Collaroy to Manly walk (10 km)

It was a lovely, crisp winter's day. Perfect for a hike through some of Sydney's finest beaches.

Family holiday in Mauritius (photos by Jo)

It looks wonderful, wish I could have been there.

Gratitude (2014)

• Chrisel didn't see pills
• Didn't get hit by the car when jumped for Mack. 
• Dani on track for kids. Heard about relationship when I was strong. 
• Lights in dining room ok. 
• Meeting Srini
• Meeting the hiking gang
• Car not fried (battery charge) 
• Leaking ceiling - not copper pipes. 
• The wedding photos were not corrupted. 
• Staggered pill so much better - doubled my ability to work, increased sense of well being. 
• Dani got back to me (after usb, after book.)  Liked my post. 
• Dylan better. 
• Shooting stars on Breede when bless Dani.
• Russell in South Africa when I was

Chrisel

After movie and lunch 

• Thanks for such a lovely afternoon. I forgot all about the cold dreary day chatting to you next to the cozy fire.  

After Babootie lunch

• It was lovely having you over yesterday and being able to share a tiny part of my life with you. Shame Mack couldn’t make it this time! I feel so comfortable just hanging out with you and cracking up at the odd funny anecdote or story.  

About blog

• I lost myself for a couple of hours in your treasure trove...what an incredible collection of memories you have created there. You must be so proud of yourself; seriously to be so in touch with all your most valued people/experiences is very admirable. And the photos! Those South America photos are amaaaaaaazing! 

Email with Liz

From Liz   

I Don't know if you watch the Big Bang Theory but at the end of every episode is a comedic note from the writers covering various topics.  This was tonight's:

"A young woman stepped forward from the throng and asked, 'O' great prophet, tell us how we might find love that is unconditional, unwavering, and unending.'  The prophet did not answer right away.  He looked off into the distance, gathering his thoughts.  Silence descended upon the crowd.  Then he turned his gaze upon the young woman and said, 'Get a dog.' " 

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran (1st draft) 

Haha...hopefully that's not true...otherwise I need to invest in a dog!

From me

Oh dear, you've got me onto a subject I can spout on forever!!
Firstly, I love the quote and have added it to my burgeoning collection. Secondly, I hate to break it to you, but it's so true!!!
Let me use this opportunity to try to convince you to choose a canine companion over a human companion...

First off, many famous women agree that no man can love you like a dog does...
• The more boys I meet the more I love my dog.  Carrie Underwood 
• Dogs never bite me. Just humans.  Marilyn Monroe 
• Why can't a man be more like a dog, huh? So sweet, loving, attentive.  Mary Adams 
• A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. Gilda Radner 

Secondly, unconditional love is only the tip of the iceberg of what a furry friend can bring you...
• A dog can give you a purpose in life: to become the person your dog thinks you are! 
• A dog can teach your children a lot of things:  like fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down. 
• No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as a dog does.    
• Dogs provide oodles of comfort when you're feeling blue because they don't try to find out why. 

All in all, a dog can make you blissfully happy.  There is simply no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.

But in the interests of a balanced argument, maybe; just maybe it's all a crock of lies.  Maybe the "love" dogs give is just a sneaky façade to keep us in tow. After all, if aliens saw us walking our dogs and picking up their poop, who would they think is in charge?

Oh well, enough thoughts on the matter.  I'll leave you to make up your own mind!

From Liz  

Almost convincing Mr Myburgh.  But then I found this quote ...

“Just give me a comfortable couch, a dog, a good book, and a woman. Then if you can get the dog to go somewhere and read the book, I might have a little fun.”   Groucho Marx 

Haha..in saying that though, I've always been partial to a golden retriever.  But I think I just love them because as puppies they are the cutest things.  I don't know about actually looking after one full time.  Looking after two kids on my own is plenty for now...

From me

Ha ha!  That's another absolute gem of a quote. I'll capitulate. After all, a woman as a partner does indeed have some beautiful, marvellous and even sacred qualities that no dog, even on its best day, can possibly match...

... like being able to look in a drawer and find a pair of socks that aren't there!
And maybe we men as partners have more sweet-natured, loving, dog-like qualities to bestow than we're given credit for. As Robert Brault said  "I am not your dog, but if every time you saw me, you gave me a backrub, I would run to greet you, too." 

Perfect winter's day for a walk and picnic

A lovely walk at Berry Island and Balls Head with a picnic half way, followed by lamb shanks (my first attempt) which was delicious. Basically a day of non stop walking and eating.  The perfect way to spend a Sunday!  

Text to Chris

Hi Chris.

Thanks again so much for all your support, guidance and inspiration with the DIY for my home. You've opened up a whole new world. You give the term true friendship real meaning.

G