Maggie's Garden

Last Sunday we went to the Gembrook Retreat to share a remembrance service (Quaker style) for the lady who gave this land in trust for the purpose of reciprocal healing (both the land and its guests) and the continual tending of it by committed families. Maggie's vision that the land be cared for and used by people in an environmentally sensitive way has grown into reality after early years of uncertainty and old fashioned hard work to bring it to its present standard. The gathering involved the planting of ninety bulbs to mark the years of Maggie's earthly life. Everybody took a small handful of bulbs and were allowed to plant them anywhere around the specially planted area beside the foundations of a building that was never completed (see pictures of this action below). Other buildings were completed including a large solid brick one overlooking most of the 23 acres (last photo - the main building).

Van Wollingen Cafe Style

We were privileged to spend some more time with most of the Van Wollingen and Cunningham contingent from WA. This time it was in a nice Brunswick cafe that had been recommended to Jaye and Asher. Sorry, forgotten its name but it was a nice coffee. We were able to have a good look at the Jaye and Asher's two little ones, Eleni and Piper (yes another Piper). We had a lovely time and hardly thought to eat, such was the company.

Godfather and Godson

Proud Mum

Proud Granddad

Never too young for an iPhone

Van Wollingen Sunday

The "Oldies"

The Van Wollingen family of three generations decided to fly east from WA.. all at the same time. We were privileged to be part of a gathering with them at CERES, Brunswick, a few Sundays ago. It was a very enjoyable and relaxing afternoon and we caught up with many other people who also knew them well. We post some pictures below to remember the moments.

November Market

We help each third Saturday of the month at the "Saturday Community Market Whittlesea". We sell dried fruit and nuts. It is fun except for getting up early on a Saturday. For a fourth time running we had helpful weather. This market is a fundraiser for school chaplaincy in the town so Peter is more than happy to help out each time. The Chaplaincy Committee is a very solid and committed group and we are privileged to be a part of such a team. The pictures further down are of the local classic cars assembled at the market to help attract the people of the town. We are becoming the market where classic cars are displayed which is pretty neat.

Just for the record this last classic car is a 1984 300ZX Turbo V6 Nissan (a direct Japanese import complete with Japanese speaking driving advice). Very impressive. Ron the proud owner is standing beside it. It makes us realise that 'classic' does not have to mean loads of chrome and be 50+ years old.

Tazzi November 3

This was the day Barb returned to Melbourne. Bec and the kids stayed an extra day and Madonna and John hosted them for the extra day. This was the Melbourne Cup long weekend and the time was well spent with plenty of special 'animal oriented' memories.

Tazzi November 2

On their second day in Tasmania (Devonport region) the crew visited a farm where much of the work done was done manually or with animal help, including the plowing. This was Pipers Utopia and she later wrote a thank you letter offering to join the farming family! Jasper was not well that day and had to take it easy in the farmhouse. This place was so welcoming and inclusive and would be so helpful for local school visits showing the old farming ways.