Our Tricky Christmas

After church we got the chicken and vegies into the oven. Because Christmas without family can be 'tricky' we called it that for this year. Our only family member who could come was Dan. For Joy, Craig and Abigail, it was also 'tricky' so we agreed to share our Christmas lunch time. And it was a super time of good food, fun and fellowship.

Abigail is growing up and fun to be with. Earlier in the day, Joy and Craig had given Abigail a model farm animal set complete with a good amount of fencing. This set she brought with her to play with and show us. The people pictures show Barb and Abigail in one and Craig and Abigail in the other.

Later Peter and Abigail played a game together that just involved one checkers piece. This checkers piece was tossed back and forward between them, and occasionally got lost into the Christmas tree or behind the couch much to Abigail's delight and interest. After it was retrieved the game continued. It went for a long time. It was amazing that a game with one checker piece could be so entertaining for so long. Peter made a few attempts to finish but Abigail would have none of that.

This is just a window into a day that had many other experiences.

Christmas Eve 07

We went to Mon's place on the eastern side of Melbourne. It has become a kind of tradition to do this. We exchange gifts and have a meal. This time his son Nicholas and girlfriend Caroline came. His daughter Sarah was also there. The meal was a relaxed affair of continual nibbles of prawns, nuts, dip, cherries, crackers, avocado, ham, biscuits, etc, and later Mon made up a large creamy pavlova laced with mango pieces.

Later we played a few group games. In particular we played 'Dictionary'. This is a fun game which involves one member of the group picking an 'unknown' word out of the dictionary, spelling it out for the rest who then proceed to write the probable definition of it. These definitions are all submitted to the one who has introduced the word who reads out each and includes with them the correct definition, still hoping the rest don't recognise it. The rest then decide which is correct and if they pick the correct one they get a point. Players get points also if another players pick their definition instead of the correct one. The leader for that turn (who introduced the word) gets points if players don't recognise the correct definition. Some of the attempted definitions were so funny that we were all splitting ourselves laughing.

Gembrook Magic

Peter has spent a number of days up at Gembrook this month. The reasons were to do with building maintenance and renovation there. The place is called Gembrook Retreat, a Quaker retreat, at present going through renovations in order to better serve guests. We have an earlier blog entry about this place. It has a power and a beauty that always blows Peter over. Whatever the time of day the view, the spaces, the fellowship are a tonic to the soul. These recent pictures are taken early in the morning when the mist hung low.

Even though the retreat receives a few guests at present, it still had a lot to do to increase and improve the accommodation facilities. At the moment there is a main building, two cottages, and a caravan (for a totally secluded experience). There nature feels close and the soul takes its rest from the faraway city life.

Christmas Carols 07

Our church ambitiously started this event with a church family barbecue and craft and games for the children. It was generally low key and people could come and go as they pleased to and from each activity. It involved a large effort from many 'behind the scenes' people. By doing something like this we all learned how to make it better and bigger for next year.

As evening approached we all entered the (darkened) hall and got into the traditional carol singing. Some time during the service we all sang the Happy Birthday song to Jesus as a cake, with sparklers burning over it, was brought in for all to see. Later we all shared this Christmas cake at the supper.

Children's Treat

Kelli made a great number of confectionary bouquets for friends and family this Christmas and she gave one of them to us as a special treat on the last Sunday of Childrens Church for the year. When the bouquet was lifted out of the box where it was hidden the children all came forward and crowded around it. One of the leaders Leanne wisely called their attention and they formed a queue from it. There was enough for all and some children later returned to take the few remaining.

Kelli had glued each chocolate rapper to a skewer and this was driven into a foam block, the kind that florists use. There was easily thirty brightly packaged chocolate products in each bouquet. It was an unexpected gift for everyone.

Through the Doors

Getting to the airport was a trick. We had forgotten about the traffic on the Ring Road. This freeway, crossing north-eastern Melbourne, is used by a huge amount of through traffic. At least there was not an accident or it might have been ugly for us. We got through even if we did crawl along at times. Fronting up to Air New Zealand check-in proved no trouble, as it turned out, and we still had half an hour to share a cuppa. Choi and Anna were also there to see them off. We were all able to relax at one of the airport coffee lounges and share a couple of muffins with our drinks. Soon we had to say our good-byes and through the doors they went, waving finally before turning to pass through immigration and move to the international departure lounge to wait a little more. For us it was time to return home.

Jasper Bath

On the morning of departure, Jasper had a bit of a splash time, and Barb was able to give him a bit of a wash. The more splashing the better for Jasper who might create such water chaos that he is spluttering and momentarily disoriented. When the water subsides, he is into it again. It is good to have these memories of such a happy little fellow, gurgling away and enjoying the water world.

Restaurant Serendipity

On the last night we all went to the restaurant where Dan works, and had an enjoyable final meal together. There was a bit of serendipity there for Barb, whose Bible study group were there having their end of year Christmas meal. Because of family, Barb was not with them but because both groups happened to be in the same restaurant, Barb was able to sit with them on occasions and show them Piper and Jasper. We booked at short notice for our table and for that reason alone we were fortunate. All these lady friends of Barb went to the back of the restaurant and thanked Dan for such fine food, so they were able to meet Dan as well. It was a fun night with heaps of good food and fellowship.

Silver Slippers

Now with only two days remaining Barb took Piper to a shoe shop where they found a pair of 'princess' shoes. Piper loved them immediately and has worn them most of the time since. That is significant since she is quick to pull off shoes and hard to convince to put them back on. Piper received a set of cards of all the Disney princesses (present from Mon). Wearing these shoes she takes on the roles of one or other of these princesses and gets us into the roles of other Disney characters for her 'managed' role-playing. It can get very intense.

Bubbles

Barb had an opportunity to crack open the bubble making set for Piper. Jasper could only watch. Piper managed to make bubbles even though the wind (and gravity) took them away before the camera was ready. And, yes, there was the odd spill on the ground, all in a day's play. Every waking moment for Piper was a game of some sort, so bubble making made it a breeze in more ways than one.

Early Christmas

We squeezed in a very early Christmas celebration on the last day of November so we could share the season with Bec, Gord, Piper and Jasper before they departed. It was a pretty hot day so we prepared an assortment of cold meat, cheeses and salads. This with an assortment of beers in the laundry trough (packed in ice) turned out perfect for what we hoped to achieve. It was a good fun time. Kelli and Bruce were there, and Peter's brother Mon and his daughter Sarah came to swell the numbers. Mon blew us away with the number of presents he presented the four travellers with. It was a memorable family time.

Zoo Visit

Because four of our family leave us for Canada, Barb made sure she and Piper made it to the Melbourne Zoo another time. They visited as many of the favourites as they could, but found that the seal enclosure was undergoing renovation, so they missed that on them, which had always been a highlight for Piper. Still it was good to get there at least one more time before the long wait.

Birthday Closure

The trail of parties had to draw to an end eventually and Barb's last was celebrated with Craig, Joy and Abagail. We were looking after Piper, and she brought the total to six at the restaurant where our son Daniel worked. He prepared a fine meal for us. It was a very nice finish to Barb's month-long series of birthday events.

The pic shows Barb and Joy and the scrummy food.

Afterward we had a cuppa at our place and Piper and Abagail helped Barb set up the Christmas tree. The last day of Barb-vent has led into Ad-vent. This is the earliest we have ever set up the tree, but Bec, Gord, Piper and Jasper are soon to leave us for Canada and will have an early Christmas with us before they go.

Piper and Abagail stand in front of the tinseled tree for yet another pic.

A Rabbit!

Barb received a rabbit as a birthday gift from Kelli and Bruce. When we returned from Tassi there it was a real live rabbit in our laundry. Bruce was working on the hutch and had yet to finish it so the laundry was her home.

She has turned out to be a very cute little rabbit, and should not grow too large because of its breed. We give her runs about in the living area of the house, and she entertains us with the exercises she puts herself through. Bruce made her a "five star" hutch, so for the remainder of the day she (Emily) has plenty of room and comfort to laze about and eat loads of food that Barb makes sure that she has.

So we have moved on from rats and ferrets, to having a rabbit!

Birthday Flowers

Even though there were flowers aplenty in Tassi, almost in every front yard we saw, there were two special gifts of flowers that came to Barb after we returned to Melbourne. The Canadian Berkeleys had decided to hold off till Barb had returned, and a dear friend from church had made a card with miniature paper flowers assembled on it. Both gifts of flowers are now acknowledged.
We wondered why the one Gerbera with the roses, and later found out that was an addition instructed by Michelle. So it was a combined Canadian message, and the florist somehow picked the right time to deliver it, just five minutes after Barb got in from work.

Jan made the paper flower card, and if we did not tell you that, you might think some of them were real, such is the quality and craft of her work.
Thankyou for such special memories.

Leaving Neverland

The Spirit of Tasmania trip was a 'worth it' experience, even though the minimum sea-fare was twice the basic air-fare into Launceston. Since we wanted to have our car with us, this was really the only way to cross.

Thes picture shows our last view of Tasmania as evening set in.

The ship had eleven decks and level seven was where all the action was. On that level there was a restaurant, a cafeteria, a theatre, numerous lounges, and even pokies. Our three bunk birth with a porthole was situated on level eight, right forehead, two decks below the bridge, and we had a forward porthole. There were not so many of these and we were privileged to wake up in the morning and be able to watch the Melbourne skyline slowly increase as the ship worked its way across Port Phillip Bay. That was almost as good as the captain's view from the bridge.



All passengers were given a 'gentle' wake up call to pack and be ready for disembarking. Most passengers had vehicles to drive off. Our car had languished on level five were we left it. It was our duty to find it again and to wait in it till it was out turn to drive off. Between the three of us we found it easily and we were soon engaged in the Melbourne traffic again and missing the ease of Tassi. But life had to go on and we had to get into the rest of it.

Tassi Tulips

This was something that should have been posted with the others from the time we returned from Tassi. On one of the last days there, we travelled along the north coast from Devonport, through Burnie to Wynyard and finished up at Table Cape were we found all these tulips growing. Of all places to have a tulip farm, but it must work well there because the business is huge and is supposed to export the tulip bulbs the world over. The colours were just amazing and we just had to stop and fill up the camera's memory.

Port Arthur Prison

We stayed overnight in a cabin at Sunset Beach close to the famous prison location, so we were able to arrive and catch an early tour. The tour included a cruise about the harbour.

The Port Arthur historical prison site was established in the early 1830's. It was a natural prison because of the narrow isthmus, guarded by ferocious dogs. The prisoners were taught a trade and they made everything there to last. There was even successful shipbuilding done there for the Government of Tasmania, by the prisoners. There was forced attendance of church services. It was a harsh place, and when punishment was not effective physically, it was dealt out psychologically through isolation confinement, even to wearing a mask when being moved.

We were amazed by what remained. Such history. The church had burned down but the stone walls remain. The officers quarters was dismantled along with some other buildings, but there is much that is still there. The area is very large and the restoration work covering many different periods.

One part of history this tourist establishment has not yet wanted to record was the 1995 massacre, when a gunman (or gunmen) killed many visitors in and about the main building and car park. Maybe this will happen with the next generation. The pain still lingers. The pain from the 1830's onwards sill hovers there.

Hobart Harbour

So we fuelled up the car and drove down the central highway to Tasmania's capital city. We followed the signs and blended in with the afternoon city traffic, passing the Tasman Bridge, and finding the wharfs, almost by accident. We did have a general map of the whole Island, and there were some city details on the reverse side, so we did OK with what we had. We found we had missed the famous weekly market by a few hours, but were able to watch the city workers returning the streets back to there normal look. All's good. We strolled through the wharf area and got a feel of the place for next time.

We were impressed that a person could take a ride on an old sailing vessel for one and a half hours for $15. Not bad when compared to other expenses.

Tasmanian Coffee

We left the confines of Neverland and started to explore the sights. A first port of call was the obligatory coffee, cappuccino, hot chocolate, you name your fix. This was shared at the nicest place, with the nicest garden, with nice people. Though we visited many other places this place left a lasting memory.

Barb's Fiftieth

Barb can cherish a special day. It began early with breakfast in bed. Next it was off to the beach to get sand. Then it involved finding Peter who had just arrived on the ship from Melbourne. Then there were more presents and cards followed by a DVD of Barb's life that Donna had edited to perfection.

Neverland had a bit of a 'makeover'. The push mower could be heard during the afternoon. The table was set to perfection.

We all had to dress up in a formal fashion. John kindly loaned out ties. We sat down to a very exotic meal which included freshly cooked prawns. The birthday cake was a recipe with almond flour and boiled oranges (get your head around that one). We had champagne and wine.

Later we had the official viewing of Barb's life on DVD, and Barb spoke to us from her heart about what each of us meant for her. It was a small fiftieth as fiftieths go with just six of us, and that is why we are posting it on our blog site so that it can be shared. After all, Neverland is a pretty out of the way place. You family members who could not be there, thank you for your calls. You have been in our thoughts.

Finding Neverland

This place in David street Devonport is a photographer's delight. This is our Neverland, a place with 'cottage garden' look magic spaces. From this spot in the evening we could watch the ship turn around in the harbour for its return voyage.

Mowing it was an adventure because the push mower caressed the grass and helped to decide the outcome. In and out of these outside spaces was where the fairy candles went. Their translucent glow helped bring the lights of the city to join us for the birthday.

Voyage to Neverland

The trip there was an adventure in itself, that is if you want to avoid flying and take the ship. Yes, flying is cheaper, but after all, this was a special week.

There are two identical ships that pass each other in the middle of the night. We left in the evening of one day and arrived in Tasmania the following morning. Sleep? Well, it depends on the weather. A five metre swell will make it more challenging to do that. The basic cost (business class) gives you a recliner seat in a large room facing aft through large windows. Quite nice, and the reclining action is good for a reasonable sleep. For those who are not good at sleeping that way, there are cabins at about twice the cost and upward of that for a high class cabin.

The ship tied up in Devonport, which suited us perfectly, because that was where Neverland was. That was where the birthday was going to be.

Birthday Girl

Barb's 50th is just around the corner and already celebrations have started happening. With still days to go an early party produced a surprised guest from Western Australia who was the famous Nonna, our dear friend of many decades. And what a surprise it was. It was so good that they had to do it again and again for the those who were too slow to get it the first time with their cameras. It was the perfect start to a very big week which even involves a trip on the ship to Tasmania.

Nonna gave Barb a necklace with a red coral setting and matching earrings. This happened at a Chapel Street cafe with Bec, Gord, and Jasper (Piper being baby-sat), Jesse, Bec, and Nonna, Peter and the birthday girl.

Modern Ark

We saw the movie "Evan Almighty" recently. We weren't really sure what we were going to see, but were pleasantly surprised. It was a modern film in the sense that there was an ecological slant for protection of this planet. That was good. Amongst a whole lot of subtle comedy motifs there was the common story motif of a father not giving time to his family and a wife carrying that burden, which was resolved somewhat by the ark project.

Different theologies came to bear as well, because the character God played a part. There was creation theology, visually helped by the latest in technical imaging to bring in a multitude of pairs of animals from all parts of the world. For that reason alone it was worth seeing the movie. Divine providence seemed to be well handled, leaving a reasonable amount of choice with the human characters, but nevertheless it was God who won out in the end, saving crowds of humans and animals and still permitting a manmade disaster.

And the ark that the family built, to biblical dimensions, was sensational in its visual dynamics and scale. It took up a row suburban blocks (the multiple mortgage commitment never posed a problem throughout the movie), and there was some fun stuff with the (patiently waiting) exotic animals during its construction. Reality just had to be set aside.

When the flood came everybody in the effected area was saved. Such was the theology of grace presented in the movie, but the tsunami-like body of water must have killed thousands in its wake as it travelled to the sea. But one shouldn't think of those things.

It was a very local flood, so the leading question had to be: Why did so many exotic (non-local) animals have endanger themselves in this way? The trip was short and their dispersion afterward was left completely unresolved. But what the heck. They were like precious gems adorning the whole visual extravagance.

Men and Boys

Peter and Tyler (of High School Musical fame) shared a tent at a recent 'men and boys' camp. This was the time of the year when the men and their boys of another church got together for an outdoor adventure. This was a time for relaxed Christian fellowship shared by men, and an opportunity for their boys to fully experiment with fire.

It was Tyler's church that organised this camp, so Peter was technically a 'gate crasher' there. This was his third time for Peter and Tyler's forth time. Peter appreciates the welcome he always receives as the 'outsider' on these camps and has developed good friendships with many of the men of that church who commit to the camp. They are a great bunch of guys.

The food did not have to be airy-fairy, and the great challenge was not to burn it overly. There was plenty of fallen timber for fuel and one of the guys always brought his chainsaw. We were made!



The bonfire at right was the largest the boys made. We all learned while we were there that God was like a consuming fire [Hebrews 12:29]... jokes aside.

Resurrection Challenge

Spring is in the air and the bees are out, but there is a great storm potentially brewing. A particular eschatological (end times) focus is hanging over our world at the moment, and it misuses biblical prophesy about the destruction of the earth. Here is an absolute: Christ is risen. Another: we are not risen yet. If the dead are not already in bliss, they are at least sheltered in Christ waiting for the resurrection. Death's rule is still with us obviously.

And death will continue until Christ hands over the kingdom to God, and then death will be dispensed with. Both the living and the dead in Christ share the same hope. They also share the same peril. We (collectively) are not yet safe if the negative force of the Antichrist conquers by destroying this world. We are told in the Bible that the Antichrist is going about raging. That is to our peril.

There are those who have died who have strived against great injustice during their lives. Their efforts will have become meaningless if Antichrist thinking prevails over this world. The dead still wait for justice. If we repress the remembrance of the good that has been achieved, we unwittingly repress our future hope, and the hopes of those who follow us.

An eschatological focus on the destruction of the world, to the point of seeming to "usher in" the Great Tribulation (in excitement even) is actually playing into the hands the Antichrist thinking! The Antichrist wants to destroy this world not God, not Christ, and certainly not the Holy Spirit.

Jesus did predict tribulation but clearly said "the coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, 'Here it is', or 'There it is', because the kingdom of God is in your midst." [Luke 17:20,21]. That is a profound lesson to combine with the new reality that was created by Jesus' death and resurrection. We have only to follow Jesus in words and deeds to know what God has asked of us. The Gospels are an open guide book for all who want to be in Christ.

We are left with the sense that though Christ has won for us new life in a new reality, we still have to live and work in this world and die in this world too. If the world is going to fry (be destroyed) it will reflect a small (or large) victory by the Antichrist forces. It will not be God's plan. Though God may have given us description of tribulation in various parts of the Bible (especially the Book of Revelation), it does not become us to think and preach the damnation of the world, when Christ taught us to love, with a deep and true love, the same world. If anything, we must stand in the breach, against all Antichrist plans, to not let what has been predicted happen in our lifetime. That is our task. Are there enough of us? It may have been predicted in some measure but it is NOT what God wants. Destruction of earth does not reflect the God we worship.

Before us is the resurrection path: to be part of the body of Christ in this messed up world, to preach the good news of the kingdom of God that is already amongst us, and try to change things for good, and to fight against injustice on many levels, just as past generations have also tried to do. We owe it to our dearly departed to do this with all our heart.
Shalom.

Spring Visit

Bec, Gord, Piper and Jasper paid us a memorable visit last weekend and so it is about time that we upload some snaps of them for anyone interested. Both Piper and Jasper are going through developmental changes at a great rate of knots, as can be discerned from our earlier blogs.

They then went on to the Gembrook Retreat to help out with the work there.