Saturday, 11th June …..

Ann’s funeral was held yesterday at Leppington. It’s been just over 12 months since we were here at the same place for my cousin Hugh’s funeral and there were many of the same faces there. His children, David, Suzanne and Fiona were very upset, especially as they had only a couple of weeks’ notice that Ann was ill. She was a very private person and worked her own way through the brutal treatment for cancer without looking for support from anyone. David had to hear the news from the oncologist. It might sound odd, but I can relate on one level to a person who didn’t want to burden others with her misfortune and couldn’t tolerate their pity.

After the funeral, we drove on with Sandy and Janet to Rafferty’s Resort at Lake Macquarie. We’ve booked this through our timeshare company and intend to enjoy the local good restaurants. We went last night to the local RSL and had excellent food, served very well. I thought I recognized one of the other customers and it turned out she was Sue Bowen from Deloraine who was leading a party of disabled athletes from Launceston’s New Horizons Club to a Bowling competition in this area. It’s a small world.

We’ve just driven back to the resort from a visit to our friends at Spencer on the Hawkesbury. It’s Tony’s 50th birthday and we are delighted we were just an easy drive away and were able to be there to help him celebrate. Quite a crowd turned up and it was great to see again several old friends from our time at Gib Gate: Phil and Lesley Rooke, and Natalie D’Otreppe, one of the parents. Karen had gone to a great deal of trouble, with lots of food and wine. Tony was his usual quirky self in a terrific green jacket. Curries were served at about 5 o’clock and then we had toasts and speeches. Samara and Montana came forward to give Tony a hug and a kiss, and pushed a cream pie in his face. What confidence to know that he would take it in his stride!

Their house, which they bought after a love-at-first-sight moment, is looking great with a new kitchen and fresh paint job. It is a great house for a party with several levels and areas where people can congregate. After a rain-threatening morning, the afternoon cleared up so we were able to stay out on the verandah for most of the event. A very enjoyable time and reminds us how important good friends are.

There’s nothing much on tomorrow but our friends, Dick and Bev are coming to have lunch with us on Monday. We haven’t seen them for a few years and there will be lots to talk about.