A Proud Tradition

Anzac Day. Steeped in tradition, high emotion and celebration. Unless you seem to be some of the young ones these days. Who don't think it's appropriate to celebrate war. When are they going to learn that it's not about celebrating war? It's about celebrating the greatness of the gift that our soldiers have given us?

For me, Anzac Day has always meant a holiday. And avoiding the Dawn Service. This year, I thought I would break with tradition and catch the parade. I don't think I have seen it since our cousin was in the march past and still married to his first wife! I laid my plans. Then several members of my household invited themselves along. Ok. I own up. I asked if they wanted to see it with me.

The basic upshot is that when we arrived in the city, someone called it too crowded and they opted to go walking instead. I thought I would tag along cause they surely wouldn't be too long and we might be able to find a vantage point on the way.

We toured the gardens. Three of them took off and walked ahead, and I got left with the babysitting. Great. My ankle was killing me, and I had to deal with Blondie. Normally, that's not a huge problem, but he was snippy. At what, I hadn't quite figured out. But he'd been bad the day before, Sunny thought it a good idea to get him out of the house. And he came. He did tell me that he didn't like big groups - heck there were five of us total. So he hung back with me. Dammit!

Blondie is an all right kid. I guess. But he has his problems, and right along with depression is a possible ADHD. Yay for me. Don't ask me how I do it folks. I just have a special talent.

But he got snippy with Sunny for some reason, going quiet and snipping when Sunny spoke to him. I pointed the finger; don't you start! And things evened out from there.

I don't remember what I did Saturday. The day is just a blur. Oh, I remember. MOTH and I hit the road to the shops. He was looking for liquid smoke to use for his jerky. We didn't find any, and alas, feel we must begin searching in cyber. I bought a pair of ugly white ankle boots for the Teen. She loves them, but ugh!

Sunday I thought I would venture into the city again. Sunny has a bead necklace he likes to wear. One I made, and the knots on the 'string' keep coming undone. It's that stretchy rubber stuff they use, usually for bracelets so you don't need a catch. So off to the specialty store in the city. Which does only beading supplies. I've tried glue and that doesn't work either.

I wanted to leave early, Blondie was coming, as was the Elder and Sunny. In the end, due to oversleeping and not being home, we left later and it was only Sunny and I. Poor MOTH was left with Blondie. And the day was good. For me.

Then we got home and both Sunny and I had nanna naps.

I'm looking forward to my next long weekend.

Aaaaannnndddd .... I'm back

It has been a while. There hasn't been much happening since I came back from Adelaide.

I did arrive home though to find that a friend of Sunny's had moved in that weekend. It's ok. You can breathe. I did know he was coming.

He's sleeping on the couch. The original deal was for a week. But a week has gone past and he's still there. I don't mind too much. MOTH, Sunny and I had a chat at the end of the week and decided that there wasn't anywhere he could move to. He hasn't enough to move out, and doesn't have any family he can move to.

I think though that MOTH and I have reach the limit. There will be no more when he goes. Not for a while anyway. Quite a while. I don't mind opening the house, but there has been extras since I got rid of the Chef. Sunny is a different matter though - he's family.

This one though - I guess I will call him Blondie - does help around the house. Today he's started the washing and pegged the load out. And MOTH likes that.

Thought we were having a houseful again this weekend. One of Sunny's strays asked if he could sleep over tonight. And the answer is ok. And Sunny's brother was going to come for a visit. But the parents have put the foot down, declined to let him come, and even taken away his internet priveliges. Sunny is upset - he now doesn't have anyway to contact him.

I don't know why they have to be this way. Sunny went back for a visit while we were in Adelaide, and it was apparently a nightmare for him. To the point where he has disowned them completely. He had a birthday card for his 18th. And no call. Nothing. He said that if we had something planned, he didn't want them invited.

His 18th has come and gone. We gave him his present - a bottle of Tia Maria. How ghey is that??? The day was a bit better than I thought it was going to be, but not as good as I had hoped. Things got a little sticky by the end of the evening. That's what happens when you have a house of depressives.

It was noted in jest this morning that I was the only one not on antidepressants. And didn't look like I needed them. So, I was dancing around the kitchen. I can't remember what it was that took my fancy either. Finger pointing. Exclamation marks. YOU are the only one here who isn't on tablets. What sort of freak does that make you!?

Ah me. Viva la difference!

Adelaide

We're ba-ack!

Yes, just returned from a hectic four days in Adelaide. The Elder, my rentals and me. We flew out at sparrow fart Friday morning. It's been so long since I flew, I had forgotten how weird it feels on takeoff and landing. And I popped Kwells. Just to make sure!

I've never been to Adelaide before. I didn't get to see as much of it as I would like.

We were met at the airport by a car service. It was a Kia Carnival van. I was surprised how roomy they are. And comfortable.

One thing that struck me was the old architecture and building materials that are used in the houses. Most of them are cottages, made of stone. Or at least with stone facades. Complete with columns. And some of them had the rounded front window walls. Difficult to describe, but I know what I mean.

I met up with my sister. We were, after all, there for her reception. Friday was spent with her and getting ourselves checked into the motel. It was walking distance from her place, so position at least was handy. The room itself was nothing flash. Nothing at all. Brickwork was dark, the walls white, carpet and curtains turquoise. Circa 1970. Or something. But very, very clean.

The day was cloudy, and a little cool. Friday night we had a bbq dinner. The bro-in-law wanted to use his new toy.

Friday night, I discovered that the walls were NOT soundproofed. You know it's bad when you have to go to sleep with your iPod on so you can try to drown out some of the noise of the talking and telly in the adjoining room! And sometime early I was awoken by strange noises. I lay in my blankets. Please, please let them be watching a movie.....

Saturday was cool, with light showers. This was the day of the reception. And when we arrived at the local club, the set up was lovely; the food even better.

I don't remember what we did for dinner. We went back to their place after the reception for more drinks and food.

Sunday was cool too. With some showers. Why do we always seem to get rained on? That was the niece's birthday party. Some of the kids seemed nice, some did not. The usual bag. Sunday night, I put my hand up and asked for pizza. I scabbed some cash, because hey, we were all putting in. And I tried to put the whole order on my credit card. They told me it wouldn't work, did I have any cash. Luckily!! And it was just enough to cover the cost of the order. Without my contribution of course. I took the boxes and we left the store. My sister suggested that I share the boxes around so I didn't have to carry them all. Sure. Why not. I turned to the Elder who removed the top couple. I turned to the niece, who took the rest. Once again, I used my super powers of delegation, and ended up at a free end. She shook her head. Only you could do it....

Monday dawned beautifully. The air was crisp, but the sun was shining. We were making a very quick trip into Rundle Mall, followed by a dolphin cruise. I was meeting a friend for coffee before we headed off. I only had an hour, but I did manage to grab a couple of minutes to drop by Haigh's chocolate shop. Of course!

I was a bit worried about the cruise. Everyone seemed enthusiastic, so I didn't object. I don't handle water that well. I can get sick in a lift. But I took the Kwells, and as long as I didn't look outside for long, I was fine. There was a group of women on board though. Three adults; nine children. And weren't they obnoxious!!

We finished the cruise, then headed off to some warehouse to see if we could find a bargain. There was nothing there I could bring myself to spend money on. But the others seemed to find things.

Monday night, we had a lovely dinner cooked for us.

Tuesday morning, we flew out. The pick up service to take us to the airport didn't have a van. So they sent two cars. A holden Statesman. A Chrysler 300C. The Elder and I saw the statesman come in first. And then the second car turned up. OURS! we called. And we rode in the 300C. It was black. So totally mafia staff car! And swooningly comfortable. The trip to the airport wasn't long enough. He did offer to drive us all the way home though...

So now, we're back. Thankfully I have the rest of the week off. To catch up on washing!

Monday blues.

Actually, no. Monday is good. At least, it can't be as bad as some poor sod I caught an eye full of this morning.

Business shirt. Good trousers. Changing a flat tyre.

Nope, my Monday couldn't be that bad.

But I did realise, while making my first cup of the day, that I had forgotten to do something on Friday. Not good, that. All I can do is start it this morning, and hope that it works. It has to do with travel - now there's something different! - and revolves around the fact that I got approval to go ahead with it last Thursday, and to get the quoted fare, it had to be ticketed Friday.

*shrugs* Ah well. Can't do much with that now.

Last weekend was different. Sunny went back to his doctor, and stayed at his parents. He took the Elder with him. It seems that things are back on even ground. And he really enjoyed the stay. So much in fact, that they stayed another night. And the Teen stayed out at a friend's place for Saturday. So MOTH and I were somewhat at a loose end. Don't you hate it when you are used to the place being full, then suddenly it's empty, and all is quiet. In fact, too quiet. And you wander around feeling lost and looking for someone to annoy?

Well. Ok, so I don't know about the rest of you. But I do.

All is back to normal in that respect tonight though. The Elder and Sunny are back, Teen is back. And bringing a ring in with her.

Sunny's first appointment with the psycho today. Somewhat daunting, but hey! I get a short day.

And it's a short week! This week I am off to visit a sibling in another state. No longer will I be able to claim that I've never been out of the state. Oh dear. Going to ruin a perfect record.....

Square One Would Be Good Right Now

I think I've mentioned Sunny has started a new job. It's five days a week, about 5 hours a day. He's worked three shifts and I think it's beginning to take it's toll.

Yesterday he worked from 1pm to 6pm. All was fine, but boy was he tired. After dinner, we did the usual thing. He sprawled on the couch, surrounded by cushions, doona and me. Actually, I sit in my spot and he props the cushions, pillows and what ever else against me and makes himself comfortable. And this doesn't annoy me. In fact, I get to lean on the cushions myself. Hmm. Comfy.

Last night, the Elder suddenly decided she was in a foul mood. She retired to her room. She put shoes on and stormed out the house. Sunny and I looked at each other and wondered. She went back to her room. She threw things. Sunny gave up and went to see what was wrong.

Holy heck. She was jealous of the time he spends with me. Jealous. I know she's no angel. I know she's capable of this. She also told him that MOTH is jealous of the time we spend together.

Sunny crashed. And I think we are back to square one. I understand his need for Mother company. His own hasn't given him what he needs and he's got 17 years to make up for. MOTH was down on the day he made that statement. To her. He's certainly said nothing to me. We've since talked about it, and he explained it was the depression talking and he certainly doesn't feel that way any more. Having Sunny there hasn't really changed anything. Just now, he goes to bed early and I stay up late. Instead of the other way around.

So now I'm worried that she's killed any sense of security he had staying with us. How can you feel comfortable in a house where you aren't sure if they really want you after all and you think you are creating rifts? And that house was your sanctuary?

I know that it was also the depression firing off her mouth, and I know she deeply and sincerely regrets it. But the damage is done and it's too late to retract.

I hope that it settles down - things were still tricky with Sunny this morning - and he eventually realises that he does fit in. Very much so. And I'm still willing to give him the support he needs to get through. Everyone else will have to live with that. He needs it the most right now.

MOTH understands this. Things were hectic when Sunny first arrived. But now things were calmer, I've been making a more conscious effort to hug and kiss both the Teen and the Elder so they can feel included too.

Fingers crossed the dust settles. Hopefully MOTH can help with this. Even he is learning to communicate more. And that can't be a bad thing.

Happy April Fool's Day

Time flies when you are having fun. Or not. It's April already. I can't believe it.

I did end up with a message this morning. From a sibling. Someone who was on the ball! Pinch and punch. And all that jazzzzz. No, wait. No singing. Yes, I can sing. Very badly.....

Things have been busy on the home front. We did manage to finally get the rooms swapped. But now everything they can't fit in their rooms is out in the loungeroom. Boxes of stuff. It's beginning to get a little on the OH&S side of things. At least I managed to get the hall cleared! It was a close run thing. The Teen is ecstatic about the swap. Not so sure about the Elder. I think Sunny is relatively happy - he actually gets a little room. Well, he would, if the Elder hadn't taken over.

The hardest part is convincing her that most of what she has stashed in boxes could probably be thrown away. She doesn't use it, doesn't need it. I had hoped this time she might actually do something about it. She brought home some tips about de-cluttering. The paper stayed in her bag and most of what did actually get thrown out was actually rubbish. I mean the old dockets, bags and stuff that ends up in layers on her bedroom floor. Most of us have grown out of the habit of using the bedroom floor as a rubbish dump by the time we hit 20. But not this child.

So how come it's so difficult to declutter anyway? Why do we feel we have to hang on to things that might have some sentimental value? Once upon a time I think I felt that way, but these days, I'm happy to throw it away unless it has some value. Maybe it's from looking at the stuff that has accumulated in the kids rooms over the last I-don't-know-how-many-years. It's daunting. It takes up so much space there isn't room to move. No freedom; you're weighed down with it all.

In fact, it brings to mind footage from Labyrinth. Old people, bent double with all their junk carried on their backs....

On another note, things have been cruising with Sunny. He mentioned that he couldn't believe he felt so up. Until last night. He has a part time job. Yesterday was his first day. It's five days a week, 5 hours a day. Last night, he had a sensory overload; he crashed. Suddenly he dived up from the couch and ran out of the house. Just recently single, I thought it was the ex.

I found out later that he had suffered a sensory overload and had to get out and away; everything was too overwhelming. Too much noise, too many people.

I guess we were a touch noisy. Wonder if I can keep it a little quieter and relaxed this evening? There isn't anything on telly, so chances might be better. No one home from a movie and calling details across the room. No one laughing maniacally at some comedy gala.....

Wait. Aren't we the comedy festival on our own?

Whoosh! Was that the weekend rushing by? ... wait!!

So now it's Tuesday already. I had finally managed to get myself a cup of coffee to get through the morning. And I did finish it. Really I did. And I know I did. So how come I keep reaching for the cup so I can finish it??

In fact, it's nearly lunch time. My lunch time. Actual lunch time is nearly half over.

And this morning has just flown. Or maybe it's because I didn't start work when I arrived here?

We saw the Significant Other off this morning. He came in with us. And had a bit of a wait till the bank opened. So we wandered and talked a little. For a stalker, he comes off quite well adjusted. *insert smilie here*

We talked a little about his plan for the morning. A little about his background. A little about the wild life. MOTH described him as not the sharpest tool in the shed. And he could be right about that. It seems he does know about animals though. He noticed some of what could have been native bees buzzing about in an old blasted tree trunk. (description of tree there people, not a weak attempt at a curse.) He knew the names of the water fowl with the red faces and purple breast. He knew the scrub turkeys. He told of how his mother and he used to be animal carers. Kangaroo, possum, magpies.

And we talked of relationships. He seems wrapped in his chappie. And how noone has ever like him for himself before. And I did express some surprise regarding his partner's choice - how unexpected it was. And I tried, gently, to let him know that sometimes, it might be better to give his partner some space, and wait for him to approach.

Hee hee. Just got a text from Significant Other. He was supposed to send it to his partner...... CACK! I think I see the glow from here.

But time is flying, and I think I am ready for lunch now.

Ciao!

Easter!!!

Doesn't time fly when you are having fun. That's what they tell me. And I'm inclined to believe them. I think.... 

And it's Easter Sunday. Already. And I'm not swimming in chocolate this year. Not through any lack of trying. It's just that the Easter Bunny was a bit slack. But if I work it right, I can get most of the Cadbury Roses to myself.

It's been a bit of an emotional roller coaster this weekend. I was hoping for something restful. But it hasn't really eventuated. I have a house full. Well, apart from the Teen trying to slip the chains. And she's managed to do that on a couple of occasions; she's actually out tonight.

Last night we had a full complement, plus two. Sunny has himself an significant other right now. And he's camping here this weekend as well. Apparently, he had nowhere to go this weekend. So ... he ended up here.

And it seems that some here couldn't deal with that. And it has made for a rough weekend. Sunny has been up and down all over the place. And I can't keep pace. I'm too old to climb all those hills. The Teen has been trying to escape the fun, and the Elder has been contributing.

Maybe this would have been a good weekend to drown in chocolate... *sigh*

Excitement plus. Or Friday Funnies.

Even if it is Thursday......

What are we doing for lunch today? Oh, let's play it safe and do the usual. There is enough time - I have a meeting at 2pm and we snagged the 12 noon lunch shift.

After stopping to catch student germs and raiding the Fakery - that's bakery to the uninitiated - we headed off to the lake.

We're nothing if not predictable. We do this most days.

We headed off to the usual spot. It's getting to the point where the birds recognise the Elder. They gather. With much noise, fanfare and general all round ceremony. Geese, ducks, minah birds, crows, water hens, ibis.

Even the turtles in the lake and the water dragons can sense something is going down. And they gather as well. I prefer to watch the turtles and the dragons than the birds.

Today they gathered and paid homage to the foodage of the Elder. And suddenly, some bloke walking past pulls out the camera phone and starts taking pics. Or videoing. Who can tell these days. I turned my back. Let that be a lesson to him.

I thought I might do something different and share my food. I like my food. I don't share. Now, I know why. I wandered closer to the edge of the lake. And threw the odd crumb to the turtles. They can't do much and when the ducks keep getting there first, I thought I just might be wasting my time.

How about the dragon then? I tossed a crumb or two. Sometimes the dragon got it. Sometimes the birds. So I leaned a little closer to get the crumb closer to him.

Bloody close all right. The bugger decided to jump. And he latched on to my thumb. I know I'm tasty, but hey, I like ALL my digits, thank you very much! Going to have to send out a hunting party now. He's tasted human blood. Oh, wait ... I'm not human ..... ok, right. He's safe.

That was about the time we needed to be heading back to the office. No, I wasn't running away.

On the way back, we found a wild Geek. The one who lives in the lair of the Elder's workplace. He's a really, really sweet and gentle Geek. She threw wood chips. And laughed.

Then we stopped to hassle some baby ducklings and their parents. They are beautiful. Fluffy and striped.

Then back to the office, while I regaled the Elder with tales of the Teen getting pecked yesterday by a water hen chick.

Must be the Elder's turn soon. No. She got nommed by a duck. Pffft. THAT doesn't count. It's not sharp......

I soooo don' wanna do dis....

It's Wednesday.

House inspection. Hate those. Soooo stressful, trying to tidy up and keep everyone's tempers in check. But they know about Sunny, and all is ok with the world. Fact, I'm talking to him now. On msn. Yes. At work.

I made it through a tough meeting last Monday. Perfect way to start the week. A 6 hour meeting. Well, with a little time off for lunch.

I'm trapped in a room with a bunch of other people, taking hand written notes for almost 6 hours. Oh. My. God. My knuckles were soooo sore by the end of the day.

What I did find though, was a marvellous little piece of gadgetry. Yes. All right. I am a geek. I love toys. This though, is a normal iPod. With special software that allows Voice Memos. Simply find the function, attach the special microphone, and hey presto. A recording device for your meeting. The biggest problem is that the battery only lasted for 2 and a half hours.

I want one!!

But for transcribing, that little bit helped. A lot.

So some of yesterday, and likely most of today, I am sitting here, blogging. Well, no actually, I am supposed to be transcribing my notes.

Inspiration is running low. Motivation even lower. My get up and go left some time ago. My iPod is offering some solace, but not enough. I'd rather be out playing in the rain.

I sooo don't want to be sitting here doing this.

A Whole Box of weirdness

Are we there yet?

Things must be slowing down a little. From the hectic-ness of the last couple of weeks. I'm so very tired, and ready to catch up on my sleep.

Course, it doesn't help when you find yourself suddenly snapping awake in the middle of the night. Only to find that the bed feels like it's been hit by an earthquake. What the heck? MOTH mumbled that he had nearly fallen out of bed. And even though I know exactly what that feels like, I still couldn't help the laughter.

But I digress once again. I was mentioning the happenings of the last couple of weeks. They say it never rains but it pours. If that's so, we must be in the middle of the whole noah thing.

The Elder and her fellow of 4 years parted company a couple of weeks ago. The split was amicable, and she thought she was handling it well.

The weekend after that, we took Sunny back to his people. And met them for the first time. It was a little strained, and we put it down to her having the flu. Sorry if I'm going over ground that I've already covered. But I'm not worried. It's the privelige of the old to repeat themselves. Many times.

He has been diagnosed with a form of depression. Yes, it seems there is more than one type. However, his parents were inclined to disagree with the diagnosis, and didn't refill the script when the trial ran out. He was beginning to come down - I use the term crash - by Sunday night. When we took him back to his people. Monday or Tuesday night, the Elder had a text message that was full of dark meaning; it could have meant a couple of things really. We tried to call him. No answer, he was out of contact. It was a very worrying night. The gist of it was he was not allowed back on the medication, and he was not allowed to visit anymore.

Things gradually became worse and we feared for his state of mind and his safety. The Elder finally decided that she wasn't coping after all. And she's back on her medication. Whew, that's one sorted out.

Last Sunday we had a phone call. Sunny's mother wanted to talk. Uh oh. Butterflies do funny things when you swallow them, don't they? It seems they had finally come to an agreement with Sunny; if he wanted, he could move in with us. We are not sure how long - I think his mother was thinking about a week. The extremely selfish child who dwells within would like him to stay and not go back.

And although I'm not going to say he's all better, things are improving and he smiles a lot more. Never mind that fact that he was in hysterics last night. That doesn't count. If the Elder wants to hide in a box, it's no laughing matter. If the others want to drop things in on top of her, that doesn't count either. If she wants to poke fingers, toes, and slices of bread with eye holes out gaps, it's nothing to make you laugh..... Really.....

The Teen hasn't escaped either. She's been feeling out of sorts and decided to go back on her medication as well. It was noticed at school. And she was sent to the school Health Nurse. Who sent her to a psychologist.

We had the appointment yesterday. And, although she has rough patches, the psychologist - psycho for short - thought she was well adjusted and a pleasure to work with. She doesn't need followup, but is free to contact if she feels she needs it. I snuck Sunny along to the appointment as well. I think he enjoyed being involved.

So there's another one out of the way. Maybe we are slowly getting there after all...

Can't shake this feeling....

That something is going to go terribly, horribly wrong. If it hasn't already.

One of my boys battles with depression. When he crashes, his usual method of coping is to withdraw unexpectedly. Often for several days. No messenger, no social networking, minimal phone.

Last night, he sent a dark, dark message then dropped off the radar. Completely. His phone goes unanswered.

Monday, he was down. Monday night, I began to compose a small missive to let him know that he matters. A lot. Normally I would have dismissed it as a flight of fancy and not acted. Yesterday morning, I felt ... almost compelled, if that's accurate ... to actually write it and email it to him. And the wording came so easily.

Has he read it? I don't know. Why did I feel the need to send it? I can't answer that either. Did I write him something he can keep? Or did I just write his eulogy?

Am I worrying about nothing?

But, please God, let it not be too late...

UPDATE: Still crashed, but still here. I can breathe a little now.

Aaaannnnnddd ..... it's Monday.....

Back to work. That's what Monday is. Time to come down from the euphoria of having a weekend. And crash on through to reality.

Well, ok, so maybe it's not that dire. Monday is actually a good chance to rewind and relax. At work.

Sunny was over. From Thursday I think. Sunny lives here, don'cha know? And we had another Friday night. Ummm. He doesn't have a name yet! Sonic. Sonic was over Friday night. And no, just for the record, he's not a blue hedgehog. He went home on Saturday.

Sunny stayed on till Sunday when we took him home after dinner. He lives about an hour away. And we dropped him off at his door. We got to meet his parents, although since it was 9pm at night, it was perhaps not the best time. I hope he didn't get into trouble when we left - his mother got up from her sick bed to be hospitable.

Saturday night the Elder and Sunny went over to a 'slumber' party at the girls. I don't have names for either of them yet. They might occasionally feature in this little missive, as they call me mum as well. They have only slept over twice so far. But more is on the cards.

But, I think I am digressing. While they were out, the Teen and I decided to watch a dvd. Alas, it seems the machine is not working. We opted out for the radio instead. Only to discover they were playing all sorts of older music we hadn't heard for a while. And we danced. And we sang. And we laughed.

And it was great.

I don't think I was in bed before midnight the whole weekend.

And now I'm back at work to wind down and prepare for the next one.

The agony and the agony...

I can't say it was completely unexpected. Things had been a little on the quiet side for a while.

The Elder is now single. Yes, you read that right. She's single. After four years, they have decided to go their separate ways. And althought it must have been traumatic, she's taking it rather better than I might have expected.

That is, she's keeping it well hidden. But she's sick. No, not mentally. Although, know the way we roll..... *wicked grin*

She's had a head cold for a while. The last day or so, she's developed pain. It's gotten worse. Stress? Or something more serious? I'm hoping for stress...

Working fun. Or giggles to start the morning.

On the way to work this morning. And, right in the middle of the traffic, is one of those scooter things I detest so much. The little ones. It was straddled by a chap of considerable size. Not sloppy, but not super slim got no meat on my bones either.

We were stopped at lights, a couple of cars back. I could see him well. Actually, a bit hard to miss. He had a matte black helmet, but a bright flouro outdoors shirt. He shifted on the bike - and I use that term loosely. He stretched his arms out behind him. He waved his arms about and looked like he was scratching the back of his helmet. Quite a display of gymnastics.

Traffic started moving, and when he launched himself, he leaned forward. And hooked his feet together behind the back wheel. I grinned. He righted himself in the saddle.

He flicked a gesture, almost a salute, at something. A house we were passing? The following driver? The big black 4WD behind him must have decided enough was enough. They changed lanes. Which left us with a clear view of flouro yellow shirt.

The Elder gained some ground. He flicked a glance over his left shoulder. He flicked a glance over his right. He bounced a little on the bike, and moved over to the left. As we flew past, I gave him a thumbs up and a grin. He grinned right on back. And that grin told me that Mischief might feature in his name somewhere.

Waiting at the traffic lights at another intersection, another chunk of time. But still this morning. There were a group of girls waiting to cross. The intersection is pretty busy; traffic from about 5 different directions.

They wait. Slim, medium, plump. The plump one is wearing red knee length tights. You can't miss her. And she stepped out on to the road at the light change. But she didn't have the walk signal. A car had the cheek to come around the corner, and she had to step back to the footpath. She was embarrassed. So embarrassed, she went to laugh and hug a blonde friend.

And they head clashed.

It was brilliant.....

I'm still giggling. Whew. *wipes eyes...*

Bored, bored, and how about a dash of bored?

It's Friday evening. All is quiet.

So quiet in fact, I'm expecting the Teen to come crashing out of her bedroom in an explosion of noise. Heading straight for the kitchen. As usual.

But no, she's out of the house. For the night. The Elder is out at a concert. With the assurance that she will try to make it home alive. Terribly reassuring that.

No visitors this weekend. None. Sunny isn't over. Nor are any of the others. So I feel at a bit of a loose end.

So I thought I would blog about something the Teen did the other day.

(retainer: a thing that retains. Keeps the piercing open when not wearing a proper stud)

The Elder's Shitbox car has been acting out. Not playing well with the driver, and stalling, and running rough. She decided to visit the friendly local neighbourhood type mechanic. For a bit of a checkup. For the car. Just thought I would clarify that.

But while the mechanic was busy talking to other people, I decided to remain seated - safely buckled too I might add - in the parked car. The Teen decided to escape.

She leant against my open window. She's looking at me play about with my ipod. I can see her out of the corner of my eye. But I'm not paying attention.

Untill she grimaced. And pulled this really strange face. And stepped away from the car. Grimacing continuing of course. She bit her lip. Coughed. Swallowed. Waved her hand in front of her face.

I looked. What's wrong?

She coughed again. What, I repeated.

She grinned sheepishly. And said, I just swallowed my retainer.....

More Movieworld

Here is the Tasty...

This is what happens in the Wild Wild West

And this is what you look like after. A duck.

A fitting finale to the stunt show.

Hogwarts Express goes nowhere; the steam does.

Pretending smoothness; but going nowhere fast.

Singing in the rain....

My my. Time is aflying away and I just can't keep up.

The celebration of the passing of time went well. Since the Elder and I almost share the same day, we decided to share the adventure. We spent the day at Movieworld.

And Sunny joined us.

They talked me into going on the Scooby Coaster. O.M.G. I think I spent a lot of time screaming. But apparently it still didn't drown out Sunny. And Elder laughed maniacally the whole way. She's done it before. Many times.

We lined up for the Police Academy Stunt Show. I love that show. It's brilliant. Sitting on the stands is boring. But the show is worth it. I managed to get some good photos. Quite by accident and surprised the heck out of myself.

They went on the Loony Tunes ride. I stayed outside and held all their stuff. And they had plenty of it by then. And looked like a pedo I'm sure. Sitting outside in the kiddie area, with a camera and no kiddies....

They went on the Wild West Adventure ride. I stayed outside and looked after their stuff. Just as well too. They got wet. And I didn't. Nhyer.

Sunny thought he found someone he once might have known. And the Elder found something she thought might have been tasty.

We ate ice cream and sat on the footpath to watch the street parade. At least, they sat. I was a bit worried that if I sat I would never be able to stand up again. Shrek came by to say hello to the crowd. He asked for a bite of Elder's ice cream. She refused. He showed his approval by picking his backside. And flicking it at her. We laughed.

We dived into the line up for Shrek 4D. Nattered on about inconsequential stuff. And sang songs about rain. When you go on the ride, you first must wait in the 'dungeon' before you gain entrance. We waited. I got bored, and poked Sunny in the back. He gets uptight and tense. So I poked him in the back. In one of his 'special' places. He went to water. And whimpered. Don't know what the woman standing in front of him thought, but she gave us a strange look. Made us laugh. A lot. I wussed and sat in the back row. For wusses and invalids. But I knew about the spiders. I had my backpack on the floor and my feet tucked up. And I jumped every time that darned Farquad breathed on the back of my neck.....

And I decided to sit out the last ride of the day. The Wild West Adventure again. This time I decided I would sit it out under the shelter of a covered table. Just as well. It rained. Hard. But, they were going for the wet ride, so I guess it didn't really matter.

So, end of day. My feet hurt. I managed to get sunburned. It's been so long since I've seen the sun, I forgot what it could do.

It must have been a fun day though. I was exhausted. Usually a good sign......

Big mouth or what??

Seems I may have spoken too soon. Also seems that Top Deck won't be over on the weekend.

They broke up this morning, while she was on the way to school. She is devastated. But I think time with her friends will be better than time alone.

She's not convinced.