The first five years of my life were spent living in a tin shed the size of a shoebox while my dad built our house, one mud brick at a time. Our toilet was a long drop out house and our bathroom was an outdoor shower with a baby bath. It was a good 40 degrees plus in summer and when it rained it sounded as if the roof would collapse with the weight of the falling water. By the end I think mum was at her wits end. Three kids, two adults and a dog all living in one room?! It’s impressive that my brothers even exist.
The surf shack pre renovation
Thankfully dad did finish the house, and 25 odd years later we have been lucky enough to have the privilege of renovating the shed and using it as our weekend escape. While it still doesn’t have a bathroom, the toilet now comes with a flush (and an impressive view), and even if it is 40 degrees we can escape to the cool of the family home if need be.
View from the outdoor throne
The weekend just gone was one such occasion where we were lucky enough to call the shed home for a few nights, and just as when I was a child, the days were full of adventure and experiences, as the family and I pursed some of life’s simple pleasures.
On Saturday morning, after enjoying a radiant sunrise, we set out for the day.
Enjoying the warmth of the early morning sun
Sharing Papa Geoff’s blueberry smoothie
The morning was spent
- Perusing the local Farmers Market
- playing on the swings and watching the local Auskick
- contemplating the purchase of a spotty rooster at a poultry auction, and;
- enjoying a late breakfast and Babycino at the Margaret River Bakery.
Checking out the market grounds
Helping Nonna choose the bread
Birthday flowers for Nonnie, turns out they make a great hobby horse too
A delicious Breakky at the Margaret River Bakery
In the afternoon it was decided that it was far too nice a day to waste, so it was off to the beach to explore and search for sea jewels (sea glass) and mermaid treasure (shells). The girls giggled and laughed as they searched for their bounty from nature. Full of energy, their vibrant eyes sparkled just like the sun did on the waves that surged at our feet.
On the hunt with Nonna
Testing the water in the rock pools
The rain clouds slowly approach
It was such a simple thing, to be outside at the beach exploring, but it awoke the girls souls, and when we arrived home they were eager to share their experiences with their dad and brother. And as they sat out in the natural bush, surrounded by bird song, sorting their flotsam and jetsam, it occurred to me just how lucky we are to live in such a wondrous part of the world, and how much more there is to share with the family to further their love and appreciation of the life that they have, and that was only after one day in Margs.
The bounty from the beach
My Nourished Family 