What a week! It started with a great trip to Strathmore to see Leanne, who was thrilled that we were there, as I had missed the last two scheduled visits. We chatted about lots of things, Wes watered the garden, and I checked the computer was up-to-date. We went home with a new friend for Morse, as well as homemade biscuits.
Morse with his new friend
On Monday morning I successfully obtained a reserved seat in the 50-year member bay at the MCG for Friday night's game against GWS. Once that was done, we drove to Officeworks in Ballarat to return the Lenova laptop and choose a new one. Of course, the one we preferred wasn't in stock, so we were given a refund. While we were at the desk, being well looked after, dear friend, Kim Lyden, was at the next counter and we made arrangements to meet for hot drinks at Café Lekker, a short distance away. It was delightful to spend an hour or so catching up on each other's news.
That afternoon, Wes finally found a good deal for a replacement laptop, and we chose a 15" HP with Windows 11, which should arrive this week, in time for me to take it to Melbourne with me when I visit for the Grand Final. Sadly, I missed out again on a reserved seat for the big match, but I am sure it will be much easier queuing at the 50-year member gate.
On Wednesday, Judi and I played Mah Jong, after a yummy brunch at Muffins & More. Les was in and out most of the week fixing the wet wall in the downstairs bathroom, and has done a wonderful repair job. Wes managed to vacuum and wash floors around Les's visits.
We both had Zooms on Thursday morning - Wes, dressed in navy blue, chatted with his Overseas Friends, and Paul Jackson was joined by his Australian friend, Rod McDonald. Rod, and his wife, Joan, have been on a wonderful European trip, taking in Portugal and France before catching up with the Jacksons in Oxfordshire. Joan took a Richmond scarf to give Paul, and I got stuck into him, as he already had a Collingwood scarf that I gave him back in 2018.
Paul with divided loyalties!
Afterwards, I caught up with Kathy, Karen, Joyce & Lib and wore my Collingwood scarf & cap to give our chat a footy flavour as well. At lunchtime we watched the Cate Blanchett film, Tar, which we had missed at the Cinema. What a wonderful acting performance, and what a terrible person she portrayed. We wonder now if the conductor we saw in Brussels, who was not loved by his orchestra, might have shared similar traits to Lydia Tar.
Last of the daffodils, erlicheer & daphne
On Friday, we left Daylesford at 3pm, and drove to the MCG for me to attend the Preliminary Final. Wes dropped me off at the Pullman Hotel, across the road from the ground, where I spent a very pleasant hour catching up with David, Helen, and Daniel Lazzaro, and David's best mate, Matt, over from Tassie for the game. Once inside the ground, I found Gayle Gibson, and we shared a glass of bubbles and a good chat before I went to my seat and waited for the game to begin.
What an exciting match it was, with Collingwood winning by a point. I don't think I have ever received as many messages as I did that night - from overseas, interstate and close by - thank you all so much for your wishes & thoughts - much appreciated. Wes had spent some time sitting by the Yarra, where he used to fish with his good friend, Tom Frank, many years ago. He still has all the fishing gear that Tom left him when he died.
Lovely photo of Tom in 1992
We arrived back home at midnight, and woke up Morse, who had coped very well with our long absence. He was most understanding when we slept through the 5.20am get up time, and was very happy to have breakfast around 7am instead.
Last quarter action with Pendlebury, Ginnivan & Maynard flying the flag for the Pies
Time to decorate the house - now for the balloons & streamers
Later that morning we made our last trip to Rob & Dene's home in Ballan to leave them some welcome home lilies and water everything that needed it. They should arrive there sometime today after their wonderful six-week trip.
Carlton started their Preliminary Final against Brisbane in fine fashion at the Gabba, with 5 goals in the 1st Quarter, before the Lions got into gear, and kicked the next 9. The Blues rallied in the last quarter, but the Lions were too good and won by 16 points. Wes is disappointed, but very proud of his team for getting this far. 
The result of nervous knitting this past fortnight - beanies & a beret!
The result of nervous knitting this past fortnight - beanies & a beret!
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