Clunes Visit

The Funks are house sitting at Clunes just over the range between Ballarat and Bendigo. It took us about two and a half hours to get there leaving in the peak hour in Melbourne and entering some very wet weather. But it was worth the trouble and a nice overnight stay was had. The next day we did plenty of things which may take a small number of blogs to properly expound.

We'll start with the space. The house has an enormous for what we are used to and the Funks too. There are fairly reveling in the expansive living spaces. It seems a long way from one end of the house to the other and the sheer luxury of space is engaging.

Part of the house sitting arrangements involves pet sitting. There are two dogs and three cats and a significant number of pigs. Piper is in her element. And if the novelty wears off, there is always the exercise equipment and the drum kits in the front room.

Remembering Valmae

Pink flowers arriving at our place for a completely different reason seem fitting to pause to remember Peter's Mum's birthday and use these flowers as a marker for the day, yesterday. Valmae Ackland would have reached 84 had she not died in 2011. She continues to be greatly missed by both of us. She was such a valiant lady who had so much to teach us about love in a true and deep sense. We love you Mum.

Toy Kits

This a catch up on the sort of projects Peter takes to the school for the recess time Woodcraft Club gatherings or when he works one to one with a child. Most of them are produced as pre-cut 'kits' to be assembled by the children. Peter tries to make the construction as self-explanatory as possible to enable the child to more fully own the task. The children are very proud of their work and the picture above is a small sample of the ideas that have come to fruition lately. Many times Peter has relied on the adventurous and limitless imagination of the children to lead him on to something new. All that is needed most often is economical wood and a good glue.

Fence

This is a simple bit of news that was about 10 years in the waiting. We and our neighbour finally got around to replacing our side fence. The fencer who installed it did a fine job as you can see. Peter was not sure because it was the lowest quote and sometimes that can backfire. This meant a fair bit of extra work for Peter in order to recreate his 'naturally lit' workshop space, where he makes most of his wooden toy kits. The old awning off the old fence was too far gone, so he had to start again with new materials... clear polycarb attached to a panel of treated pine lattice and resting in a length of roof guttering. The size needed was different anyhow because the fence is higher. After a few additional days, Peter got his work space back, an area that is quite protected from all but the heaviest rainstorms. If they come along, it is definitely time for Peter to call it a day!

Men Group Power

 We encourage and accept each other on our journey into the deep of Life’s Mystery.

 We allow the Mystery to work in us and through us and for us.

 We experience Life’s Mystery change us for good.

 We have common struggles and common understandings.

 We share our life stories and weave these into the Divine Story.

 We are willing to directly help other group members as we discern the need.

 We are able to keep each other accountable for what we say and do.

 We influence each other through wholesome interactions.

 We share as a group of men and learn Life honouring social skills.

 Each one of us is accepted for the man that he is.

 We can freely express our emotions without receiving ridicule.

 Each of us is responsible for his own life, despite its circumstances.

What is said in the group stays in the group.

Silk Dying Shared

Bec unwound her latest natural silk dying with us. She helped by transporting Piper to us and taking Jaz home to save us a trip so she brought us her work to show us as well. It was a special little cameo moment in our side yard as Bec carefully lifted aside each layer and picked off the gum leaves. We all watched on. There was something very ritualistic about it.

Piper Stay

Piper had her turn with us last. She came dressed for the Canadian Winter! It wasn't that cold but she wore that fur had everywhere. She went to Savers and spied the Polar Bear which helped her look the part even more. In the evening, we watched a few VHS videos we had also brought back from Savers. In the morning, Barb and Piper spent a few hours at the zoo where she spied a eagle to keep. Barb was very generous! Sorry, no picture of it but it is an impressive stuffed bird. After that, we joined with the Johnson Family for lunch at Cafe Azurea as we usually do. Piper and Abigail are rarely seen together and they were able to pick up from where they left off. The following series of pictures show them in action with an iPhone camera app.