Why Coochie?
By Heather Eckersley
First day: Heather and David’s new home, in 2018.
Seven years ago, in April 2018, David and I and our dog Gypsy moved to Coochiemudlo Island. Our choice was based on environment and a place of peace and community, that we could afford.
A few weeks later it would be David’s birthday. To celebrate our new life, we invited mainland friends to visit us on the first weekend in May. A dozen of those friends came on the Saturday and we had a fine time together. We ate up all the cake I had made.
So early on Sunday morning I got ready to bake another cake for those others who had chosen to come on Sunday. But alas, I had used all our eggs the day before.
Dog owners know the early morning walk is the most important start to any day. Gypsy and I set out on our usual swing around the streets and lanes of our new home.
First pair we met were Cam and Bolt, friendly man and Jack Russell canine companion. Introducing ourselves as new arrivals, Cam told me he was the fruit and veggie guy in the van who regularly sold his wares around the island. Ah, said I, do you have any eggs? No, sorry, he said, I sold out yesterday. Oh well, nice to meet you and I will look forward to buying your produce on your next round.
Gypsy and I walked on. Soon we passed a small sign “eggs for sale”. I knocked at the gate to purchase some. But the friendly inhabitants apologised that their hens had not produced any so far that morning. No problem, another day we can buy some. We exchanged pleasantries and Gypsy and I continued on.
Coming closer to home we turned down the lane connecting the streets near our home. Two women were chatting beside the corner house. We stopped to greet them and thank the house owner for her work in making a very pretty garden. After a chat I excused myself explaining that I needed to go to the mainland to purchase eggs to make a cake. Oh, don’t do that, said the one on her bicycle. I have eggs. Follow me home and I can give you some. Thank you, said I. That would be great!
Stopping at home to leave Gypsy there, I followed my new friend to her home where she gave me the eggs I needed. I returned home to find the kind man with the eggs for sale sign had delivered the three eggs his hens had just laid.
A lovely morning walk in May on our new island home had introduced us to five new friends and provided 5 eggs for our culinary needs. When David arose for breakfast, I explained we had indeed chosen to live in a friendly community place full of generosity. In all the places we had so far chosen to call home, this was the wisest move we have ever made!
Seven years on there are many changes happening all around our island. We are grateful that the essential elements of a vibrant community are still beating strong at the heart of life here.
