Memorials on two continents

This is the seat that Dad's wonderful neighbours and friends donated to his favourite park. He loved to come here - although I can't imagine he did much sitting - Dad was never a sitter! He loved to meet his fellow dog walkers of a morning and admonish them for their 'badly behaved pets' - which was hilarious considering Buddy always had a mind of his own and never came when called.

Next Sunday 5th of August, a small ceremony will be held in the park for all those who helped to get the seat through council and pay for its construction - no mean feat in itself. On the same day, in Columbus, Ohio, Dad's friends at Ohio State University are having a similar ceremony. They have arranged a tree to be dedicated to Dad in the grounds of the university. On this day too, Ginger Lightly Monaghan Gibbs will be celebrating her 1st birthday in a park in Sydney.

Dad is going to be busy that day!

Pictures to follow.

Otto's Birthday

Thanks to Lynne Woolfenden who posted a comment today, I thought I should come an update this site. It's been months since I have been near this blog. To tell the truth, it's still a little hard to visit - let alone read. But it's Otto's birthday tomorrow. He'll be three and I think that deserves an entry.
Last year at this time, Mum and Dad were toiling away in the kitchen making him a Hickory Dickory Dock cake. It took them hours. It's a strange feeling to consider how much has changed in a year. To consider the tornado that was dad is no longer going to be making birthdays events that rival Barnam and Bailey's. He would have been so proud of the little human being that is Otto. He is creative and funny and loves his family to bits - just like his grandfather.
We will do our best to keep the Geoffness around Otto. He still remembers Dad and has taken a photo of him and mum to his swimming class on a number of occasions. Thankfully he refrains from wanting to take Geoffy for a dip with him.
Ginger is a delight. She's turning into a real little girl. She loves her brother who is now finally giving her more than a passing glance. It's wonderful to know that Dad was able to see both these amazing people enter this world before he left it. And they will know their grandfather because we can never forget him.