a little sparrow keeps calling...

I think I read somewhere that there was a superstition that sparrows were a sign of an impending death. Do we even have sparrows in Australia? Yes I am a graduate, but not in Maths.

Nanna and I, 1997

Personal jokes that no one really gets aside, I just wanted to make a public declaration about Edith Piaf.  I cannot confess to know everything about her, or even the words to her songs. But I love her. Maybe I'm perpetuating this love because Nanna loved her. She gave me her Edith Piaf CD once. That and two records - the Hair soundtrack and best of Janis Joplin. Me and Bobby McGee was one of her favourite songs.

The earth says hello indeed  

There are two songs by La Môme Piaf that I love. Always will. I've already decided that La vie en Rose will be the song Allan and I have as our first waltz when (if) we get married. He knows and has accepted this.  Also, I would like to suggest that Non je ne Regrette Rien be played at my funeral. And everyone must sit there and listen, even if it is in french. I will provide an english translation. :) No, I am not a control freak!

Edith Piaf

So you, my dear reader, need to google the two songs - and make sure you listen to the Edith Piaf versions. And watch the movie, La Vie en Rose. Marion Cotillard is haunting. Beautiful.  I cry when she wakes from sleep and is still dreaming, I cry when she sings non, je ne regrette rien. I wonder about the scene at the end.. and her daughter Marcelle. Her love affair with Marcel. As I was watching it, I wondered if Nanna knew about her addictions. 





Here's a tangent - about my virtuous grandmother being exposed to life's seedy underbelly. We were watching My Own Private Idaho together when I was 17. I forgot about the gay sex scenes. Awwwwkward. But Nanna sat through the movie. I wonder what she thought. I was horrified. At the end, all she said was "Well I'll tape over that before Trevor sees it". Good idea :)

I want to put the english lyrics here - I've noticed the french and english versions differ - I like them both and havent decided on which one I would sing :) I dont know french, and I cant sing - but if it was my wedding - everyone would have to watch and say it is great anyway :) Thats the polite thing to do. :)

La Vie en Rose

Hold me close and hold me fast

the magic spell you cast

this is La Vie en Rose

When you kiss me heaven sighs

And though I close my eyes

I see La Vie en Rose

When you press me to your heart

I'm in a world apart

A world where roses bloom

And when you speak ... angels sing from above

Everyday words seem to turn into love songs

Give your heart and soul to me

And life will always be

La Vie en Rose

The lyrics are pretty and make you feel romantic - but I still like the French too. It feels romantic :) And when you dont understand the language, well thats when you hear the sentiment. Your imaginings create the scenery of the song ... 

Marion Cotillard, La Vie en Rose

When he takes me in his arms
And speaks softly to me,
I see life in rosy hues.

He tells me words of love,
Words of every day,
And in them I become something.
He has entered my heart,
A part of happiness
Whereof I understand the reason.

It’s he for me and I for him, throughout life,
He has told me, he has sworn to me, for life.
And from the things that I sense,
Now I can feel within me
My heart that beats. 

And really, I hope that when I take my last breath, I will not regret anything I've done.. or not done. Im 31 now, and there are already those little pangs.. which really are just longings and sadnesses - but when I'm 90 - I hope that all they are, are snapshots of time that I cant really piece together anyway. This will be my song :)

Non, Je ne Regrette Rien (I regret nothing)

Non, rien de rien, (No, Nothing at all)
Non, je ne regrette rien, (No, I regret nothing)
Ni le bien qu'on m'a fait, (Neither the good)
Ni le mal, tout ça m'est bien égal. (Nor the bad, they are
the same to me)

Non, rien de rien, (No, nothing at all)
Non, je ne regrette rien, (No, I regret nothing)
C'est payé, (It's been paid for)
balayé, oublié, (swept away, forgotten)
Je me fous du passé. (I don't give a damn about the past)

Avec mes souvenirs, (My memories)
j'ai allumé le feu, (I have burnt my memories)
Mes chagrins, mes plaisirs, (My sorrows, my pleasures)
je n'ai plus besoin d'eux, (I don't need them anymore)
Balayées les amours, (Swept away the love affairs)
avec leurs trémolos, (and all their tremblings)
Balayées pour toujours, (Swept away forever)
je repars à zéro (I start anew)

Non, rien de rien, (No, nothing at all)
Non, je ne regrette rien, (No, I regret nothing at all)
Ni le bien qu'on m'a fait, (Neither the good)
Ni le mal, tout ça m'est bien égal. (nor the bad, they are all the same to me)

Non, rien de rien, (No, nothing at all)
Non, je ne regrette rien, (No, I regret nothing at all)
Car ma vie car mes joies, (For my life, for my joys)
Aujourd'hui, (Today)
ça commence avec toi. (they start with you).

I suppose that while I'm here, discussing my own funeral, that I would like to be cremated. I want my ashes sprinkled in a rainforest. If it cant be a real tropical rainforest, then somewhere on Mt Glorious. My Nanna's name was Gloria. They wrote songs about her :) 

RIP You beautiful Des (21/04/1932 - 14/04/2012)

"Oh you beautiful Des, you beautiful Des, you beautiful Des.." is one of those long running family jokes. Apparently he used to sing this to himself in the mirror as he got ready for work. He probably only did it once. Ha. Probably. But copped a ribbing for the rest of his life.

I have one of those moments my mother likes to bring up in front of the extended family. I once mispronounced the word Bureau - I said Boo-roo. Mum likes to bring it up - I cant help it, but it infuriates me! I get all defensive. It doesnt help that I was 20 at the time. People are only supposed to see the foibles I want to show them.

Desmond Ray George passed away last week. He was my maternal Grandfather. I loved him. Mum said I was his favourite. I was everybody's favourite - der! And on a side note, I know I was the only one of his grandchildren to visit him in his last years, even if it was about once a year :) And if one of the other 7 want to correct me, good. I hope I'm wrong.

I saw him about a month ago. He was doing really well that day - he had all his faculties. His sister Barbara and my favourite Uncle Dallas were there that day too. It was nice. we had subway for lunch. Chatted. Left before the horseracing started.

Pa was born in Hobart in 1932 - lived in Melbourne and then Brisbane. He was known for this sense of humour, his work ethic and his love of gambling, horses and lotto. I loved Pa. He never said I love you - but he would say "you too" when you said it. I wish I called him more often - he never talked long on the phone, so you wouldnt be trapped for long. I miss him already. You kinda never really think someone will die - you know they will, but not yet.

I spoke with him about graduating. He always wanted me to graduate. I remember telling him I might not do Law, after I was accepted. He started to cry. So I told him recently that he wasnt allowed to go yet, he had to wait until December.. or after Christmas. I'm glad he was able to come to my graduation for my Arts degree in 2008 - he was so proud. I remember at the end when we were walking down the aisle, he was near the front with Mum and he was so proud - he was looking at me directly and clapping his hands in the air above everyones heads so I could see him.

His pride brings a tear to my eye - it was my chance to make him happy. He was very traditional... of another time. I,  however, am living in sin with bastard children. He didnt like this. Especially when Allan was the stay at home dad and I worked/studied. So I was proud in return to remind him on our last visit that the roles have changed, and Allan has been working for a year now. :)

I love you Pa. I hope you saw my impromptu ugoogolie at your funeral. I had to say something. I don't really even remember what I said - but everyone said I did really well. I think there is video evidence somewhere. :)

Now Pa - here is your celestial challenge: Nanna managed to visit me in my dreams... and I know how you loved your lotto - so I'm just putting this out there, but if you can orchestrate my fortunes in anyway, please help me win lotto. I will buy a ticket once a week from now on. Your birthday will be one of my lucky numbers :)

The German Connection

I have always felt some kind of affinity with Germany and never knew why. My mothers side were English and Irish, also from New Zealand. My fathers family (who later turns out to be a step father) were immigrants from Latvia - so I thought that may have been it.

I think it is Sinchronicity that our primary school had German as a second language for grade 6 and 7. Other schools in our area did Spanish or Japanese. So I learnt German, and as one of the best students in my classes, the teachers took a shine to me. I continued with German in High School, breezing through the subject until grade 11 when it became really challenging. I ended up failing it in year 12, but when my results were calculated, I passed overall!

I ended up studying German at Uni, not really sure why, but I thought it would be easier than some other subjects, and I still really wanted to travel. I was 18, the world was my oyster, anything was possible :) I went on exchange in 2001, the year I turned 20. This was only possible because my Mum paid for it. I think it cost her upwards of $15000-$20000. She had had a serious car accident when I was 12, and it came out of her compo money. It was a dream come true for me, and something I'll remember forever :)

I was on a train, backpacking, travelling from Freiburg to Frankfurt, or somewhere thereabouts. The train was travelling through the Black Forest. I did want to go there, but I hadnt put enough emphasis on looking for accommodation there and wouldnt have known where to go. I think it was cheaper not to.. I was sitting on the train, and overcome by a sense of peace.

I had been there before. I knew it. I felt happy - and like I was home. Couldnt explain it. Why there?

Another signifcant moment was 1 May 2001.  I was riding my bike, alone, through the forest next to the Universitaet Lueneburg, up and down trails. It was quiet, peaceful and I felt relaxed and joy. I imagined the kind of people walking through there over the last 1000 years. Of fairy tales - Hansel and Gretal. I thought of my family, and home. I wanted to stay. I must've been doing it for about an hour at least. That night I saw 'Traffic' with friends. The next day Mum called me to tell me Nanna had died. I think of me, on that bike, feeling peace in that forest in Lueneburg, and my Nanna dying. They would have been so close in time, since Australia is only about 9 hours difference. I still dont know the official date of her death, but for me it is that day - Because Mum had to wait at least 12 hours to call me. She wanted to let me sleep . 

And now, I have found the beginnings of the german connection on paper - through researching my Family Tree. It appears that they a from Mecklenburg- Pommern, North East Germany. Prussia's Pomerania. Before Germany was born. That doesnt mean there wasn't someone from Southern Germany :) That will be the next surprise.

As a side note, I have had the opportunity to go to Germany again since then. All expenses paid internship through Uni - in Essen, Germany. A real chance to live in the infamous Ruhrgebiet, or Ruhr Valley. It was from the end of November 2004 to mid February 2005.

Another one of those synchro-destiny things.

Schwerin would be the closest I came to Rostock and the border of Germany and Poland. I'll post some photos from there one day. The above photo is the only one I have in digital format for now :) From the huge yellow castle in Schwerin. I've always liked the strong, silent type :) 

Can I even list 100 things about me?

Do I even have enough depth to do that? Here goes, .. we'll see when I run out! It will be interesting to see how I change .. or not ;p

1. I like to think I'm intuitive - and deep down, a little bit psychic
2. I enjoy a good fart or poo
3. I can speak German, fluently but not grammatically correct!
4. I have been enrolled at 3 different Universities and 1 TAFE at some point during the last 13 years.
5. I have a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations/ Peace & Conflict Studies.
6. I hate my teeth. One died from an abcess about 3 years ago. (is this two things?)
7. I have a short attention span.
8. I'm addicted to facebook games.
9. I'm short tempered.
10. I'm witty and love making people laugh.
11. I start things with big plans and ideas... and don't finish.
12. I think I can eventually charm anyone, though I have met people who didnt like me.
13. I want to be a wiccan and do magic. I just never got around to it.
14. I'm a loner.
15. I'm hairy, and probably don't shave enough.
16. I love getting lost in books.
17. I've always wanted to learn French and Spanish.
18. I'm researching my family tree
19. I really want to write a book, but don't know what to write about.
20. I really want to run my own business, but don't know what in!
21. Im studying Law because I want to make lots of money.
22. I have lost friends by being stubborn, and I miss one of them most of all.
23. My humour is pretty lame, but sooo funny.
24. I have an affinity with Germany, and until recently, I never really knew why.
25. I find medieval history really interesting.
26. I own tarot cards and runes, but havent used them in years.
27. My Sun, Moon, Mars and Venus are all in Aries in my eleventh house, and I really want to know what that means.
28. I love my Mum but she drives me crazy.
29. I'm afraid that line between sane and crazy will one day snap.
30. I think people like me, and that everyone gets me, though rationally this has to be wrong :)
31. I want to lose 37 kgs, but it feels like a pipe dream.
32. I like to argue when I think I will win.
33. I cant stand people who think they are better than me, but I still want their approval.
34. I'm not really interested in doing 'it'. I think there may be something wrong with me.
35. I had a whole bunch of bad experiences as a kid.
36. I feel a little bit rejected by my biological father for not contacting me.
37. I just wanna be high.
38. I want my kids to be squares.
39. I have a pixie ear.
40. I love squeezing pimples on other people.
41. I cant help squeezing my own pimples.
42. I am an interrupter.
43. I talk over people, but think they should be able to finish their sentence at the same time - I'm still listening.
44. Sometimes I just wait for other people to finish so I can talk - and I'm not really listening.
45. I'm partially deaf - this is true - ask anyone who has lived or worked with me.
46. I love good conversation with funny people.
47. I wish I had a snail mail pen friend.
48. My Nanna was the greatest person I ever knew - may she rest in peace. She visits me sometimes in my dreams.
49. I am a dreamer and used to really follow them, writing in dream journals. I should start doing this again.
50. I've always wanted to swim regularly - I gave it a go, but the water gets stuck in y ears and I cant hear anything for a few days afterwards. The only thing I haven't tried is a bathing cap.
51. I once took up running - doing the C25k program - but stopped because I was running in crappy dunlops - and will again when I get under 100kgs.
51. I was slim until I started smoking. Since then it has been up and down, in my 20s, mainly on the up ;p
52. I believe we all have more than one soulmate - and I believe I have met 4 of them.
53. I want to travel to Europe again, in my 50s. I think I will also go to South America then.
54. I am an attention seeker - this used to be in a 'look at me, I'm cool' kind of way, now its in a 'look at me, I mature and effortlessly cool' kind of way.
55. I know everything. If not, well I know lots of things.
56. I like to challenge people's views and offer different opinions or arguments even if I don't believe them myself.
57. I get offended when people think I am fake or insincere. They are two different things.
58. I dont see how I am a control freak, but apparently I am.
59. I have not given up on a dream of living and working overseas.
60. I believe in God, but more in a universal spirituality that binds us all sense. We just rationalise it in different ways.
61. Sometimes I rely on knowing the gist of things to get through exams.
62. I work well under pressure, but would work better if I started earlier.
63. Sometimes I'm afraid of the dark. I believe in ghosts, and have lived in 2 haunted houses - once as a kid and one a few years ago. That place wasn't threatening.
64. I like my butt - I dont mind it. Its the gut I wish i didnt have.
65. I think my eyes are my best feature.
66. I tell fibs, and don't think I've told a serious lie for years and years. Sometimes bending the truth can be rationalised.
67. I try to hide my true feelings to protect others' feelings.
68. I'm a ghetto snob. I think I am better than most of the people in my neighbourhood.
69. I'm insanely proud of my daughters' above average intelligence.
70. My kids are the cutest in the world. Other kids are cute too, but mine are seriously awesome.
71. I'm afraid of exposure. That people will see the real me. I get that insecure feeling sometimes when I reveal too much.
72. I purposely commit TMI. Its fun.
73. I'm afraid I will die and leave my children motherless. 
74. I hate doing housework. I can't be bothered. Don't wanna do it. Don't wanna get up.
75. I started going grey before I was 25.
76. Sometimes Allan makes me feel nervous in social situations.
77. I am addicted to Pepsi Max, havent had any since I went to the dentist last week. Actually I think that might be a lie.
78. I do have some regrets, they still leave me with a pang of sadness and I hope one day I wont care.
79. I don't think I have any personal secrets I havent told anyone.
80. I believe that one day, one of my descendants is going to want to know all about me and will think I'm totally awesome.
81. I have internet stalked people without them knowing it. No malice involved. Just looking.
82. I havent been properly fitted for a bra since I was 13.
83. I love music that moves me to my core.
84. I'm too afraid to do yoga or pilates in public in case I fart - because I have, from both places!
85. My middle name is Judith, like my grandmother. My daughters middle name is Michele, like hers.
86. I reckon my life would make a good movie.
87. I have a lot of pent up anger. Not sure anyone's suggestions will actually help there.
88. I used to wish my Mum was Cher and Dad was Alice Cooper - this was when 'If I could turn back time' and 'Poison' were in the Top 10 music charts.
89. I lose interest in people fairly quickly. Once they do something that upsets or shits e, I cant bring myself to care or really be good friends with them again. But thats ok, its probably mutual and I've accepted it.
90. I cant sing, but love to, and I think it is one of my life's greatest injustices.
91. I am a terribly funny dancer.
92. I'm spiteful and sometimes vengeful.
93. I often say things I dont mean and sometimes make promises I wont keep.
94. I sometimes hope peoples finance applications wont go through. Especially when they are young, or really obnoxious.
95. I don't think it was my fault at all for being homeless. Again, rationally speaking, this cant be true.
96. I swear like a trucker, a sailor, a whore or a bogan - whichever analogy suits you.
97. I am no where near as strict as I should be with my kids - and I'm sure one day I will regret this (even more).
98. I have a ginormous HECS debt. I don't even know if I will pay it off.
99. I would love to live on acreage somewhere, but still have a really high-paying job.
100. I really didnt think I would think of 100 things about me. Maybe I still didnt! I want to write more things cos there is more to me than the above :) 

Jesus who?

I think I just heard a fairy die. My kids dont really know about Jesus. I dont think I've even made the connection between Easter and Jesus obvious to them. Im not even sure what they know about the Easter Bunny. Actually, I dont think I've really taught the anything, apart from swear words.

Including Jesus Christ. Fuck. I think I just heard another one drop.

Its more about love and respect. I'm trying to teach them how to behave in public, the alphabet, and to leave me alone first thing in the morning while I have my coffee.

This is where the guilt sets in. I always thought I would be more. I was going to teach them languages, make them learn an instrument, spend time with them, be a TV Mum. Not like Mrs Brady, but not so much like Peggy Bundy. Some part of me feels like I'm failing them. Maybe they should learn about it. But then, I would have to make sure they learn about Buddha, and Allah and spirituality. Give them their own runes.

I'm left with this conundrum. Should they learn about God and Jesus, when I don't think it is relevant anymore? Ok, not NOT relevant, cos there are wars and status created by organised religion, just not relevant in that I think other things are more inportant? The ten commandments, sure - they seem ok. I couldnt name them. I want my kids to think, not just accept. I want them to choose their own religion.

I tried to explain Evolution to Zeke. It definately did not make sense. Zeke is a deep thinker. He asked if Nanna and Pop were turning into animals. This was funny at the time for many reasons ;p  I honestly didnt realise how much I didn't know about the world until I had the kids - like how yoghurt is made, and other things I cant remember right now. I struggle to answer questions. Maybe I should just leave it to the Bible - let Christianity answer the questions I dont want to. Nope, cant do it.

All the Easter eggs I bought them for Easter are still sitting in the fridge, uneaten. This feels significant when talking about my kids and religion. Just not sure how.

I think I love TV too much

Actually, to be honest - I dont think I love TV too much. I love the escapism and the joy of a new episode of my latest favourite show, I love the way the shows make me laugh, cry and feel. I love theme music that moves me. It can brighten my day. It excites me. And I know Im not the only one who just loves a good cry - but that is usually during movies :)

I feel compelled to share my favourite TV shows. I want people to like them. If they like them, then they might just think like me, and that means Im not alone, ... or crazy!

I dont remember REALLY getting into TV when I was young. I do remember watching it, and wishing my life was more like TV. I read more as a kid. I loved (and continue to love) reading. Its my secret. You can hide what you read from other people - but its pretty hard to hide what you watch :)

Anyway, here begins a list of TV shows I've loved .. and sometimes, have lost. Saying that - TV shows are a bit like love - you become addicted, and cant control them... you miss them, you love the characters.. and the show can be cruelly taken away from you - maybe due to ratings, or the stupid people who decide not to air them.. ;p

I describe this show as a funny punch in the face that makes you want to laugh tears. It sneaks up on you. But I love it. I watched it a few times a couple of years ago, but didnt really get in to it. I cant remember why I went back, but I'm glad I did.

I love Lesley Knope (Amy Poehler). She is the optimistic over-achiever that I want to be. I love that she cares. I love that she is a bit of a dag, but is so determined t go after what she wants.  I love that she gets Ron a perfect gift - an automatic door closer - And Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman). He hates everybody. He is the recluse that I sometimes am.  I love that Ron has a mother and two ex-wives called Tammy, and they are all crazy. He hates the government, and actively tries to do as little as possible. This is perfected in hiring April to be his receptionist. She wont put calls through, and never schedules meetings (apart from the disastrous day where he had 112 meetings). I love that April (Aubrey Plaza) is becoming his protege, she is you typical emo/goth young person ;p Maybe not typical but yeah. I never really liked/disliked Rob Lowe, but his character Chris Traeger literally says literally ALL the time.

The show has laugh out loud moments and one liners, there are moments when you tear up - particularly with the Leslie and Ben storyline :) I want them to be together :)  Ann (Rashida Jones), formerly from The Office, is Leslie's best friend.. she is more of a support character I reckon. I found the Ann and Andy storyline a bit annoying - I just wanted to get back to Leslie. I'm not a big fan of Andy. Boring!

I love the public forums Leslie holds and and the crazy public. Leslie is currently running for office, she wants to be the Mayor of Racoon-infested Pawnee. The moment when she holds a rally at the ice skating rink cracked me up. I love that the enemy of the Parks department is the evil women at the Library. The next episode is not out until the end of April.. waiting waiting waiting.

Hazel Loves Design... and has great taste.. thank Universe!

Which is lucky, cos I couldnt imagine following a blog where someone really loved something, but was really bad at doing it. Actually that is not a bad idea... (note to self - try and think of things I love but am not very good at).

On the topic of being great at things, let me introduce you to Hazel. She loves Design :) Her house here in Brisbane felt like something out of a magazine. Her colour scheme was black, white and silver. Though I'm pretty sure I did see purple there once. And blue. It was so cool and understated. Like Hazel.



I love the way her blog would feature pictures of different colours and textures, making bold statements or simple in their retro charm. She has great taste in choosing design type stuff - that I couldnt really put a name on, but would always feel so Hazel. I have only yesterday returned to blogging, so to be honest I havent looked at her blog for 18 months, but it has definately changed. It has grown, she has nearly 500 followers, she has people contributing and I cant find the archive... I'm sure she awarded me a badge a couple of years ago.. I just cant find where I put it.

Hazel's blog started as somewhere to post stuff that inspired her - now it has become an amazingly professional indicator of the design powerhouse she is going to become.. keep a lookout for her :) She features stuff she loves on Tuesday, a book club and even Avon giveaways. She even has plans for event planning - and kids parties, which I'm sure she will have lots of practice at! Her wedding was beautiful, her engagement party was sooo much fun, and everything else she turned her hand to just worked so well - she makes you feel like it is possible to be in that magazine photo - albeit a decorating magazine :)


I had always pictured Hazel as a Stepford wife - but this was before she became a Mum (which means she has either become super super organised and amazing and we will never know how she does it, or she is on the edge of a nervous breakdown - which we will also never know ;p)  I dont mean Stepford wife as in a vacuous, souless robot who does everything to please her husband and fit into society, but someone who is supremely organised, creative, fashionable, sophisticated, dainty and proper. So I hereby change the name - Hazelwife :)


I'm a highly intuitive person, so I usually base my opinions and judgements of people on images, thoughts, feelings, impressions and other non-verbal clues, as well as frivolous (or even sometimes malicious) gossip. Can't help it. I'm a feeler. When Hazel was pregnant with Brooklyn, I imagined her a 1960s Mum.. baking and dusting and wearing paisley. I could smell her perfume in my mind. Yes, it is I admit, a little bit creepy.

The thing I love the most about Hazels blog are the pictures. I love her choices in colour, layout, the mise en scene and all that other arty stuff :) I really dont know anything about design, but Hazel and her vision make me feel like I could be sophisticated and classy. A long road to success ;p  Hazel might not agree with with my broad generalisation of her blog, but she knows I really dont know anything about design except for what I like. And I like Hazel. And her taste.

Seriously - check out her blog :) Hazel Loves Design


Before I go, I just wanted to share that I love looking at blogs, and have been searching for ones that I like and want to follow. Its hard - there are so many out there. Maybe by doing some reviews I'll find some I like and dont like. And I'll share the ones I like with you. It would be mean to share the ones I dont like - unless they are great, or they are friends. Like Hazel ;p

My Family Tree

I just want to say happy birthday to my Great Grandfather, Mr Harry Thompson. He was born on the 1st April , 1886 in Sebastian, Victoria - just north of Bendigo.
Apparently he had kissable lips - so says my Aunty Linda.. that's not strange is it?


He was one of 11 children (oh those were the days) and became an ANZAC in New Zealand, where he met my Great Grandmother, Catherine and married her in Reefton, NZ in 1921. After moving back to Bendigo, they raised 12 children together, one of whom was my dearly departed Nanna. He died in 1958 -before my mother and I were born.


I look at his photo and wonder about him. What was he like? Did he have a sense of humour? Was he charming? I should really try and find out :)