Pennie & David

Farewell and Good Bye.

2007-12-31T23:22:00.000+11:00

This Blog has outgrown it's self, there are 940 posts and 1107 spam posts that I've been struggling to delete so I thought the best thing to do was... New Year so start a New Blog. If you would like to follow the doings of the Griffiths' family please email me privately and I'll send you the link. Have a good New Year. cheers Pennie

They're home in Hong Kong... soon to move to Macau.

2007-12-30T15:01:00.001+11:00

PC280014.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Tomos, Emma, Abigail and Matilda flew out of Australia yesterday, Tom rang to say the flight hadn't been too bad and they were back home safely... always good to know they've made it isn't it. It's always so sad to see them go again but we can Webcam.

This article was in a Macau magazine, Tomo will be getting straight back to work at the 'Venetian' bringing all sorts of shows to Macau as well as singing there himself.

Abigail squeezes one last teddy into her backpack...

2007-12-30T14:54:00.003+11:00

PC290019.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Tilly is ready...

2007-12-30T14:54:00.001+11:00

PC290017.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

David took them all to the Airport in the Big Green Bus!

2007-12-30T14:53:00.001+11:00

PC290026.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Silly battery on camera died just when I was taking a photo of Tom with his girls... but the photo is in my head.

W19. Scatterday 'Y' - Green, School Days & Animal

2007-12-29T06:02:00.000+11:00

What a lovely busy week with two delicious little girls to enjoy the company of :-) they fly back to Hong Kong this morning though and we don't know when we'll see them again :-( but there's always Webcam!

Anyway onto Scatterday.

Green - Yeoman (noun - Officer in the (ceremonial) bodyguard of the British monarch.)
1. Green Yeoman at Attention.
2. Green Yeoman Marching.
3. Green Yeoman Dismissed.

School Days - It's a long story but I went to 13 different schools and was never expelled... :-) My Dad was in the Army and we lived in out of the way places in country NSW. We'd come to the City for months at a time and stay with my Mama and Poppa so that Dad could do Officer Training or Mum could have another baby or some such thing... I would go to school with my dear darling Mama who was a teacher. One of the schools I went to at about the age of 5 or 6 was Yagoona Public School and here I am at that age with two photos stolen from the Internet photos of the aforementioned school.

Animals - Well they're all Yellow aren't they!! That's the best I could do I'm afraid, there aren't any Yak Babushkas that I know of LOL. I love the Teddy Bears don't you :-)

Why, they're just family of mine, Family of mine, You're liable for to see them round here any old time!

2007-12-28T09:55:00.001+11:00

Christmas 27/12/07, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

With Apologies to Sam Cook! :-)

Do you know what we love? Do you know what we really love?? Do you know what our very favourite Summer Fruit is????

2007-12-27T19:14:00.001+11:00

We just love Nectarines!!!!!!!!!, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

It's deliciously sweet, run down the arm juicy NECTARINES!! Thank you Kerry and Peter, they're were the best!!

Christmas is so much fun when the Whole Family gets together....

2007-12-26T15:07:00.001+11:00

Christmas is so much fun when the Whole Family gets together...., originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Jackson Harry on Christmas Day...

2007-12-26T14:08:00.001+11:00

Boy oh boy did Jackson do well... Transformers called Optomiss Prime and Bumble Bee to name a few, Donatello Ninja Turtle, Shoes that light up just like his best mate Bailey's and a Grab Ball!! Not only that but Santa left one of his bells behind for Jack... just like in the movie Polar Express... aaaaahhhhhh

Abigail Rose on Christmas Day...

2007-12-26T14:04:00.001+11:00

Guess what Abigail wished for, for Christmas?? Hi5!
Guess what Abigail got for Christmas?? Hi5!
Guess what Abigail did on Christmas Day?? Danced to Hi5!
Guess what Abigail is doing on Boxing Day??
Dancing to a continuous Hi5 DVD!!

Charlie Ripley on Christmas Day...

2007-12-26T14:00:00.001+11:00

Gwil and Em gave Charlie a Bob the Builder tool set and it ran and ran all day long... there was a lot of sanding, vacuuming and sawing needing to be done.

Matilda May on Christmas Day

2007-12-26T13:53:00.001+11:00

This is Matilda's first Christmas and here she is sussing out the Care Bears movie... I think she liked it!!

Christmas with Grandchildren...

2007-12-25T22:07:00.001+11:00

Christmas with Grandchildren..., originally uploaded by Pennie David.

... How lucky are we!!

Happy Christmas Everybody......

2007-12-25T21:59:00.001+11:00

Christmas07.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Here we are under the Christmas Bush which is at it's absolute best this year just perfect for Emma, Abigail and Matilda's first Aussie Christmas and Tom's first in 5 years... pity about the cold 16c weather, I don't think I've ever, in 62 years, had such a cold one as this... maybe Emma bought it with her LOL

Lucky we have Abigail here this Christmas, she's doing all the baking that will get done... Pennie doesn't do Christmas Baking.

2007-12-24T20:27:00.001+11:00

Abigail Bakes, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

We celebrated Christmas yesterday, with our extended family... what fun it was!

2007-12-23T13:11:00.001+11:00

Christmas Lunch on the 22nd, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Nerys & Jack made this Gingerbread Palace!!

2007-12-23T13:09:00.001+11:00

Nerys & Jack made this Gingerbread Palace!!, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

W18. Scatterday 'S' - Medical, Beverages & Christmas.

2007-12-22T06:18:00.001+11:00

W18. Scatterday 'S' - Medical, Beverages & Christmas., originally uploaded by Pennie David.

I really am up early today, it's our extended family Christmas Party... I've already got the 9 kilo pumped leg of pork into the Kamado (BBQ), in about 7 hours it will be a lovely juicy leg of ham... the Turkey is sitting on the bench waiting to go in the other Kamado a little later. I probably won't be checking all your Scatterday's till tomorrow now.

Medical - This Nurse is wielding a Syringe, an old stethoscope given to the children by a Dr friend and here is the Surgical Team ready to Operate on that little boy on the left.

Beverages - Take some Ice Cream and some Diet Coke, mix them together and you get a Spider... didn't taste as good as I remember though :-)

Christmas - I've taken the easy option this time so here are SOME of my Santa Babushkas that are scattered all over the house right now.

Thanks Michelle, we just love the pens and pencils in the red Bus!! Thank you very much!!

2007-12-20T23:34:00.001+11:00

Thanks Michelle, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Are you enjoying your lunch Tilly?? Are you enjoying your lunch? Come on eat up Tilly.

2007-12-20T23:28:00.001+11:00

Abigail and Jackson advise Matilda on what to eat for lunch., originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Jackson Tranforms Tomos into..... Charlie!

2007-12-20T23:24:00.001+11:00

Transformers, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Cousins...

2007-12-20T23:16:00.001+11:00

My creation, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

1. Jackson teaching the girls how to do Transformers which is a passion of his at the moment, these Transformers are about 20 years old and used to belong to Uncle Gwilym.
2. Charlie decorating the tree.
3. Charlie and Tilly.
4. That's my Daddy singing on the Telly.

Griffiths Family Christmas Newsletter - December 2007

2007-12-20T18:28:00.001+11:00

Photo... David's Leyland TD 4, Pennie's Christmas Quilt, Pennie's Hexagons and Grandchildren are the BEST!

As I write we’re experiencing thunder, lightning rain and hail on an almost daily basis, the drought may have broken over Sydney but it’s still really bad out in the countryside… we’re always thinking of those out there who are trying to make a living off the land, it’s tough but they’re tougher thankfully!

David’s highlight of the year was getting the Leyland TD4 back onto the road for Australia Day’s Motorfest, after 16 years of stop start restoration. The photographers and film makers were out on the streets of Sydney to see this magnificent beast packed to overflowing with passengers enjoying the Australia Day Celebration with Gwilym playing conductor once again. Don’t worry the Albion didn’t miss out she either followed along behind or led the way with Craig from the Museum at the wheel. David’s enjoying his days volunteering at the Bus Museum at Tempe finding more volunteers from the Volunteering Centre, he’s found Jodi who does the Newsletter, Osman is restoring the White bus and Ying is doing the Database all very successfully. David was photographed by Scott McGregor for Scott’s new book called Big Boys’ Toys which we’re all looking forward to seeing in the NewYear.

Pennie finished several more quilts and promptly gave most of them away except for the Christmas one above, this one’s staying here and will have its stockings filled for the Grandchildren each year, it’s a group Row X Row with some of the rows being made by my local quilting friends, I put it together and added the embellishments. The half inch hexagon quilt that I showed you last year has grown, I’m straightening it up at the moment for a border of some sort of applique… it will be three years of hand work soon ☺ but I’m in no hurry! Life is really terrific in my little piece of paradise, I get to see my little Grandboys on a weekly basis, keep in close contact with my little Grandgirls via Webcam or phone, do a bit of baby sitting here and there, get up to see Mum and Dad often, love our family celebrations, play tennis weekly, off to Quilting Gatherings regularly, off for the odd weekend away with David, I love keeping up with my friends via the Internet and really enjoy keeping my Blog going for family and friends all over the World… Life is good!

The Tim Thompsons, Jackson & Charlie - The Tom Griffiths, Abigail &

2007-12-20T18:18:00.001+11:00

Nerys, Tim, Jackson Harry and Charlie Ripley bought their first home this year and since they moved in it’s been ‘Renovation Central’ with wonderful things happening in every room much to the excitement of the boys who’d like to help more often than they are allowed ☺ Tim, with the help of a couple of mates, has spent just about every Saturday working and they have to be very proud of the excellent results. Jackson turned five this year and since then has not only grown in height but in confidence as well. He’s already had several visits to the Primary School he will be going to next year and has met his two Buddies (two year 6 boys who will look out for him) he told me, ‘One’s called Michael like our cousin the Jockey and the other one is Happy.’ I did wonder, but the other one’s name really is Happy Singh! Isn’t that lovely. Charlie’s a real personality, he’s almost 20 months old and is the sweetest most enquiring cheekiest little boy with a whole lot of facial expressions that just make you melt… but you’ve got to keep your eye on him, he likes to get up to mischief or thinks he can do what his big brother can do and Nerys is worrying that he will think his name is CHARLIE NO! or NOCHARLIE! ☺. Charlie had a baby naming party earlier in the year with Steve coming all the way from England to be a Godparent along with Gwilym and Briony, another lovely celebration! Both the boys are loving, well mannered, a pleasure to be with or talk to on the phone they are a real credit to Nerys’ and Tim’s parenting.

The T.E.A.M. (aka Tom, Emma, Abigail and Matilda) Oh did I tell you about Matilda… our beautiful fourth grandchild was born in London on the 8th of January this year and we were very lucky to meet her just 6 weeks later when they all came home for a three week visit at the end of March. It’s always lovely to have all 14 of us together and it was fantastic seeing how the Grandboys played with the Grandgirls, Abigail took a particualar liking to Charlie, calling him ChaChi which is a nickname still being heard around him. Abigail knew who we were having seen us on Webcam often and she slotted into her Aussie home very comfortably, Abigail turned 3 this month and by the sound of it on the phone really enjoyed the Hi5 Christmas DVD we sent her… she was talking to me on the phone while she opened her present and then all I got was silence till I heard the music going and Tom told me she was dancing already… Abigail just loves to Dance!
Abi is a lovely sister to Matilda we watch her over the Webcam she’s very gentle and patient even when she has to put up with Tilly’s pulling her piggy tail or some such thing but Tilly isn’t one year old yet so doesn’t really understand. The T.E.A.M. packed up their London home, letting it for a few years then moved to Macau, they’re in Hong Kong at the moment and have decided on an apartment to buy in Macau where they will live while working in the Entertainment Industry. Both Tom and Emma have put on and performed in enormous Spectaculars both in London and Shanghai… to name just two… Tom and Emma juggle their heavy work load and parenting with amazing aplomb, our little Grandgirls are bright bubbly and full of fun - an absolutely delight! The T.E.A.M. are living a lot closer to us now and when they’re settled we may go over for a little visit but firstly the excitement this Christmas is palpable… the T.E.A.M. will arrive in Australia on the 19th December for Christmas, it’s at least 5 years since Tom spent Christmas with us and this will be the first Hot Christmas for all the girls… We just can’t wait to have a good catch up with Tom and Emma and to find out more about our little girls and see how they’ve grown, we’re counting the sleeps!

Tom & Emma's Spectacular, Briony & Joon, Gwilym & Emily.

2007-12-20T18:10:00.001+11:00

Briony and Joon are moving to Canberra in January, Briony has a new job with the Department of Workplace Relations which she is very excited about, we’re going to miss them a lot but Canberra is about a 4 hour drive away so we hope we will still see them for family celebrations and so on. This Year Joon has been appointed Korean Co-ordinator for Taylor & Scott (Immigration Lawyers). All the Korean community who come to him for legal assistance can now have the help of the law firm but Joon will go with Briony to Canberra for the first 6 months so he can finish his PhD without all the interruptions he has in Sydney. They’ve loved living in Kirribilli right beside a little park on Sydney Harbour doing their yoga there on fine days and both of them were recently seen on the telly on Election night partying with Maxine McKew as she ousted our sitting Prime Minister, John Howard from his seat of 33 years, the Liberals lost the whole election so for the next three years Australia has a new Labour Government with a new Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd and we all wish them well, we thought a change of Government was needed.

Gwil's Falcon, Rosie & Rip, Michael & The Griffiths Family.

2007-12-20T18:04:00.001+11:00

Gwilym and Emily were engaged in Paris last year so started this year with two French Themed Engagement Parties – a morning tea for the extended families, and an afternoon tea with friends, both in our garden which Gwilym had designed and done a lot of much needed work on. In April they moved from home to the same building they’d lived in in 2005 at St Leonards with lovely views north and what they call the ‘Eiffel Tower’ aka Channel 9’s TV Tower. Gwil walks to his new job with a commercial Landscape Architecture firm, called Arterra designing Golf Courses, Resorts, Residential Estates and Public Spaces. He’s loving the change from running his own business in residential landscape and is enjoying the challenge of designing larger scale public landscapes. Em left FBi Radio (94.5FM) in October after almost 3 years, and has started as Marketing Manager for Mixed Industry Offices in Rushcutters Bay (they do music events such as Splendour in the Grass, and run the online Arts Community site 'Noise') – much nicer than Redfern. Em still does an on-air segment on FBi so she hasn’t left completely. Gwilym bought a Classic XP Falcon this year which is now in competition with Emily for his attention. The '65 Falcon was purchased from a 91 year old man who had owned the car since new, so Gwilym is the second owner! He swears he is not becoming like his father, but reports suggest otherwise!!! Emily and Gwilym are hoping to buy a house in the new year and are looking at moving into the city or inner west areas. Gwil and Em did manage, between Em’s job change, two weeks in Thailand visiting Bangkok, Railay, Phi Phi and Phuket. Lots of snorkeling, beach time and an elephant ride too.

Ripley & Rosie - Mum and Dad continue to surprise and amaze us with their joy in their family and joy in life in general, they have their ups and downs healthwise but are always positive and it’s a pleasure to see them and to help in what ever way we can. They keep up with all their Children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren either in person or on the Internet, Rosie being very competent with the Webcam and chatting to Abigail and Matilda when the Great Grandgirls were still in London.
The biggest excitement in the family this year was when my Nephew Michael Rodd rode ‘Efficient’ in the Melbourne Cup and WON!! Michael WON the Melbourne Cup… Everybody in Australia stops for the running of the Melbourne Cup, even Parliament stops to watch the race and put a couple of dollars in a Sweep or at the TAB… they have to quadruple the staff at the TAB’s all over Australia because 90% of those betting only do it once a year. ☺ Nothing is as exciting or as big as this in Australia, this is BIG!! … So do you get the gist of the excitement in the family for weeks after the event ☺ It was and still is huge!

Once again this Newsletter has been hard to keep in check, it just sort of grows and grows, I guess I should call it my 2007 Diary ☺

Checking off my list... no more sleeps they're in the Air!!

2007-12-19T13:26:00.001+11:00

Christmas Presents, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

All but two pressies done and hidden away under the table, it was the only space I could find after rearranging all the furniture and losing my hiding places. Bedrooms are ready, extra car seat hired and installed, Wollies have just delivered, fridge packed, dish washer and washing machine are on... other than a couple of little things I think I can say... we're ready!!

Colour in my Garden - December

2007-12-18T13:48:00.000+11:00

Colour in my Garden - December, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Cards all posted, some old, some bought and these last few made by

2007-12-17T13:50:00.000+11:00

Cards.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Meet Tony, the Smith Family Santa.

2007-12-16T13:03:00.001+11:00

TonySanta.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

For the last 20 years Tony has welcomed us when we pick up the Christmas Smith Family Hampers for delivery... but he's been doing it - in the suit - for 37 years and this is the first time anyone has taken his photo he told me. Here he is bright and chirpy at 7:45 this morning but it was a different story when returned at about 11am, (we had to bring back a hamper because someone wasn't home) Tony was seated looking pooped... but still waving and smiling :-) nice bloke, originally from Yorkshire.
We spent the morning at Glenmore Park an enormous estate, with enormous homes, nice enough except for the roads... there wasn't 100m straight, it's like a wriggly wiggly worm designed them LOL we think they might be like this to stop kids racing!

W17. Scatterday 'D' - Sewing, Vehicles & Touchy Feely.

2007-12-15T00:00:00.001+11:00

W17. Scatterday 'D' - Sewing, Vehicles & Touchy Feely., originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Another fun week with my mind thinking D D D something starting with D all the while doing exciting Christmas things! It turned out easy in the end as it mostly does with a lot of fun and laughs.

Sewing -
1. See these four Dearest, Delightful, Delicious, Darling Children of mine... well they Don't sew... I know I'm just trying it on here aren't I! It wasn't me, it was Nerys' idea!
2. Aaahhhh now inside this Dear Doll, is thread and a needle so she must sew away when my back is turned... I've never tried to use the needle and thread it looks a bit coarse!
3. My favourite Doll fabric found for me by Loz earlier in the year, don't you just love it?

Vehicle - too easy, this is another one handed to me on a platter!
1. David's Leyland Double Decker and David's Albion Double Decker on Australia Day this year.
2. David's Leyland Double Decker at Luna Park last month celebrating 75 years of Government Buses.
3. David's Double Decker Dinky Collection.

Touchy Feely - this was too easy again although I did spend the week trying to avoid using him LOL
1. David is Touching and feeling me!
2. What a piece of luck this set of Babushkas only arrived from Russia on Thursday and what's a Doctor if he's not Touchy Feely?? BTW Customs opened them LOL I suppose they would be a good place to hide something naughty in wouldn't they!
3. David is very Touchy Feely if you're on the receiving end! Funny is that Michelle I hear screaming... Too much information :-)

This was a funny week! Thanks Michelle and Dy... you two have been in my head for 17 weeks now but I love it!

What can I say but... Christmas is Coming!

2007-12-14T22:37:00.001+11:00

PC140003.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

It's UP!

2007-12-13T22:19:00.001+11:00

Christmas Tree #1, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

I have this thing about the 12 Days of Christmas, I'm not a religious person but do know they start on the 25th of December and finish on the 5th of January. I like to tell myself - and the children when they were little - that the Christmas Tree mustn't go up until 12 days before Christmas and must come down 12 days after on the 5th of Jan... that's what I like to tell myself anyway... but the best laid plans and all that!! I try not to let my mother know if I do take my tree down before the 5th because once a very long time ago my Grandmother was taking down decorations before the 12th night and she fell off the ladder and broke her arm and in that same year my Grandfather died suddenly - so it's been drilled into me since I was little and to this day that it's very bad luck to take your tree down early or even late.
Today is 12 days before Christmas and our beautiful fresh smelling tree is up in its bucket of water full of bricks to keep it stable. I'll let the Grandchildren help decorate it this year... only 7 more sleeps till the T.E.A.M. arrive!!

Come ON Pennie take the photo, I can only stay this cute for so long!!

2007-12-12T15:42:00.001+11:00

PC110008.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Look what Nerys and Jackson made - while Charlie was sleeping :-)

2007-12-12T15:41:00.001+11:00

PC110009.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

All wrapped up and sitting on top of the kitchen dresser... there's Santa - his sleigh full of presents, there's a tree with presents around the bottom of it, a freckle Christmas wreath on the front door, a Curly Wurly along the ridge of the roof, licorice logs around the windows and Rudolf has a red jelly nose! All and more details were shown and described to us by Jackson with great pride! Well done Nerys and Jackson I can't wait to help demolish it. LOL

Birds Nest.

2007-12-11T21:55:00.001+11:00

We are absolutely fascinated with this beautiful birds nest, we know the birds got the outer part of the nest from our brushwood fences and we know they got the inner part from the coconut fibre linings of our hanging baskets but where did they get the white soft downy inner lining... is it their own down or something? It looks like it could quilt wadding! Nature is so Wonderful isn't it.

Wow! Look what I made...

2007-12-11T06:18:00.000+11:00

PC110001.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

I bought a Wedge Ruler about 100 years ago and at about this time every year I curse because I've not made that Christmas Tree Skirt I was going to make so I wrap a bit of fabric around the bucket and fasten it with very old nappy pins and promise to make the skirt next year but by the 12 day of Christmas when the tree gets thrown out and the decorations get put away I'm already over it then when December comes the next year I go through the same curse LOL But not any more... I've very pleased with the way it turned out and want to pick it up wrap it around me and dance!! might have to finish it off properly first though.

Happy 3rd Birthday Abigail Rose - Only NINE more sleeps till we see you again! Yippee!!

2007-12-10T08:45:00.001+11:00

Happy 3rd Birthday Abigail Rose - Only NINE more sleeps till we see you again! Yippee!!, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

This is Sydney in Summer...

2007-12-09T20:17:00.000+11:00

We've been experiencing several of these hail storms lately, it doesn't happen every year but this year we've had so much rain I can't remember a year quite so wet. It happens so quickly, the sun is out David mows the lawn, the garden is in tip top shape then in the distance you hear a low rumble of thunder which gets louder and louder and then the skies open up and belt us with rain and hail. Next door have a tin roof and the noise from our home is deafening - I can't imagine what it's like inside :-) It's rather exciting and one goes from window to window looking out till it's over... our grape and wisteria vines have been shredded this time :-((( not good for the heat to come, we need that shade.

Scatterday 'K' - Dangerous, Blue & In my Neighbourhood.

2007-12-08T07:14:00.001+11:00

Scatterday 'K' - Dangerous, Blue & In my Neighbourhood., originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Too easy for me this week… I like easy when I’m busy ☺

Dangerous - Knives… Babushkas first up today and my don’t they look Dangerous with their knives in their belts!!

Blue - King… It just so happens that Jackson Harry managed to find ‘King’ last week, King’s been the only Car missing from his collection for the past 18 months. King is from the movie ‘Cars’ but that’s all I know so don’t ask me any questions.

In My Neighourhood - It could have been me who chose this letter and category couldn’t it ☺
1. Ku-ring-gai Municipal Council Golf Course
2. Eccleston Du Faur was the first Manager Trustee of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
3. Sign at the gates to Bobbin Head.

8 Years of JAP's Christmas Cards.

2007-12-07T18:13:00.001+11:00

8 Years of JAP's Christmas Cards, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

My friend Jan makes her own Christmas Cards every year, I find them too lovely to throw out so I frame then, here's 8 years worth and I'm looking forward to my 9th!

Lunch just gets better and betterer....

2007-12-06T21:43:00.001+11:00

Lunch, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Tuesday Lunch - Vegemite Sandwich - Alone.
Wednesday Lunch - Salmon and Cheese Quesadillas - with Charlie.
Thursday Lunch - Seared Scallops, Hoi sin Duck & Chocolate Fondant - with Mum and Dad.

The Scallops were devine, the Duck not good but you can see the Chocolate Fondant was too good to photograph LOL

BTW That's Mum's Coffee, I haven't taken that stuff up!

Charlie Ripley came to Lunch!

2007-12-05T22:41:00.001+11:00

Charlie Ripley came to Lunch!, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Charlie and I spent most of the day together today while his mummy did some Christmas shopping, he was a lovely boy and as you can see he enjoys the camera and his food. Here he is playing up for the Camera, stuffing as much cheese into his mouth that will fit, admiring the family High Chair that's been sat on by Rodd's for 5 Generations. He then helped Pennie clean up but.... oooops where did his lunch go LOL

This is where David was yesterday, he left home at 4:30am and wasn't home till 8:30pm, he had a lovely day though.

2007-12-03T17:37:00.001+11:00

David spent the day at Luna Park., originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Today we celebrated Gwilym's Birthday with a Seafood feast and a Yoghurt and Berry dessert.

2007-12-02T15:19:00.000+11:00

Gwilym's Birthday, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Charlie's Squeezy, Cuddly Hugs... all around the table till he spotted Jackson doing something interesting!

2007-12-02T14:41:00.000+11:00

Charlie's Cuddly Hugs..., originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Boys will be boys... I bought these Noodles for gentle floating in the pool, not to be used as Weapons!

2007-12-02T14:20:00.000+11:00

Boys will be boys..., originally uploaded by Pennie David.

W15 Scatterday 'M' - Textures, Weapons & Hobby.

2007-12-01T06:34:00.000+11:00

Texture = Marble - cold, smooth and beautiful Marble.
1. An old piece of Marble with a little forest growing on it.
2. Marble Chopping Board.
3. One of three Marble topped sewing machine bases we have in the garden.

Weapon = ‘Mum will sit on you!’ When my children were small and came home from school complaining about another child, the teacher or too much Homework I always told them not to worry, they were to tell who ever was bothering them that their ‘Mum will Sit on them!’ until the person or whatever behaved… a very dangerous Weapon indeed!!
1. Who would believe this sweet Mum could be such a dangerous Weapon.
2. Four children have been bought up with ‘Mum’ as their Weapon.
3. She looks very dangerous that ‘Mum who will SIT on you!’ LOL

Hobby = Now I know I’m going to get shot down in flames for this but I just had to do it… I looked at all my Men Babushkas for Weapons and there were plenty of knives and the Pirates had nasty looking things that I might have called a Machete but I knew Michelle would tell me it was really a Cutlass so this is what I’m trying on you… Babushka’s are also known as Matrouskha and one of my Hobbies is to collect Matroushka’s!!
These beautiful Matrouskha’s are what’s called Pokerwork, they aren’t shiny like the rest of my Babushka’s… oooops I mean Matrouska’s!! ☺
BTW I’ve only used my Babushka’s in 6 of the 15 Scatterday’s… ☹ in case you thought I'd used them every week that is!

Help... What will I do now???

2007-11-30T12:02:00.001+11:00

This has been my hand sewing for the last two years, the hexagons are half inch and so far the quilt measures 52" X 67" (132cm X 170cm) I have two straight borders now and was going to put little round hexagon flowers in the gaps down the triangle sides but now I think it will be too much... I think I will just fill in the triangles with white hexagons then I think I will put an Applique border on next but what sort of Applique Border???

And what about the corners???

I think - I think - I think... Help!!

Pennie - Can I have a turn of your sewing machine.....

2007-11-29T15:58:00.001+11:00

... asks Jackson Harry, as Charlie Ripley climbs onto my lap.
Here we are choosing a fancy stitch.

Jackson is working the foot pedal and Charlie is keeping his fingers out of the way....

2007-11-29T15:57:00.001+11:00

PB230003.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Don't we all look pleased with our work!

2007-11-29T15:55:00.001+11:00

PB230009.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Happy 27th Birthday Gwilym

2007-11-28T06:05:00.001+11:00

Happy 27th Birthday Gwilym, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

A familiar face on the Telly...Click Here.

2007-11-25T22:47:00.000+11:00

Well the Election is over, we have a new Government and it looks like History has been made in Bennelong with our Prime Minister John Howard not only losing the election for the Liberal Party but loosing his seat after holding it for 33 years... sort of sad but IMHO not undeserved. Roll on Kevin Rudd and the Labor Party, show us what you can do.

Emily found this clip... Just click on the title above then go to Maxine McKew down the right hand side of the screen and when it's playing see if you can see someone we know on the left hand side of the screen right behind Maxine McKew's right shoulder :-) Lady in Red!

I'm so excited - I just can't hide it - I'm a gonna loose control...

2007-11-24T08:28:00.001+11:00

......and I hope you like it!
Scatterday 'T' - Clothing, Purple and Hot Things.

David the Birthday Boy., originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Here's David wearing a 'T' Shirt from Thailand, beside a Purple Tree with a hot cup of Tea... but wait there's more....

But wait! There's more...

2007-11-24T08:26:00.001+11:00

PB210004.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Very Hot Tennis Players, one of whom is wearing a 'T' Shirt under a Purple Tree....

But wait... There's MORE!

2007-11-24T08:24:00.001+11:00

TShirt.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Amelia from next door lent me her Purple 'T' Shirt... need I say more LOL

This is my REAL Scatterday for today...

2007-11-24T08:23:00.001+11:00

W14. Scatterday 'T' - Clothing, Purple & Hot Thing., originally uploaded by Pennie David.

W14. Scatterday 'T'

Clothing - I got them in... Babushkas!! and how appropriate is this on the day we all go to the Polls! My Politicians are all wearing Ties...
1. UK, Australia, USSR, Russia and the USA leaders wearing Ties.
2. OOOppps... Maggie Thatcher would never wear a tie would she!
3. LOL I love Bill Clinton and so do Monica, Jennifer and Hillary and his sax!

Purple - Not a big colour in my sewing room but I did manage to find enough scraps to make our beautiful Abigail Rose a little quilt to wrap her teddies in when she comes to Australia this Christmas.
1. Take some Purple fabric scraps some Purple Thread and a Purple Thang.
2. Make some Purple Triangles.
3. And you finish up with a Purple Triangle Quilt.

Hot Thing - Our Neighbours hot Tin Roof!

Now after all that excitement I'll try and get a life this week LOL

Colour in my Garden - November

2007-11-23T07:39:00.001+11:00

Colour of the Month - November, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Lovely day...

2007-11-22T18:23:00.000+11:00

David's Birthday, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

We celebrated David's Birthday in style today, had lunch at Shimbashi a traditional Japanese restaurant in Neutral Bay where they make Buckwheat Noodles in the window... but they weren't today... I love Sashimi and Sushi but not too sure on other Japanese foods so we searched the menu carefully looking for something totally different to what we knew and choose a Hot Pot and a Pancake both of which were absolutely delicious and great value at $20 each... highly recommended!!
Then we went down to Balmoral for a walk along the sea front, funny old fashioned beach isn't it with it's cement wall but lovely all the same with just a glance of Manly past the moored boats.
Next it was the Cremorne Orpheum to see 'Death at a Funeral' very funny, a bit slapstick but a must see with the lovely Rupert Graves and Matthew Macfadyen.
I remembered the last time I was at the Cremorne Orpheum way back in 1960 while I was at Queenwood... I know I must get out more... I won a prize in Art for a model of a bedroom I'd made, maybe it was the plasticine Butler with the drinks tray that tipped the judges :-) Anyway a lot has changed at the Orpheum in 47 years... don't you just love this lighting.

Happy 65th Birthday David

2007-11-22T08:07:00.001+11:00

These photos were taken from June 1968 to November 1969
while we were on Honeymoon in the UK and Europe.
1. Stratford-upon-Avon.
2. The bus David was driving for the Aldershot and District.
3. Hampton Court Maze.
4. Winchester Cathedral.
5. Stonehenge.
6. Venice.

Year after year this beauty colours up a treat... on the corner of Kissing Point Road and Pacific Highway, Turramurra.

2007-11-21T17:01:00.001+11:00

TRee.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Your Quilts are all washed and dried Briface!

2007-11-20T17:18:00.001+11:00

PB190001.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Briony and Joon bought their quilts home to Mum to wash for them, my front loader is much kinder to them than their top loader.

Look what Gwillo found!

2007-11-19T21:38:00.001+11:00

I knew there were a lot of chicks around because just before dawn every morning and in the afternoons... actually who am I kidding we hear it aaaaalllll the daylight hours there are... this constant cheeping.... cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep... it goes on and on forever and ever until dark, but we never see the nests and this one is close to where we live when outdoors so it's either full house in all the other trees or the parents of these Noisy Minors were born here and feel safe! I've been aware that for many years now we've had Magpies nesting somewhere in the trees and have enjoyed watching the new chick learning to fly and forage in the garden, the nice thing about our Maggies is that no one has ever been attacked so we either have calm Maggies or they feel safe with us and their chicks... These are the sorts of pets I like, they fend for themselves and I don't have to buy pet food. Nice!!

Mumma Bird is checking in...

2007-11-19T21:36:00.001+11:00

PB190006.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Didn't we have a Luverrrrrly day the day we celebrated David's 65th!

2007-11-18T23:14:00.001+11:00

David's birthday isn't till the 22nd but when one has a family like ours we have to make dates that suit us all... so today we helped David celebrate his 65th Birthday starting with little Mango Pies filled with prawns and avocado... yum! an enormous Snapper cooked on the Kamado served with chips and salad then finishing up with what's become a real family favourite, Lemon Cheesecake.
1. The Thompsons. 2. Briony & Joon. 3. Emily & Gwilym.
4. Mango Pies. 5. Cheescake. 6. Charlie entertains his fans.
7. Cuddle Time. 8. Charlie bumped his head... poor Charlie :-( 9. My youngest with my eldest.
10. Tim enjoying a swim. 11. Jackson finding a swim a little cold. 12. The birthday boy!

Happy Birthday Little Sister...

2007-11-17T11:46:00.001+11:00

hp_scanDS_7111212302451.jpg, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

My sister is celebrating her 56th Birthday... here we are aged about 8 and 2... Happy Birthday Meredith!

W13. Scatterday - 'H' - Human, Toys & Soft.

2007-11-17T01:21:00.000+11:00

W13. Scatterday - 'H' - Human, Toys & Soft., originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Human - My Dear Grandfather Harrie Cleveland Cobcroft, born 1897 died 1955, (only 58 years old) I only had 10 years with him but they were very memorable years and he still has a special place in my heart along side my Mama.
1. Harrie’s Parents outside the home they built in Windsor, NSW. Richard William and Gertrude Bushell with two of Harrie’s siblings - photo was taken around 1888 and you can see the Blue Mountains through the hallway of the home. 'Glenroy' has been restored but no longer in the family.
2. The Wedding of a family member at the same home in Windsor after many additions and extensions. Harrie is the little boy in the front left of the photo.
3. Harrie aged 18 and off to WW1, he was honoured with a Military Medal and a Bar for his devotion to duty at Mont de Merris, near Strazeele on the night of 2nd/3rd of June, 1918.

Toys - There has been a threat to ban me from using my Babushkas!! Poo! Poo! Poo! I say to that!! But I'm getting them in again just in case..... LOL
1. Here we have 'Hawaiian' Ladies, Nuns in 'Habits' and Ladies wearing 'Hijab’s'
2. Babushkas waiting for a Hornby Train ride.
3. Some of David’s Hornby Trains.

Soft - Last night we had a Teddy Naming Ceremony so let me introduce you to…
1. The Big Boys - Horatio, Hal, Hadrian, Hagar and Hank the Wombat!
2. The Girls - Harriet, Henrietta, Helen the pink rabbit, Hailey, Hyacinth and Heloise the Cow.
3. The Little Boys - Harrie, Henry, Hamish, Hayden, Harris and Harvey in the back.
Trust me I love the names!!

This is the lovely Kerry, Guess where I spent the better part of the day today!!!!!!!!!

2007-11-16T18:26:00.001+11:00

PB160002.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Meet Andrew, I spent three long noisey and hurty hours with him today.... just as well he's a really nice guy!

2007-11-16T18:25:00.001+11:00

PB160001.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Not something one expects to find at the Dentist!!

2007-11-16T18:24:00.001+11:00

PB160003.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Guess who has a new kitchen.....

2007-11-15T22:51:00.003+11:00

PB150002.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Ceilings will be done this weekend...

2007-11-15T22:51:00.001+11:00

PB150004.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

A street where I often drive and much admire... Burns Road, Wahroonga.

2007-11-14T18:31:00.001+11:00

PB030052.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Ninety One Today...

2007-11-13T18:05:00.001+11:00

Dad.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

David, Gwilym and I celebrated Rip's 91st with Oysters and Prawns and Ginger Beer... a feast fit for King!! Happy Birthday Dad!!

It's been a Booky sort of week...

2007-11-12T17:36:00.001+11:00

Books.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

When Cricket is on the Radio I can only listen to it for so long before I'm pulling my hair out and start looking for a good Talking Book so in the last few days I've listened to...

Frenchman's Creek by Daphne Du Maurier read by John Nettles which was wonderful escapism and I only remembered snippets of from when I read it in my teen years.

Five Quarters of an Orange by Joanne Harris read by Rula Lenska, one of my favourite books of all time and Rula Lenska is a marvelous reader with just the right French accent.

Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K Jerome read brilliantly by David McCallum. This might be my most read book of all time and once again I've been highly amused by this little bit... 'We woke late the next morning and at Harris' earnest desire partook of a plain breakfast then we cleaned up and put everything straight a continual labor which was beginning to afford me a pretty clear insight into a question that had often posed me... namely... How a woman with the work of only one house on her hands manages to pass away her time!!

The Right Attitude to Rain by Alexander McCall Smith read by Hillary Neville. Very easy to listen to.

Maigret Sets a Trap by Georges Simenon a BBC Full-Cast Dramatisations of short stories... wonderful!

At night in bed I've been reading.. The Passions of Chelsea Kane by Barbara Delinsky... Now this book surprised me... I read about a third through then had to read the ending, I read some more then read in the middle, I read some more then read three quarters though then the end again then read the book to the finish. Other than the fact that there is too much sex used as unnecessary padding the story is really strong and really took my imagination... it was fast and furious at times, full of wonderful descriptions that make me feel like I wanted to be there and that I would know this town if I walked into it and there are lots of twists and unexpected turns!! A wonderful read and something has to be said for a book that you can read bits of and still look forward to reading it right through.

Now back to Alexander McCall Smith and Isabel Dalhousie with The Careful use of Compliments.

Thankfully the Cricket is over for a while... my brain is in overload at the moment!!

W12. Scatterday 'O' - Breakfast, Shiny Thing & Tiny Thing.

2007-11-10T08:39:00.001+11:00

W12. Scatterday 'O' - Breakfast, Shiny Thing & Tiny Thing., originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Breakfast - When I want something special for Breakfast I turn to one of my Bill Granger cook books, he’s come up trumps again for me today! Here is Bill’s ‘Oat, Pear and Raspberry Loaf’.
1. Ingredients all ready.
2. Ready for the Oven.
3. Ready to eat… The Verdict!! Absolutely delicious, moist flavoursome pears and raspberries with an oaty taste and a crunchy top. The recipe says to spead butter over but it’s so lovely and moist there is no need.

Shiny Things - Olive Oil is shiny and I’ve always got plenty of that!
1. My favourite dipping Olive Oil is this Gwydir Grove Lemon Myrtle… Yum!
2. For Stir Fires and general cooking I use Bertoli Extra Light.
3. And for the odd occasion that I deep fry something you can’t go past is a good Peanut Oil like Crisco.

Tiny Things - A couple of Owl Babushkas! Yes sir indeedy this Babushka Collection of mine is coming in mighty handy for Scatterdaises!
1. I have two sets of Owls, one set I bought for myself in Australia and one bought for me by a friend in Argentina of all places!
2. The two tiniest Owls measure 3.5 centimetres.
3. Owls lining up.

Aaaahhhhh look at my little girls... aren't they beautiful!

2007-11-07T16:07:00.001+11:00

Till&Abi.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Tomos and Emma have moved from London to Hong Kong, with the intention of buying an apartment in Macau and living and working there for a few years... I've been waiting for Tomo to send me photos, he's just sent this one and my heart is melting... look at my little girls... aren't they just beautiful and all grown! Very Big Sigh! Abigail Rose will be three in one month and Matilda May is exactly 10 months old.

This is the sort of work Tomo and Emma do... Spectacular!!

2007-11-07T16:00:00.001+11:00

Tom and Emma are in the middle of this photo.

The Excitement Continues.....

2007-11-07T14:23:00.000+11:00

Omigod, Omigod... OMIGOD!!!!! Michael won the Melbourne Cup!!

2007-11-06T16:58:00.000+11:00

Michael & Megan

2007-11-05T11:19:00.001+11:00

Michael & Megal Gale, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Michael is dressed and ready to ride Efficient tomorrow but I don't know that Megan Gale will do very well in that outfit!

W11. Scatterday 'A'- Round Things, Vegetable & Something I like the smell of.

2007-11-03T07:59:00.001+11:00

W11. Scatterday 'A'- Round Things, Vegetable & Something I like the smell of., originally uploaded by Pennie David.

This saying popped up when I made this Mosaic… I thought it most apt! LOL "There is no excellent beauty that hath not some strangeness in the proportion." — Francis Bacon

Round Things - Animal Babushkas, I even have a Round Alligator Animal ☺

Vegetables - Asparagus growing in my garden - Asparagus cut - Asparagus cooked and ready to eat.

Something I LOVE the Smell of - “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” (With apologies to Elizabeth Barrett Browning) LOL Anise, Anisette, Star Anise and Aniseed.
Savoury - Chinese 5 Spice, Aniseeds and Star Anise.
Drink - Pastis is an anise-flavored liqueur and apéritif from France, I did bring a bottle back with me a couple of years ago but I can’t find it now and I know I didn’t drink it so I must have given it to one of the children. Marie Brizard Anisette is the one I really love but is impossible to find in Australia. (I know those of you who know me will be surprised by this declaration because I don’t drink Alcohol but I just love the smell of these Liqueurs and only have a teaspoon at a time.
Sweets - Licorice and Humbugs smell beautifully of Anise, if only I still had some Aniseed Balls left this would have made my three.

Christmas Row X Row by the Ku-ring-gai Quilters.

2007-11-02T18:32:00.001+11:00

PB020003.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

1st Row... Santa and his Reindeer's by Penny Smith.
2nd Row... Some Good and some Naughty Angels by Pennie.
3rd Row... Steam Train with carriages full of toys by Pennie.
4thRow... Mantle-piece with some stockings by Lyn Wilson.
5th Row... Toys Galore by Irene Long.
I machine quilted my Christmas Row X Row then added all the stars, bells, buttons and more stockings ... filling them with little toys... Jackson and Charlie just love it so can't wait for Abigail and Matilda to see it.

Blitzen...

2007-11-02T18:25:00.003+11:00

PB020010.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Ooops! Santa lost his hat!

2007-11-02T18:25:00.001+11:00

PB020012.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

The Naughty Angels...

2007-11-02T18:24:00.001+11:00

PB020013.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Sometimes Santa needs to drive 3801, lucky Santa!

2007-11-02T18:23:00.001+11:00

PB020015.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Trees and Teddies... with Babushkas on the Mantlepiece.

2007-11-02T18:22:00.001+11:00

PB020020.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Santa's been!! Stockings full to overflowing and lots of pressies waiting for the Children who have been good!

2007-11-02T18:21:00.001+11:00

PB020007.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Get Well Soon Rosie...

2007-10-29T20:50:00.001+11:00

Get Well Soon Rosie..., originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Most things are covered like transport to Dr's, showering, dressing and meals... Rosie's only real problem is how is she going to use the Internet!! Life can't be too bad if this is your main worry at 84!

Happy 12th Wedding Anniversary to Nerys and Tim.

2007-10-28T17:42:00.001+11:00

PA280004.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.
David and I were lucky enough to be allowed to look after our little boys for the day so Nerys and Tim could go to the beach and have lunch out somewhere nice and quiet without all the paraphernalia that's needed when they are a family. We all had a super duper lovely day!!

Boys will be Boys... and don't we just love 'em!!

2007-10-28T17:40:00.001+11:00

Boys..., originally uploaded by Pennie David.

1. No!! Charlie, don't splash in the bird bath!
2. Okay Pennie...
3. Not before I throughly wet myself though!!!
4. Jackson making a Pizza.
5. Jackson cutting the Pizza.
6. Jackson finishing off his Pizza, David and I only managed a couple of pieces Jackson ate the rest.
7. Hold on around my middle Charlie...
8. Down we go...
9 All the way to the bottom!!

Good to have a catch up with old friends...

2007-10-27T18:43:00.001+10:00

Good to have a catch up with old friends..., originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Lovely morning tea today with a few old friends from the P&C of the local Primary School, Jo just back from Canada, Jenny O'B about to move up North, Sheila visiting from Perth, myself and Jenny B. from round the corner! We don't often get to have a good catch up like today so I made the Lemon Cheesecake I used to do back in the 70's and 80's... good old friends = good old recipe!

W10.Scatterday'J', Restaurant, Sport & Pointy Things.

2007-10-27T08:03:00.001+10:00

W10.Scatterday'J', Restaurant, Sport & Pointy Things., originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Restaurant - David and went to Manly especially this week just to have lunch at Jellyfish which is across the road from the North Steyne Life Saving Club. Seared Swordfish on a bed of fresh vegetables topped with a Poached Egg… Delicious!! and the Jellyfish Drinks Menu.

Sport - My nephew Michael Rodd is a Jockey, here he is aged 2 then Michael and girlfriend Cara with David and myself in London in 2005 and the last photo is of Michael Rodd the Jockey who will be riding in the Melbourne Cup again this year. (This is the only photo I didn't take, would you believe I've never seen him race!)

Pointy Things - My Grandson Jackson Harry is a ‘Pointy Thing’ here he is pointing at his Mummy, Pointing at the garden and Pointing to himself!

Colour in my Garden - October

2007-10-26T18:17:00.001+10:00

Colour in my Garden - October, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

I just love kids, especially ones that you can have some fun with then wave them goodbye!

2007-10-26T09:30:00.001+10:00

I just love kids, especially ones that you can have some fun with then wave them goodbye!, originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Jack and Charlie's lunch with Ameila and Ashton.

Charlie is teaching himself to drive... he's learnt how to back up so the next lesson will be to go forward!

2007-10-26T08:56:00.001+10:00

Charlie's Driving Skills..., originally uploaded by Pennie David.

Here's some views we don't often see...

2007-10-22T16:38:00.001+10:00

PA120011.JPG, originally uploaded by Pennie David.