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Issue 03, May 2013

Williams Landing railway station started its operation on April 28 to cater for the suburbs of Point Cook, Williams Landing and Truganina. Werribee line trains now run with a frequency of about 11 minutes interval during peak times, and every 20 minutes during off peak times.

The station is operating as a premium station, and is staffed from the first to last train. CCTVs are everywhere in the station. The station features an air-conditioned waiting room with toilets; two lifts and stairs; a secure Parkiteer bicycle cage, a new bus terminal, a taxi rank and a car park with 500 spaces. There are also drop-off zones; and a ramp, accessed from either the Point Cook and Williams Landing side via a pedestrian bridge across the Princess Freeway.

The number of bus services in the area has been tripled from 697 to 2120. Five new bus routes, namely 493, 494, 495, 496 and 497, have replaced the old 413 and 416 bus services. These new routes provide more frequent services and provide a greater coverage with these new connections to the new station. Bus services have now been extended to Point Cook South and Saltwater coast. All bus routes run until at least 9pm every night. Bus routes 494 and 495, however, run until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. Some existing bus routes in the local area will also change

with Route 446 now travelling to Williams Landing Station. More information is available on www.ptv.gov.au/timetables.

While the residents of the nearby suburbs have access to a new station, plans for another new station has been unveiled, potentially catering to the needs of the suburbs of Wyndham Vale and Tarneit.

WILLIAMS LANDING STATION

ON THE GO

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PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHER

Good friends of mine from Altona, Margret and Max Kidd, told me recently about their daughter Judy, when on a camping trip in Tasmania recently, she was bitten by a Tiger snake as she lay sleeping in the backyard of a friend’s house!

After going to sleep suddenly Judy was writhing, her eyes rolling and her arms swinging which wakened husband Peter, who thought she was having a fit.

An ambulance was quickly called which took her to Burnie Hospital where the bite on her elbow was noticed and diagnosed as a Tiger snake bite. Anti venom was introduced and several days were spent in Intensive care before Judy was able to be moved to a ward.

Days of physio followed building muscles which had been eaten away by the venom and some of her strength slowly returned. Vision was difficult and pain relief was required. The prognosis was that it could take 18 months for a full recovery due the effects of the poison.

Judy and Peter have returned to their home in Bendigo where Judy is a school teacher. She has difficulty walking and is unable to return to work as yet.

When Judy was asked about a possible return to camping in Tasmania she replied “of course I want to go back I have no fear of snakes and I will give great respect from now on!”.

Advertising enquiries: Will 0449 834 359

will@aroundpointcook.com Daniel 0408 659 940

aroundsell@gmail.com Louise 0403 191 084

Advertising: will@aroundpointcook.com aroundsell@gmail.com Contributions: will@aroundpointcook.com

Publishers:Bill 8307 8872

Will 8360 8598ABN 54 145 436 804

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WYNDHAM HAS A NEW WANT LIST

Funding for key arterial road upgrades, improvements to bus services and further support for major projects including the East Werribee Employment Precinct are the key priorities of the updated Wyndham Council Advocacy Strategy.

The original 2011 strategy detailed a series of projects and initiatives requiring funding from State and Federal Governments including traffic and transport, employment and skills, environment, infrastructure and infrastructure financing and community health, wellbeing and safety.

The new strategy include a full diamond interchange onto the Princes Freeway at Sneydes Rd, the East Werribee Employment Precinct, increased police numbers and the establishment of a Headspace youth mental health centre in Wyndham.

Item supplied by e-west Newsletter/ Publisher : barbaramclure@ozemail.com.au

T: 03 9397 5856/ 0412 082 163

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STATION DESIGNS REVEALED

The final artist impressions of new stations being built at Wyndham Vale and Tarneit have been released by the State Government.

Both stations will have bus interchanges, provide parking for 400 vehicles, and be fitted with a range of sustainability features including bicycle storage, solar panels, energy efficient lighting and rain water tanks.

Because both stations will be in metropolitan Zone 2, passengers will only pay a Zone 1 and 2 fares, rather than a V/line fare.

Item supplied by e-west Newsletter/ Publisher : barbaramclure@ozemail.com.au l T: 03 9397 5856/ 0412 082 163

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HEATHDALE & NEIGHBOURS COMMUNITY SHED TOUR

What en excellent morning! Totally at random I turned up to poke my nose into the local Men’s Shed with the thought that I would let them know about the paper. I ended up meeting Reece Smith who is on the committee of the Werribee Men’s Shed which uses the facility.

The Heathdale & Neighbours Community Shed is just next to the Wyndham Park Community Centre located at 57A Kookaburra Avenue in Werribee.

After meeting Reece, he offered to show me around and meet some of the members of the shed. My first impression was just how warm and friendly all the people were.

At my first stop, the welding shop, I met a fellow called Gabe Tirabassi who was quite the artist actually. He was in the process of creating a sculpture of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. I have included some photos of his work in progress. If you want to see more of his work, there is one of his sculptures in the Wyndham Council Offices (the Eiffel Tower).

I then made my way to their fantastic wood working room and met Ron who was doing some wood turning. After a brief stop in their metal working room, Reece showed me into a room filled with bikes in various states of disrepair and advised that “this was his area”. So my tour guide is

the man that fixes all the local bikes in Wyndham (it was full). He advised me of this great initiative they are undertaking where they will convert a bike into an energy-generating device for a local school. This will be a great story in a future issue.

I am pleased to say that the Men’s Shed will be providing us with regular updates and information and I look forward to their contributions in future issues of the paper.

The Men’s Shed initiative is such an important tool to engage older men who may have left the workforce into social activity. I have seen this work so many times, it gets good people out of the house and into a facility where they can put the skills built up over so many years to continued use into their twilight years. And hey, it’s not just for the seniors! I will be joining up! They are a great bunch.

A big thank you to Reece and the members of the Werribee Men’s Shed for showing me around, it was en excellent tour.

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Wyndham Council is encouraging employers to look after the wellbeing of their workers and address the current obesity epidemic, by signing up to a state-wide healthy workplaces program.

Figures show more than 52% of Wyndham’s adult population are overweight or obese.

The council hopes to encourage 75% of the city’s medium to large employers to commit to the program by July 2015.

Developed by the State Government, the program which is

open to workplaces, schools and early childhood education providers

helps guide them through the process of becoming health

promoting organisations

The council’s healthy communities team is working with local businesses and health providers to develop tailored workplace strategies.

Item supplied by e-west Newsletter/ Publisher :

barbaramclure@ozemail.com.au , T: 03 9397 5856/

0412 082 163

TACKLING OBESITY IN WYNDHAM

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SWIM OR GYM THIS WINTER

The new $45.4 million redevelopment of Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre (WLEC) will be a landmark venue for Wyndham and include a new aquatics facility with a 50-metre concrete pool with moveable boom, warm water hydrotherapy pool with water jet therapy, a new spa, four-lane learn to swim pool and children’s water play centre and Victoria’s two largest waterslides. It is expected to be completed in early 2015.

The temporary gym at WLEC is now open with memberships, which include access to Werribee Outdoor Olympic Pool (WOOP) available from $11.25 per week. The temporary gym will operate throughout the redevelopment. Adult swimming memberships providing entry to WOOP only are also available. WOOP will remain open all year allowing residents to stay in the swim during the closure of the aquatics facilities at WLEC.

For information on Werribee Outdoor Olympic Pool or the Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre redevelopment, phone Wyndham City on 9742 0777 or visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au

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A WORD FROM JILL HENNESSY MP

The recent grand opening of the new Williams Landing Railway Station is a landmark moment for our local community.

People have waited many years for this important piece of infrastructure to come to fruition.

The Williams Landing Station project was part of the former Labor Government’s $220 million commitment to the building New Stations in Growth Areas program, delivered as part of the 2008 Victorian Transport Plan.

Recent changes to a range of bus service routes and timetables, essentially to provide access to the new station, while good news for some, are causing concern for a number of residents who have been disadvantaged.

Of particular concern is the scrapping of the 413 and 416 services, leaving some residents in Seabrook, Point Cook and Werribee South unserviced by any buses, and others unable to access Laverton station directly any longer.

People with mobility issues and parents with prams are concerned about the decision to cease providing accessible buses on the changed 446 service during the week – and some Truganina residents have been left worse off and unable to access Laverton station directly.

I will fight to ensure that no resident is disadvantaged by the government’s changes to bus routes and timetables.

VicHealth Promotion Foundation Grants

A number of local sporting organisations have been awarded grants of up to $2,500 from VicHealth to train volunteers, purchase essential sports equipment, for injury prevention, management equipment, and portable sun shade.

The grants have been designed to encourage more people in the community to be physically active and to support smaller regional and rural clubs that sometimes need extra support.

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These grants enable our local band of club volunteers to provide these services to people who might otherwise miss out.

No one, especially our youth, should miss out on being physically active and participating in sport because of their financial situation.

I hope these grants will encourage more people to join a local club, renew their membership, or continue playing their favourite sport.

The following local clubs/organisations were successful with their submissions:

Point Cook Scout Group $2340Point Cook Village Bowls Club Inc $1220 Seabrook Cricket Club $1700Sanctuary Lakes F.C. $2500

Until next month.Jill Hennessy MPMember of Altona District

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Garden page

VASILI’S WHAT TO DO THIS MONTH

Citrus

With the fruit tree season finishing, Citrus trees will be coming into blossom, fruit and ripen lots of quality oranges and lemons.

But one of the most common problems that occur in particular with orange trees is splitting of fruit which is caused from excessive watering during the ripening season, so avoid watering the tree too often during the next two months.

During the ripening season orange tree have a bad habit of drinking too much, this causes excessive swelling of the pulp at a faster rate that the outer skin can grow, resulting in fruit splitting.

This is also caused due to lack of calcium in the soil which can be supplemented by adding some dolomite lime around the base of the tree. Calcium helps all types of fruit and veggies to grow and ripen evenly, add some dolomite to your soil at least twice a year will do your plants good.

Indoor Plants

Cyclamen are one of the prettiest shade loving plants that are tolerant to indoor conditions. Now that the weather is cooling down, they are a great element to add on any shaded verandah or balcony. Avoid direct sunlight and watering should only be done below the foliage line.

If you are bringing up your own plants from last year, sure enough they will be potted in good quality potting mix, but if you intend to buy a cyclamen, most of them these days are potting in some light weight peat or choir. Unfortunately this type of medium can dry out quite quickly, so it would be a good idea to pot them up using with some accredited potting mix. Cyclamen like cool nights so take them out during the night for a breath of fresh air.

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Pot plants

Clean out potted plants and remove over grown weeds to prevent draw up of nutrients and moisture from the pot. Plants that have to compete against weeds suffer dramatically causing discolouring in the leaves and stunted growth.

Pot up pot bound plants into larger pots but for those fancy pots that you just can’t let go of, use a hand fork to scratch and loosen the soil surface then apply a good layer of compost and mulch over the top and water in well.

Compost

It’s a good time to dig a nice big hole in the ground turning it into an underground compost bin.

Add lots of grass clippings, green organics like leaves, veggie plants and veggie scraps, mixing in some soil and shredded paper too.

Cover it with some soil and remember to turn it over at least once a week using a garden fork for the next 4 to 6 weeks, by then you should have some beautiful composted soil and a hole that is ready for planting a fruit or citrus tree into.

Vasili’s Garden & Café21-25 Munro St, CoburgPh: (03) 9386 0491

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LAVERTON IMPACTED BY BUS SERVICE CHANGES

Hobsons Bay City Council is calling on the state government to modify or reconsider the cancellation of busroutes 413 and 416, scheduled to coincide with the opening of the Williams Landing train station on 28th April 2013.

Wetlands Ward Councillors Colleen Gates and Luba Grigorovitch said the cancellation of the 413 and 416 bus routes between Laverton and Hoppers Crossing and the introduction of alternative routes would adversely impact on traffic congestion, limit accessibility to Aviation Road and Aircraft station and affect residents who regularly travel between Hobsons Bay and Wyndham.

“While the changes will complement the new Williams Landing station, it should not be to the detriment of Laverton, Seabrook and Altona Meadows residents. The Council is committed to working with our transport partners to create faster, more frequent, more affordable and safer public transport,” said Cr Gates.

“The cancellation of bus route 413 and 416 means that there will no longer be direct bus connectivity for

Seabrook and Laverton residents to Aircraft Station and the Aviation Road Shopping Precinct. We are concerned that this will place additional strain on the sustainability of the shopping centre and accessibility for those with mobility issues who currently use the bus connection between Laverton and Aircraft to access the train network when the lifts are not working.

“This is also likely to increase congestion along Point Cook Road with additional cars trying to access the railway station, medical services, community bank and shopping centre. Laverton is significantly represented by an ageing population and disadvantaged families who are highly dependent on the bus network to access support services, employment and education. This will be a further blow to an area that already experiences some hardship. ”

Cr Grigorovitch said the huge growth we are experiencing in the west needs to be supported by improved bus services.

“Public transport creates more accessible, livable and sustainable communities,” said Cr Grigorovitch. “While it can be argued that patrons can travel to a railway station and then catch the train to another railway station, an east-west service is considered optimal. The state government has identified Werribee East as a potential job hub, catering for up to 50,000 jobs and without a direct link between Hobsons Bay and this proposed precinct, employees will be forced to drive, resulting in increasing traffic congestion.

“Expanding the range of transport choices available, gives residents full access to jobs, education, shopping and community facilities. Many residents in the western end of Hobsons Bay depend on public transport to access vital community services, including medical services, and I would hate to see anyone left stranded by these bus cuts.”

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Labor is the party of superannuation. We created it, we have fought for it and we have ensured the fairness and sustainability of our superannuation system.

Because of past and present Labor Governments, superannuation is a unique national advantage for Australia – we have a system that is the envy of the world.

And my government has continued this proud tradition by undertaking important and much needed superannuation reform, including:

• increasing the Superannuation Guarantee rate from 9 per cent to 12 per cent, meaning a person aged 30 today on average full-time earnings will retire with an extra $118,000 in their superannuation savings;

• providing a much needed boost to superannuation for 3.6 million Australians on low incomes or working part-time; and

• removing the maximum age limit on the Superannuation Guarantee, meaning an additional 51,000 Australians aged 70 and over will continue to be entitled to superannuation contributions.

While there has been a lot of misinformation about our recent changes to earnings from superannuation assets, these reforms are also an important step in ensuring a fair system.

From 1 July 2014, earnings (such as dividends and interest) on superannuation assets will be tax free up to $100,000 a year. Earnings above $100,000 will be taxed at the same concessional rate of 15 per cent that applies to superannuation earnings before you begin making withdrawals.

This means that before you are even affected by these changes, your superannuation investments need to be making more than $100,000 a year.

Under the current system, retirees with millions of dollars in superannuation receive more government support through tax concessions than Australia’s poorest Age Pensioners.

For example, the maximum rate of the single Age Pension is currently $21,076 per year. In comparison, tax-exempt earnings of $100,000 receive a minimum tax concession of $26,447 each year.

Our reforms are about making our superannuation system smarter, more sustainable and most importantly – fairer.

The Hon Julia Gillard MPPrime Minister and Federal Member for Lalor2/36 Synnot Street, Werribee 3030Ph: 9742 5800

FAIRER SUPER UNDER LABOR

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CHOCOLATE LASAGNAINGREDIENTS

1 package regular Oreo cookies (Not Double Stuff) – about 36 cookies6 Tablespoon butter, melted1- 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup granulated sugar2 Tablespoons cold milk1- 12 ounce tub Cool Whip, divided2 – 3.9 ounce packages Chocolate Instant Pudding.3 1/4 cups cold milk1 and 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Begin by crushing 36 Oreo cookies. I used my food processor for this, but you could also place them in a large zip lock bag and crush them with a rolling pin. When the Oreos have turned into fine crumbs, you are done.

2. Transfer the Oreo crumbs to a large bowl. Stir in 6 tablespoons melted butter and use a fork to incorporate the butter into the cookie crumbs. When the butter is distributed, transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Press the crumbs into the bottom of the pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator while you work on the additional layers.

3. Mix the cream cheese with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add in 2 Tablespoons of milk, and sugar, and mix well. Stir in 1 and 1/4 cups Cool Whip. Spread this mixture over the crust.

4. In a bowl, combine chocolate instant pudding with 3 and 1/4 cups cold milk. Whisk for several minutes until the pudding starts to thicken. Use a spatula to spread the mixture over the previous cream cheese layer. Allow the dessert to rest for about 5 minutes sothat the pudding can firm up further.

5. Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the top. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly over the top. Place in the freezer for 1 hour, or the refrigerator for 4 hours before serving.

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DOGS AND EAR INFECTIONS

Is your dog constantly shaking its head or scratching at their ears? Do you have to take them to the vet frequently to get them diagnosed over and over again with ear infections? If this sounds like your pet, then I have some handy hints and tips that may help alleviate some of the discomfort your pet is experiencing, while also trying to prevent these recurring infections.

What causes ear infections? There are many causes including ear mites, fleas, foreign material, stress, allergies, hormone imbalance, suppressed immune system, etc. Although there are a variety of causes, there are two main common culprits, yeast and bacteria. Normally there is a healthy balance of both yeast and bacteria within the ear, but when an imbalance occurs, these micro-organisms create an overgrowth, leading to the unpleasant symptoms our pets’ then experience.

What are the symptoms?Symptoms presenting from both yeast and bacterial infections are fairly similar, although yeast infections may involve dry ears, excessive itching and flakey skin within the ear. Yeast infections can also infect other areas of the body such as the paws and face. Bacterial infections generally have a very distinct and strong odour, swollen and red ears and excessive discharge.

Pets Corner

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Common symptoms of ear infections are discharge- usually black or yellow in colour, redness and swelling, excessive scratching, rubbing or head shaking and head tilting may also occur.

Are there particular breeds that are more prone to ear infections? Any breed can be prone to ear infections, although generally dogs that have longer, floppy ears and fur inside the ear canal are more at risk. Breeds such as Cocker spaniels, Beagle’s, Schnauzers, Poodles, Bichon frise, Labrador retrievers and Basset hounds, etc., may be more susceptible.

What are some home remedies to help alleviate some of the discomfort?Green tea can be used to flush the ears to reduce irritation. Add two tea bags to boiling water. Allow the tea to steep and cool, then, using a dropper, apply about 10 drops twice daily at the entrance of the ear canal. Gentle massage the ear in after placing the drops. Make sure not to place the dropper inside the ear canal.

Raw apple cider vinegar is another great home remedy, which works best when purchased in organic form. Combine equal parts of apple cider vinegar with water,

and using a syringe or dropper; place 10 drops into the ear at the entrance of the ear canal. Once again gentle massage the ear after drops have been placed in. Repeat this method twice daily if the dog has a dirty, irritated or infected ear. This method can be used twice a week to prevent recurring infections.

Vitamin E oil has anti-inflammatory and healing effects, a couple of drops may be beneficial to relieve pain and calm any inflamed areas of the ear. Gently massage a few drops into the ear a couple of times daily.

Coconut oil can also be used for its antimicrobial effects. Because coconut oil is solid, make sure to melt it into liquid form, and then using a dropper place 5 drops at the entrance of the ear canal a couple of times daily. You can also place some coconut oil onto cotton wool to clean around the ear entrance a couple of times a week to prevent infections from occurring and maintain clean and healthy ears.

As well as external use, diluted raw apple cider vinegar and virgin coconut oil can both be added into the diet to help prevent infections occurring.

How can we prevent our pets from getting these nasty infections?It is important when bathing, not to get water completely inside the ears. It is also important that if water does get in the ears, especially if your dog loves swimming, to try and dry the ears as much as possible. It would also be beneficial, for the breeds that are more susceptible, to have regular grooming to ensure the ears are trimmed from hair around the entrance of the ears to help reduce chances of infection.

A well balanced diet and regular exercise is also recommended, to help boost the immune system and make sure that they are getting the adequate nutrition they need in order to maintain healthy equilibrium.

The remedies suggested in this article are to help alleviate some of the discomfort of ear infections, but it is a recommended that a veterinarian should always be contacted for appropriate diagnosis, and treatment.

Cindy TaylorNatural Pawfection- Professional Dog GroomingCindy.bree@gmail.com0421-446-764

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“SPANNER IN THE WORKS?” – A MEN’S HEALTH INITIATIVE BY THE

AUSTRALIAN MEN’S SHED ASSOCIATION

“Spanner in the Works?” is on again in 2013!

Many of us Aussie men are not very good at looking after ourselves physically or emotionally. Physically, if we have an ache or pain, our attitude is often that of “I’ll battle through this” or “I’ll wait a while and see if this gets better by itself”. For most of us we get away with this most of the time. Only when the aches or pains or emotions are overpowering us do we make the decision to do something about it and get it checked out by a doctor or other Health Professional.

Health is complex - we can tend to become overwhelmed with information about our health. “Spanner in the Works” is an attempt to provide some key health messages to us men in a form that is understandable and achievable. “Spanner in the Works?” is not about telling men what to do but sets out some things that men can do (or not do) to improve their health and their chances of a longer and healthier life. It gives men the opportunity to make adjustments as they see fit. Often minor adjustments can have a major impact on health, relationships with loved ones and friends and work.

What is “Spanner in the Works?”

“Spanner in the Works?” is a men friendly health screening and information program. The program is available to all Men’s Sheds around Australia and has the following main aims:

• Provide some basic health screening and advice to men:

o utilising the staff resources of your local Health Service.

o within the “men friendly” environment of a Men’s Shed

o referral on of men to health professionals (as appropriate)

• Provide “men friendly” health information and health awareness through the “Spanner in the Works?” booklet.

• Have local men and shedders engage with their local health service providers

• Have local men (non ‘shedders’) engage with their local Men’s Shed

• Have local health service providers and local Men’s Shed engage with each other

• The program will be available from Men’s Health Week 10th to 16th June 2013 until the end of 2013

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Laugh Out Loud

With my ailing memory, I'm thinking of changing my password to "incorrect" That way, when I log in with the wrong password, the computer will tell me..

"Your password is incorrect"

SERENITY NOW :

I am into solitude, long walks, sunrises, the ocean, yoga and

Meditation. If you are the silent type, let’s get together,

Take our hearing aids out and enjoy quiet times.

MEMORIES :

I can usually remember Monday through Thursday.

If you can remember Friday, Saturday and Sunday, let’s put our two heads together.

MINT CONDITION :

Male, 1932 model , high mileage, good condition, some hair.

Many new parts including hip, knee, cornea, valves.

Isn’t in running condition, but walks well.

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“WALKIES !”Sitting by my cosy fireOn a chilly Winter’s day,I had the sudden desireFor a walk along the bay.

Freddie my dog at my feet,Without any worldly care,Other than enough to eat,Could certainly use some air.

He’s not a sedentary pooch,But is oft in Morpheus’ keepOn a mat or lawn of couch,At some place in Dreamland deep.

I’d no sooner said, “Walkies !”Than Freddie, then fast asleepDreaming of juicy bones and trees,Was on the couch in one leap.

Long walks old Freddie don’t mindAs he loves the chance to chatWith those of the canine kind,And a break from next door’s cat.

He’s much inclined to be rude,This cantankerous old tabby;He and Fred have a blood feud.This moggy is always crabby.

We set off along the beach;In the air a sharpish nip.Freddie, out of that mean cat’s reach,Wagged his tail; he’d given him the slip.

Jack Nystrom,Friday, 26 April, 2013.

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Mother's Day Word SearchHoppers Xing kids

28 Please redistribute rather than discard.