Proud Grandparents February 2026

 The most exciting news of the century is that Bill and I are now grandparents and Amy is Aunty Amy. Lachlan and Abby had a little girl, Nora Mae- it is very exciting and so precious to hold such a tiny new born baby. It is also very special to see you son as a new father and looking after his little girl and Abby as well. It is has been such a special time, and every time I see a photos or think of them, my heart just sings.

Our first sight- Lachlan and Nora

Grandpa Bill 

Nana Sue

Aunty Amy

Great Aunty Bindi

Murphy meeting his baby sister for the first time

At home in her bassinet- such a precious little thing.

The Year so Far Feb 2026

 Well as you can see I have gotten off to a rather slow start for my blog this year. It is a rainy Monday morning, so no Monday ride so finally decided to get around to catching up. Here is what we have been up to for the last few months.

Bill, Amy and I went to see the Fisherman's Friends- a Cornish Folk Group singing sea shanties, at the ANU. It was a fun night and their music was toe tapping. My way of going to a concert- easy parking, a seat all night and not too many people! Very boring I know.

Have been doing some longer walks on Saturday mornings, usually early to beat the heat as we have had a hot summer this year- way to many 40 degree days for my liking. 

Always enjoy walking through the Rainforest Gully at the Botanic Gardens.

 Walking along the Murrumbidgee from Pine Island - we have lots of lovely walks from our doorstep

 Amy catching up with Murphy- Lachlan and Abby's dog, who is soon going to be a big brother when Abby and Lachlan's baby arrives.

Amy finished the beautiful baby blanket she crochet for her soon to arrive little niece. The theme for the nursery is "Bees" so the blanket is a honeycomb shape with a bee pattern. Amazing job.

Bill and I had a weekend away at Guthega staying at the Brindabella Ski Lodge. They were putting on another weekend for their members as they invited Bill and a couple of others to put on some stargazing at night. We went in late 2024 for something similar but it rained the whole weekend so the telescopes never left the vehicles. This year they had a naturalist talk Saturday morning and star gazing Friday and Saturday night. There was a bit of cloud around at times but they had periods of really clear sky and the Milky Way was very clear, lots of stars so the astronomers and viewers were very happy!

I was happy I got to do some walking in the mountains- it really is a special place. I love the rocky rivers and the views. I walked part of the Guthega to Charlottes Path track. It is 9 km one way, crossing over some suspension bridges. Next time I go I will have to get Bill to drop me at Charlottes Pass so I can walk all the way to Guthega.

Rest of 2025

 

It has been a busy December. After we got back from Melbourne we had Bill's Men Kitchen Christmas Party. The instructors were putting on the lunch, it was lovely, Amy we came with us and we had a lovely time and nice to meet Bill's fellow Men Kitchen people.

It was a lovely meal; we were very full by the end of the meal.

This is the metal tree sculpture "Forever Free" that I bought at Juet at Sassafras. I used some of the money I got from mum so I could remember her. Mum loved being in the garden so thought it was a fitting tribute. Obviously, the birds did too!

Then we had Bill's 70th birthday celebration. We had it at our local cafe- Little Luxton, but as it was 38 degrees we retreated into the air-conditioned community room. Nate, the owner of Little Luxton was great, he came down and took drink orders and brought them down- he was such a great help. Love our Little Luxton Cafe and how it has contributed to our community,

Bill enjoyed the day and had a great time.

 Bill and I went and did a volunteer shift on the Giving Machine at the Canberra- finally felt like I was getting into the Christmas spirit.

 Christmas Day, we joined Abby, Lachlan and her family out at their property at Bowning. We were made so welcome and had a lovely time. We meet Abby's extended family and ate way too much! It was a great day but a long one, glad to get home and relax.

Then the following day- Boxing Day we went to Bindi's for Christmas Lunch. Mia and Noah spent Christmas Day at the Stuarts so it was Bindi's for Boxing Day. We had such a nice time with them, Amy was very excited about having 2 Christmas lunches. Last year she was really sick and was having great trouble eating-so this year was different.

Charlie made a cheese ball bread roll cake- delicious!

Dessert was a very delicious trifle and raspberry and a Malteser ice-cream cake. We played Holiday Bingo; Bill had us in stitches as he tried to read the bingo cards with his reading glasses that don't appear to work particularly well- it hurt my stomach with all the laughing. We also played Roach Poker, it was a fun day.

Mia's Wedding

 

We had Mia's wedding on Saturday 29th November 2025. They had the temple sealing at the Melbourne Temple- it was a simple ceremony and so nice and uncomplicated. It had rained all night and was raining when I set off to the temple but by the time they came out the rain stopped and stayed away for the rest of the day.

Charlie, Mai, Noah and Bindi

Micheal and Emma Stuart with Mia and Noah

Lovely photo of Charlie

We then headed up to Lyre Bird Falls in the Dandenong's for the reception. It was such a lovely setting, and it was the same venue for Bindi and Simon's wedding. Mia also wore Bindi's wedding dress. The weather was very cool- top of 16 degrees. The food was great, lots of lovely drinks, company and setting. Great opportunity for family photos.

All the Mamouney cousins except for Josh (in Amsterdam) and Nicky (in London)

Me, Amy, Lachlan and Abby ( 6 months pregnant)

Amy and I with Ron and Louise Vinck

Amy and I

Amy and Abby and I

With my 3 brothers

Abby and Lachlan

Lousie and I

Amy and I relaxing at the Vinck's with Rosie and Lucky

We love staying with them, we both feel so at home.