Spent a very pleasant evening with John Hedges and Fiona, and then today a guided tour of Canberra in the company of Fiona (including a walk through your new parliament building after an orientation from the tower on Black Mountain). I bought her a great lunch, following which I was escorted to the Australian War Memorial... about the latter, I am awed. Words fail me as to the job they have, and continue, to do at that place. Particularly moving was the Hall of Memory... I could not open my mouth as I would have burst into tears. I am only sorry I wasn't wearing my Digger hat, as I was unable to salute the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. That embarrassed the soldier in me, but I didn't know it was what it was before we arrived, else I would have been prepared (and dressed accordingly).
Suffice to say I shall visit that place again.
Tonight I am back with John and Fiona to give Max & Kathy a break; Mrs. Hedges Sr has prepared tea (supper for you heathens) and we shall be sitting down shortly (after John cleans himself up from a day on the farm). Order of march for John - beer, clean, eat. Say no more.
I should like to offer one more comment on all this... I have never seen anyone or any family work harder than those in the farming community here in Yass. All participate all day in their various functions, and all work seven days a week, almost literally dawn til dusk. I am filled with an admiration I cannot (yet) adequately describe. I shall in time, because their labours I am sure are echoed around the world by farmers everywhere, yet remain unappreciated by those of us who are the beneficiaries of their work. What you buy in the supermarket gets there only because of the tireless efforts of people like these.
I salute them, one and all.
