Resting in the sun

Today found me sitting out under the verandah with a sleeping Billy, enjoying the sunshine on a clear winter day. We repotted some plants from the garden; silverbeet, spinach, parsley, and a new planting of snow peas . They're all in pots on the patio. We managed to wash the whole basket of washing this evening; Matilda was a great help in this job.

The children spent a lot of time down at the spring today. They discovered life in the pool, and tried to catch whatever it was. Maybe shrimp or some guppies. They've begun yet another shack using logs and other naturally occuring debris. I'm sure lots of talking gets done, and probably a little bit of scheming, too.

I kept getting asked if I needed to go to the dunny. After the 4th ask I got a little suspicious. Then I realised the children had rearranged the solar lighting to light the path to the dunny. Very considerate!

We are just about to sit down to dinner, yes, a little late, but better a little late than never! The jobs are done, the place is reasonably respectable and everyone is weary once again.

Wallaby Scrub is truly the best place on earth!

Sisters

Elsie and Beth went over the ridge today, and spent a few hours together. They went off with apples and water, and their trusty slingshot, and a book each. Apparently they found a very pleasant spot to have a little campfire to roast their apples over. I'm glad they have the freedom here on Wallaby Scrub to enjoy the simple things in life.

Missed phonecalls

How sad am I?

Because of this silly dial-up connection, I lose my telephone when I'm online. So I'm checking my emails and 'stuff' last night when I realised it was dinner time. I did have the forethought to disconnect my dial-up connection, but I left the lead hanging out of the computer.

We had a delicious stew of beef and vegetables, and a lovely relaxing time around the dinner table. Billy clearly showed he was tired and ready for bed, so the children said they would clean up so I could help Billy to sleep.

The telephone lead! It was 9 o'clock before I realised. Elsie said there was the weird dial tone to indicate new messages.

I'm sorry, Johnny. When I heard your voice my heart just sank. To think I missed talking to you.

Life is a little slower here without John, hasn't got that unexpected, spontaneous, impulsiveness about it. No, Wallaby Scrub isn't quite the same without him.

My own personal chef

You know, life's pretty good. The day started in bed ... obviously ... with a cuppa brought to me, followed by scrambled eggs, and the DVD player. Sounds a little extravagent, I know, but it was unsolicited. Josiah made a near perfect coffee, Beth made excellent eggs for both myself and Elsie, and Elsie is very persuasive with her arguments for watching movies in the morning rather than the evening, when we all just collapse into bed, too weary for anything.

We continued with our insects and spiders studies for the three youngest children, and I noticed that they have all learnt so much about insect anatomy.

Emily pleaded with me during last week to help her to read. Six months ago she had no desire to break the code, now she is so ready. We began with looking at some sounds and the letters that represent each. No problems. This is easy mum!

Josiah took Lilly and Matilda up to the wood pile and collected banksias. What did they collect them for? Just to make a pile. I don't know why, but that was their reason.

They returned from the expedition to start the outside cooking fire and to cook the cheese sandwiches. Josiah did this willingly. He kept the fire going so he could put the roasting chook on for dinner. Two and a half hours later, we were sitting down to a perfectly roasted chicken and a delicious salad. And I hadn't lifted a finger. Like I said, life's good.

Mind, though, the cooking with gusto comes and goes, so I make the most of it when it comes.

Another day closes at Wallaby Scrub. It's cold outside, but warm in here. The oldest four are huddled in blankets on the couch enjoying a DVD together. Their giggles sound wonderful. It does't get much better than this.

Bye Johnny

Well the day has finally arrived.

My darling husband has left to serve our wonderful country. It is a very unusual feeling knowing that he will be so far away, not on Australian soil. He has an important job to carry out, and I am so very proud of him.

God, please protect John, help him to fulfill his commitments, enable him to be true to his convictions, and bring him home to us safely. Amen.

Thursday's Trip

The morning started very early as we wanted to leave by 7.30am. We had a long way to drive to where we planned to meet John's relatives. After throwing some meat and onions, bread and butter, a thermos and some biscuits together, we were off. We made it into town by 8.30, filled the car with fuel, and the children's stomachs with brekky bars and sausage rolls. The children thought it was great.

But then it was off again for another 2 hours driving. We passed through some beautiful country and some pretty towns. Finally we arrived at the railway station where we had organised to meet. We pulled up only minutes before Astra, John and Lachlan. The first thing Willem did was wave at their car. Pure coincidence, but very cute.

There were introductions to be carried out as Lilly was only a baby last time she saw John's family, and Jessica and Willem weren't even born. The children must all look very different from what Astra had remembered.

We went on to the park by the river, but when we realised there were no bbq's, we went on to another park. This second one was not particularly nice, but it had a bbq and tables, and some nice shade from gum trees. So we set ourselves up for a 4 hour visit with the 'rellos'.

We took lots of photos, and Astra brought some gifts for the children which they enjoyed opening. We shared our meal and it was good to catch up on family news.

The reason for making the trip was for John to see his family before he went away. His dad was unable to come, but we really appreciated the others taking a day to travel just as far as we did, just to see John.

We arrived back at Wallaby Scrub very weary and travel-worn.