Out and About. Jan - March.

As usual I haven't written things down but I don't think there was a lot done and not many places visited or explored.  Lets see...If anyone knows of anything else then please let me know so I can change things.  Husband always says we do more but I'm sure we don't.

Jan.
12th. Nannup FreeMarkets.  With husband, stayed the night  down there in his car.
19th.  Waroona FreeMarkets.  Alone.
26th.  Australia Day party around the corner.  With husband.

Feb.
9th.  Peel Zoo  Daughter and grandaughter.
10th?  Waroona Farmers Markets.  With husband, short visit, maybe 1/2 an hour so does this count? haha.
16th  Waroona FreeMarkets.  Alone.

March.
2nd.  Pam Corker House fete, morning then Mandurah Fair.  With daughter and Grandaughter.
9th. Nannup for the weekend and FreeMarkets.
16th. Waroona FreeMarkets.
17th  Harvey Harvest Festival.  Daughters and grandaughter.
22nd.  Harvey for lunch with mother and sister.
29th  Collie/Macalinden.  With daughter and grandaughter to visit inlaws.
30th.  Mandurah to buy a car with Husband.  Morning.
31st   Myalup Easter Fair.  With daughter and grandaughter.

March looks like it was busy,  Maybe I do do more than I think I do...

Out and About,

It seems that I quite often whinge mention to Husband about us never going anywhere or doing anything together.   He disagrees so I thought I'd write it all down so he can see that I am right.  And he is wrong!

He says that it is OK for me to want to go here, there and everywhere as I am time-rich whereas he is time-poor.  Huh, what's his point!   I know, I'm a bad little wifey. haha.
Anyway I have given it some thought and as far as I can remember this is what I/we have done over the last few months.

August   I went:
FreeMarkets
We went:
Grandaughters birthday get together in Donnybrook.
Donnybrook Date Day   More of these is what I am wanting

September I went:
FreeMarket.
Harvey Highschool 50th,
Nannup Markets.  Down for the day to drop off grandkid.
We went:
Nowhere.

October. I went:
Nannup.  Down for the day to pick up the grandkid.
Waroona Show.
We have been:
Camping with friends for 1 night up at Lane Poole Reserve.
Penguin Island. Took grandkid over for the day.

November.  I went:
Nannup, Pizza and Karaoke busy bee at daughter's place.
Drive to Perth with friend for (her) doctors appointment.  20min at Kings Park then home.
Binningup Spring Fair.  I took the grandaughter.
We went:
His parents place for lunch.

It looks like I'm right, we don't do enough together.   He disagrees with this and says we have been out more than this but if it's not written down here how can that be.
He is either wrong or I have forgotten  You decide...

Looking at this I'm hoping that he is right and that I have forgotten some things we have done or places we have been to... Otherwise, I reckon I have reason to bitch complain comment.

I know he works damn hard when he is away for work.  I know he needs a day off when he gets home and wants a rest day before he goes away again.  I know that there is stuff for him to do when he is home, stuff that is too hard for me.  But all I am asking for is 1 or 2 days a month for us to do something together.   Am I being unfair?  Is that too much to expect?    What do you all think?  If I am being unreasonable then tell me to pull my head in and get over it. I wont but it wont hurt to say.

Waroona Really Really Free Markets Turn Two.

Really Really Free Markets.  Markets where everything is free.  If you don't want it take it to these and someone else might take it home with them.  You may find something to take back home with you.  How cool would that be?  And free.  You could also have a cup of coffee or tea if you wanted to.  For free.  Sometime they have yummy cake or biscuits.  All free.  And lunch.  Free. 
There is sometimes a lady there that does Reiki and card reading.   Sometimes other people that do different things.  And did I say that it is all free

I firs went to some Free Markets in Perth.  Took the train up and walked miles to where they were so I was mighty interested when I heard that there were going to be some close by.   I went to the first of these when it was on down at the local park.  I decided then that if they were going to be a regular thing then I would use them as an avenue to declutter my house.  Well this Saturday they have been going for 2 years.  Two years!  So of course my house is lovely and tidy with no unloved or unwanted stuff anywhere right?  Errr, No.  A big fat NO.  I have been to most and taken boxes and boxes of stuff but not enough.  We still have way too much stuff here.

 I have been doing a bit of clearing out over the last week and have a bag and a box of stuff to take to this one but still could find more if I looked hard enough.  Actually I wouldn't have to look very hard at all and I would see stuff that could go. I will bag up more stuff to take down..

The markets have shifted to the local hall, there are tables set up to put your stuff on.  They do ask that you take home with you anything that is still there at 3pm when it ends but you may not have anything left.  If you have it wouldn't be much.  There have been loads of times when I have come home with none of the stuff that I took down.  That's not saying that I came home with nothing though, I have heaps of cool stuff here now but as it is wanted and loved it will be staying here.

On nice days I like sitting outside the hall with a coffee and lisen to the music.

These markets are in Waroona, 3rd Saturday every month.  Doors open at 1PM and it shuts at 3PM.
There are a few people that stay around to help pack up, wash dishes and sweep and I know their help is greatly appreciated.

There is a Facebook page if anyone likes the concept and wants to join. 

Maybe I will see you there sometime.

Thursday Night.

I was out at work all day yesterday and though I had half heartedly promised myself that I wouldn't get on the computer until my evening jobs with the animals were started and finished...I was sitting here when the phone rang 10 miutes after I walked in the door...How sad and bad is that!!!!

It was the daughter wanting to borrow my car so she could go to some Christmas thing in a town 20minutes away.  A town that I had just driven through and seen all the road closed and detour signs...
But as she is a revhead that is addicted to her phone and has been known to check it at the lights I said no.  Good aren't I.  But of course I couldn't deprive the poor lil grandkid of seeing the Christmas stuff could I.  So I had to quickly get out there and feed the chickens and pig.  Check that the fox that had been a couple of days ago couldn't get back in, drag the 2x40kilo bags of chookfood out of the car onto the trolley, pull them around the back to the shed and then scoop the contends into their bins, feed the chooks...Inside for a quick shower and something to eat...Out of here only 10minutes later than I told her.

It was a good night though.  We ended up at Edenvale listening the the Christmas carols.  I don't *do* Christmas but I do like the songs of the season.

After it was all finished daughter suggested some Christmas lights that were worth seeing so I drove out to them.  I like seeing all the Christmas lights too but hate the power that they use...Can't have it both ways though...Managed to find the lights and get out of the area again even though I couldn't see where I was going.  I HATE night driving but last night was a bit worse than I remember.  I *might* let the daughter drive next time....

It was a good night though, I didn't spend on anything unnecessary, apart from the candles for the carols...and the popcorn but that came from Coles with the drinks and the bug spray.   Mozzies are so bad up there that we had to walk down to the shop for some repellent so bought some snacks and drinks from there instead of the overpriced vendors.

Back home by 10 and then to bed...after an hour or so on here!...I did miss the bloody thing but geez, I need a bit more discipline.

Happy Birthday RRFM.

It is the first anniversary of the Really Really Free Markets in Waroona today.
If you are passing Waroona Town Hall between 1 and 3 this afternoon, Sat 17, call in and have a look, maybe find something you need, listen to the music, have some coffee and cake or a bowl of curry...All free.

See you there.

Or not.

Really Really Free Markets. July.

The Really Really Free Markets today was huge.  So much stuff, so many people.   A brilliant day out.

 

There was muffins, biscuits, pumpkin soup with bread, curry, tea, coffee, milo, salad rolls...all donated by people for anyone that wanted something to eat.

 

There were apples, chokos, lemons to take home as well as a huge amount of other stuff. 

Music, reiki, rune readings...There might be someone giving haircuts at the next one.

I scored a jigsaw for Hubby, some books, seatcovers fo the van, a couple of outdoor chairs to put out the front, some huge flyscreen for when we enclose the front verandah...a backpack.  

Most of the stuff I took down went to a new home.  

I will go through my cupboards again and find some stuff to take to the August market.  I know I have plenty in the shed that can go.  

So all in all, it was a great day, people came from all over and these markets keep getting bigger.  It's great.  Maybe I'll see some of you at one one day.

Really Really Free Markets

Daughter has just been here.  Looking for donations as it is the Really Really Free Markets tomorrow and she is going to bake some muffins to share with everyone there.  These are yummy muffins and worth coming along just for 1 of these.  I'm hoping my donation of sugar will get me a few extra.

Check out their sites, they have a blog and a Facebook page.

I will be taking down a few boxes of stuff and I will be on the lookout for any interesting books.  I bring them home, read them and then take them back to the next market and let someone else have a turn.  I get the benifit without adding more stuff to my little overfilled house.

These markets are going to be in the hall in Waroona, starts at 1pm and I think they go until 3 so if you are in the area and have a spare half hour or so call in and have a look.

Been Away.

I've been away on a bit of a roadtrip, with Hubby, in a truck.
Home yesterday but apart from a quick walk around the yard to make sure it was still there I haven't done anything.

Today I need to help clean out the truck, do all the washing, get the house back to looking lovely like it was when we walked in the door...I tell ya, it doesn't take me long to give the place that ol' *lived in* look.

And I need to blog about my ADVENTURE!!!

But another coffee before I go out in the cold and dark to let the chooks out.


And thankyou L. for being here to lock them up each night and set them free again in the mornings.  I would have worried all the time we were away if they were out and possibly fox food.

Really Really Free Markets Have A Blog.

And I just found it. 
If anyone is interested the address is http://rrfmwaroona.wordpress.com/
It tells about what they are, where they are, when they are...

Check it out and if you are in the area then come along to one.

Really Really Free Markets.

These were on again in our town yesterday and as I have been decluttering I had quite a bit to take down.  And I am pleased to say that most of it went.  There were a few things that I was thinking if they didn't go then I would bring them back inside and keep them but someone needed them more than I do so that is good.  Yes, it is, really.

Because of the weather the markets were held in the hall this time and there were tables set up along the walls and down the middle, most of them were full of stuff.  The first 45 minutes or so were very busy with dozens of people going through everything and taking want they wanted.  It was great.  There was even free tea and coffee with freshly baked that morning muffins and choc chip biscuits. I saw a couple of people taking photos, there may be some on the Facebook page. 
Oh!  there was music too.  A group of people were on the stage playing and singing.  Real cool.

I know that the people putting these markets on would have had to pay to hire the hall so it was great to see such a great turnout.  It shows that there is a need for such a thing and if it saves stuff being dumped then it is all good.  A few people knew that the money was coming out of the pocket of the people who organised it so a bit of money was donated to help cover the costs of hall hire.  I think that was real nice of the people who thought to do that and next time I will donate a bit too.  I don't think that the people who organise it should be out of pocket at all but they believe in the concept so much that they don't seem to mind.

I came home with a few things but all stuff that I will use.

Notice the Earth Children books.  Two of them in hardcover.  A great start to me collecting the series.
I have been umming and arhing about buying a rack for the back of my bike and lo and behold, one was here.  A couple of other books that will be taken to the next one when I have read them.  Some lace curtains in the bag, I'm going to see if I can make them fit my living area windows, if not then they will go back to the next one for someone else to use.  A floor jigsaw for the grandaughter to have out here.  A good haul and not clutter AT ALL!!

The next RRFM is on Sat, 16 July. in the hall as far as I know but check out their Facebook page, become a member, come and see how they work.  I'm sure they will have just the thing you need.

Another Day Out.

I had a day out in Perth yesterday.  Went on the train with daughter L and her husband M.  It was great.  They showed me how to get the train to Freemantle so now I will be able to do it by myself.
The ride into Freo is nice, the train runs along the water as you come into Freemantle and you get to see all the ships coming in and going.
Once off the train we walked down to a shop called Kakulas Sisters, they bought a few things there and then we went on down to the markets.  I bought a pear to munch on, it cost 40cents .  Felt like the last of the big spenders but it was all I needed.  It was a really nice pear too.  On the way back to the station we walked into a Timezone type of place.  That was loud, noisy, lots of people...but we stayed a bit and walked around.  We probably stayed longer because M found a card that still had a bit of credit on it and we *had to* find a game to use it up on.  I then found a card that had no credit but100 points and as M's card had 13 points we got to spend the points at the counter.  We all ended up with a smiley face keyring and we got a big pencil as well.  It added to the fun but I suppose "you had to be there" to enjoy it.

Then back to the train station.  I "had to" use the loo there as I had been told that they were pretty cool looking and they were.  Massive and old style room.  If you are ever at Freemantle train station have a look for yourself.  I'm sure you will agree with me.

  On the train leaving Freo we saw some dolphins, that was also pretty darn cool.  Then back into Perth and on our way to Kakulas Brothers.  L and M go here quite often but this is the first time that I have been here.  It is the same family as the shop in Freo that we went to but prices are not always the same.  I think they get most of their stuff from here as it is close to the train station and the backpacks can get pretty heavy.  I didn't buy much, I mainly wanted a look and some lentils but it is a great shop for bulk stuff.  It has flours, spices, grains, coffee...heaps of stuff.  Well worth a look if you are in the area.  Well, well worth a train ride actually!

Then back home.  It was a long day and I did end up with a headache but 2 coffees when I got home soon fixed that.  I am starting to like this *day out in Perth* thing.  Anyone want to come with me next time?

A Nice Meal Out.

We are not long home from being out having tea. 
We had a lovely meal out down at the hotel.
Hubby ordered a roast and I was umming and ahhing between fish and chicken.  Finally decided on the Chicken Parmigiana (sp?) as that is something that I wouldn't cook at home.
The plates were huge so not something you'd want too often but very nice.
And thanks to the Son in Law, we didn't have to pay for it.  He rang and offered us both a meal out and it's much appreciated.    And no dirty dished here to wash.  Thanks M.

Zoo Friend.

I sometimes looked after a dog for some friends while they went away and though it never cost us anything and I enjoyed having him she always gave me some money when she picked him up.  It usually gets put away and absorbed into the other money but this time I used it to buy a yearly pass for the zoo.

Smokey was old and unwell and is no longer around so this way everytime that I visit the zoo I will think of him.

Being a Zoo Friend allows me to get in to the zoo for free for any time over the next 12 months so I plan to catch the train and go every couple of months.  I like the zoo and for the $9.00 train fare it will be a cheap and nice day out.

When our kids were younger I used to think that the zoo was a cheap day out but now at a cost of $21 for an adult and $10 or so for kids it wouldn't be.  I think that a pass given as a birthday or Christmas gift would be a good idea but would still add up if buying for a family.  Still a good idea though, espessially if you live close by.

Does anyone here have a pass and if so do you think they are worthwhile?

I'm not home, I'm here.

I am babysitting last night/this morning...
So had a sleepover in a big flash house, overlooking the river....Very nice.  Even had tea cooked for me.

But I am still inside on the computer instead of out there enjoying the view and serenity.
I will have breakfast out there though, that will be nice.

No idea when the people will be back but that doesn't matter.  My chooks are big enough to wait for their breakfast and the dog will sleep until I get home.

I am using their computer and the keyboard is much smaller than mine so I keep making mistakes.  But being on here up here I will have no reason to get on when I get home so will be able to get straight into things outside.  Yes indeedy, that is what will happen...

It's nearly half past 7 and I'm surprised the boys aren't up yet.  I thought they were early risers...My mistake.  Will give them another half an hour.  One is being picked up this morning but as I have no idea what time I need to get him fed and ready, in case it's earlier than later.

Well best be off, will go out and play with the dogs for a bit.

A Really Nice Birthday.

Thanks to everyone that wished me a Happy Birthday.  So nice of you all.
I had a great day
Daughters L and T and grandaughter J met me and 1 of the kids I care for for a picnic at a playground near a river.  The ducks wanted our food so we had to watch them but it was a nice day.

I think we should do it again some time as the kids had a great time riding their bikes along the paths.


The ducks had a friend but it is hard to see, you can hear it though...

Lunch In The Country.

Seems like I'm a right little socialite...Lunching every week...In the city...In the country...

Todays lunch was in aid of my mothers birthday...Some family members met up at a place near Harvey for lunch and a catchup.  I had a nice time, I like meeting up with my family.

Lunch In The City.

We had lunch here   http://www.annalakshmi.com.au/
It is only the second time that I have been here and I had forgotten that some of the food is spicy.  Nice though.


It didn't take long for the train to get to Perth and because I had plenty of time I stayed on until it reached the city station.  Got off and wandered around a bit before walking down to where the restaurant was.  I was early so sat and looked out over the water for a bit.




Close to 12oclock and I went out front and walked around looking at people and wondering if they were who I was meeting then saw a group of 3 women that looked like they could be.  I had some colours of clothing to look for and found them here.  We waited for 2 others that were expected then went into the restaurant.  We ate outside and had our meal overlooking the water and boats.

This place doesn't have a menu as such, you get a tray and help yourself from the dishes that are set out.  There is water, juice, tea and coffee as well and today there was a dessert of some sort.  We couldn't work out what it was.  When you are leaving you pay what you think is fair.

I enjoyed myself.  The women I met were nice and friendly and I hope to meet up with them again sometime.

My First Solo Trainride.

It went well.  I really don't know what I was so worried about. 
I think I overthink things and imagine the bad things that could happen instead of concentrating on the good stuff that is more likely.
But now that I know I can do it I think I will do it more often. 
I could visit the musuem.  The Art Gallery. 
I could just sit and people watch, that's always fun.

I got to Mandurah Train Station just after 9am and as expected all the free parking was full so I went on to the pay and park section where there were a lot of spaces left.  Why is it that the carpark that you have to pay to use is further away than the free one?  Not right! 
So $2. for a ticket there and $9 for the train ticket doesn't make a too expensive day out.  Of course you could spend a lot by buying food and *stuff* but you could also have a cheap day out by just looking and doing free stuff.  This $9 ticket lets you use the ferry as well once you are there. 
On weekends you can get a Family Day Pass for the same price so it would be great for families to go up for the day. 
Take a picnic, ride the ferry across the river then back, train back to your car after a lovey day out...I might see if I can get some family interested...

Lunch In The City.

Sounds kinda posh don't it. (and there ends the illusion)

The idea is that I leave here tomorrow morning, drive the 40min over to Mandurah, catch the train to Perth and have lunch with some people that I have never met in person.

It will be an adventure.  My first solo train trip.  I only kinda tear up when I think about it but I am hoping I don't start crying on the train.  That would be the height of Sookylalaness.

I am looking forward to meeting these women as though I haven't met them in real life I kinda know a bit about them through the FLYing In WA Yahoo group.

So I am hoping that I can get a park at the train station, not sure what to do if it is full.  Maybe go have a look at the shops for a bit then come back and try again...So I will leave here earlyish in case I have to do that.

I have been told that there will be *nice people in uniform* if I need help working out how to buy the ticket I need.

It will be an adventure. 

February 14th.

We *don't do* Valentines Day but as it is our wedding anniversary we are going to the trots.  I think.  That was the plan but we had a busy weekend and I am tired and sore and plans change...

The daughters L and T brought out presents for us on Saturday, thankyou both very much,   My kind of wrapping too so that makes it more acceptable.

T.  The donuts are gone the choccies will go tonight.
L. we have waited like you said to so can't comment yet as he is still in bed!

I hope everyone has a great day.

Updating to say... It's been a week but Thankyou L. for the bag and the chockies, I still have some left!  Your father says thanks for his pressie.  There are a few left there too.
We stayed home and just had a relaxing day here instead of going to the trots.  'Twas nice.