14/11/2023
2023 What a ride – The Highs and Lows.
11-11-23 is of course Armistice Day – Remembrance Day, a day when we remember all those that fought in wars past and present. This day also marks 46 years since my wife Carol and I moved to Castlereagh to build our dream home, 11 - 11- 77.
2023 got off to a devasting start with the loss of my father and the funeral in early January. With Gumnut Coach house nearing completion I had a welcome distraction and a drive to complete it, maybe pushing myself a little too hard. I thought it would be wise to slow up a little and make a few new friends, unfortunately all my new friends were in the medical profession (but we did have a common interest) they were also into restoration and repair. After a couple of sleep overs all seems to be heading in the right direction, maybe one or two more sleepovers and we’ll be done.
This last Saturday 11-11-23 while in rest and recreation mode I witnessed something I had hoped for but did not expect to see so soon. My 3 grandchildren stepping up to help their Pop and Mother Amy.
Riley my 13yr old grandson mowing the lawn, pruning and making the grounds look A1. Charlie 12yrs old assisting Amy with the running of the wedding and quite a bit of PR, looking smart in his apron and proudly wearing his red poppy pin for Remembrance Day, and Georgia my 10yr old granddaughter assisting in the early morning set up and helping her Nanna baking another batch of her marvelous scones for the wedding.
Although starting on a low 2023 seems to be finishing on a high.
It has been another year in the puzzle factory,
Bob
P.S – I have often wondered that on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month for only one minutes silence, how does this repay those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we may live our lives as we do. 🌺
📸 Image of where it all began a block of land, a caravan and a big dream.
