Category: Family

Family, History

Grandpa Harold Ennis went to school here

by NeilEnnis 31 October 2009 5 Comments Shortlink

Thanks to Stewart Ennis who sent me these amazing photos of Mussoorie in Northern India where my Grandfather, Stewards Dad, Harold (“Pete”) Ennis went to school in the 1920’s.

Stewart visited Mussoorierecently, and tells me he had a great time imagining Pete at school in this mountainous area, where the classrooms have been pretty much unchanged in over 80 years. Stewart thinks if he looked hard enough he might even have found Grandpa’s name carved in a desk somewhere.

Horses and carts are still used for transport, and the red-coated porters, Victorian balustrades, bandstand and promenade are just as they would have been in the 1920’s when Grandpa was there.

If you look closely, you can see “H.Ennis” on the Roll of Honour at the school.

Thanks, Stewart! I would love to go there one day.




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Family, Party

Happy 18th Birthday, Sam!

by NeilEnnis 18 October 2009 No Comments Shortlink

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Here’s some photos from the party we had on the deck this afternoon to celebrate Sam’s 18th. He turns 18 in 4 days, and is having a party with all his mates soon, but we thought we’d have one first with all the family. It was one of those rare occasions when we were all together so we were able to get a new group photo.

I cracked open my bottle of Johnny Walker Green Label and a lot of us tried drinking it from the Quaich – a pewter mug from Scotland that you pass around. I think it always tastes better that way!

It was a beautiful afternoon – the sunset was stunning, and it was lovely to have baby Chelsea there to share it with us too.

Congratulations on reaching 18 years, Sam. You’re a fine young man, and we’re proud of you!

Children, Cycling, Kids, Pine Rivers

Cycling at the Racetrack

by NeilEnnis 11 October 2009 No Comments Shortlink

Cycling at the race-track (2)Cycling at the race-track (1)

The Moreton Bay council organized a cycling morning at Lakeside Raceway this morning.

Between 6.30 and 8.30am cyclists were allowed around the track, and we got a free drink at the end of the morning too.

At first I got a bit frustrated that Lilly was going so slow till I realized she had a flat front tyre. (Silly Neil). So I pumped it up and she flew. When she took the "kids shortcut" that cut out one of the hills, I had trouble keeping up with her.

I think it’s great that the council is organizing things like this. And it was good to see at least one of our local councillors, David Dwyer, out on the track in his bright yellow spandex. Good on ya David!

The second best thing about the ride this morning was being on bitumen and not having to worry about cars.

The best thing was having some fun exercise with the kids.

If you’re looking for a fun way to get fit, buy a bike!

Children, Cycling, Kids, Lawnton

Exploring with Dad

by NeilEnnis 25 September 2009 3 Comments Shortlink

“Dad, when I get older will you get me a real bike?”

“Sure, Lilly. What sort do you want?”

“One of those cool bikes like what Harrison has with gears?”

“Yeah, why not!”

Lilly did really well today on her pint-sized bike as we went up and down the hills near our house and checked out some of the local parks near the river, including the “secret” park.

“Hey Lilly, I think it’s good this park is secret, don’t you?”

“Yeah, so that means the bogans won’t find it”.

I think “bogans” are on the lowest rung of the social ladder in our kids minds.

Thanks for a great lunchtime bike-ride, Lilly!

Family, History, Memories

History in a Wardrobe

by NeilEnnis 29 August 2009 No Comments Shortlink

In the back of her wardrobe, my mum found some old documents covering a period of almost a hundred years. It’s a bit like taking a visit to Narnia digging around in the back of old wardrobes. Perhaps that’s why C.S.Lewis wrote about them.

Rather than spoonfeed it all to you here, why don’t you take your own trip to Narnia and dig around by clicking on the slideshow and having a look at some of these amazing things.

There’s a picture of my Dad pretending to be a rich oil-sheik, a heart warming anniversary card from my Grandad to Grandma a couple of years before he died, a seaside postcard written by my Aunts shortly after the war, some concert programs from during the second world war, and much more.

I love this stuff. It tells me about life before I was born, before my parents were born, and gives me a sense of being part of an unfolding, fascinating history!