Its so quite.....but WHY

It's pretty quite around here this week..
WHY you may ask???
Dermot is away. He was asked to go Skiing with a friend.
I encouraged him to go. I thought He would enjoy a week away, particularly in Male company.
I am so pleased he took our friend up on the offer.
Saturday, saw him preparing for his Trip. He chopped lots of wood for our fire. Ranging from very small kindling to much bigger pieces.
I helped him pack and shop for a few little treats.
Yesterday at 6.45 saw me wave off Dermot to catch his lift to the snow.
Dermot has never been to our Aussie snow before. He has always hesitated to take us as a family, as we know it quite expensive.
I took the 3 of out children to the snow when they were younger. We kept our costs down and had a wonderful time.
I am really Praying that Dermot not only has a great time but enjoys the companionship.

 Brid and I are here by ourselves, Brid steadily moving through her assigned workload. Me, answering the phones and keeping messages as needed for Dermot.

Getting back to the quite. It was odd not having Dermot here on a Sunday, We went off to Mass last night and that was odd too. Dermot is always beside me, healways hold my hand and we receive Holy Eucharist together. Brid normally sits with the choir, but last night we sat together.

We ourselves don't have any big plans just our normal everyday things.

Dermot called today. " I am off to learn how to fall with Grace". I had to laugh. Its been a long time since he was on skis. ( And then it was in the Swiss Alps- I tried to prepare him that the Australian Alps are totally different).

So its hot water bottles and extra blankes for me this week?

What an Adventure

Wow what a month....  We had a homeschool camp, a week away as a family, and two weeks official school holidays between terms 3 and 4.
We had such a busy time, I ended up needing a few days to recover. And in truth so did Brid.

I wanted to share with you about our holiday.
We decided as we were so close to the Boarder of NSW & Queensland, that we would take a holiday up that way.
As Dermot works from home, its harder for him to switch off if we have holidays at home, so we try to get away at least once a year.

Coolangatta Beach

So back to our holiday...We left camp...stopped in the village of Lennox Head, had a lovely morning coffee and milkshake, and drove the hour or so to Coolangatta.
We needed to waste a little time as we were unable to check in to our accomodation before 1pm, so we drove through Byron Bay and had the car washed. It was very very dusty.
The Gps got us to our accomodation and we checked in, unpacked and were taken aback by the gorgeous views. We would see Dermot  later that afternoon. Meanwhile, we got used to our surroundings and relaxed. Had a late lunch on the beach and sent txtx back to family.
We got lost getting to the airport- the gps took us on back streets that didn't exist anymore. All I wanted to do was see my Darling.
So finally with Dermot arriving safely on the scheduled flight from our home town, we started our holiday, But not before one young lady got the bug that everyone else got after camp. No fun for her or us getting up most of the night. By the next evening she was beginning to feel better. So We had a fairly chilled out quite day.

Anne & myself

Our first big day was meeting up with another Homeschooling family and a Lady who always inspires me. We had a lovely day at Marian Valley- once we found it. After Mass, it didn't take long to spot Anne. That was a special meeting. It was lunch time so we shared what we had prepared. Anne and Phil and there children walked us around the valley and we looked at each of the statues and the grottos.
The Children explored and made friends. At the end of the day, the children were making a bridge close to where we were picnicing.
The piety shop was worth the visit. There was a talk being presented on Padre Pio, but we were happy to just chat. The day came to a close much to quickly, but we have lovely memories.

just getting to know the Dolphin

Us at Sea World

Sea World was next on the list. I love Sea World and although it was Brid who chose the place we would go, I secretly hoped she would choose Sea World. We asked  for a homeschool discount and we received one. Wow.. great saving. We have been to this park before when our older children were little- Brid was a baby, and it has grown each time. This time we wanted Brid to have an adventure with the Dolphins. It was a great experience, and apart from the DVD and photo we received, in a package,  we have some very cool photos of her with the Dolphins.

At the boarder

Our all day long excursions to these difference parks we explored, were offset by days of just chilling by the surf, on the beach, or a lovely beach walk during the day or at sunset.

What the Zoo is famous for- its crocs

Africa section- Steve Irwin dreamed of this  

We visited the Wildlife warriors intensive care for wounded annimals- attached to the zoo.

We have been to Australia Zoo as well-again when Brid was very young, but as we particularly like it, we drove the 2 hours north, past Brisbane and into the sunshine coast. We knew it was a long drive making it a big day but it was definitely worthwhile.
We have seen Australia Zoo grow from a very small zoo to its size today. Its message has always been conservation, preservation. It was a great learning day. The wildlife warriors hospital was an interesting experience seeing the animals hurt by human misadventure and the extend of the hospital

So after a week, sunning ourselves, long beach walks, theme parks and catching up with friends it was time to travel south. We dropped in to see Erin on our way home. Thanks for lunch Erin.
And then the long drive South. We were rather surprised at the journey only taking 8 and half hours, once we took our stops out.

A little addit, Brid took most of these photos, thanks to her wonderful photography course she took with some other hunter homeschooling teens

Lakes Entrance

A couple of weeks ago, we took a holiday to a lovely part of Australia. Lakes Entrance, East Gippsland in Victoria.
We had never been there before, so we decided lets just go and make new memories.
I googled the area, and discovered there was not a lot to do there. Fine. That's good for us. Dermot was in need of a holiday.. It happened to be the week of the scorching temperatures in NSW. We didn't miis those temps though, We had several hot days, but a pool was by our door. We stayed here, out of town slightly.
We hired a boat to take us around the Lakes that lie just inside the channel taking you out to sea. Brid and Dermot & I fished from the boat and it was 43*C. We got home and stayed in our cottage to just cool down in the air conditioning. We got a knock at the door. "There is a fire 18 kms away, we are on alert. ". We asked the questions like "where is the gathering spot and where do we meet.?"  I meant just the cottages, but our host said. " Oh we meet down at the waters edge, in town". We were a little off put and immediately put the emergency channel on for updates. At this point , the fire was uncontained and out of control. Our access for getting "home" was cut. ie, the Princes Hway, so we would need to head south for safety anyway.
I scanned the room through the afternoon, seeing how quickly I could pack the essentials into the car. I had several things already in a bag for each of us. We had to wait til the next day, until the warning was lifted and the fire was contained.
I txted my parents "we are safe from the fire, we are OK"- they actually had no idea we were in danger. They knew we would be OK. I deliberately didn't want to alarm Louise, she would only worry, But we then got a message from Louise, "are you near the fire". What could I say. So I tried to allay her fears. After several messages back and forth, she was satisfied we were Ok.

But all this said, This all happened during the Cyclone Yasi crisis, the Egypt Crisis and floods coming down the darling murray basin to Victoria. It was bizarre.

All this didn't stop us enjoying our holiday. We fished, swam, used the spa, saw Buchan Caves, chilaxed, caught fish- Yes Brid caught her very first Fish and then went out another night and caught another.
So here is a few photos of some highlights. 

Our cottage, Brid in the pool

Brid reeling her first fish-Daddy is so proud

In our little boat

Buchan Caves

The haze is from the smoke, not the weather

Uluru and the flies!!!!!

On our way to Uluru-
The next day we travelled 4 – 5 hours to Uluru- but we would stay, with all other guests at Yulara- 8 kms from Uluru. On our way down the Stuart Highway, we saw a sign saying 130 kms / hr. Dermot & I both looked twice and thought, Ok, you beauty, we'll do that. It was so flat and the roads so straight that it was safe. We saw a few road trains- Heavy trucks all linked together. We were warned of these. I was surprised at how green it was along on the road side, and beyond, but the Landscape did begin to change to a more rocky outlook.
Mt Ebenezar was where we got our first real taste of real aboriginal art work. The people around this are the emu people. Everything is associated with the Emu.
We first caught a glimpse of Uluru before Mt Connor lookout, but this was a place, you could take your photos. It was Amazing. I was excited and overcome with its enormity already. Particularly as it was still 120kms away!
We arrived At Yulara and after having a quick look around the complex- which was massive, we decided to see Uluru by sunset. Why not, everyone else was. There is a sunset carpark!! We arrived and there were so many cars in the carpark. We found our vantage point, the girls climbed onto the cars roof, and sat and drew and watched the sunset over this massive rock. Next day, it was a bright idea by someone- umm not me, to see this massive rock by sunrise!!!! I am not a morning person, so It was a huge challenge, but achieved and It was amazing to watch the rock change colour as the light fell upon it. This was also the day we did the 10.4kms walk around the base. The indigenous people asked us not to climb the Rock, and we respected that. It was the most spiritual feeling, to be present in this part of Australia. The walk was expected to take 4-5 hours, we steadily walked it in 2 hrs 17 min. We stopped for water and break stops and sat in awe of this great Icon. On the four corners of the rock, where men's and women's sacred sites. You could only just imagine the significance of these places to the indigenous people of our land.

There was a very informative cultural centre, which really told the story of the dreamtime animals associated with this area. The lizard and the black snake.
Dermot and our friend Garry, decided to go to The Olgas. Myself, the children and Bev, his wife, decided the pool, and a rest with a possible glass of wine was a nice idea. We knew we had a long day the next day beginning before day break, at 5am, so we paced ourselves, as wise women do. It was a wonderful way to spend a few hours, and it recharged our batteries.
We headed back to Alice to catch the plane home, and finish our most wonderful exciting, never to be forgotten holiday. So I share this with you. I hope you all enjoy my rambling. Oh I didn't tell you about the FLIES. They were very loving- lots and lots of them- everywhere.

Central Australia- Alice Springs part 1

We flew into Alice Springs after stopping in Melbourne overnight, courtesy of Qantas.
It was an amazing week, and I still pinch myself to think that we have been to this awesome place. Firstly we were surprised by the green landscape –we were expecting a red dust bowl. One of the airline hosts told us that the residents needed to buy lawn mowers, and after using them only 3 times they are sick of them.
Secondly, It was around 28-30 Celsius. Pretty comfy, nice temperature for us Aussies. I thought to myself, this is easy to cope with.
So we hit the ground running, trying to fit in as much as we could in every day we had in this outback place. So we needed invested the help of The tourist info for some very helpful advice. We viewed the Alice from Anzac Hill and could see the West & East MacDonnell ranges. Massive. We were asked by the hire car company, not to drive on dirt roads, so it meant lots of roads were unavailable to us. We just would not risk the insurance, if something happened.
It was suggested to us to drive through the East of ranges first, as we only had the afternoon. Amazing dry riverbeds was where- the gorges had their backdrop.
Next day, we took the Lippinjita Way and drove for about an hour or more, to reach the furthest Water gorge, Emmersiton, that way we could drive back slowly and see each sight, knowing we were driving toward our destination. It made sense at the time.

Before we did this, we needed to get food supplies, so while the other family attended to this, we chose to see the School of the Air. It was very interesting and the staff where very helpful. As most Aussies are aware, it was set up using the radio, by a nurse working for the Flying Doctors, now it is all done via internet satellite dishes now. The teachers have 138 students all throughout Central Australia, including 3 aboriginal communities. The students get private teacher time, class time and tutorial times on the air. I am so glad we took the time to see this.

The waterholes were full as it had rained in the last few months. It was cold and deep, but did it stop us lot, NO. Dermot & brid had a ball in the water, with rocks edging into the water. We saw an Ochre supply- where the Aboriginals got there ochre for their ceremonies to paint themselves with. There are so many different colours. We were asked not to take any from the walls, but there was some on a concrete path, so I dipped by finger to the dusty surface and pressed in into Brids' nature journal.

Just couldn't resist sharing this one

We are Back

Hi everyone, We are back after a very beautiful peacefilled 8 days emersed in Gods 'Love.
Summer School of Evangelisation (SSE10), Run by the Disciples Of Jesus Covenant Community, was very local for us. It really is on our backdoor.
We arrived last Sunday and re emerged back into the 'world', this Sunday just gone.
It was the largest Summer School that they had run at Tocal.
We were fed well with Gods' great love and peace.
Lectures and Seminars daily during the week, childrens 'ministry for all the kids, Sessions specific to youth. A lovely married couple gave a very special witness about Being Men of God , and Women of God. They touched on areas which are hard to talk about issues and also issues our mainstream youth, don't hear about. Modesty was a big one. Understanding the male psyche was another. Very exciting to see it discussed and people flocked to this series of talks.
One of the priests was blessed enough to go with Harvest tours to Jerusaleum, and he shared his experience as well as he discussed the Man of the Shroud. Very inspiring.
The evening sessions were filled with witness talks, praise & worship, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament every night, reconcilation opportunities, prayer team for individual prayer and at the end of every night was the Divine office. Morning prayer began at 7 after an hours' adoration.
The Rosary is prayed daily and is of course well supported.
It was an extremely hot week, and it was hard to keep cool, but the pool in the afternoon was a great relief. The lecture rooms were air conditioned for the first time.
This community has several ministries underpinning it., including Missionaries of Gods' Love - for Brothers, Sisters- about 11 in total, ( they have 2 houses, 1 in Canberra and 1 in Melbourne)and Priests. They all undertake studies in Melbourne. The Priest presiding of our SSE10 has his community base in Darwin.
The Brothers come from all over Asia Pacific area. At least 8 come to Tocal. They are all in the process of Studying for Priesthood.
There is a Youth Mission Team-YMT, that ministers to the youth in the schools and as well runs youth groups and weekend retreats for youth. They also keep in contact with the youth they meet, and great friendships are made, which are life changing.
There is also support for the singles and young adults as well as everyone, who becomes a covenant member.
Mass is of course Daily, and as it is a charasmatic community, then so is Mass. Great reverance is attained and much discernment goes into the whole week.
Brid had an awesome time, in Childrens' ministry and she was involved with a girls' share group for the first time. she 'LOVed' it and they called themselves St Joan Of Arc- they visited the Chapel every day to put flowers in front of the alter. The best thing about this little group, is that all of them will be ready to move to the nextlevel all together- so they will be able to support and grow together.
Our family has been nourished, supported and encouraged by this beautiful loving community for over 5 years now.
We will go again, God willing next year. Each year, you give yourself to god that little bit more, and he blesses you abundantly.

A snapshot into our weekend

Last week I blogged about our school week, and what lessons we did when.

Well late last week, we travelled to Canberra to catch Diana Warings last Living, Laughing, Learning conference here in Australia.

We were to meet up with two other homeschool families, so we were excited and couldn't wait to get there. I was keen to hear the talk about 'Got Teens', and we arrived with lots of time to spare. Great.

I could relax and listen. Dermot & Brid took off after saying hi, to unpack.

I enjoyed listening and interacting with Diana, and it was obvious she is well used to doing this.

There was lots of vendors to purchase curriculum from, I was pretty right, so I wasn't to compelled to purchase anything, just looking was enough.

The 3 three girls has plenty of time to share together, especially at breakfast. We all stayed in the same place, so a shared breakfast was a great way to start the day. Anything you wanted.

Brid was introduced to babychinos- thanks for that! They had some magic moments in the parks and out at night, that were hard to describe, without photos.

We enjoyed everyones company, but Dermot got into some great discussions. Late night chats his speciality.

We had arranged to go to Mass at the local church St Brigids'. Very apt, as we are parishioners of this church in our own dioceses. Anyway, we were meant to meet everyone for a take away dinner in the park. We knew Mass would make us late for dinner, but we still arrived and the kids hung out together. They collected these opened light pods and had a little fun with those.

After the last breakfast with the whole crew, including our international guest, we went sightseeing. First up was The walk alongside Lake Burley Griffin. We did some explaining, about when and whys, saw Aspin Island- a big bell tower, saw Blundell cottage, last cottage left in the area which was operational as a farm, It was preserved in the '70's- it was going to be demolished. Very cute.

We went to a glass blowing and making factory. We hoped Brid could do some hands on, but she was too young. so We just had to make do with looking, at the various people doing there work.

We decided to go to Cockington Green. Well I'd been there before, and we knew Brid would love it. She was tickled pink, and enjoyed hearing all about the cottages and buildings. We had a little history lesson, and a world geography lesson as well, at the International section of the green.

It was a very full day, and we eventually went home exhausted to have a nice coffee and rest. phew!

Dermot spoilt us, and took us to Black Tower moutain for dinner. WOW!!.It had been raining,so I thought it would be too cloudy, but hey! it cleared as we were eating and laughing. The Restuarant revolved. That was fun and was a talking point to start with. 85 minutes to revolve once. Awesome view, and we got there early enough to see the view in daylight as well.

It was a very nice evening and we certainly had to make sure Brid had her best manners in hand. It was like Diana Waring descibes as a 'chalet suzanne' experience. Best manners please.

I will conclude our adventure soon.

It was Beautiful

Early this week, I put a post up of the cottage we stayed in for our relaxing, non technology holiday.

This is the first holiday we have had together for 12 months, and boy did we need some down time.

After our 5 hour drive to get to our holiday cottage, in the outskirs of the Dorrigo National Park, we just looked at the view. WOW!!

We unpacked and Dermot put Brid in charge of the fire and we cooked pizzas.

Next day we chose to do a 2-3 hour walk- called Coachwood walk and a detour to Cedar Falls. I did the Cedar Falls walk 20 + years ago as a teenager, and as we wprked our way down the steep descent it came to mind why I was never doing it again- and here I was doing it again with Dermot and Brid. It was gorgeous when we got down there, but honestly if we had a helicopter to get us out I would have said 'yes please'. For people who know me, that is unlike me.

We had our mandatory Leach stops. Dermot won- he had 4.

We got home very tired, but as we were so far away from a take away and I had planned our whole weeks food, I needed to cook dinner, we all helped so it was fun.

Next day My legs were very very very sore so we decided to have a home day. This is what we did.

says it all

Holidays nearly over.......

Well its nearly time to return to the books and general day to day stuff. We have had a great holiday, very tiring.
We have had so many great days. Caught up with so many friends.
Yesterday a friend and I took our children on an adventure to Sydney's Rocks area. It was fun pointing out historical sights and looking at different convict quarry work. Explaining in simple terms to kids about the area and showing them the arrows on the bricks.
We found a great park under the harbour bridge and when we walked back to have lunch, we were dished up a treat of watching a personal trainer take his clients through there routines. It kept us all occupied.
We finished our day with a visit to St Patricks' near the Rocks. It was perfect timing because there was exposition. So we took the children to the front of the church and they all kneeled reverently for a short while. Long great day, and a wonderful way to finish it off.
Brid was printmaking today. We made 3 different printings. We had the pleasure of being taught by a homeschooler Mum, who owns her own studio. We printed the creations with a 200 year old printpress.
Another great day.
But it wasn't finished yet. Dermot had packed a picnic for us, and was waiting for us to return so we could go to the foreshore.
In the afternoon when we returned home we were welcomed by several Crimson Rosellas pecking at our bird feeder and playing in our weeping bottlebrush tree. It was certainly a God moment. Just a private show for us. Brid got up real close to the birds before they got spooked.
Amazing!!!!
In all of this we have had our parish Statue of Our Lady, so we could pray the Rosary in front of her. It has been a very blessed time
Thank you Lord for this Beautiful day and a truly wonderful break.