Christmas at Tamworth

We drove to Tamworth on Christmas morning.

It was a lovely drive.

I so love the country and all that goes with it.

We went to The Bartlett's for tea (lunch).

It was very Aussie.

Lots of family and friends, we had a very lovely time.

We then went to visit The Thompson's, Ronald McDonald House (Andrew was there),

Ruth McLoud, Walkers and then over to Davison's where we stayed.

It is fun visiting with those you have learned to love and spent nine months with.

Saturday we visited Marie, our sweet next door neighbor, Oh how I miss her(she has cancer and has lost40 or 50 lbs) She is not feeling very well as of now.

Marie will not do anything to battle the cancer,

the Doctor told her it would not do any good anyway.

We visited the Peppers, John, Marea and Ruth. Ruth is really going down hill,

she can not talk now, she writes notes. Our heart goes out to her.

We then went out to Werris Creek and visited Jan Pemberton and Glen,

then out to Qurindi to visit Rita Moore who is moving to Mudggie.

Rita is 95 and is an amazing lady. Her mind and body all work well.

(mine should work as well as hers)

Rita has lived in Qurindi for the past 2 years because her daughter Helen had cancer.

Helen died in October.

We brought Rita back to Jan Pembertons so she would have a ride to Church on Sunday.

We went back to Davisons for a short visit,

work on our talks we are suppose to give on Sunday.

Then off to the Greens for Tea (dinner). All their children and Grandchildren were there for Christmas and the Holidays.

It was another Aussie dinner and very good.

Home to Davisons, visit and to bed.

Rained on and off all day Saturday. Humid!!!!!!

Sunday, We spoke in Sacrament Meeting all went well.

Lots of the members were out of town but a lot of visiting family members were there.

We have met many of them before.

It was fun!

We went to Walkers for tea (lunch)

it was 2 hrs late as per usual, somethings don't change.

We went back, packed said our good-byes and went by to say a good bye to Marie.

It was a rain on and off all the way home, but a very nice drive.

Good to be home, It was a very good visit.

Joe McGuires Pub and Hotel

This is the back side of Joe McGuires Pub.

This lot is filled with cars and spilling out on to the street at Morning Tea(lunch)

and evening Tea (dinner).

Places We Walk By

I am surprised that Elder Doney has not been hanging out around this truck!

As you know he love Sea Food.

He says it is tooooo expensive, so he for goes it.

There are millions of these pyracantha (the best I could do with the spelling)

Bushes all over. It is so strange to see them with berry's in April thru August.

I associate them with Christmas.

Mom use to put them on the mantel for the pretty red and green color.

These are in Armidale, NSW

This is one of the many Pubs in town.

They have Hotels on the second floor in most of them.

These are very popular here and packed at night.

They serve food and drink, you have to stand in line and order,

then sit and wait until they call your number, then you go pick up your meal.

I've only eaten at one I would go back to.

The food here is battered and fried. They call it schnitzeled.

Mash (potato)and peas, pumpkin (squash) and baked or fried potato (the skin is removed then baked or fried) whole.

Joe McGuires was our first experience.

If you want water you have to go to the bar to get it.
We walk by the back every morning it is nice.

I will post it next time.

Prison and Hospital

Tamworth Base Hospital

All Government Hospitals are called Base Hospitals

This one is three blocks from our flat.

This is just a small part of the Hospital.

Ronald McDonald House is just up the street in back of the Hospital.

This is the oldest Prison in NSW

Right across the street from the Base Hospital
that's so when the inmates hurt each other they are close for medical help.
HA HA!

Elder Doney says he has done his time already
in CRC Norco.

Of course they don't have Base written on the sign

but that is what everyone calls them.

Transfers

If you have not heard we are being transferred Tuesday Aug. 18, 2009.

We will be going to Toronto, NSW

It is hard to leave lovely friends and those we have learned to love.

It makes it really hard when they start crying when you tell them you are shifting (moving).

It is amazing how many care and are sad we are going.

Many of them are not members of the Church, that we have gotten to know

on our journey here in Tamworth.

We are sad to leave serving Ronald McDonald House.

They have become lovely friends.

All who serve there are really nice.

Our little neighbor Merie (Mary) whom I love so much,

has cancer, was counting on us staying until next June.

We talk gardens, America, families, music, her knitting,

her Barbie dolls she knits clothes for, Australian words and sayings, etc.

I go watch 60 min. Australian with her each Sunday night.

When we are gone at night we leave the light on in the lounge

and the louvers open a little so she can see the light and not feel so alone.

We will miss going to watch "Inspector Rex" with Ruth Pepper on Thursday nights.

Family Night at the Walkers.

Thursdays in Armidale with the Sisters Missionaries and reading with Kathy.

Working out at Jan Pembertons in Werris Creek.

I will miss my sweet Primary Class, I have learned more then they have.

Will miss the ladies at Curves.

Stacy who cuts my hair.

The Narrabri Branch and the Country

I could go on and on but I won't as I might cry.

I know we will meet new and wonderful friends who we will fall in love with.

Thank You Tamworth!

Wonderful Sunday/Extra Special Gift

This is Kimberly Newcombe

We have been working with her and helping her progress in the Gospel

for the last 6 mos.

Yesterday she was Baptized and Confirmed a member of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I wish I had a picture of Kimberly's face after she was confirmed

it was glowing and a smile as wide as it could get.

She has waited for a couple of years for this special event and

worked hard to achieve it.

Elder Doney had the privilege of Baptizing and Confirming her.

It was extra special for us as it was our last Sunday in the Tamworth Ward.

Tamworth Members

These are some of the Ward Members.Jan Pemberton, adopted sons Gary Solomons and Glen

from Werris Creek

Kia-Isha Newcombe, Jasmine Vermunt, Esther Bartlett, Jayde Vermunt

Front row Hendrika and Kimberly Newcombe

Lesa Bartlett, Arthur, Kelly and Rosalie Davidson

Peter and Veronika Laga'aia

Judy and Tony Johnson

Down Town Tamworth

Down town Tamworth.

Notice the cars park at 90 degree angle, backed in.

It is hard to get use to doing that.

Rainbow and Birthday

I was driving to Family Home Evening and there was this beautiful rainbow coming straight out of the clouds, as if raining a rainbow.

I just had to stop and take a picture, before I got into an accident looking at it.

Family Home Evening and Ana's Birthday Party.
Judy J., Stephany W., Sister Doney, Ana W. Ruth P.,and John G.

Golden Guitar

All because of the Country Music Festival. You just have to have your picture taken here if you want to prove you have been to Tamworth.

So here we are! Golden Guitar!

2/10 North St.

This is our Flat.