Monday 7 April 2008

Camping with the Nances

Sometimes I think that Barb and I are crazy. We made the decision to stop buying presents (stuff) for family that they don't really want. We've decide to purchase or organise fun stuff and experiences instead. A couple of Christmas's ago we bought our extended family tickets to Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, as done by Belvoir St theatre. It was a really fun day out. 


Last Christmas we decided to organise to take Barb's extended family camping and we would cater for the weekend. It was surprising how soon March 14th came around.

Barb and I had a really stressful and busy week leading into the weekend away. We were exhausted. I had a couple of job interviews on the Friday we were going away, we'd just had some bad news that we were starting to come to terms with. We'd also had a relatively fruitless early morning trip to the markets, that we'd assumed that it would save us time and $$. (we came back with a box of figs and a couple of herbs). The week sucked.   

Barb really put in that week. After trying to teach 5 kids with autism she came home to prepare a goulash and a tex-mex special so we could reheat it on the weekend. She spent Friday morning preparing camping gear and packed the car when I returned from my interview. Everyone should have their own personal Barb.


We camped at East Beach, Kiama. All Nances and Walkers (Liz's family) came. We were also fortunate that Jo's new beau, Matt could come along. Matt was great to have along. He patiently taught those interested how to use a river kayak in the surf. 


Everyone pitched in their own way. We borrowed a tent for the Walkers, Carol and Rob pitched a giant tarp, Jo brought lots of lovely beer and the Walkers  brought enough apples and grapes to feed the entire camp ground!

I still find these events stressful. I love being with everyone but I'm not so good with the chaos. Being around young children can be fun but also reminds me of what Barb and I don't have. I struggle to not let this show too much. 



It was fun to be together. No one had to rush to another engagement or had an important errand to run. Our job was to be together.   

5 comments:

Rachel J-L said...

Hi there! I am so excited to discover your blog! Now it will be easy to keep in touch - blogging is one thing i do regularly.
How great to get a taste of your life and to see pictures of you and Barb.
And how well you write. Thank you.
I'll have to put a link to this site from my blog.
much love to you and Barb from me and Victor,
Rachel

Megs said...

hello! very thought provoking blog post. i like it! I'm Rachel's sister, and met you at her and Victor's wedding. Please give Barb a big big hug from me - I really appreciated the time spent with her before R & V's wedding, and she's been much in my thoughts.

love,
meg

Jakey said...

Howdy

It's Lovely to hear from all the Joneses.
Megan - I will pass on the hug to Barbara.
Seeya
Jacob

Anonymous said...

Hi Jake,

It's the first time I've visited your spot ... and I like it! Actually I was very pleasantly surprised to see a feature snap (and comment) on 'Jo's new beau'.... hmmm.

Loved the photos of the 'meat fest'. I'm not sure who your friend was in red, but the look on her face as the meat was brought in is priceless!

See you,

JO

Jakey said...

Hi Jo

Thanks for visiting.

The girl in red was Emily Dempster. A friend from post grad uni days and fellow government employee.

Jake