Betty and I headed out early in the morning to go take care of the boys. After they finished breakfast, it was time to build the train track so Thomas and his friends could ride the rails with Alex and Luke's help. Today we had the best track built during our three visits! Betty helped Alex extend the track so there were many options for travel without meeting on the same track. Once the track was finished the four of us were on the floor taking our trips around the track, and over and under bridges. I am still learning that Thomas has many friends, and I cannot remember all the names.
We always take a morning walk to the green grocer and the boys enjoy the walk--Alex on his tricycle and Luke in his stroller. On the way home we take the walk through the park for the ride on the swing. The boys play outside on the deck, and enjoy their trampoline in the back yard. It has a tall safety net with a zippered entrance so there is no danger of the boys falling off the side. (I wonder if this type is made in the US. I have only seen larger ones with no protective net in the yards in our area.)
While the boys napped later in the day, Betty and I watched the Alex Anderson quilt programs saved on TV for her viewing. After naps the boys were back to their activities, keeping us busy untill Rod got home from work. Besides returning to outdoor play, we played with playdough, creating a variety of things, and helping the boys, pry the dough out of the "cookie cutters". Our "boy day" goes by quickly.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Bits of news
Sunday was visiting day. Our friends, Gail and Pat (now of Brisbane), formerly of Glebe where Barre lived when on sabbitcal in 1997, were in the Sydney and they had time in the morning to have a short visit over a cuppa. Thanks to previous emails, they knew we would be in Sydney while we were here.
Later we went to visit Surrey's sister just north of the city, and had a picnic lunch with the family, including his two sister's, their families, Geoff and Ellen and Rod and the boys. There were four young children present which added to the activity, and pleasure of the visit. We did a lot of people watching, also, as the small harbor boats were going up and down the Parrametta River, which is really part of the harbor at this point. One can commute to work on the river in these boats, not just be a sightseer.
Monday is "relax" day, as Surrey had to make his visit to the hospital. Actually, three of us can relax, but Betty had to go to work at UTS after bringing Surrey home. She has a lecture to give late this afternoon, to all the freshmen students beginning their first semester at the "uni"in the engineering major. Barre has almost finished reading the Bill Bryson book, and I am still working on the quilt for charity, making good progress.
I am in charge of "supper hour" for us, as Betty will be giving her lecture around 5pm !
Later we went to visit Surrey's sister just north of the city, and had a picnic lunch with the family, including his two sister's, their families, Geoff and Ellen and Rod and the boys. There were four young children present which added to the activity, and pleasure of the visit. We did a lot of people watching, also, as the small harbor boats were going up and down the Parrametta River, which is really part of the harbor at this point. One can commute to work on the river in these boats, not just be a sightseer.
Monday is "relax" day, as Surrey had to make his visit to the hospital. Actually, three of us can relax, but Betty had to go to work at UTS after bringing Surrey home. She has a lecture to give late this afternoon, to all the freshmen students beginning their first semester at the "uni"in the engineering major. Barre has almost finished reading the Bill Bryson book, and I am still working on the quilt for charity, making good progress.
I am in charge of "supper hour" for us, as Betty will be giving her lecture around 5pm !
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Summer day
Today is sunny and breezy, birds are singing (frogs sing at night in the back yard) and it makes us realize that we will not be enjoying weather like this once we return home--at least not right away. We have also checked the local papers to find out there was a 3-6 inch snow storm in the Berkshires.
Each of us is doing our "own thing" today. Barre and Surrey have been discussing their project, and Surrey has been resting as well. Barre has also been reading a book by Bill Bryson, the Mother Tongue, English and How it Got that Way. I have been doing some hand sewing of labels on finished quilts (to be sent to the bush fire victims in Victoria), and "stitching in the ditch" on the most recent quilt finished by the group, but needing the final "finish". Betty has been on the computer for a lot of her time today, working at home on all the details of her course work, which must be ready for the start of the new academic year at UTS. She is co-ordinator for course work of approximately 400 students each semester.
We are enjoying each day here.
Each of us is doing our "own thing" today. Barre and Surrey have been discussing their project, and Surrey has been resting as well. Barre has also been reading a book by Bill Bryson, the Mother Tongue, English and How it Got that Way. I have been doing some hand sewing of labels on finished quilts (to be sent to the bush fire victims in Victoria), and "stitching in the ditch" on the most recent quilt finished by the group, but needing the final "finish". Betty has been on the computer for a lot of her time today, working at home on all the details of her course work, which must be ready for the start of the new academic year at UTS. She is co-ordinator for course work of approximately 400 students each semester.
We are enjoying each day here.
Sunny Day in Sydney
Thursday morning we hitched a ride with Betty and Surrey to the Botanic Garden, and spent some time there while Surrey was working. In mid-morning Barre and I left to go for a long walk in the city. It was a very warm day, approx. 83 degrees, and seemed even warmer on the pavement of the streets in the city.
We decided to visit a few particular stores, and walk a huge circle that would bring us back to the train station later in the afternoon. We walked passed the Domain (a very large park) and on through Hyde Park to the business district. We visited a map store (Barre needed some topo maps of AU) and went on to the Queen Victoria Building, which has all types of stores from clothing and jewelry to small coffee shops, with delicious pastries. It is a beautiful antique building, too, with Queen Victoria's statue just outside the main entrance. Our favorite store to visit is the ABC shop (Australian Broadcasting Co), where we often have found music CD's that we could not buy in the US--especially music from Australia and England.
We left the QVB building, and walked on to Darling Harbor, an area with shopping, restaurants, IMAX theater, a maritime muesum, and other interesting places. A Cruise ship was docked nearby in the main harbor, but we could not identify its name. By this time, we were feeling the heat, and thinking about lunch. We browzed the stores first, looking at the displays, particularly tee shirts for kids (Noel's birthday in May). Our treat for the day with our lunch of fresh fruit and a delicious mango/passionfruit smoothy--something we cannot buy at home. mmm good!
Retracing our steps for a short distance, we headed on to Circular Quay. We cannot visit Sydney without visiting this harbor. We took our time on the walk and as we arrived at the quay, the first thing we spotted was the Queen Victoria docked not far from where all the ferries arrive. It is massive, and so tall that it could not dock elsewhere in the harbor, because it can not pass under the bridge. We spent a lot of time looking at it as we walked along the quay, so that we could get a full view of it. Lots of people were there to admire and photograph it.
Eventually, we walked on to catch our train back to Carlton, completing our circle, and had a relaxing ride home to Carlton. We walked back to Betty and Surrey's, with a bit of a breeze blowing, wondering how far we had walked in a day.
We decided to visit a few particular stores, and walk a huge circle that would bring us back to the train station later in the afternoon. We walked passed the Domain (a very large park) and on through Hyde Park to the business district. We visited a map store (Barre needed some topo maps of AU) and went on to the Queen Victoria Building, which has all types of stores from clothing and jewelry to small coffee shops, with delicious pastries. It is a beautiful antique building, too, with Queen Victoria's statue just outside the main entrance. Our favorite store to visit is the ABC shop (Australian Broadcasting Co), where we often have found music CD's that we could not buy in the US--especially music from Australia and England.
We left the QVB building, and walked on to Darling Harbor, an area with shopping, restaurants, IMAX theater, a maritime muesum, and other interesting places. A Cruise ship was docked nearby in the main harbor, but we could not identify its name. By this time, we were feeling the heat, and thinking about lunch. We browzed the stores first, looking at the displays, particularly tee shirts for kids (Noel's birthday in May). Our treat for the day with our lunch of fresh fruit and a delicious mango/passionfruit smoothy--something we cannot buy at home. mmm good!
Retracing our steps for a short distance, we headed on to Circular Quay. We cannot visit Sydney without visiting this harbor. We took our time on the walk and as we arrived at the quay, the first thing we spotted was the Queen Victoria docked not far from where all the ferries arrive. It is massive, and so tall that it could not dock elsewhere in the harbor, because it can not pass under the bridge. We spent a lot of time looking at it as we walked along the quay, so that we could get a full view of it. Lots of people were there to admire and photograph it.
Eventually, we walked on to catch our train back to Carlton, completing our circle, and had a relaxing ride home to Carlton. We walked back to Betty and Surrey's, with a bit of a breeze blowing, wondering how far we had walked in a day.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday with "the boys"
Betty and I went early in the am. to babysit Alex and Luke. The boys were eating their breakfast when we arrive. When they finish eating, it was time to play, and the basket of train track and Thomas toys were emptied on the carpet. Alex, who is 3 and 1/2 years spends time diligently putting the track together, while Luke plays with three of the cars, and keeps himself quite occupied pushing them in and out of one of the buildings that goes with the train set. They concentrate on their play, and I enjoyed watching them "work".
When Alex had the track built, we began our "trips" on the track, each of us with different engines and cars, watching out for each other at the crossings. Eventually, we added more track so we would have more interesting trips. We had our make believe trips, rescued the cars after accidents, sometimes with a helicopter (Harold) and Luke enjoyed participating, too.
Later in the morning we went for a walk to the shops in town, but first went to the train station, climbed the walk way above the tracks, and waited patiently for a commuter train to pass.
The boys know a lot about trains because their Dad is an avid train enthusiast. We didn't have long to wait, when the first train passed by. The driver waved to the boys as he went under the walk way. The boys were thrilled, and we decided to wait a bit longer. In a brief space of time, six trains passed and we waved to all of the them. Three of them responded with whistles acknowledging our waves. This was not just fun for the boys-- I thought it was fun, too!
Before going home, we stopped at the small park in town, and the boys enjoyed rides on the swings. Our day passed quickly, since there is never a dull moment when children are around.
Barre was gone for the day with a friend of Surrey's looking for pondweeds. He had a busy day, and was successful on his search. Surrey had the day for much needed rest.
When Alex had the track built, we began our "trips" on the track, each of us with different engines and cars, watching out for each other at the crossings. Eventually, we added more track so we would have more interesting trips. We had our make believe trips, rescued the cars after accidents, sometimes with a helicopter (Harold) and Luke enjoyed participating, too.
Later in the morning we went for a walk to the shops in town, but first went to the train station, climbed the walk way above the tracks, and waited patiently for a commuter train to pass.
The boys know a lot about trains because their Dad is an avid train enthusiast. We didn't have long to wait, when the first train passed by. The driver waved to the boys as he went under the walk way. The boys were thrilled, and we decided to wait a bit longer. In a brief space of time, six trains passed and we waved to all of the them. Three of them responded with whistles acknowledging our waves. This was not just fun for the boys-- I thought it was fun, too!
Before going home, we stopped at the small park in town, and the boys enjoyed rides on the swings. Our day passed quickly, since there is never a dull moment when children are around.
Barre was gone for the day with a friend of Surrey's looking for pondweeds. He had a busy day, and was successful on his search. Surrey had the day for much needed rest.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Rainbow Connection Quilters
On Saturday and Sunday six of us gathered at Betty's home to continue sewings quilt projects that were in progress, and start sewing blocks for another quilt. This group was formed in 2007 when we got together on a very stormy weekend to sew with some of Betty's friends while Barre and Surrey were off in the bush looking for water lilies. Other members were unable to attend this month, but continue to be part of the group, and attend when they can. Everyone contributes in some way to each project and sharing time together is enjoyable, even if it some can only spend a few hours with the group.
The quilt we made that long ago weekend was given to a children's hospital charity. Since that time the group meets four to five times a year on weekends, and continues to make quilts for charity. Two quilts had been completed from previous meetings and two more will be finished (hopefully, by the time I leave on Feb. 27th). Our other members work during the week, and I am hoping to be able to hem the binding on these quilts as my contribution. (Usually, I only contribute a block, mailed from home.) The group decided that these four quilts should be sent to the victims of the bush fires, through the Red Cross.
Our days were not all work, and no play. We stop for morning and afternoon tea, and lunch, too!
And there is much conversation, sharing of ideas, and laughter. The weekend always goes by too fast!
Betty has just set up a blog for the Rainbow Connection Quilters, so we can share the news. Check it out at http://www.rainbowconnectionquilters.blogspot.com
Marion
The quilt we made that long ago weekend was given to a children's hospital charity. Since that time the group meets four to five times a year on weekends, and continues to make quilts for charity. Two quilts had been completed from previous meetings and two more will be finished (hopefully, by the time I leave on Feb. 27th). Our other members work during the week, and I am hoping to be able to hem the binding on these quilts as my contribution. (Usually, I only contribute a block, mailed from home.) The group decided that these four quilts should be sent to the victims of the bush fires, through the Red Cross.
Our days were not all work, and no play. We stop for morning and afternoon tea, and lunch, too!
And there is much conversation, sharing of ideas, and laughter. The weekend always goes by too fast!
Betty has just set up a blog for the Rainbow Connection Quilters, so we can share the news. Check it out at http://www.rainbowconnectionquilters.blogspot.com
Marion
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Shopping Day
Today has been a rainy day in Sydney, and cooler than other days this week. I received a call from Ellen (Surrey and Betty's daughter) asking if I would like to go shopping with her and the boys. Winter is coming, and she needed to get some clothes for Alex, which will fit him. It seems so strange to think of needing winter clothes, (which we have at home!), but March 1st is the beginning of winter in Australia. (March can have wonderful weather, as we can attest to when we brought students here during that month over recent years.)
The mall that we went to was very crowded with parents doing just what Ellen was--looking for shirts, jeans, and pajamas to fit the children as the weather cools off. This mall is enormous compared to any that I can think of in the state of Ma. Four floors that go on and on, filled with shops I don't recognize, plenty of parking lots, including one on the roof. Also, there are many food courts, and a tremendous offering of different types of food. You can get fresh bread from the bakeries, and a separate fish market is also available.
The morning went quickly. The boys were very well behaved and it was fun to be with them and Ellen. It has been a long time since I got to push a stroller with a little boy in it! We left for home with Alex and Luke holding onto their red balloons, given to them at the visitors desk. They were very happy, and the shopping trip was successful.
The mall that we went to was very crowded with parents doing just what Ellen was--looking for shirts, jeans, and pajamas to fit the children as the weather cools off. This mall is enormous compared to any that I can think of in the state of Ma. Four floors that go on and on, filled with shops I don't recognize, plenty of parking lots, including one on the roof. Also, there are many food courts, and a tremendous offering of different types of food. You can get fresh bread from the bakeries, and a separate fish market is also available.
The morning went quickly. The boys were very well behaved and it was fun to be with them and Ellen. It has been a long time since I got to push a stroller with a little boy in it! We left for home with Alex and Luke holding onto their red balloons, given to them at the visitors desk. They were very happy, and the shopping trip was successful.
Happy Birthday Charles Darwin
Today we four all got up early and went to the Botanic Garden with Surrey. He tackled the messages on his computer, and other business while Betty and I did some errands to the mail room for him, and Betty continued to organize his office, including books, maps, and other items which have continued to fill the office space. Barre, meanwhile, went to review all the specimens of nymphea in the herbarium.
One of Surrey's colleagues, Karen, dropped by to greet us, and told us about a gathering in the Botanic Garden to honor Darwin's 200th birthday later in the morning. Surrey continued with his paper work, while Betty, Barre and I went to the birthday celebration. The garden has created a new space where large letters are spelling his name, and various quotes are engraved on each letter. A year long recognition will continue with different activities relating to Darwin and his work. We met the director of the Botanic garden, who gave a brief speech recognizing the significance of Darwin's work, and all the botanical knowledge that has come forth through the years since.
The fun part of this gathering was a real party! 200 cupcakes were baked, and those who arrived signed up on a sheet of paper containing one of the letters spelling Darwin. After the directors comments, we went to our "letter" , received our cupcake, and proceeded to get into a block which spelled his name. We could not eat our cupcake until our group picture had been taken by two different photographers, who were transported by a cherry picture to an altitude high enough to get all of us in the picture. We all had to raise our cupcakes high (and smile) while the pictures were taken. It took awhile, but everyone enjoyed the camraderie, and there were cheers and a rendition of Happy birthday was also sung . The cupcakes were then quickly devoured--very tasty.
After returning to Surrey's office, Barre finished his work, Surrey and Betty returned home, and Barre and I went to lunch at the cafe in the Botanic Garden, and then walked downtown through the Domain and Hyde Park, enjoying the flowers in bloom, and mild summer weather. We visited one of the bookstores, and then walked to the train station and went home to Carlton.
We have Eric to thank for making us aware of Darwin's shared birthday with Abe, but little did we know that we would get to celebrate it in Australia, while Eric and his colleague also planned a meeting to give recognition to him on the 12th at Oswego State. Happy Birthday Darwin, and Abe Lincoln, 200 years!
One of Surrey's colleagues, Karen, dropped by to greet us, and told us about a gathering in the Botanic Garden to honor Darwin's 200th birthday later in the morning. Surrey continued with his paper work, while Betty, Barre and I went to the birthday celebration. The garden has created a new space where large letters are spelling his name, and various quotes are engraved on each letter. A year long recognition will continue with different activities relating to Darwin and his work. We met the director of the Botanic garden, who gave a brief speech recognizing the significance of Darwin's work, and all the botanical knowledge that has come forth through the years since.
The fun part of this gathering was a real party! 200 cupcakes were baked, and those who arrived signed up on a sheet of paper containing one of the letters spelling Darwin. After the directors comments, we went to our "letter" , received our cupcake, and proceeded to get into a block which spelled his name. We could not eat our cupcake until our group picture had been taken by two different photographers, who were transported by a cherry picture to an altitude high enough to get all of us in the picture. We all had to raise our cupcakes high (and smile) while the pictures were taken. It took awhile, but everyone enjoyed the camraderie, and there were cheers and a rendition of Happy birthday was also sung . The cupcakes were then quickly devoured--very tasty.
After returning to Surrey's office, Barre finished his work, Surrey and Betty returned home, and Barre and I went to lunch at the cafe in the Botanic Garden, and then walked downtown through the Domain and Hyde Park, enjoying the flowers in bloom, and mild summer weather. We visited one of the bookstores, and then walked to the train station and went home to Carlton.
We have Eric to thank for making us aware of Darwin's shared birthday with Abe, but little did we know that we would get to celebrate it in Australia, while Eric and his colleague also planned a meeting to give recognition to him on the 12th at Oswego State. Happy Birthday Darwin, and Abe Lincoln, 200 years!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Change in the weather, fun with Alex and Luke
Monday and Tuesday has brought us cooler weather and rain. Barre and Surrey are making progress on the water lily project, slowly but surely. Barre is watching cricket games occasionally, and beginning to understand the game. Today has been a rest day for Surrey after his chemo visit to the hospital yesterday.
Early today, Betty and I went to Healthcote, where the grandkids reside and spent the morning babysitting with Alex and Luke. Luke (almost 18 months) knew I was a stanger when he saw me on Friday, but today I became his friend, and we had a lot of fun. He even let me pick him up and give him a kiss! Alex (2 years older than Luke) remembered me from two years ago, and those weekly visits, so we got re-acquainted and had fun playing with Thomas the train, and the train set on wooden track, and other enjoyable activities, like reading a book, and going for a walk to the fruit market nearby.
I am still learning about my blog and trying to keep track of the procedures to follow. Betty has found the glitch that prevented use of the comments, which get checked before adding to the blog. ( Note there are comments on a previous date) and you can be " annonymous" . This is fun, even though I seem to be a slow learner!
Hope your day is sunny and warm in your corner of the world!
Marion
Early today, Betty and I went to Healthcote, where the grandkids reside and spent the morning babysitting with Alex and Luke. Luke (almost 18 months) knew I was a stanger when he saw me on Friday, but today I became his friend, and we had a lot of fun. He even let me pick him up and give him a kiss! Alex (2 years older than Luke) remembered me from two years ago, and those weekly visits, so we got re-acquainted and had fun playing with Thomas the train, and the train set on wooden track, and other enjoyable activities, like reading a book, and going for a walk to the fruit market nearby.
I am still learning about my blog and trying to keep track of the procedures to follow. Betty has found the glitch that prevented use of the comments, which get checked before adding to the blog. ( Note there are comments on a previous date) and you can be " annonymous" . This is fun, even though I seem to be a slow learner!
Hope your day is sunny and warm in your corner of the world!
Marion
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Time zone differences
I have just realized that my posts on the blog represent the day and date in the US. We, in Australia, are 16 hours ahead of the US eastern time zone and 19 hours ahead of California. Thus we heard Satuday's hockey game live on Sunday.
Marion
Marion
Sunday in Sydney
We are enjoying a very quite day with no exertion--it is another "hot as Hades" day. The birds are singing, but there are no soothing breezes here on Massey Street. This is a day of light meals, drinking cold drinks, reading the newspaper, Marion and Betty reading books, Barre listening to UNH hockey (live on Saturday night in NH) on the computer (we lost to Maine), and watching a cricket match. In the morning Surrey and Barre spent a good deal of time on the Nymphea project.
We will continue to enjoy our day, realizing we could be in a much colder climate back home!
Marion and Barre
We will continue to enjoy our day, realizing we could be in a much colder climate back home!
Marion and Barre
Underhill views, Feb.7, 2009
This is a view of the fenced in area where young trees are protected by fence. 
The dam is just beyond the new trees. It has recovered some of the water level since the drought of 2007.
Notice the migrant worker (he has a passport) picking the damson plums, which are about the size of a small olive.
Surrey has been the "man in charge", making sure all tasks are accomplished before lunch. While relaxing he is enjoying some delicious seedless watermelon and was also photographing our activities.
The dam is just beyond the new trees. It has recovered some of the water level since the drought of 2007. 
Notice the migrant worker (he has a passport) picking the damson plums, which are about the size of a small olive.
Surrey has been the "man in charge", making sure all tasks are accomplished before lunch. While relaxing he is enjoying some delicious seedless watermelon and was also photographing our activities.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Trip to Underhill
Saturday morning after a good night's sleep, and good breakfast we headed south to Bungonia, where the Jacobs have a block of land (a bit of bush), Underhill, where they go to relax on weekends, and bring friends like us to experience the bush. They enjoy growing fruit trees here also. With a variety of animals living in the area, the trees are protected by fencing so they can begin to grow and eventually bear fruit. It was time to check the fruit trees for any remaining harvest.
Surrey, Barre, and Geoff went in the truck in order to pick up chicken feed on the way. Betty and I took the car, with a lunch and plenty of drinks packed in the esky. We made the trip knowing it would be hot, but planned to return after lunch in the early afternoon. We succeeded in harvesting the remainder of the apples (very few), and then picked the damson plums. These will then be used to make a delicious jelly. After a leisurely lunch, we packed up our leftovers, and headed home. Ice cream stops, both going and coming, gave a brief cool relief from the heat.
Surrey, Barre, and Geoff went in the truck in order to pick up chicken feed on the way. Betty and I took the car, with a lunch and plenty of drinks packed in the esky. We made the trip knowing it would be hot, but planned to return after lunch in the early afternoon. We succeeded in harvesting the remainder of the apples (very few), and then picked the damson plums. These will then be used to make a delicious jelly. After a leisurely lunch, we packed up our leftovers, and headed home. Ice cream stops, both going and coming, gave a brief cool relief from the heat.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
We're in the land of Oz!
Hi Everyone,
We have arrived safely to the very warm sunshine of Sydney. There was a 50 degree difference between leaving home and arriving here today. We're going to enjoy it, and not think about snow!
We have arrived safely to the very warm sunshine of Sydney. There was a 50 degree difference between leaving home and arriving here today. We're going to enjoy it, and not think about snow!
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