New beginnings

Carmel and I are resurrecting this blog as it is a good place to put our jottings about what we are doing. We also have a Facebook page each and a place for our photos on another page. I am slowly getting the hang of these things and will have them so they are easy to utilize for us, as well as our family and friends.

I suppose the latest news is that we are off to Brisbane this week to see Glenn, Therese and the family. For me it has been a while and I am looking forward to seeing them. Carmel is also but she has a dual purpose in going as she is also training for walking the Kokoda Track, and Glenn is her trainer. So, for Carmel, this weekend is also a bit of a challenge as she is going on a walk up, and around Mt Cootha, as well as training with Glenn on Sunday.

You will also notice the chooks at the top of the page.  The reason for this is that Carmel has fallen in love with Aracuana chickens which is a bird that lays a lavender-greenish egg, or anywhare in between.  They are a nice little bird and they do not make the same noise as other chickens, it is more like a ‘peep’ noise.  Very cute.

cheers

Ken

David and Angela’s wedding

On the 25th September David (son of Garry) and Angela Clark were married in the gardens at Bundaberg. I was asked to officiate at the wedding – I was chuffed to be asked. Carmel and I drove down with Mum and Dad Clark on the Saturday morning. We arrived about 10 am and booked straght into the motel, hoping for a brief rest before the wedding. It was a lovely day, fine and not too hot for the climate in Central Queensland. The wedding was in the Gardens where Garry and Leone had their photos taken after their wedding in 1974, so there was some continuity there. David and Angies wedding took place at the Rotunda overlooking the river and Bamboo patch (very nice). I was very proud to have been asked to perform the ceremony.

Signing the register

Wedding over, and a huge sigh of relief

This is all the Clark’s, Carmel is taking the photo.

Wedding Cake

Our grand-niece Hannah’s 1st birthday

Below is a photo of Ken’s grand-niece (? I never know if these family relationships are right. Anyway, Hannah is the daughter of Chris and Belinda Clark, my brother Garry’s oldest child. Her first birthday came around very fast, or so it seems to me. There were a lot of people there Garry and Leone, Bill and , the assorted family on both sides as well as many many friends. One of the most memorable events of the day was the unwrapping of presents. Hannah did not know what was going on but she delighted in having fun with the paper. I do not know if she will ever get to play with all of the toys and presents that she got that day, though she did enjoy playing with the paper. The cake was a highlight as well. Made by her Mum, Belinda, it was well done and very very tasty.

Hannah: Exploring the world







The look on Hannah’s face says it all!!!!

All in all it was a very nice night. Carmel and I were thrilled to be there, and to have been part of Hannah’s first birthday, may there be many many more of them.

Tanya, John and Reagan

Tanya, John and Reagan

At Melbourne Airport to see me off in April 2004. Reagan is a 6 year old livewire.

Carmel

Brooklyn, Alyssa & Christian

Brooklyn, Alyssa & Christian

The latest photo of the Grandkids. Brooklyn (8), Alyssa (7) and Christian (5 months.).

Christian is so lucky to have two big sisters to look after him.

Kids/Grandkids

Tanya had another trip to Tasmania last month. She surprised her boyfriend, John, for his birthday with a weekender in Tassy. She first went two years ago with me, when she paid for the trip as a birthday present. They had a ball and want to do it again, but for a longer time as the weekend went too quick.

Karen is in the process of changing jobs at the moment. She has given her notice and starts the new one in two weeks. She is going back to data entry. She has done it before and enjoys that type of work. She is obviously good at it and has the speed required to be in demand.

Her and Craig are still seeing each other, they have been friends now for over two years. It is good to see your kids with someone to share their lives with.

Glenn became a Dad for the third time in February. He now has Brooklyn (8), Alyssa (7) and Christian 5 months. They are all beautiful kids. I will post a photo of them to our blog over the next week.

Glenn is heading to Fiji next week with his boxer (Matt Shaw) to challenge for the OBA welterweight title. He currently holds the QLD Welterweight Title. He has been managing Matt and his brother Mick for sometime now. Mick recently won the QLD Lightweight Title.

Then on the 20-29 August Glenn is off to do the Kokoda Trail for the second time this year. He thoroughly enjoyed it last time. As a personal trainer he takes a group of his clients each time.

Carmel

Another Saturday

Well, it is another Saturday and Carmel and I are preparing for another BBQ. Not a really good time as Carmel is a wee bit off colour and my mother is ill with a cold. However, David and Angie are coming tonight so we should find out when the wedding is, hopefully it will be after we go to Toowoomba for Cherie’s wedding. And, of course, to see the grandchildren. We miss seeing them, and it is not like we can just hop in the car for a short drive. It is amazing, I never would have thought that I would have grandchildren, and I find myself thinking more and more of them as time goes on. Seeing them again will be like having the sun shine on a drizzly day, a joy and a happiness. Anyway, we like having these Saturday BBQ’s because we get a chance to see Chris and Belinda’s little one, Hannah. It is good to have a child in the family again. I think looking at new life and seeing them grow keeps us young.

Gordon, Carmel and Ken, Vera (Mum), Norman (Dad) and Garry Clark.

Carmel and Ken’s Wedding Day (20th October 2002) with the Clark Family. It was an exciting day from my perspective. I have never previously been married, and I was looking forward to the day immensely.

Welcome

Hello everyone, and welcome to our blog. Here you will find musing, photos, and a general look at Carmel and Ken.