Happy Birthday, Sam!
26 January 2011
Please indulge me today - I'm going to talk about my family.
My youngest son, Sam, had his 33rd birthday on the 25th, the day before Australia Day, and the BBQ party was very satisfying. His mum, Sylvie, father-in-Law John, Brother Dom, Sister-in-Law Gitte, nephew Jett, neice Nita were there, along with Adrienne and me. Wife Lucy's mum and dad, Ros and Brian turned up late, arriving back from Melbourne. And of course Sam's wife Lucy, and Belle, the apple of Sam's eye, was there, firm on her 13 month-old legs, exploring everywhere. To those of you reading this who don't know my family (in case you think there are too many names!) I must tell you there are several more: absent were Sam's brother Bede and his family - Sarah and Flynn (in England), and sisters Emma and Kate with her husband Pat (in Sydney).
Sorry about the list - I had t' put 'em all in!!!
Then yesterday, with the cold wind blowing and now-and-then showers, Sam, Lucy and Belle came aboard - making the trip from the land in our little inflatable dinghy. They loved the boat, specially Belle, who seemed quite in her element on board. Returning, she stood in the bulbous bow of the rubber dinghy. holding the painter and staring ahead.
Sam is a really groovy guitarist (I am impressed, and so delighted that he has found a new power and confidence in his guitar playing), and we swapped guitar licks; we were warmed up to it, following our blues jam the day before, at the party. I sang my song Do You Know What It Means To Live On Rice And Beans (possibly the longest song title in the world) to Belle - you can see it in the photo - and she seemed to understand the problem.
I have a fulsome wife, three handsome and talented sons, two beautiful and savvy daughters, four more lovable grownup kids on Adrienne's side plus six grandchildren - what more could a man want? Family is a blessing, and so, dear friends, blessings on your family too!