Daylesford Winter Dispatch - Sunday, 13th August 2023

 
Thanks to Carol Bruce for this delightful Snoopy cartoon!

Last Sunday, while I rested, Wes drove to Strathmore and did everything that Leanne needed, as well as planting one maple, six camellias and eight veronicas. Leanne was thrilled with the improved garden bed and very grateful to Denise & Judi for their contributions. He arrived back home in time to get changed and settle down to watch Carlton play St Kilda at the Docklands. The Saints were supreme in the first half and things were looking glum until the Blues came out a different side after half-time and won by 19 points.

Wide view of the garden bed with maple in the corner, camellias along the side & veronicas underneath

Close up of camellias & veronicas

Meanwhile, I was inspired by Glen Tandberg, to float some of our hellebores in a beautiful white bowl given to me by Ian & Robyn Robinson many years ago

Monday School was cleaning the lounge and kitchen areas. I got off lightly, being required to polish the furniture, wipe down surfaces, clean the cooktop and get out of the way. Wes took down and washed all the flywire screens; cleaned the windows; vacuumed and washed the floors, and put everything back again when the floors were dry. 

Breakfast at Pancho

It was another beautiful day on Tuesday, and after an early Zoom with Terry Borg, Wes and I went to Pancho for breakfast and a catch-up chat. Our meals were yummy as usual - I had the sardines and he tried the omelette. There were plenty of locals there. Wes suggested we drive to Spring Park Nursery when we had finished, and we picked up three more roses - two standard and one bush to fill spots that were needing colour.

Top to bottom - Golden Beauty, Tangles & Red Riding Hood, which took Morse's attention

On Wednesday, Les & Fiona brought their young rescue dog, Brodie, to meet Morse, and it was a big success. I was out at the time and missed the encounter, but I am assured there was no barking, some chasing and lots of toy sharing. We are all thrilled to bits with this, as both dogs need to make friends. I am sure that Les bonding with Morse so well has been a major component in the success of the first meeting. 

Wes with Morse and Brodie when they first met, and then on the decking together

The rest of the week has been quiet for me - this happens every now and then - chronic fatigue takes over and I can't achieve much beyond lunchtime. Meanwhile Wes takes over the lion's share of the chores and we get through the down period. 

On Friday night we were glued to the TV as Collingwood played Geelong in an important match at the MCG. The Cats started and ended well, but we managed to win the 2nd & 3rd quarters by enough to carve out an 8-point win. Thanks to everyone who got in touch before, during and after the game - it was so exciting and even though it finished well after my bedtime, I stayed awake until the end.

Yesterday was another sport-filled day with the Matildas making the semi-finals for the first time, where they will meet England. I must confess I found the 100 minutes or so of soccer hard to watch with no scoring, but really enjoyed the tension and excitement of the penalty shoot-out against the French women. Afterwards Carlton & Melbourne played a tough, close encounter with the Blues winning by 4 points in their eighth straight win. They really have hit their straps at the pointy end of the season, much to Wes's delight.