A Wet Anzac Day

 Saturday 25 April

A very impessive Anzac Day address was delivered by the School Captain of St Laurences College, at the Ekibin Memorial Park service. The rain held off until I was halfway back to 'The Green'. 

During my breakfast reading, I came across this lovely tribute created on one of our nearby beaches.

A short time later, I passed this lovely scene in a footpath garden, as walked to the bus stop for my journey to the city for Brisbane's service and parade.

I was not long off the bus when the predicted rain began to fall. Umbrellas were up as we listened to the service via speakers along the street. [top] 

Below - it was still drenching everyone as the last band and army vehicles continued along Adelaide Street.

I stood in the rain for 2 1/2 hours, without complaint, along with the thousands who came to honour the courage, sacrifice, and spirit of Anzac Day, so very grateful for the freedom won for us.

Cynthia Clifford, 101, anti aircraft gunner, was my hero of the day.

I became fascinated by the constant precision of the marching feet.

There was such a wide variety of participants, I can't share them all.

I followed the last vehicle along to Anzac Square and the Shrine of Rememberance.

LEST WE FORGET

We honour the sacrifices, but we are still, so very sadly,  confronted by war.

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Chaos, Celebration and Back to Walking.

Friday 10 April

During Friday morning we were excited to receive the news that 3 separate pieces of furniture ordered, would arrive on Tuesday between 7.30 and 10 am. 

On Tuesday morning I was meeting the Gaiter Girls at Greenslopes Bus Station, to walk for the first time since January. It was to be a 7am start for a local walk around Tarragindi, and then a visit to our unit and breakfast at The Green's cafe. I changed the meeting time to 10 am.

 Late afternoon I suddenly realised that not only was Rebecca having a birthday on Sunday, but it was her 60th! Obviously the others in the group had forgotten too. Phone calls were made. A plan formulated. We would still meet at The Green at 10 am and somehow manage to surprise Rebecca.

My Saturday, Sunday and Monday were very full, but as Rebecca had hosted my 'dream' surprise 70th birthday five years ago, I just had to make her day as special as possible.

Tuesday 14 

 I was up early and had the table set, but moved into a corner so that there was room for unpacking and constructing the furniture. The first delivery arrived at 8.45. I couldn't believe how much cardboard our sideboard came in. Below, the desk is still unpacked. The king single bed arrived 9.30. 

Mary arrived 45 minutes early and was a great help, but I was shocked to spot Janice and Rebecca arriving together at 9.35, as I was directing the bed delivery from the carpark to the lift. Somehow, while I was downstairs, Frank and the cabinet/desk deliverer removed all the carboard. The bed deliverer then stepped in to open and hold our heavy door open when Janice knocked. Surprise!

I was also surprised with this lovely house warmimg gift. 

Wednesday was also full on, driving to Beenleigh to organise insurance for our new car collected at 2 pm, combined with another visit to Ikea for more space saving items. It took 2 hours to hand over the Mazda CX5 with a full explanation of all its electrical gizmos. Thursday morning all we could remember was how to turn it on and off! Beautiful to drive though.

The buyer for our Subaru was waiting outside to collect it. That also took time.

 Another very exciting day.

One week later, [Tuesday 21st] the Gaiter Girls did meet at Greenslopes Bus Station. We followed Norman Creek almost to its entry into the Brisbane River. We then continued along the river to the Medly Cafe, for a delicious brekky.

Sun coming up as I made my way to the bus station, 6.15 am.

Graffiti artists love the retaining walls along the creek bank.

Churchie, a very prestigious private school and the view back to the city as we crossed Norman Creek.

Mowbray Park view towards the city.

 I am hopefully now going to grow my herbs this way.

To complete our morning, we walked the short distance to Holman Street Ferry Terminal, to  take the Kitycat ferry to cross to Riverside. After a short wait we were able to board the Citycat to catch our various buses home. As I walked from The Green to the bus station, and from the 2nd bus home, my total was 16 km for the day, 11 with the Gaiter Girls. 

Just the best weather and city for walking. We love autumn.

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