Goodbye to Kath.

We moved up from Melbourne 23 years ago, and met Bill and Kath after a few days. They were really good neighbours, and we spent many happy days with them. When we went overseas for 3 months in 2008, Bill had been sick for a while and their daughter had been trying to get them to agree to a nursing home. We arrived home from Scotland to find they had finally put their house up for sale and moved into the home. We visited them many times, and they were really happy to be there and being so well looked after.
Kath had a stroke and went downhill slowly over the past year, finally passing away on Saturday morning. She was 87 and I would guess they had been married maybe 65 years.
Today was the funeral and Bill was very upset. Kath had been a member of the WAAF during the war, having joined up at 18. So at the service the RSL (Returned Services League) was involved. As the service was nearing the end, 2 men came down to stand either side of the casket, one bearing the Australian flag, the other had a flag that I’m not sure about. Maybe a services flag. Meanwhile a 3rd man did a reading including reciting the Ode of Remembrance from the poem For the Fallen, then the Last Post was sounded. Any ex-servicemen were then asked to bring the poppies they were wearing and lay them on the coffin. It was really very touching, although Bill was crying during the Last Post. And me sitting with tears and no tissues!
On happier things, I have lost 17.5kgs. I finally managed to find some clothes that fit, as I was between sizes up until lately. I didn’t buy many though as I still have more to lose. Husband meanwhile has managed to just about fit into the suit he bought when Melissa was 16. He has so many pair of pants that I hope can be adjusted to fit, as they are really nice and were quite expensive. I’ll have to see if someone in town can do it, as I would not have a clue where to start.
I bought him a new pair of jeans a few weeks ago which he has worn twice and they are too big already. The local charity shop are doing ok with clothes from us.
Melissa is off to Thailand next week for 2 weeks. Then when she comes back she has decided to do a first aid course and volunteer with maybe Red Cross or something similar, hoping that it will lead into humanitarian work. She’s looked at some courses that will be required.
OK off to read some favs.

Bye………….