A SWEET TIME WAS HAD BY ALL

A family  gathering in Hockley Valley yesterday. Number Two son Frank and Lorna organize a golf tournament every year. Golfers play golf and  we all get together after at the beautiful restored heritage farm house that is their  home with the beautiful Maria. 

We had several family losses in recent years and always talk about getting together for a happier occasion.This was the first. 

My late brother Terry's former wife Jean came with nephew Ross She lost a son, my nephew Craig, suddenly and tragically. 

Gordon, my late sister Kathleen's  former husband  came with Susan my niece from Perth. Susan waited a long time to find the perfect match and lost him in an instant.

Patrick ,Susan's brother came with his son Derek.

All of my children but not all grandchildren and no great grandchildren were there. 

The Seattle twins and little brother Lane went home early this year. Myles and Mary and their nearly triplet girls arrived in Seattle yesterday for a visit following a drive across Canada. Photos and messages allowed us to enjoy the adventure ,thanks to social media.

Frank has ten acres,a restored barn and a riding shed. Horse paddocks sweep up to a forest at the skyline. The young ones made a pretty picture in the paddock nudging with the horses.

A verandah surrounds the house with shade.

A fire in the depression behind the house brought the circle together. Frank brought his Gibson out and we enjoyed a blast from the past. I love to listen to my son singing.

Lizzie's partner Derek brought his guitar from the car. Lizzie is Martin and Marnie's girl.  

Cameron,Lizzie's brother was there too.

It was hard to leave.

Patrick and Derek brought a camper . Martin and Marnie, a tent and Stephen and Mary would sleep

wherever. 

I have never seen Mary so relaxed. 

Mary and Stephen have a Tiki party at Mary's family cottage on Georgian Bay. 

This year, the Seattle twins and  brother Lane and Isla, Maeva and Cecily were fourth generation in residence throughout the summer. 

One day, Mary went out to the garbage centre and didn't come back for half an hour. 

Mary is quiet by nature.  She craves silence.

Six healthy,noisy,rambunctious children under the age of seven ,four under three, and one infant are not conducive to quiet under any terms. 

Last night, they were all safe and secure on the other side of the continent.

All was well when I left just before midnight.