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Mum still thinks she can handle as much work now as she could when she was younger. I keep trying to get her to relax, but she won’t have a bar of it. Those late nights in the garden tending the plants? She joins me. It’s so frustrating! I wish she’d be happy just sitting back and enjoying her retirement…

As for Dad, I think he’s going to miss having his chess partner, Apple Blossom, around after she graduates. The two of them are always out on the verandah trying to outwit each other. It’s a nightly ritual. I don’t know what he’ll do without her. He wouldn’t have made it as far in his career (he’s now Principal at my old school) without her to practice against.

As for Sweet Pea, she’s exercising her creative flair and painting up some pretty awesome paintings. Mum’s asked her to paint a picture of Stark soon as he’s getting on in years.

- Amaranth Rose Scoop