Dear All,
Here we almost at the end of June (just 6 months til Christmas)!!!! This will be a shortie as there is little in the way of interesting news.
Paul and I did go to Atlanta, leaving here on a Wednesday and returning the following Tuesday. We took our time on the drive there and stopped frequently. I thought it would be good for Paul to have some breaks from driving while I checked out some outlet malls! He was lucky that there wasn't much room in the car. It was well stacked with paint (surplus from construction), cases, and nicknacks for the nursery etc. Paul actually let me drive for a few hours on the way. Mind you, he kept a vigilant eye on me. I am not sure if he was worried for his safety or his precious car!!! I guess it is a man thing, but they tend to think women cannot drive big cars (it is an excursion). I have to say, I would not swap my jeep for it under any circumstances.
We stayed overnight somewhere in Kentucky or Tennessee and arrived early afternoon the Thursday. Nate was out of town on business, so we had dinner at a lovely restaurant with Kelly. Kelly had Friday off work, so we dragged Paul around to baby stores checking out baby furniture. On the Saturday, Nate and Paul painted the nursery while we baby shopped again. Unfortunately, the time went all too quickly and we set off for home early Monday morning. We wanted to get out of the city before morning rush hour. We had a great trip home, little traffic, and glorious weather. Paul actually let me take the wheel for about 5 hours and he slept!!! If he hadn't started to snore a little, I would have thought he was dead. It is much easier to drive without him watching me as I don't have to keep an eye on my speed. I always try and get behind a red car that is speeding and just do a little bit less than them. I figure they will get pulled over before me!!! We did intend to stop again for the night, but as Paul was refreshed from his sleep when I got tired, he took over and we went straight thru. I am now know as the 'diseal duchess"!
Paul's friend Bob Bennett babysat the dog and the house whilst we were away which was great. We didn't have to worry about Mack fretting and Bob watered the plants etc. He did admit, that he was unnerved on a few occasions by house noises! Although Bob spoils Mack, he did seems to miss us - I got a nice wag of his tail, after which he almost knocked me over to get to Paul - he went crazy for Paul, almost jumping on his knee!
Erin is currently in London visiting with Damien and Lauren and judging by the short and infrequent communications we have had, she is having a wonderful time and she loves London. Tonight they were meeting up with Kerryn and Michael and Owen for dinner.
Lauren's boyfriend Mike went over to visit for a week and left only a few days before Erin arrived and she also had the opportunity to catch up with a few Aussie friends who were passing through (Courtney, Sam and Danielle). I guess she will feel a bit lonely when Erin leaves tomorrow.
Kelly is doing well and her pregnancy is progressing normally. She has 13 weeks to go, so obviously her pregnancy is obvious now.
We had a great evening here before we went to Atlanta. We decided it was time to catch up with neighbours, so we had them over for a barbeque. We had about 18 people and we had a really great night - we really have a great bunch of neighbours.
Seems I have been slow to finish this, as Erin is now back in the States. It is Thursday here and tomorrow she is driving up with Chris (boyfriend), and I guess I will get all the news and gossip then. They did have dinner one night with Belinda and Matt and Kerryn and Michael another evening. Owen, unfortunately slept through the evening and the girls did not get to play with the cousin, much to their disappointment.
Paul finally got to go fishing at the weekend. He went with my girlfriend Julie on Sunday morning. They did try and persuade me to join them, but unsuccessfully. I told them I was busy - I would be looking at the back of my eyelids, which was far preferrable to put worms on hooks!!! I got up, read the paper, sipped coffee and ignored cell calls asking me did I want them to dock and pick me up!!! They did manage to catch a few blue gills and bass, which Paul filleted and then we dined on them for supper. It was very tasty, and if I don't have my fish served to me in a restaurant, then Julie and Paul can fish for me any day.
It is my intent to go fishing with them in the future - as long as I have a good book and they fillet them out of my sight - it could be quite enjoyable.
It was great to finally hear from Maureen - I felt like an orphan with my two sisters moving house at the same time!!!! I know I have four brothers - but honestly guys, the communication from you all is sadly lacking!!!! Your kids are fantastic Paul - I have now had emails from David and Kerryn and in the past Leigh and Glenn - I bet you never get one from my kids! lol
Love to everyone - I hope to have lots of pictures on this blog before too long!!
PS - Lucky, Nancy and the gang - you guys are welcome here any time!
David - thanks for your great email - I will write back one day. lol
Kerryn and Mike - hope you enjoy your trip back to Oz. I bet you can't wait to introduce Owen to everyone.
Karin - hope you are recovering well and feel better than you have in a long time.
Sr. Lucille and Lyn - hope you guys are also feeling better each day.
Maureen, Michael - Lou & Tom - congratulations on your new homes. Send lots of pics.
John - has Venky arrived yet?
Heather - your turn to write - forwards do not count!
Barb and Danny - this counts as a reply, because I have no other news!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wilko - I would love to hear some news about my old colleagues.
Richard & Chris - I will write soon. Chris you were right, I have heard nothing from Richard in months! Thank you for your newsy email - we think of you guys often and know what a hard road you all have.
John & Vickie - as far as I know we are free 11th August, so we will be there for your Open House.
Looking forward to seeing you all at the family picnic - Cheers
The pine trees at the entrance to our drive way.
Some hungry deer, feeding at our corn feeder.
