THE OLD GIRL TURNS 63

Watch this space as we capture the weekend celebrations.

MY BEAUTIFUL GRANDCHILD-EMILY KATE

Emily has learnt to wave, clap and now crawl backwards. I snapped this video when I was there babysitting last evening - 7th August. She will be 8 months old on the 18th August. How time flies. I have over the last few weeks been teaching her to clap - she would look at her hands - first the left then the right move them closer - and have that bewildered look - how do I do that - and on Monday when I called in to see her there she was sitting on the floor and first thing I got was this big smile and then the clap - like she was saying - look Nan I can do it.

She is such a joy.

TODAYS THOUGHTS

Zillah Leura Bramich

21st December,1913-5th July 2006

Mum passed away 3 years ago today - today I reflect on her life as a Daughter, Wife, Mother, Nanna and Great Nan.

Mum never asked for anything, always willing to give of herself for others. Many happy memories are cherished by my self Russell, Sally and Tim.

Today as is the case everyday a photo of Mum sits in my kitchen watching over as I cook - I often stop and share a word with her - a special moment or milestone in my life - the only difference today is there is a small vase of flowers in loving memory of my special Mum.

A Mother's Farewell to her Children

When I must leave you for a little while,

please do not grieve and shed wild tears

And hug your sorrow to you through the years,

but start out bravely with a gallant smile

And for my sake and in my name,

live on and do all the things the same.

Feed not your lonliness on empty days,

but fill each waking hour in useful ways.

Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer,

And I, in turn will comfort you and hold you near.

And never, never be afraid to die,

for I am waiting for you in the Sky.

YOU NEVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN MUM, I LOVE YOU.

RICHARD'S 40TH BIRTHDAY.

It was on the morning of Saturday 27th June, 2009 that my eldest son, Richard Lewis reached the magic age of 40. He had travelled to Hobart the previous evening. Simone joined us early Saturday morning. As only mothers do - I had bought him a 40 today badge. He duly had it pinned to his chest - but his golf mates told me later on in the evening - the badge had been worn by the Golf Bag during the day !

Rich showing a 40 year smile.
Cam and Kristy paid host to Rich and Simone over the weekend - and here they are seen enjoying a breakfast cooked with skills gained by Mr Masterchief himself Cam. While Rich joined his mates at Tasmania Golf Club the rest of the family enjoyed a day at Salamanca Market.

Simone and Kristy seen walking through the market.

Cam and Em walk through the crowds - with Emily so tiried but would she close her eyes - no she may miss something. Bit like her Nan doesnt like to miss a trick.

In the evening we again gathered in Doyle Avenue for the cutting of the cake and exchanging of Gifts before leaving for Rockwall at Salamaca for a family dinner to celebrate. Emily sitting with Pop and watching Uncle Rich trying to blow out a sparkler!

Simone and Richard photographed with his present from the family a Tom Samek original
I am sure all will agree they make a charming couple,

Poppy Pete oblidged and took a family photo before leaving for Rockwall. We are so grateful for Pete's skills as a Photographer.

This is a family photo as well!! Yes as I lined up the boys and girls for a family shot a well being patron at Rockwall suggested I should get in the photo and he would take it. This is the result - he asked me how it turned out and I didnt have the heart to tell him b............. terrible, so politely said nice thank you.

Luke and Jackie waiting for the meal

Kristy and Cam waiting also.

...... and Rich and Simone

Photo snapped at the Quarry later in the evening. Richard asked a few mates to meet him later in the evening to help celebrate. Was nice to see a couple of old mates as well as the gang from the Golf Club.

Some times when editing the blog - things don't quite as one would like. An example of this is the photo of Simone, Rich and I at Rockwall - who has a mind of its own and doesnt want to be where it should be - sorry it has chosen to be up in the Salamanca section.

Next morning we were all a little worse for wear - but Emily was rearing to go on all four fours as the saying goes. Here she is with Auntie and Uncle looking rather cute.

Yes just call my name and I will look at you.

Uncle Luke and Auntie Jackie having a turn now.

Nanny was naughty and was jumping me around so I had to have a dress change cause I had a little accident. Naughty Nanny- but I look cute in this dress Daddy bought in Melbourne.

All good things have to come to an end - after a wonderful weekend of celebrations we bid farewell to Richard and Simone. They are seen here packing the car - yes your saw right the Golf Clubs had a trip to Tassie as well.

Thank you Simone and Richard for sharing your special day with your family in Tasmania.














Little did Richard know, but Simone had organised some of his Melbourne mates to join him for dinner at Sassy in Moonee Ponds on Sunday evening, so his birthday kept on keeping on. What a surprise he got - a pleasant one. Well done Simone for keeping the secret.

As most of you know I am justly proud of my boys and their achievements, as I am also of Simone, Kristy and Jackie and last but not least my beautiful granddaughter Emily.

tol

THE FINAL LEG OF THE BIG SMOKE TRIP

Vickie, Gerald and I travelled to Ascot Vale in the late afternoon - in time for a delicious Afternoon Tea at Simone and Richard's home. Later on in the evening we decided to walk to one of the many restaurants along Mount Alexander Road. We chose to have a Thai meal which was met with much pleasure by us all - ofcourse washed down by a nice glass of white.

Vickie and Gerald returned to Caulfield and I nested into a nice warm bed ready for the shopping the next day.

Simone was on an early shift and left the house around 5.a.m., and Richard leaving shortly after. They had arrived home from a weekend away to find no water - the cylinder had died while they were away and had managed to leave them a few puddles. With the Plumber unavailable for a couple of days - it was back to the old days boiling the pot on the stove for Simone and Rich going to work early for a shower.

I was up early and caught the tram to the city for a bit of retail therapy. I didnt disappoint - I managed to find a couple of pairs of shoes that were looking for a new home !

At 11.30 I met Melanie at her Art Gallery NEW WHITE GALLERY on Cnr of Little Bourke Street and Hardware Lane, Melbourne - (the free plug Melanie). What a delight - and although only a relative new venture for her I am sure with her drive and enthusiasm it will succeed. It is sooooo central, light and a great place to display art. Most of you will know Melanie is a Solicitor so this is a passion she has held for a long time to one day open a gallery.

Congratulations Melanie it is beautiful.

A view looking to back of Gallery with Melanie in the forground.

More views looking to the front of the gallery

After a little more shopping I travelled back to Moonee Ponds on the tram to my favourite shops - and yes I didnt disappoint - another pair shoes and a look around before getting a call from Simone on her way home from work - offering to pick me up and saving the walk or tram ride back to Ascot Vale.

While staying with Rich and Simone I was able to meet my new Pet Grandchild - a Cat called Wilbur ! who has joined Toshi. They are so funny to watch - and even though Wilbur hasnt been around long he has soon learnt the lay of the land - including at one stage Nan's bed.

Richard trying to watch Telly but Toshi is ready for a walk - so off Simone and Richard went heading into the cold bleak night to give him a walk around the block. Whilst my time was short as always they make me most welcome and I look forward to catching up again in a couple of weeks when Richard turns 40. I hadnt seen Richard and Simone for 6 months which is the longest time we have ever gone without seeing one another. The Footy has kept him a frequent flyer over the last couple of years since he moved to Melbourne - but no more ! he's retired! -

THE SECOND PART OF THE BIG SMOKE TRIP !

Vickie and Gerald picked me up on Sunday morning and we travelled to Coburg to help celebrate a friend of ours Delvene Chestertons Birthday with her family. Delvene has just bought a new motorbike - and she was very anxious that I should go for a ride - oh was I glad to see the rain. You know me and bikes even if they have 3 wheels ! Sorry Del. I did sit on it for her.

Vickie and Kate (Delvene"s grandaughter with son Aron in the background. Delvene has just moved to Melbourne after many years living in Queensland.

Delvene, Son Owen and grandaughter Kate

Delvene lives in a beautiful unit in a complex that has been built on the old Pentridge Site - with the beautiful Large stone fences still visable.

Next stop on our way was Briggs Road, Caulfied to spend the next night with the kind hospitality of Vickie and Gerald.

Prior to picking me up earlier in the day Vickie had been very busy preparing dinner for Sunday evening to celebrate daughter Chantel achievement of passing her exams and becoming a Surgeon.

Her dedication and efforts over many years to achieve this dream are to be commended - studying came before anything else and I know her partner Srecko will be pleased to see it all behind her now as he has been so patient through the studying process and a real support to her.

Chantel (left) is captured with her sister Melanie

(more of Melanie's achievements in the third part of the Big Smoke Trip.

Dana pictured with Melanie's husband Bede enjoying the food. A usual Thornton spread.



Here Sreko is showing John and Vickie a photo in the local paper

A glimpse of the courtyard created by Gerald. Many a glass of red is seen on this table. (And now with no peeping Rosemary over the fence watching each mouth full being consumed)

Whilst my time with Vickie and Gerald was short it was as usual never the less most enjoyable and after a leasurely Monday and a visit from Sally in the afternoon before she left for work we ambled over to Ascot Vale for my third leg of the journey to the big smoke.

5th OFF TO THE BIG SMOKE -

Yes despite many warnings that I should not be going to Melbourne because of the Swine Flu - I grabbed the wings along with mask and hand wash and about 23.5 kl of luggage (always have problems )flew in to Melbourne about 10.00 p.m. on the Friday evening - where I was met by Sally. We travelled back to East Malvern and enjoyed a late evening meal - and set our alarms ready for our early start the next day.

With umbrellas to the ready we headed to the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival - and yes Gordon Ramsay!!!



First thing as we walked in the door I admired a very bright green trolley (old lady style) next thing I was the proud owner of one - thanks to Sally's generosity. It proved handy and we were soon able to fill it with all the goodies the day had to offer.


On a suggestion of the lady at the Cook Book Stall that we should purchase our book prior to the show and then at least we could rush for the signing - omg - we had no hope of people of getting the book signed - we had three attempts during the day. - Did manage get some photos of some of the lucky ones.
We were at the 12 oclock show along with thousands of other enthusiastic cooks - and can say nothing but the fact that we both enjoyed the show - Gordons quick wit ect - was no worse than we would witness here at the Uni Revue for instances - or any other comedian for that matter.


Later in the day when we enjoyed lunch were we able to choose between the Celebrity Chefs that took part in the Celebrity Kitchen - Gordon Ramsay, Tobie Puttock, Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris.


This was delightful Main course - one of Gary's.

It was as good as it looks !!!!!!!!!!!

Two very tiried feet trundled their way to the Car - and no sooner in the car I had nodded off to sleep waking as we drove into Burke Road. Fell on the couch and managed to awake an hour or so later in time to enjoy a very nice Pizza from Sally's favourite spot around the corner.

Next morning it was rise and shine as Sally had a Macedonian Wedding to attend and I was being picked up by Vickie and Gerald to spend the next night with them. I will continue my Melbourne travels in the next post as there is going to be a scheduled outage in a few mins on the blog and dont want to loose any work. Keep looking and hope to have the rest on by tomorrow.

Sally looking very glam in her wedding outfit.

Thank you Sally for a wonderful couple of days -