A View of the Island

For those of you who haven't visited Norfolk yet, I took these photos to try and capture what our island looks like overall. In one of the pictures you can see our house (but I'm going to leave you guessing). Of course, the photos don't do the view justice. It's tricky to capture distance, size and scale in a picture, but hopefully these photos at least give you a sense of what the terrain looks like; very hilly, very green and surrounded by blue, LOTS of blue!

At approximately 316 metres above sea level, Mt Pitt is the second highest spot on Norfolk Island (Mt Bates, the highest point, is just two metres higher). From the Mt Pitt lookout you can almost scan the entire island with a 360 degree view.  At times it's easy to forget we live on a small lonely island, but a short drive up the windy road to Mt Pitt helps to regain perspective! For me, it's not until I look down over the landscape from a height that I remember how tiny and isolated our home is! We are surrounded by SO much water!!!!!!

Afternoon snack!

It started with a musical

"What's the story morning glory? What's the word hummingbird?"

Ben and I met on this day exactly 17 years ago - we were just eighteen years old. But what does this have to do with the musical Bye Bye Birdie....well let me explain.

My sister had a smallish chorus part in our local amateur theatrical society's production Bye Bye Birdie.  Ben's cousins, who happened to live across the paddock from my family (and whom I attended the same school with) were also participants in the a fore mentioned show. On the night of the final performance, I went along to watch my sister in her big starring moment, as any lovely older supportive sister would.   Ben had travelled 3 and a half hours from his home town to see his cousins perform also.  After the performance there was a cast party, for which my sister insisted I attend.  Ben's cousins also insisted he join them for the revelries. Was there match-making afoot - you better believe it.  My sister takes full credit for the introductions which went something like this..."Michelle, meet Ben" swiftly followed by "Ben, meet Michelle". Hmm, powerful words, what a natural born cupid you are Lou! From that moment on I can tell you nothing of the events at the party, who was there or what went on. I had eyes for only one person and obviously the feeling was mutual.  At the end of the night when Ben took me by the hand I knew in that moment we'd be seeing each other again! Was the fact that we lived almost 300 kilometres apart a consideration? Certainly not. No, it wasn't a deterrent in the least.

You don't really need someone to complete you...

you only need someone to accept you completely! - source unknown

And here Ben and I are now, 17 years later, a lot older and certainly wiser. We've achieved so much together; thirteen years of marriage so far, two great kids and adventures too numerous to mention. Not a day goes by where I don't think how lucky we are. To find someone on your wave-length is precious. I'm thankful Ben and I agree on many things, most of the time! As a couple, our ideals and decisions haven't always suited or been easily understood by those connected to us.  Life isn't perfect, it's messy, unpredictable and complicated. What gets us though is the comfort we share in our mutual convictions, always knowing we have each others full support and understanding. At the end of the day when my head hits the pillow, I sleep soundly, secure in the knowledge that the man beside will always back me to the hilt.

The memory of our first meeting is etched on my heart forever (always with the soundtrack of Conrad Birdie singing One Last Kiss...). Those first impressions are as clear to me now, as though we met just yesterday.

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What a fabulous 17 year journey! Goodness we have a long way to go yet, but it's going to be great. I can't say I'm looking forward to growing old, but knowing Ben and I are moving in the same direction together makes it seem all the more bearable!

By the fire

Is looks cosy, don't you think? Certainly we think this is the perfect spot to be on a cold Saturday night! A good book in hand, some big squishy cushions to rest your head and maybe a cuddle or two - PERFECT! Ah, it's what I love most about Winter.

Harry's First Dressage Event

As well as attending weekly lessons at the Pegasus Equestrian School, Harry now attends Pony Club once a fortnight. Last weekend he undertook his first Dressage test followed by participation in a Cross Country/Show Jumping competition. Despite the fact that it was one of the coldest days we have ever experienced on Norfolk, a great time was had by all.  Harry looked so handsome in his riding gear and although feeling quite nervous, he did a super job! The awards presentation was postponed due to the poor weather - so we are yet to find out how he went, officially speaking! But we already know he's a little champ of course!

Feeling a bit nervous!

A helping hand from the professionals

In the arena - Dressage test underway - Harry dropped his whip a few seconds after this photo, but somehow still managed to keep Charm on task!

Walking the Cross Country/Show Jumping Course

He's off - under the watchful eye of the judge

Phew - one of the last jumps - nearly finished!

Feeling pretty pleased with himself - note the safety vest (worn when jumping)

Riding Charm "home"

A quick trip

Myself and a few work colleagues took a short trip to the mainland recently. It was a work related gig, but we still found time to squeeze in a teeny tiny little bit of sight seeing and some much needed catch up time with family and friends. This trip also provided the perfect opportunity to buy supplies, stuff we can't buy here on Norfolk (and things we'd otherwise go without or order online!). 

Despite having the company of a work mate most of the time, I was presented with several moments where I had to fend for myself in the big city. My sister (who's a real fair dinkim inner city chick) takes navigating crowds, buildings and traffic in her stride. For me however, hollering down taxis and jumping on buses is pretty foreign! To say I was a bit nervous is an understatement. A taxi driver even tried to swindle me out of fifty dollars, but don't fret...this alert small town girl wasn't born yesterday! 

It had been well over a year since I last flew off the rock. When you leap from life on a small island into a city with over 4 million people you're bound to notice a few differences.  It's quite a shock and takes a bit of adjusting! For a start, city people drive really FAST (as in more than 50 k's an hour), we saw no cows wandering across the road anywhere and city drivers don't wave cheerily to each other as they pass (although I did see other types of non friendly hand-gestures).

I certainly enjoyed my time away; it's affirming to know I really can live without shopping malls and fast food outlets. Now don't judge me too harshly, but I did eat McDonald's and Hungry Jacks whilst waiting around airport terminals. A personal research task if you will, just to be sure the quality hadn't altered in over a year. I'm happy to report their meals still taste like cardboard! But back to my original sentiment, I did genuinely enjoy immersing myself in the hustle, bustle and atmosphere of civilization. I certainly couldn't live with it on a daily basis, but it's nice to check in with how the other half live from time to time.

We just happened to be in Sydney for the opening night of 'Vivid - A Festival of Light, Music and Ideas'. It was spectacular!!! (you can't imagine the crowds!!!)

Seriously though, apart from attending the all important work conference etc, dinning at a trendy inner city restaurant with my long lost girl cousins was special and memorable. And the time spent hanging out (brief as it was) with my sister and my spirited energetic nephews something to treasure. All round, it was a hectic, intense couple of days - but great fun! And best of all....I got to devour several delicious apples (something we live without here on Norfolk...lament). Amongst the variety of things that got squashed into my suitcase, I managed to bring back to Norfolk five, yes FIVE 800 gram buckets of Macro organic peanut butter!!!! Yay!!!!!!! It's the simple things.

O sushi train - how I miss thee (Oh and I miss you too Lou)

Lovely green, SO much green - it was great to be back on the rock!

Shall we dance?

Harry, Till and their dance partners attended dance practice every Monday after school for weeks and weeks leading up to this years Bounty Ball. Harry and his partner Vanessa danced in the Year 5/6 category. As you know, Harry is only in Year 4, but because Vanessa is in Year 6 they had to compete at the higher level. Don't they look great! They really enjoy dancing together and I'd go as far to say, they probably had more fun during the night than anyone else! Truly, these two boogied until the band stopped and called it a night!

*Oh swoon*...have you seen anything sweeter? They do scrub up well!

And look who took the prize!!!!!! Till and Fletcher were awarded best ballroom dancing couple in the Year1/2 category! Till said to me the next day "Mum, I knew inside me that we were going to win!". Don't you just love that confidence!

They'll be competing on 'Dancing with the Stars' any day now!

The ball is such a special event; old fashioned and charming in all the right ways. Sadly, not many grown-ups get up from their seats and have a dance; mostly I suspect because they don't know the steps.  I'm making it my mission for next year that Ben and I should learn a few of the dances so we can join in more fully. It just happens that our neighbor is one of the organisers and I've already asked if she can give us some lessons early next year! Why should Harry and Till have all the fun?

Recycle - A simple dress makeover

Here's what Till's Bounty Ball dress looked like last year...

When she tried it on a few weeks ago we discovered it still fitted - actually better now than before. It seemed a waste not to wear it again, so Till and I made the decision to re-model it. Two bags of sequins, some PVA glue, a new blue ribbon and voila...same dress, but completely new look!

I was very dubious that the sequins would actually stay stuck on the dress - I don't know whether I can even wash it now. But amazingly they didn't fall off...impressive given that the wearer did some pretty strenuous dancing!

Bounty Day

Today was Bounty Day, a public holiday celebrated every year here on Norfolk. It begins with the re-enactment of the landing of the Pitcairners down at the Kingston Pier. The Pitcairn descendents (who dress in the style of their ancestors who arrived on Norfolk back in 1856) are greeted by the Administrator and his wife. From the pier they march to the cenotaph where they lay wreaths in remembrance. From the cenotaph the crowd marches to the cemetery where hymns are sung. After morning tea, which takes place at Government House, everyone assembles at the Compound where a celebratory feast takes place. Finally, everyone returns home to prepare for the Bounty Ball, at which there is a ballroom dancing competition in further celebration of Bounty Day.  It's a big day!!!!!!

I think Bounty Day is a photographers dream! But sadly I didn't seem to have my camera mojo today. Here are a few images I took, that only barely capture what this special and unique event means for Norfolk! Sadly I didn't get to witness the march this year, as Till and I were busy attaching sequins to her ball dress at home (more about that coming soon).

It's a day for smiles...

and beautiful handmade hats...

there's enough food to feed a small nation...

and singing, dancing and much merriment to assist with the digestion of it!

I think it could easily be the biggest picnic I've ever attended...like one huge family gathering!

Birthday bonfire & sleeover

No wind + clear skies + a raging hot bonfire + marshmallows on sticks + sausage sizzle + cake and ice cream + pillow fight + movie and popcorn + hot Milo and chocolates + a sleepover + pancakes for breakfast + six of your best buds (and a friend to keep your little sister occupied) = Best 10th birthday bash EVER!

NB. Harry designed his cake - the rocket represents the number one and the moon is of course the zero!