I can't believe that it is a year since I was writing the newsletter for 2002 - but I think I write that every year!! This year has certainly flown by...
We started the year with a visit from my sister Liz and brother-in-law Pete. They were lucky enough to do the "big Australian Adventure" and spent 3 months here, some of the time with us, but most of the time camping and travelling up the East coast of Oz. During their last week Kevin and I also had time off from work and the four of us went to the Victorian High Country. Where Aussies enjoy skiing in the winter - but we went in the Summer! We saw the devastation the bushfires had wrought, but, to Kevin's delight, found the best "Op Shop" in the world!! It has given him an excellent idea for when he retires!!!
By the middle of the year my colleagues at the Bank had decided that I was an international jetsetter - only because I spent a week in New Zealand in March, 3 weeks in the UK in June and then a quick weekend in Hong Kong shortly after this. Of course I can't compare with Kevin who has also been to New Zealand this year - and Vietnam - and the UK - and of course he has been in Hong Kong for the last 2 months - but more of this later! His trips have all been work related so he has seen airports and offices - I have been a little more fortunate!
I hope you have looked at some of our photos on the website as it will give you a taste of what we've been up to! My trip to NZ was excellent - it was with Tupperware - spending half the time in conference and half exploring the delights of Christchurch and surrounding areas. Yes, I am still doing Tupperware but those of you who made the most of some of my bargains when I left Macclesfield will know what I am up to just now. This time however I am selling up on Ebay!! The only problem is Soph and I have realised that you can BUY as well as sell on this website - and we keep seeing things we like! (Kevin doesn't know about this!!)
Are you getting the impression that we are on the move again? Well, we came to the UK in June - and had a wonderful time, catching up with lots of people but also having a bit of time holidaying (see the photos!!) Our final venue was Bath - beautiful - where Kevin stayed on for the Hyder Conference while Sophie and I drove on up to Birmingham and then flew back here. At this meeting Kevin was offered a job in HK - hence the long weekend for Kevin and myself shortly afterward. Kevin decided he really wanted to head up the water team over there..and that's where he is now. Sophie and I will join him probably the first week in February! The boys are staying here and so there has been a flurry of activity on our part to get things organised. Just had to sort out visas for the boys, find somewhere for them to live, sell stuff, decide what the boys might need, decide what will go to Hong Kong. Today we have heard that we have been successful in our application for a house (not too far away, but smaller and cheaper).
Tom received his Apprenticeship Qualification last week and then was granted his visa not long afterwards. The taxi firm he works for is sponsoring him and he now has a 2 year visa in his own right! We see Aiden regularly - he stays over night at least once per week! At the beginning of December, Aiden, Tom and I went to the bank's family funday - fairground rides plus a toy for Aiden. I got sunburnt! The weather is certainly hotting up. Tom spent yesterday on a friend's 30ft trimaran and came back with very burnt shoulders (even after 2 applications of Factor 30!) Tomorrow it is due to be 36 degrees!
Both Dan and Matt have finished their years at their appropriate 'schools'. Dan has about 6 months to do to complete his Business Studies Degree. After that he is talking about travelling the world! Dan is now enjoying time off although he still has his part time job at Bunnings in the tool shop. He spends a lot of time fishing - look at the photo on his website! Matt has about a year to finish his qualification in Outdoor Ed. His is an exciting course - he spends weeks away doing all sorts of outdoor things like climbing, kayaking, hiking, surfing. All he has to do for this year is a few more days of Work placement. He loves being in charge of school parties though! Both Dan and Matt need to get their student visas for next year.
Sophie is waiting with bated breath for her VCE results (Dec 15). I cannot believe that all 4 of my 'babies' have now left school! She would prefer that I do not go to her graduation on the 17th but there's no way that I'll miss it! She has filled in her UCAS form for UK Uni's next October but we have to wait and see about that! In the meantime she and I are going to enjoy exploring HK. She has just been off on "schoolies" with 3 of her friends, down to the Mornington Peninsula, staying on a campsite. I am sure she enjoyed it although she came back injured from playing on trampolines etc. "Schoolies" is the Aussie tradition where kids who have finished their final exams go off for a holiday to recover. I think they need to recover from "schoolies"!
I am gradually shutting down on my activities here. I don't think I have quite done my last Tupperware party yet but I am getting close. I am no longer treasurer for Bayside expats or Black Rock House and tomorrow will be my last Book Club. I have to give 4 weeks notice for the Bank so think I will be giving that in around Christmas time. The branch where I work is going to be quite different as several of us seem to be moving on just now!
Anyway that's about all for now - email us on our new email addresses - and I will let you know our new postal addresses as soon as I know them!
All the best for a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year!!
Sue, Kevin, Tom, Aiden, Dan, Matt and Sophie
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