Australia Day 2008

The "First Fleet" arrived on this day in 1788 so there has been 220 years of white settlement here. My ancestors (some convicts) were early arrivals and I wonder how much of the country they would recognise today. Last night we attended a special ceremony at Daylesford where two friends became Australian citizens. I found it quite moving and a privilege to attend.

The event was more meaningful as the country area where these friends have settled, buying land and 'farming' is actually where my ancestors came during the gold rush. I have copies of the birth and marriage certificates of my great-grandmother, records of the deaths of a number of her siblings - how did my great-great-grandmother cope in such harsh conditions? Her husband was a sawyer rather than a miner so I guess his income was more reliable. When driving on along the country lane and passing the Glenlyon cemetery I wonder about the little graves dug so long ago.


A speaker referred to the 'journey' the new citizens were on. We are all on a journey and often I feel part of my journey is continuing that which was started in this 'new land' generations ago. I'm very thankful to be part of that continuum.

Greetings to you all on this wonderful day - Australia Day!

Time flies ...

As the end of the holidays draw near thoughts return to our normal routine. The last seven weeks have been very restful and relaxing and it may be a little difficult to adjust to term time again.

My darling and I have been on several rides, the latest being to Collingwood - children's farm and St. Helier's. These photos were taken on our return through Richmond.


Our delightful son celebrated his 21st birthday last weekend and many friends gathered for this lovely occasion. We successfully (over)catered so have been eating left overs for the last few days. Little Belle celebrates her first birthday next week - how time flies.

The splint came off my finger on Tuesday (so I can type more efficiently now) and it is healing well for which I am very thankful.

There is so much in life to be grateful for.

Peaceful times

The time after Christmas and into the New Year is always so quiet and relaxing and I guess it is even more so this year as I still have my finger in a splint following the surgery in November. Thankfully it is healing well and I can do most things, sometimes a little slower - like typing - but being on holidays is a great help.


Melbourne has been experiencing hot weather interspersed with cooler, refreshing days. If possible we spend the hot days at our cottage in the hills where the temperature is much lower. Last week we took our bikes and I bravely mounted my cycle after being off it since September (ankle injury). I was fitter than expected and my darling and I enjoyed a number of rides around the beautiful countryside.


One place we like to visit is an arboretum on the site of an old primary school. All that remains of former days is the cricket pitch and a toilet.


Opposite where the community hall used to be is a memorial to those of the district who fought in both world wars. It is a peaceful place.


The site is surrounded by farmland and currently the roadside plums are ripe and ready for picking. On one ride I loaded my pannier with the makings for another batch of jam.


The view from the cottage is as wonderful as always and I would love to capture an image of the myriad of stars in the clear night sky but maybe that would detract from its mystery and wonder.

Welcome to a New Year

How lovely it is to look ahead with anticipation ... a whole brand new year!
I wonder what 2008 holds?


Will I notice and enjoy all its blessings and pleasures.
Will I be able to slow down just a little more and take joy in the simple day-to-day privileges of life?


Will I be able to emphasise the important - family, friendships, health and time - while disregarding the unnecessary?

How wonderful is the blessing of a new beginning ... a new morning, a new day, a new year!

Thank you God for the gift of life.

A HAPPY NEW YEAR ONE AND ALL.
MAY IT BE FILLED WITH JOY AND THANKFULNESS.

*These photos were taken at Queenscliff on Sunday where our boys are participating in a Theo's mission.