Tuesday 20th March 2012

Little Lucie, bottom left looking at ducks.

Walking path around Lake.

These pictures show the route I take when I'm walking with my toy poodle, Lucie.  She knows exactly where to walk and if I deviate at all, she will know how to get home.  I just have to say "Home Lucie" and off she trots with me following behind her.  So cute.

Early evening she and I came across other small dogs being walked by their owners.  They all had a good sniff at each other and moved on.  

Shearwater Lake, Mawson Lakes SA

The lake is around 1 minute's walk from the house and it's fairly populated by people doing their walk for the day, walking the dog or children watching the ducks on the lake. There is a picnic ground at the lake with gas BBQs and covered tables and chairs.  Most often in the summer, families use these facilities for a large family gathering.  There is also close by a children's' playground where often you can hear the children's laughter as you pass by. 

 To do one round of the lake and back home is around 15 minutes walk.  I usually go further and walk around a few blocks before heading back home.  It's very pleasant.  

I'm so grateful for these beautiful and peaceful surroundings.

Love, 

Pauline

Monday 19th March 2012

He Ain't Heavy, he's my brother.

How exciting, my first blog!

Does anyone remember the song "He Ain't Heavy he's my Brother?"

I remember the line from an old film called Boys Town (Spencer Tracey was the Priest I think) and although I was a carefree girl back then, it managed to make me very teary.  My earliest recollection of the song was around 1970, but I'm not sure who sang the version I listened to.  It was probably the Hollies according to Wiki.  

Around that time two little boys and their dad crossed my path for a very short time.  A weekend in fact. They were German and were holidaying at Jenolan Caves, NSW.  The eldest boy named "Lars" would have been diagnosed with an attention deficit syndrome these days, but back then in the '70s, he was just plain naughty and quite a handful for his father.  His younger brother was named Battle and although young probably aged around 7 years was quite a studious little boy.  Battle was obviously an avid book reader as you would always find him in the guest lounging area reading. Battle was well articulated, so in many ways he was quite mature for his age.  

Lars kept teasing Battle or getting into mischief by running around visitors, climbing over things and being a little rat of a kid, but his brother Battle took it very well.  He would say things like "Lars please don"t" or "Lars please sit down and read", "Lars be careful or you will fall".  I studied those two brothers all weekend.  Battle was certainly caring for his older brother and he portrayed a certain peace about him and those words "He Ain't Heavy he's my Brother" rang out to me!!!   We joked about their names "Lars Battle" and although funny, to me it had a deep meaning behind it. I felt sorry for Battle and Lars and I wonder where they are now and what they made of their lives. I have never forgotten that memory.  

With love,