Daylesford Summer Dispatch - Monday, 31st December 2018

Apologies for being a day late, but it does give me a chance to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. Let’s pray it will be a healthy one for us all. The Sunday before last Wes, Judi, Janine & I all met at Boathouse for our last breakfast together this year. Claire very kindly offered us all bubbles on the house & we exchanged gifts, with Judi winning the award for her lovely selection of beautifully presented goodies.

Monday was spent packing for my 5 nights in Melbourne, which involved washing & ironing my coolest clothes for the trip. That night we had oysters & prawns for dinner. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful seafood supply at the Daylesford fish & chip shop.

Christmas Day was a beautiful morning – we walked around Lake Daylesford where it was my turn to feed the geese & ducks, who were most appreciative.

After early chats with my siblings, we headed off to Strathmore where we were having lunch with Leanne, Peter & Anka. We had promised to arrive early in case there were any last-minute issues, but Leanne had everything under control & we were able to sit down with hot drinks & chat. Peter & Anka arrived shortly afterwards & we had a wonderful time exchanging presents, all of which went over very well.

Anka, Leanne & Peter having fun with blowers & poppers as the pudding arrived at the table.

Me cutting slices of pudding & brandy butter – always a relief when the pudding works out!

Late in the afternoon we left Leanne stacking the dishwasher & headed into Melbourne. Peter & Anka were staying at the Park Hyatt, while we were at Hotel Lindrum, in Flinders Street, about 10 minutes easy walk from the MCG. We were delighted with our room, which had high ceilings, a very comfortable KS bed & a large, well-appointed bathroom.

Apart from having a drink in the bar, we were too tired to do anything more than have an early night.

The next morning, we got up at 6am & headed to Docklands to have a walk followed by breakfast at Mad Duck café, which we had enjoyed a couple of years ago. Even though the website suggested they were open, the café was, in fact, closed for the week, so we found ourselves in Port Melbourne, where we enjoyed yummy breakfasts at 101 Bay Street. Wes dropped me back at the hotel, so I could get my bag packed for the cricket & he drove back home via Strathmore to help Leanne with cleaning up & watering etc.

Our Christmas gift to Peter & Anka’s was seats in the MCC with me on Boxing Day & we had a lovely time together. During lunch I took them on a tour of the 2^nd & 3^rd levels. We met Loud Gayle on Level 2 & Bob White & his Mexican friend, Angel, on Level 3. They enjoyed being in the MCC, so this may become an annual event!

That night, I headed for my favourite Chinese café, 369 (formerly Yum Cha Café) only to discover it had disappeared & there was a noodle bar in its place, which was most disappointing. So, I headed down Little Bourke Street to find a new favourite spot & started off at Shark Fin House. This was memorable mostly for the rudeness of the waitress & for my invisibility to the manager, who was the only one taking food orders.

The next morning, I walked through the Treasury & Fitzroy Gardens to Square & Compass in Clarendon Street, where I was meeting Kathy & Gerard Lazzaro & Karen & Malcolm Stevenson for breakfast. We had a wonderful time together, and as usual, the time flew by and I had to leave to get in the queue for a good seat in the Balcony (for which I was successful). I spent the lunch break catching up with David Lazzaro & his son, Daniel – always a treat, & watched the last session in the Long Room having a glass of bubbles with Loud Gayle (a most enjoyable time indeed).

Perfect viewing spot behind the sight-screen

That night I tried an old favourite, Westlake, which does great yum cha. They didn’t ignore me but did put me at the side & back of the restaurant & their meals are OK without being memorable.

On Friday morning, I walked back to Square & Compass, once again through the beautiful peaceful gardens, which have so many paths it is possible to walk a different way each morning. This time I met up with Peter & Anka. We were to have been joined by Danny Millman, but he was most unwell – we missed you Mate!

That day I spent sitting next to Brendan, a chap from Traralgon, who stays in Clifton Hill for the duration of the Test. We met some years ago & usually look out for each other – not only do we enjoy the cricket, but we are both Collingwood supporters & as Paul Jackson learnt earlier this year, we have plenty of talk about when it comes to Aussie Rules footy. After two days of good batting, we were treated to some great bowling by the Indians.

That night I tried Dragon Boat restaurant & enjoyed a lovely meal & very good service. This used to be a difficult place for single diners (especially females), but it appears to have changed management & has a much better attitude.

The next morning, I met our oldest friend, Tom Tyrrell, (who was my guest for the day) & we started with breakfast at Square & Compass (which serves very yummy, interesting meals) before having a great time together with perfect seats in the back row of the Balcony. We spent lunchtime having drinks with Loud Gayle and saw quite a few wickets & runs, including a stunning unbeaten 60 by Pat Cummins, who held on until stumps.

       

                   Poached eggs with broccolini & avocado

I was quite excited about the fifth day & after checking out of Hotel Lindrum, strolled through the gardens yet again for my final breakfast at Square & Compass. There was a very small queue at the gates & it was easy to get good seats in the back row again. Brendan & I sat together & we were both anticipating a fight when the rain eventually disappeared. Sadly, it was not to be & both Cummins & Lyon looked ill at ease and didn’t last long. The Indians deserved their win & I can’t wait for the Sydney Test to see if we can even up the series or if the Indians will win for the first time in Australia.

Beautiful long-stemmed roses from our garden

Wes picked me up after the Test was over & we drove back home, which is always so very welcoming. I spent the afternoon unpacking & washing clothes again, before sitting down with a pot of Jasmine tea & the bits of the Age I hadn’t read when I was in Melbourne. As well, Wes & I debriefed on the guests he had invited over during my absence – David Hall came for a boozy dinner one night & David Early for a working lunch another day. Also, Wes attended Jenny Beacham’s 80^th birthday party, which started at the civilised hour of 4pm. Apart from that, he had been busy in the garden & at the computer, as well as doing the Coles & Sunday Market shopping.

We walked around Lake Daylesford together this morning & spent some time with Barry the fisherman, who left England with his wife, June, some years ago, to live here where their daughter, Gemma, has married a local, Martin, and produced two grand-daughters that are the apple of their eyes. Barry fishes most mornings around the Lake but must keep an eye on the ducks & birds that come to steal his bait – Maloney Labradors have been known to get close as well!

Wes has spent the morning in the garden, while I’ve done the usual weekend house chores & caught up with emails, late Christmas cards & writing this Dispatch. We hope to get to the New Year’s Eve Parade tonight, but if we don’t, we’ll enjoy an early glass together well before midnight.

Daylesford Summer Dispatch - Sunday, 23rd December 2018

I realise I must have been very upset last Sunday when I was writing the Dispatch as I forgot to tell you about a lovely visit we had with Gail & Terry White. They had invited us & Judi & Michael around for drinks & substantial nibbles the afternoon before they headed to the Blue Mountains to spend Christmas with their daughters & families. Gail & Terry are very generous hosts & we all enjoyed serious Christmas cheer at their place.

As well, Wes had attended another funeral, earlier in the week, for an old ALP mate, John Lewis, who died very soon after being diagnosed with cancer. The celebration at Albert Park Yacht Club was a reunion of old ALP pollies & staff & Wes enjoyed learning more about John’s life and catching up with old friends like Russell Badham.

 

Freesia, peace & big red roses

On another topic altogether, I have found my notes on memorable toilet experiences while we were away. I mentioned in an earlier Dispatch that Holly Molly took the trophy, with the toilet area being so small that the bin sat on top of the seat. We found Glasgow to predominate in loos situated in such a position that spreading thighs were a no-no. They also tended to have loos where the toilet paper was way behind you. In Wales the toilets were squashy & quite often had a straight back to the seat, which didn’t make for comfortable sitting.

In Dartmouth & Chelsea, we were allotted one roll only for our stay, & in Liverpool Pier Head at the café, if you shut the door there was no light. In the Ivy, the loos were down three flights of stairs, unless you were a better class of person, sitting in the superior area & could use a toilet on your level. Belgium toilets tended not to have very strong flush action, and the toilet paper was usually out of reach. In Nether Wallop, we had a wooden toilet seat; and in Cardiff, we had to lift the lid of the cistern to successfully flush the toilet. In Falmouth, there was only half a handle & in our flat in Chelsea the toilet paper was wet & got wetter every time you had a shower. In Venice, of course, we had a perfectly operating toilet complete with accompanying bidet & plenty of toilet paper.

Photos from breakfast at Boathouse last Sunday morning:

Aileen & Sandy; Wes; Sandy & Judi, & Judi & David

Sandy played Santa Claus with lovely chocolates for us all & Susanne & Claire at Boathouse were very sorry to hear of Warren Pengilley’s death. We had some great chats & I’m sorry I don’t have a photo of me or Janine to complete the group.

After breakfast we went next door to our neighbours, Rob & Dene, to exchange Christmas gifts. We had bought a beautiful rose called ‘Oranges & Lemons’, which they loved & Dene had made a Christmas cake & shortbread for us. We had a fun time over a big pot of tea.

On Monday, we headed back to Spring Park Nursery to buy a stunning cream-coloured rose, ‘National Pride’, which Chris wrapped & we delivered to Jan Pengilley. She wasn’t at home but was delighted to find it there on her return & it has now been planted.

The afternoons were spent watching the 2^nd Test, which has been so exciting. The Aussies deserved to win after playing so much better in Perth than Adelaide. They seem to have jelled as a team & their pleasure in each other’s triumphs has been palpable.

Also last week, Wes took Barbara’s car to Ballarat Mazda for what he hoped would be a quick fix. However, they needed the car for 5-6 hours, so he reacquainted himself with the Ballarat Library, which he enjoyed & had lunch at Café Lekker, our favourite Ballarat eating spot, where he was able to get Tuki sausages.

The other thing that happened was I got out the big basket of wool & started knitting beanies again while watching the cricket. It felt strange after nearly 10 weeks not knitting. However, there is plenty of wool & it won’t be long before it is March & people are needing warm hats, gloves, scarves & rugs all over again.

I visited Leanne on Tuesday, while Wes did an enormous amount of weeding under the decking & we can see our tree fern, native violets & geraniums again. On Wednesday, in lieu of Mah Jong, Wes & I met up with Dot & John Smith for a cuppa at Muffins & More, where Eden amazingly remembered what we liked to drink, even though we hadn’t been there for over 2 months.

It has been fun this week delivering thank you gifts to people like Lyndal (hair); Alanna (nails); Emma (face); Steve (paper deliverer); Muffins & More staff; Tim at Mitre 10, and finally the Garbos. On Thursday morning we were walking around Lake Daylesford when I heard them in our street emptying the recycling bins (which was very early indeed). I then had to stay put until the green bins were done around 11.30am. In the past, when I have put the gift out, either the birds get to it first or the driver doesn’t see it & empties it into his truck! So, I listen for the sound of the truck & race out with the gift unharmed. It was worth it as the young driver was thrilled to bits!

On Friday we set off early around Lake Daylesford with rice for the ducks & geese as they are always so disappointed when we are empty-handed.

After I had been shopping at Coles, we had breakfast at The Food Gallery, where we were greeted warmly by Pasquale & Paola. We thought the meals were well-presented & very yummy. It is such a shame that the awkward step at the front door stops us from having our Sunday Breakfasts there, as it is impossible for Barbara to get in. Afterwards, Wes went off to a training session for Daylesford Cinema which reopens on Boxing Day at Daylesford Town Hall.

More roses – mostly Fearless & Peace

We were horrified to discover on Friday afternoon that our landline was dead. After a couple of calls to Telstra, they arranged for a technician to come tomorrow morning to fix it. Fortunately, we have been able to arrange for calls to be diverted to Warren’s mobile.

Yesterday it was busy at our place – Nick Massaro came to fix the downstairs shower which was leaking; I washed both cars & the bins & polished the silver; Wes did heaps of pruning in the back & mulched it all into the lawn by mowing, and we were both very pleased to sit down for a rest in the afternoon, where we received great news from Torskey Lock in Lincolnshire that our uncle, Kev Hoolihan, is home for Christmas after spending an unexpected week in hospital.

I’m off to the Sunday Market, then meeting Warren, Judi & Janine at Boathouse for our last breakfast together for 2018.

Daylesford Summer Dispatch - Sunday, 16th December 2018

Our dear friend, Warren Pengilley (aka Secundus) died peacefully last Tuesday. His funeral was yesterday & Wes spoke delivered a beautiful eulogy. There was a good turn up & we all enjoyed seeing photo & hearing stories about a man we had only known for 9 years, when he & Jan moved to Daylesford from NSW.

The rest of the week has been good – we celebrated Leanne’s birthday with a decadent morning tea, where she was joined by Terry, Mary & Michelle, who came bearing gifts & smiles. Our thoughts were with Jessie, but we were able to have lots of laughs & share many happy memories.

Michelle, Leanne, Terry, Mary, Karen & Wes

The First Test ended up being a nail-biter with India the deserved winners, but the Aussie tail gave them a run for their money.

Wes & I started our walks around Lake Daylesford again – we are missing the walks we did while we were away & we need to get into shape for Lewis & Morse, who will love early morning walks, followed by treats. On our first morning, we were welcomed back by a gaggle of geese that flapped & honked when we got out of the car.

  

Sadly, this is what greeted us on Day 2 – a terrible mess of cans, food, plastic cups, beach towels & bottles. We tidied it up as best we could.

Another walk had to be aborted as the rain came down – no complaints from us, but we decided getting drenched wasn’t a great idea. This morning we thought we would have a relaxing walk around Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, but someone had been through pruning, so we spent our time moving branches from the pathway.

I finally retrieved the planter boxes from under the house, filled them with soil & planted chillies & parsley. As if on cue, the heavens opened, and we received so much rain that I didn’t need to do much hand hosing.

Of course, the garden was thrilled to receive 80mls of rain & the weeds we haven’t attacked yet are growing even higher but will be easy to pull out once we get stuck into them.

While Wes was honing his eulogy, I have been spending the afternoons watching the second Test in Perth, which has been most entertaining.     

  

The Aussies started well & amassed a good score, and when we had the Indians reeling at 2/8, things were looking very good. However, Kohli is having the sort of innings you expect from the best batsman in the world & it will be interesting to see what happens today when they resume at 3/172 with Kohli on 82.

Warren Pengilley in his library at Daylesford