Imagine this- being greeted at the door by an almost 5 year old, alabaster skin that only 4 years olds can have, black eyes and straying curly dark hair from her plaits and a 'NANNA' screeching from her lips -that's one of my granddaughters!. We went for a walk with her mum and dad ( David our son) and their other almost 2 year old daughter. Pushing the 2year old and talking with my son about his study ( all gobbledygook philosophy) I had a real feeling about the 'cycle of life'. This is how my parents felt about us and now we're doing the same. One of those glorious moments you want to freeze forever!!

More on the horses below. My plan is to build a display on a board and set it up (ostensibly for the grandchildren but.....well....I might sneak a play or two) Had lunch with my middle sister (Judy) during the week and we both made big plans! I think I have a partner in crime here! Judy and I used to be really close as kids growing up and had lots of fun with some interesting ventures. I think she used to lead me astray eg midnight feasts, night time walks, exploring the roof through the loft! It's just lovely to revisit childhood fun as adults!

Spent some part of today doing house work. A deadly task but unfortunately very necessary. So.... you may be wondering where this charming display comes in??? Well......in tidying the kitchen bench I came across another box of horse goodies that I hadn't put away. It was BEGGING to be played with!!!! The jumps are the latest addition, only I couldn't play with just the jumps so the horses had to come out, plus the fencing and finally the dressage ring. Then hubby got into the act and was flying around the jumps!!! Needless to say the house is still in a mess!

I had my first personal training client at the gym this morning! It went well and I DIDN'T have a sleepless night about it either! Whooowooo! I've been finding that these early mornings and working into the night are playing havoc with my sleeping. I always wake up in the night which isn't all that much of a bother- a quick trip to the loo and then I'm back in the land of nod- however I now wake up and stay awake! It's like- look at the clock, it's 2am, I need to sleep! Look at the clock , it's 2.30am, damn I need to sleep! Look at the clock, 3am, I need to sleep- and so on until it's 4.30 and I DO need to get up!
NOW- I've discovered a great help- VALERIAN- herbal rememdy which aides sleep and relaxation. Getting much better sleep and feeling better for it.
Hahaha- this is such a boring entry- you probably won't need the valerian after looking at it!

Well the die is about to be cast! I wrote my letter of resignation tonight to give to my principal tomorrow. Then it will be the end of 20 + years of teaching. How do I feel? A bix mixed up but not as much as before. I think that once it's actually been done I'll feel a lot better about it. It's hard giving away something that I have really loved but better to leave on a good note than to keep going passed my 'use by date'. ( That was self talk to make me feel better about this!!)

This is what Debstar and I had for morning tea at a lovely ,lovely Surf club/ Restauranty thing overlooking the sea. I thought we were very circumspect just having a bickky! And only one at that!

Looks like that will be the only photo published tonight. Not sure what is wrong but it only ever seems to let me load one pic every week or so- maybe that's my ration! Had a very short but intense workout yesterday- and now starting to feel it again. Yes Kerryn- it is indeed a great feeling!! Love knowing I have muscles in my bum and am reminded of them every time I move!! Also had a consultation with the nutrition prog at the gym where I'm wo rking. sounds like a really good plan and am hoping to be able to participate. It means a 15 min consultation each week to review what has been going on and to weigh in. Yikes! But I do need some incentive to be better with my diet.

whoooowhooooo! The second pic of my time on the Gold Coast. At this rate I'll have posted them all by Christmas! If you've checked out debstars blog you'll will now realise that I'm not the only one who can do two things at once!!. She got me standing here and then told me what I was doing!

Had a really hard workout on Tues and I'm still paying the price for it.....OUCH!!! I've got muscles that I didn't know I had!. It hurts to sit, stand, move, clean my teeth....you name it...I can feel it! Went to the podiatrist about my foot tonight- she's taken my orthotics and is going to adjust them, They'll be gone for 2 weeks. I was just beginning to get used to them again. I must say though that it is extremely comfortable without them for a while! I'm hoping that they will eventually help cos I'm missing being able to run- very much!!

Yaaahhhh....the first of the process has been achieved! This is on our walk at Burleigh Heads. Deb very reluctantly contributed to this lovely view! I'll see if I have any more success with the rest of the pics.

I'm sure I did deserve this after all that emotion of 'support' I gave to them!! lol

Is anyone else having trouble posting photos on here? I've tried and tried for the last week or so and had no success- then lo and behold- last night I was able to post ONE. !!

Well...I got my heart's desire when I wished for a grey light rainy day of about 18 degrees for the run for kids event. What a pity I didn't wish for an injury free body too!!! Daughter and her friend went in it and did really well. I was so proud of both of them. It's the most they have ever run- 15.2k!!!. Next year for me - I hope!

Evidently blogger doesn't want to play at posting photos tonight- buggar!!! Maybe next time!

How sad is this??? Here I am at Coolangatta airport waiting for the 20 minutes until we can board and I'm using that time to sit here blogging!!!! lol. It does help to pass the time though. I had the BEST time yesterday- I met up with fellow blogger DEBSTAR ( I have no idea how to link that to her blog:((( ) I did feel a few flutters in the tummy just before we met wondering how the day would go- well......... I think that after about 6 hours of solid talking we had generally put the world right!!! lol It was such a good day! Saw lots of the Gold Coast that I wouldn't have seen otherwise. We did lots of walking and paddling and sitting and talking. Keep a look out on here cos when I get home I'll post all the pics I took. Thanks deb for giving up your time- I really enjoyed your company.

Ran 6 k this morning with my orthotics and did ok. However now I'm really sore on my other knee!! The one that is ok! Damn! I'm not going to go in the 'run for kids'. Made that decision this arvo- really disappointed but I think it's the best thing to do. Just in the middle of packing to go away tomorrow- can hardly wait!!

Whooowoooo! We're heading to the Gold Coast on Sunday and I can hardly wait!! It's work for him and play for me! Actually what I really feel like doing is just sleeping! I think I'm severely sleep deprived! Looking forward to having time to walk and run and shop and of course- plenty of coffees. Hopefully will catch up with you, Deb ,if you're around.

Talk about being flat out!! I think I'm busier now that I was when I was full time working! I'm really enjoying the gym work and it's becoming easier and more familiar. Not sure about these hours though! Guess I'll get used to that too. Now.....this run for kids is looming and I feel so unprepared for it. The last couple of runs I've done I've been absolutely woeful. It's been hot so I'm hoping that that is the reason and that on the day it will be cloudy, raining ever so lightly and about 18 degrees. Not much to ask for I don't think!. My foot is still causing a bit of grief but I just want to make it through this run then I'll back off. Getting old is a real trial!!!!!

This is my reliving my childhood fantasies!!! Went away on the weekend and saw a wonderful equestrian display. Couldn't resist so bought the horse, rider, fences and accessories. Don't ask me what I'm going to do with all this but maybe a display like you have model railways?

I sent a similar pic to a friend who thought it was ME on the horse and that I'd done a spot of riding on this weekend!! Perhaps she needs glasses!

Had the hardest run on Saturday! Tried for 12k and managed to run about 10 and then dragged myself through the last 2 at a run/walk/crawl. I think I was fairly dehydrated or something- felt quite shivery and tingly ( it was very humid) Anyway took me the best part of the day to recover- just felt like lying down - which is really unlike me! Anyhow I'm still alive and kicking and raring to go on another 12k this saturday!. Gardening seems to have taken a back seat doesn' t it? No more showing off and posting pics on here for sometime. Work has taken over my life again. I'm really enjoying the gym work and its gradually becoming less of a strain and worry. Kerryn- those pop squats look diabolical!!!!