Month: November 2022

There is never enough time …

/ Denise / 5 Comments

Six weeks gone in a flash, leaving very many precious moments etched into my heart.  Many times I felt as if I could not hold them long enough, just one more minute please.  Not enough books to read.  Not enough time at the beach.  Not enough walks to the park.  Just not enough time.  That sweet smile, that warm hug, that soft small hand in mine.  That wicked giggle.  That morning snuggle.  It is never enough.

My blessings are many and I am truly grateful.

Just a short eight months ago I left Julius at 4 months old.  He turned one a few days ago.  And he is the same sweet angel with the biggest smile and warmest cuddle.  He knows what he wants and how to get it pointing excitedly, squealing ‘da da da’.  His wide-mouthed smile of pride when he stands on his own melts your heart.  His eyes alit, his arms outstretched for balance as he looks around for the clapping sounds of praise, quickly dropping to the floor and zipping across on all fours to his next antic.

Wyatt, now two, has started to replace his incoherent sounds with words you can actually understand.  He is non-stop action.  Walking is never an option.  He is either running or riding or running – whichever way gets him from one spot to the next in the shortest space of time.  Talking constantly with an array of facial expressions and complementary sounds that complete his stories that we still can’t easily decipher.  His love of music, the water and food is undeniable and he is up for playtime always.  He is confident, has no fear, is sometimes defiant, as a two-year old is expected to be, but always ready for a hug.

Solomon is quite the chatter box himself.  He has grown up in many ways and having turned three, has adjusted nicely to his big brother role.  He loves his Baby Ju Ju – and more and more his heavy loving is being replaced with gentle caresses and less tight hugs, always ready to comfort him.  His wicked streak however, still lurking in the background.  He always has a ‘flan’ (plan), and quite an intricately interesting plan as well.  His collection of seeds and small insects, dead or alive, is testament to his love of nature and his empathy which sees him trying to save even the smallest creature.  He loves a good adventure whether it be going to the beach or exploring the nearby creeks and waterfalls.  Eating may not be his favourite pastime, but his insatiable love of berries, preferably blue, is unparalleled.

They have all captured a special place in my heart which is full to overflowing.  Full of gratitude.  Full of memories to last a lifetime.  Overflowing with love.

Following the Cape to Cape Cycle race in Western Australia

/ Denise / 6 Comments

Cape to Cape is traditionally a 4-stage mountain bike cycling classic race which takes place annually in Margaret River, Western Australia.  The race attracts over 1200 cyclists, the largest contingent including Aussies of course, but cyclists from other parts of the region including Singapore and New Zealand and even as far as Ireland, Scotland, UK and Brazil make their way to this challenging event every year to test their skills and endurance, secretly hoping to move further and further up the ladder to become one of the top participants – the black dots.  Riders can vie for top spots as a solo rider or pairs and mixed pairs.

This year, a lone Trini (Trinidad and Tobago) joined the group of enthusiasts.  Having successfully completed an Ironman in 2019, I guess the sky will always be the limit.

The job of supporter this time was a lot less demanding both physically and emotionally.  And why would it be anything else when the location is simply one of the nicest in Western Australia.  Margaret River is a small town south of Perth and is known for its craft breweries and surrounding wineries – and I could stop here, but there is more.  The nearby coast boasts of beautiful beaches including Surfer’s Point, a favourite spot to capture the imposing sunset.

Margaret River is located between two lighthouses north and south of the town and the Cape to Cape race skirts around the limestone caves and sea cliffs of the Cape Naturaliste National park.  As you meander in and around the town the roadside is spotted with native flowers at this time of year and the majestic wooded areas take your breath away.

The race itself takes place over four days and tests the cyclist’s skills at world class single track, rough road, sandy hills, and sheer gut and determination.  The camaraderie encouraged and practised is testament to the participants’ love of the sport and the fellowship that is built therein.  Supporters are happy to hang around exploring the beauty that surrounds, or just relaxing with a coffee and a good book (laptop/mobile – whichever), meeting new people and sharing their own stories.

While the races were in motion, I took the opportunity to stroll along the rugged coast where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet, lose myself in the beauty of the Barval Wines winery, explore the surrounding forest trails in Margaret River and catch up on some local shopping of course.  Wine tastings, beach strolling and cave exploring were icing on the cake.

The life of a supporter can be rough.