There's NO! Bingo Here!

Gambling is killing our Society,
The lure of easy money reaches out it's tentacles and touches all of us in one way or another.

It has the power to destroy the life of the gambler and everyone who knows them. Yet our Governments sit back and rake in the taxes generated by this misery.Gambling establishments boast of how much they are doing to support sporting communities with the profits made, (how nice).

Casinoes, and clubs continually send out invitations to lure you back, with the offer of "happy hour" hoping you will be temtped by the flashing coloured lights to drop just one more coin into the machine before you leave. Even placing ATM machines on the premises so you can not only empty your wallett but your bank account as well.

Do you believe it's the fault of the individual, after all they should know when to stop and go home. Or are we all to blame in someway.

Every day we are enticed to participate in one form of gambling or another with the promise of anything from a new car to a holiday it only takes the cost of 1 phone call, and you could be the lucky winner. For Pete's sake even church group's want you to participate. Just a bit of fun, fundraising. Bingo any one...?

Many are strong and can resist this temptation but there are twice as many that are not. They keep dreaming that the next ticket, the next coin will bring a windfall and everything will be perfect.

What can we do about it? Do we put our head's in the sand and just not think about it until it touches someone close to us.? Well?

I refuse to enter another gambling establishment,
I refuse to enter a lottery.
If we ALL did this maybe these pits of despair would shut down....

What is the dream world of the compulsive gambler?

Courtesy of GA

This is another common characteristic of compulsive gamblers. A lot of time is spent creating images of the great and wonderful things they are going to do as soon as they make the big win. They often see themselves as quite philanthropic and charming people. They may dream of providing families and friends with new cars, mink coats and other luxuries. Compulsive gamblers picture themselves leading a pleasant and gracious life, made possible by the huge sums of money they will accrue from their "system". Servants, penthouses, nice clothes, charming friends, yachts and world tours are a few of the wonderful things that are just around the corner after a big win is finally made.
Pathetically, however, there never seems to be a win big enough to make even the smallest dream come true. When compulsive gamblers succeed, they gamble to dream still greater dreams. When failing, they gamble in reckless desperation and the depths of their misery are fathomless as their dream world comes crashing down.
Sadly, they will struggle back, dream more dreams and of course suffer more misery. No one can convince them that their great schemes will not someday come true. They believe they will. For without this dream world, life for them would not be tolerable.

Here I am GOD!

God can you see me, Here I am. .

IT'S GOOD NEWS WEEK?????

A guest in our home left the Daily Telegraph behind.
Before I threw it into the waste bin to add to the ever growing garbage we call land fill. I thought I would just take a moment to read what made the headlines this week.

I must let you know I never buy or read the paper as a rule.

So here it is ...head line..FIDAY 24/8/2007

SICK JOKE.
THEY LIED ABOUT BEING ILL, NOW THEY WANT TO WORK IN FANCY DRESS.

I read on..

Mia Romano is the tortured face of Sydney's commuters---- that was enough reading for me..
The world is in a mess and we are calling commuters who face a little inconvenience with transport TORTURED....

By the way all credit for this piece of journalism goes to the Daily Telegraph's Transport Reporter..

what a wast of paper and print, God only knows what fascinating reporting lay in pages ahead.

I DID NOT BOTHER TO READ ON...

BUYER BEWARE

The Internet has opened up a whole new way for consumers to get ripped off.
We have independent auction houses, we have direct warehouses, we have smartstore, discontinued stock outlets, and don't forget EBay. and I am sure you know of many others.

We can buy with points just so we don't feel like we are using cash, that's the cash you used to purchase the points in the first place remember.

Then you get the inflated retail price that sellers post, just so you think you are getting a bargain when your not. Then we get the inferior product masquerading as the real thing. The list goes on and on and on.

I am not saying that there are not bargains out there. But you have to do your homework first.

The internet is a powerful tool, so you can instantly compare prices. It is obvious many buyers don't and these cunning calous sellers are taking advantage and are making a killing at your expence. So don't become a victim. SURF around.

Check to see if the manufacturer has a presence on the WWW. Is this an affiliate program, dont give your hard earned cash to a maddle, middle middle middle man.

Many of us don't have the luxury to go from shop to shop to compare prices and we do most of our shopping via the net. so the saying BUYER BEWARE caries a bigger punch.

DID YOU KNOW HIM?

TIMES ARE A CHANGING

A precious little girl walks into a pet shop and asks,

"Excuthe me, do you have any widdle wabbits?"

The shopkeeper's heart melts, he gets down on his knees so that he's on her level, and says,

"Do you want a widdle white wabbit or a thoft, fuffy bwack wabbit, or one like that widdle bwown wabbit over there?"

The little girl blushes, rocks on her heels, puts her hands on her
knees, leans forward and whispers ...

"I don't weally fink my pet pyfon gives a phuk"

THOSE WERE THE DAYS

I just love this picture and the memories that flood back to me each time I look at it.

A few years ago on a lovely sunny Sunday we took a drive to the place where I spent my childhood. It felt amazing to be here again after 44 years. It felt especially strange as so much has changed for me.

For a moment I travelled back in time, I could see the young girl that was once me, walking to the shop which was just a few doors down from number 82, I remember playing in the park across the street with its huge trees that shaded the twisting path that ran the length of the park. I had mixed memories, sadness and joy as I miss that little girl, she had dreams that will now never be fulfilled. I wished I could retrace her foot steps and walk where she once walked, retrace the steps she took to school each day, the short cut she took through the hospital grounds, where her imagination ran wild and she would conjure up ghosts that came out in the corridor's, as she would run through screaming, hearing her voice echo in the tunnell that ran beneath the hospital, yet she did this each day to test her bravery.

I still remember the Hill immediately across from our front door, Mum always said we were never to go over the otherside as it was dangerous and something bad would happen if we did. I still do not know what is over that hill. (In those days children actually did what they were told. or was that just me.)

We took a drive down the main street, now that had changed; it now has gift shops and trendy cafes and restaurants where trend setters sat so as to be seen by other trend setters having lunch or they would just sit and sip caffe' lattes at small tables out on the sidewalk.

There was no longer a place for young families in this neighbourhood, sports cars lined the streets where once station wagons were parked. Well groomed poodles and small lap dogs had replaced the family pets.

The old buildings remained standing creating new memories for all the people who choose to dwell within them.

I will be interested to return to see the changes in another 20 years, I wonder what it will be like then. Will the families be back I hope so. that would be nice.

SIZE DOESN't MATTER

LOST IN TRANSLATION

Did I read that sign right:

TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW

In a Laundromat:
AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT

In a London department store:
BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS

In an office:
WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN

In an office:
AFTER TEA BREAK STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD

Outside a secondhand shop:
WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?

Notice in health food shop window:
CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS

Spotted in a safari park:
ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR

Seen during a conference:
FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR

Notice in a farmer's field:
THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES.

Message on a leaflet:
IF YOU CANNOT READ, THIS LEAFLET WILL TELL YOU HOW TO GET LESSONS

saved the best till last

On a repair shop door:
WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING.
(PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR - THE BELL DOESN'T WORK)

A HOME AMONG THE GUM TREES

Last night my daughter performed at a Country Singing Competition. She is influenced by Norah Jones , Dixie Chicks, Missy Higgens and Brooke Fraser

Well as you know AUSTRALIAN country is usually about dreary everyday events sung in what should be an entertaining and interesting way. What I heard last night could never be called entertaining but dreary fits well.. It was dreary everyday events sung in a dreary way. Every song blended into the next. It was miserable. Tight throats, nasal voices, sharp notes every where and lack lustre performances. The judges had a terrible job to determine a winner. NO stand out today.

Some sounded like Mickey Mouse on helium.

My daughter did not fill THE bill for dreary country. THANK GOD and would never want to.

Had my daughter been well her choice of numbers would have been "Sin Wagon" a dynamic Dixie Chicks number. (believe me if she did she would been booed of the stage, this audience was not ready for that)... She was still getting over a major cold so settled for something less taxing "Life Line" a Brooke Fraser number. YES she should have blitz the competition.

She has a jaw dropping performance. That's the gene she gets from me.

I HAVE BEEN TRAUMATISED. I HAD FORGOTTEN WHAT AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY MUSIC WAS TRULY LIKE.

WEDDING DAY----Someone like you.

please click the above link to hear Van Morrison sing Someone like you

We married at the Victoria and Albert Guesthouse, a grand old building built in 1914 with high ceilings and antique furniture, steep stairways and narrow hall ways. We booked the front room for the ceremony and the reception. The only guests we invited were 4 of our closest friends, to act as witnesses for us and share in what was a magical and memorable day.


The front room boasted high ceilings and heavy drapes that covered stained glass windows, combine this with an open fireplace and the scene is set, and it is perfect.

We exchanged our vows in front of the large fireplace. My husband surprised me with a song he had chosen "Van Morrisson - Someone like you" and arranged to have it played during our marriage vows. This has become our song....I was overwhelmed as I knew it was from his heart and that is what makes this special. It still brings tears to my eyes each time I hear it. This song is meaningfull to both of us, because we both had been married before and had failed, and now to actually find each other and know it was right this time, well the lyrics in this song just said it all.


After signing the marriage certificate, we relaxed at a beautifully layed out table with sumptious feast that was prepaired just for us, we enjoyed each others company, drank the finest wine and had a smoke or 2.

This day was one of the most relaxed and memorable days in my life. And will remain one of my fondest merories...


We will be seeing Van Morrison Live at the Opera House next month. WOW

PASS THE PROZAC

I am having a few bad days of late. And thanks to the invention of Prozac I am able to cope.

I just keep reminding myself of a saying 'this to will pass" not sure if it is a saying but whatever. It keeps me going from one day till the next. Knowing that whenever I am having a very bad day tomorrow WILL be better.

Not to long ago I was younger, leaner and healthier, (those were the days) I would wake up early in the morning and get everything and everyone organized, breakfast on the table for the family, housework would be done before anyone was out of bed some days, AH Yes I was eager to face a full and productive day. There were times I worked three jobs. No one could keep up with me.

NOW,

God how things have changed. I am not complaining, but it is so BLOODY unfair. My faith has been tested, not sure I pass the test either. Still have trouble excepting my fate. I mean there is so much sickness in the world, I mean if I was GOD, could I, would I, just watch all the misery and do nothing. I know I would have to fix everything make it right. No more suffering, plenty to eat for everyone. you know just give everyone an equal starting point.

I hate the fact that I struggle out of bed everyday, I had plans damn it. I guess what I want to get across through this post today is, get the most out of each day and every day, stop getting upset about little things, because believe me when I tell you if you have your health you have everything that matters. You can not know what tomorrow will bring.

I had no idea my life could be turned upside down in this way, I traveled through life without any major health worries, no one in my family did either. Then at a ripe old age of 45 this happened, out of the blue. almost 9 years later and I still can't adjust to the new me. But I am working on it as I have no choice.......

Sorry this is a shit post to day...

ANY MORE SUGGESTIONS DEAR?

HOT STUFF

PEER THROUGH MY OPEN WINDOW.

I married at a ridiculous age of 18. 36 years ago. GOD DON'T I SOUND OLD
Eight years after we married we were blessed with a beautiful baby boy He was the most beautiful baby in the nursery I'm sure everyone who saw him thought so as well. 15 hours labour, but hey’ it was all worth it. Any how needless to say that marriage did not last longer than 10 years and one son. Pretty good don't you think? After all I was only 18, what did I know. I mean would you let your daughter get married at 18.

I wouldn't recommend divorce to any one. Especially when children are involved. They are the true victims of divorce. But having said that; once you have exhausted every avenue to save a marriage, only then have you earned the right to end a marriage.

Any how BACK TO ME I spoiled my son, I guess I felt guilty, and thought I should make it up to him. You know the broken home guilt trip thingy. Then three years later along came husband no 2 and another baby girl making us a total of four.
18 mths passed and we were blessed with another healthy dark haired princess, I decided that same day to shoot the stork and close up shop as I had done my share to help populate our country.

I am here to tell everyone that you can survive motherhood. I had no idea how tough it was going to be. Nothing could have prepared me for what has happened in our lives. All the love and care and planning in the world cannot prevent some events from happening. I cannot even bring myself to tell you what they are. But believe me when I say we have survived hell. and it has changed my family. I think we are stronger now, I have learned that we can handle pretty much anything that life can throw at us.

Eight years ago I got the worse news ever. I was diagnosed with MS. I grieved for five years for the loss of my former self. I use a wheelchair now as my legs have become useless, I am a different person now, some things for the better, I see everything so differently since this has happened, what was once important in life no longer is, don't sweat the small stuff. Life is to bloody hard and most days I cope with my lot and then there days I could end it. I am luckier then some people I know, so things could be worse. The good thing is I have become less rigid in my thinking and more relaxed with every day things. The stress I had put on myself to be the perfect mother,wife, housekeeper was killing me. This was Gods way of slowing me down…
God could have got that message across to me some other way surely.

I have 3 healthy children and a saint for a husband that deserves better than me. (Poor thing) We spend all day every day together, and have done for the last 19 years. I don't think I would want it any other way.
Having said that I still enjoy my alone times, when he does the shopping etc.

We love each other as much now as we did when we first met, if not more, we laugh allot, we understand each other I believe we are a perfect match besides I don’t think any body else would put up with either one of us. We are opposites in most things especially how we want everything done so that’s makes for some interesting dialogue. I like things done today where he would rather leave what ever he can for another day. But somehow it works.

to be continued......…….if you like.

GOODNESS GRACIOUS ME

DRUM ROLL

THANK YOU, I was not expecting this award. you truly have taken me by suprise.

I want to thank everyone that have helped me to get this far, MUM, DAD, YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE. (sniffle) To all the people in my community my friends and admirers of my work I would like you all to know that without your encouragment I would not be here today to accept this award from Paisley from WHY PAISLEY .. She is a gentle, sensitive artistic soul and this shines through in her b;og. Thank you so much Paisley.

OH and I also want WORLD PEACE.

FEMMES AND FELLAS

In case you missed it on 60 Minutes, this is what Andy Rooney thinks about women over 40:
60 Minutes Correspondent Andy Rooney (CBS)
As I grow in age, I value women over 40 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why: A woman over 40 will never wake you in the middle of the night and ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think.
If a woman over 40 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do, and it's usually more interesting.
Women over 40 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if they think they can get away with it.
Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated. Women get psychic as they age.
You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 40.
Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 40 is far sexier than her younger counterpart. Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off that you are a jerk if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.

Yes, we praise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman over 40, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year old waitress. Ladies, I apologize. For all those men who say, "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?", here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage! Andy Rooney is a really smart guy!

THE HARDEST JOB OF ALL.

The hardest job of all is to do nothing. Its so hard to sit and watch my girls grow up and become independent.
My youngest went for her first driving lesson today. If that was not enough to handle her friend tells me as we both stood and watched her get in behind the steering wheel, that she was already planning on buying her own car and looking forward to traveling, I am not ready to let her go. were the thoughts rushing through my mind.

Letting go is so hard. Allowing them to live their lives in their own unique way. I am so excited for both my girls and at the same time sad for myself.
When they were younger I could take care of everything, solve all their problems, and I pray their problems remain small enough for me to continue to solve.

As a mum I get so worried for them, I am only relaxed when they are all at home where I know they are safe. It will soon be legal to go clubbing, drink alcohol, gamble, vote,smoke, and marry if they want, Are they ready? I would like to think they are, they wont need my permission for anything (what idiot thought that was a good idea}. Not someone who has kids that's for sure.

JUST CURIOUS

ROOM FOR ONE MORE

Today I had planned a day out, all four of us. A lovely day out with kids. A rare occurrence since they are now teenagers.
They all complained, preferred to have a day with their friends. I assured them we would have fun, that this is how you build memories. Reluctantly they all agreed.
We are not an organized group, everyone tends to move at their own pace..mainly real s l o w...except me, so that fact alone drives me insane. (note to self think happy thoughts). its 11am now and my youngest is still in bed, ... to be continued......

We finally got on our way at 12.30. better late than never as they say. It was a beautiful day, one of those cold days even though the sun is out.

We had lunch at the Sailing club and sat out on the terrace over looking the boats bobbing up down in the bay. Very pleasant indeed.

We devoured two mouth watering seafood platters a glass of Red for the grownups and soft drink for the girls, followed by Mud cake and a cappuccino for everybody. And yes the girls even managed to enjoy them selves.
We took a few happy snaps to prove. it.

A good day was had by all.

Mission accomplished..

Must do it again sometime. :>

Follow the leader.

The good book states, you will hear of floods, war, famine and earthquakes in one place after another, Children will have no respect for authority, and lawlessness will be everywhere.
When you see this you will know that the end is near.
Nostradamus predicted similar events and spoke about the same outcome.

Well the signs are here. I can see them

So this must be it,..... Is it?

Global warming is now having a huge impact on our daily lives, yet we bury our heads in the virtual sand and foolishly believe we can turn back time and undo the damage we have done.
More and more people are turning away from God; and say they no longer believe or need a higher power. Surely this is not the time to do this. (As if there is ever going to be the right time).

The Planet is Heating Up—and Fast
Glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, cloud forests are drying, and wildlife is scrambling to Keep pace. It's becoming clear that humans have caused most of the past century's warming by releasing heat-trapping gases as we power our modern lives. Called greenhouse gases, their levels are higher now than in the last 650,000 years.

This generation is definitely the generation of the “Blind leading the blind”

I WANT IT NOW.

When I got married many years ago, my spanking new husband and I set up home in a garage that had been converted into a granny flat.We had second hand furniture, only allowed to use the laundry between certain hours on one day of the week. We had one car between us, and both worked 5.days a week.

WE WERE VERY HAPPY. WE had every thing we wanted at that time. We saved and worked hard, we eventually purchased our first home, raised two dogs then started a family. in that order.

The want it now generation have no idea about the concept. "Everything in it's own time"

First they have kids, then borrow money with that all to easy to get credit card for that must have flat screen TV. then get kicked out of that two bedroom unit that is two months behind in rent. I could go on but I am getting angry just thinking about it.

When did everything get so screwed up.

Who is to blame. The media, Parents, School......or is it just greed the "Excessive desire to acquire or possess more (especially more material wealth) than one needs or deserves.

Thank God for Sisters

Once a month my sister and have a special day out.

We look forward to spending time together, it's become a ritual, our special girls day out.

We go shopping, exchange ideas and confide in each, we do lunch and always always end up having a good laugh.

The other day I noticed two elderly ladies, I want to believe they were sisters , they looked like they were in their late 70's doing exactly the same thing, enjoying lunch together, their special day, probably started when they were much younger. I Couldn't help but smile.

It was like getting a sneak look into the future.

Every one should have a sister like mine.

OUT OF THIS WORLD

I find myself always using "old sayings" and have found out that today's youth have no idea what they mean.

My teen age girls look at me like I have come from another planet. They have no idea what I am saying.

I remember when I was in primary school, having to learn these old sayings and their meanings. I am sure I could come up with a saying that would apply to every thing we do. Can't help feeling that if we all lived by these principals the world would be a better place. What do you think?

One that comes to mind is "People in glass houses should not throw stones" .......

You can lead a horse to water.

What is wrong with people. You give them all the information they could require to make the right choice but still they make the wrong choice.

So why do I care?

There is a saying "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink."

I held an auction recently auctioning an item that could easily be purchased on the internet, I even advertised this fact in my add. Within five days the auction reached ten times the retail price. I just don't understand what's wrong with people. Is it the thrill of the auction, the thrill of winning at all cost.
I have often seen goods for sale one advertising "BUY IT NOW" the other as an auction. You guessed it the auction sells faster and at a higher price.

I don't get it.