sheowahya

So... does $950 from the government sound good? Would you like to get ANOTHER $1,425 from the Australian government? Sound too good to be true? Not so, depending on your income. Under existing superannuation co-contribution rules, the Government fully or partly matches superannuation contributions made by eligible individuals on incomes of up to $60,342 for the 2008-09 financial year. Those on $30,342 or less are eligible to receive the maximum co-contribution of $1.50 for every $1 contributed to super up to $1,000 with the maximum co-contribution capped at $1,500 each year. This means that taxpayers earning under $30,342 could make a $950 personal contribution to their superannuation fund, which the Government would then match with a further contribution of $1,425 into their super fund. OK... this is found money after all right? You weren't expecting it, and you've been living "ok" without it. So, why not take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity and put the $950 straight into your super account and collect the government co-contribution? You do WANT to retire someday right??? Cheers Marilyn

I am getting ready to start my first project now that I have everything unpacked and set up in my new home here in Australia. I went to the store to buy a can of rubber cement... only to leave every store in town disappointed and leave the shopkeeper shaking his/her head and probably muttering something about that Yank that's always asking for the dumbest things. In the States I used ordinary common rubber cement to hold the leather to poster board to keep it from stretching while carving & tooling. What do you use here? What should I be asking for? Thanks for your help!! Cheers Marilyn

I have heard how leather crafting is a dying art, and how we should take the chance to introduce it whenever possible. Well, I tried to do my little part to introduce the craft to newcomers. As some of you know, I recently moved from the USA to Australia. The company I work for sponsored a "Girls Night In". That's a fundraising event for the Cancer Council. The ladies decided they wanted to spend their night in learning a new craft. I was asked (more like shang highed) because I'm the new kid on the block, to share my leather working experience (limited as it may be) with the ladies. I wasn't really prepared for this and I'm not a very good teacher, but I gave about a 45 minute talk on the basics of casing (how/why) swivel knife use, and what various other tools are, how they're used, and why. Then it was on to the creative part of the evening. I had parts/pieces pre-cut for various small projects. Among those chosen were: bookmark, solid wrist band, mystery braid wrist band, luggage tag, coin purse, and a hair bun holder. Everyone had a GREAT time, took out some frustration from the work day and went home with a great project that they were proud to show off. I think there will be pictures in the next company newsletter. It was suggested that I contact the local adult learning center to offer to teach a mini class... about 8 weeks. I'm not that good, but it was nice of them to suggest it. I just wanted to let everyone know that anyone can introduce the craft to "newbies" we never know when the next great leather craftsman will be born!! Cheers Marilyn Victoria, Australia

Richmond Tigers For the sake of household happiness and until I am educated enough to have a personal favourite. Thank goodness my partner isn't a HUGE sports fan, just a BIG one If that's the most important decision I have to make, then I've got it made!!!! and here I am fretting over what job to take and where to live. silly me... I've been worried about all the wrong stuff. Marilyn

I fed my very first roo the other day!! I was SO excited, like a little kid the night before Christmas. I had my camera with me, it was in my pocket. That's a safe place for it. Unfortunately, it doesn't take very good pictures when in ones pocket. I have to get better at taking the camera with me and then remembering to use it. Once I'm settled in and have a real home, I'll get out more and I'll be sure to post pictures. I've started an Australia album on my Webshots page (link below where is says my pictures HERE) but it's still empty Right now pictures would mostly consist of cows out to pasture. I'm out in farm country and it is INCREDIBLY beautiful here!! Cheers Marilyn

HERE I AM!!! I landed in Melbourne on April 17 as scheduled. I am having trouble adjusting to "Aussie Time" Where I come from, a New York minute happens in 2 seconds flat, things here move just a tad bit slower I spent the first three weeks touring around Victoria to get a feel of all the regions. Now I think I've decided that I want to settle somewhere in the Gippsland region. I'm staying in the Warragul area and am trying to build my new life. My container has cleared customs/quarantine. I had several WIPs (works in process) on my bench when I packed up, so I took the chance and just packed everything. I fully expected quarantine to charge me a fortune for treatments, or to destroy the lot. I am pleased to report that they let everything in!! Now... all I need is a job and a home so I can unpack and get back to work!! It has been more than a month since I've done anything "crafty" and I'm going NUTS!! Marilyn

Well.... y'all will know where to find me this Saturday!!! Cheers Marilyn

barra, I was just thinking the very same thing!!! There is just something about listening to radio from another land. Even though it's in perfect english (ok... almost perfect LOL) it still sounds exotic!!! Here is my all time favourite... http://fm985.com.au/LISTEN_LIVE.html Cheers Marilyn

Mission accomplished!!!! Thank you one and all. I bought a pair of nippers and it came out fairly easy... well... not exactly easy, but very minimal damage to the leather so I'm happy. THANK YOU!!!! Marilyn

Can anyone tell me how to remove rivets? I made a bit of a booboo and I need to remove two rivets and I'm stumped as to how to do it without damaging the leather. Advice, suggestions, and comments GREATLY appreciated. Cheers Marilyn

The plane lands in Melbourne, I don't have much say over that, but I'm not planning on living in Melbourne (Melbun? I'm working on my accent LOL) I'm hoping to settle in a regional area. Right now I'm being considered for a position in Mildura, time will tell. I'm sure I'll be sending out an SOS for "where do I get ____?" once I've got my stuff back and have unpacked my workshop and am ready to get back to work. It's wonderful to know that I have some people I can get local information from. HHmmmmm football or grand prix... please tell me they aren't on at the SAME time!!! Cheers Marilyn

Ok... this Yank is moving to Victoria in April, so let's see if I've learned anything.... In the arvo (afternoon) I went to the olds (parents) for a barbie (BBQ, cookout). It was BYO (bring your own) so I took some sangers(sandwich) and snags (sausages) and a slab (case of beer). The forecast was for a stinker (hot one) so I was in my stubbies (shorts) and thongs (flip flops). Shazza (Sharon) had acca dacca (AC/DC) blasting and was pissed (drunk) as a parrot. It wouldn't be long before she had a chunder (threw up)! Bluey (Blue Cattle Dog or a redhead) had one eye glued to the reruns of the aerial ping pong (Australian Rules Football) on the box (TV) and the other on Shazza (Sharon), but he had buckleys (no) chance there. Out the back (In the back yard) the liquid amber (beer) was flowing, the mozzies (mosquitos) and blowies (blow flies) had everyone doing the Australian salute (waving their hand around their face to shoo away the flies). Davo (Dave) had come in his budgie smugglers (mens swimming shorts), he is such a wanker (makes a big deal out of nothing) and a cheap skate to boot (didn't bring anything for the BYO). We ran out of grog (liquor) so I jumped in my ute (SUV or truck) and went to the local (town store). I grabbed some mackers (McDonald's hamburger joint) on the way back. I was nackered (exhausted) by now so I grabbed a possie (position, seat, chair) next to shazza (Sharon) who was talking piffle (nonsense) about some feral (hippie) yobbo (person rough around the edges, uncouth) at work. I was too stuffed (tired) to answer, so she spat the dummy (baby pacifier) (got a case of the arse with me) and pissed off (left). That's my take on the story. Cheers Marilyn Miami, FL to Melbourne, VIC in 42 days!!!!

I'm moving overseas in a little more than a month and I was wondering what I'd do with my collection. Now I know. Thank you!!!! Marilyn

They say this list isn't complete, but it sure seems comprehensive http://pslac.org/stamp1001-1500.html Cheers Marilyn