More great photos received today from Rani and Bren - a most special relationship with Bren for me and the Brig. Bren helped us for some years on the farm, he rode up on his horse (bareback) when he was 14 looking for work at the weekends and after school. Right from the start he was a special kid, I remember my Mum laughing at his "irish" type jokes at the Moss Vale Show (he was 13) before he galloped up that driveway to look for some work "Mrs. Wroe". She was so right about this young man. He was number 6 of 7 kids to our neighbours, just a little, or maybe a lot of Irish genetics and humour involved - wonderful rules from his home - what happens in our house is not discussed, and what happens in any other persons house is not discussed either - so much respect for his elders and their property. I could go on for ever, but I do know that all my friends and colleagues who met him throughout those years thought he was very special - and I guess this is for them too.
When he was 16 he had become a Prefect at his school, Adjutant of the School Cadets. and was okay at Rugby Union to - photo below shows him (right) with the famous Wallabies Captain - Nick Farr-Jones while playing an international School Rugby event for his School - Chevalier College - its front gate was just opposite Mum's cottage in Bowral - yep it was named "Elizabeth Cottage"!
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He had also just got his driver's permit, not sure how much work was going into school, but he was still helping a lot at our farm. We thought this young man needs a reward - we had an old Suzuki jeep..... languishing in the horse paddock that hadn't been used (or serviced) for some time, well not since the dog and I had started to use this little farm machine below
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We decided to offer this tired old Suzuki to Bren with a few provisos (didn 't worry him, he was used to those from us - or should I say moi), rules were he had his Dad and eldest brother check it out - was it possible to restore, and if so was Bren willing to stick with it - if not, don't dump it back in our horse paddock - get it to the Tip yourself. Well 15 months later, this little Suzuki number was really up and working, and had gone from a dull khaki to a brilliant dark blue, and Bren was now on the road, (all his own work and cost), and he had his drivers licence and was definitely charming a few young ladies. But no more charming than Rani - they travelled overseas for awhile , and then married in Bowral - a just wonderful happy wedding for them and all of us who attended.
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They have since had 3 kids, all christened at the historic little church in Berrima - each one followed by a delightful celebration party. We fortunately, have been able to attend and enjoy every event.
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Rani and Bren would visit us straight after Christmas at the Bay every year, but since we have moved to Queensland, we don't get the time with them which we always enjoyed and we miss so much.
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Rani and Bren
Rani and Bren ***** 
The new crew - (eldest to youngest) Luca Belle, Hunter James and little Ava Rose
The new crew - (eldest to youngest) Luca Belle, Hunter James and little Ava Rose *****
Today I looked for some photos of the Christmas decorations Bren helped me with for years - again the rules were we had to make this New England saltbox style house look like it was in New Hampshire in the snow - well it's name was Vermont, but of course it was boiling hot outside. Bren's jobs were cutting down pine branches and pine cones from trees on the farm and attaching them to the staircase and the rules went on - oh, I gave the directions and tied the bows.
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Of course the "kidding shed" didn't miss out - we took one of the 3 wise men there for the "4 legged" kid's celebration.
All okay in this little kid's mind
and Burleigh's own Christmas tree!
We happily stopped and listened to these Buskers for awhile.
The tree looked magnificent reaching up to the domed ceiling
It was truly delightful
And within 5 minutes or so
Well, the last week was mainly wet, so many floods down through the Eastern states - so sad for many - and more to come. Some farmers have lost all their crops, and others have seen good rain for the first time in years - very mixed feelings all around.
Basically last week, we just fiddled around in between heavy downpours - did get about 4 walks in (with umbrellas), Saturday morning we drove to Currumbin for a walk around 6 a.m., then onto the Palm Beach Farmers markets, and stocked up on fresh pasta, vegies etc. got home at 9.00 am, and the skies really opened up for the rest of that day. Yesterday, when the sun sort've came out to shine, we cleaned up the deck, and cousin Ails joined us for lunch, before going to visit her Mum - great to catch up with her.
Well, it is time to start setting up for that wonderful Festive Season, even for those little tots, it's the time of year that I absolutely love and always have, though I must say I do really miss spending it in New England with its wonderful winter charm. 
"I - Daniel Frank"- the new one, have my Christmas Stocking and my Santa hat
And I am ready to roll and lovin' whatever is happening!
Promise Santa - I am the good one, check our Miss Immy, but she really loves me, and big Bro, Ethan, he is a protective one!!
HE IS WATCHING THOUGH!
and Australian Lifesaver!
Cousins Emms and Jack enjoy their pre-Christmas world
in Sheffield 
Nearly time for their Grandparents to set up their huge tree. In 2007 I had the pleasure of dressing the Faulkner's tree in the Barn - with Dan (Emm and Jack's father), lending a hand for the tall parts.
So pretty dressed in white
Ball Grove Park in Colne, Lancs. 
