Hello… It’s us, Mister C and Me…

Hiya! What wild weather we have been experiencing during this past week. The storm last Wednesday night was fun (no, not really); being located up high on the side of a hill in our town area, we do get the heavy brunt of most storms. The wild winds thrash our tall beautiful gums (and other trees) about; the trees look like strange grey ghosts swaying their long arms in the wind. Mister C had not long gone to bed and was just sleep, when the storm hit; he soon came running back upstairs shaking with fear (poor thing). A huge clap of thunder had instantly both scared and awoken him. I gave him a big hug (and Dad too), he snuggled up with us on the couch for about ten mins. The storm started to ease, but then the lightning and thunder began again! I have to write; it was the one of the worst (and most magnificent) lightning strike events we have ever experienced… Next, the girls came running out of their rooms in horror (their rooms are upstairs); we all looked at each other and decided to run downstairs- to keep safe (it really felt like the metal roof was going to be struck). Being a solid rendered double-brick (basement) area downstairs, we thought that was the best and safest place to be; we ended up cuddling up together, next to the warm fire place for about twenty minutes; the time now getting closer to ten o’clock (thankful we had lit the warm fire).

Poor Mister C was still shaking, then another massive crack hit very close to our house; it literally shook the whole house this time. Mister C jumped with fright and began to shed a fear tear. I was able to comfort him, but inside I felt equally scared too. We later found out (the next day), there had been a tremor reading of a level three on the ‘Richter Scale’ (for earthquakes), just outside of our town area. The tremor had occurred the same time as the storm blew (how uncannily frightening?!). We ended up having only about 20mls of rain water in our rain water gauge; with all the noise and winds, I could have guessed double than that! We do live in a wonderful town and country; however, Mother Nature does her best to keep us on our toes. Widy said the next day, “We love our big gum trees, Mum. But we really should have more branches removed closer to our house; next time a really big one will probably knock the house down!” (I hope she is not right!) …

Flossy was making her school lunch yesterday morning, before going to school and reminded me with a grin, “We only have three more days of term two to go, Mum; then it’s the school holidays- yay!” I replied, “I know sweetheart, thanks- you don’t need to remind me- yay and more yay!” We both giggled and then I gave her a happy Mum hug, before driving her and Mister C to school- Widy had already caught the school bus. Please don’t get me wrong; I enjoy having the kids home in the holidays, but I like to be well prepared and plan our time together. It is busier trying to organise what the kids are going to do, while also manage my time too (for more time-consuming illustration work). I find these Winter school hols are the hardest to come up with fun things to do indoors, especially with the very cold days. And how about it being fully dark by 5.15pm (our time of the world); by the way, this day I am writing our blog is actually the shortest day of the year! What are you all going to do with your school holiday time?

Alright… Let’s go back to mid 2019… The weeks continue to fly by, Easter, the April school holidays are done and dusted; while Mother’s Day is around the corner (again). I still continue to diligently paint the outside of the house, trying to finish one side of the house at a time; in between work and family commitments. As I wrote last blog, it was a massive undertaking to complete the whole house by myself- thankfully husband came and helped me for an hour here and there over the weekends (thanks Husband!). Husband commented, “Found good present for Wife for Mother’s Day; she is still painting the house! I reckon she has spent at least one hundred hours painting over the last month. What a great lady! (I can’t believe he called me this, a bit corny don’t you think?). This work has probably increased the value of our house, by over three thousand dollars, for only about two hundred-and-fifty dollars’ worth of paint! (and an aching shoulder and wrist for me).

Now early May, Flossy was soon turning the big eleven (so exciting!). I had arranged for Flossy to have a sleep-over party with four close friends; of which Flossy was most excited about. The girls and Mister C understood they could have a party (as such) every second year; and this time it was Flossy’s turn to have a bigger party. I recall Flossy had asked for a fondue fountain (chocolate) for dessert, of which I agreed to; however, it proved too difficult to find one in any of the shops in our area. Husband even tried to find one in ACT, eventually finding a second hand (old fashioned) fondue set with old burner, in a second hand op-shop (so great). I was thankful he had found something for the party night; I recall I ended up ordering one online- but of course it didn’t arrive in time for the actual party (of course it arrived the Monday after!). Husband commented, “My sweet, loving and smart daughter turns eleven today. On Saturday she had a sleep-over party with four friends. It only took a few times of being told to keep it down, which was good. We did fondue choc fountain, bingo and fire with marshmallows (lots of fun). I love my angel as much as when I held her for the first time, about an hour after she was born; I secretly cried a little bit (with joy) then when nobody was looking.”

Flossy was still enjoying her piano lessons (mostly), and had recently been working really hard on a few songs to complete her first music grading- very exciting (in between changing piano teachers too). I really hoped Flossy would still enjoy playing and creating music when she was older, ‘it’s in her bones’ (if you know what I mean). It’s not something you can force yourself to do (so I believe) or others to put on you-it’s just in you… My sister and Uncle (Hiya C.M & P.P) are very musical (not me- I have other qualities!). We are very proud of how Flossy can read sheet music, while play and sing exact note sounds so perfectly. She can sing like such an angel (high soprano) so beautifully (just needs a little more confidence to share her voice with others). We were hoping Flossy may want take up singing lessons as well as playing the piano (or guitar down the track); only time will tell with what she wants to do or become…

Soccer season had just commenced around that time too; this was to be Flossy’s second season of playing soccer with her local under twelve girls’ team. Flossy really enjoyed playing this sport (she was very good too), we were happy to encourage this to promote overall fitness and wellbeing. Flossy’s team were runner’s up last season, the girls had hoped to finish on top again this season; their coach was good and gave the girls lots of encouragement and support (which is always a good thing-thanks!). Husband played soccer for many years and thoroughly enjoyed his time; while as we all know, our Widy is very sporty too. Mister C on the other hand, made it quite clear in his dislike of team sports, but was a very good (fast) runner. Mister C often said, while we waited in the car for Flossy to finish her training lesson each week, “Why does everyone have to run up and down the big oval all the time; it looks like too much work for me!”…

A Word from Mister C…

We all went bowling up at Mittagong for the afternoon. Mister C loves bowling; while sitting in the car, Mister C said, “I’m gonna win at bowling today!” … “Flossy won last time, my son,” Dad said smiling, while driving us all in the white car. “You’ll have to roll that bowling ball like there’s no tomorrow, to win over the girls today,” Dad said next. “Yes, Dad, I will bowl like a super hero! Of course, I am ‘Carter the clever’ after all; I have super lightning speed powers in all my arms and legs, and I can bowl two bowling balls at once- I will win today!” … ‘Wow! I bet you will, my son,” Mum said giggling and everyone laughed…

Stay tuned…

For more silly stories from 2019… I take the girls and Mister C to the Circus (super exciting), while Husband visits his dear Bro in QLD for a few days (always a busy time). Just a quick note: our third book author copies are almost ready (at the Printer now); we can’t wait to see them very soon! A very BIG thank-you to our amazing format designer (L.F); we couldn’t have done it all without your great work and help! Stay tuned for more info on our third book signing soon… ❤