Covid19 was a pandemic that was first identified in Wuhan, China in January 2020. The cause remains unconfirmed at this time although it is proposed that it jumped from infected animals to humans there is also speculation that it was a man-made virus. It spread around the world rapidly and within a few weeks was in almost every country with deaths souring fast. Borders closed and masks, constant hand washing and social distancing became the norm, then lockdowns and isolation whilst effective treatments and vaccines were sought.

People became afraid, then everything became political, every precaution was protested and conspiracy theories abounded regarding the origin, the treatments, vaccines and the number of infections and deaths. Science was no longer trusted, and people chose which Facts they believed. By the end of 2021 there were over 5 million deaths globally from Covid19 as restrictions are removed and we now must learn to live with the virus.

My greatest disappointment was that I have not been able to visit with my grandkids much over the last few years – especially Max, Finn, Nadia and Edin being in Brisbane. Firstly, due to Covid and this year due to actually becoming “an old lady”. I can’t complain though; overall during my lifetime I have always had great, pain free health. I was one of the “Lucky Ones”. But this year I have been forced to acknowledge that “feeling young” is not being young. My years have caught up with me and I am no longer feeling invincible! Chris and John always keep my informed of your progress so I know that you all continue to develop into young people to be proud of and believe me I AM !

Before Covid the kids arranged a great surprise 75th Party for me at home with all the family and so many friends attending as well as a large group of South Pacific Island Dancers who played, sang and danced their way through the night. It was a wonderful night and I was chuffed when the kids said they wanted to organise another for my 80th birthday or alternately a weekend away for the whole family. I happily declared let’s do both!

What can I say – I watched Leslie and Tony work like galley slaves for 3 months to get the premises into a place of pride for my 80th. Their list of improvements was long and arduous. They brought forward projects that have been earmarked for “tomorrowland” and those that were allocated for “sometime in the futureland” so that it was worthy to hold such a party. They hammered, repaired, dug, laid new native flower beds, paths, flooring, decking, painting, lighting etc. They tried new ways to defeat the cursed bamboo and prevent new roots taking hold.

At the same time, they organized the vendue for the weekend gathering of the family members down at Bowral. Leslie and Tony planned, inspected and reinspected making sure all the arrangements were in hand with nothing left to chance. I saw it all and appreciated their determination that it was going to be a night and weekend for the family to remember.

Unfortunately, Covid reared it’s ugly head again and we missed many people at the party but we had the family here celebrating including the family from Queensland who we had not seen for too long, as well as a few local friends. We talked, ate, drank and danced on the grass with the South Pacific Island Dancers. It was MAGICAL!