Liz's 50th birthday

A tribute video I compiled for Liz.

At Liz's 50th party

Ally's 50th birthday

 Hi there Ally

Just a little note to wish you a very, very happy 50th birthday. Hope you have a very special day and that your 50's are full of love, connection, fun, laughter, wonder and adventure.

There's another very special little being who wants to say "Happy Birthday."  Mackie is now 18.  He's as beautiful as ever and doing remarkably well for his age. His days of ball chasing are over but he still adores sniffing and peeing on just about every bush.

You and I have lost contact, which is entirely natural, but know that I think of you often and it's always with a deep sense of love, affection and appreciation.  You were and always will be the great love of my life.

How wonderful to be able to spend your birthday in South Africa.  Hope you are having a beautiful time there with your family.  Thank you for staying in touch with my family too. They appreciate it so, so much and so love seeing you.

Sending lots and lots of love to you all  💛💚

Graeme & Mack

Photo from Ally's visit with Jo & Antony

Ally's reply

Hey G, 

Sorry it has taken me a while to respond. I have been trying to find the rights words....something you are so good at!

Firstly, thank you so much for your birthday wishes. I had the most awesome trip and day. It was truly special to see everyone in Cape Town including your mom and Jo. Mack crosses my mind often so I loved seeing the pics of him. Seeing his smiling face was so lovely 😍 

I too think of you and sincerely hope you are well and enjoying life. Gosh, we had some really great times together! You taught me so much. I will always be externally grateful for the time we had together - what fun, adventure and love we had. 

Your mom mentioned that you will be going to Antarctica soon. How amazing is that!  Another adventure, I have no doubt you will get the most amazing photos....have fun and hope it us not too cold.

You are a beautiful person and deserve happiness and peace. 

Please take care of yourself and Mack.

Lots of love 💙🤩💚

My reply

Hi there Ally

Thank you for your message and your lovely, affirming words. We both wish so deeply for each other's happiness, and that is such a beautiful thing.

Oh, your doggies are so gorgeous! I am sure that they are the most loved doggie pair in all of Sydney and that they were super excited to see you when you got home!

Yes, I'm feeling so blessed to be going to Antarctica. I got to see 7 polar bears in The Arctic and now I'll get to see hundreds of thousands of penguins in Antarctica. For a photographer lover, it's a dream come true.  We're spending some time in Buenos Aires on the way to Antarctica for team building, so I am sure that will bring back lots of memories of our time there.

Sending love. I hope you're settling back nicely into Sydney life after your time away.  I'm so glad you had such a wonderful birthday and trip.

G

A birthday tribute to Elna celebrating her 50th

In celebration of a beautiful friendship that I really cherish.

Happy 50th birthday dear Jo

My birthday video

An amazing life map by Mikaela

Festivities

From Jo:

"Turning 50 is not so bad when you feel so loved and spoilt by so many amazing people!!  3 night breakaway to my favourite apartment block in Kalk Bay, champagne breakfast at Simon’s, baby tea friends for cocktails and cake on our balcony overlooking the harbour below, and a magical super full moon swim tonight x"

Posters Jo made for her party

Xenia 50th birthday party

It was wonderful to celebrate this milestone with dear Xenia.

 

Xenia 50th birthday dinner

 A lovely meal with a very special friend.

My 50th birthday

A wonderful 50th birthday with well wishes and a hamper from the family and dinner with friends at a lovely fish restaurant.

 

Happy Birthday to my very special son Graeme who who has given me so much joy, happiness and pride for 50 years.  Mum

Dinner at Garfish

Gift from Aimee

Happy big birthday to the most genuine, warm, funny, honest, amazing guy! Thank you for all the fun adventures, photo expeditions and D&M chats. I’m hoping there are many more to come. Happy birthday Graeme.   Elna

What a blessing you are, my other son, Graeme. I hope you are enjoying all of your birthday. And it's not finished yet, is it..? Much love from your Aussie Mum, Jilly.

Happy Birthday dear Graham. I wish you great joy, ease and peace in your life. May the light of your heart always shine brightly. Thank you for being the kind generous loving man that you are with a generous sprinkling of cheekiness. Live live and hugs.   Shushann

Dearest Graeme. Happy birthday to my dear friend. I am so thankful to have you in my life and having our wonderful friendship where we can truly be ourselves!   Xenia

 

Dear Graeme. May you be showered with great blessings on your 50th. Thank you for being the kind and generous friend you are.  Looking forward to more walks into the awe and beauty of nature.    Shushann

Gus's 50th

It was Gus's 50th birthday this weekend and we went to their party on Saturday night out in Kenilworth. Carol put on a fabulous party as always with lots and lots of delicious food. We had a really fun time and things got extremely festive as the wine flowed. We overnighted in Bubbenhall at a cosy B&B with Dave, Susan and Kerry. Great to get the all Hoar sibblings together again. The image of the balloon is my first attempt at artistically manipulating a photo in photoshop.

Pictures of Gus's pride and joy - his three daughters.

Yatchs featured prominently in Gus's party, not suprising as they are a major passion of his. Nicola did a beautiful painting of Gus's boat which was extremely impressive and caused lots of excitement all round. As you can see, five of Gus's birthday cards also followed the yachting theme. Incidently, Ally's homemade card is the blue one in the middle (in pride of place.)

Carol made a T Shirt for Gus called "This is Your Life" with photos of him from young boy till today. Photo themes included young Gus at school, sailing his first boat, parachuting, his wedding, arriving in UK with his family, making his boat, completing his ultra runs, programming on the computer and so on. Fantastic present and beautifully done. Gus is inspiring with the very full life he lives and the way he manages to integrate all his passions. If I have half his energy at 50, I'll be very happy!

Photos of us