Swim and grilled fish at Balmoral

 I met up with Chris and Xenia at Balmoral. Always lovely to spend time with them.

Frenchy's for lunch

 It's always a delight to meet up with this beautiful group of people. I had my usual dish: Goat's Cheese Quiche.

Swimming at Balmoral with Chris

It's always wonderful to catch up with Chris and what better way to do than at Balmoral on  a hot summer's day. We had an invigorating swim in the ocean, then a delicious lunch of grilled prawns and calamari, followed by a gentle stroll to the headland. 

Frenchy's for lunch

Frenchy's has become our new regular haunt. Food is great and the girls are in love with the French waiter who I must admit is quite a dish !

My birthday: Turning 54

Frenchys with friends

Balmoral with Elna

Beautiful cards and messages from family and friends

Knowing you are an early riser I am sending birthday greetings as you get up and as I go to bed. I hope you have a special day and will be celebrating in some way with friends. I also hope it’s the beginning of a wonderful new year filled with loving friends, happy times and a trip to Cape Town before you reach the next birthday. Much love from us both. Mum & Mike,  Xxx

Happy Birthday Graeme

I know many people from all walks of life and

You are one in a million.

You lead from your heart

You still have that pure innocent wonder of a child

You originate and create

You really care: Mackie, Jilly, Sue, your dear grand dad Yogi and all of us, your family of friends

Nature is your playground and fun and adventure are you fuel.

Like the name of that TV show.

Thank God you are here to enrich all our lives.

Love you mate.

Chris

Happy Birthday, Graeme!

Wishing you a wonderful day filled with all the things that make you happiest! Your kindness mean the world to us, and it’s truly amazing to have you in our lives. We always enjoy your company and cherish the moments we share together. Thank you for all your support, especially with my storytime – it’s much appreciated! Here’s to many more years of friendship and great memories. Enjoy your special day!  

With love and best wishes,   Anusha

Happy Birthday  Graeme!! You are a beautiful person, so lucky to have you as a friend. lots of love from Jane  and Nik xx

Happy birthday for yesterday Graeme! We love you heaps man, you’re our most favourite photographer and such a legend of a guy!  Matt

Table tennis and lunch

Xenia joined Chris and I for some table tennis. She's pretty good!  Then Shushann joined us for some lunch at The Alchemist (a local cafe).
 

Chris's 70 birthday

Friends do not come more special than Chris. I'm so blessed to have had him in my life over the past 12 years.  It was wonderful to celebrate his 70th birthday with him.

Birthday tribute video

Lunch on the day at The Coal Loader

Chris's party at The Alchemist

 

Frenchy's Cafe for lunch

One of my favourite cafes in Sydney. I had Eggs Benedict and Xenia treated us all to dessert (crepe and raspberry tart). All delicious. We went at 11 and ended staying until late in the afternoon. There was also time for a little walk with great views of Middle Harbour.

Balmoral for grilled fish with Chris

Absolutely delicious as always.
 

Flying Bear with Chris

I always enjoy catching up with Chris. 

Reunion with my Sydney friends

A lovely get together at Frenchie's restaurant. I had my usual Goat's Cheese Tartlet and a smoothie. Delicious. So lovely to see everyone after two months in Cape Town.

  

Tea at Xenia's new flat

In loving memory of Mack (2004 - 2023)

Mackie passed away a couple of days ago, just two months shy of his remarkable 19th birthday.

It's hard to put into words what it meant to share so many years with such an extraordinary soul. 

The lessons Mack taught me are imprinted on my heart:

• His constant display of unconditional love, shared abundantly and wholeheartedly.
• The priceless bond of true companionship and heartfelt connection.
• His transparent emotions, ever evident in his joyful tail wags and earnest eyes.
• The simple warmth of snuggling close, or just resting his head on a knee, shoulder or comforting lap. 
• The wisdom in his intent listening, reminding me that not every silence needs filling.
•  His ability to be wholly present, savoring every sound and scent during our walks.
•  The immense exuberance he found in fun, playful pleasures, even if was simply chasing after a ball.
•  Just how high you can leap if you put your mind to it, especially if you’re chasing after a tantalising rodent.
•  The importance of having boundaries, especially if your space is invaded by an overly spirited yapper snapper !
•  The living embodiment of virtues like patience, adaptability, curiosity, wonder, loyalty, trust, enthusiasm, alertness, forgiveness, and countless others.

Mackie was ready to go but the void left by his absence is profound. I’ve been doing lots of walking around Waverton to help process my sadness and every path I take is suffused with memories of Mackie, sniffing at every bush and lifting his leg to mark his favourite spots. I’ve had some beautiful cries, and its been a much needed release.

A heartfelt thanks to those who had a particularly special connection with Mack and helped enrich his life: Ally, Liza, Jasper, Chris, Yogi, Srini, Xenia, Shushann, Sharon, Martin, Matt, Sue & Alex, Dani, Lizzy, Chrisel, Russell, Elna, Jilly.

Mack, until our paths intertwine once more. The anticipation of our reunion brings visions of jubilant tail wags, playful dances, and exuberant panting. No doubt, Mackie will show signs of excitement too 🙂

Rest in peace, dear Mackie

To Liza

We had a beautiful get together at The Botanica yesterday. So many memories to share and everyone was very loving and supportive. Shushann brought beautiful Anush who I have a special connection with and she settled at my feet the whole time, as if she knew I needed solace.  It was all so bitter sweet.  I kept looking at Mackie's chair, where he used to snuggle into his blanket and pervade the scene, and it was empty.  The staff at The Botanica were so crestfallen to hear about Mack. And Steve and Vula, too, who run the Waverton Grocer. For such a little thing, Mack featured so large in Waverton. His loss is  being felt by all the people who knew him and loved him.

The most support I'm getting is from people who've also lost doggie soul mates. Jane, who was there yesterday, lost 17 year old Harry last year. And Heather in South Africa lost 21 year old Sally a while ago too. They both spoke about the crushing emptiness and loss that they felt and still feel from time to time, enough still to bring them to tears.

I've been doing a lot of walking in Waverton as it helps to process and settle the grief. Every path I take is pervaded by the memory of Mack sniffing shrubs and cocking his leg every 10 metres or so. I've had some really strong cries on the walks, and it feels good to do it.

From Liza

• I can recall every photo you forwarded of Mack at Botanica, and it was very, very clear he loved beyond measure being there, being with you there, and being with you and Chris there. It was always so truly delightful to experience Mack's enjoyment of sniffing, caressing plants, marking his spots etc.
• I genuinely hope you do really well in processing your grief, and recalling happy times Graeme. Mack loved you very, very much and for sure loved his home with you; I adored every photo of him on HIS balcony when he was a heat seeking doggie. I'm not able to recall any thing much just now but, for me, there won't be a doggie companion, as special, ever. Mack is, was, remarkable in so many ways. I feel proud of him, and of my contribution to his life Graeme. Meeting him with Mum on my birthday was an amazing thing, and there has not been a day I have not loved Mackee since. 
• For Jasper and I there was not a day we didn't look forward to Mack's arrival.  I loved his enjoyment, as an old fella, of night walks, his sniffing the ground and air; for month's now that was early mornings and as soon as the sun set. 

From Chris

So, So Beautiful Graeme. Now that is friendship. That is love. And you shared him with us all. You had a little engine of joy there.  He is a fond memory in many peoples minds, but I somehow imagine that in the big scheme of things when little Mackee was choosing which  human, he chose you and he was a winner.

Dear Liza. Our precious little friend has gone, but what a friend he had in you. I must say I have never seen such a beautiful connection between a dog and a human than between dear little Mackee and you.  You made him feel so special. Thank you for sharing him with me for some enjoyable times. I will miss him too. Take care. Wishing you all the best. 

From Ally

Hey G, was just calling to say how sorry I was to hear about Mack. What a lovely tribute to him - totally had me in tears!! He was one of the most special little souls and he will live in our memory and hearts forever. I am so glad you got to spend so much time with him.  I truly hope you are okay.  Sending you a special hug and love 💙

From Shushann

Ohh dear Graeme just read your beautiful piece on Mack. It has brought floods of tears. Sending you blessings and love over this heartbreaking but unavoidable letting go of our beloved fur babies. Until you meet again. Somewhere over the rainbow🙏🏽🧡🌈

Oh my goodness the photos were stunning. They could be a book in themselves. They tell many wonderful stories.

From Yogi

Sorry to hear your sad news. Mackie Boy was an exceptional dog - what great mates you were!  He gave you so much joy, & vice versa. He lives on, forever young, in your blog. 

From Srini

This message was sent by Srini from a mountain hike shortly after Mack passed away. Amazingly, he had no knowledge that Mack had gone. It was one of those beautiful synchronicities and deeply comforted me.

Richard

Shirley

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