Surprising Slideshows, Birthday Blessings and Off-road Outings

“I think I’ve turned a corner!” declared Geoff to his parents when they visited just after Sliding into Shadows. A very different type of slide became his confidence-booster and a spirit-lifter for all of us.

Geoff dusted off the old projector, opened his archive of meticulously labelled transparencies, and patiently arranged page after page of cardboard-framed history into magazines, ready for a family meander down memory lane. Beginning with a few ‘pre-historic’ photos taken half a century ago, the amusing images and Geoff’s clear recollections filled our hearts with hope and joy. How wonderful to share in laughter and see the long-buried sparkle shining again in Geoff’s eyes!



A few months ago, reaching Geoff’s 59th birthday had seemed an impossible milestone. Blue skies and sunshine set the scene for our special day of celebration. Falling on a Sunday brought the added blessing of gathering in person for worship with our church. Afterwards, Geoff took initiative in speaking with friends, “This was the first time I felt confident talking with others by myself!”











Surrounded by our family, a fruit-favorite birthday cake made by Naomi, outside fun with our grandchildren and another entertaining slideshow gave us precious memories to treasure.















Easing of border restrictions came at the perfect time for Naomi to lengthen her stay with us. With a love of adventure, Naomi’s energy and enthusiasm propelled us into several outings, taking full advantage of the changeable spring weather.

Exploring the heights of Canberra included a gentle walk at Red Hill, delicious cafe sandwiches and enjoying the view from Mt Ainslie.



 

Saturday morning snow on the Brindabellas beckoned and we soon found ourselves on muddy tracks searching for a route to the summit of Mt Coree.



Triumph! Although signage indicated that all roads were closed, we pressed on to the not-so-famed Picadilly Circus and followed the still-open Two-sticks Road towards the summit. (Piccadilly Circus as an intersection of five dirt trails, is not remotely like it’s London namesake, though perhaps aptly named for the traffic that poured through enroute to the summit that day!) 


Geoff was in his element, guiding Zeke in his first off-road experience driving through snow and over rocks.




Naomi navigated the initial descent, then insisted on giving me the wheel which was surprisingly enjoyable, especially with Geoff’s constant encouragement.




Snowflakes melting on our faces, molding the piles into a snowman, playing snowball catch and absorbing the beauty of the ‘winter wonderland’ added again to our treasured times.









While the spirit of adventure is an aspect of a devoted father’s personal legacy embedded in each of our children’s hearts, Geoff hopes the 4WD set-up will facilitate ready-made holidays for years to come. So when the weather forecast began to look favourable for an overnight camp, we jumped at the opportunity and headed for The Big Hole.






After the first-day difficulties, what a relief in the morning to find all confusion and anxiety gone! Devouring campfire bacon and eggs, making damper sticks, watching Amos slackline and paddling in the creek made a day of happy relaxation. 


Perhaps the best part is Geoff’s positive perspective on the whole time and his gladness that we could all go camping together!

Comments

  1. Thinking of and praying for your family every day!

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  2. Thanks so much for sharing, you are all constantly on our minds, and glad you’ve had some refreshing adventures together.

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  3. Inspirational! Thinking and praying for you all every day....

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