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| Valkyrie Garden area |
5
years ago on the 29th December 2006 my Brother Dennis died suddenly and we lost
not only a dearly loved member of our Family, but a devoted Husband, Father and
Grandfather. As each year passes we collectively enjoy reminiscing about his
life with us and the happy memories he left us with. The Auckland Domain is a fantastic "Jewel in the Crown" of the parks and gardens in Auckland and are a must visit for those who appreciate mother natures wonderful offerings
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| Auckland Domain Scene |
As
it was the 5th Anniversary this past Thursday, Lyn and I decided to join with Family and
visit his seat of Remembrance, which is located near the Valkyrie Fountain in
the Auckland Domain, for a picnic morning tea. Dennis and I grew up in Parnell
and the Domain was our playground, so his immediate family had the brilliant
idea of a memorial plaque in his honour, situated in the Domain environs. It is
a really beautiful area and over the past 69 years of my life, I have treasured
the memories of our childhood in this location.
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| Family Gathering |
The
various families arrived and as it was a work-day, it consisted of mainly
Mothers & children. Maureen produced plates of goodies to eat and we
enjoyed catching up with family news and enjoyed the sight of children
excitedly playing around the grassed area adjacent to the Valkyrie Fountain.
The gardens are immaculate as always and there was a very pleasant gardener
planting new arrangements as the children ran around him. Unfortunately the
fountain area was roped off as there was a split in the concrete and the water
had drained away. Apparently in the new "Super City Structure" there
were no funds left to repair this iconic Auckland Memorial and I will be adding
to the list of Council emails received about this state of affairs. It appears
the Council can find immediate funding for Rugby World Cup events, but not to
repair a structure that locals and tourists have enjoyed for decades!
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| Bubble Blowing Extravaganza! |
Then
it was time for the bubble blowing to commence and I must admit I had forgotten
how much fun can be had with a wand and a small container of bubble liquid.
Hoots of laughter and 1000s of bubbles later, we decided to take some group
photos. STILL NO RAIN!
I
had spoken to the gardener earlier when he enquired why we were gathered close
to where he was working. He wanted to water the newly planted flowers, but
didn't want to intrude on our gathering , but as it turned out the underground
system didn't affect us at all. So far this was the only wet area I had seen!
As we arranged everyone for the photo shoot, we realized we needed an adult
camera person, so we decided that the only option was to further ruin the
gardeners lunchtime and ask him
to supervise the cameras that were thrust into his hand
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| Attack of the Bubble Blowers! |
to supervise the cameras that were thrust into his hand
This
very obliging young Asian man did a wonderful job and we are most grateful to
him for his assistance (and we told him so)
It
was time for us to head off to Kelly and Craig's for lunch and in the time
honoured tradition, we said our goodbyes to the Families and wished them well
for 2012. By this stage the wind had increased somewhat and this made any video
filming noisy, but there was no sign of rain. In fact we didn't strike any rain
until we were 1/2 hour from home on the return journey, when it struck with a
vengeance as we reached Kaiwaka and the Brynderwyns.
One day later it is still raining!
One day later it is still raining!
I
could say it was the "Luck of the Irish" or perhaps the "Weather
Gods" were on our side, but we were grateful to be able to hold a Family
gathering without raincoats or umbrellas. Thanks!
A
personal favourite dedication (slightly altered) to my Brother Dennis O'Brien
b.21st Sept 1937 d.29th Dec 2006
"All for one and one for all, my BROTHER and my friend.
What fun we had, the times we shared ...BROTHERS til' the end."
sorry I missed out the distance is a bit far sometimes.
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