Hobart Views From The Water

On the weekend, we were lucky to join our good friend and neighbour on his boat. We cruised up and down the Derwent River, taking in the sights of Hobart from the water. This was a lovely change of perspective, as we are so used to viewing the sights of Hobart from the land.

The view of Hotel Grand Chancellor across Sullivans Cove

A lovely vessel at Elizabeth St Pier

Elizabeth St Pier

Castray Esplanade, hiding the view of Salamsnca Market

From left, Castray Esplanade across to Hunter St

Brooke St Pier, housing The Cartela

The Lady Nelson alongside Elizabeth St Pier

The Mona MR-1 Ferry with Mt Wellington in the background

Wrest Point Casino, Sandy Bay

The Tasman Bridge, linking the Eastern Shore to Hobart over the Derwent River

            

Selfie with Master 6

Selfie with Miss 10

Linking up with these AMAZING bloggers

Family Fun and Recharging The Batteries

As a working Mum, it is really important for me to take my annual leave and use it wisely. This usually means spending quality time with the children, catching up on projects around the home and recharging my batteries to get me through to my next holiday.

The last two weeks have been great.
I had a little break over Christmas, but really needed those couple of weeks to get into holiday mode and relax.

It has been a busy two weeks, starting with my mother-in-law's birthday party, Australia Day, a full week at our beautiful holiday spot by the beach, blogging, many days of fishing and family fun, viewing the aftermath of The Tasmanian Fires, cleaning our carpets, a road trip to Launceston(more about this to come), reading, catching up with friends, a zoo, a museum, a couple of barbeques, a little shopping, some swimming, and a lot of sleeping. PHEW!

Unfortunately, we also saw the passing of a dear friend. We will all miss her.

Relaxing at the beach

A few squid

The remains of a house in Dunalley

A Koala at The Tasmania Zoo

My sons Australia Day hat

An Entertainer, I Am Not

I love a good party. I love the atmosphere, the socialising, the chance to let down my hair, the chance to enjoy a bevy and a nibble. I am not a natural entertainer though. I stress too much and worry about the really little details. I don't enjoy all of the preparation and am not a natural cook.

It is amazing what you do, though, when it is for a loved one, and you stepping up to the plate is the difference in the likelihood of there being a party for that loved one, or not. Thus, I have just been involved in organising and throwing my 2nd 60th Birthday bash.

Luckily for my dear Mum, and also my mother-in-law, they both fall into the category of special people in my life.  Otherwise, you would NEVER have seen me organising either of their 60th Birthday celebrations. 

I can't take all of the credit though. Hubby is always there to do what he can in organising and pitching in on the day. We also have some pretty special relatives who are more party savvy than I, when it comes to feeding a large group of festive friends and relatives.

Despite my lack of experience, and my dislikes, my mother-in-law's recent birthday party went really well. 

The cake was great, there was WAY too much food, the kids had a great time, many people were chatting and laughing, and some choose to bust a move to the music. Amazingly, there were no disasters!

A successful event!

Happy 50th Mickey - Get Your Rockin' Shoes On!

Are you helping with the celebrations today? What! You didn't forget did you?

Considering he has been beside us every step of the way, since we were little, I thought this birthday would be on the top of your list for 2012. Never mind, luckily I have reminded you in time before the festivities begin. I would hate for you to miss them .... and so would Mickey.

It's not everyday that our pal, Mickey Mouse turns 50!

He is taking some time out from his busy rehearsals of Disney Live! Mickey's Rockin' Road Show to celebrate a little this Sunday, but he is so excited about the show, he will be straight back into it again. So a big cake, everyone join in the song, candles ..... and he's a jolly good fellow!

In an exclusive with Mickey Mouse, he shared his excitement about his birthday and up-coming show, “For birthday
celebrations it sure is hard to beat a pair of red shorts and my yellow shoes. Let’s see, what else… Well, I like all sorts of
birthday music, so I always bring my music player! It’s great to dance to. And if I can get a crowd dancing, that’s even
better! And ya know, I always have the most fun when I celebrate with Minnie and my pals Goofy, Donald, and Daisy.”

Disney Live!Mickey’s Rockin’ Road Show is a high energy stage show that features classic and new Disney characters in an all-new talent search. The show features a one-of-a-kind rockin’ road trip in a quest to round up the coolest acts for Mickey’s talent show. Kids will love the hilarious hoe-down with Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear from the Toy Story films; they’ll dance with Tigger; sing along with Cinderella and so much more!

TOUR DATES & TICKET INFORMATION:

PERTH	Dec 28-30	Riverside Theatre, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre - Ticketek
BRISBANE	Jan 6-7	Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre - Ticketek
SYDNEY	Jan 11-13	Sydney Entertainment Centre - Ticketmaster
NEWCASTLE	Jan 15-16	Newcastle Entertainment Centre - Ticketek
WOLLONGONG	Jan 19	WIN Entertainment Centre - Ticketek
ADELAIDE	Jan 21-22	Adelaide Entertainment Centre - Ticketek
MELBOURNE	Jan 24-27	The Plenary, Melbourne Convention Centre - Ticketmaster
LAUNCESTON	Jan 30-31	Silverdome – Silverdome
HOBART	Feb 2-3	Derwent Entertainment Centre – Ticketmaster
CANBERRA	Feb 9	AIS Arena – Ticketek
CAIRNS	Feb 13	Cairns Convention Centre – Ticketlink *tickets on sale Monday 26 Nov
TOWNSVILLE	Feb 16-17	Townsville Convention & Exhibition Centre – TECC
DARWIN	Feb 23-24	Darwin Convention Centre – Yourcenter.com.au *tickets on sale Monday 26 Nov

Tickets on sale NOW!

A Reserve: $37.50 (*family ticket $140) / B Reserve: $29.50 (*family ticket $110)

*Family ticket admits any configuration of four people / Children under 12 months free on the knee

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.disneylive.com.au

So .... I have my tickets already. I'll see you there! 

What is that light over yonder?

With the start of Daylight Savings today in Tasmania, I am literally doing a little happy dance.

There is no better feeling that walking out of work at 5pm, seeing the sun still high in the sky, and knowing that you still have daylight to enjoy.

We try to make the most of the extra daylight hours and better weather where we can, and I will be sure to share some of this with you while it lasts.

We love to use this time as a family, to enjoy the outdoors. We also get together regularly with friends through the week for a BBQ, either at our homes or our fantastic local park. Those extra hours give us a great reason to get outside and do those jobs around the garden and exercise. Television shows usually take a backseat for our family during this period of extra daylight, but considering our regular favourites usually take a break over this time, it is certainly no loss.

I certainly know where I would rather be .... and it's not sitting in front of the box.

Do you have daylight savings where you live? Do you love it or hate it? 

Do you answer the phone during the night?

Just as much as I hate getting calls during the night, I also hate making those calls. When you are pulled from your sleep by the ringing of the phone, it always sounds urgent, and I always fear the worst. I mean ... who doesn't? People don't usually call you at 3am to chat. Not to me anyway!

So, I got hubby to make the dreaded 3am phone call. I could see the pain in his face that said "Please, don't make me do it". My hands were tied, Master 5 was hanging off me - Literally!
We had already administered a dose of Paracetamol which had eased his earache enough for him to go back to sleep. This only lasted a bit over an hour though. He woke up screaming for Mummy. We tried to comfort him, but he was having none of that. "Do something Mummy!" was his demand.

What were our options? With the After Hours Dr closing their doors at 10pm, which is the same time the last Chemist in the South of the State closes, we were considering a trip to the Emergency Department in the city. Knowing that an Earache would be listed low on the Emergency list, though, with a possible all-night wait, while my son screamed and thrashed around on my knee, I was not at all tempted. Our only other option was to administer another medicine, of which the only sort in our possession which would have any effect on the problem was Phenergan. At best, this would only make him drowsy, possibly allowing him and us a bit more sleep, but it would not take away the pain.

So, the time had come to make the call. Thankfully we have a great support system of family and friends living close by. Hubby logged into Facebook first, to check if anyone was online to whom he could plead assistance. Not so lucky! That call just had to be made.

With Hubby's brother and family living close, and the possibility of them having a suitable medicine, hubby made the call while I tried to subdue Master 5. We held our breath until the call was answered. With confirmation that help was only minutes away, Hubby was out the door and back relatively quickly while I distracted Master 5 with games of Angry Birds. The dose of Ibuprofen did the trick and Master 5 was lulled back to sleep, in the comfort of our bed, no less.

The knowledge that he was no longer writhing in pain was a huge comfort to us. We are thankful that we have reliable support close by. We are thankful they are always willing to answer that dreaded call, and help if able. To us, this support is more valuable than any view a change of address could ever bring.

Holiday is now a distant memory

Did you miss me? You didn't even realise I'd gone, right? That's OK - 'cause I'm back now.

I have so much to tell you about our family holiday to King Island - so stay tuned.

I'm back into the swing of life after a blissful week kicking back with some great mates. Gee - it was needed too.

I promise photos and details very soon.

Tackling the mountain

Today was D-Day for Mount No Longer Needed. I tackled it head-on, and the effort is now taking it's toll. My feet burn, my bones are a bit achy, and I am feeling my age. The conditions were fair, and although it threatened rain, the breeze blew it aside. I am pleased to say that Mount No Longer Needed is no longer an obstacle in my path.

Mount No Longer Needed was on my 2012 To Do list.

It all started with preparation on the Friday night. I am shamed to say that Mount No Longer Needed is the result of our 2011cull and an earlier garage sale aftermath. Not happy to let Mount No Longer Needed get the better of me, I decided to have another bash at beating it down with yet another garage sale.

Of course, we had added more items to the pile. I was determined that after this sale, items still worth selling would be listed for sale online, other items would be handed onto suitable friends, and the remaining items would be donated to charity. Hubby was keen to see the floor of his beloved "man cave" and wanted the mountain gone.

The day started early, and our 2 local "pickers" were the first on the scene. The clientele trickled in slowly but surely over the first half of the day, and I was pleased to see money exchanged for our preloved items. The aim of my day was never to make a fortune from Mount No Longer Needed, but to get a little back in our pocket as reward for making wise purchases and caring for our belongings.

In the mid-afternoon, I closed shop, happy with the efforts thus far and ready to tackle what was left of Mount No Longer Needed. Photos and descriptions were taken of things I was keen to still sell online, and these items were placed aside. Piles were made of items that I knew would be handy to a few friends, and another pile for charity.

Exhausted but satisfied I surveyed the place where Mount No Longer Needed had stood. I felt I needed a theme song at this moment...Blaze of Glory - Bon Jovi? Stayin' Alive - Bee Gees?

I decided on a favourite from my youth ... Walkin' On Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves, as I was no longer in the shadow of the mountain.

The day I climbed a tree

 As you get older, there are some things, you realise, you haven't done in a long, long time. Some may be because you physically can't do them anymore.
I did attempt to do a handstand recently. Needless to say that my biceps are certainly not used to holding up my weight. My face and the grass had a very sudden, intimate meeting.

There are other options, depending on your age and the things available to you, that might still be able to do.

I had this exact thought when I was making my 2012 To Do List.
I admire my son often as he climbs nimbly. He looks so free, and he always has the best view.
So, on our recent trip to Wayatinah, I eyed off the trees at the playground. This was the perfect opportunity. No gusting winds, no sharp objects on the ground, a little energy to burn.

Although, my shoes were not exactly built for tree climbing, I strode up to my tree of choice with confidence.

Now, I know that the tree of choice does not look huge, but it offered the perfect angle and thickness of branch for my limited ability.

My friend also pointed out that I shimmied up the branch, rather than showing a climbing style. She is really picky!
Regardless, she took photos between giggles and tried to get the best angle to show how I wasn't really high up high I was. I even managed a couple of poses.

Not to be outdone, Master 4 though he should join me. He was probably thinking, 'what is the big deal'.

I must admit, it was cool being up the tree. I felt young again, until it occurred to me how much it would hurt if I fell. The view is better from up there. A little padding on the branch would have been lovely.

Have you explored your adventurous side lately? What did you do when you were younger that you haven't done in a long time?

Ling up with

Life with Twins 2 a Drama Queen

Where's My Glow

Stop and think. It could make a HUGE difference

So angry that someone could be so selfish. So upset that 2 people could have such disregard for others. So sad that 3 people are left so hurt, they may never be the same again. So disbelieving that this can happen time and time again.

I was physically upset as I listened to the news this morning to learn that two 16 year olds in a Ute had crashed with a 4WD of five passengers. I don't know the circumstances behind why the two 16 year olds where driving on the road, or where they were going. I'm not even sure which vehicle caused the accident.

What I do know is that again and again people make the decision to do things so flippantly, when they are decisions granted to those who have obtained the necessary experience and grown to a maturity to handle it.

What makes young people think they have any place behind the wheel of a vehicle? I know that the young have the tendency to believe they are invincible, I was young too once. I never once did something in my youth where I didn't consider how it may affect someone, or even "what would my parents say about me doing this". Some people make the decision to not get their licence, as they have the maturity to see that driving is not a skill they possess.

Are we doing the wrong thing by boosting the confidence of young people? Kids today are constantly being told anything is possible and you have endless options. Should we instead be saying "you can't do anything until you have proven yourself and earned the right"?

I feel for all the people involved in today's crash, not to mention the flow on effect for their friends, families and community. One very bad decision to jump in the a car can effect so many people. I have seen this first hand.

My wish is that people of all ages, stop before making life changing decisions. Just for a second. It could make the difference.

Grateful for ... people's dreams coming true

This week was most exciting for us, not to mention a lovely couple.

On Wednesday our friends welcomed their beautiful first born. They had a healthy baby boy (which they knew but it was a surprise for eveyone else).

Our friends don't live locally, but luckily for us and the maternal grandparents, they live on an island between Tasmania and Victoria. Why is that lucky? The island doesn't not have maternity facilities, so our new Mum flew off the island a month before her due date, and the new Dad came down to join her at her parents in her home town with plenty of time to spare before the BIG DAY.

Myself, hubby and the new Mum all grew up in our great little town, went to the same school. My hubby and the new Mum were in the same year and were good friends. When I married hubby she became my good friend too. We were in each other's weddings, and we honeymooned on their island. The new hubby is an island local so we were in great hands.  We might only see them once a year and talk to them on the phone but when we all meet up there is plenty to discuss. And now, even more so.