family

Therapy arrived in Santa Barbara.

/ brisbanefrannie / 8 Comments

Those who know me know I love my girlfriends. And my Therapy group are such a wonderful group of friends.

We formed years ago when our children were little. The girls of the group have shown such support to each other over the years that we feel it’s like going to therapy when we meet.

So today I brought a little bit of therapy to Jordan. It came in the form of ‘wise words of advice ‘ for the bride.

We assembled at a long table and enjoyed sparkling Rose while Jordan read her messages of advice – all the way from Brisbane.

Thank you to my funny, creative friends and especially to Patsy for her ‘Sweet Love Story’ which I’ll reproduce here for your enjoyment.

Now if that doesn’t bring a smile to your face – then read it again!

The Countdown is On.

/ brisbanefrannie / 17 Comments

Who out there enjoys packing for a holiday? I usually do but feel quite rushed / confused / perplexed this time! Why?

We’re not swim trekking like our usual holidays have been lately. On swims treks the packing is easy. It’s usually summer and relaxed. This time it’s a wedding in Santa Barbara, California! Then 3 different locations. New Orleans, Cuba and New York!

I’m trying to stick to my own packing rules ( check out an earlier blog). Pack in 3’s. 3 bottoms, 3 tops, 3 dresses, 3 scarves, 3 shoes. Then add the ‘wedding gear’.

I’ll let you know how I go! It’s going in the suitcase this afternoon. It’s a new bag and is a larger carry on! So I’m limited on the space! Wish me luck.

I’ve also had to reload this website and don’t want you to miss my blogs. So please send a message in the comments box so I know you’ve seen this post.

Did I mention it’s my son’s wedding! So I am to be a MOG. Mother of the Groom.

Wedding Fever

/ brisbanefrannie / 2 Comments

Who doesn’t like a wedding?

My family certainly do. None more so than me!

I have been told on good authority that the way for parents to plan a wedding is to:

1. Keep all advice to oneself.

2. Allow the kids to do all the planning.

3. Write a cheque.

4.  See no. 1!

I will try and remember this with Cambodia coming up!

Well whoever had a say in my beautiful niece Pip’s  wedding to Hugh Smith did a great job.

It was a perfect day. Warm weather,  clear skies and all the cousins together. For Steve and I to have our two boys together is such a treat. So here they are all dressed up with Pete’s fiancé Elena and Rob’s partner Jordan.


It was held at St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill, a school famous for its rugby, but to me memorable because my father John and my brother John both boarded there when it was all boarding not day students. It’s a beautiful school with traditional sandstone buildings and rose gardens any gardener would be proud of.

As it turned out Pip’s now husband Hugh from Wagga also attended Joeys. Pip’s dad and Granddad would have been smiling down thrilled with with her perfect match.

Pip arrived and took away my breath  with her beauty and composure.

 

Pip looking stunning with her best maids : Felicity, Anna Anna and Claire

Our cousin James McCarthy – mentioned in my last blog on Family Reunions – married them.

The reception was at Orso on the water at the Spit and the whole night was fun tinged with sadness that John couldn’t be there to walk his beautiful daughter down the aisle and hear her speak so eloquently.

A family night to remember.