A Big Green Leaf !

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My contribution to the Big Green Leaf project, as suggested by

A Nice Green Leaf  blogger...

Caladium, commonly called Elephant's Ears

Coleus

A friend's tree-fern, with trellis pattern from the sun

I am hoping someone will name the other plants for me, which slip my mind at the moment!  [Thank you, Alice, for naming them.]

Can't help but LOVE the little guy...

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These pics are for you, Naomi and Alice!
(I only needed a little encouragement...thank you for visiting ANO!)

John McCarthy Ross - 1 year old, 21-June-08

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John quickly bonded with his favourite gift -
an aeroplane from his Uncle Chris and Auntie Kerrie!

Blowing out the candle on his cake, made by his Mum.
[His face painted as a lion!]


What a joy our wonderful Grandson is in our lives!

John Noel McCarthy, KIA 12-June-71

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3112702 L/CPL 3 CAV REGT.

It is 37 years since my only brother, John, was killed in action, age 26, just 3 weeks short of finishing his second tour of duty in Vietnam.

I am particularly grateful to have found the following excerpt in Armour, Issue 446 (May 2006) (Journal of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps Assn. - NSW Branch):


I still grieve the loss of my brother in my life and that of our family. But the stories and memories of his wicked sense of humour live on, and it is a great joy that his name is carried on via our grandson, John McCarthy Ross.

I hope he never goes to war...

Cat Whispering

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Willow is not the same cat since her mysterious trauma. She jumps at any slight noise and her newly re-found kittenish, carefree behaviour have ceased in preference to seeking the security of squeezing herself into small places. She has three secret hiding places – in a cupboard, in a tight corner between a wall and bookshelf, and another which is still her secret! I think she has found somewhere where she is perfectly camouflaged.

Gentle and reassuring talk, encouraging some play, and singing to her seem to be slowly helping her regain confidence. But it's whatever Barry whispers into her ear that gets the best response...