The Cycling Duthies

When we lived in London, Rob and I cycled everywhere, arriving at work, dinners and parties almost always dressed in bike shorts. We also notched up a few hundred miles cycling from London to Brighton, Oxford, Southend and Cambridge - the latter ride the scene of the famous stitches in the back of the ambulance story. We also chucked our bikes on the plane to Madrid and cycled around a sizeable area of central Spain during an August heat wave. Despite being a much smaller city, Sydney is not as bike friendly as London, bike paths stop abruptly or suddenly become part of the freeway. I only started cycling to work again when we moved to Leichhardt and it was mostly bike path door to door. Once Scarlett came along, my bike stood idly by, until I finally left it out in the back laneway for someone to take. It was easier to run or walk with the 3-wheeler pram for exercise and so Scarlett could sleep. Suddenly, I find it is 3 and half years since I have ridden a bike. Yesterday, inspired by the warmer weather and Flo's newfound ability to sit, we hit the bike shop and left with two new bikes fitted with bike seats for the girls. Scarlett's seat sits on the back of Rob's bike and Flo's sits in front of me. This morning was glorious and we headed off for a big ride around the bays near where we live. Almost the whole ride is through inter-connecting parks that run down to the water or purpose built bike paths off the road. We had a blast, Flo loved it, squeaking away as we went, checking everything out in her cute little helmet and shades and Scarlett loves signalling for turns. We all arrived home extremely content, if a little sore in the urals. I can see the purchase of a bike rack in the not too distant future so we can drive to bigger parks further afield. Look out for future pics of our newly re-formed buns of steel.

Set adrift on memory bliss

Flo and the dancing donkey = total bemusement.

Flo and the camera = can I eat that?

The Mother-in-law

She's back - Barb is back.The smokiest, scariest, wheesiest Grandmother ever. That can only mean one thing - Rob is back on the fags. Oh and also, a lovely carer also on hand to watch the kids, fold the washing, play football, read books, monitor kids in the bath, give cuddles and kisses. etc etc. Awful.

Scarlett has become the epitome of the perfect older sister. Does anyone, apart from my sister and I, know the words to 'Sisters' from the movie "White Christmas' as in 'there were never such devoted sisters'. Well, Scarlett has clearly learned the words, or at least the principles, that Maria and I have shared over the years - God help the Mister etc -. here she is hanging on to Flo as if her life depended on it, in a shot not disimilar to one my Dad took of Maria and I when we were kids. Also Flo has finally mastered sitting up by herself, which can only mean one thing - soon she'll be crawling. Ahhh , that's why people like babies - 6 months of no movement. Also, Scarlett and Flo with their Yia Yia, Barb, who leaves tomorrow after another lovely week, on her way back to NZ.

xx

Spring is springing

Three weeks into Spring and we're finally getting some good outdoor weather. Scarlett and I had a great day at the beach last week with Julia and Ella, a lovely Saturday afternoon lunch in the garden with James and Amelia and a gorgeous day at Balmoral yesterday with Rob's mum Barb, who is staying with us for a week on her way back to NZ from London. She and Scarlett are sharing a room which Scarlett loves. I love it too because it is so light in the mornings now that Scarlett is waking earlier than normal and instead of coming in to my room and bothering me she chatters away to Barb. Can't wait until the clocks change as I have been awake at 5am two mornings in a row now. If the light doesn't wake me then the birds do. We have huge cockatoos, the size of cats, that wake early too and fly from the trees in front of house to the large fir trees behind, sqauwking as they go, the whole tree swaying violently when they land. Nothing a shotgun couldn't fix.

Strewth - she's an Aussie!

I had to call in Matron with the smelling salts to revive me this week upon hearing my eldest daughter utter the words 'G'day'. "Christ, Sheila," I thought "this little bleeder's a right ocker Aussie'. Short of taking her over my knee for a sound thrashing and washing her mouth out with soap to remove all signs of her having been born in Australia, I remembered she is in fact an Australian and it's her birth right to speak that rubbish. I think she's been spending too much time with our mate Paul who really does say things like 'she runs as fast as a roo with its arse on fire'*. To try and turn her back to a little bit of England, we went to the zoo and headed straight for the bit that most resembled the old country - the farm yard section. We were lucky enough to arrive just as the zoo keeper was coming out to feed all the animals. Those who know me well will know my lifelong affection for sheep, so even though the feeding time is really for the kids, I was happy to let Scarlett take the limelight when it came to feeding the chickens and the turkeys and collecting the eggs, but I was right in there pushing the rugrats out of the way when it came to feeding a lamb from a bottle. Note, that in this photo, I am the only adult in a queue of children waiting to feed the lamb. After all that, a few run throughs of 'the rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain' and an intensive four hours of Eastenders episodes when Angie and Den were running The Vic, I think we've got our girl back batting for our side. Phew, it was close. After our disastrous appearance in the Rugby World Cup so far, I need all the poms I can find here. Rob has spent the last 4 years stewing over the fact that England are the world champions, stating repeatedly, and without a hint of irony, of the All Blacks, and I quote "England only won because they never got to play the All Blacks' to which I always reply 'that's right, because you were knocked out in the semi-finals'. He is now loving England's dismal performance. I also have to contend with the entire population of Australia saying "England only won because Jonny Wilkinson kicked that drop goal' as if that isn't part of the rules. You're allowed to kick a drop goal to win!! Anyway, as long as France or Australia don't win I'll be happy.

* Quite fast.

Fortress Sydney

This week Sydney hosts the APEC conference (Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation) so world leaders including those from Japan, China, New Zealand and, of course, the US are in town. Because Bush is among them a large part of downtown Sydney has been forced into lockdown with the erection of a huge security fence wrapped around the Opera House (where the conference is being held), Circular Quay and other central locations. Sydneysiders are being actively encouraged to leave the city. It seems ridiculous that the conference is not being held in Canberra, after all it is the capital of Australia and where the federal parliament is, and that such over the top security should be required. Friday is now an APEC public holiday. Good grief.

Welcome home

Rob came home on Sunday morning (Father's Day here) after five days in New Zealand. He had jumped on a plane to Auckland on Tuesday, after learning that his Dad's wife Doreen had died last Saturday. Rob's brother Craig and sister Catherine also made their way to Keri Keri for the funeral on Thursday. While a very sad event, Rob said it was great to spend time with his family and with old familiar family friends who also made the journey up to the beautiful Bay of Islands region where Ian and Doreen have lived for many years. As well as shopping for a suitcase full of NZ- themed gifts for me and the girls - an NZ-shaped mirror, NZ-shaped canape dishes, toy kiwi, mud from Rotorua etc - he also found time to pop to the local barber in Keri Keri for a trim. We celebrated Rob's return with a whole salmon cooked on the BBQ and a Father's Day lunch with our old friends and neighbours from Leichhardt Rob and Freya, and Dave and George.

The Fete

Scarlett has been badgering me to go to the local fete ever since I foolishly mentioned seeing the words 'jumping castle' and 'face painting' on one of the flyers stuck on lamp posts in our street. I may also have blurted out that the flyer mentioned that Tim from children's supergroup Hi-5 would be making a personal appearance. Well, Saturday was the big day and with Rob tucked up in bed sleeping off his night shift, I set off with Florence in the pram and Scarlett running eagerly alongside. We got about 4cm into the fete before Scarlett spotted the face painting stall. A full face butterfly design later, she then saw the jumping castle and ferris wheel AT THE SAME TIME. Fever pitch excitement ensued, much jumping, yelping etc. She seemed genuinely oblivious to the fact that the whole point of going to a fete is to buy a big iced cake baked by a local jolly fat lady and possibly some jam and chutney. At 11am, I persuaded her to come off the ferris wheel with the promise of a hot dog, so I could shovel a mixture of pumpkin, sweet potato and broccoli into Florence. Then - quelle horreur!! - we discovered Tim from Hi-5 was arriving at midday, right at the time we would be taking Florence home for her lunchtime kip. Using my supermum powers I was able to rush us all home, throw Florence into her cot, ditch the pram and leg it back to the fete with Scarlett. When you are 3 or 4 or even 5, meeting Tim from Hi-5 is the pre-school equivilant to, say, George Michael turning up at your house as the partner of one of your dinner party guests (assuming that is he was able to make the journey without falling asleep at any traffic lights on the way). The crowd went wild when Tim appeared announcing he would be judging a dancing competition and that prizes would be awarded to the best dancers. As I shoved Scarlett to the front in the manner of a pushy stage mother (think Terri Shields or Jodie Foster's mum), she turned to me and said "I'm not dancing. I don't like Tim'. And that was that.

The Simpsons

Here are pictures of Rob, Scarlett, Florence and I and our cat Pam if we were in The Simpsons. Look out for us at http://www.simpsonsmovie.com/main.html?cid=us

Too cute

We think Florence is rather cute. Biased, of course, but just look at those cheeks, packed full of nuts for winter. Now that winter is almost over we have no more use for the nuts and have spent the last two days trying to coax Flo into eating her first solids, the entirely unexciting and unappetising white stuff that is baby rice. Just as Scarlett did when it was first offered to her, Flo pulled a face not unlike Queen Victoria's on learning a train station was being named after her. None of the baby rice even made it to the back of her throat, instead a great deal of coughing, eye rolling and spitting accompanied the eventual jettisoning of the baby rice back onto my spoon. Will try again tomorrow. Perhaps a trip to the local Italian festival later today will get her juices flowing.

Almost Spring

It only took us about a week to get over Florence's christening - the emotion, the mess, the hangovers. I am very much looking forward to my 2-hour renewal spa session tomorrow, comprising a facial and massage. Rob's Mum Barb stayed on for a second week and she has been absolutely loving the time she has been spending with Flo and Scarlett, including plenty of cuddles and toenail painting. On Saturday I took Scarlett to the fairy-themed birthday party of her friend Genevieve who was turning 4. They are all at such a funny age at 3 and 4 as everyone is quite surly and aloof with each other, something I didn't think happened until your 30s. Even though all the kids were dressed up in their favourite outfits as fairies, superheroes etc they all looked quite cross until the marshmallows and face painting appeared, and Scarlett was reborn as a beautiful butterfly. The weather has changed, pretty much overnight, from chilly but sunny winter to stunningly clear warm days with a distinct smell of Summer about them, despite Spring not officially starting until September 1. Yesterday it was so gorgeous, we packed everyone off to Balmoral beach for the afternoon. A stiff breeze allowed for some top kite flying action by Miss S. This morning we hit a local park complete with swings, slide etc for the kids, barbecues on which to cook children who misbehave and a figure of 8 bike riding track which was a hoot for Scarlett. Florence had her first go, at 20 weeks, on a swing and a slide. Her face was a picture as it changed from shock to bemusement to amusement to panic and right back again. Scarlett swung right next to her whilst indulging her new habit of wearing two different shoes. Rob in the meantime is convinced his little All Black is close to walking.

Florence is christened

Hooray - on Sunday Florence was christened at St John's, our local Anglican church. The sun shone, the food was organised, the cupcakes displayed, the champagne, wine and beer chilling. Everything was perfect. A disaster was avoided early on when we all left the house, suited and booted in our church finest, shut the door behind us and then realised none of us had any door keys and so we had locked ourselves out of the house leaving all the food for our post-christening function inside and us outside. Thankfully someone pointed out that all the booze was outside - cooling in large tubs of ice - and that the dog door in the laundry was big enough for nephew Ryan to slip through and open up the house. Phew. Flo was a treat, allowing the vicar Andrew to totally drench her in great handfuls of water, soaking her gown and wondersuit through, without even a raised eyebrow from her. She was perfect. We had 40-odd friends back at the house for a party complete with jumping castle for the kids, an emotional speech from me and lots and lots of laughs with good friends. A highlight was the beautiful letter Godfather Drew had written to Flo which Melissa read out to much sniffling and handing out of tissues. Flo was attended by her godparents James and Amelia, Georgia, Drew, Melissa, and Mark who flew in from NZ especially. Godparents in absentia were Sarah-Kate in NZ and Mike Bailey in England. It was a special treat to have Rob's mum, Barb, over from NZ, plus his brother Craig, sister-in-law Lynda and the cousins Nicole and Ryan who all flew down from Queensland. Flo was showered with gifts including her first pearl, a crystal, an engraved money box, a birthstone cross, a diamond ring, christening bangle, special edition books, an antique jewellery box, a music box and a watercolour painting celebrating her birth. A very special and proud day for us. Hooray for Flo.

An open letter to Florence Elizabeth Mary Duthie on the occasion of her baptism.
Sunday July 29 2007, Saint John’s Church, Ashfield


Dear Florence,
Remember, and this is important because it starts this letter, that you are very loved. We are here with you today because we understand what enormous potential you have and that it is now your job to be the best person you possibly can. If anyone should choose to challenge you on these basic truths you will simply have to look them straight in the eye and let them know that they are mistaken.

Now, for some other things to help you on your journey:

· Money spent in good bed lined (preferably Egyptian cotton) is not wasted. Around a third of your life will be in bed. Best to get it right.
· Despite their deliciousness, go easy on minties and redskins, especially once you develop your adult teeth. A crown costs about the same as a fun overseas holiday. I’m pretty sure you’d rather the latter.
· Travel.
· Invest in the basics: a good black cocktail dress, some satin kitten heels and keep the jewellery tasteful and discrete. That said, if you grow up to be the kind of girl who prefers King Gee overalls, power tools and refurbishing terraces in Newtown, then that’s OK by us too.
· Spend a good deal of your day asking questions. Search for the truth and be prepared to speak it.
· Learn to love libraries, museums and art galleries. Public institutions that celebrate our combined excellence are worth visiting now and again…even if it’s just means popping into the gift shop for a postcard.
· Read.
· Stand up for those who need your help. You’ll soon learn that too much nonsense in this world comes when clever, compassionate people such as yourself fear that they are rocking the boat. If the boat’s headed in the wrong direction Florence, then rock it!
· Be patient with your Mum and Dad. They love you unconditionally but you will inevitably clash. To avoid arguments try to do the following:

1. Call home if you are going to be late
2. Do your fair share of jobs around the house
3. Keep your grizzling to a minimum
· Cook, even if you do it badly. Don’t rely too much on cookbooks but make sure you taste as you go.
· Listen. A steady ear is the hallmark of a great friend and it makes the conversation all the better.
· Don’t tolerate bullies, bigots or someone out to get you rich quick. Instead, look to surround yourself with people who think independently, who act daringly and who give generously.
· Details are important but never lose sight of the big picture.
· Laugh.
· Lists are good for when you go shopping but don’t let them rule your life. Not even this one!
· Hug your grandparents when you visit them. They think you are perfect so don’t go spoiling your ruse.
· The greatest investment you will make will be in your education, and I don’t mean just school. Learn lots of things along the way Florence and look to make the world a better place because you are here.
· Love someone: intimately, honestly and completely. It will be the most frightening thing you will ever do but it will also bring you your greatest joy.
· Technology is a means to an end so don’t get too caught up in the latest gadgets. Jane Austen wrote with ink and paper. A new computer is only really a box with wires. It’s the imaginative mind that works the keyboard that is the true marvel.
· Daydream.
· Avoid watching the Shopping Channel. Things look much better than they really are and anyway, how exciting can a bedazzler actually be?
· It’s probably a good idea to master another language while you’re here. A musical instrument would be good too. Avoid credit card debt, pay off your bills monthly and get swimming lessons in early. All this should go some way in making you a more rounded adult.
· Apparently blue and green should never be seen, unless there is something in between. This, Florence, is complete nonsense. Wear what makes you happy and tell whoever criticises you on this to kindly move on.
· Be sure to notice sunsets, the smell of the sea and grass beneath your bare feet.
· 4 Long Island Iced Teas is 1 Long Island Iced Tea too many.
· Though you may quibble with Scarlett she is likely to be with you for the long haul. Try to end your differences quickly and don’t hold grudges.
· Play.
· It’s quite OK to put a square peg in a round hole. It may not fit perfectly but it will make an interesting conversation point and might even be passed off as modern art.
· Never purchase cheap umbrellas, discount coffee or bargain on line medication. You’ll only regret it.
· Do not underestimate the power of your smile.

Finally may your God be one that shows you tolerance, patience and wisdom. May he or she afford you the chance to find wonder daily, pursue that which is right and constantly live with hope. I cannot expect that your life will be free from fear and sadness, but I trust that you build the resources to manage with things when they get difficult. May your time here Florence be one of fulfilment and worth, and may all who come to know you see within you true beauty, grace and richness.

Much love,
All of us

She smiles!

After weeks of trying, I finally managed to capture one of Flo's gorgeous little smiles. She spends most of her time smiling right up until the moment a camera appears and then she comes over all Victoria Beckham. Which reminds me, how hilarious was she in Victoria Beckham Coming to America? I had to watch it twice.

Happy Birthday to Zoo

Our nephew Jack turned 5 this week. I can't believe it was 5 years ago since I watched him being born in San Francisco. It doesn't feel like yesterday but it doesn't feel like 5 years ago either. Maria organised a pirate party for him and by the looks of it there were some right rum sorts there. The nutters above are my Dad and his wife Alexandra. Below, Maria with Jack.

As we couldn't be there in person, we celebrated by going to Taronga Zoo on one of the coldest days of the year. This winter really is like a proper northern hemisphere winter. (I got into bed for my afternoon nap yesterday wearing all my clothes and my scarf. My SCARF!).

Scarlett enjoyed finding out what it would be like to be really hard of hearing and we enjoyed hanging our with the meercats, surely one of the planet's coolest creatures as they chilled out in the sun. I wonder where they buy their sunglasses.

Flo, as ever, slept throughout. She is now 18 weeks old and a right little charmer. We are looking forward to her christening next weekend and in particular having a gathering of family and friends at a champagne reception afterwards. If it's anything like the knees up, I mean, function we had after Scarlett's christening there will some sore heads the morning after. Amen. Hic.