Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist)

© irene waters 2014

(5 photos) The dinosaur first appeared in the triassic period 231 million years ago and became the predominate creature roaming the earth during the Jurassic period. A mass extinction event occurred causing their extinction around 66 million years ago. They are gone but not forgotten. My nephew at four could recount a lot of the dinosaur names and facts about the period they lived. I was impressed. I could probably have said maybe ten of the three thousand four hundred that existed but his knowledge was far superior.

© irene waters 2014

Another time that is gone but not forgotten are my bike riding days. These were in my rebellious period, which is probably best forgotten. My faithful Suzuki 550 took me to many parts of Australia giving me a perspective I wouldn’t have had from the comfort of a car.

© irene waters 2014

© irene waters 2014

Also gone but not forgotten are my days as an alternate lifestyle fanatic. My aim was to be self sufficient in vegetables, eggs and chickens although it really never happened I spent a good ten years in the effort to make it happen. The dog, Mungo, is also gone but never forgotten. He was a real character as he did his rounds, checking that all his family which included the pig, the chickens, the cows and donkeys were all safe and well.

© irene waters 2014

Gone and not forgotten and thought of often is my Dad – a man with a great sense of humour and joy of life. Also gone is Peggy a woman my mother went to school with and a close family friend. The sandstone house behind is also gone but not forgotten. My Great-grandfather built this house between 1899 -1901. It was the family home after they emigrated to Australia so that my Great-grandfather could take up his role as a missionary in the Rocks in the city of Sydney. Gone from the family about 100 years later when it was sold after my father died. A home that will not be forgotten (at least by my brother and I.)

This is in response  to the weekly photo challenge prompt.