Birthday lunch in Manly with Xenia

Lunch at The Boat House followed by a lovely swim.

Mum's 77th birthday

A beautiful video compiled by Jo.

Matt turns 21

Wonderful video and collage from Jo

Sam's family Whatsapp Message

"Some things never change! "

My card to Matt

MATT'S PARTY

Jo's speech and slideshow reaction

Jo's slideshow for Matt

Antony's speech

Sam's speech

Chris's speech

Glen's speech

Sheila's 90th birthday

Antony's 55th birthday

Jo compiled this beautiful video for Antony.  The family went off for an Escape Room adventure (Antony's present) but I stayed home. My mind doesn't operate very well under pressure !

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Party in the evening

Celebrating Tina's 89th birthday in Carcoar

I went to Carcoar by train to celebrate Tina's 89th birthday with her and the family (Dom, Ruth, Gypsy and Mallee). It was very special.  Tina is a very dear friend.

Mike's 85th birthday

Lydia's birthday lunch

A delicious birthday lunch with Lydia and her friends, some of who I hadn't met before. A lovely group of people.

Michael's 80th birthday

Michael held his birthday celebration at the Macquarie Cemetery for which he was mercilessly teased in the speeches. I had a super time and had some great conversations with people I hadn't met before including someone who, like me, had recently returned from Antarctica.

Xenia birthday

 

Ally's 50th birthday

 Hi there Ally

Just a little note to wish you a very, very happy 50th birthday. Hope you have a very special day and that your 50's are full of love, connection, fun, laughter, wonder and adventure.

There's another very special little being who wants to say "Happy Birthday."  Mackie is now 18.  He's as beautiful as ever and doing remarkably well for his age. His days of ball chasing are over but he still adores sniffing and peeing on just about every bush.

You and I have lost contact, which is entirely natural, but know that I think of you often and it's always with a deep sense of love, affection and appreciation.  You were and always will be the great love of my life.

How wonderful to be able to spend your birthday in South Africa.  Hope you are having a beautiful time there with your family.  Thank you for staying in touch with my family too. They appreciate it so, so much and so love seeing you.

Sending lots and lots of love to you all  💛💚

Graeme & Mack

Photo from Ally's visit with Jo & Antony

Ally's reply

Hey G, 

Sorry it has taken me a while to respond. I have been trying to find the rights words....something you are so good at!

Firstly, thank you so much for your birthday wishes. I had the most awesome trip and day. It was truly special to see everyone in Cape Town including your mom and Jo. Mack crosses my mind often so I loved seeing the pics of him. Seeing his smiling face was so lovely 😍 

I too think of you and sincerely hope you are well and enjoying life. Gosh, we had some really great times together! You taught me so much. I will always be externally grateful for the time we had together - what fun, adventure and love we had. 

Your mom mentioned that you will be going to Antarctica soon. How amazing is that!  Another adventure, I have no doubt you will get the most amazing photos....have fun and hope it us not too cold.

You are a beautiful person and deserve happiness and peace. 

Please take care of yourself and Mack.

Lots of love 💙🤩💚

My reply

Hi there Ally

Thank you for your message and your lovely, affirming words. We both wish so deeply for each other's happiness, and that is such a beautiful thing.

Oh, your doggies are so gorgeous! I am sure that they are the most loved doggie pair in all of Sydney and that they were super excited to see you when you got home!

Yes, I'm feeling so blessed to be going to Antarctica. I got to see 7 polar bears in The Arctic and now I'll get to see hundreds of thousands of penguins in Antarctica. For a photographer lover, it's a dream come true.  We're spending some time in Buenos Aires on the way to Antarctica for team building, so I am sure that will bring back lots of memories of our time there.

Sending love. I hope you're settling back nicely into Sydney life after your time away.  I'm so glad you had such a wonderful birthday and trip.

G

Matt turns 20

Message from Jo

Happy 20th birthday to my incredible son. I love your sense of humor, your knowledge of the world, your zest for life and your love of travelling and experiencing all that life has to offer you.    You make dad and I proud every day💗💗💗