Deborah Wood Inner West Nanny

Friends don't miss the Pamela Allen exhibition at The State Library of New South Wales.

Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, and a wonderful dose of nostalgia for older 'kids'.

Lots of little comfy nooks for reading (and plenty of books supplied), as well as drawing, sliding, trying on hats and lots of hands on activities.

I once again tried to decide what my favourite Pamela Allen book is and it's still a three way tie between 'Alexander's Outing', 'A pear in a pear tree' and 'Who sank the boat'. But then I told my grown up nanny kids where I'd been and they said "what about the Daisy Allsorts? And Grandpa and Thomas?" Oh there are just too many. What's your favourite?

I can recommend this exhibition for a perfect city outing - followed by lunch or morning tea at the Botanic gardens across the road. (Take a towel in case anyone ends up in a fountain...😜)

Earlier this year I returned to Sydney to be with family and help care for my Mum during her cancer journey.

I'm now starting to get back into work with some casual availability.

If you need an extra day of nannying here or there. or have a Christmas party coming up I may be able to help you out.

I ensure children in my care are safe, feel loved and cared for. I shall come ready with books to share, parks to visit or a safe bedtime routine at night.

Daytime rate $45-$50ph
Nighttime $40ph

Matching yes t-shirts need a photo!

This is one of my colleagues at work, Cathy.

People have said to me "I know First Nations people that are voting no, so I'll vote no."

There are some First Nations people at my work who are voting no, but the overall majority are voting yes.

I'm no expert, but if you have any questions or are unsure how to vote I'm happy to share my short experience here in Central Australia - feel free to send me a message

(Cathy's photo used with her permission)

Well I've been a bit quiet here! To all those that I haven't been in contact with lately - please forgive me.

Mparntwe/Alice Springs is a beautiful place to live in. The scenery, the birdlife, the camping and the slower pace are lovely. I can't think of one instance this year where a driver behind me has beeped me!!

However, my work is hard and there are things about living here that are sad, difficult and tempting to make one despair.

And it's hot! Yes I still prefer the heat to the rain, but I now stock up on hydralyte when it's on sale at the supermarket as I have one water bottle at work each day filled with it!

So I'm doing well - but tired. I miss many friends and family - but I've also made good friends here. I miss Bush Balance (esp children and families) - I even miss Sydney Park now! I have everything I need - yet I'm living and working amongst extreme poverty. I've placed my yes vote - but I'm nervous about next weekend.

To those I haven't been in touch with - I haven't forgotten you 🤗

Oh and I'm not available for babysitting in the inner west at the moment 😜

Had an awesome weekend at NT Writers Festival. Book launches, campfire stories and listening to Kerry O'Brien and Thomas Mayo!

Friends thank you for all the lovely birthday wishes last week.

I had a wonderful day. There was cake, flowers, messages and phone calls and precious home made cards.

Work friends came out for dinner with me on Thursday evening and church friends came out for brunch Saturday morning.

I was a bit nervous about a birthday when I'm still so new to town. It's really awkward to tell people 'oh by the way you should celebrate me today...'

And I certainly missed my family and friends.

But God is good and I thoroughly enjoyed celebrating.

Well I have been in Alice/Mparntwe for two months now! It seems like both a long time and a short time.
I have moved into a sharehouse and unpacked my suitcases, put up some photos and surrounded myself with an appropriate amount of blue to feel at home 💙
Today at church I met a teacher who has been here for 3 days! I gave her all my tips about living here, feeling very experienced until the lady next to us said she has lived here for 52 years!
This afternoon I sat by the pool with a friend, swimming, chatting and catching up.
Some things are hard (missing people), some things are great (swimming in March and blue sky) - all is well.

An update from Mparntwe - I've seen some amazing country! Simpson's Gap, Clay Pans and the Arrwe trail run (it's a little beginners one).

I have sooo much to learn to even begin to understand the cultural complexities of working with First Nations people. It's hard to be patient with the learning process.

Finding a place to live hasn't been easy - but I do have a house to move into next week 🙏(I've been house sitting).

I'm missing lots of friends and family. A few zoom calls this weekend have been lovely (especially the little girl who did her happy dance when I agreed to talk to her again next Friday ❤️)

Who would have thought that a new town, new job, new house and new church all at once would be so exhausting?

Appreciating encouraging friends and workmates - and trying to be patient.

Things on sale at Coles today...

At the risk of sounding like a city snob - the water here tastes horrible! The last few days I just haven't been drinking enough...

Friday night drinks - hydralyte so I can run tomorrow morning!