Train, Port Augusta
The children were young at the time 12, 9 & 6 so this was a big change for them. I managed to get them all settled into their various schools and for many years I was running between two and three schools for drop off and pick up.
These children are now grown up 27, 24 & 21 and all have made their way doing what they want.
The eldest dughter has just returned to Port Augusta after living in Adelaide for ten years. She went to University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Law degree and is now working for a local real estate agency.
The middle child is living in Melbourne and attending University doing her honours. This child was and always will be highly intelligent. Growing up we had all sorts of behavioural problems with her but she has grown into a beautiful young person. I wish I had known what I know now to have handled the disruptive behavoiur differently, but I did the best I could with the knowledge I had. This daughter is very independant and likes doing things on her own and for herself only asking for help if really needed. She tries to come home regularly but sometimes funds are a bit tight.
Child number 3, another daughter is very relaxed. This child was not very academic but is doing okay in the outside world. She has a four year old son and is still with his father who is a very reponsible lad. They both work hard and love their animals, they have what I call a menagerie. This child has a keen interest in horses and has since about the age of 12. She is a very good rider and most of her conversations are all about horses.
In 1996 I had another child, a boy, he is now 12.
Bridge over the gulf, Port Augusta
I, myself have never really settled here. Being a shy person I have made few friends and have had some bad experiences with people. It seems if you are not a local you are not really accepted by the majority. Although there are a lot of good kind people as well. It is so hard when you are shy to try and mix. I have been involved with different clubs etc and have always felt uncomfortable and couldn't wait to go home. In my home town Ceduna where everyone knew me, it was different.
However, doing childcare in my home has been great because I have got to meet new people with similar interests and it has given a boost to my confidence. My scheme says that I am one of their best carers, so I must be doing something right. I also help new trainees by offering them to do their placement in my home. I show them what I do with my Family Day Care. This is part of the training.
Redbanks, Port Augusta
At the moment I am on a break from working and enjoying it. My daughter that was living here has now found somewhere else to live, so I am free to go back to work whenever I decide is the right time.
Whales in the gulf at Port Augusta
Port Augusta is very dry with little rain, which can be depressing at times. Even though it is winter and it has rained a little there is not much greenery. We had a frost last night with the temperature going down to zero.
Although this is not the best place in the world to live, it is where I am for the moment and I accept that. Hopefully one day I will get to live somewhere else but for now I will keep on dreaming of greener pastures. Blogging has opened up a whole new world for me and I quite enjoy looking where and how other people live.
It's a beautiful sunny day here today, so I'm off outside to do some cleanup jobs while the weather is nice.
Tania
I enjoyed reading your post. I feel like you. I did find it strange being in civilisation today. It was very nice, and seemingly hot day where I went, down from the mountains a little to the regional centre. SA seems to have more shops for the same sized town than Victoria does. Not sure if it is true or not.
ReplyDeleteWe have a clever son that is different, and I understand but often the teachers don't which I think they should. But we are getting there, but have a little while to go until he is grown and hopefully in uni.
We travelled through this region over 9 years ago, we will have to return.
ReplyDeleteWhat tips can you pass on (if OK with you) about dealing with your daughter?
Hi Tania
ReplyDeleteJust wondering if you know Gaye and Trevor Honeychurch and Wesley and Cathy Lovelock from when they were in Ceduna?
Kylie :-)