My name is Sandra Dare (nee Murray) and I was born in a small town in the outback of Queensland Australia called Taroom.
With my dad trying to advance in the Australia Post we moved around for the first 3 years of my life and ended up in the beautiful beach town called Bowen where our back yard was the beach.There is a movie with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackson called Australia that has been filmed up there, it is going to be released in December 2008.My dad loved the sea and fishing and I became his little off-sider from an early age.On the week-ends and holidays we spent our time at Kangaroo Point, 20 miles outside of Bowen at our fishing hut.This was our little piece of paradise as right at our back door we had fishing, crabbing (mud crabs), and prawning (shrimp). Then we could go over to GloucesterIsland for fresh oysters, scallops and the reef.This is where I learned all I needed on fishing as I had a great teacher and a great play ground to learn.
Over the years I have always loved the out doors and fishing and when I had my son Grant, I would take him out fishing or he would go out with his granddad, now he enjoys fishing as well and we have already got his daughter her first rod and I am thinking of the new rod I need to make for Grants son who is due in December this year.
I was a single mum from the time Grant was 1 ½ which I found made me a strong person.Due to the fact there was not a male around I learned how to use all the different tools for odd jobs around the house as well as learned how my car worked.There was the time my car broke down and the timing chain broke and went into the sump, so I bought a book on my model car and went and brought the right tools and pulled the motor apart.Friends would come around and find me sitting at the sewing machine making a skirt with grease all over my face and cloths and they would just laugh.
I also loved a party whether it had a reason or it was just an excuse to get together and have a drink but I was always there with bells on.
In the year 2000/2002, depending on who is telling the story on when we got married, I met Owen. Now this was a total shock as I was coming up to my 40th, my son was leaving home to go to Ayres Rock to work and I was not expecting to be swept of my feet. Why?Because I was the person who loved being single, who said I would never get married as I did not believe in the institution of marriage, nor did I need a male.Well here we are now, Owen and I got married in 2002 and the 3 most important men in my life where there.My father who had been there all my life and taught me so much as well as guided me protected me and loved me.Then there was my son who I gave life to, loved and protected and tried to pass the lessons that my mum and dad had to me.Then last but definitely not least was my husband to be, the man who I would share the rest of my life with.It was a day to remember as my mum who has always loved and understood me and friend and family where all there to make sure I really was getting married.
On the 21st December 2005 my dad pasted away unexpectedly, this I would have to say is the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with and never in my life have I felt such a pain.Because of this pain I found the strength to be able to get up in front of 100 + people and talk about the man, a husband a father a grandfather a brother a uncle a brother in-law and a friend.I miss him so much.
On a lighter note I have to say that I have my dad and mums passion for travel and trying very hard to get Owen as keen on this as myself.
Last year after one of my trips over seas, I came home to find Owen had been on the internet and purchased a book and video on rod building.I had only been in the front door no more then 2 minutes when Owen told me to sit down he wanted to show me a video by some Yankee on rod building.I had been on a plane for over 9 hours and then in a car for 6 hours and had not seen him for 4 weeks, something was just not right with this picture.So now when owen says we dont spend enough time in the bedroom he has Doc Ski and himself to thank.
As I have always been interested in arts and crafts rod building came really easy and the resources that are available are unlimited as well as the help that is offered by people like those on 2coolfishing.
Owen is a lucky man. If you can get Owen out of the house bring him to Texas. We love Aussies and we can cook shrimp on the barbie to go along with the beef brisket and pork ribs. We also have some great places to fish. Welcome to TRB and the HOF> Pat
All I can say is this is one trully exceptional and talented lady. Sandy and Owens visit to the states is just one of many highlights of my life I will never forget. I hope we have more on both sides of the world. Sandy thank you for being my friend.
One thing though, seems my DVD (and me by proxy) end up getting blamed for messing up the bedroom. Sandys story is not and isolated one. Then there is the complaint fromt he guys that the gals want to borrow the DVD to play in the bedroom - seems it saves on sleeping aids at the pharmacy. I am surprised I havent been picked up by to police for being a drug dealer, Men get addicted and women use it to go to sleep. LOL
Welcome aboard Sandy. Great Bio but then I know the real deal in person. Hope this fires up the other ladies to get their bios up too.
So the truth is out now. You ARE just another pretty face. Great pics. I really love th pink Uggs(sp)
Here are a couple pics of when they were out here for the Fred Hall Show. One is when we had them over of seafood dinner. Sandy, Owen and Mun with Rocky, Vicki and Rockys Mom Clare. The other is waiting in line with Vicki at Disneyland. Toooooo much fun.
That is my little granddaughter Peyton she has just turned 1 and Grant has been teaching her how to dance actually Grant has been teaching her all the things you really don't need to teach them. She is an absolute joy to have around and I don't seem to get enough of her. When the kids told us they where having a baby, Owen was horrified he came up to me and said "Sandra do you realise I will be sleeping with a granny" . Ouch
Now Doc lets tell a little story how every time we went to go on a ride at Disneyland you lied to me and told me each and every time that they really are not that bad it only sways a little to the left and that is all, really it is. Lucky for Doc I know what my limitations are.
For those who are not aware I get motion sickness, I just have to look at something going around and I get sick. Once I vomited all over these poor unsuspecting people below me, all becasue I did not want my friends to think I was a chicken.
Very nice Bio Sandy. It's alway interesting to find out more about the people that I have met though the internet. My parents are both still alive and you just made me realise that I need to spend more time with my own parents. Congrats on becoming a grand parent and I hope to meet you and Owen in person some time.
I think we all tend to take for granted what we have around us and it is not until it is taken away from us do we truely understand what we had. I have always loved both my parents and my dad and I had built a very strong relationship. Dad and I came a long way from when I was in my teens as I was the teenager from hell, every parents worst nightmare. I spend more time with mum now and as Doc is aware we spend our holidays with her or some at least. Mark enjoy the time you have with both your parents and let them know what they mean to you.
Wow, Sandy! Great bio. What a great storyteller you are. In my minds eye, I could almost see the places of your childhood, and (like Jerry said) almost hear your accent, or is it that you can almost hear ours? Very cool bio and Owen indeed is a lucky man. It is truly a pleasure to have you as members and without question you two win the "long distance" member award.lol......A visit to your land has been high on my "bucket list" for a long time. I like the independent spirit of every Aussie I've met. A lot like Texans. Some people say stubborn,,,, I think independent.........GREAT to have with us,,,,,Jim
