GONE TO THE BEACH

Well kidddies, it's the time of year when I must love and leave you. Christmas is almost upon us and I still have so much to do. I'll be heading to the beach on Boxing Day, hopefully the rain will stay away this time.

I wish you and your families a magical Christmas and a Happy New Year. I know some of you won't be getting presents from Santa this year because you have been very bad, hehe. Enjoy the pressies, your friends and families, eat and drink too much. If your family are anything like mine...try not to strangle the one family member who always drives you crazy.

Be good or bad. If you're gonna be bad, I want to hear all about it when I return. See you in the new year!

Lots of hugs, kisses, snogs and a few slaps. Love KB xxxxxxx

P.S I'll leave you with some pics I took last time I went to beach. There aren't many because it rained most of the time.

QUESTIONABLE CHRISTMAS GIFTS

I had an item I wanted to include with a Christmas pressie and wasn't sure if I could send it via mail. I decided to log onto the NZ Post website to check. Here's what I discovered:



WHILE PROHIBITED ITEMS MAY APPEAR HARMLESS, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES THEY CAN EASILY BECOME DANGEROUS.


I had an item I wanted to include with a Christmas pressie and wasn't sure if I could send it via mail. I decided to log onto the NZ Post website to check. Here's what I discovered:



WHILE PROHIBITED ITEMS MAY APPEAR HARMLESS, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES THEY CAN EASILY BECOME DANGEROUS.




There followed a list of the usual suspects: cigarette lighters, aerosol cans...

The list became more intriguing as I read on: explosives, grenades, radioactive materials, infectious substances


THESE ITEMS AND SUBSTANCES MAY BE SENT ONLY IF PACKAGED CORRECTLY. NZ POST WILL ENDEAVOUR TO MAKE THE ITEM SAFE OR RETURN THE ITEM TO YOU.


Oh, it's too much. I can't stop laughing. Wonder how I package and infectious substance correctly? Looks like I'll be having those grenades I sent out returned to me and I'll have to rethink some of my Christmas gifts this year, LMAO!

There followed a list of the usual suspects: cigarette lighters, aerosol cans...

The list became more intriguing as I read on: explosives, grenades, radioactive materials, infectious substances


THESE ITEMS AND SUBSTANCES MAY BE SENT ONLY IF PACKAGED CORRECTLY. NZ POST WILL ENDEAVOUR TO MAKE THE ITEM SAFE OR RETURN THE ITEM TO YOU.

Oh, it's too much. I can't stop laughing. Wonder how I package and infectious substance correctly? Looks like I'll be having those grenades I sent out returned to me and I'll have to rethink some of my Christmas gifts this year, LMAO!

OUR PRIME MINISTER...ISN'T SHE A BEAUTY!!!!

RECENT TERRORIST ACTIVITY HAS CAUSED THE LABOUR PARTY TO TAKE MEASURES IN ORDER TO PROTECT THEIR LEADER. FOR SECURITY REASONS, THEY HAVE SUGGESTED THAT HELEN HAVE A MUSLIM NAME.
SO, FROM NOW ON, PLEASE REFER TO HER BY HER NEW MUSLIM NAME:










SELDOM BIN LAYED


Have never thought Helen was a good advertisement for NZ. Don't be afraid, she's not a typical NZ woman, hehe!

THIRTEEN SLEEPS AND COUNTING...EEK!

I always imagined Christmas preparations would be something I'd get better at with age, but it seems the older I get, the less prepared I am.

Haven't written any cards or bought any presents but I've finally put the Christmas tree up.

Feels strange decorating the tree in 24 degree heat. I've been living in New Zealand for 25 years and the only thing I miss is a white Christmas. I don't think I'll ever become accustomed to Christmas in summer.

STRETCH YOUR MINDS KIDDIES

A mind that is stretched to a new idea never returns to it’s original dimension.

Oliver Wendell Holmes

A YEAR AGO TODAY

It’s been a year since I gave up work and I feel like I’ve been on holiday ever since. Where has the time gone?

Hubby and I decided it was time for me to stop working because I was missing out on travelling the world with him. Thought I may as well take the opportunity to travel now while I’m still young.

I’ve been lucky to go on five overseas trips this year. I’ve taken a cruise (something I’ve always dreamed of), visited Hong Kong for the first time and re-visited some old favourites. I haven’t missed working but I occasionally miss the people; usually when hubby is away on his travels.

Thinking back, I was surprised by the fact I didn’t know most of you a year ago. Bizarre really as I consider some of the people I’ve met through Helium and Blogspot my dearest friends.

I’d like to say a special thank you to Toadee. He’s the friend who introduced me to Helium, if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t know any of you. Feel free to thank or slap him for that, LOL.

Anyway, thanks to all of you for your support, kind words, laughter, friendship and sharing your blog thoughts with me.

Love you all, well most of you, hehe. Here’s to many more years of friendship and laughter.

Cheers
KB

WHEN IT'S OK TO USE PROFANITY

Love KB
x

GONE TO THE BEACH

Back in a few days.

Be good.

Love KB



xxx

A ZOO WITHOUT CAGES

Spent a wonderful day out with Meg and family at the Open Zoo. Obviously, it's not completely open but as close as you can get.

We spent the whole day there, the sun was shining, we toured the zoo on a safari bus and the youngster had a ball.



Love KB
x

I'M LOSING TRACK OF HOW MANY NIECES AND NEPHEWS I HAVE!

I've been uploading some vids today of all the little darlings I visited while in Australia. I have put these on the blog more for the benefit of myself and family. I know other people's home vids can be boring but please feel free to have a look.

Everyone say AWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

Love KB
x

ATTACHED AT THE HIP

This little darling followed me around the whole time. We spent several hours playing Connect 4 (I never want to see that game again) and other board games.

She's a real chatter box. I was thrilled to see her performing in the show with her brother and sister.


Here she is performing (as usual), while she was b-b-qing during a thunder
storm...hmm!





Love KB
x

SHE'S A BIG SIS NOW

The way she looks out for her little sis already is adorable.

She was excited to be going to the zoo and wanted to show me how many animals she'd packed in her handbag for the journey.



Love KB
x

THE YOUNGSTER

He's always trying to shoot me with his toy gun. Should I be afraid?

Love KB

HE LIKES CHEESE

Isn't he a cutie!

He's a talented boy. I was very excited to see him perform ballet for the first time in front of an audience. Jacob and half a dozen young ladies - sounds like a perfect way to pick up girls to me, hehe.

Love KB
x

I SEE A CHEESE THEME

Jana performed in the same show as her brother and sister. She was fantastic! I still can't believe how grown up she is now.

Love KB
x

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISSY

Dearest friend,

I want the blog world to know it's your birthday and how much you mean to me!

I can't believe that this time last year I didn't even know you. You are so wonderful, sweet, kind, considerate, loyal, funny...the list goes on and on.

Thank you for being my friend and listening to me ramble on about my worries. Sometimes I don't know where I would have been without you. I'm just praying you don't lose your mind and decide to tell the world about my deep, dark secrets. What a best seller that would be.

Enjoy what's rest of your birthday
Love you heaps girl
Don't ever change
Here's to many more years of friendship

Love KB


xxxxx

IS IT A DOG OR A RAT?

I'd like to introduce you to my niece's wee dog, she calls him Rambo and I call him Rambo Rat. She's going to kill me for saying that. He has to wear a little doll's coat when he gets cold (much to my amusement). Me thinks RAMBO isn't a name I would have chosen for him. What do you think?

Dickiebo is going to have a field day with this one! *giggles*

Love KB
x

INTRODUCING...ILLIA

Here's one of the reasons for our recent visit to Australia. She's finally been named, yay, I won't have to call her THE BABY any more.

Isn't she a cutie!

I'm always a little wary of babies. My youngest step-daughter was at the crawling stage when I met her and never having given birth myself, I'm not used to being around newborns. I couldn't believe how much time Illia spent on the breast! Yikes, it was like Meg had another appendage. Illia's a very good baby and I'm so happy I was able to spend some time with her.

More pics tomorrow.

Love KB
x

WHOSE PLANS

It takes courage to do what you want.
Other people have a lot of plans for you.

Joseph Campbell


Something to remember this holiday season.

Love KB
x

WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION

When was the last time you heard of a blonde woman from New Zealand, blowing up a plane with a tube of toothpaste??? Ridiculous, isn't it!

Before entering airport security, every liquid or smearable product in a passenger's hand luggage has to be placed in a see-through bag and shown to a security officer. It's a waste of time if you ask me - most of the time they don't even look at the items.

Once, I forgot to empty my water bottle, was taken aside and given the third degree. I felt like a criminal.

Recently at Heathrow airport, getting through security involved: queuing for 90 mins with hundreds of people, almost passing out from the heat, and showing my little baggy and passport to half the airport staff. Followed by, a further 20 mins of queuing to enter the gate lounge. I was exhausted before I even boarded the plane. What a nightmare.

Why aren't security personnel profiling travelers instead of making people like me display our deodorants, lip balms, toothpaste etc, in a little plastic bag? Come on people, what kind of terrorist attack can I possibly perform with the use of my LIP BALM!

Love KB
x

I OWE MY MOTHER

Wanted to share this funny email I received this morning. Hope you likey.

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished
cleaning."

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle
of next week!"

4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
< "Because I said so, that's why."

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not
going to the store with me."

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

7. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.
" If I've told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't
exaggerate!"

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.
"Stop acting like your father!"

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who
don't have wonderful parents like you do."

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait until we get home."

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home!"

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze
that way."

19. My mother taught me ESP.
< Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"

20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to
me."

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

24. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you

Love KB
x

HONG KONG BY NIGHT

The first time I visited Honkers I remember being upset by seeing young prostitutes on every corner. This time I was more disturbed by the fact I wasn't even noticing them anymore. Here's a little convo hubby and I had about this very subject.

Me - Where have all the hookers gone?

Him - There's one

Me - OMG, look at her hair and her boots. Almost want to pick her up myself.

Him - Erm, that's a bloke hun

Yikes, she/he was beautiful but on closer inspection, definitely a man.

Hubby is a pilot and travels with different people on each trip. The crew are usually great company but I especially enjoyed this time because one of the pilots was a woman. Sometimes the blokes get together and talk about planes for hours (slight exaggeration but it seems like hours) so it was nice to have a lady to talk to about other things.

I did feel a little sorry for her actually because she told us she wasn't much of a drinker so we dragged her to ladies night at the pub. Free drinks for the ladies all night; that's my kind of place. She proceeded to drink quite a few spirits and I had to walk her home.

Was happy to leave the place actually. There were quite a few desperate looking older men there. Quite sickening that some men have to wait till a woman is half sloshed till they try and pick her up. Tsk!

Anyway, a good time was had by all and my new friend had a sore head to show for it in the morning, hehe.

Love KB
x

THE SEXIEST MAN ALIVE

MATT DAMON, was recently named sexiest man alive by People magazine. Well, it's about time! Handsome, intelligent, witty, talented and humble. You certainly get my vote Matt.

BTW, thanks for the info M. I've been sitting here staring at him for an hour. LOL.

*stares again*

*faints*

Love KB
x

It's my cyber daughter's birthday

Happy Birthday sweetheart, have a fantastic day and I'll talk to you tonight.

Lots of Love
KB
xxxooo

I don't remember packing that!!!!!

I woke this morning to find this little darling in my suitcase. Maybe she's hoping I'll take her on my next trip away. Hehe.

Love KB
x

We're Going To The Zoo, Zoo, Zoo

Recently while in London, we took a trip to the zoo. I'm always excited by the prospect of seeing animals but have mixed feelings about zoos. I realise some of the species which are near extinction are in there to help continue the species but look at this beautiful girl. I shed a few tears when I saw her; locked up and bored out of her mind. Wonder what she's thinking.





I the rest of the day was good; the butterfly house and the aquarium being the areas I enjoyed the most.




Love KB
x

*rushes in*

I'm back, I'm exhausted, need another holiday to recover...hehe. Have lots of pics to share but heading out to a birthday party tonight so you'll have to wait till tomorrow.

Missed you nutters
Later
Love KB
xxx

I'm outta here...AGAIN!

Yikes, I haven't even finished telling you all about my last trip and I'm off again on my travels.

Heading to Australia to visit my nieces and nephews (including the new arrival). I'm hoping to update while I'm away but don't fancy my chances; the families I am staying with have a total of 6 kids. I'll probably need another holiday when I return, hehe. Really looking forward to it anyway.

Be good while I'm away and if you can't - make sure you tell me all about it when I return.

See you in a couple of weeks
Love KB
xxxooo

A Drop Of Culture

Our first day in London was a busy one. The weather was great...GASP. We decided to toddle over to the Natural History Museum for a look see.

Hubby and I both love museums but we shouldn't really visit together, (I'm sure he will agree with me here). I wander around aimlessly looking at the displays, playing with all the gadgets and having the occasional read if I find something interesting. Hubby, on the other hand, has to read EVERY WORD. I remember one such outing where I had been around a whole section of a museum and he was still in the corridor. This would be a typical conversation.

Me - OMG, are you still back here? My feet are killing me, can we go now?

Him - Why don't you read more of the info Karen?

Me - I don't have to, you'll tell me all the good bits.

Him *raises eyebrows and walks off*

Hehe.
The museum was great and well worth a look if you're in the neighbourhood.

We took Grace and a couple of her friends out in the evening. Hubby visits Grace once a month and she usually spends the whole time eating, as Dad is paying. OMG that girl can eat! We enjoyed our steaks while being entertained by a street fight. Four men, who had obviously been drinking, decided to jump out of their cars and pound each others faces. Disturbing yet fascinating to watch.

Headed over to the pub after dinner to watch England play in the World Cup. I never thought I'd be over in England watching them in the semis. I thought I'd be watching NZ and gloating. Serves me right I guess.

All in all, a wonderful day.

Love KB
x

Back To The Mother Land

I was born in England so it's always a treat to visit. I was especially excited this time around because I would be catching up with Grace (one of my step-daughters). I hadn't seen in her in almost five months. Hubby and I didn't see her the day we arrived in London; partly because she was working and erm because I fell asleep in the hotel and didn't wake up until the next day. Hubby tried to wake me and take me out to the pub to watch Rugby World Cup but apparently I told him to F off and went back to sleep.

We spent two whole days with Grace and I loved every minute of it. I've been worried about her being so far away from home but she seems to be settled now. I'm very proud of her.

It's such a shame I didn't have more time in England. I have so many friends and family over there I would have liked to spend time with. Maybe next time.I have some pics of the places we visited while in UK but my dinner is ready now so I'll post them tomorrow.

Love KB
x

Happy Birthday Toadee

I know this birthday will be bitter sweet for you but please try to enjoy it as much as you can. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Happy Birthday ((((((((((Tim)))))))))))))
xxx

Love KB
x

Happy Halloween

I bought a huge bag of sweets to give to the Trick or Treaters. Hopefully, they'll stay away like they did last year and I can eat them all myself. Hehe!!

Love KB
x

My little cutie

It's not very exciting but I HAD to rub Dickiebo's nose in it after the show off comment. *giggles*






Love KB
x

Woohoo, I finally uploaded a wee vid

Yikes, I've been trying to get this loaded for about three weeks. Must have to hold your mouth a certain way for it work...hehe. Now that I know it works, I'll annnoy you with more vids on a regular basis. You've probably noticed, I'm more into visuals than writing. *wink*
BTW, sorry about the sound quality but I don't have the heart to remove it since it's taken me so long to get in on here. May be a good idea to turn the sound down a bit.
I'll make it more exciting next time...this was just a little experiment.





Love KB
x

Ocean Park, Hong Kong

Loved my time at Ocean Park. It's one of the most amazing oceanariums (is oceanaruim a real word) in the world and an amusement park.

The pandas looked happy enough but I don't like to see them in such small enclosures. *sigh*

The Dolphin University was cool. Those dolphins sure are smart.

The cable car ride to the main attractions was awesome. Breathtaking views of Repulse Bay.

Hubby made the most of the roller coaster rides . I joined him on the log ride, the most amusing part being a sign which advised us of the hazard of putting up umbrellas while on the ride. Surely, no one could be that stupid! Too funny.

Aquarium was fantastic. AIR CONDITIONING...could have stayed in there all day.

Love KB
x