Life Trove

Mike celebrated his 70th birthday this week. Special events included a family dinner get together on Wednesday and a festive party with 50 friends at Kelvin on Saturday. For the sake of posterity, here are some photos, mum's speech (which went great!) and Ally and my birthday wishes...

Mum's toast to Mike

I have never had to stand up and talk in public before so I am feeling rather nervous. I expect you have seen the TV advert where a bridegroom has to make a speech and is shaking with nerves. He then visualises all the guests naked and calms down. I thought of trying this today but have decided that the vision might be even more terrifying. I’d like to welcome you all here to share with Mike on his special day. I would also like to apologise to all the rugby fans and say it is a tribute to Mike that have come and hope you have set your video recorders and therefore won’t need to disappear to find a flat screen TV too early!

I met Mike in October 1970 when he returned to South Africa after working in London and travelling round Europe with Heather.

On that first day he reminded me of a teddy bear and over the years that image has remained. As a child a teddy bear was something warm and cuddly that was always there to comfort me. My teddy never complained or criticised but offered security when things were tough.

Mike is the most non judgemental person I have ever met. He never criticises other people and always praises the positive. The only exception is when our cricketers fail to hit runs or our rugby team let him down personally! Mike looks for the best in every situation and is a loyal and supportive partner and friend and I am truly blessed to have him in my life. I know Graeme, Ally, Joanne, Antony, Samantha and Matthew feel the same way as, of course, do Kim, Lars, Dylan and Alice even though they are so far away. Mike has a great zest for life and has had many diverse passions – travel, collecting antiques, coins, stamps, and sport, fishing, golf etc. etc.

They say men are like wine – some turn to vinegar but the best improve with age. Mike you are a truly good vintage.

I found a poem which I have adapted, albeit badly – but would like to read.

Heartiest congratulations husband dear on reaching the big seven zero
You’ve been a dynamic whirlwind all your life and still you’re not running slow.

To my “let’s go upstairs and make passionate love” you used to bound up with glee
Now it’s “I can’t do stairs and passion …you’ll have to choose which one it will be!”

As for the fact you’re thinning, that’s really hardly fair
You’re not folically challenged you’ve just outgrown your hair.

Lots of people have 40 winks - that’s a totally human response
You do that and read the paper - while watching telly – all at once.

So it’s OK for you to slow down - we’re getting older, after all
But it’s not time to think of a pipe some warm slippers and a shawl.

The clues that we’re getting old are there Mike, it’s sadly true
Our belts won’t buckle any more but our knees occasionally do

You’ve entered your 70th decade but to me you look good all the same
Who cares if your hair is thin and white? You have no need for a Zimmer frame.

We have been together for quite a while - we’re now getting older, and slow
But the fire still burns warmly within us and gives me a wonderful glow.

Now you’ve reached this grand old age don’t even think of dying your hair
You do not need a face lift or to change the clothes you wear.

Don’t modify your language; don’t rebel and cause outrage
Decide to do the decent thing and be proud about your age.

Enough of all this nonsense - I just hope you realise
How highly you’re respected, how much loved you are, and wise.

God bless you on your birthday - let the celebrations start
Enjoy life’s oh so precious gifts and keep remaining young at heart

For age is just a state of mind and life can be such fun
And you still know how to party as much as anyone.

So let’s make this a memorable time in every single way
And I’ll be there to help you ensure it’s a wonderful day.

The love of your friends and family will be with you here today
So enjoy the many good wishes which are bound to come your way.

So let your 70th birthday be the best one of your life
This comes with much love from me your best friend and devoted wife.

Please join me in a toast to Mike’s continued good health and happiness.

Our birthday wishes to Mike

Hi there Mike

A hearty congratulations from us on your 70 th birthday. We hope that you have a wonderful week full of celebrations and fun and friends and family. We wish we could be there to celebrate with you but be sure we will be toasting your milestone with champaign and wishing you many more happy years to come.

This is a also great opportunity for us to say how blessed we feel to have you in our lives. You have brought us all so much happiness and we love you very much indeed.

Here are some of our favourite memories and things we admire about you:

The love that you and mum so obviously share. It warms our hearts to see the happiness you bring to each others lives.
Seeing what a wonderful grandpa you are to Matthew and Sam and how they gravitate to your warmth and solidness and sense of fun.
Your inspiring courage in going to Hong Kong in your quest to re-unite with your family there. We are so thrilled that things worked out. Dillan and Alice are truly blessed to have you in their lives.
Returning to Cape Town from London to attend your very special wedding day to mum. It was a very special day indeed.
The wonderful (and loving!) ways you push mum's buttons on occasions. After all, someone has to do it when I am so far away!
The fact that you and mum are always there for me and Ally. We know that if ever there is a problem or we need advice or re-assurance, we have only to pick up the phone. Your warmth and your wisdom are so very appreciated.
Our great chats and catching up on all the news on Skype. Isn't technology great!
The amazing zest you have for life and your diverse passions for golf, fishing, antiques, coins, stamps, sport, cheese, wine and more!
The way you affirm the people in your lives by accepting them as they are without judging or criticising. This is a rare and precious gift.
Our shared love for collecting stamps. I will always cherish your gift of a Penny Red when I was nine years old. I still have it in pride of place in my collection to this day.
Your great support of the South African cricket and rugby teams, no matter how well or badly they play.
The fact that you've always got a twinkle in your eye and a fascinating story to tell.
We love your sense of humour - when we're with you, we always know we'll get to enjoy a good hearty chuckle about something or other.
The wonderful time spent together with you and mum in Cambridge, punting on the Cam, visiting Ely Cathedral, and King's College and the other sights.
Your inherent curiosity and wonder for life. Like the time you queued for ages at Cambridge Botanical Gardens to view and photograph the opening of the Titan Lilly.
Your love for fishing on the Breede River whether you catch a fish or not.
Your excellent video footage of our wedding in 2000 - we watch it regularly and cherish the memories it brings back.
Your love for walking in Kirstenbosh and your commitment to staying fit and healthy.
Our amazing time spent together with you and mum travelling through New Zealand. experiencing amazing things like the hot water beach, the thermal and boiling mud pools at Rotarua, Ruakuri Caves, Cathedral Cove and Bay of Islands to name but a few.
The amazing way you galloped up the Tongariro Crossing (wasn't it beautiful) despite our stiffness for days afterwards.
The great three weeks we spent in Sydney exploring sights by ferry like Manly, Watson's Bay, Botanical Gardens and Opera House. It was wonderful spending such quality time with you guys.
The special time you spent with us in Chateau Hammersmith in London.
The way your eyes light up when you speak about Dillan and Alice. We hope you get to spend much quality time with them over the coming years.
The way you love your food in general and mum's cooking in particular. As you know, it's a trait we both share!
Helping us to find a home in Sydney and the excitement you shared with us when we did. We can't wait to have you to stay in our wonderful guest room.

So Mike, as you can see, you have given us such a long list of happy memories. We admire and respect and love the person that you are. We feel so blessed to have you in our lives. We wish you many happy returns on your birthday and wish you lots of continued health, happiness and love in the coming years.

Lots of love / Graeme and Ally

From Jo

It's World Youth Week in Sydney. Hundreds of thousands of mostly young Catholic pilgrims from Ausralia and around the world are here in Sydney to celebrate their faith. And of course, the pope is here to take part in the proceedings. As a result, popemania is raging through the city.

No rock star celebrity could possily be as idolised as Pope Benedict XVI. He arrived in the city today to the most extraordinary outpouring of adoration and excitement I have ever witnessed. And guess what? I was there to capture the moment - and yes, I was as giddy as any young Catholic pilgrim. For Popemania, it turns out, is a most infectious condition.

Here is my first view of the pope as he arrived in the city via boat which hugged the shore via Circular Quay so the massive crowds thronging the harbour could catch a glimse of him. As you can see, he was surrounded on the boat by hundreds of excited supporters. If it hadn't been for my 400 mm lens, it would have been hard to pick him out...
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After addressing his followers at a massive "rally" close to Darling Harbour, the pope gave us another opportunity to see him close up by doing a city tour in his famous popemobile. It is both bullet proof and bomb proof but still gives you a good view of him.
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My predjudice of Catholicism as being a rather dull, conservative and old fashioned religion has been dispelled by the excitement and exuberance and joy of the hundreds of thousands of young Catholics in Sydney. Here are some portraits of them in action...
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