Some of the horses having a snack break
Today would have been the 53rd birthday of Trevor, but he was not to see it. Not on this plane, anyhow.
Younger Daughter and the kids went to a church service early (I hope the roof is stable and won’t collapse from the shock) and then we decided to go on the sort of excursion Trevor would have approved of had he still been with us. We took the kids for lunch and horse-riding at Giba Gorge.
J trying out hands-free.
R on her outride.
I even managed to have a short ride myself. It has been some time since I have been on board a horse, but it still felt completely natural to me and my spirits were uplifted by it.
An aloe at the stables
This evening R and J auditioned for a Durban Has Talent show in my bedroom while MBH and YD were watching TV in the lounge. They sang various songs. The teddy bear and doll judges all gave a resounding ‘Yes,’ apart from a stuffed crocodile who kept saying, ‘No!’ or trying to push the ‘X’ button, but got beaten up by all the teddies for being difficult.
Colonialist's Blog 
Great pics, Col. Little J is sooo very cute. 🙂
LikeLike
I think she is working towards her Masters in the being cute field!
LikeLike
Hehe. Looks like it. 🙂
LikeLike
❤ … HHH = huge heartfelt hugs…
LikeLike
TYVM – thank you very much!
LikeLike
The girls look like they are doing well, I think they are fortunate to have such a supporting and loving family.
LikeLike
It is still going to take some time for them to adjust, and it is a tribute to Trevor that I think they will continue to feel a gap in their lives, even after a lot of time has elapsed.
LikeLike
What a lovely way to spend the day… btw, I am sure those teddies did a good job with that croc. 😉
LikeLike
After my dad’s funeral and family reception back home, my mother and I kicked off our shoes and opened a bottle of champagne. Not that we were glad he died, but rather to celebrate his life, and do something he would have wanted us to do. Sometimes gloomy bereavement doesn’t do it. We have to take from the joy someone’s life gave to us. You seemed to do that pretty well for Trevor.
LikeLike
That’s the way, and is also our way of thinking. I would hate people to be moping around miserably when I ride into the sunset. (Not that I would really like any relieved comments of, ‘Phew, at last!’ either!)
LikeLike
A lovely way to spend the day, the hands free is looking most impressive
LikeLike
It was. A hands free three! 🙂
LikeLike
Hi Col. Looking through my spiritual lenses I can tell you he was almost 100% definitely there with you and the fam.
I’m amazed at how long and gangly little R has become, and how big baby J is by now.
Love to you all. Special hugs to the little ones.
LikeLike
I am sure.
They grow daily!
LikeLike
I love those auditions they held. And that impossible croc. 🙂 Wish I could have been there to see the teddies bashing that croc up.
LikeLike
You can just imagine the giggles!
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
I am sure that Trevor would be happy to see you all doing something he loved – especially as it uplifted your spirits.
LikeLike
It is amazing how much just being around horses is good for the soul.
LikeLike
Simon Cowell eat your heart out?
Good one , Col.
LikeLike
I’m sure Simon would be thrilled to be likened to a stuffed alligator, as he was!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am sure Trevor was smiling upon you and this day. What a lovely day spent in honour of someone who was and is much loved.
LikeLike
I would truly hope so – anything that made his two little darlings happy made him happy as well.
LikeLike
of course, of course.
LikeLike
I’m sure that wherever Trevor is, he’s glad that you went out to celebrate his birthday rather than sit at home and grieve
LikeLike
We felt it was a good thing to do, indeed.
LikeLike
I’m glad you chose to celebrate. This way, I hope the grandchildren realise death is just part of life and it doesn’t stop you enjoying your loved one. Thanks for sharing
LikeLike
It seems the right way to go about it. I think the Chakas (bump everyone off who doesn’t cry enough) and Queen Victorias (go into deep mourning for the rest of time) are not good examples to follow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Col for sharing this. It’s a reminder that we all need to put things into context while retaining our humanity.
LikeLike
I think you are an excellent grandfather !
LikeLike
I do hope the kids agree!
LikeLike
it is good to remember Trevor’s birthday.
You really do have a wonderful sense of humour…I would love to have seen he Bedroom Talent Show….well done Grandpa!
LikeLike
It’s my first time to your blog so I couldn’t bring myself to push “Like” on the previous two posts. I am very sorry he’s gone but it looks like it was a very good birthday for the girls.
LikeLike
Thanks!
I think, though, that it has become accepted that ‘Like’ covers everything from, ‘This is the greatest!’ to ‘Oh, how overwhelmingly dreadful!’
LikeLiked by 1 person
A dose of normality must be what is needed in your family now, for the sake of the littlies. tThey are too small to grieve constantly.
LikeLike
That is what we wanted to provide, and they are settling down.
LikeLike
I have to tell you that I don’t know the context of much of what is shared here, but this is a very touching post. I see that Trevor was someone you cared about, and to not be here to celebrate a a 53rd birthday tells me a great deal. Entirely too soon! Your wonderful sense of humor still peeked through, and I’m glad that attending church didn’t bring down the roof around the ears of those you love so dearly. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you. A few of my previous posts provide the context of the illness and premature death of their father.
LikeLike
A very appropriate way to celebrate Trevor’s life.
The crocodile’s name must be Simon!
LikeLike
Funny, that’s what I also said about croc!
LikeLike
That is the way to do it and I am sure it carries Trevor’s approval wherever he now may be.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would so think, too.
LikeLike