Through My Blue Eyes

Happy Campers

At about 5:30 Thursday morning, we Blackwoods set out on our very first real camping trip. Out in the middle of Nowhere (also known as the Murray River), we not only slept in tents, but we used tents for a kitchen, toilet, and shower, as well. We didn't just make s'mores (more lovely American-ness to introduce to the Ozzies!) over the fire; we also roasted potatoes, toasted our bread, etc.

And, you know what? We had a really wonderful time. :o) Had we gone by ourselves, I'm sure we would have been miserable. However, we had the wonderful company and amazing help from the McKeemans, Hugheses, and the other people we met there.

Trevor McKeeman brought his boat and delighted us all by taking us tubing, skiing, and kneeboarding. We Blackwood kids all managed to get up on the skis (some for longer than others ;o)), and even dad went out for a little bit. Mom, of course, would have loved to ski herself, but she stuck to tubing instead. She said she would have had more fun if dad hadn't told Ray--the driver--to be careful with his precious wife. :o) Oh, and I managed to keep my contacts in my eyes the whole time--despite many people's concerns and doubts.

The second night, we went with Tony and Norma McKeeman and the...people who's last name I can't say, much less spell--our lovely friends Hollie, Hannah, and Georiga--to the Taylors' (the family we met 6 months ago on one of our family holidays) for a huge bonfire and barbecue. We met a few more members of their family, ate lots, and ended the night with a "touch footy" match. Oh, and it was Maria's birthday, so we had a cake for her, as well. (HAPPY SWEET SIXTEEN, MARIA!)

I drove the last hour and a half--getting some nice city driving experience, with the delightful background of "Adventures in Odyssey". We all came home smokey, sore, and smiling. Well...mostly.

I'm sure we have some rather fabulous pictures that you all would love to see, so check out Maria's website.

_______________________
_______________________

We threw Maria a "surprise" birthday party yesterday. The secret wasn't kept very safe, but it was fun to pretend like it was a surprise anyway.

Towards the end of the party, Ben Blakston and I became officially dis-engaged.
Ben: You can't marry me.
Me: On no! Why not?
Ben: Because you'll be an old lady, and I'll only be a young man!
Me: Who told you that?
Ben: I just told myself.
Me: Well...we can still be friends, right?
Ben: Yes, and I will come live next door to you.

Sounds pretty good to me! :-D

Aaaand, one last thing:
Today...
-- after much waiting and anticipation, on Maria's part
and fear and dread, on everyone else's part --
...Maria JoAnn Blackwood
has finally gotten her L's!!!
(Or her driving permit, for you lovely Americans.)

__T H E__E N D__

(no song at the moment because I can't find a good site! urgh!)