Childhood holiday memories in Sunny Queensland : Part One

Walks in my Grandad's garden... 

I was only three when my Mum's Dad, "Jack" passed away and sadly I don't remember him...
but when I close my eyes and smell these particular flowers ~ Double Stock, Freesias and Carnations ~ I am suddenly transported back into his lush garden at Holland Park in Queensland. Mum says we walked together through the garden every day and I was the only one allowed to pick his precious flowers!

My Nan and Grandad ~ first cuddles with me
at 6 weeks old.

My Grandad (and then Aunty's) house back in the day...
and before his garden was established with frangipani, loquat,
mango, umbrella trees and assorted flowerbeds.
I also remember a sprawling fig vine which completely covered
that walled fence which seemed so very tall to me as a child.

Mini-me with my cousins, sitting at the foot of the back stairs
of their Queenslander. Being an only child, I loved hanging out
with my pretend 'big brothers' ~ despite the teasing!
You can tell by this photo who's really the boss!
I have such great memories of sitting down there eating sugar cane
and watermelon on those long, hot Summer afternoons...
Underneath the house was a treasure trove of boxes and tin trunks
filled with the boys' old toys, comics & books, marbles,
cowboys and indians ~ just waiting for me to dive in and explore!

Grandad with my cousin sitting beside the avery
that he built and which I also loved.

By the look on my face, I'd say this photo was
taken just before we were leaving to go home!

My favourite holidays with my Aunty and cousins.

~ Sandgate ~

Happy days down at Sandgate with my Mum and Nan.

Mum and I playing in the wading pool
which my Grandad helped to build.

Sitting on Grandad's knee at three, with Mum and my Uncle.
 Sadly this would be his last holiday with us all.

Next time...

The magic of Bribie Island!

Fresh crab sandwiches anyone?

"You can’t do anything about the length of your life,

but you can do something about its width and depth."

~ H. L. Mencken

Photo: Sabine Weiss