hello again hello girls sorry its taken me so long to log on again. australia looked great, lynda you are so brave going in the sea there, were you not scared a great white might get you, i know i would have been. tina you were brave too going on the boat to watch lynda. how lucky are you both to have seen the whales and all the lovely dolphines i'm so very jealous. i've dropped mitch up to jimmy this evening so he can work with him this weekend, how strange is that? we are watching benidorm at the moment it is hilarious den hasn't stopped laughing. looking forward to reading the blogg to see what your up to later in the week look after each other love sally den frankie and mitch xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BEAUTIFULL How beautifull , no not you two , New Zealand ! Linda - didnt like the sound of the helicopter ride , made my stomach turn thinking about it x What lovely photos , really looks a special place to visit . Tina - did you remember me telling you about the little church (terry visited ) ? Bet your looking forward to the party at the weekend . Quick hello to Donna , bet your blooming now love , so excited for you both , speak soon , take care girls xx
I BEAT DARREN !! (for once - well sort of anyway!!) Well, don’t know how to start, the whales looked simply surreal and the Glazier looked incredible, I may have to stop reading this blog because it makes me so Jealous! What’s this about you popping pills before going on boats, I am sure it’s usually done on the clubbing scene not whale watching?!! Lake Wanaka looks like the place for me to learn how to fish, I could sit there for hours, just beautiful. Keep up the good work girls, your doing us all proud. I just wanted to let the whole world know that I came second in the darts on Sunday. It was the final day of the Geekathalon - a 3 day tournament for Matt "The Pirate's" birthday including Golf, Bowling and Darts. Tony "The Don" (Matts dad) fluked a bullsye (only joking Tony - good shot!!) to take first place and I finished in 2nd. For those who dont know this is a huge achievement for me; basically I beat Darren "El Magico" which is as good as winning in my book - in fact anything apart from last place is an achievement!! I would prefer not to discuss the Golf, Bowling or even the final standings of the 3 day tournament because it’s embarrassing (for me anyway) As you can see girls, nothings really changed here - we are still as competitive as ever and most of the time I continue to lose, and at most things!! when on the very rare occasion I do win something (or even come 2nd) I like to try and rub it in as much as possible!! The funniest moments of the weekend was the Darts entry music provided by Darren "El Magico" and Wilmot "The Women Warrior" who kept missing the dart board and hitting Matt "The Pirate's" front room wall in full view of his parents. Matt "The Cat" Hammond somehow won the event with Darren "El Magico" coming a close second. Anyway, it is great to hear you are having a wonderful time, it is all good here the kids are just amazing and Louis got into his school which is BRILLIANT news, I will email you some more pics soon, give all our love to the family in NZ. Ben xxx ps - make sure you keep calling, its great to hear from you xx
Top blogging Kaz. Nice one Karen, very informative yet witty blog. I'm just wondering if Mum and Auntie have ended up like Jonah, only I've not heard from them since their whale watching trip. Well if you've got an internet connection from inside Willy we're all fine, Donna's still getting bigger by the day but enjoying every minute of it. Although she still can't decide what bloody pram to buy (my betting is she'll go for the most expensive ;o) Not much else happening, we all had a big boozy weekend for Matty's birthday (which is today by the way). I've only just recovered and Ben is still dying, you know what big girl's blouse he is when it comes to hangovers. Why do you keep putting the brand name of a concentrated orange squash at the end of your blogs? don't you know it's only for me and my dog.... Big love to one and all in NZ xx P.S. how's the new job going Karen?
KIWI Hi gals , all looking splendid , loved the photo of tina with her legs wrapped around the flagpole , (gave me an idea , sorry mum ) Dazzle got a tash , is it grey ? (looking good for xmas mate with the kids x ) Weather here is up and down , one day its hot the next its hotter !! Hi chez how you ? Karen i thought you were updating the blog ? are you knackered taking out the oldies , HE HE xx Looking forward to seeing all the photos , drinking wine in a spa , how the other half live !! love to all and special message to Jan and Norm , YOUR TURN xxxxxxx
BYE BYE OZ Hi Girlies
Wow, the Kuranda Skytrain souds fab - bet the view was awesome and I do really envy you riding in the outback Lynda. Bet you´re sorry to leave although thankful you had no excess baggage to pay, how jammy woz that? Any chance you two could travel with my Mum in future? She never gets away with it flying out from the UK and, despite leaving wardrobes of stuff beihind in Spain, she always gets caught for excess baggage going back!!!! Safe journey gals - can´t wait to see what´s in stall for you on the NZ leg. LOLH&K Chez xxxxxxxxx
Owzat!!! Hello you two, hope the Kiwi's are treating you as well as the Aussies did. If not just give 'em a little dig about the cricket..... barmy army! More lovely sights you've seen (I like the waterfall pic) to add to your collection, bet you can't wait to get back and see the wonders that Dartford and Gravesend have to offer. Did you have to eat that weird looking creature for some kind of bush tucker trial to get out of the country? Note to Karen - Give these two a good night out, for the first time ever they're starting to sound like a couple of grannies, too young this, too noisy that, nice early night.... snap out of it girls *slaps mum and auntie round the face*. Glad to hear that you've not had to ditch any gifts yet but if you do Kevin, Carrie, Chris, Jimmy, Nicky and Ben have all said they'll gladly give theirs up first which is nice of them. Donna and the baby are both fine, we brought the furniture for the nursery the other day. Only went out for a loaf of bread (Penfold cut of course) and came back with a cot bed, wardrobe and dresser. I did however get it all for half the price, saved myself 350 smackers... you're not the only sucker for a bargain Auntie. My beard is still awesome Mum, I can even curl my tash now. Peace out! xx
Enjoy New Zealand Hi Tina and Lynda. So you've arrived in N.Z. Well done. Nice Roast with the trimmings and all the other things that go with family fun. Enjoy every minute. Happy Easter to you both. It's snowing heavy here and bloody freezing cold, so No sitting in the garden and having Bar B's here. Kids stayed in and stuffed easter eggs and watched films. apart from swimming not much you can do with S... weather. Would love to get up the mountain with son, but looking after Sis, so will put it off for now. Stay safe. Loads of love x x x x
roast dinner, Aunty Jan read the blog and I can tell you, you won't be disappointed with the lamb roast we have planned! Not long to go now before we see you. xxx
WOW Hi girls , Love all the latest photos , toad racing , koalas, fantastic once in a lifetime experiences . Got invited to a new bar opening yesterday (no guinness ) but had to go (to price a job there ) all the booze was free and we got the job, and had a couple of guinnesses on the way home so wasnt so bad x Been down to Benalmadena tonight to see Nicky , louis and Mia as well as all the family and Mo on his birthday, had a lovely evening (the kids are all growing up too quick !) Wont be long before they have a blog and are travelling the big wide world (how scary is that ? ) Can someone tell Louis that im colourblind , a quick example, LOUIS "Uncle Paul i spy with my little eye something beginning with RED " !! Now whats that all about , i lost three times to a four year old xx (mind you Maurice lost twice !! ha ) So looking forward to seeing some family photos of you all in New Zealand , and talking of familys , who sent me the text which said and i quote " i was in tesco today and thought i saw your name on a loaf of bread. Then realised it said "THICK CUT " Keep up the blog girls , miss you both xxx
HOLA CHICAS ESTOY AQUI!!!! Hard to believe you´re holding koala´s, stroking crocs and swimming with Nemo - what a fabulous experience Australia has been and thanks for sharing it with us - this Bloggin´Thingameejingamee is just absolutely great and I´m sure everyone really appreciates your efforts to keep us posted. (Technology eh, whatever would we do without it!!!) It may seem as though your fans have deserted you at times but we are here really - it´s just that, certainly in comparison, we´ve only got boring stuff to share!!!!! Safe journey to Cairns - will catch up with you then. LOLH&K, Chez xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
sorry!!! really sorry guess i have not bothered writing on the blog cos i have been emailing and talking on phone but i have been reading them all i will make more of an effort in future.
nicky and kids here and we are having a fab time but very noisy
love you both missing you really badly now xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Don't panic we're still reading the blog! I'm not sure why, but I had a tear in my eye when reading the last blog. Probably because I so wish I was there with you. Glad you went to Cape Tribulation (I was meant to tell you about that!). It was one of the trips we did, plus of course The Great Barrier Reef. Len and Mark both dived there. Barbara and I just stood and watched! I'd forgotten my rubber ring! Miss you loads. Love Susie x
NO SMOKING!!!! Oh Tina what have you done?? I was so surprised to see a beautiful beach, with two beautiful people and What? What is that in Tina's hand. Never mind try again later. Well we are so enjoying pictures of scenery that is so fantastic. I have even used Seals Rock as my back drop on my computor screen. You both looked so relaxed and enjoying yourselves, we are here in the pouring rain on a cold windy Sunday afternoon. Sarah and I were on our way back from Blue Water a couple of days ago. And she decided to take me to the Hideout to try LIIT... But alas it was shut. only open between 6 and ing the evening. so will try again later. I would also like to try all those different fish that Lynda's mentioned. But still sticking to Sunday roast. Enjoy the rest of your time to OZ. Stay safe. Maureen. x x
JUST A QUICKIE Bored stiff at work and I swear the hands of the clock are going anti-clockwise!!!! Just caught up with your itinerary for NZ - sounds great - pictures of hunky Maori men please. What are you up to at the moment? Did you take some shots of the Band???!!!**** (joke) bet they were just stunning! Well, am looking forward to reading your next Blog - I´m off riding all weekend - yippee!!!
Well, take care girlies, LOLH&K Oh, before I shoot off, Happy Birthday Natalia & Lots of Love to All "Up the mountain" too Chezxxxxxxxxxx
offer of babysitting It's just so not true girls - wouldn't expect you to have the kids while we go away for a weekend, if you'd offered to do that I'd make it a week at least! Enjoy that Ozzie wine, all good training for the superior whites we have in NZ. And I don't mean that White Cloud rubbish either. Did I tell you there are at least 5 boutique wineries within a 10 minute drive of our house? But you have to take us with you ha ha - we've got the car! xx
HIYA Hi girls, all looking good , love the photos of oz as it looks a wonderful place and glad your both enjoying it . Heard from Karen in New Zealand today says shes stuck on where to take you , either to work with Luke or getting you to look after the kids while they go away for the weekend ! ( i dont know you go all that way ! ) Big up for Vinnie and Sandy for looking after you both , very nice of them ( if you got the blog address , thanks to you both x) No new news here accept Tony Draper is here for the darts week in torremolinos ( got a croud with him ) im going down on thursday !! Well take care , enjoy , love Paul x
Finally, the reason why I don't like Chardonnay! G'day Sheilas. Glad you're enjoying Oz. I know how much Mark and I loved it but you never know if someone else will think the same. Thanks for working out why I don't like Chardonnay. I now have a good excuse to go up to the bar and ask the bar-person for wine without any oak in! I'm sure that'll go down very well at the local working men's club. Keep blogging and keep safe you two. Love Susie x
Loved the blogs from Oz Hello Tina and Lynda just read the first two blogs from Melbourne and Sydney brought back some very happy memories. You were really brave on the bridge walk. Tom went on the Blue Mountain steepest/fastest railway but I chickened out, do they still play the Indiana Jones theme? Looking forward to the rest of the reports. Take care all love Marg.
CCCCRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIKKKKKKEEEEEYYYYY Hi Girlies
How totally unselfish of you Tina, opting to sit out the Harbour Bridge Walk so that you could take a photo of Lyn on the bridge!!!! I see you decided on the easier option..............I´d rather go under it with a cocktail in my hand!!!! (and I don´t blame you!)Well done though Lyn - does nothing fase yoou big brave girl - I could only stop and imagine how absolutely amazing it must have been and we´ll just have to wait and see if indeed anything manages to top that experience during the rest of your travels. Did you say you are driving to Brisbane? - I can picture it now, top down, scarves and shades on..............just go easy and take care luvies. LOL&H Chez xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Strewth, you sheila's have been busy. G'day from freezing Pommie land. Looks like you're having a bonzer time of it out there, glad you liked your flowers. I can't believe you went on a cocktail cruise and never sampled an Aussie LIIT, why's that? are they too difficult for an Aussie to make? Mum - you look like you've been pumping iron from your pic on the bridge, is that so you can wrestle a croc? you seem to have done everything else ;o) Have either of you chucked any shrimp on the barbie or seen my ute? Love you both xxx
Brothers of Pol Pot Hey there! A few points need clarifying about the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot. Firstly, "Pol Pot" was not short for "Political Potential": think about it, why would he choose an English abbreviation when he didn't speak English at all? The name doesn't mean anything; it's just a name and was chosen to conceal his real identity - his name was actually Saloth Sar - in order tgo confuse and mislead his enemies. Secondly, the figure of 3 million dead is a huge exaggeration. No one claims that figure these days. The generally accepted figure is 1.7 million, and even that will be challenged by the defence in the forthcoming UN-backed trials of the surviving leaders. Thirdly, when your guide talked about Pol Pot's brothers he didn't actually mean brothers in the literal sense, he meant brothers as in "comrades". Like many revolutionary organisations the Khmer Rouge believed in strict secrecy, so Pol Pot was also known as Brother Number One; his deputies therefore were Brother Number two, Brother Number Three etc. So it was the deputies (men like Nuon Chea, Khieu Samphan and Ieng Sary) to whom your guide was referring. Pol Pot did have brothers in the biological sense, but they were totally unconnected with the Khmer Rouge and didn't even know he was the leader of the regime until well after they had seized power.
I hope you realise I'm not getting at you! After all, you only know what you're told, right?! I just think that if you were interested enough to go to see the monuments, you deserve to know the facts about what you're seeing.
Safe trip!
MUMMY Hi mum,
I need to talk , i met this girl at zens nightclub last night and she asked me back to her place , when we got back to her flat i noticed her bedroom was completely packed with sweet cuddly teddy bears . Hundreds of cute small bears on a shelf all the way along the floor , cuddly medium-sized ones on a shelf a little higher and huge enormous bears on the top shelf along the wall . I was surprised that anyone would have that many teddy bears but decided not to mention this , and was quite impressed by her sensitive side . Anyway i turned to her and we kissed ... then we ripped off each others clothes and made hot steamy love for two seconds (this is normal i checked with darren ) After an intensive night of passion , we lay there in the afterglow , and i rolled over and asked , smiling , "well how was it for you ?" She turned and said "help yourself to any prize from the bottom shelf "
TOGA (two old gals away) Tina and Lynda are away visiting far off climes for four months from January to May. Come with us!!
asian leg
oceana leg
americas leg... full info
the barnes family
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hello again
hello girls sorry its taken me so long to log on again. australia looked great, lynda you are so brave going in the sea there, were you not scared a great white might get you, i know i would have been. tina you were brave too going on the boat to watch lynda. how lucky are you both to have seen the whales and all the lovely dolphines i'm so very jealous. i've dropped mitch up to jimmy this evening so he can work with him this weekend, how strange is that? we are watching benidorm at the moment it is hilarious den hasn't stopped laughing. looking forward to reading the blogg to see what your up to later in the week look after each other love sally den frankie and mitch xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx