Two Ozzie's

Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie Oi Oi Oi...Australia Day 2013. My intention was to try to get a photo today which was evocative of Australia or what it is to be Australian. Magpies, Kookaburras, Kangaroos, people at the beach, enjoying a barbeque...

To allow Claire a much needed midday rest Peter packed Max in the car and called over and picked me up...we were off to one of the picturesque vineyards that Peter manages, cameras in hand. Max was excited at the prospect of seeing the big tractor, Pete was excited about his son being excited, and I was happy to be along for the ride. First we visited the pristine dam with its crystal clear water that is ever so inviting. Then Peter showed me the different varieties of grapes that are grown on this property...shiraz, chardonnay, pinot gris, cabernet. Some are getting close to ripe and harvest will start soon, an extremely busy time for Peter and many others who works both day and night shifts during February with a few hours between for a short sleep.

Photos of tractors, vines covered with nets to keep the birds out, dam, bunches of grapes, the old store in Rosa Brook are eclipsed by this photo of Peter and Max sharing a moment. The other photos can be repeated in the future if I feel inclined, but moments like this are special and fleeting. Peter was telling Max about the different grapes and then Max had a taste and quite liked them even though they are not ripe and quite tart (some kids eat lemons...).

This photo captures something of what it is to be Australian to me: Two very healthy looking young people enjoying each other and the freedom of being outdoors in the sunshine. The smile on Peter's face as he looks at his gorgeous son is the same smile that I have now when I look at this photo. I am so blessed to have been born in this country, to have 3 lovely children and 4 grandchildren, to enjoy good health and peace. I wish everyone was so blessed.

Happy Australia Day everyone.