One of the things we learned, as kids growing up, was we had to ‘entertain ourselves’ when playing outdoors. No technology in our time during the 1960s. We always found something to do when we lived on the cane farm in Millaroo, 70km inland of Ayr. I regularly return to Townsville to see mum and…
The sun was shining and it wasn’t raining, so we bundled the kids in the car and took them to Lake Eacham, Crater Lakes National Park. What a fabulous location up on the Atherton Tablelands. When family visit, I usually have a few local places to visit and one of them is a good swimming spot.…
This poem came about when I looked after my two nieces one weekend, while their mum and dad competed in a mountain bike competition. We were chatting about Father’s Day and this is my older niece’s thoughts of what her dad has done for her. We sometimes think children don’t notice the wonderful memories parents create with their children. You’d…
Bush Playground The children are running across the riverbed, kicking and flicking sand in their wake. Their squeals and screams echo down the corridor of the dry creek embankments. The sound of children playing in the Australian Bush overrides the chorus of birds and reptiles all flying, slithering or crawling away from their delightful innocent…
As first time parents go, my friend is no exception. There has been much flurry and preparations aplenty being made for their first born. At our Thursday coffee ritual, she understandably wanted our advice about what type of easy meals she could make ahead of the baby’s arrival. We peppered her with suggestions. She stopped…
During my second career, my second husband suggested we head to the Atherton Tablelands, which I have always loved because of its bucolic rolling hills. However, we needed to find a property, with beef cattle in mind, which provided an income. Problem was that beef properties were beyond our reach, but dairy properties were a…
The Offspring My family is important to me. This photo sees me as having reached the mother and aunt stage of my life. I have taken this special photo of my family: my nieces, nephews, and my son; the powerlifter. However, my four siblings are standing behind me. They have laid claim to my gorgeous munchkins. At having achieved the big sister…
Big Sister Blogs - Maria Parenti 