One for the Decades

It's time for the latest Southern Girls Challenge. This week it is choose a decade theme for your Lo/card/anything. Although the 80's was tempting - I still have not published any of the truly scary photos from our 80's Trivia night...), I went with the photo I put on my blog a few weeks ago.For the photo, I went with the theme of the 1960's country dress code. Viv mentioned they looked like Aunties off to a wedding and that was indeed where and what they were. One is my Mum (with what was apparently a very short skirt for the day, practically at knee level - scandalous!!), one is my real Aunty and the other three were called aunty as were most of Mum and Dad's friends.

But an event on the weekend made me reevaluate the photo. One of dad's closest friends died unexpectedly. Dad talked to Brian every day, either in person or with a quick phone call. Brian spoke at all our recent family events, lastly at Dad's 80th a few weeks ago. Brian drove to Melbourne to pick dad up after his heart operation when it was impossible for any of us to do it. He had just become a grandfather for the first time and was looking forward to his second grandchild early next year. There was an age gap of 20ish years - give or take - between them, but they had so much in common that it didn't make that much difference (although I'm sure they drove each other crazy over some issues..). He was such a good friend to the family and will be missed every day.

He was also the son of one of the ladies in the photo. And I look at these ladies and remember that the life they lived hasn't been the easiest of lives. One of them has passed on and all except Mum have been widows. They have all lost either children or grandchildren or very close relatives. And there is a wider group of friends that although not pictured all had equally big parts to play in each other lives. Most of them still live close to each other and have regular contact, the blessing (and occasionally the curse) of living in a small town. But when I go home, I appreciate more and more a feeling of belonging and I feel a bit sad because my kids won't have quite the same feeling about where we live - although they do get a sense of that when we visit Mulwala, I think it spooks them a bit that all these people know their entire up to date history...

Anyway enough reminiscing, I have just realised that it is book week and the hat parade was today and I forgot. Sigh. But I blame the late email newsletter that would have reminded me if it was put out yesterday as normal instead of 8 o'clock this morning (and not read until after 9).

And go and check out the Southern Girls Challenge, the girls have come up with some amazing projects, I would love to see what you can do for us. cheers xx