So it looks like the planet (at least the areas in which the denizens of Gatch are living) is in the midst of a winter storm. I am a Toronto resident - yes, people. SJ lives in the Centre of the Universe!! The snow started here early yesterday afternoon. Flash and I got caught driving in it as we had to head up to Pickering to meet friends. Our new truck handled it quite well .. I'm impressed. She's a rear-wheel drive F-150 King Ranch, so we were concerned about fishtailing at what-not, but Flash weighted down the rear axle, and it seems to have worked. Provided we don't hit a stop sign on the middle of a hill, she has no issues at all. Gosh I love our truck. Today, gosh darn it, we have to trek out in it to do some grocery shopping - wondering if Flash might postpone that little adventure... We live on a street with a school, so even though it is a back-street, we get plowed fairly swiftly ... Of course then we come out onto Jane Street which is a major road, so it's always clear ... We'll see. I will need to join Flash on a shovelling exercise fairly shortly. We generally get out a couple of times during the storm, then do clean-up after. It's easier that way. We have a corner block, nand therefore are required to clean the whole corner of snow, so it takes a while. It was white-out here at about 9 this morning .... Yukky. Hopefully it will end soon. I don't like snow. I don't like ice. I'm an aussie. The only place I like isce is in my nice-cold drink ... Grr.... Will take pics when I do out on snow-duty with Flash and Joshie... SJ

I'm also in Toronto and we're about a foot deep in snow. The wind blew the chairs over on my balcony and now they are buried as well. I'll try to take pictures tomorrow (as long as the light is decent). I knew the storm was approaching because my wife is a regular watcher of the weather network so we went out ahead of time and stocked up on everything so we wouldn't have to do it during the storm or right afterwards. I grew up in the snowbelt of Ontario (Northwest of Lake Ontario near Kingston) so snow like this is nothing to me. It reminds me of my childhood actually. I would say 3/4 of Torontonians don't know real snow (Toronto gets a couple storms per winter but usually not a lot of snow fall compared to the rest of the province). I would hate to be on the roads for the next couple of days. Luckily I work at home and telecommute. It's starting to look a lot like Christmas...

Oh, Sosai, I hope there weren't any damages! Here have been lots of accidents because of the verglas on the roads!

No, nothing is damaged. The chairs are plastic deck chairs and get tossed around by the wind a lot. My balcony overlooks a schoolyard so there's no trees to stop the wind so it gets very windy sometimes. If the windows are slightly open, they howl in the wind (which is great when you are watching a horror movie *grin*). Now everything on my balcony is buried in about a foot of snow.

I guess you'll have a great time blurting the snow out of your balcony, then!

Originally posted by amyltrer I guess you'll have a great time blurting the snow out of your balcony, then!

I plan on taking pictures of my balcony and the area tomorrow but they won't be a nice as the picture you took. For starters, mine won't have a cutie like yourself in them!

Originally posted by Sosai X

Originally posted by amyltrer I guess you'll have a great time blurting the snow out of your balcony, then!

I plan on taking pictures of my balcony and the area tomorrow but they won't be a nice as the picture you took. For starters, mine won't have a cutie like yourself in them!

Oh , Tim

While you all enjoy a white Christmas... Ebony sits back in the warm sunshine in her swimmers by the pool at her bother-in-laws house...on a very hot day...about 35 -40 degrees celcius generally "A Pina Colada thanks..." Ebony calls out to her DH as she puts on more sunscreen and adjusts her sunglasses... Yes thats Chrissy with my lot, lunch and then you can go sink in the pool afterwards! The main worry here is bushfires, and yes they get them in Sydney because the city has national parks inside it...Lane Cove etc...but I only get the smoke from those...but after all this rain it should be good this year..no fires I hope on Chrissy day.

I've actually experienced warm Christmases too... I lived in Florida for about 5 years, so a "cool" Christmas was anything under 60 degrees. My very first Christmas there it was 75 degrees and humid - yuck!!Wearing a short-sleeve shirt on Christmas just didn't seem right to me... Now that I'm back up north, I don't complain about the cold or the snow (much.... ). I'm glad to have it back and it all seems very normal to me.

WHOOOO HOOO!! I had a snow day from work last night! It's been snowing continuously all weekend here in the Hammer. Not exactly a blizzard (wind-wise) but lots of white stuff accumulating! You know when there's alot of snow when you have to shovel out a spot for the dog to do her doodie!

Snorts in absolute amusement as she looks outside her office window You know ... I don't get it. Yes the souped-up Honda Civic is a hooning vehicle that looks good, drives fast and impresses the racing lot, but it don't do too well in snow.... I swear the corner - and most of the street - here at work is the worst area in the T.O. On my stroll down the street I must have climbed into about three complete stranger's vehicles to help them get unstuck. I'm a chick, so they think I can't push a car. Okay. I am an ex-dancer. I might not look it, but these quads are the strongest sets of muscles I've ever seen - and I'm an ex Aussie Rules Football Trainer! If my feet can get good traction, I can push 240 pounds with these fuckers. (I tested it at the gym one day to see how strong they really were - okay, I only did it once, but ...) But that's okay, I'll drive your pissy little vroom-vroom. I remind them I'm a chick. That I don't hold a full Canadian driver's license, and have NEVER ... I repeat NEVER ... driven in snow. And, of course, all your shit is on the wrong side of the car too - not used to that. Seems, though, that an Australian is more geared to snow than Canadians. I'm actually very comfortable for the most part in trekking through the white stuff. So anyway ... One guy in a car so low to the ground he wouldn't be able to clear a speed bump, figured he could take on our Road (my street at work) before the plows had come in. Idiot. Three metres into the street he got stuck. So I stroll up, ask my friendly guys at the coffee shop to mind my shit and ask for a couple of pieces of cardboard box and stroll on out to help. Meanwhile I'd already offered my pushing services only to get shot down because - I'm a chick. So I wander out, smirk, ask for a shovel, dig out his front tires, stick the cardboard under the wheels and suggest that he reverse out into Lawrence Ave and not continue into my road. He ignores the suggestion. The cardboard works, he starts to move, and drives into my street. Idiot. Ten metres later, he's stuck again. I shrug, look at the Asian guy standing next to me and say : "Fuck him, he's on his own now." I get a funny look from him, so I point down the street. You can see all sorts of carnage. "Okay. We have two 18-wheeler trucks stuck up there, three other small vehicles smoking and spinning ... And this asshole thinks he can out-do all of them in a Civic??!!" "I helped him once, offered advice and he ignored me. Fuck him, I've got to get to work." So I shrug and shake my head as I walk past him. And continue only to stop and help someone else. My walk to work from the coffee shop is about 300 metres. It took me twenty minutes to get to the office. Nuts, absolutely nuts. I'm not kidding when I say we have the 18-wheelers stuck. I work in a high trucking area. We are a retail corporate office, but we have our distribution centre here. There are trucks all down this street... Like, God. If a damn semi can't make it through, what makes a Civic driver think he can? Like, buddy. The snow is 12 inches deep - you have a clearance of about six inches. Basic physics suggests that while the front of your vehicle will ride pretty much atop of the snow, the back end of your vehicle is lower, thereby compacting down and basically "plowing" the snow into the underneath of your car. Of course I'm a chick - so what do I know? smiles lazily I know that my F-150 King Ranch Super Crew truck (I love the way that name rolls off the tongue)with her 5.4lt Triton V-8 engine, even though she is a rear-drive truck, when properly weighted over the rear axle, is a fucking BEAST in the snow. sighhhh Our area got hit really hard. Flash and I spent about three hours last night digging out with both shovels and snow blowers. I'm pretty sore today. Half the office called in sick. Half of those who came in are late - and got stuck down the street (that's what happens when you buy pretty little expensive cars like Lexus/Porsche/BMW) But lil'ol me ... I made it in 45 minutes early .... I rock SJ ETA: Yes, I was offering my help and digging out cars in corporate office wear, yet these guys who couldn't do their own shit were in jeans and winter jackets - I don't get it. ETA: A courier just gave me a hard time and said - AND I QUOTE: "I don't know why you don't go out there and clear the road." Huh? What?! Me, personally? The company? Fuck you, buddy. We did our carpark, our sidewalk, and all entrances. The city is responsible for the road, not us. And I'm not going to walk out onto the road and shovel it just to make your pathetic and miserable ass happy.

Originally posted by kimiko WHOOOO HOOO!! I had a snow day from work last night! It's been snowing continuously all weekend here in the Hammer. Not exactly a blizzard (wind-wise) but lots of white stuff accumulating! You know when there's alot of snow when you have to shovel out a spot for the dog to do her doodie!

interesting you should say that. My dog decided to go on the walkway to the front door I had just dug out. I thought that was just her.

I hope you guys have managed to di g your way out. I have not-too fond memories of that much snow... yuck...

LOL We just had an argument with our snow-plow company. I informed our higher-ups that we had an issue with the plow job they did last night: Both fire exits are blocked The fire escape is completely blocked up The handicap parking space no longer exists All wall-area parking spots are half obliterated by snowbanks. The top three issues are ones that need immediate fixes, as we can get heavy fines for that. So we call them back, and what does the idiot do? Loads the fire escape even more with a 8' snow bank. When we got out there to tell him it needs to be CLEARED, and so does the Handicap spot, he shrugs and says: Well you will just have to lose the spot and find an alternative escape route. What? Uh ... Did I hear that right? "Lose the spot ..." He then tells us that if we want the snow removed then we have to call in to their office for actual removal ... Huh? UGH! EVERY FUCKING YEAR we have this problem with these people ... Gah... SJ

Originally posted by SJ_SwanJun Seems, though, that an Australian is more geared to snow than Canadians. I'm actually very comfortable for the most part in trekking through the white stuff.

I have to take exception to this! It would be more accurate if you substitute Torontonians for Canadians and then I would agree with you 100%. In the rest of Canada, Torontonians are notorious for not being able to handle any amount of snowfall. Most Canadians know how to handle snowfall. Besides, all Toronto got was a bit of snow. The worst of the storm missed us and has headed out East. Here's the pictures of my balcony as promised.

My apologies, Sosai. I would never dare to suggest I am geared better than a maritimer, a north-west territory resident, or anywhere other than the T.O. My very bad. I'm sorry. And ... it looks as though your balcony didn't get his as hard as we did ... I must remember to take a photo of the snow-bank at our house ... Glad you're at home today, though.... I'm jealous SJ

Originally posted by SJ_SwanJun My apologies, Sosai. I would never dare to suggest I am geared better than a maritimer, a north-west territory resident, or anywhere other than the T.O. My very bad. I'm sorry. And ... it looks as though your balcony didn't get his as hard as we did ... I must remember to take a photo of the snow-bank at our house ... Glad you're at home today, though.... I'm jealous SJ

LOL! No problem. I wasn't suggesting that you couldn't handle the snow either. I just didn't want to be lumped in with most of the idiots in Toronto who can't. *grin* I'm sure the snowbanks are nice and high (which I used to love as a kid). Course that used to peeve me off when I finish shoveling the driveway and the plough would go through filling the entrance of the driveway that I just shoveled. Grrr....

Originally posted by SJ_SwanJun Glad you're at home today, though.... I'm jealous SJ

So am I . I suspect anyone who had to dgo to work today is jealous.

Originally posted by Sosai X Course that used to peeve me off when I finish shoveling the driveway and the plough would go through filling the entrance of the driveway that I just shoveled. Grrr....

That is the ONLY thing I hate about shoveling snow. That stupid plow that "sits" just around the corner and drives past as soon as you think you are finished.

Originally posted by clouddancer I suspect anyone who had to dgo to work today is jealous.

I had to go to work today and I'm not jealous.

Originally posted by clouddancer

Originally posted by SJ_SwanJun Glad you're at home today, though.... I'm jealous SJ

So am I . I suspect anyone who had to dgo to work today is jealous.

Yes, I am lucky - I work from home. Sometimes I have to head out and meet up with my clients but I do my actual work in my home office. The downside to working for myself at home - no Christmas Office parties. The upside - no annoying co-workers. *grin*

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by clouddancer I suspect anyone who had to dgo to work today is jealous.

I had to go to work today and I'm not jealous.

Actually TJ, I might have to agree with you. I've thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment I've had today. Our street still hasn't been plowed and there are still cars getting stuck in the snow. Am tempted to call in delivery for lunch, but feel too sorry for the delivery drivers on the road to do that. I'll trudge through the white stuff up to Staples - I want to buy Flash a GPS thingie for the truck for Xmas. Ooh, I'll hit Harveys!! SJ Who just saw the photos from the work Christmas party and is currently redder than the shirt she had to wear ... Did I really look that terrified when the magician threw that knife at me??!! Long story ...

Ohhhhh...... Harvey's.... NOW I'm jealous!!!! I miss Harvey's... I love their fries....

Originally posted by clouddancer

Originally posted by kimiko WHOOOO HOOO!! I had a snow day from work last night! It's been snowing continuously all weekend here in the Hammer. Not exactly a blizzard (wind-wise) but lots of white stuff accumulating! You know when there's alot of snow when you have to shovel out a spot for the dog to do her doodie!

interesting you should say that. My dog decided to go on the walkway to the front door I had just dug out. I thought that was just her.

I guess I wouldn't want to have to stick my butt in a snowbank to do my business either.... *fuzzily recalls a drunken and desperate incident involving a K-Car-load of '80's chicks, somewhere between Fergus and Guelph on the side of the road...*

Oh, the K car.... A nice Reliant automobile.... (sorry, I'm a big BNL fan)

Oh TJ, I sang the same lines in my head ... I love BNL

Originally posted by Sosai X

Originally posted by SJ_SwanJun Seems, though, that an Australian is more geared to snow than Canadians. I'm actually very comfortable for the most part in trekking through the white stuff.

I have to take exception to this! It would be more accurate if you substitute Torontonians for Canadians and then I would agree with you 100%. In the rest of Canada, Torontonians are notorious for not being able to handle any amount of snowfall. Most Canadians know how to handle snowfall. Besides, all Toronto got was a bit of snow. The worst of the storm missed us and has headed out East. Here's the pictures of my balcony as promised.

You sure got some snow there,Tim. My balcony is closed up with glass, so the only thing I got is a few flakes and a wet carpet! And you have a nice view... My block is at the causeway and it's always very noisy!

LOL! They're classic...but Q-107 classic rock was the only stuff allowed to be played in my friend's K-car. (He was a bit anal about that!) So Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody was more appropriate....

Back then: Kevin Bloody Wilson was the music for us, or AD/DC Queen, oh how I love Queen, was not as cool as it is now... Now: I am a HUGE HUGE HUGE Led Zepplin fan, and that is my choice for the truck. Flash has Cream and 2 Killer's CD's as his driving music - although lately he's been killing me with 97.3 Christmas music .... Joshie, believe it or not, is a Missy Higgins fan - he has Sound of White in the truck. SJ

I listened to everything then and today...AC/DC and Zep are staples in my aural diet... Lately I have developed an online addiction...other than Gatch...YOUTUBE-ITIS...I spend hours sidetracked there... AND I'm using it to rehash my infatuation with men in tight leather pants...especially with this band and this man !!! Now if Tim would indulge me in a little photo-manip...just slap the Condor's face on this redhead!

Oh God. Youtube. That is a dangerous addiction. I have that on all the time when I don't have the iPod plugged in to the puter here at work. I discovered many an old favourite there ... and developed a new love for Robert Plant... sigh ... The Church was another of my discoveries there. I've always loved their music, but never put the name to the band, of you know what I mean. Now I am in a mad hunt for their greatest hits to add to my iPod, but am buggered if I can find it anywhere ... sigh. Gosh, now I think I might go and seek out the 30minute rendition of Stairway ... no, not my fav Zepplin song, but it is definitely up there. SJ

Fave Zep song for me...Whole Lotta Love.... I never really spent much time on Youtube till I found that video...I have been looking for a copy of that G'n'R MTV Concert for ages...brings back sooo many memories....

Whole Lotta Love .... sigh ... Great Driving song. D'yer Mak'r is one of my favs for sure. Since I've been Loving you is another All of my love Black Dog kicks ass!! I can actually imagine Princess rockin' out to Whole Lotta Love ... You know, because her guitar idol simply HAS to be Jimmy Page SJ

Originally posted by amyltrer You sure got some snow there,Tim. My balcony is closed up with glass, so the only thing I got is a few flakes and a wet carpet! And you have a nice view... My block is at the causeway and it's always very noisy!

The view looks nice now. It's a schoolyard that belongs to the Church/School next door. Normally it is filled with boys and girls who are screaming and yelling during recess. Some days it isn't that bad and some days it is bloody annoying.

And does it depend on whether the door/window is open or closed?

Originally posted by clouddancer And does it depend on whether the door/window is open or closed?

They are noisy with the door/windows closed and really noisy with them open. This school is a part of the 7th Day Adventist church but imagine my surprise one day when I was on my balcony BBQing some burgers for lunch and I see a couple young girls (around 11ish) practicing their pole dancing skills (they were bumping & grinding) on one of the metal poles that is near the fence (that separates their property from my building's parking lot). LOL! I kid you not!

I can see Tim's eyes popping out of his head "Oh wow!" It must be fun to work from home and be able to watch that. Getting a free show. Ooops! Forget I said that. Cloud will go back to her usual quiet self.

Originally posted by clouddancer I can see Tim's eyes popping out of his head "Oh wow!" It must be fun to work from home and be able to watch that. Getting a free show. Ooops! Forget I said that. Cloud will go back to her usual quiet self.

LOL! No, I don't think so. I prefer women... not 11 year old girls. School girl uniforms aren't my thing either. The only thing I can see from the window in my office is the tree at the back of the apartment. When it isn't the school kids making noise it is the local raccoons fighting. They sound like demons from hell when they fight. They're noisy buggers.

Oh yes! Raccoons make a terrible noise do they not. I remember some horrid noises coming from the creatures when I lived in the country as a child. Then the dog would wake up and she would begin barking and that would be it for sleeping for a bit.

Originally posted by kimiko Fave Zep song for me...Whole Lotta Love.... I never really spent much time on Youtube till I found that video...I have been looking for a copy of that G'n'R MTV Concert for ages...brings back sooo many memories....

I actually have a copy of the GNR Paris tour, can't remember the year, think its was 89/90

Originally posted by kimiko LOL! They're classic...but Q-107 classic rock was the only stuff allowed to be played in my friend's K-car. (He was a bit anal about that!) So Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody was more appropriate....

Now I'm picturing you as Garth in Wayne's World....

Tim, obviously you aren't truly influenced by the Japanese if you don't have a thing for schoolgirls....

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Tim, obviously you aren't truly influenced by the Japanese if you don't have a thing for schoolgirls....

Heh heh, there's a lot about Japan that I find very interesting - that's not one of them. *grin* The clothing isn't important to me because it won't stay on long enough to matter.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Tim, obviously you aren't truly influenced by the Japanese if you don't have a thing for schoolgirls....

Hey, I'm still a schoolgirl! Fortunately no uniform in our highschool. I suppose they really wear that Sailor-moon style uniform in their schools!

Originally posted by Cep I actually have a copy of the GNR Paris tour, can't remember the year, think its was 89/90

Cep I got a whole bunch of VHS's of them in concert..I think it's mostly footage from Rio and Japan. This one is the first time that I'd seen them live...blew my socks off! I'm still hoping that they'll release it unedited, but my understanding is they considered it one of their worst shows ever... SJ..some of my fave driving songs besides the ones we've already mentioned: Anything by Black Sabbath but especially "Children of the Grave"... Anything by Deep Purple-Highway Star (obvious), Iron Maiden- The Number of the Beast & Run to the Hills Foghat- Slow Ride Heart- Barracuda Anything by Skynyrd, George Thorogood, ZZ Top, Doors, Aerosmith, Sublime, New Order, Crystal Method... But for those really bad road rage days....I love to blast Metallica's Master of Puppets & Damage Inc. and Motorhead's Ace of Spades & Damage Case... ...people hear that and see me headbanging at the wheel....they tend to get out of the way...I wonder why???

Originally posted by amyltrer Hey, I'm still a schoolgirl! Fortunately no uniform in our highschool. I suppose they really wear that Sailor-moon style uniform in their schools!

Yeah, the Japanese uniforms are very sailor-like. My school uniform was British-influenced, so I wore a tunic which was more 'military' in style. All the way through Grade 13....

Originally posted by kimiko ...people hear that and see me headbanging at the wheel....they tend to get out of the way...I wonder why???

What with that and walking around with a pitbull at your side I can really see why you are a condor Kimi

Actually the pitter-pups, as I suppose all dogs do, loved car rides! Kali the older of the two, loved to sit shotgun, looking straight ahead, cool as a cucumber! She only stuck her head out the window when she was regulated to the back seat. Tika on the other hand was always in the back bouncing around, (even though I had her belted in), nose-prints and slobber all over the window! The cats....well forget the car rides..it's a big fight to get them in the kitty carrier!

Originally posted by Transmute JunYeah, the Japanese uniforms are very sailor-like. My school uniform was British-influenced, so I wore a tunic which was more 'military' in style. All the way through Grade 13....

I went to Catholic school up until grade 8 with no uniform. Then went to public highschool. The rebel in me was forming and the thought of this tomboy wearing a skirt day in and out... *shudder* That and I was starting to have issues with the church...like why should I have to take a credit in religion when the public schools don't have to in order to graduate. I thought I went to church for that. Plus all of my friends were going to the public high school. So that basically made my decision for me.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by amyltrer Hey, I'm still a schoolgirl! Fortunately no uniform in our highschool. I suppose they really wear that Sailor-moon style uniform in their schools!

Yeah, the Japanese uniforms are very sailor-like. My school uniform was British-influenced, so I wore a tunic which was more 'military' in style. All the way through Grade 13....

While I don't have a thing for schoolgirls (don't worry Amy, there are always exceptions to the rule *grin*)... Darth Vader certainly does...

Originally posted by Sosai X

Originally posted by Transmute Jun

Originally posted by amyltrer Hey, I'm still a schoolgirl! Fortunately no uniform in our highschool. I suppose they really wear that Sailor-moon style uniform in their schools!

Yeah, the Japanese uniforms are very sailor-like. My school uniform was British-influenced, so I wore a tunic which was more 'military' in style. All the way through Grade 13....

While I don't have a thing for schoolgirls (don't worry Amy, there are always exceptions to the rule *grin*)... Darth Vader certainly does...

LOL, They actually had a Star Wars tour in my highschool. I make some piccies with a pair of troopers Piccie

Nice picture, Amy. I guess those Stormtroopers must be messy eaters because they are wearing bibs. *grin*

Originally posted by Sosai X Nice picture, Amy. I guess those Stormtroopers must be messy eaters because they are wearing bibs. *grin*

They did make me laugh. I was just going to burst into another guffaw when the piccie was taken!

I got one of my Christmas presents early... I bought a digital camera last night! Actually it is for my business so it is a business expense but I've been using it here & there to get used to it. Ya, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. *grin* I've taken some snow pictures of my area so here they are... Here's the snow on the bush in the front of my building: The local sidewalk: A snowbank:

WOW! We'd be out of school for 2 weeks with that much snow, Tim! lol Amy...your stormtrooper pic is too cute! I'm loving all of these pictures!

Wow that white powder is so beautiful! It must be something special to wake up to that. We have had a cool summer so far, they are predicting this cooler summer weather to last until Feb...(That includes rain not that the water restrictions will get lifted,) but at least when TJ is here she won't have bush fire smoke and haze in the city.

Originally posted by kimiko

Originally posted by Transmute JunYeah, the Japanese uniforms are very sailor-like. My school uniform was British-influenced, so I wore a tunic which was more 'military' in style. All the way through Grade 13....

I went to Catholic school up until grade 8 with no uniform. Then went to public highschool. The rebel in me was forming and the thought of this tomboy wearing a skirt day in and out... *shudder* That and I was starting to have issues with the church...like why should I have to take a credit in religion when the public schools don't have to in order to graduate. I thought I went to church for that. Plus all of my friends were going to the public high school. So that basically made my decision for me.

All schools here have a uniform, even the public schools. We had a choice of dress pants or skirts though. I went to a public school, DH went to the Catholic school. We did get a bit creative at times with the uniform ... My DH had that credit thing in religion too. He even rebelled a bit and he's not the rebel type! But would you believe that I would rather my daughter wore a uniform to school, I know some kids hated mufti day when you could wear what you want, you could tell which kids came from wealthy families then because it stood out more. One of my friends was from a very poor family and I used to lend her an outfit for the day so she wouldn't get teased, she would stop by my house before we went to school.

I went to a private school (not Catholic but mildly Anglican) in Toronto. All girls, uniforms every day. I liked it because I had NO fashion sense and wouldn't have had any idea what to wear. I still have no fashion sense (just ask my ILs ) but at least I now know what I *like* to wear. OMG, Tim your pictures are brining back memories.... Amy, you look great with the Stormtroopers! They remind me of Raggletag. Have you seen the pics of him in his Stormtrooper costume at the Weird Al show? Ebony... how cool is cool? I was planning on bringing shorts and sundresses....

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne One of my friends was from a very poor family and I used to lend her an outfit for the day so she wouldn't get teased, she would stop by my house before we went to school.

Awww, you were such a good friend Ebony. I wish I had friends like you when I grew up. Of course I was bussed in so I could not stop off at a friends house before school but......

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Amy, you look great with the Stormtroopers! They remind me of Raggletag. Have you seen the pics of him in his Stormtrooper costume at the Weird Al show?....

Uhm, no... But I'd love to see them. Can you give a link, please?

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne Wow that white powder is so beautiful! It must be something special to wake up to that. We have had a cool summer so far, they are predicting this cooler summer weather to last until Feb...(That includes rain not that the water restrictions will get lifted,) but at least when TJ is here she won't have bush fire smoke and haze in the city.

Geez, Ebony, it's not so special. One day in the frost and you'll crave for the warm climate. Ah well isn't there even a bit of snow in Australia?

Yes in winter in some regions (Victorian mountains Victoria,Snowy Mountains in NSW,) but it is nothing like Europe,Canada or the America, and it only lasts for a short period of time. They use snow making machines in ski fields, if that gives you an idea, our snow is not generally more like ice than soft powder...They get the most in August/ September. Well the centre of Australia is a desert... so it is warmer here, and we are not far from more tropical climates, being close to Asia...LOL

Originally posted by clouddancer

Originally posted by Ebonyswanne One of my friends was from a very poor family and I used to lend her an outfit for the day so she wouldn't get teased, she would stop by my house before we went to school.

Awww, you were such a good friend Ebony. I wish I had friends like you when I grew up. Of course I was bussed in so I could not stop off at a friends house before school but......

She used to walk to my house so we could catch the bus together...she lived a few blocks from my house.(it was no biggy really, my mum used to make me trendy clothes, and buy them for me...mum didn't know that I lent them to her on Mufti day. *grins*

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