eli simpson: Merry Christmas and New Year

Hi everyone

Well - i cannot believe we are in the month of February - almost half way through...where has that time gone!

There has been plenty happening in the world of Melon's Cottage...with quite a few families coming to stay with us over the summer. We had a lovely time getting to know them and the path they are walking...every one of them has such an amazing story and we wish them well as they continue their treatments (or in some cases - just check ups because their treatments have finally finished)...

Christmas was a pretty quiet affair for us...we travelled to daylesford a couple of days to spend some time together (it doesnt happen very often)...then we headed to pete's side of the family for xmas day for some yummy christmas lunch...its always such a reflective day...but we got through it. We bought a couple of candles and made sure they were lit to remember melon...

We were busy all through January, with back to back visits in some cases..it was amazing. We are so very proud of the cottage...and the usuage. We are also really stoked that our local businesses continue to support us, by supplying some terrific stuff for the families FREE of charge...it includes a yummy fruit and vege platter, a meat pack, mini golf, dvds, and a cruise on the gippy lakes, as well as some fish and chips, and a meal voucher at the pub...the look on families faces as they realise all these things are free is seriously priceless...no one expects it, and it just makes a difference for them to enjoy that little bit more...SO THANKS!

the other amazing thing thats happened is that we won the Community Event of the Year - for Lakes Entrance with the opening of Melon's Cottage. We were both in shock when we received it...to be recognised for something we have worked so hard for is truly amazing..and we cant do what we do without the support of those around us - so it truly is a team effort. The award is a reflection of that...so well done to EVERYONE involved...

So we are expecting another family at the end of the month, and then Easter has been booked already which is terrific...

Our fundraising has also far surpassed our expectations...with donations continuing to come in. Many of them are left of field...but we are so happy with our position as it stands...we have a few events coming up this year, with our Mothers Day raffle (hopefully we can start selling tickets in March)...and then a few other little things in the later half of the year which still need to be confirmed. The main thing for us though is that our insurances have been paid, and we can still afford our bills - which is working well with all we have received through donations so far...

We hope that everyone continues to do really well this year...and for those that have had a very ordinary 2012...we hope 2013 is much better for you...

Please enjoy some of the photos...and if you are a facebook fan, we have set up a facebook page for Melon's Cottage which covers a bit more of the day to day stuff, particuarly around our fundraising...

take care everyone
loads of love and sunshine
the simpsons