And what a week it was!

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Family group

It began well. Kerry and I flew to Melbourne for a couple of days so we could attend a special event. My son and family live there, and so we met for dinner in the CBD soon after arrival. I was so pleased Gelato was suggested after the hot spicy dishes. The ice cream was so delicious I could have eaten two. A quick catchup with Kerry’s granddaughter and baby great-grandson the next day, and back into the city to prepare for the event, which was a large gathering of friends and family to celebrate the life of a dear friend.

Some of Barry’s gifts and recommendations

The memorial to Barry was no dark or sombre affair held in the local library; a perfect setting for someone who loved literature. It was sad, without a doubt, for Barry’s partner Elizabeth is my oldest friend, and I had known both a very long time. He was a very warm and compassionate man, intelligent and interesting. He was also a highly accomplished teacher, poet, and sportsman! I am lucky that he liked to share his knowledge of books and authors with me. I love that I now have some on my bookshelves.

We returned a day before my birthday, and I was looking forward to spending my special day with daughter Lara and Kerry. However, I woke with a scratchy throat and cough, and tested positive for Covid! But, I was able to do the planned surprise of a lovely sculpture walk through bush (and no one else in sight), though I did seriously lag behind and slept the whole way home.

Next day. Ill, very ill. But hey, I started to feel a little better day three, and sat on the couch in our lounge to read. Next, I coughed and sneezed so hard (my sneezes are famously alarming!) and I hurt my back in the process! Dear daughter, here especially to spend time with me, was very kind, and kept me supplied with liquids and lozenges. No appetite so no food.

Still, there was this fabulous view from our window one evening, proving there is always something beautiful which can defer self-absorption and remember that the world can be beautiful. The following days were just a blur. But tonight, I start where I began, with my family from Melbourne, although this time we need to drive to Auckland airport where we’ll be meeting them on arrival.

So, dear WordPress friends, apologies for not replying to some of your posts this past while, but I shall soon put that to rights. MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all.

12 thoughts on “And what a week it was!”

  6. Very sorry to hear the news about Barry, Vivienne. And also to hear you have been unwell. I hope you are feeling better soon and I wish all the best to you, Kerry and all your loved ones for 2025. I look forward to seeing all your new art projects throughout the year.

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    • Thanks for your message Phil. I am coming right. It was hard losing such a dear friend, although many have to face such things. Kerry and I are doing well and enjoying various relations popping by. I am looking forward to getting on to new art projects, but as I have just received the first proofs of my new novel to read through and amend, I might not get to the art for a while. The book cover looks terrific, but unfortunately can’t show you until the final print run is done. All the best to you and family and a most happy New Year.

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  7. When I first glanced at that window view, I thought it was a sketch of yours! Fantastic view! Sorry to hear you tested positive for Covid last month, Vivienne. My bout of illness was about the same time as you (19th). I didn’t bother to check what it was, just took a few paracetamols and sweated it out under a continental quilt for two days.     

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