Today marks the first day of TomO’s mid year break from school, and let me say it seems like only yesterday the school term had begun.
Crikey, why wasn’t school like that when I was a young whipper snipper?
Hell, hang-on I’m still a young whipper snipper, at heart…
Janet and TomO aren’t ones to waste a moment of living, so today they will jet-set out of Sydney, accompanying Janet’s mother, Clare, on a visit to her sister who lives in the wonderful Devon area in the south of England.
For those who visit regularly you may recall that Janet’s father, Archie, passed away about a month ago after a long and wonderful life and not too far short of his 100th year.
Archie always had a passion for travel and seemingly with all the travel TomO has done over the past twelve months it is becoming quite obvious there is only a “sheet of tissue paper” between Poppa Archie and grandson TomO!
It’ll only be a matter of time before TomO will turn up in a Pith Helmet, for sure!
Of course, as many will recall we had all planned to be in Nepal later this year for my climbing expedition, but as I am still recovering from my recent Achilles tendon operation we’ve put those plans aside for the moment.
After all the mountains aren’t going anywhere!
Usually, we travel as a family to experience this wonderful world together…
But now is the time for both of us to spend time with our families. Janet in support of her mother Clare, and me with my family.
It would almost seem a cruel twist of fate, but having just lost a great mate in Janet’s father, Archie, my father, Brian, has been admitted to palliative care in his hometown on the Redcliffe Peninsular, suffering from an illness that will take him from us shortly.
Mind you, he is a man of great faith and he is showing tremendous courage at this time. I said at the time of Archie’s passing that it was hard to be sad when we have so much to be happy about, to have shared our lives with them.
Life, you never know what it is going to dish out to you, but one thing for sure is all you can ever do is live the best way you can…and only one moment at a time.
Xplore 
Baz – so sorry to hear about your father’s illness. Sending well wishes and hugs from Nashville during this difficult time for you and the fam!
LikeLike
And thanks very much for that…I’ve been as bit of a part timer in here recently, but look forward to catching up with everyone’s news soon….Baz
LikeLike
It must be a difficult time for you and your family Baz. Enjoy these moments with your dad.
LikeLike
Ta, thanks…
LikeLike
sorry to hear about your dad’s health….sending good thoughts….and enjoy your winter….
LikeLike
Ta BG
LikeLike
oh! i’m so so sorry to hear that! that picture of your dad and mom brought tears to my eyes. every day you have your parents and the people you love is such a gift to cherish. and i know you do.
LikeLike
You know, they are both in a good place…
And thanks for the kind thoughts…hey, couple of scoops for me tonight, Ta!
LikeLike
Hmm, sorry to hear that Baz. Piggletino shares his faith and love to you and your family. Aye, Piggletino is pretty young at heart too! 😉
LikeLike
Sorry to hear about your dad Baz. I love your outlook and philosophies on life. I hope you get some quality time in with him before he makes his final journey. I also hope TomO and Janet have a great trip. All the best mate!
LikeLike
Yeah, ta for that. You know he’s in a good space and so is mum.
As for Janet and TomO, strewth, talk about the high life and deservedly so! They make my life a joy…
LikeLike
You’re only as old as you ask (and feel), Baz. And if you keep this up, you’ll be young for many, many moons. 🙂
LikeLike
I can’t type these days.
You’re only as old as you ACT… much better.
LikeLike
Crikey, the way I act sometimes, I could be either end of the age spectrum 😉
LikeLike