When Will I See You Again - The Three Degrees

I get a massive amount of inspiration and direction from the lyrics of songs in general, but from Prog Rock particularly, not least the track Home By The Sea from the 'self titled' Genesis album. Since I've been back from the States, I must have played this story of ending your days in a Retirement Home, and how there is no escape, about 50 times. Without one morbid thought, I decided on an 'executive decision' and put it into place.

Home By The Sea - Genesis

Coming out the woodwork, thru the open door

pushing from above and below.
Shadows with no substance, in the shape of men
round and down and sideways they go.
Adrift without direction, eyes that hold despair
then as one they sigh and they moan!

"Help us someone"! "let us out of here"!
'cos living here so long undisturbed
dreaming of the time we were free.
So many years ago,
before the time when we first heard
welcome to the Home by the Sea

Images of sorrow, pictures of delight
things that go to make up a life.
Endless days of summer, longer nights of gloom
just waiting for the morning light.
Scenes of unimportance, like photos in a frame
things that go to make up a life.

Help us someone, let us out of here
'cos living here so long undisturbed
dreaming of the time we were free.
So many years ago,
before the time when we first heard
welcome to the Home by the Sea

Sit down Sit down Sit down
'cos you won't get away
no with us you will stay
for the rest of your days - Sit down
As we relive our lives in what we tell you
Let us relive our lives in what we tell you

As reported in a previous post I drove daughter Julie, son outlaw Nigel and grandson Lee to Heathrow a couple of days ago, with them arriving in Sydney yesterday to visit her younger sister Lisa. When, I wondered, will I ever see my 2 beautiful daughters together again and likewise, when will I meet my other 2 grandsons for the first time? Having the time, money and motivation it was considered 'no time like the present' was the best policy and this closely guarded secret has been kept from them all. What I am unable to report today is the reaction, which was amazing for us all.

At 10:00 local I arrived at the York home and Bernard answered the door. He took one look at me, and did a double take then nearly fell over as I put my finger to my lips and gestured him to summon Lisa. She too was flabbergasted and in turn called Julie and the rest and of course there were a few tears! When Lisa came to she did say it was the best Birthday Surprise she had ever had.

Cuddles for Lisa as she tries to get over the shock.

Son-outlaw Nigel and Grandson Lee joined us

before Julie and baby Frederick also came in to view.

It was then time to take my Grandfatherly roll,

and who wouldn't be bowled over by these 2 delightful children, seen here with Dad Bernard.

Finally, a shot of Alexander (left) and Frederick together before lunch and then a walk

in the local park.

There, we found Dusky Moorhen,

and Australian Magpie.

There were also good numbers of Maned Wood Duck (male)

and (female)

a few Common Mynah

and the odd Chestnut Teal. It's now time to try and shake off the jet-lag, so it's good-night from him and good-night from him!

Oh, by the way, I'm in Sydney, Australia.