Mowbray...

A nearby private school has gone into liquidation throwing the school community into turmoil. Rumours have circulated over the last few months about the school being in debt and closing. This week the news broke on national news confirming what had been rumoured.

I am thankful that Erin's position is secure, her school is doing well. I attended the AGM tonight and the figures are all good. I caught the last bit of an interview with the principal on ABC radio this afternoon and he was full of concern for the students and families but I missed what, if any, impact it would have on our school. At the meeting tonight he dispelled any stories of our school taking over the debt/taking over the school/building portables on the oval/saving them from their dilemma. We are only able to take on 12 extras and the priority was the seniors. Mowbrays' 1000 students must be very distressed by all of this and the impact on the community will reach further than the school itself.

Time will tell their fate.

Incredible...

I have a new phone, an android called the Incredible that I am slowly learning to get the most from.

I'm still on a low fee plan but this one allows me to have apps & access to the internet. It has been been Incredible so far.

I have had some coaching from Cal and now know how to make calls & send messages and even take photos. I've added personalised ring tones to all the family members and am using some apps for weather, facebook and twitter. Chris & I have been drawn into a game called Logos quiz and we are progressing through the levels. Try it out on your device and test your knowledge, you'll be able to waste time like we have.

I tried taking pics of the layouts I finished this weekend

(18)

(19) for Hayley

(20) also for Hayley

I was very happy with the photo quality when I printed up the Mothers day pics and these look pretty good but it was harder to get the layouts straight. I'll work on that.

The weekend had been grey and dreary after Fridays relentless rain. We had between 40 and 50 mls fall over the day and night. I had to make a dash from the car to the chapel then from the chapel to the Bowling Club in pouring rain. The funeral was very well attended by the various organisations that Peter had been involved with. The friend giving the eulogy was floundering to portray Peter as the generous, humerous man that he was. A few others stepped up to fill in the gaps and we got a better insight to the many facets of him. I had forgotten that Peter had played the trumpet in the music ensemble and in early shows that Hayley was involved in.

Another reminder to enjoy life while we are here and to make the most of all opportunities,

"We should live until we die"

Week 21 already!...

Can only put up 2 more layouts and I'm behind a little. I've been busy & distracted



Number 16

For my album, from my childhood

Number 17

 and a recent one showing the growth in the front garden.

I also finished the scarf using the Selena yarn, Erin put tabs on it before it was even finished.

I like its soft ruffly texture.

Callum had his application day for the Armed Forces yesterday. The idea was he would apply for Vehicle Mechanic and get his trade qualifications that way. He wont be able to progress at this stage as he falls beneath their 'strict BMI policy'. Seems he might snap like a twig and needs to put on about 6 kgs to reach the minimum. He can reapply in 6 months if he wants to. His food consumption is already keeping my grocery bill high as it is, maybe I should try Combantrim.

In sad news another friend has succumbed to cancer, at just 48 his battle with a brain tumour was unwinnable. Another funeral on Friday, thats the third one and now ends the round of threes. Thanks.

Colour run...

One of the better tips I have had to keep on running is to have a goal such as a fun run or race to keep you motivated.

I have found this to be exactly what I needed. When I have a race booked I keep up the training. I like to see my results and hope to keep improving on my times.  I have also found that I dont like to keep repeating the same circuits over and over.

So I am looking for races in different venues to keep me interested. Participating in the Mothers Day Classic was fun because Hayley joined me but I dont really want to do the 'Tan' again. I've done it. Many of the races in Melbourne are on this same track. I was pleased to see that the Lara Fun Run in November is on a different course, still in Lara. I had an offer to go camping on that weekend but when that fell through I am looking forward to that race again.

Iwas looking for some races to do between now and November and found one in July around a track beside the Maribyrnong River. A running blog was talking about color runs which sounds like a fun idea to keep the racing fresh and fun. But it is only in the States at the moment but if it were to come to Australia, I'd like to join in.

So I'm still on the lookout.

The results are in..

90 seconds faster than last years' effort. In the rain.

My mothers day...

My Mothers Day started early, at 545am.

the breakfast of champions

then Hayley and I set off for the city to participate in the Mothers Day Classic.




It was wet and chilly











but we pushed through with 1000s of others and ran our 4km race in about 30 minutes. Hayley was very distinctive in her poncho and I spotted her about 2 minutes after I finished.

every champion deserves a medal

I had to drive into the city as the first train this morning did not get in for us to get to the start on time. My usual anxiety about parking once again proved unfounded as we got a close park easily.

even the porta-potty queues were pretty short. Hayley managed to run into a friend among the crowd.

Coffees on the way home warmed us up and we were back home by 10am.




My Mothers Day was then supplemented by some lovely new slippers and a bright cover for my new phone. I thought I would have time to do some scrapping this afternoon but after the usual ironing, grocery shopping and a bit of gardening the day has slipped away.

But it has been a really good day, its been all about me! I hope you had a good day too!

Saying goodbye to Mothers...

Two funerals in 2 weeks. Two Mothers gone who were much loved, surrounded by family and both  left a wonderful legacy in love.

Todays funeral for Flossie was partly in French and led by Father Bob Maguire.
I did however prefer the service led by the celebrant who led Bons' service rather than Bob's laconic version.



But both Bonnie and Flossie were farewelled in style, tears mixed with humour can be very satisfying.

And I found this on Facebook this evening that seems very fitting in the lead up to Mothers Day.

Told you.

Takes me back...

going to see the schools' production of Little Shop of Horrors tonight took me back about 12 years.

12 years ago I was involved in this same show and it has been my favourite ever since. I love the music and tonights performance was excellent. The young man who played the bumbling Seymour had broken his knee cap and played the part on crutches and a knee brace. It added a little authenticity to this performance and didn't detract at all.

I relived the singing, dancing and acting. I have a video of my performance from back then but haven't watched it once during the last 12 years. Can't bring myself to do it. It's excrutiating to watch yourself and now we don't have a video player it will stay in the cupboard as a memento of those good times.