End of year portfolio

The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker.

Charlie wanted to join the army but his mother wouldn't sign the 

papers and said he had to be a butcher like his father.

John is an old bushy from Copa, has always worked and reckons 

kids today think eggs come from the supermarket.

Pam hopes her lucky numbers will come up and enjoys getting together with friends.

    Arowen likes to be called Rainbow, wears her princess crown and has a beautiful loving heart.

Amy loves making food that people enjoy but says getting up at 

2am takes a bit of getting used to.

Maria admits driving fast in the city is exhilarating but its the variety 

and camaraderie that she loves about the job.

Wayne likes to help the community and initially joined to spend time with his father.

Denis' teaching style was inspired by his fourth grade teacher and he likes to see all children achieve.

Sandra started making candles and natural soaps to relax from nursing.

Cookie says nippers is all about giving it a go, getting out in the 

water and playing with your mates.

Kates big day

My 'little' cousin Kate got married on the weekend - It was an emotional ceremony (how are you supposed to focus a lens through tears!?) My beautiful aunt and uncle hosted in their picturesque garden! My children had a ball playing with chickens and cousins. The food was fantastic - I especially loved the lolly jars put out at cake time with gorgeous little brown paper bags to collect your stash in. I took some photographs - here are my favourites. 

Sybil Kitty Haycock

Sybil Kitty was my Nanna. Nanna died 1 year ago today, aged 91. She loved liquorice allsorts, pear drops, fish & chips...... a nice sweet treat after her 'tea'. Nanna loved a good crime fiction, a thriller on the tele, endless news broadcasts. Nanna loved to talk about a long lost and dearly cherished England. Nanna knit beautifully - when Noah (my oldest son aged 9) was born I proceeded to choose endless knits for her to produce: we scoured the pattern book together, ordered wool in delicious colours - when the garments were finished Nanna had changed them all to suit her taste and style - ever cheeky and stubborn! Nanna loved a natter especially if it was about the good old days. She ironed everything including her underwear!!! Years back she would walk for hours with her treasured companion Abba (a corgi - like the queen!)  they would share a cup of tea together, though his was in a green plastic dish. This is a picture I treasure taken a long time ago with Noah xxx

Jacaranda Day

I would officially like to rename 12th November 'Jacaranda day'. You see ....... a gorgeous girl I love with all of my heart died this day 3 years ago. Shortly after she died I decided to plant a commemorative tree in my garden for her. I spent a lot of time deciding on the perfect tree: Jacarandas although actually purple are pretty close to blue - Tracy Jane's favourite colour. I think though, the most significant thing about Jacarandas is their presence and ability to burst out of a crowd of grey or green or brown - much like my treasured girl! When the season approaches I feel heavy hearted and longing for a life lost,  at the same time my heart fills with memories of a unique, gorgeous girl who I was lucky to love.

Hanging out with Felix

What a treat it is to spend some days with a bright, sweet and engaging 1 year old. I recommend we all do this once in a while? One year olds have a palpable curiosity, an ability to see interest and take delight in all things. We should all take a look at life through the eyes of a 1 year old.......