Shopping in Doha

Well we finally arrived in Qatar after 19 hrs in transit - won't want to do that again in a hurry.  We went to one of the local shopping malls the night we arrived to try and keep ourselves awake - so here are some photos.  The mall is actually an inside mall.  The ceiling is painted to look like you are outside - its quite cool.

This mall is called Villagio . The ceiling is slightly curved so as you walk it gives you the feeling that the clouds are moving - its really quite cool.

And a river running through the middle of the mall with a gondola ride if you so wish.

Mothers Day Random Pics

We went to Mums for a roast dinner on Mothers Day - Sunday May 11th

Mum and Joshua

Nick and I 

Josh looking really happy to have his photo taken with his mum!!

Concentrating on playing Nicks Nintendo DS

Mum talking to the Nintendo DS - now she wants to buy one.

Farewell Northwest Private

Saturday May 10th at the Stamford Plaza Brisbane - my farewell breakfast. Its the best breakfast and a beautiful setting right on the Brisbane River.

The girls: Jo, Pat, Alison, Vicky, Beth W, Kerry, Julie F, Me, Trish B, Beth R and Carmel.

And in case you are wondering this is my parting gift - care package if you like. Let me explain the contents - I can't do it as well as Alison of course. TED'S for the plane ride, Soothing eye cream for the bags under the eyes after the long flight, minties for those moments hanging around the airports on the way, puzzle book to keep me amused and a somac pen to use. Eye mask for sleeping, Toilet Bag and toothbrush incase my luggage gets lost, Perfume to make me smell good, Good Old Vegemite, Peanut Brittle, Scarf with bling to go with my Burka, and those sexy undies to wear under the burka - so when you see a picture of me in the gear you will know what I have on under it!!! An inflatable Aussie finger hand which I have been told to take to the Socceroos vs Qatar match in Qatar in June - so look out for me on TV. And last but not least a photo album with some little reminders of North West and some good ole Aussie recipes and some from the girls in the unit, and of course a photo straight from Alison special photo album - just so I can remember what I am missing!!!! Thanks Alison.

Thanks for a great time at Northwest and I will miss you all. But I promise to keep in touch.

Temari Ball

This is a  Temari Ball (see description) made by my friend - Lynley.

Temari Balls became an art and craft of the Japanese upper class and aristocracy and noble women competed in creating more and more beautiful and intricate objects.  They now represent a highly valued and cherished gift symbolizing deep friendship and loyalty.

It is traditional for a mother to make a Temari  Ball for her daughter as a New Years Eve gift.

They are also defined as Hime-temari (silk balls), made to bring good fortune to the person who keeps them, and are made by hand wrapping silk threads of different colours.  These crafts, filled with both the craftman's gentle spirit and techniques, are believed to bestow happiness.  The brilliant colour and threads used are also symbolic of wishing the receipt a brilliant (happy) life.

They make wonderful, unique gifts and are treasured as wedding and anniversary gifts, and as memories of friendship and special occasions.

Thank you Lynley - I love it, and will treasure it......see you in Mumbai in Feb!!!!!

The Boy Is Back!!!

Josh arrived back in Australia on April 23 - and he is here to stay  (just as we are about to pack up and relocate to Qatar.    So the hunt is on for a job and a flat.

I sure know hes back - just look at the messy room - I did manage to get him to unpack his bags.

But he would not look at the camera - of course!!!

The two boys playing XBox - I knew that it would not take Nick long to check out XBox - he wants a PS3.

Joshua's 18th Birthday Present - A Tattoo

My son Joshua turned 18 on January 17, 2007 and I paid for him to get a tattoo (what good mum would not..!!!) I had seen a picture of it but did not realise how big it actually was - until he sent me the pictures.....so here it is!!!

The end result.

And I did not know about this one!!! Very patriotic Joshua James.

Australian Citizenship - January 27th, 2007

After a long five year process we finally got Australian Citizenship on January 27th, 2007. Our ceremony was held at Bracken Ridge Lions Club in Brisbane.

Soon to be Australian Citizens

Mum &Noel

Pre- Ceremony

Finally we are Australian Citizens

Seen here with Amanda Cooper Bracken Ridge local counciller

Pledging our oath

All the new citizens

Nick wins lucky draw - hamper full of Aussie goods.

Seen here with Brisbane Mayor Campbell Newman

Ready to take our goodies home