Hallow ' een

Halloween was a hoot this year. Jamie dressed in his finest and walked around the street with the kids and I. We all carried spooky lanterns and knocked on the doors. It was a valuable lesson for the kids in thanking people for their time and not expecting to get lollies or treats in every door. I was delighted that many of the neighbours were expecting us and some going to the trouble of making gravestones or putting out candles to welcome trick or treaters.

Jamie made us cocktails and kept them topped up as we tottered around the street. We then went back to our house for more cocktails and guests arriving in costume.

Adrian looked fantastic as Frankenstein’s monster – with a greed head and flattened skull, large green fingers. He scared a few kids for real, sending one off crying to his mum on the footpath.

Although most people liken Halloween to an American festival, the roots go much deeper than fifty years from the US. I like to observe Halloween as a celebration of the dead, honour their passing and lesson learnt and look forward to the next day as an awakening to a new part of the year. For me it’s a time of reflection on life.

Sud Monsters

Well after that post, I hd to put something a little more light hearted up. The kids have been swimming in the pool now for over a month - brrr - its still too cold for me. Lilly is doing really well with her strokes - putting her head down and bringing her arms over - jsut got to get the breathing happening - but hey - shes three. Morgan has mastered the back stroke and loves to float around on his back. He is not looking forward to swimming lessons at school as most of the kids there don't know how to swim at all. I am sure they will havge a more advanced class for those who can.. will just have to wait and see.

well - heres a photo of some rare creatures found lurking in my bathroom - Sud Monsters....

A Sad Week

What a dreadful week. One of the kindest and liveliest aunts I have – the wonderful Aunty Marg died last Sunday. She had been quite ill for sometime and passed peacefully in her sleep.

I chose to go to the funeral on my own, I didn’t really think the kids old enough to handle what was to unfold. When Tania and Frazers Baby – their cousin Bethany died, we told them straight away and talked about it for a few days. They didn’t really know Aunty Marg – so I did tell them about the funeral and what happens – but that’s about it. It was an open cask ceremony – which in itself has its own challenges.

It was very sad that as I walked up the lawn to the chapel, I was greeted by cousins – some I had not seen for over 20 years – and I realize that it takes something lie this for the family to get together. We are a close knit family but one that loves from afar – if that makes sense. I have no doubt that if I called upon the help of any of my cousins, I would be rallied around immediately – and yet we hardly see each other now. – as kids we lived in each others pockets. It’s the same with my own brothers and sisters. I drop everything to assist and help them, and I know they would do the same from me – but we forget each others birthdays and usually only see each other at Christmas time. The occasional phone call happens once a month or so – and I do wish we lived closer so that kids would get to know each other better and be able to play.

I still have tears in my eyes as I think about the ceremony – both in the chapel and at the graveside. So horrible – so final. Dons Eulogy to his mum was wonderful – and in typical style – he had us laughing before we wept. She was a remarkable woman who brought so much happiness and love into the lives of her family. I met my great Aunt Bess ( again - the last time was probably 20 years ago) – who is 96 and still drives – she is an incredible lass – that’s for sure. She was the eldest of the family – I don’t think there are many left now – Marg was the 8^th child. How awful to sit and bury your younger sister – I just can’t imagine it.

I can't beleive that the years just slip past so quickly. How is it even possible that I can say the last time I saw one particlar favourite cousin was nealry 20 years ago - he had long hair and a panel van.... far out... now look at both of us - married, kids... phew.

I don’t think I have much else to add to this post – just too sad at the moment.