State Finals

Jack and Sophie are both in the basketball team from Antonio Park PS that made the State Finals. Today is the day. They are ready for a day of basketball.

The Excavation

In preparation for the construction of the new house, excavation has been continuing with the removal of eleven truckloads of dirt so far and there is more to go.

So the major earthworks have been completed and now the excavation will be for the installation of the drains and plumbing.

Digging Starts

We now feel that we have taken a step to the new house today with the arrival of a digger and the cut for the building taking place.

Basketball - Sophie

Sophie gets disappointed with herself if she feels she did not play a good game.  She should have been very happy with her game today.  She scored a couple of goals, converted a number of fouls and worked hard all over the court.  The team had been moved up a grade and so the game was not easy but the girls came away with a good win.  Sophie will sleep well tonight.

Seeking the Swayns

Claire grew up with stories of her Swayn relative who farmed in the Colac Area.  Patrick Kervin (Snr) told stories of visiting the property as a teenager so we decided to see if we could find the location. It did not prove much of a challenge.
The Swayns bought their supplies at the store in Dean's Marsh.  The place still stands and has been updated a little.

The farm had been at the end of Swayn's Lane in hilly territory far removed from the flat of northern Victoria.  The farm now appears to have been divided into smaller holdings.

The Colac Quest

As many of the Kervin clan had originally settled in the Colac area, Claire's family history investigations had uncovered plenty of interesting information.  She had been contacted by the local historical association and promised them she would give them copies of her material.  With a lull in building action we took the opportunity to visit Colac and take the material with us.

They were pleased to be able to add this additional material to their records.
We took the opportunity to look around the area.  The threatening skies provided a dramatic backdrop as we wandered around to see where the family had farmed many years ago.

The town itself was larger than we had realised.  It is on the southern boundary of Lake Colac and it's Botanic Garden was clearly laid out in the finest English traditions as they stood in the latter part of the 19th century.

We decided that we should follow the Australian tradition for dinner.

Dinner

It's good to catch up with old colleagues from time to time.  Bob, Rob and I were all in the teaching service and worked together in a variety of roles over many years but the occasional catch up is always an enjoyable occasion.

The Next Step

OK - the old house is down and the block has been cleared, we are now ready for some action on the building front!

Sophie Hits the Shops

Following her birthday, Sophie took Granny shopping for her present(s) from us.

 A successful shopping expedition can always be celebrated with ice-cream.

Training Starts for James

The football season is months ahead but Mitcham Tigers are already in training and the boys are hoping for a good season.

Patrick's New Season

We had the opportunity to see Patrick's new basketball team yesterday.  Fair to say they did not have a great day against some tall opposition but they are still in the grading period so things may change.

Patrick's Birthday Portrait

We caught up with Patrick for a birthday portrait and a birthday lunch.  Turns out that Ang Ang in Ringwood is a bit of a favourite for all the grandchildren (and us).  To cap it all it was a perfect spring day for the catch up.

A Fresh Start

Everything has been cleaned off the block - even the carport so we are starting from scratch. I forsee plenty of dust.

The Cleanup

We had a fascinating day watching a loader pack the old house on Unit 1 into 6 huge trucks and cart it all away.

 They sorted the various materials into different trucks and finally lifted the concrete that was of no further use.

 At day's end the block was left flat and clear of debris ready for the next stage of the build.

Demolition

Unit 1 faced the inevitable today with the arrival of a house muncher. 

It was not in great condition at the start of the day but it was significantly worse off at the end of the day.

The pile of rubble should be removed tomorrow.

Patrick and Sophie's Family Party

The family gathered for Patrick and Sophie's birthday celebration yesterday.  As always, the weather was perfect and the day presented the opportunity to update a few photos of family and friends. The stars of the day were difficult to catch but we got them.

Granny has never seen herself as a 'shrinking violet' but days such as this do present a challenge to that view.

The Pinata proved to be a great hit.

It doesn't seem that long since we all gathered for the same function last year.  Happy Birthday Patrick and Sophie.

Loving the Farmer's Market

This time we attacked the Farmers Market a little better prepared.  We had a list but there was still plenty of other produce on offer to tempt us.

 The salami, the sourdough and the mince tarts were not on the list!

Ebony on Fire

Ebony's afternoon team put on a dominant display this week against an opposition that looked as though they should have been more of a threat.  Ebony had a great run under the goals, she hardly seemed to miss.

And yet another goal from Ebony.