I have been home just over a week now and am finally recovering from jet lag. The island feels so very far away again. There are many - one husband says too many - photos of the amazingly beautiful island as it took on its early fall colours, to relive my visit, along with endless photos of our wonderful Grandchildren, now 9 and nearly 7.
The morning after my return, I was awake at 3 am. By 5 am, I decided to dress and check out sunrise. There was little colour, but the air was cool, so I continued walking. A wonderful 4 km was enjoyed, leading to this post of contrasts.
City skyline
Suburban Street
Suburban road v village road
Diving birds v birds flying in formation.
Mango tree recovering leaves after a major pruning because of its size in a suburban garden v trees about to lose leaves.
(soon after arrival)
((3 days before departure)
Steep driveways and gardens v the flat everywhere.
Housing styles. Fenced and all unfenced on the island.
Weedy footpaths v always manicured.
Sturdy shrubs v soft and feathery.
Contrasting bushland walks
Drought leaf litter v autumn leaf litter
Our tree creatures v island tree creatures.
Suburban sunrise v waterway sunrise.
I'll have been home from Canada 2 weeks tomorrow.
I was crazy busy before I left, completing Grandad's book. I was finally happy with it on the Saturday evening, 4 days before departure. I delayed pressing send until Sunday morning. All went well until page 41 of the download. I could not find the issue, so had to wait until Monday morning to ring the Photobookshop help line. A wonderfully patient and helpful assistant then worked with me off and on, all day Monday. More than one page had issues. Finally, at 10.02 am Tuesday 25 th August, I watched every page download. Such a relief! Exactly 24 hours later, my aircraft was racing down the runway to take flight. The book was waiting for me when I returned, and I am thrilled with it. My cousin's 70th birthday and the gathering of the Cullen Clan to celebrate the 122nd anniversary of Grandad's selecting Locheil is on the 17th. These past 2 weeks have seen me coping with jet lag, catching up with friends and creating decorations for the event. Hopefully, come the end of the month, I'll get back to regular blogging and reading all your wonderful blogs.
A few of the 80 pages from the book.
Cover and pages 1 and 2.
I would love to read your comment.
I interviewed my Grandfather (I'm a retired radio personality/executive) two days before his fatal heart attack. He was in his early 90s. That was over 50 years ago. I passed out recordings to many family members. It was a good luck to get him when I did. Good for you for spending the time you did!
ReplyDeleteSeveral things from your comment, Bill. I have often wondered about your working background. Your interview with your Grandfather was so timely. I wonder did you know he wasn't well? Grandad's story will now go into the Kyogle Museum and his younger descendants have ordered copies.
DeleteWhat a wonderful memoir you’ve created. It will be treasured. Lovely to see your comparisons and beautiful leaf colour on PEI. B x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Barbara. It was a huge amount of work but now rewarded with so many copies now ordered by all the family. I follow a Facebook page, "Prince Edward Island - Good News Only", and the autumn colours since my return have been sensational.
DeleteLove how you created the contrasts, beauty to behold in PEI's little piece of paradise and in your home sweet home! Congratulations of completing the book! You must be so proud of it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alexandra. PEI autumn now, is sensational and I would so love to be there, but Brisbane is now dressed in the purple of the jacarandah, so I have been compensated.
DeleteI am so glad you've returned safely and know you had a wonderful time with your family and grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the book will be a treasure for many family members. I know what a relief it is to finish something like that!
Thanks, Kim. One needs a deadline for a project like this. The voucher had a 2-year expiry date. (April 2027) But other than doing the family tree, I had kept putting it off. The final rush was my own fault, and further editing is required before ordering more editions. It was a relief to hear everyone's positive comments.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great project, and congratulations on its completion. The grandkids just arrived last night so looking forward to a visit!
ReplyDelete