Jude and Ray

Melbourne Cup lunch at The Ravenswood Hotel

2009-11-11T11:19:00.007Z

Ess & Ray, Shirl & Norm, Jude, Ann all went to the Ravenswood for a Melbourne Cup lunch. There were winners and losers but no tears! Lunch inside then a few drinks outside beside the river. A great day with great company.

Ray finally gets his "boat!"

2009-10-19T06:19:00.008+01:00

Further pics

2009-10-16T11:18:00.008+01:00

These pics are of the visit we had from Jude's sister Annette, bro-in-law Jock and niece Kirsty.

Top pic is at Point Walter and bottom one is lunch at Nino's in Mandurah.

A mish mash of photo's from family visit

2009-10-16T10:52:00.013+01:00

Open house at Cooloongup and Kirsty at Rockingham beach

Ess (Jude's mum) had a win at the dogs!

Brunch in Freo

Ess, Ray, Annette, Jock and Kirsty in Mandurah.

Where does time go??????

2009-10-15T03:23:00.002+01:00

We can't believe it is over 2 months since posting anything! So much has been going on and with work getting in the way of our social time, we have neglected our blog!!
We had a fantastic 9 day visit from Jude's sister Annette, Bro-in-law Jock and niece Kirsty from the US of A. Ray had leave for the entire time and Jude had to work for the first 4 days. The weather improved dramatically during their visit. September broke numerous records for the amount of rain and rainy days but it cleared up so that they only had one wet day. There were get togethers with numerous members of the family as well as friends stretching back to school days.
The other bit of very exciting news is that Ray's nephew Justin and his partner Jade are now the very proud parents of Alfie Jack Simmons who is the spitting image of his daddy!! We can't wait to meet Alfie when we go to the UK in March.
Ray celebrated his birthday yesterday as well as his one year anniversary since starting at the City of Melville. He received some lovely gifts and lots of good wishes from across the globe.

THE BIG 50!!!!!

2009-08-12T18:50:00.006+01:00

4th July and Jude is working a night shift!!

2009-07-04T13:00:00.004+01:00

Yes although we are in Oz, I would still like to have been off to celebrate the 4th July as we have family living in the good ole US of A!

Looking back through our previous posts I realised I neglected to mention celebrating our third wedding anniversary by going to Rottnest Island for the weekend. The weekend was actually organised by Ray's work social club but as it was a few days from our anniversary we decided to celebrate on the island. Ray had never been before and it was about 20yrs since I had been. We had a fantastic time and very little has changed which was great. The weather started off stormy but ended up blue skies and sunshine. We walked round parts of the island, caught the bus round other parts, ate some fantastic food, stayed in a top class room overlooking one of the many lakes on the island and just wished we could have stayed longer. We will go back for sure!! Check out the link to see what a fantastic place this and just where it is situated off the coast of WA.

Can you believe - One year in Australia!

2009-06-15T09:03:00.004+01:00

Yes, on Sunday 14th June we celebrated exactly one year since arriving in Perth. Wow, where has the time flown? It has been a fantastic year and we have accomplished so much - we have been very blessed. We both have great jobs, have managed to buy our own home, have tremendous friends and family and love the outdoor lifestyle Australia has to offer. We had a fantastic 3 wk visit from the kids who loved it as well. That is the only downside, not being able to see Rebecca, Ben, Kia, Carol and Malcolm and the rest of the family as well as our wonderful friends. Ray even manages to keep up with his beloved Chelsea via Foxtel and SBS - and since moving to our home has been able to watch it on the big theatre screen which makes him feel he is right there on the field with the rest of the team!!! He is still hoping for a boat - all things come to those who wait!

Other exciting news is that Rebecca and her Ben are engaged and expecting their first child together in December - we are so thrilled for them both and think they make a wonderful couple and Ben is great with Kia. Our Ben and girlfriend Claire moved into their own place a couple of months ago and are doing well in their jobs. Carol and Malcolm's son Justin and his partner Jade are also expecting their first child in September.

We are looking forward to some overseas visitors - Mary from the UK will be here for three weeks from July 26th. Annette, Jock and Kirsty will visit from the USA in September for 10 days.

We are in our new home!!

2009-04-27T06:30:00.005+01:00

Well, we have certainly had a busy few weeks but we are now settled into our new pad - our home, not just a house - we feel so comfortable already and just love being able to potter and do bits and pieces to our home!! We have had visitors already - Jude's brother Wayne stayed Fri and Sat night and family friends Lynore and Peter stayed Sat night - it was lovely. Click on the pics to enlarge them.

Bushfire in our area!!

2009-04-14T04:27:00.004+01:00

This weekend there was a rather nasty bushfire - about 4km from our house. We had ash and burnt gum leaves falling in the front and back garden and the smell of smoke was very strong and at times made you choke. Felt so sorry for those who had the fire come right up to their fence line, made us think again of those in the Victorian fires. This is the closest we ever want to get to a bush fire!!!

Our fun weekend in Perth and York

2009-04-04T16:28:00.004+01:00

Friday night Ray and Jude went to Gloucester Park with friends Sue and Doug. We had a great night but didn't win a thing, the horses had the last laugh!! We stayed overnight at the Parmelia Hilton Hotel in Perth which was a real treat and very relaxing. The next day after a yummy breakfast we ended up driving to York which is the oldest inland town in Western Australia. The weather was beautiful and we strolled along the cobbled streets and went in and out of shops and museums. We then slowly made our way back home. A wonderful time had by us both.

Dim Sum with some not so dim friends!!

2009-03-20T02:17:00.003Z

Half way through March - where did February go????

2009-03-13T04:59:00.006Z

As the title says, where did February go to on this blog??? Well, it is down to some regular followers of this site that we realised we had let our busy lives overtake and not update!! Thanks to LDC repairs, its great to know someone cares!

As a follow on from January, Jude had her gallbladder surgery and is now fully recovered and back at work. Her mum and dad continue to be in good health and are enjoying making the most of every day. They have their regular activities of cards, bowls, knitting group and recently enjoyed outings to the Mandu rah Greyhound Races and at Burswood Casino where they had a very nice win. These being two places Ray and I have also attended in recent weeks.
February also saw us take to the beach for some fishing - Malcolm and Isla joined us on one trip and the boys caught enough fish for a lovely meal the next evening. Jude had a great lunch out at the Greenwood Hotel for Sue's birthday, while Ray went looking at boats that he can't afford to buy!!

Now to March where there is some very exciting news - we have put an offer to buy on a house which has been approved by the bank subject to valuation of the property. We don't foresee any problems there and if all goes according to plan, we shall have the keys to the new place by late April. We are both very excited about this development and about the house itself. I have included a couple of pics of it and when all is signed, sealed and delivered, will update with more.

DON'T FORGET, CLICK ON ALL PICS ON THIS PAGE AND THEY WILL ENLARGE.

January sunsets

2009-01-08T05:41:00.003Z

January 2009 - No snow, but sun, sea and sharks!!!

2009-01-02T14:01:00.005Z

Here it is January 2009 already - where did 2008 go?? We are so blessed with all that we accomplished in 2008 and look forward to the challenges and adventures that await us in 2009. We are pleased to report that Jude's mum is now in good health after her operation, the cancer has not spread so there is no need for radiotherapy or chemotherapy. We pray that 2009 is a better year healthwise for both her mum and dad - they deserve it!! However it is not the end of hospitals as Jude fell ill over the festive season and is now awaiting surgery to have her gallbladder removed!!

We had a fantastic 3wk visit from Becky, Kia, Ben and Claire and their real Christmas gift to us was a lifetime of wonderful memories!! Ray still can't get his head around the fact that we have actually celebrated Christmas as there was no snow, wind, frost, drizzling rain or freezing temperatures!! Hence the reference to sun and sea - sadly there was also a fatal shark attack in our area a week ago - not far from where Becky and Ben had their surfing lessons - really brings it home to you just how fragile life is and we really don't know what is around the corner for all of us. So to all our precious friends and family spread throughout this amazing world of ours we wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR, enjoy and make the most of every day and every opportunity and love and laugh well xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

25th December, Ray's first Aussie Christmas

2008-12-25T12:25:00.005Z

Last weekend B4 family fly back to UK :-(

2008-12-21T06:58:00.003Z

And yet more......inc early Christmas Day

2008-12-18T13:28:00.004Z

Further family frolics

2008-12-18T13:04:00.003Z

Further family fun

2008-12-08T01:04:00.003Z

Australian wildlife meets the family!!

2008-12-03T11:11:00.004Z

UK Family invades Australia!!

2008-12-03T08:46:00.002Z

Melbourne Cup lunch

2008-11-04T10:59:00.003Z

No, we did not pick a winner or finisher between us

- but we had a great time!!!

A weekend of speed and blessings!!

2008-10-26T09:44:00.006Z

Last night saw us attend the opening of the new season of speedway at KwinanaMotorplex and we had a blast - it was fast and furious and we were so close to the action we were covered in mud and dirt as the cars went flying round the track. Then today we went into Freo for lunch and to attend the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony which marks a major milestone in 2008 – 60 years of celebrating the new fishing season. First introduced locally by Italian migrant fishermen in 1948, it’s become an important annual event for the port, combining culture and history in a day of fun. A gorgeous sunny day and what better way to spend it but in Fremantle people watching!!

October fun and frolics

2008-10-11T02:57:00.006+01:00

Ray's nephew Jonny and girlfriend Sarah came & stayed for a few days after touring Asia for 4 months. They are on a round the world trip. They visited an aussie wildlife park, we all went whale watching off the coast of Fremantle and then had a meal at Outback Jacks in Freo where they tasted crocodile and kangaroo!!
NEWS ALERT - Ray now has a job with the City of Melville which he starts on the 14th Oct.

The man and his barbecue!!!!

2008-09-21T10:47:00.001+01:00

Aussie Father's Day

2008-09-07T10:39:00.002+01:00

Celebrating Father's Day with Jude's dad Ray and mother Ess were: Malcolm and Isla, Ray and Jude, Mike and Kathy. A day full of love and laughter!!!

Relaxing Saturday

2008-08-31T07:40:00.003+01:00

Saturday saw us wake to the birds singing, blue sky and sunshine so we thought lets head out and see where we end up - took the 4x4 and started at Goldenponds which is an amazing spot to spend the day and they even have chalets if you want to stay over - you can fish and only pay for what you catch, there are canoes for hire, a cafe and restaurant as well as a store selling fresh vege, meat and seafood. Something for everyone, thats for sure. We then headed down Mundijong Rd to Southwest Highway and ended up at Serpentine Dam which is one of the major water supply dams for Perth. The dam is used to store water which is released at a controlled rate to regulate the level in Serpentine Pipehead Dam, which in turn feeds water to the metropolitan trunk main network depending on demand. There are wonderful picnic areas so we ate our picnic lunch overlooking one of the waterfalls. We then headed down the highway to Pinjarra which was established in 1834 - we found out that The Battle of Pinjarra, which occurred in 1834, is one of the most notorious massacres of Aborigines in Australian history - not something to be proud of. We then drove through to Mandurah and had a cuppa with Jude's mum and dad who we are pleased to say were looking very very well. It was a lovely visit and the finish to a great day out.

Wife goes to work while husband fishes!!

2008-08-23T17:47:00.004+01:00

Jude has finished her first week at the WA Police Assistance Centre and yes she will go back for a second week at least!!!! The work is very similar to the job at Sussex Police but different computer systems and different procedures and policies. The people seem very friendly and helpful and like a laugh. Sadly Ray didn't get the job he applied for but there are a few more he is waiting to hear back from. He has been a real gem and cooked dinner each night, done the housework and all the washing and ironing - maybe he should become a house husband!! However he wants that boat so he NEEDS that job!!The weekend has been relaxing and thought you would enjoy the photo of the sunset from when we went fishing late this afternoon.

Recreational activities!!

2008-08-06T12:45:00.002+01:00

Birthday girl!!

2008-07-28T17:05:00.002+01:00

Helping Jude celebrate her birthday were:
Ess and Ray, Malcolm and Isla, Essie, Ann,
Kathy and Mike, Merv and Gail. It was a
great night and lots of laughter.

Furniture arrived!!

2008-07-25T13:56:00.004+01:00

Almost 2 months to the day, our worldly goods from the UK were
delivered to our new home in Waikiki. The delivery guys were excellent
and unloaded, unpacked and set up the furniture all within 2 hours.
There were only 2 minor items damaged - Ray's badminton racket was
buckled and there was a very very minor tear on the settee. None of the
glassware/crockery was cracked and a very special mirror belonging to
Ray's mum also arrived safely and is now hanging pride of place in the lounge.
The pictures show Ray with the mirror and tapping the barometer which used to hang in the hallway of his mum's house. He always tapped it when he was over visiting Mum. Our LCD tv looks very tiny in this room and Ray is itching to get a 42" tv - get a job Ray!!!! The other 2 pics show the kitchen/dining/family room and the games room. (IF YOU CLICK ON THE PICS THEY WILL ENLARGE)

Cooking first meal at our house!!

2008-07-16T13:12:00.007+01:00

Although we aren't living full time in our house yet we spent the evening there and cooked dinner. Took the dogs with us so we didn't have to rush back to our housesit. The bedroom furniture we bought locally but our furniture from the UK still hasn't been cleared through quarantine yet. Hopefully we will have a delivery date very soon. ********NEWSFLASH - furniture will be delivered next Tues 22nd - yahoo, how exciting!!!!*******

A month in and good news

2008-07-16T02:38:00.004+01:00

Really pleased to say Jude's dad Ray is now home from hospital and recovering well from his operation. He is getting stronger and stronger each day. Thanks to everyone for the care and concern. The pictures above are of Ray and a very large Durian fruit which we didn't buy as they are known to be very strong smelling and the taste is indescribable!!! The other is Pippa and her ears being blown around by incredibly strong winds - she nearly became Mary Poppins!

And now a week later................

2008-07-06T14:23:00.007+01:00

We can't believe it is only 3 weeks since arriving in Perth - with all that has happened it seems like 3 months!! Jude's dad, Ray, was released from hospital on Wed 2nd July only to have a relapse and be readmitted yesterday 5th July to the local hospital. Today he was transferred to a hospital in the city where he can have further extensive tests and be given the required treatment. On top of the infected gallbladder he also has an infection in the pancreas all of which is very painful. Please keep Ray and Ess in your prayers.

We have found a rental property and it is in Waikiki, a suburb of Rockingham south of Perth. It is 4 bedroom 2 bathroom, has a double remote controlled garage, powered workshop, and really lovely gardens front and back. It is only a 10 minute walk to the beach at - Safety Bay where there are dolphins, pelicans, seals, swimming and kite surfing to name a few activities! The pics below show Jude with her mum, Ess, outside the house and a view towards Penguin Island.

Although it is winter we have been having some beautiful sunny days with blue skies. There have been the most amazing sunrises and sunsets over the bay which are shown below.

Two weeks in Perth

2008-06-29T11:33:00.006+01:00

Well our previous post showed family celebration for dad's 83rd birthday - sadly a few days after that event he was rushed into hospital in the early hours of the morning. He is still in hospital 9 days later but we are pleased to report he is making very good progress and hopefully will be discharged some time this week.
Although most of our time has been spent visiting dad and supporting mum we have managed to fit in getting registered with Medicare, equivalent to NHS in the UK, getting our Aussie drivers licences, viewing some rental properties and Jude has been going through the process of obtaining work with the WA Police. To get permanency she has to go through the advertised route and apply that way - a formality really but still nerve wracking - she has passed the phone interview and on Wednesday attends an assessment day. The job starts on the 11th August so plenty of time to get other things sorted.

Friday night saw us having dinner with Kathy and Michael which was great fun and a lot of laughter. Today, Sunday, we took off in Ray's 4x4 Nissan Patrol to give it a good work out and to visit an area he has never been to before. We drove down south to a place called Bunbury - it turned out to be a beautiful sunny day and we took the dogs with us too. We walked along the coast, had a picnic by the beach and had a very relaxing day. The 4x4 behaved very well and Ray was in his element - part of the aussie dream became a reality.

Ray (Jude's Dad) turns 83

2008-06-20T02:11:00.003+01:00

We celebrated Ray's, Jude's dad, birthday at the Hog's Breath Cafe (100% Australian)

Ray on the couch with Pippa and Charlie.

2008-06-08T14:25:00.004+01:00

Lunch at Vietnamese restaurant Ray outside Barn-n-Bunk markets

Yellow school bus Massage chair and pedicure - wonderful!!

G'day from the US of A

2008-06-05T07:11:00.004+01:00

Family and friends xx

2008-05-19T01:13:00.008+01:00

Ray and Mike at leaving party LDC

Ray and his badminton mates

Mary,Deb, Deb D & Branton

Sue, Harriet and Jude
Malcolm. Carol, Ray and Jude,

David, Ruth and Eddie

Chris, Sue, Mandie, Terry, Lin, Andrew, Ray, Jude and baby Kara.

Happy 21st Ben xxxx

2008-05-18T21:27:00.004+01:00

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY KIA X X X

2008-05-14T14:06:00.005+01:00

Ireland to be sure to be sure!!

2008-05-12T13:12:00.006+01:00

We had a fantastic weekend staying with Alan and Terri in Dromindoora, County Clare in the south of Ireland. Weather was great and we saw some beautiful sights as well as laughed and laughed and laughed. (T & A remember 118118!!) We ate some very tasty seafood and had the most delicious Irish Stew as well as some gorgeous desserts!

Hair raising experience!!!

2008-05-06T21:48:00.005+01:00

With Eddy, Ruth and David's son.

Family fun

2008-05-05T11:53:00.005+01:00

We went to the Gun for dinner last night and had a fabulous

time. Becci and her Ben, Ben and Claire, Becci, Kia and Ben.

Aussie Invasion

2008-04-20T18:19:00.009+01:00

We had Graham, Beth and Sue from Perth come stay this weekend. Sat night we had dinner at Frankie and Benny's at Brighton Marina with Chris and Sue, Terry and Lin. Then today we went to the The Royal Pavilion, Brighton which is an absolutely amazing building built for King George the IV in the 1820's. After that we had lunch at Pinnochio's restaurant before taking a walk up to see the Seven Sisters at Cuckmere Haven. Our visitors depart tomorrow for Spain and France and it has been great spending time together during our last 40 days in the UK!!!!

Snowing,the last hurrah!

2008-04-06T13:48:00.003+01:00

Woke up this morning to blue sky but within half an hour the first sign of snow flurries. For the past four hours it has got heavier and heavier - even saw the neighbours throwing snowballs at each other! Ray is making the most of it as it is likely to be a very long time before he sees any again, certainly not in Perth!!

Stormy weather & beautiful babe.

2008-03-10T14:02:00.003Z

Storm over Newhaven harbour and Ray's great niece Emily - Jamies, daughter, Carol and Malcolms granddaughter.

YAHOO - VISA IS GRANTED

2008-02-05T22:36:00.000Z

A picture paints a thousand words. :-)

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY 2008

2008-01-26T20:51:00.001Z

JANUARY IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

2008-01-22T08:33:00.000Z

A very small selection of pics from our recent trip to Oz - we had an absolutely fantastic time and accomplished so much in preparation for our move out there in June.

Even more pics of Oz

2008-01-22T08:30:00.000Z

Christmas 2007

2007-12-25T21:24:00.000Z

Christmas saw Ray, Jude, Becci, Ben, Kia, Malcolm, Carol and Charlie have a wonderful family time - sharing love and laughter, exchanging presents and thoroughly enjoying being in each others presence! We made some wonderful memories to take with us to Perth.

Our fun and frolics

2007-12-25T21:04:00.000Z

Blog updated at last!!!

2007-12-19T19:52:00.000Z

From top - Ruth and baby Edward, Ess & Ray, Ray at the

CID dinner dance and with Kia at Chris's 60th. Jude and

Ray saw Alice Cooper live at the Brighton Centre and an

unexpected visit from a great man!!!

Final trip to Majorca

2007-10-25T19:30:00.001+01:00

Jude joined Lynda and Diana on a 3 day trip to see Gill & Mark. This is the last time the 5 of us are likely to be together in Majorca before Jude moves back to Perth. Sadly Ray coouldn't get the time off work. We had a lovely time chatting and just being together without any need to be anywhere, particularly work! Mark has done an amazing renovation job on their house - it is absolutely beautiful.

Rugby at the dogs!!!!!!!!!!

2007-10-14T00:33:00.001+01:00

Ray, Jude, Carol, Malcolm, Debbie, Paul, Becci and Ben all went to the greyhound racing for Ray's birthday but lo and behold there was a screen showing the rugby - just when Jude thought the French would defeat the poms, Johnny boy saved the day - Ben is looking rather pleased at the result. But despite the rugby it was a good night out.

Sussex Police CID Dinner Dance

2007-10-13T16:01:00.001+01:00

Ray looking very dapper and colourful - some of the others from E section at our table. A good night had by all at the Metropole Hotel Brighton and we won a bottle of Port in the raffle!!

Birthday celebrations

2007-10-11T21:58:00.000+01:00

This evening we celebrated Ray's birthday a few days early - not able to be all together on Sunday 14th. We had a lovely meal and then presented Ray (Dad and Grandad) with his caterpillar birthday cake - yummo! Click on the video below and have a laugh.

Work night out & Claire is to be a WPC

2007-09-14T08:27:00.000+01:00

Claire my former tutor at work is leaving shortly to start her police officer training. We all went out to Brighton last night to GBK , which serves gourmet burgers - they were totally delicious and I will definitely go again - we then went onto a bar called the Sugar Qube (spelling correct!) where they were selling cocktails - buy one get one free - so thats what I did - the cosmopolitan was the best!! Thats Claire with the handcuffs! Jude sharing a bottle with Branton with some of the others at the table behind us.

Icecream and playing with mummy

2007-09-13T14:33:00.000+01:00

More on the road to Oz..........................

2007-09-13T09:34:00.000+01:00

Ray and Jude met with John from the Visa Unit yesterday to go through all the reams of paperwork for Ray's Spouse Visa. We are pleased to say it went very well and we are 98% there. A couple more bits of paper to collect and Ray to have his medical hopefully by the end of October. We can then send everything in to the appropriate department and there is every chance Ray will get the visa granted by the time we fly out on the 31st December for our three week holiday. If not it will definitely be granted in January - woo hoo how exciting!!!! A further update to our plans is that we will be moving out to Perth permanently by the end of July - yes that is July 2008! So not very long at all and lots to do in the meantime.

An Aussie visitor

2007-08-31T10:23:00.000+01:00

We had a lovely visit from Lyn Sargent who is

on holiday from Perth and it also gave Ray a

chance to practice his bbq skills!!!

Giggle Pot or What????

2007-08-30T22:17:00.000+01:00

Kia had us all in absolute stitches and we wanted

to share the laughter!! OH DEAR!!!!

Scots invade USA

2007-08-24T08:32:00.000+01:00

Jock and Annette have now officially emigrated to Ohio and even managed to blag their way through immigration - just goes to show the americans must be desperate and have relaxed their security procedures!!!! Only joking guys - love you really. Kirsty and Mike - your babyitters are in the house!!!!!

A weekend off together and it is a sunny day!!!

2007-08-05T00:16:00.000+01:00

We went to Littlehampton in West Sussex and walked along the river - it was absolutely glorious and the beach was packed with mad dogs and Englishmen!!!!

July Update

2007-07-31T14:36:00.000+01:00

Chris, Jude & Lizzie meet up for dinner - Kia's camping bed

Kia's hand and Jude gets to see La Streisand!!!!

Jude's new company car!

Camping with Tracey & Dave at Normans Bay Pevensey

Jude's birthday treat!!

2007-07-27T14:24:00.000+01:00

We spent a night on board the Sunborn Yacht Hotel London
and can thoroughly recommend it - luxurious by far!!!

The road to Oz.................

2007-07-02T14:14:00.000+01:00

Ray is now furiously filling out the multitude of forms and gathering the various amounts of evidence he needs to support his spouse visa application. As we have only been together three years we need to prove the validity and committment of our relationship and as such have to ask various friends and family to write a glowing testimony about us!! I have to sign a sponsorship form undertaking to support Ray in his first 2 years in Perth - he thinks that is fantastic and likes the idea of being a kept man!!! So there is lots to do and much form filling which at times can be quite confusing but it is all very exciting and we are very happy.

Fathers Day UK

2007-06-26T21:19:00.000+01:00

Becci and Ben spent
the day with Ray and
bought this massive
cookie - poor Jude
had to work but they
kindly left a crumb or
two for her!!

Kia's 1st bus trip

2007-06-26T21:07:00.000+01:00

Can we
do it again
Nanny Roo?
Next stop
Please!

Blooming lovely!!!!!!!

2007-06-23T12:39:00.000+01:00

For two people who have very little green fingers between
them we are ecstatic over how lovely our garden is looking.

THE ROAD TO OZ.....FOLLOW OUR JOURNEY

2007-06-14T09:48:00.000+01:00

Our blog was originally started to capture the build up to our wedding and the first year of married bliss! We think it has done just that and judging by all the wonderful comments it has been a stunning success!! Well here it is June 2007 and we start a new journey in our life together that we would like to invite all our family and friends to follow via our blog.

Yesterday we attended a Migration to Australia seminar at Australia House in London. Ray is going to be applying for a Spouse Visa and the plan is to move to Perth some time late 2008, early 2009. There is lots to be done in sorting this out and all of it takes time. However we are very excited about what the future may hold for us.

Our 1st Wedding Anniversary

2007-05-27T21:05:00.001+01:00

Ray and Jude celebrate their anniversary at Angies party.

Our Kent trip

2007-05-25T21:12:00.000+01:00

Jude and Ray spent a few days touring the north Kent coast
- particularly Whitstable and Herne Bay. We took a boat tour
and saw the Kentish Flats offshore wind farm which was truly
amazing and our guide was actually involved in constructing
them. We then saw THE MAUNSELL SEA FORTS which were
quite spooky looking like something from war of the worlds.

Drusillas in the rain.

2007-05-15T21:32:00.000+01:00

It was Ben's 20th birthday today and Ben, Becci
Kia and Jude went to Drusillas Park. We had a
fab day except that it rained very hard from lunch
onwards so we had to give up and go home.

Happy birthday Kia,Ben & Ess

2007-05-13T21:37:00.000+01:00

Today Kia turned 2 - Ess turned 84 and on Tues Ben

is 20. In the UK Ben and Kia had a joint party to

celebrate and in Perth, Ess was visited by grandson

Malcolm and girlfriend Isla as well as her nephew

David who took the picture. I think it is safe to say

everyone enjoyed their day!

Concert Diva

2007-05-04T23:32:00.000+01:00

So excited - got tickets to see

Barbra Streisand on Wednesday

the 18th July in the 02 Arena London.

Jude has been waiting since last year

for the concert to be announced.

May time, may day celebrations

2007-05-01T08:59:00.000+01:00

Here we are into the fifth month of the year - where has the time gone? This is now the time for May Day Traditions and Customs in England where we also get another Bank Holiday. Fortunately Jude is not working on this one so will be able to enjoy the time off with Ray.

Last Friday we had the funeral for Ray's mum Edie. It was a lovely service and she would have been very pleased with the number of people who came both to the crematorium and back to the house for tea and sandwiches.

Ess, Jude's mum, is making small steps of progress each day - she is a little frustrated that she isn't tripping the light fantastic at the moment but she has made huge progress considering what she has been through these past months.

April was a difficult month for Ray and Jude who have also have been busy with work but are now looking forward to a couple of weeks annual leave starting 13th May. Nothing major planned apart from a few days away in Whitstable Kent - it is an area neither of us have been to and is only a couple of hours drive away. We also hope to catch up with friends for dinner or drinks and spend some time in the garden relaxing. The last day of our leave, 27th May, is our 1st Wedding Anniversary - wow married a year and even more in love and they said it wouldn't last!!!!!

This month also sees a number of birthdays in the family - Ess and Kia share their birthday on the 13th - Ess will be 84 and Kia 2 - Ben turns 20 on the 15th and Justin turns 30 on the 25th. Why don't you join this website Birthday Alarm, Birthday Cards and Reminders and you will never forget a birthday again!!

Dear Edie

2007-04-14T08:08:00.000+01:00

Sadly Rays mum Edie passed away Thursday 12th April. She took ill again and had to be taken into hospital on Tuesday - there was nothing more that could be done for her. However most of the family were at her bedside when she took her last breath and her suffering was over. It was a peaceful and wonderful moment and she would have been so happy to have been surrounded by so much love. We are sad to lose such a wonderful lady but pleased that she is at peace now.

Beautiful and cheeky Kia!

2007-04-06T22:09:00.000+01:00

Family day out - bowling and bbq!

2007-04-06T22:02:00.000+01:00

HAPPY APRIL NEWS!!

2007-04-02T13:44:00.000+01:00

We are so very pleased to announce that Ess, Jude's mum, has finally been discharged from hospital this morning - she is now doing so much better and will go from strength to strength now she is in her own home. It is good for Ray, Jude's dad, as it has been a very tiring experience all round and now he can relax and take it easier. Ess would like to pass on her thanks to all those who sent their good wishes during her time in hospital.

Edie, Rays mum, is also back in her own home and doing very well - she is very much enjoying the brighter warmer weather which is a real lift to her spirits.

Mum has op at last!

2007-03-13T16:48:00.000Z

Mum finally had her op on 26th Feb - initially it didn't go as planned and she had to be taken back to theatre for another operation. Then her kidneys failed. Annette and Jude flew from the UK and Wayne from Dampier - mum was unconcious for 10 days but finally she came round to find her family beside her and we are pleased to say she is making slow but good progress.

Rays mum, Edie, is also making good progress and she should be returning home tomorrow, Wednesday 14/3.

Spain glorious Spain

2007-02-08T13:02:00.000Z

A great evening

2007-01-26T23:12:00.000Z

What a great evening we have had tonight - Rays cousin is the producer of an alternative pantomime in Brighton called Jack and His Big Stalk - it was very very good and we laughed and clapped and laughed and clapped some more!!

Another update on the two mums

2007-01-24T08:57:00.000Z

As you may remember Ess was supposed to be having her rescheduled surgery on Monday 22nd Jan - well we are gobsmacked to report that yet again it has been cancelled. Words cannot describe our distress over this - she has now been given a new date of Feb 26th. Ess actually told the Consultant that she was going to pull out from having the op as she couldn't cope with the stress of it all - he was emphatic that she needed the op and mustn't pull out. Well then why isn't she having it?!?!?! Anyway she has agreed to remain on the list and take each day as it comes and try to make the most of each day. Please keep Ess and Ray in your thoughts and prayers.

Ray's mum, Edie, has been moved to a short term nursing home. She is making remarkable progress and we hope she will be home within a couple of weeks.

Snow glorious snow!!!

2007-01-24T08:50:00.000Z

We awoke this morning to this wonderful sight!! Am so glad I have just started days off and don't have to drive in it. Mind you the main roads all seem ok as they have been gritted.

5-0 - WHAT A THRILL!!!!

2007-01-05T02:01:00.000Z

HAPPY 2007

2007-01-03T14:38:00.000Z

To all our family and friends throughout this wide world - HAPPY NEW YEAR 2007 - we wish you God's blessing and every happiness for the new year. May it be a year of surprises, challenges, journeys and sharing and caring. May it shape us,encourage us, motivate us and enable us to be there more for each other.

Boxing Day lunch

2006-12-27T14:26:00.000Z

Christmas 2006

2006-12-25T22:51:00.000Z

Jude got home from her night shift about 7am - she walked into the house to smell the wonderful aroma of slow cooked turkey - it had been baking all through the night - yummo!! Ray and Jude toasted their first Christmas as husband and wife with bucks fizz and opened some wonderful presents - we were so spoilt by our family and friends, thankyou!
Jude then went to bed and Ray prepared the rest of the lunch before heading off to collect Carol. There were phone calls from America and Australia as well as a number of text messages from Australia. We sat down to the most wonderful christmas dinner and the three of us chatted away like there was no tomorrow and we laughed and laughed!
After lunch we went up to the hospital to see Edie - we are pleased to report she is looking much much better. The doctor wants her to go to a nursing home for a couple of weeks respite care before going back home to Brighton. The three of us then went to see Becci and Kia where we exchanged pressies and had another lovely time. Check out the two sets of pics below.

My wonderful dishwasher

2006-12-25T22:44:00.000Z

Christmas Day 2006

2006-12-25T22:41:00.000Z

A tale of two mums........

2006-12-18T10:15:00.000Z

Jude's mum Ess was supposed to be having her heart surgery today but lo and behold at the 11th hour she received a phone call to say an emergency had taken precedence and therefore her operation is postponed to 22nd January. Well we ask is her situation not an emergency?!! Ess and Ray are very upset at this news and struggling to come to terms with a further wait. Ess is feeling very tired and anxious so please remember to keep her and Ray in your prayers.

On the other side of the world (Brighton UK) the news is that Ray's mum, Edie, was rushed into hospital in the early hours of last Wednesday morning. She collapsed at home and fortunately was able to press her red carelink button - the neighbours were contacted and went in to find her on the floor - an ambulance was called as were Ray and Carol. The news was not good at first - a build up of carbon dioxide in the blood saw her fighting for breath. However her condition has stabilised and she is on the chest ward at the Royal Sussex County Hospital. She is very weak and tired and it is doubtful she will be out for Christmas. Please keep her in your prayers as well.

London visit

2006-12-18T10:11:00.000Z

This weekend Ray and Jude went to London - stayed at the London Guards Hotel which was lovely. We went to the West End where we saw the show STOMP which was absolutely amazing - go and see it if you have the chance. Saturday morning the weather was absolutely glorious and we walked through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. Jude then met up with Gill (Majorca) and Lynda and Diana for their annual Christmas lunch at Tuttons Bar & Brasserie Covent Garden London - great food and wonderful company! We then headed back to Brighton to see Edie at the hospital and then back home. Ray's son Ben came down yesterday and we took him to see his Nan - this made her very happy.

The pics show a fair in Leicester Square and a monument in Hyde Park.

Christmas Tree

2006-12-12T20:11:00.001Z

DECEMBER ALREADY!!!!!!

2006-12-05T20:18:00.000Z

Can you believe it is 5th December already!! Only 21 days til Christmas, we haven't got any decorations up yet but there are certainly a lot of houses in the area that have. By the way can we just say for today Dec 5th a very big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Heather - hope it was a good one and no we won't embarrass you by telling the world it was your **th birthday!!!

The other fantastic news from today is that Australia defeated, slaughtered, annihilated, trounced,decimated, demolished, destroyed and devastated the English cricket team!! Please keep Ray in your thoughts as he is feeling very low and dejected by his countries loss.

We had a lovely trip to Newcastle last weekend where we spent time with Karen and Neil and family. Becky and Kia came too and we stayed at a travelodge which was very comfortable. Congratulations to Debbie on turning 21 and to the fantastic news that she and Rob are now engaged!! This pic shows Karen and Lilly on the couch with Kia.

Ess gets operation date

2006-11-24T08:32:00.000Z

Jude's mum, Ess, is due to go into hospital on the 17th December and have her operation on 18th December. Jude's sister Annette is flying out to Perth from Scotland on Wednesday 29th November for about 10 days. Jude's brother Wayne will drive down from Dampier on the 16th December and will stay until after the operation and he is sure that both Ess and Ray are okay. Jude will be with them all in thought and spirit. Please continue to keep Ess and Ray in your prayers.

England collapse at the Gabba!!!!!!!

2006-11-24T08:15:00.000Z

Aus 9/602
Eng 3/53