Gala Night

Our annual work Kick-off conference was held this year on the Sunshine Coast.  It was a very long week but the grand finale is the Gala Night....a night of looking your best and in addition, I have the pleasure of being able to directly participate in recognising some of our high achievers.

Swimming Carnival

This is the time of year when the school's swim squad participates in swimming carnivals.  Jamie has had the priviledge of representing his school at these events for the last 2 years.  This year he placed 4th in 50 meter freestyle and 2nd in the freestyle relay.

Year End Strings Concert

This year Jamie started music with playing the French Horn.  Mid-year he wanted to give it the flick (and I was ok with that) and went back to the cello.  He has been playing cello for 3 years now in total and seems to like it.  The only issue with him is the practise...hates it!

A Day at the Beach

We had a great day at the beach a few weeks ago.  Tobey was in and out of the water as a good Lab would do and Jamie speni more time in the sand than the water.

Rain, rain, go AWAY!

We have had so much rain over the last few weeks...the snails were taking over.  Thought I would do some experimenting with the camera.

27 Collingridge Way

 Some have asked for pictures of the house....well here you go!

Spring Flowers

Feels Like Summer!

This weekend was the first taste of summer with temperatures in the high 20's. We put fresh wood chip around the gardens and cranked the heat up in the pool so that boys could enjoy the first weekend of term vacation.

The Rosella

This morning as we took Tobey for a walk, we came across some Rosellas.  They are beautiful birds.

Australian Pumpkin Soup

Australian Pumpkin Soup is made from what North Americans call squash.  I use the Butternut and Buttercup squash.

Ingredients:
1 Buttercup squash
1 Butternut squash
1 Sweet potato
2 leeks (white part only)
1 Litre Vegetable stock
Salt, pepper & coriander
250 mls sour cream



Optional - you can replace sweet potato with potato and also add onion

Cut up squash, sweet potato and leek into large pan.  Add Vegetable stock.  Bring to boil and simmer for 20 minutes.  Blend with a stick blender until smooth.  Add sour cream and mix through.  Add salt, pepper and coriander to taste.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream and don't forget nice freshly baked olive or cheese bread!

Frilled Neck Lizard

About 13 years ago I saw my first Frilled Neck Lizard as Jeff and I were driving down a dirt road in the Hunter Valley.  The same thing happened today and with my camera in hand, we got some great pictures.

Jeff tried to move it off the round which caused a reaction...and hence the name Frilled Neck Lizard

Another day on the Motorbike

We have found a great riding park about an hour from home. Jamie enjoyed his day and only stacked it once. Dad is going to have to get a bike now for trail riding...they say Mom needs one too!

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Some recent photos of the Cannings

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Grand Final 2010 - Under 10s Petersham vs Seaforth

These are some pictures from the bush surrounding the estate. The first picture is known as a "Bottle Brush" which is also typical of the Australian bush.

The second picture is of a "Black Boy" (they can't call it that anymore) that developes a black center as it matures. It thrives from bush fires. It is illegal to remove these from the bush.
Some experimenting with the camera.

This little baby (the size of Jamie's hand) was looking for a way into the house...needless to say he didn't make it. The joys of Australia's nature!

The rugby season has started with Jamie playing on 2 teams. Newington (black & white) on Saturday and Petersham on Friday night or Sunday. Most of his mate's from Newington are on the Petersham team so they should get lots of practise together. His position is Prop....just like his Dad.

Yesterday I became an Australian citizen. Here I stand with the Director of Immigration. It was an interesting ceremony...approximately 150 Aussie want-a-be's with a mass pledge and affirmation...lasting all of 8 minutes. Despite the impersonal approach, it was good to finally become an Aussie. For those concerned about my Canadian roots...don't worry, I am a Canadian citizen as well.