2008 Rankin Australia Day Award

In recognition of your valuable contribution to our local community through volunteer service.

A Tribute to Sally my Labrador Companion 1982 to 1996

When you died, then went a part of me – of heart and soul.
I do not grieve for that, I owe you so much more
for all those long, long years of single-minded love
you gave to me. I called it ‘cupboard love’,
the times we shared sweet treats - but teasingly.
My words were lightly said, not meant for real.
Now sorrow has o’erlaid those pleasant memories,
and I fear that I may never be that smiling self again.

This gloomy house reflects my empty hours,
the loss of you is felt in every room.
I miss the shared routine of how we were:
experiences shared, that take a lonely life
and make it seem worthwhile and meaningful.
That next-door cat sat on the fence and stared,
unheeding, when I called to shoo him off.
I’m sure he senses you have gone away,
and sees me solitary, so doesn’t care.

Our garden is alive with colour, and bees on flowers
and on the clover in the grass. There I stand
with hose in hand, and miss your watchful presence
by my side, through oh, so many pleasant hours.
All these – these things we loved and times we shared –
are why I grieve, beloved friend. I loved you so.
I know you had to die. All life must end, I know.
But knowing cannot ease the hurt in me.

Molly Labrador

This is the current labrador, Molly. :) She is 11.

Three generations

Here I am with my mother Ellen in 1942 - I'm wearing my WAFF uniform.

And then you can see me with my daughter Leslie. We graduated with Arts degrees from the University of New England in New South Wales. We both continued our studies - she received a Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching Methods and I was granted a Graduate Diploma in Religious Education.

Journal of Lighthouse Days

(You can double click on the picture to make it come up bigger.)

Double Island Point Lighthouse