VALERIE and Gordon Mossman celebrated three major milestones this month; they each had a birthday, turning 80 and 90, and December 18 marked 62 years of marriage.

For their family it was a celebration of a lives filled with love, perfect pumpkin scones (Lady Flo's recipe), checking the weaners with grandad and plenty of stories.

The couple were delighted when their family --- grandchildren, cousins and all --- turned up for a surprise party at their home with a birthday cake made by grandaughter Alicia Snowdon.

The Mossmans have a long history in the Gladstone Region and before retiring in Calliope ran a cattle property at Ubobo, "The Springs".

Grandaughter Jenna **** has the fondest memories of time well spent on the property and said it was "wonderful to put a smile on the faces" of the people who had given her such a loving and cherished childhood.

"Grandma made the best pumpkin scones ever. I remember always cooking them with her. She wasn't the type to get out on the farm but she was always the story teller and spent a lot of time in the garden. When you would go and see her, it was always as though she had been waiting for you all day.

"They are both such loving, warm and kind people."

Valerie and Gordon Mossman know how to celebrate big milestones. For their 60th wedding anniversary they held a celebration in the church where they married at Ubobo; they were the first couple to tie the knot there.

And when Valerie turned 70 and 80 they held a big party to celebrate.

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Walkin' talking gawking
the goats, giraffes, red panda
no **** tiger
exhibit like they promised
Alyssa in the OV
for a few days with her
Mom and Dad
My oldest Chris
and Sarah.
My grandaughter at our
first meeting
of course
adorable
even if a little frightened
of burly bear Grandpa

Cant say we bonded
but we blew kisses
and met
Aidan, Journey
and Cameryn
by strange coincidence
all my children
present at once
in our undersized home
lions, yes elephants yes
no tigers like they promised
for opening day

But bubbles
lifted by the wind to
great height
above the entrance
to pop
unceremoniously
to be noticed by only me
and Alyssa
at the zoo

Over treetops over flowers
Over gardens, over bowers
Through the brambles and the hedgerow
Over rivers over lakes I go
You may find me anywhere
Quicker than lightning in the night air
My mistress is the Fairy Queen
I place her dewdrops on all that’s green
The wildflowers are her sentries tall
I must place crystal spheres upon them all
Every flower in this fair land
Must adorn her orbs placed by my hand
Aster cornflower bluebell scented stock
Figwort goatsbeard horsetail and flock
All catch the sunlight from my queen’s dewdrops

Sitting on a snow capped window sill
in the hospital a little boy so ill
the tiny faery shed a tear
so much sadness
with blessed Christmas so near.
Outside the snowflakes
cover the town.
Soft and gentle
like feathered down.
.the tiny boy once eyes so bright
would not last another night.
Flying inside she kissed his head.
Sitting with him on his bed.
She sent a message on a dove
to the faery queen up high above.
The magic he needs is beyond my reach.
Please save him my Queen I do beseech.
Take his fever from his sweet brow.
Dont let his soul leave the world just now.
Make him well make him strong
Fill his sweet heart with Christmas song.
The faery Queen peeked through a cloud.
Her little fairy crying aloud.
It was Angel Bell she knew her well.
the naughtiest fairy in Fairyland.   
But she was holding his tiny hand.
Angel Bell cried I will never again be bad.
Please save the little human lad.
The Queen led the faery folk in song
Let him be well let him be strong
Fill his heart with Christmas Song
We make him well the faery way.
To live and play on Christmas day.
His Mom was crying
when she heard the phone
It was her son
Mom Come bring me home

Carolynn , child fast asleep in Papas arms , a warm embrace , sincere smile ..Place these tiny little hands upon my face as hope , a child's love marry sadness, wisdom for a man many years lost at sea , penny for your thoughts little one ?

The younger sister
Of the second wife
Of my dear friend
Of forty-five years
Died last night.

You don't know her.

She died at fifty-eight;
For many that's younger,
For more that's older;
For us, we knew her.

I really don't know why
I brought it up;
I shouldn't bother you.

She was...
a daughter, a sister,
a grandaughter,
a sister-in-law,
a cousin, a niece;
an auntie, a Mother,
then a Nana;
There are many like her,
But none other.

There's more. She was...
a friend, a true friend,
a lover and healer;
a soul mate,
a life mate,
a Wife and confidant.

Yes. Such  Women
We all know well.
But you don't.
Do you?

Well, she died last night.
Just thought you might
Like to know,
MJ died last night.

I trek in the journey of my life, travelling in the highway of someone else’s life
I see their history crashing into mine.
I see people. Mother, daughter and grandaughters.
The grandaughter’s gestures is like
poetry reflecting in the mother’s eyes.
Soon her random and improbable words make history in the woman’s life.
Does she know enough to say this?
“Say it! Say it darling!”
I hear the woman speaking.
The improbable is more improbable than fate.
Their languages are wildly different
But their passion to each other turns everything different into similar ways.
I turn back. Back to my own highway..
Knowing that I profit from someone else’s travel.

Hey little sister.  I know you're too young to understand what I've done. They probably told you I died in my sleep, protecting you from the whole story. They'll tell you when youre older. I know you miss me. You still think of me sometimes when my favorite song comes on the radio. But dont cry for me ojeda. I love you
Hi mom. You know what really happened. You knew I was in pain for a long time but you never thought it would go this far.  I know you still cry too late at night when no one can hear. I know you never stopped hurting. But dont cry for me mother I love you.
And daddy, I'll be home again soon. We'll be together. You can smile again dad. I love you.
To all those I loved, to those who loved me. There was no "Sydney" left to save. She died long before I did.
Dear nanny. You're broken hearted just like I was, I know. Your first grandaughter is gone. You're slowly fading. Your smile is gone. But dont cry for my grandmother, I love you.
Hey Pa. You can't believe I'd do this. I was such a happy child. Smiling, always playing. What happened? But dont cry for me grandfather, I love you
To all those I loved, to those who loved me. There was no "Sydney" left to save. She died long before I did.
And friends, stop your crying. You know I hate it when you're sad. I'm still here, you just cant see me. I still hug you, I still laugh at your jokes. Dont cry for me my friends, I love you. To all those I loved, to those who loved me. There was no "Sydney" left to save. She died long before I did. To all those I loved, to those who loved me. There was no "Sydney" left to save. She died long before I did.

Im in the arms of an Angel,
not for my eternal rest,
the heart beat of my Grandaughter
keeping a rythem on my chest.
Eyes that shine brightly,
new paths  to explore.
In the arms of my little Angel
I have alot to look forward.
Somewhere up in the Heavens,
a roll count is being  kept.
I am sure they will come up short one......
she's  cuddled on my chest.

21 today how the years of flown
i held you as a baby into a woman you have grown
  a grandaughter to be proud of and you will always be
i love you very much your all the world to me

so on this special day may all your dreams come true
i wish you all the best in everything you do
celebrate your day with lots of fun and cheer
really have a ball on your special year

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESS
you mean so much to me
best granddaughter in the world
you will always be xxxxxx

love GRANDAD AND NANNA JANE
XXXXXXXXX