Memories

  How important are our memories? No, not our ability to remember – I know this becomes an issue with the passing of years – I’m talking about all those precious memories stored up inside each and every one of us. Some will be exciting, happy, bubbling, while others will be filled with other emotions, sadness, loneliness, perhaps ever fear. But I think our survival instinct allows us to hold tight to the good memories and often lets us put … Continue reading

My Apologies. What A Hellish Year

Hi, I want to offer my apologies for my absence most of this calendar year. Its been a hell of a year so far, but that’s about to change. I’m looking toward spring with greater anticipation. http://www.anneashby.com/focus-on-southland/ Early in the new year, after we had spent such an enjoyable holiday in Southland, my older sister phoned with devastating news. She had pancreatic cancer. I immediately offered to help, in any way she needed. But shortly after this, and before I … Continue reading

What Is The Greatest Legacy A Person Can Leave?

What’s the greatest legacy a parent left/could leave behind? Let’s keep away from practical things like money, houses, cars, etc. Have you received something which has impacted on your life? Some unforgetable advice shared with you by an elder member of your family? My mother was an amazing person, but so self effacing. She never realised how much she shared, how much she taught or how much she encouraged me (and my siblings).  She had little sayings she’d occasionally drop … Continue reading

A Genealogy Question – Go Back Or Go Forward To Meet Your Family Members??

If you had an option, would you wish to go back or go forward to meet your family members – your ancestors/descendants? I know its an unrealistic theory but lets just play at manipulating time. Which would you want to do? What would appeal most? To go back or go forward to meet your family members – your ancestors or your descendants? I recently came up with this question and it took some time to decide which way I would … Continue reading

Settled At Colac Bay

Settled At Colac Bay We soon settled at Colac Bay and became a part of the small community. Those early years seemed idyllic, I never understood how much Mum must have worried about us all, and how we would survive financially. But in her stoic way, she never showed any sign of concern. Not that as a child I could appreciate, anyway. “We joined in everything at Colac as everyone else did and used to have great Christmas parties for … Continue reading

New Beginning At Colac Bay

Our New Beginning At Colac Bay Obviously our lives changed at the end of 1955. I was 2 years old, Kevin 7 and Janet had just turned 9. Mum had three little kids, and a bunch of sheep and hens to deal with. Thankfully she had an enormous support network of Dad’s family rallying around her. “I continued to look after the sheep but found I needed a lot of help from the neighbours. When someone asked me if I’d … Continue reading

Merville Loses Husband

Merville Loses Husband For Merville, losing Snow was something she hadn’t been prepared for. Who thinks they might lose their husband after only a few years of marriage? “As the time went by Snow’s health wasn’t so good. He had an enlarged heart and thought he may have to give up work. He talked of building at Colac Bay and living there. We had been to Colac Bay for the weekend and went down to the beach. He just sat … Continue reading

Life In The Forties

Life In The Forties Life in the forties in New Zealand was still governed by ration books and shortages in many areas even after the war ended.  The fifth series of ration books was issued 15th October 1945, just two weeks before my parents married. This exert is from an article entitled “Growing up in NZ” (http://www.nzine.co.nz/features/guinz25-50_part15.html) and fitted so well with some comments my mother had written. Each person was allowed 26 coupons for clothing every six months, with … Continue reading

First Visit To Colac Bay

My First Visit To Colac Bay I was almost six when we shifted from Mataura to Colac Bay. It will always be “home”. I loved growing up in such a quiet, picturesque area. I explored and experienced a carefree childhood. I don’t remember visits to Colac Bay until our new house was being built during the summer of 1959/60. But Mum’s journal suggests we made numerous visits. “When Anne was ten months old I decided I would like a holiday … Continue reading

Christmas Preparations

Christmas Preparations Kiwi Style Christmas is fast approaching. Do you celebrate this day? What do you (and your family) do? This is how my family would typically celebrate Christmas. New Zealand Christmas preparations are likely to be a little different to those from the Northern Hemisphere. Our summer season is obviously the biggest variance. Our schools close down for much of December and all of January.  Many of our businesses also close down over Christmas and New Year. Many kiwis … Continue reading