Sunday, August 17, 2014

INTO THE MOUNTAINS




Sunday Drive with Dad day...


Love the Scenic Rim area - especially on a clear blue day...


 There has been wonderful welcome rain for a day or so, 
 now followed by a blue and cloudless sky..


We had fish and chips at this country pub.
It was Rustic -
Very Rustic...

But good on a crisp winter's day..


See how brown it is - there has been very little rain all winter..


Dad always enjoys a laugh at this eccentricity - it's been there for years..

And we finished the day with an icecream, 

because:


I told Dad we are going on holidays to Europe, but it didn't make much of an impression...I wonder what I can bring back for him that he would enjoy..

Happy Sunday!


XXXX


Edited to add a close-up of the above eccentricity: It is an old car!





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31 comments:

  1. greenthumbAugust 17, 2014 at 2:23 AM

    Sounds like you had a lovely day out.

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    1. PatriciaAugust 17, 2014 at 3:24 AM

      It was beautiful weather, and a good day - even if Dad doesn't recognize me these days. Oh well..

      Delete
  2. DarlaAugust 17, 2014 at 4:48 AM

    The stark blue mountains caught my eye. So interesting to see the landscape in your area. Our hills are very brown as well as we continue to struggle with the drought. Hopefully we will both get some rain soon.

    Darla

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    1. PatriciaAugust 17, 2014 at 5:33 PM

      I love those stark mountains too Darla - I grew up with their familiar shapes in the distance. The grass is so dry from both drought and frost that it looks almost white. Dad might not know me, but he was commenting on the frosts.

      Delete
  3. kristieinbcAugust 17, 2014 at 6:31 AM

    It's so nice you are able to take your dad on these drives, and it's nice that you share the scenery with us. I explained my bear sign to you, so now it's your turn to explain. :-) I don't understand what the picture is that you said your dad laughs at because it's eccentric. ??

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    1. PatriciaAugust 17, 2014 at 5:35 PM

      Ah, the red thing in the tree - it is an old car. I have added a close-up photo. It has been hanging there for years - at least the bears won't be able to get it :)) (Thank you for explaining that, by the way!)

      Delete
    2. kristieinbcAugust 18, 2014 at 7:08 AM

      Thanks for the explanation! And you're right. It's probably safe from the bears. Ha!

      Delete
  4. Sopa AzulAugust 17, 2014 at 8:28 AM

    Beautiful place! I like the blue flower. Happy sunday :-)

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    1. PatriciaAugust 17, 2014 at 5:36 PM

      Glad you like our iris flowers. They only appear for a few weeks in Spring and I love them. Happy Sunday!

      Delete
  5. sandaAugust 17, 2014 at 9:25 AM

    It's very sad when their recognition of loved ones goes but nice he still enjoys the drives into the beautiful countryside. The hills are beautiful even with the lack of rain. Perhaps a gift of food for your dad? Chocolates, tea, cookies, European coffee he would likely enjoy those. In looking at your post on my phone and the oddity photo isn't large enough to determine what's against the tree. Wondering if it's a postal box.

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    1. PatriciaAugust 17, 2014 at 5:38 PM

      The recognition of faces has become worse with my Dad - at first it was only acquaintances and people rarely seen but now it has become even his own children. He doesn't seem to remember Mum much now, either, which is sad considering their 61 year marriage. Excellent suggestion to bring food - he loves both coffee and sweet things! The red thing in the tree is a car - I have posted another close-up to show - it's been hanging there a long time.

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  6. metteAugust 17, 2014 at 10:52 AM

    All the more reasons for me to visit your country - some day, perhaps, sigh.
    It is wonderful that you take your dad to places. I´m sure he is grateful, although he is not able to express it.
    Yes, please - neither am I able to make out the tree picture?
    And last: It sure does not look like winter there at all!

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    1. PatriciaAugust 17, 2014 at 6:04 PM

      I love the mountains in Australia - very majestic, when you go inland from the coast. Surprisingly, Dad is able to tell us how much he likes his outing, quite emphatically! Funny how different bits of the brain go, in random order. I have added an extra photo, to show it is a red car, hanging from the tree. So weird!
      I will have to agree: this does not look like winter, when you winter is one of ice and snow. But you'd be surprised how cold it gets up there in those hills.

      Delete
  7. PatriciaAugust 17, 2014 at 5:34 PM

    Thanks Valerie, It is getting a little weird now with the lack of recognition. Funny old pub - such a bad picture, had to cut off tops of palms or risk standing in the middle of the street! I'm sure with your expertise you'd do a much better job of it.

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  8. Sarah LizAugust 18, 2014 at 12:57 AM

    Your Dad is obviously going to miss you - I suppose you thought of that, and hence the day out. I hope you all enjoyed yourself, moments like these are precious.

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    1. Sarah LizAugust 18, 2014 at 1:00 AM

      P.S. it is sad when loved ones don't remember you, but in doing things like this outing, you have given your father a positive emotional experience. Emotions do not diminish, in fact they become more obvious, so kind words and faces work well.

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    2. PatriciaAugust 18, 2014 at 3:46 AM

      Thank you for your kind comments Sarah Liz. I always enjoy the drive in the country with Dad because it is where I grew up. Yes, precious times, as he declines. In actual fact, he won't miss me, as he can't remember us individually any longer. He lives for his Sunday drives (other days don't count in Dad's world), and we have a family roster. There will be more work for others when I am away, but everyone goes on holidays at some stage. So true about emotions not diminishing - he can become quite agitated if he thinks nobody is coming to see him!

      Delete
  9. Debra TurnerAugust 18, 2014 at 12:30 PM

    Patricia,

    I was in the suburbs recently and saw a red cardinal. I said to my friend, one of my blogging friends, Patrica would be thrilled to see this beautiful bird!

    Speaking of beauty, those mountains and flowers are certainly that.

    Bring your dad back some delicious chocolate and something to keep him warm like comfortable slippers or a wool blanket, etc.

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    1. PatriciaAugust 18, 2014 at 9:42 PM

      Hi Debra, I would be thrilled to see that red cardinal! Maybe next year... Nice suggestions for Dad, and right on target: he loves chocolate, and always frets about the cold.

      Delete
  10. RosemaryAugust 18, 2014 at 4:03 PM

    I am pleased that you revealed what was up the tree as I was having difficulties with it.
    What a gorgeous drive in the countryside - it certainly doesn't look like winter.
    I would get your father something to eat too - how about some nice small tins of proper French pâté. I say that because that is what we returned home with. We have one tin left, and I always feel as if I have returned to France when we eat it, preferably sitting in the garden with warm sunshine.

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    1. PatriciaAugust 18, 2014 at 9:43 PM

      French pate sounds very delicious Rosemary - and maybe that is a good thing to bring home for ourselves, too. We will provide the warm sunshine when we return.
      I love that particular country drive, and looking at those majestic mountains. Photography never does them justice.

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  11. ShellAugust 19, 2014 at 4:25 AM

    I love a good counter lunch at a country pub. Steak Diane is my all time have. Sounds like a blissful day. Shell - A Darlings Nest

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    1. PatriciaAugust 20, 2014 at 2:43 AM

      Haven't had Steak Diane for years - it was always a favourite!

      Delete
  12. KathyAugust 19, 2014 at 12:49 PM

    Another lovely Sunday drive with your Dad, Patricia. Your landscape is wonderful - full of contrasts and with those spectacular mountains.
    It's sad that your Dad has reached the stage of not knowing you individually, but I'm sure he appreciates the company and the trip out. My dear mother-in-law's memory is getting much worse and I can foresee the day coming when she too won't just forget that we've visited, but also who we are.
    Hope all the preparations are complete and you have a safe journey and a wonderful holiday.

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    1. PatriciaAugust 20, 2014 at 2:45 AM

      It is a weird thing when your parent doesn't recognise you, but perhaps nature's way of preparing us for the inevitable. I have gotten used to it and it doesn't upset me - we just smile and encourage him. Dad knows that country extremely well, and it is good therapy for him to revisit the places he knows. Oops, preparations not complete, still at it :)) Thank you for you good wishes Perpetua.

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  13. Red Rose AlleyAugust 19, 2014 at 7:57 PM

    Patricia,
    It sounds like you and your dad had a special day seeing the sights and then having fish and chips for lunch. Yes, the hills look very brown. I hope you get some rain. You must be getting so excited about your trip coming up. And be sure to bring your dad back something special. :~)

    love,
    ~Sheri

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    1. PatriciaAugust 20, 2014 at 2:46 AM

      Rain is forecast Sheri - perhaps everything will green up while we travel. I'll be looking out for goodies for Dad, and sending postcards too. x

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  14. Red Rose AlleyAugust 19, 2014 at 7:58 PM

    Oh, I forgot to mention that beautiful purple flower. It caught my eye right away.

    ~Sheri

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    1. PatriciaAugust 20, 2014 at 2:47 AM

      The iris are doing really well this year - I counted 7 buds today. I'll miss most of the show!

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  15. MassimoAugust 20, 2014 at 9:22 AM

    Hallo Patricia,
    thanks for visiting the "Italian view". You are very kind and I am pleased you are coming to see my city ! in this area of course you may visit Venice and Verona which is another wonderful city. Padova is not that big, but interesting a full of history like many of the Italian Cities.
    I will follow you, so, that I will see more than your beautiful Australia... sooner or later I will come as well, it's one of my dreams on the drawer !

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    1. PatriciaAugust 20, 2014 at 4:02 PM

      Good morning Massimo, Thank you for visiting my blog. I was quite excited to discover yours, given our imminent departure. For me the highlight of Italy will be the frescoes of Giotto at the Scrovegni Chapel - I can't wait to see it! And yes, we are flying into Venice, which will be a huge thrill for us too.
      You must visit Australia - your photographs would be amazing.

      Delete

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