Bend in the Weather

Well I turn the big 3-5 today.   I'm starting to feel old... well not young anymore!

I've already been spoilt...  Pauline has given me my pressie and I just love it.

I have so many geeky 'toys' that I really wanted something non-geeky for my b'day this year.   Another geeky toy just means I'll be spending more time on the computer... and I do enough of that already!

We saw some artists painting several months ago and in passing I mentioned to Pauline 'I'd love to do that as a hobby!'

You know the drill, away from the computer, out in the country-side taking in some sun and fresh air.

Well it looks like it will become a reality now! Pauline bought me a French Easel Art Set.

Last night Pauline and I headed down to Geelong to celebrate AC's birthday! 
We took her out to Mexacano's Mexican restaurantin Moorabool St in Geelong. (highly recommended!)

Everyone enjoyed a fantastic meal (boy they have big servings!) I don't think any of us finished our servings. 

We all then headed back to AC's place and watched our favourite TV show House. 
Pauline prepared a birthday cake, whilst AC put on a fresh brew of coffee for us all to enjoy.

The Black Forrest was a little dry, but we all took a generous piece.

All in all, it was a great evening. 


A fun night for all!

Yup... even I celebrate birthdays!



A fun day for everyone there...  Even though it was 35^oC that day! 

This wasn't Pauline (my wife), but her cousins birthday!

We've had a series of birthdays last week... and I've finally gotten around to posting them!

We all went to Pauline's parents place to celebrate his 70^th Birthday.  The same day was Renee's Birthday.  (Pauline's niece).  So we also had a cake for her! 

We have all grown up thinking an Atom bomb is a bad thing!

I've since learnt that you can indeed get a 'good' Atom.  My bomb helps take the hassle out of the gardening.

I purchased an Atom Edger (well I got it for my birthday!) The thing is incredible! We have very tough buffalo grass that has just taken over in some parts of the yard.

However this little marvel is an Aussie invention that takes the back-ache and pain out of doing your edges.

Similar machines are almost double the price, and with their Australian and World-wide patents on the 'wheel-barrow' design they are exporting it around the globe.

In recent time, Atom Industries have been advertising on Australian TV.  The model listed is their 2-stroke, 31cc petrol engine version.  It's a pleasure to start and extremely easy to operate. 
I've tried using a whipper-snipper previously but found the buffalo grass was so woody in parts that I just couldn't cut through it.  I spent more time feeding the reel than actually cutting!

Not now!  This device makes life a breeze when it comes to keeping the edges looking great, whilst keeping the grass at bay.

Here is a before and after view of the Atom in action.

Wednesday I celebrated my birthday.

It was a fantastic day!  I had great day and had visitors all day!
It turned out much bigger than I expected and I wasn't wanting a fuss made.

Our parents from both sides, my sister, aunt, former neighbour and brother-in-law and his partner all stopped by.

I cooked up a BBQ at lunch (albeit the chicken was underdone). and it went well.  We started partying at 11:00am and finished up at 11:00pm! 

I did extremely well on the pressie front...  I'll post a dedicated entry later on the pressies.
Thankyou to all that came over, you made it a great day!

It's been a weekend of parties!

First we had Pauline's Dad's 70^th birthday on Saturday, then we celebrated Pauline's cousin's (also named Pauline!) her 30^th birthday.

We had an excellent time at both!

Also on Sunday Pauline's niece (Renee) celebrated her 18^th. That was a bit of a reality check... the little child we have know as now grown up into a young lady! How quickly it happens...

It was good catching up with Pauline's side of the family for her Dad's birthday.  John cooked up a storm on the BBQ and it was a relaxing day with good food, good conversation and good weather.

I didn't know many people at Pauline's party but was made welcome by both Joe and Pauline's family. Their 17 month year old son Samuel has grown and is now a "little man". He was having a ball with everyone chipping into to push him on the swing (ohh the life!)

We'll have to catch up with Pauline and Joe more often... like most friends time goes by so quickly that it's 'years' before you see each other. *sigh* We'll have to make more of an effort to see them.

Pauline has taken some photos at both parties... so I'll post them up once I get a chance to read them off the memory card.

Your Birthdate

Watch out Donald Trump! You've got a head for business and money.
You'll make it rich some day, even if you haven't figured out how yet.
A supreme individualist, you shouldn't get stuck in a corporate job.
Instead, make your own way - so that you can be the boss.

Your strength: Your undying determination

Your weakness: You require an opulent lifestyle

Your power color: Plum

Your power symbol: Dollar sign

Your power month: August

---

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatdoesyourbirthdatemeanquiz/

Yesterday we celebrated Pauline's Mum's 70^th birthday.

It was a fantastic night with all her children and grand-children there to celebrate it. (though Geraldine was unable to make it, as she was in Shanghai, China).

We had a great 3-course meal in at Hoppers Crossing,
Everyone had plenty to eat and there were plenty of photo occasions.

I'll put some photos up when I get sent a few (I unfortunately forgot the camera!).

Happy Birthday Silvia! Hope it was a fantastic day.