Daylesford Winter Dispatch - Sunday, 31st August 2025

It was a beautiful day last Sunday and we enjoyed our trip to the Daylesford Market, coming home with lovely fruit & vegetables to get us through this week. Wes spent the morning in the front garden, trimming, weeding & enjoying all the splashes of colour from hellebores, tête-à-têtes & English daisies. 

Hellebores just loving this spot in the front - thanks Judi!

On Monday I was able to do the supermarket shopping, and later had a remedial massage with Sarah, which did me good. Wes spent the morning in the backyard with Morse - more weeding, trimming & enjoying before the rain came down all day Tuesday.

It was too wet to walk on Tuesday morning, so I had a lovely catch up chat with my aunt, Jeff, and her daughter, Leigh, who was at Torksey Lock with her husband, Simon. Jeff had enjoyed an indulgent holiday, firstly with her son, Michael, and family; followed by a stay in a Windsor Hotel next to the castle with my brother, Peter, and his wife, Anka, as well as Leigh & Simon, who had driven her home and stayed for a couple of days. It was Jeff's birthday on Thursday, which she spent on her own, no doubt still recovering from all the spoiling of the previous week!

Top - Leigh Murrin, Jennifer Hoolihan, Peter & Anka Saundry, & Below - Peter Saundry & Simon Murrin in front of Windsor Castle

The rain bucketed down on Wednesday and we thought we would get some snow, but only sleet arrived! I wasn't up to Mah Jong, but Judi was happy to drive from Ballarat to catch up over pots of Jasmine tea at Muffins & More, before doing some chores and having lunch with a friend. Wes very sensibly just vacuumed as there was no point washing the floors. 

We had a long-standing commitment to visit Joyce & Manny Spiteri in Reservoir to catch up with them, Kathy & Ged Lazzaro, and Karen & Malcolm Stevenson. We decided I wasn't up to it, so Wes set off on his own with some cheese from Blake's Family Grocers, and the rain eased off as he left. I was able to Zoom with our friend, Terry Borg, after a month, and we were so busy catching up that the Zoom finished before we were ready.

The visit to the Spiteris went brilliantly and everyone really enjoyed spending time together admiring Joyce's beautiful handiwork and Manny's huge garden. I was sorry to miss the catch up, but couldn't have handled all the socialising. Morse and I had a quiet day together and were both very pleased to see Wes when he arrived home with soup & pastizzi from Joyce for my dinner.

Manny, Joyce, Kathy, Ged, Malcolm & Karen 

Wes, Joyce & Manny at lunch

A few different examples of Joyce's extraordinary talent

We woke to yet more rain on Friday with the promise of snow to come. It was too wet to walk Morse or do anything much, although I ducked out to the Post Office & Tonna's, where I bought our favourite spuds, Dutch Cream, as Wes was serving fresh whole prawns & oven roasted chips for dinner!

When we were alerted to the weather that Victoria was expecting over the next 48 hours, we decided to postpone our trip to Strathmore to visit Leanne yesterday. We've had over 50mls of rain this week with wind gusts reaching 115kmh and lots of damage done locally. We were so pleased yesterday, that we had made the decision, when we woke to discover that our two routes out of Daylesford were unavailable with fallen trees blocking the roads. Our only damage was a rose that came apart from its stake; a piece of trellis that came loose from the fence, and a Green bin falling over in the front garden. 

Beautiful oriental lilies from Wes to cheer us up this week

Daylesford Winter Dispatch - Sunday, 24th August 2025

 

Snoopy's pessimistic story!

Our week didn't start quite as planned after I slipped on the frosty grass last Sunday morning and spent the day in bed, mostly recovering from shock, as I was only bruised, which was very fortunate. Wes & Morse did the Daylesford Market shopping, and then pumped mineral water for me from Leitches Creek. We indulged in croissants for breakfast, and then Fiona delivered fresh scones, jam & cream with strawberries, which made a lovely, unexpected and decadent lunch! 

Thanks to everyone who started watching Bookish and enjoyed it. The other programme I have found on ABC i-View is Professor T - a crime series with a difference featuring Rob Miller, who was the second detective in Death in Paradise, and also stars in Austin. Other than that, I have been entertained by cricket minis featuring Glenn Maxwell, and AFLM & AFLW minis showcasing the best of the round's games & highlights. Every women's game I have seen is of good quality, which augurs well for this season. 

We decided to improve the range of bird feeders & baths, and have been rewarded by extra numbers of small & medium sized birds taking advantage of the water & seed on offer. It is so good to look out & see them frolicking in the baths or pecking at the seed and chattering away to each other. Morse leaves them alone, especially Ollie the hungry magpie, who has his measure.

As I couldn't play Mah Jong on Wednesday, Wes took advantage of having the car to go to Ballarat as we needed a few things that we can't get here. It was another beautiful sunny day, and Morse and I enjoyed sitting in the lounge with the sun at our backs. 

Daffs galore in our garden beds

On Thursday, while Wes chatted to the Jackson Group, I caught up with Kathy, Karen S & Joyce and we made plans for our visit to Joyce & Manny next Thursday. Kathy, Karen & I all want to admire her excellent handiwork in person, while Manny can take our men around his garden and show them what he has growing. Then we will share lunch before heading home. We've been wanting to do this for a while and are so pleased we have a date and that it is nearly upon us. 

That night Carlton & Essendon played at the MCG, and after a slow start, the Bombers matched the Blues in the second half, but it was too late, and Carlton enjoyed a good win.

By Friday we were getting used to the warmer weather & enjoying all the growth in the garden. I was able to Zoom with Leanne, who is doing very well at present, and we discussed Collingwood's chances for that night's match against Melbourne. 

The first tête-à-têtes

Beautiful King parrots on the decking - asking for more perhaps?

On Friday, The Age newspaper published an open letter to Izak Rankine, (talented Adelaide footballer, who has been banned for 4 matches for a homophobic slur to a Collingwood player last Friday night), from ABC & Fox Footy commentator, Kelli Underwood, explaining to him why homophobic slurs hurt. It was simply expressed, but very meaningful, and I hope he gets to read it. I found her on Instagram & sent her a congratulatory message, as it took courage to send her words out into the general community.

Collingwood & Melbourne played a close, exciting game, also at the MCG that night, which the Pies won by a goal, which stopped us from dropping out of the 8. Before the game we had grilled flounder with our chips from our local Seafood shop. Yum!

Yesterday we had been invited to visit Rob & Dene in Ballan before they headed on holiday. I was unable to go, but Wes & Morse went and had a great time. I used my time wisely by turning the week's leftover vegetables into soup, which will keep us going for a few days.

Rob, Dene & Morse in his other happy place

Daylesford Winter Dispatch - Sunday, 17th August 2025

 

What a wonderful thought!

We woke to a frosty morning last Sunday which turned into a beautiful sunny day again. I was able to go with Wes & Morse to the Daylesford Market, but not much else except sit in the sun with pots of Jasmine tea, books, logic problems & crosswords. The footy was entertaining with three close games, followed by the first T20 cricket match against South Africa in Darwin, which the Aussies won by 17 runs.

I did the shopping at Coles on Monday morning, where Mari had returned after quite a few weeks away post a foot operation. Everyone was discussing the meteor that had been seen the previous evening, but we knew nothing about it, except for what was on the news. It was another beautiful day, so Wes spent time in the back garden - weeding, mulching & mowing, with Oliver the magpie keeping a beady eye on him all the while. 

The Age Green Guide had reviewed a new English crime show called "Bookish", which I liked the sound of but thought we couldn't watch as it was on something called HBO. Wes found HBO on our Foxtel apps and we've both been enjoying it - quirky, set post 2nd World War and full of wonderful actors. At the same time, I discovered ABC Classic 2, which has no call sign, but can be found on the ABC Listen app or on our Google clocks in the bathroom or I can listen to it on our TVs via my mobile. It plays classical music 24/7 with no chatter and all the performing artists are Australian. I'm already hooked!

Just some of the magpies & rosellas that arrive daily in our backyard - the rest flew away when I raised my phone to snap them

On Tuesday, we had a colder day with some rain and grey skies. Wes walked Morse early, while I caught up with my aunt, Jeff, in Lincolnshire. We hadn't chatted for a month and there was a lot to talk about. Afterwards I had a good Zoom with Leanne, who had really enjoyed our visit and was pleased with all we had achieved together. Glen & I had made plans to meet at Cliffy's for a long overdue brunch, but I wasn't up to it, so we agreed to postpone until my energy levels are really firing.

Wes & Morse walked before the rain arrived on Wednesday, and I met Judi for a couple of hours of Mah Jong at Muffins & More. Once again we tried a few different hands and the wins were shared evenly. I had originally booked a facial with Emma post Mah Jong, but cancelled it as I realised I wouldn't be able to do both activities. When I arrived home, Wes had vacuumed & washed all the floors, so everywhere was sparkling.

              Our first daffodil

We decided that I would spend Thursday in bed to see if I could regain some energy. I missed out on a Zoom with Terry Borg, and another with Old Friends, which Wes started with Kathy Lazzaro for me. Kathy let me know how it went for which I was very grateful. Fiona came to do her last clean and I didn't see her either, but she has Wes's bathroom sparkling and downstairs looks good again. 

That night was the opening of the AFLW season with Carlton hosting Collingwood at Princes Park, just like the very first AFLW game in 2017. And Carlton won well, as they did that first night. Wes was delighted to see a Carlton team with a game plan, and that they stuck to it. He is now very proud that the navy blue ribbon on the Maloney Cup has the higher position.

              The Maloney Cup

On Friday, while Wes & Morse chased bunnies at Daylesford Cemetery, I was able to Zoom with Leanne, collect food from Tonna's and keep my regular podiatry appointment at Springs Medical. That was enough, but it was more than I could have achieved the day before!

Yesterday was another quiet one with lots of footy - AFLM & AFLW to keep me occupied. Carlton played Port Adelaide at lunchtime and had an easy win, much to the delight of all their supporters. That night Collingwood travelled to the Adelaide Oval to play the Crows in a thrilling game that the Crows won by 3 points in front of a record AFL crowd of over 54,000. I was delighted with our form improvement and hope it continues into the Finals.

Daylesford Winter Dispatch - Sunday, 10th August 2025

An early & very picky Snoopy cartoon

We started our week with a very frosty morning, but a lovely, sun-filled day followed. I did enjoy going to the Daylesford Market and was greeted warmly by everyone. Wes had bought up big while I was sick, so we didn't need too much, but enough to keep Yvonne happy. Wes bought eggs & dog treats from Jeff, while I delivered newspapers to Ken Rae of Spring Park Nursery, who was setting up his trestle tables with bare-rooted roses. We then drove to Leitches Creek to pump mineral water, before driving back home and settling in for the day. 

The pump was iced up when we arrived - I've not seen that before!

Wes and some mates have been organising a 50+ years' St Bernard's College reunion for Friday, 5th September, and he spent the morning designing the invitation email and sending it out to everyone. It takes the form of a lunch at the Royal Hotel, Essendon, which is accessible by car, bus, tram & train and has accommodation to boot. He has booked a room for himself, choosing one with an ensuite! Meanwhile, I polished all the furniture in the lounge, as he intended to clean windows & floors there the next morning. 

I was pleased to go shopping at Coles on Monday, especially when Charlene said I had been missed. Afterwards, I did my usual walk up & down Vincent Street, visiting the pharmacy, the optician, the PO and Tonna's, as we needed items from all these places as well. The sun was shining, it was dry and everyone I met was in good spirits and greeting each other with a smile. 

Our friend, Jane Knox, has taken up painting, and I really admired one particular set of drawings called Nature, and asked her to leave it to me in her will. Instead she posted it to me, and it was waiting at the Post Office. What a lovely surprise!

I probably did too much on Monday, so kept things quieter on Tuesday. Leanne & I were able to Zoom for the first time in a while, and I was pleased to see her looking & sounding better than when we had last spoken. She was excited about our visit, which happened yesterday. I did go back to the Post Office though, to collect a book by an author I knew nothing of until I read a great sentence from one of his books, and was hooked. The author is Jock Serong, a former lawyer, who lives on the Victorian coast and writes crime fiction, and the book is called The Rules of Backyard Cricket. I'm halfway through it and can barely put it down!

On Wednesday morning, Judi & I played Mah Jong again, for the first time since the end of May. It's a shame we couldn't synchronise our unwellness, as first Judi & then I, was too sick to play. We had fun, tried a few different hands, and enjoyed catching up & seeing regulars at Muffins & More café. 

Wes & I were very sad to hear of the death of another old Daylesford friend, this time the unforgettable Ginger Love. She was such a character and time spent in her company was always enjoyable. Although Ginger had moved to Skye, we still kept in touch via email & Christmas cards. 

Ginger with Peter Widdop & Cathy O'Toole sharing bubbles

On Thursday, while Wes Zoomed with the Jackson Group, discussing The Implications of China, I caught up with Kathy, Karen S & Joyce, before leaving for a much-needed remedial massage with Sarah. While I was away, Fiona came back & spent another two hours doing all those jobs I have been unable to manage - more skirting boards, cobwebs, walls, furniture & laundry tiles. 

That night we decided to have fish & chips for dinner with a bottle of his favourite rosé, Charles Melton's Rose of Virginia, before watching Hawthorn host Collingwood at the MCG. What should have been a wonderful celebration of Steele Sidebottom's 350th game turned into a rout as the Hawks completely outclassed us and won easily by 64 points in front of 68,000+. 

The next morning, I was very pleased that I had a Zoom chat with Jan Pengilley to look forward to - we haven't been able to catch up since April and it was so good to see her looking well & happy after a road trip to Cairns & warmth. Afterwards I went for a stroll in the garden in the sunshine and found this first camellia.

Yesterday we had an excellent visit with Leanne - it was a beautiful morning in Strathmore and we were all pleased to see each other. After a good chat over morning tea, Wes fixed a printer & NDIS issue for her, and shifted her bins to a more accessible spot, while I introduced her to ABC i-View. We arrived back home to find a small bird trapped in the lounge, and Morse sound asleep in the sun on the decking. The bird wasn't panicky and it was easy to shoo it out through an open door.

Wes made toasted cheese & tomato sandwiches for a late lunch and we settled in to some very entertaining & close games of footy, especially the 2 point win by Sydney over Brisbane at the Gabba. That night, Carlton put up a good fight against the Suns, but fell short by 19 points.

Daylesford Winter Dispatch - Sunday, 3rd August 2025

 
I just love the look on Charlie Brown's face!

Well it's been a quiet week again - I had a relapse and have spent most of it in bed, trying to regain energy and fighting off bronchial-asthma. Wes has been wonderful - cooking, cleaning, gardening, dog walking, and eventually, relaxing with Morse at night. When I apologised to him for our very little life at present, he reminded me that on Tuesday night, he had shared his first ever Johnny Walker Blue Whisky with our neighbour, James, - an evening neither of them will forget. I don't drink whisky, but this smelt very similar to Edradour, the Scottish whisky that Wes loves, which has a honey fragrance to it. 

This top-shelf whisky retails around $233 & was a gift from Rob & Dene, who had been given various whisky bottles by their neighbour, and very kindly decided to share with Wes. 

As well, on Thursday, he had enjoyed a long lunch at The Convent with our friends, Hacy Tobias & Jim Brown, where he reprised the duck gnocchi, which is a signature dish of Bad Habits café. We've known Hacy for over 35 years and went to her wedding with Jim, but lost touch when they moved to Sydney. Now they are living in Melbourne again, it has been wonderful to rekindle the friendship and I was sorry to miss seeing them.

Jim, Wes & Hacy enjoying the sunshine at The Convent

Thanks to everyone who has been in touch during the week - I really appreciate Judi Allen & Lyndall Jenkin who play online Scrabble with me; Kathy Lazzaro, who keeps in touch by text & phone calls; Glen Tandberg who never fails to check in each day to see how I am, even when she was suffering her first bout of COVID (now gone thank God), and all my footy friends who exchange messages of good luck when the weekend comes. I don't feel so isolated when I have all this contact. Plus some stunning views from the bedroom!

Beautiful gums, Lake Daylesford & the Wombat State Forest make lying in bed looking out the windows a pleasure!

Last night, Collingwood lost by 27 points to Brisbane at the MCG in front of more than 82,000 fans. We never looked like winning, after the Lions hit the ground running and outplayed us. We now have a poor record most of the teams in the Top Eight, and will have to win against two more of them before the season ends. Carlton plays late this afternoon against Fremantle in Perth, which will be a tough game for them as well.