JoandJon

Just make bread sauce - it's totally sh1t easy For tinned chestnuts I'd try deli's if your local coles/woolies doesn't have them ..... checking for you now EDIT: Can't see anything online at WW or Coles (but am sure I've seen stuff in store), so here are a few tips - I know you'll see them in Deli's around the place so they're your best bet http://www.cheznuts.com.au/where-to-buy http://tweenhillschestnuts.com.au/buy-chestnuts-online/ http://www.chestnutfarmvic.com/contactus08.html

some parts of Narre Warren are very 'nazza wozza', but other parts are actually really quite nice. But a lot depends on what you're looking for. We live in central NW - near the train station - and it's fine, not too noisy, neighbours seem fairly friendly but not in your face. (we came from a tiny village and actually miss nosy neighbours!!) But we don't love it to be honest - we're renting atm, and in 6 months or so we'll be buying and will probably look over towards Belgrave where we think it's much more of a village feel. Plus we love the hills We love the coast too, but we can afford the hills, not the coast! (I work in the city). NW doesn't have any nice pubs, it does have some cafes - but they're all in flannygate really. Berwick is just down the road though if you don't mind driving there and I like the High st of Berwick, it's really nice

i want to say some very very rude words to the thread hijacker, however will restrain myself. Great big hugs Tina, it's a tough one to decide.

ok, take a breath - there isn't that better? OK, I'm an Aussie but my hubby has a spouse visa. Our difference was that we applied offshore in the UK, while it sounds like you'll probably apply on-shore in Oz. from what I understand, a bridging visa will have the same conditions that your current visa does - i.e. you'll still be tied to your employer etc etc (others can explain this better i'm sure). While the Bridging visa doesn't allow travel, you can apply for another one that does (I think it's Bridging visa B, but .....) if your reason for travel is genuine and important. (I'd say your reasons are good, but only DIAC can truly answer!) As for your job - it's worth asking if they'd hold your position, the worst they can say is no Good luck with it all

If you've had a clean licence before it can be worth sending in a 'please forgive me, i'm an idiot and learnt my lesson, new car still getting used to it, won't do it again guv' letter... Jon got his first ever ticket cancelled as a result of that. But u might struggle a bit more if there are 2 ......

It's Xmas time so I'm sure they'll understand - and be sick of the sight of wrapping paper

We have a lemon, a tahitian lime, a kaffir-lime and a 'mystery citrus' - all in pots and they seem to be doing ok so far! We've used the kaffir-lime leaves in curries, and the tahitian lime has a bunch of fruit 'buds' that we're hoping will become fruit. The mystery citrus was $10 from Bunnings - it had lost it's label so they didn't know what it was. I reckon it's a grapefruit, but we won't know for certain till it fruits (if it fruits!)

it's gone guys -

Hi, I've got 1 @ pipette of Frontline plus (Fleas and Ticks) for Small Dogs (less than 10kg), if anyone wants it FOR FREE let me know - but be warned it will go in the bin tomorrow, and you'll need to collect it from Narre Warren 'cos I can't be bothered driving anywhere ..... bonus is you get to meet me, Satch and possibly Siena

She also has 2 little boys - I think the cleaning would be an easier job lol

OK, well on top of the lovely Siena's arrival (she's currently enthusiastically dancing in the bouncy chair next to me while Satch yawns and continues sleeping) we're also in the process of moving house ... Theoretically Telstra will be disconnecting our cable at house 1 and reconnecting it at house 2, all on the same day (this Friday). I of course, don't believe this will actually happen and expect to be using the internet via my phone for a few days .... Then it's moving van and boxes all weekend, followed by smeg-loads of cleaning (hoping my SIL will agree to babysit the munchkin for a couple of days!) Just on the off chance it all goes pear-shaped I hope everyone has a safe and merry Xmas!! (We're only moving a km away, lol but it should be good)

Our bills were only in one person's name - we had other evidence of living at the same address though. And regular bank transfers between accounts to explain how the bills were a joint responsibility even though they were in one name...

Remember that you are not allowed to work if you're on a tourist visa - and working illegally is likely to get you into trouble, and will certainly cause difficulties if you decide you want another visa in the future

You can always buy the cartridges online & get them shipped over - we've done that for our A3 printer

We shipped our fridge, freezer washing machine and dishwasher - but they are BIG, good models, quite new and we were shipping a whole container anyway. If your stuff is older, smaller etc etc then I wouldn't bother and just look out for bargains - and haggle haggle haggle!!! If you are bringing stuff over, just be prepared that if they break down (or you break a shelf) there may be problems getting parts - depending on what they are of course

spotlight - and keep an eye out for specials: http://spotlight.com.au/catalogues/

I'm glad you've stood up to her - I think your son's better off NOT associating with her kids by the sounds of it

Definitely don't pay for anything - I think you'll find that standing up to this person may well help your self confidence immensely (And as a tenant she's still responsible for her actions on her own rented premises, not her landlord) Cheers & good luck!

Get in touch with the Iron Chef - you definitely won't be able too import it as a personal import, but I have a vague recollection that there are other schemes you can use. You are right though - there will certainly be lot more tax etc to pay

We're the same as others - most places won't advertise that they accept dogs, but will consider them on application. We were offered 2 out of 2 applications we submitted 12 months ago. And just now we've been accepted on the first application we've made (our landlord's sold the property so we have to move). I know we're in Melbourne so it's different, but still .... Oh and our council (Casey) is very dog friendly generally -- all parks are off leash unless specifically designated as on leash

I think your idea for a compromise roast using the BBQ is a great idea It also gives you the flexibility to make it more traditional if it happens to be a fairly chilly day after all - it does happen on occasion!

We used LP for our insurance and had no problems - although we didn't claim in the end for a minor breakage, Jon decided not to bother, but the process seemed pretty straight forward and there were no challenges or problems with the claim that we didn't actually claim.... oh my brain hurts trying to explain .... Something broke. I tried to convince Jon to claim. I arranged all the bits and LP had no quibbles whatsoever - process was easy, and they didn't dispute anything. Jon didn't claim in the end (it was one of his amplifiers) I slapped Jon silly and still think he was a numpty for not bothering to claim ...

Most rental contracts will specify dogs are outside - just make sure your landlord doesn't live next door etc and 'bend' the truth, plus making sure you repair any damage promptly and keep the place nice and clean for inspections and you should be ok. cheers

You may also need to pay for some of the blood tests (the combined screening at 12 weeks), but it's not stupidly expensive. For the government parental leave you need to have worked (in Oz I presume!) for 10 out of the last 13 months before your EDD / birth date, plus there are residence requirements etc. Have a look at: http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/subjects/having-a-baby-or-adopting-a-child Cheers

As far as paying goes - it will vary depending on where you are. You may have to pay for some of the scans (and claim some of it back from medicare) but the appts themselves were all 'free' for me. I did go private for an amniocentesis to avoid a wait, but hopefully most wont need that. baby crying will answer more later