Anzac Day

They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We will remember them.

This morning, the first morning ever of me waking up with two kids to look after with no Mike, (who is in Hong Kong on a work conference) I managed to get out of the house by 8.15, to go to the Anzac Day Service at the Consul General's Residence in Shanghai. Lucky it wasn't a dawn service!!

Fortunately we were given a lift by a friend who lives in the same complex as us, but getting Jamie and Ellie organised and managed is no small task, especially with only one set of hands!! But as we are heading towards summer now, the kids are waking up with the sun, which is before 6am - I now really appreciate the merits of daylight saving in the morning - so we had plenty of time to get organised, and being methodical helps things happen!!

Dressed Jamie up in a gorgeous Blinky Bill outfit, which actually was Made in Australia, so felt it appropriate national costume for him. Then back into his cocoon for easy transportability!!

The service was held in the garden of the Consul General's Residence in Puxi, and we were blessed with a beautiful spring day, mild and sunny. The garden was lovely, with azaleas in bloom and a lovely Japanese maple. The Last Post was played from the balcony and was as expected very moving. Singing Advance Australia Fair was really special, and it actually sounded good!!

I felt very patriotic this morning, and realise in living away, how much Australia means to me.
Thank you to all our servicemen and women for looking after our shores and keeping Australia peaceful.
Happy Anzac Day to all Aussies and Kiwis!!