Misty morning at Murrumbong-Gillits - 29th November 2009

G'day !

I'm back - literally, emotionally, philosophically, in your mailbox and on my blog...................

Seriously, I've had a spell where the Black Dog has not been far from my door and the last straw was hovering but, I've got a strong family and good genes which meant that the strain of working on my own for 6 months simply resulted in me getting to a point where I was wishing days away. Looking back, there have been many positives and it has still been a good time but a few unexpected and prolonged calls towards the end combined with the daily demands of being pulled in multiple directions was suddenly potentially overwhelming........and it's now only 20 sleeps until we head for Hong Kong and South Africa ( not that I'm counting ).

By the way, thanks to both of you who wrote to say that you missed my emails.

What has happened in Oz over the past 6 weeks

the Melbourne Cup - the greatest horse race in the world ( am I sounding like an Aussie ? ) was won by " Shocking " whom none of us tipped. The race lived up to its reputation of being " the horse race that stops a nation " which is helped by the fact that it is run at 3 o'clock on a Tuesday.

the Opposition Coalition ( specifically, the Liberal Party ) are imploding

New South Wales has been in flood or scorchingly hot

the Wallabies continue to promise much while the Springboks continue to promise little

the Aussie cricketers are predictably paving the way for a miserable tour by the West Indies

As far as we are concerned

Jen is in serious rehearsal mode for her pending end of year concert. She has had a great year at school and we are hoping that she will get some recognition for all her hard work. She has grown in height and wisdom and has become a confident young lady.

Matt has done well to tolerate a teacher who really hasn't managed to get the best out of him and is looking forward to High School next year. He has started his cricket season well and although he hasn't really got going with the bat, he has regularly taken wickets with his off-spin including a hat-trick while taking 5 wickets for 1 run yesterday.

Bron has been busy with Jen and has enjoyed preparing for our upcoming trip. I'm not sure if she is looking forward to turning 40 in a week's time but I know that she is looking forward to sharing it with our friends the following week.

The first paragraph notwithstanding, I have had much to enjoy including my first visit to Brisbane where I attended quite a high powered Planning Conference. I took in a bit of culture and went to see " The Crucible " at the Playhouse Theatre. Walking back to my hotel at close to midnight was still somewhat unsettling. Twilight Cricket has commenced and bearing in mind that unlike some of my famous family and friends, my cricketing skills are average but given that this is the most competitive league in Australia, my average of 81 has resulted in the West Indies management asking me if I qualify to play for them. I have pledged my allegiance to The Proteas ( for as long as Mickey is coach ). It has been good to feel bat on leather again and my highlight so far was playing with Matt last Tuesday - what a special 2 hours. We were 1 short and he cracked the nod. He batted last and the Airport Alchos bowler patronised him by bowling two slow long hops and then quickly realised that that was going to get them into trouble. Matt ended up with 15 not out and took us to the " magic " 120 runs off 15 overs. He then got a wicket with his bowling - you know the guy who grumbles if the batsman isn't ready, glares at the fielder if he misfields and looks at his bat if he doesn't hit it sweet - yeah, him. Beautiful.........................

Hat-trick - the feat of taking 3 wickets in 3 successive balls. The origin is debatable - some claim that the bowler was given a new hat while others claim that the bowlers hat became the receptacle for a donation request. Whilst the term was originally a cricketing one it now includes feats in all walks of life eg. a hat-trick of on-calls, a hat-trick of disgruntled referring GPs..................

Friends around for an early evening barbie will soon round off a great day.

The Wesleys

Taree Show - 11th October 2009

G'day,

To view this week's picture, I suggest you open the attachment. Resizing it made it lose too much detail. It's another collage courtesy of Matt and it reflects the couple of hours we spent at the 131st Taree Annual Show today. For those of you in South Africa, imagine the Rand Show or The Royal Show in Pietermaritzburg and divide by 1000 or 100 respectively. Today was the day for horses in the main arena, a dog show elsewhere and the usual smattering of photographic, embroidery and cake displays. Matt and Jen had expensive fun on the rides - Speed Demon, Too Fast or similar names. I'm always a bit nervous about these rides that are assembled for a weekend especially when you go to buy tickets and they ask you to come back in 10 minutes because they're just fixing something that came loose! Candy floss was enjoyed for lunch - at least it has two of the essential dietary ingedients - sugar and pink / blue colourants.

Matt and I just beat a big storm to get in 9 holes of golf with Bruce this afternoon. I hit the ball far and straight which proved that I haven't played for a while. Oh, I also putted without perception of line or length, further confirming my lack of recent golf. Speaking of line and length, I will be playing Twilight Cricket this year - 15 overs a side; 2 hours on a Tuesday evening. I was relieved to find a team to play for as the thought of never feeling leather on willow again was getting a bit depressing and for some reason, Mickey's call just never came. I've no idea what the standard will be but Matt has been doing more bowling than batting recently as I have strived to perfect my slog-sweep. I'll keep you updated with how it goes. Mick, I'll send you my batting average...........just in case.

I am enjoying a long weekend ( Friday and Monday off ) courtesy of extra hours worked - I don't get paid for working after hours but get to take the time " in lieu ". I don't think I'm allowed to comment but I must say, these couple of days were much needed. I wonder what I'll do tomorrow?

Last week's flower was wisteria, by the way.

With an empty wallet but happy children and with visions of my poor golf ball being smashed down the middle of the fairway, I bid you farewell.

Dylan, on behalf of all of us.

Two Years - 4th October 2009

G'day,

I know you haven't heard from me for a couple of weeks but I was a bit worried that my missives were becoming more of a personal diary than a reflection of our lives in Australia - a subtle difference I know. Anyway, Bron reminded me that it was exactly 2 years ago today that we arrived in Oz. That got the literary juices flowing................

I have never bagged South Africa and don't intend to now but if I have to objectively look at some of the reasons why we left and where we find ourselves now, this is what it looks like....................................

Opportunities for Matt and Jen

We always felt pressure that Matt and Jen had to achieve if they were going to be able to live a fulfilling and successful life in South Africa. This was all well and good if it was going to be on a level playing field - the level playing field that Bron and I both supported and dreamed of when we stood in line at the 1994 General Election. But, South Africa's playing field tilted too far on its axis to correct the wrongs of the past. We could not accept this. Don't get me wrong, we still want Matt and Jen to realise that you have to work hard to achieve but we certainly believe that their efforts have a greater chance of being rewarded here.

Safety

Despite being able to sleep more peacefully than the great majority of South Africans, Matt and I were particularly affected by the possibilty of becoming victims of violent crime in South Africa. Our new location has not made us completely immune and some areas of Australia ( urban and rural ) are significantly affected by lawlessness. However, I calmly drive out at night to attend calls and no longer worry if Bron is 10 minutes late arriving home.

Work satisfaction

In a nutshell, I was getting burnt out doing what I was doing. Despite trying to protect myself ( and my family ), for various reasons I continued to work crazy hours doing things that really could have and should have been done by someone else. Contrary to what some of my patients might have believed, I was never comfortable with fee-for-service medicine and having to chase people for payment for my time and expertise was just something I could never get to grips with and it was wearing me down. Being a salaried Public Servant means that we have to do without some of the things that we used to have but as you have seen, we still do pretty well. My job is challenging and fulfilling. I reassure, cure and palliate as the condition demands. I practice evidence based medicine with a touch of artistry. I teach, plan and contribute to the hospital and the wellbeing of children in general.

Family

We have become a tight unit who have got to understand each other more than we thought was possible. Bron has slowly got used to having me around and we take joy in being able to do things together and just talk. We never used to have time to talk ! Our inherent characters remain unchanged yet we all seem to have better insight into what that character is.

What about the forbidden subjects?

Politics, religion and sex

• I don't miss South African politics but Australian politicians are far from perfect.
• I would describe most Australians as " non-practising " Christians but churches of all denominations are working to change this. We continue to be guided by our faith.
  
• As far as sex is concerned - as I said, this was never intended to be a personal diary.
  Australia is not perfect.

The country has huge challenges in trying to reconcile differences between Indigenous and Non-indigenous cultures. A culture of welfare has also had its impact on those who live off it with no aspiration, desire or need to better themselves even though the opportunity is there.

There is no doubt that two years down the line, we are relaxed and happy. The novelty is over but the adventure continues. We miss our family and our closest friends but the world is a small place these days.

By the way - make an attempt to name the flower in today's picture.

Live well !

The Wesleys

Seal Rocks - 14th September 2009

G'day!

Last weekend's call was just too busy and something had to give. It was a tough decision between giving you all an update or giving Bron, Matt and Jen some of my time but in my best longterm interests...........

This week's picture - the place is Seal Rocks and the people are Matt, Elena, Bianca and Alexa Khoury and Jen. Sean called on Thursday to say that he and Carolina had rented a house at Seal Rocks ( 85 km / 1 hour 15 minutes south of Taree ) and hoped we would be able to join them at some stage over the weekend. Yesterday was full of hockey and a fundraiser for the Manning Valley Art Gallery but we had nothing planned for today so off we went.

As I had been told, Seal Rocks is really special - quiet and invitingly beautiful. After a barbecued lunch including boerewors we headed off to the beach just below Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse. The sea was calm and transparent and we had kilometres of beach to ourselves. Sugarloaf Point was named by Matthew Flinders when he circumnavigated Australia between 1801 and 1803. I presume it looks like a sugarloaf but I must confess to not having seen one before. I'm not sure what he called all the other points which looked like sugarloaves between his starting point at the southern part of Western Australia and Sugarloaf Point either - perhaps he'd run out of names of people. Matthew Flinders certainly is an icon of Australian history and his cat, Trim who accompanied him shares his / her fair share of fame too.

I have obviously enjoyed this year's Tri-Nations which the Springboks deserved to win. I have heard of ,but have not actually heard any of Peter de Villiers post match interviews but I do hope that the win means as much to all South Africans as he claims.

Until next week.....

Dylan, Bronwyn, Matthew and Jennifer

Oops.......I did it again - 30th August 2009

G'day !

Australia has a Public and a Private Healthcare system. In a nutshell, the Public system is National Health with the States / Territories responsible for Hospitals and In-Hospital care and the Federal Government responsible for Outpatient funding - appointments, medication etc. Why do people choose to have Private Health Insurance if they can afford it? Well, things can usually get done quicker and the " gap " between what Medicare pays and Doctors charge can usually be covered, at least in part. It is not quite as simple as that - in fact, there are some real complexities but............some other time perhaps.

We have to have Private Insurance given that we are not elligible for Medicare ( or Government School fees, or Private School Scholarships, or any government benefits essentially ) as Temporary Residents - a topic of much debate.

As you can tell from this week's picture we needed to make use of medical services this week. Many people complain about the state of the Public Health system and I must confess, we do have long waiting lists but I thought the care we received was excellent. When Bron phoned me on Monday evening to say that she was worried about Jen's arm after a fall off her scooter I knew it would be our chance to put the system to the test. I phoned my friend the radiographer who did an Xray immediately. A greenstick fracture of her distal radius was confirmed and I phoned my friend the Orthopaedic Surgeon who came around to ED on his way home, suggested a backslab and asked another friend ( ED Doctor ) if he would mind applying a temporary backslab................turn around time from injury to home - 90 minutes !!!!! She now has a fibreglass short arm cast ( " hot pink " ) which was applied by my friend the Physiotherapist on Friday at a time that was mutually acceptable.

I have indulged in a bit of poetic licence and it wasn't quite as smoothe as all that - not quite. Overall, my observations over the time we have been here leave me really impressed with the medical care that people in the Manning Valley and Great Lakes area have at their disposal. The facilities really are more than adequate and the quality of medical and allied staff is very high.

Matt's Debating Team won their debate against St Philip's in Newcastle on Friday. He also managed to convince me to overule Bron's decision not to let him play an interschool Rugby League match in a few weeks time. Please hold thumbs that it doesn't result in another Hospital visit - for my sake, not Matt's..............

We had another new experience this week - last night we went to the Manning River Hotel for a friend's 23rd Birthday Dinner ( Matt Pullen - A Grade Goalkeeper and B Grade coach - ironic that he shares a surname with one of South Africa's finest hockey strikers, Robbie Pullen). A good meal, much beer, live music ( played Oasis, Violent Femmes and the like - fantastic ! ), a few games of pool, the Springboks toying with the Wallabies on a TV in the background - all in all, a most enjoyable evening and one which reminded us of the essentially similar culture we have settled into.

Who knows what the week ahead will bring?

Dyl, Bron, Matt and Jen

Fences 2 - 23rd August 2009

G'day !

At risk of flogging an old story, I thought you might be interested in some feedback. You will recall our woes regarding Tessa's wild bids for freedom - I mean really, is 3 and a half acres not enough. My Kiwi friend up the road who did the fencing in the first place, suggested " we " lay some vermin wire along the bottom of the existing fence. Vermin wire? He dropped 2 rolls of 46 metres off along with some little metal things and a strange set of pliers for the little metal things. This all happened very quickly and I suspect he wanted to get it over with before the Springboks won the Tri-Nations.

This week's picture was taken by Jen ( Bron and Matt were out at hockey ). You will see that I am holding the little metal thing pliers. I have completed about 60 metres of the fence and have " fence fixers hand " which is not unlike " tennis elbow ", except it's in your hand and happens after you've been fixing fences not playing tennis.

Still going back a couple of weeks, hundreds of you have subsequently replied and said that you would pick Ruan Pienaar ahead of Morne Steyn. Very easy to say when the Boks are " played 3, won 3 "....................

And what's with South Africa's latest athletics star? Genetics and Endocrinology might not be my areas of expertise but even if she does have two X chromosomes and nothing more, she has to be getting some extra androgens from somewhere. The alternative of course is that she is a freak of nature like Usain Bolt - isn't he amazing to watch?

We all had a good night out at Tigers Hockey Club " Games and Barbecue Evening " last night. Matt's team beat my team at Pictionary which was not very tactful of him but I suppose he has time to learn these things. Bron really enjoys the hockey crowd - much laughter. She gets on well with them and she has formed some close bonds. Not that she has any space in her social calendar............

Winter drought is threatening our food prices; the Politicians continue to behave like schoolchildren although I really believe that Kevin Rudd is a very good Prime Minister who is trying to do the right thing - despite this, I don't see the " gap closing " between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians or even that the proposed startegies are going to be successful; the Aussies are lamenting their pending loss of The Ashes; Jen is frantically rehearsing for various dance activities - doing a piece to " Singing in the rain " which is obviously someone's dry sense of humour coming out; Matt heads off to Newcastle for a Debating competition and enjoyed his first cricket net with me on Friday; Bron continues to make sure that it all happens and I look forward to the challenges of another week.

With Gene Kelly singing and dancing in the rain on You Tube in the background, I bid you farewell. " Watch his feet " says Jen.......

Dyl, Bron, Matt and Jen

Sunday Evenings - 16th August 2009

G'day !

It's not every week that you will get award winning photography and I must say I have been a bit disappointed with my iPhone camera - although, it has been a lifesaver when I have needed to send a photograph of a scan or of a tricky skin rash to someone cleverer than me.................However, my pics are always current and this one is about 1 and a half hours old.

Our Sunday evenings generally involve church at 5 o'clock ( St Mark's Chapel ) followed by dinner at a local restaurant. We usually go to Jin Hong Chinese Resataurant but tonight we found ourselves at East Court instead. I think we were Prawn Foo Yong, Sweet and Sour Pork and Chicken Cashewed out...............do you know, I recall going to Chinese Supper on Sunday nights ( Point Road )as a small boy and I remember the order was exactly the same excepting that we used to have bowties for pudding. And who questioned whether we are influenced by our childhood? Anyway, East Court is a buffet and we enjoyed Mongolian Lamb, Prawn Curry, Honey battered chicken and a few other bits and pieces.

We leave our Sunday dinners laughing, arrive home laughing and Matt and Jen fall asleep with smiles on their faces - ok, not always. Bron and I usually catch a movie ( Bron and dogs on couch, me on single chair ) - tonight it is Hancock.

Our week has been pretty uneventful although I did get back onto the hockey turf on Tuesday night ( 7 - 1 win over Cundletown Cougars ). Bron and I enjoyed a quiet lunch on Friday and we had a relaxing late lunch with friends yesterday afternoon. This morning was a family garden session. Oh, I did some work and also negotiated sponsorship for a Breakfast Club for needy children at the Aboriginal Clinic where I do outreach and also challenged the same Foodchain to raise twice as much money as last year so that we can get a state-of-the-art Baby Warmer - see, it's not all about treating children although there was a fair bit of that too.

Anyway, my chair calls and whilst our Sundays might be routined, they are not monotonous nor taken for granted.

With fond regards.

Dylan, Bronwyn, Matt and Jen

Fences - 9th August 2009

G'day !

" We are so happy we have dogs - they complete our family. We are so happy we have dogs - they complete our family. We are so happy we have dogs - they complete our family. "

This is the mantra that Bron and I have taken to saying every night. It is only partly because at the moment Tessa in particular, is finding the lure of wallaby scent from Peter and Margaret's garden to be stronger than any fence. This means reinforcements are necessary and with only 20 metres of the 500 metres done, the task is quite a daunting one. Oh, and they had a full on ' blue " ( fight ) today...........oh, and Tessa spent last weekend in the Vet and refuses to pay with her pocket money..............oh, and Holly will still chew a shoe left at ground level if she gets the chance.............

" We are so happy we have dogs - they complete our family. We are so happy..................."

I must say the response to my Morne Steyn vs Ruan Pienaar survey was spectacularly pathetic. I got 5 replies and it was Steyn 3 and Pienaar 2. One of Pienaar's votes came from his neighbour who had some very nice things to say about him and the other came from my dearest friend whom, I am glad to say coaches the South African Cricket team not the Rugby team. Let's be honest, we can't be unhappy with what they've achieved. Anyway, I passed the result of my survey on to Pieter de Villiers who obviously took it seriously and the rest, as they say, is history.

I have had a busy 3 days on call and can't wait to fall asleep tomorrow night, knowing that my phone won't be ringing and that I won't be having to dodge wallabies and hares as I drive to the hospital. One positive has been the fact that I've been able to follow the 4th Ashes Test and obviously last night's rugby. There have also been some interesting Chatshows ( asparagus growing in the Yamba Valley, 2 million camels in Australia's deserts....) and some music which I've never heard before, on ABC Radio. Tune in or catch it on Broadband between one and four in the morning Australia time.

A new week is upon us and we aim to make the most of every opportunity which presents itself.

The Westralians - Dyl, Bron, Matt and Jen

The Loft - 4th August 2009

G'day !

A couple of days late but for good reason....................I spent the weekend preparing a presentation for the Paediatric Grand Rounds at John Hunter Children's Hospital which I delivered today. Not too many people fell asleep and no-one threw eggs which is good enough for me. I spoke about ADHD and its Co-existing conditions if anyone's interested.............gave examples of Tigger, Bugs Bunny and Calvin ( Calvin and Hobbes ) as classic examples.

This week I have shown you our Loft Room aka Jen's playroom ( and she still wants a Cubby House!!!! ) aka Brian and Pat's Guest Room. They're the only ones who have stayed in it and only had to get friendly with 2 great big Huntsman spiders while they were there. The bed is a double, the room is airconditioned as has plenty of drawer space but not much head space when you get too close to the sides. Don't worry, it will get tidied before you come to stay..................

What else - my calf injury is a tear not a pull, I have just received notice that I have no restrictions on my registration ( has to be Paediatrics of course ), Matt got a new cricket bat today ( bought in Newcastle - the downside of living in the bundu ), Jen is practising for her Eisteddfod solo and Bron is due to send off her teaching stuff ( as soon as I've edited her CV - gee, it's impressive! ).

Later.

Dylan, Bronwyn, Matt and Jen

Kitchen - 26th July 2009

G'day!

To continue the tour of our house - here is our kitchen! I must point out that we love our house. Whilst it might not be as big as our house in St Andrews it meets all of our needs. As you can imagine, Bron keeps it more than neat and tidy and we all ( yeah, Matt and Jen too ) take pride in how we live. I think we have changed our perspective a bit in terms of what is important. There is no doubt that we are far more appreciative of what we have and our lifestyle is hard to beat.

The kitchen is a bit messy today but that is only because Bron cooked up a delicious Sunday roast ( lamb and chicken ) for lunch today. Once again, you will recognise the art and it is only the brand of beer that it is different - find the bottle of James Boag's Premium Lager. Lunch was enjoyed by us; Tom Campbell, my Paediatric colleague; The Stewarts minus Olivia who was at Touch Footie practice much to Jen's disappointment and The Knoxes minus Stuart ( remember, he is a Vet ) who was on duty at an Equestrian Endurance event where he had to ensure that the horses were in a good enough condition to continue ( heart rate and lameness ). Imagine if they did that at The Comrades Marathon..................I reckon a lot of people wouldn't make it past Drummond.

My day started at 01h11 ( forgive me, I overslept ) when I got up to watch The Springboks take on the All Blacks and I was glad I did. I was impressed by the lack of mistakes we made but must admit I was a bit worried for the first 20 minutes of the second half. At that stage, I took the opportunity to finish reading Harry Potter 7 - The Deathly Hallows. Back to the rugby, a survey.......................
Ruan Pienaar or Morne Steyn? I expect at least 100 answers and will post the results next week.
Taree was swamped by 96 teams of over 35 women hockey players this weekend as Manning Valley Hockey Association hosted the Half-State Vets Championship. I was on barbecue duty yesterday afternoon but got off lightly. Having said that Matt and Jen both convinced me that they needed stick bags............a Voodoo Chaos for Matt and a pink Grays for Jen. It was amazing to see the Rec Grounds transformed into 13 hockey fields and I could not help but feel a little bit of pride for our new hometown.

Matt and Jen are settling into an early night in preparation for the start of the third term tomorrow. Bags need to be packed, shoes need to be polished and unfortunately for Bron, lunches need to be made tomorrow morning. At least she has a comfortable environment in which to prepare them.

With love

Dyl, Bron, Matt and Jen

The Bar - 19 July 2009

G'day!

Last Sunday, my plan ( made a month ago ) was to send you a picture of us on the slopes at Thredbo. Alas, I left my camera charger at home before we left on holiday................say no more! However, if you click onto this link you will find proof that we were there and the smiles on our faces say it all - http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/photocard.aspx?pc=EB72FAE605CC5583E7EAFA789616FE0E .

This week's picture is of my favourite room in our house - The Bar. This was one of the first rooms we decorated when we moved in and putting up the pictures of previous family holidays and our individual histories really helped us in our first few weeks. The only bits of furniture / gadget that was bought in Australia were the cabinet which stores our photographs and the iPod docking station. The rest is all from home and should be recognisable to most of you. Treasure hunt time! Look for...

Bron's University Certificate
the tennis balls we got at the Australian Open
a hockey stick
the picture of Gregg, Jonti and me when we went to Austria 20 odd years ago ( tough one )
my bottle of Penfolds Bluestone Port ( impossible - tucked behind the extreme left hand upright )

We spend many an evening or weekend lunchtime in this room and it already holds many new memories for us.

Matt and Jen have a week of holidays left and they will continue to enjoy going to bed late, getting up late and generally " chilling ". I, on the otherhand, will need to continue to slave away ( all relative in comparison to my previous life ). I must say it has been a lot tougher with Maureen on Matenity Leave and I have found myself in the unenviable position of being a " No Man " which is not too good for the soul. But............................I continue to make a difference everyday and have to be thankful for what I am able to do and for what we have.

This weekend we have done some garden maintenance, recovered from a heart flutter when the Arborist gave us a quote of $ 9200.00 to cut down 7 trees ( I reckon we'll go one at a time ), I have had two hockey games of which I only managed to play 10 minutes of the first one before pulling up lame with a pulled calf muscle ( I was having a blinder and then foolishly tried to accelerate ), Bron had a night out with the girls last night and we went to the lunchtime birthday party of a new friend today.

The fire is blazing, I have half a bottle of Crown Lager at my side and I think I'll go and listen to some music in my favourite room.

Later.

Dylan, Bronwyn, Matt and Jen

Wollongong to Thredbo - 6th July 2009

G'day

Well we have had a week of travelling and, as I've implied before, in Australia that usually implies many kilometres of driving.

It started with a drive to Wollongong on Thursday for the NSW Under 13 Hockey Championships. Four divisions of 8 teams each divided into 2 pools. Manning Valley are in the 2nd division. They came up against some tough opposition in Far North Coast ( 0-6 ) and Southern Highlands ( 1-3 ) but fortunately, New England with whom they drew ( 1 all ) were beaten more comprehensively. This resulted in our boys playing for 5th and 6th in their division ( they lost to Dubbo ) but at least they were not in a relegation battle. Under 13 sport is quite awkward as far as I'm concerned. You get boys in varying stages of pupertal development which results in some teams having one or two fully developed young men in their team. These are the boys and the teams who generally do well and I suppose that's just the way it goes. Imagine having some kind of system where instead of age groups they were divided according to testicular volume or other signs of pubertal development.

We had heard about Australia's ski fields from some of our friends and after a lot of deliberation and frequent checks of our bank account , we decided to give it a go since we were half way there and Matt and Jen were on holiday. We chose Thredbo and we are impressed! The facilities are excellent and the service is " above and beyond ". Today was our first ski - Matt and Jen are hooked and easily negotiate Friday Flat's, Bron is skiing beautifully and my late dad obviously taught me well when I was a teenager. Despite not skiing for 20 years, I coped well and didn't ski too badly either. We look forward to another 2 days of skiing and the experience. Temperatures are just below zero, the last snow was a fall of about 70 cm, 3 days ago and the snow making machines are doing the rest. This week's picture could have been of mountains, sunsets over mountains, ski runs on mountains or a few other varied things but instead you've got my skis as our instructor took us up The Cruiser for our run down The Playground and Walkabout.

By the time you hear from me again it will all be over but the memories of a genuine family holiday will be cherished always.

With love

Dylan, Bronwyn, Matthew and Jennifer

Taree Tigers - 28th June

G'day!

Well, you've heard all about us and here we are - the Taree Tigers Men's B Grade Hockey Team......most of us. The occasion was a bonding/tactics session which was held at our house today. We are not having quite the same success as we had last year but that is all about to change. After lots of talk, barbecued steak and sausages accomapanied by delicious salads, a session of " backyard cricket " where I learnt some new rules like "trap " and " relay " and of course, a few beers; we settled down and plotted the downfall of our opponents for the second half of the season.

Front -
Mal Pullen - full back and gentleman ( off the field at least )
Edward Eden - inner when he plays for us but also a very talented goalkeeper in age-group hockey
Left to right
Tommy - inner with silky skills who is a Uni student in Bathurst so only gets to play for us during holidays
Matt Pullen - player/coach who is also the A Grade goalkeeper but plays in the field for us, has an unstoppable Tomahawk
Rob Eden - more than solid outside half with a dodgey right shoulder
Dom - has been threatening to play for us all season
Darren/Daz/Dasher - outside half, a nicer guy you'll never meet
Nick - hard running inner with a huge heart and multiple piercings
Dominic/Tag - our indominatable goalkeeper who always helps to keep us competitive
Gary/Gaz/Salty - full back and the original hard man, a real leader and a loyal friend
Leonie - our forever cheerful and positive Manager
me
We have had a week of recovery with Bron and Jen slowly getting over their flu. I took a couple of days off to give Bron a break which she is never happy to do, but I think it helped. A highlight of the week for all of us was Matt's birthday on Friday. He always asks for an unusual gift and this year he has become a pogo stick expert in 2 days - up steps, down steps..............too much for the heart to handle. He took a mate to see Transformers 2 on Friday night and seems to be happy to be 12.

Finally, after yesterday/last night's rugby, I think we will all be a little surprised if Morne Steyn doesn't start in the final test against the British and Irish Lions - what a game!

This week will be a short week for us as we head off to Wollongong to watch Matt's hockey from Friday to Sunday. His team will be travelling by bus and staying in a hostel of sorts - survival camp.

With best wishes from Taree.

Dylan, Bronwyn, Matthew and Jennifer

Surfers - 21 June 2009

G'day

This week's picture is of me and Sean Khoury as we are about to enter the surf ( a bit flat )at North Avoca yesterday. And if you believe that.................

It was taken at North Avoca but Sean was standing right next to me on the beach. As I took this photo I wondered whether it might be used as a " last seen entering the big surf " picture and whether Sean and I would be calling whatever rescuers we could think of. Anyway, we got distracted and I honestly can't tell you what happened to them.

Sean is a Radiologist who started Medical School with me and via rather a tortuous route, he and his lovely wife Carolina find themselves living 200m back from the beach at North Avoca. They have three beautiful and talented daughters and most of Sean's family including his parents live nearby. North Avoca is about 40km North of Sydney as the coastal seagull flies but a bit further by road. Whenever we have driven past on our way to Sydney, we have been tempted to drop in but our opportunity came when Matt had a Regional Hockey Tournament in Wyong today. By Aussie standards Wyong is very close to North Avoca ( 40 minutes ). When I asked Sean about nearby B&B's he would have none of it and we spent the night at their home ( next door to their newly built home which is not quite ready - complicated I know ). We had a great evening which included boerewors, Sean's mum's homemade hamburger patties and lots of rugby watching.

Matt played hockey against doctor's but not dad's orders and had 2 storming games against Newcastle and Central Coast - the 2 strongest teams ( both nil all draws ) but then ran out of wheels. We have 2 weeks to get him fit for State Champs.

Whilst driving down to the Central Coast late yesterday morning ( 3 and a half hours ) and back this afternoon ( 3 hours ) I was reminded of my patients who would drive from Underberg, Bergville and Winterton to see me. I could never understand it but I have realised that travelling just has to become a way of life if you live rurally. This becomes more and more applicable with every person who reminds me that given my Paediatric " recognition ", we don't need to stay in Taree anymore. Besides the debt of grattitude I feel I owe the hospital and the committment I have made to my new patients and colleagues, we are enjoying our " country cosiness ". We are happy in Taree and enjoyed arriving home this evening.

Have a great week.

Dyl, Bron, Matt, Jen

Warmth - 14June 2009

G'day !

Ok, so I scraped the bottom of the barrel with respect to today's pic but, it is current and it is what we have been enjoying during this week's cold snap.

It has been an eventful week I suppose. What with me diagnosing Matt with pneumonia on Friday ( he wouldn't consent to me using his Chest Xray as my picture of the week ), Tessa escaping today - twice, me having a tough time at work trying to do the job of two people not to mention being on call this weekend although it has been quiet and, most disturbingly, losing my hockey games on Thursday night and last night.

So, no philosophical ramblings or interesting facts today...................

A bit of news - we are coming back to SA for Xmas and will be in Johannesburg from 24th December to 3rd January, Nambiti from 4th to 6th January, then a couple of days in Durban before going back to Johannesburg until we leave on 15th January. We looked for the cheapest flights we could which were on Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong. We thought this would be doable especially when we decided to spend the money we would have saved by spending 3 nights in Hong Kong ( Bron, Matt and Jen are Disney freaks and it will be tough for me to persuade them to go anywhere besides Disneyland )on the way over. Logic...................

We have also decided to give Matt and Jen a taste of skiing and will be going to the Aussie snowfields to a place called Thredbo for 3 days after Matt's State Hockey Champs in Wollongong over the first weekend in July.

Well, my fire needs another log and Bron needs a cup of coffee after spending a couple of hours raking leaves ( I had to monitor Matt..........or at least that's my story ).

Later.

Dyl, Bron, Sick Boy and Jen

Me and my boy - 7 June 2009

Greetings !

Bron took this picture of me and Matt at Harrington today. Jen was playing at a friend and we went to Harrigan's Irish Pub for lunch - quite a good atmosphere and I enjoyed my Kilkenny on tap. You may remember that the Manning River has two outlets - the Northern outlet is at Harrington and the Southern is at Old Bar. The Southern one closes up from time to time and there is endless debate as to whether it should be opened up or left alone. The dairy farmers want to leave it to nature and the oyster farmers want it permanently open.

This weekend is a long weekend in Australia thanks to the Public Holiday for the Queen's Birthday tomorrow. I am surprised that the whole Commonwealth / Republic thing isn't more topical. In fact, when it comes to politics, I am getting quite disillusioned living in a country where the government doesn't " rule " and where the Opposition does just that - oppose practically everything that the party which is supposedly in power puts forward. Perhaps growing up with the National Party and then the ANC, I am just not used to what an Opposition is supposed to do. Anyway, it seems very ineffcient and unproductive, and the number of small battles that are fought seems ludicrous.

Still on politics, our 4th Year Medical students finished their Paediatric block and gave me a book called " In Our Time - the speeches that shaped the modern world ". It includes Nelson Mandela's opening statement for the Defence at the Rivonia Trial in Pretoria on 20 April 1964 and the speech at his Inauguration 30 years later. I wish I had read both of them more often and I will never stop hoping that South Africa will be the " rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world " which he ( on behalf of the ANC )proposed to build.

The students also made up a limerick for me -

There was a nice doctor called Dylan
His specialty was helping children
The students he taught
To treat children with thought
And hopefully never to kill them!

Well, I had to give them some kind of goal!

Later............

Dyl, Bron, Matt and Jen

Time Flies - 31 May 2009

G'day, Gruss Gott and Guten Tag

- to both of you who emailed ( one to check that we were okay and one to ask where her letter was ) early last week, it is good to know that someone anticipates my weekly update from Down Under.

Let me just say that my trip to Europe has made it very clear to me why it took so long for Australia to be invaded - it is so far away from Europe........and I had the benefit of a Business Class ticket on Qantas!!!!!

How do you like the conference venue ( see pic )? I'm not sure what they did about ADHD in centuries gone by but the 2nd International Congress on ADHD was incredibly rewarding and I learnt heaps - not sure that I should admit to that given that ADHD is my area of Special Interest. Did you know that Ritalin was named ofter the wife ( Rita )of the first pharmacist who manufactured Methylphenidate. Talk about leaving your mark...............

I loved Vienna and enjoyed being surrounded by " old ". I remembered being there as a 12 year old although my memory of St Stephen's Cathedral was that there was a sport shop nearby. This time I spent a long time inside the cathedral and soaked up the history associated with it. I couldn't find the sport shop by the way.

Following my conference I travelled to Hanover to visit my family there. I made sure that I got to travel on the ICE ( one of my alltime favourite things to do ) but more importantly got to spend a fantastic four days with my cousin Torsten, his wife Jana and their children Kira and Bennett ( my godson ); my uncle ( he loved the Akubra hat which I had lovingly carried from Taree - I tell ya, it nearly didn't make it.....)and aunt; and my other cousin Jorg. My time in Hanover coincided with Nigel and Hannes's trip so I got to spend a day with them too - which was really good if not a little weird.

Bron and the kids seem to have coped admirably without me. I have mixed feelings about this but seriously, the last two weeks have surely been easier for me than for them. Bron understands the need for me to attend these conferences and that the opportunity is there and one not to be missed.

So, armed with new knowlege and enthusiasm, I will head off to work tomorrow knowing that I really have the ability to make a difference.

Dylan, Bronwyn, Matthew and Jennifer

Eisteddfod

G'day,

Did you know?

Taree has the biggest regional ( outside the major cities ) Eisteddfod in Australia. It lasts 6 weeks and moves through music, singing, dance to Speech and Drama as all good Eisteddfods do. Jen gets involved through her Group Dance and performed Classical Ballet, Jazz, Modern and something else where they were fairies. Bron took this picture in the warm up tent before her Classical Ballet yesterday ( Jen, Ella, Amber and Ciahn ). They apparently danced beautifully and were up amongst the best. I'm not sure what the parents are up to in the background...................interfering, no doubt.

I couldn't resist. The word Eisteddfod originates from Wales where it is thought that the first such festival occurred in the 12th century. The word actually means " lots of parents rushing around after their children and disagreeing with judges' decisions ".

Not much else has happened this week. We have had our fair share of positives and two serious negatives............our ride-on mower won't start and we lost our first match of the hockey season to Chatham Maroun.

Short and sweet today as I have had a hectic call - typical when this was the one weekend when I wanted to be at home with Bron and the kids before heading off to Vienna on Tuesday.

Seeya.

Dylan, Bronwyn, Matt and Jen

Mother's Day 10 May 2009

Greetings from Taree !

Only in Taree - and truly, I do not mean to be cynical.................but, on Mother's Day weekend ( of all weekends ), Taree's latest attraction and biggest building opened - Bunnings Warehouse. Bunnings is a nationwide hardware store chain with everything from plants to spider spray, timber to tools.............the kind of place I walk into and pretend I know what I'm looking for and suggest that I know how it works. We didn't attend the festivities which included Jumping Castles, discount prices and a Fireworks display but will have a family outing to check it out soon - everyone else has! As far as geography is concerned Bunnings is on the western outskirts of town. The Golf Course is just beyond the trees in the picture and yes, the golfers soon got drenched by the afternoon storm.

The weeks seem to be getting busier and the nights are longer. We are still in Autumn rather than Winter but everyone here expects a cold one. I had a worthwhile " academic day " at John Hunter Children's Hospital in Newcastle on Tuesday and then facilitated an ADHD meeting between Paediatricians and Child Psychiatrists there on Tuesday night - just a small group and nothing fancy but nice to get a bit more involved than just being a passive recipient.

I stayed up to watch the Sharks last night and like a lot of you, wished I hadn't. A friend who moved from Pietermaritzburg to Taree with his wife and 3 kids about 9 months ago came round to join me so we commiserated together. Still it was good to see some of you on TV and the Moses Mabhida Stadium is looking spectacular.

As I say goodbye, I am left wondering why Bron seems to be so unhappy with the toolset and bag of cement we bought her for Mother's Day...............

With love

Dyl, Bron, Matt and Jen

Collage 3 May 2009

G'day !

Matthew learnt ( and has taught me ) how to do collages and made this one. I thought it might be a good opportunity for you to hear from someone else for a change, so here he is................

Hello all,
This week has been awesome. Jen and I have been doing very well at school, mum has been cleaning and coaching my hockey team the u13 Tigers, Dad has been at work and doing all the normal things, Tessa and Holly are still smelling, sniffing, and sleeping.

Here is the sports news.

Me :- I played against Sharks ( which always beat us 7 or 8 nil, its was getting really annoying ) and the score was 2-1 to them. It was because of our excellent goalkeeper Aaron Billingsley ( Stumpy ). Also probably 'cause of our awesome coach.
Jen :- Jennifer's team the Taree Panthers lost 1 nil. She had a great game. Jennifer mostly played forward so didn't get the ball that much. Her rivals were Wingham.
Dad :- His game was deferred. He was almost in tears ( kidding ).
I got a new stick, Gryphon Taboo for my REP hockey in the Central Coast at the end of June and State Championships at Illarwara in the beginning of July.

Through the week Jen and I have been begging for a fire which we are doing tonight. We have also been looking through the telescope looking at Saturn and the Moon.

Anyway, I hope that gives you a taste of my life in Taree.

Matthew

Well, that's me off the hook! I must add that after my mail about Aussie Pride last week, the Monday papers were full of scoldings for how ANZAC day is not respected enough and is just used as an excuse for a party..................never claimed to be living in Utopia.

With lots of love,

Dyl, Bron and Jen

Raw Sugar

G'day !

This week's picture is of our favourite breakfast hangout, " Raw Sugar Cafe ". The " Big Brekkie " is exactly that and the " Eggs Benedict " is pretty damn good. The group on the left were a bunch of sweaty cyclists and I don't think the guy parked in the Disabled Parking Bay is really disabled. I suppose it reminds us of Oscars in Durban but here the video shop is next door...............

Yesterday was a Public Holiday - ANZAC Day ( Australian and New Zealand Army Corps ). I looked back at my email from this time last year and confirmed to myself that I had not taken it very seriously. It has made a far bigger impact this year and I have realised its significance to Australians. It is quite different to Australia Day in that it is not a celebration at all. ANZAC Day celebrates Australian pride rather than Australian Nationalism. It commemorates the landing of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915. When they evacuated 8 months later, nearly 9000 had died during what was later ( and possibly at the time ) recognised to be an impossible attempt to breach Turkish lines.

What happened at Gallipoli has become a symbol for Australians in general and the values are ones to which many Australians aspire.

" ANZAC stood for and still stands for reckless valour in a good cause, for enterprise, resourcefulness, fidelity, comradeship and endurance that will never admit defeat. " - official World War 1 correspondent Charles Bean.

I've had a busy week which included another successful outing to the hockey field ( victory and survival ); Matt and Jen enjoyed their last week of school holidays and Bron is not looking forward to having to prepare school lunches from Tuesday; the Autumn leaves are falling ( more leaf blowing ! ) and we thought of those of you in South Africa on Election Day. We didn't arrange to go down to Canberra to vote - should we have ?

With love

Dyl, Bron, Matt and Jen

Perfect Sunday

G'day,

What makes a " Perfect Sunday " ?

I suppose we all have our criteria but for me, one where I wake up after a first hockey game victory ( stiff but no pulled muscles ); enjoy a bowl of Tasty Wheat; have a garage cleanup with everyone contributing; find the letters Bron and I wrote to Matt and Jen when were in Munich in 2005 and have them read back to me by Jen; sip on a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with lunch and then finish reading the Sunday paper comes pretty close - and, it's only 3 o'clock !

We had a fantastic few days up at Coffs Harbour this week. The 250 km drive up on Monday seemed to take forever and the driving rain made us grateful that we had remembered to take the cards and chips for Texas Hold'em. The weather improved spectacularly as you can see from this week's picture taken from Muttonbird Island looking west over Coffs Harbour. We played golf in the mud, fished ( barely a bite ), ate fresh seafood at the harbour, visited The Big Banana and played lots of pool ( Jen's highlight of the trip ). I spent a day and a half in " Planning Sessions " for the Northern Child Health Network and the Children, Young People and Families Clinical Network. The 2 Networks overlap but also have their own identity and agendas. They cover slightly different geographical areas and together with our Area Health Service provide excellent care for the children of Northern New South Wales. Challenges we face include closing the gap between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal care, the burden of children in Out-Of-Home ( foster ) care, manpower shortages and improving Neonatal Resuscitation outcomes - all achievable.

My Sunday just got better - a cup of tea and a piece of freshly baked chocolate cake............

You don't have to send me your thoughts but, what makes a " Perfect Sunday " for you ?

With love

Dyl, Bron, Matt and Jen

Big drive; pitching wedge

- posted a week late

Happy Easter !

US Masters fever has gripped Taree ( I still look to see how the South Africans have fared before checking the Aussies on the leaderboard )and we decided to head out to Wingham Golf Course this morning. Matt and I played with Di Stewart ( Jo-Jo and Jen accompanied us on the cart ) and Bruce played with his brother Andy and Anthony and Liz Giordano behind us. I took this picture of my best drive - needless to say I choked on the pitching wedge approach ....................but managed to get up and down for par. Matt and I hit our best drives on the last hole where we decided a run up was called for - " Happy Gilmour " - the beauty of a background in cricket and hockey.

We returned home to find that Bron had cooked up a delicious chicken dish and a great afternoon was had by all. Bruce was crowned champion of Wesley Park as he beat Matt, Andy and me around our 8 hole chipping course in a playoff. Our longest hole is 100m along the road but Pythagoras says that we can have a 180.3m hole from corner to corner - this will require a shot over the house which might not pass the committee - Bron!

We're off to Pacific Bay just north of Coff's Harbour tomorrow. I have a Conference / Planning Day on Wednesday and Thursday morning but we are hoping to have a relaxing time and get a bit of fishing in. The weather forecast is a bit dodge but you're never allowed to complain about rain in Australia even if you do live in an area which is more at risk for floods than drought.

Bron added to her Pandora bracelet collection and I got some more wine for our Anniversary yesterday - what is the theme for a 17th Wedding Anniversary anyway? Thanks to those of you who sent us wishes. I know I missed a couple of important birthdays recently ( only by a day or two ) - how about sending us some dates of your special days - especially birthdays? Mickey, Gavin, Richard, Haig and I have always remembered each other's birthdays and it has always been special for Bron and me think of them on their birthdays - I think they feel the same way...............maybe I should check. Anyway, I expect some replies with names and birthdays please.

Well until next week when I will be stiff or have a pulled hamstring ( first game of hockey ), farewell.

Dylan, Bronwyn, Matthew and Jennifer

The last chainsaw story !

G'day

At last I have got closure on the whole chainsaw story - have a look at my new toy. Future photographs of our home might look slightly different as our park-like surroundings are at risk...............I don't think we'll ever be short of firewood.

I received some good news from the Australian Medical Council ( AMC )and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians ( RACP )this week. I have been assessed as being " substantially comparable " to a Paediatrician who has been through the Australian training programme. They have asked for a 12 month Peer Review period which I should be able to claim most ( but not all ) of retrospectively. Following this , provided they are satisfied which they have been so far, I will be " invited " to become a Fellow of the RACP. Having made the decision to come to Australia with the expectation that I would have to write their Paediatric Exams, this has been an unexpected bonus for us. We were never under any illusions about what preparing for the exams would have entailed. My colleague from The Netherlands has not been as fortunate and will have to do the clinical exams and spend some time in Community Paediatrics. Another South African colleague has been spared the exams but has to spend some time in Community Paediatrics. Their scenarios have made us even more appreciative.

Matt had a disco at school on Friday night while Bron, Jen and I joined our Paediatric Team at the Nabiac Hotel ( 40 km South ) for the presentation of a $ 22 000 cheque to our Children's Ward. The money was raised at Nabiac's annual Demolition Derby a few weeks ago and was gratefully received. The Hospital Budget provides for our basics but extras ( and some basics to be honest )are funded by the generous donation of others. Nabiac is a small community and it was a big effort by them.

I'm enjoying today's ODI much more than I enjoyed Friday's...............

With lots of love
Dyl, Bron, Matt and Jen

Sunrise at Coogee

Greetings to you all !

Aren't our rugby team, The Waratahs playing well ? That should liven a few of you up..........................

Well it was time for the Sydney Children's Hospital Course in Paediatrics ( 26th ) again this week so off I went for three days of intense peppering. I looked back at my email from last year and was reminded how impressed I had been then - I was not disappointed this time either but although I probably have no right to feel this way, I was saddened by the increased number of South African Paediatricians at the Conference and by the reports that 6 more had been interviewed over the past couple of months.

Coogee is a suburb in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs and its beautiful beach shows how much more there is to Sydney than The Opera House and The Harbour Bridge. I decided to stay there this year and had a 20 minute walk to the SCH up the road in Randwick. This picture was taken on Friday morning when I found I had a bit of time unlike on Saturday morning when I was scrambling after a late night following the Course Dinner, a few drinks at the Clovelly Hotel and a 2 am visit to the notorious Coogee Bay Hotel from where we escaped unscathed.............in some respects.

During the week Bron put up her hand to coach the Under 13 Taree Tigers Boys team and they promptly won their Saturday morning game 6 - nil. Matt also played in the Under 16 game where they were soundly beaten. He had got up in the early hours to watch South Africa win the 20/20 against Australia and had his quietest Saturday afternoon on record. Jen could not repeat her heroics of the previous week and her game ended in a nil all draw.

All is well in Taree and Autumn is slowly announcing its presence.

All the best and have a great week.

With love

Dylan, Bronwyn, Matthew and Jennifer

Emergency Department

G'day

Well, it's just before midnight on Sunday and this week's picture indicates where I've spent a lot of my weekend. Sick children have not prevented us from having a good family weekend with Matt cooking our steaks on the Barbie for lunch, Jen the hat trick hero of her hockey team's 4-2 win yesterday, Matt's team going down in the Under 12 Grand Final and another fantastic 40th ( Matt and Steve )on the banks of the Manning River last night. Bron took it easy and I could have made a lot of money as a taxi driver.

Later.

The Wesleys

The Leaning Barn of Taree

G'day

I'm not sure how long this structure has been there for or for how much longer it will be able to house the water truck, hay bales and presumably other objects of importance. We discovered it on our first trip to the Taree Showgrounds this morning. The occassion was a Pet Day with Dog Shows, Horse Jumping and displays and numerous stands with things for sale - miniature pigs, rabbits, kittens, birds......................and the bits and pieces they need - Taree's version of The World of Cats and Dogs.

We have had a fair bit of news from South Africa recently - thank you. It is always exciting to hear how the current affairs of wherever you are affect you ( or not ). I must confess, with the passage of time my daily trips to South African News websites have become far less frequent but I do still maintain some current knowlege of what the media tells me ( no, not just the cricket ! ).

Summer maintains its hold over the Manning Valley and I think a trip to the beach or 9 holes of golf is called for this afternoon. We know that the seasons must be changing because Matt plays his cricket final next week and hockey is starting. In fact, with his team having reached the finals, he will miss the season opener. I thought I had timed my arrival at my first hockey practice on Wednesday perfectly but then realised that I was half an hour earlier than planned - " No worries " the serious guys said. " Join us for some fitness training. " I survived but did think that I might be seeing the inside of a NSW Ambulance at one stage.

After a busy week where
Bron managed to take care of her responsibilities and find a bit of time to relax
Jen smashed some tests and bonded even more with her beautiful pup Holly
Matt nursed his injured knee ( trampoline games last week ) to be fit in time to guide his team through a tight semifinal yesterday
I aged a few years in 15 minutes in the early hours of Thursday morning thanks to a baby who didn't adapt to life in the big wide world at all - she made it and looks pretty good neurologically so far,
we now greet you farewell. Have a fantastic week !

Dyl, Bron, Matt and Jen

Partytime

G'day
- well not so good for Bron as I'll explain....................

This week's picture shows how nicely Bron and I clean up - isn't she gorgeous ?

The occassion was our special mate Di's 40th Birthday Party. We got home at 03h30 this morning and let's just say that Bron is feeling pretty ordinary after a long night where she and her glass of bubbly were seldom apart. What a party it was and one which we will all remember for a long time!

As a follow up to last week's news, Matt returned from Sydney with one victory, one narrow defeat and two thumpings. The experience was a good one but he has always made it clear that he doesn't think that practising for hours everyday on a sport is the way to spend his life. It seems as though this is what he would have to do to be competitive. This is obviously not unique to Australia.....................

Despite feeling rather fragile this morning we fronted up to a prearranged lunch at our house with The Byrams and Knoxes. We are glad we did and had a fantastic lazy afternoon around the table. The boys played cricket, cops and robbers ( cops with tazers and robbers unarmed - not quite but not far from the truth )and generally had a ball while Jen played with Yan who is a 4th Year Medical Student doing her Paediatrics block at Manning Hospital. She earned herself some money looking after Matt and Jen while we punished ourselves last night. It was easier for her to stay over and she then gladly accepted our invitation to spend the day with us. The University of Newcastle sends Medical Students up to Taree and I really think we offer them an excellent perspective of Medicine by formal and good old fashioned bedside teaching. Bron and I think that a few meals at their friendly Paediatric Consultant's home should keep them adequately nourished through the year.

I suppose I can't avoid the cricket. All I can say is..........aren't the Aussies playing well ? The Proteas look well prepared but The Aussies just seem to be outplaying us and winning the battles that matter at the moment - like getting first innings runs and not letting us do the same. We continue to support our team and hope that the momentum can somehow shift our way again.

As the shadows lengthen and twilight approaches after what has been a very social weekend for us, best wishes for a fulfilling week.

With love

Dylan, Bronwyn ( now fully recovered ), Matt and Jen

Aquatic Centre

Greetings to you all !

I suppose you want the answers to last week's questions - very well.

Question 1.
It was me. I faced and overcame my fears, still have all my fingers and am now saving up for my very own chainsaw. How do you like the pitch, by the way?

Question 2.
Steven Bradbury is someone who despite achieving success in an unusual, flukey or accidental way has a lot of respect in Australia. He is an
ex-speedskater who won Australia's first Winter Olympic Gold Medal at Salt Lake City in 2002. His victory came about after three unlikely events. Firstly, he only progressed to the semifinals after a disqualification to a higher placed skater. Secondly, in the semi finals he was coming last but 3 skaters crashed ahead of him leaving him to claim second place which qualified him for the finals where this happened - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfQMJtilOGg . While you can't help but have a good laugh, he claimed that his Gold Medal was just reward for years of hard graft ( not to mention two serious accidents ). He knew his limitations and the unpredictability of his sport. To " do a Bradbury " has entered into the Australian vernacular and while it generally implies unlikely success it is also reserved for those who have shown passion and persistence. Not surprisingly, Steven Bradbury is now a Motivational Speaker.
As far as Nathan Hauritz is concerned, the other players are Beau Casson, Bryce McGain, Cameron White and Jason Krezja but let's not talk about cricket this week.
For the Aussie readers, Kgalema Motlanthe is South Africa's President.

Our Aquatic Centre ( pictured ) has a big indoor area which has a fun area and an 8 laned training pool ( spot the warning signs - this is Australia after all ) as well as an outdoor area with an Olympic sized pool. It also houses a well equipped gym - not that I've dared to go inside it. Jen had her Birthday Party there yesterday. Her birthday is actually today and the two of us have done movies, Maccas and DVD's. Bron and Matt left for Sydney this morning. Matt is due to play in the Combined Independent Schools Tennis Tournament / Trials at Pymble Ladies' College tomorrow. He will be representing the Hunter Region and we have absolutely no expectations as we don't know what he will be up against. Whilst the students of Pymble Ladies' College shouldn't prove to be too much of a distraction tomorrow, things will soon be different.

I often look at Bron and wonder why she always seems to be so busy. Hanging washing, doing washing, folding washing, feeding dogs etc today has reminded me why - and that's just a fraction of what she generally does. Doing all of this ourselves ( not sure that I am entitled to include myself here ) has not been a big problem and as Bron says " you just have to get on with it ".

The washing machine is beeping at me and the dogs are looking hungry so.............goodbye from Australia where people seem to be rewarded as much for what they put in as what they achieve and specifically from Murrumbong-Gillitts where our baby is now nine years old.

Dylan and Jennifer and Bronwyn and Matthew in their absence.

Cricket net

G'day

I have two questions for you all today.

Question 1.
The first question pertains to this week's pictures. How does the cricket net change from Saturday ( tree on pitch ) to Sunday ( no tree on pitch ) ? Did I...................
a. Pay someone to cut up the tree and move the branches ?
b. Get a friend with a chainsaw to cut up the tree and move the branches ?
c. Borrow a friend's chainsaw to cut up the tree and move the branches myself ?

As you will see the net is " netless " for now. I am negotiating with a Brisbane company and have assured Matt and Jen ( who by the way has asked for a cricket bat for her Birthday next Sunday - if you can't beat them............) that it will be up by next cricket season.

Question 2.
Who is Steven Bradbury and why did an article in The Weekend Australian bring up the " Steven Bradbury effect " when discussing Nathan Hauritz, the Australian offspinner ? For a bonus point - name the other players involved.

Australians who receive this email are exempt from this question and should instead answer the question. Who is Kgalema Motlanthe ? No bonus point.
A clue - Steven Bradbury and Kgalema Motlanthe have absolutely nothing in common, or on second thoughts perhaps they do.

I have had a busy week and for the first time in a long time find myself with a desk full of files waiting for letters, scripts and return phone calls. The difference these days is that I will get there when I can within a reasonable period of time as opposed to the demands I was placed under and placed myself under in a previous life. The scars are healing................

Bron escorted her mum down to Sydney on Thursday night - 40 seater Saab Turboprop ..........two engines ! They parted ways on Friday morning with Bron returning to Taree and Pat taking on the 14 hour flight to Johannesburg. We have been able to reflect on their visit and look forward to their next trip. They have promised to return.

On the subject of returns, let's hope the Aussies get to feel how touring teams used to feel when they toured Down Under in the past. Everybody here says that they are rebuilding after being number one for so long..............I remind them of the West Indies although I must admit, their victory and subsequent draw against England have shown what they may be capable of.

Later.

Dylan, Bronwyn, Matthew and Jennifer

PS - today is a National Day of Mourning for the victims of the Victorian bushfires.

Family

G'day,

As I wrote last week's letter I had no idea ( nor did anyone else ) that the bushfires in Victoria would ultimately wreak such havoc and claim so many lives. Despite being about 1200km away from Melbourne, even our community has been rocked and many initiatives have quickly evolved to help both the Bushfire victims and those who have been affected by the floods in Queensland. Aussies are digging deep!

Whilst we have always told you about what is happening in our lives and have informed you of Matt and Jen's successes and disappointments in a matter of fact way, this week was an especially proud one for Bron and me.

Matt was voted in as School Captain of the Primary School of Manning Valley Anglican College . Students from Year 3 to Year 6 vote after nominations have been made and the candidates have made a speech to the pupils, Principal and staff. I am not sure if the staff have a say. Anyway, Bron and I were invited to the school assembly on Friday where Matt was presented with his School Captain badge. He ran the assembly faultlessley, made his pledge in his South African accent and fortunately did not have to swear allegiance to the Aussie cricket team. The role is quite a demanding one and Matt and Jasmin Thompson will be given quite a lot of responsibilty with respect to school affairs.

One of our biggest regrets about coming to Oz was that we were robbing our family of opportunities to see Matt and Jen growing up in their new lives. Bron's parents' recent visit has allowed them to be a part of our family and Pat was able to see Matt receive his special honour on Friday. Brian went back to South Africa 2 weeks ago and Pat returns on Thursday. Their visit has meant a lot to all of us and we will miss them.

Super 14 and hockey season are upon us. In preparation, Matt has selected his Fantasy Super 14 team and I have ordered my Waratahs supporter's gear. As far as hockey is concerned, I have a visit to an Orthotist next week to see what he can do about my troublesome Achilles tendons, Jen is wondering how she is going to fit hockey and dancing in, Matt can't wait although there's still a cricket league to try to win and even Bron is trying to decide whether she should do some coaching or possibly play.

From a rainy and subdued Taree, I bid you farewell until next week.

Dylan, Bronwyn, Matt and Jen

Greetings from Taree ( current temperature 37.5 Deg C - not as bad as Dubbo at 44 Deg C )

While the Aussie cricket team might not be on fire, the state of Victoria where bushfires have been raging for a couple of weeks, certainly is ( 55 burning, 10 of which are out of control as I write ). It has been estimated that the fires have claimed up to 40 lives, towns have been razed to the ground and livestock losses have been significant. There are also many fires burning in New South Wales but Victoria has been particularly hard-hit. While all of that is going on, the Northern Territory and North Queensland have been ravaged by floods.

Well, we are now a two beagle family. Jen and I travelled up to Armidale yesterday to fetch Holly. We left Taree at 6 o'clock and got back at half past 2 in the afternoon - 8 hours of driving on Thunderbolts Way - what a cool name for a road. Wait for it.................Captain Thunderbolt was a bushranger who terrorised the region ( gold-rich ) in the 19th century. He had an aboriginal wife and apparently kept his promise to her that he would never shoot anyone. He was supposedly killed by the police in 1870 although rumours abounded that he in fact escaped and nipped over to California where he continued his craft.

Today's picture was taken on the way back and my only regret is not having taken it on the way up when the light was much better. The picture is taken looking west over the Barrington Tops, our very own World Heritage Site. We haven't spent any time up there but I think we should. It is quite a popular camping destination but I reckon we'll be on the lookout for a good Bed and Breakfast.

Armidale is North West of Taree and is Australia's highest cathedral city at an altitude of around 1000m. The traditional owners of the land are the Aniwan ( Anaiwan ) people and it was first " settled " in the 1830s. It is home to the University of New England which has a recently established Medical School and also has a couple of well known and highly regarded Boarding Schools. It is also clearly the Beagle Breeding capital of New South Wales.

Matt and Jen have settled into school with their new teachers, I have reset my tempo and have been working hard, Bron and her mum have continued to spend each waking moment with each other and Tessa now has a partner in crime.

Later.

Dyl, Bron, Matt and Jen

Australia Day

G'day !
- never " G'day mates / friends / buddies / bru ".............just " G'day ", as my Australian Cultural Adviser, Dave Scarlett has informed me.

Whilst this photo wasn't actually taken on Australia Day ( 26th January ) it was taken from the Apartment block where we stayed over the long weekend and from where we did witness a spectacular fireworks display over Darling Harbour ( in picture ) on the night of the 26th. For those of you who don't know Sydney, we are looking over the Pyrmont Bridge facing East over the city. The Sydney Tower is prominent and the Harbour Bridge is out of picture to the left. Bronwyn's parents ( Brian and Pat ) arrived on Christmas Day and we took them down to the Big Smoke to show them around. Gee, it's been fantastic to have had them around and I've enjoyed a long break from work......I know, I know - you're wondering how much work I've been doing anyway and did I really deserve a break?

" Australia Day " commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet to Australia in 1788. Although they had actually landed at Botany Bay on the 20th ( I think ) January, Captain Phillip sailed up the coast in search of more suitable ground and stumbled across Sydney Cove which he promptly claimed for the British crown. For the most part it is a day of massive celebration around Australia. However, not everyone is thrilled and many Indigenous people call it " Invasion Day ". It has been interesting to see an attempt at reconciliation on a different continent and quite frankly the ratio of Indigenous to non-Indigenous is the difference. I honestly do believe that an attempt is being made to right the wrongs of the past and for the first time on Monday night I heard the first verse of " Advance Australia Fair " sung in the language of an Indigenous Nation. I have also read, but not witnessed that a minority of Australians treat Australia Day as a " Day of Exclusion " of other minority groups. Needless to say, they get a lot of attention.

Hey - how about that cricket ? Matt, Brian and I went to the first 2 days of the Sydney Test and to the Melbourne ODI. Bron, Matt and I were back at the SCG on Friday night. We have really enjoyed watching the tight contests unfold ( at decent times of the day unlike most of you )and we have enjoyed catching up with Mickey. I have won a few bets ( mostly beer from Dave ) but have remained humble.

Yes, I'm back - like stokies, bell bottoms, paisley and The Proteas.

From a hot Taree where we are ready to get stuck into what will almost certainly be a challenging year - more about that in the weeks to come.

Dylan, Bronwyn, Matthew and Jennifer