>LIGHTPATH<

All For Two Marshmallows

2012-01-27T18:05:00.000-08:00

These thoughts spring from reading about the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment (1972). It began with the testing four year old children. They were all offered a marshmallow, but told that if they waited 20 minutes before eating it, they would receive an additional one. About a third succeeded in waiting the 20 minutes to receive their reward.

What made this test a classic was the follow-up studies on the same children years later. It was found that their behaviour at four years was an accurate predictor of their later success in life. The children who resisted the simple temptation were better adjusted, scored higher school grades and had more success in their careers.

Success in life depends on the ability to delay gratification. This is something that a consumerist culture undermines. Unfortunately, our children are being targeted by big business to be future consumers. In fact, our whole culture is being taught to embrace instant gratification. If we don’t have the money now we put it on credit.

The greater trial we might face is not poverty but affluence. If we are not careful we will take our position of relative wealth for granted. We will lose our compassion for those less fortunate around us, and let social bonds become weak. We are called to fight poverty, pursue justice, treat our neighbour decently, show care for the destitute stranger, and ensure that everyone has dignity.

Bec Thirty-two

2012-01-25T21:07:00.000-08:00

We had the pleasure of catching Bec in Carlton in the last part of her birthday. From the bookshop where we met and found a gift for her, we took her to one of the many cafes in the area and then to another for coffee and cake. It was a very special time for the three of us and the perfect day for it. It was we three who 'immigrated' from Queensland to Melbourne right back in 1980, oh so long ago.

The Spirit of Our Nation

2012-01-25T20:59:00.000-08:00

Each year on January 26 we celebrate the work of our unsung heroes, those Australians who devote themselves to serving others, people from all walks of life who embody the Australian Spirit. It is good that we do that as a nation. It helps us to stop and consider all the good things done by many good Australians during the year or past years. There are too many negative events splashed about in the media, so it is very wholesome and healing to our souls for Good News to take precedence.

The news heading “The Spirit of a Nation” was used in a local paper’s story about Australia Day. This prompted Peter to compare this with the Holy Spirit. He is at present reading a Bible commentary: Together into Life - A Pastoral Commentary on the Gospel According to John, by Fr. John McKinnon, and had been reading about the Spirit of Christ.

A fundamentalist understanding of Jesus’ statement, “no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6), has become the motivation and permission for much insensitivity and aggression on the part of the Christian Church worldwide.

The issue is more complex and involves the work of the Spirit of Christ in people’s hearts and lives. For the writer of John, this was how he saw it, that God could only be known through faith in Jesus. This theological issue remains hotly contested. Over the changing history of the world, culture has also changed and relies heavily on the work of the Spirit of God to lead in understanding for peace of mind and heart, including how to apply the Scriptures’ truth.

It is clearly presumption to assume that people without knowledge or commitment to Jesus have been deprived of the possibility of eternity with God, even thought Jesus’ death and resurrection two millennia ago opens the way for it.

It is certainly Spirit-led and a blessing of service to share stories of healing and freedom found through faith in Jesus with those who have not known him. But at the same time this must always be done with sensitive respect, motivated by love and genuine interest in the other’s story. The Spirit will guide in God’s love and wisdom because human comprehension in this matter of human salvation is very incomplete and always a work in progress.

In so many ways the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Australia have to be one and the same personality of love and service. We are a nation celebrating the work of the Holy Spirit through the humble hands of all who courageously serve life, and all generations are represented here. We have good reason to celebrate and crow about God’s goodness towards our nation in moments such as these.
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Rats for Piper

2012-01-16T17:45:00.000-08:00

Piper's Uncle Simon decided to give Piper his two pets. He had found that he was not giving them the attention they needed for time outside their cage. Piper was more than happy to look after them and Bec and Gord gave it their blessing. So before the Funks left us, the rat cage was carried out to their van and carefully positioned into the back section. That allowed Piper and Jasper to watch how Tip (dark brown) and Truck (beige) handled the journey to Gembrook for a new life in the country with a little girl to lavish them with her love.

Grandkids Saturday

2012-01-16T17:35:00.000-08:00

This was a very nice time all round. We had the grandkids for an "overnighter" and Bec and Gord had that time to themselves to stay out somewhere. For our part we did three excursions from the house, one to Savers (a large thrift shop), one to Redleap Reserve (a large playground), and the other to the shops (for supplies). We also packed in three movies: Up, Shrek 2, and Shark Tale, so Piper, Jaz and Jet had a super time. Lego was played with as well, and they found a nice thing at Savers to bring home with them. All in all we had a simple but satisfying no-stress time.

And Bec and Gord came back very refreshed after their time away. That equates to a win win in our understanding of things. :-)

New Year Chaplaincy Resolutions

2012-01-04T02:28:00.000-08:00

Each is potentially life changing.

1. Give thanks. Once a day take a quiet time to feel gratitude for what I have.

2. Praise. Catch someone doing something well and say so.

3. Family time. Make sure that I share quality time with my family.

4. Discover meaning. Take time out, once in a while, to ask some basic existential questions.

5. Live your values. Establish good life habits and role-model them.

6. Forgive. Life is too short to bear a grudge or seek revenge. Move on.

7. Keep learning. Never be afraid to learn something new.

8. Be a good listener. Employ active and empathetic listening.

9. Create moments of silence in the soul. If only five minutes daily, set aside all distracting technology, and just inhale the heady air of existence, the joy of being.

10. Transform suffering. Discourage “victim” mentality and instead encourage all to become agents of hope.

Please keep Peter accountable for these. He drew these ten resolutions (rewriting them somewhat) from the website below. He has subscribed to the reflections by Sir Jonathan Sacks, the Chief Rabbi of London and these were Sack’s 2011 resolution suggestions. They have been very helpful guides that have sustained Peter through 2011 and will continue to help in his chaplaincy service to the school community. It seems very appropriate to share them at this stage as a first blog for the year.

Sacks summed up: “Life's too full of blessings to waste time and attention on artificial substitutes. Live, give, forgive, celebrate and praise: these are still the best ways of making a blessing over life, thereby turning life into a blessing.”

http://www.chiefrabbi.org/UploadedFiles/Articals/vaera5771.pdf

[Page 3 &4, accessed: 21January 2011 the day after Peter's job interview]

Sovereign Hill Camp

2011-12-29T00:39:00.000-08:00

Earlier in the month, Peter was privileged to go with the school's year 3/4 classes to Sovereign Hill for a three day camp. It was a very successful camp all round. The experience offered by Sovereign Hill was perfectly pitched for this age level. The sleeping facilities were adequate. The effort to get all the kids to sleep went reasonably well and within an hour of lights out! The teachers and volunteers (and Peter was one of these) stayed focused on the care and direction they provided. The timetable was well kept to. The food was adequate (though slow at "table meal" times) and the decision to prohibit all personal "snacks" paid off. The picture above (filtered as a painting) hopefully shares the fun and success of the camp without breaching publicly shown school image regulations. For Peter's group, the two best places were the creek (panning for gold) and the sweet making demonstrations (for the free samples that followed). What fun they were!

Woodcraft Last Term

2011-12-27T01:50:00.000-08:00

This is a little late in coming. In fact there might be a few blogs like this that are weeks overdue. Time has not allowed posting them. This one is a short "show and tell" on how Peter's woodcraft club went for the school's last term. In a word - good. Peter made "kits" for some students each week to make up, but most of the work produced continued to come from cut blocks and glue. It is remarkable just how good those block models have been. The best model was produced by a year five girl who constructed the Empire State Building from her own design and imagination. The chest of draws, also in the above picture, won first prize in the Whittlesea Show for that boy's age group. So the year finished well and Peter hopes that something similar might be able to continue at the school next year.

Christmas Memories to Process

2011-12-26T20:36:00.000-08:00

These pictures are presented in their correct order and so tell a story of our day. There are many layers in that total experience that we have still to process, but it seems unfair not to post nice pictures sooner for those who might be interested. As you can see, we came together for Christmas as Acklands and Funks. We exchanged presents and shared a meal. The storm that lashed Melbourne in the afternoon, causing millions of dollars worth of damage, gave us cause to realise that we were spared the worst of it and something else to think about. It was a sobering and solemn way to conclude our being together. We are now processing the day slowly and thoughtfully. May your Christmas be a blessed one.

Christmas Time Again

2011-12-24T13:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas to all. Here is a brief sweep in rough chronological order to give you a feel for our past year. It has been a wild ride, an exciting one where we learned so much more about life, and learned to "befriend life" just that little bit more. It has been good. Even the times when we "fell over" have been gifts of learning.

Remen Ritual

2011-11-30T02:53:00.000-08:00

We are still on the same book. It may be our third time through the pages. The author is Rachel Remen and this happens to be one of her latest books: My Grandfather's Blessings. We have a daily cuppa together, light a candle and 'touch base' with one short story at a time. It is food for our souls... like special sunsets.

Special Weekend

2011-11-30T02:47:00.000-08:00

This was a full weekend involving two nights in the Hut at Gembrook and on the Saturday driving on to Warragal to watch Piper and her young ballet peers perform at the West Gippsland Arts Centre. They all did very well.

On the Sunday, Gembrook had a community market involving kids rides. Piper and Jasper both enjoyed spending some money on things they desired to be on. How different they are.

Grandkid's Breezing By

2011-11-30T02:37:00.000-08:00

We had the pleasure of a special midweek visit. Bec brought them over and we caught up for a few hours. Barb was very glad to see them and Peter made it home as early as he could from the school.

It was all too soon that we had to say "good-bye". Piper especially finds it hard. Thank you guys. See you soon.

First Prize

2011-11-22T03:32:00.000-08:00

This is a picture that Peter took midyear of a building construction in Camberwell, in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. What is very special about this picture is that it came first at the Whittlesea Show this month. Peter submitted twelve photos in the novice section covering many different categories. The winning photo was under the category of 'architecture and building construction'. All his other photos won nothing.

Peter feels that he was indeed fortunate to get first prize given the standard of entries. Second prize in the same category was quite stunning, a picture taken in the Melbourne Museum by one of the mothers of the Whittlesea Primary School. Her children ribbed her that Peter the chaplain "pipped her at the post". Peter and this mum have had a laugh about it and will be competing again next year. Maybe it will go the other way next time.

These are the twelve Peter submitted. Afterward, Peter was amazed at all the good pictures of the year he overlooked that might have been far better choices. His choosing of these happened in a rush to catch the Show deadline. Lessons learned. Now he is compelled to be in the 'open' class in the 'architecture and buildings' category but can remain a novice for all the rest. Lessons learned there too.

Funk Dress Ups

2011-11-17T02:47:00.000-08:00

We made it to Gembrook again which is always fun for us. And fun for the grandkids too. Gord was able to do a bit of carpentry on the side. His shed is being transformed to accommodate a whole lot more stuff from the house. There are big plans for the old car port space at the house.

Later that day the grandkids were going to the retreat to a community night with an opportunity to dress up in a costume. Piper wanted to be a parrot and Jasper a pirate.

The visit was a real tonic in a week that was pretty busy after coming back from the north and trying to pick up the pieces again.

Funeral to a Wonderful Mother

2011-11-17T02:28:00.000-08:00

After some thought on the matter, Peter was comfortable to post some photos of the day of the funeral of his Mum. The picture above carries special meaning because the scene through the large windows of the crematorium shows cane farms (a very common sight for Mum) and right in the background is Mount Bartlefere, Queensland's highest mountain. Bartlefere overlooked Mum's home for 43 years when she lived in Babinda on the coast, and another 12 years after that when she lived in Atherton on the tableland. There is something very special to be associated with that mountain from both sides.

Mum's last ride from the church passing under the Jacaranda trees in bloom. The world will be different now.

Valmae Ackland 1929-2011

2011-11-02T00:59:00.000-07:00

We are sad to bid farewell from this earthly life one beautiful lady and devoted mother. Peter's Mum has left a legacy of living life's great values most excellently. She has touched in this special way so many people during her 82 years, her family of course but also many hundreds of children growing up at the Babinda Primary School (1968-1988). We will miss her always.

Sophie No More

2011-10-25T13:46:00.000-07:00

We are sad to announce that our pet rabbit was buried on 24 October after being put down at the vet's. During the previous night, she fell off her cage to the floor below and somehow broke her back. Her hind legs were paralyzed as a result and her body was starting to shut down when we found her in the morning. Sophie was from the breed called Norwegian Grey.

Early snaps

More recent snaps

Woodcraft Variety

2011-10-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

It seems right to share how Peter’s last school woodcraft elective went. He will try to give a balanced account from his perspective. It was a day when he wished he could have multiplied himself by five. That was about how many children needed help at any one time.

“The previous week, I asked each child to suggest what they would like to make. There were four who wanted to make a horse. There was one who hoped to make a volcano (!). Three children asked for planes, two for a castle, two for a model of Titanic, one for a helicopter, truck, raft, army tank and a catapult. As you might imagine it was a bit of a stretch to provide all pieces for all projects. I had to trust in the ‘craft sense’ of many of the children on the day.

Even though they all needed help to start, we somehow got going, and over the banging of the hammers were calls for my attention. I got to each as quickly as I could. As the hour progressed, I was glad to see the horses coming together (Jacquie, Claire, Mia and Tricia). The volcano was beautifully done (Paige). The aeroplanes were ‘muscled’ into shape (Tyler, Amber, Blake, Tayla). Two army tanks were made (Nicholas and Lachlan M). Three Titanics came together (Harry x 2, Lachlan M). A slowly truck grew into shape (Chace had patiently waited till I could get to him). The raft corner did have some trouble (Brendan, Brayden and Jack). They were invited to take wood home to further their project. The castle makers will have a chance to continue their project in the woodcraft clubs that happen each week (Thomas, Cooper). Liam took the initiative and made a delightful multileveled structure with what he found. Lachlan G did the something similar with what he had and made a model of a piece of fantasy machinery. A special ‘well done’ to Liam and Lachlan.

There was a time in the thick of it, when I asked myself why I couldn’t have taken an origami elective instead. :) “

Piper 2011

2011-10-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

Jasper 2011

2011-10-10T18:28:00.000-07:00

Jethro 2011

2011-10-10T18:26:00.000-07:00

Rabbit Food

2011-10-10T18:23:00.000-07:00

It is nice to announce that we have done a bit more bike riding after not doing it for quite a time. On our way back, Barb takes the opportunity to forage for dandelion plants by the side of the track. She has found that Sophie loves eating them. Yep, the rabbit is still alive and kicking. She may be a little overweight, probably from eating too many 'dainties' like choice dandelions.

Melbourne Pan

2011-10-10T18:12:00.000-07:00

During the school holidays, Peter had an opportunity to lunch with others at a restaurant on Mt. Dandenong overlooking the city. In the distance they could see the city skyscrapers and Port Philip Bay. Peter's little camera was hardly fit for the job at such a distance through the blue haze of the day. People living on the mountain must wake up to an amazing view each morning and experience some incredible sunsets.

Taking our loss gracefully

2011-10-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

This year Collingwood lost in the finals. It is always hard to see the team you support go down. The game could have gone either way up to three-quarter time, then Geelong showed that they had greater mental and physical toughness. You have to take the good with the bad and it was Geelong's year. Well done to them. Another season of football is over and we can get on with the rest of life.

Jonathan's Journey

2011-10-07T20:20:00.000-07:00

Peter saw this children’s book on display as a chaplaincy resource book at the annual ACCESS chaplaincy conference that has recently convened. The basic narrative goes like this: The frog king has given two rules at the pond. One was to obey him and the other was not to go up the mountain. Jonathan, one young frog, displays great courage, and against advice, goes up the mountain. He discovers the bones of other ‘froggies’ who have gone before him, all killed and eaten by the evil snake “Sinesticus”. The young frog is caged by the snake for its breakfast the following day.

Down at the pond, the concerned frog king sends his son up the mountain to rescue Jonathan. This frog prince arrives just in time and offers himself in place of Jonathan. Jonathan’s last vision as he departs to descend the mountain is the prince’s legs sticking out of the snake’s mouth.

Upon returning, Jonathan tells all to the king and everybody else. He is greatly vexed for three days until the prince miraculously appears. The frog prince explains that the snake could not keep him down (for digestion) because he was too ‘good’ (or something along those lines). From then on, Jonathan becomes a devoted follower of the prince.

Peter feels that this story contains questionable theology. He understands what the story is trying to convey: the sacrificial death of Jesus who took the world’s sin upon himself on the cross. But this book, for young children ages 6 -8, reveals conflicting concepts and raises worrying questions. For example, one question a child will ask is why didn’t the prince go up the mountain to save the earlier froggies? Another question asks why must curiosity and courage to climb a mountain relate to being evil and being engulfed by sin?

We are living in a culture where ‘blind obedience’ is a thing of the past. In fact, to think outside the square, we must ‘climb our mountain’, to take some risks in life. Jonathan was doing just that.

Perhaps the last word should be given to another author:

“Perhaps finding the right protection is the first responsibility of anyone hoping to make a difference in this world. Caring deeply makes us vulnerable. You cannot move things forward without exposure and involvement, without risk and process and criticism. Those who wish to change things may face disappointment, loss, or even ridicule. If you are ahead of your time, people laugh as often as they applaud, and being there first is usually lonely. But our protection cannot come between us and our purpose. Right protection is something within us rather than something between us and the world, more about finding a place of refuge and strength than finding a hiding place.”
[Rachel Naomi Remen MD. My Grandfather’s Blessings: Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging. (Sydney: Hodder, 2000), page 136]

Bec to Bali

2011-10-03T04:55:00.000-07:00

We saw Bec off at our home. Gord and the kids would drive back to Gembrook after seeing her off at the airport. We wish her God's blessings in her travels. May she bless and be blessed in return. May her return be a great blessing.

Family Time

2011-10-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

It is a pretty rare event that our own three kids come together in the same time and space, and when they do we have to remember to take a picture even if they protest. Just one was taken. The occasion marks the night before Bec flies to Bali for a writers conference and a reflection time.

We had a really nice meal with the Funks... chicken, salad and buns. It was just what we all needed, light and tasty.

Piper and Jaz worked on a cubby for Jet who would go in and out of it and give approving comments. They pretended that they were royal servant builders and Jet was their little prince (the boss's son).

Earlier, they made sailing ship models and spent a good amount of time adding colour to the sails and then the ship itself. This activity turned out to work very well with them. Even Jet got a ship of his own.

We will finish this post with a really cute picture of Jet sleeping in our bed before we moved him to join his siblings. This weekend has given us wonderful memories and nice pictures to share.

Train Making

2011-09-29T05:02:00.000-07:00

Here is a visual update on a bit more of what the school craft club has been making towards the end of term. Peter has prepared a number of different train kits which the kids enjoy assembling and enjoy taking away to play with or give away as a gift.

Waratah Day

2011-09-29T04:54:00.000-07:00

We won't be able to be there this year but wish to at least promote the day for others. The Annual Waratah Day is on again at the Gembrook Retreat, Saturday 15 October, from 11 am. It is always a very popular time for adults and children: fun, food, frolicking and plenty of flowers to take home with you. Click here for leaflet

Oh yes, it is not all about Waratahs. There are plenty of Protea varieties to pick from and Banksias to admire. Come and celebrate with the retreat community on one of its special days in the year.

Coloured Clay Day

2011-09-29T04:34:00.000-07:00

Peter is always interested in strange things. He joined with other people, including children, at the recent Gembrook working bee to help with digging out an embankment of clay to create a space for a new water tank. He would occasionally stop to admire the colour in the clay. The children would occasionally play with it. The ground had a life of its own.

Though the task looked simple it took most of the day because the guys had to move the ground to another place to build an area up. That wasn't so easy. Nice to finish something but. Well done Peter A, Peter M, Adam, Esther, Ben, Sarah, Rebecca, Ian and Steve for having a hand in the dig. And soon the Hut will have its own water.

Funks on Tramp

2011-09-28T05:50:00.000-07:00

The trampoline has proved a boon for the grandkids. Yes, they always bounce on it but not in the aggressive gymnastic way. The trampoline mat has become a world where creative role play imagination happens. When there is a break from that it serves as a place to lounge and think, or maybe make full body letter and number patterns. There seems to be no end to what you can do on a tramp if you've got company.

Funk Angels

2011-09-28T05:41:00.000-07:00

Do angels climb trees? Yes. Here's proof. Not all angels have wings and so trees help to give the necessary elevation that angels enjoy, as they serve God and care for people. These thoughts come to mind as we watch our grandkids climb the cherry trees.

They are such good mates. They are so different yet they have learned to play well together even when there is three years between them.

Funk Fun

2011-09-28T05:31:00.000-07:00

We have been remiss by not posting these pictures now about 10 days old. They tell of a visit on Sunday for morning tea and following that an activity involving model making of a train (Piper) and a plane (Jaz).

The last picture Bec sent to us a day later showing how Piper added pipe cleaner people to her train. We are very glad to have the facilities to make up model making kits that the kids like.

Gembrook Yard Art

2011-09-20T01:42:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we stayed in the Hut again. It was nice to reacquaint with the place. No power. Just a gas burner stove top to cook with. A comfortable enough bed. Sounds outside in the night. No mosquitoes for a change. In the morning, Peter started to notice how interesting the accidental yard art looked. There were places where metal and other commercial materials had been left to find their place with the surrounding nature. This will be worth following up in more detail on some later occasion.

Community Night

2011-09-20T01:31:00.000-07:00

We were indeed privileged to be included at the second community night of the Gembrook Retreat. There were more children than adults and it seemed just so normal and natural to celebrate such a multigenerational event... to be together... to find meaning and fun together.

Into the Light

2011-09-19T18:23:00.000-07:00

We recently joined members of the Whittlesea community to remember Black Saturday (and acknowledge the beginning of Spring 2011) in a “walk through” exhibition. There were images of the surrounding bush, a fractured heart, a choice of pathways, presented as a journey for groups and individuals. There were many creative pieces of group or individual works to contemplate over while on the walk. The occasion was called “Into the Light” and was quite religious from a universal/community perspective. It was very much a collaborative effort from many parts of the local community and supported financially by a number of local and state institutions. This seemed the next right step in the process of healing out of Black Saturday and accepting a forever changed life ahead.

The Whittlesea mayor Councilor Rex Griffin opened the exhibition and the Whittlesea Singing Group sang a number of songs (very engaging harmonies) as a way of calling us, who were present, to get up and do the reflective walk.

Whittlesea Primary School kids carried lanterns into the exhibition at dusk as part of the official opening of this three day exhibition in the Cattle Shed of the Whittlesea Showgrounds (10 - 12 September). A humble place to birth new life.

Family Funk Moments

2011-08-28T05:43:00.000-07:00

Hi, all you Funk followers. Here are a few snaps we took on the Gembrook working bee day. It was really nice to see the grandkids. We saw Bec and Gord but did not have the presence of mind to grab the camera and catch them too. We went back to their place afterward for a short while. It was a very nice day.

Compost Toilet Doors

2011-08-28T05:35:00.000-07:00

This is an update on the state of Gembrook Retreat. It is looking as wonderful as ever, a blessed place. We went there for the monthly working bee. Barb had a nice time with the kids, and Peter went down to the compost toilet and shower building to hang the second door. He was going to stick at it till it fitted. It was a bit slower than normal because there is not any power supply down there. Hand planing the door back was a bit of a trick but in the end it fitted a treat. You can tick that job off. Both doors are special hand-me-downs in pretty good nick.

Woodcraft Elective

2011-08-28T05:26:00.000-07:00

Life at the school for Peter now includes a series of woodcraft sessions for a time. Other teachers are offering other electives. The last session for five Wednesdays will be school electives, some of which are cooking, board games, dancing, drama, drawing, science.... and there is one woodcraft elective which is led by Peter and a teacher called Pam. The pictures show the effort of each member of the woodcraft class made on their first session. They all did very well and Peter is very proud of them.

Craft Update

2011-08-18T04:03:00.000-07:00

There is not much time these days to post blogs. So much of what happens in a week rushes by without a second look. But here is something from Peter's craft club at the school. Sometimes he gets up to 25 kids in the room, quite a busy time.

The projects continue to change about. Recently there has been a nautical theme. They are pretty easy to make and the kids are proud of their achievements. The raft with the four corks actually floats but the model ships are only for show.

Double Birthday

2011-07-31T04:52:00.000-07:00

Madonna and her daughter Kelli have birthdays reasonable close so mother and daughter shared this year's celebration together in Melbourne. This was good for us. Barb was glad to spend time with her Tasmania based sister and our Melbourne medical student niece. It was a good excuse to get together... a meal at a pub... going to the movies ("Oranges and Sunset")... and coffee at a Carlton cafe. It was good to have Kelli's cousin Alyson with us as well.

Wooden Brickwork

2011-07-31T04:42:00.000-07:00

Peter is amazed at the energy and fascination the schoolkids have for houses! Most of these are without windows too. They are making miniature bunkers! The house theme has proved a very popular application for the small pine blocks which Peter precuts from longer pieces. You effectively use the cut blocks as if they were bricks, and the mortar is a good white glue. Peter hopes the kids will move from these to other themes such as castles or towers.

Gembrook Tramp

2011-07-26T04:55:00.000-07:00

This trampoline is worth its weight in gold for the amount of fun the Funks have had on it... and that includes winter time. How is it that the kids are able to make this area additional living space when most people can't calculate the 'outside' till the days are warm? But you can. A trampoline is different. There is a warmth generated through its use... or you forget you are cold... the bouncing doing that.

Smoke Reading

2011-07-26T04:44:00.000-07:00

We noticed the unusual smoke shapes after each shared reading time. We light a candle to help our spiritual focus for when we read our book together. Afterward we blow the candle out. Sometimes Peter takes a photo of the resulting smoke curious to see what shape will be this time. Always different... and mysterious. Spot the animals... strange dreams.

Gembrook Workday

2011-07-26T04:36:00.000-07:00

We recently returned to this beautiful place to do some work there. Peter helped with hanging a door. Barb enjoyed spending time with the Jethro mostly since the other children went to see (or be in) a play for a time. It was a very relaxing day for both of us. Unhurried.

On every workday there is community morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. Very civilized. This is part of the reward for coming... fellowship with the retreat community.

Fruit trees pruned. A door hung. A trench dug and cable laid. Soup cooked up. Fresh bread. Fun for all ages.

School Signage

2011-07-09T00:05:00.000-07:00

School holidays are upon us and Peter did different work when he went into the school. Many young trees were planted about the new building and many weeds were pulled. On another day he helped two other guys, Steve and Gary, put up a new school sign. This was a "giant" of a sign and very difficult for two to put up. A third person was needed to help hold the large sheet metal panels against the frame for screwing. One panel was first fixed to the frame on the ground to keep it square before that part was attached to the school fence. Bringing the fully assembled sign to the fence would have been problematic even for three, so it had to be done in stages. It was good work. A different week all round.

Whittlesea

2011-07-06T04:09:00.000-07:00

This is such a nice place for Peter to go to work. The advantages a many. Peter travels against the flow of peak-hour traffic both ways. He sometimes takes the bus and this trip is mostly direct. The township still has that country feel because the town community is still resisting the entry of the big consumer franchises. It is nestled among the foothills of the Great Divide. The Chaplaincy Committee that provides for two chaplains (Ian and Peter) is supported by all five churches in the town. The monthly market at the Showgrounds is very much a relaxed community event, a place to meet people while raising funds for the Chaplaincy Committee. There is a Catholic Primary and a State Primary School and a well established Secondary College. Peter has enjoyed becoming a part of the State Primary School community and is finding his place there. Yet there is a very real sense that Peter is growing roots into the life of the town itself.

The picture of the township was taken looking east and this picture above shows what was seen in the opposite direction. A place to be still. A safe place.

Schooling Craft

2011-07-05T04:46:00.000-07:00

There are many things that Peter loves to do with the kids at school. One of them is involving them in a recess time craft club. So far it is going well with most of those involved finishing the session having got something out of it. Sometimes they work on a model that Peter has started on in order to get over the difficult bits. Peter prefers that a group take away a model to their class for class use. Little by little the number of models in the school is growing.

Peter is influenced by children's requests. When a child wanted to see a model boat Peter thought that was a super idea and has made a number of them already. Now a new design boat is being "schemed up" that will make it easier for kids to make.

Funk Saturday

2011-07-05T03:51:00.000-07:00

On a Saturday last month we drove to Gembrook. The last time we did the drive was for Jasper’s birthday which was quite a time ago and reflects on just how busy we have both been. It was good to be there even though we did not see Bec at all. She was at a women’s circle and Gord had the task of keeping house. He relished the chance to have us over to relieve some of his workload and while we were there he had an opportunity to sort out the firewood stocks at the back fence.

So we had fun with the three grandkids and good chats with Gord in the layers between. We had a really nice soup for lunch (provided by Bec) and a very tasty pizza and salad evening meal (creatively by Gord).

Funk Time

2011-06-21T05:53:00.001-07:00

Our apologies for such a long delay. We have been more busy than normal. The days are full and this nice blog had to wait over a week to be posted - a special time when Bec and the kids had a sleepover while Gord was interstate.

The pictures do a good job showing the grandkids doing and acting true to who they are. Jasper very physical, Piper full of imagination and fantasy and Jethro taking it all in and being such a sweet little soul. The remaining pictures speak for themselves and don't need commentary.

Autumn Ends

2011-05-31T05:54:00.000-07:00

During our last weekend in Autumn we happened upon a really well made quilt on raffle. It had appropriate autumn colours. Peter purchased three raffle tickets and hopes to win it. Wouldn't that be good. We are taking the picture of it to remind us of what we hope to win or at least what we hoped we would win but missed out somehow.

Trawool Valley Resort

2011-05-31T05:42:00.001-07:00

As part of our weekend away just past, we happened upon a holiday resort tucked away in the country north of Melbourne at an obscure place called Trawool between Yea and Seymour. We inquired about accommodation for the night and were in on a cancellation. How about that! The picture above is the resort's architecturally designed stained glass roof over a meeting room. Very impressive.

This place has everything and even unexpected/unthinkable things like an internal squash court. The landscaping was well done and included two synthetic tennis courts. Hey, we forgot the inside pool just in case the outside one was a little too frosty, especially this time of the year.

This space felt like God's gift to us. It helped to conclude Barb's long service leave with a really nice memory to come away with.

Cheviot Tunnel

2011-05-31T05:35:00.000-07:00

We went away for the last weekend of Autumn. Our first night was in the town of Yea. The next day we drove a little way out of the town to see this old train tunnel. Cheviot Tunnel was opened in 1887 and had trains travelling through for ninety years. At present there is a push to make it part of an extensive bike rail-trail. It should be a good one.

This is the country we saw on the way to the tunnel. It was a nice fresh day after a good fall of rain the night before.

Inaugural Art Show

2011-05-31T05:28:00.001-07:00

This pic was taken before the crowd came in the evening. The quiet before the storm. This exhibition was committed to display at least one piece of work by every student in the school. That means that there were at least 363 pieces on display. There was certainly more than that because many students had multiple pieces up. The night that followed was a raging success. Peter did not think to take pictures of the sea of humanity so you just have to imagine the party we had.

May Market

2011-05-30T17:57:00.000-07:00

Once a month now, Peter involves himself with the fundraising work of the Whittlesea Chaplaincy Committee. Their largest money raising effort is the monthly market. They raise money for the chaplaincy service at the secondary college and the primary school there. It is very humbling for Peter that many people are regularly raising money to supplement his salary. The committee have traditionally sold barbecued sausages and still do so from the caravan specifically built for it. Now the committee is branching out with a second consumable product stall - selling dried fruit and nuts. This was the "launch" of this stall. All the dried fruit and nuts were bought in bulk by the committee and presented wonderfully in the "self-serve" display vessels (a one off expense). Peter and Mauricio, his friend from Bible study group, looked after the stall. It took in $295 on the day which everyone felt was a pretty good start.

Near by, the Salvation Army Band played for a time. This was one of the May Market's attractions. The young boy (below) from the primary school who was busking had to wait a great slab of time till the band packed up, but he still made $105 for his effort. He is a very gifted player and singer and many people were taken by him.

The other feature was the display of teddies. There were many very antique teddies amongst the selection which was taken from a much larger collection owned by the mother of one of the members of the chaplaincy committee. The day was one of those late autumn days that brought back a memory of summer. Many people came and browsed amongst the seventy-five odd stalls (which incidentally all pay a "rent" to the Chaplaincy Committee who mark out the stall spaces and open the gates of the show grounds before 6 am!). The feeling of community is strong. Many stall holders come primarily to support the work. Peter even let his hair get some colour to help the whole cause.

Sakura Eating

2011-05-30T06:18:00.001-07:00

Barb received nice advice from work colleagues to eat at a Sakura Restaurant. So Barb went "big time" and convinced the whole family to come together for the experience. It was well worth the struggle through city traffic to get there.

The chef was highly skilled and thoroughly entertained us in the way he cooked each course before us. There were even occasions when each of us had to catch something he threw at us. One was a food item that had to enter our open mouths! and the other was a "stack" of round bowls... one at a time. Peter was the only person who dropped one on the floor! That part was a bit of a circus act.

Barb was cleverly prepared with glow-in-the-dark sticks which the grandkids loved. They enjoyed the event and liked the chef's entertainment... and liked climbing all over us. What was very impressive was that they tasted each course.

It was really nice to have a time like this when Funks and Acklands "joined" in the city. We actually met in the city at the restaurant in South Melbourne, and afterwards Simon, Dan and us went north to our end of town and the Funks went east to Gembrook. A memorable city encounter.

Daniel especially enjoyed watching the chef. He had never seen a chef throw sharp knives about and catch them again as he positioned for "giant" prawn cutting... and the other sea animals. Gord took this snap.

The green tea ice cream at the end was unexpected and a really nice way to top of a really good night.

Catapults

2011-05-29T04:51:00.001-07:00

There is not too much to this: 8 cut satay sticks and 6 longer ones (plus one very short length) some cotton thread, and PVA glue. Start every join with a blob of glue to stop the thread from slipping. Note the amount of overlap when crossing sticks. Finish every thread binding with a good smear of glue to save tying a knot. It's much quicker and creates a stronger join.

Occasionally you may find it hard to hold the frame and bind the cotton at the same time. A second person may be of great help if they hold it for you when it is tricky.

Note the triangle sides are to "mirror" themselves. You might have to actually make one just to get it right the next time around. Peter certainly had to do that a number of times till he settled on this version here.

Note the movable (throwing) part has a critical 'axle' measurement so that it keeps in its place when assembled later with the rubber band.

Slip on the rubber band over the top of the catapult frame before or after positioning the throwing part. This rubber band should keep the moving part from coming loose. To shoot, simply place a small object just above the short stick on the throwing part and pull back, holding the catapult base with the other hand, and then let go the end. The catapult is not designed to be dangerous and should throw a small object over a distance of one or two metres. A heavier throwing object will travel only a short distance due to its weight.

Cross Country Care

2011-05-29T04:40:00.000-07:00

Peter was positioned in his school's cross country as a marshal along the course. Most of the kids gave it their very best effort. Then Peter noticed something very special happen. One of the year 5 boy became distressed and disorientated. Immediately a year 6 boy stopped running and walked the course with him. Peter took the snap and felt that this act of care was greater than the glory of getting a place at the regionals the following week.

Goodwill Wallets

2011-05-18T18:48:00.001-07:00

It is about time Peter shared about his goodwill wallets and how to make them. The wallet count is up past 180 and there is still a demand for them. He patiently makes a little pile of about a dozen to bring to school the next day. The kids are patient because each knows that eventually s/he will have one too. They are never sure what colour they will get because Peter alternates those. Sometimes the colour of the ribbons changes as well. They don't mind. They also love the miniature $10 note that comes with each wallet.

You start with cut straw board and black display board. These have their corners cut for a nicer finish. There are four ribbons with the cross ribbons slightly longer. They are placed accurately on top of one of the black cards and the other black card is placed 'flush' on top to sandwich the ribbons. Spot glue just four ribbon ends to the top surface of the card, making sure to glue different sets on either side (two from the cross and two from the parallel).

Press the ribbon ends down well so that the PVA glue is squeezed flat and begins its setting quickly. Then carefully "flip" the black card sandwich and glue the four remaining ribbon ends to the other black surface. Again squish the glue so that it sets quicker. Set this (main) part of the wallet aside and work on the separate covers for both sides. Any paper can be chosen for this part. In this demonstration red paper was used to go with the ribbon. It does not have to match the ribbon though. The cut straw board is carefully positioned on this paper. The paper is cut (or has been cut) to allow easy fold-over-gluing.

Keep folding over the exposed paper till it is all neatly glued over. Again it is good to press down the glue so that it will set faster. With one cover ready, run a thin bead of glue close to the edge of the black card outer surface. Then carefully place the prepared cover over this making sure that it lines up (with a slight overhang all round). Perfect!

The cover paper for the other side is also wrapped around the other straw board card in the same way and glued to the black card on the other side of the wallet, again with a thin bead of glue close to the edge. Line it up carefully before giving this cover a good press down. Once heavy pressure is given to the PVA glue (in combination with these paper and card materials) it will be hard to shift from then on. You can gently test the ribbon "hinges" for a moment but it will be better to put the wallet under a few books for a good half hour. The moisture of the glue sometimes caused the cards to curl and pull away from each other so being held down for a time will stop that from happening. And that's it. Give it a shot.

Jasper Four

2011-05-07T05:30:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful visit to celebrate Jasper's fourth birthday. We arrived early enough to catch Gord before he left for work. So we were all with Jaz for the candle blowing.

Actually, we came two days before Jasper's real birthday so he probably had a second party, and even a third. Happy Birthday Jaz!

A rocket was just the gift for Jaz. It can go up 100 feet but is pretty safe really. Jaz found that he could sit on the 'pressure ball', or stamp on it, for a good amount of air for each take off.

Gord ready to hit the town looking all business like (with a hat like that he is ready for anything) and Jet looking a little older for each time we come.

Piper and Jaz managed their blasting off turns very well, sometimes even having two turns in succession before the other resumed. These were all well negotiated. Barb had bought spare rockets just in case both original ones were lost quickly so they both had their "own" rockets to shoot.

Notice the ladder nearby. This was used on numerous occasions when a rocket happened to land on the roof. We even had attempts at catching them as they came to earth - all great fun.

One of the other gifts was an oil and water "hour glass" and Jethro loved watching the red and blue dribbling to the bottom. He knew he could turn it over again to watch it dribble back.

Jaz coloured this rocket drawing for us. We forgot to take it with us when we left at the end of the day. We will have to remember on our next visit. He was very pleased with his effort.

Piper held up Sparkle, the only chook willing to be carried about. It was one of those nice early winter days when we could still do things outside.

World Wedding

2011-05-07T05:21:00.000-07:00

This was a wedding for the world. Certainly there was a world TV coverage. The Bible reading of parts of Romans 12 was also a gift to the world - a fine choice for so many hearers.

And there were do dramas. It went like clockwork. The bride seemed to become a light on top of the long red candle when she joined her prince. Very large scale symbolism.

Easter Family Fun

2011-04-30T03:05:00.000-07:00

We hope everybody had a happy Easter. Ours was very special because Barb's sister Madonna and our niece, her daughter, Kelli came and stayed three nights. In that time we (and they) managed to a lot of fun things and still fit in five games of Ticket 2 Ride. Daniel joined us for the last game session on the Sunday night. We had a auto-photo-shoot afterward.

This particular game (above) was an exciting scramble to get those rail links and never quite succeeding, what with lack of the right cards and the opponents' faster moves. For Peter (yellow) it was the big one that got away. Oh well. It was a real fun time, a great way to make Easter different.

This was an Easter without an egg! But we still consumed chocolates (from the bowl above) and the delicious Pan-Forte (some of it below) that Kelli made to mark the occasion.

Tran Marries Jorgandiovski

2011-04-17T04:23:00.000-07:00

We attended a special marriage union at Fairfield Park last Saturday. Thuy is a delightful and beautiful Vietnamese and Peter is a dashing Macedonian. The Amphitheater at Fairfield Park was the meeting place between to two cultures, Vietnamese Catholic and Macedonian Orthodox and this made it a thoroughly grand occasion. Parking was a shocker for most people, but once we all made it in, it did not seem to matter just how late we were or how late it started.

There were lots of group photos and these are just a few of them as Peter caught a few randomly. The one above shows Loan and Bonna's family now with three kids and the eldest, Eric, nearly as tall as his mother. Eric gave the Bible reading.

Mo was a very proud mother. She always enjoys seeing us. We have a special affinity with Mo and Ha since the time we first met when they and their girls arrived at Melbourne airport thirty years ago. Thuy was just a baby in Mo's arms, born in the refugee camp.

There was also a small collection of picnic goers watching on. They were treated to a nice spectacle and one of them was moved to share with us that he could see so much love... so clear was love on display. That was nice.

When the Macedonian half got going on the floor the music became particularly powerful so that the vibrations penetrated through to our bones (literally). The Jorgandiovski family had already been cranking up the music in their street for a few days prior to this so this was just a continuation of the festivities. We observed how overpowering the Macedonian culture was on the night, even though it went very well really and Thuy and Peter have wedding memories that they will cherish for the rest of their lives. We are glad. May God bless their marriage like the the flashing colours of the Spirit of light that travelled with the music.

Everyone who came was expected to enter a "free" photo booth especially placed in the foyer of the reception. Three of the six snaps went into a visitor's comment book and the guests kept the other three. These are the ones we kept. A nice idea.

Van Wollingen Marries Cunningham

2011-04-17T04:02:00.001-07:00

The main reason for Barb's visit to Western Australia was to attend Bethany and Matt's wedding. Bethany is Nonna's youngest and everyone thinks Matt is a super match for her. This pic shows the four married couples (now).

Asher and Jaye will have their baby around June. Asher was the mastermind behind a few very surprising and adventuresome acts to kick start Bethany and Matt's married life. Ask them if you want to know. And the cake was cut...

Good friends made available the grounds their large property for the evening reception. Barb thought everything was so tastefully done with lanterns everywhere. There was also a photo taking arrangement catching willing guests who went over to it. The whole place had a carnival atmosphere and there were lots of 'side shows' like that one, according to Barb.

Barb's Travels

2011-04-17T03:53:00.001-07:00

Barb had the pleasure of visiting Western Australia a second time. Her good friend Nonna took her in for most of the days and she stayed with one of Nonna's friends the other days. One of the first things Barb and Nonna did was to visit the sea, the Indian Ocean. That's definitely different for an eastern coaster.

Barb also had some days to herself and quickly worked out the Perth rail system to her advantage. This impressed Rolf and Nonna so much that they later took the train to give themselves a treat.

Backyard Treat

2011-04-10T04:38:00.000-07:00

These past few days (and nights) are worth blogging about. Our three grandkids plus young Abigail slept over two nights. And how did they go? In a word... super. True, there were times when we disagreed as to what to do next, but it always worked out. On the first night we even had our supper after sunset in our back yard. The mosquitoes were not too problematic and the idea turned out to be a great success.

Playground Treat

2011-04-10T04:20:00.000-07:00

This was a special time after a slow Saturday breakfast when we decided to walk up to the large park on the other side of our shopping centre. There the kids made use of both playgrounds, the second was one we did not know about. The games were a mix of doing the usual extreme things one does on play equipment and playing a complicated role play game involving the play equipment as props, like a place where the poor animals Rosy and Buttons were cruelly imprisoned.

We passed by the Redleap Lake and watched the waterfowl for a time. If we had some bread we would have had a very excited reception, but alas we came with none. Maybe next time...

Playground designers are producing more and more interesting setups in parks these days. This one was an adventure for Jethro and the perfect prison for Piper and Abigail. Jasper helped Peter guard the entrances.

Cafe Treat

2011-04-10T04:11:00.000-07:00

Before their parents returned to pick them up, we took the four kids, to Azurea Cafe for a treat. We had just the space to do it. They enjoyed the food and the game we played... trying to trick them into saying the words "Yes, No, Black or White" to any question we asked them! By the end, they were pretty sharp and we could not trip them up. We are not counting Jethro in this. He is far too young for this game.

CFA Opening

2011-04-04T06:40:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday the Whittlesea community came out in large numbers to witness the opening of its new Country Fire Authority building. It is situated on land that used to hold the Whittlesea railway station so Peter wonders if there will ever be a line again to the town. Because the Whittlesea Primary School Choir was present at the opening to sing the Australian Anthem, Peter made it a point to be present. He was glad he attended for a number of reasons. One reason was to support the school community by being present to hear the school choir sing.

Another reason was that somewhere along the track Peter wants to be more involved as an emergency chaplain, or at least a community chaplain. It is a natural progression in a country town situated in a bushfire risk area. He appreciated witnessing the spirit of the Whittlesea CFA team firsthand through the mouths of many who spoke. There were many awards on top of the actual opening.

A final reason was that Peter Ryan randomly came up to Peter to chat with him. It is not every day that Peter might speak to the Deputy Premier of the State of Victoria. Peter Ryan is also Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for Bushfire Response, and Minister for Regional and Rural Development. The number of portfolios that Peter Ryan has is quite mind boggling. He obviously has to trust in the competence of his senior public servants and understand his place in the bigger picture. He can't be everywhere at once. He generously gave his time to come to Whittlesea to open the new CFA building and hand over a set of tanker keys. Here he is posing for the camera with the recently elected (northern metropolitan region) senator for the Victorian Upper House, Craig Ondarchie, in front of the new fire tanker that the state helped the community to purchase.

Chaplaincy Variety

2011-04-01T03:54:00.001-07:00

There is definitely a varied collection of experiences each day at the school. Each day goes something like the above bug collection project. It used to be an old photographic slide organiser. Now with the help of cotton wool it has a new lease of life. When kids brings a bug to Peter, it goes in this box. This box was recently used by a year 2 boy for a personal show and tell to Preps. He did a great job, the preps loved his talk and the butterfly wings mostly survived the ordeal.

Not every school office has a blue tongue lizard living under it. This one poked its head out this far before ducking back when another boy carefully reached for it. This happened during a pastoral encounter.

This was another boy's show and tell for the day. He made it at home from instructions and brought it to class. He proudly showed Peter before he went home. Peter was so impressed he took the snap for the world to see.

This is an unfinished pastoral encounter. The scene is unfinished too. Peter is not sure where it will lead. The boy who set up the scene wants to continue with it. Other kids who have seen it think it is pretty cool. Peter asked what others thought the scene represented. Eureka Stockade was the answer.

And out of the blue most of us saw a baby wombat brought in my a woman who cares for orphaned native animals. She was wearing a baby's possum-pouch to carry it about. It was so cute!

This was all in a day. These are early days still and Peter is building relationships with the school community. All the time though he has to remain mindful that he has a serious role to perform and every interaction has the potential to be a pastoral one.

Window Light

2011-03-29T04:11:00.001-07:00

In their own way windows have special significance. Right from early civilization a window represented a portal into another realm. Occasionally, God opens a window just for a moment and we might see things with renewed clarity. Light enters through a window and illuminates what has little or no light. The same light enters the camera lens. The effect may be a softening of forms kindling the romantic eye. On the other hand a sunbeam takes the eye to only that which is lit. Both share the same window. One pliable and one brutal through the window.

Goulburn Guiding

2011-03-29T03:56:00.000-07:00

Every now and again we visit our friend Denise and when we have done this lately we have also enjoyed a stroll by the banks of the Goulburn River. It is a special place for us, a place where there is literally no one else about, just the river and the stately trees to guide our thought.

School Snapshots

2011-03-29T02:48:00.000-07:00

These are simply a few snapshots from Peter's school involvement. Each image shares a different part of his chaplaincy experience. The picture above reminds Peter of the creative energies from kids in the art room. This is a place where he has been invited to join in and help out on occasions.

Peter has learned to wear a hat on the playground during recess. This is a strict rule for the kids so it is a rule for Peter too. Here he is gluing up a 'trick' wallet for a lucky kid to souvenir.

The school assembly is first thing each Monday morning. Peter has an opportunity to tell a short story, a story which hopefully has a useful message buried within it.

The school choir featured at the Whittlesea Market a few Saturday's ago. Lots of parents came to watch their kids sing a number of lively songs and then stroll about the market looking for a bargain. Peter will more often be involved each market day because profits from this market go towards the two school chaplains in the town of which Peter is one of them.

This is a very simplified map of the school. Note the location of the new building. This building, funded by the Federal Government economic stimulus for schools, is very near to completion at this stage. This building will be in full use as from the start of second term so there will be a lot of moving to happen during the coming holidays.

Peter is impressed with the play areas of the school. This picture shows the sports field. On a windy day it is the perfect venue for kite flying so somehow that will have to happen in the future.

Some kids found a Redback minding its own business under the lid of a bin. Peter shared with those present about the poison in the spider bite and how they had to be very careful. It did not seem right to kill it. Peter took this photo while a child held the lid up.

Some kids have been playing with Lego people and toy motor bikes. Peter gave them a few old model houses, that were lying about our home for so many years, and they have enjoyed the extra props. As for how long kids of this generation will play with models like this Peter is going tot find out over time.

This is a pretty amazingly cool and very fulfilling job for Peter.

Little Red 'Green' Mower

2011-03-16T02:44:00.001-07:00

When our electric mower died, we found it was not worth it to repair. Since Peter and petrol motors have a bad track record and the last two electric lawn mowers died before their used by date (according to Peter), we decided to do the very green thing and buy a hand push mower. What was even better was that its price was a third of the powered alternatives. On top of this we had a healthy workout with the little beast, pushing through the pretty long grass that we had when we got round to buying it. Barb loved the exercise and Peter felt a sweat coming on!

Bikes Again

2011-03-16T02:40:00.000-07:00

At last we got on our bikes again. We have to be thankful for the public holiday and the 'space' for it. We had to believe that we could still climb "Heartbreak Hill" and when we faced the challenge we found it manageable. Praise God.

Barbie Art

2011-03-14T03:51:00.001-07:00

Barb is getting into art and hopes to do a fair bit during her long service leave. While she was with her mum, they worked on leaf prints together (below) and Barb made a really special drawing of a vase of flowers (above) for her mum as something extra for her birthday. Peter thinks that Barb has so much potential if this is the start of it.

Nan Seventy-Five

2011-03-14T03:11:00.000-07:00

Barb took the opportunity to fly to Brisbane to share her mother's 75th birthday. It was a late decision and turned out to be a special gift for her mum. Hey, it looks like there is at least 75 candle power on that cake!

Barb was able to link up with her brother Peter and his family to make it a special party for Nan.

Rachael is showing just how tall she is these days beside her parents. Barb was pleased that she was there to share the occasion and take the snaps.

Barb stayed with her mum for those four days and one thing they did a lot of was finding a coffee joint for a cuppa to get their fix and soak in the relaxed atmosphere.

Chaplaincy in the Open

2011-03-09T19:00:00.000-08:00

A local community newspaper wrote this article about Peter and his role as school chaplain. The school principal gave the interview. Because the Whittlesea Primary School does have children affected by the Black Saturday bush fires, the reporter chose such a heading. Peter thinks the word traumatised is a bit too extreme and does not reflect the majority of the school community which Peter also serves and he would have preferred a heading like: "Sharing the Journey".

Piper's Riding Lesson

2011-03-09T18:29:00.000-08:00

We had an opportunity to attend a Piper riding lesson a number of days ago (actually also on her birthday) as we jumped at the chance of watching. It was a perfect day for it too.

Piper was given experience of each part of the prep work before actually mounting and the reasons for each task. This will ground her in the reality of owning a horse in later years.

In this lesson we watched Piper manage and direct the walk, giving little kicks with her heals, learning to pull back on the reigns and pulling one reign to indicate a new direction. The horse was very obliging but she had to be more forthright than she wanted to be or the horse would wait for a better signal.

Jasper patiently waited for a brief ride at the end of the lesson. He is not horse-mad like Piper but does expect a go before everything is packed away.

And Jethro happily walked about the place or sat with one of us. He is such an easy child to manage. We don't know if he will go horse-mad as he grows. At present he is happy to give those HUGE things on four legs a miss.

Piper Seven

2011-03-08T03:15:00.000-08:00

Piper's Birthday was an epic weekend event. On Saturday there was the kids party with the highly popular obstacle course. We missed that part of it. We visited on Sunday and Piper was ready to do it all again.

The theme was mostly on horses. Piper seems to have everything on horses except actually owning one. She is patient enough because she is now beginning to appreciate the upkeep of a horse. The following is a series of present unwrappings that happened in the afternoon of this day.

On the same day Piper and Caleb came together for the traditional joint celebration of seven and eight years respectively. Caleb still had some makeup on his face because this happened just after the pantomime, "The Wizard of Oz" presented by the Gemco Players, and Caleb had a part.

Jethro's Second Birthday

2011-03-07T03:56:00.001-08:00

Jethro is the sweetest little kid ever and just recently he was two. We don't think there will be any trouble during the "terrible twos" with Jethro.

He knew what was expected of him and that made it all the more cute when we came for the day to share the moment.

He had presents from Grandma and Opa in Canada, presents that travelled a long way to get there. Bec was an ever-ready support.

Jaz was beginning to feel that May was just way too far in the future for his own liking. But the cake was pretty nice.

The day involved lots of painting of pictures. All three grandkids had a great time. Jethro absolutely loved it and he wanted his Poppa to squeeze out more and more paint onto his tray.

The First Day

2011-02-24T02:30:00.001-08:00

Barb wanted before and after pictures of Peter's first day as chaplain. What do you think? Does Peter look like a chaplain? The 'after' shot seems to show some degree of tiredness but that disguises the feelings Peter has about the job. When God calls you into something, though it may be hard and challenging, there is a feeling of joy in the heart that you never new was possible.

2011-02-24T02:20:00.000-08:00

These were the people who collected on the day of Peter's 58th birthday. It was serendipitous in many ways. Simon was in. Dan was not working till later in the afternoon. Barb was on a late and Peter wasn't starting till the following day. And the Funks we on their way back after dropping Gord's family members at the airport. We think that is amazing timing to overlap a lunch with everyone like that. Everyone's presence was a great gift and a great enrichment to us all.

Birthday Memories

2011-02-24T02:07:00.000-08:00

Peter's birthday fell the day before his first day on the job. He received very special gifts to mark the occasion as shown above: an abacus, bees wax candles with hand coloured wax designs (one with the new school badge), a beautiful model fishing trawler and a new shirt for the first day. Thank you all. You know who you are.

The greatest gift of all was God's... the chaplaincy position on offer at Whittlesea Primary School... and Peter was expected there the very next day. Words alone cannot describe the feelings about that gift.

Seeds of Life

2011-02-24T01:53:00.000-08:00

Since the movie Avatar came out, Peter has a new respect for the seed puffs that float about in the summer. They represent continuing life, new life passed on in abundance from the mature trees to one day grow again in a new place. This is true also for animals. A seed of life is passed on to the next generation through mating and birth. The movie Avatar took the idea into a spiritual dimension. The floating seeds were part of an overall 'knowing'. They communicated life and brought salvation to the unsuspecting.

Sisters Together

2011-02-13T14:49:00.001-08:00

We have just had the pleasure of visiting Bec and Gord at Gembrook and having some time with Gord's sister Sharon and his sister-in-law Erlene. They are on a visit from Canada and this was our one real opportunity to welcome them to Australia.

The grandkids were very excited to have so many extended family popping in. Peter occasionally had three hanging off him. It was a perfect late summer afternoon the sun keeping us warm.

Sharon gave us a show and tell of all the stuff she had bought to take back to Canada. Bec in her turn showed the wig she bought at the same market. Expect a new Bec at parties.

As the sun set, Barb and the grandkids made sure the chickens were bedded for the night. We don't want any more chicken mortalities if we can help it. We drove back in the night. The short visit was worth all the effort. It was very good to catch up with Sharon and Erlene who had made the greater effort by travelling from the other side of the world to be there.

Our Summer Garden

2011-02-11T03:52:00.000-08:00

Because of all the good rains we have had our first real success at producing a Summer crop of cherry tomatoes, spinach and carrot. We are pretty happy about that. A few weeks ago, the tomato plants coped a nasty hit from a strong hot north wind, but fortunately a cool change came just in time. We are challenged to keep the water up in the dry spells because we are sometimes "flat-chat" with too much to do.

Model Trains

2011-02-11T03:46:00.000-08:00

Some people in our church last Sunday prepared a very different attraction for the kids. It was a games Sunday and it included a model train display. This was a chance for a few model train buffs to share their hobby with the kids.

Great Bunch of Guys

2011-02-11T03:36:00.000-08:00

Peter and friend Tony lead a men's Bible study group. On 7 February they got going again with a barbecue and a talk about prayer. A special highlight for the evening was the musical squeeze-box playing by Gordon. He is one of our most remarkable group members. He is over eighty years old and we know that his father fought in the Great War. They shared a good start to the year and have grown to about twelve members.

Gas Cooking

2011-02-11T03:25:00.000-08:00

When our electrical stove reduced itself to one working element we decided the time was right to switch to gas. We contacted our trusted supplier who had installed our hot water change-over and later our ducted heating. This installation took just three hours from go to wo. We cooked with our old "round based" wok for the first time in about sixteen years. You just never know when something like that will be useful again. :)

The central cooker has two gas rings so we bring things to boil in half the time. This is about everything getting done in their proper time and being patient.

Protected Flyover

2011-02-05T00:03:00.000-08:00

Last week Dan was riding back from work on his bike and was speeding downhill through a roundabout when a car suddenly appeared crossing the intersection in front of him. His front wheel crashed into the car's side and lost its shape and Dan flew over the bonnet landing on the road and against the curb on the other side of the car. He was glad he had a helmet on. The driver was very concerned for him for a while. Dan now wonders just how he could not have seen the car approaching. We were amazed that all he got out of it were cuts and grazes and we are so grateful to God for real flyover protection. God's gift to us.

January Funks

2011-01-30T20:55:00.001-08:00

Part of the reason for driving to Gembrook is to be with family. It is a fun time for everyone at once and that even goes for how many are allowed on the trampoline. We adults have to make sure that we bounce at just the right pitch so heads don't bang together. The trampoline was fun and we both played there with our grandkids for quite a time. It seems to be better than a swimming pool if you weigh it against the amount of upkeep a pool requires as opposed to a trampoline.

Bec or Gord must have made the large foam sausage that Piper and Jasper attached to. They looked like they were riding a bouncing torpedo. Piper may have considered that this was good horse riding practice.

Jethro enjoyed the bouncing about too. He certainly likes being involved in the same sort of games as his older siblings.

The pictures below were of the late afternoon story time. It was bed time for the kids but because of daylight saving it was hard to believe it. Piper is enjoying her more serious story. It is a special time for Bec too and she read the story with plenty of imaginative expression. Gord read to Jasper, or just turned the pages as Jasper directed. We couldn't help noticing that Jaz has grown and is looking and acting older. Jethro was just happy to stroll about with the occasional excursion into Peter's pockets for what to find there. He really is a sweet kid.

Gembrook Retreat

2011-01-30T20:44:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday the Gembrook Retreat had its monthly working-bee. We were able to be involved in different ways. Barb walked about with the kids and watched them. Peter joined Gord and put up a wall to make two rooms in the compost toilet building. One day the project will be finished and visitors down in the valley will be able to shower at one end and relieve themselves at the other. These projects have to be paced in terms of years.

There was a nice community lunch shared with all who came along to help. And there were quite a few children too.

Roast Chook

2011-01-30T20:36:00.001-08:00

We have recently been roasting chickens on a regular basis. It is more probably because Simon is with us and we are three. They are super meals and Barb is behind the drive to raise the bar. It is a nice place to share our space.

Yes, we still have that Norwegian Grey. That rabbit that is probably going to live a long life much to Peter's dismay, what with all the quality food she is getting. This picture was taken on a roast eating night and she got a bit of our salad.

Chaplaincy Orientation

2011-01-30T20:25:00.001-08:00

The next step for Peter in the chaplaincy position process was to attend two orientation days at ACCESS Ministry head office. Each new chaplain was required to bring in a symbol that reflected chaplaincy for them personally. In the days prior to the training days, Peter saw leaf patterns on the foam of Barb's flat white and the idea developed from there. Peter's gum leaves came from a tree which had survived the drought through some level of spot watering provided by the city council. Peter never saw this water truck, so for him the watering had been done in secret. In many ways the nurturing of the school community through the chaplaincy service is a little like that. It might not be seen but be assured the nurture is there.

Bec's Thirty-First

2011-01-30T20:11:00.000-08:00

This was an unusual birthday in many respects. Bec caught up with Gord earlier in the day down where Gord's office was. In the evening, she joined us and that is where our blog comes in. It is unusual also because Piper, Jasper and Jethro were not there as well. We had Bec to ourselves.

Bec loves the junk mail we get. She is strange that way. Maybe the junk mail people don't walk the streets of Gembrook. Anyway, the birthday girl was allowed to take as much as she wanted of that stuff.

We did come together as the original family of old - Peter, Barb, Bec, Simon and Dan (in a sense). We celebrated at Shuga where Dan was working. That way he was there to greet Bec and we could see him whenever we looked into the kitchen. It was really nice of Bec to go out of her way to come over during a time of the month when it was really hard to find convenient overlaps.

Australia Day Thought

2011-01-25T17:40:00.001-08:00

Australia Day is upon us again and this year the Australian of the Year was a 55 year old guy called Simon McKeon who is Executive Chairman of Macquarie Group’s Melbourne office. At his interview he publically supported calls for a new national flag. Hear-hear to that. Many prominent Australians (even past prime ministers such as Malcolm Fraser, Bob Hawke and Paul Keating, are showing their interest for taking a real step towards a new and refreshing way we Australians can see ourselves.

Peter is interested in a change in the "up front" visual display of the change, in particular our flag. The one we are using is an antique from the early twentieth century. Other areas of change may require intensive debate but the flag issue ought to be clear cut. Throw out that stupid design done by some 1901 public servant and let us have something we can be proud of. The design above is Peter’s suggestion. It eats the pants off what exists at present. It is the Southern Cross constellation in the night sky over a red earth which has a line of yellow sunset. Simple, and simple is best.

Chaplaincy Position

2011-01-24T21:44:00.001-08:00

This is a short news break! Peter's application to become a chaplain at Whittlesea Primary School has been accepted. This is a super-encouraging outcome, appreciated by all who have walked closely with Peter. We are both super-encouraged. The township of Whittlesea is just outside of Melbourne, half an hour's drive north of us, a community minded town. Peter is looking forward to serving the school community well and making positive and productive connections with everybody there. It is a special time ahead for us both, a time of considerable change.

Water Stories

2011-01-21T16:29:00.000-08:00

In goes the token and in you go till the light goes red, then stop, wait. There comes the movement, the mechanical arms, the spraying, the soap and finally more spraying followed by a blow dry. The car is then assumed to be clean, and made that way after a thorough wipe over at home.

The day would start fine. The air would feel heavily humid and about our sticky sweaty bodies. And we turn on the ‘conditioner’. The laundry dries quickly enough but you have to watch the sky like a hawk. That cloud is looking heavier suddenly. Bring the clothes in before it is too late. They’ll have to do. And then it falls. It’s a natural cycle, each time the water is further purified and the rain is refreshing, and in a twisted carefree sense a blessed relief.

Where water collects it shares our journey. Where it cannot move it waits as still as a mirror for slow evaporation, to return again somewhere else, maybe next time running along the edge of a leaf. It does not matter. It holds life together. It turns the world the right way around and causes us to rest in its splendour and ponder its power.

The rush of the creek, sleek movement over randomly laid rocks, broken and smoothed by the erosive action. Pulled by gravity, the water masses together and races in free abandon headlong down, forever down, held up only in the eddying pools along the way. The sound it makes is a happy song of nature as water traps air in a variety of popping and gurgling tunes that delight the ear. All those little air bubbles burst in rapid succession as the water tumbles and catches still more. Over the next collection of rocks the water falls making more music further down, always drowned by the sound of more water coming, a cacophony of splashing and crashing in a rush to get there.