ISLAND HOLIDAY

Do you remember those old advertisements for the ferry trip to Manly ? The slogan was "Seven miles from Sydney and a thousand miles from Care!"

Well, Norfolk Island is 1000 miles from Sydney, and although we are pretty laid back and enjoy a wonderful way of life, we do sometimes create our own little rat race here.

But who would want to escape it by travelling 1000 miles back to the bigger rat race in Sydney? That is why some of the locals often choose to hop in a boat, and sail across to our own little offshore Phillip Island, just 7-8 km to the south, about 20-30 minutes journey depending on the seas.

Each year about this time, John and some of his mates spend a few days over there. It is "chill out" time, perhaps a touch of male bonding? Whatever, they have a great time. And the younger boys get to spend a bit of quality time with Dad, too. What better opportunity to pass on those special skills and and knowledge that are a part of their island heritage!!

There are no luxury hotels or apartments there. Just a basic fisherman's hut. But they do not exactly rough it. They are equipped with a generator, frig and stove and water tank, and enough furnishings to make it all pretty comfortable.

"Bunting" feels very relaxed

While they are there, they fish, drink, collect hi-his (periwinkles), drink, gather whalebird eggs, drink, and explore the island, before returning to the hut for a drink. But they do not just drink - they "cook up big", enjoying not just the seafood, but big roast dinners and even sweet pies. There are some pretty good cooks among the boys!

The Fishermen's hut from above

At this time of year, it is open season for the Whalebird eggs. These small speckly eggs, with their fishy taste, are a traditional delicacy for the Norfolk Islanders. You can eat them boiled, but many people freeze the egg mixture to make omelettes throughout the year. Bucketfuls are brought back in the boats to share out among friends and relatives. If the eggs are collected, the birds will lay another, but care is taken to monitor the breeding numbers, so they do not become endangered. The open season only lasts a month.

Looking for whale bird eggs.

The hi-his (periwinkles) are gathered off the rocks, and are just brought to the boil in salty water, It is a fairly laborious process picking out enough for a feed, using a needle or pin. But it is well worth the effort. The flavour reminds me of the "winkles" that we used to gather on the beaches in England. In the part of England that I came from, the coast was subject to strong tidal surges, such as they are experiencing at the present time. Many of the beaches have dividing timber fences, to prevent the loss of too much sand and pebble. The "winkles" would collect on these fences, and we would gather them in our rubber bathing caps. At the popular "holiday" beaches, enterprising traders would gather them, pick them out of the shells, and sell them by the saucerful, with salt and vinegar!

Brandt enjoys his very first Phillip Island escape'

Norfolkers are also very fond of "hi-hi pie." Making these is a real labour of love, because it takes ages to pick out enough from the shells. However, you do make them go further by putting them in a thick white sauce, with a little vinegar added, before enclosing them in the pastry. YUM!!!!

Now we have mobile phones, there is probably less of a feeling of "getting away from it all" for the boys out on Phillip. Nevertheless, We womenfolk cannot help envying them a little as they enjoy their "escape" from the daily routine and "cares" of work and home.
In the next posting, I will show you some more pictures of Phillip Island, and tell you how it came to look so bare and rugged.

RACING FEVER

You will rarely find us at a Racetrack, or at the TAB, but there is no doubt that horses and horseracing have played a reasonably significant part in our family's lives over the years.

Growing up on Norfolk Island, Bernie probably came into much closer contact with horses than most people of his generation on the mainland. Not only were they an important way of getting around, but Agricultural Shows, Gymkhanas and the like installed an appreciation of a well-bred and well trained horse. Bernie actually became a fine rider, with what they call a "good seat", something that our daughter Miriam inherited. It may be that the boys did too, but in their teenage years, motorbikes began to present more instant gratification!!

It was when Miriam came home to Norfolk back in December1992/January 93, to celebrate her 21st birthday that she caught Trevor's eye. Trevor, a Trainer and ex-hurdle jockey, had been invited as a guest of the R.S.L. Race Club to add some interest to the event. Now our New Years' Day Races used to be held on our Golf Course, and Miriam loved to take part, as did Bernie in earlier days. We had a beautiful ex-racehorse from New Zealand that Miriam loved to ride.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, they fell head over heels, helped no doubt by the mutual interest in horses, and Miriam soon moved off to New Zealand. Eventually Miriam and Trevor, who is nicknamed "Gripper" established their own breaking in and pre-training business on their property that they called "Devon Lodge".

Down in Matamata where they live, you are right in the heart of the New Zealand Racing scene. When we were visiting them about five years ago, we happened to be passing the Town Hall in their neighbouring town of Cambridge, when we saw that they were about to hold a Civic Reception for Sheila Laxon, whose Horse Ethereal won both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups that year. So we went in.

What a photo opportunity! Both Bernie and Emily took the opportunity to pose with Sheila - and the famous mugs!!!I should point out that the larger and more ostentatious of the cups is actually the Caulfield Cup.

How many little girls can actually boast that they have handled the famous cups?

Miriam and Trevor("Gripper") are no longer together, and the business has been sold. Trevor, who used to work with the starting barriers for the race meetings in that part of New Zealand, now acts as official starter for all the Auckland area Race meetings. He and Miriam still hold a joint share in a very successful horse currently in Lee Freedman's Stables in Melbourne.

This particular horse was born on their place, and was a "Dummy Foal", which means that he had a whole range of physical and neurological problems, probably caused by lack of oxygen during birth. He had to be handfed, and his walking was so wonky that he was nicknamed "Gripper" - after Trevor, whose car accident had left him somewhat wonky and wobbly on his feet.

Their hard work and perseverance with him certainly paid off! This same horse will be racing tomorrow,8th November, in the Spring Racing Carnival, just one of a series of big races where he has had a good deal of success. His racing name is "Itstheone."

Now for my part, I only observed horses from a safe distance (still do) especially since the time I was holidaying on a farm in my late teen. They sat me on a horse, told me how to make it go, but unfortunately I did not wait around to find out how to make it stop. All I can say is I am glad this horse did not want to leap fences!

However, I grew up in Todman Avenue, Kensington, which was not far from the Randwick Race Course. In the streets around us there were several stables. It was a common sight in the late afternoons to see the apprentices leading groups of horses around the block for gentle walking exercise. My girlfriend and I fell in love with one particular young apprentice jockey called Norman- well, he may have been just a stablehand - and looked out for him each afternoon.

The lady in the flat upstairs ran an SP bookie shop, and each Saturday afternoon, there would be trails of people going up and down the back stairs with money and slips of paper in their hands, with all the "business" being done through the servery used by the milkman and baker. It was years before I found out what was going on, because my parents would not discuss it with me. After all, it was highly illegal! A couple of doors along there was a man living who was described as a "professional Punter". His bets were no doubt with bigger players, and there were always juicy rumours about his latest winnings or losses!

My primary school was right over the road from one of the sets of gates into Randwick Racecourse. On "Ladies"Days"- usually a Wednesday afternoon - we loved to look out of the classroom window at the ladies in their glamorous outfits.

I never went into that racecourse. But some weekends, Mum and Dad would pack a picnic, and we would go up onto a hill which actually overlooked the course from a distance. We would listen to the race commentaries on Dad's new transistor radio, and place penny bets among ourselves while we watched the races from a distance.

I have been to a number of race meetings in New Zealand in more recent years, as well as horse sales and other activities associated with the racing industry. I can well understand how the atmosphere and camaraderie becomes a part of one's life. Meanwhile I was very happy to win the princely sum of $8 yesterday, when I drew Mahler in a sweep. He ran third.

HALLOWEEN BAZAAR





Our local island pre-school and playcentre was founded over 35 years ago, and was an initiative of the "Wives and Mothers' Club." Initially held in community halls, the playcentre eventually moved into its own premises, known as "Banyan Park". This was built 30 years ago, after years of fundraising by these busy and enterprising Mums, who wished to provide a valuable learning and socialising experience for their pre-schoolers.




Today Banyan Park continues to thrive, with very high standards, and excellent staff. Although they charge a modest fee, a new generation of Mums (and Dads) still continue to work hard to raise the funds to maintain the centre and its infrastructure, and provide equipment. Tina is on the Committeee, and was largely responsible for the organisation of Wednesday's Halloween Bazaar.


The idea was that you handed over a small fee, grabbed a table, and set up your own stall, selling whatever you wanted. Most people opted to take the opportunity to clear out cupboards and have mini-Jumble sales. There was a wealth of good secondhand baby equipment and clothes.








Tina and I joined forces to sell some crafty items. Tina had some mini-paintings, handpainted Kindy aprons, and lovely flower clips, while I made a special effort to finish off some handmade Christmas stockings that I have had "on the go" for some time.































There was a raffle and a sausage sizzle to add to the fundraising, and Louise provided $1 a minute massages. She was certainly kept busy!






Our local radio station, which really deserves the title of Community Radio, came down to the hall and broadcast from there for the three hours the Bazaar was on, providing lively music, and generating enthusiasm by interviewing stallholders and kids.

George and Brent from VL2NI

At 6:30 it was time for the Halloween parade, and all those little ones - and a few bigger ones too -who had come in costume lined up on the stage.

Everyone earned a prize for joining in the fun!

It was a great event, and a good start to the Trick-or-treating that proceeded round the island for the rest of the evening!!

TEA PARTY COMES HOME

The Round Robin in which I have been participating has come to an end, and my very lovely Tea Party book has found its way home.

The eight very creative ladies taking part have all contributed their pages, and the end result is just beautiful.

It is a very nostalgic look at tea parties, most people choosing a style that recalls more elegant days, when tea time was a very gracious ritual and a special occasion for bringing out your finest china, displaying fine linens, and showing off your talents in the kitchen (unless you were fortunate enough to pay someone to do that for you!)

Many of the pages have old doileys incorporated into them, and Diana from New Zealand even attached a very beautiful old butter knife.

I asked the participants to record an old family recipe on the reverse side of each page, and there are some wonderful ones, including Butterfly Cakes, Rock Cakes, Mary McGovern's Strawberry Jam, Val's Neverfail Sponge, and Grandma's Scones.

Art Nouveau and Edwardian feature strongly on the pages, which is exactly what I had in mind. There is even a page featuring a dolls' teaparty.

It is so sad that we do not seem to take time for this very unique form of hospitality very often nowadays. It is usually a case of "Meet me for coffee" or "Join me for a beer." We do not seem to have the time clean and dust and vacuum, plump the cushions, set an elegant table, with beautifully laundered and starched cloths and serviettes and polished silver. Nor are we prepared to put the hours in to produce those special recipes, indulgent cakes and pastries, and delicate sandwiches and savouries.

Life is so "instant" these days.

I suppose we now favour different sorts of occasions. Here in Norfolk Island - and elsewhere - we have plenty of barbecues and "Pot luck" suppers and Fish Fries. Cocktail parties seem to have gone the way of tea parties, and the best we can manage is "Drinks (usually BYO) and finger food. Opening a few packets of chips and nuts, with the odd tub of commercial dip and oven-ready dim sims or chicken wings is often about the extent of our efforts. We do not seem to have the time or inclination to show our friends how much we care by taking the time to produce something really special. And if you do, you run the risk of being called a "Show-off"!

However, hospitality and getting together are still very much part of our lives, at least here on Norfolk Island. Only last night, we had about 35 here at our place, all family and extended family.We had a Fish Fry, and everyone brought salads and sweets and drinks. It was a veritable feast, and a truly happy occasion. The kids kicked a ball around on the front lawn till quite late in the night, thanks to the full moon, with the dogs - and even Charles' cat - joining in. We all ate till we could fit no more in, and it was delicious.

So I suppose food and drink is still important in the way we celebrate family and friendship and special occasions. We just do it differently. No doubt the little ones who piled their plates high with chips and trifle and pies last night will look back on these occasions with nostalgia in years to come, and refer to this time as "the good old days."

Because my scanner is playing up, I cannot bring you any more pictures of my "Tea Parties" book. I look forward to showing you more when I have sorted out the problem...and I also look forward to trying the "Carrot Cake", "Le Gateau Orange" and some of the other delightful old recipes in my Tea Parties book.

TRIBUTE TO MICK

Delivered by Charles Christian-Bailey 16th October 2007

It’s an honour to share a little information about Mick’s life with you here today.

Charles Herbert Christian-Bailey was born on November 17th, 1931, the third child of Dorothy (nee Christian) and George Bailey. Mick was born down "Lockett's". This was a small Maternity home run by a midwife Mrs Collison in Cascade Road, opposite Henny’s Lake.
Shortly after he was born, Mrs Collison carried him out to show his older brother Bernie, who was only about two years old at the time. She asked Bernie what the baby’s name should be, and made several suggestions to him. Bernie said no to them all, and finally when she suggested “Micky”, Bernie said “Yes, Micky” – and so the name stuck as his nickname from birth, even though he was given the family names of Charles Herbert at his baptism.

Mick and his brother Bernie and sister Norma were all born in close proximity, and the third brother Len arrived a few years later. The family lived and grew up in “Cosy Corner” on Middlegate Road, which is the house Mick has lived in now for the last 40 or more years.

In 1942, Mick’s parents went to Sydney, so his father could enlist in the Army. Mick stayed with Aunt Em for a while, but eventually joined his parents in Sydney, where he finished his schooling at Darlinghurst Public School. The family lived in Woollahra, and Micky and his sister and brothers used to enjoy going to Bondi for a swim, or hiring horses from stables in Randwick to ride through Centennial Park. The horse riding helped them feel less homesick for Norfolk Island.
After leaving school, he worked for a grocery chain S.R. Buttles for a number of years.
Then, looking to broaden his experience he went to New Guinea to work first for an oil company, and later for a Copra and Cocoa Plantation at Buka in Bougainville.

Mick returned to Sydney and lived in Lane Cove with his parents. He worked with his father George on Maintenance at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Paddington, before returning home to Norfolk Island in the early sixties.
Back on Norfolk Island, Mick worked at various jobs, including farming and fencing contracting, and also working the ship. He earned a reputation for being a strong, fit and hard worker, and his fellow workers always found him good company because of his wonderful sense of humour and friendly banter.
Also Micky is no stranger to this place. Later he became Sexton of this Cemetery which was a position he held until his retirement just over ten years ago.
Mick took enormous pride in his job and set a very high standards for keeping the Cemetery and the surrounding areas in immaculate condition.

In 1964 Valerie Fuller came to Norfolk for a holiday and met Mick, They courted by long distance for 4 years before Valerie moved to Norfolk permanently in 1968 to be with Mick. Val got a job as a nursing sister at the hospital. Mick and Val were married at St Barnabas in 1974, and together they had two daughters, Olivia and Virginia.

Mick and Val's Wedding in April 1974. Both brother Bernie and Mother Dorothy can be seen laughing happily in the background. George (Poppa) is nursing our daughter Miriam

Mickey took great delight in his family and would do anything for them. We know he will be sadly missed by the girls and his four grandchildren – Alex, Hannah, Michael and Simone. Unfortunately, it has not been possible for Olivia to come from the United States at this time, but she was able to see her father while he was in hospital in Sydney, which was a joy to them both.

One thing that Mickey will undoubtedly be remembered for is his amazing ability in the garden growing vegetables. Val told me that earlier in their married life, she used to love to grow flowers. But too often she would wake early in the morning to hear the tractor going outside the bedroom window, and when she got up, she would find yet another flower bed had been rotary hoed up for carrots or cabbage. “Well, you can’t eat flowers!” Mick would say. So Val gave up on the flowers, knowing every available patch of dirt would most likely be given over to veges!
Only yesterday I was able to dig some carrots planted within a few feet of Mick and Val's house where flower gardens would normally be. Mick had planted these before he got ill.
Mick’s vegetables were generally huge, otherwise he thought "car-do"(not good enough). Any sweet tatie (kumera)he dug smaller than massive would often end up in various people's pig pens. He became an expert at growing vegetables in great quantities, and, in true Norfolk style, he was extremely generous. In his retirement, he spent lots of time in giving away vast quantities of vegetables not only to family and friends, but to many old folk and young families on the island.
He was also willing and keen to pass on tips about growing things to younger folk. So if Mick ever gave you advice about the best time to plant corn, or what to feed your cabbages or capsicums, make sure you put it into practice, write it down, and pass on the knowledge to others. If you don’t, there is a whole wealth of skill and knowledge that this true Islander acquired through years of experience which may be lost.

There is no doubt that Micky had an enormous sense of fun. Most of us will long remember wonderful stories about Mick’s sense of humour. He loved to joke and wind people up, especially visitors he got chatting to on the wharf or here at the Cemetery.
I remember him telling me recently of the occasion he went to the doctor, and Doctor Fletcher told him his blood pressure was so dangerously high that he ought to be dead……….
“Waal,… I’m sorry to disappoint you!” Mick said in his usual humour.

Also about 37 years ago on the occasion of my mother and fathers wedding in Sydney, Mick sent a telegram from Norfolk with the cryptic message of. “Hang - on – tight – Nan's - Goodness”. Later on when a confused Mary asked what it meant, she learnt that this is what Bernie’s (and Micks) grandmother Settie used to sing out to young Bernie from across the paddock when he was a small boy as he was trying to control a frisky horse. ……Hang on tight, Nan’s Goodness.
I have been told that in Micks younger years, he spent a lot of time mimicking his old uncle Gillie Bailey ……. so much so, they say, that he eventually became just like him!!!
For those who may not have been on Norfolk for very long, Norfolk Islanders have a way of remembering the funny, unique or “Mard”(mad, crazy) sayings and actions of it’s people…..It’s called - “Dar thing fe dems”.
Micky, you will go down in history as one of Norfolk’s real characters.

You could always hear his friendly laughter from a great distance. Also I can clearly see his trademark stance, shuffle and slap of the knee when he roared with laughter.
In many ways he was a very private person, but he still enhanced and endeared the lives of many people in this community through his friendliness and great generosity.

Mick, Norma, Bernie and Len with their parents George and Dorothy at their 60th Wedding Anniversary

The last 6 months have been very difficult for Mick, and he has experienced a great deal of pain and adversity. But right up to the last, his sparkle and cheerfulness did not desert him. He was really glad to come home to his beloved Norfolk, and have the opportunity to enjoy a few meals of trumpeter, and see the old familiar faces.

Micky embodied the spirit of the true old Norfolk Islander, the qualities of which are words which we sing in the Pitcairn Anthem.
Micky will be greatly missed, not only by his family but by this community.

SAYING GOODBYE THE NORFOLK WAY

The passing of a family member or a friend is always a difficult milestone in one's life . It can be a poignant time, but it usually presents an opportunity for family and loved ones to gather together, not only to support each other, but to share memories.

The first few days after a death, one is often caught up in making arrangements, answering the door and the phone, and many other more mundane tasks. It is probably good to be busy and surrounded by people at this time.

The hardest times probably come later. The purposeful round of activity abates, particularly for the carers of the one who has been ill.....and the bills come in....

Bernie's brother Mick died last week. It hit very hard, because he had always seemed the strongest and fittest of the family. But he had endured months of pain. We were all so glad he was able to return home to his beloved island before he died.

You see, here you leave this life surrounded by wonderful love and caring support, from friends and family, and also from the amazing staff of our small hospital.

And the caring does not stop there. It carries you right through all the funeral and after.

News of the death comes over the local radio, accompanied by the Pitcairn Anthem ...free.

All the island's flags remain at half-mast until the burial.

The coffin, a simple box covered with calico and lace, is provided by the Administration...free.

A faithful group of ladies meet "in the usual place" on the day of the funeral to make wreaths, from flowers and greenery supplied by many different people ...free.

The hearse and driver are supplied, and there is even a dignified police escort ...free.

The grave is dug that morning by volunteers - and by hand, supervised by the government sexton, and the plot in our beautiful sea-side cemetery comes at no charge. Even the mound of dirt to the side of the freshly-dug grave is covered with hibiscus and other blooms.

During the funeral time, public and sporting events are respectfully cancelled.

As the procession goes through the town, the doors of the shops are closed, and the shop assistants line up in a dignified manner outside. Cars pull over to the side of the road.

Islanders gather in large numbers to farewell one of their community, and pay their respects. Laurie is always there at the gates of the Cemetery to hand out service sheets. A very helpful speaker system is provided by the Lion's Club, so that the service can be better heard by what is usually a very large gathering. The pallbearers are always chosen from among family and friends.

If there is to be a "wake" afterwards, food seems to arrive from everywhere, and there is no shortage of people happy to gather to share the sorrow, ease the pain, and celebrate the life of the one who has departed with wonderful stories and anecdotes.

Then, in the following week's newspaper, there will be an obituary, and a copy of the eulogy, once again free of charge!

A small white cross with the deceased's name is provided on the burial site until a proper memorial headstone is organised.

Mick was the sexton at our cemetery for many years, and made the area truly beautiful and well-cared for. Shane, who succeeded Mick in the job 10 years ago, and has maintained the wonderfully high standards set by Mick, said he could have the pick of the cemetery - he had earned it. So he was finally laid to rest in a clear area off to the side underneath an old leaning tree, with a view of the surf and the sea. A most beautiful spot.

Rest in Peace, Mick.

BE IN IT TO WIN IT


I wanted to show some more pictures of our A&H Show.

It is always amazing to go into the Hall of Exhibits and see the amazing range of skills, talent, creativity and productivity that comes from this little community! And then there are always the people who are willing to "have a go", not necesarily to compete and win, but just to help add to the wonderful colourful displays.

The section for "The biggest lantana stump"...there is something for everyone!

We usually race around and find a few flowers and hibiscus on the morning of the Show, to help fill the tables. This year Fletcher Christian actually "scooped the pool" with the prizes in this area. In fact, Tina and her clan entered so much they actually won 19 prizes!

The children are always encouraged to participate, in the adult sections as well as the school section..we are always hoping to instil the spirit of "having a go!"

The Kelly family enter their cooking exhibits

Some of Tina's Art work

This bunch of bananas came complete with bird's nest!

We really must show you Bronte's entry. Mandy and Dave had bought some carrots, and were most amused to see the twisted shapes. On the mainland, people have forgotten that they often grow like this, because the supermarkets are full of straight and uniform carrots. One looked just like a pair of legs, and I suggested Bronte might like to make a vegetable model for the Show. Then a few days later, James "Speed" Partridge gave us a bag of freshly-pulled carrots from his garden, and there was the perfect "Male" model. Yes, I know it is a little rude, but it did cause plenty of laughs - and it won first prize!!!

Bronte's "Adam and Eve"

There is always plenty going on around the Showground outside too

SHOWTIME

Our local Agricultural and Horticultural Show is held each year on the second Monday in October, and is an event not to be missed.

It is, in fact, the reason that our two granddaughters Emily and Sarah plan on visiting us at this time each year.

The "Led-in" Events

Much of their holiday is spent up at Silky Oaks Stables, where they prepare for two busy days of competition in the Horse Events.

This year Sarah teamed up with AhStyk Kit-Kat, a fine looking horse, if just a little fresh! Emily was able to graduate from old Possum to use Ginger, who is a little younger.

Saturday afternoon they had the "Led-in" classes, and both horses and kids scrubbed up well to look their best!

Monday was Show Day, with a busy day of Equitation events, giving the kids a chance to show off their riding skills. Sarah and Emily are at a bit of a disadvantage, not having had the opportunity to practise and form a working relationship with their hacks throughout the year. But that did not deter them and they did really well. Especially Em, who earned herself the sash for the "Best Junior Rider!"

The girls and their cousins decided to dress up as characters from The Wizard of Oz in the Fancy Dress section, with "Ding-a-ling" playing the part of Toto!!

For the littlies, and those not so keen on the real thing, the Old Merry-go-Round was pressed into service!!

LAVENDER AND FRIENDSHIP

The Lavender bushes are full of their Spring flush of blooms, so I thought I would teach the girls how to make some "lavender bottles."

Tina and Mandy wanted to learn too, so we all sat round the patio table yesterday. That included Amy and Anna, who had stayed the night.

To make a lavender bottle, you need lavender with fairly long stalks. You also need 60- 80 cm of narrow ribbon, depending on how much of a loop and bow you want to make at the end.

You gather together an uneven number of stalks. Usually you need about 9 or 11 stalks, but if the flower heads are really plump, you can get away with 7.

The stalks need to be limp just beneath the flower heads. If they are still stiff, you can bruise them a little with your fingernails, so they will bend. Hold the bunch upside down and tie a tight secure knot just beneath the bundle of flower heads with a ribbon. Then fold the stalks down over the flower heads like a cage.

Leave about a third of the ribbon trailing down through the middle of the flowers, and use the longer end to weave under and over the stalks - basket style - round and round until you reach the base of the bundle of up-ended flower heads. Bring out the ribbon that was hanging through the middle, and wrap the two ends around the stalks, and tie them. You can make loops or bows, depending on whether you are going to put the "Lavender bottle" in a drawer with your "smalls" or hang it on a door or in the wardrobe.

We used curling ribbon, but you can also use narrow satin ribbon in a white or pastel shade.

The younger girls had a little difficulty with the weaving process, but Amy (who is 9) persevered until she managed it.

The lavender bottles make a lovely little gift for your friends, and are great for a stall at your local Fete or Spring Fair.

With a bit of practice, you can make them quite quickly.

And the fragrance lasts for years!

Then it was suggested that Tina showed us how to make Friendship bracelets. Out came the embroidery floss (of which I have an abundant supply). Everyone chose their favourite colours and went to work making the knots. Everyone caught on fast under Tina's guidance, and the girls found it easier than the Lavender project. In fact, it kept them engrossed for ages!

Between iceblocks and cups of tea and leftover birthday cake, we all got involved. Well, I must admit there was an occasional bored sigh from the menfolk and the littlies who waited patiently for us to lose interest.

Young Bronte decided to make her own original version, and she christened them "Cousinship Bracelets"!!

It was a wonderful "girlie" afternoon, leaving us all feeling wonderfully relaxed and stimulated at the same time. We must do something like this again before the holidays end!

EMILY'S BIRTHDAY

Although our daughter Miriam definitely has Polynesian blood, going back to the Bounty Mutiny, she does not have Maori blood. However, when she emailed Emily and Sarah the other day, she said she hoped they were enjoying their time with the "WHANAU." This Maori word expresses a concept for which there is really no good English equivalent. Basically it is used for "extended family", but in the very broadest sense, meaning anyone to whom you have slightest blood and family connection. The implication is that these are the people with whom you feel a connection, have a common ancestry and heritage, and who will support you and stand beside you when it matters, whether it be a time of celebration, crisis, or mourning.

The girls are indeed enjoying "the whanau" from both Bernie's and my side of the family, and even the third cousins, as well as the cousins-by-marriage, are getting on famously!

Em opens presents, with Teddy, Anna, Amy and Sarah looking on.

Everyone was there to help Em celebrate her 11th birthday the other night. It was a beautiful still, warm evening - warm enough for Sienna to discard her pretty party dress!

Although we had decided to keep it simple, with "Do-it-yourself" Hamburgers, the meal turned out to be a real feast.

John donned his chef hat as usual, and cooked the patties, bacon, eggs, and fish cakes on the barbecue, while Dave lent a hand with the chips in the deep fryer. There were loads of lovely side dishes and sweet treats, and we finished off with the delicious Cookies'n'Cream birthday cake, accompanied by Jelly Tip Ice Cream!

All the girls enjoyed the get-together. The young mums had plenty to chat and laugh about.

And the little ones ran around in the dark, finally collapsing in front of the television, but not wanting to close their eyes in case they missed some of the fun!

Even the animals enjoyed the company, the pats and all the tid-bits.

Bronte, who is a real animal lover, gives Roany a hug.

But in the end, it was all too much for Digby.