1st April 2013

This is not a joke- left work on the 8th March never to return. Ness has a new job and I will start looking next week. We had our trip to Wollongong I miss the gong. The drive was shocking with the state of the roads in QLD but overall it was good to touch base with everyone.

We currently have a house guest from Melbourne until she finds somewhere to live.

That is the update in half dozen lines. Off to work on some witchy things.

Well its been a shit of a week- had a large lump under my arm that decided to burst open- yes yuck or maybe gross. Anyway I am feeling a lot better, not 100% but on the improve. So I have done very little all week. Ness has been working in fact she is working right now. She will get Monday and Tuesday off but has to do a night course so work will owe her another two days off.

We watched a really bad movie yesterday about BaaL downloaded it and it was not good. I spent the time on the ipad and Ness dozed. We did go and see Django, that was good. A good laugh and smirk some gore overall a good movie. I am reading a new book but have been so sick I haven't picked it up all week. Maybe try tonight to get back to the work mode.

Work is going OK, Ness is getting very busy and I am am trailing off unless we get a couple of fee for service. We think the year will see us out, not 100% sure as it depends on getting work down south.

Scarlia is doing well we think she maybe getting Dementia as she looks at you with a totally blank look and if Ness or I go out one door she will sit at the other door wondering how we got there. It is all quite funny to watch her. She doesn't look to go outside much these days so Life is good for the cat. Sleep food a pat or cuddle and then sleep. Wow I want to be our cat.

That's about it- I just wanted to air my concern about people not donating to The Red Cross Flood Appeal. The damage may not be as wide spread and not as many people affected but the damage is devastating for those who lost everything regardless where they live.

Overall I haven't blogged for a while but I have been writing in lots of other places. I have even been on Facebook a lot more lately. I have a diary, I have another diary I write other things in and I have a dream diary, of course there is my other page connected to this blog.

 

One of the things I do in my diary is write about the day and this includes the history and seeing today is

So what happen in history today-Saturday, January 26, 2013

1788 -	Today is Australia Day, commemorating the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson, New South Wales. [more]
	Happy Australia Day!!!
1802 -	Flinders crosses the 129th degree of longitude, which is later to become the border between Western Australia and South Australia. [more]
1808 -	Governor William Bligh is overthrown in the "Rum Rebellion". [more]
1905 -	The world's largest gem diamond is found. [more]
1950 - 1966 -   1989 - 1993 -	India gains independence from British rule, becoming a republic Today the Beaumont Children went missing from Glenelg Beach near Adelaide South Australia Test debut of Mark Taylor Australia v West Indies, Sydney West Indies defeat Australia by one run in 4th Test at Adelaide   http://www.historyorb.com/day/january/26 I really like this website as you can narrow the search down to a day in history or the year.

So what else has been happening , its been very much the same thing we go to work and we come home. We don’t go out much as we are both trying very hard not to spend money. We do go to the movies every now an then, so we have seen-Perfect Pitch which was very funny. We are planning to Les Miserables and I think The Life of Pi but I am sure we will forget, it happens all the time.  Still no smoking 61 days. I still get cravings and struggle and if Ness does she says nothing or nah don’t want one.

Ness is reading a book borrowed from the Library we are listening to music from the library and watching a DVD from the library- so one of the ways we save money is to go to the library and borrow. So far so good. I have been downloading eBooks on to the Ipad. I  haven't paid for any yet and of course haven't read all of them yet. I did read a story the other day it took a whole hour, so has made me aware I need to look at how many pages and the story didn’t match the section I obtained from so it s probably good that it was short, and gone.

So that us all caught up- thought for the day is a contemplation "What is the fixed point of orientation around which my whole life revolves"

So I can create a new page- yeah for me.

Dark Moon- Happy New Year

So it is almost midnight and I'm lying in bed listening to the fireworks going off in the neighbourhood; ( NT- it is legal to have fireworks for Territory Day so many people have them for New Year Christmas Easter Birthdays etc etc etc).

 

Happy New Year to everyone it is now midnight Darwin time

So what is going to happen this year, it will be a great year.

This is my approach for the year- positive attracts positive. When you believe in something then of course it is true- yes I know many are saying but but... I will say again if you believe it is true then for all intents and purposes for you at least it is true. In general we can't keep approaching life with negative thoughts and purposes. 2013 is my year to change my thoughts and I hope to pass that on to at least one other person.

So how am I going to do this, not 100% sure yet. I was thinking of memos around the place- like on the bathroom mirror. Do a lot more reading, and just remind myself each morning why I get out of bed. I love life and I love my life. !00% positive can be trying at times, so I will need to set up things to keep reminder myself.

I am thinking of creating a witches square and collating a word with the four elements to bring positive change. I got this idea from a website as it was talking about witches squares. I could create this and then print on some nice paper. This could then be hang on the wall near my alter.

I have been in a bit of a creative mood. I created a scrapbook page for the December full moon. I will also create a similar page for the dark moon in honour of Goddess Morrighan. If you watch Merlin on ten like we do then you will know the name but this is not the goddess. Though in " The mists of Avalon" she is also connected to Arthur. There may be a connection somewhere, I know I write as if they are real people I do believe that they are part of history- names, combined stories,muddled, lost but there are fragments of truth. Got off track but will get back there eventually. I have also been creative with putting together my grimoire. This is now in two separate folders with my own dividers made by me and I have covered the folders with leather to be decorated when I find what I am looking for.

I have also been cleaning out my supplies cupboard, I found a couple of things I forgot I had, don't you love that.

I would love to be able to make a broom but alas that is not a skill I have but I do own one that Ness and I brought at The Royal Darwin Show. The gentleman that made it only makes so many a year as he told us there is not a great call for them. A pity witch or not they are the best broom to sweep  floor.

Traditionally Birch was used so of course I researched- (and brorrowed from lots of people)

Birch: (Betula pendula, B. pubescens, B. lenta, B. alba) Also known as beithe, bereza, berke, beth, lady of the woods. Magically- Protection, exorcism, purification, health, beginnings, prosperity, cleansing.. The witch’s broom was traditionally made from birch twigs. It’s renowned for its purifying nature. It is also highly protective. Planet: Venus Element:  Water Deities: Thor.

Coleridge the English poet of 1772 - 1834 called the Silver Birch the "Lady of the Woods" because of the way she gentle sways with the wind as it blows through it's branches. Should you have any Birch around where you live maybe go to her and ask if she could help you with any healing or blessings, but don't forget to leave her some treats. If not, just sit and watch her sway and dance with the wind.  It's a peaceful feeling. This silver also appearance  also creates a connection with the moon. Often a witches broom will be made from silvery Birch. Diana can also be connected to the birch.

How to make a besom

Things You'll Need

• One length of Ash wood. It should  reach from the ground  to just below your navel and range from an inch and a  half to two and a quarter inches in diameter.

• Birch twigs, as many as you want in  your broom. Notes on choosing and length are included below in  "tips".

• Thin strips of willow bark, to bind  your birch twigs with.

• Work within a sacred area: As with any sacred tool, a besom should be made  within sacred space. You should begin as a normal ritual, by casting a circle  and giving thanks. Purify and dedicate the wood before you begin construction.  'Charging' the broom to any specific purpose should be done after the broom is  completed, or while weaving the twigs to the stave.
• Place the strips of birch into the water and leave them to soften for at  least 10 minutes. The longer you leave them, the easier it will be to work  with.
Preparing the Handle: Anoint and bless your ash wood stave with the essential  oil. Sigil/rune carvings or any other ornamentation of the handle should be done  at this point. If the besom is to be dedicated to a specific purpose or deity,  you may ask them to bless it as you begin crafting.  
• Weaving the bristles: Gather all of your birch twigs and arrange them into  small, even groups. Remove two pieces of the willow bark and lay them side by  side on a flat surface. Tie the two bark pieces together by wrapping a short  length of thread around the end several times and knotting it off. Take the  first group of birch twigs and crisscross the willow strips back and forth  between each piece to bind them together (this is weaving). Tie off the other  end of the willow strips with thread. Do not worry, the thread will not show in  the finished broom. Repeat with the remaining groups of birch twigs. The thread  may be omitted, but it makes the weaving considerably more  difficult.
• Attaching to the broom: There are multiple ways to do this. Some drill a  small hole in the end of the ash stave and thread yarn through it, then wrap the  yarn around each bundle of twigs. A second method is to tie together each willow  strip so that the birch twigs form one continuous panel. The panel is then wound  tightly around the end of the stave, and secured by tying additional willow bark  around it. A third method is to wrap each small group of twigs directly to the  handle with yarn or thread. Whatever your method, you will want to "finish" the  broom by weaving an additional two inch swath of willow bark about one inch from  the top of the bristles. Some traditions attach small charms, or weave herbs and  sea salt in amongst the bristles before attaching the "finishing" layer of  willow bark. Once you have "finished" the besom, you may dedicate it to a spirit  or deity of your choice, or charge it with protective energies. Traditionally,  it can be hung over a doorway or stood with bristles facing upwards to protect a  home. It is also used to "sweep away" residual psychic energies and negativity  in a circle. Continue with the remainder of your ritual and close/ground the  circle as normal.
             
• Read more:  How to Make a Besom | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2308391_make-besom.html#ixzz1rm7b7qCL

• Tips & Warnings
• Choosing your birch twigs:
• Traditionally, the twigs are at minimum the length of your forearm and no  wider than your pinkie finger. Some more modern covens use extremely thin, long  twigs that are bent over double before being woven (twice as long and half as  wide as traditional branches). You want the twigs to be fresh (green) when you  work with them. If they are too dry and brittle, they will crack during the  weaving.
• For a rougher look, you may want to leave the birch twigs on a branch and  bind the branches themselves to the ash handle.

• Of course being in the Southern Hemisphere I would use local trees, I do like the birch. There are some lovely trees in Canberra.

To honour the birch- we have the Birch Moon which is the first full moon after Yule, so for me that will be late July or early August.

I was also do some research on fairies as one of the things I found was a fairy ring from uncle festers. This led me to Banshees...... another time.

Ness and I are currently watching a new series lent by a friend about hauntings. I think I spent more time criticising it then watching. It was not good, a few of the stories may have had something to them but the show produces/ directors over dramatised used effects and it become unbelievable to me. Ness fell asleep. It's back to our other shows, this one we will pan.

Well it's is 1 am I will post this during the day, it may need some editing. It's now the afternoon and I have given up trying to put the photos I had for this blog- they are not copying pasting uploading downloading, basically it is has been a difficult hour, so on to next time.

Blessed be
Michelle

Today 28th Dec 2012

Coming out of the Broom closet.

 



Who would have thought another year to close and a new one to begin. I hoped but with conflicting reports about the Mayan calendar you just didn't know. (sorry I can't help not to have a dig)

 

We celebrate the cycles all in our on way. Mine is very quiet. I honor the Goddess I honor the God, I do a lot of reading and research and don't do a lot of writing, though I do a lot of cutting and  pasting, moving things from one document to another, collecting pictures- Yes sometimes I steal them but they are for my eyes only. Take today for example it is 9.30am and I have been research and reading for the last hour- then I get this idea to check out our old blog.

 

I then get another idea lets do more writing so I will keep the blog going but change direction. It will be my personal blog about my thoughts and Studies and everything witchy/ wicca/ pagan/ crystals/ herbs/ rituals/ spells/ cooking/ dolls etc. I think that's everything, but I'm sure I will come up with more.

 

So what would I like to talk about first not sure- I'm researching Lughnasadh 2nd Feb but that will come later. Its a full moon tonight so I will be doing a ritual tonight, something to write about tomorrow, (by the way I'm a couple of days holidays so you may get a couple of entries but then it should only be once a month.

I am reading a kindle book Children of the Mists- it's turning into a love story a little too Mills and Boons for my taste but will finish it. I am also reading a couple of books at the same time. Fairy Tale Rituals I have had a calling from the Fairie Tale world, Grim Brothers etc please understand not Disney. Trying to find and read older versions. I am also reading Llewellyn Books 2013 Witches diary, 2013 Sabbats Almanac and 2013 Magical Almanac. They give some great reminders about the things you forget.

 

Cooking we currently cooking out of Jamie Oliver 15 minutes. I know not witchy but some great recipes and loving the whole cooking together- which was something we were not doing. We also made orange and chocolate muffins- yummy.

What are we watching Sanctuary Website like this show so we thought we would watch from Season 1. The first three episodes watched last night. It was interesting to note that the episodes are 60mins long. Obviously the show is not made for TV so need to cut time for ads. We are also watching Merlin (very sad it is finishing) Alpha a new series on TV and Warehouse 13. Neither of us are big TV watchers.

 

Music what are we listening to, who knows. It depends on the day mood time and if we want to hear music. Like right now Ness is playing the DS the cat is curled up on the floor between us and I'm typing away no music nothing. Its nice. I do still listen to podcasts download from Itunes. I have too many to mention.

 

So where do I shop for witchy things Uncle Festers of course. The Website is a great shopping experience for all, the great thing is Margaret has lots of clubs so I don't have to think. Other shopping ebay and just cruise the web. I have three shops in the Darwin area but none of them have everything I want so its back to net.

Thats it for today as I am going to buy a new stand for a crystal.

Busy Busy

As per usual we are racing around to see all. We have been out to Liffey Falls and a great pie in Deloraine. We start to drive to Meander Falls but the weather started to change so went to the Honey place in Chudleigh; brought some nice creamed blackberry and leatherwood flavour honeys. Yesterday we went to Wynyard. It has some geological formations-"fossil bluff" didn't the find missing link but got some great photos, and the Table Cape. This where you find the tulip farm and a lighthouse. It is said to be one of the longest running lights in Tassie. The tours run from the tulip farm, conducted by the owners, son. A lovely guy who thought he was going to operate the tour like he normally does. Nope, Ness and I gave him a bit of a hard time all with a smile and I think he enjoyed himself just as much as we did. The tour is normally 45minutes but with us it was an hour and it costs $15 ea. It runs every hr regardless of how many people. I only threw that in as we over heard people talking about the tour and they had it all wrong- $25 ea half an hr and needed four people and you don't get to see much, sorry no photos from the top as I'm still over monthly download

How life keeps changing; throwing things at you and we all keep going- to we have that moment, wow I have I got through it all and bring on the next challenge. That's were we are now.

Life is great. We are further from that day and each day it is one step further away. I personally don't think I will be completely over the whole thing emotionally. I'm not saying the accident will fade for it has, it is the emotions of the time after the nearly losing Ness and everything else that happened.

So what is happening now- we are still in Darwin. We both work for Red Cross College. Loving work, a great bunch of people there are ups and downs coffee in the mall before work a big up having to take work home a big down.

We have a lovely little unit in Bakewell- two downs the cat is not suppose to be here (no pets) and the rent we are paying but that is Darwin we could be paying a lot more. It is not too small and and not too big. a second bedroom for visitors and a great little court yard.

We have a new car- Rav4 2012 model Yes brand new I'm excited. The little KIA need to much to be done and costing a fortune so we traded her in on the new car. Its red.

Ness's health is OK she has moments, no pain just aging pains (we are not getting younger) and everything has been good.

So that's it Life is good.

A New Start

We are currently in Darwin and this will be home for a while. We are slowly getting our lives back together.

A little update- Ness still has her brace on, her neck is healed but around the middle of the back its not healing as well or quickly as they want. So the waiting continues. Other than that everything else is good.

Scarlia is finally back with us, she arrived in Darwin Friday Night. Its nice to have her here with us as we both missed her. The cat is finding the heat a bit much as the moment the air con goes on she is there.

Our flat, in Palmerston, is only small but its good and wont be far from work when we finally start work. We are currently travel in to Darwin to complete a course. We brought a 2007 Kia Rio. Let me tell you its not the Landcruiser, I feel so small everytime I drive it.

So thats the quick up date. A big hello to all, until next week.

Changing Blog

As most of you know we have had an accident. I thought I would use this blog to let you know mostly my thought and travels during Ness' recoverer. It will include Ness' progress.
Feeling a lot happier tonight Ness was very tired she was also in a better place mentally. We have made some small gains. I have access to a computer and internet, this is great- less work for the phones. My big challenge is returning to Gin Gin- I feel sick just writing it. I need to remove all personal items from the van and car. The little brother is driving a truck from Wollongong to help me. Karen from Brisbane- we meet in Darwin- is driving me to Gin Gin.

Ok how did we get here- unsure how many know why we were travelling when we were. We obtained jobs with Serco in a new Immigration Centre in Darwin as Community Services Officers. It is very good pay. The whole process from applying to actually getting the jobs seem to take forever we were both getting very fustrated. We got the Jobs, needed to be in Darwin by the 11th July, then Serco had problems getting the contracts out.

Ness stuff this lets go. We asked JL if she wanted to come for a holiday borrowed some money (as we had used the last of our money fixing up the van) and left Saturday 18th June. We didnt tell many as that is our usual style we like to come and go as we please. Saturday night we stayed in a Motel in Guyra (too cold for the van) Sunday night was Gympie Monday the trip ended dramatically.

As you know Ness' injuries were horrific, she was helicoptered from site of the accident. the cat was taken to the vet by a lovely girl unsure if she had a partner or not. JL and I were taken by ambulance to Gin Gin Hospitial. I was not happy I wanted to go with Ness. I was held at the hosp for 4 hrs as I had bumped my head and then realised I didnt know where I was going or what I was doing- a very scary feeling. I had not had any word on how ness was I was given a phone number for the social worker... but what if she has bad news. A nurse at Gin Gin Hosp helped she booked two seats on the 11pm bus for us both. A police officer turned up to see if I wanted any gear and to let me know that I need to have the site cleaned up- shit shit shit. he did have a suggestion and I took it, a local did this for a living. He then took me out to the site. I dont remember much of it-I do remember finding my large smokey quartz crystal and crystal ball. The jewellery box was empty and I couldnt find my wedding ring. we did find our suitcase and I packed that with cloths that was laying about and shoes. The funny thing is 3/4 of it is Ness'. The cop then asked did we have any "pot" in the van as he found all my herbs I quickly explained they were all legal herbs I use in aromatherapy, thats all good. Getting a little confused about what I'm writing so I will sign off and continue this on Sunday.
Thank You for your support- we miss you all.

New Jobs

Since our last blog/letter, we have applied diligently for positions all over Wollongong and Sydney, as required by centrelink. I applied for a position in Darwin- more out of curiosity than any thing else. And then it happened all very quickly. Ness and I were discussing the job what it entailed etc and what we would do if by chance I got the position when the phone rang- Rebeckah from Pivotal Employment Agency, could I come for an interview, I then told her about Ness and she asked if both of us could come for an interview the next day. The interview went off well and we moved to the next stage the psych test.


That was held last Saturday and it was a killer in both of our opinions. Today Monday the 23rd we both got the jobs and we are heading back to Darwin. I know you are saying what is the job etc- well we are working for Serco at the new immigration centre, as case workers. No not guards. Can you see Ness as a Guard- Yes LOL

We are now making lists of what we need to do before we leave and what we are taking. Of course phonecalls to Rebekah. There is not much else to tell you. We are going to travel hopefully up the coast to Townsville and across to Mt Isa ThreeWays and then head north to Darwin. So see you soon Angie Tony Judy Russell Brian Red Toni and Pete.

Catch you all soon.

Back in the Gong

So we have made it back to Wollongong. A very interesting trip and Scarlia has ended up at the vets for the night. I will write a longer message in the next couple of days but first we have to clear our emails. Catch you all very soon.

Michelle and Ness

Hi All

We are both good. The caravan hasn’t leaked since we have been in Tasmania, so that is one less worry for the moment. The cat loves this park as there are very few dogs and she is wandering everywhere; making friends with all, including children. She has not scratched anyone since we have been here. As per usual we are racing around to see all. We have been out to Liffey Falls and a great pie in Deloraine. We start to drive to Meander Falls but the weather was changing for the worse, so went to the Honey place in Chudleigh; brought some nice creamed blackberry and leatherwood flavour honeys.

On Friday we went to Wynyard. It has some geological formations-"fossil bluff" didn't the find missing link but got some great photos of shell fossils, and the Table Cape. This is where you can find the tulip farm and a lighthouse. It is said to be one of the longest running lights in Tassie. The tours run from the tulip farm, conducted by the owners’ son. A lovely guy who thought he was going to operate the tour like he normally does. Nope, Ness and I gave him a bit of a hard time all with a smile and I think he enjoyed himself just as much as we did. The tour is normally 45minutes but with us it was an hour and it costs $15 ea. It runs every hr regardless of how many people. I only threw that in as we over heard a couple of people talking about the tour and they had it all wrong- $25 ea half an hr and needed four people and you don't get to see much, sorry no photos- tourist. As I am over our monthly download I could not show you any photos it just takes tooooo long. Ness was blown away by the fact that the actual globe is the same size as a car headlight globe and she has the photos to prove it. There were a number of buildings in the immediate area but they have all disappeared when the light became automatic in the 1920s. Of course we don’t actually remember why the light was there as there was no reef formation etc maybe they just kept running in to the wall of cliffs in the area. We picked a perfect day, we could see islands about 70kms west with binoculars and Low Head 50-60kms to the east. Neither of us could see Melbourne but we could see the cloud front formed from all the hot air in Melbourne. The water was so blue and like glass. (Both hoping our sailing day is as calm) We then made our way back into town to have lunch. It was suggested by the information centre a fish and chip place just out of town has great seafood. The fish was certainly good as were the scallops and calamari; I was disappointed with the prawns. Nothing beats Illawarra lake prawns. Ness said the chips were good and her flathead was lovely. It was back in to the car, as we headed to Launceston we made a stop at Latrobe.

Latrobe is like many country towns- lots of empty shops but we were happy as a particular shop we visited in 2007 was still there. It is packed to the rafters with anything and everything. We brought some fudge, unfortunately they didn’t have any of the latest dolls Ness and I collect. I did buy a birthday present for someone.

Saturday it was a trip into Launceston. I broke my sunglasses. We wandered around but could not find any sunglasses and any shop that may have had some closed at 1pm. So we only had coffee and that was it. We then went food shopping. It was a normal Saturday, washing housework shopping. It was then a short drive to Perth to have dinner with Di and Ricky, I nearly forgot and the dogs.

Sunday, today, we have been to Evandale markets. It is a market that has a bit of everything- food home cooking fruit and veggies new touristy things and trash and treasure. It was a gorgeous day and we both got a little sun. We then followed Di and Ricky to their new place. Its is tucked up in to the hills looking across to Ben Lomond (Tassie’s highest mountain) but you can’t see it as there is another hill in the way. It is a beautiful peaceful place that you could easy loose track of time.

So now you have caught up with us let us know how you all are and what is happening with you. Catch you next time. Michelle and Ness

A new blog to follow

Hi everyone I have been listening to a podcast "Inciting a Riot". He also has a blog. It is very interesting- most of it I would say is not going to incite a riot though for a american it is out there. Have a look you can find the podcast on Itunes and I have pasted the blog address so just click and you will taken there. A warning this is a pagan site but he is not bias to anyone. http://www.incitingariot.com

Launceston

Its bloody cold!!! Yes it is and we haven't reached winter yet. This hasn't stopped us from doing things. Sorry no photos as I have exceeded our downloading, and therefore the Internet is very slow. AAAARRRGGGHHH.

In between Ness working we have been doing some looking around, so where have we been- we drove out to Derby. Derby was a tin mining town until a major flood back 1920's. A number of people drowned- none of the miners. The town has created a museum to share their history and we fell in love with the area in 2006, so of course we had to go back and have a look at the new museum. It was great. At the same time they were getting over more recent floods. The main road from Scottsdale to St Helens was still closed.

I started to write this yesterday- it rained overnight and there is a current flash flood warning for the East Area. This is the area I was just writing about. Enough about the weather. As I said we went to Derby and then took a different route back via Bridport. Bridport is a pretty little coastal town- we came to the conclusion it is a summer holiday place as most places looked locked up. We then continued on thru the countryside taking back roads to Launceston. It was a lovely day to finish off the weekend. As we are reading the paper nearly everyday, we have been discussing the local politics. No we are not joining any protest marches against or for the new pulp mill but did learn something interesting, for every dollar collected in GST in Tassie the government receives $1.60, they also have the highest unemployment; I wonder why that is? Recently two sawmills closed- maybe relying on two industries Forest and Tourism is the problem.

******

Anyway back to what we have been doing- we drove to Port Arthur and stayed overnight at a motel with unlimited access to the complex. Our view from the veranda was spectacular. We went on the ghost tour that night. Oh I forgot we went to the Cadbury chocolate factory. It was great I mean how often do you spend $50 on chocolate. It was different as you don't got through the factory just a demo and video., but the shop prices were great. Back to the ghost tour- I was lamp carrier- personally the group was too big and would have liked to hear more stories about the people who lived in the area than stories about other groups. Our guide overall was OK- we didn't think he believed in ghosts but he did had respect for the area and its history. I would recommend it to anyone but try to do it outside the peak season as the groups might be smaller. Neither Ness or I felt any creepy moments- though as per usual someone saw something/ or was that felt something. We both love Port Arthur and the history, we will be making another trip there. On Saturday we drove back to Launceston via Swansea on the east coast. How quickly you forget- 2006 we drove down this road towing and we couldn't remember it. Maybe the road has been fixed updated or ???. It was a great two days.

********

Yesterday we didn't do much of anything- we have new neighbours, hope they are not staying long, as they are noisy and both are smokers. Finally just got let everyone know we are going back to Wollongong. For couple of reasons, we will be staying for about 6 months. We leave Tassie 22nd April. Catch you all later.

No Bunnings

Bastards- they didn't even ring to say I was unsuccessful. Yes we will ring Thursday- no phone call so I rang them, "no he doesn't work today" OK thanks.... for nothing. So it is off to work with a disabilities group. That's it for now- Ness I will fill in the details. We made the trip back to the north. We had a stopover in Campbell Town. A lovely free camp stop. This was our view. Ness is currently doing her buddy shifts in five houses and then she will do the medication course, this is two full days. As Launceston is not to big none of the houses are too far apart. The organisation is not bad to work for, they are on top of things. Most of the staff could learn a little about giving choices but nothing out of the ordinary. Miss Vanessa had words with one of house managers who complained about having no where to go!!! For everyone in Alice there are plenty of places and their holiday was to Hobart for a long weekend, a two hour drive away. Anyway enough about Ness work. My work hasn't started awaiting police clearance. With all the rain the Gorge was thumping. It was amazing the amount of water and the photos don't do it justices. We took the chairlift over the basin to get a better look. Ness enjoying the trip in the chairlift. We have been doing the sightseeing thing- a drive up to Beauty Point to visit Seahorse World. We have also done a historic walk around the city. It was really interesting. So for the weekend we have planned to visit the zoo and a couple of other things maybe some walks but it depends on the weather. It has been cold, so cold the cat has tried to climb into bed- so we brought her a coat. And that's were we leave you all with a photo of scarlia and her new coat. Catch you later.

Hobart

So we are in Hobart- as if you didn't know. We have applied for a number of jobs- Ness her dream job with Bunnings. Every job I have applied for there is a three week wait or nothing. I do have a job cleaning in Launceston, it will pay the bills and works well with Ness' hours.
We head north on Saturday- looking forward to it as it is colder here. We had some winds last night and lots of rain.
The cat isn't dealing with the cold very well- trying to bury herself in the bed under the quilt. Maybe we will have to buy her a coat and some boots time will tell.
We drove to Perth the other day to catch up with Ricky and Di and we will see Di again tomorrow as Ness has a induction she needs to go to in Launceston on Friday (this is her back up job if Bunnings doesn't happen). There hasn't been much getting out and about to see things but they will change once we start working and get into a routine.
Hope everyone is coping with the flooding on the south coast. Please stay safe and take care of each other, blessings. Michelle and Ness

Tasmania

A quick update- we are currently in Longford, heading to Hobart tomorrow. The crossing was OK a bit rough but what made it worse was we had the vibration of the engines coming through everything in the cabin, note for later ask for the front of the ship-not back. We have applied for jobs and have interviews but the better jobs have been in Hobart. The weather has been OK and the cat is good, though she doesn't like the cooler weather. We will sit down in the next week or so and write a longer blog to fill you all on what we have been doing and who we have been catching up with.

Lakes Entrance

24th Feb-28th Feb. Have you ever had one of those days- we booked the boat and we will only sail at night as neither of us are good sailors. At night it is great, a little alcohol and some drugs- go to bed and you wake up in Devonport. I got a little off the track- when the confirmation came by email it was for daytime. So it was on to the phone, there was nothing available until the 5th March, ok we will take it. Ness then enquired about leaving the cat in the van for the trip. The woman Ness spoke with was very nice but kept telling Ness she was better in the kennels as they were RSPCA approved and Ness kept telling her a cat surrounded by dogs/ or her home with her own bed etc was always going to be a better option. So finally an email was sent with the indemnity form attached. Scarlia is travelling in the van to Tassie. Then on to the task of finding a caravan park west of Melbourne pet friendly. “No pets but you can try ……”, “yes we take dogs, no cats they upset the dogs”, “No pets”, “booked out”, “Yes but the site has no water as it is our last site”- we will take it. Yeah we found one at Pakenham. This was some of the examples of the response we got over a three hour period.
So it was onto seeing the area. We went for a drive to Nowa Nowa- don’t you love that name. I love it Ness just shakes her head. We continued on to Buchan and the caves. The cave we went thru was called the fairy cave. Some great formations and the guide was interesting with her information. The caves where found on purpose to rival Jenolan Caves, the Victorian government paid a gentleman Moon (we cant remember his 1st name) to search the area for caves that could be open to the public. He found them and they became large part his life and his family’s’. Mr Moon named his daughter Fairy after the fairy cave. She was married in the Fairy cave and named on of her sons Cave.

It was then on to The Snowy River NP, a twisting road up the mountains. We reached the fork in the road right to Snowy NP, left to Jindabyne. Jindabyne was only 130kms. We hesitated, as to cross the border in a different place is one of the things we like to do. No we will continue into the park to see Little River Waterfall and Victoria’s deepest gorge and of course The Snowy River.

We had lunch at the entrance, fighting off the March Flies. It was then a short walk down to the falls- it was a great day with a cool breeze and the sun was out. The falls weren’t spectacular but they were pretty. The walk back was up hill- just to remind us how unfit we really are- huffing and puffing, we made it. The drive thru the park was glorious, it was very obvious were bushfires had burnt out areas and where it didn’t touch. We stopped at the Gorge car park and took off down the track downhill and downhill it kept going, I think the sign said 400 m but I’m sure we walked 200 and it seem to be getting steeper. Ness went for a quick half jog half walk to the next bend came back and said it was getting steeper. “Let’s abandon this idea.” It was back to the car- slowly, stopping in the shade for a breather. I think it was a lot further than 400m. We continue further into the park, the road got narrower. We had stop and pulled to the side to let a van pass, the driver told us to take it easy as the road is very narrow up ahead and the bends are very narrow. Oh boy did it!!! We got to a bend and all we could see was the road winding down the side of the cliff. Off in the distance we could see the Snowy River.

If you closely at the photo you can see the river in the top left corner.

On the drive back we spotted an interesting place to stop for fuel- the picture explains it all.

Not sure what type of fuel they sell, maybe it was only the fumes.

We got back to the highway and turned off to have a look at the river as suggested by a local. It was worth the time.

We then followed a dirt track thru a timber plantation to find a trestle railway bridge, all made from the timber in the immediate area. The bridge was built in the late 1800’s and it was used until 1988. The only reason the railway was closed was because it was damaged during a bushfire. That’s what the sign told us but a discussion with a local told us the government shut railway down from Bairnsdale to Orbust anyway.

On our travels back to Lakes Entrance we found the first oil bore in Australia and of course 90 mile beach.

The next we did nothing but washed clothes and sat around freezing. The following day we were going to Dargo but of course got sidetrack to another National Park. This time it was the Mitchell River NP.
This has many indigenous sites of significance. Ness walked to one of them Den of Nargun. I didn’t have the right shoes- yeah I was happy about that one. It was once again a downhill climbing over rocks but the photos are good.



The following day we travelled a bit further to Port Albert via Sale. This is where all the grey nomads hide out. It has a parking area that you can camp in for 48hrs if you are self sufficient. This is a quaint village that was once the largest port in Victoria 2nd only to Port Phillip, in its hey day.


Looking towards the Bass
Strait.



The local cementry.


We then had to stop at the largest swing bridge in Australia.



It was off to Pakenham the next day Tuesday 1st March. We found Lakes Entrance pretty but very like central coast of NSW. Its great if you like fishing and even at the tourist information centre they can only suggest a charter fishing trip on the lakes, or short walks along the lake or beach. In Ness’ words a very fishy place.

Will write more soon.
Ness and Michelle
Email: Ness1211@hotmail.com
Blog: nessmichelle.blogspot.com

Across the border

A great Day-
Yes we stayed at Yellow Pinch Dam. It was a little off the road so it should have been very quiet. We shared the sight with 4 Motor homes and they were not quiet. They were all from Batemans Bay heading for Merimbula, enjoying happy hour for 4 or 5 hours. We also couldn’t find the dam- found Yellow Pinch creek, Yellow Pinch Road but no dam.
Today we travel the great distance of 30kms to Eden. What an enchanting spot. We went for a look at the Killer Whale Museum. Wandered in the main street and kept stopping to admire the beautiful blue of Twofold Bay.

Tom-The Killer Whales

It has been documented (in Eden), that the Killer whales would round up other types of whales for the fishermen, like sheepdogs. The fishermen gave them the tongues and lips of the whale as a reward. This has never been witnessed anywhere else in the world. There is also a story of Old Tom circling the area where one fishman drowned and the body not found. He stayed in the area for a week, the body was found the moment he left the area.

We then travelled to Ben Boyd NP. Ben Boyd tried to build his own town with the ambition of making it the capital of Australia. Of course he went broke for a number of reasons and the area is now a national park. It is not only for cultural reasons but for environmental reasons it was made a NP. We didn’t see much as it was dirt roads to the sites of interest and we had the van on the back. Of course we followed the road to the end and found the Navy wharf and a wonderful old house, a chipping mill with wharf and a big no entry sign, for the wood chipping mill.
By this stage it was 12.30 and we still wanted to see the Snowy River flow into the sea and we were still in NSW.
In Ness’ words the road looked ok but it rolled every which way. Up hills and down hills, the car had a real workout today. Lunch was at a rest stop over the border, a nice spot with clean toilets and lots of shade. We reached Orbost and followed the signs to Marlo. This area has some very green countryside with nice healthy milking cows in the fields and a litter of piglets on the side of the road. Mum was in her pen and they were unaware of the danger they were in with traffic passing by. We followed the road with river beside us most of the way, we went straight to the beach and stood watched the water mix with the ocean waves. We both have been to the beginning of this river and it was awe inspiring to see it follow into the ocean.

The Snowy River flowing into the sea

It was back to the highway, by this stage it was close to 4pm so it was decided we would stay in Lakes Entrance. That’s we are now. We are going to spend two nights here as we want to go to some caves and have a look around without caravan in tow.

Ness and Michelle
Email: Ness1211@hotmail.com
Blog: nessmichelle.blogspot.com

Wollongong To Melbourne

Well we finally left Wollongong today. Yesterday we packed up hitched up the van to the car doing our check brakes 12volt etc to discover no 12volt lights. They were on off on- Ness had recently changed the plug, thinking she had wired it wrong pulled it all apart. No problem here- so it was a phone call to Stephen to ask him to drop in on his way home. The remainder of the day we sat and watched the news from New Zealand. Stephen fixed the problem again- thanks Stephen.

Our thoughts are with all our friends and their families who have connections with Christchurch.

And that brings us to now. Ness and I decided to do the coast road to Melbourne. So it was through Nowra, a quick stop at Milton for fuel and another stop for coffee just before Ulladulla and we are currently sitting at roadside stop south of Mogo about 130kms north of Bega, it is about 12noon. It is a nice peaceful stop with a fresh breeze blowing in the windows. There is a little bit of traffic and there is a bit of road work but nothing like up north of Sydney. The road condition isn’t too bad either overall.



Ulladulla Harbour






We have decided to stop for the night south of Bega at Yellow Pinch Dam at this stage, which could change in the next hour. We not in a hurry and we want to have a bit of look at some of the country down this way.

I was given a car charge for the computer so I can write emails etc while we are driving without sending the battery flat- thanks Toni and Pete.

An apology to everyone we didn’t get to visit this time as there just wasn’t enough hours in the day. We will be in Tasmania for at least 12months- so everyone is invited to visit. Try and come between November and February as it can get very cold any other time- of course if you like the cold come in July.

I will keep you all up to date on our travels with photo as often as we can. Catch you all soon.
Ness and Michelle

So where are we!

We are currently in Wollongong. Catching up with family. We havent stopped- went and saw Warren in Mt Druitt, Jan (mum), Phil (dad) and Ness' grandparents. The Car had a major service done by Stephen, haircuts, went looking at new TVs (didnt buy one). Lunch with Denise and tonight we are having dinner with Ashley Denise and Ivan. Tuesday morning we are off to Melbourne- the coast road. Still haven't booked the boat yet but we dont know how long it will take us, with Ness driving 12hrs but I will make her stop at least at Eden. Anyone have any particular interesting sights places down the coast.
Scarlia is good, she has a new harness for the car. Hates the hot weather- sits and looks at the air conditioner. We are over the humdity. anyway thats all for the moment. Catch you all next time.

We are still at Minnie Water. We hope to leave on Tuesday 15th Feb. A week or so in Wollongong on to Canberra for a day or two and then to Melbourne. We should be in Tassie the first week in March all going to plan- plans always seem to go astray.

Grafton

We are half way thru our time in the motel. Scarlia has made herself totally at home, I just found her in reception stretched out on the counter sound asleep. We do try to keep her out the back but she loves greeting people- hasn't scratched a single person.
There has been some great weather so we have used the swimming pool, which was lovely. Ness has done a great job keeping the cleaning up.
We haven't been very busy occasionally a lttle busy with enquires but overall it has been quiet.
I will take some photos around the place for next blog. Stay safe everyone. Michelle and Ness

Grafton

What a great show of colour.

So here we are in Grafton. The weather has been ok- it is warming up, which is great. We are working at the Motel now. Lots of computer time, inbetween work. Its a bit slow- everyone is driving pass.Missed the full moon so cant go out and dance under the moon for lots of customers.
Scarlia is loving the space, though she doesnt want to go out much- she can go out anytime during the day.
Nothing exciting is happening. So this will be a short blog.

Happy Belate Birthday Denise I know we both had a great night!!!

On the way from Wollongong to Minnie Water we had a bit of rain. We got to Coffs Harbour and the radio was full of road closures. So we stopped- rang the Caravan Park yes the road is open. Ok Lets keep going- Noooo, we were stopped at a place called Halfway Creek with about 300 truckies. So back to Coffs for accomdation. No problem with accomdation. The next morning Ness rang the SES yes the roads are open. Lets go!!! But No!!!!! Half way Creek is still closed. We explain to the guys at the barricade that we werent going to Grafton etc but still the answer was no. So back for a second night, a motel closer to the closurer, the next morning about 9.30am we were passing Halfway Creek. Yeah! On the Wooli road we found this
So we; after some discussion with a couple from the caravan park, about height the current and condition of the road we did this
This was the shallow bit. The car got light at one point and we got water in the front only.
The cat spent three days in the car. We were all very glad to back in Minnie Water.

Been to Wollongong and back

Had a great week in Wollongong. Ness enjoyed her birthday dinner at Murphy's Bar and Grill, it was great catching up with all the family. She enjoyed Saturday night as well- too much drinking was done but a great evening catching up with friends. A big thanks to Denise and Ivan.
It was back to Minnie Water for a few days and then to the Motel for a week and a bit. Its all much the same as it was before we went Wollongong. We did run into a couple of people we haven't seen since we left, sorry to everyone we didn't see as this trip was mostly for family.
Scarlia is good- loving the motel as she can get out and tease the dogs. So that's about it catch you later.

Grafton

I thought I would put in some photos of the Jacarandras around Grafton they are beautiful. We are at the Jacarandra Motor Lodge- still learning the ropes. It is starting to sink in slowly.
It is the festival weekend- the longest running flower festival. They have mad thursday. This is a local tradition, everything closes midday and all local residents go drinking. Most of the restuarants and drinking places close 6pm. They- the local council- did this to try to stop the bad behaviour.

So we leave for the gong tomorrow.

Quiet Times

Wollongong next week!! We are still enjoying our time in Minnie Water. I'm in the office today- Judy has gone to Grafton. We watched the full moonrise over the ocean- what a sight, with just a whisper of cloud across the horizon. The mozzies drove us away. We have a few visitors the kangaroos in the morning and the possums at night, of course the birds from black cockatoos to kookaburras to plovers to of course the miner birds. One pair of plovers have created a nest in the middle of a site, so that site is out of actions as anyone goes near it the birds attack. The locals are starting to come out in force on the weekends with boats in tow. Lots of good fishing with snapper being one of the common. We visit the bowling club in Wooli at least once a week. So apart from Ness doing outside work and I'm doing the office occasionally plus cleaning the amenities everyday it is very quiet and relaxing.

Minnie Water

So here we sit in Bunnings carpark so I can do our banking etc. We are still in Grafton and it looks like we will be here for a while as we have the chance of relief mananging a motel in Jan- but I will let everyone know if that happens.
We are loving Minnie Water- everybody come and visit Judy and Russell; don't forget to mention that we sent you!!! The weekends it can be very busy as they have a number of casual permenants. Dont visit during Christmas holidays they are book out from one year to the next. We are right next to the national park and 400m to the beach. The bowling club runs a bus friday nights. So what more can you ask for?? So we are off to do some shopping catch you at Ness's birthday or on the road somewhere.

Not back

Ok we are not back all the time. We are currently in Minnie Water. This sleepy little place is near Grafton NSW. Some friends are the managers; Russell and Judy. Its a lovely little spot right near a national park. Its only down side is there is no mobile coverage so therefore we have no internet. We are staying here until the end of the month and then it is back to Wollongong for Ness's 40th. I will try to get access to the internet once a week but dont hold your breathe.

See you all soon!!

We're Back

Wow finally got back on. I couldnt remember our password.
Any way we are in Murgon again on our way south. Being staying in Townsville. Had a great time. Ness got her forklift ticket and I got my cert 4 in Training and assesment. Ness did a couple of weeks work at the RAAF base- making sandwiches for flight crews. She started at 3am and finished when the job finished sometimes 1pm in the afternoon.
We had Taylah (my foster sister) come for a short visit. Left Townsville on Thursday after two flat tyres and no electric brakes we arrived in Murgon yesterday. We are off to Minnie Waters (near Grafton) tomorrow.
Catch you all later.

Early Morning

What a glorious morning. I sat and watched the sun rise (While Ness was sleeping), there is not a cloud in the sky,a little cool but still nice. Its days like today that just makes you are glad to be who you are. So nothing more has happening at this end of Australia. Ness went for her medical, for work- no issues. We are both in agreement to Tassie. So lookout Tassie. Scarlia is getting a little big for her boots- 5.30am is not breakfast!!!
I forgot to write about Cooktown- its a bit late but thought I would tell you all about a tour we did or should I say the funny thing that happened to the tour.
We book an Aboriginal Rock Art guided tour 8.30am- no problems. Had our map so followed the directions, on dirt road of course. We were almost there when I hit a largish pothole- bang psssssst- gas pouring out of the back of the car.
No traffic what do we do- ring Stephen my little brother in Wollongong- his words move away from the car with the phone and turn off the gas isolating switch. Done problem over- yep until we got the repair bill.
For the record it was not my vault, the gas guy told us that it was an accident waiting to happen due to the way the gas pipes were put in- so there Stephen!.
The tour was great but maybe tomorrow- Ness is awake coffeeee time.