Happy 80th birthday to Iris Charleston

Iris at 21

Another early photo of Iris

Rhonda Murray and Peggy Crothers

Rhonda, Edward, Peggy
Iris

Kym, Robert, Megan and Kay

Rhonda, Kay, Peggy
Iris

Happy 80th birthday to Iris Charleston

The beautiful birthday cake

Although my aunt Iris will be 80 tomorrow, the family had a celebration lunch for her today at the Launceston Country Club. It was great that her children, Kay and Rodney, and grandchildren Simone, Megan and Kym as well as two great grandchildren could be present, as several members of her extended family currently live and work in mainland states. There were also several other members of the extended family attending the celebration.

Her sister-in-law, Fay, was visiting from Ulverstone and two cousins, who live in Launceston, Rhonda Murray and Peggy Crothers also came to the special lunch.

Vale Rosemary Burke

Rosemary Burke
01.12.1940 -26.12.2008

Rosemary was a wonderful friend. I first met her in 1960 when I began my studies in Hobart to become an art teacher. When I began my course, Rosemary was in her second year. Because the student numbers were quite small in those days, the various year groups interacted a great deal and consequently, we all became close friends.

I spent 1964 as part of the Art Staff with Rosemary at the old Hobart High School, when it was in the final transition year to become a Matriculation College.

We have remained in contact through out the years and even when we have not seen each other for several years at a time, there has been an on-going exchange of news and views. I have always admired her work and I have enjoyed the thoughtful conversations about art and life that we have shared over the years. I loved her quirky sense of humour and her unique but compassionate view of the world.

May the long time sun shine upon you
All love surround you
And the pure light within you
Guide you all the way home.

We take Zachary and Sarah on a visit to Holwell Gorge

Edward and Noel at the waterfall.

Zachary and Sarah

The pool at the foot of the waterfall.

At the waterfall

Noel at the top of the waterfall.

Noel, Zachary and Sarah on the pathway.

Noel, Sarah and Zachary before setting off on the walk to the waterfall.

Some views of the stream and path through the gorge.

Jessica and Malachi

Christmas Day

Edie having a fun time in the sand pit.

Jessica, Malachi and Edie

Zachary and Edie playing games on an Zachary's iPhone

Edie entranced by a story being told by Sarah

Toby making a grand entrance to the dining room with the freshly prepared ham.

Toby carving the ham.

Raf and Evie

Edie in her new dress.

Nick, Toby, Raf, Evie, Nicole, Sarah
Tahirih, Zeke, Noel, Zachary, Jessica with Malachi
Edie

Nick, Toby, Raf, Evie, Nicole, Zachary, Edward
Tahirih, Zeke, Noel, Jessica with Malachi
Edie

Family visitors

Toby, Edie, Nicole, Noel, Zachary and Edward

Toby, Edie, Nicole, Noel, Zachary and Sarah

Vale Aunt Marjorie Broomhall

Marjorie Jessie Broomhall
14 April, 1916- 22 December, 2008

Aunt Marjorie passed away today. She was my aunt by marriage to my Uncle Tasman. She lived most of her life on the family farm with Uncle Tas at West Ridgley, but later she moved to Ridgley and most recently to Umina Park in Burnie. She was mother to four of my cousins : Ken Broomhall, Mavis Edwards, Colin Broomhall and Gwen Hardy.

Welcome to Malachi

This is a painting of the prophet Malachi by the Italian artist, Duccio

Great grandfather Edward and Malachi

Great grandmother Noel with baby Malachi.

The gorgeous Jessica with her baby Malachi.

This evening, we were delighted to welcome the newest member of the Broomhall family. Malachi, our great grandson was born. The grand father - our third son Raphael, was present when his daughter Jessica gave birth. It was very special as his other daughter, Caitlin was also present. A very exciting event.

A visit by Karel, Erin and Elan

Erin and Elan

Elan, Erin and Karel

This afternoon I was delighted to welcome Karel Fontaine and her daughter Erin O'Connor who was accompanied by her husband, Elan. I had not seen Erin since she left Israel in 2001, so it was a delight to catch up on her news and spend time together.

Australia

Happy 89th birthday, Marion!

Today, our very special aunt Marion, who lives in Sydney, is celebrating her 89th happy birthday. Noel is visiting her for a few days this week ,so there will be a special dinner, featuring slow roasted Tasmanian lamb this evening. There will be another special lunch, to celebrate her birthday, on Sunday, when other members of the family will be joining Marion.

Moliere

Quantum Of Solace

Happy 9th birthday, Hespa!

Our wonderful grand daughter, Hespa is celebrating her 9th birthday today!
Happy birthday Hespa!

Playing For Change: Song Around the World

Seeking Layli in the Holwell Gorge

Today, I joined with 9 of my friends to have a walk, share a picnic lunch and some prayers at Holwell Gorge. This beautiful gorge is situated near Beaconsfield, north of Launceston and on the Western side of the Tamar River.
It was a perfect day for a walk through bushland, following a well marked path beside a stream. We had our picnic lunch, followed by prayers at the top of one of the two waterfalls that can be visited in this part of the gorge.

A quote from Baha'u'llah:

'It is related that one day they came upon Majnún sifting the dust, and his tears flowing down. They said, “What doest thou?” He said, “I seek for Laylí.” They cried, “Alas for thee! Laylí is of pure spirit, and thou seekest her in the dust!” He said, “I seek her everywhere; haply somewhere I shall find her.”

Yea, although to the wise it be shameful to seek the Lord of Lords in the dust, yet this betokeneth intense ardor in searching. “Whoso seeketh out a thing with zeal shall find it.”

The true seeker hunteth naught but the object of his quest, and the lover hath no desire save union with his beloved. Nor shall the seeker reach his goal unless he sacrifice all things. That is, whatever he hath seen, and heard, and understood, all must he set at naught, that he may enter the realm of the spirit, which is the City of God. Labor is needed, if we are to seek Him; ardor is needed, if we are to drink of the honey of reunion with Him; and if we taste of this cup, we shall cast away the world'