SAM'S NINETH PAGE.  2002 - 2003
Mid 2002 - New Year 2003 - February 2003.
The Enterprise, the Cherici's leave for Queensland, Jun's visit from Japan, Christmas, New Year at Port Campbell, 4th birthday, visit from cousin Shannon. 

 
The recently constructed ketch Enterprise visited Gippsland during the year, mooring at Welshpool for a couple of days. Of course I had to take Sam down to see her. 

 
And during the year we had a wonderful long-weekend at 
Phillip Island, staying in a unit near Cowes, with the Chericis. Mini-golf seemed to the most popular activity, particularly as there were very few koalas in the sanctuary. The tourist complex at Seal Rocks was still operating, soon to close due to extensive damage in a storm, and an insensitive state government which seems unable to recognise the value of tourism. 
THE CHERICI'S DEPART FOR SUNNY QLD
November was not one of our most joyous months as Phil, Lorraine and Anton left Melbourne for permanent residence at Noosa. It is something that Phil had planned a decade ago when we were both going to "start a new life" in Queensland. With his father Albert and wife Rita up there alrady, Phil had added incentive, and with the arrival of Anton it was inevitable. I have known Phil from the very early days of Aquarius Travel, probably around 1982 when he helped us out tremendously with his knowledge and courtesy. He has remained a dear close friend ever since. And we have certainly had some great times together, travelling and diving. Those days may be over, but the friendship between our two families remains, and Anton will always be Sam's big brother. 
We'll head up north and see them at the end o 2003, but we'll miss their visits to Gippsland. 

 
JUN ARRIVES
The sorrow of the departure of the Cherici's to Queensland was lessened somewhat with the arrival of our surrogate daughter Jun Wada from Japan. We met and soon loved this wonderful lady back in 1993 when she did a teaching round in our region. We have never lost contact. Jun is now married to Kenji (who did not visit this time) - he runs a curry shop in Japan. Jun is an architect. It was wonderful having her with us, particularly as Sam adored Jun - and I think the feeling was mutual. 



 
CHRISTMAS, 2002.
We had the great pleasure of having Jun stay with for a week which included Christmas Day. Sam's main present was a John Deere tractor. 
Is this one happy kid !!! 
We had given Sam a few smaller gifts during the traditional Christmas morning opening of the presents. He seemed pretty satisfied with his lot, and wanted to stay inside and play. Finally convinced, he trudged outside - and spotted the tractor. His expression was a joy to behold. He gasped, and asked, "is this for m?". When we said yes he was beside himself. It has given him great pleasure. How wonderful it is to see a child so happy. 

 
NEW YEAR AT PORT CAMPBELL
New Years Eve was spent with Genevieve, Oliver and Fletcher at Dixie near Warrnambool, with a vist to the Twelve Apostles and th Loch Ard Gorge. Dad is here posing with nonchalant Sam at the anchor he raised, with th help of mny friends, from the wreck of the Loch Ard, at its centenary of loss in 1978. 

 
JOHN AND HEATHER COME TO VISIT
The year 2003 started well with a visit from dear friends John and Heather from Melbourne, seen here at Wilsons Promontory. It was all their fault - it was Heather who introduced Wendy to Peter in 1889, so she has a special place in Sam's life as if it were not for her, Sam wouldn't be here. John also is very special as he introduced Heather into our life. I have known John since 1965 when we were at R.M.I.T. A chance reunion at my print gallery in Blackburn in 1988 changed my life: John - Heather - Wendy - Sam. What a great link.
IT'S BIRTHDAY TIME - AND I'M FOUR

Sam turned four on 22 February. He didn't have a party 
this year because Shaanon was coming next month and 
there would be plenty of activity and fun with his cousin 
from England whom he had not yet met. The 'Spider Man' pyjamas werea big hit, the Turbo Snails (now who gave 
him them), and the bouncing ball from Catherine. 

 
A VISIT FROM THE BRAUNS
In March we had the pleasure of a visit, at long last, from my dear sister Stephanie and her husband Marcus and Sam's cousin, the wonderful Shaanon. Despit a few years difference, Sam and Shaanon got on wonderfully and had a great time. We spent a few days staing in a flat at Metung on the Gippsland Lakes, and visited Lakes Entrance. Of course, mini-golf was a highlight once again. In the past forty years I had only spent a few days with my sister. Steffi and Marcus live in London, Manchester and Germany. And this of course was the first meeting of the cousins, Sam and Shaanon. 

 
AND A FEW MORE PHOTOS .....
An anchor - so what! 
My latest creation. Even the apron looks great!!

With Shaanon, having a picnic lunch in 'the boat' at home.
Collecting vegetables from th garden patch at home.

Sam helping with the frame to the new family room.
Always willing to lend a hand - and with safety glasses on.

At Metung.
Phoning neice Sienna in Perth.

 

SAM'S HOMEPAGE
SAM'S FIRST PAGE:  FEBRUARY - AUGUST 1999
SAM'S SECOND PAGE:  SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 1999
SAM'S THIRD PAGE:  JANUARY - NOVEMBER 2000
SAM'S FORTH PAGE:  DECEMBER 2000 - JANUARY 2001
SAM'S FIFTH PAGE: FEBRUARY - MARCH  2001
SAM'S SIXTH PAGE: APRIL, 2001  -  MYRTLEFORD, ADELAIDE
SAM'S SEVENTH PAGE: PERTH in SEPTEMBER, 2001, PLUS OTHERS
SAM'S EIGHTH PAGE: BIRTHDAY 2002, CATHERINE'S WEDDING, MARCH 2002.

Please - say Hello! to Sam.


Last updated 22 May 2003
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