Fire Ravaged Our Beautiful Region

We have travelled through the fire ravaged region in Tasmania's south for the first time. We do this route often to get to our fabulous holiday spot, but this time the view and the feelings they brought, were very sombre indeed. It has been two weeks since the fires started, so we knew this drive would be different, but were interested to see the extent of the damage first hand, having only seen news coverage and pictures on social media.  

After a kilometre or so into the devastated region, we had seen more than enough. Unfortunately the horrid scenery lasted nearly an hour, as the effect of the fire is so widespread, and the speed limit has been reduced due to the many area were repair is still ongoing on the sides of the road to the power lines, fences, guides posts and signage and burnt trees in danger of falling onto the road.  

The telltale signs of the fire started not far south of Sorell. There were many more animals housed in each paddock, where they had been brought to safety. Then came the singed paddocks and trees. This quickly elevated to burned treeline for as far as the eye could see.  There was the occasional remains of a home which could not avoid the fury of the fire. It was quite amazing to see the homes where the fire had gone right up to the door, yet, through massive efforts to save the home, or through sheer luck, the house is still standing, unscathed.

The story changed dramatically once we reached the township of Dunally. Home after home has been ravaged by the fire. The district school is gone, along with several other businesses. Many of these buildings were quite old, as is evident by the style of the chimneys, which are the only things still standing.

Our holiday spot was not reached by these fires, so this horrid vision is the only effect on us. We are very fortunate, compared to those whose homes have been lost, those who were trapped on the peninsula, those who fled to safety, those who lost power, and those who gave their time to help.

It was a horrible episode in Tasmania's history, but thankfully, no lives were lost as a direct result of these fires. Quite a miracle considering the ground covered and the buildings destroyed.

The slow procession of cars travelling to the Tasman Peninsula.

What is left of the Dunally Bakery

The hill behind Eagle Hawk Neck

Simple Words Melt My Heart

It is hard being a Mum, enforcing all of the rules. Rules, you see, are everywhere, and are important in life. So it is my job, as your Mum, to let you know what the rules are, and make sure they are being followed.

You know the rules, they have been the same since you were born. We have been trying to be consistent. We have tried to explain the reasons for having the rules to you in so many ways. It is not that you do not understand the rules, or their importance. You try to follow the rules, but you are driven to break them. Not because you are naughty, but because you are fearful.

Your fear of being alone has been growing. We carry you to your bed at night, as we have exhausted all of your tears  whilst trying to get you to sleep in your bed. You are sure to wake through the night, and realise you are alone, and make your way to the safe haven next to me.
And no Supernanny! Consistency and routine are not the key to this little boy's problem.

Still, we guide you to your room each night. You need to know we will continue to try. Your room will eventually become your own haven. Your own safe place to retreat to.

You came to me the other night as I was climbing into bed. I gave you the same spiel you have heard so many times before.
"I just need to tell you something Mummy" you say, as you fidget nervously with the book in your hand.
"I wanted to show you something in this book."
You shift closer, hitching up on the foot of the bed. As you turn the pages, I know you are desperately trying to find something for us to discuss. I am tired. I look at your face. You look tired too. Yet, here you are, trying to find a reason not to be alone, instead of resting your weary eyes in your bed.
You are sitting cross-legged on the bed in your shorty pyjamas.

I sigh. I am weakening.
"Are you going to jump in?" I say.
I can not bear to see your little legs and arms prickled with goose bumps.
Your head whips up and the look on your face changes to gratitude.
As you scrambles to slide in next to me, your next words melt my heart, and override any rules you are breaking.
"Thank you Mummy, for letting me snuggle next to you. I do love you so much."

I love you so much too.

Game over.

Black, white and shades of grey

Grumpy, 

miserable, 

unsatisfied, 

negative, 

emotional

argumentative.

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Some days there are little black clouds hanging over the heads of my children.

If I said something was black, they would argue it was white. 

Their favourite meal is now disgusting.

None of their usual DVDs, games, or toys will do.

If I was to make a drink, there would be tears and tantrums because there is no straw.

On days like this my jaw aches from the constant clenching.

All you can do is take cover and wait for the wind to blow the clouds away.

How do you cope with days like this?

Please tell me I am not alone.

Now I have kids, I know I can!

There was a time (pre-kids) when I did less, expected less of myself, pushed myself less.

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It's amazing the things I have discovered that I am capable of since becoming a Mother.

I can still function on a few hours sleep.

I can do many tasks with a heatpack clenched to my body.

I can carry a child capable of walking and multiple shopping bags.

I can step strategcially around toys covering the floor, with coffee in hand and not spill a drop.

I can fully strip, wipe down, and re-dress a screaming, sick child on the side of the highway in no time at all.

I can cope with 4 in the bed. (if absolutely necessary)

I can tune out irritating, high pitched screaming.

I can get the toughest stains out of clothing. (again and again)

I can get medicine into a distressed child without it coming back up and covering me.

I can be imaginative and creative with play, cooking, discipline, and excuses.


I can mop the whole bathroom from floor to ceiling after every bath.

I can nurse a feeding baby, whilst surfing Facebook and interacting with the outside world.

I can have my camera ready in a split second.

I can pack bags for 2 children and 2 adults for a weekend to the beach in half an hour.

I can host a birthday party, make cake, decorate entertain and clean up. All before collapsing in a heap.

I can feed, dress and groom 2 children, drop them in 2 different locations with appropriate attire and lunch, say my loving, encouraging words, and get to work with 5 minutes to spare.

I can kiss a graze and make it feel better, wipe away tears and put a smile on a face, and remove the worst grime with a little "mummy spit".

I can, I have discovered, do many things I would have even dared pre-kids. I have learned some tricks along the way. I've also discovered many ways that things should not be done. It's a work in progress, but I know I have have a go.