Book Week

Introducing Miss Elizabeth Bennett...

Winter in retrospect...Part 3...winter by the sea...

My Dad was diagnosed with Prostrate Cancer a few years back (he's taking Chinese herbs and it's not getting any worse) but as he turns 85 this year, we are conscious of spending as much time as possible with him. So, when T had to pick up her new glasses all the way down at Queenscliffe (3 hours drive) we decided to make it an adventure with Papa!

When we arrived the first thing we did was head for the beach - it was SO cold but that didn't stop the girls wanting to explore.

We had cosy "Hideaway" Cottage waiting for us. I really enjoyed being here, it was so simple and peaceful and set me reflecting about all the clutter we gather in our lives.

Charlotte and Irena seemed to feel right at home too.

The next morning the sun greeted us as we enjoyed breakfast watching the passenger Ferry's come in through the heads of the bay.

We took a little time to find out some history. At the time of European discovery of the area, it was inhabited by the Bengalat Bulag clan of the Wautharong tribe, a member of the Kulin nation. In her first term of class 5 this year E had learnt that William Buckley, convict escapee, was the first European settler in the area in 1803 (hopefully I can post some of her work on that at another time). Permanent settlement began in 1836. Because of it’s position at the head of Port Phillip Bay, Queenscliffe was originally a fishing village and soon became an important cargo port, hence it’s famous lighthouse. It became a popular tourist destination as early as the 1800’s, and now carries tourists across Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay to Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula.

The main street of this historic town is delightful to wander around. I was very taken with this art deco shop front amongst the nineteenth century buildings.

There's some fun Op Shopping to be had here, and T bought herself this lovely necklace which we fancied was very 1960's.

I found a pretty piece of lace, and an old fashioned lolly shop where we indulged in sherbert foutains (just like Papa used to by me when I was little!).

In the pale afternoon sun, the girls paddled by the old jetty;

Until paddling turned waist deep - in the middle of winter!!! The joy of being 9 and 11!!!

We warmed up with hot fish and chips in the park overlooking the ocean - the end to a perfect day.

Our Winter...in retrospect...Part 2...life at a different pace

Ever since we read the series of Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingles Wilder, our family has had a passion for the nineteenth century. The girls have been wanting to visit Sovereign Hill (recreating Victorian life during the 1850's Goldrush) all year, even Brendan was able to take a well-earned day off work - we had a great day!

This ice-sculptor was amazing to see in action...as was his work...

One of our favourite parts of Sovereign Hill is the Chinese village on the Goldfields, a part of our history we don't hear much about. I was touched when I turned around in the Chinese Temple to see E on her knees praying. I found out later that she was praying for the people who had died in the riots in China on 5 July, just a few days beforehand.

Our winter...in retrospect...Part 1...Midwinter Birthday

As this little bear seemed to be hibernating over the last few weeks of Winter (ie. conserving energy for living and all that needed doing), I missed sharing how we enjoyed (for a few moments at least) the quiet hush of this season. Here's a glimpse of what we got up to...

T chose the theme for her 9th birthday "Christmas in July" - we really soaked up the Midwinter astmosphere.

My Dad

Happy Father's Day to my Dad...the best Dad a girl could have; my Dad taught me:

to catch a fish and skin a rabbit

build and fly a kite

paint a fence

not to take life too seriously

stay young

drive a car

burn the toast

build a campfire

put up a tent

swim

play practical jokes

plant vegetables

build the world's biggest sandcastles

boogy board

sing "10 Green Bottles"

be there for your children

polish my shoes

skin an apple

tie my laces

the art of storytelling

generosity

to rollerskate

not to pull faces when the wind was changing

to save money

to lift my face to the sun

to see the wide, wide world

to waltz

to prune a rose

patience

to work hard

a sense of fun

to enjoy life to the fullest

and my Dad taught me, to love...

aha!!!

Finally found the time today to work out the new camera. I love this photo that my 11 y.o. took of her sister with her new camera on her 9th birthday. Beauty observing beauty.

Welcome Spring...

Gosh, it's been something like 6 weeks since I've managed to blog. I've put it down to two reasons: firstly, all our photos since my daughter's birthday have been taken on her "new" camera, and I haven't had the time to work out how to download them yet; and secondly my physical body has been calling out to me to receive some tender loving care...and so I've been forced to listen...

Just received these lovely photo's tonight. My daughter's Class 3 started on their "Building Project" today - what a lovely way to welcome in the Spring sunshine. I can't wait until it's my turn to have a day off from my shop work in a couple of weeks, and enjoy time building with the children.

The Class 3's have chosen to build a Lizard seat near the Permaculture Garden...T came home exhausted but so happy today...

Stage 1...stay tuned...