This year, as the kids prepare to embark on their scholastic journey once more, we find two of the tribe learning instruments as part of the school curriculum. On the plus side, its Thomas and Emily, who both spent some time learning the piano over the last year that we were in Canada. It should at least give them a little bit to work from with regards to reading the music etc.
Now I used to learn the guitar. It was a long time ago and I like to think that after 6 years of lessons, what I worked out was that I was rubbish. Well maybe not complete rubbish, but I learned to play one note at a time and with little to no artistic flair. I play the guitar like an engineer. Well, when I say I play it like that, I used to. I think I remember one chord and couldn't read a sheet of music to save my life.
So I am hoping that from somewhere within the genetic mix, Thomas and Emily will find themselves with some of that non-tone deaf magic that good musicians have.
After all, Thomas is learning the Trombone and Emily is Learning the Violin.
Can we say cruel and unusual punishment?
(I might have to insist that all practice is done straight after school)
Jan 28, 2011
Jan 26, 2011
Hello 2011
Clearly its been a while since I last managed to sit down and put fingers to keys for this little part of my world. Its been both relaxing and busy since Christmas and that’s at least part of the reason.
After the ultra-success that was Turducken for Christmas Dinner – what’s not to love about getting to carve three birds in one go with nary a bone in the way? It was time to focus on the serious business of life – relaxing. The days between Christmas and New Years were spent sorting a few things out around the house, reviving sprinkler systems and so on and continuing the seemingly endless task of recovering from the move back home. There was also a little bit of thought about the planned trip to Aldinga on the 2nd.
We saw 2010 off in fine style, enjoying once again being able to host a party at home, with the BBQ outside and with the finally assembled pool table inside and the weather accommodating enough to enjoy it all. The blender got a workout, keeping things well lubricated, even if at one point someone said that they weren’t alcoholic enough! I believe that was subsequently well taken care of, hey Belinda? We even had visitors (or displaced locals) from Canada for the occasion and it was great to catch up with Jim and Annie after last seeing them across the ocean whilst also catching up with good friends from Adelaide again.
The 2nd saw us off to Aldinga for the week which was of course incredibly tough. Sun and sand and an ocean less than 50 metres from the front door was always going to be a big ask, but we held in there, re-uniting with friends in a week of fun that had become tradition prior to our departure from these fair shores. The inflatable kayaks were introduced to the Aussie beach with much success, including Caroline managing to lure a few squid from the oceans depths and Michael and Sam were re-introduced to the concept of sun-burn. Copious amounts of sunscreen were applied, but it only takes that one lapse. I don’t think it will be happening again any time soon.
Off the back of that week, its been back to work, frantically moving towards the real kick off of this project, which will see me in Broken Hill for a couple of days soon as we look to commence the physical work. It will be great to get out of the planning stages and be able to go ‘touch and feel’ things again.
And of course there’s the much anticipated virgin trip in the new Caravan which is somewhat exciting. Nick managed to come through for us in spectacular fashion, seeing us become proud owners of a Pajero on the eve of Christmas which finally meant that we had the capacity to tow at last. We had somewhat hopefully booked some time away in mid January, but it simply wasn’t going to work for me, so we had to cancel at the last minute. The new opportunity came out of the blue and I for one can’t wait to finally get away again, though I am sure we will oft-lament the fact that we didn’t end up bringing back the van from Canada!
After the ultra-success that was Turducken for Christmas Dinner – what’s not to love about getting to carve three birds in one go with nary a bone in the way? It was time to focus on the serious business of life – relaxing. The days between Christmas and New Years were spent sorting a few things out around the house, reviving sprinkler systems and so on and continuing the seemingly endless task of recovering from the move back home. There was also a little bit of thought about the planned trip to Aldinga on the 2nd.
We saw 2010 off in fine style, enjoying once again being able to host a party at home, with the BBQ outside and with the finally assembled pool table inside and the weather accommodating enough to enjoy it all. The blender got a workout, keeping things well lubricated, even if at one point someone said that they weren’t alcoholic enough! I believe that was subsequently well taken care of, hey Belinda? We even had visitors (or displaced locals) from Canada for the occasion and it was great to catch up with Jim and Annie after last seeing them across the ocean whilst also catching up with good friends from Adelaide again.
The 2nd saw us off to Aldinga for the week which was of course incredibly tough. Sun and sand and an ocean less than 50 metres from the front door was always going to be a big ask, but we held in there, re-uniting with friends in a week of fun that had become tradition prior to our departure from these fair shores. The inflatable kayaks were introduced to the Aussie beach with much success, including Caroline managing to lure a few squid from the oceans depths and Michael and Sam were re-introduced to the concept of sun-burn. Copious amounts of sunscreen were applied, but it only takes that one lapse. I don’t think it will be happening again any time soon.
Off the back of that week, its been back to work, frantically moving towards the real kick off of this project, which will see me in Broken Hill for a couple of days soon as we look to commence the physical work. It will be great to get out of the planning stages and be able to go ‘touch and feel’ things again.
And of course there’s the much anticipated virgin trip in the new Caravan which is somewhat exciting. Nick managed to come through for us in spectacular fashion, seeing us become proud owners of a Pajero on the eve of Christmas which finally meant that we had the capacity to tow at last. We had somewhat hopefully booked some time away in mid January, but it simply wasn’t going to work for me, so we had to cancel at the last minute. The new opportunity came out of the blue and I for one can’t wait to finally get away again, though I am sure we will oft-lament the fact that we didn’t end up bringing back the van from Canada!
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