New York didn’t disappoint. Before leaving Panama, we had to decide how we were going to get home. Our only commitment was a booked flight from LA airport back to Australia. We toyed with the idea of going to Jamaica (the farmer’s family history has links to the country) but decided upon four days in NY instead. Jamaica can wait until another time.
Continue reading “New York”Images
Early years: City to country
from city to country
I came to the Wheatbelt in the mid-80s as a 19-year-old and never left. I always thought about leaving though, returning to the city, to my family; my daughters, sisters and brothers, and parents. I longed to go back to the colours and the lights of the city, the people, culture, entertainment, and friends.
Continue reading “Early years: City to country”Southbound
Having planned to travel to Europe this year (a trip that did not eventuate due to Covid 19), we booked a short holiday in the state’s southwest region instead.
In this corner of the state, there are tall trees, lush growth, waterfalls, moss, full rivers, and immaculately maintained walk trails and tracks.
Continue reading “Southbound”Country work, farm work
Work commitments, more than lifestyle has kept us on this farm. The farmer has been on his own now, having left a farming partnership with his brother almost ten years ago. I have had a reliable off-farm income for many years now.
Continue reading “Country work, farm work”Country mothers
When daughters leave home
Imagine your children leaving for boarding school before they become teenagers. My three daughters left the farm between the age of 12 and 13, and sad to say, they never really came back. That’s young to leave your hometown. As a mother, I found this extremely hard. Spending time with them now as adults are one of the main reasons why I want to leave the farm.
Country garden
Now that I have well, almost retired, I feel relaxed enough to sit outdoors and watch the ways of the natural world. I fully appreciate the garden I have tended for years. I acknowledge the beauty of the sensational autumn roses I have grown here on the farm.
Continue reading “Country garden”Active after 50
There is no doubt that women carry more weight as they get older. This may be due to hormonal changes, health issues, a more sedentary lifestyle, an increase in stress, less sleep, or natural muscle loss. Since I took leave from my office job, I have lost 2 kg with very little effort. The farm lifestyle is inherently active.
Continue reading “Active after 50”Country living
Our country home
This is where the farmer was raised, and where our children grew up. The farm has become an intricate part of our identity and when I think about leaving (when the time comes), a sense of nostalgia creeps in, for the lives we have led and for the lives that have changed. Memories of the children growing up on the farm are still so vivid, from when the place was alive with laughter, joy, play, and the occasional tear.
Country girls and boarding school
making decisions about high school
I must admit that I didn’t consider where our girls would attend high school. In my heart, I knew they would never attend the local school. They hadn’t been booked in anywhere, and nor had a deposit been paid at birth for entry to the city’s elite, private schools.
But, there comes a time when your children outgrow their local school. Or, the local school outgrows the children. What other options do parents have, other than sending them to the local school, and if they are too far away from home, the local hostel provides a great alternative.
Continue reading “Country girls and boarding school”Becoming a grandmother
My new role as a grandmother
Becoming a grandmother has been one of the most important and beautiful things in my life. I can’t tell you how much I love my little grandson. Coming from a family of nine sisters, attending an all-girls boarding school, and giving birth to three daughters means that I know very little about boys.
Finally, I have one in my life now. I could be with him all day every day if I could. In fact, I jokingly talk about stealing him, but I would never do that to him, his mother and father. I’m full of love for him, like my own child, all over again.
Continue reading “Becoming a grandmother”