Having arrived on 23 Aug, it has been great to have Dad around for nigh on 3 weeks to see and experience our new lifestyle. Also it has been fantastic respite for my Dad who is effectively the sole carer for my Mum who is suffering from Alzheimers and has gone in to a care home for these few weeks.
We have shown him around Adelaide, although the kids have still been at school and I have had to work. I've just taken this last week off to spend some quality time, as who knows when or if he will be able to make the journey again.
We've tried to do a number of things to keep him occupied, including visits and tours of the kids school including a Fathers day breakfast and a Grandfathers day tour and Presentation. He is certainly impressed with their new school and all its facilities. We took in 2 of Georgia's netball games although sadly Jamie's soccer season ended the day before he arrived.
Visits to wildlife parks, a go karting track, the beach at Glenelg and Seacliff, 9 holes of Golf at Blackwood, a lunch with guest speaker at Glenelg Footy Club, a day trip to McLaren Vale with lunch and several tastings at 3 different wineries. We even had a mini - EBOZ reunion (Dad & I plus 2 old stalwarts from EBOG, one who kindly flew in from Sydney especially to see Dad, and one who now resides here in Brighton SA) this week. EBOZ being East Barnet Old Grammarians who now live in OZ. There are now several dotted all over. Trips to various local pubs to check out the atmosphere and banter and fayre. Various walks in the Parks and Reserves with Charlie our Labradoodle.
The kids have particulalry enjoyed having their Poppa stay over and have enjoyed their cuddles (as has Dad). A pity Mum will never be fit enough to ever make the journey. It will be a wrench to wave him goodbye on Sunday, but as with everything, all good things must come to an end. I will be left with an aching heart all over again.
