Irons family down under

Tasmania

2012-01-29T05:46:00.000-08:00

The summer holiday is coming to an end and I have lots to write. We just got back from the most fabulous holiday in Tasmania. First we visited Jamie's sister in Sydney and we flew on to Tassie, an island I totally fell in love with. So wild, so beautiful: mountains, beaches, full of wild life (wallibies, wombats, echidnas, possums).. we were very lucky with the weather. Mostly sunny and we missed the massive heat wave here in Perth (3 days of 40+ degrees!) Tasmania has lovely wee towns and nice pubs. And everyone is so friendly. The boys were (again) amazing little walkers and we tackled quite a few mountains. Jamie more than us, but even so. Will post some photos soon.
Now watching the tennis. Exciting match.. Hope Nadal wins..

Long time

2012-01-07T06:07:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012!

Busy but fantastic month with my parents and Maarten and Shonda. Had a lovely time in Albany. What a beautiful coastline! Here are some photos...

https://picasaweb.google.com/118153332706348543500/Christmas2011

Still 3 weeks holiday left. Am looking forward to catching up with friends next week and then we are going to Sydney and on to Tasmania!

XXX

Camping again...

2011-12-04T04:43:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went camping with Corinne and her family. Willem and Frank get on well with her daughters and Ed, her husband is also very nice.
We went to the Collie River about 2 and a half hours south east from here. A beautiful place. It was really relaxing and there were some lovely breweries too! Here are some photos. We also saw a possum!!!

https://picasaweb.google.com/118153332706348543500/CampingInFergusonValley

Concerts

2011-12-04T04:40:00.000-08:00

Hello hello
Finally some time to post again. November has been a month of many concerts.
It started with James Morrisson and Deni Hines in The Quarry. He's a famous Aussie Jazz Trumpet Player and the Quarry is a wonderful venue 10 minutes from our house. You bring your own drink and pic nic and sit under the stars overlooking the city lights. I went there with a bunch of girlfriends and had a great night

Then it was Portishead in the Swan Valley at the Belvoir amphitheatre. Also a fantastic venue. It was a nice evening with Jamie, some of his colleagues and 2 friends of mine. Just didn't like the band so much as they didn't interact with the audience..

19th of November I went to Band of Horses and Kings of Leon with Elleke and Katja (and their partners). Two bands I really wanted to see and thet did not dissappoint. It was also great to be in a stadium again.

And a week later I was back in the same stadium for one of the best concerts I've ever been to, with Jamie. It was totally full and the Foofighters played with so much enthusiam and energy! Dave Grohl was funny and the drummer, Taylor Hawkins, was amazing. They played all my favourite songs and gave 7 encores!

Next week we'll go the the Quarry again to see Ross Wilson, an old Aussie Rocker and we've got many concerts lined up like Seasick Steve, Icehouse and Lenny Karvitz. Just heard Duran Duran are coming as well to a lovely winery...

It's so easy in Perth.. never too far away and almost always great weather!

Whale Watching and Rottnest Island

2011-11-06T02:05:00.000-08:00

https://picasaweb.google.com/118153332706348543500/WhaleWatchingAndRottnest#5671811780702521106

We had a busy, lovely weekend. Saturday we had Lukas' 2nd birthday party (Urmila's son) and then we had a yummy BBQ at my friend Corinne's house. Corinne is married to Ed, an Aussie en also Bart was there with his Aussie wife Heidi. 4 girls and our 2 boys and they got on so well! We are hoping to go camping all together the end of November.
It was a rainy day, but they had a fire so it was nice and cosy still outside.

Ed and the fire.. time for whisky..

Bart, Ed and Jamie

The kids

Around the fire..

Later that night I had invited a girl called Inge over. I've met her once and really liked her. She's a dancer and has just finished her teaching degree here (masters of education) and needed help with her CV. Her husband came along and that was really nice too. I have just registered for her African dance class with Michelle, the sculptress from Willem's school and another girl called Anje. I actually met her in the Panta Rhei in Vlissingen this summer and she lives here now with her husband. Think it'll be fun and a good work out and so I will get to know Inge better too!

On Friday I went to a place called the Jazz Cellar with Anje and Peronne (she's leaving for Singapore in January, boohoo) which was fantastic! It's only open on a Friday and you have to be there before 6pm other wise it'll be full. Only a 100 people are allowed in. You go down steps in a (fake) telephone box and then we were met by some 70+ old men. He gave us 3 wine glasses. The rest (food and drink) you need to bring yourself. You find yourself a small table and around 7 pm the band comes on. Also 65+ year olds with their trumpets and trombones. Within no time everyone is dancig. Us included. King Louie from Junglebook, Oh when the Saints.. etc. Great and around 10.30pm they kick you out!
Totally loved it, so quirky. Full of young and old people having a great time!

And today we went whale watching, organised by Jamie's work woodside. We saw sooo many! Jumping out of the water and quite close to the boat. You can see the photos on Picasa. The boat then dropped us at Rottnest Island where we met the Quokkas again and played on the beach. It was a cool day, but it didn't rain. Another great memory!

Hope you had a good weekend too!
Some photos of the jazz cellar:

Prevelly

2011-10-30T17:25:00.000-07:00

https://picasaweb.google.com/118153332706348543500/PrevellyMargaretRiver

What a lovely relaxing weekend it was. The boys don't really realise how lucky they are to live in a country so beautiful as this. All that space, warm ocean, whales just swimming past. It is just spectacular.
Especially as there were no flies (they can really ruin places like this). And of course it was good to have my friend Katja there too!

Website of the school I work

2011-10-24T23:53:00.001-07:00

http://www.deschakel.com.au/de-schakel/het-team

Another milestone reached!

2011-10-23T23:06:00.000-07:00

Making the most of my "Frank only" days before he goes to school full time next year...
Super proud!

Busy weekend

2011-10-23T05:07:00.000-07:00

It started with cleaning and food shopping on a thundery Saturday morning. Then to the gym for a good hour of body attack and then to Michelle, a mum from school who spent an hour and a half on my hair and make up for Noor's (my gym friend) 40th birthday party. It was a girls only frock party in her house. Around 50 women all dressed up having cosmopolitans and champagne. We went for a drink in The Stanley afterwards. We all chipped in and Noor's close friends made a book full of vouchers for all her favourite shops and reastaurants. It was a lovely but it also made me feel kind of sad. In this life where everyone moves away all the time it is difficult to find true/real friendships. It's not something I've chosen, it just comes with the oil industry. And I feel that I've neglected some of my friendships back home (or where ever they are..all over the world) So plan: I am going to do better and if you receive a phone call, a card and or a (email)letter in the near future, you know you matter to me a lot! I do have a couple of true friends here too, don't get me wrong. I am not lonely or anything, it just made me value friendships even more. Do I make sense? Anyhow, This morning we had a children's book event in Kings Park organised by the Dutch School. Really nice, a kind of hunt where the children met book characters and had to do some tasks to win letters. The letters made a word and with that they could "win" a bookmark. Sausage sizzle to finish off.. lovely. To the beach in the afternoon for an hour or so and then to Renate, a Dutch girl I have met quite a few times but wished I made a little bit more effort and she's really nice but now they're leaving. But it was BBQ with good food and some nice people..
Hope you had a good weekend too!

Michelle's creation

ready for the party!

Work!!

2011-10-19T22:12:00.000-07:00

This week I went to work for the first time in nearly 3 years. I was just assisting so didn't need to prepare. My friend Marloes had prepared a fantastic lesson about heroes (theme of the Dutch children's book week) and I really like being there now so I get a very good idea of the level of the children (that will help me for next year when I am teaching myself). In total this week I work 4 mornings with the little ones and I also covered Wilna the head teacher with for 2 hours teaching individual children. Normally I will only work 2 mornings this term. Last weekend we had a great time in Dwellingup (1,5 hours southeast of Perth) camping in the woods with 11 families from Willem's class. Kids got on like a house on fire and there was a lot of "adult time" too. It was nice to get to know the other families better and the surroundings are so lovely and peaceful there. Photos are already on Picasa.
On Sunday we had a taste of summer, 35 degrees so we went to the beach. Australia lost the rugby from the all blacks...
Last night was the first meeting of the book club I've started. Not everyone could make it and not everyone finished the book (The potato Factory by Bryce Courtenay) but it was a successful, fun evening and we've got lots of good books on the list to read. Gym this morning (my only free day this week!) and
I went to see my friend Urmila in hospital as she has just given birth to another baby boy!
This weekend we're just here. It's the rugby final, children's book week activities for the boys organised by the Dutch School, a 40th birthday party from Noor for me.. so lots to do..

Camping trips

2011-10-13T22:36:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we went camping in the wheatbelt, Dryandra woodlands. Supposedly full of wildlife which we didn't see unfortunately, but we had a lovely time in the woods. Really interesting and beautiful trees like the Brown Mallet and Kwongan. The boys roasted marshmellows in the fire and it was warm and peaceful. This weekend summer will arrive... 32 degrees predicted for Sunday. We're off camping again, this time in Dwellingup. We've been there a few times but this one will be on a different campsite: a site for groups and with a big group we will be! Around 10 families of Willem's Pre-Primary class should all be there on Saturday night! We're going for 2 nights. Looking forward to it! This Wednesday I went to see the film The Hunter with a couple of women. I enjoyed the film especially the Tasmanian landscape. Another destination added to the wish list! Next week I start working, 4 mornings assisting with the Dutch Nursery and a couple of hours individual teaching. This term I will work just 2 mornings as an assistant, which is easy! Will have my first team meeting on Tuesday too! Feels quite strange and exciting to be part of a school team again..Yesterday I found out some friends are leaving in March. Still the biggest drawback of our life in the oil industry. Next Wednesday is the first meeting of the bookclub I've started. Around 10 women! We read the Potato Factory by Bryce Courtenay which is all about English Convicts arriving in Hobart, Tasmania early 1900's. Interesting and gruesome too! Quite curious what the others think too..
Willem is still crazy about his wii. I can't believe how quickly he managed to be soooo good at it as well! Frank started painting a lot. Right, will have to start packing the car now! Have a good weekend too!

kangaroos

2011-10-10T17:29:00.000-07:00

Frank (4.5)

Willem (6)

Vegetable patch

2011-10-09T19:31:00.001-07:00

The Slades

2011-10-06T05:11:00.000-07:00

https://picasaweb.google.com/118153332706348543500/TheSladesInvasion

This week Jenny, Duncan, Joe, Jim and Jack came over for a week from Sydney. They arrived 7 hours late because their flight was cancelled and had to travel via Adelaide. Willem and Frank were very excited and it was lovely to have them here and show them how and where we live. We were very lucky with the weather and had some lovely days on various beaches. The wii (which was Willem's birthday present from Auntie Jacqui, Uncle Andrew and Sam, and Eddie) was very popular and the boys had so much fun together. It's quiet again now, in the house. Hopefully we get the chance to see them again in Sydney or somewhere else in Australia next year.

We still have a week holidays left. Hopefully we can go camping this weekend.

Willem's Pirate Party

2011-09-24T05:13:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated Willem's 6th Birthday on the beach with a massive Pirate Party. We did it early because his birthday is in the holidays. He invited all of the boys from his Pre-Primary class and 3 girls + Cleo and Carmen, friends from outside school. 17 kids in total. The weather has been a bit unsettled recently so we were very lucky with a beautiful, sunny day.
Jamie had been busy making the pirate ship cake the night before and I sorted most of the games and food.
It was a fantastic morning, if I say so myself. It started with some drawing and some pirate books to "read". Then we all got together and played games like "Pirate Pirate Captain, a treasure hunt, gold coins search, walk the plank, water bomb fight, lots of pirate grub to eat and treasure to dig up. Most children came dressed as wee pirates (or mermaids)! It's a great group of kids and we had a lot of fun.

https://picasaweb.google.com/118153332706348543500/WillemS6thBirthdayParty

Work!!

2011-09-21T01:33:00.000-07:00

This morning I got a phone call from the Quintilian School, an independent school here in Perth and also the one where the Dutch School has a room. A lot of Dutch children go there and we are there every Tuesday as Willem has his Dutch lessons there. A couple of weeks ago I handed in my CV and there was the first call for relief teaching! Unfortunately I couldn't make it as I promised to go on the school trip with Kindy and Pre-Primary to the Art Gallery but it's a start!
On Monday I visited the Dutch Nursery class to see their way of working (actually observed my friend Marloes teaching) so I can do relief teaching there soon. This term it's easy as I can just bring Frank along to the classes. Next year it's easier as he will be in school 5 days a week as well. Hopefully next term I can work every Tuesday morning (as an assistant) in the Dutch Nursery and do some relief. Tomorrow I will observe Wilna again, the head teacher with the individual children although I am not sure if that's what I really want...
I went to Bold Park Community School today, another independent school to bring my CV (I already emailed them) and they were happy to see me. As they work differently from other schools (Reggio approach and some Steiner) they've asked me to do a trial morning next term. They also said they really liked my dress, like that would be a criteria to join the school :) But it was also promising. So.. it's beginning to work out.. Although.. still no news about my ID number from the Government. They're a slow moving body, that's for sure. When I have it I can work in all the state schools too.

The trip to the Art Gallery was fun. I went along with Willem's class and they looked at the Aboriginal Art and all the stories of Dreaming with it. They also did some great artwork themselves.
Frank's Kindy class also learnt about Aboriginal Art and Frank is so inspired! His teacher said he was a great interpreter of the paintings. He found a stick on the way home and straight away started painting lots of dots this afternoon. He said he wanted his painting to go on the wall in the art gallery too!

things..

2011-09-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

On Thursday I went with 3 friends to Guildford, a small old town not far from Perth with lots of antique and art shops. We had a lovely lunch and it was nice to spend a day with the girls. In the evening my friend Noor organised another night in The Stanley (one of my favourite hang outs) for all the Dutch women. Quite a few new faces which was really nice. Especially liked this girl Inge, who teaches African Dance in Fremantle. Hopefully I'll get to know her better.
Had a "chat" with the head teacher of the Dutch NTC school "De Schakel". I sent her a casual email after reading the newsletter in which it was quite obvious they were struggling with relief teachers at the moment. So I offered to help out. We talked for a bit and found out we both started teaching in exactly the same school: Driestromenschool in Middelburg, special needs education. Anyway... she can't promise me anything just yet, only an assistant teaching job for next term (one morning only). It doesn't pay very well and it wasn't what I really wanted but it is a start and who knows.. I just really hoped I could work in the Australian system but am getting nowhere at the moment.
Tomorrow our old Aberdeen friends (Tamar and Urmila and families) are coming for a BBQ. Unfortunately the weather is slightly unsettled, showery... but it'll be fun anyway. And in the evening we've got a "Bring and Braai" at Katja's as her South African husband turns 39 (I think).
Also I've started a book club. I didn't think it would be so easy as everyone is very busy but in no time I managed to get 10 women together. We're reading The Potato Factory (on my request) by Bryce Courtenay. One of Australia's most famous authors (although he's really South African). I hope it's good.. so far it's a good read.. I had to choose something quite quickly...and this was recommended...
We also went to Bells Rapids last weekend in the Swan Valley. Lovely spot along the river. We were just a wee bit too early for the wild flowers... I'll attach a few photos later.
Yesterday we went to the Frogfest at Herdsman Lake again, just like last year. We knew about the frogs now and still didn't see any but it was still a fun evening.

Guildford with Thea, Simone and Katja

Bells Rapids

Can you imagine what it will look like when all these flowers are in bloom??

About the boys.. Willem's reading is improving heaps, also in English. Frank is interested in reading now too, so we've started slowly...Willem's still very much into computer stuff. Frank is still totally obsessed by his cuddly toys Bambi and Kangaroo. He didn't want to go to Kindy last week. Reason: he only has one friend (Gabriel). Asked him who he likes to be friends with.. he said: Not A, cause she wears glasses and not E, cause she's already friends with R. And not B, J, J and A cause they don't listen to the teacher and not B cause he's already friends with I... but maybe D.. Yes, I like D to be my friend. So.. Delainey is coming for a play on Monday..

Busy now organising Willem's birthday party. We'll do it before the holidays on the beach. A total Pirate theme party. Lots of organising but I don't mind.. He's invited a lot of schoolkids and two other friends.
And we're also looking forward to Jamie's little sister's visit the 1st week of the October holidays. Willem and Frank can't wait to spend time again with their cousins Joe, Jim and Jack. They live in Sydney now, so it's not too far..

Murder Mystery Dinner

2011-09-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

Last week I organised a dinner party at our house called "Passion Pasta and Pistols" It was set in New York in an Italian restaurant and the owner had been shot in the back. Grieving family members came to the restaurant to support each other only to find out one of us was the killer!!!!

It was a fun night. Our friends really put in a tremendous effort in their outfits and roles, including accent! Lots of laughs.

I did well on the catering side too. Fabulous anti-pasto plates, wild mushroom pasta with fresh parmesan and rocket salad and delicious chicken cacciatore..

Jamie was so full he didn't eat till 4.30 pm the next day!

Mama Rosa, cooking the pasta for 25 yearze!

Marco Roni, Mama Rosa, Bo Jolais, Angel, Father Alfredo, Tara Misu and Rocco

Clair Voyant is awaiting the guests

The killer!!

Photos!!!

2011-09-04T06:58:00.001-07:00

https://picasaweb.google.com/118153332706348543500/Bali2011

Bali

2011-09-04T06:57:00.000-07:00

We had a fantastic holiday in Bali. We stayed in Villa Oasis, in Sanur, a fishing village on the beach. Our "villa" (it was more an apartment) was one of four around a lovely pool. It really felt like a little oasis in the heart of the village. It was quiet en peaceful. Sanur's beach was nice with a 4 km long promenade with bars and restaurants. It didn't have any waves as there was a reef just off the coast. Jamie thought this was a bit disappointing but the water was warm and clear. The boys loved the pool. We were quite lucky as there was another boy (Lorenzo, 8 years old) in one of the other apartments and they got on really well and played for hours on end in the pool. We also made some lovely day trips. Highlight was to Gunung Batur, a real volcano and Willem and Frank made it to the top (1717m). The day after we treated them to a water park with lots of slides which they totally loved. We also visited interesting and impressive temples, beautiful rice terraces and saw lots of monkeys in Ubud. Jamie went up the highest mountain one night for sunrise (Gunung Agung, around 3100m) and had the most amazing views.
The people are so lovely and the food is delicious. Willem and Frank really liked nasi goreng!

Spring

2011-08-23T03:12:00.000-07:00

There's something about the spring. As a child, it was my favourite season, the first warm sun after the cold dark months, my birthday on it's way, happy people around you. In Scotland spring was always very welcome. The first snowdrops, crocuses, it has always given me a very happy feeling. Never thought it would be the same here in Australia. You can't call winter "winter" here and it's not like we haven't had the warm sun shining either. But the flowers are just so pretty it makes me smile. More and more are flowering now. First the yellow daisies, now the bottlebrushes and the kangaroo paws. I can't wait for our first free weekend to go camping again and to see all the wildflowers here.
It's funny, in Oman, I didn't experience spring for 5 years and I didn't mind. Guess there was just so much else going on to be thinking of flowers then. But it is definitely my favourite season, even though here in Australia my birthday is still far away...

Things..

2011-08-17T22:59:00.000-07:00

Hello,
Just to let you know what we've been up to. Not that much to be honest... Last weekend we bought a BBQ (after a year of being here!!) and we invited Evelien and Katja and their families round for a good Aussie BBQ. The 6 kids got on as a house of fire and it was a lovely evening. It also happened to be our 7th wedding anniversary so that was nice...
Boys are doing well at school. We had some vaccinations, Hep A and B. Swimming, Tennis, Multi sport, play dates. Dutch lessons, it's all going on and the days fly by. I still go to the gym 2/3 times a week. Haven't been running much since I got back from The Netherlands. I'll miss the City to Surf race so...didn't really see the point... but will pick it up again, I think/hope..
Have had a couple of lovely girls nights out to the cinema, we saw the French film "beautiful lies" a light hearted, entertaining film and yesterday we went to the slow-moving but quiet touching film "the tree of life". In the diary.. let's see.. next week I am going to Aboriginal Dance with Tamar, there's Bali, Jamie's Birthday and I am even already thinking about Willem's party, an ambitious Pirate Beach Party plan is in my head..Then it's the october holidays.. Hopefully Jamie's little sister Jenny will make it here..
Hope you're all well too!

Jamie's sister and family visit Perth.

2011-08-07T06:14:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the slow updates... We've just been busy. Jamie's sister came with our nephews Sam and Eddie. Andrew arrived 6 days later. We had a lovely time together. They were a bit unlucky with the weather. Most of the week it was showery and windy an quite a bit cooler than before. We never got wet though and were fortunate to time our walks in a way we always had shelter when it started hammering down. We tried to show them most of the sights around Perth but a week is too short. Promised Sam and Eddie a surf lesson, but it never happened because it was just too dangerous.. They've gone now and flew to Darwin to see the "real Australia. And now the weather has been lovely again. Such a shame.
We spent today on the beach and it was so warm!
Will write more soon about all the day to day things. Here's the photos of the family visit:

https://picasaweb.google.com/Machteld.Irons/TheWhittonsInOz

Summer in Zeeland

2011-07-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

We got back last night. Very good flights and the boys were incredible. We slept in this morning till noon... What a rain in Perth! Katja came round straight away so we had a good catch up and squeezed in a walk in Bold Park in between the showers. We all had such a fantastic time "back home". The boys feel at home immediately and my parents are simply the best. Managed to see a lot of friends and just had a wonderful time. Thank you so much everyone for making time for us, looking after us and thinking of us! I found it really tough this time, to say goodbye because it will be another year till I'm back. Here are some photos:

https://picasaweb.google.com/Machteld.Irons/SummerInZeeland2011

Stress and stupidity

2011-06-28T22:32:00.000-07:00

Pfffffffff, I am so losing it! We booked flights to Bali. All very exciting of course and then yesterday I realise it's right in the week when it's the City to Surf race (12k) for which I have been training. It's a huge event and it ends near enough at our front door and now I can't take part. Not the end of the world, I know, but still very stupid and annoying.
But now comes the best part. I phone up KLM because I still hadn't received my e-ticket for the flight tomorrow. He says I never paid for the flight and therefore they cancelled the reservation. You can believe my reaction. The boys (and me too) are so much looking forward to going home. How on earth am I going to tell them... Well not, obviously and I asked the guy to see if the flight was still available. And.. luck is with me...it was. I only have to return one day earlier. And pay an awful lot more... boohoohooooooo.
But at least we can go. Just feel really bad towards Jamie as he's the one working and I am spending more money just by being stupid and forgetful. At least I sold our Stokke cot for $500. So that's some money coming in...
Now finish packing and cleaning and let the stress flow out of my body....

Sculpture Course

2011-06-26T21:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to the Fremantle Art Centre for a sculpture course. The art centre is a beautiful old building, built by convicts and it's first use was a lunatic asylum. A Hungarian guy called Viktor was our teacher. It was a small group and everybody else had done sculpting before. We bought a piece of Hebel stone, a man made "stone", which is very easy to carve. I borrowed tools from one of the mums in school I really like, Michelle, who is a sculptress herself. That morning I had woken up at 5am hearing the loud crashing of the waves and they kept me awake, so I decided to make a wave. Also because I thought it would look good in our garden with ocean views. It's hard work! Pfew, certainly feel my arm muscles today! But also great fun and although my sculpture isn't perfect, it still looks alright for a first attempt!
The other bit of news is: I won an i-phone! I entered a competition about Russel Crowe and his new film. I don't care at all about Russel Crowe but I could use an update as my phone is a real old one (can't even take pictures). You had to name his best films and write 25 words why you liked them:

Beautiful Mind, L.A. Confidential and Gladiator are his best films
They stay in your head
You feel in your toe
That's Russel Crowe!

Still haven't got the phone.. need to fill in a form to prove my identity, blablabla
But am happy I will get it at some point (probably after my trip to the Netherlands)

What else.. boys are doing well. Willem has lost 2 teeth now. His reading is improving. They still enjoy multi-sports, swimming and the tennis on Friday afternoons is a real success. The boys love it and I get to sit in the setting sun with a bunch of nice parents from the school and a drink. Makes me feel part of the community.

Thursday night I went out with the mums from Willem's class, Friday night I organised a girls night out to a tapas bar in Leederville. It was a really good night, despite the really heavy rain.
Saturday I ran to Cottesloe (about 8k) and Jamie drove there with the boys to meet our friends on the beach for a swim. In the afternoon we had a leaving party at the Dutch School. One of the dutch mums is leaving. I don't know her very well, only go to the gym with her, but it was nice to catch up with a lot of people.

Here are some photos of the sculpting course. Jamie did well looking after the boys and took them to the beach. They were in their swimming trunks and Willem even went in the sea. It's winter!!!

Estate agent

2011-06-17T22:26:00.000-07:00

Last week I phoned our estate agent in Aberdeen. We'd heard the woman who lived in our ground floor flat would leave the end of June. We're glad to see her go. She broke the washing machine, the tumble dryer and she also claimed the lawnmower was broken but we suspect she just didn't want to mow the lawn. Anyway, you can imagine the state of our garden. I don't like that at all as everybody looks after their gardens really well in our street. But that's not even the worst: she also hasn't paid the rent regularly. Anyway, I phoned Lewis, who I always dealt with. I was told he no longer worked for the company. I was surprised and to be honest, it would've been nice to have been informed. The new guy, James, was very understanding and apologetic and would find out about everything as soon as he could after I explained our experience with our first tenant. I received an email today in which he explained their solicitors are now dealing with the rent she still owes us and he also found new tenants for our property starting the beginning of July. A couple signed up for another year for £100 more a month than last year. This time we will include a gardener in the rent, though. Anyway. good news!

Guilford

2011-06-12T05:43:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Guildford, an old town about 15 km east of Perth on the Swan River. It has lots of antique shops and a fabulous old pub, the Rose and Crown.

We had a lovely time. Dinner at Katja's.. perfect ending
Hope your Sunday was just as good.
XXX

PASSED!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-06-10T05:10:00.000-07:00

I passed the test, 8.5 reading, 8.5 speaking, 8.5 listening and 7.5 writing. I am so happy!
The results will be forwarded to the Teachers Registration office and they will than assess my file one more time but within 14 days I hope to be a provisional registered teacher! Plan is to do relief for the remainder of this year and maybe will start looking for something more permanent (or fixed term) in 2012 when Frank also goes to school full time.
Last weekend we had a long weekend and we went camping in Yalgorup, south of Perth. It was cold at night but still pleasant during the day and you are allowed fires now so it was lovely. We also had a birthday party for Willem, a farewell party (Sue and Gareth) and dinner at Arjen&Urmila's.. so we were busy!
Willem had a wobbly tooth and it came out yesterday. Frank had his 4 year old vaccinations today. Tennis on Friday evenings is great, it's such a lovely small tennis club and it makes me feel part of City Beach Community.
3 more weeks and then I am flying back to the Netherlands.

Thrombolites

Camp site with fire ring

Salty Lake

IELTS TEST

2011-05-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I sat the IELTS test, an English proficiency test. If I score a 7.5 on each four skills (reading, listening, writing and speaking) I can become a registered teacher here in WA. It started at 8.15 am at the university here and about 300 people were there. Nearly all young Asian people and some African. I was the only white one. Most people were young and have to do the test to be able to study here. It started with a listening test which wasn't too difficult although I know I missed one or two questions. Reading was not easy but I found it doable. Just very dull texts about the geology on Mars and changing consumer markets.
Then writing. Two tasks, one was to describe a table about population growth in four areas of the world between 1950 and 2000 (150 words) and a second task where I needed to argue whether teachers should teach morals, manners and values or if they should just stick to the curriculum. The second task was worth more points so I concentrated on that one and wrote a good piece, I thought. Then I realised I didn't have enough words for the first task and only had 5 minutes left so I started to speculate about the table (rather than describing it). Later after my oral exam which went well, the examiner told me most people fail their writing as they miss some key points they need to pick up from the table, and certainly with the speculating I will have lost points. Also I should have given both sides of the arguments a paragraph in task 2 and I only highlighted one. I assumed they just wanted to see if I could write in English, but they actually want you to be able to read a table and write a proper essay. So it's not about English as such....Well. Just have to wait and see. Results in 2 weeks. The rest of the weekend was lovely. Beautiful weather, bit of beach, Willem had a birthday party and Katja and Elleke came for lunch on Sunday. Also on Saturday night we went to Jamie's boss' 40th birthday party in Subiaco which was nice. This week the weather is slightly unsettled, few showers but we need the rain so I am not complaining. Jamie's recovering well and even went back to work on the bike today. Tomorrow I have kindy duty and on Thursday a night out with the Dutch mums. Now I am going to have a shower (bit sweaty after Body Attack) and I have to pick up Frank from Dutch school...
Love to all
XXX

Jamie and his bike

2011-05-24T23:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Jamie got knocked off his bike by a car that just didn't see him on the roundabout. We spent all morning in hospital to have him checked over and luckily he escaped with just cuts and bruises. A real shock though and the helmet probably protected him a lot. He 's just really battered and feels stiff. He has a sore neck, hip and shoulders but it will heal in time.
The doctor signed him off work for 2 days but he insisted in going this morning so he took the bus.

Ben Folds was awesome. A great show, funny, quirky with surprises and old favourites. Especially loved the songs "Picture Window" from the new album. The lyrics are written by novelist Nick Hornby (About a Boy, High Fidelity) and "Still fighting for it". It's music you can't really fit in a box, which is kind of what I like... There was a blind couple sitting beside us (including dog). They had a fantastic time too!

Autumn

2011-05-23T05:09:00.000-07:00

We're well into autumn and we had two days last week with substantial rain but this weekend and today it has been lovely again and it will be the rest of this week. It's chilly in the mornings and at night but around 22 degrees and sunny during the day. This weekend we went out with our friends from Oman, Sue and Gareth. We went to a small wine bar in North Freo called Mrs Brown and then on to Harvest, a very cosy bistro style restaurant with lovely though rather pretentious food. But we had a lovely evening. On Saturday morning we went to Cottesloe beach to meet our friends and in the afternoon Katja and Johannes came for dinner. I made nachos for the kids and a yummy Thai green fish curry for us. On Sunday I found out that Band of Horses will be the support act for Kings of Leon in november. I love Band of Horses and we just got tickets for the concert so that made me happy. We went to the beach where Frank found more beautiful shells (the house is overflowing.. he's a real hoarder!) and Willem played baseball with Jamie. In the afternoon I went for a run around lake Monger (3.3km) and Willem and Frank cycled. This morning Frank and I set of to Trigg beach, the surf beach. The conditions were perfect so I tried again to ride some waves.. I really need more practice but it's fun. Frank had fun on the beach with his friends. It's so nice to meet everyone there.. The boys have started "multi sport" after school on Mondays and love it. Today it was a bit of hockey, rugby, soccer and throwing. Tomorrow Katja and I are going out to see Ben Folds. Am really looking forward to his show. That's about it for now. Hope you're all happy and healthy, where ever you are!

Rain

2011-05-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

Finally some proper rain. Today it's really stormy! Planted some vegetables again the other day so it's good for them and the lawn and all other plants in the garden. Basically it's good for everyone this rain. All lakes have practically dried up and the longneck turtles and birds are desperate for water. It prevents bush fires and will provide us with drinking water...We just got soaked on our short walk to school!
Boys are doing well. Frank enjoys drawing and colouring and Willem is showing some more interest in reading. Although the computer is still his favourite. Tonight we're going out with our good friends from Oman, Sue and Gareth. They are leaving soon for Kazachstan and they are the first to go. There will be a lot more leaving at the end of this year. Biggest drawback of this life. We're going out in North Fremantle to places I've wanted to go to for a while so I am looking forward to it. Also it has been a while since Jamie and I went out together. Last Tuesday I saw a Western Australian film called "Mad Bastards" about an Aboriginal community in the Kimberleys. Beautiful place, would like to go there sometime. Music was good as well and I believe it gives an accurate picture of the problems with the Aboriginals. Quite sad but this film showed hope too. Next Tuesday Katja and I will go and see Ben Folds. Really looking forward to that!
I've been running. Twice I did 12,5 km in Bold Park and yesterday I ran to Scarborough and back on the beach. It was so beautiful, just love the ocean. Jamie started in a new team at work a couple of weeks ago. He is a lot busier but seems to enjoy it.
can't believe how fast the time goes... Mid May already.. another 6 weeks and I'll be flying to The Netherlands again for 3 weeks. That should be fun!

Mt Cooke and camping

2011-05-08T20:26:00.000-07:00

https://picasaweb.google.com/Machteld.Irons/MtCookeAndDwellingup#

Here are the pictures of our weekend away. It's May and supposedly autumn but the temperatures are still much higher than normal. 29 degrees again today and also this weekend it was lovely so we decided to go away camping. Jamie found a nice walk up Mount Cooke, the highest top of the Darling Scarp. It's 582m so officially a mountain... It was quite tricky to find the way. You would assume it would be a popular day walk from Perth but it took us a while to find the path through the bush. But after we found it, it was a really nice walk. The boys were excited about climbing a mountain and did really well (although Frank was pretty tired on the way down). Then we went on to Dwellingup. We camped in the jarrah woods before and it is just such a lovely spot. We camped on Charlie's Flat which is more for individual cars and families and we found a good spot amongst the trees so you feel like you're on you're own in the woods. Still a huge lack of wildlife... really wonder if echidnas and possums actually exist! Through the woods flows the Murray river. It really needs some rain but it was still a great playground for the kids. We met Katja and her family on Sunday and had some wine for mother's day..

Sydney and New Zealand

2011-05-02T06:50:00.000-07:00

https://picasaweb.google.com/Machteld.Irons/SydneyAndNewZealandApril2011#

Here are the photos of our holiday! Will write about it very soon. We had a lovely time. Janko and Rebecca and their kids are in town (good friends from Aberdeen) so too busy seeing them and also the weather is still way to nice to sit inside and write this blog... sorry!! Back soon, promise!

Belated updates 3

2011-05-02T02:36:00.000-07:00

Jill and Alan came back for a week in April after visiting family on the east coast. We took them to New Norcia, an old, interesting Spanish place north of Perth. We also had a BBQ on the beach (on my birthday) and Jamie took them to the outdoor cinema.

A drink on the veranda

Outdoor cinema "HR manager"

New Norcia's Spanish church

Found along the river

A drink in the New Norcia Hotel

BBQ on the beach

Watching the

Kangaroos

Beach BBQ again

New Norcia Hotel

belated updates 2

2011-05-01T18:40:00.000-07:00

My birthday. 39... 1 year to go and then it's the BIG one! Had a lovely day and a great night out!
Katja has her birthday a week after me, so this was a combined party in a great small bar called "Ezra Pound" in the heart of Northbridge, near CBD perth.

belated updates

2011-05-01T18:32:00.000-07:00

Frank's 4th birthday in the local park. A hot day, lots of friends, games and a big homemade red car cake. he had the best time!

Some photos of Jill and Alan's visit

2011-03-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

At the Pinnacles

Kangaroos at Mundaring

Pub in Lancelin

Beach at Yanchep

Beach at Lancelin

Car on the beach

Jill at the Pinnacles

Jill and Alan

2011-03-17T01:23:00.000-07:00

Jill and Alan, Jamie's mum and friend, have left this morning to go to Sydney. They had a lovely time here in Perth and managed to see and do quite a lot. The first half of their time here, it was a wee bit cooler, but the last couple of days it's 34 degrees again. They really enjoyed Fremantle and went to Perth by bus a couple of times. Last weekend we went to the Pinnacles and stayed the night in the windsurfing capital Lancelin. One of Jamie's colleagues offered her spacious holiday home which was nice, apart from the man who banged on the door at 4.15 am in the morning to ask if the barking dog was ours!
I took them one afternoon to Mathilda Bay on the river, a pretty spot and a cute dolphin came to say hello!
My second surf lesson went really well! Perfect conditions and I rode a whole wave sideways, twice!
Last week I went to see Mary Black in the Quarry. A good concert with a great atmosphere. Last night I went to see the film Black Swan in Kings Park with 3 girlfriends. Not a great movie but the setting was fab. Just lying on the grass (we hired a bean bag) sipping wine, watching the movie and some duck walking past. Tomorrow I go there again, with Jamie, to see the King's speech. The other film we saw with the girls, was The Fighter. A good film! Today Katja and I enjoyed a nice lunch with good Chardonnay. Mmm. The boys are doing well. Although Frank finds Kindy quite tough. He says he doesn't want to speak English all day and his teacher said he has trouble understanding a lot. I am convinced it will come. He's been with me the past 7 months with not much English around him, except Jamie's of course. This weekend we have birthday party of one of Frank's friends, a birthday party of one of my friends and on Sunday we a re going on a day trip to the Pinnacles again because Mathieu (my old colleague from Oman) and Robert-Jan are here in Perth for a couple of days! Looking forward to it!

Well, you live in Australia or you don't!

2011-02-28T21:11:00.000-08:00

My first surf lesson with a bunch of fun Dutch ladies! It was so much better than I anticipated and will definitely do it again! Waves were big though and I only managed to stand up twice (and only just). The ocean is so lovely and warm now and no jellyfish and no sharks!!!

Willem can read!

2011-02-28T16:39:00.000-08:00

Update

2011-02-25T04:14:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I posted something, so I owe you an update. Life's been pretty good here. Hot but I am not complaining. What has happened.. hm.. guess the main thing is that the boys have started school. City Beach Primary, around a 5 min walk. Frank goes to Kindy, 2 days a week and Willem has started Pre-Primary, 5 days a week. They both enjoy going and seem to have fun. My 1st impression of the school is very good. Friendly parents, lots happening. Already been to a lecture about preventing literacy problems and they also organised a welcome disco which was really nice. I have also volunteered as class representative which means I attend the parent council meetings, keep everyone informed and organise social events so everyone can get to know each other. Also have already been on a couple of play dates and Willem is invited for a B'day party on Sunday. All good. Frank still goes to Dutch playgroup on Tuesday mornings and Willem has Dutch lessons in a small group on Thursday afternoon. Then there's swimming lessons so you can imagine the weeks fly past!
What have I been doing.. I have lodged my application to become a registered teacher here in WA. Unfortunately they need more information from my old teacher training. My mum managed to get most of it but my list with grades has gone missing. Hopefully they will settle without that document.
I have been going to the gym a lot: body attack, zumba, body pump and boxing. Have also been running but this week it was really too hot. Last week I ran 3.5k in hilly bold park in 31 degrees and I kept dripping afterwards. Normally we meet with a group of women at Lake Monger and run round the lake once or twice but like I said, this week with 37 degrees we canceled. We have been going to the outdoor cinema twice, to True Grit and Certified Copy. Was really nice. It's always nice to go out with Jamie. Went once with the girls too, to The Tourist. See quite a lot of my friends at the gym or I meet up with them somewhere. Today Katja and I went to Fremantle again and the kids played in the river. Was really nice. Monday I have my first surf lesson with a bunch of Dutch women. Should be a laugh! Busy day on Monday anyway as I am meeting a friend for lunch as well and decided to join Katja in the evening at Bikram Yoga. She promised me it is a proper work out. Guess you sweat a lot without doing anything as the room is set at 40 degrees! Last week we went for a day to Moore river, an hour up the coast. It's lovely there as the river meets the sea. Tomorrow Evelien, another friend, comes round with her husband and two boys for a drink and a simple meal. Next week Jamie's mum and her friend Alan arrive. Will be busy but it's always nice having visitors as you get out a bit more! Jamie's out tonight with his colleagues. What else.. we're at the beach a lot but that's no surprise! Have a good weekend!

TRAIN

2011-02-03T20:59:00.000-08:00

TRAIN played in Kings Park yesterday night (INXS were the main act). Katja and I were looking forward to it sooo much. It's been a while since I've been to see a band I really, really wanted to see. I think TRAIN are an amazing band and they didn't dissappoint. In fact, they were brilliant. Really chatty, genuine, obviously passionate about their music. They seemed to have soo much fun up there. Pat Monahan is the lead singer and I've never really thought anything of him, but he looked surprisingly good in his tight green trousers! He invited some girls on stage to dance but we were too late... :(
We sang and danced. INXS were good too but I've seen them before, with Michael Hutchence and it just isn't the same without him. Although most of the crowd seemed to really like the new lead singer JD. INXS' performance was just more of a show; their job and TRAIN just seemed to be genuinely happy to be there. Guess Oz is far from a band from San Fransisco.

The venue was great too, in Kings Park and it was a lovely summer evening. It's just very organised (like everything in Australia) with designated picnic places and lots of deck chairs and a gold member part in plastic chairs right in front of the stage. We were in the "standing only dance area"on the right hand side of the stage and had a real good view! Jamie had dropped us off and Katja and I decided to walk home to her house after the concert. But Kings Park is big and dark and we got lost. Luckily we caught a taxi after an hour of wandering around. We had a good chat though and so far this has been of the best evenings I've had for ages.

Photos!!!

2011-01-30T05:15:00.001-08:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/Machteld.Irons/ChristmasAndNewYearInEurope#

Cyclone Bianca

2011-01-27T20:14:00.001-08:00

http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDW60281.shtml

Happy Australia Day! Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi!

2011-01-27T04:25:00.000-08:00

26 January - Australia day. Our first, so we ventured out to see what the locals get up to.
After a bit of a lie in (thanks boys), we went to our local park at Perry Lakes for a sausage sizzle (it started at 8am but luckily the snags were still sizzling at 9.30) There were other activities like camel riding and a children's farm, and new citizens were being sworn in. Some old guys in 18th century uniforms scared the bejesus out of everyone by letting off a volley of musket fire, with no warning. The boys didn't like the gunshots much. In fact, they only liked the bouncy castle in the shape of Captain Cook's Endeavour, and seemed somewhat intrigued by the sheep shearing. In the afternoon we went to Kings Park so we 'd be early enough to find a car parking space before the fireworks display over the Swan River. There was a designated picnic area for people with alcohol. A limit of 6 beers or a bottle of wine per person was set to discourage too much drinking :)
We sat on the lawn with a view of the city and the river. Planes were doing aerobatics and a huge flag was lifted up above the river by a helicopter. It was very busy with lots of people with Aussie flags and t-shirts. We borrowed UNO from the people next to us to keep the boys busy. At 8pm the fire works began, shooting skyward from barges in the middle of the river and from the tops of the city skyscrapers. Beautiful colours, but too many loud bangs for Willem's liking so we had to leave early. 3 hours waiting for a 10 minute display - oh well!

Cat Power and more

2011-01-24T18:58:00.000-08:00

Last night was the first night they both slept through. Frank in our bed, but it's already a huge improvement from the nights before. Hopefully we've turned a corner.
It was really nice, when I put my Ozzie sim card back in the phone, to have quite a few messages from people here to say they're happy I'm back and if I wanted to meet up.
So yesterday I met Katja and the girls. We had a cup of tea on the veranda and then went to check out the new place right on City Beach. There used to be a posh sea food restaurant called Oceanus. It had such bad reviews we never went there. Now it's a new Clancy's Fish pub! Real trendy, good food, white beer, lovely views over the beach and soon they will have an out door terrace, live music and maybe even a pub quiz! Looks like that's going to be our local! Also Floreat Kiosk, the beach next door, is now open on some evenings with food, a liquor license and live music. City Beach suburb is improving rapidly!

Last night we met Sue and Gareth for a concert in the Quarry. What a fantastic venue. Really, the best for a concert. A quarry amphitheatre is a perfect setting for music, ballet etc. And you look out over the city too. The music wasn't the best. Jamie found her, Cat Power, rather pretentious and lazy and I agree. The other musicians had no chance, never even played a single solo. It was just her breathy voice. Some songs reminded me a little bit Heather Nova but a lot less melodious and there were no up tempo songs at all. Still.. sipping a glass of wine under the stars...can think of worse things to do. It was also nice to catch up with Sue and Gareth.

Bought tickets for Train. They play in Kings Park (with INXS) in an event called: an evening on the green. Tim Minchin is coming too and I'd love to see him but not sure I can find anyone to join me. It's also the day Jamie's Mum arrives.

We're also trying to plan our next holiday to New Zealand's North island. If it all works out we'll meet my brother, Shonda and my parents there in April and we'll visit Sydney (and Jamie's brother and sister who live there) on the way!

This afternoon we're going to see Marloes and have a swim in her pool.
The weather was cloudy the last couple of days but today it's lovely and sunny again. Tomorrow is Australia day and Jamie will have the day off.

Jet lag

2011-01-22T04:55:00.000-08:00

Pfffffffffffffffffffff. Boys went to bed at 9.45 pm last night and I went to bed at midnight. At 1.45 Willem appeared at my bedside, upset. Took him downstairs and decided to sleep in his room in the bottom bunk, as he felt confused. About 20 minutes later I hear Frank walking down the corridor. I called him. He was also upset and he said he had enough sleep. Told him to get into the bed with me and try to sleep a bit more. 2 hours later and we were all still awake. Told them to get up, so at 4 am we were all having milk and toast and watching Thomas the Tank engine. At 5 I was soo tired I tried to get them back into bed but it was getting light so I decided not to bother. At 6 I asked them to wake up Jamie and at 7.30 we were at Cottesloe beach where my friend Tamar also just arrived with two of her daughters (early birds in Australia!) It was really nice to catch up and the boys loved playing on the beach with Carmen and Thirza. Was really cute actually. Thirza had really really missed Frank and shouted from far: Daar is Frank, Frank is my friend! Big cuddles and happy kids! Carmen and Willem have known each other from birth and get on really well, sharing the body board and playing hide and seek. We got home just after 11am and Frank was fast asleep. I also had an afternoon snooze. Willem was determined to stay awake and he managed till 7.15 pm!! That's 17 and a half hours being awake after only 4 hours sleep! Let's see how this night goes...
Now enjoying a G&T with Jamie..

Home again...

2011-01-20T21:45:00.000-08:00

Gosh, a month later now. Lots has happened! We had a fabulous break in Europe. It started with a 10 hr delay in Kuala Lumpur. There was so much snow in London and Amsterdam it caused chaos in airports all over the world. It wasn't too bad. We could go to a hotel, an hours drive from the airport called: Palace of Golden Horses. By the time we checked in it was past 1am and the wake up call came at 4.30, but hey... we had a bed and we got fed! Asian/cosmopolitan style breakfast buffet which meant you could eat anything from chilli noodle soup, nasi to eggs with chicken sausages, yoghurts, fruit etc. The rest of the journey went fine. Guess the last bit was the most hazardous: driving back from Roosendaal in foggy/icy conditions, but my mum did very well and we made it! My brother arrived the next day without any problems from San Fransisco so we spent the next couple of days together planning for Christmas. It involved decorating a tree, building an igloo and a snowman (never seen so much snow in Vlissingen, even the beaches were covered!), some snowball fights (Willem's favourite) and a couple of lovely walks on the beach, dunes, woods. Christmas was lovely. Turkey with all the trimmings and some TV and games. On the 27th we drove in my mums car to England. Very busy on the M25 but driving in a traffic jam is not so bad when you drive an automatic..(says Jamie). It was great to see Jamie's sisters and family again and we had a good time, despite the fog. Lots of food, drink and muddy walks. And then it was 2011! Jamie and Maarten had to go back home on the 3rd so my mum and I drove them to Schiphol. I spent another couple of weeks in the Netherlands. We didn't see much of the sun, in fact it rained an awful lot, but it was still good to see (nearly) all my friends. Not enough though, saw most of them only once.. but still a brief catch up is better than nothing. Went to Utrecht for a weekend to meet up with a high school friend and friends from Oman which was lovely. A daytrip to Amsterdam, A daytrip to Arnhem to see friends of my mum who are getting rather old now and a daytrip to Antwerp for some shopping and a good meal ( shrimp croquettes, you can't beat them!). A great relaxing time. I just love being at home with my parents.. The boys love it too. A very smooth flight home. The boys are wee stars! Only difficult bit was the landing in Kuala Lumpur. Willem and Frank both woke up with motion sickness. KLM air hostesses weren't particularly helpful and it wasn't easy juggling with sick bags between the two of them but I am happy they can aim very well :). Bought some medicine at KL so it won't happen again! So now acclimatise. It's lovely and warm here. Willem had trouble last night falling asleep (which was normal bed time in the Netherlands, very early in the morning here) Guess he was just too excited. We all woke up rather dopey around 12 noon. It'll take a couple of days...

Outdoor Film Festival

2010-12-15T21:04:00.000-08:00

Last night we went to outdoor film festival on the University grounds. What a beautiful setting amongst the trees. Perfect evening for it: 22 degrees and no wind. Jamie went there straight from work around 6, so he could reserve some seats at the front. Matthew, our 16 year old Dutch baby sitter who lives around the corner, came and joined us for a pizza. He put the boys to bed which apparently all went very well. So I arrived around 6.45. It's so lovely. Everyone is having a picnic on the grass, some wine or beer. Really relaxed. At 8 o'clock you move to your chair (you're also allowed just to lie on the grass and watch it. Some romantic souls were doing that). It was a Chinese re-make of "blood simple" a film from the famous Coen Brothers, called A woman a gun and a noodle shop. It was very off beat and we wondered if this film would appeal to Chinese people at all. Beautifully shot, scenery, costumes. A bit of slapstick humour, cruel and entertaining. We've got more tickets and there's plenty more interesting films to come. Most of them are foreign, from Russia or the Czech republic, France, Italy etc. Also got tickets for a band called Cat Power who will play in January at the Quarry Amphitheatre which is just 5 minutes from here. So all good!
Soon we're flying to the Netherlands for Christmas and New Year in England. It'll be cold but am looking forward to seeing everyone again!

Big City

2010-12-08T06:08:00.000-08:00

All these fantastic bands are coming to Perth! Not used to this at all as Aberdeen was always ignored. Glasgow was the place to be for bands..
Now U2 (can't go as we're flying that weekend) is coming, Bon Jovi (didn't get a chance to get tickets) are here soon. Sting and the symphonic orchestra are here in January, but I will only just be back from Europe and don't think Jamie will appreciate it if I disappear straight away, jet lagged and all.. Ben Folds, Indigo Girls, Kings of Leon just to mention a few... open air film festival has started as well... hopefully we get to see a couple of films. It's just so expensive. The U2 tickets we could get were $300 (per ticket!) and then add up a babysitter...there's just so much to do here...

update

2010-12-06T23:18:00.000-08:00

Just got back from my new doctor and she's lovely. Boys had the 1st of their 3 Hep B vaccinations and they were sooo brave. I was a bit worried after the swine flu jab disaster last year. Jamie got his second speeding ticket of his life. His first one was in Australia in 2005 when we were on holiday here and this last one is from when my parents were here. Only 10 k over the limit and $150 lighter... boohoo.
It's warming up again.. 25 today but will be around 30 in the weekend. That's good as we're going to Adventure World ( Woodside organises a family fun day). It looks like a massive park with water slides and much more. Went to the gym again this morning, tonight out for dinner with Urmila and Tamar, Thursday a coffee morning (that sounds soo "expat") at Noor's house. Only met her a few times. Will be nice as I will hopefully meet some new people. Thursday night out with the mums from Willem's kindy and that's how the days fly by now...

Party, party party

2010-12-05T01:15:00.001-08:00

A lovely weekend full of parties. It started with an "away day" for Jamie with work, then a party at ours. It was really relaxed as I managed to get the house and the food ready before everyone arrived so I got to enjoy it too. About 25 people turned up, mingled very well on our balcony. It was fun! The boys were brilliant and just went to bed at 7, didn't wake us up till 8 (we agreed, I put breakfast out for them already). Then Willem and Frank were invited for a birthday party from one of Willem's classmates. It's a pity I now finally get to know the mums a little (and some of them are really nice) and then Willem will change school.. but hopefully the new school will have some nice mums too! In the afternoon we all went down to the Swan river. Jamie and Johannes were going to sail the Catamaran and Tamar and the kids just enjoyed chatting and playing at the riverside. The wind was quite gusty and the boat capsized once and it took quite a bit of effort to get it back up!

Today, Sunday, the whole day was about Sinterklaas. He arrived around 9.30 at the jetty in Claremont (on the river) on a flash cruiser boat. Then there was a very well organised party by the Dutch School. In the afternoon Sinterklaas dropped off two bags of presents at our house too! The boys got a waterslide, some super soakers and surfboards. I got a hat, a book and a new sheet. Jamie got some shorts, a rash vest and a bottle of port. It was a lovely weekend. Curious for some photos? Follow the link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/Machteld.Irons/PartyWeekend#

Party, party party

2010-12-05T01:14:00.000-08:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/Machteld.Irons/PartyWeekend#

thoughts

2010-12-01T06:34:00.000-08:00

Hello all
It's been hot here and it is very cold back in Europe. Sinterklaas arrives here on Sunday by boat on the river. This Friday we're hosting a party, 25 people are coming. We had a successful weekend camping with friends on the coast. Time flies by. Only 3 and half weeks and we're flying home. Jut got some good news from a friend in Aberdeen who is having her second baby. And some not so good news of a friend in the US who is pregnant with complications and it makes me realise (again) how different life is for everyone and how I miss being close to people that I care about.

camping trip photos

2010-12-01T06:28:00.000-08:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/machteld.irons/moreoz

camp spot

2010-11-14T04:25:00.001-08:00

Dwellingup

2010-11-14T04:24:00.000-08:00

What a lovely weekend! We drove to Dwellingup yesterday, a small town about an hour and a half south east of Perth. There's an old railway line and the town has a really nice feel to it, on the edge of the Jarrah woods. Nearby is Lanes Poole Reserve, a Jarrah forest with the Murray River going through it. It's organised really well with various camping possibilities: for groups and for individuals. We found a lovely secluded spot near the river. It really felt like you were on your own. We put up the tent with help from the boys and just had a really relaxing time pottering about near the river or the creek. The boys are fantastic to take out on trips now as they help out, don't moan and find something fun to do where ever they are! They also went to sleep right away in their new sleeping bags and slept all night till 6.30! Next time we go here again we'll try canoeing!

Crash

2010-11-02T22:31:00.000-07:00

It's warm here. 30 + degrees. A lot of beach and today a couple of hours in this lovely outdoor swimming pool. Yesterday I managed to get my first dent in the car by reversing into a friend at the car park after picking up the boys from the Dutch playgroup. It was a joined effort: she reversed into me as well! Result: badly dented bumper and a side panel that probably needs replacing. Will get a quote soon but will get a second one from a panel beater as it would be good if we could get round the insurance (no claim bonus will stay unaffected then). Bit of a bummer... wasn't a happy girl yesterday. Shame cause I'd had a good morning doing body attack with Evelien, one of the other mums from the Dutch school. Very good instructors and joined the gym immediately as you can just buy a 20x card...This afternoon I'm going to Tamar for a swim in her pool with the boys and her girls (it's 36 degrees today) and will meet Jamie at 5 on the beach. Willem is suddenly not afraid of the waves anymore. He loves them now and spends all of his time on the beach in the water. What a change! This weekend we have a birthday dinner party on Sat night and a 1st birthday kids party on Sunday. Last weekend we spend most of our time on the beach and had a halloween BBQ in the park with some friends. Willem and Frank think it's very strange you celebrate halloween during the day. A lot of trick or treaters came round as well, all still in day light. It's dark here around 7pm, so not that late but later than in Europe in winter. Told them a lot of things happen during the day here.. told them Sinterklaas has a "present afternoon" rather than evening. At least then they have the chance to play with their toys. Veggie garden is doing ok.. you can see some small beans growing! Hope all is well far away!

The Stanley

2010-10-30T05:32:00.000-07:00

This life is just like a holiday...Am very happy with my new friend Katja. From the moment I met her I knew we were going to get along well, but it's even better. Met twice on the beach this week, once at her house and last night we went to this really lovely little wine bar, The Stanley. I cycled down there and so did Katja and her friend Elleke. Only fairly recently, has Perth allowed licenses to open small bars, so there are not that many of them around. The last 2 times I've been out I've been to "The Suite" and "Kitch", both small tapas places and very popular. You just have to look hard for these little, cute bars. Most bars are enormous. It closed at 12 and we were still enjoying ourselves so much we went to the Llama bar in Subiaco and danced the night away! It was great and although I was a bit worried about cycling home (I have to cycle up a hill past Bold Park, a big piece of bushland, dark..) but it all went fine and just loved it all! Felt real Dutch, cycling home on my red high heels!

Quokka

2010-10-26T20:53:00.001-07:00

Parakeet Bay

2010-10-26T20:52:00.001-07:00

One of the many beautiful beaches on the island

Bobtail Skink on Rottnest

2010-10-26T20:50:00.001-07:00

Toke and Wim

2010-10-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

My parents left 2 days ago. We had a brilliant 3 weeks and it was fun to show them where we live now and what life is like over here.
We also explored a lot more of WA. We went inland to York, in the Wheat belt. It's an old farming town and was the last stop before the goldfields and has still lots of old buildings. We also visited Mundaring Weir, where the water pipe line starts which still runs to the gold fields, 600 km east.
The last weekend we went to Rottnest, an island just off the coast (we can see it from our balcony). Willem de Vlamingh was the first to set foot on the island and thought it was full of rats but they are quokkas, really cute marsupials. No cars are allowed on the island so everyone travels by foot or bike. It has 63 idyllic white sand beaches. It's also full of Dugites, very poisonous snakes. My mum nearly cycled over one. It raised it's head but my mum raised her feet too! so no harm done.. pfew!
We also went to Fremantle a few times, visited the prison and a shipwreck museum which had the story and remnants of the Dutch ship Batavia. Toke and Wim enjoyed the weather, all the new plants and animals but mostly spending time with Willem and Frank.
The house is empty now and the boys were really sad. Luckily there's a lot of things to look forward to and Christmas is not too far away. Hopefully we get to book some flights today!

Sausages and Beer

2010-10-12T00:39:00.001-07:00

Whales!

2010-10-12T00:38:00.001-07:00

We saw lots of whales! Blue whales and Humpback Whales. One jumped so far out of the water we could see it's white tum!

Whale spotting

2010-10-12T00:37:00.001-07:00

Toke en Wim

2010-10-11T00:10:00.000-07:00

My parents, Toke and Wim arrived safely (already) a week ago. It's great to have them here. This weekend we went south, to Dunsborough. We saw beautiful beaches, wild flowers and amazing coastal scenery, including humpback whales and blue whales migrating just off the coast in Geographe Bay. More photos to follow!

5 years old now...

2010-10-03T05:45:00.000-07:00

The Cake

2010-10-03T05:44:00.000-07:00

Jamie and I spent hours last night creating this Blue Ringed Octopus cake. Willem is fascinated by these creatures and was very impressed.

Willem's Party

2010-10-03T05:42:00.000-07:00

12 friends came to the park to play and eat some cake.

boohoo

2010-10-02T17:33:00.001-07:00

I have a very sore throat.. Don't know if I can organise all these games and races at the party now.. boohoo :(

Red Back

2010-10-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I killed my first Red Back spider. Brrr. It was hiding in the garage. I showed the boys and then swatted it with the stick of a fishing net. Will post a picture soon. The boys were very impressed and drew lots of red back spiders that afternoon, then stamping on the picture and shouting:"we need to go to hospital!"
Last night I was supposed to go out to the cinema with Katja and Simone and we did go, but never got to see a film. The cinema looks promising, one of those art house theatres. But we had 45 minutes to kill before the film so we went to this Tapas Bar called Kitch. It was so nice there, we never left. You sit outside in a garden with a huge frangipani tree. They are pretty (we have one in our garden). I felt really young and trendy in there and we just had a really nice chat.
This morning we went to the beach, even though it was windy. We meet Blair and some of his friends there. Jamie really enjoyed the big waves! The afternoon we just potted around the house and this evening Jamie and I spent hours making this giant Blue Ringed Octopus Cake for Willem's birthday party tomorrow. We will have his party in a park not far from here. The cake is a surprise. He is fascinated by these dangerous creatures and we hope he will be happy to get a Blue ringed octopus cake. Last year he wanted a Bat cake..12 children and their parents are coming. We have lots of sausages to sizzle!

Powderfinger

2010-09-29T23:07:00.000-07:00

I realised I never wrote about Powderfinger. Last week Friday night we went out to the city to see this iconic Aussie Rock band. Sue and Gareth got us tickets and we met them there. Powderfinger never made it outside Australia and I'd never heard of them (just fancied a night out and I always like going to see bands). I'd found a babysitter, Matthew, a Dutch 16 year old boy who lives round the corner. The boys met him the week before and really like him. It was such a great night out! The concert was in the Supreme Court Gardens, in the city near the river. The band was really good, easy music (sing along songs) and the crowd just loved them. What a noise they made. Good atmosphere and the best bit I found was that the band enjoyed it so much too. The drummer laughing and just giving it away. Cute singer too!
Hopefully I get to go out again on Friday. Katja, Simone and I talked about going to the cinema....

Holidays

2010-09-29T17:46:00.000-07:00

On Monday we went to Marloes' house. It was 29 degrees and the boys played nicely with Julian and Kieran. They have a swimming pool and had a great time. Yesterday we had such a fantastic day! We met Katja and her girls on the beach (at City Beach). When it was the middle of the day and you should be out of the sun we came to our house and I baked pink pancakes (with beetroot blended through the mixture) and they tasted great and the kids thought they were fab! It was just a try out after Katja inspired me with her spinach pancakes and this works too! I made some purple playdough and the 4 children played for ages with it. Then Simone called, another mum from the Dutch playgroup. She suggested meeting at the playground at Floreat Beach (also not very far from here at all) to drink some wine as she had something to celebrate. Katja and I thought it was a great idea, so we all headed there and stayed till 5.30, all six children playing nicely together. So relaxing! I could get used to this!!!
But I will start filling in the forms for the teaching registration.... it would be good to work as well..
Today I am looking after Cleo, Katja's oldest daughter. It's cloudy and we had a bit of drizzle earlier. The plan is to meet Tamar today. Carmen is off school (holidays). Willem is counting down till his birthday. His party is on Sunday in the park. 12 children are coming! And Tuesday night my parents get here! Yippie!!!!

Group photo!

2010-09-28T07:26:00.001-07:00

telephone

2010-09-28T03:13:00.000-07:00

We finally have a working phone line. Phone is charging up now so from tomorrow you can reach us. Please don't hesitate calling us, we will call you back as we call for free (we call through the modem, a bit like skype). Just remember the time difference!

Mt Lesueur

2010-09-27T18:10:00.001-07:00

We also visited Lesueur National Park, famous for it's wild flowers.

Beautiful beaches

2010-09-27T18:04:00.001-07:00

We spent time of beautiful white beaches. This one is at Sandy Cape near Jurien Bay. You can also camp there (good to know for next time!)

First camping trip in WA

2010-09-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

We went camping this weekend as Jamie had the Monday off. Katja (my friend I met at the Dutch school) and her family joined us. It was a last minute desicion and it was great as it reminds me a bit of Oman, going with a group. Of course it's different now we have children but not less fun and it was really nice to drink a glass of wine outside the tent when the kids were in bed. Katja and Ian (he's South African) have 2 girls, just a little bit younger than Willem and Frank. We camped in Leeman, a fishing village 310 km north of Perth. The campsite was busy as it is the school holidays as well but we got an ok spot at the edge of the park. We visited the Pinnacles desert, which is a really weird and beuatiful landscape of limestone pinnacles sticking up out of the yellow desert.

To make you jealous

2010-09-20T05:21:00.001-07:00

View from the trampoline...

They're everywhere!

2010-09-20T05:20:00.000-07:00

These Portugese millipedes are all over the place! In the house and we saw millions of them in Bold Park! When you touch them they roll up, cute!

Penguin Island

2010-09-20T05:17:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we went to Penguin Island, a small island off the coast of Rockingham, a town about 50 km south of Perth. We didn't see any wild penguins as they are all out at sea catching fish for their young who are well hidden in the bushes. We did see some rescued ones during a feed by the rangers. They are tiny! Apparently you can see the penguins in December or January when they loose their feathers and can't swim. We will definitely go back then. Anyhow, it is a lovely, relaxing island with lots of birds like these terns. Lots of shrieking seagulls who foolishly build their nests (with eggs and chicks) right beside the boardwalk. We also saw pelicans and king skinks. Beautiful blue sea. Unfortunately Willem has developed a real fear of the big waves and when we had to walk across a narrow beach with big waves he got a panic attack. Screaming, crying.. dead scared. Poor boy. At the other side of the island the sea was calm and then he runs in and out happily...

It's working!

2010-09-18T05:47:00.000-07:00

Since we moved to Perth we started this new "dinner regime". The idea is that the boys have to eat something from each pan but they choose how much (well, one pea is not allowed, it has to be a spoonful). When they finish their plate they get to choose something from the "treat-tin". It's worked out so well! Maybe because everything was new to them, I don't know, but they've been eating everything I've cooked for them. Today it was red snapper with roasted vegetables and they both ate pumpkin, courgette, onion, pepper, potatoes and carrots and the fish of course. But this week we've had chilli con carne (it was a bit hot for them but they still ate it all with lots of water) and cous cous with cardamon seeds and salmon with sesame seeds and soya sauce. They've been eating stir fry vegetables etc etc. Brilliant. And today they wanted green pancakes again and now they even know what makes it green as I asked Willem to add the 2 big handfuls of spinach!

The swimming lessons went well. They both jumped in the pool (without me) and loved it! We heard today that next weekend is a long weekend so we are looking for a place to stay and go a bit further a field... Can't wait!

My first night out!

2010-09-16T17:29:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night I went out with a bunch of women to a very trendy tapas bar. Roelien was in town. She lives in Kuala Lumpur now but used to live here and she came to visit. Marloes came along as well and two other girls I hadn't met yet. It was very nice, good food but small portions and the service was friendly but very slow. Still we had a nice time. Some loud Aussie guy bought us another bottle of wine (for the Dutch ladies) and he said it was one from his own winery (yeah, yeah).

What else have we done... We walked through Bold Park, a big piece of bush land just opposite our house. The boys walked for 5k and we saw millions of millipedes. It's very pretty with great views of the city as it is on a hill. Willem went to Kindy. He's really enjoying it there. On one afternoon we walked (3k) around Lake Monger, it's near the city but still pretty. Three playgrounds around it to keep the boys going and plenty wild life. We heard the cute sound of the banjo frogs and loads of water birds.

It's getting warmer now and yesterday I put sun cream on the boys for the first time. Spring is coming. We spent a few hours in Kings Park, still the boys' favourite. Also Matthew came to get to know the boys. He's 16, lives around the corner and he's Dutch. He will baby sit for us next week when we go to a concert of Powderfinger in the city, in the Supreme Court Gardens. Sue and Gareth got us tickets for this iconic Aussie rock band. The boys liked him and didn't want him to go so that's good.

This morning the boys have their first swimming lesson. I am not going in the pool with them so hopefully they enjoy it and progress faster. Then we are going to see my friend Urmila, she has just moved house. Jamie is going out for drinks tonight with work and tomorrow he's going to a pub in Fremantle with Gareth (lucky Jamie, Fremantle is soooo nice!)

The veggie garden is growing slowly. Nothing has died so far! Tomatoes, a chilli plant, lettuce and herbs....

Frog fest and more

2010-09-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening we went to a frog fest in a wild life centre around a lake (our cousin Jim would've loved it). There was a sausage sizzle, we all had torches to look for wildlife and the rangers showed us a bobtail skink and a huge marron. They also told us about the 12 species of frog that live in the Perth area. Fascinating! There's a turtle frog. It looks like a wee turtle, lays eggs not spawn, walks (can't hop) and makes the sound of a frog. We learnt about the motorbike frog, that makes the sound of a motorbike, the Pobblebonk or banjo frog which makes the sound of a banjo! We heard them as well walking around the lake in the dark! Fab! we only saw one frog, a motorbike frog but it was still worthwhile.

This morning we went for a cycle ride. Willem was determined to cycle himself and did very well! We cycled up to Floreat Beach (which it not very far at all) and the left willem's bike and put him (like Frank) in the bike seat and cycled on to Scarborough. It was fun.

In the afternoon Blair came with his family. I knew Blair in Oman, he was a friend of one of my best friends (Ed) and we haven't been in touch at all the past 10 years. But as it always seems to go in expat life.. that doesn't matter. He and his wife Jacqui and their 2 boys (4,5 and 3 years old, so very similar to Willem and Frank) came over for a play date and it was really nice to see him again so they stayed for a pizza as well.

Tomorrow we have a birthday Party, My friend Tamar's little girl turns 3.

We also have a labour government now, Julia Gillard is our prime minister. The just managed to get the support of the greens and the independents to form a government (after a very split election between Tony Abbott (lib/national party (rightwing) and her labour party.

Willem cycles away in King's Park!

2010-09-09T01:12:00.000-07:00

money money money

2010-09-07T06:42:00.000-07:00

Money, money, money
It's not funny... we've (temporarily) run out! Gosh it's sooooo expensive here!
It's Jamie's Birthday and he got soaking wet cycling back in a big storm today!
This weekend it was Fathers Day and we went to John Forrest National Park. Big granite rocks, wild gorgeous smelling fresias and more wild flowers. The boys saw their first kangaroos and walked (hm... ran) a good 4 kilometres. On Saturday we invited Marloes and family over and they brought bubbles as a house warming gift and stayed for dinner, very nice.
We also planted some seeds for the vegetable garden: lettuce, tomatoes, chilli, spring onion, rocket, herbs, beans.. easy stuff as it is quite difficult here in this climate. Hope it works out. Yesterday a friend of a friend, Lesley, came round. I met her at a birthday party a couple of weeks ago and she also lives in City Beach. She's really nice and she helped me with tips for doctors, babysitters, dentists and places to go etc. Today I had a look at some gym memberships in the area and we looked at some swimming lesson programmes. Hopefully the boys can start next term. Still need to unpack some boxes but don't really feel like it at the moment. Also cleaning this big house is going to take up a lot of my time.. boohoo!

Frank's room

2010-09-02T05:33:00.001-07:00

More photos of the house to follow

view of lounge towards kitchen

2010-09-02T05:29:00.001-07:00

Lounge with doors to balcony

2010-09-02T05:27:00.000-07:00

bedroom with ocean views

2010-09-02T05:25:00.001-07:00

Left door is walk-in wardrobe, right door is en suite bathroom.

Bedroom with ocean views

2010-09-02T05:23:00.001-07:00

Our kitchen

2010-09-02T05:21:00.001-07:00

The vegetable garden to be

2010-09-02T05:17:00.001-07:00

The back of the house and part of the garden

2010-09-02T05:13:00.001-07:00

The boys love having the trampoline again..

You can see the ocean!

2010-09-02T05:11:00.001-07:00

2010-09-01T22:27:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we went down towards the coast to see the runners in "City to Surf". A big sporting event. Marathons, family walks and a 12k run from as the title says: city to surf. I'd love to take part next year. Around 50.000 people join in these various events. Quite a few people overdid it though and collapsed in the heat. Lots of medics around to give extra oxygen. It was a hot day. On Tuesday we had lunch at Katja's house and she baked green pancakes for her girls and the boys. She just added a big handful of fresh spinach to the mixture. The boys thought it was great! On Tuesday Jamie got very wet as it rained all day. Unfortunately the man who was supposed to fix the air conditioner couldn't make it anymore so we were quite cold that day. He came yesterday and now we've got heating and a lovely warm lounge. Guess we won't be needing it soon but then at least we can make it cooler in the house as well...Yesterday Jamie joined Willem at Kindy for a father's day sausage sizzle. He took 2 hours off work and so did 80% of the other fathers. Really nice, it's part of the culture here, I guess..
We unpacked most of the boxes and it's starting to look good.
Today we went to Bold Park. It's a huge piece of bush land just around the corner of our house. You can do walks and a little drive away was this great playground. This afternoon Tamar is coming with her girls for a play date.

Our house is somewhere at the top left of the picture

2010-08-30T02:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/special-features/kenyan-chelimo-luka-kipkemboi-wins-2010-perth-rebel-sports-city-to-surf-for-activ-marathon/story-fn5knzic-1225911468359