Hi Carol,

So glad to hear your washing machine isn't one of those up for recall,  This sort of thing happens so often.  They just don't make things like they used to.  You have freezing weather, and we have extreme heat.  Yesterday in Melbourne it was 41.  Today it's a pleasant 27, tomorrow  in Colac they have predicted 40.  Then it cools down for the next week to very pleasant temps between 20 and 25.   
Yesterday I took Eli with me to Melbourne.  He was such a good boy, Makes me wonder why I've not gone out with him before.  He slept in the car going, his usual nap time.  Woke up just before we got there, had a bit of a play at bree's and his lunch before Stevie's little concert at school.  We walk to school for that, Eli sat in a little chair next to me.  He clapped after each class performance.  After that Bree and I went to the Shopping Plaza to get the fish for her boys (A tank, food, scoop, themometer, the whole thing, one for each).  As we passed H and M I decided to have a look for some clothes for Eli for Christmas, they had some gorgeous clothes, I ended up getting him a pair of light grey linen pants and a dark blue shirt,  I'll add to it from shops here (country town, we should shop local) but I couldn't resist the pants.  He was so good all day.  He decided 10 mins from home that he'd had enough.  Stevies little concert was really good also, they told the story of Mary and Joseph.  Each class told part of the story and sang a song.  I was worn out though after our day and went to bed early.

Keep Norman warm in your cold weather.  Take care.

Love to all.  Sue xx

Hi everyone, Debbie came in for bucks fizz and chocolate cake and went home three hours later!  Because she had to collect my spare Norman she only had a little drink, so unfortunately I had to finish the bottle off, needless to say I slept through the night!   Hubby had a haircut and looks smart, he's so much more relaxed since seeing the doctor and looking forward to seeing the family.  Today I have fought my way round Tesco, considering its five days until Christmas it was manic, so a good move on my part.  My friend Jean has  contacted me to say her results have come back and she has kidney cancer, but they're saying once that kidney is removed she will recover but a long way to go.  This cancer is everywhere and ruins our lives, is it because we are living longer, I don't really remember any of my Mums generation having cancer but now it's friends my age and so much younger.  I've missed all my children's Christmas nativity plays, so Sue you are so lucky to see them and how lovely that your daughter is reaching out to you but still a long journey for you and Eli. I only have to visit my brother now to drop his presents off, Karen came back with a virus from their holiday and then hurt her back badly so she's been out of commission for some time.  So not too busy a weekend which is good because the next two weeks will be hectic.  Take care all, love Carol x 

A nice quiet day, I have felt a little tired and awoke with aa stiff neck but two paracetamol, coffee and some stretching exercises have helped, I do miss my two dance classes as they seem to keep me mobile, still I did dance to one of the Christmas songs this morning!!  Luke came to see us, beer for hubby, prosecco for me which is handy as I drank the other bottle, I'd better leave the Cork in this one until Christmas day.  I've eaten the chocolate orange segments I bought for the children which was rather naughty of me as hubby tried to pinch one and I smacked his hand, still he doesn't know what I've done, I'll sneakiky replace them.  Not much more to say really as I haven't been far.  Love to you all. Carol x 

Hi Carol just a quick call to say we're both OK. Just thinking what to cook first. Going to get everything ready today and tomorrow, then just reheat carefully on the day. I've found the smallest joints i could but we probably won't eat it all and turkey brest, then again Bella will probably put on weight,. If i don't call before Christmas wish you and yours a merry Christmas and a happy New year.

P.s and a happy Christmas and New year to all on here (don't have to much booze you might drop dinner on the floor) best wishes to you all...Billy xxx 

Dear Carol,

It's great that NOrman is more relaxed since seeing the Dr.   You were brave going shopping so close to Christmas, the closer it gets the worse shopping is.  It always amazes me in the supermarkets just before Christmas or Good Friday.  You would think the shops were shut for a month.  Sorry to hear your friend Jean has kidney cancer, but it sounds promising if they say once the kidney is removed, she'll recover.  I hope so.  Cancer is everywhere, Living longer probably is the reason for  a few with a cancer diagnosis, but so many are young that are getting it.  I think a lot of it is caused by our environment, the chemicals that are around us.  So much more of that now than when we were younger.  
I've been lucky and not missed any of the grandchildren's dancing performances or Christmas plays.  It is good that Cass has reached out, I can't help wondering why.  I shouldn't be like that. Is Karen the one that was travelling in Australia?

Exercise does keep us mobile.  Norman will never know you ate the chocolate orange, you will have it replaced.

What a time for your tooth to start acting up.  Hope you are able to get antibiotics and it eases it enough so you can still enjoy all the goodies with Christmas dinner.

Billy, Glad to hear you and Bren are both ok,  Sounds like Bella will get Christmas dinner too.

Been busy mostly just Christmas preparations, although I did do the BBQ at Bunnings on Saturday.  Our weather has cooled to pleasant rather than the scorching days we were having.  I think the hottest was 42.9C.

I probably won't be back on the computer till after Christmas. but want to wish you all a very merry Christmas.  

Take care, ove to all.  Sue xx

Hi Sue, my tooth was so painful I had to get an emergency appointment and am now being dosed wit them plus strong pain killers, I'm so cross as everything was done and ready but eating is agony.  It took us ages to get to town to pick our turkey up, it's madness the way people were queuing to get into the supermarket and then we had to go again for the dentist but we did the back road.  Lisa, Tugs and Harry have arrived and cheered me up no end, they've just gone back to the flat they're staying in and we'll see them tomorrow and go to the church for the Christmas Carol's for the children.  So have a lovely Christmas with your families and we'll speak soon.  Much love, Carol x 

Merry Christmas morning, hope your day goes well, know you'll be very busy, with all the food, shame about your tooth,. But hoping all goes well. Love xxx Billy xxxxxxx. 

Merry Christmas to all of you who help keep this thread going.  I have slept with a scarf around my head to keep my face warm and hoped the house didn't catch fire as I looked like granny grumps!  Just took hubby a cup of tea and he said from under the covers, we don't have to get up yet do we, no I replied we don't, only those of us having to put the turkey in, make stuffing and get ready need to be up (i.e Me).  He is funny.  Just trying to clear my grill from catching fire last night because the Birds Eye beefburgers caught fire as they were so fatty!  But they said they were lovely, I said make the most of them as we won't be having any again!!  Make the most of this festive period, kiss your loved ones, tell them you love and appreciate them, family and love is All that matters.  Love to you all,  Carol xx 

Dear Carol and Billy,

It's now Boxing Day here.  Christmas is done.  It was good, Family, turkey, baked ham, hasselback potatoes, salads, then plum pudding and chocolate/cherry pavlova, 3 bottles of wine, and all still sober.  Took a drive to see the Christmas lights, which were beautiful.  I think Eli's favourite present was his tool bench, he got so much. Just now finished taking all the rubbish out, bin day tomorrow.

I probably won't be on tomorrow decided I'll go to Cass's, so will be a late night by the tinme I get home, so have popped on quickly now.  Have a wonderful day, as you said Carol,make the most of time with family, they are all that matters.

Love to all.  Sue xx