What a lovely solution to life's issues by Charlie Brown!
Although the weather bureau had predicted a dreary Sunday last week, after the frost melted, the sun came out & we had a beautiful, cool day. Collingwood beat Carlton by one point in a thrilling game in front of 88,000+ at the MCG, much to the chagrin of the Blues supporters, who thought they had won after an eight goal to one 3rd quarter. Wes was very disappointed, as the Blues had started the year so well & seemed very likely to play Finals until this result. There is now a week off before those games start & we have been able to concentrate on the AFLW instead.
On Monday, we had a great chat about finances during our School session, and made the decision to redo our wills. We are in a much better situation financially since embracing the Pension Boost, which is a reverse mortgage, that gives you extra income when you need it. Afterwards we enjoyed a lovely Zoom catch up with Mike & Linda Kirby, who are planning to visit Daylesford as part of a trip to Victoria in October.
Although it has been mostly too wet to garden, everywhere is looking wonderful as the daffodils open, the camellias continue to flower & the native violets take over from the seaside daisies briefly as the splash of colour at the base of the roses.
When it is dry enough, I have been walking down to Vincent Street to check our PO Box, pick up anything we need & catch up on what is going on in our town. There are still quite a few shops empty. Endota Day Spa has moved out of the Frangos Hotel & is being replaced by an enlarged Bakery. The Food Gallery still hasn't been re-opened since Toni & Pasquale refused a long lease & closed over two years ago. New shop spaces are being built next to the RSL, which may attract businesses looking for a blank canvas.
On Wednesday, after Dot & I played Mah Jong at Muffins & More, which was full of locals all catching up, I had an interview with the exercise physiologist, Jack, who has been overseeing my exercise classes. We were both pleased with my results - I am stronger, fitter, and have evened out my left-handedness to quite a degree. He is happy that I continue to attend his classes until I see his colleague & start a home programme in early September. I've decided to set up in the laundry for my gym - there are cupboards to hold ribbons, weights & explanatory cards, there is a step down to the dog decking & half the door is glass, which lets in plenty of light.
The next morning Wes was delighted to be able to get back into the garden & do some tidying up. It was too wet to mow, trim hedges, or weed, but he cut up some previously trimmed branches & made everywhere look a little bit better. We had a break together on the main decking - I make a mean 'railway tea', which he enjoys mid-morning. Morse joined us, but spent most of the time in guard dog mode.
Kathy, Karen, Lib & I had a good Zoom chat - catching up on the footy, families & visitors, as well as discussing walking, exercises & how we have less energy than we once did! Sure enough, I was in bed by 3pm that afternoon - having one of those weeks where I feel like a deflated balloon by the afternoon.
By Friday, the sun was shining in earnest & Wes was able to mow & use the hedge trimmer. We sat chatting again on the decking & Morse resumed his pose of guard dog, every now & again coming over to see if any biscuit crumbs had dropped.
AFLW has started again with all 18 Clubs involved, which is extra exciting for supporters of those women's teams who are just joining - Essendon, Hawthorn, Sydney & Port Adelaide. Collingwood & Carlton opened the season at Princes Park on Thursday night. The Pies were lucky enough not to lose too many players to the expansion teams and ran out winners by 3 goals, against a less-experienced Blues team. On Friday night, Melbourne turned the tables on Adelaide in the Grand Final rematch, also winning by 3 goals.
Yesterday we drove to Kyneton to see their mile of daffodils, which seem to bloom earlier & earlier each year. It really is beautiful & many of the homes as well as parks have clumps of daffodils to help celebrate their Annual Daffodil Festival.
Judi & Michael delivered a beautiful rose to us this week in memory of Lewis - it's not one we've seen before and we've decided to plant "Kindred Spirits" outside the study windows, where we will see it every day & be delightfully reminded of a very special Labrador who died far too soon.
Lewis's garden today with hellebores, tété-à-tétés & rosemary
Also yesterday, Wes successfully bid at the auction of Annie Smith's home on behalf of Fiona & Les (her daughter & son-in-law) and we are thrilled that they will be living here most of the year now. There is also interest in #77 Duke Street across the road from us, and so far all the prospective purchasers want to live there, not develop it into visitor accommodation.
After the Sunday Market, we're off to The Convent for brunch with three Essendon supporters - our friend & neighbour, Glen, and our new neighbours who will move into #80 in December, James & Yoko. They will all be delighted that their AFLW side beat the Hawks last night in front of 12,000+.
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