In Catchup Mode

Mr Geniaus and I don't keep up with all the latest trends and we rarely watch shows on free to air television.

For two years we have heard people raving about Downton Abbey but we didn't catch the bug. One of our daughters obviously thought we were missing out on something so she bought me the first series on DVD for Mother's Day. She kept asking "Have you watched Downton Abbey yet?" and I'd have to reply that we hadn't.

So two nights ago before she asked again we decided to watch the first episode, last night we watched episodes two and three.

We are hooked.

If you, like us, are a bit slow on the uptake I suggest you find a copy of the series and watch it.

Hopefully Series Two might appear for my birthday (Hint, hint)

It amused the kids...

...and it's not an electronic gadget or game. It's my newest board game, Blokus.

What I love about this game is that I have played it with kids aged 5 to 12 as well as adults and everyone has a chance of winning. The rules are simple, the game can be over in around 15 to 20 minutes and even the littlies have a chance of winning. In fact, on the weekend, I was beaten by a six year old and a twelve year old in their first few games.

This game isn't kids play or a game of chance - it needs skill. The game requires some spatial skills and assists in the development of strategic skills.

I love Blokus. 

Thanks to my schoolfriend who brought her set away on a weekend trip and got me hooked.

Cecilia

Quite a while ago one of my schoolfriends suggested that I might enjoy a particular book; I noted in my list of books to read "Cecilia - nun book" and saved it to the list.  As we had been students together in a Catholic school my friend thought this book would strike a chord with me.

Another friend asked me a couple of weeks ago if I could help a member of our Historical Society who was having an issue with Blogger software. The lady who needed help had set up a travel blog for a 104 day cruise she was embarking on the next day. I proffered a little bit of advice and took a look at her blog, All about life, then I added it to my RSS subscriptions. I have been following that blog since then and have enjoyed Cecilia's regular posts from the cruise ship. She has a conversational writing style with touches of humour, her language is colourful (not blue) and descriptive.

When I read the biographical information about Cecilia on the blog I noted that she had written a book, "Cecilia-an Exnun's Extraordinary Story", I pondered when I saw this as it struck a chord. After a little while the penny dropped. It was probably the title suggested by my schoolmate. Of course I just had to have a copy. I logged onto the secondhand book site Fishpond and found there were two available for $8.47. I gave the credit card a little more exercise and waited... but not for long. Last Friday afternoon we found a package on the front doorstep.

Prior to dinner I pried open my parcel, the book was in good shape; I don't like dirty books (physically dirty that is). I started reading while I was cooking dinner and didn't stop until the book was finished the next day. I can see why my friend recommended it. Cecilia, a former Sister of Mercy, gave an honest warts and all account of her time in the cloisters and out in the world. She spilled the beans on some of the nunnish mysteries my friend and I wondered about at school around fifty years ago and all in that lovely writing style she demonstrates in her blog posts.

Set in the Hunter Region of New South Wales and Sydney where I live this book resonated with me as the places were so familiar. One huge suprise was when Cecilia mentioned a celebration for Sister Mary Casimir's jubilee. Sister Casimir was my 5th and 6th class teacher!

Anyone who has wondered what nun's did behind those closed doors as well as those who enjoy a well-written honest, heartfelt true story would enjoy this tale.

I am so pleased that Cecilia needed help with her blog. 

Where did the years go?

It seems that it wasn't so long ago that Mr Geniaus and I were chauffering one of our sons and his mate back and forth to orchestra recitals and musical performances at The Scots College. Simon, the mate, lived at a distance from the College so when there was an evening performance or rehearsal he often stayed overnight at our home.  My Mother, who used to come over and help me, loved Simon because he politely ate everything she served up to him.

Last night I took a happy snap of two successful boys men who have gone their separate ways but who are still mates although they live on separate sides of the world. My son, Jonathon, was hosting Simon for a short visit and invited us around for dessert and coffee. The years just melted away although we have only caught up Simon with a few times in the past 20 years. We had an enjoyable time reminiscing with the boys, talking about their careers and families and future aspirations.

Simon and Jonathon

As a Mum I am proud of Jonathon, a successful Sydney neurosurgeon, who is also Head of the Neurosurgery Department at The Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney. 

I claim Simon as one of our family circle and am justifiably proud of his efforts. Simon Murphy moved to The Netherlands to further his music studies after he completed his tertiary studies in Sydney. He established an orchestra, The New Dutch Academy, in 2002  and since then has made quite a name for himself on the international music scene.  As I sit here and listen to one of the CDs Simon has made with the orchestra I am rather impressed.

Simon's present trip to Australia was to perform as guest conductor of The Queensland Symphony Orchestra. His two programs were Roman Holiday and New Generation.

These two chaps are still not yet 40, I wonder what their futures will bring.

Can't believe I forgot my camera...

...but I remembered to pack two spare batteries when we played tourists in our own city a couple of nights ago.

Thankfully I had reminded Mr Geniaus to take his camera to Sydney's Vivid Festival (a festival of light, music and ideas) where a number of buildings around the Harbour are lit up and just a few become the canvases for spectacular light and music shows. The weather was balmy (for winter), the crowds were manageable and the atmosphere reminded me of the time around the 2000 Olympics. It was a photographers' paradise - I have never seen so many tripods.

As one of my Facebook friends who emigrated here from Holland said
"Not just the best country in the world not just the best city in the world but also the most beautiful city in the world!"

Here are a few of Mr Geniaus' snaps:

The Coathanger

Luna Park - Just for Fun

Sails of the Opera House

Circular Quay - even the train station is all lit up

Customs House

A Busker's light show

The Museum of Contemporary Art

What? No batteries.

One of my Facebook friends, Sharon, shared this today. Thanks heavens my eleven little people know what it is.

First visit

Tucking in with the Ballboys at their fave Scottish restaurant. Little brother seemed to enjoy his first visit.