General Chat

Yipee Anna, so pleased, - hope it poured rain ALL NIGHT !!!............Hz

Hello everyone Guess what - it's raining in Toowoomba and I can hear the rain splashing into our new tank! So far we've had 20mls and it's still raining. What a great Christmas present. Only hope the poor devils in the fire areas get some. Jood - hope your trip to Perth goes well - just remember to wriggle your legs. Laurie - hope you are not too worn out from entertaining the ankle biters! Vonny - imagine it being so cold in the National Capital - been quite hot here today. Our Queen is feeling well - she's just busy. Sleep tight everyone X Anna

Sorry if I haven't answered anyone, I've been flat out today/tonight, and now I am soooo tired - again! Mary, went to down town Cabramatta today - nearly froze - it's still cold, and last night I had the aircon on to keep cool!!!! .. Cabramatta has changed a lot, very big town, lots of asian shops but reasonably clean. .. The meat they sell is absolutely gorgeous and very reasonable. .. I dont know why we can't get nice meat at the same price in our own town! Tony, thanks for your advice in email. Vonny, thanks for your pickle - the house looks lovely. To everyone else, hope you are all well and happy - I better go to bed before I drop here. .. One last day to do my packing. .. Whether I can do any washing before I leave depends entirely on the weather - might even have to take it over to Perth and wash! .. It is always stressful for me to pack - always worried I will forget something important. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ nite all Love Jood

Good evening all, Hz smoke is really bad and very worried about Bright and as you say Mt Buffalo Chalet we have lost the Craig Hut it had just been rebuilt by volunteers and now its gone but then I guess its not as bad as peoples homes poor devils. Merry I know the pleasure was all yours having lunch on the Balcoonie Pmsl I stole that line from our character of an girl on the flight back to Melbourne she said 'I know being on board with me and the crew today has been all your pleasure and we would like see you all again so as we can make your day 'Didn't Laurie and Ray spoil us all, the host and hostess with the mostest for sure . Shazz I looked up that cousin of mine . George Smedley the mailman and I think he has moved to wait for it .......Yarrawonga Park on the Central Coast apparently a part of Morriset it's a never ending story havn't rung there yet but will probably Thursday, two of his sisters live up there too . I also googled the name of that little boy and found out his Familys names and will check them too to see if they are related, they actually have a meal up at their place on Saturday nights and charge for it with all the money going to The Mathew Smedley Memorial Fund . Tony how's Jack going to school yet mate hehehe when Josh was born and was so big he was 10lb 4 1/2 ozs the nurses said he would be going home in a school uniform rather than a layette my mum had made for him including a beautiful round shawl she had crocheted with matching clothes and when Tiger saw them he said no son of mine is wearing a dress he will be wearing stubbies and a black singlet home . I have to go to bed now as off to Shepparton tomurra for retail fix and Tiger has a Dr. appointment re the Sleep Apnea so will say ny nite and see you all tomurra Love Lara

Sorry peeps, had to light the fire tonight!! it's freezing here! Incredibly strange weather - had mid thirties yesterday and barely above 12 today. Not complaining about the cold but wish it had stayed in Victoria and Tassie where it was needed! No rain and covered by smoke again this afternoon - from the Snowy fires I suspect. ~~~~~~~~~~~ :( Vonny

Thanks Tony. I can't add any more, except that I can't see three blocks for smoke, we have a light breeze and it's still daylight--------------awful piccy's of the Tassie blaze on tonight's news and they are in bad trouble there 'cos of houses on the coast. Fingers crossed - our firefighters are worth their weight in gold........ you getting smoke Lara? ....Hz

Latest update on Vic. fires. FIRES - Tuesday 12 December 2006, 1730hrs TUESDAY 12 DECEMBER NORTH EAST VICTORIA The four fires burning in the north east have now burnt approximately 165,000 ha. Residents near the North East Alps and Mansfield fire complexes (see detail of fire complexes below) need to remain vigilant and aware of the fire situation. Boil Water Notice: Residents in the area served by North East Water (including Mt Beauty, Tawonga and Simmonds Creek) are advised to boil water for 1 minute before drinking. This is due to North East Water needing to bypass the water treatment plant for firefighting purposes. North East Alps (approx. 132,000 ha). This fire is a consolidation of all fires in the Ovens and Wangaratta areas, and as indicated in the statewide overview, has now joined with the Mt Darling-Cynthia fire in Gippsland. This fire is burning at the southern end of the Mount Buffalo National Park and on the southern slopes adjacent to the Buffalo River and Buckland Valley. The fire on the western edge of the North East Alps fire near Powers Lookout is still burning strongly. Strong winds overnight resulted in intense fire behaviour and two spot fires near Mt Mary in the Buckland Valley. Mansfield complex (24,000 ha). There are two going fires in this complex (Mt. Terrible and Governor`s). The biggest of these is the Mt Terrible fire, south of Jamieson in the Upper Goulburn Valley. The Mt Terrible fire has burnt 24,000 hectares. The threat to Jamieson has eased slightly. Bright-Tawonga Gap (approx. 9,000 ha). This fire spread further north overnight fanned by a south westerly wind, with fire travelling on the northern side of Tawonga Gap Road. This fire continues to burn strongly and has begun spotting into the Kiewa Valley. Residents in Tawonga and Tawonga South are advised to activate their fire plans and should remain on the look out for burning embers. Community meetings for Tuesday, 12 December: 5:00pm Jamieson, Jamieson Hall Note that the meeting scheduled for Whorouly has been cancelled, as predicted wind changes have not occurred. Tony Oz

Lew, I'm not certain about Bright............but there are flames over the Tawonga Gap.............I think it's very patchy, I'm a bit concerned about Freeburgh also and I'll try to find out about the Bright area for you by listening to local abc radio at 7.....Hope to get back to you later tonight ......Hz

This is not a good thing, Heather! As you know, my Aunt lives in Bright. I spent many a holiday at Wandiligong and time spent on Mt Buffalo. Not Happy Lew xxx

5 40 pm Tuesday : Just watched helicopter suspending a bucket heading for the Hume Weir (it wasn't Elvis) – Kiewa Valley is under ember attack and Cresta Lodge has gone on Mt Buffalo and the Mt Buffalo Chalet is under threat – irreplaceable if it goes…… 'Not Happy Jan ' …. Hz (dismal wave to everybody~~ )

Hi Wattlers, And welcome PIP. I love Cornwall and wanted to live there but we ended up in Devon. Lucky me I now live in Australia. Merle, please be careful and look after that leg of yours. Donna, not sure if you will see this, but all the best with the op, how long you in for?. Give you step daughter a warm welcome from neville and me. Maybe we might see you soon. Well, I am sitting here wondering what else can go wrong. First the hot water heater, then the water pump, then the leaking under ground pipes and now the TV. We have just had a guy round from the antenna people and he has quoted, 190 for antenna, 200 for booster, 200 for set top box, and all he could guarantee was that the picture would be sharper. At the moment our picture is very dark, often we seem to be just looking at a dark brown screen, and the TV is just 2 years old. And yes I have cleaned it. Think we may be buying a new one this week end. That will be our Christmas present I think, just like it was 2 years ago. You would think a Panasonic would have more than a 1 year warranty wouldn't you. Thanks for all the pickles, they are now safelyin my Wattle folder which I will be putting on disc later. But can I please ask that you don't send any more until next Monday as I am just about out of my alowance. Thanks. Glad to hear you all had wonderful Wattling meets. Is that it now before christmas? I do hope all the fires will be quickly under control. It must be very distressing for everyone in those areas. The smoke alone is a big problem for many people. Well I am going to write my cards, if my hands will let me, just do a few a day and I will get them off this week. I am very late this year, usually have it done beginning November. Catch you all later Luv SuzyQ

must be the day for boiled fruit cake. i v'e just got 3 out of the oven. my mums old recipe that we used to get allll the time and i disliked when i was a kid. my kids think i'm crazy. had to do some work related paper/puter stuff and talkies. now starting on the pattern for girlfriends tutu. i didn't think I had enough time, but shes been having a tough trot - hope it will cheer her up. its quiet about here, not many lunchers about. the smell of smoke is quite strong in the air with the brisk southerly, however am feeling deeply for all those suffering it and the flames constantly. lets wish hard for their safety and hope that rain comes soon. ours has stopped. but it was a welcome relief. love Yvette x

Arvo Wattlers. Sunny skies in Malborn, and you can just make out the blue behind the misty high smoke. Shopping centre's ( where i live ) are bustling with people going about there Xmas shopping. Crying and snotty nosed grizzly kids being pulled behind by frustrated mums and dads. Glad I'm past that now....lol Daughter ( Melanie ) and hubbie are coming over to-night for a B.B.Q.....with new grandson Jack,so just stocked up on meat and grog. I will pick up my mum later today and bring her across for the B.B.Q to-night, as she wants to cuddle her latest G,Grandson, as she hasn't seen him yet. All our chrissy lights are up around the decking and the house, and our tree is decorated. My boiled fruit cake has just arrived, courtsey of Barbs Aunt :>))))) so i must hide it away from my kids and grandkids...hee hee..... MINE.....ALL MINE...lol Hope everyones having a great day, and best wishes coming your way to all who are not well. Av a good un......gotta go open the tin and peel back the grease proof paper on the fruit cake and drooool a little.....:>)))) Rudes...:>)))

Afternoon Wattlers and my thoughts to all those affected by these terrible fires. Poor Tasmania and Victoria are really coping it, aren't they. Fingers crossed that they get some rain shortly. Off to get an early lunch. Chat later Lew Lew xxx

Afternoon Wattlers Anna no we are ok with the smoke at the moment. Looking in a s.e direction there are clouds/smoke way out on the horizon. Just heard on 12.00 news that where the fire was burning towards St Helens, there has beena wind change and is now burning south towards St Marys pass and Douglas/ Apsley national parks, if it get over the pass it will be heading straight for Bicheno. Not much rain is forecast, in the north, Launceston is expecting showers and 26 on Thurday, but probably wont get any on East Coast as they never get much rain at the best of times. Cheers Sue

Morning Wattlers - nearly afternoon in the South! Where is everyone?? Busy little bees preparing for Christmas no doubt. I have my genealogy Christmas break up this arvo and the Toowoomba and Darling Downs Family History Society break up tomorrow night - it doubles as the 'christening' of our building in the new location at the cemetery. Have been on a bit of a roll with Chris's family lately - got fed up with mine so am giving them a rest for the moment. They're not going anywhere that's for sure! Hope the rain falls on the fires. Poor Tasmania. Are you getting smoke drift Tassy? Donna - hope the op goes well - good luck. Bet you can't wait for your English visitor. See ya later. X Anna

Morning all and nice and cool today here in Canberra, Welcome Pip.. Nice to see another new visitor.. Had a good retail therapy day yesterday with my daughter and spent up a bit..lol OH stayed home as he cant manage to walk for long so decided to stay home and rest. This afternoon we have our G/daughters graduation from school and it is going to be a big affair.. She is so pleased it is at last all over and she is free,,,,as she says,,lol,,, Donna good luck with the op and hope you recover quickly.. big hugs,,hope s/daughter arrives safely and you all have a lovely christmas.. Laurie,,What fun with the house so full. Pity about the weather today as the Zoo would have been lovely. How about Luna Park,, Rudee Loved you poem and you should put all of them in a folder and when it is full publish them..How is Jack getting on.. Vonny. Thanks for the pickles of a Serfs home lit up but sorry to say I will have to wait till I get home before I can see them, Merle.. Lovely to hear from you and to know that you are on the improve..I hope..I do worry about you so be good , and do as the Doc says, big hug,, and one for himself as he is probably feeling very neglected,,lol Lara How is ya mate...Have you used that pool yet..It was so lovely to see ya on the Balcoooney angain.. Shazz How was the party in the gutter.. Did the boss and the princeth play up or were they good..lol Jood Are you off again today,, cant be long before you leave for WA. Queenie Hope you are OK, and feeling better.. Well I have waffled long enough,, Hpe all are well and hugs for those who are not.. Love Mary xxxx

HI EVERYONE, QUICK HELLO, AND THEN GOODBYE, AS IT IS BEDTIME HERE. GWENDA, THANKS FOR THE PM, WILL REPLY TOMORROW. I WAS CHRISTENED IN HELLAND. HAVE A G AUNT THAT LIVES THERE. SHE IS A FARMER. ANNA, WILL ANSWER YOU, TOMORROW ALSO. GOODNIGHT EVERYONE, HAVE A NICE DAY., ALL YOU LUCKY PEOPLE IN AUSTRALIA, LOVE YOUR COUNTRY, NOT SURE ABOUT YOUR SNAKES AND INSECTS THOUGH !!! PIPS XX

Morning Wattlers, A very grey overcast morning in the Gong, very windy last night but eased now lots of lovely rain and is much cooler We can actually smell smoke here, not sure where its come from, maybe its blown up from the south. Great poems Ducky, and Tony you are so clever. Donna if you are looking in again, good luck for the op and have a great visit with sd and a lovely Christmas. Laurie hope you have a great day out with the little ones, they do wear you out at that age, but its fun. ~~~~~~~~~ to all the wattlers~~~~~~~~ have a great day what ever you are doing. (((((((((( to the not so well))))))))))))))))))) catch you later on Cheers Sandra in the Gong

Good morning from a very windy sultry Botany Bay. Chilly morning, but not much rain happening, just the odd drop here and there. Only one girafe with its head up - two ships in last night and one out! I was just haveing a cuppa tucked up in the corner of the balcoonie watching rake man do his job and had to laugh at poor ladies trying to walk on the beach . . . must have been getting a sand blasting because they dina last for very long on the sand - headed for the sidewalk! Caps blowing off heads and mad scrambles trying to retreive. I can just hear little voices in the spare room so best get ready for the explosion of youthful energy . . . and get some breaky organised. Guess no Zoo today, maybe a mall with a movie theatre would be the best bet. Have a good day all luv Laurie