Stubbseys

Hi there everyone - a long overdue update on the building process and a quick review of our 2008 as the Xmas entry. Last time I wrote things were going along swimmingly and have continued that same way, more or less. In actual fact we left our Peakhurst rental at the end of September and moved into the caravan on site. The upstairs of the building was close to being finished at this stage, bathroom operational, carpets in, power on but no window coverings. We were able to eat and sleep in the van and use the bathroom upstairs. Also had the lounge set up so we could watch telly and have some quiet evenings. The builders left on 3rd October and since then have had so much done that the house is 90% completed. We ... read more

Hi All Last entry was Xmas 07 so thought I would update our lives. In that entry I very assuredly stated we would be starting our new home on January 7th 2008!!! What a blissful thought. It didn’t happen. After much negotiating with our preferred builder who wouldn’t do it for the price we thought appropriate, we decided to embark on this great journey of being “Owner/builders” at the end of which we will have saved a bucket load of money!!! This remains to be seen of course so will get back to you on that around Xmas time. John had a lot of trepidation about going down this route but as we have gone along he has had help from some very good friends and his confidence is growing daily. Owner/building means engaging all your ... read more

So here it is Wednesday 2oth December 2006 and we are in residence in Gerroa. Arrived back in Sydney on Thursday and spent the next four nights parked in Kate and Brett’s driveway. It was just lovely to be back and welcomed so wholeheartedly by Jack and Hannah. They have grown so much but are just as delightful as ever. I had my first cuddles with little Sam and he has stolen my heart. He is just starting to smile and gurgle so we had some great conversations. Also caught up with Zac and Maddison on Sunday. They have had a very busy year with Zac completing Kindergarten and Maddison starting to look like an Olympic swimmer. They had a new pool built over the winter and are really looking forward to the Xmas holidays when ... read more

The time really has got away with me and it seems that it is a month since I last published a blog. Have been writing it up now and then but haven't been able to coordinate the photos and writing. Very slack of me I know but will catch up now. Will probably publish two blogs within a day or so - I know how exciting that will be for you all so get a grip, open a beer - or boil the jug and make a coffee and read on!!! Left Yeppoon on Tues 24th October and headed for Rockhampton which is only an hour or so inland. Stayed here for 4 nights which was quite pleasant. John had a game of golf and was very impressed with the golf course. We spent a lot ... read more

Hi all, I know I haven't written for a while and this will just be a very short blog. We have a new grandson, Sam Connor Ridley, born Monday 9th October and weighed in at 8lbs 8ozs. Kate is amazingly well even if a little tired. Three kids under 4 is a handful but luckily she is a born mother. Brett's not bad too - they have been doing some work on the house and if they have another babe they may have to put on another storey. Anyway just thought I would pass on some photos of the new family member. Have a new nephew also. Lachlan Andrew Stubbs was born to Natalie and Andrew on Sept 12th and will probably be a great partner in crime with our Sam! Will put in photos of ... read more