Monthly

MARIE'S CORNER

Jonny Peace is 4 months old already. He really enjoyed meeting his Kiwi grandparents a few weeks ago and Mama enjoyed being able to sit down for a cup of tea every day during his bath time. I’ve enjoyed the ups and downs of living away from home for 6 years, but am starting to feel the pull to be near family now that I have a baby. It doesn’t look like we’ll be moving back there any time soon, but we are all really looking forward to a visit later this week and introducing him to his American fan club. Come to think of it, Jonny has quite a few people eager to meet him on most continents!

LIFE IN THE BIG SMOKE

We have had a busy month. My parents came for a visit. It was great for Jonny to meet them and vice versa. They certainly enjoyed doting on him as well as helping with washing the dishes and washing the baby (but not together).

I turned 42.

If you come and visit us in Beecroft, along with the cafe quality latte and amazing assortment of gluten free snacks which you'll be offered, there is a good chance that I will force our wedding album upon you. It's more than a wedding album. My wife has done an amazing job getting photos of us all around the world (a few photos of friends, but really the book features us).

MARIE’S CORNER

Jonny is smiling, babbling, hating tummy time, trying to play with his toys, and enjoying long naps in the morning. Life with him is delightful. I definitely don’t miss work yet!

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

One of my favourite children’s authors is Dr Seuss and one of my favourite books is “Oh The Places You’ll Go!” Here is an excerpt:

The Waiting Place...
...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.
Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.

CONSISTENT ADVICE

Recently I have had cause to reflect upon many shared experiences but also wise words from a friend and mentor of mine. Thankfully my “Aussie Dad”, John Gollan, is still with us and slowly recovering from a major stroke a number of weeks ago. When I first came to Australia (in 1993) I spent many hours at the Gollans place before finally moving in and living there.

MARIE’S CORNER

Nothing different from last month.

UKRAINE