Newsletter No. 19: March 2003

• Well 2003 is the Chinese year of the goat, but for the Wood family it is the year of the babies. I have already mentioned that Leanne & Paul Richards are expecting their first child and so are Clare & Matthew Wensor and Dennis & Marichu Lyell. Expecting their second child are Paul & Teresa White. Any others we don't know about? Still time.
• On the 9th February there was a full page article in the Herald Sun on Ian Lyell talking about romantic gardens which he is creating around Melbourne, the article featured an interview with Ian accompanied with his photo and details of his nursery.
• Congratulations to Carmel White & Leigh Kennedy who announced their engagement on the 24th February, wedding date and place as yet to be decided.
• Paul White has had mixed results with the runners in his stable. Craig Foley won both the Rye Gift and also the 70m novice race at the same meeting, Craig competed at Keilor and was third in the 70m but he broke down with a hammy just as he was taking the lead in the semi final. Victor Oyanedel won the Rye and Burramine 70m and was third in the Keilor 70m, his only other runner John Cara made the final of the Bright Gift.
• Apologies to Mark Turnbull I left off his birthday last newsletter which was on 6th March and he reached his fortieth on this day.
• Plenty of news from the Robbs, Chris & Maureen spent 10 days traveling by car around Tasmania with Chris's parents. They covered most of the touristy spots and had a great time. By the way if you are frequenting any old trails around Wangaratta take care a couple of new bike riders are on the road, could cause a bit of havoc.
• Anthony is still working in New York getting a few small movie roles while waiting for the "big break".
• Anna who spent 8 weeks in America after catching up with her boyfriend Jarrod, travelled to New York to spend Christmas with Anthony where they enjoyed a white Christmas and a sumptuous meal cooked by Anna. Anna has just gained the position as Stage Manager for this year's Rock Eisteddfod, this will be a great opportunity for her and will keep her busy for the rest of 2003 we wish her luck.
• Beth is returning to La Trobe University in Bendigo to do her second year of Graphic Design, she has a bit to live up to as she had straight A's in all subjects last year.
• Can't forget Gerard who stayed in Wangaratta for Christmas and then travelled to Sydney to continue his Australian Vacation before returning to Japan where he will continue to operate his Personal Peak business full time.
• Chris has developed a new 'Robb" website. Those interested can access it at www.robbwood.8k.com
• Received an e mail from Sue Wood, it seems that her son Ryan had been missed from my records and he is nearly 3, sorry Ryan. (Don't forget if any of my information is wrong let me know)
• And finally the school starters for this year are Peter & Penelope's youngest son Jacob Wood who started at Holy Cross School in Helensburg NSW. Christian White (Anthony & Dale's son) started at St Gabriel's Reservoir and Georga Prawdiuk started at St John's Heidelberg.
  
  

JOKE OF THE MONTH

"How was your golf game, dear?" asked Jack's wife Tracy.
"Well, I was hitting pretty well, but my eyesight's gotten so bad I couldn't see where the ball went."
"But you are already 75 years old, Jack!" admonished his wife, "Why don't you take my brother Scott along?"
"But he's 85 and doesn't play golf anymore", protested Jack.
"But he's got perfect eyesight. He could watch your ball." Tracy pointed out.
The next day Jack teed off with Scott looking on, Jack swung, and the ball disappeared down the middle of the fairway. "Did you see it?" asked Jack.
"Yup", Scott answered.
"Well where is it?" yelled Jack, peering off into the distance.
"I forgot."

BIRTHDAYS

April
3rd Brant Brindley Lyell
11th Michael John Couch
12th Jane Elizabeth Turnbull
14th Ann Frances Collins
14th Daniel Alexander Couch
23rd Kaye Lesley Lyell
27th Fred Turnbull
28th Paul Andrew Richards
28th Christian Andrew White
29th Ian Turner
30th Peter James Wood
30th Terrence Paul Lyell

May
7th Thomas James Lyell
9th Prudence Carly Lyell
14th Amanda Joan White
15th Edward Wood
21st Elise Michelle Wood
25th Luke Camish

FAMILY PROFILE: Sharon Prawdiuk (Turner)

• D.O.B. 7th January 1960
• Occupation: Clinical Neuropsychologist, but currently working in a counselling role with Cancer Council Victoria. Looking for other employment in either research or neuropsych areas. Have previously been employed in research roles, and prior to returning to full time study in 1989, worked in a variety of positions some of which included promotions, marketing, public relations, personnel/recruitment and hospital administration.
• Husband: Victor who is an accountant, but works in a management role with Harry the Hirer
• Interests: My currrent interests include athletics - sprinting (recently competed in World Master's Games in Melbourne), and attend Veteran's Athletics. Love the training involved. Other interests include singing - with a growing interest in blues/jazz music, snow skiing, weekends away, reading (member of a book club), seeing films, travelling (when possible). Love planning, and having several things on the horizon.
• Children: Have two daughters, Alexa (8 years ) and Georga (5 years).
  • Alexa is in Grade 3, and a very happy, curious, sensitive, intuitive and thoughtful child. She loves art, particuarly painting currently, and is showing the artistic ability seen in so many of this big family. Loves swimming, skipping, riding her bike and scooter, reading Goosebumps, is about to start violin lessons, and is passionate about marine life and animals in general. Says she would love to be a Marine Biologist when she grows up, with her motto "Protect animals and the Environment" .
  • Georga has just started school, and believes now she is in Prep, well she is big enough to do "almost anything". Georga is gregarious, sensitive, enthusiastic, confident and with boundless energy. Georga loves "everything" but particuarly singing, dancing, music, dressing up, wearing "groovy" clothes, putting on make-up, playing with friends and building cubby houses. Is about to start piano and dancing lessons. Wants to grow up to be a famous singer.
• Favourite Entertainer: Changes all the time - however in terms of comedy, I really enjoy many of the Australian Comics and Mike Myers (of Austin Power's fame)
• Favourite CD: Currently listening to Luther Vandross, Herbie Hancock, Miles David, Diana Krall and Norah Jones
• Favourite Movie: Enjoy films of different genres....
• Favourite TV Show: Again no favourites, but I do enjoy British Drama, and love the discovery and adventure channels on Optus.
• Favourite Holiday Destination: At the momant love Mooloolaba for the short trip away, but would like to travel to the Carribean sometime.
• Favourite Meal: Love Indian, Thai, Japanese and Vegetarian cooking.
  Favourite book: Too many to name... but love reading biographies.
• Car: I drive a Holden Jackaroo 4WD
• Famous person I would like to dine with: Mickey Rooney
• Event I would like to do at the Olympics: 100m sprint.
• Favourite Sports Team: Dont really have one ....but in terms of sports personalities.... love watching Cathy Freeman compete.
• Pets: We have a dear old cat, called Shanti, and five fish
• What talent would you like to have: Would love to be articulate and acomplished motivator / life coach.