A New Life Down Under 2009

Outback Experience

2009-10-06T03:15:00.001-07:00

This weekend saw us set out on our first Aussie Outback adventure. A camping trip up to Rainbow Beach. The journey should take around 2 to 3 hours of pleasant driving and is just a case driving North up the Sunshine Coast. That is of course unless you listen to your Tom Tom, in which case around 5 hours seems to be the average time.
For some bizarre reason the Tom Tom seems to think that its a much better idea to take the Cooloola Way, a track that is only passable by a team of Sherpa's, a heard of donkeys, or a crack squadron of highly trained S.A.S. officers.
Its all very pleasant and I suppose a little exciting to do a little off roading but this was very extreme and quite scary. We didn't know it when we turned into Cooloola Way that it was not only bearly passable, but also 50 Klm's long!
We were almost half way though the road with no where to turn back when we had a blow out. Being English we had not thought about the chance of a puncture or the the spare tyre may not be blown up or that we may not even have a jack or a spanner to change the wheel. Fortunately at least we had a signal on our mobile phone to call the R.A.C.Q. Errrm. actually we didn't have that either!!!
After clearing all the back of the car out to get to the spare wheel we lifted the carpet that covered the spare and................ oh no!! It wasn't there. After a couple of seconds of panic I realised it was bolted on the rear door. Fortunately we managed to change the wheel and get on with our journey to Rainbow Beach.
Before heading to camp we stopped to get the tyre repaired, by the time we got to camp we only had about an hour of day light to get a tent we had never even got out of the box up. Fortunately for us we managed to do it in time and saved us having to sleep under the stars.
Saturday was good though with a trip to Tin Can Bay after a camp breakfast for Lauren, William and Adrienne to feed the Dolphins. They loved it with Lauren ticking off one of her life long ambitions. We spent the afternoon chillaxing on the beautiful Rainbow Beach. We really are so lucky.
The kids had dinner on the strip while me and Adrienne had dinner in the surf club. If the meal had been as good as the view it would have been acceptable in London's very own Ivy. Unfortunately it would not have been acceptable served in a transport cafe. With my favourite French onion soup coming straight out of a packet. Never mind, the day and the view from our table was to die for. Oh its an hard life you know

Bribie Island

2009-10-06T02:33:00.000-07:00

We had a trip upto Bribie Island the other Sunday, a lovely beachy day. Becky, Ian and Megan came along too and we finished the day off with a sausage sizzle.

Dress as a J or W

2009-10-06T02:21:00.000-07:00

Jackie one of our friends celebrated her 40th birthday with a bit of a bash. We had to dress as a J or a W (her initials). Andy was Indiana Jones, Lauren was a Junkie/Whore!!!, I was a cross between Joan and Jackie Collins!!! Willam didn't want to go!!! It was a good night, full of Jordans, Witches, Jockeys, etc.

Shopping!!!

2009-10-06T02:13:00.001-07:00

Well its been a while since we posted, time flys by so fast. Lauren and William have been on school holidays. I took a few days off with them and we took a trip into Brisbane centre. The kids went to the cinema and I did a little shopping.

McKenzies Do...

2009-08-25T14:55:00.001-07:00

Well we visited to Mckenzies for a bit of a do. Ians sister Caroline and her husband Phil were visiting, so the BBQ was lit and the stubbies openend. We had a great afternoon and evening........Mr McK was not in a very good state the next day!!!! need we say more!!!!!

Will Chills After School

2009-08-25T14:48:00.001-07:00

William was pretty hot after his bike ride home from school, so what does an engergetic 13 year old do......jumps straight in the pool....go Will....

Maroochydore

2009-08-25T14:39:00.000-07:00

Well its been a while since we posted and must apologise for that. Well it looks like we are coming out of winter, missed Spring, and the Summer is here....the weather has been in the high 30's for the past week. No doubt it will change and Spring will be making an appearance but must say its been lovely.
We had the annual EKKA day holiday on August 8th and we had a trip to Maroochydore, had a lovely lunch, a walk and a few cheeky ones before we headed back home.

Cork Sooking Cowboys

2009-07-13T02:39:00.000-07:00

Last week saw a Mexican feel at the Walowa Street residence. What started as a quite night with a couple of friends soon turned into a Mexican revolution. The evening began with some sizzling Fajitas and one or two coldies. Before we knew it we were all under the influence after consuming various shooters. Cock Sucking Cowboys being the shooter of choice.
By midnight it was all too late and our guests were all in various advanced states of drunkenness.
If Saturday was a night of frivolity then Sunday was a day of recovery as we all had very large hangovers. Oh well, never again!!

Winners and Losers

2009-06-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

Its been a bit (LOT) wet in Brizvegas over the last couple of weekends and as most leisure facilities here are outside we have had to resort to the U.K. way of life again over the weekend. This included hitting the Chermside shopping centre, which incidentally is the largest in the southern hemisphere. And still no Next!! and then on to the bowling centre with Becky, Ian and Megan.
We had a couple of games with Mr. hand eye co-ordination McKenzie winning the first game and Mr. one eye no co-ordination getting beat by the ladies and just managing to beat Megan. And although reminding me on numerous times that I was beaten by the GIRLS, Ian celebrated like a true champion and got another round of beers in.
The second game was a little different though and Mr. Mc struggled to hold the mantle of defending champion, so much so that on one approach to the lane he collapsed in a heap, much to the amusement of all our party and all the other bowlers each side of us.
As the game progressed the competitive streak was begging to show in the pair of us as we each went pin for pin. On our last throws I found myself leading by four. Mr. Mc, the defending champion took to the lane to throw down a superb spare, I then followed knowing nothing less than a spare would do.
Like Sunderland v Leeds, like Wimbledon v Liverpool, like David v Goliath, like Richard Dunn v Ali....... erm no forget the last one! I managed to pull the rabbit out of the bag and hit a strike. Game over....
Unfortunately as you can see Mr. Mc. was not as gracious in defeat as he was as champion. And I thought it only fair to let him know that he was beaten by the bloke that was beaten by the GIRLS!!!!

Rob's Leaving Do

2009-06-14T01:26:00.000-07:00

Well this week started off with a bit of a cold snap. Wednesday night saw us all going to bed wrapped up in PJ's, tee-shirts, socks and extra blankets, during the night the temp got down to 7 degrees....chilly. During the day it was back up to 20 degrees, its so odd, wearing shorts during the day and flanelette PJ's at night.

We are all down with sneezes and runny noses at the moment, but this did not stop us from celebrating "Rob's leaving for England for 3 weeks party". We headed off to Rob and Gails for a sausage sizzle and then partied the night away and had a great night as usual. Rob had installed a new toy in their bar....a pole!!! so we had great fun trying to pole dance!!!

We again visited Morgans for fish and chips on Sunday for a hangover recovery meal...it again was very nice. We took good old Sarsons vinigar and some pickled onions with us and sat in the sunshine, what a lovely way to soak up the booze residue in our systems.

Where does the time go??

2009-06-07T15:21:00.000-07:00

Its been a month since we last updated the blog and for a moment I did not think we had been up to much through May until I had a quick flick through the photo's and it turns out we did quite a bit really.
The start of the month saw us celebrating Adies birthday with dinner at the local Tavern on the Wednesday night with the kids then a return trip on the Saturday for drinks with a more adult collection of friends,I use the word adult very loosely. We had a great night with Adrienne and Niel a.k.a.Kiki Dee and Elton John getting up for a song on the Karaoke thanks several to Vodka and limes.
The same Saturday afternoon me and Niel took the boys fishing off Woody Point pier
The following weekend me and Adie headed down the Gold Coast for the weekend and left the kids at home to look after Becky and Ian!!
With tropical storms coming down from the North, the Gold Coasts beaches were left smashed and so all the beaches were closed. With no beach to sunbath on our only other options were the pubs and restaurants including a trip to one of my favourites, Hooters. The Gold Coast is a fantastic place to visit with something happening round every corner. We had a fab time even though the weather did its best to spoil it for us. Thank you Becky and Ian for having Loz and Will.
We also had a visitor this month with the arrival of Andy 'Rammo' Ramsden, my old school and footballing buddy. Rammo is the only person to come to Australia from the U.K. on holiday for a week!! Although he was only here a week he certainly crammed in the site seeing to say the least, including a visit to Montville, Malany, Mapleton, Mooloolaba and Australia Zoo in one day and was still back in North Lakes by 3.00 pm in time for our after works drinks!! It would take most normal people 3 days to visit those places.
Last Saturday we paid a visit to Niel and Claire's for their house warming, another night of alcohol fuelled fun and festivities. They have built there lovely new home about a mile away from us on North Lakes, we were just glad we booked a taxi to get home as I think we would still be walking home now thanks to the liqueur consumption.
With Becky and Ian staying over at ours that night the drinks started to flow again once we got home with flaming Sambuccas being the drink of choice, some people just don't know when they have had enough. Well some people do don't they Becks!!! Its when you have to run to the toilet to chuck up. LOL
No real damage though as she couldn't remember anything about it the next morning.

Labour Day Weekend

2009-05-05T03:53:00.000-07:00

Yes yet another lovely bank holiday weekend has just passed us by.
Saturday we decided to give the house a bit of a spring clean!!!! so we all chipped in and cleaned up, even the garage got a sweep out too. Then Saturday night we went for a Thai at the local with Garry and Sharryn from across the road and their friend Peter and Cheree. We had a lovely meal, then returned to Garry and Sharryns for a wine tasting!!! umm!!! unfortunately I cannot tell the difference from one red wine to another, especially after drinking several glasses of it!!! It was fun though trying to guess which wine was which. We decided to have a group photo, but Garry had sneaked of to bed after we had tried to convince him to shave off his tash!!! Then when we had done that it was onto the shooters and then the cocktails....needless to say Sunday was hangover recovery day and nothing much was done!!!
Bank Holiday Monday was again a sunny day so we took a trip to Bribie with Becky, Ian and Megan and had a lovely day on the beach. William and Ian had a wrestling match and then both went into the sea to do some boogie boarding. The rest of us watched on the sea shore!!! Megan was loving it chasing the birds around the beach.
Another lovely weekend.xx

Goodbye the Grays

2009-05-01T14:22:00.000-07:00

This week has not been one of the best weeks we have had during our relatively short stay in Australia due to close friends leaving us and heading back to Blighty. They told us of their intentions weeks and weeks ago but it still hits you in the guts when the time comes. When your thousands of miles away from the place you were born, your friends become your adopted family. We will miss them, especialy their sense of humour but wish them all the best in their new life back in the U.K. knowing that we will be life long friends.
O.K. well it was another busy weekend with myself joining my buddy Mick for a round of golf at St. Lucia golf club. Very impressive and I was astounded to to find out it was just a public course. The tee's, fairways and greens were immaculate and for a change I hit quite a few nice balls, this along with Micks excellent contribution saw us turning out winners in the 19th. With the sun shining and an Esky full of tinnies what more could you ask for?
Straight after golf I returned back to Walowa Street to prepare dinner for a few friends to say goodbye to the Grays. I timed it perfectly as I pulled onto the drive, that I could marinade the meat and peel the spuds have a quick beer and still have time for a quick sleep. Well I thought I did until Mr. Gray arrived, after a quick drink he called me out the front to give me a leaving present. Upon opening my garage door he sped off into the sun leaving me with a van marinaded in honey and flour. As if that wasn't bad enough, he had also done the inside with the same ingredients. I felt it was my duty to return the compliment and managed to get hold of his car keys and deliver 1 kg. of Prawn tails into various hidden places inside his car. You can only imagine what that smelt like the next day after sitting in the Australian sun : )
The last supper didn't have the same feel as the many previous ones we had shared with the Grays, but I think we still managed to have a nice evening feasting on Gary and Sharyns lovely curried prawns and Duncan's favourite Kilkoy steaks!!
Sunday, we had a quite subdude day just waiting for the Grays to leave on Monday until Little Megan arrived with Becky and Ian so we decide to bob down to the beach and throw an impromptu barbie with a game of William catch Megan as she as run away again. Those two just love each other to bits.
On the way home we called in at the Tavern to say our final goodbyes to the Grays before heading home. Well not quite straight home, we called in at their house so I could put a pair of scissors through the air bed they were sleeping on just to make sure they had a bad nights sleep before they set off back to the U.K. on a 21 hour flight the next morning!!
Monday was my birthday, not the best day for a birthday. When I got home from work Adrienne, Loz and Will were sat round the lounge table with my cards and very red eyes after saying goodbye to the Grays that day. What a day to have a birthday! I decided to take us out for a slap up Kebab at the local take away and dragged young Jamie along with us as he was as depressed as the rest of us. Thanks to all of you that sent me birthday cards. After Kebabs we called round to Claire and Neils for a quick beer and a slice of my birthday cake that our lovely neighbour Sharyn made for me. At least we finished the day on a nice point.
We have also turned into theatre goers all of a sudden. With a trip to the QPAC theatre to see Steve Cougan last Monday and a trip to see the 39 steps at the 12th. night theatre on Wednesday with a bunch of friends. Thanks to complimentary tickets from our friends Gail and Rob. We had a great time on both occasions.

Rob and Gails

2009-04-19T16:23:00.000-07:00

This weekend we were very kindly invited to Rob and Gails as they threw a leaving party for The Grays. We had a fab night with mine host Rob D.J.ing the night away for all their guests in their OWN PUB adjoining the house!! With a floodlit pool, tropical surrounds and alfresco balcony the setting, like the video from Wham's Club Tropicana was so good even the Possums decided to join us.
Highlights of the night included Robs party games and a visit to see his pet Tarantula!! Taxis were put back an hour as frivolities cut into the night. Gail and Rob ended up in bed at 4 a.m. Thanks you two we had a another great night.

On a foot note for friends and family of the McKenzies:-

It would have been great to have Becky and Ian there but unfortunately they could not make it as they were tired after doing something every weekend since they got here SEVEN weeks ago.Awwwwwwwwwwwww. Sorry you two but that's not the Australian spirit, I think we better H.T.F.U. to quote a famous Aussie comedian.
After the party's we had at McKenzies before we came to Oz, I think they're boxing well below their weight. LOL.

Easter, Festival of Sails, Boat Trip to Morton Island and back to ours.

2009-04-11T23:51:00.000-07:00

Hello from sunny Brizzy once again. Actually its not been so predictably sunny as it usually is this week with some big down pours and a few showers thrown in for good measure. That said we have had a very busy Easter weekend that started with a few cheeky ones and a dinner of bar-b-q'd chicken with garlic and ginger king prawns, with our guests Becky, Ian and Megan on Thursday night. Friday morning we were up bright and early and after a full English breakfast we headed off for the Redcliffe festival of sails down on Suttons beach.
The festival is an annual event with heaps of stalls,rides, eaterys and atractions along the beach front. It took us a while to get there as we had a stroll around the market stalls first, but after buying Cornish pasties for £3.50 english, EACH!!!! we headed for the carnival. We were stopped short on route as we walked past the lagoon, little Miss Megan insisted she was going nowhere until she had herself a dip. We eventually got there around mid afternoon, by the time Megan had a ride on the ponys and we had a bite to eat it was time to head back as Lauren had to go to work. But not before she bought a blow up Dorra the explora for Megan, her face was a picture and she has taken it every where with her since.
We were up early again Friday morning and once again heading down to Redcliffe, this time to the jetty to catch a boat before heading over to Morton Island for the day with a bunch of mates. We had a great day snorkling amongst the ship wrecks and boom netting off the back of the boat even though a bunch of Tiger sharks had been spotted off the island just the night before. We saw no Sharks but lots of Dolphins and their tiny babys. Adrienne cannot lift her arms above her head today after holding onto the boom net for dear life yesterday. Oh well, you only live once!!
The day was finished with an impromptue get together back at ours where after a great day everyone was in great spirits and by the end of the night great spirits was also in them, Vodka, Bacardi,Sambuca,............
P.S. almost forgot to say, Buddy didn't want to be left out of last nights festivities. He was caught skulling a near full glass of Bacardi and coke and didn't even have an hang over this morning. Unlike the rest of us.

Laurens Birthday and New Job

2009-03-30T02:23:00.000-07:00

Hello again from us lot down here. This weeks blog entry sees Lauren starting her first job as Pizza Girl. She has started work for Dominos and according to the staff there she is doing very well. I dont know myself though as last Tuesday she served me and I managed to get a $5.50 pizza for $14.00 dollars. Hmmmmmm quite a bargain I think not. As it was only her 3rd night I just paid for it as the manager was looking over her shoulder!! Tonight she was not working but went with me to order some pizza for tea, we ended up with four pizza's and a bill of $27.00 again I felt a little distressed as I only wanted three pizza's and they should only have been $5.50 each. Now I'm no Steven Hawkins but even I can work out I got ripped again. I think she got better staff discounts before she became a member of staff.
Sunday was her 15th. birthday, Lauren said thank you to all of you that sent cards and gifts. She spent the day with friends on a shopping trip and a visit to the cinema before coming home for a barbi.
We spent Saturday with Ian, Becky and Megan on a park crawl. North lakes has more little kids parks than you can shake a stick at. Megan had a ball on all the swings and slides.

Walowa Street party

2009-03-09T01:21:00.000-07:00

This weekend saw the official welcome to Walowa Street party for the Mackenzie's that started on Saturday evening with a Bar-b-q with our neighbours. The Mackenzie's were not on their best drinking form after a big night on Friday. That said Ian did have a go at a slab of XXXX but Becky retired to bed around 8.30pm with Megan, only for Megan to show up waving to us all from the balcony half an hour later while mummy slept on.
Saturday morning saw us heading up the Sunshine coast bright and early to one of our favourite beaches. After a dip in the lake and chip butty's all round we set off to kings beach for a short walk and an ice cream before heading home to north Lakes.
Loz and Will took an offer up from our neighbour Ray for a ride on the back of his Triumph motorbike when we got home. They said it was 'BRILL!'

At last!

2009-03-02T03:02:00.000-08:00

Well after along time coming the McKenzie's have arrived in Australia. After 24 hours of traveling they came through the arrivals gate not too bright eyed but certainly cheerful. It seems bizarre that they are living just up the road now. It was lovely to see them all again and wish them all the best for their new life in Australia

2009-02-28T23:15:00.000-08:00

We have had a rather busy day today starting with breakfast in the yard and then a quick trip up to Bribie Island to meet some friends for a coffee at AJ's on the eastern surf side. That was followed by a short stroll to the surf club for Lemonade and coke's all round. We then had a drive to the west side of the island to take in some terrific views with the Glass house mountains (that were named by no other than Captain Cook himself) perched high in the distance over the water.
We then returned back to Walowa Street for a quick dip in the pool before heading for the local golf club up the road for a shandy or two. As I said we have had quite a busy Sunday so far and its not over yet as Adrienne is currently making us all a sandwich before we head to the airport for the eagerly awaited arrival of the Mc.Enzies to Brisbane Australia. I think the drinking is about to begin again and probably on the next level!!!

Initiation Ceremony

2009-02-16T23:04:00.000-08:00

This week Lauren was asked to sing the Australian National Anthem with her friend Teah. The ceremony was attended by the emergency services as well as the local big wigs and politicians.You can see her performance in the video bar down the right hand side of the blog. The photo's are of them coming home from school the same day.

A Week of Disasters

2009-02-12T01:34:00.000-08:00

This week has been a week in Australia that the Mills family will choose to forget. After the hideous fires down in Melbourne the current death toll stands at 180 and rising. The R.S.P.C.A. think that over one million animals may have been lost to the inferno also.
Another disaster almost occurred a lot nearer to home as well, in the back yard in fact with William almost breaking his neck diving into the pool. It really was quite frightening as we kept him still sat in the pool waiting for the ambo to arrive. Thanks to Ray and Linda for coming to our aid. After X-rays and numerous tests William was discharged with nothing more serious than an headache and a stiff neck. He still managed to wangle a day off school thanks to mum!
Still I hope we don't have too may weeks like that in a hurry.

Happy 13th Birthday William

2009-01-31T21:44:00.000-08:00

This Wednesday was William's 13th. birthday. Where has our baby gone? Life just flys by a little too quick for my liking. Anyway enough of all that, we celebrated his birthday with a trip to the Rustic Olive. An Italian restaurant recommended to us by one or two people. We arrived around 6.30 pm. and could not believe when asking for a table the reply was do you have a reservation? Saturday night at 8.00 pm fare enough but surly not Wednesday! We were given a table alfresco about 15 meters up the street out side the now closed newsagents. But with a lovely sea view we were quite content. Within 15 mins. the restaurant was full to the brim. Me and the birthday boy had Pizza. Lauren had Lasagna while Adie went for the fish rock pool, a fish combination in a fish sauce served in a soup bowl with a serving of rustic bread.
I must say the food was very nice and no doubt we will return at some point, it maybe when all the Indian restaurants are closed though!
We then returned back to Walowa Street for Will to make a wish and blow the candles on his very nice Strawberry and Chocolate cake. Happy birthday Will XX

Australia Day 2009

2009-01-26T03:35:00.000-08:00

Well yet another lovely hot bank holiday weekend. Friday night we had a power cut and as you do, you sit out front of your house with the neighbours, Garry and Sharyn, open a few bottles of beer and wine, light a few candles and wait for the electricity to come back on....and after three hours when it does.....you just carry on drinking and enjoying the chatter. Great Evening.

Saturday then came and we had a trip upto Bribie Island and rode the waves on the boogie boards. We had a few wipe outs, but had a fun afternoon. Later we had a BBQ with Duncan and Julie. We dressed for the occasion all "Ozzied" up to celebrate Australia day. Another few bottles later and we danced the night away.

Sunday was another hot one and we enjoyed a swim in the pool and another BBQ and a few more bottles of beer. Then had an England V Australia Wii competition with Garry and Sharyn, but as tradition dictates Australia were the victors!!!!

Monday was a recovery day and we had a stroll on the front at Redcliffe, but stopped for a cheeky beer on the way back home.

All in all another fine weekend in Brizvegas.

Arty's and Party's

2009-01-11T01:58:00.000-08:00

We have had another lovely day in Brisvegas with a little bit of culture added to the Mills life style this morning. We took a trip into Brisbane and visited the art gallery's and science museum, Although we enjoyed the museum I don't think we will be rushing back to the art gallery's. It was just a little too arty farty for a girl from Belle Isle and a boy from Middleton. That said you have to try these things!
This afternoon we went up to one of the many local parks for Laurens friend Emily's 16th. birthday party. The occasion was made even more special with a visit from a big Alpha male Kangaroo and another lovely sunset.

Wet and Wild

2009-01-04T23:53:00.000-08:00

Today was Adrienne's final day of the Christmas holidays and it saw us taking a trip to Wet and Wild about 60 mins. drive South on the Gold Coast. The weather although starting a little cloudy was anything but wet and wild with another Queensland summers day doing the business for us.
The kids had heaps of fun on the various high thrill rides, although I think the next time we pay a visit it will be when the rest of Australia is back in their home states. We didn't realise that Brisbane is the holiday retreat for the rest of Australia at this time of year and this fact didn't help with queuing for the various rides. That said the kids had a great time and made us promise to take them back.
Who knows the next time we pay Wet and Wild a visit it could be with you. Now that would be nice!!!

New Years Eve 09

2009-01-02T15:36:00.000-08:00

December the 31st. saw us bring in the new year with our good friends Julie and Duncan and their lovely family. We arrived around 3.30 in the afternoon for drinks and then dinner of Garlic,Ginger and Chili prawns cooked to perfection by executive T.V. celebrity chef Duncan Gray, followed by a beautifully cooked, hand picked locally grown Killcoy steak around 5.00. Dinner was followed by a review of the year which featured a collection of calamity's and disasters of 08 mainly featuring Mr.Gray himself. I have no doubt that this will be an annual event, I also have no doubt that next years main culprit will be Mr. Mills but it is all good fun!
Other friends started to arrive around 8.00 for a party in the style that only the Gray house could produce. It was another superb party thanks to mine hosts Duncan and Julie with drinks and fun flowing effortlessly through the night. With the sound of new year ringing in 09 the party found its way into their pool with people diving and jumping in in various stages of dress! Nice one the Grays you did us proud.
Finally we would just like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and prosperous 09, lets all make the most of this year as remember unless your Marty Hopkirk, you only live once. Happy New Year XXXX

Hinterland

2008-12-29T01:13:00.000-08:00

We have just returned home from a trip up to the Hinterland, around one hours drive North from home. On the back of a dodgy weather forecast the sun shone for us all day. We should all sleep like babies tonight!

Time fo a Cheeky one.

2008-12-28T15:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday saw us all take a trip into Brisbane C.B.D. for a bit of a sight seeing tour and a couple of cheeky ones. We took the City Cat from Bulimba to South Bank then walked up through the park to the City Beach and then on towards the city stopping to take lunch in one of the many public houses and sink a CHEEKY ONE or TWO along the way. Well it would have been rude not to in these temeratures!!! We then strolled on through the C.B.D. back to the City Cat mooring on the other side of the city for a twenty minute sailing back to bulimba, but not before calling for another CHEEKY ONE or TWO. You may not believe it but we dropped Peter off at the North Lakes Tavern on route home, where he participated in his favourite sport of the CHEEKY MARATHON!

A recovery day

2008-12-27T16:53:00.000-08:00

After the annual drink fest that comes around every Christmas we found our selves in the post boxing day recovery position. Laid down on a sofa , T.V. buttons in one hand and recovery nibbles in the other with a good blast of air conditioning to cool us down. After many cat naps and various NON alcoholic drinks we started to feel a little better. Peter and Pauline returned around 7.30 after paying homage to one of the local R.S.L.s they like to frequent in time for a game of Taboo and a Portion of Singstar. I have to say if there are any game show producers out there, you could make a lot of money from the Peter Giles Taboo and Singstar Challenge, he had us all in stitches. It was just a shame that our other U.K. Singstar celebrities we'nt with us (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!) to complete the evening.

Merry Boxing Day

2008-12-26T17:56:00.000-08:00

Boxing Day saw us visit our friends Mick & Julie for a boxing day party.
It was another fab sunny day. We arrived at their house and the kids went straight into the pool. Later in the evening the guys jumped in and played basket ball and the usual male games of trying to drown one another. Later the ladies went in the pool, fully clothed or partly clothed, but we all had a fantastic time.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-25T14:04:00.000-08:00

Well the day started early...thanks Will. William and Lauren opened their presents with the help of Buddie. Buddie had opened one of Andy's presents before we got downstairs!!!
We then went to Scarborough for breakfast on the beach, which again was a lovely way to start our Christmas day.
After a few hours at Scarborough, we headed back home and had a dip in the pool. We had some blow up dragons, where you had to sit on their backs and fight your oponent with blow up swords....if you could balance on them!!!! Andy and Lauren were the champions....Will and myself spent most of the time upside down in the water!!! The pool is also full of Vino...thanks to Mum, she kept falling off the lilo!!! what a laugh we all had.
We then all had lunch we ate prawns, chicken, Morton Bay Bugs, Steak, potatos, salad and the famous....Jennifer Esteve Trifle....
Early evening saw us walk down to our friends Duncan and Julies for a few more cold ones, a lovely end to a lovely day.
Merry Christmas Everyone xxxxx

Christmas Eve

2008-12-24T01:34:00.000-08:00

This afternoon saw us all chill out up at the North Lakes Tavern with a welcome cold cheeky one or two with some old pomie friends. All the Christmas preparation is done and now its just a matter of waiting for the big red one to pop down our chimney or air conditioning duct, which ever is the most convenient. Due to popular demand, Christmas by the beach has been cancelled for breakfast on the beach and Christmas by the pool! We here in Oz hope you all have a super Christmas and a fantastic new year.

Breakfast on the beach

2008-12-20T17:16:00.000-08:00

The first day of the Christmas SUMMER!!! holidays saw us taking breakfast on the sea front at Scarborough with some of the friends we have made during the time we have been in Australia. It was a good turn out with around 25 people showing up. We find its the simple things like this that makes living in Oz so special, breakfast was followed by a game of touch and pass rugby which got a little sticky in the morning sun and so some of us decided to cool off with a swim in the ocean whilst others just sat taking in the superb views with a drink and catching up with whats been going on.

2008-12-14T02:40:00.000-08:00

After a slightly delayed start to today due to last nights Walowa Streets Christmas street party and the severe hangover that awaited me the following morning! the Mills and the Giles had a short trip to the Belverdier hotel on the front of Woodypoint beach. Mr. Giles was in fine form drinking copious amounts of XXXX bitter while Mr. Mills drank copious amounts of diet Coke. As per script the sun shone for our little outing. After a light lunch the Mills departed for a cool off in the pool whilst the Giles departed for the Scarborough RSL. one of many social clubs that they like to frequent on a regular basis. In fact they have asked Peter if he would consider being their President in 2009!!

Visitors

2008-12-14T00:06:00.000-08:00

Well Mum and Peter have been here a week already. They have joined all the RSL & League Clubs in the area and tasted quite a few of the beers!!!
We went to Bribie Island yesterday and had fun in the surf....and then a few beers in the surf club to cool down!!!
Later that night we had a street party. All the neighbours got together for a BBQ and yes....a few beers!!!

Today we had to trip to the Old Petrie Markets and then to Woody Point for a bite to eat....and a few more beers, then a dip in the pool.
The weather has been fantastic this weekend and we have again enjoyed a lovely weekend in the sun.

2008-12-05T15:43:00.000-08:00

We have new visitors from England, GRANDMA and GRANDAD! Lauren and William were expecting a friend of ours from perth, Susanne. There faces were a picture when they realised that they had been set up as you can probably see. They are here for a month through Christmas so look out for future posts.

World Cup 2008

2008-11-23T00:33:00.000-08:00

Well we made the choice after England failed to reach the final and chose our new home Australia.....oopps maybe we should have emigrated to New Zealand!!! The score was 20 - 34 and New Zealand are the new Rugby World Cup Champions.

We went to Suncorp Stadium thinking we were going to come home winners for a change....then fate intervened, but what a fantastic time we had, the atmosphere was superb as we partyed with the Kiwi's after the game.

What a Weekend

2008-11-19T00:04:00.001-08:00

We have had yet another busy weekend. Lauren and I went to Sydney with friends, Sharyn and Cassie. We set off on Saturday morning at 5am and flew to Sydney. We had a great time visiting the sights. Sydney Opera House, Sydney Tower, Harbour Bridge,had a ferry ride around the Harbour to see the sights and, of course, shopping. The weather was a little overcast but that didnt spoil the fun.

William and Andy didnt miss out though....they had tickets to the Rugby World Cup Semi Final.....England V New Zealand. Unfortunately England didnt win, but they had a fab time.

2008-11-09T02:32:00.000-08:00

With the weather being a little cloudy this morning we decided to have a trip up mount Coo-tha for a spot of lunch. The views of surrounding Brisbane were fantastic. After lunch we drove down to the river for a quick coffee that turned into a quick Corona and a live band in the Powerhouse theatre before driving past the Castlemain brewery back up to North Lakes.

North Lakes Got Talent

2008-10-24T23:17:00.000-07:00

Well last week saw Lauren on the stage at North Lakes State College School fair. She sang Bubbly by Colbie Calliat. She did really well and got a great response from all the audience. We were realy proud of her. You can see her performance by clicking on the youtube link on the right of the page. It was another beautiful cloud free day and we had a great time. Although we probably spent more dollars in the English shop than we should have. Well how could we resist. We came home with Walkers crisps, a can of Tizer, a packet of Chewits, some Blackpool rock!!, a packet of Skips, and some penny sweets. Oh yes and a can of Dandelion and Burdock.

After Work

2008-10-07T13:24:00.001-07:00

It was a beautiful evening, so Andy was home and in the pool with the kids before
I got home. It only took a couple of mins and I was in with them. What a lovely way to end the day....Buddie wasn't too impressed though!!!

Mundane Sunday

2008-10-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

Hey look, just to let you all know its not all sunshine, beaches and pool parties here's a few pics of us doing our chores around the house.
Oh well, roll on next weekend :)

Kings And Currie

2008-10-04T03:20:00.000-07:00

We have just got back from another great day at the beach. We hit the Bruce highway bright and early this morning around 8.00 a.m. and headed north for an early morning swim in the crystal clear ocean off Kings beach. With lauren away with friends camping this weekend it meant me and Adie having to entertain Will in the surf. The swell at Kings beach was very forgiving but the same could not be said for a later visit to Currimundi. We were getting smashed, It really is fun in those big waves and the boogie board got a bit of a ruff ride. In fact one of the boards got smashed in two at one point. As perfect a view that it it was a pod of Humped back whales came swimming by with their babys to make it even better.About 400 yards out raising to the top of the surf slapping their tales and firing water from their blow holes into the clear blue sky, it really was surreal.
The vest of travel (a leaving gift from Becky and Ian)got its first outing for a while today along with my surfer dood wig. It always manages to raise a few eyebrows.

Feeling refreshed from the cool sea we then had a game of beach volley ball with some friends and a barbie at the side of the lake. A little later in the afternoon Will went for an impromptu fishing trip with his buddies, unfortunately he didn't manage to catch a thing except for a nice tan!
All in all we truly had another great day in the land of Oz.

Bribie Island

2008-09-27T02:16:00.000-07:00

We have had a lovely day on the beach at Bribie Island today. The kids have been swimming in the sea and jumping the waves and have loved every minute. We even had a game of hopscotch on the beach.

Friday Andy took Lauren and William upto Kings Beach and Dickie Beach on the Sunshine Coast, they had a whale of a time kyaking and swimming in the sea..whilst I was at work!!!

Just Random

2008-09-23T00:07:00.000-07:00

Here's some random Photo's taken over the weekend.

Holiday time

2008-09-22T17:19:00.000-07:00

Its school holiday time again here in Brizzy and me and Adie are taking some time off with the kids. Yesterday we decided to take a trip up to Currimundi, one of many superb beaches along the Sunshine Coast. We were joined a little later by our friends Duncan and Julie and their family. As per script the weather was faultless with a southerly breeze blowing along the shore line to stop us all from getting too hot. This along with a picturesque setting normally only seen in travel brochures set aside for the rich and famous made for an idyllic day.
The kids made the most of the day swimming in the crystal clear Pacific ocean only leaving the water to have their lunch.
The day ended with us all watching another fabulous Queensland sunset to the west over the Glasshouse Mountains.

Buddy's Birthday

2008-09-01T03:51:00.000-07:00

Today is Buddy's Birthday. He is 5 years old. He celebrated by opening his presents and having sausages on the Bar-Bi for tea, he then took a walk up to the dog park where his mates gave him a suprise race round the dog track. Happy birthday Buddy

Susanne Vists...and the River Festival

2008-09-01T03:29:00.000-07:00

We had a visitor from Perth this weekend. Susanne our friend from Chesterfield (who now lives in Perth) had a business trip to Brisbane last week and came to stay with us for the weekend. It was lovely to see her again.
We had a few bottles of wine on Friday night. hic hic.
Saturday we went to Sails on Suttons Beach and had a lovely breakfast sat in the sunshine. We then came back home and sat by our pool for a few hours and then took a trip to Brisbane to watch the River Festival. It was a lovely day and a fantastic evening. We started off with a BBQ by the river and then watched the firework display and the F1 11 do its dump and burn, what a fantastic sight.

Sunday we waved a sad goodbye to Susanne, we then took a trip to Woody Point for a cheeky beer and and ice cream to what we thought would finish the weekend on a nice note.

Then Andy had to water the new turf we have had laid to the front garden. I had just taken him a coffee out, when Sharron from across the road came over...we ended up drinking yet another couple of bottles on wine....I think I need to open a vineyard!!! It was a great end to a fantastic weekend. Gary, Sharron and the kids stayed a few hours and we threw a few things on the Barbie, it was a great impromtu end to the weekend. (Must say I did wobble a bit on the stairs to bed!!!)

What a Year!!

2008-09-01T03:17:00.000-07:00

Well we celebrated a year in Oz last weekend and had a fantastic time. We started the weekend off on the Friday night with a meal out with Julie and Duncan...we turned up at their house in their clothes, which was really funny as we walked in and they realised what we had done (thanks to Lauren and Paisley for sneaking the clothes out).
Saturday morning we all took a trip to Scarborough and had a BBQ breakfast, followed by a few games of cricket.
Saturday night was spent at Julie and Duncans where we all dressed up and partied the night away with some of our friends. It was a really great night.
Sunday was a recovery day!!!

Mooloolaba

2008-08-13T01:22:00.000-07:00

We had our selves a bank holiday holiday today in Brisbane. The Brisbane show day, very similar to the Yorkshire show. Its known localy as the E.C.C.A. (don't know what that stands for) Anyway we decided to go up the Sunshine Coast road to Mooloolaba for lunch at the surf club. The club its self sits right on the beach and has superb panoramic sea views.
Me, Adrienne and William went for the roast dinner as it included crackling Hmmmmmm and Lauren went for the freshly caught home made Calamari. Laurens friend Cassie went for the potatoe wedges and dips, the food and views got top marks from us all.
We then went down the beach to Baskin Robbins for Ice Creams and Capuchino's before heading back home.

Trip to Brizzy

2008-08-11T01:04:00.000-07:00

This Sunday the four of us had a trip to Brizzy along with Laurens friend Cassie. It was another beautiful day with clear skys. At around 23 degs. the weather was not too shabby for the middle of winter. We took a ride in on the City Cat, then had a look through the shops and markets. After all that work we called into the Plough Inn for a well earned cold drink and then had ourselves a picnic on the grass in front of the river before heading back up the Sunshine coast road back to North Lakes.

"Its just like Yorkshire " With SUN!!

2008-08-03T03:49:00.000-07:00

Today the four of us took a trip to the Kondalilla Falls close to Mapleton, about an hours drive North up the Sunshine coast road. The falls are in one of many National Parks in the area and the views are simply superb. Will stood on one of the observation towers and after looking out over the 125 meter drop, turned and said to me,"its just like Yorkshire". After a stroll round the park we had Bar-b-q lunch before heading back with a stop at Montville village where we tucked into home made scones with jam, fresh cream and a pot of tea. Oh its a hard life, but I guess some one has to do it

Golf With Will!!

2008-07-27T02:27:00.000-07:00

Andy and Will went for a bonding time at the golf course on Saturday morning with our neighbours from across the road Gary and Adam. They had a great day out apart from William talking when the other guys were taking their shots!!! William was in charge of the camcorder and he took some great shots of the ducks swimming in the lake and the guys legs...but not a lot of the golf.... Apart from a great shot of Andy and a tree......

Sunday we went to Petrie Old Town for a walk around the markets, it was a lovely Sunday morning and we had a lovely coffee and a slice of cake before we headed home, for some of Andys homemade French Onion Soup.

Dayboro and Mt. Cootha

2008-07-21T00:57:00.000-07:00

Sunday arvo we took a short ride to Dayboro and a ride up Mt. Cootha. Once again it's another beautiful village that time seems to have forgot. We are so lucky to be central to so many coast and country beauty spots. The day was completed with traditional Aussie pies for dinner. Oh yes, and guess what? It was nice and sunny again ; )

Samford Valley

2008-07-21T00:31:00.000-07:00

This weekend we took a trip to see Ian and Beckys Auntie Pat down in Samford. It is a beautiful village with all the property's on acerage. Luckily for us it just happened to be the local winter fair with a full size fair ground, helicopter rides, plus all the usual arts and crafts, exhibitions and even pig racing. As usual the sun made a guest appearance for us which made for a lovely day.

Welcome to Oz, Shaz and Phil.

2008-07-13T04:02:00.000-07:00

Hi all, well this weekend saw the arrival of Shaz(pinkcat) and Phil(pinkcat) and their children Jack and Lewis to Ozzy. They are friends of ours from Bradford, England. Consequently we spent Sunday getting rid of a pretty good hang over!!
Once again the weekend has just flown by. We decided at 4.00p.m. to go down to Suttons beach for a fish and chip supper. Cassie, Laurens friend from over the road came along with us.

The deep of winter.

2008-07-02T00:39:00.000-07:00

We have now been here for ten months and find our selves back in the same season that we arrived in, Winter! The days are shorter with sun rise about 7.45 and sun set around 5.15. The mornings are noticeably chillier and can get down to around 9 degs. , the same applies to the evenings. The afternoons are beautiful though sitting around an average of 23 to 24 degs. The kids have settled well now and have made heaps of friends. Adrienne has been adding the girlie touches to the patio area with pots and plants.
Its the State of Origin deciding game tonight, its one of the biggest sporting events on the Australian sporting calender. The two states of of Queensland and New South Wales battle it out rugby league style for bragging rights for the next twelve months. We are planning to celebrate it with our neighbours from across the street.

Laurens Giggs

2008-06-16T02:34:00.000-07:00

Lauren recently took a visit to the optician after complaining that she finds it hard to see the white board at school and sure enough we found that she is short sighted.
I just wish we had found out back in the U.K. as there is no national health glasses for kids in Oz. She is growing up so quick and the glasses don't slow the process down at all. It seems to be helping her with her studies though as since she got them last week, she has finished top of her class in maths and has just got an A in music. Her mum got an A in drinking alcohol this Saturday. We arrived at a friends at 6.00pm and left at 2.30am in this time she never put her drink down. As if that wasn't enough we were back up at 9.00am, invited to our neighbours for brunch where upon she started the day with a big glass of Bucks Fizz, I think she thinks she's Sue Ellen.

Returning to England

2008-06-16T01:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry to all our readers,we have not posted anything on our blog since May 5th. this was due to our return to England. It was nice to return and see family and friends albeit under sad circumstances.
We have just about got over the jet lag and we really have not stopped since we got back but at last we can say the pool and surrounding area is now complete.
We seemed to hit the ground running when we got to the U.K. and it was a shame that our visit was so rushed although we did manage to see all the people that were important to us.
Thanks Peter for the lift from the airport, I just hope one day I get the opportunity to do it for you. ( from Brisbane airport that is )
It was great to get the opportunity to see Jack play some cricket up at Bardsey club, keep it up pal and one day you may be over here giving the Aussies a run for their money.
Thanks to Pauline and Peter for the use of there house, I'm glad we won't be there when Peter gets the heating bill!!
Thanks to Damie and Louise for dinner on Sunday that was the first roast dinner we have had for ages, its just a shame Leeds united got a roasting at the same time.
Thank you very much Jaron and Becky for sorting out mums arrangements, you did a superb job and we don't know what we would have done without you.
OH eck this is turning into an Oscars thank you speech.
But finally thanks to all of you that took time out to see us we miss you and can't wait to see you all again soon.
Love, Andy, Adie, Lauren and Will XXXX

Bank Holiday Weekend

2008-05-05T04:13:00.000-07:00

Its been another lovely long Labour Day weekend. Saturday we went to some friends for a few drinks.....which we had a few too many!!! Had a good time though. So Sunday was spent recovering!!! Then today we have been to Scarborough and met some familys from the Aussiemove site. We had a BBQ and a few drinks, whilst the kids played on the beach and in the climbing trees. A good time was had by all. Lauren spent a little time on the beach making a mermaid sculpture in the sand.

Buddie - Chilling by the pool.

2008-05-05T04:05:00.000-07:00

Well as you can probably tell from our posts, we have all settled in pretty well, but the one guy we have not mentioned is Buddie. Well as you can see from the picture, he has also settled very well. We have to keep applying sun screen to him, but he will lay in the sun on his sun lounger for ages!!! He loves going for walks here too....no jumper required!!!

Gosh Grandma is 90!!!

2008-05-02T03:29:00.000-07:00

Well could not let this one go by. My grandma was 90 years young on the 21st April and I have just been sent a photo. Doesn't she look well. Hope I am as fit as my Grandma Emily when I celebrate mine. Lots of hugs and kisses to you xxxx

Also a pic of my sis Joanne and Niece Georgia...enjoying the party celebrations...wish I could have been there...hope you had a pop for me.xxx

Happy 46th Birthday Andy!

2008-04-27T02:52:00.000-07:00

Well its Andy's 46th birthday today, hee hee. We had a few calls from England to wish him well, and he also says thanks to everyone for the cards.

We had breakfast at home....bacon sandwiches. Then we had to trip through the Glass House Mountains, which was beautiful. We stopped off at Malany for a walk around this quaint village. We then went through Montville and went to the Tavern at Mapleton for a drink. We had a bite to eat in the Penny Farthing, which again had beautiful views from the mountain tops.

The views from these mountains are fantastic, we were that high up our ears were popping!!!
It was a lovely day again.

Isla

2008-04-20T04:57:00.000-07:00

Well had to put a picture of little Isla on the blog. She was with Lauren for about 10 minutes last night. They were both drawing. Unfortunately Isla thought it would be better to draw on her face and legs rather than paper. She is so cute though.

Spare Ribs!!

2008-04-20T04:41:00.000-07:00

Well Andy has done it again. His has created yet another fab sauce, this time for spare ribs. The local butcher has asked me for the secret recipe, as I keep buying all his ribs. Duncan and Julie have their mum,dad and Duncans daughter Lauren over for a month at the moment and we invited them over for a BBQ on Saturday....to try Andys new sauce!! The evening was a great success and the ribs went down a treat. Our Lauren sung a few songs and Duncans Lauren accompanied on the guitar, a very musical evening. The girls all ended up in the pool too. As you can see from the photo of William, the ribs went down a treat!!!

Scarborough for tea.

2008-04-13T01:44:00.000-07:00

Hi all, we have had a lovely weekend. The weather has been superb just like the summers in Britain that I remember as a kid. The kids and Adie have been in the pool today while I have been golfing. We finished a perfect Sunday with tea by the sea, at Scarborough. A traditional Ozzy Bar-B-Q and a couple of cold ones.

Snow Roo

2008-04-07T02:10:00.000-07:00

We have just been watching the news to see Kevin Rudd meeting with Gordon Brown in a snow covered England. Hope your all having fun on your sledges. Just watch out for one of these hoping up your drive way, as they will eat all your flowers! Take care all, from sunny Brizzy

Nearly there.

2008-04-06T03:14:00.000-07:00

Ouch! Our backs are killing. We have just spent the whole weekend paving the back yard. No beach for us this weekend. Adrienne has carried 270 pavers from the front of the house to the back. With a bit of luck we should have at least one side of the pool completed next weekend.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAUREN

2008-03-29T04:28:00.000-07:00

Lauren is 14 today!!! WOW. Lauren opened her birthday presents and cards with a little help from Buddie....he is a good present opener, especially if there are sweets or chocolates in them. After the neighbours left our house around tea time tonight, we quickly got washed and changed and went to a local restaurant for tea. We then came home and lit the candles on Laurens Donut-King Dinosaur Birthday Cake!!! scrummy. Lauren wants to say thank you to everyone who sent cards and presents, she had a lovely day.

Levelling Out!!!

2008-03-29T04:15:00.000-07:00

Well today started early with Jamie the "BOBCAT" man turning up around 7.30 am to start levelling out the garden around the pool. Andy and I had been in the garden since around 7am moving chairs, tables, barbeques etc out of the way. We filled the truck and visited the tip 3 times with the muck. Andy spread the roadbase and whacked it down, he was knackered by tea time!!! The garden is looking a little tider now, but still got a long way to go. Andy has now to pave it!!! We had just started to clear the tools etc away when a couple of the neighbours popped over to have a look....a few bottles of wine and beer later.......

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRO.

2008-03-27T00:49:00.000-07:00

Congratulation bro on your special birthday. I hope I,m looking as good, and can play golf to your handicap, and darts as good as you, and football as good as you when I,m 46!! We really, really wish we could be there to celebrate your special birthday with you, unfortunately that will not be the case.But we hope you have a really great time all the same! We will raise a glass or two for you at the weekend mate. Once again HAPPY BIRTHDAY from us all down under XXXX

HAPPY EASTER from us down under X X X X

2008-03-22T03:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone. We had a lovely Good Friday at Suttons Beach in Redcliffe. It was the Festival of Sails, a yacht race from Shorncliffe to Gladstone. There were craft stalls, food stalls, live music, aeroplanes writing messages in the sky and the sun was shining. We had a lovely day, apart from Andy losing his mobile phone!!! luckily we got a telephone call that night, and the people who had found it just lived round the corner....how lucky was that!!!

wE go beach tOday

2008-03-10T04:07:00.000-07:00

In kaziczstan hello every people. today me and my family go to side of sea in hot day. many people are there and say good day morning if i look to them. I like it in here this country as there is many sexxy lady that i like. today i do many wolf whistle but not get a lady to come to dance at my house. i am hope you like my picture that i give to you from a long way. goodbye to you now xxxx

Scott and Eli

2008-03-08T01:07:00.000-08:00

We had visitors from England again this weekend, an old workmate of mine from Strategic, Scott and his wife Eli. We spent Friday night at an impromptu party at our friends Duncan and Julie's, they too have visitors in their son Ryan and his girl friend Rai. Ryan reminds me so much of his dad, except that Ryan is funny, handsome, has hair, is good at sport, can hold an interesting conversation and is not tight! A good time was had by all but especially by Julie who after seeing away most of Australia's stock of Asti, spent most of the night dancing, singing classic British musicals, singing singstar or standing on her head drinking a glass of water. She really was bang on form, go for it Barb's.
Scott too was well up for a good night and managed to put away few bottles of Australia's finest. Well done again J and D, you sure know how to throw a good old cockney Knees up! We finally managed to get to bed after midnight with the sounds of Oliver, The lion king, Mary poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang bang turning in our heads. I'd anything, for you dear anything, yes I'd do anyth......................

The Pool has arrived.

2008-02-26T01:52:00.000-08:00

Its exciting times at 3 Walowa Street right now as our pool has been delivered and is being installed. It only arrived yesterday and the install is almost complete. We are just waiting for the copings round the top of it to be put in place. Its quite amazing the pace at which it goes in. They started the dig at about 8.00 a.m. yesterday and the crane was lifting it over the roof at 3.00 p.m. By 3.30p.m. it was in place. The builders came back today to put the pumps and filters in and fill the sides.By next Monday or Tuesday it should be completed, cleaned and handed over to us and the kids should be swimming in it. Thanks also to our friend Mick who fit us an external socket for the pump.
We spent this weekend helping move our other friends Duncan,Julie and kids to their new home. They have stayed in the area and have in fact only moved a few hundred yards. There new place is fantastic and we would like to wish you all the luck in the world there. We started the move on Friday evening and was done by Saturday dinner which was good as the temperature was up to 105 degs. We spent the afternoon in their pool and the evening on their patio With a good old Ozzy Bar-B-Q and cold beers.

Williams Birthday

2008-02-18T01:49:00.000-08:00

Hi all, yes I know its been a while since we have posted but we have been so busy. Sorry! Since our last post Will has had another birthday and is now 12 going on 21.
On his birthday we took a trip into Brisbane, taking the City Cat from Bulimba into the city. Bulimba is a quaint little village with big money properties and is probably Australia's equivilant of Harrogate. We visited the B.B.C. (Brisbane Brits Club) meeting at the Pig and Whistle and had a spot of lunch and one or two sherberts before taking the ferry back to Bulimba for a curry. As nice as the curry was it just doesn't hit the spot like a U.K. curry, but Will enjoyed it so that was worth it. We took him to Skirmish the day before his birthday, which is like lazer quest except you share a forest with deadly snakes and spiders. I didn't think of that until it was too late! Anyway we all had a good time and no one got bit except by the Mozzies anyway.
We went there with our good friends Julie and Duncan A.K.A.(Barbara Windsor and Boycie) and their kids, Paisley, Danny, Abbey and Isla. They're real nice people and good fun which is very unusual for Cockneys! and have made settling in Australia a lot easier for us. After Skirmish we retired to the Mills residence for tea and biscuits. Well no not really it was a Barbi and a few bottles. A big night was had by all and our guests left in the early hours with echoes of Singstar going around the corridors of Walowa Street.

Go the Roar!

2008-01-19T16:29:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday saw the Mills family visit the Suncorp Stadium for the 1st. time to see Queensland Roar take on Sydney in a 2nd. v 3rd spot fixture. Both teams needed the points as the top two will play in the Asian Champions League. Not Quite the European Champions league, infact its more like the county cup! Still we had a great time and at only $73.00 for the four of us including transport to the ground and back home turned out to be fantastic value.
The experience is nothing like going to a game in the uk. For a start off the police couldn't take the shoe laces out of the visiting fans shoes and boots like they used to in the 70's as everyone had flip flops on!! Infact it was nothing like it at all come to think of it. With no sign of aggression amongst supporters the only bad language we heard was when the chip I put in my mouth at half time was a bit too hot. Its nice to be able to have a cold beer on the terraces like we used to back home as well. It must have been ridiculously hot for the players as we were sweating like a pork pie at a Jewish wedding just sat watching it. Juninio the ex. Middlesborough forward turned out for Sydney, it was a good job I bought a program though as i would not have recognised him. It appears the world cup winner has taken to pies since his arrival down under. Micheal Bridges ex. Leeds United also turned out for Sydney but was about as deadly for Sydney as he was during his spell for Leeds, as the game ended up in a one all bore draw. All in all we had a great night and I can't say I missed the long walk up Wesley Street in the rain, moaning about the chances Leeds missed and why we sold Eric to the Scum!! But then again maybe I do?................No only Joking, come on the Roar!!!!!!!

Bye, Bye

2008-01-10T02:26:00.000-08:00

Wednesday 2nd January saw us saying goodbye to our visitors from the U.K. It really was fantastic to see them and so sad to see them go. We all left the airport in pieces. I think it dawned on all of us just how far away we are from you all. If we had had tickets I think we would have been on the plane back with them given the chance. Australia is a beautiful country which would only be bettered if we had our family and friends here with us. Unfortunatly in life you can't have everything. So don't forget about us and remember anytime you want to visit we would be glad of the company. Anyway here's a few photo's of happier times when they were with us. Thanks for the visit Dami, Louise, Joe and Em. We know it wasn't cheap, but we hope it was worth it. XXXX

Pictures from Dream World

2007-12-30T17:00:00.000-08:00

Here's some pictures we took while Dami, Lou, Joe and Em were with us.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OZ

2007-12-25T15:21:00.000-08:00

Its Boxing day as we write the next chapter of our blog and we are now in the company of my cuzz Dami and family, Louise, Joe, and Emily, Its great to see them especialy with it being our first Christmas in Oz. They arrived last Thursday after visiting friends in Sydney and a trip up to the Barrier reef. Its been non stop since their arrival with visits to the Gold Coast on the very wet jet boat ride (its just a pitty we did'nt have a camera as Dami and Louise's faces were priceless)a trip to Bribie Island and Australia Zoo. The kids had a ball yesterday on the beach at Curamundi, with a Barbi at the side of the lake, body boarding in the waves and drifting down the lazy river. Well this chapter is very brief as we have loads more to do and the day is getting away from us, So we hope you had a lovely Christmas and we will post early in the new year. Merry Christmas XXXX

Our New Home

2007-12-02T02:23:00.000-08:00

Hi all sorry we have not updated the blog lately.
Well its been non stop over the last couple of months, I have picked up a job in Bulimba as a leading carpenter, its a little bit further to travel than I wanted but its a pleasent journey, around 40 minuits in traffic passing the airport two race courses and two golf courses.They are builders of up market bespoke propertys so the work is quite interesting.
We had the works christmas party this Friday. Very impressive with a trip down to Surfers paradise and a blast on the jet boats, dinner at the Blue Fire harbour front restaurant and a stop over at the Sheraton Mirrage. Not quite up to the standards of a dinner time finish and a pub crawl round Holbeck but if I really try I think I could put up with it.
Adrienne has started work in an office doing all the admin. She is working part time 25 hours a week. Her boss says she can come and go as she pleases, just do the 25 hours a week, which is good.
We have bought our own house now and move in on the 12th December. So it will be our first Christmas in Oz in our own home, which is very exciting.

We had a few laughs along the way looking at homes. They do open houses here where you don't need to make appointments, you just go along and take a look. The first one we went to was, shall we say, an eye opener. We decided to look at different areas and this house was a mess and filthy, we came away with flea bites!!!

The second one, in yet another area, was absolutely beautiful, but the brochure said the price was open to negotiation, when we saw the house and looked around we knew it was way out of our price range by a few $100K!!! but it was good having a nosey around.

We decided to stay in North Lakes as Lauren and Will were settled in school and Andys trip to work was a pleasant one. It is in a great place as it is pretty central to both the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.

Its Williams graduation from year 6 to 7 on Tuesday night, which we are looking forward to.

Both Lauren and William are going to Dream World on the Gold Coast on the 13th December for their end of year trip with school. They are both very excited about it. I suppose it beats a sports day!!!

It was great to speak to our American Department on Skype last week and to see Xander, who we must say looks just like his Daddy. He is such a cute guy. Although its not as good as seeing him in the flesh, but hopefully that will happen before too long.

We are looking forward to Damien, Lousie, Joe and Emily coming over for a visit very shortly. They arrive in Brisbane on 20th December and are here until just after the new year. I am sure we will all have a great Christmas espcially our Christmas dinner on the beach. Only wish the rest of you could also be here to share it.

It is very strange buying a christmas tree and getting ready for Santas arrival in these tropical conditions....but I am sure we will get used to it!!!

Andy has just come home from playing golf at the Pacific Golf Club and only used his umbrella to shade himself from the sun!! Which he says was very nice for December!!!

Once again we are sorry and will try and update the blog more often....hopefully will do so before Christmas. Thanks for the nudge Leigh...it might have been next April before we did so otherwise.

One Month In

2007-09-24T02:29:00.000-07:00

We have now been here one whole calender month (Oh no another reason to have a party) and things are starting to fit into place. Lauren and William started at North Lakes State College last Monday and so far at least think its Brill.
We have made a few trips since we last posted on our blog, including a trip to W.B. world, Australia Zoo, Nudgee beach, Bribie Island and Mooloolaba on the Sunshine coast to name but a few. All were fantastic in there own right and the furthest away was W.B. World, at around one hour twenty mins. drive.
Buddy had a very emotional arrival last Wednesday, we picked him up from the airport and he went absolutely crackers. He never shut up all the way home from the airport.
We had not told the kids so when they got home from school they got the surprise of their lives as he came bounding down the corridor at them.
It was like a scene from the champ with all the tears and smiles.
We took him down to show him to Lauren and Wills friends the night he arrived, about a twenty minute walk down the road from our rental and got the shock of our lives while walking back when six foot of Kangaroo came bouncing out of the bushes and nearly knocked us all over.
So far we have seen wild Kangers, Dolphins, Lizards and a BIG bleeding spider!!!!
Andy did a business course last week for his Carpenters licence so he can work for himself, there was an exam and course assessment and at this moment we are still waiting for his results. So fingers crossed.
Our things from England has cleared customs and immigration today and Andy has his tools now so we can seriously start looking for work now.
The internet is now up and running so we can all stay in touch again at last.
Bye for now Andy, Adie, Loz and Will xxxx

Another day in paradise

2007-09-09T06:02:00.000-07:00

Hi all, let me begin by apologising for not updating the web site as frequent as we would like, but we are still in hotel accommodation and access to the Internet is not always available.
Well that said next Wednesday we move to our new home, well for the next six months at least, so hopefully we should have a phone line installed very shortly.
Last week was a real busy week, that has seen us fully open our Ozzy bank account and receive bank cards, pay the bond on the rental, receive our tax numbers and register for Medicare. We have bought a fridge, kettle, toaster, beds, quilts and covers, pillows, pots, pans, washer, plates, knives and forks, car, a partridge in a pear tree and god knows what else!!!!
We still haven't got the kids in School but hopefully that will be resolved tomorrow as the woman who deals with registration is back after throwing a sickie.
The kids have been very patient through all the shopping and we have tried to get them back to the hotel in time to have a swim each evening, they both love it in the pool and as soon as we get back through the apartment door they are stripping off, hoping down the corridor trying to get their pants off and cosys on.
We went down the beach to Redcliffe today only to find they were celebrating the beach landings of the first settlers to the northern colonies. It was a great day with loads of stalls, live bands and tribute acts, power boat racing, dancers, Bar-b-q's etc.
We spent most of the day by the Lagoon, a hugh purpose built swimming pool by the sea with free electric Bar-b-q facilities and all free. One thing we have noticed while we have been here is how clean the place is. The Aussies seem to be so proud of where they live. Everywhere is spotless. When the celebrating had finished there was hardly a paper cup to be seen on the road.
Thanks to you who left a comment and we hope to see you all very, very soon.

At last we're here.

2007-08-27T03:04:00.000-07:00

Well after a lot of heart ache, we finally made it to Aussie. We arrived about 11 p.m. Thursday night after being delayed in Singapore and was picked up by an old pal of mine from England. (Lee BIGGER nose Kirkbridge) When we got out of the airport we had to check that we had not landed in Manchester as it was pi8@%ng down and around 5 deg. It was great to have some one pick us up after such a long flight, I do'nt think I could have faced driving.
Well the rain kept up for three days and if another Ozzy had told us that we really need this rain I think we would have poked his eyes out with a sharp pointy thing.
By Sunday though the rain had gone and we have had great weather since.
Loz and Will have already made friends with my pal Lee and his very helpful wife Dawn's kids, William 7, Hannah 9, and Elenor 11, which will help them settle in.
They seem to have a great fun together, when I,m not driving over there basket ball net and smashing it up (sorry kids I will replace it honestly).
The hotel is fab with a balcony and fantastic sea views, the kids have their own apartment adjoining ours that they think is great.
We have spent today looking for a rental property in the North lakes State college catchment area (Monday) and think we may have found a nice place although they are few and far between that will accept pets.
Its now 8.30 p.m. as I write and we have just been up on the 9th. floor for our first Aussie Bar-b-q and a first taste of Kangaroo.
The views are fantastic looking right across the sea with views of Morton Island right up to Brisbane Harbour.
Well that's it for now will keep in touch with you and do'nt forget to add your comments so we know who's watching us.

Leaving Party

2007-08-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Well saturday saw the leaving party take place at the now world famous Wrenthorpe working mens club formally known as the Pheonix. It was great to see so many friends and family turn out just for little old us.
If we did not get to chat with you for too long please accept these apologies but it was madness the amount of people that came along just to make sure we buggered off!!
Thanks to Tommy Sabella the D.J. , an old pal of mine who donated his time free of charge, well they say you can't buy friendship.

PSS Day, only 29 sleeps!

2007-07-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

Well today saw the arrival of the removal waggon and the departure of all our worldly goods. As I write this chapter we no longer have any form of entertainment to see us through the evening as all the T.V.s, PlayStation's and D.V.D. players are whizzing their way to sunny Brizzy.

Well when I say no entertainment I have a laptop and Adie has a duster so its not so bad. Buddie has run out of furry things to lay on, so he's not too impressed either. We will miss this house, the street, and the neighbours, who through the years, have become friends rather than neighbours. Thanks especially to the ones who have sent us good luck cards, that was a nice touch.

Well no good getting all melancholy now, tomorrow we move to our temporary accommodation with the chance of having a few cold ones with family and friends before we head off to sunny Brizzy.

Quite a week for Lauren !!

2007-07-20T14:51:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday Lauren took part in her schools version of the X factor. The competition was intense as members of her school took part in what is now an annual competition. The show included dancers, singers, baton twirlers, opera singers, an exert from Chicago and Even a karate exhibition. Lauren wrote and performed her own song and finished in second place.

Laurens spell at Outwood Grange school also came to an end this week as they broke for their summer holidays and to finish her exciting week all her class buddy's threw her a surprise leaving party. Well the next time she sits down in class it will be on the other side of the world as an whole new chapter of her life begins.

( You can hear and see her video if you click at the top of the page )

Luis comes to visit

2007-07-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

( CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE )

We had a little visitor this weekend for a Saturday night stop over. Our nephews little lad, Luis. He and Will were in there element as they competed hammer and tong on the PS 2. Things finished all square up until Sunday morning when Luis managed to kick Wills butt at the Wallace and Grommit adventure game. I did'nt know but on Saturday night they both agreed that the loser should be shrunk. So as you can see from the picture Will lost and so Luis hit him with the shrinking spell last used by Harry Potter. "Oh well Will at least you'll come in handy as a key ring !!"

Good Ridance Golf Day (Winners and cheaters)

2007-07-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday saw the inaugural Good Riddance golf day organised by my ex football playing Buddy's from the Parnaby Tavern. We left the boozer at 11.00am and returned at 11.00pm after a succesful but very wet event. The eventual winners of the team event were Team Blue with a tremendous points return of 110.

The individual prizes went to :-

1st - Andy Ash

2nd- Andy Ramsden

3rd - Jim Leathem

Nearest Pin - Dave Houghton

Nearest Pin - Jim Leatham ( after kicking his ball inside the ball of Andy Mills )

Longest Drive- Jim Leathem

20 players and 5 teams competed for glory and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who turned up and played in conditions that a life boat would not go to sea in!!!

Thanks to the sponsors that provided the Good Riddance polo shirts, that was a real nice touch.

Big, Big thanks to Simon Charles and Kev Quinn who organised a great leaving party event .

After such a great day I'd like to think that it turns into an annual event.

Thanks again, you guys are irreplaceable and if ever you fancy a trip to Brizzy, there will always be a cold one in my fridge for you.

42 SLEEPS TO GO

2007-07-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

Well its getting a little closer. We had a busy weekend this weekend, did the car boot on Sunday and sold just about everything, so the house is looking pretty empty now. We are just left with enough plates, cups, knives and forks, everything else has gone. Also sold some bits of furniture on Ebay also this week.

Andy has a golf day on Friday, it has been organized by some of his friends, one of many golf days that have been organized for him before we go. They are playing at Rudding park . ( see here )http://www.ruddingpark.com/golf/index.php

We also went out with my sister Joanne, brother-in-law Peter and nephew and niece, Jack and Georgia on Sunday for a meal, it was great to get together and have a good chat and a laugh. Will miss them when we go to Oz, but hey, they can come visit and have a holiday and some fun, we all look forward to that.

Our Jayes cleaning weekend is coming next weekend, so the golf clubs etc will be getting cleaned and disinfected. Not looking forward to it!!

3rd of July-A BIG BIG Day..

2007-07-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

Today has been a BIG BIG day in our emigration process. At 10.00 a.m. this morning our solicitor called to let us know that we had exchanged contracts on our house, Yipeeeee.

On the strength of the phone call we have now confirmed our flight booking and so leave the U.K at 10.00 a.m. on the 22nd of August 2007.

We will leave our house for the last time for its new owners on the 26th of July.

We have also had a very generous offer of accommodation between these dates from my cousin Dami which just makes a fantastic day perfect, THANKS pal. That's another beer I owe ye, if you ever let me get to the bar!!!

Well on that note i'll go to bed, with a BIG BIG smile on my face :- )

One Day Closer

2007-07-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

We have today booked our last nights stay in England at Bewleys Hotel near Manchester Airport. We have also arranged to be picked up by Andy's friend Lee, who lives in Brisbane. We have started to clear our cupboards ready for the big car boot that we will have to do over the next week or so.

Also this week, we have organised our dog Buddies travel arrangements with Golden Arrow Shippers. He got his import permit last week, so the shippers can arrange his quarantine stay in Sydney now.

Its trains, planes and automobiles for Buddie, he will be takinging the train from Wakefield to Shrewsbury. Then fly from Manchester to Heathrow, have a restbite and then fly to Singapore, refuel then onto Sydney. He then has to be in quarantine for 30 days he will then fly from Sydney to Brisbane, where we will be eagally awaiting his arrival. What a well travelled pooch he will be!!

Getting close now.

2007-06-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

Today we have provisionally booked our flights for the 22nd of August, opened an Australian bank account with Westpac and booked accommodation at the Scarborough beach resort in sunny Brizzy. It's as though we have climbed all the way to the top of the ladder and now its time to dive! A scary but exciting feeling. It feels as though we have been trying to get down under for ever and now its coming all at once. I'm sure it will be all worth it once we're there though.