REMEMBERING MY DAD ♥♫♥

Daddy asked and had a full body massage by a neighbor coz he was feeling sluggish. He was on leave from work. He was sick. Actually he was on and off the doctor in months. He was given lots of medications. One time he said to me, he was getting tired of those medicines he was taking. He could no longer taste the food he was eating and every time he breath he could smell those medicines.

15 November... Daddy was struggling to hold the spoon. He was shaking a lot. I need to feed him for the first time. We were having dinner. He did not finish his food. He said he was not that hungry anyway. After dinner, had to prepare my two older kids to bed. Then I started ironing my eldest son's uniform for school. My mother was helping  Daddy to calm down. He was feeling hot but his feet were so cold like ice. Had to iron a cloth to make it warm and gave it to Mommy to put it to Daddy's feet so it will get warm or back to normal temperature.  Daddy was starting to panic. He said he could hardly breath. We called Aunty Violy for help, who got a tricycle for us to go the clinic in the town proper. Aunty Olivia, who was living in the town proper came to help us. The doctor gave Daddy a tablet under his tongue and advised us to go the Dagupan City (we were living that time in Malasiqui, Daddy's hometown) where Hospitals were located. We asked for the town's ambulance so we can go to Dagupan. The ambulance was just a van with no aircon, with no oxygen, not even an emergency kit, I thought so, just a siren. So while we were in it, we kept on making Daddy cool by making card board/cloth as a fan coz he said he felt hot even all the windows of the van were wide open. We first brought him to Cuison Family Clinic, where the main doctor, we considered was our family doctor. Unfortunately, he did not accept Daddy coz he said his clinic (small hospital) had no ICU. We went to Luzon Medical Center. He was admitted and put him to the ICU. The nurse/doctor was asking what happened to him and what were his medications. Daddy answered them clearly and precisely. He was given oxygen and still complaining he couldn't breath coz he was feeling hot but his body was cold and he was sweating. The nurse put some baby powder to Dad's body so he would feel bit better and calm him down. The doctor talked to me in private and explained what was happening to Daddy. The doctor decided to put a hole in his throat and put the oxygen there coz obviously the oxygen put on his nose was not working. They called for the doctor who does that thing but that doctor said he couldn't come that time coz his child was sick and said he'll just do it in the morning as in maybe he was thinking of like 7 o'clock, I don't know. Anyway, my Daddy was a bit mad with me why did I leave him. I told him twas because the doctor talked to me and showed to me his X- ray result. Daddy held my hands hard, he could no longer talk coz the nurse was pumping oxygen through his mouth. I was feeling weak and thought, wished Uncle Willy, Daddy's brother, and a Medical Technologist, was there and helping us coz I couldn't understand those things in the monitor, where those different tubes in Dad's body, were connected to. I heard myself kept telling to Daddy to fight and that if everything will be alright, I and my kids will take care of him, even sacrificing not to go to Australia anymore.  He said ,"yes". I was praying, but couldn't really concentrate praying. My brother left us, stayed outside the room and was crying. Then dad released my hand.

My brother cried, my Mom cried, but I didn't, I don't know why. I was just weak. Now I am telling my kids, if you're sad or if you need to cry, then cry. I was trapped for so many years after what happened to Daddy. It didn't make me strong, it scared me a lot! Many things happened in my life after that but deep inside me I felt I was still in that room/moment. I've seen how he suffered, how he fought for his life, how much he wanted still to live, but he had to leave...16 November 1994.

Six years before, Daddy had a medical check up in Makati Medical Center, where his younger brother, Uncle Willy was working as Medical Technologist. He was advised to have an operation in the gall bladder. But he was scared or rather anxious because we don't have money to pay for the operation. He just asked for medicine to ease the pain he was feeling. I don't know what happened but what I can recall is that he survived it and lived long enough to see my two boys, took care of them, play with them, sacrificed for them. He loved my kids very much from the moment I gave birth to them to his last breath. I will always remain telling this to my two boys so they will never forget their Lolo Romy coz they were only 4 and 2 years old when Daddy left. My father kept saying to us, his family, may will never forget him when he's gone. Request granted! How could we ever forget him...he died a day before my first son's birthday. My 2nd son was born on the 4th of March, and my 4th son was born on the 14th of March. And Daddy was born on the 18th of March.

Daddy was my teacher. Every school vacation, he was tutoring me on his expertise subject, Mathematics. Whenever I got bored listening to him, coz I wanted to play more than doing those lessons, he gets angry and I felt sad and cried. He never yelled at me though. But his words were hurting and yet you cannot hate him. Though he looked "scary" (as described by one of my cousins)and very strict person, he was very kind and loving person. Oh, strict?...yes he was! I won't forget my first Quiz in Algebra during my first year in University. I failed it! My Mom was very disappointed but Daddy comforted me and said he believed i can do it...the engineering course. He told me he wanted me to go to Mapua to study if only we had the capacity. Twas hard going to Manila University. There are many factors to be considered. Daddy was an Electrical Engineering graduate in Mapua Institute of Technology, then a Physics teacher in University Of Pangasinan High School Department.

Where did I get my skills in the kitchen/cleaning? I know now, I got it from Daddy. Though he was not cooking complicated dishes, but his taste buds were great. I love his adobong pusit. I memorized it and have passed it on now to my second son who loves calamari/squid. He used to make yummy tomato conserve. He was an excellent "farmer" in his small vegetable backyard. His vegetables were big and really good yet he never used insecticide, all organic. He lets me pick up his vegetables when they were ripe. I enjoyed eating tomatoes while picking them up. Whenever I wash dishes, I'm always reminded of Daddy. Especially washing the pitchers and the Catsup bottles, etc. before returning it to the fridge. Daddy cleaned them properly and gets mad if they were oily/slimy. I get frustrated if I clean my kids shoes and couldn't surpass or could not even equal my Dad's ability in cleaning/washing shoes. He cleaned/washed my shoes even I was already in University. And always perfect! When I clean, it's detailed, just like Daddy.

Dinner was my favorite meal time. Twas when we ate as a family together. Twas the time when we talked about the day's "adventures". I remember how Daddy would tell us funny real (not made up) stories and how we all laughed together. He used to tell us stories as well before we go to sleep when we were still young kids. Oh, Daddy used to feed me and my brother boiled rice mixed with raw eggs and sauteed shrimp paste for merienda and sometimes cold rice mixed with white sugar and coconut flesh. Weird?!...yes, but twas yum!

Daddy was always updated with the political events. He used to cut out clippings about unnatural issues/news. He always read the daily news. We used to watch the stars and moon at nights and will tell us stories about his father or his beloved hometown. He loved and respected his ten siblings equally and adored his mother. His father, Ireneo, died when he was in his late years in elementary education. He acted as a second father to his four siblings. He had other six siblings, resulting from the marriage of his mother, Nanay Leonor, to Laki Bening after Laki Ireneo died.

When sicknesses come to the family, Daddy led us in praying. He had a very strong faith to the Lord. He was a deacon in INC church. Later, when he was diagnosed with diabetes, he started to change. He became less happy, impatient, more sensitive, more melancholy. But whatever, I only wanted to remember all the happy moments me, my brother, my mother have shared with Daddy.



We may have said our Good-byes...until then...we will see you again Daddy!

                ✿⊱╮✿⊱╮­✿⊱╮✿⊱╮✿⊱╮✿⊱╮✿⊱╮­✿⊱╮✿⊱╮✿⊱╮✿⊱╮✿⊱╮­✿⊱╮✿⊱╮✿⊱╮

MY FAVE TV SERIES

BROTHERS AND SISTERS

Twas aired in the television, forgot what channel was. I got interested to it coz the main character was Sally Field, who is undoubtedly plays excellent mother roles, Calista Flockhart , I usually call her Ally McBeal though coz of her TV series before that I loved as well, and Emily Vancamp, to us she is Amy, Rebecca.

What I loved in this series was the Family connection. Though they were adults and have their own families or partners, the support, the love was always there. They were the Walker Family.They cannot kept secrets...it will always come out. They fight...they shout at each other but they still helped each other. They criticize the new found partner of their siblings with respect but once became a part of their family, he or she became like their real brother or sister. But there was always limitation between the real Walker Children and their In laws. The Walkers have a real bonding that their partners could never separate, that they might have tried to tear apart but no success. They laughed together, they cried together. There was no sincere jealousy, meaning they were happy for the success of their siblings or they were real sad for the failure of their siblings and give or offer help to the best of their capacity.The partners of the siblings would help but never interfere with the family business of the Walkers which was Ojai Foods. The Walker children would tell their partners about what was going in with the business, which was just normal, but with the decision making it was always among them and their mother. Since the company was built by their parents, but mainly the father. The Walker patriarch died and left the company to manage by the first two eldest children. All the children and the mother have shares in the company.

I could relate to Nora Walker, as a mother and as a sister to her only brother. Showed how much she cared for her children, family. How she loved cooking, preparing formal/informal dinners for her family and family friends. Very particular in family gatherings/occasions. Sacrificed personal career  to take care of her family. Always renovating her house. And I love her kitchen! Oh, how I wish I could have a kitchen like hers. Nora loved helping other people as well. She established a charity helping families with sick children. If I would be given a chance, I would like to feed hungry children...

The Walker children always had an access to Nora's house/Walker family house. Whenever they are in trouble, unhappy or whatever, they always go there and eat and be with their mother. I wish my children will do the same. As I keep saying to myself, my children will grow, leave home, have a family of their own, but they always be my babies.

The TV series showed the Walker family usually have "conference", they talked to each other in the phone, all at the same time. Twas really fun! And I love Rebecca and Justin as a couple in the series, so it made me sad when Emily Vancamp (as Rebecca) left the series just before the last season ended. I wish they could have just ended the series with Rebecca coming back, attending Sarah's wedding with her and Justine's child as a surprise for the Walkers.

Out of 10, I rate Brothers and Sisters, 9!


BAKE WITH ANNA OLSON and MARTHA BAKES

Willy decided to get Foxtel for the family. He wants to watch Sports, especially the tournaments of Golfs. He's crazy about it. Oh,yes because he wants to enter Golf competitions. But if you only get the basic Foxtel, you won't get the Good Sports, no new movies, no cooking shows. So we upgraded it. Then I saw Bake with Anna Olson. At first I don't want to watch it because I don't like the colour of the set up. What I watched was Cake Boss because I was amazed with the cakes they make. Before getting Foxtel, I bought DVD's of Cake Boss and me and my kids were blown away with those cakes they make and touched by the relationship of the Cake Boss to his siblings and mother. Then I realized, Cake Boss is for those who already know how to make cakes or those who find fun in complicated  cake decorating. So I told myself let me watch the Bake with Anna Olson again. The very first thing I noticed was Anna and her kitchen's organization. She is well organized! And the shows starts with the basic, medium and great recipes but only  one major topic. She's very good teacher. She knows how to explain very well. All of a sudden I find myself hooked to her show.

While Bake With Anna Olson series are being shown, then came Martha Bakes. I heard of Martha many, many times with the recipes or bloggs of other people and even with office supplies in Officeworks. Oh, my she's adorable! I really, really like her show. The plot is the same as Bake with Anna. The Kitchen set up though is different. I am a lover of country style  house, kitchens that's why I'm impressed with Martha's kitchen. While Anna's kitchen is sort of in a studio. But I like Anna's oven because you can see how the cake's rising when being cooked, while Martha's oven is closed. Like Anna, Martha is a very good teacher as well. And what I like about Martha is she's funny. She has this little jokes and she says stories or story of the cake, pastry or bread she's making.

Haven't make the recipes both Anna and Martha have shown, so I couldn't say how good or whichever is good. One of these days I will start cooking what I've seen and learned from their shows. It just make me sad because I was not able to watch the first episodes of Bake with Anna, only the last series. It was only Season 1. I wonder if she'll make another Season. Anna Olson have a new recipe book and I'm asking my son, Harold to buy it online for me. I don't know if book stores here in our area sell it. I'm still enjoying Martha Bakes, now already in Season 3. I wish they'll sell both Bake with Anna Olson and Martha Bakes shows in DVDs. I'll definitely get them  both.

If only I have a mother like Martha or have a sister like Anna. Times like these that I'm not feeling great, I want to come to their places and eat what they're cooking. But with the family I have, I am the Martha and the Anna.

My ratings:
Bake With Anna Olson : 10/10
Martha Bakes: 10/10

I strongly recommend to people these 2 shows.
















FIXER UPPER
DAWSON'S CREEK
TUDOR
EVERWOOD
DESPERATE HOUSEWIFE
THE THORN BIRDS

BUYING A HOUSE

 I was watching the movie, "THE OTHER SISTER". There was a part where the sister was trying to find a place for herself. She inquired about a flat somewhere in the city and the Real Estate Agent sent her a video about it.
I told my husband, Willy, who is a Real Estate Agent himself, what the Agent in the movie did was great. Tried to convinced him to do the same. The problem however, was, my husband, was a free lance Agent, he had no front shop, he was not connected to any Real Estate Agency, not until now where he work with Vogue Real Estate Australia. He dealt mostly with the developers and directly to the clients, going to their homes giving somewhat like a personalized service. He developed his clientele by word of mouth.

That was decade ago, now with the evolution of internet, changes almost everything. So as the Real Estate Agencies. Unlike before that you need to go the Agencies or read the newspapers if you want to buy a house. Now Agencies have their own website or there are websites where almost all Real Estate Agencies post their properties for sale or for lease. So, you just have to open your computer and visit the website and look for a property, within your budget, in the area you want. If the address is given, you can google it and if you like the area, you can drive pass there or ask the Agency for appointment to have an inspection of the property. Oh, and yes Agencies are now starting to have a video of the properties just like in the movie I watched. I like the First National where the Agent is like a TV presenter, presenting her property for sale.

When buying a house, I think the first thing to do is checking your finance. It's somewhat pointless looking for a house, and assuming you found one that you really want but not be able to get it coz you have no or lack of capacity to buy it. You will only be disappointed. So you go to the bank and inquire about getting a mortgage loan or maybe to a mortgage broker. If everything is fine with you, you've got no other loans, have a very good income, less dependents, go directly to the bank. Otherwise you go to a mortgage broker, who will help you with a strategic plan on how and where to get the loan. Brokers are good especially if you have other loans or you're getting a second mortgage or whatever. When choosing a bank, it should be the one giving an offer that suits your situation. When finding a good Broker, i think it's good to ask your friends or relatives. If talking to your new found broker makes you comfortable that you can almost tell everything, then that's good. But when the broker is someone so domineering and just want you to follow everything he says and or he's not interested talking to you, or he's somewhat jealous with your situation ( you can feel it! ), then change broker at once, don't continue dealing with him.

When you're now quite sure of your finance, then start looking for a property. People have lots of considerations when choosing one for them (himself/herself/family). We ourselves, look for the location, the structure, the set up or lay out for the functionality and the potential, meaning, how much and how long will it appreciate in value. Check out your options. What do you want, a brand new house, house and land package, off-the-plan property, land and design/build your own house or an existing property, including heritage houses. I'll go first for an existing property. Then when we have enough equity from the property then will go for the land and design/build your own. My other two sons want to buy heritage houses. One son though, said it will be scary, there might be  lots of ghosts. I said, it's alright as long you're friend with the ghost. As long as there's no murder that happened in that house.

Buyers of house/s can either be an investor or owner occupier. As an investor, I would look for a property that can have at least zero vacancy rate. Wherever it may be. Because at the end of the day, what I wanted is income from it. Whereas, buying a house for me and family, requires so much considerations. We have to ask every member of the family what does he/she want...maybe bigger rooms, bigger kitchen with bigger walk in pantry, it should be near to school/work, etc. No matter who's gonna pay for the mortgage, no matter who's name/s will be in the mortgage, the matter is that we will all be living in that house. You do not want someone unhappy in your family. Maybe you couldn't get what you want all at the same time, but there's always later. Just make sure there's a provision that you can do it later when you settled.

We've been to different Open Houses, when everyone interested in that property can come and inspect it, all at the same time. But I don't like it! When I go to this thing, instead of looking at the property, I was looking at the people coming and thinking, analyzing them whose gonna get the house. I still prefer to inspect the property by myself, i mean, just us, family, no other people. Funny thing, there are Real Estate Agents, who are so cautious that sees everything you do when you're inspecting a property as if you are a thief. Huh!  So annoying! Another Agent talks a lot that you don't have the chance to feel the house. I like an Agent who gives you space to thoroughly see the property and contemplate. When I see a property, go inside it, I want to have that warmth, peace, welcoming feeling and that, will I call home.

Pricing of the properties now are different. Before, though very few others are still doing it, they've set a price already. Now, they're sort of having a secret auction. I know the Agents are doing this. They put price like, " from $$$...". Then they ask the potential buyers to submit their offers to the Agent, who will then submit it to the owner.Then the owner will accept obviously the highest offer. How would you know if your offer has been considered or whatever, especially if there are many contenders or say "bidders" ? I prefer to go to a real/public Auction instead of this. But that's the game now! What can you do?!

Then finally, if you find the property you want and that suits your financial situation, go for it. Act quickly, otherwise you'll gonna lose it. Once the keys been handed over to you, make a promise that you will take care of it. Maintain or beautify it as often as possible. The words of the lady valuer keep on reminding me,..."what have you done, what improvements you made since the time you bought the house?"

                                                      ❤¸.•*""*•.¸❤ ☼ ❤¸.•*""*•.¸❤ ☼ ❤¸.•*""*•.¸❤ ☼ ❤

GOD's LOVE AND MIRACLE

When my two eldest kids were still toddlers and we were living with my parents, my father said that whenever a person gets sick and recovered, his character changes...I said when a person is sick, it's either of this three: punishment for a sin, trial or negligence. whichever applies to you, keep quiet, meditate, and pray to God.

I consider my self religious ever since. I go to church, perform my duties and obligations to church, being a choir member, etc. until that time when my parents stopped me from doing that. They prioritized my studies first. It was a big mistake I know, but I have to follow them otherwise they will get angry at me. I was scared before whenever they got mad coz if something will happen to either of my parents, I was to be blamed by either of them, their brothers or sisters or my dad's mother. I am a person who always settle for peace. I don't want fight. Even if I have the right or even I think I'm right, I just keep quiet and let them do all the talking and let them win. It hurts me a bit or a lot, I cried or cried secretly. I pray and cry to my Lord God. Then go and do stuffs that will make me forget what happened like going to shops and do some window shopping.

I grow up sickly. Having colds most of the time. I suffered whooping cough when I was little. From then I could easily get colds especially when I ate cold things like ice cream. Then accompanied by fever. During my high school years whenever I had colds, my nose was blocked completely and very hard to breath. When I was in University, every morning I had colds.

However, since I've given birth, I seldom get sick until lately. Change of hormones as they say, I don't know. When  you have your own family, many things will change to your personality. I really didn't care whether I get sick before, or when I will recover. The time when I became mother, even slight colds I was irritated. I want to be cured straight away.

When we came here in Australia, I really have no idea what would be our life. I was neither scared, reluctant nor hopeful. Nothing. I only wanted us to be together as a family. But starting  a life in a foreign land is hard much more as a family with young kids. What happened was and still sometimes I feel we are all alone living or stranded in an island. However, that's when I feel we are very much closer to God.

One son suffered rashes all over his body except his face and kept on scratching coz twas very itchy. Another son suffered life threatening illness that we almost loss him. Another son had a serious warts on his foot. I had a relapsed after giving birth but they considered it here as post natal depression. We cried and fervently prayed to our Almighty God. We were all cured without the intervention of Medical people, except with the son with that life threatening illness. But miraculously he got out from the hospital in just short time, recovered in a short time and most, no part of his body or organs was affected coz with that kind of illness one or more part of your body or organ will be affected. It's all God's doing! That's why we as a family, my kids strongly believe that our Family Doctor is our loving God. They're growing up depending on HIM wherever they are, whatever they're doing or feeling, at all times.

By the way, I always love the story of Job. There are times, when you needed people during the times you're in distress, it hurts that the people whom you are expecting support are the people putting your hopes down. 

Our life... emotionally, mentally, financially, physically continues to be up and down, sometimes the changes are abrupt, sometimes we feel like drowning but with strong Faith to our most gracious Father in Heaven, we continue to survive. Commonly, people would find reason behind something, why this happened, what was the cause. How about accepting that It's God's way of talking to us or it's His love to us or it's His miracle.

In 2010, after encountering another obstacle in life that I wasn't able to handle properly, my health was put in jeopardy again. I've posted this in my Facebook, which was also my response to one of my best buddies' posting. 

GOD'S LOVE AND MIRACLE

June 23, 2011 at 7:42pm

PublicFriendsFriends except AcquaintancesOnly MeCustomClose FriendsPenrith, New South Wales AreaSee all lists...FriendsUniversity of PangasinanWHHSFamilyAcquaintancesGo Back

Good thing amiga uve opened this topic. Ive been wanting to tell evryone, anyone what ive been through but i couldnt find the right time...maybe now is the time...with all the different problems ive been encountering in this life i complained and most of the time i told myself that this wasnt the life ive dreamed of...remembering my good old memories back when i was still single...or hating my bad memories when i was still not married...having the life i want but i couldnt have coz of some mistakes done... that others were been put into blame even they dont deserved to be...most of my friends maybe just like u hav big or small problems all of us we do but if i would look back or see the present, i think i might have the biggest challenges in life including almost losing a child... a year ago, i got sick that my children were always disturbed and were always crying and thought they were losing me...even me i thought i will be leaving them but i cried so much to HIM coz i know i havent finished my race yet...even the doctors couldnt diagnosed me well that they've given me wrong medicines that worsened my condition ...i was already becoming helpless but still strong in faith...then i attended the worship service and the lesson was about prophet Isaiah telling King Hezekiah to get ready to die coz he will not recover from his illness. But King Hezekiah cried to God. God cured King Hezekiah and given him extension of life...after the service i was given hope although i became weaker and weaker...then few days later an "angel" (i knew and i believed) talked to me while i was alone in my room saying that God had heard me and that i needed to repent and accept and love the family i have...following day i was told to tell my husband not to massage me (my husband was massaging me everynite just like one manghihilot said) that nite coz God will heal me...that was in the middle of the winter and we had no heater in the room, but i sweat alot that ive changed clothes for a couple couple of times... i felt relieved, offered prayer of thanks and was able to sleep peacefully that nite...still weak days later coz i have to do what i was told to do...to love my family, my husband especially...it took me a little while before i was able to do it perfectly...i was still crying evryday coz i was in pain until i begged HIM again what should i do to ease my pain... then the "angel" talked to me again and said that God had heard all my prayers and not for me to worry coz my medicine will come soon...then when i went to the doctor at first he was a bit hesitant but he gave me a prescription and my husband and i believed that was the medicine God promised me...during my recovery the "angel" was always there encouraging me and told me that days will go on and i wouldnt notice that ive recovered already...with that experience in my life, actually an additional miracle in my life i offer an endless thanksgiving and praises to our GOD Almighty... lessons ive learned...to be thankful of what we hav...not to look back...stay focus today and not to worry tomorrow...to be humble...to love others even they dont want u...to forgive others...not to focus on the material things in this world...trust God and not on the knowledge u hav acquired or learned...PATIENCE and ENDURANCE...that sometimes He has to test us, our hearts, our faith and that we should ask and beg Him so we should not fail in that test...that God is giving miracles...let us not be hard headed...

MOTHER'S DAY 2013

Find your height, I think I'm not in the correct place

My family didn't book in any restaurant for the Mother's Day. That's what we are. For casual occasions, we want an "on-the-spot" decision. Except on a PARTY, when you need to distribute invitations at least 4 to 2 weeks in advance. So, on 12 May, Sunday, Mother's Day we almost end up in Maccas for dinner coz all the restaurants my family rang up were booked up. There's this Swan Restaurant that I wanted to go years ago but when we searched up, they're sort of Vietnamese Restaurant. I was not feeling Vietnamese that day so they had to find somewhere else. Oh, our options are limited coz we only have 7-seater car. We could only stay here in Penrith, it was already 6:00 pm and we have to go to the movies still, and also considering restaurants kitchen closes at 9:00 or sometimes 10:00. Thank God, we were accommodated by The Outback Steakhouse. But there was a little bit wait. That's fine as long as we can have a fine dining on that night rather than fast food. Of course, I did not cook. It was my day!

Bloomin Onion - fave starter - $9.95

We were rushing, we have to be at Hoysts Moviehouse by 9:00 pm. Instead of starting the meal with starter, then main and dessert, we ordered all at the same time and told them to serve all at the same time. Our long table was full that other customers were looking at us. Hahaha! We finished them all, eating like Military, thank goodness, we didn't end up bloated.

Dessert Sample Trio - Chocolate Thunder, Fresh Fruit Pavlova

and Sticky date pudding - $17.95

We were on time for the late night show. We were the only ones in the theater, it was like "exclusive" for us. Hehehe! We watched Ironman 3 with popcorn and frozen drinks. It's not really my type of movie but my family liked it especially my husband. Anyway, we all had fun...simple celebration, simple life....Harold, Heinrich and Harvey paid everything. 

BICENTENARY OF THE CROSSING OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

Winning a seat in the 2012 Junior Councillor in Penrith City Council had given Wellington the chance to participate in the Bicentennial Crossing of the Blue Mountains.

At Roughwood Park (Blaxland's Farm)

Nearly 2 months before the event, Penrith council organized an Information evening for the children and their parent/s, explaining the Trek route, costumes and safety procedures. Then a couple of weeks or so, children had picture taking dressed like in the olden days in Luddenham, where the trek will start. Students outfits were worn on top of their normal clothing and were provided by Norma Thorburn from St Marys & District Historical Society. 

A week prior to the event, we got Wellington's medical certificate which was a must requirement. My husband took Wellington in the Medical Center where we usually go when family is sick or needed medical attention. Our mistake was that we were not able to bring the Information paper given by the council so the doctor couldn't write a letter to whom it will be addressed and what do the council really want to know about the child's medical condition. A bit confusion in our part why was the doctor not fully convinced when she read Wellington's record/file that he had not been to the medical center for almost 3 years? Isn't it good that Wellington's fine that he doesn't need to go to the doctor?...Maybe the doctor was thinking that we took Wellington to other medical center/s and not confident to certify that he is well and fit. My husband just told the doctor to just do the routine check up. The following day my husband brought the Council paper to the doctor then she gave the Medical Certificate stating that Wellington is fit to join the 14 kilometer walk without assistance. 

As early as 6:00 in the morning of 11 May 2013, Saturday, Wellington, Willy and I were there joining the many who came for the celebration and re-enactment and had sausage sizzle, tea and coffee and juice for breakfast. I think people in charge of the foods were volunteers from different clubs. Then some briefing from the events staffs from the council and Police and Safety Officers. A short program was held with short speeches from  Important people in the government like David Bradbury, Federal Member for Lindsay, Assistant Treasurer and Minister Assisting for Deregulation. Robyn Parker, NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage. Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir, NSW Governor. Councillor Mark Davies, Penrith City Mayor and Dr Jack Thompson, famous Australian Actor. Steve Passfield and his Handpicked Band (a Violinist, a Guitarist and a Drummer), entertained people with songs and his guitar.

The 2012 Junior Mayor & Councillors 

 with the Descendants of Blaxland, Lawson & Wentworth

Wellington with Robyn Parker, NSW Minister

for Environment and Heritage

with Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir, NSW Governor

(the lady in red coat)

The Trek party was farewelled  as they commenced the trek at around 8:30. A copy of the Trek route was given to each family of the students participating. It said it will start  at Roughwood Park (Blaxland's Farm) and travel across farm land into Samuel Marsden Road, turn left into Lansdowne Road, turn right into Kent Road, turn left into Caddens Road, turn right into O'Connell Lane through to O'Connell Street.

Wellington said he saw Aunty Melrose and her kids when they passed by Caddens Road where Melrose's house is. There was also an old woman who asked for an autograph of the students according to Wellington. Families were not allowed to follow their children that's why we just depended on the stories of Wellington of what happened during their walk.

with Councillor Mark Davies, Penrithy City Mayor

Stop over at the University of Western Sydney which also provided the morning tea for the Trek party as well as the parents. Speeches from a guy representing the University and from the Penrith City Mayor. Parents then picked up the kids and brought them to a park in Doonmore Street for lunch. The older people in the Trek party continued walking through to Doonmore Street.

Pizza for Lunch

with Papa

with Kuya Harold

The Trek Party

We should have brought our folding chairs like the other parents so we did not sit on the grass. Harold was on the bus and passed the Trek Party occupying one side of the road.The driver of the bus was irritated as some of the passengers. I wonder why not the whole community was aware of the event.  People should be informed and should be grateful with people like these explorers, who had the courage to do such things in order to make the lives of the following generations  easier and better. Harold joined us when the bus stopped near the area.

at Penrith CBD

The whole Trek party turned left to High Street, Penrith and then bound to Penrith City Council Civic Center on where the vehicles and horses have left.The Trek rested for a while and continued walking on High Street (Great Western Highway) to Memorial Avenue and stopped at the clock tower for plaque unveiling and the end for the Junior Mayor and Councillors participation on the trek.

                                       

                                       

According to the information paper given by the Council to us, the families, the Trek formation was: Police vehicle,Volunteer Rescue Association vehicle, the first walking party (consisting of 7 adult walkers, 4 horses and 5 dogs). Then a St John Ambulance vehicle for the purpose of first aid. Followed by the second walking party (consisting of 9 students, a Penrith City Council chaperone and Safety officer), Council vehicle and the tail vehicle was a second Police vehicle.

the clock tower

Bicentenary plaque

Jack Thompson

with David Bradbury and Councillor Greg Davies

with the descendants of Wentworth (L) and Lawson (R)

Culminating the event that day was a simple program with the Mayor congratulating the Trek party for their accomplishment and reciting poetry by Jack Thompson. The re-enactment continued for the next 3 weeks by the other descendants of the 3 Explorers.

A Thank you Dinner was held on 31 May 2013 at 7:00 pm in St Marys Leagues Club in Forrester Road, St Marys. Wellington was allowed to bring with him 2 guests. We were thinking of his kuya Harold and ate Hildyane, however Harold has a work. So we decided, it will be me and Willy who will come with him. After all we are Wellington's parents and I would really like to attend such events.

We were on Table 3, basically in the front, near the stage. We were with 2 other students who participated in the Trek with their families. Upon arrival, Silver Fox's Barbershop Quartet were entertaining the arriving guests until the program started and later again in the middle of the program. 

The program started with Entree, Mushroom Vol au Vent for Willy, Chicken Satay Skewers for me and Chicken Parmigiana and hot chips for Wellington. Students/Kids were given Kid's meal which was a 2 course meal, while the adults had 3 course meal. The Main Course  was char-grilled rump for Willy, Grilled Barramundi for me and Wellington had his dessert, jelly and ice cream.Oh, yes, upon entering the room, you can get your drinks from the waiters/waitresses standing near the door. You can have wine, juice or softdrinks and can ask for more if you want to while you were already sitting in your Table. A bottle of red and white wine were also in every table. And of course a piece of bread roll and butter for everyone.

After the Main Course, Councillor Mark Davies, the Penrith City Mayor, had given the welcome speech, which was acknowledging and thanking everyone who participated and helped in the event commemorating the achievements of the 3 Explorers. Followed by the speeches from Descendant, David Blaxland, Descendant, Robert Bettington, 2012 Junior Mayor Jesse Sales-Hobart and Dr Jack Thompson. 

Dessert was served after speeches. Willy had cheesecake slice and I had chocolate mud cake, of course. But anyway, Willy and I shared foods as usual so as Wellington. So we were able to taste all the foods served. We had coffee afterwards which was served to our Table a bit late, and that was during the fun dancing already and while the people started leaving the place.

Steve Passfield and His Handpicked Band

Steve Passfield and His handpicked Band was very nice rendering songs during the Main Meal and after the speeches until the end of that evening affair. They played dancing music like Chicken Dance which the students joyfully danced along with other older people.  

Each one of us had received a Commemorative Holey Dollar and a copy of Jack Thompson's poetry DVD called "Live at the Gearin" from Penrith City Council. Most people had an autograph of Jack Thompson while people were busy chatting with each other and others having fun dancing.

Blue Mountains City Mayor and a Councillor from the Blacktown City Council were also present that night. And yes of course the Descendants of Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth, who would be the most important guests that night in my opinion.

Descendants of Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth

Trek Information

"In 1789 the discovery of the Nepean River represented a significant milestone for the fledgling colony of NSW. It was the lifeblood for grain, vegetable crops and livestock. However, the colony quickly grew, as did the urgent need to find improved grazing lands. The formidable barrier of the Blue Mountains needed to be crossed for the continued survival of the colony." (1)

"Prior to 1813 many unsuccessful attempts were made to cross the Blue Mountains." (2) " On Tuesday, 11 May 1813, explorers Gregory Blaxland, William Lawson and William Charles Wentworth left from "Blaxland Farm" that was situated on the left bank of South Creek about three miles from St Marys, (a stone cairn was erected near the site on Luddenham Rd) . They were attended by four servants, five dogs, and four horses laden with provisions, ammunition and other necessities, and along with Aboriginal guides, travelled at around two miles per hour. Their aim was to mount the "main" ridge from Emu Plains and follow a route similar to that of the now Great Western Highway to Mt Victoria and then follow a finger ridge to Mt York, arriving late on 28th May 1813. Descending into the valley they came to a river (now known as Cox's river) that flows into the Nepean. Their turn-around point was Mt Blaxland. They had discovered a way over the Blue Mountains to an area of pasture on the other side. On the 31st May 1813, they had been travelling for twenty-one days and had covered about 93 km (an average of 4.5 km per day). They returned to Emu Plains in five days. Their report to Governor Macquarie played down their achievements and it is the opinion of many that later historical writers polished up the story and made them into heroes. Governor Macquarie took no action to exploit their discovery. A year after, William Cox built a road over the mountains with convict labour that opened up the west and saved the Colony." (3)

"....By 1813 Gregory had come to realize that his flock of sheep and cattle were expanding beyond the rsources, and Macquarie could not be persuaded to grant extra lands to large flock owners and Gregory drew the correct conclusion that the solution to the pastoralists' land problem lay in discovering a route over the barrier known as the "Blue Mountains". In 1810 he had explored part of the Nepean River and early in 1813 he requested Macquarie's approval of an exploring expedition across the Blue Mountains, and on 11th May he set out with William Lawson and William Charles Wentworth. As early as 1816 Blaxland claimed to have been the leader of the expedition but contemporary records suggest that none of the three men assumed this position but that their effort was a joint one." (4)

".... It is so important that the early history of St Marys and our district be kept alive for future generation to know what hardship endured in the early years of our Colony. They came to the other side of the world, with little preparation. England wanted to get rid of those men and women prisoners who were crowding up their goals. America was no longer available to dump their convicts so it was easier to send them to the great southern land. How could they know that by sending them away, they were doing most of them a great deed. By coming to Australia as convicts, once pardoned, they were given the chance to make a life for themselves. This life wasn't easy but by hard work and the support of their wives and family, these men and women had the chance to succeed." (5)

Sources:

(1), (2) Penrith City Council " 2013 Bicentenary of the First European Crossing of the Blue MOuntains" Saturday, 11 May 2013, Assure Event Safety Services, Avert Risk Management Services

(3), (4), (5) Blue Mountains Celebrations, Nepean News 6 June 2013 Issue 101

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Just happy for my son, Wellington for being a part of this Historical event in Australia, specifically in NSW. _______ღ☆ღ______