Happy Birthday Lobethal

My school - Lobethal Primary School has just celebrated its 150th birthday this last weekend. We have been planning this since late last year and working flat out to get the weekend organised. Now we can all breathe a sigh of relief. It was a great weekend and many memories were revived by many people.
Friday was an Open Day for the school. We teachers conducted classes in the 3Rs and other activities from a bygone era. You may remember things like Friday tests - Spelling and Dictation, Mental and Arithmetic. We had handwriting lessons - copperplate if you don't mind. I really had to brush up on that - geography mapping, handcrafts like potato printing, finger painting, cross stitch on gingham, games like marbles, Ludo, draughts, Chinese Checkers, Snakes and Ladders, Hopscotch and of course Jump Rope. Great fun and the old scholars who visited enjoyed their day back at school. Some of them had attended 70 years ago.



Jump Rope Exhibition Team






On Saturday there was a supper dance for the younger ones. Wonderful supper, just like the old barn dance suppers in the 50s and 60s - plates of sandwiches, pickled onions and gherkins on toothpicks, party pies and pasties, baby frankfurts - little boys - asparagus rolls, fairy cakes, cream puffs, meringues, brandy snaps, lamingtons and so on.

Then on Sunday the Family Picnic and Roll Call. And the oldies turned up in droves with their photos, memorabilia and stories - so many happy memories. A wonderful day and well worth the hours and hours we put into the organisation - but I am glad its over and won't have to be repeated for at least 25 years - and it won't be me doing it then!!

Back then - early fifties











And now














Liz Needle

Scatterday J

Scatterday J
Originally uploaded by lulubelleliz

Finally catching up after my computer disaster. Except for the blown up printer, all seems to be going smoothly - though I know it's tempting fate to make comments like that.

'J' - hmmm. I found this difficult. I knew what I wanted to photograph, but couldn't find the opportunity to take the photos. I'll show you what I did get .

Sport - Jump Rope for Heart jump-offs - just one of the many things I have had to cram into the last 2 weeks. And also James jumping in the Long Jump. I had wanted to photograph the javelin being thrown!

Pointed things - Hmm. Tricky. Hope this passes the Scatterday Police. A very sharp lady - full of angles and pointed comments. Our Minister for Education, Jane Lomax-Smith.

Restaurants - there are only 2 'J' restaurants in Adelaide - 35 kms away. Here is the only photo (a very poor one) I could find - Jolley's Boathouse Restaurant. The other one is Jasmin Indian Restaurant.

Scatterday P

Scatterday P
Originally uploaded by lulubelleliz

Finally back online after a monster computer crash. Missed the "P", and as I didn't want to miss out, I am doing it today - only 6 days late.

Sweet things - primroses in my garden. Just the most beautiful perfume and such sweet little flowers.

Red things - post box - very red

Metal - Pauland Pils in a metal can and a very old metal pump both of which I found in a pioneer village we visited.

We have had a very hectic first week back at school - more next time, but it was capped off by the crashing of the computer. We decided that there was so much hidden stuff buzzing away after 10 years that we(my computer geek and I) decided that a total cleanout was in order. Sounded good. Get rid of the junk, save and re-install my documents , favourites, address book etc - all the things I really need. Of course I would have to re-install all the software and printers etc, he told me. No problems, says I. Done it before, says I.

Computer came back yesterday - everything working so much better. But, couldn't get online. Had to re-install something or other. Could I find the CD ? Yes!! Three hours later!!!

Then the printer - wouldn't plug and play. No way. Had to be done another much more complicated way!! And when I finally got it ready to go, tried to print and the b....y printer blew up!!!

OK - now for the scanner!! For some reason it would not install. Needs new driver or some such!! All sorts of weird messages. Computer man out for the night!! I gave up. Who needs a scanner right now anyway.

So far all the other stuff seems OK. But I didn't need all that last night when I had 6 dozen biscuits to make for morning tea at school and a whole day of special lessons to plan for our 150th birthday Open day. But, I survived, the biscuits were a hit and the kids and the old scholars enjoyed the day
Liz

Scatterday F

Scatterday F
Originally uploaded by lulubelleliz

Early this week, but we have a busy day tomorrow.

Cold things - Frozen Frosty Fruits from Foodland - how's that for alliteration?

Signs - a couple of local ones. Fairyland - yes there really is a Fairyland, Virginia. Mosaic maker didn't like the F.
And of course Foodland - chosen more for the Mighty South Aussie bit than for anything else.

Elements - Frost in our garden.

Had a lovely surprise today. One of my ex-students from 35 years ago rang last night to say she was in Lobethal and could she come and visit. She was one of my favourite students ever and as she was a very good athlete and sports mad, I was her favourite teacher.
That was back when I was a young Phys Ed teacher and coached Athletics, Hockey and Softball as well as teaching Phys Ed and running vacation swimming. Val was a top athlete and a very good hockey player.
Nice when kids - well, she's nearly 50 now - remember you and make contact. Makes teaching very worthwhile.

Liz

Scatterday C

Scatterday C
Originally uploaded by lulubelleliz

Finally have myself back on task with the last Scatterday photos. Could have done several sets for C, but here are my final selections.

Hobby - Crime fiction. If I'd had more time I might have looked for C authors, but these will do.

Pizza Topping - couldn't resist these colourful capsicums

Furniture - a funky chair made from parts of an old carriage and a couch containing a couch potato (also a chef) who wished to be anonymous.

Now for F.

Sideny

Hi All,

I'm having a lovely time in Sideny (apologies girls from Sydney. I can't resist. I once taught a kid (a girl called Sideny Fridd - as true as my name is Liz) who was so called because her mother loved to holiday in Sideny. I hope she doesn't have access to the internet!!) Any way I am thoroughly enjoying my holidays with the grand daughters. Wish I could send photos, but DD has a thing about her kids appearing on the internet - and fair enough. I will post some photos to the cows when I get back. I think that will be OK.

Today we did the swimming bit - a regular daily thing during the school hols. The instructor did threaten to kick my youngest grand daughter out of the class if she didn't stand still and listen!! For heavens sake!! The child is only 3!! I taught swimming and ran a pool with 600 children for more years than the instructor has lived and if she can't cope with one lively, intelligent and totally bored child, then she shouldn't be teaching. She's lucky I didn't leap into the pool and biff her. I have watched the classes and honestly I think they are the most uninterested, bored lot of teachers (no, instructors) I have ever seen!! If they had been working for me - they wouldn't have a job by now!!) You have to make lessons interesting and fascinating for kids (yes, even swimming) and these young instructors missed the boat entirely.

Off my hobby horse. I have very definite ideas on teaching and think I know what I am talking about. I am still teaching after 45 years and the kids still enjoy it - even Maths!!!! Shut up, Liz!!

We went to Fox Studios and spent time painting plaster models - even me, riding the Merry go Round, jumping in the bouncing castle, exploring toy shops, buying Christmas decorations, going to the movies, cleaning bedrooms, reading stories, dressing up, making gingerbread men - all the Nanna sort of stuff I have to catch up on. Just delightful!! Home again tomorrow with lots of lovely memories and the knowledge that they will all be in Adelaide in December, sleeping in my sewing room, hogging the TV, terrorising the dogs, cooking gingerbread houses in the kitchen, decorating the Chrissie tree, wrecking the garden, trashing the house and twisting Don and I around their little pinkies!! Lovely!!

Catch you all when I get back home.

Liz

Scatterdays

May be a bit late this week with my scatterdays. I am flying off to Sydney tomorrow - Saturday - to see my little darlings. Sorry guys, but my time in Sydney is all too infrequent and very precious. 3 or 4 days twice a year and every minute spent in catching up with my grand daughters - and that time not nearly long enough. I never thought I would become so totally hooked on little kids, but there you are.
One day I promise I will make time to catch up on Sydney friends, but not this time, alas. Only 4 days. Not enough time to even find out how much improved is the reading, how kinder is going, how far we can now swim, what we have learned in ballet and gymnastics, how many tricks the dog has learned, who loves who and who has kissed who, what new clothes we have and who are now the best friends and who is no longer on the friends list.

Back in 4 days. Catch up with everyone then.

Liz

Check out my Slide Show!

My friend Pennie posted some lovely photos of her garden, so I thought I would show you what my garden looks like in Spring.

Liz

Scatterday W

Scatterday W
Originally uploaded by lulubelleliz

Lovely surprise for me this week.

1. Black things - our wellies - a dirty black, but still black
2. Toys - Boys toys - weights
2. Tools - Whippersnipper. But look what I found in the shed. A nest built on the whippersnipper. And in the nest - a cute little mother blackbird. Such a brave little mum. Not in the least fazed by a clumsy, nosey human with a flash!!

HOLIDAYS!!! I am on holidays as of now. Time to sew, I hope. Have some quilt tops to get ready for quilting, so hopefully that is how I will be able to spend a few days. But, already DH is saying - "two weeks together. Now what shall we do? " Grrrr!!!!

Liz



Oops!!! Just realised that the topic is "games", not "toys". How did I get that wrong. Will have to think about that. Lucky I did it on Friday so I have a day to correct it.

She's "hot"!

Had a giggle the other day. I was doing an activity with my class of 12 year olds where they had to look at a series of photos of people and think about what the people might be like - personalities, talents, occupations etc. This was part of a unit about first impressions and not judging people by their looks etc.

The photos included several politicians, a couple of dictators, some serial killers, scientists, artists, musicians and a couple of ordinary people. Interesting that a number of the kids picked that Lizzie Borden and Ted Bundy looked very similar (and scary) around the eyes.

Anyway, I held up one photo of a girl in her twenties or so and asked them what they had to say about her. One of my boys commented "Wow! She's hot!!" and the others agreed. I asked them if they knew who it was. "No, probably a TV person?" Held the photo up alongside my face and said, "Now does she ring a bell?"

Well, you should have seen the looks on the faces of the boys. And the girls just howled with laughter at them. The boys still maintain that their frumpy old teacher used to look "Hot".

The photo in question - taken about 35 years ago. I think it was the blonde hair they liked.

Liz

Scatterday B

Scatterday B
Originally uploaded by lulubelleliz

I actually found this one more difficult than Q for some reason.

1. B is for bee
2. Favourite things - some of my bears. Grew up during the war years so never had any of these as a child.
2. Big things - and what could be bigger than Brad?
4. Shop - did you ever play that game as a child - "I went shopping and I bought..........". Here is a selection of 'Bs' from my shopping at the supermarket - baked beans, borlotti beans, battery, bread mix, butter, bread, baking powder, Brasso, beer, a bottle of Bird in Hand wine, biscuits, basil etc.

Liz

This Week!

This has been a hectic week - 2 weeks in fact. So much has been happening that my class is having a ball. We have been too busy to do any real schoolwork. Roll on next week. They are in for a real shock!! Liz the slave drive will be back on form!!

We had our school concert on Tuesday - the reason for the lack of work. For the last few years the concert has been very low key, but with a new principal things have changed a bit. Still, it went off very well and there were lots of favourable comments - all good for the school. Here are a few photos.

Some of the little Vietnamese kids joining in the fun.


Kindies playing the merimba. This is an instrument similar to a xylophone and the kids just love it!


The senior schoolchoir performing.

Scatterday Q

Scatterday Q
Originally uploaded by lulubelleliz

My choices for this week.

1. Clothing - quilted jacket. Not very original
2. Music - musical Quartets - The Beatles, ABBA, The Highwaymen, The Four Tenors, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Mamas and the Papas - Ooops! I forgot the Platters
3. Square things - A square 'Q'. I think I deserve 10 for this one. LOL.

Liz

Scatterday R

mosaic3397610L
Originally uploaded by lulubelleliz

It's not actually Saturday yet, but I am not sure what time I'll have tomorrow. I hope you approve my choices.

1. Plants - Rhododendrons (though strictly speaking they are called azaleas now)
2. Childhood - Rabbits were always a very important part of my kids' lives - along with practically every other pet you can think of.
3. The Arts - this had me stumped for ages. Finally settled on "Ruddigore" - a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. Coincidentally I am reading a Kerry Greenwood book called "Ruddy Gore", where detective Phryne Fisher solves a murder in a theatre where Ruddigore is being performed.

Have a good weekend, all.

Liz

Zoooom!

Zoooom!
Originally uploaded by lulubelleliz

Played with my camera last night while Don watched the football. This is the result of playing with the zoom feature. The photo was on the window sill on the other side of the room - about 15 feet away.

1. Ordinary zoom - 1X12
2. Extra zoom - 1X18
3. Digital zoom - 1X72

When I turned on the digital zoom, I felt like I had too much to drink. The picture wobbled all over the place. Will have to use a tripod if I ever use this one.

Don was suitably impressed with my new purchase, being no photographer himself and a complete techno dummy.

Liz

Scatterday G

Scatterday G
Originally uploaded by lulubelleliz

Well, it's almost Saturday. In fact it is in the eastern states, so here is my Scatterday selection for this week

Vehicle - one for David Griffiths - an old Garford bus
Household utensils - a vintage trio form my collection - a grater, a meat grinder and a coffee grinder.
Colour- green chestnuts growing in my garden .

The vehicle caused me some grief. Eventually I visited the Birdwood Motor Museum and found this beauty, along with a Gogomobile and a Greeves motor cycle. Then on the way home I spied a garbage truck and a grader - all that on the last day, after I had fretted all week.

I wonder what the others came up with?

Liz

More practice

More practice
Originally uploaded by lulubelleliz

I do love this new camera. I have decided to spend time practising a particular thing with it until I am reasonably proficient. Every other time I have bought a new camera I have done little more than glance at the manual so that I know how to point and shoot.
I suspect that my garden is going to get a going over while I am in the close-up mood/mode.

Liz

New camera shots

New camera shots
Originally uploaded by lulubelleliz

I have just taken possession of a new camera - a Panasonic Lumix SZ8. Somewhat more advanced than my little old Canon Ixus. Whether it takes better pictures remains to be seen. Today I experimented with some closeups. I rather like the magnolia close-up.

Liz

Kids today!

Last night 16 kids from my Year 6/7 class participated in the 40 Hour Famine with a sleepover at school. Sure it's a bit of fun having a sleepover, but nevertheless they, along with thousands of children throughout Australia have committed to raising money to help children from Laos. They don't have to do it - it is done freely and happily.
Halfway through the evening we watched a video about the poverty in Laos - quite graphic and very sad. After that we discussed the situation and the real reason we were having the sleepover. Their comments were thoughtful and concerned. Several were moved to tears. Momentarily at least, they were part of a global community, striving to think about others and how they could help.They are only 12 years old, but they are doing something.

Off to bed on empty stomachs - at least they have warm sleeping bags, even if they have to sleep on the floor with no comfortable mattresses.

Breakfast - a bowl of plain boiled rice never tasted so good. I wonder how they would feel if that was all their mothers gave them once a day.

Kids are aware of the global crisis and are more than willing to work their little butts off, with a little direction from adults. I am very proud of my class and the things they do to try to make a difference in the world in their own small way. It is a pity that more adults don't join them.

Liz Needle

"L" Scatterday

Sewing - Lace, a selection of antique laces from Don's nana
Animal - a Litter of pups - enjoying the mobile milk bar
Food - Lentils, Lime leaves and Lima beans from my pantry

Well, having learnt how to create a mosaic yesterday - even though I forgot to change the grid numbers and finished up with that great ugly white space, tonight I have finished my "L" Mosaic for the Scatterday Challenge.

I did have a few problems with the animal category, so I hope my entry meets the criteria.

Liz