Pakenham with the Collings

July 6th and 7th 2012

I spent two wonderful days with Therese and her family, Aunty Marg dropped in for a cuppa, we went to dinner at the Pakenham Sports Club thanks to Uncle Barrie's organisation, and surprise visit by Uncle Derek. I love the relaxed atmosphere at the Collings, the love and jocularity of their family. Catching up with Therese and just enjoying her company. Therese took us for a trip to the Kindergarten where she teaches. Learning a little of the History of the Ash Wednesday Fires in Upper Beaconsfield where the Kindy is, is sobering. 11 Firefighters lost their lives there during February 16 1983, and many homes and other lives were lost that day. http://members.ozemail.com.au/~tammii/ASH%20WEDNESDAY.htm The village goes on almost 30 years after these fires, many plaques memorialise those horrible times. Seeing where Therese has taught for 9 years was great, getting to see snapshots of my families lives that I do not get to share on a regular basis. Therese and I watched the final of NZ Next Top models a change from Facebook discussions on the program previously. Snatched moments together mean so much

Therese, Aunty Marg, Josie and Tilly

Therese's Kindy where she teaches in Upper Beaconsfield

Kindergarten rebuilt after the Ash Wednesday Fires of February 16 1983

Back of the Kindy with the Primary School in the background

Dinner at the Pakenham Sports Club (sorry its blurry)

Josie and Lauren walking towards the car

Coffee afterwards with Uncle Barrie and Aunty Marg

Uncle Derek

The Collings Cat Indy (or Indie?)

Lapping up the Sun

I went for a walk down by the creek (Therese and I went the other way up the creek on a walk with their dog Murphy)

Lauren and Amelia doing Hair