General Chat

Morning everyone!!! Gee, you lot have been busy. It's taken me ages to read and catch up with all the goss. Not easy to do when your eyes are having trouble staying open. I'm guessing Devly and me can be let out of the naughty corner for good behaviour? Crewlew and that Juliething seem to be filling the gap quite adequately. ; )) Lara, have you ever seen all the little boutiques and gift stores popping up in the arcades and out the back in Redcliffe? Had to go to JJ's in Sutton St yesterday morning for fabric, got there around ten, and didn't get home until 3 in the afternoon. spent hours trawling through these lovely little shops. Of course I had to stop for morning tea and lunch as well. lol!! Apparently they've been there for ages but I haven't seen them cos I haven't gone past the main drag. Beats making the hike to the shopping centres, and more interesting! Rudes, great to see you back mate! Hope Barbs okay, give her a big hug from all of us. And how's our little JAG coming along? Bless! Boo! Devly. Poor Girl, have you recovered from seeing all those bums en masse yet? It's always a bit much to take in after the summer drought. Cricketers don't quite have the same effect do they??? Winter Olympics start next week. All those skaters in tight leotards.....................{{{{{{{{OOOh!}}}}}}}} Gosh I'm brain dead this morning. Maybe I'll be better after a litre or so of coffee. Catch up later folks. Cheers, caffeine defficient Rebs : ((

Morning Wattlers Not going to say good. As I got upthis morning and did 2 loads of washing, the first was clothes and I had no probs with them then when it came to the towels something has happened to the washing machine and it is not spinning properly, only the agitator is spinning around not the bowl as well, so the towels was spinning into a clump on one side and hense setting mashine off balance, Not Happy Jan, having to wring out towels by hand. So I did that them went for my 45 min walk to try and cool down a bit. Anna great find on your family tree, if OH is not happy just tell him to go and make some dust, wood dust he he. Tony sending positive thoughts to you, Barb and her sisters. Rebs yes I think we can come out of the naughty corner, it was getting a bit crowded in there with Crewella and Julie and the others. Mmm winter olympics have to remember to watch. Also Commonwealth Games and Swimming is not far away. Need I say more lol. Cheers Sue, who is now going for a Coffee and a sit on Verandah for a while.

Good morning all . . . and it is a good one here - sorry devly that your wopping machine is giving you grief - probably just what you didn't need! Friday 10th Feb 2006 is a great day for me . . as of this day I no longer have to worry about if my siblings are going to resume legal action contesting my fathers will. Marie can get on with her life and not have to worry if she has to give anything back that Dad left her. I no longer have to tread carefully, I can do or say anything I darn well feel like without fear of upsetting the apple cart. But in a strange way its a bit sad too - another link lost with Dad.- - or maybe its just a milestone 18months have passed since probate was granted. I too have already been for my walkies - off along the beach, can never come home without a shell or two - pot plants are quiet overloaded already! There are a few clouds around, but a lovely cool morning, the sun keeps popping thru just to remind us that its still summer (though what a crazy season it has been) There are only 3 giraffes with their heads in the clouds, hubby tells me one of the containers coming off today is ours - contents: very exciting (not), dropsheets, scrapers & roller covers! Just talking to Debs on msn, and how exciting is this - you will know where I will be on Thur 16th March - at Canterbury Records Office, and then on Friday 17th we will be at Kew - digging in the Archives there! Fingers XXXXX'd - I just want the RN record of gtgtgramps Goodfellow and the wills of gtgtgramps & gtgtgtgramps Parks! Of course I would like to find more - but thats first priorities. Well done Anna - you must be feeling good about your progress! Tony is a great help isn't he - I think most of us have benefited from his knowledge and skills. Joodles, we were due to come home on 30th - but Ray is playing with that again today to add another day in Thailand to thaw out on the way home, so will send you an itinerary when he has finished. Re Abraham & Ann - I think we should just change their names to Adam & Eve and call them the first ever! Gosh the time has gone fast - Jan due in April, so close now. Hope she is keeping well. Rebs, sounds like you had a good day in Redcliffe, haven't been there for years. Eldest son likes it up there - first thought was to move there - but decided on Bribie because less traffic to train in. Mothers greatest fear - son riding a bike in the traffic - his only concern his bike!, somehow couldn't settle on a malvern star! When he prattles on about it sounds, like a spacecraft. Off to post the mil's skirts to her, thats 6 skirts she's got me to hem for her since November - she loves to buy new clothes - most dont get out more than once, and every skirt has a special blouse that goes with it, but it keeps her happy! I call her Mrs Miller now - because I'm sure shes brought enough in their store to own it outright. Talk later - cheers luv Laurie

Morning all. Hi Laurie, I can understand your angst about your fathers will. I went through all that a few years ago. Rather than run the family through the courts and give half the estate to the solicitors we decided to change the will by what is known as a 'Deed of Family Agreement'. However it ended up more like an argument. The will and all the aftermath has split the family up unfortunately. Three of us don't talk to the fourth. Or I should say..he doesn't talk to us. This means we have lost contact with all those on his side...nieces, nephews etc. Not good. It would have been better if Mum & Dad had gone 'SKING' and then there would not have been anything to argue over. Darn families, can't live with them, can't prune them from your tree! Enough of this nonsense. I am off to do some shopping, only groceries...I am leaving the good shopping 'till I go to Norfolk Island. 'Bye

Just a small gripe before I go. Why don't people answer their messages??? I am waiting for several 'hot matches' to reply. What is the matter with these people? Don't they realise that nothing is as important as genealogy? {jumping up & down & waveing arms around in manical manner} I think I must be in need of a sherry :). No, it is a little early, maybe when I get back from the shops. WT

Hello all. Decided to leave the naughty corner for a bit (no Baileys left). Laurie, I've worked in a Solicitors office for over 20 years (and I'm still bl***dy in one). We have a saying - 'You know not a man until you have shared an estate with him' and how very true it is! The stories I could tell you would make your hair curl!!! But don't get me started, 'cause I might take it out on some poor unsuspecting client this afternoon. Hubby off overseas this afternoon until 6 March. He's skiing in Canada and USA, while I run up the National Debt on the credit cards, hee hee hee. Must away and do some work, before I get the sack (I wish!) Lew Lew

Ow Laurie....all that years of hard work by your parents just to let the bottom feeders get it? Just to spite your sibling? Just to cut your sibling out? Mmmm, sounds good. We should have done that. Nahh, s***f it, the bottom feeders can make money chasing ambulances. Any how...enjoy your day. WT

What's the difference between a Solicitor and a catfish? One's a bottom dwelling scum sucker and the other one's a fish! Ha, ha, hee, hee. Now I can say that, 'cause I'm married to one! Solicitor that is, not catfish!! Lew Lew

We have a topical fish tank and we have called all the bottom feeders after the cast of Boston Legal. I went to the pet shop to get some catfish and asked for solicitor fish. The attendant didn't know what I meant. Poor child. Wait 'till she gets old & nasty like me then she will understand. WT

Every story different Dianne (WT), We all got a share of the money when mum died and family home was sold - then after step mum died, dad went to live with sister Marie, she was great. What Dad had when he died was mostly from his sister, whom he had cared for. I didn't benefit - it was as it should be, Marie gave him the run of the place, he was the head of the house up untill he died. I wouldn't have let him just dig up my gardens because he wanted to plant something different - no way! He built little shacks out the back, pulled things down - did as he pleased - he still had important roles and was in control, right up to his death - thats something not many older folks have - so he was very lucky. He was 91 when he died ! I wasn't being spitefully really - trust me. cheers Laurie

Hi Wattlers, I am very sad today. I had a terrible row with my dad yesterday and I don't know if it can be put right. The problem is that my Dad actualy hates my husband and we don't know why. He also hates my SIL. A couple of years ago when my brother and SIL came to visit him, they also had a bad row and my SIL caught the first plane home. I don't think my brother will every visit him again. I have spent the last 37 years having to listen to digs he makes towards Neville, and I have just had it. Anyway that's why I am sad. Sorry to burden you all. Hi Diane, I live near to Canungra, and yes it's very hot a sticky here too. I know what you mean about hot matches. I think I have found a long lost cousin through one of his relatives. He answered my first letter but nothing since. It is really frustrating. I would also like to congratulate you on your 10 year anniversary. I am finding it very hard to concentrate today. I had to read 4 pages of messages, and thats only since yesterday. You are a busy lot. Just a word of advice for what it is worth. Please accept your childrens choice of partner what ever you may think of them. And if things do go wrong just be there to pick up the pieces. Bye for now SuzyQ

Hey SuzieQ, I commend you for having held your tongue for that long! I have a younger sister who doesn't speak to me because of my choice of partner. And why doesn't she approve of my partner? Because he's 22 years older than me! Full Stop! That's the only reason. She even told her 12 yo daughter that her 'family were a disappointment to her'. I wonder if she'll ever realise that that statement works in reverse! How awful for you and your brother. Just remember the old saying 'You can choose your friends, but you're stuck with your relatives!!!' Lew Lew

Arvo Wattlers Oh Laurie, nothing like a will to bring out the nasties in siblings. Just been through all that and glad its over - don't have to associate with the in laws anymore!! (hubbys choice) Dianne would love to see the faces of people who ask you if you fish have names - lol. Suzy Q how horrible for you - its so hard, but your dad is the one who is going to suffer, what is it about dad's and their daughters? They get a bee in their bonnet and there is no shifting their opinon.My M & D took a long while to accept my husband ,they get on alright most of the time - but then he told them straight 32 years ago - he had made his choice and they weren't going to change it! Here I was thinking they would be glad to get me off their hands. Don't know if anyone has already seen this but read on: PARENT - JOB DESCRIPTION POSITION - Mum, Mummy, Mama, Ma, - Dad, Daddy, Papa, Pa (if it had been presented this way -none of us would have done it!) JOB DESCRIPTION: Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic enviroment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organisational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hr shifts on call. some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required. RESPONSIBILITIES: The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly,. Also must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 100 kmph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face simulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish tiolets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars, and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organise social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final,complete accountability for the quality of the end product! Responsibilites also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility. POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT AND PROMOTION: None. Your job is to remain the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating of your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you! PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis. WAGES AND COMPENSATION: Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that uni will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more. BENEFITS: While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right. Well would you have applied for the job - You betcha! Have a good weekend everyone , catch you tomorrow. jude 3

Hi again, Thanks for all your messages. I never thought that I would actually answer my father back, and this is the second time. The first was just after my Mum died. I think he expected me to choose him over Neville. I must say, I had a charmed childhood, and I think this is why it hurts so much. Added to that, my Mum didn't have an easy time with him and she was a wonderful mother, everyone called her the peace maker and now I know why. Thanks agian SuzyQ

Arfternoon all, Congrats on reaching your milestone Laurie :) Celebrate - and now you can grieve as you should and remember without a cloud. You have a great holiday to look forward to :))) SusyQ ((((HUG)))) from me. You made the only choice. And possibly the future may be brighter. Lew Lew, what happened to the new name??? Jude 3 - not sure I would have taken the job on with that description so just as well I didn't know!!! Looking forward to the weekend - I need the break. 'Ave a good one Vonny

Hi Vonny. Name keeps changing to keep you all confused! Or is that me that's confused?? Anyway, now home from the office and have just waved goodbye to the Hubby for 3 1/2 weeks. He's off to Canada skiing and I've got the credit cards ready to do some damage. Lewella aka Lew Lew Crewella Leweegee (my Italian identity)

Afternoon everyone. Well you would think it was winter last night in Melb. Even thought about turning the heating on...lol Anna. Great news for you mate.....It's a good feeling when it all comes together. The longer it takes to find them the sweeter it is when you finally do i reckon......lol Lara - Rebs....Grandson ( JAG ) is doing fine now, and Kizza will be coming over for a B.B.Q tomorrow night. Might be good also for Barb, to have a change of pace as well. So looking forward to seeing him. Have to start him off a little bank account, as i have done with my other two grandkids. When the other two were born, i opened up one of those dollar mite saving accounts, to start them on there way. Never to early to teach them to save, i say. Tassie Devil. Watch out for that heart mate.......cant be good watchin all those blokes running around......lol Sounds like the agitator belt is broke in ya washing machine mate, but just a guess. These new fandangle machines with all the buttons and lights. We got so many colored lights on our machine, I'm thinking off sticking it on the Xmas tree next year.........bring back the good old scrubbing board and the velvet soap..... i say....lol Gwenda. Thanks for your kind wishes, and Pat, thanks also. SusyQ. You are so right about accepting your childrens partners in life. My parents in laws ( to my first marriage ) thought i was a bit rough cut around the edges, and we never got on much. I offered to take my father-in-law for a beer once, and was chastized from MIL as leading him astray, and how dare i take himout to get drunk.........i mean we were only going out to have a beer mate, i wasnt taking him to a strip club.....Geeeeez. Come to think of it.........it may have been the best thing in the world for him..........LOL We all went down the beach for a family outing one day, and the life gaurd asked MIL to move further back up the beach, as the tide was to frighten to come in...? Love her to bits....( little ickle tiny bits )...hee hee Laurie. 71 great grankids for your parents....WoW..........thats some family mate. That would be a seperate tree all on its own if it was my lot. My mum has 7 only so far, but holds the record for daughter and son in laws ( 9 )...ha ha...considering i am only one of 4 siblings. Younger brother is trying to add to that by making it..... 10 ( 4th wife ) Hi to everyone else. Tony Oz:>))...its time for refreshments.

Hi all - Love ya new name Leweegee lol SuzyQ – I feel for you. We dont need that extra worry and stress, do we. Yes Anna, we have had Abraham and Anna with us for about 20-30 years, and no-one has been able to knock down the brick wall. We do know that some of the girls in the family worked in the “Poor House”, but the one son went to Canada, and made a name for himself – From him and his wife there came thousands of descendants. Not even any of the 1,000’s of Americans and Canadians who are also related can get any further, not to mention the Aussies. If I can ever split my tree to Aussies v Americans and Canadians, I’ll let you know just how many there are of us from just ONE MAN (and his Irish wife a’course!) Laurie’s mum and dad nearly broke the record for the number of kids in the family (10) - Our Canadian immigrant had 12. Anna your talking washing machine sounds great – and I bet you give in a talking back to sometimes!!!! What brand is it? Rudee – all the best with the three girls – Things will be tough for them at this time. Not nice Tassie Devil – to have a washing machine spit the dummy especially when you have towels in them. Laurie - congratulations that all your worries will be over. Today (10th) is my daughters birthday - last Sunday 5th was my youngest daughters birthday. Sunday (12th) is my grand daughters 7th, and believe it or not - last by not least, my other grand daughter is 6 on the 25th. An expensive month! Hi to all others Joodles

Leweegee gets my vote too! Love it :) Anna, isn't it nice when you come home and at least the microwave is glad to see you? My daughter's microwave always flashes 'welcome' when you first start it :) I hate all the bells and whistles with the new electric appliances. And isn't it just great when the battery is flat on ONE of the appliances (phones, smoke detectors, remote controls etc) but you can't pinpoint which one so scurry around from room to room, trying to work it out!!!!! Vonny

Nicea to speaka wit you Joodlelina! Havea nicea weekend. Leweegee