August 17, 2008
That is a harsh title but that is how I am feeling at the moment …….. stressed by some-one’s uncaring attitude. We have lived in our present home (rented) for two years, we are good tenants, the place is kept looking well and we will often get things repaired ourselves as we don’t want to wait on the landlord. There has been a shortage of rental places in the whole of Australia and things are very competitive, our landlord believes that she can get an extra $120 to $150 per week. Because our laws do not allow landlords to put rents up an unreasonable amount they could not do that to us. We have been told that our lease will not be renewed, so we have to leave. That allows them to charge the new tenants the higher amount. We have offered to pay a lot extra just to stay until the end of the year, Jess is doing her final year of school and we are desperately trying to keep the world calm and stress-free for her and Graham is in the middle of a large contract that will continue to the end of October so he has very little time to himself. It is strange but at the same time that this is happening to us, Graham’s brother is going through the same thing. Their rent is going up by $60 per week and then they will be on a two month’s lease so that the owner can put the rent again in two months time.
photo credit: ibm438
July 24, 2008
‘Today I sit here a little melancholy and homesick for my family. Distance between people that love each other, always feels like a waste. It’s like having a million dollars, but not being able to access it’.
I just read the most beautiful post in the Shutter Sisters blog and she described exactly how I feel. I know as you get older and your children make their own way you are to be happy for them and their independence. But you know it is hard, you just miss them, you don’t really know what is going on in the lives….. the day to day things. There is much excitement when we receive an email from the girls and we talk about it for days. I got a message from Penny on my blog this morning and I am so curious to know why it took 10 hours for a round trip to the markets.
My older girls have promised when they stop travelling the world that Canberra will be their home, Adam and his beautiful wife Suzy talk about going back to Canberra and my beloved is in Canberra today and he rang me to describe the frost on the ground, the crisp air and the snow on the mountain. I felt ‘homesick’ but am I hankering for a life that does not exist anymore, our three older children grew up there and we did not leave until they went to high school. I know that the city has changed but I think that it is still bascially ‘Canberra’, where people talk about politics, where there are things to do every weekend, where wonderful old friends live, where you have the four seasons of the year and where you don’t have to worry if you to the shop in your ‘ugg’ boots. Do you think that I am kidding myself?
The mosaic in front of parliament house.
March 4, 2008
Pen left yesterday to start her new job, she has a lot of travelling in front of her and will not get to her final destination until Thursday we think. She was very excited and full of anticipation to be starting in a new country. It was hard for us and her to say ‘goodbye’ but I have come to the realisation that she loves her work and doing that kind of work is where she wants to be. She says that the aid workers world is a small world and she goes already knowing other workers in the area. That will help her feel at home quicker.
I love this story I hope that her life is not really going to be like this.
Now my other big news is that Sarah, Arthi and Riya leave this week for Vanuatu. Their house was packed up today and they are staying with some friends until Saturday. They had their farewell party last Saturday which started early in the afternoon and went late into the night. I remember those wonderful Canberra parties where people drop in. We will miss them but will be able to keep in contact by Skype and hopefully Ses is going to start a blog.
February 19, 2008
I just read a lovely thing on ‘Linaloo’ blog, ten February things that are making me happy right now.
1. The weather is getting cooler, maybe our summer is nearly over.
2. Having my daughter Penny home before she goes off overseas on her next assignment.
3. Jess (my youngest daughter) finding her topic for her major art work. She is doing the last year of high school. Her topic is exciting and it will be fun to see how it develops.
4. Finishing my tea cosy for Mary in Texas.
5. Olivia (my grand-daughter) becoming friends with Molly (the dog).
6. Have had a lot of rain and having everything green.
7. Having time to draw again and loving ever minute of it.
8. Settling into my new school and having a magic assistant, Maureen.
9. Looking at new cars as my car has given up the ghost.
10 . Discovering podcasts on ‘Macs’.
