Aren't These "Pretties" Gorgeous......

I thought I would show you some of the "pretties" I have started collecting. They are the most wonderful "over the top" very weighty metal animals that are adorned with diamontes. I see them more and more in gift shops about the place and I have fallen in love with them. My favourite is the little teddy bear that my daughter Britty got for me for Mothers Day this year. I have seen the most wonderful little snail, and I think that I may be dropping some rather large hints for him for Christmas!! All I want for Christmas is a snail!!!!

Finally a New Bear.....

Finally I have a new bear to show you. This is Bailey, a sweet little fellow that I have dressed in a distressed little vintage baby jacket and little vintage badge. Bailey is currently on Ebay, and if you would like to visit his auction, here is the link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&salenotsupportedhttp://=&item=280357799577&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME%3AL%3ALCA%3AUS%3A1123&salenotsupported
Thanks for peeking at Bailey.

Australia's Convict Past....

As a lot of you would know, Australia was originally settled by convicts who were sent over from England, as poor old Englands jails were full and this new land across the water seemed a great place to "dispose" of these poor souls. Did you know that you could be transported to Australia for seven years for stealing just one loaf of bread? Many hungry children suffered this fate. Generally only petty criminals were sent to Australia as more serious crimes were dealt with in England with the death penalty, e.g. for murder or rape.
Australia's first police force consisted of a band of 12 of the most well behaved convicts!!!
In 2007, it was estimated that 22 per cent of living Australians had a convict ancestor. I am not aware of any in my family tree, but I am sure if we did have one, it would be for stealing chocolate!!! It's in my genes!!!

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear......

There's a rip and a tear in my teddy bear..

and love pours from him everywhere.

You Never Know How Strong You Are.....

Well, I have had to face something that I never thought I could. Bernie's Doctor told me the other day that I would have to start giving him twice daily injections at home. Yeeeeeeeek!! I took a deep breath and said "Yes, that will be fine, so long as someone is able to teach me how to do it". I didn't say that inside I was crumbling as I really didn't think I would be able to do it. When it was time for my lesson, the Nurse couldn't have been sweeter or more patient and after some very good tuition, I stood with injection in hand, I looked and Bernie, Bernie looked at me, I then lined up his stomach and.................................................I did it!!!

I gave one to him just before we left hospital and I have been doing them now for a couple of days. I thought that it would get easier each time, but so far it hasn't. I don't say a word to him that I am uncomfortable doing it, but deep inside, I just wish I could yell out for a nurse. I don't know if it would be easier to give an injection to someone you don't know, or whether the emotional attachment of giving it to a loved one makes it harder. Any nurses out there to give an opinion? Anyway, by me giving him the injections it means we can have him home this week and so it is certainly worth it. Bernie is being prepared for a stem cell transplant soon, and the injections are an important part of the build up to it. Luckily, I have to do them into his stomach and not his bottom like the picture above. I keep joking with Bernie "This wasn't in the wedding vows!!!!!"