Catching up on a bunch of news

Well I got back from Geelong and had a busy week at home getting ready to go away again - my brother Randall from Brisbane was over to play golf and he came out with little(!) brother Gilbert for dinner after an afternoon spent showing Randall round the new Auckland Viaduct recreation area - all done up in time for the World Cup - going to be a real asset to Auckland. It was lovely afternoon and evening topped off my rendition of one of Mum's favourite puddings - self saucing Lemon Delicious - and it was yummy.

Then a few days later and Gilbert had his 60th - I stitched madly in between finishing off a bunch of academic tasks and finished the table runner as shown which looks lovely in his house. All his family were looking really well - lovely to see grandchildren and his long time friends. Lovely people and they dont look faintly like slowing down.

Then I was off to Sydney - and up to Bathurst to see Samantha in her first Eisteddford - dancing in the 5 and under with her dancing class. She thought she was just great in her beautiful pink dress and she did remember to dance - some of the little ones just stood there awestruck. Josh's football match was on at the same time so we werent able to be there to see him kick the conversion which put his team into the "grand final" but I am going to go back next weekend and see this grand final.

I was off to Perth to talk at four universities about the project I had been working on in 2010 and it was really interesting hearing from them about the innovative course structures and new buildings and layouts that were being put up to enable students to do more group and interactive learning. The beautiful new building Peter and I had seen being started seven years ago at Joondalup looked magnificent.

BAck now in Sydney and yes, I was a bit tired but I have caught up on sleep. I am trying to catch up with friends but also now need to work flat out on the project I am doing here, so that I can go up and see Josh play football next weekend.

The weather today was beautiful with clear blue sky so I took advantage and went over in the ferry to the Open Day at the residences of the Governor General and Prime Minister of Australia. They are lovely old homes, and they really are homes, not just showplaces. Lots of people there, but the most fantastic views back across the harbour - what a place to live!

All well at home, Peter's daffodils got prizes in the gardening club and he had a great three days babysitting two corgis who devotedly followed his every move.