Josh arrived home from Thailand on the same day we came home. He had a wonderful time. Spent all his money and then some. Wants to go back. Patted tigers and fed elephants. Got kissed by a lady-boy (sucked in Josh - we warned you to look for the adams apple). And now real life must start - job-hunting and career-building is what's on the cards for this year.
My baby, Luke, managed to get his license while we were gone. He was so cross with his Grandma for letting us know he was taking it. He's wanted to surprise us by picking us up from the airport. Plus he got his university offer and he will be studying engineering for the next 4 years.
Both Sam and Luke had been home during the flood and I can't be more proud of my boys. They helped their great aunt shift furniture away from rising flood waters. They helped their aunt with the cleaning after the floods had receded. And they worked for two days helping out friends' families with their cleaning too.
And I'm astounded by the out-pouring of goodwill that happened during and after the flood. People who were strangers just went to affected areas and helped. They evacuated people, they helped move precious belongings and afterwards they all pitched in and cleaned and scrubbed and threw rubbish onto the backs of trucks, People set up barbecues in streets and fed the workers. People from everywhere have donated to the Premier's appeal and have put on fund-raisers. And bit by bit the city is getting back to normal. When you see things like this happen it restores your faith in humanity.
I'm actually sorry that I wasn't here when it happened. I've missed a very important piece of my city's history. And I've missed being part of something very special.
But rather than leave on a wistful note I thought I'd put in a few more holiday snaps. Who'd like to visit Tassie?
An old church in Ross
The view from the burnt-out bakery at Port Arthur
A cottage in Hobart
How the locals transport their logs and their dogs
Iven and I on the grand occasion of our 25th anniversary
That was the impression I have gotten from the news reports about the aftermath in Brisbane - that people really rallied together to clean things up. It's good when there can be a bright side to a disaster.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have really great kids, too!
You can be proud of your kids. It's good to see and hear that people still care. More beautiful photos of beautiful places! Have a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteYou have wonderful kids.
ReplyDeleteI believe that people are good but for some reason have trouble showing it often.
Hopefully life will return to normal for all those affected by floods.
YAY for your awesome kids.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the photos. beautiful.
Love the "couple" photo.
Awesome.
Your boys are phenomenal young men...you and Ivan raised them well. Yay that your youngest got his license...no more carpooling :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad things are getting back to normal after the flood.
Great photos!
Awesome pics. Your boys sound like real Men. Congrats. Especially being accept to University.
ReplyDeleteCongrats for your great kids, Char! Nice photo of the old church in Ross.
ReplyDeleteI've read that Energex workers worked tirelessly to reconnect your power. I'm glad that life slowly returns to normal in Brisbane, Jimboomba and Darra, where residents described the fierce storm as like a cyclone.
so glad your son had a great time in Thailand. If I didn't have a family here, I'd love to live there for a few years. Wonderful country...wonderful people. And good advice to watch out she men. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, it is always so beautiful to me to see how people come together in tragedy to help each other. Glad you are all safe and together.
Great boys, congrats to the parents! Other beautiful pictures of a beautiful part of the world.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful vacation photos!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear things are getting back to normal at home. What a beatiful thing to see everyone come together like that. Gives me goosebumps.