Sunset over Xian

At the end of my recent trip to China, I was standing in the departure lounge of Xian airport, waiting for boarding, when I noticed a plane pass in my view with the setting sun in the background.

The sky changed colors quickly as the sun began to drop into the horizon, between the trees.

It was a splendid sight.

Setting suns are not only ending to a day, but often are like endings to an experience, a feeling, a desire, or just the hope of a new and even better day.

Mum Left Us- February 2009

My final farewell to mum at the graveside; what was I thinking? I was just thinking that she was the most wonderful mother and friend that any son could ever wish to have. I was also thinking what a blessing that she had gone so quickly without any suffering. She had finished her life's journey and now she was resting... A precious moment; never to be relived...












Mum carried Neil and I into the world; we carried her out!












My son spoke with such feeling, yet humour, about his 'granny'. Mum adored Matthew, and he was such a wonderful grandson to her...











The hardest 'last lecture' I ever had to give...















Yet, what an honor to honor one's mother!
















Funerals are always 'catching up' times; my brother and I in deep conversation about something...but at least we were together, and we were talking. Distance, in all its meanings, has kept us apart for too long. And mum, lying beside us, would agree....

My Mum's 90th Birthday-June 2008

Mum has left us now. However, thought I'd share what was such a memorial event in her more recent life- her 90th birthday.
Her church friends organized a surprise party.
















I love these pics; mum and I enjoying a few moments in conversation. The scarf I was wearing was purchased in Scotland and is the clan colors of my mother- McLean. I wore this scarf just to honor her ancestory. Yes, I am very sentimential at times...





There are moments in our life that are so meaningful and we can never recapture... yet the memory lingers...




























Four generations represented here: mum, myself, my son, Matthew (and his lovely wife, Rebecca) and their son, Alexander. Unfortunately my daughter, Miriam, and my brother, Neil, and his wife, Elaine, could not make the party.

Trainspotting in Malaysia

One of my favourite past times is to chat with gate attendants at the railway level crossing, and watch the KL-Singapore trains.











These guys take their job very seriously, yet enjoy what they are doing!

And here comes the mid day Singapore to KL passenger train

One of my passions...

Something more 'creative'

For those of you who have been 'complaining' about the lack of pics on my blogs; here are a few attempts at some 'creative' photography.

All pics were taken with my Lumix G1 camera.

Firstly, some bottles...











'His and hers'...












Who won the football?











Locks...












Kiss this frog and it may turn into a Prince...or Princess!











Love the brand...











Lamp at dusk...










Clouds, as the sun is setting....

Man's World

Yesterday, I was so happy to share a drink and light meal at Man's coffee shop with several of my dear 'old' degree students at YPC- Derrick, the beautiful 'Riddick Sparrow' and the ever delightful- and very skinny- Janna. They were all looking fairly stressed about the presentation of their thesis, however, they were generous with their time to spare me a few minutes for a relaxed chat. Thank you, my friends!

Yes. my blogging has been neglected. I was telling them how I admire their ability to tell such mundane stories about their everyday life in such an engaging and interesting manner, together with lots of pics of people, food, cats, and whatever happ[ens to be around them. What a talent! You are all so brilliant and I am sure you all have such wonderful futures awaiting you.

Death

On the 23rd February my mum passed away after suffering a massive stroke the day before. With me being in Malaysia and my mum in Melbourne, I was unable to get to the hospital before she died. However, she had only remained conscious for a short time after being admitted so maybe distance did not make a difference.

Mum turned 90 last year and we had a wonderful suprise birthday party for her, with family and all her close friends. She still talked about what a wonderful event it had been. She was a very independent lady right up to the last; living alone in her own house and still driving her car. In fact, she had her stroke whilst driving her car to church! So her life was full and vibrant, right up to the end. What else could one wish for?

It seems like an end of an era in my life. My father died 30 years ago. Mum had spent a third of her life as a widow. I now no longer have a 'home' in Melbourne. But maybe it's time to spend more time with my children who are both in Queensland....