Great pics Gyps. You certainly know how to enjoy life.

Hi Fit. How are you going today? Hope you fine the candles you need for your centrepiece. Hubby and I usually get ourselves something together for Christmas like you do and so the two extra days in our trip to Tasmania to see the Great Ocean Road is it. I have purchased for him a new frying pan though cause the one he has sticks all the time when he cooks me dinner. Big of me don’t you think? Ha ha. Having trouble sleeping tonight. Over excited I guess..i gave up getting my nails done as I have the same problem as you but I do get my toenails cut and painted along with a pedicure each 8 weeks. Guess yours don’t see much light of day at this time of the year. Bye for now

Hi everyone. Just practicing copy and paste. And I did it🤗🤗🤗 I have forwarded this to a couple of you but thought you all might enjoy the joke.

THE OLD GEEZER

An old geezer became very bored in retirement and decided to open a medical clinic. He put a sign up outside that said: “Dr.Geezer’s clinic. Get your treatment for $500, if not cured, get back $1,000.”
Doctor “Young,” who was positive that this old geezer didn’t know beans about medicine, thought this would be a great opportunity to get $1,000. So he went to Dr. Geezer’s clinic.
Dr. Young: “Dr. Geezer, I have lost all taste in my mouth. Can you please help me?”
Dr. Geezer: “Nurse, please bring medicine from box 22 and put 3 drops in Dr. Young’s mouth.”

Dr. Young: “Aaagh! – this is Gasoline!”
Dr. Geezer: “Congratulations! You’ve got your taste back. That will be $500.”

Dr. Young gets annoyed and goes back after a couple of days figuring to recover his money.
Dr. Young: “I have lost my memory, I cannot remember anything.”
Dr. Geezer: “Nurse, please bring medicine from box 22 and put 3 drops in the patient’s mouth.”
Dr. Young: “Oh, no you don’t, – that is Gasoline!”
Dr. Geezer: “Congratulations! You’ve got your memory back. That will be $500.”
Dr. Young (after having lost $1000) leaves angrily and comes back after several more days.
Dr. Young: “My eyesight has become weak – I can hardly see anything!
Dr. Geezer: “Well, I don’t have any medicine for that so, here’s your $1000 back.” (giving him a $10 bill)
Dr. Young: “But this is only $10!”
Dr. Geezer: “Congratulations! You got your vision back; that will be $500.”
Moral of story – Just because you’re “Young” doesn’t mean that you can outsmart an “old Geezer”*
Remember: Don’t make old people mad. We don’t like being old in the first place, so it doesn’t take much to annoy us.

So in the interest of hitting the 200 page mark for CG’s Chrissy present. I offer the following space filler, it was some time ago now, but nothing much changes. Christmas come once a year and my biker mate still ride, a hundred strong though the streets collecting toys for the Salvos and chucking lollies to the kids on the roadsides. I will miss this year, but my heart is with them. Such fun we have had in our adventures together.

December 04
THE PURPLE TOY RUN TERROR

‘Twas the week before Christmas
The toy run was on
By the time I got there
Of course, they were gone

But … “God Save the Salvos!”
I said “Tally Ho!”
The Gypsy was loaded
With toys to go!

There had to be clues
I had to be brave
I sniffed on the wind
And smelled …. Aftershave!

Timmie! Ducking and weaving
He fled from his follies
But those girls rushed the curb
And grabbed his poor lollies

He was yelling for help
But I rode on past
Whatever the cost
I couldn’t be last

I raced for the lights
Rounded the ditch
Blonde hair ahead
It was Barbie and Titch!

She was making rude signals
And bobbing her head
Just trying to stop me
From getting ahead

I know about blondes
I ignored her instead
Egad! I rode on
But the lights had turned red!

I skidded and weaved
Missed the oncoming
The mob was insight
My adrenalin’s drumming

They were doing forty!
I’d never beat that!
‘Twas the pig in the lead
That felonious rat

He knows I’m half blind
And can’t see the flag
I opened the throttle
And hit the main drag

I revved through the gears
And made my selection
Gawd! If I was a bloke
I’d’ve had an erection!

I passed one !
A Harley, to boot!
Of course, it was parked
In the back of a ute …

I took her to sixty
Down the fast lane
The traffic all round
Was going insane!

I overtook Col
‘Course he was in pain
Yelling at Bev
“Scratch me shingles, again!”

Then I got a lead
On that dratted Weirdo
He sold his old bike
To my daughter, you know

He trained it to drop
On females, he did
Bad mistake
To pick on my kid

And there he was, trapped
In the midst of the mob
My lollies were melting
But they did the job

Quick as a flash
I chucked jelly beans
And off he went, skidding
Along on his jeans

Great Scott!
A shock of white hair
Was suddenly sailing
Along through the air

He landed on Tony
And copped it from Hellie
Though, she reckons its my fault
They all got on Telly ….

I knew it was Weirdo
Who caused all the trouble
But the leaders were down
The mob was in rubble

The sirens were closing
I had to break free
The Salvos and Santa
Were counting on me

Alone and unaided
The Gypsy rolled home
The streets in her wake
Were covered in foam

…. On the night before Christmas
They speak of it still
Of the slow, purple terror
And that Toy run spill ….

If you reckon I’m lyin’
I tell you, its true!
I got a fine
For those lights I went through …

M.C.B.

PH, I suppose the hat you took off was your purple one!

Nice to hear from you, Gypsy and see you!

Well, the fridge is empty and waiting for the food tomorrow. I must say that although we have baked, we haven’t eaten except for bowl licking. The shortbread is yet to be tasted, just need to do rum balls tomorrow.

Xmas shopping pretty much done thank goodness as I do not want to go near the shops again for a while. For me it isn’t the shopping but the finding of parking spaces that cause me grief. Just received an email to say my parcel of towels should arrive on xmas eve. Nothing like cutting it fine!

Hi Up, Good to hear from you, too. big day for me tomorrow, too with last minute shopping. Am off to bed now, Happy Christmas to you and yours. I hope you get your 200 CG. Nite all xx gyps

Morning all, what a lovely time I have had reading the posts. LOVE your poems Gyps, you certainly make up for your erratic posting. I always look forward to it when you do start because you make it so special..You do have some adventures…hope your son Gets there before the big rain.🌦💨⛈🌬💨 Supposed to be raining everywhere so my picnic at the beach is looking a bit iffy. Thank god I have lots of undercover outdoor areas for the kids to run around in.

CG the picture you paint of your home sounds delightful🏠.🐄🐄🐏🐏🌿🌿🐕🐕It does make you feel relaxed when everything is under control. Lucky Christmas only comes once a year cause 💸💸💸 money certainly flies out the door quickly..Hubby and I do the last shop today and then it is all done and then tomorrow my cleaner comes in to give the house the once over for me before everyone arrives, I get my hair cut and my SIL arrives in the afternoon. And then the celebrations begin.

UP. Yes it was the purple hat. Only one I’ve got these days..love the pun. Know the feeling about parking spaces, even with disabled parking it is hard, usually I get one easily. But it is good to see all the oldies out and about doing all their Christmas shopping on their walkers with smiles on their faces looking forward to the festivities. Have learnt that you can’t get a disabled park early in the morning because all the oldies get up early God bless them…

Fit. You are full of knowledge. Thanks for letting us know where Boxing Day came from. It is a lovely story .

Well up and off to the pool for my last session for at least a week. Bye for now..sorry if I’ve missed anyone..

CG – you sure do have a little slice of paradise on your doorstep. Delighted to hear you had such a good night’s sleep. Hope you are well spoiled and pampered at the hairdresser’s and I’m sure you will look a million dollars!
PH – I’m sure you will all have a fab time no matter what the weather is like 🙂 Hope the last of the shopping went well and that you enjoyed your last pool session.
I gave my new window cleaning gadget a go this afternoon but I only got to do some inside panes, I’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see if it was a success or not. I hope it does the trick, because it was so much easier and quicker than the spray and cloth method. I just have my living, dining, kitchen area to do tomorrow and then all the cleaning is done. OH and daughter are doing the last of the grocery shopping tomorrow and we’ll be ready for entertaining on Christmas eve as well as Christmas day…can’t wait!!

So sorry, Fit. Know just how you feel about dwindling numbers around the Christmas table. I resorted to cooking for the pub orphans (It closes xmas and boxing day here)for xmas dinner since my lot grew up and went their different ways . and my downsizing to the hut made the venue unsuitable for babies as the next crop came on. I get invited in all directions, but it behoves me to stay home and share with neighbours. looking forward to my son’s first xmas home in many years. He is usually only passing through on his way to play uncle to his brother’s kids. But their move to Adelaide is too far. So I can cook up mountains knowing he’ll devour the lot. Life gives us lemons sometimes, Fit, but try to make lemonade, or at least make the most of the fewer. Sometimes smaller groups can be more enjoyable than the hectic crowd. Hugs to you. Interesting background on boxing day, thankyou, Rainbow!

CG, thank you for the kind words. I may wander, but it’s always nice to have you all to come home to. Am just off to town for last minute bits and pieces, may we all have yummy pork crackle! Pat your boys and cows and have a great day. Can just picture you and your menagerie. We’ll make the 200 no sweat. xx

PH. Agree the weather is iffy for the beach. Something is brewing, luck of the draw as to who cops it. The Gulf cyclone watch has downgraded budding cyclone Stanley back to a rain depression, but it may reform over water. Just a typical cliff hanger. Feels like a boil about to burst up this way. My Boy’s coming from Cairns tomorrow. So hope the heavy stuff holds off til then. can’t wish rain away, we need it so badly and it would be the best Christmas pressie for the inland farmers. I think sometimes we forget that we are guests of mother Earth the world doesn’t revolve to our convenience. Here’s to the smell of green trees and fresh grass for the cattle.

I’m off to see the wizard! Have a great day everyone! xx gyps

Morning…or afternoon really everyone.

Enjoyed the pool thanks Fit. Just home from the last big shopping trip. Mostly packed away fridge is chock a block. Lying down for a well earned rest, before meeting my daughter in town to buy curtains for across the front of her house and bedrooms. Hopefully we can get some ready made ones so I don’t have to end up making them. However if I have to I guess it won’t be too bad with her helping me. There are no curtains in any of the bedrooms and the venetians across the front are falling to bits and spotlight is having a 40% off sale on curtains and blinds.

The saga of the container..

Yesterday afternoon when the container arrived on the truck with Daughters furniture the driver was supposed to be able to drop it on her front lawn but the power Lines were so low that was not possible ..so there was room on a very untidy verge between the road and the footpath in front of her house on a long straight street. So the driver unloaded it there. sHe then rang the freight company and organised for it to be picked up ASAP and not left till the 8th Jan as previously organised. And decided that she needed to see the council today to let them know what she had organised.

When she and OH arrived over at her house this morning there was already a ranger there from the council. Someone had reported the container being unloaded on the kerb and complained overnight..Hewas a very understanding fellow and agreed that there was nowhere else it could go and thanked her for making arrange,nets to get it picked up earlier. So our concern on that issue is now sorted.

I imagine there won’t be a dull moment in our household for a while. Talk to you all later.

Fit, I am so sorry.
I am trying to make this xmas a goody as my son arrives home from NY tomorrow and he hasn’t had xmas with us since 2010. Basically all his twenties!
Also my other 3 will be here. Only the 6 of us but I am very excited as it may also be many years before it happens again as various other children have been away over the years too and that isn’t going to change any time soon.

SueJen..are you OK. Thinking of you and wondering if you are being kind to yourself.💕💕

Hi all. Just thought I’d add another bit to try and reach the 200. Fit I’m sorry about your family dramas.
PH what a saga with the container. We had a similar experience many years ago. We had all our goods and shackles shipped via container from overseas. They were supposed to do a door to door service. ie. Load all your stuff from your home in one country and deliver it to your home in the new country. Our stuff was unloaded inPerth where we had to wait for them to reload it. It was then sent to Melbourne and finally to Launceston. I happened to be looking out of the window and saw my prize piano being manhandled in a very precarious fashion. What a shambles. We waited for weeks for it to be delivered. NEVER AGAIN.
Yes CG when I think of my age, well into my 70’s and I’m relatively fit and healthy compared to so many others I am happy and privalaged to have reached this age.
My granddaughter and I have just given Pepper a grooming for Xmas. I bought some detangling spray which he hates for some reason. After the grooming the little devil went and rolled on the lawn which is not nice and green but brown and dry. Last Night he was a hoot. Said GD plays the violin and as we had guests here for dinner we asked her to play a tune. She no sooner started than the pooch went ballistic. He barked ferociously at the violin and kept trying to chase it away. I guess that high tone is a sound dogs don’t like. I wish I’d had a video camera as it was so funny.
XX Dawg.

Evening all. I was so tired after my last cleaning job ,I ame home and fell asleep for 3hrs. 😑😏I have my nursing job tomorrow then off until the 29th.
GPYPS- THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL POEMS.Have agreat time with your son.
CG-VERY HAPPY THAT YOUR DAY WAS A GOOD ONE. DOES YOU WELL WHEN THE HAIRDRESSER DOES THE RIGHT THING🎉🎊🎂ENJOY YOUR NIGHTXXXXXX
PH-What a lovely day you have had with your daughter . Great shopping as well. Did you have all yhe rain up your way today?
Dearest FIT-THIS TIME OF THE YEAR DOES OFTEN BRING THE WORST OF CONFLICTS OUT IN FAMILY. I do hope that they will settle and you and yours will enjoy the days festivities . Love and hugs to youxxxxxx🏡🗻💐🎅🎄🎁
DAWG-There has ben dome happy times happening in your home already. Trust Pepper to start the humerous times off. That wiold have been very lol to see ,him with the violin .
UP-HAVE A VERY HAPPY AEESOME TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY….IT WILL BE SO EXCITING.
ITS RAINING VERY HEAVY HERE AT THE MOMENT.HAVE A FABULOUS NIGHT TREAM AND A EASY FD TOMORROW……GO GAL

Hi All,
Thank you for all the kind messages. Had a bad night but will pull myself together.
Gyps – so thrilled that you will have your son this year, what a treat! 🙂 Safe travels to him. Hope the weather is not too severe; we’re expecting storm force wind and rain here too but it won’t be anything like what you’re expecting. I think you’ll have to tie down the gypsybelle for a while!! 😉 Mind your little leprechaun and I hope someone pampers and spoils you, as you are always looking after everyone else except yourself! {{{{ }}}}
Dawg – more great witticisms….thank you 🙂 We are all going to indulge over the next few days and there is no point in spoiling the fun by feeling guilty. We know we can redress the balance by a few FDs in the new year; so enjoy it all! Great story about Pepper and the violin…..must have been hilarious! 🙂 Xxxx
PH – so glad you got the curtains for your daughter and that she got the removals container sorted….it was very wise of her to pre-empt the neighbour’s complaints; hopefully they will see that she is just the kind of thoughtful person who will be a great addition to the neighbourhood. Take a well-earned rest now and I hope the weather is kind to you too xxxxx
CG – as they say, age is only a number; it’s how you feel on the inside and your outlook on life that counts – so you are far from old in the ways that matter!! I’m sure you will have a great time with your two and four-legged family. Looking back on your year and seeing how far you have come, must give you tremendous satisfaction. Be proud and give yourself a huge pat on the back!! 🙂 🙂 So glad you are pleased with the hairdresser….it’s a wonderful feeling!
GG – I’m delighted to hear that you are finally getting to put your feet up, so well-deserved!! Have a wonderful time {{{{ }}}}
SJ – you are doing really well getting on with your life and plans for Christmas. Don’t let anything derail you from that. How wonderful and kind of your friend to invite you and OH for Christmas day….an unexpected treat. It will distract you and you can make the most of good company and being surrounded by goodwill and laughter. Xxxx
Going to try to fast today and maybe a semi tomorrow. I will distract myself with the rest of the clean-up and focus on all my blessings.

Hi lovely Aussies – I saw that you were aiming for 200 pages and thought I’d drop by from the Binger Island thread to help out + say Merry Christmas, happy birthday(s), and a lovely holiday season to you all! You are a merry lot of folks and I have stopped by before (though rudely without saying hi). Now though, as a teacher, I’m on holiday with a bit of extra time. And, while I’m trying to stay out of the kitchen (not to mention the shops), I’ve camped in my easy chair, reading the “recent posts” and feeling as though I have gotten to know you a bit. FYI I’m not an Aussie – though I do have an Australian Shepherd 🙂 – but hail from the southern United States. Lest my heritage be misleading with recent political news, I assure anyone reading that my parents raised me “better than that.”

We’re expecting company this evening, so I’ll be off to try to clear the place of pet hair – but my best to each of you in this season of love. jade x

Hi girls – I’m from Georgia, Fit, so yes, a true southern drawl. As for being a belle, If you can believe it, I made my “debut” in the 70s at something called the Cotton Ball. My mom thought that was such nonsense! But I was so surprised to be asked (we had no money or social connections – maybe it was a Steve Harvey moment??) that I wanted to go just to see what high society in the Appalachian Mountains was like. Not my cup of tea – as usual, mom was right 🙂

I finally got to Ireland this year, and what a gorgeous country you live in! Would love to go to Australia someday, too. So many places to explore – even here in the US – but husband and I are slowing down a bit. And I am plopping down in this chair too often! You’d think I was a kid waiting for Santa instead of Santa herself. Back to the chores with me. x

I did not know there was a Tara in Ireland! There is quite the history all around Georgia – also in Louisiana, where I lived for a time in New Orleans. Wonderful town and such great food (oops). I have experienced the best of both worlds, deep-fried Southern everything and spicy Cajun seafood, all of which I love. Of course.

Ha, I may yet return to Ireland! We enjoyed our visit so much we didn’t want to leave – such beauty around the Dingle Peninsula, and then we took the train across Ireland to Dublin, where we spent a whole week. It was all so lovely, with friendly welcomes everywhere we went. We often imagine that the whole world hates Americans, so it was a nice surprise to be treated so kindly. I went with a group of students so it was fairly non-stop adventure. Spent most of the rest of the summer in this chair where I still sit!

Yes, back to dealing with pet hair – my own could use a good shampoo as well 🙂

Tara was the ancient seat of the high kings of Ireland which is why my county, Meath, is called the Royal County. I live about 40km from Dublin. I’m delighted to hear you had a good time here and that you received such a warm welcome.
CG – make sure you have a really good nanny nap, so you can enjoy the carols. I will be singing carols on Christmas eve with my church choir from 8.15pm until 9pm when the mass proper will start. We sing alot throughout the mass too, so I almost have no voice by the time I get home. The church is always packed and the atmosphere is lovely. Then my family who live near and a few friends and neighbours come back to our house for drinks, nibbles and mince pies…..it’s great!

Gosh GL – sounds like you have been having some extreme weather too. Take care. Great to hear you found the holiday weight has already gone….well done. I was going to fast today and lasted until about 4pm but then started eating and didn’t really stop since!! It’s been a funny day – ups and downs and lots of emotions….I think I’m high on cleaning products to be honest!!!!!

Hi Everyone boy what a busy place it is here despite being nearly Christmas. CG I’m so sorry I didn’t get to wish you a Happy Birthday ON your birthday but only a little late I guess. Happy happy birthday dear & no doubt today you’re looking very glam after your hairdo & ready for Christmas Eve.
Thanks Up yes I will have a nice day now that we’re having Christmas lunch with our best mates & their family. They can be our substitute family for the day! Ha your cleaner might have a challenge on her hands today. Have fun and savour every minute of the wonderful time with your kids!!
Fit enjoy those precious family members that you’ll be with…no matter what the number. Just shower each of them with a bit more love than you’d usually be able to do. XXX
GL sorry about your hothouse & plants….with 40o heat no wonder the plants burnt to a crisp. And GL so right with your attitude re your parenting role…yes it’s over. You’ve done your job & they truly can sort it out themselves.
Hi Jade nice to have a southern belle with us if only for a while!
Milena fancy having 2 of us on such a small forum having birthdays on the same day. Wow!! Happy Birthday to you..no kitten eh but bet you got some lovely presents?!
GG you sure sound like you’re working your pretty little a** off with your job! Enjoy a well-earned break after your work today.
Dawg sounds like you had such a fun night with Pepper and the violin!! Would have been soo funny to capture it on video. You should get her to play again today and do it!
PH you’ve already done your FD that was clever thinking I reckon! Christmas Eve is a tad hard to do a FD on but will hold out as long as I can. About to have my morning coffee.
Gyps as usual loved the poems & you’ve certainly done your bit to get to the 200 pages…well and truly.

Well have a truly lovely Christmas Eve gang. I’ve just got a bit of last minute cleaning making the raspberry Buche de Noel or Christmas Log as our contribution for the day & then packing & putting away ready for our exchangers. Leaving around 8am tomorrow morning to avoid the traffic & get to Perth in time for lunch. Enjoy your Christmas eve and Christmas day folks. Make lots of memories with your family or friends & enjoy every precious moment. Sit back relax & enjoy the fruits of all that darn cleaning we’ve been doing!! suejen XXXX

May not be on for a few days till we’re settled into or house…we’ll see.