City Camp

HRH and her little charges (grades 3 and 4) along with other teachers and some parents have just spent an amazing and hectic 3 days in Melbourne as part of our 'urban' experience. We visited some fabulous places - The Aquarium, The M.C.G., Albert Park, MSAC , Queen Victoria Market. We stayed at Melbourne Discovery in Franklin Street and used public transport and our legs to get around town. We ate at Trios at Southbank and Notturno's on Lygon Street, Carlton. A great time was had by all. We managed to bring all the cherubs home to their parents! All needed a lot of sleep over the weekend.

Southbank in the Summer

HRH and her Consort visited Southbank last weekend. We met up with Lord and Lady Tambourine, from Queensland. They were visiting relatives for the weekend. We enjoyed a pleasant afternoon watching the sights of Southbank (Melbourne) and catching up with each other. There is always something happening here!

A Murder Mystery

HRH and family were invited to the birthday dinner of Lord Quentin Daventry. A very excited HRH, Consort, Duke and Duchess dressed with care (to impress) and travelled by coach to The Retreat Hotel for the much awaited dinner. Lord Daventry has been a family friend for a long time. He has fallen on hard times (debauchery, gambling), but nonetheless, the dinner should be a gathering of the 'who's who'.

But, Alas, unfortunately a sad demise, murder, no less! A total of 3 guests and one of the staff met their untimely end (and were unable to finish their dinner!). It was great fun, we all enjoyed a night of hilarity and good conversation.

Fun at the Vines!

The 3 Stooges, as they appeared at The Vines on Saturday night.

Victorian fires.

The view from the Castle on Saturday morning (a week after the day from Hell). Smoke from the still burning fires helped create an eerie sensation. A pungent, smokey smell, oppressive atmosphere, The Little Druumer Princess finds breathing difficult (asthma), the sun all but blocked. A reminder of the difficulties faced by the residents and volunteers fighting for survival in Healesville, Kinglake, Marysville and nearby areas. We are far away and still we have this!

The Consort goes ROAD!

The Consort decides to buy a road bike to try and get fit. Spurred on by his brother-in-law, The Baron Von Myrtle. The Consort gets 'fitted out' at Jones Cycles in Frankston. Very helpful staff set up a bike, complete with computer (so HRH is able to check distances travelled, OR NOT!), new helmet, repair kit and the list goes on and on and on..... A great Valentines Day gift for the much loved Consort. The Baroness Von Myrtle asked for a computer to be fitted to The Baron's new bike as well. Does that mean we don't trust our husbands???

The pool is finished, the decking complete, the garden 'a work in progress'. HRH and the royals has enjoyed many hours of heat relief over the past few weeks. A big thanks to Dean (our resident landscaper and master of all trades), his wife for renting him out, and all tradies who helped us. The Consort still grumbles about looking after the pool, but HRH does what she can, even eliciting the services of the Princess on the odd occasion.

Bush Fires

The devastating fires in Victoria have had the amazing affect of bringing the unlikely together. Our school raised over $3ooo today as a result of a 'free dress' day. Kids and teachers came to school in clothes of their choice. Thanks to all of you for your generosity. We are a little school (420) but we have big hearts. We had a bush fire drill today as well. As we are in a bush setting, we must be vigilant too! Go to this link for up to date news on the fires and the relief effort. The Herald Sun. I took these photos as I was taking The Little Drummer Princess to work, we got as far as the end of our street and this is what greeted us! Too close for comfort.

A year of birthdays

HRH is excited! She is turning 50 this year. What a hoot it will be! Keep an eye on this space for more information. Not only is it HRH's 50th, but it will be The Consort's son's 18th, the Little Drummer Princessess 18th AND the Queen Mother's 70th.

HRH is teaching a grade 3 / 4 class this year. Visit their blog to see what is happening.

The Royal Band in Action

People come from the four corners of the Realm to hear the Royal Band. This snap was taken during an intense 'jam' session using Guitar Hero - a Christmas present to the Princesses.

homeward Bound!

The many sights to be had on the way to or from Birdsville. Paddy melons abound by the roadside near Sealake.

Barren, dry, we are in a drought.

Silos stand empty, making a forlorn backdrop to the now quiet towns. Gone is the busyness and bustling of the towns dotted along the rail lines. Please God send more rain. Please humans - be more careful in your use of our precious water.

The Littlest member of the Royal family enjoying her first Christmas. She was the centre of attention for the entire day. It was hot in Birdsville! But the Royals had plenty of amber ale, coke and wine on tap along with the 27 bags of ice needed over the 2 days of festivities! The ham, turkey, prawns and pudding wre eaten with gusto. Dinner was home made ravioli and sauce. I don't know where the diners managed to put it, maybe they had 3 stomachs (like the cow) and just used the first 2 for lunch! Thanks Lord and Lady Brewer for a lovely time in your new home.

MonaVie

Monavie is a drink that helps people eat fruit and make it easier to get as close to 6 servings of fruit as possible. Monavie drinkers pay $2.50 a day per person. Try to go to the store and buy a handful of acai berries, an apricot, a handful of purple grapes, a handful of white grapes, a handful of cranberries, a handful of blueberries, a pear, a kiwi, a pomegranate, a passion fruit, some camu camu, a banana, a nashi pear, a lychee fruit, a Glucosamine pill and a prune and see if you can leave the store under $2.50. And see if you can do it in under 2 minutes. That's as long as it takes me to drink 30ml of Monavie twice a day. This makes sense to me and it's easier than taking vitamins. If you are interested in drinking the juice or marketing the juice, I will be glad to help you.

Princess Niece # 4

Doing an on-the-spot rendition of the Pulp Fiction move made famous by Uma Thurman, Princess #4 entertained the kitchen helpers during the afternoon.

The Jumping Castle

The children enjoying the jumping castle

Christening at St Luke's Uniting Church

The Spit Roasts

Lamb on a spit. ..................................... Pig on a spit.

The Christening Cake!

Birdsville - The Royal Christening

The long Melbourne Cup weekend saw most of the Royal family enjoying a rare family gathering in Birdsville. The occasion? The Christening of our youngest royal - Princess Heaven. All hands were on deck to aid Lord and Lady Brewer as they prepared their summer home for the gathering. Guests travelled from far and wide for this momentous occasion. The jumping castle was a big hit with all attendees! The buffet and spit roasts were magnificent, the desserts glorious. Lady Brewer made the christening cake herself (and did a fine job). HRH helped with the decorating, both were pleased with the results. The Royal Guard was able to leave early to take up his other royal duties, knowing we were very safe. The Queen Mother held court graciously, whilst the Princesses all did a great job, helping in the kitchens and entertaining Little Heaven. Lord No-a-lot danced to the Queen Mother's tune with a spring in his step. He even celebrated his own birthday quietly, so that Little Heaven could have all the limelight on her special day. The Consort gave the Royal chaffeur a break on the trip home and drove ALL the way.

THE FETE!

TREASURE ISLAND

PLANTS GALORE! (cheap too)

The Consort on sausage cooking duty.

Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hastings, held their annual fete today, 18th October. It was great fun, a beautiful day, lots of bargins, games, face painting, bric a brac and raffles. Hopefully a lot of money was raised to help us continue to do God's work in the Hastings community.

HRH and The Consort enjoying the pool. It has been a long process (much longer than quoted), waiting for our new pool to be complete and 'swimmable'. HRH has been in every day since the pool opened for the Royals to use. HRH is very content and loving her pool. LDP and The Consort have been in ONCE! The Solar heating works a treat! There are still issues with the filtration system and staining to the interior, but hopefully the pool company will honour their contract and promises and fix it soon.

Specialist entrance at Cabrini

It certainly felt like Spring and looked like Spring, and IT was Spring! These beautiful gardens are for you to enjoy as you enter the Consulting Suites at Cabrini Hospital. LDP and HRH went there recently to see the Royal Opthalmologist, James, to have our regular eye check. Not only is James thorough, but he has a pleasant 'bedside' manner. Since the sad passing of Michael, our usual Opthalmologist, the Royals have been visiting James. LDP and HRH have healthy eyes and don't need to see James for 2 years!

The Royal Hairdressers

The Little Drummer Princess and HRH take a long overdue visit to the Royal Hairdressers in Somerville, Metamorphic. Mel, Grace and the girls are happy to do all they can to meet your hair requests. They love to spend time with you advising on styles, colours and product to make the most of your crowning glory. Give them a call. We were both very pleased with the results. You might notice that HRH has a considerable 'chop'! The Consort was not entirely happy.

Entertaining our NZ visitors

HRH was visited by her little NZ family members. Grade 3 helped entertain them during a picnic lunch and subsequent sunny afternoon. We took tables outside, coloured, played soccer, skipping games and used remote control cars. Fun for all!

A Celebration!

HRH celebrated her birthday with the help of her 'buddy' and class. 'Buddy' R not only came armed with pressies, but also these lovely platters of goodies to share. We all had a lovely time over morning tea. We were the envy of many who watched our small party in awe! Thank you very much 'Buddy' R.

Elmo and Celest

The Consort loves his new little niece, Lady Celest. He played with her and Elmo for ages at our recent family gathering.

Warrior leaves reservation!

Nephew of HRH, Once Were Warrior, left the reservation briefly to attend a family gathering.

OWW was even caught holding the newest family member, Lady Celest.

At the entrance to the Hyatt Regency at Sanctuary Cove we viewed the transport awaiting the newly weds.
Scones with jam and cream were the first delicacies to arrive for our High tea.

Followed by Panne cotta, finger sandwiches, cakes and tea and hot chocolates. The afternoon was a wonderful way to wind down after a busy week.

Shopping in Kingscliff

A variety of gifts and homewares for the discerning eye. Browse 'til your heart's content. An experience not to be missed for the serious shopper. Contact Kathryn at Designing Styles by visiting her website to see what they have.

Watching surfers catching waves just south of Kingscliff.

Miss Jane and HRH went for a drive to N.S.W. We enjoyed breakfast in Kingscliff and sat on seats on the pavement outside the cafe. Along the pavement, these disks designate where the seating must remain behind so as not to encroach into pedestrians pathways.

HRH leaving on a jet plane

HRH's pilot preparing for our flight to Brisbane. Virgin airlines are very helpful when transporting the Royals. HRH is escorted on to the aircraft BEFORE all other passengers.

The Royal Gardens

The Royal Gardens are producing lovely fresh veggies for the Castle. HRH and the Consort are enjoying saving taxes and spending less.

A Day in the life of HRH

An early morning visit to the Pearcedale Farmers Market. Lots of goodies to choose from.
Followed by a visit to our favourite pool shop to get our pool water tested.
A lovely view from the pool shop window.

Hail! Rain! Shine!

The view from the Castle window at 6 p.m. on Friday evening!

The hail came thick and fast! But it excited the Consort.

The Royal Hockey Manager

Whilst it is often difficult to get good help, H.R.H. is very pleased with the under 9's hockey team manager. It is help like this that makes it possible for the Kingdom to run junior hockey. Well done Mr T.

The Royal Gardens

H.R.H. ventured out to the Royal Gardens early this morning. The Castle residents slept on... and ... on. Broccoli and spring onions growing abundantly. H.R.H. picked some broccoli to blanche and freeze. Turnips were planted in the plot, and space prepared for the upcoming peppers and butter beans. Praise God for rain and sunshine!

Speech rehearsals

H.R.H. and Lady Di discussing their speeches prior to delivering them to the masses. Note: The Consort reminded the Royals to think of the audience in their underwear, to help overcome any nerves that may have been lingering.

Quilters Are We!

Patchwork quilt in the making. The Mahogany Quilters will quilt these squares of old photos, showing time advancing, to be displayed at the Mahogany Neighbourhood Centre.

Mahogany Neighbourhood Centre

25 years of hard work is celebrated in style! H.R.H. and Lady Di were treated to scones with jam and cream; chicken and avocado fingers; champagne and o.j.; and many more tempting morsels. We thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon, renewing old acquaintances, reminiscing; networking and just enjoying ourselves. With over 100 subjects and dignitaries in attendance, H.R.H. and Lady Di WOWED! everyone. Thanks to organisers and all!

Images galore!

A collage of images to feast your eyes on

Tuppence a bag!

Not on the steps of Saint Paul's today ..... but outside South

Melbourne Market in Coventry Street. Hence the song - very apt.

Early each day to the steps of Saint Paul's
The little old bird woman comes.
In her own special way to the people she calls,
"Come, buy my bags full of crumbs.
Come feed the little birds, show them you care
And you'll be glad if you do.
Their young ones are hungry,
Their nests are so bare;
All it takes is tuppence from you."
Feed the birds, tuppence a bag,
Tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag.
"Feed the birds," that's what she cries,
While overhead, her birds fill the skies.
All around the cathedral the saints and apostles
Look down as she sells her wares.
Although you can't see it, you know they are smiling
Each time someone shows that he cares.
Though her words are simple and few,
Listen, listen, she's calling to you:
"Feed the birds, tuppence a bag,
Tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag." (written by the Sherman Brothers, sung by Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins)

The Royal Jewels

The celebrated P.A. has purchased a new crown for H.R.H. It is valued and treasured. Insured against grumpy moods, tears, frowns, hard knocks and disloyal subjects, H.R.H. is sure to enjoy wearing her 'little

wonder'!

In the mix?

I was all mixed up!

Saving Lives!

The helipad at the Alfred Hospital gets a lot of use. Helicopters arriving with their patients. Right on top of Commercial Rd. Thank God for modern medicine and facilities in Australia.

I was Spotted!

A visit to a local 'housewares' shop. A lot of merchandise that I (along with the trusted P.A.) loved looking at. Spots on utensils are obviously very 'chic'.

Hot! Jam! Hot!

For the Northern Connection! I hope you enjoyed every one!

Personal Dietitian needed!

SweetiePies @ Sth Melbourne Market (shop 37) was enough to
entice H.R.H. and her P.A. to forgo their 'healthy eating' regime
for a short time. Call Roxanne for catering ideas and gluten free products (03 96993947). Well done Sweetie Pies!

A smorgasboard of choice at the local deli at South Melbourne Market. H.R.H. and her P.A. marvelled in the choice and H.R.H. enjoyed her shopping expedition.

TheChocolateLover

A feast for your eyes and stomach!
Visit TheChocolateLover or email Pierre@thechocolatelover.com.au to ask about their fine chocolates. They occupy stall 34 at the South Melbourne Market.

First Stop!

Our first stop was at the USA stand, Sweets on South(stand 209). We chatted with Nathan, who obliged my P.A. and I by helping choose our purchases carefully. He was excited to learn about our blogging and allowed us to take lots of photos of his merchandise. If you are in the area, say hello to Nathan and his mum, they will be very happy to help you.

Market Day!

H.R.H. begins her day. Arriving at South Melbourne Market (in cognito) with her trusted P.A.

Never to old to learn!

H.R.H. spent the day at the Education Show at the Caulfield Racecourse. 'WE' believe something new can be learnt every day. Today H.R.H. learnt something new about Severe Language Impairment, Auditory processing and how these challenges can factor into a child's ability to process and retain new language. Very interesting!
There will be some new strategies trialled in my classroom......

Elvis has left the building

The Drummer Princess was hard at her artistic best. She presented this ink sketch to the Consort as a gift some time ago. It had pride of place in the family room, but is on its way to 'pool room' (The Castle) as a prized trophy. Be on the look out for more of the Drummer Princess' work.

Mahogany Neighbourhood Centre

The Old building and the new .

Happy 25 years Mahogany Neighbourhood Centre!

More than 25 years ago, H.R.H. was part of an energetic group who had a vision. That vision was in the form of a Neighbourhood House, much needed in the Frankston North area. What began as a vision, became a reality. There has been a name change, but essentially things are the same. Well done to those who have helped keep our vision alive!
Our History:
In 1983 the City of Frankston purchased a former Ministry of Housing rent office at 2 Candlebark Crescent, Frankston North. A fourteen member "Neighbourhood House Action Group" worked for the building to become a Neighbourhood House. Pines Neighbourhood House opened on 13 September 1983 and became an Incorporated Association in March 1984. In December 1998 we moved into the brand new purpose-built Mahogany Community Centre at 26 Mahogany Avenue, Frankston North. Our name was changed to Mahogany Neighbourhood Centre Inc. in September 2001.
Originally we serviced the local community including 400 defence force homes (long since handed back to the Ministry of Housing, many of which are now privately owned). We now have people from all over the Mornington Peninsula participating in classes and activities, including men, women, children, youth, people with disabilities, culturally & linguistically diverse, older people. Progam planning is always based on community needs.
Funding was minimal until 1989 when we were granted funding under the State Government Neighbourhood House Co-ordination Program. Currently we receive funding from Frankston City Council, Department of Community Planning & Development, Department of Human Services, Communities for Children and various purpose-specificl grants.
There is an increasingly strong sense of community in the Pines, together with pride and ownership of the Neighbourhood Centre.
Mahogany Neighbourhood Centre is a dynamic community based organisation working with local residents to act on issues in the local area.
H.R.H. and Lady Di have been invited to say a few words at the upcoming 25th celebrations on Tuesday 12th August.

Working Hard

The Consort supervises the first of the Israeli's artworks to adorn the Castle's walls.
Hung! And looking good.

New Shoes

H.R.H. BEING FITTED WITH HER NEW FOOTEAR. Looking good H.R.H.

Cultural exchanges

Our exchange student on his last day with us at the Castle. Mitsuhiro enjoyed yet another taste of our ice-cream - his mother will have to let out the waist of his clothes. The only thing Mitsuhiro enjoyed eating more was steak! He and the Consort enjoyed a few big ones during his visit. Then a fitting end was a long walk on a short pier. Frankston turned on brisk weather as the Consort and his charge braved the elements for a last look at our coastline.

Tulips

What a lovely gift. Tulips for H.R.H. as a thankyou from a grateful subject. These beautiful flowers are gracing the coffee table in the royal family room.

Shalom Art!

The Israeli Artists paid the Castle a visit. The Consort was very taken with their artwork. He invited them back so H.R.H. could view their wares. H.R.H. loved some of their contempary work. The Castle are raising taxes of the Court to pay for the purchases, so expect to hear from the Saltbush tax department in the near future. 'WE' purchased 5 paintings and are pleased with our buy. Pay us a visit and feast your eyes!

Sunshine in Winter

Thecolourjane took these photos of the Castle, sunshine streaming in through the doors opening onto the pool decking. So lovely on a Winter's morning.

The Apprentice

The Apprentice has a new tattoo. But..... he didn't tell his mother. So, Mother Apprentice, here it is! It will be a few days before it can get wet, part of the healing process.

Dessert

Plum pudding

Main Course

Roast Beef, pork crackling, roast potatoes, pumpkin and steamed veges.

First Course

Deep fried Camembert with Cranberry Sauce

It's Christmas. It's July

The table is set!

need 'we' say more

Lovely! Thanks Mel.

H.R.H.'s good hair day

First step is consulting with Her Majesty's hairdresser. Mel, from Metamorphichair checks with H.R.H. about favoured colours.

Second step is tea and chocolates for H.R.H.

Thirdly, Mel uses foils to make H.R.H.'s luxurious hair even more so.

The Castle Electrician

H.R.H. is eternally grateful to her electrician and the apprentice! Going above and beyond the call of duty, Ben went for a dip in that very cold pool to retrieve those annoying tiles that the Consort so thoughtlessly dropped into the pool. Ben suffered a 'brain freeze', but was otherwise unharmed. Thanks, Ben.
Ben said the wet suit did little to help him in this quest.

The first dip

The Consort gets ready to take his first dip in the pool. He dropped some tiles in the pool and needed to retrieve them. All the Castle staff refused, even upon threats of sacking! What nerve! However, the water proved too cold for the Consort - a mere 10 degrees. He gave up very quickly.

Pool Lighting

Today the Castle was invaded by the most accomodating of workmen. Ben and the apprentice worked non stop to install new lighting around the Castle's pool. Ben even went for a dip to extract the Consort's tiles that he lowered into the pool (accidently). After recovering from 'brain freeze', Ben continued with his work.

Viewing with H.R.H.

An amazingly refreshing, heart warming watch! Thecolourjane and H.R.H. attended an exclusive screening of Mamma Mia yesterday. We laughed until our sides ached! What a blessing to see some of our most revered actors able to completely lose themselves in the task at hand. What a rapport the cast obviously built with each other to generate enthusiasm, fun and frivolity. Do your best to see this exciting and fun movie.

MEDICAL UPDATE

HRH is progressing well.
She is expecting to be able to return to the Castle within days.

She has been fitted for a new high-tech gizmo to control the royal knee.

An intense program of exercise and physio had been arranged.

Your every wish M'am

A room with a view (sort of)

HRH has been relocated to a more suitable room.

A somewhat better view and her own ahem, facilities.

Also perhaps it would be wise, at this juncture, to point out that I am HRH's PA.

I am here slaving over these posts, oh terribly sorry, it is with great delight and sense of purpose (not to mention job description) that I have been able to update the News here at Saltbush Castle.


Apparently the surgeon has made a decision: there will be no surgery.

There will however, be much physio. (oh joy!)

With postive thinking and support it is possible that HRH may yet enjoy her vacation north....albeit delayed.


Must dash..the corgis need um er supervising.

New Flash: HRH has accident.

The Royal Leg encased.

The Media room in the Hopsital
(do people really live with jus this..?)

The view from the royal bed....
not nice,
but the elderly ladies can't shut the door due to their walkers,
and HRH cannot get up to shut it.

During the abscense of her maid (who we are unable to name for legal reasons) HRH was left alone to struggle with the process of dressing. When one is unfamiliar with a task it becomes so much more difficult.

Dressed elegantly to go to 'din dins' with The King Consort, the penultimate task of putting on socks proved her undoing, so to speak, and the royal kneecap popped.

The end result of vast and energetic consultations by the royal physicians found HRH dispatched poste haste to a Hopsital.

HRH was 'not amused' to find herself surrounded by septa/octagenerians, and a peasant she recently sent a telegram to regarding her (the peasant's) 100th Birthday. (oh the tasks and burdens of royalty are as vast as they are demanding)

The Castle Restuarant

H.R.H. continues to wow them at the Castle with her culinary delights. The quiche was light and creamy, the steak cooked to perfection and the sticky date pudding with caramel sauce and ice cream was magnificent! The Consort is on a DIET! So we are trying to make healthier, low G.I. meals.

An Oasis?

Look what happened during the last storm at the Castle. But, never fear, my Consort is on the job. We now have these beautiful Dwarf Date Palms in both pots.

Thai eating

These are some of the great dishes enjoyed by H.R.H., The Consort, Miss Jane and the Orthopod on their last visit to the Castle. We were at Arada, our favourite local Thai restaurant in Hastings, south of Melbourne on the Westernport Peninsula.

The Little Drummer Princess sitting by the newly finished pool at the Castle. It has been a long wait. Just the final clean up and landscaping, then the Royals will be getting wet! H.R.H. is more excited than the Consort.

Grade 3's room

A shot of our classroom

Budgie 1 and Budgie 2

Our class budgies stand guard by our door. They are anxiously awaiting the move into their new home. A small avairy, which will live under the trees outside our room. We are trying to find someone to build us a weatherproof shelter to put in the avairy.

Stormy and her family

Mum and her babies. Born Monday 28th April. All well. Grade 3 love them to bits and they get cuddled all day! All babies will go to their new homes at the end of May.

Work, work, work!

H.R.H. has been busy teaching her charges how to use a blog. So, we have started out with a class blog where we can chat to each other, share information and have fun. The whole class have their own usernames and are able to log on to create posts and comment on others' posts. A new and challenging exercise for these intelligent 8 year olds. Check out our link!

Your Banquet awaits

Guests at the Castle enjoyed a night of fine wine and good food. Tonight's menu was prepared by the hands of H.R.H. in honor of her invited guests. H.R.H.'s aide and husband spent the night at the Castle.

All courses were cooked to perfection, under the watchful eye of the Consort.

A visit from Miss Jane

H.R.H. and family have been privileged to have their great friend, Miss Jane, staying at the Castle. The Castle staff managed to work around Miss Jane's 26hr body clock, allowing the Castle to essentially function as per normal. Miss Jane accompanied H.R.H. to work where Miss Jane shared her computer expertise with 23 young people, showing them how to create a photo scrapbook page of their very own. Thanks Miss Jane. H.R.H. will add more news and photos in the next few days.

Blu

Not only do we get a great waitress, who thinks the Consort should be a moose, yes a moose, but we had this great view from our table. Well done my King Consort.

Dinner

Dinner at Blu with my Consort. A fitting end to Valentine's Day.

The Hole takes shape

The pool is slowly taking shape. Concreting completed yesterday.

The Consort's flowers

My Valentine's Day flowers. Delivered to the work office early in the morn. The office girls refused to send them to my room. Their rationale - H.R.H. gets flowers every Valentine's Day, this year we want to enjoy them for a little while before we give them to her!

Pool at the Castle

Stage 2, 3, 4, and whatever comes next....

The pool at the Castle is beginning to take shape. BUT... beware...of what the pool companies neglect to tell you.

Check to see if you need to change gas metres, move electric metres, reroute any amenities to your property(storm water, electricity), costs you would not be expecting, but should have been warned about. But the King Consort is plodding on, chasing trades people to do work before the 'pool' construction can go to the next stage.

Maybe it will be ready to use by 2009???

In concert

Our Little 'Princess' belting out a piece at Church a couple of weeks ago. Sam regularly leads her Church Worship team through a range of songs praising and worshipping Jesus. She is supported by an ever improving team of singers and musicians. We love visiting and listening to her play as often as we can. Well done Princess!

My niece is growing

Baby Celestina enjoying a bath. H.R.H. arrived in time to help the proud new mum, Raelene while the ever attentive new dad watched to make sure everyone did a good job. She is a happy little thing, enjoying life as the first born to her doting parents. H.R.H. is a very proud aunty. Even the King Consort held Celstina today, without dropping her!!!

Lady Celestina. Born 17/01/08. The proud parents, Lord and Lady Brewer are pleased to announce the safe arrival of their first daughter, Celestina. H.R.H. is just as pleased to have this new and welcome addition to the royal family. She is tiny, unique and, of course, very special. Well done little sister!

A Seafood sauce

Ingredients needed to make your own Thousand Island Dressing. Necessary when you buy fresh seafood, get home and begin to prepare your meal, only to find out that you have no T. I. Dressing in the cupboard. Most people will have these ingredients, so don't despare. You can leave out the Tabasco if you don't have any. Enjoy!

Dinner at the Castle

Dinner at the Castle! H.R.H. created a magnificent 3 course meal to tempt her family last night. Fresh prawns and oysters were found at the Hastings Pier. Everyone enjoyed this treat. But.... now the royal family want H.R.H. to produce similar meals on a more regular basis. The prawns and oysters were followed by a scotch fillet - grilled with mushrooms, potatoes and a simple sauce of garlic, chilli and tomato. YUM!

Cheesecake with blueberries and cream

A delightful and fitting end to a lovely dinner. H.R.H. gave the chef the evening off to fly to Perth and watch the cricket (a present from the Royals). H.R.H. enjoys the opportunity to 'play' in the kitchen when the staff are not around. All guests complimented her on each course.

Toilets

H.R.H. had the pleasure? of using this molded toilet seat on a visit to the bathroom at her local physiotherapists. There must be something said for the shape and comfort offered to all and sundry when perched upon this magnificent abode. I wonder if this type of seating arrangement may revolutionise future manufacturing.

It's all in the hands

These are the hands that ease the aches of H.R.H.'S back and neck. Darren massages vital trigger points to soothe away those pesky knots and gently kneads until you are sighing with blissful pleasure. Everyone should experience a massage at least once. What a shame H.R.H. needs regular massages!

http://www.psmgroup.com.au

A Bowling King?

Is there any other kind? H.R.H. and family managed a few hours of fun at the local bowling centre. Travelling incognito, we slipped past the local papparazzi to enjoy a family outing. The King Consort won the first game and the second game was won by The Little Drummer Princess.

My favourite chocolates

This is what happens if you leave chocolate anywhere near H.R.H. A WONDER AND MIRACLE would have taken place if H.R.H. considered herself to be a 'chocolate free' zone! But life is too short, so take time to smell the roses and eat the chocolates.