Sunday, 2 June 2013

June Update

Hi Relies,
This blog/email has been inspired by Uncle Bryan's usually regular updates to those on his mailing list - which I so enjoy receiving!
I am 'on it' at least once a year - as some of us Walfords are, but I was remiss this last year.
Some were aware of our 'doings' through our blog, but here's a recent recap...
Last year was a fantastic year for us Tidy's - travelling NZ & some of Australia. A highly recommended way to spend a year of one's life - all 'care & no responsibility', but those responsibilities catch up & you have to face the responsibility of earning money on a regular basis, educating your children on a regular basis & looking after your property on a regular basis!
One definition of regular is 'conforming to some accepted rule'. I know some of us Walfords have a bit of trouble with 'regular'!
So, here we are, once again being 'regular'. It's not all bad - Nicholas & Catherine are certainly enjoying it, as they have said they'd travel for a few months, but not for a whole year. They are enjoying being back in their small school community& activities such as gymnastics, piano & hockey. John & I are enjoying Netball & Hash House Harriers, but we'd happily pack up tomorrow!
So, before we succumb again, what do you all think of a 'family reunion'? Don't those words make some families cringe? I don't think so for us!
I was inspired recently when I came across a photo of us 'cousies' outside Phil & Jenny's place (sadly Minus Bryan's kids) when we were 3-6 years old. I got to thinking we were due for a catch up!
The last time was sometime in the early 90s - we had so much fun reminiscing at the dinner table & daring each other to jump off the bridge!
That was too long ago & many of us have not yet met each others offspring!
So, I propose (unless someone else is keen to organise it!)....
* a weekend in Kenilworth ( a rural town in Queensland with a great camp ground)
* accommodation to cater for most tastes & budgets - camping, dorms, houses
* catering to be a mix of DIY & catered
* activities - DIY from canoeing to walks to sightseeing & shopping
Obviously the main aim is to maximise time together & also the opportunity to do your own thing!
I'm not sure if we should aim for 2014 or 2015 - you Kiwis (if it ends up in Australia) will need to determine this.
The invite will be for ALL families to attend - from Great Uncle Alan & Aunty Jule to the youngest of our families.
I'm putting it out there - thoughts, suggestions, coordinators will be most welcome!
Look forward to hearing your feedback,
Jules

Friday, 14 December 2012

Christmas Chat

Hi All,
Apologies for no blog update for some time - working has taken both my time & brain power!
I have now finished my exhausting teaching stint, the kids have finished school & John has one more week of work left. YAHOO!

After our fabulous year of travel it was a real shock to work for two months without a break (ha, ha - or lol).
As you are all aware, we've had one of the best years of our lives - 4 months travelling in NZ - sightseeing, visiting family & friends, eating kaimoana (seafood) & having a 10 day 'holiday from the holiday' in Fiji. How good was that?!
Home for a couple months - taste of normal routine of teaching, schooling & orcharding and then away again to experience some of Aussie's treasures - the QLD Outback, Darwin, Kakadu, Uluru & the tropics of Cairns.
It has been an amazing experience - one we highly recommend!
We will spend Xmas with family (everyone except Mat, Rob & girls, sadly) camping North of Cooktown - fishing & diving on the Reef & surviving the heat! After that us Tidy's will head home.
We had thought this year might have brought a new adventure for us to participate in, but not so - we are looking forward to going home to our 'piece of paradise'!
It's funny the things you miss - our space & view, the pool & our fresh homegrown produce of avocados, limes, mangos, lychees, mulberries, custard apples, honey, veges, etc. we obviously have simple 'TASTES'!
I can't rave about any sporting, academic or artistic enterprises & achievements that we have done this year (not sure if I ever can), but what I can rave about are the amazing places we've seen, the exciting things we've done, the incredible animals, flora & fauna we've encountered, the great people we've met & the fabulous time we've had as a family!
We decided early this year that our family motto is: 'to buy EXPERIENCES, not THINGS' - we've achieved that!
I trust that you all have 'achieved' in 2012 & that you will fulfil some of your dreams in 2013. Have a very Merry Xmas & a Happy New Year!
Love & Blessings, Jules, John, Nic & Catherine
An eclectic mix of pics to follow - haven't many of NZ as iPad too full!