Kervin History

While in Bendigo we took some time to search out some of the locations of previous Kervin related residences.  Amazingly we found 2 still being used.  Jean Kervin's aunt spent her childhood in this house.

Claire's grandfather (Nelson) got married and moved into this house in 1916 before he moved to Leitchville.

Bendigo Shows its Cool Side

Bendigo is changing and is taking its tourism and amenity more seriously.  In recent times is has been developing its laneways to attract the young and the cool.  Today it was soooo cool (and wet) that there was no one around but in the warmer weather they will be quite an attraction.

Tudors to the Windsors

We visited Bendigo Art Gallery to see the "Tudors to the Windsors" exhibition.  The paintings (from the early 1500s) were by the most accomplished artists of the period so the exhibition showed the development of the art of portraiture for the past 500 years. It was worth the visit.

The exhibition also showed the opulence, or perhaps gross excess, of the ruling royal families.

It was also evident that many royals had had savage encounters with the ugly stick but with that level of privilege it was not an issue.  My jeans are getting a little dated so I was seeking sartorial inspiration.  How would this go down?

Super Soph

Sophie put in a fantastic effort to come in 31st in the District Cross Country competition.  Best thing was she did better than her previous and was happy with her performance.

Project Completed

It has been years in the making but Claire has now finalised the Kervin Family History with the publication of a book. The 500 page history covers the period from the arrival of her double great grandparents in Victoria in the 1850s to the present.

Lachlan Maintains Traditions

Lachlan picked up an ERRIC Award at assembly on Friday. His brothers have collected a number of like awards and on this occasion it was for his skills in manipulating money issues like his mother.

Football - James

The Mitcham Tigers U17 team received a bit of a thumping today at the hands of Ferntree Gully.  A strong cold wind made the conditions trying for players and spectators but James did his bit with a nice goal.

 and his usual work in the packs.

The End of Autumn

The morning walks have been easy to take in recent days with the warm autumn colours on display.  It looks like that run is about to come to an abrupt end with a week of rain.

Significant Anniversary

It is now two years since we laid our money down and committed to the process of designing and building the new house.  There is still a way to go but there is progress every day.  Today the alfresco deck has been started.  It has been and continues to be quite a journey.

And by the end of the day.

New Family Member

Adam called round to introduce us to his new baby this morning.  Treated gently the (as yet un-named baby) is peaceful and quiet but any meddling with the accelerator and she gets noisy but never out of line.

 Proud Pappy or what?

Jack's 13th Portrait

The selection process is complete and the photo that makes it into Granny's Gallery for Jack's thirteenth birthday is finally ready for print.

Football - James

The Mitcham Tigers played Croyon South today and gave them a bit of a caning (103 to 37).  James did his bit with a goal and a point and his usual work around the packs.  He did spend a bit of time on the bench as a result of the blood rule from a leg injury (see photos).  After that they should stay on top of the ladder.

Team Garnett

Jack is due to have his birthday photo for Granny's Gallery so the boys visited today.  While here we also got a group shot.

Netball - Ebony

Ebony and her netball team got a bit of a belting yesterday in a rather strange game.  The opposition was strong but taking Ebony away from the goals dropped her team's scoring rate dramatically.

Kervin History Project - Almost Complete

For years Claire has been collecting information and searching records to compile a history of the Kervins since the first settlers arrived in Victoria in the 1850s.  It has been a massive task but the book is approaching completion.  She took delivery of a printed final draft and has given the "OK" for a print run.

Progress on the Porch

The front porch was on the plan but up until now it seemed more of a figment of our imagination.  That all changed today with excavations in preparation for the build.

Mothers' Day

The family met at Lindos for a Mothers' Day dinner.  The food was good and plentiful if not exactly haute cuisine.

James Up Against It

The Mitcham Tigers were up against Norwood yesterday and it proved to be a tough assignment. James was on the job as usual.

He did manage a goal that seemed to come from nowhere but he was happy!

He always enjoys putting the brakes on the opposition.

Getting Plastered

The plasterers have been on the job this week covering the walls of the new house.  We still have to see the cornices but the shape of the rooms is becoming more evident.

We are also starting to see the light entry to the upper floor.  The larger windows will be allowing plenty of light into the centre of the house.

Basketball Jack

Jack's basketball team is up a division this season so there is some stiff competition. They have lost a couple of good players so they are really up against it.  However the boys put up a good fight today and never gave up against an evidently superior team.  Hopefully grading will balance out the teams.

Jack's Birthday Lunch

The Festival of Thirteen continued today as we took Jack out for his Birthday Lunch.  He is a man with a busy schedule so the lunch managed to fit between shopping and Basketball.