A funeral and football

It's not every day I get to attend a funeral and watch a game of rugby on the same day.

Once upon a time I rarely saw children at a funeral but I will remember this funeral for a long time because of the children who were there.  They were the grandchildren and children of the nieces and nephews of Liz who was being farewelled.  Honestly, I can't remember ever seeing so many beautiful children in the one place.  Ever!  All  beautifully dressed and extremely well behaved.  I couldn't take my eyes off them.  It was just as well I'd left my phone at home or I may not have been able to resist taking photos of them.  I think that would have been quite bad form.

The rugby game was the first of this season and also the wedding day of last season's team captain.  One of those "best laid plans for men and mice" situations.  The day had been chosen to fit in with the farming calendar and the rugby calendar.  Normally the rugby season starts a little later in the year but for some unknown reason, I think it may be because this year there are a couple more teams in the comp than usual, starting date was brought forward. So the team was short of eight of their usual players (guests at the wedding) and included six young men having their first game of senior rugby.  My son coaches the team and he was also very involved with the wedding as the groom and his partner are sharemilkers on his farm.  Heather, his wife was also catering for the wedding.

I only knew one of the young men making their seniors debut but felt immensely proud of them all.  They had a good win.  I have just seen the team for this weekend's game and was thrilled to note at least three of them are included again this week.   Maybe one or two more as there are a couple of names I don't recognise.  I really enjoy the start of the season, learning who the new players are. And remembering the older hands.  It's a bit alarming how quickly I can forget a player's name if they aren't around for a while.

 I'd never make a sports photographer.  I tend to get totally engrossed in what's happening in front of me and put the camera down to have a good look.

I am now totally settled in my new abode.  During the week the last of my "must dos" happened.  There was an overgrown and messy bird of paradise plant right outside my front door which blocked my view of the front lawn and trees.  One of the village residents came with his trusty tractor, dug it out and took it away.

 

I'll get a photo of the view without it when it's not quite as bleak as it is today.  Winter must be on its way.

 It's been a long time since I posted any photos from the farm.  I am perfectly happy living here in the village but I sure do miss the farm and the forest.  I'm sure C and C won't mind me sharing a couple of photos from their wedding.  I was so happy when I heard they were getting married on the farm.  It's like a second home to the groom who first came to work on the farm when he was 16, I think he must be around 30 now.  He's been like one of the family.  They chose a paddock between the lake and the creek.