A Fishy Tale ..........

Well this is it, our last day in Perth. We've had an awesome few days.

It was Ben's last shift at work on Saturday, 10am til 2pm. No more work, we are officially unemployed again.

We had another trip to the Casino on saturday night to try and again make our millions .... we came back with less than last time !! Never mind ay ?!

Ben wanted to have another go at Poker so we headed straight for the poker room. He lasted 2 hours this time and just left the table, wasn't much fun for me sitting watching. He enjoyed it so much better this time, he was more confident and more patient. We had a go at trying to win the Million they give away every night at 9pm but an asian girl got picked and ended up with $5000 instead ! Not bad for just turning up ! We did have to become members to get entered in that draw ....... ha ha Casino Members, there's a first for me !

Sunday we were invited to Dean and Helen's for a BBQ. The live just round the corner from where Ben worked at Glendalough and there place is amazing. We even got to meet the famous Moggles Van Nistelchimp !! We went armed with freshly baked Brownies, made by my own fair hands and Ben knocked up some marinated chicken kebabs .... they went down a storm ! We've arranged to meet up with them when they come over to the UK for the World Cup, they've promised us a night out in the Bramley Club ! Awesome !

Monday we headed off to AQWA, the Aquarium of Western Australia. We had to catch the train and then catch the bus to Hilary's Harbour. We headed straight to the Aquarium. It was awesome. They've got a huge walk through bit with sharks, sting rays, turtles and fish. You stand on the conveyor belt and it takes you round.

We even timed it so we saw them feeding the stingrays, it really showed how big those things were against the lady diver feeding them ! They had a stingray pool and a touch pool. It had small stingrays, star fish and even a shark ! We plucked up enough courage to touch them all, took us ages though !

After that we had a walk round to the pub The Breakwater.

A lovely pub overlooking the harbour and beach area. Very nice it was too, we had a pint of Pip Squeak !!

We then had to head back to the train station as they had asked Ben to go back to work at 5pm to have his leaving party. We got there and Jeanette had made some snags and we had a couple of cans with everyone. It was nice seeing everyone and they all wished us luck.

After that we headed into the city and had a few drinks in the Moon & Sixpence and Bobby Dazzlers. The perfect end to a perfect day !

Tuesday we decided to sort out our stuff and post back home our last bits. It didn't take us long so we boarded the train again bound for Mindarie Keys. We had to catch a bus from Clarkson to the Keys and it took ages !! We EVENTUALLY arrived at the harbor side and it was beautiful ! The houses were amazing overlooking the water, with moors directly outside the houses and their massive yacht docked. How the other half live ! We had a drink in The Boat Pub overlooking the harbor. Very nice and chilled atmosphere and so quiet too.

We decided to head back and walked ..... far quicker than waiting for the bus ! We decided to stop and have a look at what food was available and ended up in the Whale and Ale Pub. Ended up watching the footie Man U v's Chelsea and then even a bit of the cricket. We ended up having some Wedges and then walked back to the train station. Luckily a train was there so we didn't have to wait long and we headed back to the city. Straight to Moon & Sixpence for maybe our last pint in there !

Can't believe we're leaving Perth tonight. Our last day here. We're going to catch up with washing and TRY and fit everything in our bags. The airport is about 15 mins away and Em's kindly dropping us off at 9pm ish later. Ready for us flying to Sydney at 10.55pm. We then leave Sydney at 6.10pm and arrive at Auckland at 11pm ish I think. We had a hostel booked for when we get there but we're just going to hang around in the airport for the arrival of Mam and Dad Hines ...... can't believe it ! Hope they have a pleasant flight and see you in NZ !!

Not sure when we'll be able to Blog but we will when we can. Take care everyone.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mexican, Aspalls and Dapto Dogs !!

Hello again, hope everyone is ok.

Just thought I'd give you an update of this week.

Ben had a lovely birthday, got some really nice cards (thank you everyone!). Got some nice presents and I even baked him a birthday cake ....... a caramel and white chocolate mud cake ! Thought it hadn't turned out properly but it actually tasted ok. It's the thought that counts though innit ?? ...

We went out to Panchos Mexican Restaurant for tea and it was really lovely. Ben got a free cocktail as he was the birthday boy.... very macho!

Ben opened his present from Em there and we couldn't believe our eyes that it was Aspalls Cider. Immediately the beers were out of the ice and the Aspalls placed in there. Very cool present.

I was paying the bill and bumped into a lass frae Carlisle....couldn't believe it. Ya can't gar nee where like, can ya? Unfortunately we stuffed ourselves at the restaurant, so we didn't even have any room for the birthday cake. We lit the birthday candles the day after though and Ben got a first taste of it ...... we waited 10 mins to see if he was ok and then we tried a bit too .... surprise myself sometimes you know.

Well it was quiz night last night. Everyone turned up as agreed and we had to use 3 tables in total for the 11 on our team ! Obviously the usual 4 suspects, me, Ben, Em and Carol, then Annie and Scott turned up, Dean and Helen not long after with Mollie and Mark followed. The other Dean came just after 7pm. We were ready with our new Team name "The Dapto Dogs!". Dapto, as it's a place in NSW where Scott and Em grew up in and Dogs for Digger. We were joint 1st at half time and we even won a drinks voucher with a Spot Question. We had such a laugh. Then Host Mark read out the results at the end and we came FIRST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Me and Em were dancing around and hugging each other .... it was so amazing !! We did it..........at last ! Everyone wanted us to win for our last quiz in Perth and we did it ....... thanks everyone !

We won our drinks voucher and Scott and Em went to the bar to get some bottles of Champagne. We celebrated in style ! Needless to say Em and Ben went to work with heavy heads this morning.

Well it's Ben's last few days at work now, this time next week we'll be in Auckland. Still can't quite believe we'll be seeing Mam and Dad Hines next week! Awesome. Not quite sure what we're going to do in the last few days, hopefully get a day at the beach.

Take care everyone and speak soon.

xxxxx

Happy Birthday to Mr Ben Hines !! xxxx

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday dear Bennnnnnnnnnnnnn.

Happy Birthday to you !!!

xxxxxxx

Perth Storm

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/video/perth/-/watch/18745716

We survived the Perth Storm 22nd March 2010 !!

Wow, we had a bit of a storm yesterday !! Worst storm in 50 years apparently !! It started at about 3pm, blackness rolling in. Me and Digger had decided to go and take the DVD's back and made it back just in time......we did run all the way home though ! It was so windy and the rain started. I ran round shutting all the windows and tried to calm poor Digs down. It lasted about 10 mins, with thunder and flashes of lightening. I tried to get some footage but had to get back inside to see to poor Digger. It seemed to sail over the top of us but then came back with a vengeance. Hail the size of golf balls and it was so windy ! The rain came down so heavy and just kept on coming and coming ! I was trying to get Digs to calm down and heard a gushing noise. Went into our bedroom and the air conditioning vent had a waterfall straight onto the carpet. I ran to the kitchen to get as many pots and pans as I could and tried to catch the water. The the light fitting above the bed started to gush water so I had to try and lift the mattress off the bed and angle some pots under that. Poor Digs didn't know why I was running around like a mad woman ! I rang Ben and he was just setting off from work. Car windows were smashed and the vans were dented at Megavision with the hail. They had let Ben go early but just as he was checking round he noticed that the showroom was leaking in ... all over the plasmas ! By the time he was setting off back the streets were like rivers. He got dropped off near the station and walked straight out into the torrent of water at the side of the road. The station was in chaos as you can imagine. In the meantime I was trying to ring Emma and not getting anything. Eventually I heard a car pulling up outside and Em was home. She just collapsed onto the carpet, she was soaked. She had to drive back in the worst of it all and had to drive through deep puddles. It was so nice to have her home safe, Digs was so pleased to have her home. Ben wasn't long after Emma and was absolutely drenched ! He said the Perth Train Station was in total chaos, everyone just panicking cos it just hit that fast. We watched a bit of the news and it was same all over Perth. We had to sort out the bedroom and by now the light fitting was full of water. It seemed to go on for ages and we were so glad when it eventually stopped. Ben was so lucky as he got to go into the loft. He mopped up what water he could see as our ceiling was soaked. Luckily it was only one bedroom that had sprung a leak, could have been so much worse. Apparently the Thornlie "tree man" Richard Pennicuik was struck by lightning whilst staying in the tree but is still up the tree !! 105 days he's been up there now !

The storm was supposed to be back again this morning but as of yet there's been nothing. The sky was a bit black and Ben noticed some fork lightning on the way to work but nothing has rolled over yet. I've managed to wash all our bedding from last night and hopefully can get it dry before (if) it comes over again. Our first rain in Perth since November, they were all complaining and they got it in the end !!

1 Year Anniversary !!

G'day everyone,

Hope everyones ok. We're both fine, had some good days out and making the most of our last few days here in Oz.

Wednesday, I met Ben at Leederville when he finished work, we had a walk up and down the strip. It was a funky little place with loads of restaurants, even has Little Caesars ....... apparently the best pizza in WA ! It was closed though so we didn't get to rate it unfortunately. We didn't stay long there, it was really hot walking about so we caught the train back into the City.

First stop was Bobby Dazzlers and the place was decked out in Green, all the staff were dressed up for the St Patrick Day celebrations. Ben went for drinks and came back with 2 pints of 'Green' Bulmers. Every drink we had after that was green and we noticed everyone else's was the same. They put Green Food Colouring in the drinks, so cool ! We then had a walk down to the Moon and Sixpence, it was heaving and they had a live irish band in the garden. We listened to it for a little bit then walked down to Durty Nellies. Again we were a bit late and it was heaving, so we called into the Generous Squire for a swift pint before heading back to Bobby Dazzlers for some more greeness !! After a few drinks we decided to head back and have a drink with Emma at our local, The Victoria Hotel.

Ben was working Thursday but didn't have to be in until 10am so we had a bit of a lie in. It was Quiz night and we came 3rd ! We didn't have the help of Dean or Helen this week, so it was just the original 4. We didn't think we'd done very well but at half time we were joint first with another team. I even pulled out of the bag an old music questions ...... it was a guess which song from the intro and I got it right at "Simon Says!" ...... well I was impressed ! Ha ha. We're joining forces with another team for me and Ben's last night at the quiz. We need to come first and to beat the team that always comes first. We've even going to sit at there table to make it even worse. So hopefully we'll have 11 on our team, we've got to win with that many !

Friday was Casino night ! We were so nervous but excited. Ben was at work and got home usual time. We were chauffeured to the Casino by Emma and we hit the floor. It was massive and so busy. We made straight for the Buffet Carvery and stuffed our faces. There was loads to choose from and I even managed to stuff in 3 puddings, Ben could only manage a measly 2 ! That was it we hit the floor. Ben wanted to put his money into Texas Hold-Em poker so we headed for the Poker Room. Unfortunately there was a wait so we had a look around to see what was available. I decided to put some of my money on the Roulette Table and after watching for about 15 mins I paid my 20 bucks. Didn't win anything, realising this wasn't what we were going to win our millions on we headed back to the poker room and ben managed to get a table. I sat and waited at the sofa area, so much money was being played. After about an hour Ben came back, not smiling ! He didn't get any good hands and was out, so disappointing ! We still had some money left and decided to have a go on the slot machines, there was thousands of them. I put my 10 bucks into the machine and pressed go, we didn't have a clue what to do but then it starts flashing and saying we'd won 13 free games. The machine starts playing on it's own, winning every time and our winnings kept going up and up. Ben ran off to get a cup to put the money in and by the time he got back it was at $141 !! We were so excited ! We quickly pressed collect and it all dropped out in $1 coins ! All in all we left 50 bucks down and got home at 2am.

Saturday was a lovely day, we caught the ferry to Fremantle. It took us right along the Swan River all the way past all the posh houses.

We even got to see some dolphins again. It took about an hour and we had a small walk to get to Freo. We went straight to the pub, the Sail and Anchor and managed to get some seats on the balcony to watch the Buskers. We had just missed the Badpiper and caught the act 'Dreamstate". A couple who did acrobatics and juggling, they were so funny too.

We decided to head down to Little Creatures for our tea and then caught the train home.

Sunday, our 1st Anniversary and unfortunately the Mr had to go to work. He was there 9am til 12, so we still had the rest of the day to do something. We went to Woolies and got some picnic stuff in and headed down to the Swan River. It felt like a stormy day and was really humid but sitting down by the river there was a nice breeze. We sat and watched the Wake Boarder on the River and the people walking there dogs and cycling round. Ben even got to speak to his nephew Charlie, who was a big 5 yesterday !! He was too busy playing his Crash Bandicoot on the Playstation though ! Happy Birthday Charlie, hope you had a lovely party xxxx

We headed back just before it started to get dark and missed taking pics of the best sunset by the river! We could still see it but just behind all the buildings. The whole sky was lit up lovely.

We got back just in time for the Biggest Loser Weigh In. It was the perfect Anniversary weekend, thanks to everyone who sent us a card and thank you for your congrats wishes .... so kind !

Ben's working every day this week, even the weekend...... our last full week in Oz ! Birthday boy tomorrow, we're heading to the local Mexican for our teas. Nothing much really planned this week, apart from our last Quiz Night on Thursday. Hopefully Blog you with some good news !

Thanks again for all your messages. Take care and speak soon. xxx

Top O'the Morning to Ya !

Hello everyone and Happy St Patrick's Day to you !!

Hope everyone's ok, we're both fine.

We haven't really been anywhere much as Ben's been working. We made it to the quiz last week and managed a very poor 2nd last ! None of us were into it that much, we didn't have the usual Quiz Host Mark and the other guy was boring. It went well over usual finishing time and we were all knackered, hopefully we'll do better this week. We've all said we need a first before we leave, this weeks going to be our best shot because we get bonus 5 points for coming 2nd last ! We also got a drinks voucher, so it's not that bad coming in that position !

Ben was working on friday night and Em asked if I fancied a pizza for tea. Off we trotted to Avanti's up the road and we sat outside listening to the live music coming from the Victoria Hotel over the road. Ben even managed to get away for an hour to come and enjoy a pizza for his tea before going back to work again.

Me and Emma found a car boot sale advertised for the saturday morning and immediately set to work loading up the car. It was an early start on the sat 6am !! Poor Ben, we didn't see him again until 4ish that day. We drove to a place called Kwinana, about 30 mins away. It was a very strange place and was packed with Poms !! We do love a good car boot sale !! Everyone was British, I've never seen so many in one place before. We did ok at the car boot sale and managed to get rid of the big items. We got home just after 12ish and we crashed in front of the telly until Ben came home. Ben was home and then went out for an hour and then came home again. He was to go out at 11pm so he didn't quite enjoy his saturday evening as much. He wasn't home until 4.30am sunday morning and was then out to work again at 8.30am ! Poor Ben. He was home for 1ish though and we went to the pub for a well deserved pint and some dinner. We got some DVD's and crashed on the sofa for the rest of the day.

Ben was working monday and I started my Lady of Leisure routine !! I was finished at the council on friday. I got a bunch of Lillies (very beautiful) and had a morning tea ! The Aussie's do love a morning tea ! I felt really sad to be leaving there, it was such a great place to work. I said that I was available in case they needed me for a couple of days up until we leave so we'll wait and see if they do. I'm going to meet my recruitment lady, Sarah for a coffee before I go too.

I have started my exercise .... ha ha, well dragging Digger round the Park. We walked Ben to the train on monday morning and then carried onto the Park. We did a couple of laps and then headed back to collapse for the rest of the morning. I could hardly walk the next day.

Tuesday Ben was given the day off work so we started it with our walk around the park with Digger. We then caught the train to Mandurah, a small town near Fremantle. We found a coffee shop overlooking the Bay when we got there and enjoyed a Brew and a slice of cake.

We saw some dolphins in the Bay, about 5 altogether just swimming and jumping in the water .... very cool !

We didn't think we'd have saw something like that and thought we should have brought our swimmers ! We had a walk around Mandurah and then caught the train back to Rockingham. We had a walk around there and had some dinner.

We decided we'd go to the cinema but the showing wasn't until 6.30pm so we headed to the beach. We caught the bus and had a walk along the front by the beach. It was lovely, just a small strip on sand up along the gorgeous water. Took us ages to find a pub so we could sit and enjoy a beer and watch the world go by.

We caught the bus back to the Shopping Centre and bought our Gold Class tickets to watch Green Zone. We weer then shown through some glass doors into a lunge area full of leather chairs. Ben went to the bar and ordered our complimentary drinks for movie and some popcorn. We then bought a couple of beers and waited to be called into the showing. We made our way through and sat in an exclusive lounge to watch the film. It was 2 Leather Loungers with a table in between us. A button on the table for when we wanted a drink or food, just press it and the waitress comes along. We could push a button and the chairs go back, it kept Ben amused for ages ! It was the best way ever of watching a movie ! Just a shame the movie wasn't all that, but the experience was awesome ! Definitely worth paying the extra !

We made our way back to the Bus Stop and got back in time for the next train home. We were so tired and the journey seemed to take for ever. We got home just after 10pm and we just crashed. Luckily Ben got a text o say that he wasn't needed into work until 10am so he even got another lie in ! He's working until 3pm so I'm going to meet him in town and we'll go for a couple of Guinesses ..... would be rude not to today !

Hope everyones ok ! Take care and speak soon xxxxxx

Birthday Celebrations and stuff

G'day everyone,

You'll be pleased to know there's been no more 'Muggings' this week. I was talking with my Manager though and could see the Kookaburra through her office window .... it was taunting me I'm sure !!

Monday was a Public Holiday here so it was a very short week. Quiz night, we had 10 people on our team and only managed 3rd place ! No drinks voucher or anything. Dean and Helen came and brought Dean's folks who are over here on holiday. We had Carol and she brought her partner and then Rudi (Em's cousin) came. We should have won it with all the people !

It was Em's birthday on saturday so we bought her a Birthday Banner and some balloons and decorated the room for when she got back from work. We hid behind the chairs and frightened the life out of her when she opened the door ......... probably not a good idea after just having the break-in really but funny all the same !

Em drove us to the beach and we had a walk around the Sculptures by the sea. Pieces of art that people had designed and they display them on Cottesloe Beach. We just missed the sunset but it was still lovely. Em had fish and chips and we sat on the beach for a while whilst she ate them. Very nice.

Saturday Ben was working 10-2pm so we gave Em her present before Ben had gone. We had bought her a DVD that she wanted, also got her a ACDC keyring (as she's going to see them on monday night) and Digs bought her a Birthday Girl badge (which she wore all day !). Me and Em watched the DVD together and then I headed out to town to get some shopping done and to have a wander. Got back just after 3 and Ben wasn't long after. We had bought Em some Mr Kipling cakes and put some candles in them and sang Happy Birthday to her.

At 6pm some of her friends arrived and we got ready and went up to Elie's Tent. It's a Lebanese Restaurant just up the road. There was 9 of us altogether and we sat on the sofas ready for our Banquet. The food was awesome, so tasty and so much of it. There was kebabs, hummus, falafel, lebanese bread .... so tasty. It's a Bring Your Own restaurant so we'd got loaded up with our Tooheys. After the food had been served the music came on and there was a belly dancer. She even got Ben and Emma up to dance !

Needless to say he'd had a few Tooheys by then ! She even came back and got Johnny up to dance too ... he was too good at it ! The staff there were amazing, so funny. We've got a Council Cleanup here monday so everyone is putting stuff they don't want, out onto the streets. 2 guys walked past carrying a kids slide whilst Em was having a smoke. They asked her if she wanted a go and she did, right there on the Albany Highway !! So funny ! We were ready to go and the waitresses came and thanked us for coming and showed us how to do a dance .... check out the footage !! It's actually on You tube !!

We all came back to the house afterwards and continued the drinking and chatting. Everyone left at 2ish and Em decided to get out her firesticks .... probably not wise after drinking ! Ben had a go but couldn't quite master it. Em was amazing, it was so mesmerizing. I didn't even attempt to have a go, I couldn't even twirl it right without it being lit !

When we'd finished we decided to watch Em's DVD again ...... it was 5.30am when we got to bed. Awesome !

Ben got up at 12 today. I did too and lasted 3 seconds on the chair before thinking I wasn't ready to sit up just yet and went back to bed. 3.30pm I eventually got up and had a shower to wake me up. We went for shopping and then headed to the pub for some dinner. There was a sunday session there and the guitarist was awesome. We just chilled there for a while, reading the papers. Couldn't manage a pint though !

We got back and helped Em sort some stuff out for the Council Collection tomorrow. We've just chilled out watching Biggest Loser and probably all going to bed now cos we're flagging a bit now. So impressed that Em made it work today .... not quite sure how she did it !

Got another week at the Council .... no surprise there ! I'm back with the Executive Services Department. Not many weeks left, we've really got to start planning our NZ trip !!

Hope everyones ok, we send our love to everyone !! We're both fine (apart from the hangovers!).

Bye for now ! xx