WILVA MAY

 She was one of four Howard sisters. Grew up around Hunters Hill area in Sydney. Willie's father died when she was just 16.

Willie married Jack Keast in Sydney when she was 24 - 1940. Two of her sisters were the bridesmaids. 

I remember Mum would take us riding. This is around 1951 I guess as I figure that's brother Alan in the kiddie seat. No doubt in those days the women mostly wore dresses. We lived at Liverpool at the time this was taken. Oh, she's riding a single speed bike too!

 Three generations.... Willie is the tall one, and she's with her mother, Mama, and daughter Margaret. Maybe about 1958 or 1959.

 The family. Maybe 1961.

Mum and Dad dancing on 30 Dec 1967 (at our wedding). Sadly Mum passed away in November the following year. Yeah, I think I inherited quite a bit from my Mum. Thanks. Never forgotten.

DELAYED GRATIFICATION

 I'm not so good at DELAYED GRATIFICATION. If I get a parcel, I want to open it .... like NOW!

 Fay had gone to her sewing group and I had a bit of time on my hands. I figured it'd be a good idea if I tidied some of MY mess from .... well, several places.

 Don't you reckon it looks a bit better? Just don't come and check in the office OK?

And there on the cabinet is the sound system that was in the box. Plays DVDs and CDs and MP3s. Pretty neat unit. Currently in the bedroom, but it may find another home. We'll see. I did get a good feeling knowing I'd done that clean up stuff before opening the treat! But it was hard.

FIVE GRANDKIDS

This is the latest - born at the end of June. Now we've gotta learn about grand daughters!! 

They even named a reserve after our youngest grandson! I just know he's gonna be one very impressive fella. Go JHK!

Mr Independence! Just don't cross him. Right? He may look harmless... but you've gotta work him right! Looks like he's scammed the cloak off his big brother already.

 Look what Nan and Fa gave me for my birthday!! How neat is this. Trouble is my big brother and my little brother both want one now!

Our BIG grandson now goes to school. Wow! Hasn't he grown up! This is one of his paintings. Can't wait for him to draw me!
How blessed are we to have these five little kids! We are very rich. Thanks Lord.

HIGH TIDE

 I lied about high tide. This shot was taken around Sussex Inlet, showing some of the waterways. Also some beautiful clouds, specially for my sister who is into clouds.

 The water level in Swan Lake is extremely high. This is the shared pathway into Sussex, now underwater.

 Unfortunately the high water level has precented us from cycling into town. Just when we should be getting in plenty of training.

 I'm a bit worried about the damage the water might cause to this boardwalk, constructed by the blokes from Sussex men's shed.

Swan Lake is a boating paradise. Swimming, canoeing, water skiing, sailing etc.

HOW BLESSED AM I?

I have been truly blessed.
I chose my parents extremely well. The pic on the left of my parents was taken in 19.... hhhmmmm, you've got me there. Maybe 1967.
Jack was a solid, conservative, conventional bloke. He was both a top sportsman and a very bright research scientist; actually a veterinary surgeon.
This year is a special year. He was born in 1913, so this woulda been his 100th year, turning 100 next August. He died in 1992 from lung cancer. I was with him at the end. From him I got my love of cricket and tennis. He also introduced me to photography and helped me buy my first bicycle when I was about 12.
And my wonderful Mum? Yes, Willie gave me my belief in myself. An uncle used to refer to Willie as the Mother of the Gracchi children - Greek mythology. Our Mum thought we could do absolutely anything. Us kids were her "treasures". Sadly she died in 1968 at the age of 52. My parents are still with me... all the time.
The other Mr & Mrs Keast (right photo), Fay and I, were visiting the Cooks in Moulamein in 1968 when this was taken.
I have been truly blessed - I have a wonderfully supportive wife, Fay. We have invested 44 years into this marriage. That's a long time steady eh?  She has stood by me all the way... and still does today. Interestingly enough, she has similar credentials to my Dad - she excells in both sporting and academic areas. How lucky am I? How blessed am I?  As Coult said recently, "Keasty, you are extremely rich!"

WIN A 4008

 I figured I was in the running to win a Peugeot 4008! I checked it out at Allan Mackay Autos, Peugeot dealer at Moss Vale.

 Yes - it was white in colour. Very economical. LOOKS GREAT!

 Neat and compact. Wheels look good. It'd fit in our garage.

 Think it comes with 1.6 or a 2 L engine. The only problem was the winner of the competition...

...had to have the neatest desk and the clearest benchtops!  Sadly I didn't win the Peugeot 4008. But I'm still interested.