A Quiet Start to the Day
It’s early morning and I’m sitting outside with my husband enjoying a cuppa.
With the change of season the mornings are starting to get cooler now, but not uncomfortably so. Just that fresh country air that makes the coffee taste even better.
The birds are singing, the sky is clear and blue, and it’s shaping up to be a beautiful day here at home.
One by one the grandkids begin to wake up and wander outside to give us a hug and say good morning.
This morning we already have six grandkids staying with us along with their parents.
Then the Cousins Arrive
About an hour later we hear a vehicle coming up the road.
Before the dust cloud has time to settle, three doors swing open and another four kids jump out.
Suddenly the quiet morning disappears and the property fills with laughter, squealing and kids running in every direction.
Dogs join the excitement immediately, racing after them as if they’ve been waiting all morning for this moment.
School Holiday Chaos
Within minutes the yard turns into chaotic excitment.
Kids are running around the house, down the driveway, across the yard and back again.
The dogs are convinced they are part of whatever game is happening and follow closely behind.
Eventually hunger brings them all wandering back toward the house.
The Smoko Announcement
That’s when I make the announcement.
“Half an hour until smoko at Nanna’s. Go wash your hands, put your hats and shoes on and start heading down.”
The response is immediate.
Kids disappear inside to get ready before reappearing moments later.
The Race to Nanna’s Place
Not long after that there’s a mass exodus of noisy, happy kids heading down the road toward Nanna’s place.
Dogs trot along behind them, hoping to be included in whatever food appears.
They know exactly where they’re going.
Because at Nanna’s Kitchen, there’s always something waiting.
Waiting at Nanna’s Table
Nanna will be turning 83 this year and still lives independently in her own home on our property.
During school holidays she cooks morning smoko and lunch for the kids, teaching them the way she learned growing up — cooking simple meals, wasting nothing and turning leftovers into the next meal.
And of course there are always cakes, biscuits, slices or desserts appearing on the bench.
The kids arrive hungry and ready.
And they are more than willing to eat everything put in front of them.
Henry’s Inspection
Of course none of this happens without supervision.
Henry the Jack Russell is always nearby, making sure everything happening on the property meets his very high standards.
And when the kids arrive at Nanna’s kitchen, Henry is there too.
Chief Inspector on duty.
🐕 Henry Approved
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