Thursday started with a busy morning getting Angus to school and myself across to Radiocity. Thankfully that all ran smoothly, so I was able to get home grab my bag, collect Angus and meet James at the station to catch the airport train. We checked-in in plenty of time for our flight to Armidale in the small SAAB aircraft. I'm used to flying in that plane but the boys haven't flown to Armidale for a long time and were wondering where the in-flight entertainment was hidden! Thankfully there's no need for it, as it's only a 50 minute flight, and we touched down on the dot of 5pm. We had a bonus meeting with my aunty Jenny at the airport, and Robbie was there to collect us. It was lovely to see him after his busy couple of days organising all the details for Aunty Beryl's funeral. Stepping out of the airport I was hit by the fresh New England air and the late winter smells of wood smoke, wattle and the first blossoms.
We headed straight for Nanna Betty's for a lovely Ridley family dinner with Kerrie, Scott and Caitlin, and Annie and Jeff. The boys devoured their classic corned beef with all the trimmings. Both boys are now taller than Betty!After dinner we went over to Dad and Margie's who put us up for the two nights. It's was great to see them, and they made us all feel very welcome.
We were up early on Friday as Beryl's funeral was at 9.30am. It was a fresh morning; not too cold by Armidale standards, and thankfully bright and sunny. As we all gathered at the chapel it became apparent how loved and respected Beryl was; although never having been married, or having children of her own, people came from near and far to pay their respects. Robbie gave the most moving eulogy explaining how Beryl lived a simple life but was always interested in other people's adventures and demonstrated her love to one and all through her cooking. As we laid her to rest at the cemetery, the children left off red balloons - signifying her favourite colour.
A small group of us then set off across the cemetery to visit the graves of Mum and Ross (Rob's Dad), who are buried very close to each other. After leaving pretty flowers for each of them we left missing them both more than ever.Annie and Rob had arranged a very nice morning tea following the funeral. While the cakes weren't any where near Beryl's standard, it was nice for everyone to get together and to spend time with the two remaining Ridley siblings, Mavis now 89 and Ronald, the baby at 80. Angus loved spending time with his cousins, Sophie and Maggie.
I was knocked out after this emotional morning so spent the afternoon resting at Dad and Margie's before joining everyone for a family get together at Annie and Jeff's for dinner. As Dad drove me to Jeff's I watched the most spectacular sunset - it felt like a special farewell for Aunty Beryl.
After a nice breakfast with Dad and Margie, we left for home, arriving back mid afternoon. We drove straight to Lindsey and Chris' who were looking after Miss Molly. She seemed to have made herself at home at their place and had a wonderful time playing with Evie Star and Gabe, and doggie friends Frankie and another visitor Max.
We were all happy to be home, and very tired. We had a quiet afternoon watching the Swans decimate Fremantle - which means they have a chance of getting into the finals (and I still can't believe I actually care about this!) followed an early night. Our house smells divine thanks to the jonquils and hyacinths in the flowers Lizzie sent on Wednesday,During the past few days I've been wearing my wedding anniversary gift Robbie bought me in 2013 when we were living in Edinburgh - a pendant with a small pearl nestled in a silver circle. It's from a gorgeous jewellery shop in Bruntsfield; after we went there to choose it with the boys, we headed to Fiona and Georgie's to drink champagne and celebrate another year together.
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