The end

Of the thesis I mean. :)

After many last minute corrections, and the editing of far too many uses of the word "however", my PhD thesis is finally written. Next it goes to the Graduate Research School, and then out to the examiners to be graded.

Fingers crossed that it will be a good result!

So, what have I learned from doing a PhD thesis?

• It takes a long time
• It could easily take much longer, but I ran out of time
• Coming up with new ideas, or new ways to use other people's ideas is surprisingly hard
• Research is fun, but academic writing is hard
• I'm glad that it's done!!!

Boo on homework!

Famous line from Brynley:

"So what's the deal with homework. I thought they were supposed to be teaching us this stuff at school?

Why do I have to do it at home too!"

Perfect Sunday Picnic

Lately we've been trying to spend more time together as a family. The semester is winding down, my PhD thesis is nearly ready to be sent off and it's spring in north Queensland.

It's the perfect time of year, very little rain, warm temps, and lots of sunshine.

Plus, now we live just 10 minutes from the beach!

So, the kids grabbed their togs (swim suits), I packed a picnic lunch, and off we went.

After a bit of a walk around, the kids headed for the Big Bucket, a water attraction that is always a big hit. Before the kids could get too sunburned we treated them for a frappe at a local cafe. Then we went off for our picnic lunch down by the beach.

While we were eating, two skydivers plummeted down and landed safely on the beach a short distance away.

Too nice. :)

Weekend invention

Yesterday it was Donnelly's turn to clean the bathroom. In the middle of scrubbing the toilet and bath, inspiration struck.

What to do with those empty toilet paper rolls?

Instant toothpaste holder!

A Belgium Duck

A friend of Chloe's went on a European trip, and brought back this duck made of Belgium chocolate for her. Sadly, the little ducky is with us no more, but he was very tasty!

Spring flowers

Super duper flying Izzy

You rang?

Forced to be green?

Today we needed to go buy some clothes for the kids, so a trip to the local shopping center was planned. Trouble is, the local mall has undergone a renovation. They added a bunch of new shops, but reduced the size of the parking lots. On a Saturday there is literally no where to park.

So, we decided to walk, 2 kilometers each direction (a little over mile each way). You should have heard the whinging (complaining). "Walking? It's going to be so hot! We're going to smell when we get back."

You'd think it was a forced march across the Gobi desert. So, yes, kids are exactly the same the world over. It was fun though, although us oldies are a little footsore. I guess we're out of practice of hoofing it, or riding shanks mare.

When these guys say "No Parking" they really mean it.