Wednesday 8th September
From Tanya
Brett's here!
Arrived safe and sound last night and right on time
Gave him a bit of a feed of fresh made tuna mornay - what a good sister I am!
Then he went to bed
He is being very good!
Got him up at 7.10am this morning for breakfast and then made him ride to work with me
Poor fella kept asking why we couldn't just take a taxi!
I don't think he liked the traffic very much!
Anyway - I am at work and I think Brett is at home
I have no idea he is doing today - I expect sleeping and/or watching DVD's, although it is a beautiful day so maybe he got outside
He was going to go for a bit of a wander and then we are having dinner tonight with some friends
He has my work number and address so he can call me if he gets lost!
One thing he said which was a surprise was that my teeth look good!
I forgot that he hadn't seen them without the braces on
He also mentioned that this is the first place he has been without his gear bag
He has a lot of stamps in his passport but hasn't actually just been on a holiday

Brett, Tanya - and the Medal!!!

Oh...the Medal is real real nice!
See you
From Brett
Everything here is so damn tiny!!!!!!!!!!!
Everything!!
And I am never riding a bike ever again!! - Tanya will tell you
Had a good trip here - I am safe, Mummy!!!!!
Tanya didn't cry at the airport but ask her what else she saw first???
Bye
From Tanya
What else is tiny other than the bike?
He did look pretty funny tho! - and apart from his moaning the whole time, it was a nice ride!
From Sharon
Still can't actually picture it!!
From Tanya
Brett was fine on the bike - he is an athlete!
From Sharon
So happy you arrived safely Brett
Glad you are humouring your sister and going on a bike ride with her!!
Hard to imagine Brett sightseeing at the best of times - but on a bike as well!!
I mentioned to some one here today that Brett had been to a lot of places in the world to play baseball - but he had never had a "true" holiday - I really hope you enjoy yourself
Tanya - did you take him in for "show-and-tell" at work yet??
Brett - I guess by tiny you mean roads and streets - you have to remember that there have been people living in London for thousands of years without any idea of the number of people that would be around in 2004!!
Can't believe you two are together without me!!
You have to email and tell me everything you are doing!!
Brett - is the Medal going to Rome and France with you or are you locking it in the Bank Of England for safekeeping??
Write soon!!
Love
Mum
From Tanya
Brett is coming in for "show-and-tell" tomorrow
Oh well, must work - the busier I am the faster the day goes
I really just want to go home and "play with Brett" and take him places and show him stuff
Never mind - one more day and then I have 10 days to do stuff!
Do you think he will be sick of me by then?
From Sharon
Brett - be gracious at "show-and-tell"!!
Tanya - after 10 days?? - probably!!
Bye
Love
Mum
From Brett
Yes, I will be sick by then!!!!!!
From Geoff
Brett wrote - "Tanya didn't cry at the airport but ask her what else she saw first???"
Well, no-one said anything in their notes last night
What was it???
From Brett
You'll have to ask her!!!!!
From Sharon
Tanya - what did you see first??
I assumed it was the Medal
From Tanya
I guess he means the Medal!

Thursday 9th September
From Geoff
Brett - Sharon's birthday present - it was at the Post Office today - finally!!!
I have opened the box and put the two presents and card on the table near her chair - opening tonight
And from what I remember, it's the small one first and then the bigger one
She will write tonight when she gets on-line
By the way, the postmark says 3rd August - now 9th September - that's 37 days delivery!!! - and it's marked air mail!!!
From Brett
Yes, the little one first
Have fun Mum!
From Tanya
I am so glad Brett's parcel arrived
From Sharon
Hi Brett
I had fun opening your gifts!!
Made a cup of tea and took them out the back!!
Opened the small one first and saw the beautiful earings - I am wearing them as we speak - they are so pretty and they look perfect!
Read the card which was also perfect
Tanya - Brett said in the card that he was going to try to win a Medal and I could wear it any time, any place!!
Then I opened the second present - when I pulled out the mug I thought it was a "50" mug and then I saw the picture on it!!
Taking everything in to show the girls!!
I have to confess to having a bit of a cry!! - and a bit more more of a cry!!
I will always remember the beautiful, thoughtful gifts my two babies gave me for my 50th birthday and how lucky I am to have you both - and a bit more of a cry - if this was paper it would be blotchy!!
Love
Mum xxxooo
From Brett
Yes, even I can not mess up every now and then!
From Tanya
Are you referring to the "fake nipples" I sent with the cup-and saucer when you say "beautiful, thoughtful gifts"?!?!
From Sharon
Very Funny!!
From Geoff
"AFL - Trip to the Grand Final for Olympic Medallists - Saturday 25th September"
WOW!!! - this sounds great!!!
And it's free!!!
But you will not be here!!!
Make sure you write to the "RSVP" email address in the letter
Sure you still want to go to Florida???!!!???!!!
From Brett
Shit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From Tanya
Brett - that would be sooo amazing
Tell Goetz you'll see him some other time!
I would
Once in a lifetime and all that!
You could go around the MCG on the back of one of those cars!
Oh my god - you have to go!
From Sharon
That's what I would be doing!!!!
From Brett
Nope, can't do it
If I had known earlier, maybe
Oh well
From Brett
Not sure where the Medal is going today, Mummy!!
You'll have to ask sis - she has it at work today - on her own! - til I get there anyway
From Tanya
Guess what I have in my pocket?
An Olympic Silver Medal!
Am under very strict instructions on what I am allowed to do with it but everybody loves it
I think Brett is a bit worried that I might lose it!
It is really lovely!
BTW Mum - I have put it on so you can now!
Anyway - he is going to have lunch with Jaci today and then coming into work
My holiday starts at 'pm' today - I can't wait!
Have a nice night
From Tanya
Photos - I haven't take one yet!
But I did see all of Brett's shots from Athens
They are totally amazing
The Opening Ceremony shots are so good
But don't worry - you will see them soon enough!
Tanya
From Sharon
How was your dinner last night?
How about "show-and-tell"?
Is everyone suitably impressed with your brother?
As for the pics - I suppose I can wait!!
Mummy
From Tanya
Dinner was good - bit too much to drink and feeling quite tired today
Everyone loves the Medal but Brett isn't coming in until this afternoon
T

Friday 10th September
From Geoff
SPECIAL REQUEST
Will you two please stop making Sharon bawl!!!
Hell, she cried when she got Tanya's card and gifts
And then more howling last night when she got Brett's!!!
Plus there was bawling and blubbering during the Olympics
Everything is wet here!!!
Bye, bye
From Geoff
Olympic Promotions - "Queensland Olympic Coucil State Tour" and the "Indy300"
More FREE stuff!!!
Trips, accommodation, meals, etc, etc
And Brett, they are in October so you'll be here!!!
And one of them is coming to Cairns, so that probably means that my email this morning means nothing!!!
Sharon - aka "The Leaking Tap" - will once again be blubbering and bawling all over the streets of Cairns!!!
You will notice from the letters and acceptance form that some of the arrangements are flexible
If you want you can let me know what you are going to do and I will fax the form back
Mt Isa would be nice - to see the Foot Family???
Jesus, the "free stuff" just keeps coming!!!
All because you got "a bit of metal"!!!
Have a great time over there, you two
Thinking of you
Love
Dad
From Brett
"AFL - Trip to the Grand Final for Olympic Medallists - Saturday 25th September"
Don't quit on the AFL yet!
I am trying to get a hold of the lady with the Red Sox and get my flight changed
I want to go!
I will give it a few days
From Tanya
Brett and I are currently at the Internet cafe
He is looking into changing his flights to get back for the AFL grand final - I would do it!!!!
Anyway last night was 'rather large' at the Walkie Pub so we started late this morning
On the way to the bus stop to get going we saw a motorbike get hit by a car and the rider skid over the side of the road and land up against a car coming the other way - wasn't very nice and I was shaking while on the phone to the paramedics
It was right outside my house
Then we went to start seeing the sights
We took the Open Top Bus tour
The weather didn't look the greatest but we managed to avoid rain all day
Our sites included Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, St Pauls, etc etc etc
Included in our bus ticket was a river cruise so we had a quick feed and did that
It lasted about an hour - Brett had a nap
It was a nice cruise and I like listening to the history of buidlings and different areas and that type of thing

A ride on the London Eye - plus a few details, eg height!!!

Then it was the London Eye
It was fantastic and so so so so high but you could see so much
I don't think Brett likes heights very much tho!!

After that we headed home
Brett went staright to bed for another nap and it is now about 8.00pm
Going to get some dinner and a quiet night
Anyway - it was a nice day and Brett and I took lots of photos
Sorry Dad - expect more tears!
He was very pleased that he lasted with me dragging him around London for eight hours!
We are going for a big fry up brekky tomorrow morning at a cafe in Earls Court so I can show him where I used to live and then tomorrow night we will be in Rome!
Cool!
That is about it for now
Have fun - talk to you next time from Italy!
Ciao Bella!
From Geoff
To The Roneberg Kids
Quick One - just saying "HI" if you are still at the internet cafe
Enjoy Rome, Paris, etc, etc
I like Trinity Beach!!!
Love
Dad
From Tanya
Just about to log off and get some din-dins
We like Trinity Beach too but just have a few more things to see before heading back there!

Sunday 12th September
From Geoff
What's New (http://www.ronebergcairns.com/whatsnew.html)
Sharon's birthday and have a look at - the two cards - 'nipples' - diamonds and rubys
Brett - your Mummy left the "cup with two little kids on it" at work, so it's photo will be added later
Was nice to hear from you this morning, Tanya
Enjoy all the "delicious smells" over there!!!
Bye, bye
From Brett
Shazza - how come you get all the gifts all the time??
From Sharon
Because I am truly special!
Also I am the only Mother you have and you have to treat me well (which means nice pressies!!)
Love your special Mum!
From Geoff
Because she has "sad little doggie eyes!!!"
From Tanya
What about a photo of mum with the 'nipples' on?
(with a top of course!! - we are the kids after all!!)
From Geoff
Good idea!!!
Will try to find a tight t-shirt and do it - will have to be careful though
You know - tight shirt + bubble gut = awful!!!
From Tanya
A quicky!
Just saying hi
Lots of walking and sightseeing today
I am just about to have a shower and join Brett for a kip
Back to the Colesseum tonight to take some photos at night and then dinner

In St Peter's Square - Rome

Going to the Vatican tomorrow for a 3.5 hour tour
Brett is really looking forward to it!
Don't worry - I am making heaps of notes and will write a short novel when I get back to London to go with the all the photos that I have taken
Bye
Tanya

......and here is a postcard from Rome

From Geoff
As you know, we watch the National Geographic and Discovery channels quite a bit
The way it's going, it will not be long before we will be able to say "Tanya has been there" or "Tanya and Brett have been there" after every show!!!
I think, I think, I think, I think that I will be very, very busy soon with both yours' and Brett's pics!!!
Not much exciting news from here
Mowed the lawn, and did a bit of work in the back yard - exciting stuff, eh!!!
Not like the "Colossal Colossus of a Colesseum"
Bye, bye - have a great time
PS - after the Vatican tour, are you both now "Church Going People Like The Flanders"???
From Geoff
Brett - how's it going trying to re-arrange your flights???
From Brett
Having a tough time trying to change my flights but will keep at it
From Sharon
Keep trying - I reckon it will be worth it!

Monday 13th September
From Tanya
Left the hostel at 11.00am - and got back at 6.30pm
Brett thinks he has done enough to earn the day off tomorrow but he so hasn't!!
We have lots more to do tomorrow and then Wednesday and Thursday too!
He is going to be pretty exhausted by the time we get back to London
Anyway, got to go and write my notes and look at my photos and decide which ones to keep
Going to have a shower and go to dinner.
Mmmmm!! Pasta!!
Tanya
From Sharon
Brett - hope Tanya is making you look at everything
You can rest when you get back home!!
Love
Mum
From Sharon
Glad you two are seeing all the good stuff
I was so glad you rang to tell me about "Michael's Ceiling"
How wonderful and I cannot wait to read the story and see the pics!
Whoever would have thought you two would be visiting Rome!!
Hey Tanya - has anyone pinched you on the bottom??
Talk again soon - love you both
Mum

Wednesday 15th September
From Geoff
Click here - What's New (http://www.ronebergcairns.com/whatsnew.html)
Added a few things - Geoff's new toy (fax-scanner-copier-printer) and another birthday present for Sharon (coffee mug with Tanya and Brett's photos)
From Tanya
Oh, that cup is so cute!!
From Brett
Nice new toy, Dad!!
From Geoff
Thanks for ringing this morning, Tanya
Hope you both had a good sleep
Have a great day exploring gay Paris!!!
Love
Dad
From Brett
You should have the new flight schedule for my return flights by now - and I guess I am going to the AFL Grand Final!
Can you ring that lady for me and tell her I would like to fly down as early as possible the day before the game and leave around lunch time the day after
So I would have the two nights there
Thanks
Also, the Indy300 - let me have a look at a calendar and then I will tell you
That is it for now
Tanya will write about the day - I have sore legs though!!
Bye
From Geoff
Hi Brett
Below is the note I received back from AFL Travel and attached is your itinerary
Not quite what you wanted, BUT IT'S FREE!!!
Bye, bye
#
Thanks Geoff
Please see Brett's itinerary attached
I could only confirm these flights as all others were fully booked
Regards
Catherine
From Brett
Thanks
I have a french keyboard - I can't type!!
#
Have a proper computer now!!
And thanks - could you print out a copy and leave it for me?
From Geoff
I guess I could use my 'new toy' to do that!!!
From Tanya
No problems on ringing last night - I know Shaz likes to know we have arrived, etc
We are just getting ready to go and see the Eiffel Tower at night - all sparkly!
And yes, we are walking - poor Brett - he will definately be fit by the end of all this!!
Today we walked from Arc de Triomphe to The Louvre and then to Notre Dame!!
Anyway...going now
T
From Sharon
Don't call me Shaz!!
I do like to know you arrive at your destination safe and sound!!
From Geoff
"Short Little Legs"
Brett, are your legs worn down to the knees???
Tanya is probably striding on ahead, and you are slowly crawling along a mile behind her!!!
And whinging about taking taxis and stuff!!!
But I bet it's worth it - seeing all those places for the first time
Tanya, you are a seasoned traveller - you are now a qualified tourist guide!!!
Enjoy it all
From Brett
Tired and no more walking!!
Well, I hope not too much!!
Make sure whoever comes to pick me up at the airport that you bring two cars or lay the seats down in them
I have four large bags!!

Thursday 16th September
From Tanya
Tanya rang

At the Eiffel Tower - Paris

They were waiting to climb the Eiffel Tower but they are on strike and they can't go up!!
Brett will be the only one in the family who hasn't climbed it!!
See you

......and here is a postcard from the Tower

From Tanya
"Nearly Done"
After a pretty quiet day today we are nearly done
It is about 11.30pm and we leave tomorrow at 11.00am
Have to be at the airport two hours before we leave and that means leaving the hostel at 7.30pm...what fun!
We are going to try and get to a show on Friday night in London
We get in to London at about 11.30am tomorrow and Brett said that he is going to nap while I do his washing
He would know by now that travelling with me does not mean the luxury that he is used to
Going to pack now so I just have to get up and get dressed!
Talk soon
Tanya
From Sharon
You are a good sister - letting Brett nap while you do his washing!!!
Really glad you have had this time together - can't wait for the "novel"!!
Travel safe
Love
Mummy
From Brett
Well, I was going to practise myself but what's the point
Neither Mum or I can use the washer at home so stuff it!!!

Friday 17th September
From Geoff
Hello Our Two Kids
Got some upoads, some news, and some notes to send you
Nothing urgent, but I didn't get time to do it today - busy - "doing stuff"!!!
But will be sending a note to you both at around 5.00am Saturday morning our time (5.20pm Friday now)
TANYA
Just read your "Nearly Done" email - so you may not get this until you get back to London
From your emails it sounds like you both had a good time flitting around Europe
Enjoy London - our daughter's "Home Town"!!!
Thinking of you both
Love
Dad

Saturday 18th September
From Geoff
WHAT"S NEW (http://www.ronebergcairns.com/whatsnew.html)
And a couple of notes
#01 - Brett, you will notice in "AFL #2" that they want you to wear your formal suit - and it's written in capitals!!!
Have you got it with you???
#02 - Don't forget to email your RSVP re the Grand Final breakfast which is also mentioned in "AFL #2"
(email address is - jaceyo@kangaroos.nmfc.com.au and the name is - Jacey Octigan)
#03 - Smithfield High - just an invitation at this stage, but maybe a request to speak will come later, eh!!!
#04 - You both went to the Vatican, and now the Archbishop is writing to you!!!
Bye, bye
From Brett
There is no chance I can wear the formal suit as it's in shipping right now
But I can guess that I am not the only one as 99% of us sent it home - and not just the baseballers
Okay, I will email that guy about the breakfast - I will be there for that as well, but it also depends on what we are allowed to wear
Smithfield High, hmmmmm - going to have a read of that letter soon - might have to pass!!!!!!!! - just kidding, Mother
Going to a soccer game now - should be different!!

STOMP - a few details on the Show

Mum, I got cultered now by seeing a london show last night - "STOMP" - it was really, really, really, really, really, really good!!
Bye
From Tanya
"STOMP" was awesome!!
See you
From Sharon
Well, Brett - it didn't work"" - you can't spell cultured and London has a capital L!!
Glad you arrived safely back in London and enjoyed the show
Brett - hope the Grand Final is as good as the preliminary finals - Brisbane beat Geelong by 9 points and Port beat St Kilda by 6 points
So you will be watching Port Power and the Brisbane Lions!
Have you both had a bit of a chance to relax or don't you want to??
We did a bit more in the garden today and might go for a bit of a drive tomorrow
Bye now
Love
Mum

Sunday 19th September
From Tanya
Just dropped Brett at the airport
So he is all yours now!!
I also worked out what else I got to see first and that was the addition to the 'permanent marking' on his right arm which now has Athens 2004 with the one from four years ago!!

Watching a game of soccer - "a favourite photo"

The soccer was good too
Three goals were scored and Brett got to eperience English Football on a typical windy, coldy drizzly day!
It was fun, wasn't it Brett?
That's it
Need a nap this arv
and back to work tomorrow - really don't want to tho!
Bye all
PS - Dad - Brett said to remind you about his bags
and to ask you to make a doctor's appointment for him with Dr Jack the day he gets back about 3.00pm

Monday 20th September
From Tanya
Back at work!!
Don't wanna be - wanna be on holidays still!!
Brett's return - are you counting the days, Mum?
At the airport - have you been practising your 'TV face' and writing 'witty quotes' on the back of your hand?
From Sharon
A 'TV face'?
'Witty remarks' on my hand??
You are trying to be smart
My efforts will be focussed on not crying on television again!!!
Love
Mum
From Brett (from either Dulles International Airport in Washington or Logan International Airport in Boston!!!)
Two minutes before I leave so I will be home soon
See you then
Bye