Covid Blog 26

Strange that this is blog 26 on the 25th of April.... strange because this is my birthday.... yeh a great day to celebrate!!!

This is also ANZAC day which holds a special place in the year for all of those who served Australia in theatres of war over the years starting from the fateful day when our troops were directed to land in Gallipoli during the First World War

The ill fated campaign was a failure but lives in the memory of us all as the making of our country in many respects 

I have been proud to share my birthday with this legacy 

We were awake early this morning to witness a local dawn service in Kenmare Street where one of the local residents played the last post... very moving really with many in the street turning out to be part of the wonderful start to the day

I was joined in this with Robyn, Chris, Neat and Mikayla... Cooper is not an early morning person!!!

After the moving dawn service it was thine to have breakfast and get ready for the early morning ride with Abdy.... gosh the uphill to Doncaster along Elgar road was a struggle!!!

The ride of about 22 kms was delightful though with light traffic and a pleasant tail wind home to Hamilton Steel for coffee at Churchill’s cafe

After returning home it was time to get prepared for painting further windows down the driveway.... it was involving a wash of the windows and a sand before lunch.

Shortly after completing the preparation I was delighted to get a visit from Nick, Catherine, Milla, Sienna and Alice to say hello on my birthday... all good to see them all after so long with the separation required by social distancing....

After a great time with the family it was on to lunch then a start on the painting!!!

It was great to have another interruption when Jodie. Maddie and Teddy arrived to wish me a happy birthday... complete with a cake!!!

Afternoon tea beckoned thankfully which delayed further painting.... yes there is a God!!!

Sadly the Elg’s left and it was on to painting again ... thankfully I was able to get the painting for the day done in reasonable time to ensure I had time to go to Bunnings for a top up of supplies and to the grog shop to get wine for dinner 

Yes ... we were to have a celebration of my birthday complete with oysters, prawns and Barumundi and a lovely birthday cake.

Gosh I am lucky to enjoy all of this complete with a Houseparty call with the family lot sing happy birthday and blow out the candles!!!

During the day I received many birthday wishes from the guys from the riding group and a great call from my mate from school Doug Oldfield... great to to have friends and family who care!!!

Dinner was terrific and I had the good fortune to receive a few wonderful presents... very much appreciate the kindness of everyone 

Tonight after dinner it was good to sit in front of the fire and enjoy the Music from the Home Front program on the television...

A great day despite turning over another year...

Now for the photos...

Dawn service with medals....

Singing happy birthday!!!

A few gifts for an old bloke!!!