ALDI - Smarter Shopping

Smarter Shopping - YUH!

I returned to Aldi today. I did. I'm not a fan. Apparently I'm missing something by not going there. I'll tell ya what I'm missing - a horrible experience!!!!!

There is an Aldi in Ashgrove now so since I was passing through that suburb today I thought I'd give it a go. I took my bags with me and went in. As I wasn't planning on getting much I didn't get a trolly (that you have to pay for. Good idea I guess so they get them returned but also doing someone out of a job). I would only need a little carry basket. Oh, they don't have any. How odd.

As I meander my way down the idles of stacked boxes, very stylish, I actually recognised one product. Vegemite! I picked up a few things and proceeded to the very long checkout. Not a long queue a long conveyor belt. The checkout guy was whizzing my items through like there was no tomorrow. What was his rush I was wondering, there really aren't a heck of a lot of customers in here?

I was putting my purchases into my bags, as quick as I could. The guy kept piling them up on top of this tin of biscuits I bought and I kept removing them so I could get the tin in the bag first. I asked him if he wouldn't mind stopping that and what was the rush anyway? I tell ya, that place is just horrible.

I've definitely learnt my lesson - stay away!!! And really, it's not even that cheap anyway. I took a brochure with me and there are a few things going on sale tomorrow but I must stay away!

The Garden Shed

Finally, after months of waiting, we have a new little garden shed to keep all the stuff for the pool in. Our pool is in the front so as soon as you drive up our driveway you can see it and all the mess. Well now there's no mess! Yahoo!

Here are some photos I took over the last two Saturdays. Such a small shed was awfully complicated to put together. The instructions left an awful lot to be desired. Mr Mumfies is no dummy and he was having trouble.

The kids all had to help, which they happily did! No they didn't! They helped but there weren't a lot of smiles to be seen. Fuzz Ball was probably the most helpful, as usual. The other two just aren't work bees. Foo even tried to sneak into the pool a few times.

But it's finished and I'm happy - for now!

Still having trouble with photos. Try again soon. Grrrr

Got some up. Had more trouble. Some were only half showing. Grrrrr again. Back to it late then.

Happy Birthday Nonni :)

Another birthday, busy times!

My Mum is having her birthday today. Lots of love from all of us xxx

This photo was taken a few years ago. I couldn't get a recent one. I'm having terrible trouble with my photos lately!

Mum is the blonde on the left.

Fuzzball is now 14!

Yesterday (Oct 21) our dear darling first born, Fuzzball turned 14. He was born a cute little bub weighing 8lb 11 1/2oz. He's now a solid fit guy who is a whisker off my height. He's had a bit of a growth spurt this year - thank goodness! Won' t be long and he'll tower over me. Fuzzball is a pretty good kid, just drives us nuts! Gotta luv 'im!



Here are a some pics I took of him on his bed after school.



Took this little clip of Fuzzball mowing out at Mr Mumfies seniors the other weekend.
Well, after a few hours of having it loading, I decided it was too much hassle! No idea why it took so long. Stupid computers! Here's a photo of him mowing, just imagine it moving!
Far out - now I can't get the photo up. I tell ya... I'm going insane! I'll try again later.

Brisbane Barbie

A friend sent me this email and I found it quite funny! It can be adapted to suit any town, which I'm guessing it has been. The photos wouldn't copy over so that's a shame. There were pictures with Barbie to do with each suburb. It took ages for me to be able to publish this as there were codes not allowed. What the?! The one term of IT I did years ago wasn't quite enough!! Anyway, I figured it out. Didn't get the photos in though. Seem to have odd line spacing too. Too complicated for me!!

Mattel recently announced the release of limited-edition Barbie Dolls for the Brisbane market:

"Ascot Barbie"

This princess Barbie is sold only at Eagle farm racetrack. She comes with an assortment of Kate Spade Handbags, a Lexus SUV, and a long-haired foreign dog named Honey and a designer kitchen. Available with or without tummy tuck and face-lift. Workaholic Ken sold only in conjunction with the augmented version.

“Clayfield Barbie"

The modern day Homemaker Barbie is available with Ford Explorer and matching gym outfit. She gets lost easily and has no full-time occupation. Traffic jamming cell phone sold separately.

"Woodridge Barbie"

This recently paroled Barbie comes with a 9mm handgun, a Ray Lewis knife, a Ford Rodeo with dark tinted windows, and a Meth Lab Kit. This model is only available after dark and must be paid for in cash (preferably small, untraceable bills) ...unless you are a cop, then we don't know what you are talking about.

"Hamilton Barbie"

This yuppie Barbie comes with your choice of BMW convertible or Hummer H2. Included are her own cappuccino cup, credit card and country club membership. Also available for this set are Shallow Ken and Private School Skipper. You won't be able to afford any of them.

“Caboolture Barbie"

This pale model comes dressed in her own Jeans West jeans two sizes too small, a similar sized t-shirt and tweety bird tattoo on her shoulder. She has a carton of blonde full-strength beer and a Jimmy Barnes CD set, as well as lots of boof boof

Music. She can spit over 2½ metres and kick mullet-haired Ken's butt from midland to Boya, when she is drunk. Purchase her pickup truck separately and get a Bad Girl sticker absolutely free.

"New Farm Barbie"

This collagen injected, rhino plastic Barbie wears a leopard print outfit and drinks cosmopolitans while entertaining friends. Valium prescription available as well as warehouse conversion condo.

"Logan Barbie"

This tobacco-chewing, brassy-haired Barbie has a pair of her own high-heeled sandals with one broken heel from the time she chased beer-gutted Ken out of Barbie's Butler house. Her ensemble includes low-rise acid-washed jeans, fake fingernails, and a see-through halter-top. Mobile home also available.

"Westend Barbie"

This doll is made of actual tofu. She has long straight brown hair, arch-less feet, hairy armpits, no makeup and Birkenstocks with white socks. She prefers that you call her Willow. She does not want or need a Ken doll, but if you purchase two Bacardi Breezers and the optional Subaru wagon, you get a rainbow flag bumper sticker for free.

"Ipswich Barbie"

This Barbie now comes with a stroller and infant doll. Optional accessories include a Medicare Card and Centrelink bus pass. Ex-crim Ken and his 1979 Commodore wagon were available, but are now very difficult to find since the addition of the infant.

"Wellington Point Barbie"

She's perfect in every way. We don't know where Ken is because he's always out fishing.

"Fortitude Valley Barbie/Ken"

This versatile doll can be easily converted from Barbie to Ken by simply adding or subtracting the multiple snap-on body parts.

Kokoda Challenge Photos

Hi Everyone

Thought it was about time I put some photos and info on here about how Mr Mumfies and friends pulled up after their adventure. Laugh!!! Oh, oops... I mean... well done guys! I copied this from an email one of the other guys sent. Saves me having to think of what to say. Well, to be fair, I wasn't even there!!

Fuzz Ball and Mr Mumfies Senior also went down and visited. Not me! I did check up on them on the internet and phoned them though :)

Thank you all sincerely for your support (both financial and moral) and to Sizzler for their shirt support Jeremy we received many positive comments along the track re Sizzler! AND a Special thank you to Deborah, Liz, Trudy, Paul, Emma, Fraser -for their Support Crew Activities - (and particularly Paul's night session complete with heater and liquid refreshments!)

Well we finished the Challenge - only 1 of 130 odd teams out of 300 plus that made over the line as a team! - in a the time of 31 hours / 14 minutes and 22 seconds!!!!!!!!!!

Refreshing your memory

The Kokoda Challenge. Is a non-stop 96 km rugged Mountain trek through the mountains in the Gold Coast Hinterland, that we must complete in under 39 hours over the weekend of Sat / Sun 18th and 19th July - IN SUMMARY A BLOODY LONG WAY!

A few pictures showing us -

At the presentation with the Diggers

Getting ready to receive certificates and dog tags and presentation

Having a well earned Beer!

We all felt ok after the event with a few blisters and a bit of chafing where you do not want chafing but other than that all ok, and we sensibly had a debrief and rehydration session at Team Head quarters -AKA "The Gap Tavern" on Monday after completing the challenge.

Happy Father's Day!

A big happy father's day to my Dad. He's in England at the moment. Perhaps he'll drop by and see this.

Enjoy your day, all you Dads out there :)

xxxxxx

Bitchology

A friend sent me an email the other day. I quite like it so thought I'd share it with you. I often say what everyone else seems to be able to keep to themselves, ending up in hot water. Oh my! Deep down I am quite a decent and kind person, it's just very deep down!



FINALLY - Someone is bitchy enough to say it like it REALLY is!

BITCHOLOGY When I stand up for Myself and my beliefs, They call me a Bitch. When I stand up for Those I love, They call me a Bitch. When I speak my mind, think my own thoughts Or do things my own way, they call me a Bitch. Being a bitch Means I won't Compromise what's In my heart. It means I live my life MY way. It means I won't allow anyone to step on me. When I refuse to Tolerate injustice and Speak against it, I am Defined as a Bitch. The same thing happens when I take time for Myself instead of being everyone's maid, Or when I act a little selfish. It means I have the courage and strength To allow myself to be who I truly am and won't become Anyone else's idea of what they think I 'should' be.

I am outspoken, opinionated and determined. I want what I want And there is nothing wrong with that! So try to stomp on me, just try to douse my inner flame, Try to squash every ounce of beauty I hold within me. You won't succeed. And if that makes me a bitch, so be it. I embrace the title and am proud to bear it.

B - Babe
I - In
T - Total
C - Control of
H - Herself

B = Beautiful
I = Intelligent
T = Talented
C = Charming
H = Hell of a Woman

B = Beautiful
I = Individual
T = That
C = Can
H = Handle 'anything'

My Little Twins

Mr Mumfies and I have been busy getting ready for the upcoming trivia night for our children's football club. I put in a USB to check what was on it and found these photos. They were taken two years ago when Foo and Princess played in an Under 8s carnival. We said they were twins. Princess was 10 at the time. She didn't tower over anyone so was all good. It was a great day and they both enjoyed playing together and even came away with a medal each.

These photos show the team lining up ready to run on.

Our Little Princess

My Mum and Dad have been going through old photos and sent me this one of our gorgeous little Princess. She was about 5 years old here. So damn cute!

Kokoda Challenge - how family and friends can track you from home!

From Mr Mumfies...

Spare a thought for me this weekend - I’m competing in Australia’s toughest endurance event, the Kokoda Challenge. Starting 7am Saturday, I’ll be walking 96 km through the Gold Coast Hinterland within 39 hours (that’s more than double a marathon, non-stop and over hills).

I thought you might like to watch my progress in the safety of your own homes via the internet.

Due to fantastic technology provided by KML Tracks and Telstra Next G - you can watch me progress through the 96km course via google earth on the internet - just visit http://www.kokodachallenge.com and click on Virtual Spectator.

The Virtual Spectator is in demo mode this week so you can play around and get use to the program - it will turn live at 7am on Saturday 18th August.

My team name is Sheer as and 259

I am not just doing this for the physical challenge - it is also to raise money for a very worthy charity that runs the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program, an early intervention program for young people from all walks of life which encourages them to learn the skills and values of discipline, tolerance, respect and self worth.

My team is raising money and if you want to support my crazy efforts you can make a fully tax deductible donation to my team through the Kokoda Challenge Online Donation facility. Just select my team name from the drop down menu - even $5 helps and it is all going towards a very worthy cause.

If you would like to find out more or sponsor my team, please visit http://www.kokodachallenge.com/team-profile

Please be with me in spirit online this weekend. I’d really appreciate your support.

Kokoda Challenge - almost there!

Something from Mr Mumfies......

Hi Everyone

Just updating you on my current escapades!

As you are probably aware I have been in training for some time with my team (of 4) , which has basically been hiking for prolonged periods 8/10 hours at time through the night and all through the day, climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest on Kangaroo Point Cliffs etc etc all to prepare for -

The Kokoda Challenge. A non-stop 96 km rugged Mountain trek through the mountains in the Gold Coast Hinterland, that we must complete in under 39 hours over the weekend of Sat / Sun 18th and 19th July

NOTE - Last year only a 1/3rd of teams completed the event (and of those only 50% completed in under 30 hours!)

Apart from trying to relive our youth our team all in its 40's and 50's is also trying to -

Raise Funds for Kokoda Challenge Youth Program

These funds go to the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program, a very worthwhile cause, where the funds raised are used to channel young people into very worthwhile and positive pursuits, the 12 month long program is designed to improve self confidence, provide a greater sense of being part of a community and to gain a clearer sense of purpose, as well as preparing for the ultimate challenge of walking the actual Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea

Your Support Financial or Otherwise (Text) would be appreciated - We are trying to raise as many sponsors by end of Business Thursday 2/7/09

Please make a (tax deductible) donation to the charity we are supporting - I have in my office tax receipt books for any cash donation or you can donate on-line at http://www.kokodachallenge.com/

Important Note - For on line donations

Please make sure you reference our team name, ‘Sheer-As’. Every on line donation gives you the chance to win a trip to do the Kokoda Trail in New Guinea.

We have already had a number of generous pledges of donations and sponsorship and we thank everyone who has so generously supported this worthwhile cause to date.

Thank you for support financial and otherwise to date.

This link is directly to our team
http://www.kokodachallenge.com/index.php?page=current-teams&team_name_number=sheer+as&team_category=

PS -

Any text support on the day / night of Sat 18th July AND Sun 19th July would also be greatly appreciated as believe me you run out of things quickly to say to 3 other blokes you have spent literally days hiking with - let alone approx 30 hours straight - no sleep etc

Kind Regards

Happy Birthday Princess!

Today our little Princess is 12 years old. As you do every birthday, you just wonder where the time has gone.... blah blah blah....

Princess is an absolute treasure I must say, especially being in the middle of two boys. Nice break. In the photo here, Princess is almost 7, holding our cat Ralph, when he was kitten.

Princess is away on her year 7 camp this week so we don't get to do anything yet, or even speak with her. I'm sure she is coping better than us!

This week has certainly been a quiet one. Fuzz Ball is away on camp too! Amazing that you could get two away together. We did get ripped off one night with Fuzz Ball's due to the weather. It was absolutely pouring rain on Monday so it was put off until Tuesday. Unfortunately the year 9s are still returning today. I know Fuzz Ball was hoping to return Friday.

We have had one very happy 10 year old in the house the last couple of days! I did have to bring him back to earth by reminding him that since he is the only child he has to do ALL the jobs. DOH!

This photo came up on the screen saver and I really like it. Isn't she cute?! Princess is 8 here.

Mt Barney Walk/Hike/Climb - whatever you like to call it!

Saturday Mr Mumfies needed to do some more training for the Kokoda Challenge and, as per usual, no one wanted to go with him!!! He managed to talk Fuzz Ball, Foo and Foo's friend into going. They had a great time with Foo and Friend having an endless pot of energy. Oh to be 10!!

They were all pretty tired when they came home however they were full of energy and enjoyed sharing the stories.

You can have a look here....



It may be a little fuzzy, but you get the idea.

Happy Birthday!

Today is Mr Mumfies's birthday. Phew, love this day.... means we're now not the same age! He wanted Beef Stroganoff for dinner, so that's what we're having. Nice and easy :) Will get the kids to set up a fire too, if we have enough wood left. Thankfully Fuzz Ball doesn't have a game tonight as he has done for the last month. We can stay home, out of the cold. Yep, we're old!!

Kokoda Challenge

Mr Mumfies is off on another long walk. He must be mad! Yes, I think he is! You can see what's happening, just copy and paste the address below.

http://www.kokodachallenge.com/index.php?page=current-teams&team_name_number=sheer+as&team_category=

Some more of the rain

Fuzz Ball and I went up to our back neighbours this afternoon to get a better view of the dam. No trees in the way up there. Thanks lovely neighbours!! You can see our house on the right of the photo. Honestly, the water level is unbelievable. Every time you look out it seems to be higher. The holes in the dam wall are full with the overflow. We drove around the neighbourhood after school today. Tomorrow I'll take my camera. The creeks is flowing wildy. It's still raining so who knows what we'll wake up to.

Our new water feature

The rains are back, as I mentioned earlier. This is what is happening to me now.

Drip, Drip, Drip....

That's the sound I could hear in the ceiling. Oh great, a leak. Gotta love this rain - yuh. Does the rain not know to stop after one night? We've plenty. Send it elsewhere.

I rang Mr Mumfies to inform him of the dripping and perhaps he could come home early and see to it. Nope, he couldn't. I had to do it! Me?! But I'm a girl! I don't do "boy" things! Well, I do sometimes but not up there in the icky darkness of the roof cavity.

So, what do I need? A ladder. Where's the ladder then? Searching... oh, there it is. My, it's a heavy thing when you have to lug it upstairs. Right, the ladder is in position. Next... a torch. We have plenty since we're always losing power. Found the torches, then got a bucket and a towel.

Up the ladder I go. Now, I'm not a very flexible person and petite is not a word used to describe me! I'm up the ladder, wobbling precariously on the very top of it, push open the manhole cover and poke my head in. Eeewww, it's disgusting in there. I heave myself up and in and it's even worse when you're in there. So dusty and dark.

The leak is located, towel down, bucket in place. Ok, good. I'm otta here! Hmmm... I can hear more dripping. What does that mean? Yep, another trip out and back up again! I awkardly get to the manhole and try to get out. Not easy! I had my slippers on, the ones that have a button to vibrate and relax the feet. I knocked this button on one foot and it started vibrating. I nearly pooped myself! Thought I was being electrocuted!

Second leak tended to. I survived without falling off the ladder or through the ceiling! Now the rain can stop so I don't have to go up and empty the damn buckets!

Everyone sing with me - "rain, rain, go away, come again another day"

Princess's Goal

Mr Mumfies has made another movie for you to watch. May be a bit long, but worth watching as our darling Princess is in it!! Actually it's very long! (You can fast forward a bit if you like) It's wonky too. Mr Mumfies is working on having a steady hand when he's filming. And that damn flag holding kid wouldn't get out of the way!

Mother of the Year?

Yes, I think I'm again up for nomination for Mother of the Year. Why? Well, let me tell you....

Yesterday morning I went to wake Fuzz Ball up, as per usual. I opened his bedroom door and was greeted with more than the usual stinky teenage boy smell. Holy )(*&()&, what's that smell? Fuzz Ball, get up and clean that fish filter out. You're supposed to clean it twice per week. If you don't look after it I'm getting rid of the tank.... etc etc.

Fuzz Ball came out panicking ...what's wrong... his cray fish was gone. What do mean gone??? Fuzz Ball reminded me that I had opened the lid the night before to let some fresh air in the tank. He's now going mad at ME for his crayfish escaping. Don't be ridiculous, as if it could get out, I was saying and trying not to be the one at fault. You should have closed the lid! I'm still trying not be the one... Oh my...

We searched and searched. I found it in his shoe basket, inside one shoe of an old pair of sandshoes he no longer wears - dead. I screamed and threw the shoe, then felt bad in case he was still alive. He wasn't. Poor little guy had climbed out of the tank, down the chest of drawers, along the floor and into the open cupboard, it's always open (see should close the door!), into the basket ending up in the shoe. I did feel awful. But the smell from this little guy was out of control. The room is much fresher smelling now, as much as it can be for a stinky teenage boy anyway!

Fuzz Ball was quite upset with me and with the loss of his beloved crayfish. His cousin had given it to him last year. We've been through a few skin sheddings. He even grew one of his claws back after it came off when Fuzz Ball removed him from the ship ornament in the tank. Poor crayfish was stuck in there. It was an interesting creature to watch. He was a creepy little guy but not a nice way to go. .

Oh my... guess I'll have to find another one and keep the lid closed. Well, to be fair, as if I'd know he could get out??!!!

Mt Superbus

Last weekend's adventure to Mt Superbus, near Kilarney. Trying to sort out a video. Could be a bit wonky! See how we go. Have look and see. It's taking forever to load so hopefully it won't take that long to watch! I'm sure a lot of 4WDs haven't been off road. These cars made it no worries!

I'm still around!

Hi Everyone

I am still around, just not on here for ages. Can't seem to find the time. I'm busy all the time but perhaps with nothing of any interest to you!! Also have been sick, school holidays and computer issues. One day I'll get them all sorted and write something. I have photos to add too. In the meantime, check out my list of websites if you get time. Will keep you busy and give you something to look at :)

See ya round then!

Foo's Adventure

Last Wednesday night after Foo’s team had finished football training, Foo decided to play on the wet cement, it was raining, with his boots still on. Obviously Mr Mumfies was in charge, not me!!

Foo’s friend comes running over to Mr Mumfies, who was chatting while waiting for Fuzz Ball’s training to finish. Foo’s hurt himself. Ya, hang on. No, he’s hurt, he’s KNOCKED OUT. Oh… Mr Mumfies then takes notice!

Foo had gone to kick the ball, slipped and went WHACK on the cement, hitting his back and head and knocking himself out. He wasn’t out for too long, they don’t think. Big egg on the back of his head, Finn’s not happy. Mr Mumfies is nervous – what will I say?! He rings me and lets me know he is on the way to the hospital and I’m to go and collect the boys. I was home as Princess didn’t go to soccer training due to having a cold. Quick dash to get the boys and home to wait. Mr Mumfies rang often and wasn’t long before he was home again. The private hospitals are expensive but you don’t wait for more than a few minutes so that’s why we go there. They didn't have to wait at all. Glenn was carrying a crying Foo. We should get reward points I reckon! No x-ray done as they don’t like to x-ray young ones too much.

Once he was ok, apart from a sore back and headache of course, all I could then think about was – MY HOLIDAY! Mr Mumfies and I were due to go to Melbourne early the next morning for our three nights away we have every two years. Far out! I phoned my Mum and asked if she would give up her movie and lunch day to come and mind Foo so we could still go. Of course she did! She was coming after school anyway. Thanks Mum!

We didn’t get much sleep that night. We had to check on Foo all night to make sure he wasn’t unconscious. He had done this before when he was 6. He fell from a retaining wall and knocked out cold again. I thought he was dead as he was just all limp. I was nearly sick. It still upsets me when I think about it. I don’t want those feelings ever again.

Foo wasn't too impressed. He had to miss his Thursday morning tennis lesson, Thursday afternoon tennis fixtures, Friday afternoon school touch football (which was thankfully raining out) and club football on Sunday. He's keen as mustard to get back to it! He can go back to training tonight - with head gear on his head!

Forgot to add a photo....

It's a bit out of date now, but.... I was to add photos of my Dad's birthday lunch when my brother sent them to me.

Here we go. From left to right.... Fuzz Ball, my Mum, my brother and partner, Mr Mumfies, me, Foo, my Dad and Princess.





Oh, and, it looks like no-one reads this, but I know you do as you tell me/email me. Pop a comment on here sometimes so I look like I have the occasional reader! I feel so alone!

More on my little leader

I had to add these photos I took this morning. Unfortunately the sun is right in Princess's eyes, but you can get the idea. Each day the names change on the noticeboard, according to the group being congratulated. Have to be quick to snap a few pics or the opportunity is gone.

The first photo was taken after the Leader assembly. Thought I'd add it so you can see the group, some paying attention, some not! The students are from years 4 - 7 for the class leaders and year 7 for the school leaders and sports.

Important Information on the Stimulus Payment

You may have seen before, but I like it!

"This year, taxpayers will receive an Economic Stimulus Payment.

This is a very exciting new program that I will explain using the Q and A
format:

"Q. What is an Economic Stimulus Payment?

"A. It is money that the federal government will send to Taxpayers.

"Q. Where will the government get this money?

"A. From taxpayers.

"Q. So the government is giving me back my own money?

"A. Only a smidgen.

"Q. What is the purpose of this payment?

"A. The plan is that you will use the money to purchase a
high-definition TV set, thus stimulating the economy.

"Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China?

"A. Shut up."
_____________________________________________

Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the Economy by spending
your stimulus check wisely:

If you spend that money at K-Mart, all the money will go to China.

If you spend it on petrol it will go to the Arabs.

If you purchase a computer it will go to India.

If you purchase fruit and vegetables it will go to South East Asia or
New Zealand (unless you buy organic).

If you buy a car it will go to Japan.

If you purchase useless cr*p it will go to Taiwan.

And none of it will help the economy.

We need to keep that money here. You can keep the money here by
spending it at garage sales, going to a football game, or spending it on
prostitutes, beer or tattoos, since those are the only businesses still
here.

My Little Leader

Today at Princess and Foo's school the Student Leaders Induction school assembly was held. You've no doubt worked out that one of mine must be a new leader. Well, you're right! The Princess is the vice captain for her sporting house. She was so excited and looking forward to today. It was a lovely ceremony and it didn't go on and on, which can happen at such occasions.

There were the local council members, the Principal and school captains from the local high school as well as plenty of family and friends of all the new leaders. Following assembly there was a morning tea where we could chat with all of them and share in their excitement. I introduced Princess to the high school principal and asked him to keep an eye on her next year. She was not amused!

Have a look at the boy vice captain in the photo (I couldn't' get a good one so am hoping someone else did). He's towers over my little Princess. She is a tiny wee thing but it doesn't stop her!

It's been a busy few days with Foo getting player of the week for his tennis fixtures yesterday as well as man of the match for his inter school touch football today. He even scored a try! Poor Princess dropped the ball just as she was about to score. Ah well, that's football!

Gotta love cats!

In the wee small hours this morning, as I was enjoying my slumber, I heard a faint "meow meow". I must have been in a light sleep to hear it. Oh great, Daisy must have got out before we closed up the house last night. Righto, up I get and open the door from our bedroom that leads out to the front veranda. Daisy, where are you? Puss, Puss, Puss..... again I hear the faint meows. Hmmmm, where is she? Oh, there she is - up on the roof! She's looking down at me and is now purring. How am I going to get her down? We are on the second story of our house. I'll have to climb out on the railing, leaning over the pavers surrounding the pool. What if I fall? What if she falls? OMG! What to do, what to do. What did I do?

Yes, I climbed up, hanging over the edge, trying not to look down. Trying not to visualize me splattered on the pavers below, in my pjs with messy hair, morning breath and no lipstick! Daisy is still leaning down towards me, purring.

I grab on to the post with one hand and grab Daisy by the scruff of the neck with the other. Daisy gives a few distressed meows and puts out the claws. She catches my shirt and starts to make gagging noises. I guess I have the collar caught in my grip. I'm telling her to let go or we're both going down. She didn't listen! I managed to lean over to my hand that was clutching the pole and release her claws and drop her on to the veranda. I get down and we're both safe. Phew!

Does Daisy shower me with thanks? Oh, of course not! She toddles on down to the other end of the veranda, out on to the carport. Well, you're welcome! I went inside. Should I go back to bed? No because then she'll just meow again soon. I went around the other side of the house and opened a door. In strolls Princess Daisy and over to her food bowl. I guess she's recovered then!

Me, I had to go back to bed, still thinking of being splattered, and try and nod off again. The rest of the household blissfully unaware of my trauma!

Gotta love cats!