early mornings, memory jolts mid-sleep, panadol at the ready and a much awaited glass of wine in the evenings - it was all worth it. You know that saying "it will all work out on the night"? - well it did! It all ran like clockwork and no-one noticed the hiccups except me :-)<br />
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After that, things slowed down but only a tad. We then had to think of Graduation and after that the general winding down of the school year which also finished on Friday - being remote we finish before the other schools.<br />
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So what's happening now? <br />
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We're leaving TI - for good. Rob's new job is based in Brisbane. And while we both toyed with the idea of me staying and he commuting in between projects, in the end I make the choice to leave too. Let me share some special moments from the last few days. <br />
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* My good friend and work colleague Bonnie left on Sunday. Although not in Brisbane she has been transferred to a school in a nearby town, so we have promised to visit each other regularly. I'm looking forward to having her first stay over :-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZm8iBgD_Ps9QpAJ3t1IHSI1R6oh-74t5HWPdM0d5qIbaznMIlfHX0MvgKTigsYAv2OuO0G9ViznJkQWYPkGY3bmdFKfp4C-1qKAw1d-qyJsbDCBNWW8twVkLjLZZahgVXX7O9f4MZeodX/s1600/2011_12060027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZm8iBgD_Ps9QpAJ3t1IHSI1R6oh-74t5HWPdM0d5qIbaznMIlfHX0MvgKTigsYAv2OuO0G9ViznJkQWYPkGY3bmdFKfp4C-1qKAw1d-qyJsbDCBNWW8twVkLjLZZahgVXX7O9f4MZeodX/s320/2011_12060027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">At the wharf to farewell Bonnie (in white top)</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhc3LY86pcysrjD3cAEX4IvKfXe-fPPRg_r2cGTe2QptVGrTPktI-pfsQHct0EPKAIrbOUgTzTA5scsH8_6YQVBKwvQy5ZiKeD9EW638C1YtxlcUPU1-d8MLb4Yucd-wI73PFXxIWxhwf/s1600/2011_12060033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhc3LY86pcysrjD3cAEX4IvKfXe-fPPRg_r2cGTe2QptVGrTPktI-pfsQHct0EPKAIrbOUgTzTA5scsH8_6YQVBKwvQy5ZiKeD9EW638C1YtxlcUPU1-d8MLb4Yucd-wI73PFXxIWxhwf/s320/2011_12060033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Waving goodbye to Bonnie. My friend Zippy is on the left.</span></strong></td></tr>
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* Tuesday night was my last night on the island, so Rob and I invited a couple of friends to join us for a drink. What better venue than the Jardine - the very place that Rob took me to when I first came to the island 19 months ago :-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMb2zkpTet0DLq8E4noefMRWfEVDH70zxZ0rZ4e3o_XXjZMrQp2XA-rlkimX4h4esGWWTJ9vccjQpulHOTgo6ue_o3L7JbyEPQOq3pZaItRv1x6X46XsciTQQEtLDlGqSQiO6ykEP1w4E/s1600/2011_12060043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMb2zkpTet0DLq8E4noefMRWfEVDH70zxZ0rZ4e3o_XXjZMrQp2XA-rlkimX4h4esGWWTJ9vccjQpulHOTgo6ue_o3L7JbyEPQOq3pZaItRv1x6X46XsciTQQEtLDlGqSQiO6ykEP1w4E/s320/2011_12060043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Farewell at the Jardine with friends (from left) Rob, Colin, Jan, Robyn, Ron, Pat (hidden) and Marina.</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJmitiuIkFMYXPUXtTGx0g9xVbQLTW_S9VfWTASSLHCUzRzvFZIj60hmmFSPawc0ad7Zxykry5oPXQd9n8Gy1OWJM_ELiT5pYL_y62_1qt_jN3DITJxwymwgXiHhUwZ-ytiHxLF2YM8w3/s1600/2011_12060040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJmitiuIkFMYXPUXtTGx0g9xVbQLTW_S9VfWTASSLHCUzRzvFZIj60hmmFSPawc0ad7Zxykry5oPXQd9n8Gy1OWJM_ELiT5pYL_y62_1qt_jN3DITJxwymwgXiHhUwZ-ytiHxLF2YM8w3/s320/2011_12060040.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Rob and I sharing a drink at the Jardine</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzZSkpENp7N4hs5tKni_F2byNwyjWjUJB38X-yBhuZMVjITo0JivhlwySiBgailXAk-M3Z0ucAjS4H39gZIvW4LjsQG8RbjngpIyUtoPUcMp_CkExzDjQYlN3A09cLejvkX40a49o0yJN/s1600/2011_12060041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzZSkpENp7N4hs5tKni_F2byNwyjWjUJB38X-yBhuZMVjITo0JivhlwySiBgailXAk-M3Z0ucAjS4H39gZIvW4LjsQG8RbjngpIyUtoPUcMp_CkExzDjQYlN3A09cLejvkX40a49o0yJN/s320/2011_12060041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Outdoor area at the Jardine</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT79T-TEf8n9TowY77DMgES0dy3UQNt5IqTtmJWn_k_GfCtZVf1tdthClkaj_Ok-zXaLCF35E3EGrOOlxNQSit9HI31dCn_C6Q1oA-eCjfODBdq-augSuVN1gkQbk3PKBzMagtBvSPGsZH/s1600/2011_12060042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT79T-TEf8n9TowY77DMgES0dy3UQNt5IqTtmJWn_k_GfCtZVf1tdthClkaj_Ok-zXaLCF35E3EGrOOlxNQSit9HI31dCn_C6Q1oA-eCjfODBdq-augSuVN1gkQbk3PKBzMagtBvSPGsZH/s320/2011_12060042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Dining room at the Jardine</span></strong></td></tr>
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* Saturday night saw most of the TI community strolling through Anzac Park, enjoying the breeze and soaking up the atmosphere at the pre-Christmas night markets. Food stalls, music, Santa arriving on a fire engine and a few craft stalls - all made for another memorable experience. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTFQjAsgPbJckKTIG3pRR4pMll6GjeV8qjtWS7y8rGfdEtMu9GmLSVDYFSJh-ig0hBWmM0gI_8Jyt8xCCDi8cen8fF6aVF0o5kF1c6c7GF7o47j4ZAjgeiQ1fO0XP1Wym0_fDCc-fHAwJ/s1600/2011_12060004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTFQjAsgPbJckKTIG3pRR4pMll6GjeV8qjtWS7y8rGfdEtMu9GmLSVDYFSJh-ig0hBWmM0gI_8Jyt8xCCDi8cen8fF6aVF0o5kF1c6c7GF7o47j4ZAjgeiQ1fO0XP1Wym0_fDCc-fHAwJ/s320/2011_12060004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Rob and I on the foreshore enjoying the night markets</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuECV1MdQWcaxEeS6SNs2SH8dhuAgjGw6QVIdx5C9rTTpdq-nuiL6VQk-SFJDAz-gmCi6WA387bEbtwnKd2cGgRFpfLay7z1py6axzZtbq2v-NnBBkdDpIZonJFtEMsVvcvZK6TG7-PSE/s1600/2011_12060019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuECV1MdQWcaxEeS6SNs2SH8dhuAgjGw6QVIdx5C9rTTpdq-nuiL6VQk-SFJDAz-gmCi6WA387bEbtwnKd2cGgRFpfLay7z1py6axzZtbq2v-NnBBkdDpIZonJFtEMsVvcvZK6TG7-PSE/s320/2011_12060019.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">The Torres lit up for Christmas adding to the atmosphere at the night markets</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNilvRjikqfZ_xJJnWDrymn4WZxsMPky7jIvkaPGvEWX0MYdq2tlp7PHRw7jK0xqzUouENEwNHNsvhmaSJepNjK6GCh1qA0b_ns38wlAeYW-rsK97-YixZpNcO1O3Rt2g38Rmwvp25MHld/s1600/2011_12060009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNilvRjikqfZ_xJJnWDrymn4WZxsMPky7jIvkaPGvEWX0MYdq2tlp7PHRw7jK0xqzUouENEwNHNsvhmaSJepNjK6GCh1qA0b_ns38wlAeYW-rsK97-YixZpNcO1O3Rt2g38Rmwvp25MHld/s320/2011_12060009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">At the night markets last Saturday. From left: Deb, Robyn, Craig, Me, Bonnie and Susie</span></strong></td></tr>
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Tuesday was my last day and there was a lot to do - go to the post office to organise the mail, see AQIS about the mat that was given to Rob, final packing of boxes ready for pick up by Silent World (carriers) - and of course lunch at the Fed with friends :-)</div>
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And after lunch who could resist a swim in the beautiful turquoise waters of TI? This is what I'll miss - this view which is all around you, is never far away and is so soul nourishing. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9DuIQqRibFgIEQMtDeJIEUCSRxgQb_-QqlKYGbPutFkHGQrQRhSjsQdZxx5BHWcfkciAHcgv7-Yggwv07LsHhSTejCEsWRUHaJpTMWV7jF3fCFt-PM_aPfiYcWuc4n49DrqRSPtgRZRC/s1600/2011_12060034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9DuIQqRibFgIEQMtDeJIEUCSRxgQb_-QqlKYGbPutFkHGQrQRhSjsQdZxx5BHWcfkciAHcgv7-Yggwv07LsHhSTejCEsWRUHaJpTMWV7jF3fCFt-PM_aPfiYcWuc4n49DrqRSPtgRZRC/s320/2011_12060034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Last swim on the last day - isn't it beautiful?</span></strong></td></tr>
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Ah my friends - have I told you lately that ..... life is good?</div>Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-18264092136293567092011-09-24T23:11:00.000-07:002011-09-25T03:02:53.620-07:00Tombstone unveiling<strong>Last Friday, before flying home, I was given the honour and privilege of attending a tombstone unveiling. My work colleague and friend Zipporah, or Zippy, had invited us - Rob and I - to this special event.</strong><br />
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<strong>I first became aware of unveilings soon after arriving on the island. Some days would seem to be very quiet - hardly anyone in the shops, on the streets, and if you went out for a meal or a drink that evening - again, the place would be almost empty. On asking "where is everybody?" I'd be told - tombstone opening. Initially I was confused and shocked - they open a tombstone?!!? But now I nod and say: "Oh - that explains it".</strong><br />
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<strong>The word "opening" is a misnomer - it's actually an unveiling. The unveilings usually take place on a weekend - this makes it easier for family and friends with work committments to attend, or if they need to come from an outer island or even the mainland. It's a big event - let me explain.</strong><br />
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<strong>When a family experiences the death of a loved one they are naturally grieving. So to honour this time and to give them their due respect, the in-laws take over all arrangements for the funeral and wake. By in-laws I mean the extended family and/or very close and dear friends. The grieving family does nothing.</strong><br />
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<strong>After the burial and when that family is ready to finish the grave by commissioning the headstone, they also get ready to host a tombstone opening or unveiling. This usually takes place roughly two years after the loved one's death, although this time frame can vary. </strong><br />
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<strong>Now it is the turn of the grieving family to thank the in-laws for what they did when their loved one died - the roles are reversed. This time the in-laws are served, waited on and given gifts.</strong><br />
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<strong>Invitations are sent out to the family, in-laws and special friends. Advertisements are also placed in the paper to invite the community. Zippy did me a great honour when she gave me a personal invitation to her cousin Gina's unveiling. Although a cousin by birth, Gina spent most of her growing up years living with Zippy and her siblings and was more like a sister than a cousin. She died at a very young age, 34, having already lived a very full and productive life but still on the threshold of a promising career - so much yet to do.</strong><br />
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<strong>On the day of the unveiling the finished grave, with the new headstone, is covered - the headstone is actually wrapped with plastic, the grave is covered with copious pieces of material and linen, some beads, anything made of fabric - these are the gifts. The entire plot is surrounded by a temporary fence that is decorated with flowers and coloured lights and closed off by a ribbon.</strong><br />
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<strong>The ceremony begins with a blessing and the MC then calls on a family member or friend to cut the ribbon and declare the grave opened. After this, the in-laws and close friends are called by name to stand around the grave - these are the people who looked after the family in their time of grief. Once all names are called, the group uncovers the grave by placing all the gifts which adorned it into bags. After the ceremony, they will go through the bags and choose a selection of the gifts for themselves.</strong><br />
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<strong>But before that, they need to take down all the decorations so that the grave is again bare, except for the flowers. Unfortunately we don't get fresh flowers on T.I., so all floral arrangements are artificial. Another person is then called to read the inscription on the headstone.</strong><br />
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<strong>After the unveiling - a closing prayer and a song. What's important to remember is that this is a time of celebration - a celebration of the loved one's life. I was told to wear something floral as it was a festive occasion.</strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0UY8YMMJat_FwizXtW6kJdyXDYXinqeFHqOPG9uKnimvpDjdpOpdmlbpBTXrN03bxoTLfTgdRkwCdnKiIQiBYen152wTtTjjd1tTNLmUIPwZamRxl4lnRAyNKNt5sppSCiHmyFKQoWNo/s1600/2011_09180001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0UY8YMMJat_FwizXtW6kJdyXDYXinqeFHqOPG9uKnimvpDjdpOpdmlbpBTXrN03bxoTLfTgdRkwCdnKiIQiBYen152wTtTjjd1tTNLmUIPwZamRxl4lnRAyNKNt5sppSCiHmyFKQoWNo/s320/2011_09180001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">The graves decorated and ready for unveiling - they have a festive look about them. This is a time to celebrate the loved one's life.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RkpKnSirC6W35d-wBVgUDMB6c2pffYLYJelzOZCxEGax4NoFzjyeopTkK0S3UfWH3Ww_bGmJ2FS3xEB6Sc_gHWLQ6mh4whi7Ynr_ab_mJezV0KYuW9qR5jnryHIXI5gfpxnaXIsZ4sNE/s1600/2011_09180003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RkpKnSirC6W35d-wBVgUDMB6c2pffYLYJelzOZCxEGax4NoFzjyeopTkK0S3UfWH3Ww_bGmJ2FS3xEB6Sc_gHWLQ6mh4whi7Ynr_ab_mJezV0KYuW9qR5jnryHIXI5gfpxnaXIsZ4sNE/s320/2011_09180003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Linen, flowers and gifts adorn the grave.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Bvy1hQDAOCZ_uYNTA9WO3dydzeU_mBgFG-XfCiHWOWdOmN8-bvUCMOy3KW3bgE6iyZq3p7WOZEKZP6X8Sz9uIMADLPGIDrVcujZPZCIpOuY1w0Zw08hjZa-IXD2wiIets0i1ebaoYF-i/s1600/2011_09180009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Bvy1hQDAOCZ_uYNTA9WO3dydzeU_mBgFG-XfCiHWOWdOmN8-bvUCMOy3KW3bgE6iyZq3p7WOZEKZP6X8Sz9uIMADLPGIDrVcujZPZCIpOuY1w0Zw08hjZa-IXD2wiIets0i1ebaoYF-i/s320/2011_09180009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Cutting the ribbon and declaring the gravesite opened.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kyRgeW3kZAFhJcaqFh0L5jyBDShPpOocxi1rn5-P5xtwfZlTFMfHmnlsyevhyJv1N7kJlrTizZYr84JdF5M2q6iTC1DOX7tSTBo-SB5GRvaFl21_AZ3WGjkld16ITkMPAlDs01XnXTAM/s1600/2011_09180012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kyRgeW3kZAFhJcaqFh0L5jyBDShPpOocxi1rn5-P5xtwfZlTFMfHmnlsyevhyJv1N7kJlrTizZYr84JdF5M2q6iTC1DOX7tSTBo-SB5GRvaFl21_AZ3WGjkld16ITkMPAlDs01XnXTAM/s320/2011_09180012.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">In-laws and friends retrieve their gifts</span></strong></td></tr>
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<strong>The day doesn't end there. As with most celebrations in the Torres Strait food plays an important role and this is no exception. Later that night we enjoyed a feast - an amazing feast of traditinal food and lots of it. </strong><br />
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<strong>The special guests are again all called by name and invited to sit at the main table. The food is placed there for their convenience and comfort. The rest of us served ourselves from the fantastic buffet tables that were literally groaning with platters and dishes of food. </strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3xDnO-xOwML8F6b0NAUweIp6184muO82sWQfnSguvlw62kq5qozdHdvSIjktzTiiOVJoGsNv0OpuEa12CBV6r5upMdJ0T7wRDLxYY_1-7dW7Nx0UUm8-Agwgtheum4z7HQUWuECDZbfY/s1600/2011_09180028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3xDnO-xOwML8F6b0NAUweIp6184muO82sWQfnSguvlw62kq5qozdHdvSIjktzTiiOVJoGsNv0OpuEa12CBV6r5upMdJ0T7wRDLxYY_1-7dW7Nx0UUm8-Agwgtheum4z7HQUWuECDZbfY/s320/2011_09180028.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">The feast later that night.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnW7_frl2fxNM17CU7WQjnvCa3uVRi3zaxJ3Wcbca3EoXgbeujDq8MgU_NIUc9HX23q5g9TU8PkSaj7PX5jpFeEgXudGWOUgEpa2gOUc8Uxz0yCtps6Qrhhf_Q0rZkqbCW3g0cy-ne-ON/s1600/2011_09180029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnW7_frl2fxNM17CU7WQjnvCa3uVRi3zaxJ3Wcbca3EoXgbeujDq8MgU_NIUc9HX23q5g9TU8PkSaj7PX5jpFeEgXudGWOUgEpa2gOUc8Uxz0yCtps6Qrhhf_Q0rZkqbCW3g0cy-ne-ON/s320/2011_09180029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_ki542a6SQt2Hl8nNj4ynbsPB290DUZvYoEy4LRSXOhkM-VK0gwwCFAXqE4WODKymYm0Mb8928zhnacL91XGQCOJyGSTH-NuViVA0F1ICSsijy-jwF_Vhw6lgsxaaKmgYqYsFZe8JuEF/s1600/2011_09180032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_ki542a6SQt2Hl8nNj4ynbsPB290DUZvYoEy4LRSXOhkM-VK0gwwCFAXqE4WODKymYm0Mb8928zhnacL91XGQCOJyGSTH-NuViVA0F1ICSsijy-jwF_Vhw6lgsxaaKmgYqYsFZe8JuEF/s320/2011_09180032.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">This is the main table for family and special friends who are being thanked at the unveiling.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<strong>And to end this most memorable day - traditional dancing - by both males and females. Zippy had been practising all week and it all finally came together on the night :-)</strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhyphenhyphenyR291pamHL_O7L09K4lNRJEUBDhnXcUafi3SEOISl8E2AjUVIOV9tr9Jxx8R2HgybPh8T3L3KSWQ2c1R-w3Zi9zhdyXkBTZHP3_EhTacw3b15gg0UO2Zgv5zRjMu1ZBn7du2rTBakE/s1600/2011_09180035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqhyphenhyphenyR291pamHL_O7L09K4lNRJEUBDhnXcUafi3SEOISl8E2AjUVIOV9tr9Jxx8R2HgybPh8T3L3KSWQ2c1R-w3Zi9zhdyXkBTZHP3_EhTacw3b15gg0UO2Zgv5zRjMu1ZBn7du2rTBakE/s320/2011_09180035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Traditional dancing marks all special occasions. My friend Zippy is in the front row, closest to the camera, in yellow.</span></strong> </td></tr>
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<strong>It was explained to me that the timing of the unveiling has to do with a couple of factors. One is financial - to finalise a grave is very expensive anywhere, let alone on T.I. which is remote and attracts freight charges along with everything else. </strong><br />
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<strong>The next is practical: as you can see an unveiling takes a lot of work and preparation - to decorate and dress the grave, and to cater for the feasting. </strong><br />
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<strong>And thirdly, the unveiling is a sign that the family is finally prepared to let their loved one go, to free them of their earthly binds and to let them now enjoy their new life in spirit world. My friend Julie waited seven years before finally unveiling her brother's grave - it was just too hard to let go.</strong><br />
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<strong>I wish Rob had been with me. What a privilege to be asked to experience and enjoy this beautiful islander custom. What a wonderful way to farewell your beautiful island home.</strong><br />
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<strong>Life - it's worth celebrating.</strong>Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-7994090906179415122011-09-18T03:45:00.000-07:002011-09-18T03:45:12.097-07:00T.I. weekendRob has been away for two weeks and yes, I do miss him .... when I get the time :-)<br />
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Friday was a designated public holiday here on T.I. - Show Day - and the shire council had organised a community fun day in the park. We loved it - perfect weather, food stalls, tents for shade, chairs to sit on and .... a talent quest. <br />
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This was the first year that the council has staged a talent quest on Show Day - and they certainly made it worthwhile - first prize was $2000, second prize $1000 and $500 for third. For that money even I was tempted to maybe face the crowd. After all I am a graduate of the Ailan Kores - I've been on stage. <br />
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But somehow I missed the cut off date for registration so I settled for being an observer. And I am so glad I did - miss the registration, that is. We are talking serious talent here, and seriously my talent is not ..... it's just not :-)<br />
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The acts were amazing, fantastic, unbelievable. Torres Strait islanders have a natural ability to sing and harmonise - they make it look so easy - and listening to them is just pure pleasure. I'm talking young or old, male or felamle - they can sing :-)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5F5kWF-4y-gn1CBzFyBSf2eY65FqlgfrSfcJqWU_l1yZpFp7kqBVLzGR3oKciuC0YLSlukKpZtNsUPKKv_nquIWEchygZ57YlJVNrXto6HZwcLSMq35AZTXIFktNMeCfwq5Vt9ilQdDH/s1600/2011_09180020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5F5kWF-4y-gn1CBzFyBSf2eY65FqlgfrSfcJqWU_l1yZpFp7kqBVLzGR3oKciuC0YLSlukKpZtNsUPKKv_nquIWEchygZ57YlJVNrXto6HZwcLSMq35AZTXIFktNMeCfwq5Vt9ilQdDH/s320/2011_09180020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">The trusty Rotary sausage sizzle - Jen (bending over), Helen, Dorothy, Ron (at the BBQ) and Frank. Frank is our president.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZhvHInvym7OJ0vVLsgsSXlvtySfwFTJwsKYX62eyUYf_WA4CF7MzaFJhnj-At0SC_I2v6cBZKZz3mgY0D3_HQ_XC-YzpOIK7QhVhb-2OP1bGqOqANwIxLf5PJLN8R62a0Zlovm5XyCvQ/s1600/2011_09180021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZhvHInvym7OJ0vVLsgsSXlvtySfwFTJwsKYX62eyUYf_WA4CF7MzaFJhnj-At0SC_I2v6cBZKZz3mgY0D3_HQ_XC-YzpOIK7QhVhb-2OP1bGqOqANwIxLf5PJLN8R62a0Zlovm5XyCvQ/s320/2011_09180021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">This is the winning group - the Bani brothers - they have a great sound. Notice the backdrops - they're from the music festival. The organisers donated them to the council to be used on occasions such as this.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NlI4pwQyrmvP_mNHSwtuKFzXiSc6dr9grfvLaX65qwPbuCjfWWvDqt7i-rmtEDFDp6wdEB48sKoZE-AMKL-xMR5XXJiVSaVufbu9lircNjTysqMQ0ViL_nWxxyqxOMfUdF68vm7gITMi/s1600/2011_09180026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NlI4pwQyrmvP_mNHSwtuKFzXiSc6dr9grfvLaX65qwPbuCjfWWvDqt7i-rmtEDFDp6wdEB48sKoZE-AMKL-xMR5XXJiVSaVufbu9lircNjTysqMQ0ViL_nWxxyqxOMfUdF68vm7gITMi/s320/2011_09180026.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">This young boy, Jack, received an encouragement award - he brought the park to a standstill. He sang "Ben".</span></strong></td></tr>
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I don't have photos of the second and third place getters. Third place went to a young lad who did a sort of rap number, and second place went to a beautiful young woman, a new mum in fact, who sang a haunting ballad. <br />
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The talent quest is to be a two yearly event. This year's show attracted 19 acts and judging from its success, I am certain that the next one will be fiercely contested. Don't know if I'll be here, but it will be some show.<br />
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<u>My Garden</u><br />
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Do you remember a while ago Rob - and Kacee - and I did a bit of a make over in the backyard? Well I've been working steadily since then and what was once a barren ugly piece of dirt is slowly becoming something nice.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhws6iUYsyySRv3FeBIfKPTnHLudS54xeOnBkvv0EbqXWOkEMDkILyIb8RYxaBGsUczM5L0yYEgCj-lK2rK4cCm4P6tZZiCUEbTxoDQS4FTwd6FJuPbFNcYSUTHXdBtzi9I7KyDPrwxwB_d/s1600/2011_07040004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhws6iUYsyySRv3FeBIfKPTnHLudS54xeOnBkvv0EbqXWOkEMDkILyIb8RYxaBGsUczM5L0yYEgCj-lK2rK4cCm4P6tZZiCUEbTxoDQS4FTwd6FJuPbFNcYSUTHXdBtzi9I7KyDPrwxwB_d/s320/2011_07040004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Before - yuk!</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdMU2Qx9viy1I5V7h68869TP4tLCY6y1_H7bLHhiyKRWOCF7O0KDksd88wrQ539C_u9exBmzKgMkjPGQwoNmHd7N3EJO4pC9-eyV4QSIYji9f35zQEO_jH2aL-bviPUs7f_qs5yYl13fC/s1600/2011_09180040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdMU2Qx9viy1I5V7h68869TP4tLCY6y1_H7bLHhiyKRWOCF7O0KDksd88wrQ539C_u9exBmzKgMkjPGQwoNmHd7N3EJO4pC9-eyV4QSIYji9f35zQEO_jH2aL-bviPUs7f_qs5yYl13fC/s320/2011_09180040.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Getting there :-) The pots belong on the deck - I put them out to get a sprinkle. All of the plants have come from cuttings. </span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTWgtum3lUMHcOrmneos24j73QDGSfLdvxOJKhLN8n13x3AKeJhUr7xF8KO_61kxmbgjmQvUAHtKsI2ObzDberG1ShW22D6X5FlByJvVOzI6E0qsArcPiSppaSxPtFoKm3HvvfwMw-Xxp/s1600/2011_09180039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTWgtum3lUMHcOrmneos24j73QDGSfLdvxOJKhLN8n13x3AKeJhUr7xF8KO_61kxmbgjmQvUAHtKsI2ObzDberG1ShW22D6X5FlByJvVOzI6E0qsArcPiSppaSxPtFoKm3HvvfwMw-Xxp/s320/2011_09180039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">The grass is slowly coming along. I've planted seeds and I sprinkle daily - it's a labour of love :-)</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSikfRpAYdQ74psDz3RFe67IKg58aWXQnvZrUIDLzkCdEvpavV5Te3AxnWiQmnAl6QP_C7jZRdKWRpcPgttduV3Q5VNOrp51Mr4Q4w5y4Ex6IyD5C9oGyccbok3SMiUT6g4g4GPgR5Es9/s1600/2011_09180041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikSikfRpAYdQ74psDz3RFe67IKg58aWXQnvZrUIDLzkCdEvpavV5Te3AxnWiQmnAl6QP_C7jZRdKWRpcPgttduV3Q5VNOrp51Mr4Q4w5y4Ex6IyD5C9oGyccbok3SMiUT6g4g4GPgR5Es9/s320/2011_09180041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">A pretty patch in my garden :-)</span></strong></td></tr>
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So - all in all - my weekend has been very full. I do miss Rob and I look forward to seeing him on Tuesday when I fly down - Qantas strike permitting :-) <br />
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But it's good to be busy. And on this lovely island, so far away, life is never dull - be it doing the everyday and mundane or experiencing the island way of life.<br />
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Life is good.<br />
Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-50641911262784825692011-09-16T22:03:00.000-07:002011-09-18T03:52:51.228-07:00Culture Day at TagaiThursday 14th September was Culture Day at Tagai Secondary Campus with activities that included a yarning circle (story telling), singing, weaving, dancing, art displays and a traditional feast - big kai kai.<br />
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This is Torres Strait culture at its best and Auntie Lizzie and the team at the Language and Culture Centre worked hard to prepare for the day. They organised food and volunteers to prepare and cook the feast, they organised local craftspeople and elders to run the various craft and cultural activities. And they worked very very hard to train both students and staff in ilan dancing which was the main entertainment on the day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOD-B39GoJkm6c1ScJxXN0vczHyvu4q_Z15KRzxiDTB2YWE2-WhNaDb7IGoR4fTZAQtVjrtup-MzmTU-tfgZXQo0axBzbmdIC5-0FRpMr-uxNieQtCJoZS7_JsZPgBkBxTTJgH6UHCep_/s1600/P1020582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOD-B39GoJkm6c1ScJxXN0vczHyvu4q_Z15KRzxiDTB2YWE2-WhNaDb7IGoR4fTZAQtVjrtup-MzmTU-tfgZXQo0axBzbmdIC5-0FRpMr-uxNieQtCJoZS7_JsZPgBkBxTTJgH6UHCep_/s320/P1020582.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Island elder Uncle Signess Weriat opens Culture Day with a traditional welcome</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Weaving with Auntie Lizzie</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Auntie Tamie and primary school children. She has an amazing voice and was one of the island soloists in the Ailan Kores earlier this year.</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Elders and the Yarning circle. The Language and Culture Centre is the white building on the left with the large deck.</span></strong> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">More story telling with Auntie Lizzie. Lizzie was also one of the members of Ailan Kores and accompanied Tamie to sing an island hymn - they are sisters-in-law.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Well ... it is culture somewhere :-)</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Many hands make light work in the Home Ec kitchen</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Setting the table for big kai kai</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>And enjoying big kai kai</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Students were assessed on their dancing. Language and Culture is a subject at Tagai.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Male teachers under the guidance of Richard - front left with the red garland - they bought the house down! Richard is from one of the outer islands and is the Language and Culture teacher at Tagai.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Female staff with Auntie Lizzie - front, yellow flowers. I'm in the back row, second left with the pink/purple flowers. We made our own dresses- I finished mine at 11pm Wednesday night, the night before .... sort of a last minute thing :-)</span></strong></td></tr>
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Culture Day was the last day of the school calendar. And what a way to finish off a very busy and full term for both teachers, students and staff. <br />
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This was my first term at Tagai as Public Relations Officer - I loved it :-) My days are full, varied and interesting. I can't wait to get back and hit the ground running for Term 4. How many more sleeps? <br />
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Life is good :-)<br />
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Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-58960065675493631412011-09-04T02:40:00.000-07:002011-09-04T02:40:27.658-07:00A walk around the island<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbBgd0E-JPLwXtdJI1C6ZhCDTSa6R9xG4v2wkjf0B5kCIBIJAcXqoSzZn2XyzN2AN_6ZHatmVJqGwr4SGaCm_XQ8NiPiJKPn8-CfxjzqEwF_dRRFIam8fsB941R2W2TxkmGzbsCL2jQRQ/s1600/2011_09040024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbBgd0E-JPLwXtdJI1C6ZhCDTSa6R9xG4v2wkjf0B5kCIBIJAcXqoSzZn2XyzN2AN_6ZHatmVJqGwr4SGaCm_XQ8NiPiJKPn8-CfxjzqEwF_dRRFIam8fsB941R2W2TxkmGzbsCL2jQRQ/s320/2011_09040024.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">I know I've shown you this view before but I think the tide was out. I wanted to show you how beautiful it is - this is what I see when I come out of the walkway from our back gate.</span><span style="color: #990000;"> I love taking Kacee for a walk on the beach - she loves it. I've started collecting seaweed to use as mulch on my garden beds. It works a treat.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">This is Anzac Park from the foreshore. Anzac Park is an oasis of greenery and calm in the middle of Douglas Street. </span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">The Jardine Motel, just around the corner from where we live. The Governor and Anna Bligh have stayed here on recent visits ..... along with a lot of other people.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xKGII3RybOMAOJ2UOas-vmx2PnbVysDYiBzS0etIKv4hGEWOGqbRtLD1CFiYetTFrCI3Ik9xNk3XigGD8YiQ6isidb0OdnHq4S3vl1V3qnqCny9oTxcZRr6CQfHWZsxNVmPJCupqEgpF/s1600/2011_09040027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5xKGII3RybOMAOJ2UOas-vmx2PnbVysDYiBzS0etIKv4hGEWOGqbRtLD1CFiYetTFrCI3Ik9xNk3XigGD8YiQ6isidb0OdnHq4S3vl1V3qnqCny9oTxcZRr6CQfHWZsxNVmPJCupqEgpF/s320/2011_09040027.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Do you like our turtle family? - they live on the foreshore :-)</span></strong></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVfPpSmpaYf8BwU5TSmNLV6VuN0sEU5D92DosiiQvn-TlGaGDS7YITKu1CXsvcrYKXw5C_JAYruzsXvcNeqR7C7M11RCr-UVHMQqkB6pDHxqgsl7jrbEE0oXbgjq8XemCpJPcj4v-PWUT/s1600/2011_09040028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkVfPpSmpaYf8BwU5TSmNLV6VuN0sEU5D92DosiiQvn-TlGaGDS7YITKu1CXsvcrYKXw5C_JAYruzsXvcNeqR7C7M11RCr-UVHMQqkB6pDHxqgsl7jrbEE0oXbgjq8XemCpJPcj4v-PWUT/s320/2011_09040028.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">This is the wharf where you will arrive when you come to visit me. The yellow shop is the Jetty Shop. They sell great gifts - jewellery, books, t-shirts, some homewares.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWobGfiihB7HvjsgwRg4aSkB-c9eLXwCV5jVd2dheAR7xXxx6UTi9WT-s35fTp-8kuxiGzlyOKKvrrEpaEB8AdM9bDu7R2dEa7qTLcWDd_MOkOo-dfngDFGjrANcDtBdFappQzNDbX3wFL/s1600/2011_09040029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWobGfiihB7HvjsgwRg4aSkB-c9eLXwCV5jVd2dheAR7xXxx6UTi9WT-s35fTp-8kuxiGzlyOKKvrrEpaEB8AdM9bDu7R2dEa7qTLcWDd_MOkOo-dfngDFGjrANcDtBdFappQzNDbX3wFL/s320/2011_09040029.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">And the welcome sign that will greet you :-)</span></strong></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wXp2YTN4F8E44G0R4xIcQyUIPTGvCQsSkItUayXHIey_SRNm0SjKrXy__tfvpoYcIEc64NQYRMg5Rlpdn2bVThVD4xHIYY9Gt7Q_7sKkjVF61s8j5uJcZsXPDN4-pkW0VVbaniJlph8e/s1600/2011_09040030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wXp2YTN4F8E44G0R4xIcQyUIPTGvCQsSkItUayXHIey_SRNm0SjKrXy__tfvpoYcIEc64NQYRMg5Rlpdn2bVThVD4xHIYY9Gt7Q_7sKkjVF61s8j5uJcZsXPDN4-pkW0VVbaniJlph8e/s320/2011_09040030.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">This beach is between the two wharves - it's not used much</span></strong></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRx96p-G2mssr4Mu-1IywZqa-a2v1i67_drcqGWxFzAj7HurjOVDWrtg0soaDKl00ZhpcvXzifsSP-4gdq_7KpZFnEEYb-7VvyA9-zBytX_YiqBpGVGMSaEkJydc5dusAMkTqtE_xyPcXT/s1600/2011_09040031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRx96p-G2mssr4Mu-1IywZqa-a2v1i67_drcqGWxFzAj7HurjOVDWrtg0soaDKl00ZhpcvXzifsSP-4gdq_7KpZFnEEYb-7VvyA9-zBytX_YiqBpGVGMSaEkJydc5dusAMkTqtE_xyPcXT/s320/2011_09040031.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">I wonder why? Unfortunately this sign is common on our lovely beaches.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvgeuhyphenhyphenwiliWyzWF6amuHWx1p5xtHZH4IjWSp5CRcIOz0M1rLlQLCTIkUcxOXHQxhaBAzf6ULK4EZOwNhq-UuzwDCOArSlg1LwCX-PRdcpU6ZQNwzN-qj0NoveEBPc2_CuEw0ttsW3kDG/s1600/2011_09040032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvgeuhyphenhyphenwiliWyzWF6amuHWx1p5xtHZH4IjWSp5CRcIOz0M1rLlQLCTIkUcxOXHQxhaBAzf6ULK4EZOwNhq-UuzwDCOArSlg1LwCX-PRdcpU6ZQNwzN-qj0NoveEBPc2_CuEw0ttsW3kDG/s320/2011_09040032.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Back on Douglas Street, near the other end. The one and only bank. Which bank isn't there? The shop next door houses R&Fs - the island dollar shop & fast food outlet - a laundromat and travel agency. The island looks lush at the moment - sprinklers worked overtime greening the place up for Anna's visit last weekend.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPeTOmHpd8U8-XI9aOwpUdSeSTeV0YBcblEvT1B-Uq6rmDRNKcar7XlSwDF2pRiPXSMgmqjTHL2q5n4T6BqFiO5OAFQM0k6bondzK1Kn0X9xQpsHel36bX45IAdwnEvyNiIOwAZIsAvLa/s1600/2011_09040034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgPeTOmHpd8U8-XI9aOwpUdSeSTeV0YBcblEvT1B-Uq6rmDRNKcar7XlSwDF2pRiPXSMgmqjTHL2q5n4T6BqFiO5OAFQM0k6bondzK1Kn0X9xQpsHel36bX45IAdwnEvyNiIOwAZIsAvLa/s320/2011_09040034.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">The Pearl Shop - run by the beautiful Vanessa - home of pearls, accessories and fashion</span></strong></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfGjXOZaMS1yN514SvG99Bpg9GHyJjx1Envlr9nzuhhhy9hNY3LpIHXcuSAUAjowsbrGWiHfB-GiDKNXNMc_-T4QBdlTw8yV8blX3CCcivO2zGvDdV8dN3ung5O2PeFxu-5kA5ebq6Ddn/s1600/2011_09040036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfGjXOZaMS1yN514SvG99Bpg9GHyJjx1Envlr9nzuhhhy9hNY3LpIHXcuSAUAjowsbrGWiHfB-GiDKNXNMc_-T4QBdlTw8yV8blX3CCcivO2zGvDdV8dN3ung5O2PeFxu-5kA5ebq6Ddn/s320/2011_09040036.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">The other side of the street from the Pearl shop - the new Commonwealth Government building. It was officially blessed and opened last Monday by Anna Bligh. See how close the water is? - it's never too far away from anywhere.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESKf9nmNYQcHP-ByRLrPFQD0SemEeDUQ4S0fDJCLav6kNv7nZfAVAxfLBjMreB8Kx4kD_5pxA115aVcfGVyruH3xHdOVtFA6Z83McKk4fWYq2US5_hwXhiuFu9_bf2xYIbyGeN74ORf2b/s1600/2011_09040037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESKf9nmNYQcHP-ByRLrPFQD0SemEeDUQ4S0fDJCLav6kNv7nZfAVAxfLBjMreB8Kx4kD_5pxA115aVcfGVyruH3xHdOVtFA6Z83McKk4fWYq2US5_hwXhiuFu9_bf2xYIbyGeN74ORf2b/s320/2011_09040037.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">This is our local radio station 4MW. This is where I take the school leaders every Thurdsay to do a pre-recording for a show called the Education Hour which is aired on Friday. It is broadcast on TI and the outer islands and is a great way to keep parents and the community informed about what is happening at the high school. </span></strong></td></tr>
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Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-23008670350713795882011-09-03T23:37:00.000-07:002011-09-03T23:42:42.045-07:00Catching up<br />
<strong>I haven't blogged for a while, so I thought I'd bring you up to date with the help of a few photos and a brief summary of events as they happened.</strong><br />
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<u><strong>IBIS cook-off</strong></u><br />
<strong>In an effort to promote healthy eating IBIS hosted a cook-off between the mayor, Pedro Stephen, and a member of Anna Bligh's community cabinet that was visiting the island last Sunday. </strong><br />
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<strong>IBIS employs a full time nutritionist, Jasmina, who assists in the presentation and display of healthy food choices throughout the store. Sadly it's a bit of a battle up here. And while the cook-off "kitchen" was well set up with lots of healthy looking vegetables, brochures and posters it was not all that well attended. </strong><br />
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<strong>But - Jasmina is not giving up :-) and IBIS will continue to offer healthy alternatives to the community. </strong><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD50Nwg338PoPD01kJP2VKiTdiWzpnSNi3-A5jKZ5TVjut83ahHSdceXfwp7fz-_VZo7Yv195EmYiN5OHL9AnR5uwpnE2qVR1gbf0lMm-aMB_PLKb9ucfTQpdyFFaPcEMLktKR6N1ga4Px/s1600/2011_09040003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD50Nwg338PoPD01kJP2VKiTdiWzpnSNi3-A5jKZ5TVjut83ahHSdceXfwp7fz-_VZo7Yv195EmYiN5OHL9AnR5uwpnE2qVR1gbf0lMm-aMB_PLKb9ucfTQpdyFFaPcEMLktKR6N1ga4Px/s320/2011_09040003.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Healthy food cloices at IBIS</span></strong></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIq2lceSDYxsXgdPz9vKPcuIvNlWInSr1xQX3ssxx22YefsDu6Z5g79bCrbJJX9giNo3EhIo0-pFH0ob6vgNqpclpdFzEniEm_Xf4osAcCpq0PUnVZ-bH1oniRu8JuDSvQSBaFqFP81jIK/s1600/2011_09040008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIq2lceSDYxsXgdPz9vKPcuIvNlWInSr1xQX3ssxx22YefsDu6Z5g79bCrbJJX9giNo3EhIo0-pFH0ob6vgNqpclpdFzEniEm_Xf4osAcCpq0PUnVZ-bH1oniRu8JuDSvQSBaFqFP81jIK/s320/2011_09040008.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">The contestants are briefed by IBIS nutritionist Jasmina</span></strong></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2U0csvdDbkqt7c9o4Gy0znFw9T3TKZZAOPuhsu9jvj56ALGSOLc05aUsU960kE3IRV5jIQ2NfNejeLS8Gychvlw-lObIu6zldgFzrlxy2FKoCzH8HHxiYczFbLVr4Bo7qOq3jxHhf5OXA/s1600/2011_09040010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2U0csvdDbkqt7c9o4Gy0znFw9T3TKZZAOPuhsu9jvj56ALGSOLc05aUsU960kE3IRV5jIQ2NfNejeLS8Gychvlw-lObIu6zldgFzrlxy2FKoCzH8HHxiYczFbLVr4Bo7qOq3jxHhf5OXA/s320/2011_09040010.jpg" width="240" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Mayor Pedro cooks up a healthy stir fry</span></strong></td></tr>
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<u><strong>Rob's Birthday</strong></u></div>
<strong>August 30 was Rob's birthday and what better way to celebrate than with family and friends. And while our real family is back in Brisbane, we are fortunate to have another family with us here on T.I. - our backpacker family.</strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong>I gave Rob two choices for his birthday dinner - a meal at the Fed or let's stay at home and have dinner with the "kids". He opted for dinner with the kids.</strong></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg889I7YTfssIhQm6x7ie_Lk3tnhxL0DCfrDvirFxh1XD9okuX53gAi28rGFvNPSIJf7HGU7TsvGWKV4RlH6UB8LsCf3BICuo9btxtA9fmMFL77GnoEzWSr29tRzv1Wkly7z6njrkXmNjj_/s1600/2011_09040011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg889I7YTfssIhQm6x7ie_Lk3tnhxL0DCfrDvirFxh1XD9okuX53gAi28rGFvNPSIJf7HGU7TsvGWKV4RlH6UB8LsCf3BICuo9btxtA9fmMFL77GnoEzWSr29tRzv1Wkly7z6njrkXmNjj_/s320/2011_09040011.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Toasting Rob with Hannah and Zoe</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIUELLols47qykvbqBHeJPNCmnFaMZ6UYWuX4tAdbJuvG0-zWsOVRtINmDr6kWyJZauAWYt8NNWxU63YAzP0BWC4cX_iQa_keE9HKBvWvmd6HKDfVJ76t3ZXETGv19xz_8FPzqMJEd79O/s1600/2011_09040013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIUELLols47qykvbqBHeJPNCmnFaMZ6UYWuX4tAdbJuvG0-zWsOVRtINmDr6kWyJZauAWYt8NNWxU63YAzP0BWC4cX_iQa_keE9HKBvWvmd6HKDfVJ76t3ZXETGv19xz_8FPzqMJEd79O/s320/2011_09040013.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Leanna, Yves and Hannah</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZdgNJs86kAFd6HBHqxsyq4ZZ3SWx0qX1qStUScI0wr6aajUZJeaLOK99xj_EFnN8KKf8R_EwMI1TIdjKKOGmjZBQ6QYsDGFrqxRmsC5Bm3tpM7vf_D-9Pq4hhyruBf3Gmm_JE0TLK3Mh/s1600/2011_09040014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZdgNJs86kAFd6HBHqxsyq4ZZ3SWx0qX1qStUScI0wr6aajUZJeaLOK99xj_EFnN8KKf8R_EwMI1TIdjKKOGmjZBQ6QYsDGFrqxRmsC5Bm3tpM7vf_D-9Pq4hhyruBf3Gmm_JE0TLK3Mh/s320/2011_09040014.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">The birthday boy</span></strong></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaI8-ZmSTAocPCsfuAGe-tJwwoO5ccSzGuXydyhwTL-YbhPEBDSmOfMYDDCAA7je7BmvPv_-Z7KBm4BzXv8GwqfXrfmWBZ148xg8GdIPLXy72ekib3LNn-FlAoV04XR5FxWSU5YQI9gMva/s1600/2011_09040017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaI8-ZmSTAocPCsfuAGe-tJwwoO5ccSzGuXydyhwTL-YbhPEBDSmOfMYDDCAA7je7BmvPv_-Z7KBm4BzXv8GwqfXrfmWBZ148xg8GdIPLXy72ekib3LNn-FlAoV04XR5FxWSU5YQI9gMva/s320/2011_09040017.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Rob's girls - Nikki, Hannah and Leanna</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyWtbcUUjNKnCqnQ3UfThj3Xw4Jb29M0JOSXTHjPwY2dkdA3uQrBhikgzvHG4aB7pUxUZbRrvK9uXUO371SpBd_BpgQWxPbJKYAbZm1sGyDMCBvjDhErXBIZIh4b6TXcuBDu_QROOJJGG/s1600/2011_09040018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyWtbcUUjNKnCqnQ3UfThj3Xw4Jb29M0JOSXTHjPwY2dkdA3uQrBhikgzvHG4aB7pUxUZbRrvK9uXUO371SpBd_BpgQWxPbJKYAbZm1sGyDMCBvjDhErXBIZIh4b6TXcuBDu_QROOJJGG/s320/2011_09040018.jpg" width="240" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Our birthday feast :-)</span></strong></td></tr>
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<strong><u>Farewell Leanna and Dan</u> </strong><br />
<strong>While I love having the backpackers living here there is a definite downside - they eventually leave. Today we farewelled Leanna and Dan as they move onto to the next leg of their backpacking holiday.</strong><br />
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<strong>These gorgeous young people did steal my heart - the gentle, softly spoken, protective Dan; and Leanna - petite, beautiful, cool, calm and collected. Both of them showed a maturity beyond their young years. Saying goodbye was hard.</strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #990000;">Dan and Leanna</span></strong> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-55NvmHlQo0Yc3wBC5HeFFE-mEKkXGicGHIj2q5zbWxBnBumojljiGJk3qq-WAcV2xwo1yrkyNxMgmjHPpIEpqmFEdrS3m3boOpmSL9b3_k4Ln41RybIMOl_p2OEPUeRmOA1Wf5xHKEs/s1600/2011_09040040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-55NvmHlQo0Yc3wBC5HeFFE-mEKkXGicGHIj2q5zbWxBnBumojljiGJk3qq-WAcV2xwo1yrkyNxMgmjHPpIEpqmFEdrS3m3boOpmSL9b3_k4Ln41RybIMOl_p2OEPUeRmOA1Wf5xHKEs/s320/2011_09040040.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="color: #990000;">Leanna, Nikki and Dan - they are all from the same place, Newcastle upon Tyne. Nikki will meet up with them in November.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNERIFjNpPbwzf2Na6rH_6iTlItfI7_fbtF2LUIMtefF-yeyi0IIMTlQfDmggdoO7kSuTyep7kh1GlBFrf9hjqY0232kgRM5fwc2vMNdLFAQdxq2VczqUB0y6raNYaDU9yQ8zxUYQYj1K/s1600/2011_09040042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNERIFjNpPbwzf2Na6rH_6iTlItfI7_fbtF2LUIMtefF-yeyi0IIMTlQfDmggdoO7kSuTyep7kh1GlBFrf9hjqY0232kgRM5fwc2vMNdLFAQdxq2VczqUB0y6raNYaDU9yQ8zxUYQYj1K/s320/2011_09040042.jpg" width="320" xaa="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">First class seats on McDonald's ferry - amazing views and fresh air</span></strong></td></tr>
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<u><strong>Rob</strong></u></div>
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<strong>This morning, before the kids left, I had another farewell. Rob has flown to Brisbane for a back operation. After months of pain, doctors, physio, numerous drugs and sleepless nights we have decided that enough is enough and last week Rob was finally given a referral to go to Brisbane. </strong></div>
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<strong>Dr Redmond will perform keyhole surgery tomorrow and Rob will be out on Wednesday. Natalie, his daughter, will take him back to her place in Oakey to convalesce. I will join him in two weeks.</strong></div>
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<strong>We are both looking forward to starting a new life - a life without pain, a normal life. </strong></div>
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<strong>Waiting for the good news and keeping positive - life is making us stronger.</strong></div>
Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-13613008967986469882011-08-21T04:54:00.000-07:002011-08-21T04:54:26.234-07:00Wongai Ball 2011<strong>Last night Rob and I </strong><strong>dressed up, put on our dancing shoes, met up with friends at the PKA hall and got ready for a night of good food, good company, fine wine and great music. It was the Wongai Ball!</strong><br />
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<strong>The Wongai Ball is the major fund raiser for Our Lady of the Sacred Heart primary school. Helen Kett, principal extraordinaire, puts in a lot of hours before the event - organising, selling tickets on Saturday mornings outside Col Jones, preparing the hall on the day and then sort of enjoying herself on the night while keeping an eye on things and making sure it all runs smoothly. It does :-)</strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAtTl_3lW393evxvYZrw0_S2-gqNrBmh7Jwp1FL_IsZYuc0yB_MfKTQdaABaegRhfzEscjHyw9wshiAy68kw9hXUGQ8MaEsvSrtC_cFynJPRRlb5aI2iq1uVImhgQEkkJ0I4DSjZTl0vj/s1600/2011_08200002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAtTl_3lW393evxvYZrw0_S2-gqNrBmh7Jwp1FL_IsZYuc0yB_MfKTQdaABaegRhfzEscjHyw9wshiAy68kw9hXUGQ8MaEsvSrtC_cFynJPRRlb5aI2iq1uVImhgQEkkJ0I4DSjZTl0vj/s320/2011_08200002.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">All dressed up and somewhere to go :-)</span></strong></td></tr>
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<strong>The amazing Margaret See Kee and her wonderful family - husband Anthony, son DJ and daughter Cecelia Mary - put on a spread fit for a king. DJ obliges by providing his Mum with fresh seafood caught that week, crays being his speciality. Margaret does the rest, ably assisted by members of the family and friends. </strong><br />
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<strong>I would be remiss if I did not mention Chi Chi who worked all night in the kitchen while looking very glamorous and chic in her outfit. It was good to see them eventually get out and have a dance or two before going back to clean up and finish up.</strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUL5q_UkuGsqR0VuOMwMuysoAxtw7bafa0QAID_Mrsbbdgxpn4Mti5WyG8_W6nP7hPize2Igde7zJMuWG3LMLcXBdQ7riYWIF1wLLQvLUEGN0X3nOxFMnbzdDM6eSpmWXfpH6Gn6SDG3qV/s1600/2011_08200003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUL5q_UkuGsqR0VuOMwMuysoAxtw7bafa0QAID_Mrsbbdgxpn4Mti5WyG8_W6nP7hPize2Igde7zJMuWG3LMLcXBdQ7riYWIF1wLLQvLUEGN0X3nOxFMnbzdDM6eSpmWXfpH6Gn6SDG3qV/s320/2011_08200003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">The amazing buffet catered by the See Kee family</span></strong></td></tr>
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<strong>And while I missed my very flamboyant dancing partner, Peter, I still managed to get my dancing fix with two lovely men. My wonderful Rob managed a few slow dances in spite of his painful back - and the lovely Mikey twirled me around for a bit of latinesque (is that a word? - it is now) style dancing which made me feel great.</strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-I6IohfS5gEWL-dWfKjhDSKrZLWR31vTG_X9jZcnClizxAwbZmNRZRQ92hnZlOILBjYych6gt1aZbUulNAm6A5nw6xiExUW3sAeCHCfefLx6SKjClrh50HqmgQ4-6ufiivnz08b_RPYtX/s1600/2011_08200019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-I6IohfS5gEWL-dWfKjhDSKrZLWR31vTG_X9jZcnClizxAwbZmNRZRQ92hnZlOILBjYych6gt1aZbUulNAm6A5nw6xiExUW3sAeCHCfefLx6SKjClrh50HqmgQ4-6ufiivnz08b_RPYtX/s320/2011_08200019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Doing the macarena - yes! even on T.I. - with Cathy (blond hair), Jan (in red) and Julie (in front of me wearing black pants, black and white top). </span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Jh9swjpnDCQdZkRMab_BablbOyMq0YDJpZLkeFrBj4D17z2DN3dvPxzb9oUx48Vr9XB_IrBlADNChx1zpQHAL9Jz6VNd45LDr94we_mCvZ5WxzXt5Qu3CliTqTePTqhZF19IMBvy1eZ6/s1600/2011_08200023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Jh9swjpnDCQdZkRMab_BablbOyMq0YDJpZLkeFrBj4D17z2DN3dvPxzb9oUx48Vr9XB_IrBlADNChx1zpQHAL9Jz6VNd45LDr94we_mCvZ5WxzXt5Qu3CliTqTePTqhZF19IMBvy1eZ6/s320/2011_08200023.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Shakin' my booty. Where are the men?</span></strong></td></tr>
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<strong>W</strong><strong>e got home just before midnight - tired, happy, sore feet, glad we went and looking forward to going again next year ...... if we're still here.</strong><br />
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<strong>Having a ball on T.I. - life is good :-)</strong>Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-22310053516690364932011-08-19T13:02:00.000-07:002011-08-19T16:26:57.777-07:00T.I. happeningsTwilight markets were held last Saturday. We missed the first ones - we were in Brisbane - and I'd heard from everyone what a great night it was. After we got back I was very excited to hear that, due to their success, a second twilight markets was planned for August. And I wasn't going to miss these :-)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6a1yiMphfclQhU8jGWhsFdjTPuszvM3CycaEk5LUg2ccnISwe5IeykYbeCQLkfJ85rRPDYf1-sbXbjJCJugykCkvrMAAZH0ND5aTgcQAiNoZfRGYlifZP2wVlsMCa6hSm2_M8VK_qj-Q/s1600/eukulele+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6a1yiMphfclQhU8jGWhsFdjTPuszvM3CycaEk5LUg2ccnISwe5IeykYbeCQLkfJ85rRPDYf1-sbXbjJCJugykCkvrMAAZH0ND5aTgcQAiNoZfRGYlifZP2wVlsMCa6hSm2_M8VK_qj-Q/s320/eukulele+group.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">The eukulele group - we'd been to a workshop that morning and were already up to performing standard. Hey .... "Row, row, row your boat" is a classic :-)</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavshbsQxFIgxrbIZxeC5SWnL-hn7mjlzEKxigU-4POOCmLdsqmr94iLMbyAEhz3_PBz67IHb9K9ojBUwuHOX5GhQxgst9Q1NHijUPIx_bRjPWmR5rHsIjtrvgPDNWPmJ0z2CDZexaM7Ek/s1600/band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavshbsQxFIgxrbIZxeC5SWnL-hn7mjlzEKxigU-4POOCmLdsqmr94iLMbyAEhz3_PBz67IHb9K9ojBUwuHOX5GhQxgst9Q1NHijUPIx_bRjPWmR5rHsIjtrvgPDNWPmJ0z2CDZexaM7Ek/s320/band.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">This band is amazing - a wonderful addition to the markets and kept the crowd entertained for hours</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz03cUHgPBH8p6IdL909j0sc4JoOscImS9XMBfcPIaUC82tmpq2TeRMFzgzrQ6TARO7qFs0VVU-BFDN1g88x-MYgRDIcARFUza3tGbh7KQLNYXepzyZNSRFKhYyT7s4JE6Gm5p0-CsVFsB/s1600/foreshore+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz03cUHgPBH8p6IdL909j0sc4JoOscImS9XMBfcPIaUC82tmpq2TeRMFzgzrQ6TARO7qFs0VVU-BFDN1g88x-MYgRDIcARFUza3tGbh7KQLNYXepzyZNSRFKhYyT7s4JE6Gm5p0-CsVFsB/s320/foreshore+group.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Part of the crowd on the foreshore listening to the band and just enjoying the balmy night</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXc8vv-HDvurKAn09K2jdLGeYP_5UqpjoxGjH7ITcpdpbYx7mVX8QQkWXguX5X46MI8R4N9hm1M9DnvcI6I8UL14I-JEWWlE11MXQgL5qbA1K_9vkvG7GB-DxN_x5-D_cOq-h6F7BL4_fv/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXc8vv-HDvurKAn09K2jdLGeYP_5UqpjoxGjH7ITcpdpbYx7mVX8QQkWXguX5X46MI8R4N9hm1M9DnvcI6I8UL14I-JEWWlE11MXQgL5qbA1K_9vkvG7GB-DxN_x5-D_cOq-h6F7BL4_fv/s320/kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Local kids watching their music idols</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYZFPTP9ETBkaGB19vkiIV9RE9Z9c10O1NYc-gMzLkJTz2r2wuS6Cit9O4U7Cz0AbMslzfCX7RZd8G5MR-pZWs4gNc3KW7f4U5SfZ9WSXtiG3OU1S1ctU8C12tM44eUTtOm-TIS447dMC/s1600/goodies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitYZFPTP9ETBkaGB19vkiIV9RE9Z9c10O1NYc-gMzLkJTz2r2wuS6Cit9O4U7Cz0AbMslzfCX7RZd8G5MR-pZWs4gNc3KW7f4U5SfZ9WSXtiG3OU1S1ctU8C12tM44eUTtOm-TIS447dMC/s320/goodies.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Lots of goodies for sale. Try a watermelon and coconut drink - it's delicious :-)</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">My favourite little girl</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">The world is my oyster</span></strong></td></tr>
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The following day we were on the wharf bright and early to farewell our good friend, Peter Chapman. Peter lives in Atherton and after five years on the island decided it was time to go back to the mainland and begin the next leg of his journey.<br />
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I first met Peter when I joined Rotary and was immediately drawn to him. How could I miss him? - he's larger than life, loves life, is very warm, generous and has a positive outlook on everything ..... and he's a great dancer. <br />
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In fact the Peter-Silvana team became a bit of an item at a few functions :-) And tonight at the Wongai Ball I will certainly be missing my very flamboyant dancing partner with the red vest. Peter - you could have waited another week :-)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">With Peter and Nola on the wharf - Nola and Peter worked together at the Torres Shire Council. Mrs Pat Jones made the lei with fresh frangipanis from her yard. He wore it all the way to Cairns where he reluctantly had to hand it over to the AQIS dog. We were surprised it got that far :-)</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">My work mate Susie - we share the same staffroom - was also leaving for Cairns with year 12 students on work placement</span></strong>.<strong><span style="color: #990000;"> Zippy and I have missed her :-)</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Julie - School to Work offficer - was travelling with Susie.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Our little ferry to Horn Island. We wanted Peter to toss the lei into the water - as is the custom - but being Peter he insisted on wearing it to the plane and hopefully on the plane. And being Peter - that's exactly what he did :-)</span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: small;">Life is good :-)</span></strong></td></tr>
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Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-81017385937991664502011-08-05T00:49:00.000-07:002011-08-05T00:49:17.444-07:00Another loss<strong>My father-in-law died on Wednesday. I suppose technically I should say my ex-father-in-law but in this case I don't want to be technical. I was his daughter-in-law for 25 years, but I've known him a lot longer of course. </strong><br />
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<strong>He was a nice man, a good man, a good looking man, a funny man - I loved his sense of humour - a loyal man, considerate, a hard worker, honest, a very loving husband and a wonderful father.</strong><br />
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<strong>I can remember lots and lots of family get togethers when he was in fine form - he was loud, always joking and very hospitable - to us, his family and especially to any guests.</strong><br />
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<strong>When his wife - my mother-in-law - became ill, he nursed her for years. I still say, to this day, that she lived as long as she did, after her illness, because of the care and the love that he gave her. </strong><br />
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<strong>My father-in-law got old - he 'suffered' from old age. It was a time of confusion, pain - both physical and emotional - for everybody. Everything that was done for him was done out of love and concern for his better health. </strong><br />
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<strong>Our family has lost again. We've lost a very vibrant, engaging personality - a big personality. Yes - it gives us some comfort to rattle off a list of names of people that he has now joined in the afterlife. But I still feel sad. And you know what? - I think there's enough of a crowd up there now to keep things going for a while. </strong><br />
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<strong>Rest in peace Dad - I can still call you that, can't I? Say hi to Mum - Silvana xo</strong><br />
Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-6520001662518115572011-08-01T05:27:00.000-07:002011-08-01T05:27:54.908-07:00My new job<strong>Just before I went home in April to see Phil, I was offered a new position at the high school to start in Term 2, after the Easter holidays. But once I had decided to stay on in Brisbane with Phil, I rang the school to let them know and to tell them that I didn't know when I'd be back. At that time nothing else mattered.</strong><br />
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<strong>Fast forward to my return to the island and Craig, the principal - my boss - informs me that, if I want it, the job is still there. Yes, OK, I'll give it a go.</strong><br />
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<strong>So the new term saw me arrive at school, excited, apprehensive, eager, confident, not-so-confident and ready to tackle a new job with a very fancy title - Public Relations Officer for Tagai State College - Thursday Island Secondary Campus.</strong><br />
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<strong>I love it!!! :-)</strong><br />
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<strong>I share office space with two gorgeous, mad women - Susie, home economics teacher for TAFE and Zipporah or Zippy, student support officer. While we are busy most of the time - in fact Susie is often not in the office because she's teaching - we do have our fun times and laughs are a-plenty.</strong><br />
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<strong>My first official duty, after being in the job for only one week, was to be part of the group to meet Governor Penelope Wensley when she came to Tagai College. As you know Governor Penny was on T.I. for the Queensland Music Festival and before she left the Torres Strait she paid a visit to several schools both here and on an outer island. So along with the principal, deputy, schooleaders and cultural representatives, I was privileged to share in a tour of the school and together with her Aide, act as resident papparazzi.</strong><br />
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<strong>In fact the camera and I are becoming quite close and personal as part of my job is to record both in pictures and words any siginificant event for the school. </strong><br />
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<strong>On Thursday I gave birth to the school newsletter. While the gestation period was only three weeks it was still a time of being anxious - would it turn out OK? would it have all the right parts? would it look good? and most of all - would others love it as much as it's maker? It's early days yet and like any mother I await the oohs and aahs that will - hopefully - compliment my new baby.</strong><br />
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<strong>I love my new job for lots of reasons - I love the variety, I love the organising, I'm starting to like the camera and I've learnt a new software program - and that's a big deal for me. But the best thing about my new job is that I am now untilising my writing skills ..... a lot - in newsletters, in radio scripts - and I'm loving it. </strong><br />
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<strong>Living and working on T.I. is great. I have been given opportunities here that I would never have been given back home. Rob likes to remind me that if not for him I would never have come here - true :-) But if not for me and my willingness to embrace the island life and give it a go, then coming here would have been a waste of time.</strong><br />
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<strong>Living and working on T.I. is great and ..... life is good :-)</strong>Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-20519261305409601882011-07-22T22:00:00.000-07:002011-07-23T05:33:40.462-07:00Farewell Ebba and Frederick<br />
<strong>Three months ago Rob and I met Ebba and Frederick - two lovely, polite, shy backpackers from Sweden. They had come to the island as part of a project by IBIS to employ backpackers in order to supplement the islander staff. They would be staying in the unit in front of ours and would later be joined by other backpackers - Georgina, Yves and Nikki.</strong><br />
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<strong>When I met them, Ebba was very shy and spoke a little English. Frederick - who had lived and studied in the States for about six month last year - did most of the talking in a very charming American accent :-)</strong><br />
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<strong>Soon after they arrived Rob and I left TI for Brisbane - Rob to receive treatment for his back and I to be with Phil. We came back two and a half months later. </strong><br />
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<strong>And we came back to a house full of young people from all over the globe - Belgium, Canada, England - and our original couple from Sweden. I'm on record as saying that we were a bit iffy about the backpacker thing - but let me tell you - we love it now. These gorgeous young people are very likeable, fun, respectful and have become part of the family.</strong><br />
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<strong>So it was with heavy hearts this morning that Rob and I said farewell to Ebba and Frederick. Three months have passed all too quickly and now they're off onto the next leg of their journey. Last night we took them to Green Hill to watch their final sunset on TI and afterwards we all shared a casual meal at the unit.</strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSISeXXLlwPwVfRPzUsHVpyUFuFZRuFhDKYX3I5Vkg_NJtk9XiNI0RyBDYIk2uOMJIIBXlGyh9lef5W6kyotIL-vBrJ3VFaWaXgzDYrPa1wt-Hw5ZOa3dvNL5MN7JhNVzsBrJpDbtbu5FZ/s1600/Table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSISeXXLlwPwVfRPzUsHVpyUFuFZRuFhDKYX3I5Vkg_NJtk9XiNI0RyBDYIk2uOMJIIBXlGyh9lef5W6kyotIL-vBrJ3VFaWaXgzDYrPa1wt-Hw5ZOa3dvNL5MN7JhNVzsBrJpDbtbu5FZ/s320/Table.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Farewell dinner for Ebba and Frederick - we kept it vegetarian in their honour :-) </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #990000;">Houseparent Rob at the head of the table</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #990000;">Nikki (right) talking to Leanna and Dan who are the new kids on the block</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Sunset on T.I. as seen from Green Hill</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">A very dapper looking Rob at Green Hill Fort</span></strong></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="color: #990000;"></span></strong> <strong>I know eventually the other two - Yves and Nikki - will be leaving - I don't want to think about it. It wasn't part of the deal or planned in any way, but Rob and I have become sort of house parents to these kids. We have grown quite fond of them and this morning was proof of how attached we have become to these wonderful young people.</strong><br />
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<strong>Ebba wants to know when we're going to Sweden. We're not sure - but one thing is certain - whenever we do there will be a very warm welcome waiting for us .... from our handsome Swedish "son" and his beautiful girlfriend - our very sweet, and now not so shy, Ebba.</strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Ebba, Frederick and Rob at Green Hill</span></strong></td></tr>
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<strong>Life is good.</strong></div>
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Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-45977962643335445992011-07-18T04:02:00.000-07:002011-07-19T00:32:23.997-07:00Ailan Kores - what an experience!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<strong>I don't know where to start. Do I start from when Rob and I walked to Anzac Park and were met with the most amazing site - food stalls; tents; people strolling through - chatting, meeting friends; family groups sitting together on the grass - an atmosphere of friendship, fun, anticipation.</strong></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Anzac Park looked a treat</span></strong></td></tr>
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<strong>Do I start from when Rob gave me a good-luck kiss and I went backstage to wait for our big moment? Alison our choir director gathered the choir and took us through a few warming up exercises ..... la-la-la-la-la-la-la :-) </strong><br />
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<strong>We had to stop then because the children's choir was about to take the stage - and didn't they do themselves proud? In fact one of their songs was the Taylor Hick's hit "Do I make you proud?" - yes kids, you did :-)</strong></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Alison conducting the Youth Choir</strong></span></td></tr>
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<strong>As with any special event there are always formalities - and thankfully these were kept to a minimum. The governor, Penelope Wensley, officially opened the festival.</strong></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">From left to right: Governor Penelope Wensley, Deborah Conway (concert organiser), Bishop Mabo, Mayor Pedro Stephens (addressing the crowd) and the MC - sorry don't know his name but he was good :-)</span></strong> </td></tr>
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<strong>Do I start from when we walked onto the stage and took our places and felt the buzz of a performance about to start? "Torres Strait is our home ....." the chorus of our opening number "Green White and Blue" sung by the composer Cygnet Repu - a stirring song that warmed up the crowd and got us all in the mood. </strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Cygnet Repu, composer of "Green, white and blue"</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>See the woman in yellow to the right? Well that's me behind her - I'm wearing green</strong></span></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="color: black;">The rest of the evening flowed just as we had rehearsed and after each song or hymn I felt uplifted and happy. </span></strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Soloists: Gregory Moore, Shelli Hulcombe, Brett Holland, Kathleen Lamont</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #990000;">Conductor: Peter Morris</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Not very clear but this is me in full singing mode - pink glasses and all :-) I'm behind the singer in the yellow dress. The woman in front of me to the right, with the frangipani in her hair, is Rosie Barkus. Rosie designed the floral backdrops and the motifs on the female soloists' costumes.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">The choir of the Torres Strait and the Queensland Youth Orchestra</span></strong> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">The green dress complete with frangipani hairpiece</span></strong></td></></tr>
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<strong>Apparently during the night my face flashed up onto the big screen a couple of times. I was told that I looked like I was enjoying myself - I was !!!!! I had an absolute ball :-)</strong><br />
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<strong>Last night was an experience - another wonderful Thursday Island experience - something I will never forget. You know what I'm going to say next don't you?</strong><br />
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<strong>Yes ...... life is good.</strong><br />
<br />Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-19875895099067410842011-07-12T04:31:00.000-07:002011-07-12T04:32:01.103-07:00Rehearsals<strong>Do you remember in March this year I posted a blog - "Calling all singers" - where I told you how I had joined the choir? Well that concert - </strong><a href="http://www.qmf.org.au/index.php/component/jevents/icalrepeat.detail/2011/7/17/108/-/ailan-kores"><strong>Ailan Kores</strong></a><strong> - is finally going to happen this Sunday, 17th July, in Anzac Park. </strong><br />
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<strong>We have been in intense rehearsals since last Sunday and from tomorrow night we will be practising on site. This will be an opportunity for sound checks, and technical checks and we'll be given direction on how to come on stage, stand, sit and exit. Our final dress rehearsal is on Saturday night. </strong><br />
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<strong>We-sound-fabulous! :-)</strong><br />
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<strong>The Queensland Youth Orchestra and 6 soloists will join us - the combined choir of the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula, and the Torres Strait Youth Choir - about 40 voices all up. Our repetoire is a combination of local hymns mixed with devotional pieces from European composers, such as Bach and Handel. </strong><br />
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<strong>Many of the works have been translated into Western, Central and Eastern language groups as well as Yumplatok which is the island Creole. Our final song - "The Allelulia Chorus" - sung in language is spectacular.</strong><br />
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<strong>Last night we were given our costumes. The women will wear skirts and tops that reflect the Torres Strait islander culture and we are in a mixture of colours - green, blue and yellow. The men will wear shirts in similar colours and dark pants or the traditional island wrap around skirt. </strong><br />
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<strong>Our very own Rosie Barkus has designed the screen print for the soloists' costumes. As well as being a local artist and a member of the choir Rosie has also created the designs on the stage backdrops.</strong><br />
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<strong>Today and tonight the technicals guys were setting up the lights and audio fittings and the stage has been constructed. There are 3 shipping containers full of equipment that has to be unpacked and installed.</strong><br />
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<strong>But what has me very excited is that there will be a live webcast direct to GOMA - Gallery of Modern Art - in Brisbane starting at 5.30pm. So you can either go in and watch the performance on the big screen or log in at home. I'm hoping that my family will tune in at some point to watch - to see where I live and how much I'm enjoying myself. </strong><br />
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<strong>Sunday night will be a festival - the Queensland Music Festival - in which we will celebrate "the unity and diversity of the Torres Strait islander culture".</strong><br />
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<strong>Life is amazing.</strong>Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7360501017391415522.post-33336054259843741302011-07-09T04:32:00.000-07:002011-07-09T05:04:31.315-07:00NAIDOC Celebrations<strong>This week is NAIDOC week - National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee - and is celebrated every year from the 3rd-10th of July. It's a wonderful opportunity for Indigenous people to come together and acknowledge important dates in their history and the contributions they have made in building our great nation.</strong><br />
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<strong>Last night Rob and I had the privilege to attend the 2011 NAIDOC celebrations at the PKA hall. IBIS had a table as they are one of the major sponsors along with the shire council and various other businesses. It was a formal occasion where members of the community were acknowledged and presented with awards for their achievements in sports, the arts, education and community works. </strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Traditional decorations made with palm leaves</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">From left to right: Niko, me, Rob, Lamar at the IBIS table. As you can see "black tie" covers all dress on T.I</span></strong>.</td></tr>
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<strong>The evening began with welcome speeches by the mayor and guest speakers, then followed a power point presentation of the history of NAIDOC. I found this quite emotional - while looking at the images of the young aboriginal men, so full of hope and potential, for some reason I started to think of my brother Phil and I found it hard to not cry. He's with me all the time.</strong><br />
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<strong>We were then treated to a performance of traditional dancing before being served a traditional dinner - seafood, rice, pork, corned beef, potatoes and vegetables followed by simple sweets of baked egg custard and sago pudding. The food was plentiful, tasty and enjoyable.</strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Traditional dancing - a regular feature at most occasions :-) </span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Tasty kai kai - and lots of it</span></strong> </td></tr>
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<strong>After dinner the awards were presented as well as awards for Youth, Elder and Person of the year. This final award was won by Matilda Loban, one of the teachers at Tagai high school. Matty and I worked together in the staff room in G Block when I was teacher aide there last year - a beautiful and deserving young woman :-)</strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPeNe5jQRaeNaidDKSV5VCf8hbGQ-ZDWDPBF92cv4_oy-WCQKftPNf-_-MwZQ9wCOXAjJe3-6px25gODKvFG1WKpVutGiqvs1doTfbO2KhaoTjY4cdSPHZsxBpVYsBPblDJr_ztY5A6DS/s1600/2011_07080028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPeNe5jQRaeNaidDKSV5VCf8hbGQ-ZDWDPBF92cv4_oy-WCQKftPNf-_-MwZQ9wCOXAjJe3-6px25gODKvFG1WKpVutGiqvs1doTfbO2KhaoTjY4cdSPHZsxBpVYsBPblDJr_ztY5A6DS/s320/2011_07080028.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Matilda Loban receiving her award for Person of the Year</span></strong></td></tr>
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<strong>The evening ended with what islanders do best - dancing - led by the newly crowned King and Queen of NAIDOC. It was wonderful to see everyone - elders included - get up and enjoy the music which, by the way, was not traditional - very 60s and 70s - very danceable :-) </strong><br />
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<strong>I feel so lucky to be living here and to experience events that normally I would not even know about or be aware of - and that is such a shame. Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander history is so rich and I feel privileged when I'm invited to share and celebrate with them the many occasions that make up the Thursday Island calender .</strong> <br />
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<strong>Life is good.</strong>Silvanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534634972130753649noreply@blogger.com0