Saturday 20 December 2008

Almost Christmas!!

Hey all!!

Really sorry that I havennt updated the blog in a while...

The story so far.....Nothing really nuch was going on, just waiting for all the furniture to arrive. Which it did, on the 11th December. So that's us had it all for just over a week now, and already feels like we have always had it.
Will take a picture of what it looks like, then post it on the blog. But what it does do, is make it all real. Not just some kind of secondment, or holiday. Having all our furniture from scotland really makes it look like home.
Even the weather recently has been like home. Ever since the stuff got here, and I've now had a washing machine, I 've been unable to hang it out...would you beleieve it has rained almost non-stop?? Stuart actually had to pour out water from his motorcycle boot when coming home from work. But it's now the 20th December (oh happy Birthday Gran..) and today i've managed to hang it up, as the sun is shining and there are blue skies!!! Apparently this is highly unusual for this time of year, but a welcome sight for all australians. If you didnt know, this is their 13th year of drought, as they havent had much rain all those years do alot of the dams are drying up. Just our luck eh? Whats the bets that they will be over the drought come their winter????
Stuart beginning to think they dangled a carrot to get us here, lied about the great weather. but they assure us that hotter weather will be on its way!!

Oh, we went out last night to see if we could spot real, live, hopping kangaroos, as they come out at dusk and guess what........WE DID!!! Yehaa, thought they were also telling us fibs about that as well. But there they were, in this field hopping about. The night was really nice, a slight wind and we even got a back drop of noise thanks to the crickets and a couple of cookaburra's!! The real Aussie experience, and it was amazing. We have never seen a hopping kangaroo, as in zoo's they tend just to stay still. One was keeping it's beady eye on us the whole time, while the rest of them hopped about in the distance!
Perhaps go up to Mount Macedon, they have signs for Koala's and Wombats, so would be great to see these in the wild. Stuart did see a possum walking along the top of the fence outside our house, rather large domestic cats with really bushy tail.

So we are nearly all prepared for Christmas. We are going to someones house for Christmas lunch, which should be good to be amongst company. The weather report alot better for Boxing Day, so will be up early, load up the esky and head to the beach!!

Well, had better go now, Caitlin has a play date with a girl from her class, but will add those photos of our newly furnished house soon.

Until then, all our love to all who read this blog

Denise, Stuart, Catilin & Jennifer

Hope you all have a wonderful christmas and a bonzer new year!!!!

Monday 10 November 2008

We are now Gisbonites!!!!

Hi all...well, we are now living in beautiful Gisborne. We have been here over a week now, and have some mixed weather so far. When we first got here, it was rather cold, and had to get extra blankets for our airbeds.
So we are now cosy and are beginning to sleep well. It had rained for a couple of days and Stuart was ready to just go back to Scotland. But the weather picking up, with temperatures reaching 28 degress. All the locals keep saying "Cant wait for summer", Help ma boab, you mean this isnt it????
Anyway, Gisborne is a very green and lushious place, with surprisingly enough alot of Oak trees...we have one beside our driveway, with loads of saplings!! Also a gum tree outside our door.
Alot of bugs here as well, alot of beetles and seen huge spiders. I'm hoping it was the same one, didnt want more of one of these guys around. Thank god for the fly screens!!
But there are beautiful birds around, parrot like things and cockatiels, all flying around wild!! A most bizarre sight. And there are breath taking views from the top the road, over to the next hill, and Mount Macedon. Have yet to visit one of the many wineries here, so will look forward to that excursion.
I'm most disappointed, though, that I have not seen any Kangaroos since we touched down, and there have been plenty signs for them. Have seen the tail of one, that had been knocked down, but yet to see a live hopping one. I think I have seen the evidence of a possum, droppings on driveway that are too large for a mouse!
Caitlin seems to be enjoying school, and I thnk she looks really smart in her school uniform, complete with hat. Will get a piccie of her on.
Jennifer is itching to get starting school, and is going to pre prep classes, and should get her uniform before christmas. But she seems to be settling well into Aussie life, and enjoying all the wildlife around her.
Stuart is doing okay at work. But he is getting abit tired of the temporary furniture we have, but not long till our real stuff comes. After living with minimum, going to seem really crowded.
Anyhoo, will hopefully be getting a new bike soon, for ease for Stuart to go to work. The roads are soo straight that it's perfect for bikes. And we have our eye on one, so watch this space. And hopefully get our true blue Aussie Bar-B-Que soon, and with our fridge on its way will be stocked with loads of meats for it.
Our neighbours here are really nice, but everyone here is so friendly anyway, and would do aything to help you. They also love the Scottish accent as well. Although, I dont really notice it unless I talk to a scottish person.
So thats the story so far, so will update with photos, and hopefully hear from you soon..
hope you are all well, so until next time, my love to you all

Denise & Co
xxxxxxx

Friday 24 October 2008



Here is the view from the end of the driveway....first to the left, you can see the shops nearby, and to the right, up this hill and to the left (after the white car there), is caitlin & eventually Jennifer's new school, Gisborne Primary School.





This is the kitchen...and then here is one of the bedrooms plus the bathroom, and master bedroom!



This is the living room!! A sliding door off of that leads to the two bedrooms, with downstairs bathroom. And a "walkway" leads into the kitchen and dining area.

Our New House


Hi there...

Well, we have finally got the keys to our new house. So as promised, here are photos from it.


It will be more like home once all our furniture is here.

Monday 20 October 2008

Another Countdown now!!

Hi all...

Well, we have another countdown now. This one is until we move to our new house in Gisborne. Which is now only 11 days away!!

We have purchased airbeds, for again we sleep on them until we get our things in the crate. Which will hopefully arrive in Australia on the 22nd November, so could be then or a week after.

Then I happen upon the quandry of, "Where will I store all the things we brought over??". I don't think they have lofts in this country. Luckily didnt bring an awful lot, but still!!

We also got our car last weekend there. It's a ford explorer. We will perhaps get it fixed up for LPG gas which alot of cars have over here. They all seem to have extra tanks for it, and bigger cars easier to put it in, although the cars we see using it usually have the tanks in the boot. So we are going tomorrow to get our drivers liscence exchanged for Victoria ones. This will get the insurance down, as well as having it for ID, which they all need over here. So we managed it!! Get a car and a house to live in in 6 weeks!! Although, quite difficult as some of the houses quite strange, and seems that no two houses are the same.
Anyway, will put some piccies of the car on this site, then when we get the house, take piccies of that.
Also on friday, get Caitlins school uniform ordered for when she starts Gisborne Primary school. She is going to look exactly like what they do on home and away. They wear the blue and white checked dress in summer and the jogging pants and sweatshirt in winter. A hat is also compulsory in the summer as they dont get to play if they dont have it. The sun was so strong the other day, it melted Jennifer's crayons & pastels, I kid you not! So that you will need to see. Jennifer will start Pre-Prep, which is our primary 1. She will start Prep after christmas. Here they go to grade 12 when they start high school, at age 13 years. So they end up leaving about 17 or 18 years old!! Imagie that, but quite a good idea, then they are slightly older and may have a better idea what they want to do.
Weather abit mixed these days. Was warm but then cooled right down, even with a bit of smirry rain on sunday there. But we have to remind ourselves that it is only spring!!

Another reason I'm worried that I'll miss Christmas...illogical to have it in the summer!! So totally going to sicken you all by having a barbie for christmas dinner, and perhaps go to the beach for the day!!! Well, It has to be done really! Would be letting you all down otherwise!!

Stuart getting right into the Aussie way. Will post a piccie of him in here. All that's needed it the Billy Ray Cyrus pony tail or mullet and we will be sorted. Although, he hasnt had a drink of the amber nectar though. So he will need more practice there. Been drinking plenty of Coles apple juice though...
Will wrap this up now, nearly time to go and get Caitlin from school. So until next time

Lotsa love from Oz

Denise & Co

Saturday 11 October 2008

Three weeks here already!!!!

Hey all!! well, we have been here three weeks already!! Can't hardly believe it.

To bring you all up to date.... Caitlin has startd school at the local school here for now, Williamstown Primary school. It seems really fun, I mean, they have climbing frames complete with monkey bars and a chute!!! And not one bit of graffitti anywhere.
Back in scotland that would have been destroyed by now. And you can use it outside school hours.

And it's so laid back, the teachers are known by their christian names! Caitlin's teacher is Nicki or can be called Mrs S! She seems really nice. And next week, Caitlin will also be in school for the first time ever, on her birthday. In scotland, it was always in october week. And she is going on an excursion to a lego toy exhibit. As the project in school at moment is toys and the engineering of them. I may actually go with them, also for the first time ever, as a parent helper. I've always been at work and could never go with them. Jennifer is too young at the moment to start school here. She has to be five before the april before the new term, ie after christmas holidays. So she will need to go to a kindergarten for the time being. Shame as it seems like a seems like a step back. Caitlin is in grade 2!
So thats what I've been up to, walking Caitlin to and from school. I dont think i've walked so much. But Jennifer gets to go to the park, so we are pretty much outside all day.

Today we went for a drive along the Great Ocean Road. With breathtaking views, but really twisty roads. You climb up, then drop down towards the beaches. So we stopped off and purchased some swimming wear for the children. Something to protect against any jelly fish. So they really do look the part. Didnt take photos as Stuart's phone was dud, but will next time. Stu also got the Aussie vibe going on by purchasing his first ever pair of "thongs". So he is now truly aussie!! So my face, hands and arms are a nice shade of brown, but yes, the legs are still milk bottle white!! Don't think I have pigment there at all!! And stuart has got a really deep tan on his neck!! Sun was behind us at the last beach we were at. So we stopped at Bell's Beach for a dip, then went further round to stop at Lorne Beach, a really awesome sight, as far as the eye can see both ways, with the temperature getting up to 28 degrees.

So more news, we also managed to get our house we had our heart set on. A beautiful two storey town house in the middle of Gisborne. A lovely wee town, almost like a Strathaven. So when you come out the house, turn left, you can see the shopping precinct. And turn right, 200 yards up the street is the local primary school. It has lovely wooden floors downstairs, with carpet in the bedrooms, the living area along from the kitchen area, with two bedrooms with a full bathroom downstairs. The only thing upstairs is the master bedroom with an ensuite!! Absolutely gorgeous!! It has a small "backgarden" area, but a new build, with a gravel bit set aside especially for the Bar-b-que!! Which is one of the first things we will need to get. It's just brilliant. Even better with wineries close by as well, i'm in heaven!!

Stuart is working away, good man that he is. And although it's 10 hours a day, the day seems to go by quite quickly for him. And he enjoys coming home everynight and still having most of the night. And also having the weekends brilliant for him. He's soo much happier here. I've always thought he had that S.A.D thing, as he was always miserable in Scotland, but what a difference being in the sun has made. Makes it all worthwhile.

Well, I'll go now, got the washing to hang up and get my dinner, but please, i hope folks are starting to save up cos I'm soo looking forward to sharing all this with you. I really wish you could be here with us!!

Until the next blog, keep well, love to you all

Denise & Stuart, Caitlin & Jennifer

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Wednesday 8 October 2008

And it,s only spring
How to get rid of the kids ozzie style

Saturday 27 September 2008

What we up to now!!




Hey all!!

Well, staring to climatise to our new surroundings. Jennifer took a wee while, she took to sleeping quite alot in the first day or two, but now she is going to bed at the normal time and getting up at usual time, so that's good. Caitlin is just fine through the whole thing, although she is bored as there aren't any other children nearby, so she isn't used to playing too much on her own. I do try and walk to the park most days so far, in between the long walk to the shopping centre, but all good for me. Thats what I tell myself.

Today we spent the day looking for rental accomodation. So far Gisborne looks fantastic, and everything else doesn't quite compare. Stuart would love to stay there. I don't know quite what it is, but it has a wee certain something that the other places don't...character? Closeness? Community feel?? But really hope we get it. The other houses are okay, plenty big for the money, but will wait to see what the inside looks like. you can't really say for sure from the internet photos.

Stuart is enjoying his work, well, as much as you can enjoy work. But it's so much nicer environment than waht he was used to. And has even done some overtime already, so keep it coming!!!! Me, on the other hand, am getting twitchy. I'm not used to not working, so will look forward to settling down to some sort of pattern, then quickly get a wee part time job. Otherwise, could go slowly insane!!

The weather really nice, and apparently just got nice this past week. Alot of wind , mind you, but in saying that, the wind was also warm. Apparently can get to about 40 deg C in the height of summer, so wil get to know what a chicken would feel like when it enters a fan assisted oven!!!! I may even turn a shade of pink!!!!!

I will try and put a photo or two of our temp accomodation on this, then will obviously put our house ones on it when we get it. So will leave you just now, so I can figure out how to do it.

Hope you are all well, love ya, speak soon

Denise & Co xxxxxx

Wednesday 24 September 2008

The Greens have Landed!!!

Hi all!!

Well, we are here, after what is one mammoth journey, and one I hope not to do in the very near future. Well, at least not in the same way.

The journey was okay, until we dropped into Hong Kong. We got caught in the tail of a tropical storm, complete with lightening just outside the plane!!!! Stuart loved the extravagant light show, but I wasn't in the least impressed, in fact, my body just went to pot. Yes you guessed it, I had made use of the sick bags!! Then tried to calm myself for the next leg of the flight, another 9 hours from Hong Kong to Melbourne. I did manage to sleep most of the way, although not brilliant. We all managed to catch 40 winks, but again, needed the bags!! I don't do well with sleep depravation.

The girls were excellent the whole journey, I think Caitlin watched Kungfu Panda 4 times, and Jennifer watched the mickey mouse show and of course the simpsons!!

We arrived in Melbourne at approx 9pm, only to find that one of our cases had wandered off, apparently it was Quantas fault. But surprisingly we got it the next day.

Our house for the time being is gorgeous. Not much garden, but lovely big rooms, and extremely close to the water marina and town. Would you believe I have already done one washing?? It is an extremely up to date top loader, sop need to get used to not over packing the machine and using just enough powder.

Our first day was spent getting a few provisions, setting up bank accounts, of course going to the park. And Stuart and Jennifer have succumed to the dreaded jet lag. Jen just completed passed out in the car, Stuart stared feeling the same, so at this moment they are sleeping. I did get abit sleepy myself, but managed to get back on my feet again. The only person who doesnt seem affexted at the moment is Caitlin, but then again, she could just completely zonk out later.

Anyway, going about town, saw alot of children. They are on holiday at the moment, would you believe they are off from 20th september till the 6th October? They also have 2 weeks in june to early july, in all july and august, but off 2oth december till end of january.

The weather today was lovely and warm at 17 deg c, but had a fresh breeze, especially in the shade. But got to the park and went to another town to check it out. Something we will be doing alot of between now and november, when we have to leave this accomodation.

Well, I'm going tol go now, prepare dinner, and wake up the family.

And it's not all fun, as Stuart is starting his new job tomorrow. But he will still be easing him into it, as I don't think they work the weekends.

So will pass my love to all you over the water...

Until next time

Denise
xxxx

Saturday 20 September 2008

Only 2 days to go!!!!!

Hi all!!

Well, we are nearly there!! Only two more days left, and only one more sleep in our house. We will go to the airport hotel on sunday night. Well, we have to give all the beds back, and will need somewhere to sleep.

But a nice, proper bed sounds amazing, even if we dont sleep, what with the mammoth journey we have to take.

So all the suitcases are packed, well, still have things drying that still have to go into suitcases. But apart from that, we are almost set to go.

I have a couple of books, the girls have loads of activities in their back packs, plus all the films we hope to watch. Don't know what Stuart going to do, probably get a book today or something, and probably watch films.

So we leave early monday morning and we will eventually get to Melbourne about 8pm tuesday, which is about 10 or 11 am tuesday scotland time!! Yes, I will endeavor to get get two clocks, one obviously showing Scot-Time!!

Well, I'll go just now, need to get ready to throw out last of the clutter. And hopefully next blog will be from Oz!!

Thank you for listening, speak soon

Love to all

Denise Green

Saturday 13 September 2008

9 Days to go!!!!

Hi all!!

Well, not long to go now. Only 9 days left!!

I have finished my work, ending in a very pleasant lunch with my collegues. Now just trying to empty a house!!

Now it's going to really hit home what we are doing. We have been so busy recently, so haven't really thought about what it was all for. But soon we won't have an option.

Next sunday will be our last in East Kilbride, as we will stay overnight in airport hotel. Well, we need to give back the airbeds, and also easier, as dont want to have to travel far to the airport, think we are going far enough when we get onto the plane.

Would just like to take this opportunity to thank all my family, friends, collegues, for all their help and their lovely sentiments on our epic journey.

I will endeavour to write in this blog once a week, almost like a diary!! Think this will help, keeping a contact with you all until we get established!!

So until then, Hopefully next time I do this we will be in Oz ( our internet access will probably be stopped by then!!)

Love to all

Denise Green

Sunday 7 September 2008

Two weeks to go!!

Hi all....Well, the countdown continues...Only two weeks to go!!!!

We are steady but surely emptying the house, so will start getting the suitcases down to start living out of them for next fortnight.

I will try and take photos of each airport. We leave at 7.30am on the 22nd September, then land in Heathrow. My first ever time in London!! Then from there have a wee stop in Hong Kong, then finally onto Melbourne, should be arriving there at approx 7.55pm 23rd September!!
Will be funny to see the deterioration of us with each airport...airplanes do something really funny to your hair, no matter what you do to it to avoid it!!

I'm not sure I'm looking forward to the way the time differences will fool with my own clock. Stuart may fare abit better, as he's used to night shifts. So small bouts of nacrolepsy will possibly be unavoidable when we get there!! Will let you know!

So, i'll go just now....keep you updated!!

Love
Denise xxxx

Friday 5 September 2008

Hey all...Denise here!!
Just want to say a big thanks to Linda who has made this blog possible. I will indeed try and keep it updated everyday, tell you all about the flight etc..that way, it may feel like we havent gone away at all!!!!
Still in scotland for now, and having a wee adventure already, not having the basics of washing machine or fridge, lucky for us the temperature is dropping so the "fridge" is just outside the back door!! And trying to get a decent night's kip on two airbeds isnt easy..perhaps should try it with alcohol??!!
Anyway, i'm hoping people will be able to leave messages to us on this also...
But i'll go just now, remember to chrck this page often...i will!!
My love to all of you
Denise
xxxx

On our way


Well as you'll all of heard by now we're on our way. Our stuff is packed up and on it's way and we leave on 22nd September which is only 16 days away.

We've made up this blog so that you can log on and see what's happening with us. We'll try to keep it up to date as much as possible and will be posting pictures of everything and everyone when we can.

You can also leave comments for us here so it's basically a one stop shop for info on us.