Thursday, December 27, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
Christmas Lights - Calypso Court Eatons Hill
Enjoying the festive season with a family outing to view the best cChristmas lights here in Brisbane.
Calypso Court, Eatons Hill was 1st prize winner for 2007. The whole entire street was lit up with lights. It was great to see such community spirit.
Calypso Court, Eatons Hill was 1st prize winner for 2007. The whole entire street was lit up with lights. It was great to see such community spirit.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Ome [Uncle in Dutch] Travis & our 3 nieces
Finally brother Travis returns home after backpacking round Europe for almost 9 months & reunited with his nieces.
Dogs 1st haircut
Just for fun......... I thought I would share my pics of our dogs 1st haircut experience.
Our dog Gypsy [who is almost 12].. Malts her winter coat & it was driving me crazy.. hair everywhere.
& then there is Snowy, my sisters dog of 2 years.. poor thing looked like a sheep.
Our dog Gypsy [who is almost 12].. Malts her winter coat & it was driving me crazy.. hair everywhere.
& then there is Snowy, my sisters dog of 2 years.. poor thing looked like a sheep.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Sinterklaas in Brisbane
In our household we celebrated Santa Claus on December 25 & the Dutch Saint Nicolas on Dec 5. On the eve on Saint Nic arrival all the children would leave out their shoes & in the morning they would be filled with candy, cookies and best of all St Nic would deliver presents.
Growing up in Australia we would always attend the St Nicolas celebrations at the Dutch Club, and this year was no different. I accompanied my good friends Jannie & Ronald with their daughter Shonagh to the Dutch Club here in Brisbane to recieve a visit from Saint Nicolas & Black Peter. We enjoyed a feast of Dutch foods, the children played games and we all sang traditional festive songs whilst waiting for the guest of honour to arrive. Normally St Nic would arrive on a white horse however due to the quarrantine, this day he arrive by vehicle.
For those who are interested here is the story of St Nicolas:
Born of a wealthy family, Nicholas was brought up as a devout Christian. When his parents died of an epidemic, he distributed his wealth among the poor and became a priest.
Later he became Archbishop of Myra, and it is from here that the fame of his good deeds began to spread across the Mediterranean. Desperate sailors who called upon the Good Bishop to calm stormy seas were heard; prison walls crumbled when victims of persecution prayed to him. He saved young children from the butcher's knife and dropped dowries into the shoes of penniless maidens. Over time, St. Nicholas became the patron saint of sailors and merchants, and especially of children. After his death, the cult of St. Nicholas spread rapidly via southern Italy throughout the rest of the Mediterranean and eventually to coastal towns along the Atlantic and the North Sea. In the 12th and 13th centuries, Holland built no fewer than 23 churches dedicated to St. Nicholas, many of which are still standing. Amsterdam adopted St. Nicholas as its patron saint, and Rome decreed that December 6th, the anniversary of his death, should be his official Feast Day.
St. Nicholas' strong influence in the Low Countries - an area heavily engaged in trade and navigation - was primarily due to his role as patron of sailors and merchants.
However, his fame as protector of children soon took precedence.
In the 14th century, choir boys of St. Nicholas churches were given some money and the day off on December 6th.
Somewhat later, the pupils of convent schools would be rewarded or punished by a monk dressed up as the Good Bishop, with his long white beard, his red mantle and mitre (bishop's hat) and his golden crosier (bishop's staff) - just as he is still presented today.
All Dutch children know that Sinterklaas (the name is a corruption of Sint Nikolaas) lives in Spain. Exactly why he does remains a mystery, but that is what all the old songs and nursery rhymes say. Whatever the case may be, in Spain he spends most of the year recording the behaviour of all children in a big red book, while his helper Black Peter stocks up on presents for next December 5th. In the first weeks of November, Sinterklaas gets on his white horse, Peter ("Piet") swings a huge sack full of gifts over his shoulder, and the three of them board a steamship headed for the Netherlands. Around mid-November they arrive in a harbour town - a different one every year - where they are formally greeted by the Mayor and a delegation of citizens. Their parade through town is watched live on television by the whole country and marks the beginning of the "Sinterklaas season".
The old bishop and his helpmate are suddenly everywhere at once. At night they ride across Holland's' rooftops and Sinterklaas listens through the chimneys to check on the children's behaviour. Piet jumps down the chimney flues and makes sure that the carrot or hay the children have left for the horse in their shoes by the fireplace is exchanged for a small gift or some candy. During the day, Sinterklaas and Piet are even busier, visiting schools, hospitals, department stores, restaurants, offices and many private homes. Piet rings doorbells, scatters sweets through the slightly opened doors and leaves basketfuls of presents by the front door. How do they manage to be all over the Netherlands at once?
This is thanks to the so-called "hulp-Sinterklazen", or Sinterklaas helpers, who dress up like the bishop and Black Peter and help them perform their duties. Children who become wise to these simultaneous "Sint-sightings" are told that since Sinterklaas cannot indeed be in two places at once, he gets a little help from his uncanonized friends.
The Dutch are busy too - shopping for, and more importantly, making presents. Tradition demands that all packages be camouflaged in some imaginative way, and that every gift be accompanied by a fitting poem. This is the essence of Sinterklaas: lots of fun on a day when people are not only allowed, but expected, to make fun of each other in a friendly way. Children, parents, teachers, employers and employees, friends and co-workers tease each other and make fun of each others' habits and mannerisms.
Another part of the fun is how presents are hidden or disguised. Recipients often have to go on a treasure hunt all over the house, aided by hints, to look for them. They must be prepared to dig their gifts out of the potato bin, to find them in a jello pudding, in a glove filled with wet sand, in some crazy dummy or doll. Working hard for your presents and working even harder to think up other peoples' presents and get them ready is what the fun is all about.
The original poem accompanying each present is another old custom and a particularly challenging one. Here the author has a field day with his subject (the recipient of the gift). Foibles, love interests, embarrassing incidents, funny habits and well-kept secrets are all fair game. The recipient, who is the butt of the joke, has to open his/her package in public and read the poem aloud amid general hilarity. The real giver is supposed to remain anonymous because all presents technically come from Sinterklaas, and recipients say out loud "Thank you, Sinterklaas!", even if they no longer believe in him.
Towards December 5th, St. Nicholas poems pop up everywhere in the Netherlands: in the press, in school, at work and in both Houses of Parliament.
On the day of the 5th, most places of business close a bit earlier than normal. The Dutch head home to a table laden with the same traditional sweets and baked goods eaten for St. Nicholas as shown in the 17th-century paintings of the Old Masters. Large chocolate letters - the first initial of each person present - serve as place settings. They share the table along with large gingerbread men and women known as "lovers". A basket filled with mysterious packages stands close by and scissors are at hand. Early in the evening sweets are eaten while those gathered take turns unwrapping their gifts and reading their poems out loud so that everyone can enjoy the impact of the surprise. The emphasis is on originality and personal effort rather than the commercial value of the gift, which is one reason why Sinterklaas is such a delightful event for young and old alike.
For more information please visit: http://www.thehollandring.com/sinterklaas.shtml
Growing up in Australia we would always attend the St Nicolas celebrations at the Dutch Club, and this year was no different. I accompanied my good friends Jannie & Ronald with their daughter Shonagh to the Dutch Club here in Brisbane to recieve a visit from Saint Nicolas & Black Peter. We enjoyed a feast of Dutch foods, the children played games and we all sang traditional festive songs whilst waiting for the guest of honour to arrive. Normally St Nic would arrive on a white horse however due to the quarrantine, this day he arrive by vehicle.
For those who are interested here is the story of St Nicolas:
Born of a wealthy family, Nicholas was brought up as a devout Christian. When his parents died of an epidemic, he distributed his wealth among the poor and became a priest.
Later he became Archbishop of Myra, and it is from here that the fame of his good deeds began to spread across the Mediterranean. Desperate sailors who called upon the Good Bishop to calm stormy seas were heard; prison walls crumbled when victims of persecution prayed to him. He saved young children from the butcher's knife and dropped dowries into the shoes of penniless maidens. Over time, St. Nicholas became the patron saint of sailors and merchants, and especially of children. After his death, the cult of St. Nicholas spread rapidly via southern Italy throughout the rest of the Mediterranean and eventually to coastal towns along the Atlantic and the North Sea. In the 12th and 13th centuries, Holland built no fewer than 23 churches dedicated to St. Nicholas, many of which are still standing. Amsterdam adopted St. Nicholas as its patron saint, and Rome decreed that December 6th, the anniversary of his death, should be his official Feast Day.
St. Nicholas' strong influence in the Low Countries - an area heavily engaged in trade and navigation - was primarily due to his role as patron of sailors and merchants.
However, his fame as protector of children soon took precedence.
In the 14th century, choir boys of St. Nicholas churches were given some money and the day off on December 6th.
Somewhat later, the pupils of convent schools would be rewarded or punished by a monk dressed up as the Good Bishop, with his long white beard, his red mantle and mitre (bishop's hat) and his golden crosier (bishop's staff) - just as he is still presented today.
All Dutch children know that Sinterklaas (the name is a corruption of Sint Nikolaas) lives in Spain. Exactly why he does remains a mystery, but that is what all the old songs and nursery rhymes say. Whatever the case may be, in Spain he spends most of the year recording the behaviour of all children in a big red book, while his helper Black Peter stocks up on presents for next December 5th. In the first weeks of November, Sinterklaas gets on his white horse, Peter ("Piet") swings a huge sack full of gifts over his shoulder, and the three of them board a steamship headed for the Netherlands. Around mid-November they arrive in a harbour town - a different one every year - where they are formally greeted by the Mayor and a delegation of citizens. Their parade through town is watched live on television by the whole country and marks the beginning of the "Sinterklaas season".
The old bishop and his helpmate are suddenly everywhere at once. At night they ride across Holland's' rooftops and Sinterklaas listens through the chimneys to check on the children's behaviour. Piet jumps down the chimney flues and makes sure that the carrot or hay the children have left for the horse in their shoes by the fireplace is exchanged for a small gift or some candy. During the day, Sinterklaas and Piet are even busier, visiting schools, hospitals, department stores, restaurants, offices and many private homes. Piet rings doorbells, scatters sweets through the slightly opened doors and leaves basketfuls of presents by the front door. How do they manage to be all over the Netherlands at once?
This is thanks to the so-called "hulp-Sinterklazen", or Sinterklaas helpers, who dress up like the bishop and Black Peter and help them perform their duties. Children who become wise to these simultaneous "Sint-sightings" are told that since Sinterklaas cannot indeed be in two places at once, he gets a little help from his uncanonized friends.
The Dutch are busy too - shopping for, and more importantly, making presents. Tradition demands that all packages be camouflaged in some imaginative way, and that every gift be accompanied by a fitting poem. This is the essence of Sinterklaas: lots of fun on a day when people are not only allowed, but expected, to make fun of each other in a friendly way. Children, parents, teachers, employers and employees, friends and co-workers tease each other and make fun of each others' habits and mannerisms.
Another part of the fun is how presents are hidden or disguised. Recipients often have to go on a treasure hunt all over the house, aided by hints, to look for them. They must be prepared to dig their gifts out of the potato bin, to find them in a jello pudding, in a glove filled with wet sand, in some crazy dummy or doll. Working hard for your presents and working even harder to think up other peoples' presents and get them ready is what the fun is all about.
The original poem accompanying each present is another old custom and a particularly challenging one. Here the author has a field day with his subject (the recipient of the gift). Foibles, love interests, embarrassing incidents, funny habits and well-kept secrets are all fair game. The recipient, who is the butt of the joke, has to open his/her package in public and read the poem aloud amid general hilarity. The real giver is supposed to remain anonymous because all presents technically come from Sinterklaas, and recipients say out loud "Thank you, Sinterklaas!", even if they no longer believe in him.
Towards December 5th, St. Nicholas poems pop up everywhere in the Netherlands: in the press, in school, at work and in both Houses of Parliament.
On the day of the 5th, most places of business close a bit earlier than normal. The Dutch head home to a table laden with the same traditional sweets and baked goods eaten for St. Nicholas as shown in the 17th-century paintings of the Old Masters. Large chocolate letters - the first initial of each person present - serve as place settings. They share the table along with large gingerbread men and women known as "lovers". A basket filled with mysterious packages stands close by and scissors are at hand. Early in the evening sweets are eaten while those gathered take turns unwrapping their gifts and reading their poems out loud so that everyone can enjoy the impact of the surprise. The emphasis is on originality and personal effort rather than the commercial value of the gift, which is one reason why Sinterklaas is such a delightful event for young and old alike.
For more information please visit: http://www.thehollandring.com/sinterklaas.shtml
Lorikeets in our garden
Spring / Summer time brings white flowers to our tree in the front garden. The local Lorikeets feast on their seeds / nectar.
Our Christmas tree, 2007
Its that time of year again, where we wish everyone a wonderful holiday season, send chrissy cards, bake homemade treats & pray for peace on earth.
We hope all enjoy the lead up to the festive celebrations.
We hope all enjoy the lead up to the festive celebrations.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Congratulations to Carla & Tom..
My dearest friends, Carla & Tom, we wish you the best of luck with your new home.
So when is the party??? ...
Thursday, November 15, 2007
A huge congrats to Cousin Sam & Muzza
Adam & I would like to wish you both huge congratulations.. now off into the big wide world you go :)Don't you all look smashing :)
Wow!! Talk about blast from the past!!
Do you ever have thoughts of old friends & wander what they are doing now?
Well I have always wondered about my old primary school friend Melissa Henman.. so i thought I would do a search.. on facebook.com I recommend it to anyone..
A few minutes later.. I sent a message to her profile.. & who would of though she would happen to be online. A speedy reply arrived & confirmed!! This Melissa Henman was indeed my long lost friend!!
Another few emails back & forth & I am so excited to be able to rekindle fond memories about our childhood.
Thank God for the internet!!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Welcome Baby Amelia
A huge congratulations to my old collegue & dear friend Catherine & her husband Aaren. A beautiful baby girl born names Amelia Bridget Brown, born 06 November & weighing 7 Pounds.
Adam & I wish you a wonderful life journey & all the happiness she may bring.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Short camping trip 05/06 November
With 2 days to spare.. we headed off on our 1st camping trip since living in Brissy.
All packed & ready to go with headed up north to Rainbow Beach. When we arrived at the ferry we realised that we werent actually allowed to take Gypsy [our dog]... Anyways Tash [My sister] & Adam convinced me not to be a stick in the mud & live on the adventurous side og life for a while.
Location decided! Time to set up tent.. Gypsy had her bed set up & water to drink under a nice shady tree. I took 2 of my neices & headed off to play in the beach..
meanwhile moments later the Park ranger paid Adam & Tash a visit & I was called back to the camp site :( The ranger advised me I would have to pay an infringment notice & then offered us to relocte to another area to avoid a fine.. We chose to RELOCATE!!
I [slight annoyed / border lining wanting to scream at both Adam & Tash!! for making me look like a criminal] then reminded myself not to go anywhere unless I personally do the research.
We packed up & headed up the beach for some serious 4Wheel driving.. the sand was extremley soft & we had a couple of close calls with other 4WD on the sandy track. We finally arrived at our destination Inkip point.. 5 hours from home [a little further than anticipated] however definatley worth the milage.
WOW!! What a beautiful place!!!
A lovely camping ground which could be access by road & by beach.. dog friendly, drop toilets & best of all.. camping fires allowed!!
After we were happy with our campsite we headed to the beach [20 metre walk] went for a swam & enjoyed the views of Fraser Island. Back to camp for some Australian Damper on a stick [bush bread], baked beans & snags [Sausages] on the fire. By 08:30 we had run out of fire wood & it was an early night to a very long day.
Monday morning 06:00.. It was hot steamy & sticky. Out of bed & by 08:00 our camp site was packed up & we headed into town [10 mins from Rainbow beach] icecream for Breakfast :) Grabbed a map for the tourist centre & headed on a 320KLM 4Wheel drive adventure through national parks.. on our return home we came across another camping location Harry hut [very very remote] however it was based on the edge of Beautiful Billabong.. We stopped for lunch & enjoyed the scenery.
Invitation to Wine tasting accepted
November 3, Saturday night.
Our lovely neighbour Glenn, invited a group of us to join him [Adam, myself, cousin Glenn & my deat friend Jannie] on the Kookaburra Queen Wine tasting Cruise.
It was a beautiful night, the water was calm and the company great! we all enjoyed tasting different wines, [except for me, I was designated driver.. & still was recovering from tooth ache]. We would definatley recommend to everyone.
Our lovely neighbour Glenn, invited a group of us to join him [Adam, myself, cousin Glenn & my deat friend Jannie] on the Kookaburra Queen Wine tasting Cruise.
It was a beautiful night, the water was calm and the company great! we all enjoyed tasting different wines, [except for me, I was designated driver.. & still was recovering from tooth ache]. We would definatley recommend to everyone.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Was it Hot or what!!
Few words can describe Amanda & Daniels' wedding !!
The location was HOT!, weather was HOT!, Bridesmaids & Groomsmen were HOT! & Amanda & Daniel were absolutely stunning !!! The perfect day to begin a new lifetime together.
Adam & I wish them lots of love, laughter and happiness.
The location was HOT!, weather was HOT!, Bridesmaids & Groomsmen were HOT! & Amanda & Daniel were absolutely stunning !!! The perfect day to begin a new lifetime together.
Adam & I wish them lots of love, laughter and happiness.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Our weekend away - Mission Beach
Hi all,
Well I thought we would share some of the highlights of our weekend away.
It was a long wait but definatley a much needed mini break... & what better way to relax than at Amanda & Daniels wedding [Adams' older Brother]
I will do a seperate posting on the wedding & all the photos shortly.
Friday 11:30 arrived at airport, Adam has finished work at 10:30 & we had planned to catch the 12:40 flight Brisbane to Cairns...a bit of confusion led to there never being a 12:40 flight :( .. Next flight 14:55 .. Due to massive storms Brisbane airport was closed for a further 1 hour delay. :(
We both recieved free upgraded seats in Business class & a kind gentlemen swapped his seat so that we could be seated together. .. A rarity these days.
Next our beep Beep hire car. See above for our 'Red goes fast' car. Our car got us from point A to B .. cheap on fuel however sorry to say not very comfortable to drive. I actually had trouble starting the car a few times [not used to a manual since we now have an automatic] Screamed at Adam for letting the battery go flat... My error! My bad!
It was now dark, we left Cairns for our destination, Mission Beach. 1 1/2 hour journey south to the caravan park where Adams parents & sister were staying. There was little traffic so the drive was great.
Apon arriving at the caravan park, the office was closed so we never registered & actually didnt have to pay for our camping spot. Yippee!! What a bargain.
Adam got out the tent in the dark [By the way it was now 10pm]& started putting it together. I grabbed the aircompressor & was ready to blow up the airmattras when both Adam & I has realised......... We forgot the air mattrass!! Too funny :)
Luckily Adams sister Madonna has spare beds in her cabin so we stayed the night with her & boyfriend Tim
Early Sunday morning whilst at the kiosk Uncle Peter & Aunty Elaine drove by, they stopped for a photo op :) .. later Aunty Sandra & Uncle Bob dropped in for coffee & afterwards Maree & I headed off to the Mision [once a month] monster markets. Not very big, lots of home made crafts & plants.. & stinkin Humid!!! But it was a lovely morning. On our return went packed up our tent [Yes everyone... i actually help out :) ] Popper back up to the resort to say goodbye to Daniel.. we missed Amanda & Madisson as they were out shopping.
Our our return trip we stopped into Cowley beach for a Look See!! Wow a really quiet beach township.. probably only 50 houses & home to the Whitsundays defence force training base.
As we arrived into Cairns a few hours early for flight we grabbed the street directory & made our way to the suburban beaches for a Look See... A wonderful end to a beautiful weekend. We have both vowed to return to Mission beach however more time is definatley needed to really admire its full beauty.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Mum & Dad begin their trip!!
The day has finally arrived! Maree & Michael have began their next journey, in life today. We will keep everyone updated as we hear it. Best of luck & safe travelling to them both.
No, Of course this isnt their caravan.... but i thought it would be funny heheh.
More photos to come later...
  |   |
No, Of course this isnt their caravan.... but i thought it would be funny heheh.
More photos to come later...
U Silly buggers!!
Here is some crazy photos of my pals Tammy, John & their 2 kids Taylor & Brianna.
A huge howdy to them all.
A huge howdy to them all.
Tash on vacation in Vanuatu
Thanks for the photos Tash!! Hope you are having a relaxing & wonderful time.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Madison
Hi All, A huge belated happy birthday to our little niece Madison... for August 2007. Isn't she growing up fast?? So so cute :)
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Saturday, October 06, 2007
Its time to celebrate
Party time!!
I can't believe I am 28!! OMG I'm getting so old. To celebrate we just had a little BBq here at home. Thanks to all the b'day wishes from everyone.
I can't believe I am 28!! OMG I'm getting so old. To celebrate we just had a little BBq here at home. Thanks to all the b'day wishes from everyone.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Happy birthday little man!!
A huge hug and lots of kisses for our newphew Jayden who tunrned the BIG 1 today...
Missing you heaps and wish we could be there to celebrate your special day today.
Lots of love Tante Tamara & Ome Adam
Missing you heaps and wish we could be there to celebrate your special day today.
Lots of love Tante Tamara & Ome Adam
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Where off to now!!
Umm, Hi name is Tamara & I'm suffering from travel withdrawals. Its been almost 2 years since I've been away... So I'm packing my bags & going to visit my mate Ja in Thailand this January coming. She actually lives in New York, but is going back home in Dec/Jan to chill out & see her family.
No real plans what I'll actually be doing in Thailand as of yet, but as long as I get to meet Alex!! Yeah - [her fiance] & her family. We have been friends for more than 14 years & am soooo excited.
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