My first experience of riding an e-bike

There are an unusual number of e-bikes around Waverton at the moment. You activate and rent them with your phone. As an experiment, I cycled from my home to Woolworths, a 15 minute walk but a very fast cycle. It cost $5. I was amazed by the power of the motor, it makes going up hills an absolute breeze.

I won't be using these bikes much as I love to walk and why pay?  But a great experience, and nice to know I have this option if I am ever running late!

Bye bye dear Car

Thank you, you served me well 💙

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

Facebook condolences

Mackie turns 18 !!

 Liza made some wonderful birthday things like cupcakes to celebrate.

Launch of Wisdom Trove

It's been a lot of work but every minute has been worth it. I've learned so much from this project, in terms of both life wisdom and web development skills. Hopefully others will also find the site useful.

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

Home rennovations - a taste

My room and balcony

Bed off the frame for Mackie who's getting old.  I may reconsider if I get a girlfriend :)

Notice my wonderful ergonomic chair. I love it.

Floor with the rug taken up.

I replaced superfluous hanging space in one half of my cupboard with box cubicles. At last, my storage issues are solved:)

I'm very proud of the white steps - built from scratch. I also made the wooden railing on the balcony wall to cover ugly metal. My favourite motto when doing woodwork: Measure twice, cut once.  

The balcony has made such a difference to me. I lie on my deckchair every day and meditate, amongst the plants.  And I gaze onto it from my desk.

I'm in love with plants.  They have a massive impact on my mood and creativity. A lot of very hardy succulents, especially on the balcony.

The Buddha statue had a flashing light in his lap. I soon demolished that!  Now he's got a succulent there which I'm sure he prefers.

Back courtyard

It's been great to transform this space.  All woodwork (raised beds and hanging gardens) made from scratch. 

The herb and veggie garden (bottom right) is doing well; great for cooking.  

Front courtyard

Some whimsical metal statues which I love.

Courtyards Before

My first iPad: An iPad Mini 2

I love the small size of this iPad. It has a beautiful bright display. I mostly use it for reading books. My Kindle Reader has taken a back seat.

Buying my first Macbook Pro

I'm totally in love with the wonderful 15 inch computer. I'm now totally hooked on Apple. The aesthetics and quality and service are unparalleled. It also talks beautifully with my iPhone.  Also, I love the Mac operating system, finding it much more intuitive and pleasing than Windows.  I'm so glad I got to learn it by helping Sue with her iMac a couple of years previously.