Daylesford Grand Final Eve Dispatch - Friday, 23rd September 2022

 

Morse feels like Snoopy when we settle down to watch the footy!

It's AFL Grand Final week & everyone enjoys the atmosphere & excitement of it, especially now it is back in Melbourne & many COVID restrictions have been lifted. I have booked into a hotel for tonight & tomorrow & am hoping to get to the AFLW game between Collingwood & Essendon this afternoon. Because I won't be back in Daylesford until Sunday afternoon, I thought I would send this Dispatch early again. 

We've had a fairly quiet week so far - me deliberately so I can cope with my visit to Melbourne, the Grand Final itself & then a visit to Leanne on Sunday. Wes will pick me up from my hotel & we'll go via Strathmore on our way home. 

Last Sunday night was the Brownlow Medal presentation at Crown, and Wes was delighted when Carlton's skipper & best player, Patrick Cripps, won the medal in a tight contest. Much of Paddy's time at the Blues has been when they weren't winning many games & it is wonderful that he is playing his best footy & the team is enjoying some success. 

The Queen's funeral dominated Monday's news & although I haven't seen any live footage, I have enjoyed reading all the articles in The Age each day. After School, which was further work on our Wills & Executor's Instructions, we settled down to a good Zoom chat with Mike & Linda Kirby, who will be visiting us for a couple of days next month. We fine-tuned their itinerary & are really looking forward to catching up with them again. 

On Tuesday, I was very social indeed - after Zooming with my sister, Leanne, I then had my regular chat with Terry Borg (where we ended up discussing the Archibald entries & Iceland), and finished up with a catch up with Jan Pengilley in Maleny, where the rain has stopped & the sun is shining again. In the meantime, Wes gave Morse a bath & then cleaned our cars from top to toe as they were so dirty after our recent heavy rain. 

That afternoon, we had a visit from local friend, Janine Hawker, bearing lemons & home-made lemon butter. She made a wonderful fuss of Morse & he really enjoyed every minute she was there. We miss Janine, as she was a regular at our Sunday Breakfast group, and now we no longer meet, our paths don't cross nearly as often as we would like. 

Just after Janine left, Yoko & her daughter, Miki, arrived at #80 with a carful of belongings to leave in the house. Morse barked madly, so I invited them in to meet him properly & they spoilt him with pats & hugs & kisses, as they are Labrador people & know exactly what to do. Fingers crossed, Morse stops barking next time they pull up in their driveway. 

On Wednesday I had an early appointment with Jake, the exercise physiologist to fine-tune my programme. I had too many questions for a phone call & we spent a very instructive 30 minutes solving all my issues. Jake is a very friendly young man, keen to make sure that his clients are being looked after as best he can. Then off to Muffins & More for Mah Jong with Judi, before I delivered some jumpers & beanies that Di & I had knitted with our latest wonderful wool donations. (Thanks again to Kathy Lazzaro). The Community Op Shop was delighted & assured me that every item would be sold that day. 

My latest child's jumper & matching beanie

Meanwhile Wes spent the morning cleaning our floors & then attended a very successful Hepburn Matters meeting with the Council CEO in attendance.

Yesterday morning I enjoyed chatting with old friends - Kathy, Karen, Lib & Joyce - Lib was very nervous about Geelong's chances, so we tried to find other topics to occupy her & ended up discussing Sydney rain & cockroaches! Afterwards I went for a walk around Lake Daylesford, which I should have done before the Zoom as there were wall-to-wall visitors with kids, dogs, babies & bags all making their way in a leisurely fashion on the paths. Already all the picnic tables had been taken & there was a queue to get into the carpark areas. 

Last night Wes cooked a beautiful whole snapper that he had bought last week when he was in Melbourne. We're both thrilled that there is another one in the freezer, as it really was an outstanding, sweet fish, cooked perfectly. When we lived in Brunswick & shopped at the Queen Victoria Market, we used to enjoy whole fish much more often than we do now. 

Morse enjoying his idea of bliss - a dried pork bone

Daylesford Spring Dispatch - Sunday, 18th September 2022

I was so pleased I had sent last weekend's Dispatch on Saturday morning & really appreciated all the lovely messages of support I received as a result - emails, texts, Messenger & FB. Thank you.

Wes & I enjoyed a lovely meal at Bad Habits café, our best ever we agreed. Then he & Morse drove me to Ballan Station to catch the train into Melbourne. We were relieved we had left early as there was a problem on the freeway & cars were being directed off it & onto the Ballan Road, which chewed up 12 minutes until we were allowed to pass the barriers into Ballan. 

Lovely photo of Wes at Bad Habits

I checked into my "cell" in Ibis Style Hotel in King Street & decided to have a rest before heading into Flinders Lane, where I was meeting up with David & Helen Lazzaro before the game. We enjoyed a lovely catch up over crepes before walking together to the MCG.

Squeezy room for one

As I was early, I went to the 2nd Level to see Gayle Gibson & was able to relax over a glass of bubbles with her. She suggested I try for a seat out the front & I was fortunate to get one in a great spot with no-one behind me & most people near me masked. Gayle & I had a good chat & she showed me a couple of photos from my time at Collingwood in the 80s that I didn't have.

Me, Gayle, Sharon Lendrum & Kerry Brennan above & 

below with Brian Taylor in his playing days

The Pies played well & I was so proud of them, as well as being delighted I didn't have to rush off at the end to catch a train home. Instead, I walked with everyone to Flinders Street, where we discovered that very few trains were going to Southern Cross Station and eventually caught the Werribee train which dropped us all off where we needed to go. My hotel was 5 minutes' walk from the Station & well-lit even at 11pm.

The next morning, I had breakfast with Karen Stevenson (AKA Lovely) at Degani's café at Southern Cross Station. We both enjoyed very yummy meals & had about an hour together chatting before it was time for me to catch my train home. The trip was very peaceful with only 7 people in my carriage. Wes & Morse were waiting to greet me & congratulate me on the win. 

Last Sunday was very special as it marked 50 years since I first met good friends Kathy Lazzaro (nee Ashton) & Squiz (Ian) Murray. We met on my first day of work at the Department of Labour & National Service in Flinders Street. Kathy was the first person to show me the ropes & showed me kindness that I have never forgotten, while Squiz was memorable for being late to work, which was a regular occurrence. Our boss, Betty Rae, ruled off the Attendance Book each morning, leaving a line for him as she knew he would make it up at the other end. We have shared so many wonderful times over those 50 years & marked the occasion by having a G&T in our respective homes at 5.30pm that night. 

Squiz & I had the same Japanese gin - his with rosemary & mine with lemon - I don't know what brand Kathy's was but it was colourful, with lemon as well.

On Monday morning, Wes decided to surprise me with School & I found we were watching the history of the Collingwood Football Club, which was a most welcome change from our usual more taxing assignments. He spent the rest of the morning in the garden, while I washed all of Morse's bedding, which displeased him so much he went & dug up his marrow bone from Maddy, which must be a couple of weeks old now!

My new exercise regime is going well - I plan to do it three times a week & go for a walk on the other days where possible. And Wes is enjoying doing proactive gardening now that his project of clearing up a huge pile of branches is finished. Morse isn't interested in either of these activities unless they impinge on his bone burial spot. 

A drift of daffodils & a superb rhododendron at the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens

This week we've had our usual Zoom chats with friends & family, which are such wonderful ways to stay in touch even though we are too far away from each other to visit easily. Wes also had a long Zoom with Overseas Friends & learned all about a new member of the group, an American named Bill. I had brunch with Judi before we played Mah Jong on Wednesday. We both enjoyed very yummy breakfasts & her French toast was quite something to behold. Neither of us took photos as we were hungry & now we are sorry we didn't!

I discovered during the week that I missed out on an MCC reserved seat for the Grand Final, which means I will have to queue up that morning & hope for the best. It's a good thing I am booked into a city hotel. The gates open at 8am & no-one else is allowed into the ground until 9am, which gives the members in the queue best chance at getting a seat without panicking. 

On Friday, Wes went to Melbourne & stayed overnight with Tom. His visit was prompted by an invitation from Tom to attend a Card Night with other old mates, and Wes used the chance to catch up with his nephew, Leon, on the way to lunch at the Maribyrnong Boathouse with his cousins, Gary Testro & Amanda Testro. He really enjoyed his catch up that night with old friends & he took Tom to breakfast yesterday morning to thank him for his hospitality.

While Wes was busy, Morse & I did loads of washing, went for a drive together, played, and then sat & relaxed with The Age crosswords & later AFLW footy. Sadly, the first Preliminary Final between Geelong & Brisbane resulted in a drubbing for the Lions that night - Geelong are almost unbackable for the Flag after that effort. 

No pre-match nerves for Morse!

Wes arrived back here in the pouring rain to a rapturous welcome from Morse & me. We were pleased to see him, especially when he produced fresh oysters for half-time in the footy. Late afternoon we watched Collingwood rally in an exciting last quarter against Sydney. It would have been cruel if we had won, as the Swans had led every minute of the match & were deserving winners of a memorable Preliminary Final at the SCG. I'm very proud of the Pies & looking forward to next year. 

Daylesford Spring Dispatch - Saturday, 10th September 2022

 

I just love this Snoopy cartoon - hope you do too!

The Maloneys had a lovely Father's Day last Sunday. After the Market, we came back home for crumpets & honey. Later Wes lit the fire & we spent the day reading newspapers, watching AFLW matches & just relaxing. Morse had given Wes a book on modern Scotland that came highly recommended by the literary editor at The Age, and it seems to have been a hit, as were the chilli chocs.

On Monday, it was the first School of the month, which is now dedicated to cleaning. We had marked the start of Spring as a good time to clean the air-conditioner filters and exhaust fan covers. After that Wes got stuck into the cars, while I rearranged the lounge & polished all that furniture. We were on a tight schedule as I needed a car for my doctor's appointment at 11am. I made it in time & had an excellent visit with Ellie, who reassured me that a growth on my back was merely an ageing spot & she is going to freeze it off on Monday afternoon. 

After Ellie, I dropped in on good friends, Di & Jeff, to give Di some of the wonderful wool that Kathy Lazzaro had donated to me last week. Di was as delighted as I was, and I left her planning her next items. Like me she is thrilled with donations & since Keeping Daylesford Warm folded, they have been scarce. 

As the morning wore on, I realised I really wanted to go to the footy - tonight's game between Collingwood & Freo. So I booked an inexpensive single room in a hotel near Southern Cross Station & bought a reserved seat MCC ticket. 

Camellias galore down the sideway between Maloney Folly & #80

According to the Hepburn Shire Council, upwards of 35,000 people came to Daylesford for the Borealis, which finished last Saturday. That makes it a very successful event, which hopefully will become an annual thing. The only people grumpy about it are those Lake walkers who were frustrated by not being able to do full circuits. 

It's been another busy week for Zooming - I chatted with Leanne twice; with Terry Borg who is making plans to visit her daughter, Laura, in Thailand next month; and with Kathy, Karen & Joyce. Meanwhile Wes spoke to Barbara Simpson twice; caught up with with his Godson, Danny, in Caboolture; and watched an ALP webinar on Climate Change. 

On Wednesday, Dot, Judi & I played Mah Jong at Muffins & More & were joined by John for a cuppa. We each won a game, which is how it should be & were delighted when a Vietnamese gentleman became very excited to see the game his mother loved being played at the next table. That afternoon I walked around Lake Daylesford in preparation for getting back to joining Wes & Morse in their early walk. 

Of course, it poured rain the next morning & we postponed our trip to Ballarat, rather than drive through flooded roads & get wet going to the various places we had decided to visit. We can see the NAB staff next week instead. 

April 1990 & we're about to board the Orient Express at Victoria Station - Jeff & Leigh Hoolihan arrived to farewell us

October 1990 - Viva (my mother) at Victoria Park with Collingwood's Premiership Cup - not sure this was ever on her bucket list - but she enjoyed the experience especially because of my heavy involvement with the Club at that time

Yesterday I had an early appointment with Jake, an exercise physiologist, at Springs Medical Centre. We spent an hour devising a programme for me that I can easily manage three times a week. I had printed out all the exercise cards from the SIS programme that I had been following & he picked the ones that he thought would give me the most benefit. I thought I would have to buy dumbbells, but he is hopeful that I can do everything using ribbons and a chair. We have a follow-up appointment in the first week of November. 

Wes has spent much of this week trying to make Family Tree-Maker talk to Ancestry.com - a very frustrating time for him, as these programmes usually work in sync, but something went wrong which has necessitated quite a few hours of work & many back-ups. 

The Queen's death came as a shock after she had been well enough to meet with Liz Truss, the new British PM only a couple of days beforehand. We woke to the news yesterday. I didn't watch any of the programmes on TV, but enjoyed listening to the beautiful music played on ABC Classic in lieu of their usual presentations. I found The Lark Ascending particularly poignant & fitting. 

Daylesford Fathers' Day Spring Dispatch - Sunday, 4th September 2022

We're all the same when it comes to attracting attention!

Last Sunday, we enjoyed a lovely brunch at The Convent meeting our new neighbours - James & Yoko Henderson, who are moving here from Strathmore at the end of the year. We were able to tell them a few things about Daylesford & they told us why they chose Daylesford to live & how they fell in love with #80 at first glance. Glen was pleased to meet them as well, especially sharing the pain of being Essendon supporters this century. 

On Monday, we chatted in depth about our Wills & agreed to update our Executor's Dossier, as well as simplify our arrangements. We have a date at the NAB to chat about our bank accounts & hope to have all our paperwork upgraded in the next fortnight or so. 

Afterwards it was time for my monthly massage with Sarah Hunt, who has done wonders for my neck, back & legs, which all feel more mobile for her ministrations. We chat about footy, her family, some serious stuff, more footy & the hour just flies by. 

I have booked Essence Hotel in Swanston Street for two nights over Grand Final weekend. This will enable me to see the Parade, watch the Pies & Bombers play an AFLW game, go to the Grand Final & not have to stress about catching trains. It is very exciting to have the GF back at the MCG. 

Great photo of Wes with Morse the Stare Bear

As well this week, we've been busy catching up with friends via Zoom etc. I heard all about Jeff's 83rd birthday celebrations, made plans for visiting Leanne, sympathised with two friends who have recently had facial surgery, caught up with Karen Stevenson & Libby Edgoose, and thanked Sue for her wonderful lemons, which I steal whenever I can. Dot, Judi & I played Mah Jong until Dot's husband, John, rang to say he wasn't well & she had to leave. John is now back at home after a short stay in hospital & is much better.

A lovely photo of Dot & John some years ago at Café 3460

On Thursday I had my last exercise class, as this week, I am off to visit my doctor, Ellie, and meet another exercise physiologist, Jake, who will give me a new programme. That night we watched a stunning Elimination Final between Brisbane & Richmond, that ended with a Brisbane win by 2 points. I think the lead changed 18 times in the match.

Kathy & Gerard Lazzaro were spending a couple of days in Trentham, so we drove there to catch up over lunch at The Cosmopolitan Hotel, which was as busy as you would expect on a weekend. After lunch, we visited At Eric's for coffee & Portuguese tarts, sitting in their lounge alcove in the sun. That night was another good Final, with Sydney overpowering Melbourne by 22 points. 

Wes with Kathy & Ged at The Wolsely, London 2010

Yesterday we drove to Strathmore to spend time with Leanne. We usually visit on Sundays, but thought the traffic today would be heavy with families all on the road visiting fathers far & wide. We spent a very productive three hours with her, moving furniture, helping her dispose of cardboard boxes & chatting about footy. We arrived home in time to watch Geelong & Collingwood play a nail-biter at the MCG in front on 91.000+ fans. The Pies were brave, but the Cats were too good & won by a goal kicked in the last minutes. I hadn't expected us to win or even to be that close & was very proud of the effort.

We started watching the last Final this weekend, which was Freo hosting the Western Bulldogs, and went to bed with the Doggies 41 points up & cruising. We woke to find Freo had taken control & won by 13 points, leaving the Doggies in their wake - a very sad finish to their year. The Pies now play Freo next Saturday night at the MCG with the winner into a Preliminary Final against Sydney.