Psst. Wanna hear the joke about dads writing a Father's Day book about, well, bad jokes?
It's a faux pa to make dad jokes unless you are a dad. (Get it?)
It's also a typical Aussie tradition to have a good laugh at adversity so David Pinnell and Ron Watt are no exception.
They were two of the contributors to a special book released on Father's Day by homeowners from Serenitas lifestyle communities across Australia.
Homeowners submitted their best or, really their worst jokes, to create A Book of Dad Jokes as a gift to their families and beyond to show that despite the pandemic and restrictions you can still have a good ole laugh and stay connected.
Even though some things in life never change - like bad dad jokes - this year has thrown up some challenges thanks to COVID-19. Many families haven't been able to see their parents or grandparent as much as they'd like so the book is a gift they can share and send to their children.
Key to staying connected has been a shift by the older generation to become more tech savvy and adopt new technologies such as using Facetime on their phone and apps like ZOOM so they can see their families. It's great having a phone call but seeing the family does offer greater connection.
Ray and David live at The Outlook at Albany.
David, 69, has felt the effects of COVID lockdown first-hand.
"We live in Albany and my daughter Esther lives in Perth," he said.
"In February she gave birth to the very special Hannah Thorp. My wife and I were so excited to drive up for the birth of Hannah but of course, that's when COVID hit, and Perth went into lockdown. You would never think that something so normal like going into the hospital to meet your granddaughter for the first time would be a problem.
"We had to wait three days until baby Hannah came out of the hospital to meet them in the car park and drive home together."
Even the simple activity of meeting up Father's Day can be difficult so this year David will be Facetiming his daughter and little Hannah to read her a couple of jokes from the A Book of Dad Jokes.
Ron, 74, has five children scattered around Australia and eight grandkids. Facetiming is key to staying in touch, so too email to share photos and using meeting apps to be able to see the grandkids grow up now that travelling between states is no longer an option.
"Access to mobile devices and a good attitude still allows us to connect for Father's Day and to share some jokes to keep up morale," he said.
Therese Murray
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
