Mixed
Where does Joan currently live?
Joan currently lives in Coolaburra Downs, Queensland.
How has the environment changed for Joan from London to Australia?
The environment has changed from the busy, noisy life in London to a quiet one in Australia with a conga line of cows for the afternoon's milking session.
What is the date of Joan's letter?
November 16th, 1953.
Describe the surroundings of Pete and Joan's bus stop in the morning.
They wait for the school bus at the end of a long, dirt driveway, and sometimes they see kangaroos hop hopping about in the paddock next door.
Who does Joan look forward to arriving at Christmas time?
Joan looks forward to Uncle Herbert arriving from England at Christmas time.
Why did Joan's family move to Australia?
Joan's family moved to Australia for a new start after trying to rebuild their lives following the war.
What is unique about Angela's sandwiches?
Angela's sandwiches have vegemite, which is described as a thick, gooey, black paste that looks and tastes like Father's boot polish.
How does Joan describe the ship they came on?
She describes it as huge, enormous, and really big.
What does Mr. McElvey teach Joan and her classmates about kangaroos?
He teaches them that kangaroos are Australian marsupials, which are a bit different from hedgehogs and hares.
What exciting news does Joan share about a visit to Australia next year?
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are coming to Australia next year.
What did the family do when they crossed the equator on the ship?
When they crossed the equator on the ship, they had a tremendous party with costumes, cake, and cordial.
Why does Joan mention the conga line of cows?
Joan mentions the conga line of cows to highlight the quietness of their current surroundings compared to the traffic and people in London.
Why did Father think Australia would be a good place for a new start?
Father believed it would be a new start for the family after years of trying to rebuild their lives after the war.
What is unique about Angela's sandwiches, and how does Joan describe the taste of Vegemite?
Angela's sandwiches have Vegemite, which Joan describes as a thick, gooey, black paste that looks and tastes like Father's boot polish.
What meal is the family having tonight, and what is Joan's favorite part of the meal?
They are having Mummy's delicious roast lamb with mashed potatoes and gravy. Joan's favorite part is the mashed potatoes.
How does Joan's mother feel about their life in Australia?
Joan's mother is unsure about their life in Australia, as she has to get up early to milk cows and deal with the hot weather.
What event is Joan excited about that will happen in Australia next year?
Joan is excited about the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh coming to Australia next year.
How did the family celebrate when they crossed the equator on the ship?
They had a tremendous party with costumes, cake, and cordial.
According to Joan, why does her mother not like the quietness in Australia?
Her mother doesn't like the quietness because when they lived in London, there was always lots of traffic and people around.
List three things Joan mentions that she loves about Australia.
Joan loves the kookaburras, the big spaces, and her blue heeler Red.
What do Pete and Joan see while waiting for the school bus?
While waiting for the school bus, Pete and Joan see kangaroos hop hop hopping about in the paddock next door.
Why does Joan think Mrs. Thistlewhite curtseying to the Queen would be funny?
Joan thinks Mrs. Thistlewhite curtseying to the Queen would be funny because she imagines it with her best frock, matching shoes, and gloves, which she finds amusing.
How does Joan feel about living in Australia?
Joan loves Australia, except for the Vegemite.
What possibility does Mummy consider regarding their future in Australia?
Mummy considers the possibility of moving back to London one day.
How does Joan feel about her new life in Australia, and what is her only complaint?
Joan loves her new life in Australia, except for the Vegemite, which she doesn't like.