chas Some great photos in the Bali sequence. We especially loved the messy hotel room photos and the sand sculptures. You guys look so happy! all well here but too tidy and quiet. We have begun planning the big homecoming barbie and bear fest and plan to have the bug house fumigated but can't get the bodies you left behind out of the hideaway bed.

Chas for Jonno: Canada to play Norway in world quarter-finalsDoan, Heatley each score twiceLast Updated: Monday, May 12, 2008 | 10:13 PM ETComments12Recommend19CBC SportsRyan Getzlaf of Team Canada joins the celebration after a goal by Dany Heatley (centre) Monday against Finland.(Andrew Vaughan/Canadian Press)Team Canada didn't disappoint in front of a crowd at the Halifax Metro Centre on Monday that included Prime Minister Stephen Harper, cruising to the quarter-finals of the world hockey championships with an unbeaten mark intact.Captain Shane Doan and Dany Heatley each scored twice in the 6-3 win over previously unbeaten Finland. Ryan Getzlaf had a goal and two assists, with Patrick Sharp scoring Canada's second short-handed goal of the game.Rick Nash contributed three assists, while his Columbus Blue Jacket teammate Pascal Leclaire was sharp in net with 24 saves.Antti Pihlstrom scored twice for Finland, with Tuomu Ruutu scoring in the game's final minute.Canada took Group F with the victory, their sixth in a row, and will play in the quarter-finals on Wednesday in Halifax at 4:30 local time against Norway."We wanted to play well through our first six and get better every night," said Heatley. "I think we've done a pretty good job of that. Now we've got do-or-die here the next couple days."Canada ran into a hot goalie in a 2-1 squeaker over Norway last week. Pal Grotnes finished with 50 saves for the Norwegians.The Canadians struck just 33 seconds into the contest. Getzlaf scored his first of the tournament, assisted by Brent Burns and Rick Nash. The teams then exchanged short-handed markers before the end of the period, from Pihlstrom and Doan, respectively.After Ville Peltonen hit the post for Finland behind Leclaire early in the second, Canada took control of the game.Heatley moved into the slot to beat goaltender Nicklas Backstrom with a backhander at the 10:17 mark.Just under eight minutes later Sharp sped down the right wing with Canada short-handed and found the back of the net with a snapshot. Sharp was tied for the NHL lead the past season with seven short-handed goals."Finland was really taking it to us at the beginning of the second, their quickness on the puck was a handful for us," said Hitchcock. "I thought once the third goal went it, we started to stabilize our game and it was a good sign."Doan marked his second goal early in the third, both of which were assisted by Chris Kunitz. Doan's slapshot went off a Finnish defenceman's helmet and past a helpless Backstrom.The teams each scored once more, with Heatley notching his tournament-leading ninth goal."There are a lot of good things in our game too but not good enough to beat a team like Canada," said Teemu Selanne. "You have to play an almost perfect game to beat them and we didn't get that tonight."Canada has not lost at the event since 2006 and are vying to win for the fourth time in six years.Russia and Switzerland are set to meet in the quarters, as are Sweden and the Czech Republic, with Finland and the United States set to meet for the second time in four days. The Finns beat the Americans 3-2 on Sunday in a game marked by controversy and chippiness.Dubinksy lead the U.S.Brandon Dubinsky, who recently enjoyed a strong playoff with the NHL's New York Rangers, is now revelling in his country's success.The six-foot-one, 210-pound centre recorded a hat trick for the United States on Monday in a 9-1 pasting of Norway at the world men's hockey championship in Halifax.Dubinsky and company shook off the loss to Finland complete the qualifying-round schedule with a 3-2-0 record.They scored three times in each period to bury an overmatched Norwegian team.The Americans, who locked up third place on the Halifax side of the tournament, had already earned a quarter-final berth prior to the game, and will next play the loser of Monday's matchup between Canada and Finland.Norway (1-2-1) must hope Latvia loses to Germany in regulation on Monday night to earn the last quarter-final spot for Group F.The U.S. dominated the opening 20 minutes against Norway and was rewarded with three goals, including a pair just 63 seconds apart.Dubinsky, who had eight points in 12 Stanley Cup playoff contests, opened the scoring at 11:12 with his first goal in Halifax as he took a pass in the slot from Adam Burish and fired the puck underneath Norwegian netminder Pal Grotnes.Just over a minute later, Dustin Brown potted his fourth of the tournament and first of two goals on the day as he skated into the slot and drilled a shot glove-side past Grotnes.In the final minute, the U.S. found the back of the net again as Patrick Kane tallied his third of the tournament on the power play. Zach Parise set up the Calder Trophy nominee with a perfect pass across the crease.Six minutes into the second period, Dubinsky scored his second of the game as he made good on a rebound attempt from in close.He completed the hat trick in the third on a shot from the right faceoff circle that beat backup netminder Ruben Smith during a U.S. power play. Smith replaced Grotnes shortly after the eighth goal for the Americans.Paul Martin, Patrick O'Sullivan and Zach Parise rounded out the scoring for the Americans.Defenceman Mats Trygg spoiled U.S. goaltender Robert Esche's shutout bid in the second period.The Americans outshot Norway 48-18.In other action Monday, unbeaten Russia got first-period goals from Dmitry Kalinin, Alexander Ovechkin and Maxim Sushinsky and went on to defeat Switzerland 5-3.Russia (5-0-0) finished first on the Quebec City side of the tourney and dropped Switzerland (4-1-0) to fourth place, so the two teams will meet again in the quarter-finals.The second-place Czech Republic (3-1-1) will meet third-place Sweden (3-2-0) in the other quarter-final in Quebec City on Wednesday.Sergei Fedorov and Sushinsky, with his second of the game, also scored for the Russians while Rafaele Sannitz, Julien Vauclair and Romano Lemm replied for Switzerland.In other results Monday, Denmark edged Belarus 3-2 in overtime and Germany downed Latvia 6-3. With files from the Canadian & Associated Press

Judy happy Birthday, Alexander!! Hope you are having a brilliant day! LOve Mum and Dad!

chas Well done and thanks for that Jonno. Been busy here: An Exciting Confluence of Roller Men… There was drama and chagrin Tuesday March 15th on the lower slopes of Blissford Hill. Charlie, a stirling pony from Medlars, was grazing the fields of Brook Farm, but according to EEC regulations, Cubs Scouts could not sleep on a field that recently had livestock. We were expecting campers so there had to be clear period of the three weeks for the field to become less dangerous and Charlie had to decamp. Among many mysteries of the Common Market agricultural programme, this policy fails to consider the impact of all the other animals (mostly deer) that cross, discharge, recross, and it being spring ( and I would be delicate), fertilise in our fields. However, because of the damp April, the tundrous South Field at Brook Farm was pitted, muddy and scattered with what locally we call 'field profiteroles'. Fortunately, The Senior Riding Boy at Medlars, young Rob; arrived on the classic 'Grey Fergy' tractor and the metal dragging net to 'harrow' the field. The harrow breaks up any manure and scatters it to aid drying and decomposition (and so aid and enrich) and also aerates and clears dead grass. After two hours of careful travail, Steely Steve arrived in the hopes of being allowed to drive his tractor, but Rob was not to be dragged from the power and control, though he did allow Steve to assist with the loading of the harrow for the return across the hamlet when finished. Our neighbour, Squire 'Enery arrived at this point, and being a man in the tractor trade, we fell to discussion of farming machinery, a subject 'deere' (sic) to my heart. Henry's fields at Yewhurst have that velvety smooth roll and weft you'd expect of a Kentucky Stud farm, and 'Enery works hard to achieve that with his classic John Deere. We watched and admired as 'Eenery first harrowed with his impressive rig and then rolled with his 2 ton roller. Steve had newly acquired a harrow, a work box and a roller, but needed a new fitting to insure that if he was rolling and hit a snag, the Grey Fergy was wasn'tdiscomfited, and that wouldn't be done until Monday, but he was keen. Our fields locally have been a bit of an embarrassment. Often neighbours mention that we seem to have been a bit late 'topping the field'. In about June, the field needs a first high cut to remove the fruiting buds of all the weeds before they release their spores. Since we ate the last of our small herd of Dexter steers, only deer, rabbits, small boys and landrovers have gambolled on our vast 7 acre spread. Two years ago, the good man who always topped our field, hit a concealed stump, damaging the blades of his topper, vowing never to return; so last summer, we hosted the Brook Farm Canada Day Tractor Rally and enticed various neighbours and their tractors to lunch and got the South Field topped by a variety of enthusiasts, anda week later lured William Leith and their new rig to finish the fields. But 'the roller men, the roller men' you cry! It was Tuesday and I was tending to my chores. I was concerned that a chicken, one of my fine hens might be missing; but there was a possibility it was only a small hen pheasant (resplendant Phil the pheasant's mate) in a case of mistaken identity. I'd been to Purdy's our local grain supplier for the superior (it has bits of shell and peas) feed my girls prefer, and then I heard it. The roar of a big diesel, and I thought its 'Enery, teasing us as he continues to groom his verdant field, but as the noise got louder, it became obvious the tractor was a lot closer. In fact, in the scruffy South Field. I raced across past the house, and there it was, 10 feet tall, glorious in John Deere's green and yellow livery towing the hamlet's finest roller. What a shocking surprise it must have been for the moles whose distinctive hillocks of spill from myriad tunnels dotted the tufted grass. One moment a veritable Labrynth of tunnels, then 'trouble in pit!". 'Enery lept down from the cab and I noticed immediately he was dressed for town. There was no sign of the favourite tattered and worn flannel shirt flapping from his spare frame, no knees exposed in his iconic shorts. 'Enery was dressed for a chic casual drinks party right down to the polished brown stout walking shoes. As I gaped foolishly at this vision of man and tractor, he explained: " I didn't want to roll when the field was too wet and just churn it into mud, but I did want to roll went it was still squidgy. There's a fine line when you roll and the tractor treads disappear. I was afraid I might be too late this afternoon so I've come straight from work". There is no point rolling when the field is dry for obvious reasons! This was a lot of technical information. The day had been dry and warm, I was in shorts and sandels, and the field behind the John Deereand its roller was smooth. No hoof prints, tussocks or tractor treads. It was perfect. "How much does that roller weigh, it looks great!" I asked. Near enough 2 to perhaps 2.5 tons was the answer, filled with water. It was in fact two rollers, so that on the turns there was no churning of the soil. I watched, transfixed as for the next hour or so, Henry painstakingly rolled, reversed and transformed the South Field. It was artistry on a big canvas. I was standing chatting at the gate as we examined the problematic area near the spring and old well. It was then we heard the noise. "Sounds like a petrol engine towing a roller" Squire 'Enery said to me with a laugh. I listened and I agreed, and we both knew it was Steve or Robbie on a sortie from Medlars. I ran out into the lane, and saw Sue's hot mini-cooper flashing so I knew Jude was just home, and dinner wasn't ready, but I had to avert trouble, the clash of the Roller Men. It was too late. The Vale's newest Roller Man was steaming noisily towards me, a big smile on his face, a smile which persisted until he pulled into the field and saw the competition. "I'll just do a bit, " he said after I explained. The old Grey Fergy fired up, and with her fine new roller (possibly 1-1.5 tons if filled with water were agreed) and new hitch set off, a very trim show of rolling indeed. Honour acquitted, Steve parked and we chatted as Roller Men do after a big job. Apparently a bigger heavier roller is not necessarily better as only the bit actually confronting the ground is important and sometimes a smaller roller is far superior. The important thing is it should be heavy enough to fade the towing tractor's tyre marks… and well, you know! It got a bit parched, so we adjourned for beer as the sun faded beyond the hills. Jude and Sue were quaffing red wine at the fire and one beer led to three when finally impending dark (the old Grey Fergy has no lights) and late dinners intruded. 'Enery's bride was waiting, Steve's bride was waiting, Sue's man had pumpkin soup planned and Jude was expecting me to flourish creamy scrambled eggs ( the torpedo shaped ones are from the new girls, just on line, and the big yolkers are from Mrs. Fluffy) with smoked salmon and Jude's home-baked bread. And so another epic day drew to a close with the smell of toast and the clatter of empties in recycling, the day the Roller Men came to Brook Farm. CMC March 2008.

Jon Hello all, Im sorry about the lack of photos but we are still down to just the one camera, and internets quite expensive here in aus so im going to wait for cheap internet untill i do a big blog update.

Emily Tom how was the sky dive?? xxxx

judy Hi guys! tell all! We're hungry for the next installment of news and pix! love, Judy/mum

chas Sad Day Egg McMuffin creator dies at 89Last Updated: Thursday, March 27, 2008 | 12:46 AM ETComments0Recommend2The Associated PressHerb Peterson, who invented the ubiquitous Egg McMuffin as a way to introduce breakfast to McDonald's restaurants, has died at the age of 89. Herb Peterson, the creator of the Egg McMuffin, died in Santa Barbara on Tuesday. (John Hayes/Associated Press) Peterson, a father of four, died peacefully Tuesday at his Santa Barbara home in California, said Monte Fraker, vice-president of operations for McDonald's restaurants in that city.Peterson began his career with McDonald's by working as vice-president of the company's advertising firm, D'Arcy Advertising, in Chicago. He wrote McDonald's first national advertising slogan, "Where Quality Starts Fresh Every Day."Peterson eventually became a franchisee, co-owning and operating six McDonald's restaurants in California, Fraker said.Peterson came up with idea for the signature McDonald's breakfast item in 1972. He "was very partial to eggs Benedict," Fraker said, and worked on creating something similar.The egg sandwich originally consisted of an egg with the yolk broken, topped with a slice of cheese and grilled Canadian bacon. It was served open-faced on a toasted and buttered English muffin.The Egg McMuffin made its debut at a restaurant in Santa Barbara that Peterson co-owned with his son, David Peterson.Fraker said that, although semi-retired, Peterson still visited all six of his stores in the Santa Barbara area until last year when his health began to deteriorate. "He would talk to the customers, visit with the employees. He loved McDonald's," Fraker said. "He embraced the community and the community embraced him. We loved the man."

Judy Hi guys, I loved the plane video!...I'm so glad they upgraded you..so well deserved! Dad and I have never been uppgraded, obviously we need to dress better!! We look forward to your next set of pictures and videos. Hope New Zealand is full of adventure. We miss you! Much love, Mum/Judy

The Other Adsheads hi Jono Looks like ur havin a gr8 time. We wish we could join u.Coud u put where ur pics r taken plz and put ur pics the right way round. Evryone is well and we hope u r 2. Enjoy the rest of ur trip. Byee. The Other Adsheads

sabrina I wish I was travling with you cute boys for a few days, good times indeed! Alex you're always rockin' the good style... found any thrift stores? you gotta rock some cool south american suit jacket Love your cousin SAbrina p.s.if you guys come to nyc, let me know

Paul Hi Tom Hope you have a great Easter where ever you are. Satuatory egg waiting at home with your Mum! Take care much love Dad x

Chas To add a little tone to the discussion... Gap Year and the Third World Our local private school has an historic gap year programme that involves Australia sending four or five of her brightest and bravest every January for a year. They work as sport coaches, teaching assistants and insure the boarding house is very jolly. They live in but don't miss an opportunity to get out and travel and enjoy on the modest stipends offered. It is a wonderful opportunity for them and the school, an exchange of gifts that benefits all. What I'd like to do is to compare that with my sons who have in turn worked hard to save money for the 'round the world' gap year trip of a lifetime. You have to admire them. A-levels behind them, university ahead, they beaver away at jobs that don't necessarily pay much and then suddenly, start packing, getting shots and passports and then they are gone. I have often wondered at the surprisingly expensive third world projects where earnest souls fund raise for years and then leave to build a school or dig a well in the third world. Of course its worthy, but in the photos we see glistening sun-burnt off-spring of the west working in the heat surrounded by the bewildered poor. Surely, I tell myself, one star could go with all the money and just energise a self help project for the village to do itself. There has been a classic example running on Radio Four: 'Three Cups of Tea'; which details the travails and successes ofGreg Mortensen, a young climber who was rescued by a village in northern Pakistan after an assault on K2. He vows to return and build a school and ends up building a bridge as well. Its wonderful and inspiring and well worth a listen. I have difficulty reconciling the tsunami of well fed middle class young people flying off in groups around the world as an adventure. Imagine the catchers waiting at hot, sun-baked, fly blown airports around the world, calmly expecting the amazing apparition of the locust like cloud coming out of the West, pockets full of money and stars in their eyes. We have been enjoying the hoard of old ciné and photos collected by Alfred Kahn, the French philanthropist; who sent photographers off to capture a vanishing world in the 20s. We can travel from our living rooms and see what travel has cost us in the fascinating portrayal of lost civilisations. One of my favourites was photos and clips of the French cod fisherman off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, where the amazing fish bounty has been gathered since the early 16th century. It must be like that for the third world. We don't have to send shoe boxes filled with useful things, or buy cows or goats from Oxfam, we can just continue to send 'the Gappies' and their wallets. The only slight problem is directing the monies to useful sources, the same problems that organised third world aid has generally. How do we avoiding the pockets of the unworthy, the grasping and the mendacious. Imagine if we could insure that all the aid avoided the sticky fingers of politicos and apparatchiks. Couldn't we channel 'gappie aid' by situating hostels, pubs and bungee jumping facilities closer to the really needy. It may take some skill and planning to re-route the gappy trail away from over subscribed sites like Bali and New Zealand. The answer may be the one provided the engaging Tropic of Capricorn series on t.v. where the earnest, enquiring and amusing Simon Reeve chose a route and destinations that fell on or close to an arbitrary line. It showed up an unseen and unlikely series of fascinating vignettes and required some careful planning. In the meantime, spare a thought for the 'fishermen' around the world, patiently waiting to harvest the almost continuous rich migration of ' gappies' as they stumble around the world, crowding buses, taking photos, infesting email cafs; discovering and widening their horizons as they enrich. Somehow, I wonder if my boys wouldn't have been happier working atschool in Oz for twelve months. ' 'Bah, humbug!'

Jon A nun its been more like mick Jaggar!!!!