Time is flying again!

Gosh, I aimed to write something every week but I havent managed it. Since my last entry I have :

Survived the Red dust storm - incredible! ton s of red dust spread all over NSW - up at Catherine's it was mingled with rain and rained red mud - in Sydney it was so thick people were advised not to go out if they had any respiratory problems for for a few hours it was like being on Mars!

Got my ethics approval back, so started surveying students, and interviewing students. I have lots to do now collecting data and analysing this first pilot study.

Been up to see the grandchildren again - Samantha is growing in leaps and bounds and is so articulate it makes it a real pleasure - she even chats briefly on the phone - not bad for 2yrs 9 months. The boys were out on their bikes with their father last time I was there - the tracks on their property are a real excitement and challenge for them on both their motorbikes and thier BMX bikes. I sewed my patchwork - trying to emulate my talented daughter!

I had a week at a retreat at Mahratta - the residence for the Sydney School of Philosophy - beautiful heritage building - all done in the Art Deco style - a beautiful spiritually restful week, where we shared friendship, some beautiful music and contemplation.

I took myself to the Sydney Opera House last night as an early birthday present for myself - saw Cosi Fan Tutte - done in English - a humourous, "sensual" production - beautiful singing, imaginative costuming and set, and the venue is gorgeous at night - sipping champagne at the interval with all the lights of the skyscrapers , HArbour bridge and the excursion boats.

I have booked to go back to NZ in mid November - miss Peter, our home and friends but grateful I am getting the chance to work on this project.

WEll - this is not a literary masterpiece bit it is at least a start!