tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491624036603210112024-02-19T09:00:54.151-08:00Gebbles WritesSue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-26037353034374397852015-10-02T23:51:00.000-07:002015-10-02T23:51:26.814-07:00The Blue Mountains, Three Sisters and a Trip to the River Styx<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LjJCTw-XM20xX3cKdUfLmMq7vcZv31jQbUAZwrqKQVhexSxZ-ghDLVuApv83aItiSXz1Q80bCNIg4AGDdAF06nCDhZ_Q94zZzzWxSqk08viW7Mp-cCVKEIVW2fGvI51FZeuDqIh-tQFy/s1600/_DSC2364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LjJCTw-XM20xX3cKdUfLmMq7vcZv31jQbUAZwrqKQVhexSxZ-ghDLVuApv83aItiSXz1Q80bCNIg4AGDdAF06nCDhZ_Q94zZzzWxSqk08viW7Mp-cCVKEIVW2fGvI51FZeuDqIh-tQFy/s640/_DSC2364.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I tumbled out of bed and headed into the kitchen and began to make my breakfast. We were all up early because we were travelling to the Blue Mountains. We had been to the Blue Mountain once before to Jenolan Caves, but this time we were going to Scenic World. At Scenic World there is the world's steepest railway, a Skyway and Cableway.<br />
<br />
We all hurried through breakfast, morning jobs and the last of the packing.<br />
<br />
"Time to go," Dad called.<br />
<br />
We all pulled on our shoes and grabbed our books and MP3 Players before heading outside to the car. It was a long drive to the Blue Mountains and we had to stop for some morning tea at the bottom of the Mountains before driving for a few more minutes to the top.<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/AVvXsEjXPMhM6uyjCSWXnyMPAGEiVXWCSEASVbTvSnc_dk6O6H4qcF4ojo5OKY-wvK5HelXio1wAKQlcXYW0klvTZvRVc4F10ldMM3CIYmYFYTCkSFuzDLN_8Q6mQySEXWpGsXTCTRt9pOjQRoje/s1600/_DSC2374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPMhM6uyjCSWXnyMPAGEiVXWCSEASVbTvSnc_dk6O6H4qcF4ojo5OKY-wvK5HelXio1wAKQlcXYW0klvTZvRVc4F10ldMM3CIYmYFYTCkSFuzDLN_8Q6mQySEXWpGsXTCTRt9pOjQRoje/s640/_DSC2374.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Three Sisters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We were going to see The Three Sisters which are three huge rocks that are supposed to look like three ladies.<br />
<br />
Dad parked and we all piled out of the car. We went for a bush walk which had lots of lookouts from which you could see The Three Sisters and the mountains. Sophie didn't want to go close to the edge of the lookout because she doesn't like heights, but Dad managed to coax her to come have a look.<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/AVvXsEi3NPdUcQTJ8xuw7jM6OTKsg50LqP46zCHbWGZpG_BvUSCq6HRR3hYAIdlEPTuvLff4_EELE2lr6tRiNHCt1NDZHEYbdVXJViAaL-fJg7lCaZRO1sjlyxEXlZ1iY-6MnlLXVjo9ynI7kMGJ/s1600/_DSC2357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NPdUcQTJ8xuw7jM6OTKsg50LqP46zCHbWGZpG_BvUSCq6HRR3hYAIdlEPTuvLff4_EELE2lr6tRiNHCt1NDZHEYbdVXJViAaL-fJg7lCaZRO1sjlyxEXlZ1iY-6MnlLXVjo9ynI7kMGJ/s640/_DSC2357.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the lookouts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The views from all the lookouts around the walk were amazing. I really enjoyed it. When we had finished the walk we went to buy some food before heading to the cabin we were staying in.<br />
<br />
It was a three room cabin. There was a kitchen cross sitting room cross bedroom. The settee had a bed above it and the settee could be folded down into a double bed. There was the bathroom and another bedroom with a bunk bed and a double bed.<br />
<br />
Originally Sophie and I were going to have the bunk beds in the bedroom and Mum and Dad were going to have the double bed in the same room while Imogen and Charlotte slept in the sitting room, but Mum decided that she would put all us girls in the same room. So Sophie and I had the double bed, the big girls had the bunk beds and Mum and Dad slept in the sitting room.<br />
<br />
"These cabins have a games room," Dad said. "Should we take a walk down and have a look at it?"<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/AVvXsEim_PP6sli3fVHek4iLjtHy6DYCkNgztAM7u3e_NzlzBo0WLj6-l2nhGVItkhXXokqBVVbR9sdgKBJfAtN_dP44cK5DIOqXnFFYwqPHFhXNOMbd5BJ5KKb7A_I-Ttna7kI7JAB-ML5PKF4P/s1600/_DSC2406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_PP6sli3fVHek4iLjtHy6DYCkNgztAM7u3e_NzlzBo0WLj6-l2nhGVItkhXXokqBVVbR9sdgKBJfAtN_dP44cK5DIOqXnFFYwqPHFhXNOMbd5BJ5KKb7A_I-Ttna7kI7JAB-ML5PKF4P/s640/_DSC2406.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlotte playing Wii Sport</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We all went to the games room and found a TV, a Wii and a pool table. Dad taught Imogen to play pool while Charlotte taught Sophie and me how to play Wii Sports. It was a lot of fun even if you looked ridiculous bouncing around in front of the TV.<br />
<br />
We had ravioli in a tomato sauce for dinner and afterwards we had some chocolate. Sophie and I had showers and we all watched How to Train Your Dragon.<br />
<br />
We all had to go to bed at the same time because it was such a small cabin.<br />
<br />
I was very careful to lie in the bed as far away from Sophie as possible because I have this reputation for kicking people in bed.<br />
<br />
Imogen and Charlotte had a hard time getting to sleep because neither of them snore but Sophie and I snore rather loudly.<br />
<br />
In the morning we had Nutri Grain or flavoured packet porridge. We did the dishes, showered and made the beds.<br />
<br />
Dad drove to Scenic World and we all queued for tickets.<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/AVvXsEi5IiPg8x1xaDknUY9nNWbMP6dvT7T_kss1W4r7SmmpBrshSS54G6YEnemMP_NMvJsnW60CwvduwIx6nYJliTjHhH6y-cGt5LiwsgYFdGYvb9f3fp0K1i637UFckjZXJz7V4-4CnVWv6Vqp/s1600/_DSC2475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IiPg8x1xaDknUY9nNWbMP6dvT7T_kss1W4r7SmmpBrshSS54G6YEnemMP_NMvJsnW60CwvduwIx6nYJliTjHhH6y-cGt5LiwsgYFdGYvb9f3fp0K1i637UFckjZXJz7V4-4CnVWv6Vqp/s640/_DSC2475.jpg" width="416" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Railway from the bottom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The first thing we did was go on the world's steepest railway. There were three settings on the chairs in the train. The first was Cliffhanger which was the steepest at 64 degrees and then there was original at 52 degrees or Laidback at 20 degrees. We all wanted to go Cliffhanger except for Sophie but she agreed to do it with us.<br />
<br />
The train dropped dramatically and went into a dark tunnel. We all began to slide out of our seats (there were no seat belts). We had to brace ourselves with our legs or slide right off the seats. The train came out of the tunnel and we saw the beautiful view before the track levelled out and we could sit back on the seats.<br />
<br />
The Railway had been great fun, but Sophie didn't enjoy it at all and had spent her time clinging to Dad.<br />
<br />
We went for a walk along ramps through the bush. Scenic World used to be a coal mine and there were lots of signs telling us about it. We saw a coal miner's cottage and we were allowed to go inside. It didn't look like a nice place to sleep in especially in the cold mountain weather.<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/AVvXsEjgAWL3LZgFt6lG7M6yTtEBWRw2U7dlXffLoSEqIUkroGYWwfSWVeXtpEhjFgWl9oELypEoh7VRS0Q02GP101_tPb0AP51aEATTqN_M9awZxU3P2cqhZvcObDe9cwlOnyLewBOYX33FQB-8/s1600/_DSC2530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAWL3LZgFt6lG7M6yTtEBWRw2U7dlXffLoSEqIUkroGYWwfSWVeXtpEhjFgWl9oELypEoh7VRS0Q02GP101_tPb0AP51aEATTqN_M9awZxU3P2cqhZvcObDe9cwlOnyLewBOYX33FQB-8/s640/_DSC2530.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old Skyway which they stopped using in 2004 (they've got a new one)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
After the walk we went on the Skyway, the Railway again (it was even better going back up) and the Cableway. Someone on the Skyway commented that it was a long way to fall to the ground.<br />
<br />
"Not long at all," the guide said cheerfully. "Only six seconds to the bottom."<br />
<br />
We stopped for lunch before going for another walk. This one had a lot of steps and we all raced each other up them. We saw a waterfall on this walk. It was a long walk and we were tired by the time we were down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MDGsVFgVbKhWvqN-Yq9mpdnCkz280pCNO_yppvmQlWo4ucANf6FJOS3e2mvozFuTp-2TImvfFh1m6UpP4QPQPx3EX2HtDa7dxOaziN6CfVLZzYOjHcic9YIRsH65waHRMcaQv50K8Eb-/s1600/_DSC2540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MDGsVFgVbKhWvqN-Yq9mpdnCkz280pCNO_yppvmQlWo4ucANf6FJOS3e2mvozFuTp-2TImvfFh1m6UpP4QPQPx3EX2HtDa7dxOaziN6CfVLZzYOjHcic9YIRsH65waHRMcaQv50K8Eb-/s640/_DSC2540.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Mum went to look in the souvenir shop with Sophie while the rest of us went on the Railway another two times before we all headed home.<br />
<br />
Sophie had bought us all these beaded bracelets from the souvenir shop and they were very pretty. We went back down to the games room for the evening and played pool and Wii again.<br />
<br />
For dinner we had fish and chips which was really nice. We watched Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as we ate and then went back to the games room for the rest of the evening.<br />
<br />
On the last day we packed everything again and loaded the car. Dad drove us all the way to Jenolan. We were going to see another cave.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepIoTAYx6M5hZPbOvnE9l_JN6gBmYDfcQYBv9rAjxUpYzpN_aYGu2-KfcEGru5nj3StIIG_nlu0Bw7UzfhI22n8XgS2dpsO-7PsIYeJyiEwXVLiWZoL4GPMDlaoV5u_RTyRUlZqgw95M_/s1600/_DSC2585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepIoTAYx6M5hZPbOvnE9l_JN6gBmYDfcQYBv9rAjxUpYzpN_aYGu2-KfcEGru5nj3StIIG_nlu0Bw7UzfhI22n8XgS2dpsO-7PsIYeJyiEwXVLiWZoL4GPMDlaoV5u_RTyRUlZqgw95M_/s640/_DSC2585.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This cave was the River Cave. It was gorgeous. Unfortunately it had two ladders which Sophie didn't want to climb. The River Cave had (surprise, surprise) a river which they called the River Styx from Greek mythology. There was also another one called the Pool of Reflections which reflected perfectly the roof of the cave on the water which was slightly weird.<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/AVvXsEhtToVPilEzSVFPOjB1QME9euz9-ntaw3y5XhWiFWRsaHdvWwsyPRaRRl4ZAVY8FwjUrS8j53M8l9RVm1kNGhZmYYN81b3h8DbQeUUfYUbkoYw5UDUFcUn3AxE84mTGFgSiVGFbaq_vxm4v/s1600/_DSC2608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtToVPilEzSVFPOjB1QME9euz9-ntaw3y5XhWiFWRsaHdvWwsyPRaRRl4ZAVY8FwjUrS8j53M8l9RVm1kNGhZmYYN81b3h8DbQeUUfYUbkoYw5UDUFcUn3AxE84mTGFgSiVGFbaq_vxm4v/s640/_DSC2608.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the cave formations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then we started the long drive home. It had been a good holiday, but we were all glad to get home and see Duncan and the cats. The next day we went and picked Nora up from the kennels.<br />
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-31371714868802258832015-09-28T20:40:00.000-07:002015-09-28T20:40:27.374-07:00Weddings and a Too Small Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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/AVvXsEjfK-pY-sstCjic9tXgdGK6JNYOgETT3XsJduwKXdN8TnH6mNz3KFi_ysVPeeu4bMTfCRuf45x2YvgDV3UWmqF1qsVvn4t6HqIaoAC8Missx3PaWXIhA0sylNTdlyWkoehl15vzbzkdvIY3/s1600/g_DSC1857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK-pY-sstCjic9tXgdGK6JNYOgETT3XsJduwKXdN8TnH6mNz3KFi_ysVPeeu4bMTfCRuf45x2YvgDV3UWmqF1qsVvn4t6HqIaoAC8Missx3PaWXIhA0sylNTdlyWkoehl15vzbzkdvIY3/s640/g_DSC1857.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Casey and her Dad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We spent the last few weeks preparing for my brother, Callum's wedding. He was marrying a girl called Casey. I was going to be a flower girl for the wedding.<br />
<br />
Mum ordered Imogen, Charlotte and Sophie dresses online and we waited for them to arrive. Casey's mum bought me a dress. It was a size eight (and I am 11!), but it still fitted in length.<br />
<br />
Imogen was going to do all the singing for the wedding, and her singing teacher's husband was going to play the organ.<br />
<br />
Duncan was asked to be a groomsman and Dad was going to do one of the readings at the wedding Mass.<br />
<br />
Imogen had to make all the booklets with the Order of Service in them and get them all printed and bound together. They looked really nice,<br />
<br />
Finally, the day of the wedding arrived. I had a pretty relaxed morning, but about lunch time Callum arrived and things began to get busy. I changed into my white dress, Sophie did my hair in braids and Imogen lent me the pearl necklace that she wore to Felicity's wedding.<br />
<br />
Soon we all on our way to the wedding. Imogen and Charlotte went in one car, Mum, Sophie, Dad and I went in another one and Callum and Duncan went with the best man in the groom's car.<br />
<br />
We arrived at the church and Callum spent ages talking to all the guests as they arrived. Finally Callum and all the guests went into the church and the bride arrived.<br />
<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/AVvXsEiQvW3aUYTDfh5DcrWzJD0nnq6gof2EeTa-ZUxyOtaewoTuVQN0Bn8D9NRtcV7oOyqB-rRJiDeMNebn1vdrMb3vO7kMEZHDJpZV2YTVpC7xSKLH9F923IA_yHRu9CDsf_-hbgsWF0LONHNk/s1600/g_DSC1868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvW3aUYTDfh5DcrWzJD0nnq6gof2EeTa-ZUxyOtaewoTuVQN0Bn8D9NRtcV7oOyqB-rRJiDeMNebn1vdrMb3vO7kMEZHDJpZV2YTVpC7xSKLH9F923IA_yHRu9CDsf_-hbgsWF0LONHNk/s640/g_DSC1868.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Callum and Casey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I was given a bunch of fake flowers and we all went into the church. Imogen gave me a poke when it was time for me to go up the aisle and I began to walk at the same time the organist began to play. I walked very slowly down the aisle trying not to rush. When I was halfway up the church, the first bridesmaid began to walk. I reached the pew and stood in front of it as I waited for the rest of the bridesmaids. Casey and her father began to come up after all the bridesmaids. They were having trouble fitting up the aisle because Casey's dress was so big and had a hoop underneath all the petticoats.<br />
<br />
There were not so many bridesmaids for Callum's wedding as there were for Felicity's so I wasn't as squished in the pew.<br />
<br />
Callum wanted to have a Mass along with the wedding, but the whole ceremony didn't seem to take very long at all.<br />
<br />
When the wedding was over, we all turned and walked out of the church quite a bit faster than we had come in.<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/AVvXsEhgWxMC7T14DJyZN3FrE93vdJEwJ4Uuh7F5L-065i5v4h11U5he7u2cx272nitmMEzxh9is2GP1g-BPH5OD1OtFRrIkXblWDopu88FGgNGWDAUj7hYII9G2zA0BJ7iO-XHis0_WBLi_tahP/s1600/g_DSC1882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWxMC7T14DJyZN3FrE93vdJEwJ4Uuh7F5L-065i5v4h11U5he7u2cx272nitmMEzxh9is2GP1g-BPH5OD1OtFRrIkXblWDopu88FGgNGWDAUj7hYII9G2zA0BJ7iO-XHis0_WBLi_tahP/s640/g_DSC1882.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Callum taking the veil off Casey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Everybody went down to the lake right by the church and the photographer took lots and lots and lots of photos. Casey had trouble trying to keep her dress out of the dirt. It was so big, and I appeared to be promoted to the position of Official Dress Carrier.<br />
<br />
Imogen and Mum went home to feed the cats and our dog, Nora while Dad took the rest of us down to MacDonalds for a milkshake because we were all getting hungry. I accidentally spilt some of my chocolate milkshake down my nice white dress. Luckily, it wasn't very noticeable and I managed to get most of it off my dress with a tissue. When we had finished our milkshakes, Dad drove us all to the reception.<br />
<br />
We arrived before Callum and stood waiting outside the room Callum rented for the reception, Mum and Imogen joined us and soon all the guests began to arrive. But of course, now was not a good time to go and get something to eat: the photographer wanted to take some <i>more </i>pictures.<br />
<br />
I stood on the stairs with all the rest of the bridal party, smiled, switched places and finally, we were allowed to go into the reception room.<br />
<br />
I was sitting at the bridal table with Callum, Casey, Duncan, the bestman, the maid of honour and all the bridesmaids.<br />
<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/AVvXsEiqpB6D3PPYpMWfvVEG7JijXo2eBk5UFRyNAnnj1PKmO-5BevqW5irAMPUdifT6hBHqR1fRD7bJKCXVIzPSFuGiZ42W6vOBDDzcWJACiQq_ssQQd59ZAppAAA0lrBcE5dN3JU6TeLvoQ9be/s1600/wedding+photo+resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpB6D3PPYpMWfvVEG7JijXo2eBk5UFRyNAnnj1PKmO-5BevqW5irAMPUdifT6hBHqR1fRD7bJKCXVIzPSFuGiZ42W6vOBDDzcWJACiQq_ssQQd59ZAppAAA0lrBcE5dN3JU6TeLvoQ9be/s640/wedding+photo+resized.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Callum and me at the Reception</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The food at the reception was really good. We had pastrami, chicken, rolls and some seafood (which I didn't eat because I don't like it very much). The thing I liked the best was probably the sticky date pudding and custard,<br />
<br />
The reception was really long and we were all very tired by the time that Mum said we should leave. We went to the cars and climbed in. I dozed on the way home and was very thankful to get to bed when we arrived back.<br />
<br />
The wedding was great fun, but it was also a lot of work and very tiring.<br />
<br />
Have you ever been a flower girl or bridesmaid?<br />
<br />
<br />Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-16988255231793053362015-05-31T17:44:00.001-07:002015-05-31T17:56:05.558-07:00My Confirmation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNz_ACWntOP-yQhG_SE5l8DN7XrjayF0aQDTrRlxY4T4UcIqHU05JgvFoj3KBGOpP7tvDy7dm6a_Z-sOve9vc87aL7ADhIOJg0DLp-AdolG8_AtQO6wy8jgqwo8XFm5L5Hx37zNAUBfGNI/s1600/Lot%2527s-a-different-days---Gemma-Rose%2527s-Confirmation-563%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNz_ACWntOP-yQhG_SE5l8DN7XrjayF0aQDTrRlxY4T4UcIqHU05JgvFoj3KBGOpP7tvDy7dm6a_Z-sOve9vc87aL7ADhIOJg0DLp-AdolG8_AtQO6wy8jgqwo8XFm5L5Hx37zNAUBfGNI/s640/Lot%2527s-a-different-days---Gemma-Rose%2527s-Confirmation-563%25282%2529.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
For the last four weeks, Dad and I have been going to classes, getting ready for my confirmation. I needed to ask someone to be my confirmation sponsor and I also needed to pick a patron saint.<br />
<br />
"Charlotte?" I asked.<br />
<br />
"Yeah?"<br />
<br />
"Do you think you could be my confirmation sponsor?"<br />
<br />
"Wait? What? Really?" she asked, staring.<br />
<br />
So then I needed to pick a saint. Mum gave me a saint book with fifty-seven saints in it and I spent ages reading about saints and all the good things they had done. Unfortunately for me all the saints were amazing people, but I couldn't find the right one.<br />
<br />
Mum as always had a solution. She gave me two more saint books. So now I had two more books filled with saints to choose from.<br />
<br />
"I have three books and I <i>still </i>can't find one," I told Mum.<br />
<br />
So she produced another two saint books and these ones were massive.<br />
<br />
"Sit here and we will have a look at them together," she said.<br />
<br />
We read story after story before I decided to have Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe.<br />
<br />
Mum bought me a dress and a pretty white cardigan, and Imogen baked a chocolate cake with twelve fondant icing fruits to represent the fruits of the Holy Spirit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eQkJzWksFUt5Rk_Zr2_fGyspv865F-_-4vFxO0fXinUTbvdiY6bpUTUw6ut_vvG-DeWbgj0T49PQ2zLxM6Xb7jIf6h4PW8nXdnViWTr7iwvObow03ceCUF0fMuPNr96-HUjoUy1D7Hwe/s1600/psconfirmation-cake-014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6eQkJzWksFUt5Rk_Zr2_fGyspv865F-_-4vFxO0fXinUTbvdiY6bpUTUw6ut_vvG-DeWbgj0T49PQ2zLxM6Xb7jIf6h4PW8nXdnViWTr7iwvObow03ceCUF0fMuPNr96-HUjoUy1D7Hwe/s640/psconfirmation-cake-014.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The day arrived and I spent all morning thinking about the confirmation. In the afternoon, Sophie curled my hair and Charlotte's.<br />
<br />
When dinner was eaten and cleaned up I changed into my black dress and slipped on my pretty white cardigan over the top. Sophie fastened her silver crucifix around my neck and lent me a pair of earrings. Mum gave me a pretty silver beaded bracelet with a Miraculous Medal on it. It is gorgeous.<br />
<br />
I slipped on my shoes before we all stepped outside. We climbed into the car and drove to the church. I went into the chapel with the other candidates. A lady pinned a brooch onto my cardigan. It was gold and in the shape of a dove. We all sat in the chapel as more children entered. When all sixty-one children had arrived, we all stood up and walked out of the chapel and into the church. I entered the pew next to Charlotte. Our pew was the very last one in the church. I noticed that Callum and Casey had arrived. Callum gave me a wave.<br />
<br />
We had the presentation of the candidates first where our names were read out and we had to answer.<br />
<br />
"Gemma-Rose Elvis."<br />
<br />
I stood up hoping I would be heard. "Present."<br />
<br />
Apparently I said it loud enough because they moved on. Then the laying of hands and finally the actual Confirmation.<br />
<br />
"Maximilian be sealed be with the gift of the Holy Spirit," the bishop said.<br />
<br />
Chrism dribbled down my nose. It had a very strong smell. I had this terrible itch on my nose, but I couldn't itch it without getting my fingers oily.<br />
<br />
When the confirmation was over all the candidates lined up in front of the altar with the bishop and we had photos taken, and then we got to have individual pictures with the bishop.<br />
<br />
When we arrived home we had the cake Imogen had cooked. It was good and very sweet. Then we went to bed happy but tired.<br />
<br />
Have you had your Confirmation?<br />
<br />
What is your Confirmation name?Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-46607962000865035132015-03-08T16:28:00.000-07:002015-03-08T21:12:33.497-07:00The Problems of Earrings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<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/AVvXsEh_k2ZXMcYpEytW0CcjemHLFI3Vrp2eI7Nl4HKVDSpRBp290f_dOjeqrNjGe9gPvFN8jW4XDMQcyLvfwo3342UbAbmABUatJXFHToGtkoKWV0mayrqAsNjv12Fp4lDMM8mE9Pe7RUATkNj_/s1600/Fashion-Shoot-134-(edited).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_k2ZXMcYpEytW0CcjemHLFI3Vrp2eI7Nl4HKVDSpRBp290f_dOjeqrNjGe9gPvFN8jW4XDMQcyLvfwo3342UbAbmABUatJXFHToGtkoKWV0mayrqAsNjv12Fp4lDMM8mE9Pe7RUATkNj_/s1600/Fashion-Shoot-134-(edited).jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first pair of earrings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A few days before my birthday I had my ears pierced. Five and a half weeks later, I was looking forward to being able to change my earrings. Then disaster struck!<br />
<br />
I woke up one morning and felt one of my ears and thought, <i>HANG ON! Where is my earring?</i> I felt the back of my ear lobe and found that the back of the earring was still there. I rushed to a mirror and found that it was indeed the front of my earring that was missing. But it hadn't fallen out. Where was it?<br />
<br />
"MUM!"<br />
<br />
I ran over to Mum's bedroom.<br />
<br />
"Look!"<br />
<br />
"It appears that the front of your earring has disappeared inside your hole," Mum said.<br />
<br />
It was strange because I couldn't feel the earring inside my ear. "How do I get it out?" I cried, tears streaming down my cheeks.<br />
<br />
"Try to push it back through to the front," Mum suggested.<br />
<br />
I tried but it wouldn't come and it was incredibly painful. I tried again and there was more pain.<br />
<br />
"I can't do it," I wailed.<br />
<br />
My ear was now bleeding.<br />
<br />
"I will ring the people who pierced your ears," Mum said. "It will be okay."<br />
<br />
Mum rang the people and asked their advice. "They say that this has never happened in twenty-four years," Mum said, "and that I should take you to the doctor."<br />
<br />
Mum drove me to the doctor and we sat in the waiting room till the doctor appeared.<br />
<br />
"Sit down," said the doctor.<br />
<br />
I sat down and she inspected my ear.<br />
<br />
"We are going to have to try to push it out the back of your ear," she said.<br />
<br />
That sounded painful.<br />
<br />
"Lie down on the seat."<br />
<br />
I lay down on a dentist-like seat and she began to inspect my ear.<br />
<br />
"I am going to need your help," the doctor said to Mum.<br />
<br />
Mum nodded, looking slightly unsure about doing something that would hurt me so much.<br />
<br />
"It appears the ear is already infected," The doctor said, disinfecting it.<br />
<br />
Oh great, not only do I get an earring stuck inside my ear lobe, I also decide to get it infected at the same time. I don't do things by halves!<br />
<br />
I couldn't see what Mum and the doctor were doing. All I knew was that it hurt....A LOT. The pain was horrible but at last the doctor announced that they got the earring. I sat up and Mum handed it to me.<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/AVvXsEgzGKsgd6g6mDUWhARflGUX86AgCOz0EOElIh3eueVv5Ecar0t-xUkCcgWWUSRE-lePQZagoGmY0-eP_9GUGKN5ihGI4GIqO9_7Z_E8fYTJYzutteV9uZrPUbaWnNmTrEREgfbV89yVLPYi/s1600/earring-014-(edited).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGKsgd6g6mDUWhARflGUX86AgCOz0EOElIh3eueVv5Ecar0t-xUkCcgWWUSRE-lePQZagoGmY0-eP_9GUGKN5ihGI4GIqO9_7Z_E8fYTJYzutteV9uZrPUbaWnNmTrEREgfbV89yVLPYi/s1600/earring-014-(edited).jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new pair of earrings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
"What you will need to do is get some earrings with hooks, instead of studs. I will give you a prescription so you can get some cream to help with the infection," the doctor said.<br />
<br />
A few minutes later we were outside heading over to the chemist to get the cream.<br />
<br />
Mum sighed with relief. "I felt faint doing that. Are you okay?"<br />
<br />
I nodded.<br />
<br />
We bought the cream, then we drove home.<br />
<br />
"How did it go?" Imogen, asked opening the front door.<br />
<br />
"It is out," I said, holding up the earring.<br />
<br />
"How are you?" Sophie, asked as we entered.<br />
<br />
"Okay now."<br />
<br />
"Did it come out?" Charlotte asked, as we came into the kitchen.<br />
<br />
"Yes."<br />
<br />
Mum had a look in her jewellery box and found a pair of hooked earrings for me while Imogen, Charlotte and Sophie fussed over me, getting me a milkshake and a Tim Tam.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Here, let me put the earring in for you," Imogen said.<br />
<br />
She applied the cream we bought, then very gently slipped the earring through my hole.<br />
<br />
"Gemma-Rose, I think you should take the other stud out as well in case the same thing happens," Mum said.<br />
<br />
I went to the bathroom and hooked my finger nails under the back and front of the other earring, and pulled the back off. It hurt but not as much as the other one did when Mum and the doctor removed it.<br />
<br />
Imogen took the next earring and put that one through my other hole.<br />
<br />
I think I am the only one in my family who removed their starter pair of earrings three days early.<br />
<br />
<i>Do you have your ears pierced? Have you had any problems like this with yours?</i><br />
<br />
</div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-34416195413490262832015-01-27T16:54:00.002-08:002015-01-27T16:59:15.065-08:00Stalagmites, Cottages and a Lack of Forks <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We didn't think we were going away this holiday. We all expected a quiet time at home with the family. We were wrong.<br />
<br />
"Sophie, Gemma-Rose, I have booked a cottage in the Blue Mountains and we are going to see Jenolan Caves," Mum said.<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
I had never been to see caves before. I have walked round museums and had trips to the beach but never caves.<br />
<br />
We had to get up very early on the day of our holiday. We rushed to have breakfast, pack the food and check that we had everything in our bags. Then we left the house and animals to the boys' care.<br />
<br />
It was a three hour drive but I had a good book to read. Just before we reached the caves there was a very narrow winding road that we had to go round and I felt sick. At last the car arrived at the caves and Dad parked. We climbed out and looked around. The ticket office and souvenir shops were built in mock Tudor style.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPlyGU_yyjRs0rc1U18r-nvHQSmx8rVps2ld70OJj-rkeFZovl56C0AIMsy79TsB_o1IhX1cT2Nb6LU9TdPVbD51kh_CzxCbWLu2nGY1VqJOq1KIwr89M91-e6JkM5OXBxhMMhrlitV_S/s1600/jenolan+caves+234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPlyGU_yyjRs0rc1U18r-nvHQSmx8rVps2ld70OJj-rkeFZovl56C0AIMsy79TsB_o1IhX1cT2Nb6LU9TdPVbD51kh_CzxCbWLu2nGY1VqJOq1KIwr89M91-e6JkM5OXBxhMMhrlitV_S/s1600/jenolan+caves+234.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The first cave we went to see was the Diamond Cave. It was a very pretty cave with lots of crystal. The guide told us that lots of the stalagmites and stalactites were in shapes of things and had names. There was one that was called the Indian Elephant. Dad kept bashing his head into the rocks in this cave. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DZakac8aXhQT35ENAPwFDXAn0osYjFeTjR1tCqKJ2QRASPbHMIHRzXdpe2b8qaIAMWHas-lgOJlM3nJdt9G2ogq-cZVkc_wOOpc5lrToADuGp9JlvBjF_C2I3k1sga4E2smRLp6PTSeq/s1600/jenolan+caves+104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DZakac8aXhQT35ENAPwFDXAn0osYjFeTjR1tCqKJ2QRASPbHMIHRzXdpe2b8qaIAMWHas-lgOJlM3nJdt9G2ogq-cZVkc_wOOpc5lrToADuGp9JlvBjF_C2I3k1sga4E2smRLp6PTSeq/s1600/jenolan+caves+104.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Then we had lunch. There was a very inquisitive bird that came right onto our table and sat right in front of me. I hoped it wouldn't steal my lunch. I remember years ago, when we went on a beach trip, a magpie stole a piece of avocado right from my sandwich. I got most upset (even though I don't like avocado).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuU9z47Lqyx-bNT1xhjnv46E4z45Upd_zQDbxyEqjYXbq7ve45PqFteH4Z3P8PuPECIY9eEAjxjdY7yABewhCnbFuqRQDce4jJzGYeornnBhtE__Hx-6UgdVxLzyuUxuGr8KhBlBb0HOaJ/s1600/jenolan+caves+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuU9z47Lqyx-bNT1xhjnv46E4z45Upd_zQDbxyEqjYXbq7ve45PqFteH4Z3P8PuPECIY9eEAjxjdY7yABewhCnbFuqRQDce4jJzGYeornnBhtE__Hx-6UgdVxLzyuUxuGr8KhBlBb0HOaJ/s1600/jenolan+caves+019.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
After the Diamond Cave we went to see the Lucas Cave which was huge. One of the chambers in the cave was called the Cathedral and used to be used for church services. They had a rock that was the altar and they had a place called the organ and there were 'stained glass' windows. It was gorgeous.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUj0GbTZj6RTwddj84XzG9RT7wtaYm_eFs0mnXIKRCcgITVvf8WOdCtc-s9-P8eZuz8vgvg5hC-JGNRYKmdAFxVjSAV09iucvH-_BIoh2yrRkYe23iZhpBg2gGBreoBSh0f6IcEta0e8Q/s1600/jenolan+caves+134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUj0GbTZj6RTwddj84XzG9RT7wtaYm_eFs0mnXIKRCcgITVvf8WOdCtc-s9-P8eZuz8vgvg5hC-JGNRYKmdAFxVjSAV09iucvH-_BIoh2yrRkYe23iZhpBg2gGBreoBSh0f6IcEta0e8Q/s1600/jenolan+caves+134.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
The guide demonstrated how good the sound was in the cave by playing a piece of music and there wasn't any echo.<br />
<br />
The guide told us that in the original tour, years ago, the visitors would go down into the Lucas Cave with two guides. One guide would sit on a hessian sack and slide down a slope with a rope until he reached a certain point and then he jumped off. Then the other guide would give one of the visitors a hessian sack and a candle. The visitor would hold onto the rope with one hand and the candle with the other, and slide down until the guide at the bottom grabbed them. But if their candle went out and the guide didn't see them coming, then the visitor would keep on going till they hit a rock called Full Stop Rock and met a very painful end.<br />
<br />
After the Lucas Cave we went to see the cottage where we were staying. It was a wooden building and there were kangaroos literally in the garden and they weren't afraid of us at all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWmQjnJJ63uJChfwu8DCsOMUqyTSpFUw3FI7lkpcaVVkpYPQG9KaNYGMfa5WvpJsXtvGI4teefmLQpvdV7EDNS4ESsptIf_mMD8NiiWwxNn-J4nuDW6MbR_JsyxCitUjSW4u0j2I9paXd/s1600/jenolan+caves+385a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWmQjnJJ63uJChfwu8DCsOMUqyTSpFUw3FI7lkpcaVVkpYPQG9KaNYGMfa5WvpJsXtvGI4teefmLQpvdV7EDNS4ESsptIf_mMD8NiiWwxNn-J4nuDW6MbR_JsyxCitUjSW4u0j2I9paXd/s1600/jenolan+caves+385a.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The living room in the cottage had two settees and a TV. It looked very nice. The kitchen had a bottle of drinking water on the bench which you had to pump water out of. The bedrooms were the best bit. They were nice rooms. Us four girls were sharing a room together. Our room had a set of bunk beds on either side of the room. All the beds had thick quilts and an extra blanket. We had also brought sleeping bags.<br />
<br />
Mum and Dad went to buy food for the next few days while we stayed at the cottage watching a movie while Imogen made dinner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUD0c9nUwb76FikunQVIFVJ-BMbJVquPJU6Q4bqkLAIArociNDDXtJJ7cV2Um_OxgRVNfMLPaCezThpLilExTcsjcr7CtZ2ETKVTCh7IWFxw9SilNaelBwEPkGbQYw6gQsq_QQU5I7c6JW/s1600/jenolan+caves+161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUD0c9nUwb76FikunQVIFVJ-BMbJVquPJU6Q4bqkLAIArociNDDXtJJ7cV2Um_OxgRVNfMLPaCezThpLilExTcsjcr7CtZ2ETKVTCh7IWFxw9SilNaelBwEPkGbQYw6gQsq_QQU5I7c6JW/s1600/jenolan+caves+161.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
It was freezing in the cottage and we pulled out the extra blankets from on our beds and snuggled up. When Mum and Dad arrived home, all they saw were huge piles of blankets with the vague shape of girls beneath them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHoXe-YFXwDEW8zpZHXlSEwU7VP2hsiqEUI1yo6rAWPvxnXDgi3QUp6S7eS2c2qP8NwPREFGU2dFHT-IfpGirba5ThVPBrhnNA77xNyqhh8i0p0A_6XJwrDoOr8XgwgLU12mw_haVVYOA/s1600/jenolan+caves+164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHoXe-YFXwDEW8zpZHXlSEwU7VP2hsiqEUI1yo6rAWPvxnXDgi3QUp6S7eS2c2qP8NwPREFGU2dFHT-IfpGirba5ThVPBrhnNA77xNyqhh8i0p0A_6XJwrDoOr8XgwgLU12mw_haVVYOA/s1600/jenolan+caves+164.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Dinner was slightly more complicated than we had thought it would be because there were only three forks and five spoons, and there were six of us. I was one of the people who had to eat with a spoon instead of a fork, and it is a rather hard thing to do when dinner is spaghetti bolognaise, Then we washed the bowls and ate ice cream.<br />
<br />
When we had finished the ice cream and cleaned up, we watched another movie, then went to bed.<br />
<br />
In the morning I was awake first and waited for everybody else to wake up. When they did <i>eventually</i> wake up, I served out bowls of cocoa pops. Then when everybody else went for showers, Mum and I cooked bacon, and while I had my shower, Dad cooked the eggs.<br />
<br />
"Careful, the water from the shower goes all over the floor," Mum said.<br />
<br />
When I'd had my shower (being careful not to flood the bathroom) we ate bacon and eggs before I dried my hair (Sophie kept taking pictures while I was drying it), and then we got ready for the fifteen minutes' drive back to the caves.<br />
<br />
"We will go see the Nettle Cave first," Mum said. "The Nettle Cave is a self-guided tour."<br />
<br />
Mum went to get the tickets and these strange phone things that we used to listen to the recording of a man telling us all about the cave.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHQr2SeV9yFbCzzWe7XoknU5VFuHWBWbwXFHEetuVvyemtCO7TeMceDwP0fwDxyoahEauH3o0sp0vE1LZJY07OPo7yImtHCEqMM3V4KPw9lijkRHmLmvdTaVCeYTyhPoNkJokq3D7Vp_0/s1600/jenolan+caves+186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHQr2SeV9yFbCzzWe7XoknU5VFuHWBWbwXFHEetuVvyemtCO7TeMceDwP0fwDxyoahEauH3o0sp0vE1LZJY07OPo7yImtHCEqMM3V4KPw9lijkRHmLmvdTaVCeYTyhPoNkJokq3D7Vp_0/s1600/jenolan+caves+186.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This cave wasn't as good as the other ones but it was still good. There was a formation called The Willows and it looked like its name. The Nettle Cave was a lot more opened up than the other caves so wasn't as pretty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhh4Q-TxwsKzGxEw9JdDQ8qvTojHl5GMuuzqKvERFQo3exOjBAFdX75kMx7-o2sNsZqaopde5eNmUDWPhzx9IJY9iimlRKb_wFZ_P_ppzb30T0wIh0K8bt04S0FzBEQEzwjvBB20vQgLlg/s1600/jenolan+caves+219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhh4Q-TxwsKzGxEw9JdDQ8qvTojHl5GMuuzqKvERFQo3exOjBAFdX75kMx7-o2sNsZqaopde5eNmUDWPhzx9IJY9iimlRKb_wFZ_P_ppzb30T0wIh0K8bt04S0FzBEQEzwjvBB20vQgLlg/s1600/jenolan+caves+219.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When we had finished seeing this cave, we had lunch and the inquisitive bird appeared again hoping for some lunch.<br />
<br />
"I think we will do the Temple of Baal Cave next," Mum said, and we all agreed.<br />
<br />
We packed the lunch things back into the car and then waited for the Temple of Baal tour to begin. The group for the Temple of Baal was very small. Just us and three other people.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim18UV_5qxv7jFjp-E2Ruf3SzV_9izgH2TBk_ei2iAsjSIlA7YbDImqF4BdN1O2a-lAT_m0i4nbJfwCfFoqrfooDrGw0Cl90imuo72s5fN2KIWWjhyTKB7X4QvolURqPt-RhC717GZXcKI/s1600/jenolan+caves+299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim18UV_5qxv7jFjp-E2Ruf3SzV_9izgH2TBk_ei2iAsjSIlA7YbDImqF4BdN1O2a-lAT_m0i4nbJfwCfFoqrfooDrGw0Cl90imuo72s5fN2KIWWjhyTKB7X4QvolURqPt-RhC717GZXcKI/s1600/jenolan+caves+299.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
There was a small cave in the roof of one of the chambers. The cave had stalagmites and stalactites in it and they called this Paradise. Under Paradise was a place they called the Devil's Kitchen.<br />
<br />
"Why don't we do a walk?" Mum suggested, after we came out of the cave.<br />
<br />
We all nodded.<br />
<br />
The first part was full of nettles and Imogen and I both got pricked.<br />
<br />
"Who wants to go back the same way we came and who wants to take a different route back?" Mum asked.<br />
<br />
"Let's take a different route back," Charlotte said.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS02gUJEf6YiEfU9krQsN7ETw4hQ-nwXBXoFRb9OljjxlQNcABHf6_AtMZy1Bbgnrr9b8h-NfpMcIWUteKY9FhGjfqHpyQ2zvKeCARoOnLjZnXesl5D1avkPhnwXHmlGWok4Pw5-q1gaQe/s1600/jenolan+caves+331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS02gUJEf6YiEfU9krQsN7ETw4hQ-nwXBXoFRb9OljjxlQNcABHf6_AtMZy1Bbgnrr9b8h-NfpMcIWUteKY9FhGjfqHpyQ2zvKeCARoOnLjZnXesl5D1avkPhnwXHmlGWok4Pw5-q1gaQe/s1600/jenolan+caves+331.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
This turned out to be a very hard walk. It went steeply up and up then occasionally down. My legs hurt from the amount of walking we had been doing and I was thinking that the other route had been a lot easier. Then we came out onto a view high above the caves. The view was amazing and there was the Carlotta Arch. It was massive.<br />
<br />
"That walk was definitely worth the view."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzUCYht71kEiMNuRd-XoEzennNPrTfXiDcmK1ttlPcIVe3D9btVMKJBO7B3cH-K6sgagYyK3nACKJ7yXaFfzN8sqCPw1nPL7aRrjzUVY2toJOrPjnWu-OHh6_4Dju6Z22BOXkTDydlWFD/s1600/jenolan+caves+361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzUCYht71kEiMNuRd-XoEzennNPrTfXiDcmK1ttlPcIVe3D9btVMKJBO7B3cH-K6sgagYyK3nACKJ7yXaFfzN8sqCPw1nPL7aRrjzUVY2toJOrPjnWu-OHh6_4Dju6Z22BOXkTDydlWFD/s1600/jenolan+caves+361.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Then we went back to the cottage.<br />
<br />
Mum and Dad attempted to cook sausages on the outside barbeque, while Imogen cooked some chips in the oven. We all love chips.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDi9iXvp1ovo5y7Nwlfy43tlhW-WVHozyaHxMvHVVn3yvZlo3W9ETAwcjvkZaMs6FpBnZ5ciXRNnv351cJKipbWi0CwOBGgIe5HL70hN_CaJRIKacDARBw1uPnyLDVx7t-siX7UKl-9qy/s1600/jenolan+caves+396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDi9iXvp1ovo5y7Nwlfy43tlhW-WVHozyaHxMvHVVn3yvZlo3W9ETAwcjvkZaMs6FpBnZ5ciXRNnv351cJKipbWi0CwOBGgIe5HL70hN_CaJRIKacDARBw1uPnyLDVx7t-siX7UKl-9qy/s1600/jenolan+caves+396.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We watched another movie over dinner and dessert. Our dessert was ice cream again but Mum had a brilliant idea. She suggested we eat it with cocoa pops on top which does taste great!<br />
<br />
"Gemma-Rose, Sophie, why don't you two go have a shower before bed, so we can be out quicker in the morning?" Mum asked.<br />
<br />
I forgot about the whole flooding thing and when I came out of the bathroom, I saw my pants were drenched because I'd left them on the floor.<br />
<br />
I came out of the bathroom and showed my pants to the rest of the family. "I got them a bit wet," I said.<br />
<br />
"A bit?"<br />
<br />
"Okay, a lot."<br />
<br />
Dad turned the gas heater on and draped my pants over a chair in front of it. After a few minutes they began to steam. Soon it was really warm in the cottage and we had to open the window. After a while the pants were dry.<br />
<br />
"Thank you, Dad," I said looking at my (dry) pants.<br />
<br />
A while later Mum and Dad went to bed leaving us to finish off the movie before following them to bed.<br />
<br />
In the morning I was again first up. I crept as silently as a ninja out of the bedroom. CREAK! went the floor. I winced and took another step. CREAK! I gave up the whole quiet thing.<br />
<br />
"Good morning."<br />
<br />
I turned to see Sophie.<br />
<br />
"Want some cocoa pops?" I asked.<br />
<br />
She nodded and I poured some into a bowl for her and than we sat down to eat. Soon everybody else joined us. After breakfast, we began to pack up our bags.<br />
<br />
Sophie and I stripped the beds and folded up the blankets and put away the sleeping bags. I took one last look at the room and closed the door behind me and then we left the cottage and piled into the car and drove back to the caves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eEMgvUx9V_Ibii8uqecIdiFPqXpf-BmEYu5exO0xWOFaqs9678so9A4Mkg3g6gy_AjnDNELF2b1zH_CMkrfKI_ILj58TRNe3hUeEgPV5ykVTIxvhjrLpL91ructx88VoOo70tDRsy0D1/s1600/jenolan+caves+424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eEMgvUx9V_Ibii8uqecIdiFPqXpf-BmEYu5exO0xWOFaqs9678so9A4Mkg3g6gy_AjnDNELF2b1zH_CMkrfKI_ILj58TRNe3hUeEgPV5ykVTIxvhjrLpL91ructx88VoOo70tDRsy0D1/s1600/jenolan+caves+424.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
We waited outside the entrance to the Orient Cave. When the guide arrived we went back through the man-made blasted tunnel that we had to go through for the Temple of Baal Cave, and then through a different door and into the most gorgeous cave yet. All the chambers had names. One was upper Egypt and the other was lower Egypt. Another was India. The scene was breathtaking. This one was my favourite cave of them all and I savoured every moment of it. It had the biggest stalagmite ever. It nearly reached the roof.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLafgh5rG05Qcm9l-L-mVx8eLrOR-McJ-HJqKaJ4_ZvCA1959icxVOhi9UmyiTLWBepXXfQqDc3zS2gf1eWocECWMZ_wiyGu6NGIYGr7lwWkR5ZVt9bh8gNBxo8tAfl-6oVKuUfGiT2Fl/s1600/jenolan+caves+444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLafgh5rG05Qcm9l-L-mVx8eLrOR-McJ-HJqKaJ4_ZvCA1959icxVOhi9UmyiTLWBepXXfQqDc3zS2gf1eWocECWMZ_wiyGu6NGIYGr7lwWkR5ZVt9bh8gNBxo8tAfl-6oVKuUfGiT2Fl/s1600/jenolan+caves+444.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then we went on another walk before getting back into the car. We were going home after the best holiday ever. The car trundled away from the caves and I strained for a last look as they disappeared.<br />
<br />
Then we were home, saying hello to the cats, Nora and the boys. Sophie and I entered our room. It was exactly the way we had left it.<br />
<br />
We were home from the best holiday we had ever had.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHD4eCIBzUXaLjtBDD4tffk3LK7Twr4CU_izIr2bPmVxg-DJBQbvKNiuEOBitzqwWJEN1bTdHRe8EP0VyF0-xHISicg575k-M8n8NLGEy5jv-0Jka9QiJqyQ5OBZ0ByQVd9Ik27hn_avf/s1600/jenolan+caves+442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHD4eCIBzUXaLjtBDD4tffk3LK7Twr4CU_izIr2bPmVxg-DJBQbvKNiuEOBitzqwWJEN1bTdHRe8EP0VyF0-xHISicg575k-M8n8NLGEy5jv-0Jka9QiJqyQ5OBZ0ByQVd9Ik27hn_avf/s1600/jenolan+caves+442.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Have you ever been to see any caves?<br />
<br /></div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-41258462931974147742014-12-17T17:19:00.000-08:002014-12-17T17:19:27.208-08:00Salt Dough<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilg8dLI_hPh9L9p-20dAGL6_W9SpryTYi-4gyuvpkIGAxydnbBjiSuiQ7jANpL1ovAgfsrWy_Ie6aS5PNJ2KOiH3AAeUsRgL1rUjuoqfVR33QawL-v4cD9m-V3l9bp25jWKUQb75zgYvpc/s1600/angelbooks+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilg8dLI_hPh9L9p-20dAGL6_W9SpryTYi-4gyuvpkIGAxydnbBjiSuiQ7jANpL1ovAgfsrWy_Ie6aS5PNJ2KOiH3AAeUsRgL1rUjuoqfVR33QawL-v4cD9m-V3l9bp25jWKUQb75zgYvpc/s1600/angelbooks+007.JPG" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Every year before Christmas we make salt dough decorations for the tree and to give away to people we know, but this year the homeschool group we go to are having a sale of craft things to support someone overseas. We decided that we would make salt dough for the sale.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFvYxa1zNt9Fp1iEWgWsG129R7omkAfUEwDfKoJCEo1GSHCDufAE21w5vH5eeez1nzjwjfGI1YdHIHZHjqrb5W4AcZpVriKsj4IylbkdE1GBZzVRro65kghcZ1png7JfcUpUbQVduG-km/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFvYxa1zNt9Fp1iEWgWsG129R7omkAfUEwDfKoJCEo1GSHCDufAE21w5vH5eeez1nzjwjfGI1YdHIHZHjqrb5W4AcZpVriKsj4IylbkdE1GBZzVRro65kghcZ1png7JfcUpUbQVduG-km/s1600/021.JPG" height="640" width="448" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sophie and I made up a few batches of dough, and began cutting and cooking, painting or coffee staining, and varnishing the ornaments.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-M6W1nCYdN2me6J1MnbkJHPyfxnOYT24jKAg0kwtmY7R0_vokexIkKeMUn7q5GeWWNX6lphbcDs-UXhsmWkyzQItrSTkXJ-h42LMKDmwyViDFsu-wzT3nE6OIuoirz-nOzSJxaE3VBV6/s1600/018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-M6W1nCYdN2me6J1MnbkJHPyfxnOYT24jKAg0kwtmY7R0_vokexIkKeMUn7q5GeWWNX6lphbcDs-UXhsmWkyzQItrSTkXJ-h42LMKDmwyViDFsu-wzT3nE6OIuoirz-nOzSJxaE3VBV6/s1600/018.jpg" height="640" width="520" /></a></div>
<br />
We were soon sick of the whole process and our hands were all sticky but we knew we couldn't stop because they had to be ready in two days. We worked on them all morning and well into the afternoon and there were still lots of smug pieces of salt dough waiting to be cooked or coffee stained. Sophie and I were tired of it all but by the end of the day we had quite an impressive amount of salt dough ornaments.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvTLWarSSqkNYdCqoQI-wyiiHpt4ipgcJnnsPzpmVCMWc0oJ5MM0VvoYH7hyphenhyphenFh8q7MHItZKIcm9DYVaZtM-XUjveaf7ILQSIcWOoAqO7YZ-8KRWZcB0s0MYkPfXrvRvcuNiR47y2EOcRy/s1600/angelbooks+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMvTLWarSSqkNYdCqoQI-wyiiHpt4ipgcJnnsPzpmVCMWc0oJ5MM0VvoYH7hyphenhyphenFh8q7MHItZKIcm9DYVaZtM-XUjveaf7ILQSIcWOoAqO7YZ-8KRWZcB0s0MYkPfXrvRvcuNiR47y2EOcRy/s1600/angelbooks+012.JPG" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkVPjdln7gYgpH8KEfTBp0dz5msZ2e3Ip74cQ6fGRwVeSjVKlriLmi0nVho8KkUnRHzLAb1sioYUZtQuQCy-x4Q8_3gF-rhYJl6FIE0qofHOKTzs3Xuxf9ZBYPYDCOTckGQGBam0xIaAB/s1600/angelbooks+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkVPjdln7gYgpH8KEfTBp0dz5msZ2e3Ip74cQ6fGRwVeSjVKlriLmi0nVho8KkUnRHzLAb1sioYUZtQuQCy-x4Q8_3gF-rhYJl6FIE0qofHOKTzs3Xuxf9ZBYPYDCOTckGQGBam0xIaAB/s1600/angelbooks+010.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfatRNMiZsnbxVacNWFjt5ZSxt0RNiP-3kXRAU4ibEa1Hp5mxn3WyFD0FgytR6qtz_8eingeFfwbpw7Bm99x5rr62anrAtnXqsWtgiURYd-W6oXJU6CjrFkRa-fEYSGF3ud4mVS2yH13D/s1600/angelbooks+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfatRNMiZsnbxVacNWFjt5ZSxt0RNiP-3kXRAU4ibEa1Hp5mxn3WyFD0FgytR6qtz_8eingeFfwbpw7Bm99x5rr62anrAtnXqsWtgiURYd-W6oXJU6CjrFkRa-fEYSGF3ud4mVS2yH13D/s1600/angelbooks+011.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
When we finally finished work for that day we knew that we still had another busy day ahead of us. Production like this is not an easy thing to do and Sophie and I were very happy when we could stop making salt dough!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH61N-4ZCaZ9yQHBy1secHANZlGmCxeT206JY1Ra46u5U9HYkHn4ajwy9d_DblI0siJrD_215RdV2rrhmJHXfJhEc3BXcqYzumIzLCBCaL5xkMFm22jD-qUnmjTcrmGl7umMW6LiT6mjG-/s1600/angelbooks+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH61N-4ZCaZ9yQHBy1secHANZlGmCxeT206JY1Ra46u5U9HYkHn4ajwy9d_DblI0siJrD_215RdV2rrhmJHXfJhEc3BXcqYzumIzLCBCaL5xkMFm22jD-qUnmjTcrmGl7umMW6LiT6mjG-/s1600/angelbooks+006.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Do you make salt dough ornaments? </div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-89336674939734242482014-09-28T01:59:00.000-07:002014-09-28T01:59:36.782-07:00War Memorials, Picnics and Doll-house Sized Cabins <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEI3MrOqT-g9-IbYyJUX_TEbT3TALwR2V4Em3LlNLzOYQ_sxoFGWBkbETjc691HOxgnz6u0PIJ0HYsCv9NqtFrCzPRBUL9myQdJea-yIOCpKiBcqBdjIYdKHx9XrKUg0XWlwgKWocoAMU/s1600/1-canberra+159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEI3MrOqT-g9-IbYyJUX_TEbT3TALwR2V4Em3LlNLzOYQ_sxoFGWBkbETjc691HOxgnz6u0PIJ0HYsCv9NqtFrCzPRBUL9myQdJea-yIOCpKiBcqBdjIYdKHx9XrKUg0XWlwgKWocoAMU/s1600/1-canberra+159.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
On Monday we loaded all of our bags into the car and set off. We were going on an adventure! We were going to stay in a cabin in Canberra, our capital city. We had done this once before a few years ago. While we were in Canberra, we were going to visit the National Museum of Australia, the Australian War Memorial and Questacon. Questecon is a science centre.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The trip was a long one but luckily I didn't get bored because I was reading an awesome book. We were going to the National Museum of Australia first before going to the cabin.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"We are here!" Dad shouted, from the front of the car.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXY-WyyIfuKHykwcn3_v16Dq4x4ENhiLYuYIkzFgR1zegBdK1JZ7AiIfZTQtJzzXSvLkileKIWJhfWekf3sd9RQD5CmWw5Be3YKcHTTPf3ILRvj5PSSl8WVo2s-bWWayV10Ji6eoNXMRb-/s1600/1-canberra+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXY-WyyIfuKHykwcn3_v16Dq4x4ENhiLYuYIkzFgR1zegBdK1JZ7AiIfZTQtJzzXSvLkileKIWJhfWekf3sd9RQD5CmWw5Be3YKcHTTPf3ILRvj5PSSl8WVo2s-bWWayV10Ji6eoNXMRb-/s1600/1-canberra+038.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I looked up and quickly put away my book and MP3 player. We all piled out of the car (except the boys who were at home looking after Nora and the cats). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The museum had an exhibit on horses that we were going to look at first.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Let's have lunch before do anything," Mum suggested.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We all agreed that eating would be a good idea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKy_5abAIXU0SIA6UZLnxHlgE8opXabOwY7LkFQqQw4KOgMjt4kBWiIf1luG0p9Yhhplaxc_rqxYjqW3WVT6qgeNHugywzyVoSpRPKqdM7jytm5HCVkR_cu5_wRuSloWITRKj1T68GPze/s1600/1-canberra+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKy_5abAIXU0SIA6UZLnxHlgE8opXabOwY7LkFQqQw4KOgMjt4kBWiIf1luG0p9Yhhplaxc_rqxYjqW3WVT6qgeNHugywzyVoSpRPKqdM7jytm5HCVkR_cu5_wRuSloWITRKj1T68GPze/s1600/1-canberra+011.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We found a nice place to sit and Imogen began to put together the rolls we had brought. We had ham, cheese and the traditional potato salad. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After lunch we entered the museum. We were soon lost amongst trophies, carriages and saddles. The people who had worn the dresses that were on display must have been tiny (about Charlotte's height).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
By the time we had walked around the entire horse exhibit my feet were sore and I was quite ready to go home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHv0shq_qhy0o7m4bgu1SUHA2Gn6JNbb33qP3lUfvXZCXcWLTSSb4fTxs8qS5cVytiznX71eOTRyRNvjoEs1CBeeWX0lTLCk8xFhbAo6rP1JZnlTM5vlLtpmE37Vo1U0o5tdZJc7-8zeL/s1600/1-canberra+122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHv0shq_qhy0o7m4bgu1SUHA2Gn6JNbb33qP3lUfvXZCXcWLTSSb4fTxs8qS5cVytiznX71eOTRyRNvjoEs1CBeeWX0lTLCk8xFhbAo6rP1JZnlTM5vlLtpmE37Vo1U0o5tdZJc7-8zeL/s1600/1-canberra+122.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We climbed wearily back into the car and we drove the short distance to the cabins. Mum got the key and we found our cabin. We all trundled into the cabin and looked around. The cabins were just as we remembered them. I was sure the entire cabin would fit into our living room at home. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAPJB_0t6oYUnqc53gKcHnlpbEkAC3a2HfniyiQ0-h1aASnq1TV-rv8kb2KScL5_Bz2jBoPdjYa4JpL2KqGTQ_MK4VsvP6Bu6lG_HauTKh06zWDW08g8ZeqBmPUz-mEKxk0Js4uqJ8jkV/s1600/1-canberra+131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAPJB_0t6oYUnqc53gKcHnlpbEkAC3a2HfniyiQ0-h1aASnq1TV-rv8kb2KScL5_Bz2jBoPdjYa4JpL2KqGTQ_MK4VsvP6Bu6lG_HauTKh06zWDW08g8ZeqBmPUz-mEKxk0Js4uqJ8jkV/s1600/1-canberra+131.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Imogen and Dad went to the shops to get dinner while we watched one of our favourite movies, "Beauty and the Beast". </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next morning I awoke long before anybody else. I was in a top-bunk. There was two sets of bunk beds in our room and only one ladder to get onto them. Luckily the ends of the bunk-beds were close together so I could climb onto Imogen's bed and then onto my own. I had to wait for ages for everybody to wake up lest I make a noise and wake them. Sophie woke and began coughing. Her hand whacked the wall and the whole cabin shook. I looked at the roof, certain that it would come down on our heads.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the second day we went to the War Memorial. It was a very depressing place. We were soon all feeling a bit down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGQIPkCMR_TjhSmITg6Vq1IRMBhCOjohPsqc5iNEuCVaaHO98DADCe1qc1j9b2vIwOkjMZaL97kIijvlEwXxtS5xJd0pSpM2MPm6EfaRAYMow5d9HHFg2WEDLF5x4ujjdLoXCwepkS_c3/s1600/1-canberra+142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGQIPkCMR_TjhSmITg6Vq1IRMBhCOjohPsqc5iNEuCVaaHO98DADCe1qc1j9b2vIwOkjMZaL97kIijvlEwXxtS5xJd0pSpM2MPm6EfaRAYMow5d9HHFg2WEDLF5x4ujjdLoXCwepkS_c3/s1600/1-canberra+142.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We went to see a video on a massive screen about the Australians trying to take down Berlin. As soon as the gun shots started I put my fingers in my ears. It was so loud. We saw lots and lots of medals and guns and more war videos. We saw one from the Vietnam war about people getting off helicopters. It was very dark when we were watching it and they had flashing lights and wind to make you really feel like you were in a helicopter. I clung to Charlotte trying to block my ears at the same time. When we came out of the room Charlotte said I looked like a startled hamster.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6v8VjXKXQqPj_IeJr2IU4dNd5ONaAAkHHpXFkMhH224nAwi20jQ0vg8T7oL0t1-Thv7GKvRh5wXf09lGWe0nqX20LICyvHkXR2qnCXdZT3unvxzqG5ZGVcgXCtHTE0bd7x1ylvlXiieH/s1600/1-canberra+195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6v8VjXKXQqPj_IeJr2IU4dNd5ONaAAkHHpXFkMhH224nAwi20jQ0vg8T7oL0t1-Thv7GKvRh5wXf09lGWe0nqX20LICyvHkXR2qnCXdZT3unvxzqG5ZGVcgXCtHTE0bd7x1ylvlXiieH/s1600/1-canberra+195.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the last day of our holiday we went to Questacon and got to play with science and learn about it. Our brains got meddled with a lot. We saw a show on Perceptions and we felt so stupid afterwards. Even when the man explained what was happening our brains could not keep up.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEYY-SOk1x9fqIsKMtM5eFCJESDwJUB6Pv47myhPkC76XzH3MY2gHBvDKh37Ys4HM0wuFelfq0wSMFhwEKx0hU86IbQdQ5Hr-YuTsRg7uMYn9hNLTjqTaCObbTqYTXDJN0hMyrC7KWxwp/s1600/1-canberra+186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEYY-SOk1x9fqIsKMtM5eFCJESDwJUB6Pv47myhPkC76XzH3MY2gHBvDKh37Ys4HM0wuFelfq0wSMFhwEKx0hU86IbQdQ5Hr-YuTsRg7uMYn9hNLTjqTaCObbTqYTXDJN0hMyrC7KWxwp/s1600/1-canberra+186.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Finally we went home, feeling happy but tired. There is no place like home. Nora and the cats were very glad to see us! <br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-37986938794112541532014-09-17T21:26:00.000-07:002014-09-17T21:27:11.232-07:00Dog Toys<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO21crxlRLzKODXgHdhsfhqnIqZTJwzmpIqbXlV08_F8KDUXU8Saws2jrksiHn-K9sSSg1T0NIPjV0coCRZp3WBjcD3FcMoQsgGf7Cn6Xw2zaV93mX4u8UlfB633kyPuxzByom92OAEuU/s1600/1-nora+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO21crxlRLzKODXgHdhsfhqnIqZTJwzmpIqbXlV08_F8KDUXU8Saws2jrksiHn-K9sSSg1T0NIPjV0coCRZp3WBjcD3FcMoQsgGf7Cn6Xw2zaV93mX4u8UlfB633kyPuxzByom92OAEuU/s1600/1-nora+005.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Our puppy Nora is a very strange dog. She drags all my brother Callum's car parts he has stacked up at the bottom of the garden and sorts them into piles. She has chewed up her bed with stuffing, and her stretcher bed, and pulls all the washing off the line. (She likes pyjamas and tights best.) It is clear she is bored.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"What if I sew her some toys?" I suggested to Mum.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"She will chew them up too," Mum warned.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Hopefully it will stop her chewing everything else up," I replied.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I found an old tea-towel and cut it into a dog bone shape. I sewed it up together and stuffed it before taking outside for Nora. Two minutes later stuffing was all over the garden and the tea-towel nowhere to be seen. Next I twisted some socks up and sewed them in place. Nora didn't manage to eat this one so quickly. I decided that I probably should not make toys with stuffing because when Nora rips them apart, it goes everywhere,<br />
<br />
I hope the toys stop Nora from chewing everything up (not that there is much left in the garden that she hasn't already eaten!) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSe0lISCH7cA-w2pm7PFR6vQld8S7vF9RDRAfoP1AWTN7_kigb4iMraU4xDV1yv0nVLmnBCgCqn9N28DtmJdMgX4gA2QG_T7C5yZHO7x2UIWWP3fTGB_Ns4eeLv6QAYZbVU7yYrzV10B_/s1600/1-029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSe0lISCH7cA-w2pm7PFR6vQld8S7vF9RDRAfoP1AWTN7_kigb4iMraU4xDV1yv0nVLmnBCgCqn9N28DtmJdMgX4gA2QG_T7C5yZHO7x2UIWWP3fTGB_Ns4eeLv6QAYZbVU7yYrzV10B_/s1600/1-029.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-2085791187074531002014-08-21T18:20:00.000-07:002014-08-24T16:00:47.888-07:00Dog Bed Drama<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZU-MxjeQt-QjQTkvt9-8u0JY_FVMrPoYXPdFGIM-6js5yPqTdDzsF4gixDhyphenhyphengVC_poAj_laNbcKQYCJS-HANdZzxJGnDXqI0HOWUH684e7Je8DMvSa7J_ovj5gXd1_9RJO5UcEnZalpOh/s1600/PICT3417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZU-MxjeQt-QjQTkvt9-8u0JY_FVMrPoYXPdFGIM-6js5yPqTdDzsF4gixDhyphenhyphengVC_poAj_laNbcKQYCJS-HANdZzxJGnDXqI0HOWUH684e7Je8DMvSa7J_ovj5gXd1_9RJO5UcEnZalpOh/s1600/PICT3417.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
When we were making preparations for our puppy Nora to come to live with us, we bought her a kennel and a dog bed. A few weeks ago we found the dog bed outside, all chewed up. The stuffing was everywhere.<br />
<br />
"Don't worry, Mum," I said. "I will fix it."<br />
<br />
Armed with thread and a needle, I put all the stuffing back in the bed and sewed up the hole. Soon the problem was fixed or so I thought. A week later the bed was chewed up again. I once again sewed it up. But however many times I sewed up the bed, Nora kept eating it. Charlotte helped me sew a sheet over the bed but Nora just chewed right through it. One day when I found her bed chewed up I took it inside and found that there was not enough fabric left on the bottom of the bed for me to fix it.<br />
<br />
"Why don't you make it a new bottom?" Sophie suggested.<br />
<br />
"What could I make it out of?" I asked.<br />
<br />
"How about those old sheets we put in the garage?" Sophie asked.<br />
<br />
So I went to the garage and found my old purple sheet with all the holes in it. I was not really sure how to make a new bottom for the bed. I had never done something like this before. I roughly cut the sheet in half and folded it till it was the right size then I sewed the fabric onto the bed. It took a long time but when it was done I was rather proud. Then all that was left to do was sew the pink sheet back over the top of the bed.<br />
<br />
The whole procedure took a few hours. I took it back outside confident that this time the dog would not be able to chew through it. I was dreadfully wrong.<br />
<br />
The next day the bed was all over the garden. I spent a good five minutes cleaning it up and a good few hours stitching. There was no denying it, we needed a new solution to the bed problem. Dad suggested that we buy Nora a rubber mat but we all thought she would chew through it like she does with her fabric one. For now it looks like I will just have to keep mending it till there is no fabric left.<br />
<br />
<i>Do you have problems like these? Do you have any ideas on what we can get the dog instead of her old bed?</i> </div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-27362708874705250662014-08-21T18:03:00.001-07:002014-08-22T19:06:26.883-07:00Sleeping Beauty<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<img src="http://www.laughingplace.com/w/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/SleepingBeautyDiamondEdDVD.jpg_rgb.jpg" height="400" width="300" /><br />
<br />
I like all Disney Princess movies (except for Snow White). But there was one Disney Princess movie I hadn't watched. It was <i>Sleeping Beauty</i>. We didn't own so I couldn't watch it.<br />
<br />
But Imogen and Mum went to the shops and when they came back, they brought <i>Sleeping Beauty </i>with them. We were all very excited because either we hadn't watched it in a very long time or not at all.<br />
<br />
Mum and Imogen were going to a conference in Sydney so Charlotte, Sophie and I got to watch it first while they were away. We loved the scene where Fauna, Flora and Merriweather try to sew and cook. Now I know that if I want to make a dress, first I have to cut a hole in the fabric for the legs.<br />
<br />
The cover of the DVD lied. For most of the movie Aurora has a blue dress but on the case she is wearing pink.<br />
<br />
I think I am really going to have to learn how to turn into a dragon like Maleficent. It was a really cool trick.<br />
<br />
Charlotte thought that the Prince from <i>Sleeping Beauty </i>looked identical to the Prince from <i>Cinderella</i>.<br />
<br />
<i>Have you watched Sleeping Beauty? Who is your favourite Disney Princess?</i><br />
<br /></div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-20428684339113235082014-08-21T17:59:00.000-07:002014-08-21T17:59:57.653-07:00Sunshine Award<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8WURNCUPuEvpR84V2oAh19J2m9fC1e0u3QDreU4ICCuRfVHFKraLcRP8gXrOIR8XYrCMtO_x53xkmlIxaRfhSugel6UfzIb5fS9yTgmhTetovZUNAn3Iza3K0V7fCP6nBSzjWMYxgJk_/s1600/sunshine.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8WURNCUPuEvpR84V2oAh19J2m9fC1e0u3QDreU4ICCuRfVHFKraLcRP8gXrOIR8XYrCMtO_x53xkmlIxaRfhSugel6UfzIb5fS9yTgmhTetovZUNAn3Iza3K0V7fCP6nBSzjWMYxgJk_/s1600/sunshine.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.2pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.2pt;">
I was nominated by Scarlet from<a href="http://scarletsforest.blogspot.com.au/"> <span style="color: orange;">Scarlet's Forest</span></a> to do the Sunshine award. Thank you Scarlet!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.2pt;">
<b><i><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></u></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 15.2pt;">
<i><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The rules:</span></span></u></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Thank the person who nominated you</span><span style="font-size: 12.5pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Answer the questions the person who nominated you asked</span><span style="font-size: 12.5pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Nominate some other bloggers (11 being standard)</span><span style="font-size: 12.5pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Question the people you nominated</span><span style="font-size: 12.5pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tell them that you nominated them</span><span style="font-size: 12.5pt;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Put the award picture on your blog (if you so desire)</span></span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. If you could go anywhere in the entire world, where would you go?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">England in winter because it snows.</span><br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. How many pets do you have?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Three cats and a puppy.</span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. What is your favourite movie?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Probably <i>Beauty and the Beast.</i></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Pizza or strawberries?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Um, not sure. They're too different to choose.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. What's your favourite outfit?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A denim skirt and my <i>Tangled </i>T-shirt.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">6. How many siblings do you have?</span></b><br />
Three brothers four sisters.<br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">7. What's your favourite colour?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not a clue.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">8. Frozen or Tangled?</span></b><br />
Sorry <i>Frozen </i> fans but I like <i>Tangled </i>too much<i>.</i><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">9. Spring or Autumn?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Probably Autumn.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">10. What instruments do you play?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I play the piano.</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">11. What's your favourite time of day?</span></b><br />
Chocolate O'clock.<br />
<br />
I nominate anybody that wants to do it!<br />
<br />
My Questions:<br />
<br />
1. Megamind or Despicable Me?<br />
2. What's your middle name?<br />
3. What's your favourite board or card game?<br />
4. What genre do you like reading the most?<br />
5. Who is your favourite author/s?<br />
6. Cooking or Craft?<br />
7. Do you like reading out loud?<br />
8. Do you like blogging or novel writing better?<br />
9. If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?<br />
10. Do you like jelly beans or chocolate better?<br />
11. What is your favourite animal?<br />
<br />
Thank you again Scarlet for letting me do this award!</div>
</div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-45538758159535129422014-08-04T02:28:00.001-07:002014-08-18T23:07:55.777-07:00Liebster Award<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Chewy; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8JpcPNdLG2BviFYNaSmV3DPse_yMH8dIpCgDepILm3ceyh3OHpUCH53O2QVSXuT8Vou2Tr2HAI-KxtJKoKG-xPRniCt_fPER3mc_3JyKLboaeuYSucaLbZXKskR720IJz34wZ1sZyFl8/s1600/Liebster+Award.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8JpcPNdLG2BviFYNaSmV3DPse_yMH8dIpCgDepILm3ceyh3OHpUCH53O2QVSXuT8Vou2Tr2HAI-KxtJKoKG-xPRniCt_fPER3mc_3JyKLboaeuYSucaLbZXKskR720IJz34wZ1sZyFl8/s1600/Liebster+Award.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Chewy; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Chewy; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Chewy; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"> have been nominated by <a href="http://scarletsforest.blogspot.com.au/"><span style="color: magenta;">Scarlet from Scarlet's Forest</span></a> to do the L</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Chewy; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;">iebster award. Thank you Scarlet.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Raleway, serif; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">The Rules are:</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Provide 11 random facts about yourself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Answer the 11 questions they have given you.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Write 11 new questions for your nominees.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Nominate 11 bloggers with under 200 followers to answer the questions (excluding the one who nominated you).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">You must notify your nominees of their nomination.</span></span><br />
<br />
Random facts about me:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>1</b> I like to write novels. I do Nanowrimo young writers program every year.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>2 </b>I like to cook.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><b>3 </b>I was born on Australia day.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b style="line-height: 22.176000595092773px;">4 </b><span style="line-height: 22.176000595092773px;">I like listening to Lindsey Stirling, Taylor Davis and the Piano Guys while I write. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><b>5 </b>I own a puppy named Nora and she is very cute.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><b>6 </b>I can make really weird faces.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><b>7 </b>I have freckles.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><b>8 </b>I watch Doctor Who</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><b>9 </b>My favourite Disney movie is Beauty and the Beast</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><b>10</b> I learnt to bike ride in two days.<b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><b>11</b> I am allergic to mangos. <b> </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;">Scarlet's questions:</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>1</b> Girly girl or tomboy?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Girly Girl</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><b>2</b> Ice cream or burgers?</span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><span style="line-height: 22.176000595092773px;">Ice cream, definitely. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>3 </b>Ballet flats or thongs?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Ballet flats.<br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><b>4</b> Ponytail or braid?</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;">Braid.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>5 </b>Dogs or cats?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Both.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>6 </b>Drawing or writing?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Writing.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><b>7</b> Movies or books?</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;">Both.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><b>8 </b>Outside or inside?</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;">I like both inside and outside.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>9 </b>Summer or winter?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I don't like summer or winter particularly, </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>10 </b>Dresses or jeans?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Dresses.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>11</b> Necklaces or bracelets?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Bracelets.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: Chewy; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;">For the Liebster Award I nominate the Queen, William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Rapunzel, the Pope, Saint Gemma, Saint Rose, Gollum, Jane Austen, Mozart and Usain Bolt. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My questions:</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>1</b> What colour are your socks?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>2</b> Do you wear glasses for reading?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>3</b> Left handed or right handed?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><b>4</b> Bloomer or </span><span style="line-height: 22.176000595092773px;">pantaloons</span><span style="line-height: 22.176000595092773px;">?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>5</b> How many hats have you got?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>6</b> Swords or frying pans?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><b>7</b> Favourite Saint?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><b>8 </b>Least favourite </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;">Vegetable</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 22.176000595092773px;">?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>9</b> What is your favourite riddle?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 22.176000595092773px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>10</b> Wigs or real hair?<br /><b>11</b> Favourite dress up costume? </span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-59164310278383424652014-07-21T18:22:00.000-07:002014-07-21T18:22:23.005-07:00Colds and Writing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<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/AVvXsEj79mFoxehpmsXKNCeZHaQYOr_qe4buyPuH2BhI3Zj9KunoUv0LOlzrVxMg3lweMyK59_ZP07GVE1G9QoM7-FINg9myrFICrdeUrnxdP9lPtIiS0HkvkC_YaLCGVIF86-zkqppLB1ohK6Qb/s1600/skylar_in_eversnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79mFoxehpmsXKNCeZHaQYOr_qe4buyPuH2BhI3Zj9KunoUv0LOlzrVxMg3lweMyK59_ZP07GVE1G9QoM7-FINg9myrFICrdeUrnxdP9lPtIiS0HkvkC_YaLCGVIF86-zkqppLB1ohK6Qb/s1600/skylar_in_eversnow.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cover I made for my novel. I think I am probably going to have to change the title because Eversnow is not mentioned much.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">At the moment it is Camp NaNoWriMo or Camp National Novel Writing Month. I am <i>way</i><b> </b>too young to do Camp NaNoWriMo and they haven't yet created a young writers' program, so I do it unofficially with my older sisters. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am writing a novel about a girl who gets trapped in a fantasy world and can't get out. Very<span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">cliché I know. My main character is named Skylar. She is about ten or eleven years old and is nothing like what I planned her to be. I thought she was going to be a rather </span><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">talkative up-beat girl but instead she is rather quiet, rather moody and very dull. When I am done writing the novel I am going to have to edit her <i>a lot</i>. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">My first few days of writing was wonderful. I even kept up with Sophie who is doing fifty thousand words. It was a bit hard to fit in writing and also go places with everybody else, but we would <i>not </i>miss going to see "How to Train Your Dragon 2" for anything, even if we missed most of the morning that we could have been writing in.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">But a couple of weeks into Camp NaNoWriMo, disaster has struck. I have caught a cold. It might sound easy to write with a cold but it isn't. I have missed a few days writing and I had an ear-ache yesterday so it has been really hard to write. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">One of my biggest problems is keeping my novel going. I always run out of storyline before I have reached my goal. However hard I try, my main character always wants the adventure to end so they can go home way before I am done writing about it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">None of my characters ever seem to acquire a personality (except if it is a gloomy one). I am wonderful at making my character shy and gloomy and all in all horrible, but if you ask me to write a happy cheerful person I would probably stare at you blankly, blink a few times and go back to my novel and make my character even more gloomy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"><i>I hope my cold will go away soon and I will have another wonderful writing day. Are you doing Camp NaNoWriMo? Are you writing a novel? </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span> </span></div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-67863499536070659472014-05-19T18:04:00.001-07:002014-05-19T18:04:29.907-07:00Nora Elvis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-k9sBRCvRWV8TDOx3xJiniSRY6zCUQNineQci7fdP1mkTQoqfKUaW47-AnlP7RN3S8Ckg3FqTgOZPMYaF_cFKL1OWIi23-QTg5fTKSTpvXigJOeEztEcgCWSAVR03x2d893to0aC16qF/s1600/Copy+of+nora+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-k9sBRCvRWV8TDOx3xJiniSRY6zCUQNineQci7fdP1mkTQoqfKUaW47-AnlP7RN3S8Ckg3FqTgOZPMYaF_cFKL1OWIi23-QTg5fTKSTpvXigJOeEztEcgCWSAVR03x2d893to0aC16qF/s1600/Copy+of+nora+015.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
We are very busy, getting ready for the newest arrival to the Elvis family, Nora Elvis. Nora is the cutest puppy ever. She is a bitser. She is 6 months old. We think she has some Labrador and cattle dog in her. She has a pink leash and matching collar. Dad has bought her a kennel and a bed for when she is in the house. Dog bowls and food have also been bought, and now we are waiting for the puppy to arrive. We are adopting her from the animal shelter. She is a stray dog. We will have to teach our Pound Princess her name.<br />
<br />
Imogen and Dad go to pick Nora up from the vet where she is having her vaccinations and an operation. She will be very sleepy when she gets home. We have time to eat dinner and get most of the way through the dishes before finally we hear car doors slamming. I race to the front door and wrench it open. Imogen is holding a black puppy. She looks slightly odd holding such a huge puppy. (Nora is going to be a big dog when she is fully grown.) Imogen puts Nora down on the floor and I gingerly pat her head. I am slightly nervous. I don't want to get bitten or anything.<br />
<br />
Nora looks around dazed. One minute she had been safely in her cage, the next she was in a car driving to the vets', and now these strange people have taken her to a place she has never seen before.<br />
<br />
Sophie appears beside me and cries, "She is so cute!"<br />
<br />
"Shh," I scold.<br />
<br />
Imogen leads Nora into the family room. Nora immediately settles down on her bed. If she was a cat she probably would take one look and think, "That is a nice bed", and then go sit on the settee. But she is a dog and very intelligent.<br />
<br />
I heat Imogen's and Dad's dinner up for them before skidding over to Nora. Her fur is black and she has a white stripe down her front with black spots on it. Her snout is huge and she has big floppy ears.<br />
<br />
Suddenly Nora's head rises and she sniffs. She likes the smell. She can smell Dad's dinner. Nora walks over to him and puts her two front legs on the settee to look into Dad's bowl. Imogen pushes Nora down.<br />
<br />
I don't want to do the rest of the dishes. I want to cuddle the puppy. All my fears about her biting me disappear when she looks at me with those big brown puppy eyes.<br />
<br />
"Hurry and do the dishes, then you will be able to play with the dog," Mum says. She knows that I want to pet the puppy.<br />
<br />
We enjoy petting Nora till bed time. Neither Sophie nor me want to go to bed.<br />
<br />
In the morning Imogen and I take Nora outside before breakfast. She meets the neighbours' dog Louie. They have a barking match. I hadn't heard Nora bark before.<br />
<br />
A few days later we take Nora for a walk. It is loads of fun.<br />
<br />
I love dogs! Do you? I think Nora is the best dog ever! </div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-54206227797214197722014-05-08T23:14:00.002-07:002014-05-08T23:14:37.874-07:00How to Cook Chocolate Pudding<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrdsXgdjnNbqX5ShJxS0BQPOFwU5E38lvt9pcdvihkIwyp4rfLVTNG1qRpLs6D2BgPkYqoKqlbTrB2_RcQNwZ9ZLXgCACijqvGjl4eTncFBvoXbzD0kvsMjGM4ET7DoMAbCJpj61aHTEt/s1600/Snapshot+1+(9-05-2014+11-58+AM).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrdsXgdjnNbqX5ShJxS0BQPOFwU5E38lvt9pcdvihkIwyp4rfLVTNG1qRpLs6D2BgPkYqoKqlbTrB2_RcQNwZ9ZLXgCACijqvGjl4eTncFBvoXbzD0kvsMjGM4ET7DoMAbCJpj61aHTEt/s1600/Snapshot+1+(9-05-2014+11-58+AM).png" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sophie decided that we needed to make another cooking video. This time I decided to cook a chocolate pudding. I love cooking sugar-free chocolate pudding. It is really easy and I couldn't wait to show everybody on my blog how to make it.<br />
<br />
I was a little afraid that people would get bored during the cooking stage. We kept having to take the pudding out of the microwave, and stir it before cooking it some more. But Sophie sped those bits up for me, when she edited my video.<br />
<br />
Here is the video. I hope you like it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/wFZEJIY2KrE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
</div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-48462986925358214572014-04-14T18:59:00.000-07:002014-04-14T18:59:03.757-07:00Rainbow Coloured Shoes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdm8v0GysdZ_XoNMeD0a4y_74N9CkFsE0YqR6zDXWUIzbGYQ_haEJB9lxW2OiAY0FFP7A5ZYF5y5yFXQDZFu5vxsPOiFfKscALd3q6xa4sAyypkHCoSXOuOG_KtmrEi6PZPt0cN2aNWtS/s1600/PICT3311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdm8v0GysdZ_XoNMeD0a4y_74N9CkFsE0YqR6zDXWUIzbGYQ_haEJB9lxW2OiAY0FFP7A5ZYF5y5yFXQDZFu5vxsPOiFfKscALd3q6xa4sAyypkHCoSXOuOG_KtmrEi6PZPt0cN2aNWtS/s1600/PICT3311.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Sophie and I are on the <a href="https://diy.org/featured">DIY</a> website and we both wanted to complete the fashion designer's badge. One of things I could do to get the fashion designer's badge was to decorate a pair of shoes. I liked the sound of that and asked Mum if she could get me a pair of plain white shoes to doodle on. Mum agreed but then Sophie said she wanted to do the same thing. I got a bit upset. It had been my idea to decorate shoes after all. Why couldn't Sophie think of something herself? Mum assured me that it didn't matter if Sophie did the same thing as me.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We went to the shops to find some shoes. Sophie found some plain white canvas shoes but there were none in my size. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Maybe there will be some next time we come shopping," Mum suggested.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I sighed. It appeared Sophie would be getting the fashion designer's badge before me. </div>
<div>
<br />
Sophie found some Sharpies and got to work colouring her shoes. I watched enviously as she drew one spot after another spot with a pencil, then got to work colouring them in with her Sharpies.<br />
<br />
When Sophie was done she went to show the big girls her shoes. I came with her.<br />
<br />
"Oh, those are lovely," Imogen said, inspecting the shoes. Sophie beamed. "Did you colour some shoes?" Imogen asked me.<br />
<br />
"I don't have any shoes," I grumbled. "The shop didn't have any in my size."<br />
<br />
"Hmm." Imogen thought about the matter for a while. "Go to my cupboard and find the pair of shoes I was going to colour in."<br />
<br />
I skipped over to the cupboard and found the shoes.<br />
<br />
"Why don't you colour these in for me?" Imogen asked.<br />
<br />
"Thank you, Imogen," I smiled. "Are you sure?"<br />
<br />
"I've been meaning to colour those in for months. It's about time somebody did something to them!" Imogen replied.<br />
<br />
I gave Imogen a big hug before running back out of her bedroom.<br />
<br />
I found my laptop and looked through Google Images for a design I might want to try.<br />
<br />
"Imogen!" I shouted after a while. I ran into her room with my laptop.<br />
<br />
"Yes?"<br />
<br />
"I found three designs I could try," I said and showed her the pictures.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSclHXWp3Xids9xKJgSz5NN07luJHX-tCw_m1qDDdZrQgUEZt2nvg8JFtSlqZtwpVHyDtrzBaAGGNuuKdslVeTKvUDBIKSblkp7gCIdyfdczuUsQL85H6-E8YIiNUaPAmuQwrNqk6hCYwD/s1600/PICT3313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSclHXWp3Xids9xKJgSz5NN07luJHX-tCw_m1qDDdZrQgUEZt2nvg8JFtSlqZtwpVHyDtrzBaAGGNuuKdslVeTKvUDBIKSblkp7gCIdyfdczuUsQL85H6-E8YIiNUaPAmuQwrNqk6hCYwD/s1600/PICT3313.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One design was a starry pattern, another was flowers which looked a bit hard, but my favourite was the zig-zaggy one.<br />
<br />
"I rather like that one," Imogen said pointing to the zig-zagged design.<br />
<br />
I smiled. My day was getting better and better.<br />
<br />
In the afternoon, armed with a pencil, Sharpies and a pair of shoes, I sat down to begin creating the best shoes the world had ever seen. Imogen had said that she wanted the main colour to be blue. I worked all afternoon on them and when they were done I was amazed. I had thought I was going to make some terrible mistake that would ruin the shoes. I did make some mistakes but nothing noticeable.<br />
<br />
"Imogen, I've finished your shoes," I said, bouncing into her bedroom.<br />
<br />
"Gemma-Rose, they're lovely," Imogen gasped.<br />
<br />
I grinned.<br />
<br />
Sophie took some photos of the shoes for me and posted them on DIY.<br />
<br />
I really enjoyed decorating the shoes. I wasn't sure I could but it turned out to be easier then I thought it would be. <br />
<br />
Thank you Imogen for letting me decorate your shoes!<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-24214117235455759422014-03-31T17:41:00.000-07:002014-03-31T17:41:20.119-07:00Watching Old Disney Movies and Singing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywHBeF1jYx4bfaZB_adUOZWUhroVHf08I1DaPJYNPxXCLq8olVbiRMBYCjNGm1czBCKsWKeKMPLb02aRike45udXYcLvwDBdAZHvC92jYz4QEfhNG38qXlfvXLNYgsSqQCkwOF_FLm2Dc/s1600/Beauty+Beast+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywHBeF1jYx4bfaZB_adUOZWUhroVHf08I1DaPJYNPxXCLq8olVbiRMBYCjNGm1czBCKsWKeKMPLb02aRike45udXYcLvwDBdAZHvC92jYz4QEfhNG38qXlfvXLNYgsSqQCkwOF_FLm2Dc/s1600/Beauty+Beast+Cover.jpg" height="400" width="248" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
I have been watching lots of old Disney movies recently. Why? Well it all started with a book Imogen borrowed from the library. It was a Disney song book and had lots of our favourite songs in it.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One day Imogen asked us if we would like to sing some songs from it. We all agreed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Imogen played the accompaniments on the piano and we sang lots of songs. Some of the songs in the books we had never sung before because they weren't in the Disney song book we own. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think some of my favourite songs must be "Under the Sea" and "Les Poissons" from <i>The Little Mermaid.</i> I love the words in "Les Poissons" because they are so funny. I also like "Be our Guest" from<i> Beauty and the Beast</i>.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuI1s_4b35jsZJcAQtmBlY3XMhhCDLNFdEcMzk0T5wrNAsPMq5UDZi5rj3tPRLdN0f39IIeL5ccpF_0t4CoQxVE5kAupt0wq8k2wh_SlEJk0MQjD-TqajJPFVWYuC-vnv9WOuFwfwnU26w/s1600/the-little-mermaid-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuI1s_4b35jsZJcAQtmBlY3XMhhCDLNFdEcMzk0T5wrNAsPMq5UDZi5rj3tPRLdN0f39IIeL5ccpF_0t4CoQxVE5kAupt0wq8k2wh_SlEJk0MQjD-TqajJPFVWYuC-vnv9WOuFwfwnU26w/s1600/the-little-mermaid-poster.jpg" height="400" width="287" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After singing the songs I found our copy of the movie <i>Beauty and Beast</i> and I decided to watch it. Imogen watched part of it with me. I was a bit disappointed when the beast turned into a prince. His hair was too light and he sounded nothing like the beast at all. I thought he should have had really dark hair and a beard.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Last night Imogen and I persuaded Charlotte to come watch <i>The Little Mermaid</i> with us. It was better than we remembered. My favourite characters are Ursula, Sebastian and Skuttle.<br />
<br />
Maybe next time we will watch the <i>Lion King</i> or <i>Pocahontas</i>. I can't wait to watch more wonderful Disney movies.<br />
<br />
What is your favourite Disney movie? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-53180077268565386592014-03-27T19:11:00.000-07:002014-03-27T19:11:54.944-07:00Master Chef<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXy6Hp12IS6hGEm4q-h_Q4jEYd0mAeg4S1ncN07LiJMEhmz3MaCGkhBaqM4kGX5fw8te2GF34orCfcYyN92AxRPvrRubL3esS-LpUBH3WdBNAitk0LEj3aEZJvdLzbn1uu4DYfTMKOXTrN/s1600/Snapshot+1+(27-03-2014+5-35+PM).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXy6Hp12IS6hGEm4q-h_Q4jEYd0mAeg4S1ncN07LiJMEhmz3MaCGkhBaqM4kGX5fw8te2GF34orCfcYyN92AxRPvrRubL3esS-LpUBH3WdBNAitk0LEj3aEZJvdLzbn1uu4DYfTMKOXTrN/s1600/Snapshot+1+(27-03-2014+5-35+PM).png" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I stared at the camera looming before me. What was I supposed to say?<br />
<br />
Sophie stopped filming. " Why didn't you say anything?" she asked.<br />
<br />
"I didn't know what to say," I admitted.<br />
<br />
"Say, 'Hi, I am Gemma-Rose Elvis and I am going to teach you how to make my favourite kind of biscuits, oaties," Sophie said.<br />
<br />
"Oh, okay," I said, wondering how Sophie had ever talked me into this.<br />
<br />
I wondered what my problem was. I mean it was simple, just tell my fans how to make oaties and look cool while I do it. Instead, here I was staring at the camera like I didn't know how to make them myself.<br />
<br />
"Hi," I said a little too loudly, "today I am going to teach you how to make oaties...."<br />
<br />
I was on a roll. It was quite easy except I had to remember to tell people what I was doing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgoO8C-yUsR36vSJ5974a_ERGV9nJQ80-hZBLI3ELbhBp_0SEwKFCr4I5ehbQrjklqh-9PVdAfAZW0q4p4JEUKjsfL9aPe2ZDcky5wt7-fEFol-AQyO93G-PwYCQqVvFzmnfO4s1DGTer/s1600/Snapshot+2+(28-03-2014+12-59+PM).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgoO8C-yUsR36vSJ5974a_ERGV9nJQ80-hZBLI3ELbhBp_0SEwKFCr4I5ehbQrjklqh-9PVdAfAZW0q4p4JEUKjsfL9aPe2ZDcky5wt7-fEFol-AQyO93G-PwYCQqVvFzmnfO4s1DGTer/s1600/Snapshot+2+(28-03-2014+12-59+PM).png" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
With an expert slice, I cut some butter off the block and weighed it. It was the right amount, of course. <i>I</i> had cut it after all.<br />
<br />
I whizzed and sliced, tasted, measured, and tasted again before taking the blade out of the food processor.<br />
<br />
"Now we are going to put some baking paper on the tray," I said in a I-know-what-I-am-doing voice.<br />
<br />
Finally I had a full tray of oaties. I sauntered over to the oven to cook them. A little while later I took them out of the oven and put them on the counter. My arm hit the kettle and the kettle turned on. I quickly turned the kettle off and hoped that Sophie could cut that bit out of the video.<br />
<br />
Sophie and I edited the video and cut lots of it out before Mum uploaded it onto Youtube.<br />
<br />
I enjoyed being Master Chef but I think that I will be content being "me" till Sophie persuades me to get into the kitchen again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeU6XP6lmDUvBr69Hyk6TsJRoisTbBgl-DbUGVWBiKx9Q0eCCA2o_oi4yb3nVPv31iXrOvfI8_vj9JjaEdX3jbSbTO1UqqV7CST67TUZusc6Jos68qCNS_SKYPPCPSHojx2LERDHbPbsJ/s1600/Snapshot+1+(28-03-2014+12-59+PM).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeU6XP6lmDUvBr69Hyk6TsJRoisTbBgl-DbUGVWBiKx9Q0eCCA2o_oi4yb3nVPv31iXrOvfI8_vj9JjaEdX3jbSbTO1UqqV7CST67TUZusc6Jos68qCNS_SKYPPCPSHojx2LERDHbPbsJ/s1600/Snapshot+1+(28-03-2014+12-59+PM).png" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
To make oaties you will need:<br />
<br />
125 grams of butter<br />
<br />
2 teaspoons of vanilla essence<br />
<br />
2 teaspoons of stevia<br />
<br />
1 egg<br />
<br />
1 cup of flour<br />
<br />
1 cup of oats<br />
<br />
1 teaspoon of baking powder<br />
<br />
50 grams of dessicated coconut<br />
<br />
50 grams of chocolate<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoy my video!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/BOxaJDw7Lt4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-60617573040052370292014-03-13T16:25:00.001-07:002014-03-13T16:25:57.409-07:00What We Did When the Big Girls Went Away<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopsJ4PO8KzZbBWPvmpWuAK3Rgv-Xdehdd6yhBmL-hIewlic89qu86gaaSIu3E-eG327NRRVIuNtC0T-AuACcum0hOZpOPTNbIxEsgSzJ2qdCXtAWdUr0DOqo30655Ao_X_K0RKMpcitaI/s1600/Copy+of+lunchwithgirls+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopsJ4PO8KzZbBWPvmpWuAK3Rgv-Xdehdd6yhBmL-hIewlic89qu86gaaSIu3E-eG327NRRVIuNtC0T-AuACcum0hOZpOPTNbIxEsgSzJ2qdCXtAWdUr0DOqo30655Ao_X_K0RKMpcitaI/s1600/Copy+of+lunchwithgirls+003.JPG" height="296" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Imogen and Charlotte were going away to the 'Reasons for Hope' weekend and they would be away for a few days, so that meant Sophie and I were in charge.<br />
<br />
When we had waved goodbye to the big girls, we made some eggy bread to eat. Mum said we could rent a movie, so Sophie and I did the dishes as fast as possible. After looking at a few movies we chose <i>The Croods</i>. Sophie and I made some popcorn then settled down to watch.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55aBxf0Ry_0lhLUBzpco2XSS7qQGmUUGMfIEVAM2t81tVgVnbxokQRzJxo4AUELLEQ7Hegdtcrvc07x08p3x2SGOoTg9bdP_tB56X4X_Jbi4ubMePLMoykbc3mXRHRTaMW5S_TpyNNm8D/s1600/the_croods_movie-wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55aBxf0Ry_0lhLUBzpco2XSS7qQGmUUGMfIEVAM2t81tVgVnbxokQRzJxo4AUELLEQ7Hegdtcrvc07x08p3x2SGOoTg9bdP_tB56X4X_Jbi4ubMePLMoykbc3mXRHRTaMW5S_TpyNNm8D/s1600/the_croods_movie-wide.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The movie is about cavemen and was really good. Have you watched <i>The Croods</i>? I think one of my favourite characters out of the movie was Belt.<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><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gTV2949x1wlU5Koq3QFUMbQaGPVE5AJYXEfnzM2xJXOEpUXQqEUDEu6qsTXnogHe_DKRV9byWNus4-uTfxoW2feqVZ_fDFcyS9nYisgulZmTpb8AlGuwYYr6KL5O_p-zibCECqqXYwLN/s1600/57c7b29268841fe0ebe1b23ca1a1c08e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gTV2949x1wlU5Koq3QFUMbQaGPVE5AJYXEfnzM2xJXOEpUXQqEUDEu6qsTXnogHe_DKRV9byWNus4-uTfxoW2feqVZ_fDFcyS9nYisgulZmTpb8AlGuwYYr6KL5O_p-zibCECqqXYwLN/s1600/57c7b29268841fe0ebe1b23ca1a1c08e.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Belt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The next day Sophie made porridge for breakfast. We ate it slowly before doing the dishes and all the jobs.<br />
<br />
"Girls, would you like to go out for lunch?" Mum asked. She'd promised we could do something special together while Imogen and Charlotte were away. "But we have to do some shopping first."<br />
<br />
We smiled from ear to ear.<br />
<br />
First thing we had to get from the shops was a present for Nanna. When we had found her something and bought a few other things we went to get lunch.<br />
<br />
We entered a cafe and sat down. A lady came up to us. "Would you like a drink?"<br />
<br />
"Just water please," Mum said.<br />
<br />
The lady walked off but it wasn't long before she came back with glasses of water.<br />
<br />
Another lady appeared with some menus and we began choosing.<br />
<br />
There was so many things on the list like quiches and salad. Finally we had all chosen. I wanted a egg and bacon quiche. Sophie wanted a chunky steak pie. Dad had salad and Mum had quiche like me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8N0_O9dOjn1142f25p5pKwH0rTaexr8_moC_Bu3rlIrIpNz7i4LRfVAAmH-NLPd98dfpHB0M8S0CTNOVBjPL4q5mKBBYWqD3QI7gkGW9R1RIA9EdMA5x1bjfbIV2RSEl3-hQcu1-QFND/s1600/Copy+of+lunchwithgirls+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8N0_O9dOjn1142f25p5pKwH0rTaexr8_moC_Bu3rlIrIpNz7i4LRfVAAmH-NLPd98dfpHB0M8S0CTNOVBjPL4q5mKBBYWqD3QI7gkGW9R1RIA9EdMA5x1bjfbIV2RSEl3-hQcu1-QFND/s1600/Copy+of+lunchwithgirls+012.JPG" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I stared at the huge plate of salad, chips and quiche that was placed in front of me. How was I ever going to manage to eat all that? All around me people chomped and munched. I tried some salad. Yum. I tried some quiche. Yum.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCM4hOhd4myv4Q6reXD0IivdQff3cIT3JXmu6m2frzzylD6xnBDaoVZyrxinMwl5Pix_gFfRGnzUc6HuCxmQJIvWN3SpZWQJjgU9tdonCCHAuAspDj9PLPWTI0RSp2pfdk36wxynlkh7u/s1600/Copy+of+lunchwithgirls+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCM4hOhd4myv4Q6reXD0IivdQff3cIT3JXmu6m2frzzylD6xnBDaoVZyrxinMwl5Pix_gFfRGnzUc6HuCxmQJIvWN3SpZWQJjgU9tdonCCHAuAspDj9PLPWTI0RSp2pfdk36wxynlkh7u/s1600/Copy+of+lunchwithgirls+011.JPG" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sometime later Mum was staring at my plate. "What's wrong?" I asked.<br />
<br />
"You're nearly finished," she said.<br />
<br />
"Yeah?"<br />
<br />
"I didn't think you could eat all of it," Mum said.<br />
<br />
"I was hungry," I said.<br />
<br />
When we had finished eating, Mum told us to choose ourselves a cake. Sophie chose a slice of apple pie and I chose a custard tart.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxtS_6YJGq15cPhyphenhyphen3HhF5a6d2t6IwSyViJC-76z28C-oa1liS54w5b0KA5obUUPBVfcfCA4kdTeelJhzhai5WrJTUgrGD1JbCx-T0d4c_qmpVJ6Fq7PhagBpFEbzk12rZbFGSW4KKBO4v/s1600/Copy+of+lunchwithgirls+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxtS_6YJGq15cPhyphenhyphen3HhF5a6d2t6IwSyViJC-76z28C-oa1liS54w5b0KA5obUUPBVfcfCA4kdTeelJhzhai5WrJTUgrGD1JbCx-T0d4c_qmpVJ6Fq7PhagBpFEbzk12rZbFGSW4KKBO4v/s1600/Copy+of+lunchwithgirls+013.JPG" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When we had eaten the cakes we went to the supermarket and did some grocery shopping.<br />
<br />
In the evening we watched <i>The Croods</i> again.<br />
<br />
On Sunday Imogen and Charlotte came home.<br />
<br />
I enjoyed doing things with Mum and Dad but I am glad the big girls are home again.<br />
<br /></div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-49264462605266050612014-03-02T17:02:00.000-08:002014-03-02T23:52:37.961-08:00The Countdown<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<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><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPzIx5gI5ISjuDT6PysLmO1tDl8t_3Dz4f8RoUYnFdMO01He4DCE6tuhD_QbfzY_A1yNRYO9VOsgqln1dqJ3XkreN4cbd_mv_T9uMnTT6PdNM7kTEtBDp7N37umC8s3GqsWVJy6_EzA9I/s1600/The+countdown+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPzIx5gI5ISjuDT6PysLmO1tDl8t_3Dz4f8RoUYnFdMO01He4DCE6tuhD_QbfzY_A1yNRYO9VOsgqln1dqJ3XkreN4cbd_mv_T9uMnTT6PdNM7kTEtBDp7N37umC8s3GqsWVJy6_EzA9I/s1600/The+countdown+cover.jpg" height="400" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The cover I made for my story </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I stared at my empty notebook and tried to think of an idea for a novel. I always come up with beautiful plots, so why couldn't I think of one now?<br />
<br />
Later when Mum was reading a book called <i>The Road to Gundagai </i>by Jackie French, the idea hit me. I was going to write about a circus. Yes a circus. All afternoon I had my notebook in hand.<br />
<br />
After a few days I had a plausible plot.<br />
<br />
My main character, Lance, is a trapeze artist. When his partner, Old Bob, falls off the trapeze during practise and gets injured, Master Jensen decides to get him a new partner. The only problem is that the person he chooses is a girl.<br />
<br />
Despite Lance's protests that he doesn't need a partner, the girl, Lilia, does arrive.<br />
<br />
Angel, another performer from the circus and a bully, receives a mysterious letter. After Lance and Lilia read the letter they are determined to find out who the writer is. But they find out more than they mean to and they end up in the centre of a big mess.<br />
<br />
I am really enjoying writing it. I cannot tell you why it is called <i>The Countdown</i> because that would spoil the story.<br />
<br />
I hope you like the sound of my story, and when I have finished it I might post it up for for you to read. <br />
<br /></div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-63397191370622476892014-02-25T19:34:00.000-08:002014-02-25T19:34:12.401-08:00Movies, Cat Litter Boxes and Collages <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bOJMqYDdxHurflssqla3vZ3M6jQYANoh1gRCxhQag9enurxGdUdUTo_itoxLN9Q_cYywvIbaF3D32s-bByS7qdtOgf8vLxpIVEyuMB1FDcDUc8amWP64nzTiPMMCXXe6kP_scuPN5JTj/s1600/Box1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bOJMqYDdxHurflssqla3vZ3M6jQYANoh1gRCxhQag9enurxGdUdUTo_itoxLN9Q_cYywvIbaF3D32s-bByS7qdtOgf8vLxpIVEyuMB1FDcDUc8amWP64nzTiPMMCXXe6kP_scuPN5JTj/s1600/Box1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I was sitting in the corner with a book when Mum had this brilliant idea.<br />
<br />
"Sophie, why don't you make a film and put it on your blog."<br />
<br />
"Could I be in it?" I asked immediately. <br />
<br />
"What kind of film?" Sophie asked.<br />
<br />
"You could get something out and tell people about it," Mum said. "Maybe you could post a film once every few days."<br />
<br />
We were all full of ideas.<br />
<br />
"You could tell people about your sewing or the books you are reading," Mum said.<br />
<br />
Sophie found a box that used to hold bags of cat litter.<br />
<br />
"What are you doing with <i>that</i>?" I asked.<br />
<br />
"I am going to put some books in it for my show and tell," Sophie explained.<br />
<br />
"You can't put a cat litter box on <i>film</i>," I said.<br />
<br />
Sophie shrugged.<br />
<br />
"I will decorate it for you," I said taking the box off her.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
"We could make a collage," Sophie suggested.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Good idea."<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The next day Sophie and I found some glue, old wrapping paper from my birthday, coloured paper, ribbons and sticky tape. Sophie ripped up the paper and I stuck it on to the box. In a surprisingly short amount of time we had finished sticking the paper to the box.<br />
<br />
"Hand me the ribbons please, Sophie," I said.<br />
<br />
Sophie handed me two gold sparkly ribbons. We tied one around the box and secured it with some sticky tape. Sophie cut the other ribbon in half and we glued them the top of the box. I tied them together so that the two flaps on the box stayed closed and we stood back to admire our handiwork.<br />
<br />
"Looks good," I said.<br />
<br />
"This is our Mystery Box," Sophie said.<br />
<br />
"Cool title for the box," I agreed.<br />
<br />
In the afternoon Mum put her film camera on the tripod. Sophie and I walked into the living room and waited. We discussed what we should say before Mum turned the camera on.<br />
<br />
"Welcome to Sophie's Show and Tell. I am Sophie and this is my assistant, the Great Gemma-Rose and this is our Mystery Box..." Sophie began.<br />
<br />
Sophie started to tell people about a book she had read but couldn't think of the right words.<br />
<br />
After a few tries we got close to perfect except Sophie didn't know how to end the video.<br />
<br />
Finally we had an okay version and Sophie went to edit the film while I packed up the Box of Mystery.<br />
<br />
I think we did rather well. If you want to watch the film please go to our blog, <a href="http://motherdaughterssisters.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/sophies-show-and-tell-episode-one.html">Mother, daughters, sisters</a>. It's called Sophie's Show and Tell (Episode One).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-70374025322047441662014-02-23T21:01:00.000-08:002014-02-23T21:01:47.063-08:00A Very Soggy Battle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4C6IngKXR5InayHqsn5l2mffOdcoRC6ctMZ9m6xJLNE73t7JOH-YKbEYOnaItV4kMNxRUPqz4aAo1fQPt5LxVsHnkdLIsnmOMhipO_XCIYCxQj7ZAI2zv3gt8L2SLlKQSmC9Dixjemvp_/s1600/wetcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4C6IngKXR5InayHqsn5l2mffOdcoRC6ctMZ9m6xJLNE73t7JOH-YKbEYOnaItV4kMNxRUPqz4aAo1fQPt5LxVsHnkdLIsnmOMhipO_XCIYCxQj7ZAI2zv3gt8L2SLlKQSmC9Dixjemvp_/s1600/wetcat.jpg" height="393" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i> </i><br />
I grab a towel and the cat shampoo before trotting into the laundry. It is bath day. That means that I wash the cats while trying not to get wet myself.<br />
<br />
I fill the sink with warm water and march off to find my first victim.<br />
<br />
"Meow," Jenny says as I scoop her up from the floor.<br />
<br />
I grin evilly and dump her into the sink.<br />
<br />
"I don't understand what is going on!" Jenny wails.<br />
<br />
I tip cups of water all over her back, completely ignoring her complaints.<br />
<br />
"STOP," Jenny screams as I rub shampoo into her fur.<br />
<br />
I smile as I rinse the shampoo out from her fur. Nearly done.<br />
<br />
"Where is my water going?" Jenny asks as I pull the plug out from the sink. I then haul the cat out of the bath and onto the closed washing machine.<br />
<br />
"Stop, that tickles!" Jenny squeals as I rub the towel up and down her back.<br />
<br />
"First cat done," I say, dumping Jenny on the floor.<br />
<br />
I fill the sink again before walking off to find the next cat.<br />
<br />
Sammy is always easy to find. He has two regular hiding spots. Behind the settee or Mum's armchair. I open Mum's bedroom door and head to her chair. There he is, cowering behind it. "Got you," I say, pulling him out.<br />
<br />
We march over to the operating room. "In you go," I say gently lowering him into the sink.<br />
<br />
"Help!" Sammy screams and grabs the edge of the sink with his claws.<br />
<br />
"Get back in there!" I shout, unlatching his claws from the sink.<br />
<br />
Sammy reaches his claws out for the next nearest thing. They sink into the towel I had put on top of the washing-machine.<br />
<br />
"Stop! Stop!" I cry as he claws his way out of the sink.<br />
<br />
Sammy smiles he is winning the battle. With an extra spurt of energy I pull him back down.<br />
<br />
"Why are you so mean?" Sammy asks.<br />
<br />
Cup after cup of water gets thrown at him.<br />
<br />
"Stop! I am dying," the wet animal screams.<br />
<br />
I grab my next weapon. The shampoo bottle.<br />
<br />
"That stuff smells," Sammy moans as I squirt the shampoo all over him.<br />
<br />
A few minutes the animal is clean. I lift him out of the sink and onto the washing-machine. I smile.What a good job I have done. But Sammy isn't giving up.<br />
<br />
"OUCH!" I scream as Sammy digs his claws into my chest. But there is no time to spend feeling sorry for myself while there is still one animal left standing.<br />
<br />
I find Poppy sitting in Charlotte's wardrobe, looking as grumpy as ever.<br />
<br />
"Why do you always bath us and make us smell of shampoo?" Poppy asks. "I way prefer my stink."<br />
<br />
I wrinkle my nose at her statement and think of the horrible odour that usually follows her about.<br />
<br />
"I way prefer this nice clean smell," I say, waving the cat shampoo bottle in front of her.<br />
<br />
Finally the cat is shampooed, rinsed and rubbed sort of dry.<br />
<br />
I am done!<br />
<br />
When I look in the mirror though I discover that my victory has come with a price. On my neck is a cut from Sammy and my T-shirt is soaked. But the cats look worse than me. They are miserable, soggy balls of fur.<br />
<br />
Have you ever bathed a cat?<br />
<br />
<br />
Image: by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paparutzi/2647549387/sizes/o/">onyx</a> by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/paparutzi/">paparutzi</a><u>,</u> (CC BY 2.0)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-43315215259626650522014-02-18T18:20:00.001-08:002014-02-18T18:20:11.265-08:00Dad Gives His Consent<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04WB7dhyphenhyphendOLN13rN5kdB2P6OCTIkEvjASvHrYVp3Fh3V_3cg2PdfdIG2AL45LBctM-oMcU8epAyXAUu0dfergQqGFFhV9S_m2dalXLd-SJMhW5acwp2emGXPlNekL8OFWm7h41N0dGwOL/s1600/file0001617096327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04WB7dhyphenhyphendOLN13rN5kdB2P6OCTIkEvjASvHrYVp3Fh3V_3cg2PdfdIG2AL45LBctM-oMcU8epAyXAUu0dfergQqGFFhV9S_m2dalXLd-SJMhW5acwp2emGXPlNekL8OFWm7h41N0dGwOL/s1600/file0001617096327.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When I was tiny we used to have lots of pets. Our house was overrun with birds, mice and even a mean ferret. We also once had a dog called Rocket. He was crazy. One day somebody fed him curry and the results were not pretty.<br />
<br />
A few years ago we got a cat called Poppy from the pet shop and I was overjoyed. Then a while after that one of Callum's work colleagues gave us two more cats called Jenny and Sammy.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
But since Rocket we have not had a dog. For some reason Dad didn't seem to want one. But Sophie and I always did.</div>
<br />
Yesterday it was Callum's birthday and we were all in Mum's room chatting about dogs and how we always wanted one (Dad was at work).<br />
<br />
"I love dogs," Sophie said dreamy eyed.<br />
<br />
"Casey is trying to give away her moodle or her huskies," Callum said. Casey is Callum's girlfriend.<br />
<br />
"We would need a fence to have a dog," Mum said. (Our garden doesn't have fences all the way around it.)<br />
<br />
"I'd make one," Callum offered.<br />
<br />
"You would also need Dad's consent," Mum said.<br />
<br />
"We could make the fence first and then suggest we get a dog," Callum said.<br />
<br />
"You would also have to suggest a kind of dog that Dad likes," Mum said.<br />
<br />
"Easy, just ask him what kind of dog he would like," Callum said.<br />
<br />
"You should also see how much this fence would cost," Mum said.<br />
<br />
So Sophie, Imogen, Callum and I went to a warehouse to see what kind of fence we would need and how much it would cost. After trotting around a few warehouses we decided on a fence and went home to tell Mum.<br />
<br />
"We think that we should get the colourbond one," Callum said.<br />
<br />
"Okay," Mum said. "Now you have to tell Dad."<br />
<br />
In the afternoon Callum's girlfriend came over and then we had to wait for Dad to get home. After what seemed like forever he finally arrived and we sat down at the table for dinner, trying to hide grins.<br />
<br />
When we had finished eating Callum turned to Dad and said. "Today we have been looking at some fences and have found one that we could buy."<br />
<br />
"Hmmm," Dad said suspiciously.<br />
<br />
"Tomorrow I can start putting it up. It would only take three or so days," Callum said.<br />
<br />
"This doesn't involve anything four legged does it?" Dad asked.<br />
<br />
We exploded into laughter.<br />
<br />
"How did you guess?" Sophie asked.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
"WHAT?????? I was only joking," Dad said, turning accusingly towards Mum.</div>
<br />
"Don't look at me. It was their idea," Mum said.<br />
<br />
Dad's eyebrows hung low over his eyes.<br />
<br />
"We have worked out the cost of the fence," Callum said.<br />
<br />
"And I can give you some dog examples," Casey said.<br />
<br />
"What?" Dad asked.<br />
<br />
"Well I could give you a moodle..."<br />
<br />
"What is a moodle?" Dad interrupted.<br />
<br />
"It is a cross between a poodle and a maltese," Casey said.<br />
<br />
"And what is the other example?"<br />
<br />
"Two huskies," Casey said.<br />
<br />
"How much does a husky cost?" Dad asked.<br />
<br />
"Usually a lot of money but these ones are free," Callum said.<br />
<br />
"<i>Please</i>," I said shooting Dad my puppy eyes.<br />
<br />
Dad sighed and said he would talk about it with Mum.<br />
<br />
After dishes Mum appeared and announced that Dad said we could have a dog.<br />
<br />
I can't wait to see what we are going to get. Mum wants a dog she can take for a run with her. Imogen wants a German shepherd and Callum wants a pit bull but I don't think he will get it. Duncan doesn't want a dog.<br />
<br />
I wonder if we are going to get a small dog or a big one? <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg897j-CiWNXUprcTdjeaewVk-qk4asMRdGqoBveJgm3IBgpICLRLcfjKCDH53czi3PcV5WIlnj2674Ae3tSIUuHpT7o5R1O3xAKqtpQKRi_XRe0ChKBLxId8_7AsXgx0FZ_oBV5mYwBO39/s1600/2011+FEB+27+Sofie+bow+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg897j-CiWNXUprcTdjeaewVk-qk4asMRdGqoBveJgm3IBgpICLRLcfjKCDH53czi3PcV5WIlnj2674Ae3tSIUuHpT7o5R1O3xAKqtpQKRi_XRe0ChKBLxId8_7AsXgx0FZ_oBV5mYwBO39/s1600/2011+FEB+27+Sofie+bow+(9).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEmtp_-mgnY3RybVObMo8xE3BzoQrdB1SO9BNNUg2R2CIPutzXwR4bSCAt6JJsbCwBollODSthbSg8Agg6iphpvcO5Gmt1n29s9fYOp0tdw4KTP4OA15ofz7NI-Lk1iMpxpwu-pU3jXze/s1600/file0001446311998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEmtp_-mgnY3RybVObMo8xE3BzoQrdB1SO9BNNUg2R2CIPutzXwR4bSCAt6JJsbCwBollODSthbSg8Agg6iphpvcO5Gmt1n29s9fYOp0tdw4KTP4OA15ofz7NI-Lk1iMpxpwu-pU3jXze/s1600/file0001446311998.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
</div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-51241846881116080822014-02-10T22:47:00.000-08:002014-02-10T22:47:21.316-08:00A Three Times More Pretty Picture of Who?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxPHC28Eg5v5oB6lXx6RmUZG0rYkdxUi-XYD5UIzdhulX5GR2Q-KC15oo8NqxRe_7f3aqWZcbq4AZ5eCskMFQpw_l6CiTwj5iBQJxPZvdyFDD1UBFFuIbD_Ag6ho_iv8fOmnVtvl2oC3I/s1600/29+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxPHC28Eg5v5oB6lXx6RmUZG0rYkdxUi-XYD5UIzdhulX5GR2Q-KC15oo8NqxRe_7f3aqWZcbq4AZ5eCskMFQpw_l6CiTwj5iBQJxPZvdyFDD1UBFFuIbD_Ag6ho_iv8fOmnVtvl2oC3I/s1600/29+(1).jpg" height="640" width="372" /></a></div>
<br />
A little while ago it was my birthday. My eldest sister Felicity rang to tell me she was sending me a present and it has arrived.<br />
<br />
"Gemma-Rose," Mum said.<br />
<br />
I hopped off the piano stool and peeked over Mum's shoulder at the computer screen on her lap.<br />
<br />
There grinning at me was a very beautiful girl. Felicity had emailed me a very stylized and three times more pretty picture of who? ME.<br />
<br />
"Do you want read the email?" Mum asked.<br />
<br />
"Of course ," I said, taking the computer off her.<br />
<br />
Felicity wrote that she had a professional artist draw the picture for me.<br />
<br />
My smile stretched from ear to ear. It is always special when Felicity remembers our birthdays.<br />
<br />
"You could write a blog post about your wonderful sister," Mum suggested.<br />
<br />
I think about it. Yes I could do that.<br />
<br />
Thank you Felicity. It is a very nice picture.<br />
</div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249162403660321011.post-89626583629831730762014-01-27T17:08:00.000-08:002014-01-27T17:08:36.523-08:00Australia Day Birthday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsY3YJ7oEtCzlTnAs4ArOrpf7wGRTXtxyDtuSoINwpWDr5xOzuUcmibH7k823GgjJhRd2A8R9IM2GqxGI5XwehIzmY9_7uzWzOZTULWY8VtyxG0_0Y1BsoKaPrqMUINOEAaEYFzA2XOJ8/s1600/Copy+of+gebbles%2527+birthday+086b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsY3YJ7oEtCzlTnAs4ArOrpf7wGRTXtxyDtuSoINwpWDr5xOzuUcmibH7k823GgjJhRd2A8R9IM2GqxGI5XwehIzmY9_7uzWzOZTULWY8VtyxG0_0Y1BsoKaPrqMUINOEAaEYFzA2XOJ8/s1600/Copy+of+gebbles%2527+birthday+086b.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It is Australia Day and it's also my birthday.<br />
<br />
Dad is reading at the 7.30 am Mass and Imogen is singing at the later one so we will have to split up and go to two different churches.<br />
<br />
Sophie climbs out of her bed. She is going to go to the early Mass. "Happy Birthday," she grins and gives me a hug.<br />
<br />
Mum enters the room. "Sophie it is time to get up. Oh you got yourself up." She turns to go.<br />
<br />
"MUM!" Sophie cries.<br />
<br />
"What? Oh, Happy Birthday Gemma-Rose!"<br />
<br />
Maybe Mum thought I was still asleep.<br />
<br />
Suddenly there is the sound of a rocket taking off. It is really Callum starting his car. He has to pick his girlfriend up before Mass.<br />
<br />
I jump out of bed and head for the dining room.<br />
<br />
"Good morning," Duncan says appearing round the corner in his suit.<br />
<br />
"Duncan," I say, "it is my birthday!"<br />
<br />
"OH, Happy Birthday," Duncan says.<br />
<br />
I sigh. Maybe everybody is still waking up. But I'm not. No way. I am full of energy.<br />
<br />
Sophie appears beside me fully dressed. We bound into the dining room.<br />
<br />
"Look," I shout. Blue tacked to the wall is a birthday banner. It has HAPPY BIRTHDAY written in light blue words and standing in front of the them are Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf from the movie<i> Frozen</i>.<br />
<br />
"Do you think Charlotte drew it?" I ask Sophie. She nods. We both know that Charlotte is the only one talented enough to draw them.<br />
<br />
Charlotte appears in her pyjamas. "Happy Birthday," she mumbles.<br />
<br />
"Thank you for the banner!" I give Charlotte a big hug.<br />
<br />
A few minutes later Duncan, Sophie and Dad leave for Mass.<br />
<br />
Charlotte hands me a crumpet. I sit down and eat. When I am done I jump up and run towards my bedroom. In a few minutes I reappear dressed.<br />
<br />
Usually the birthday girl or boy gets a day off jobs. But today there are not enough people. It doesn't matter. Having the day off jobs isn't the best part of a birthday.<br />
<br />
After I have cleaned the the cat litters and straightened the cushions in the family room, Mum offers to do my hair. Finally I am all ready for Mass.<br />
<br />
Imogen puts her L plates on the car before driving down our street and onto the road. She is driving Charlotte, Mum and me to Mass.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0BctP0h450RWIVVqiKO8ejBR9Lve8C5wSKIKChJGOQY3lZi7ppCjU_n9-imh5L7oZQJSF1DIY0SzgrRSryF6fmw-NIgRuIWHKWS89SGnPBpojCrC9vOfNz2cu4Wlbzs3mMpRYRQWb2E/s1600/Copy+of+Copy+of+gebbles%2527+birthday+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0BctP0h450RWIVVqiKO8ejBR9Lve8C5wSKIKChJGOQY3lZi7ppCjU_n9-imh5L7oZQJSF1DIY0SzgrRSryF6fmw-NIgRuIWHKWS89SGnPBpojCrC9vOfNz2cu4Wlbzs3mMpRYRQWb2E/s1600/Copy+of+Copy+of+gebbles%2527+birthday+029.JPG" height="270" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After Mass we drive back home and open the front door. Everybody is waiting inside for presents. I make some hot chocolate and we are ready. Duncan grabs the film camera and everybody takes a seat.<br />
<br />
"One, two, three," Mum says and everybody starts to sing Happy Birthday.<br />
<br />
I grin.<br />
<br />
Sophie gives me an envelope. "Happy Birthday!" <br />
<br />
"An envelope! Just what I always wanted," I joke. Inside is a piece of paper. "The <i>Land of Stories: The Enchantress Returns</i>," I read. "Thank you Mum." It is a Kindle book and a sequel to one of my favourite library books.<br />
<br />
Charlotte trots up next and passes me a package. I give her a big squeeze and probably give her a broken back. I tear off the paper and shake out a running shirt. My eyes grow wide. "I was wanting one of those!"<br />
<br />
Charlotte gives me another present. It is some sketching pencils.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPOS-kHz8H-tBwVh6bqTvOR1MB8mmj8pJbm7XEd_SufW9HqoT8cmfTyDzR3yTGRUoN01G716YLZ6K_O3mfN1xf8KIr2lBqyhyphenhyphenI1RpMVGV2SyHDsCOLxaF4KlqL-5-uQ6v3b4_w4TF7Us/s1600/Copy+of+gebbles%2527+birthday+050a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPOS-kHz8H-tBwVh6bqTvOR1MB8mmj8pJbm7XEd_SufW9HqoT8cmfTyDzR3yTGRUoN01G716YLZ6K_O3mfN1xf8KIr2lBqyhyphenhyphenI1RpMVGV2SyHDsCOLxaF4KlqL-5-uQ6v3b4_w4TF7Us/s1600/Copy+of+gebbles%2527+birthday+050a.jpg" height="400" width="295" /></a></div>
<br />
Duncan gives me a Rapunzel wig.<br />
<br />
Imogen gives me some coloured inking pens.<br />
<br />
Callum hands me a movie called <i>Horton Hears a Who</i> based off a book by Dr. Seuss.<br />
<br />
Lots more presents get given to me. I especially like my Lego house Mum gives me and my owl necklace from Casey.<br />
<br />
When presents are done Sophie and me sit down on the ground and we begin to build the Lego house.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3N_jS0mIG7VYQJenYhhJaTdm0BJKp-x2IhmEYfNbX3RgAAzw3HBuUGCf8fX9n_vJYRfu88vq9x-q4cH_0wkeAv1OLipPHwXNdbuYK2hD9MXapVedA9p2QcHoBAFZrmIr1wpC5ONakdGE/s1600/Copy+of+gebbles%2527+birthday+099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3N_jS0mIG7VYQJenYhhJaTdm0BJKp-x2IhmEYfNbX3RgAAzw3HBuUGCf8fX9n_vJYRfu88vq9x-q4cH_0wkeAv1OLipPHwXNdbuYK2hD9MXapVedA9p2QcHoBAFZrmIr1wpC5ONakdGE/s1600/Copy+of+gebbles%2527+birthday+099.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
"Gemma-Rose," Mum calls from her room.<br />
<br />
I stand up and run toward her. "Yes Mum?"<br />
<br />
"Do you want to go to that animal place we went to on your birthday two years ago?" Mum asks.<br />
<br />
I nod.<br />
<br />
"Get your shoes on everyone," Mum shouts.<br />
<br />
Ten minutes later we have our shoes on and food packed. We pile into the car and we are off.<br />
<br />
A while later the Dad parks the car and we hop out. The food gets carted over to the sheltered eating area. Dad hands me a cold sausage in a wrap with pasta salad. It sure tastes nice.<br />
<br />
When we have finished putting away the extra sausages we go to look at the kangaroos and emus. There are two emus and loads of kangaroos and wallabies. After we have walked around the enclosure a few times we head back to the car.<br />
<br />
In the evening Imogen cooks pizza and we eat in front of the movie <i>Horton hears a Who</i>.<br />
<br />
Felicity rings to wish me Happy Birthday then we have cake.<br />
<br />
I have had a wonderful day.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Sue Elvishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04461161335483760142noreply@blogger.com1