Daylesford Winter Dispatch - Sunday, 28th July 2024

 

Snoopy proving very hard to please for Charlie Brown

Our Sunday was a foggy but dry one, and we were able to go to the Daylesford Market, where Ken had cut up a pear for Morse, and was rewarded by lots of tail-wagging. Yvonne had found some huge mushrooms for us, which Wes wanted to steam with bok choi and she had that as well! While I bought everything else we needed, Wes & Morse headed off to Jeff, the dog treat man, for dried pig's ears and fresh eggs - always an interesting combination.

We arrived back here and went to work - it takes me a good 30 minutes to wash everything and put it in bags in the crispers, and then I clean the kitchen benches as they are usually due. Meanwhile Wes cleaned out the fireplace and reset it for the afternoon's footy on the TV, and filled up a green bin with garden clippings.

We watched Brisbane & Sydney play a wonderful game of footy in the early afternoon - it was worthy of a Grand Final, and Brisbane won by 2 points in a nail-biting finish. Carlton also won, beating North Melbourne by 19 points, but they were far from impressive, and Wes was very relieved when the final siren went.

We woke to the great news on Tuesday morning that President Joe Biden had bowed to pressure and decided not to run again, throwing his weight behind his Vice-President, Kamala Harris. It was foggy and very cold early and my phone suggested snow was around, but we didn't get any. The fog lifted by lunchtime, but it stayed a very grey day.

Morse had the right idea!

I had an early appointment with my doctor, Ellie, who assured me that the sun had been shining in Ballarat when she drove through, and it was only at Dean that the mist engulfed her. She did a few procedures, we had a chat, and I made another appointment for 5 weeks' time. I arrived back home in time for Tim from Daylesford Bi-Rite, who had promised to install a splitter on our main antenna so we can watch TV from the TV, as well as through Foxtel.

Lovely photo of some members of the Murray clan who were at the MCG on Saturday to see the Hawks win

Carolyn, Soom, partner of Chris, Patrick & Tom

On Tuesday, we woke extra early at 5.30am, so I could be ready to have a Messenger chat with my aunt, Jeff, in Torksey Lock. We hadn't caught up for a month and it was so good to see her again. She is still waiting for her house to sell, and the prospective buyers have not had any offers on their own home yet. Wes reseached this aspect of real estate about a month ago and discovered that in Australia, the average time between putting your home on the market & selling was 33 days. In the UK, it is 150 days. Jeff has another 7 weeks to go!

Great photos of my family - my brother, Peter, and my cousin, Leigh above, and Peter's wife, Anka, and my aunt, Jeff, mother of Leigh, below when they all caught up in Manchester last month

The sun shone and we enjoyed blue skies and 13° during that day. I also chatted with my sister, Leanne, via Zoom, and we made plans for our visit to her today. Meanwhile, Wes tackled cleaning and vacuuming both cars, filled them with petrol and checked the tyres. This was an overdue job, but the weather has not been conducive to cleaning anything outside!

That afternoon we were shocked to read that Peppa Sindar had died. We first met her in Daylesford, with her husband, Russ Wilkinson, who we had known when we lived in Brunswick. Russ & Peppa were staunch supporters of U3A Hepburn Shire, and while Russ was teaching us all Mah Jong, Peppa offered classes in Crochet and encouraged budding actors. Before Russ died some years ago, they moved to Ballarat, and she continued her acting career with the Ballarat National Theatre. She had just finished performing in their latest play and died suddenly aged in her late 60s. 

On Wednesday, we went for a family drive to Ballarat as there was no Mah Jong. We had a number of chores to perform and enjoyed getting most of them done. We were home late morning and I was able to collect my new reading glasses, which were ready after only a week. 

There was constant rain again the next morning - no chance of walking Morse or working in the garden for Wes. He participated in a Jackson Group Zoom discussing the impacts post-elections in India, EU, France & the UK. 

I had a Zoom chat with Old Friends - Kathy & Karen S, before heading into town for more chores. It doesn't feel like chores when you know everyone wherever you go - even the young man in Coles wanted to discuss how small mobile phones were in the early 2000s. I told him I was around when 007 car phones came in and he has seen pictures of them! That afternoon my distance glasses arrived and I could see the difference when I drove home wearing them.

We woke to a misty morning on Friday, but Wes was able to take Morse to Daylesford Cemetery for a good run. I was due to chat with Leanne by Zoom at 8.15am and set it all up at 6.30am. When I came downstairs to the study at 8.10am, my computer was in the middle of a giant upgrade, which meant I had to quickly power up the laptop in the Guest room. Leanne thought I looked healthier in that room, so perhaps I should continue using the laptop!

Wes went off to spend a couple of hours with his sister, Denise, who was celebrating her birthday. He had offered fresh croissants and blackberry jam to start her day, while catching up on her news.  Meanwhile I changed the sheets & towels, my usual Friday morning chore, then spent some time in Vincent Street searching for a new shopping bag, but had no luck.

That night, Carlton played Port Adelaide at the Docklands under the closed roof. Wes was very nervous about this match, so we had a yummy meal of giant prawns from Ballarat Seafood beforehand. I wish I had taken a photo - Wes pan fried them in tarragon & spring onions and served them with a tarragon & parsley dipping sauce & a small green salad. The Blues ran out of puff in the last quarter & lost by 14 points - Harry McKay pulled out just before the game started with illness, and then the sub, Jack Carroll had to replace David Cuningham in the first quarter.

Yesterday was dog wash time, and I took the opportunity to wash all Morse's bedding, much to his disgust. I got started early and by 10.30am everything was back in place, which was a relief. We settled in front of the TV and an open fire at lunchtime to watch a replay of the Olympic Opening Ceremony, which was very different indeed. Some aspects dragged on too long, but the overall vision was magnificent, utilising so many of the beautiful buildings of Paris as well as the Seine. 

Then we moved on to footy matches until the Swimming heats that night, which looked very hopeful for Australia. We woke to the news that Ariane Titmus had won Gold in her 400m freestyle event, and the Australian women also won Gold in the 4 x 100m relay. As well we won a rare road cycling Gold when Grace Brown won the individual time trial in a slippery race around the wet streets of Paris. We also picked up two Silver medals in the Swimming.

Katie Ledecky, Ariane Titmus & Summer McIntosh - great rivals

Daylesford Winter Dispatch - Sunday, 21st July 2024

 
There's a little bit of Sally in Snoopy I suspect!

It was bitterly cold when we set off for the Daylesford Market last Sunday, but everyone was cheery and hopeful that it would be busy as it was the last day of Victorian School Holidays. Afterwards we drove to Trentham to pick up Dutch Cream potatoes from a farm-gate stall and came back home for tea & toast.

We spent School on Monday morning working our way through our e-wallet, which holds all our details including passwords & pins, trying to update those entries that still used our bigpond addresses, to our gmail addresses. As anyone knows who has set out to change passwords, pins or emails, a small task turns into a slow, frustrating one, while you wait for confirmation emails or texts to allow you to continue what you are doing. Fortunately we kept our sense of humour and achieved what we needed to do. without too much swearing or giving up in disgust!

The next day was one of those frustrating ones where things don't seem to go right. I was up early to chat on Zoom with Leanne, before driving to Springs Medical Centre in pouring rain for my 9am podiatry appointment. At 9.30am, when Peter had still not appeared, the reception staff tried to find him, but were unsuccessful. He lives in Castlemaine, about 30 minutes away, and I was worried he had been involved in an accident. Eventually, I decided to go back home, as I had to try & get a reserved seat for the Collingwood/Carlton game in August at 10am. 

Collingwood & Carlton teams before the earlier match in May

We were expecting our new TV at 11am, but when Wes rang Tim to check on it, Tim had no idea where the TV was, and couldn't give us a new delivery time. I headed off to an appointment with my optician, Sarah, and told her I'd had enough things go wrong & I didn't want any bad news. She apologised and said that my left eye had deteriorated in the year since I saw her, and I would have to start wearing distance glasses, as well as new reading ones!

Things improved in the afternoon when Tim & Eric arrived to install the new TV in the lounge, move the lounge TV into the main bedroom, and put the bedroom TV downstairs into the Guest room. They did all that in 75 minutes, including putting a Google Chromecast on the downstairs one, which will be great when Wes is unwell and sleeps there, or if we have any overnight visitors.

Perfect for watching TV in bed!

On Wednesday, Judi was unable to play Mah Jong. While Wes worked in the garden, I took Morse with me to deliver newspapers to Spring Park Nursery; Epicures & The Local to Nick & Robyn in Porcupine Ridge; pumped mineral water at Leitches Creek; bought worming tablets at PETstock; dropped into Daylesford Hardware to buy an antenna splitter from Tim, which will enable us to watch TV stations from the new TV as well as via Foxtel; dropped in more beanies & berets to the Salvos Op Shop, and collected 6 freshly made vegetarian pasties from Leonie at Muffins & More. Wes appreciated being able to work without disruption, and Morse loves going for a drive with the heater on and a window down in case he wants to look at the  kangaroos, cows or ducks that we see along the way. 

The next morning, after my regular Zoom with Old Friends, Wes & I went to The Convent to catch up with Gillie Gough and celebrate her birthday over brunch. We heard her news and enjoyed our meals, and were delighted when Steve Doyle and Bill Guest came into the café for morning tea. They joined us at our table and we spent time hearing about their recent trip to England, and cruise to the battlefields of France & Belgium, where they unexpectedly met up with our Sydney friends, Jane & David Knox.

Steve & Bill looking just as pleased to see us as we were to see them at Bad Habits café

Wes suggested breakfast at Pancho on Friday morning, and it was a lovely thing to do. The new owners haven't changed too much, and the meals are just as yummy, if not more so. The only downside if you go as a group of friends is that they no longer split bills. I understand that for a large group, but when it is two or three, the previous owners were always understanding. 

Karen about to tackle her cheese omelette - we were sitting by the fire, looking out the window, where it was getting colder by the minute!

Yesterday was cold, grey & wet. Perfect weather to sit by the fire and read Saturday's Age newspaper before turning on the football. I had a ticket to Collingwood's game against Hawthorn at the MCG, but didn't have the energy to cope with the travelling to & fro, so returned it to enable another 50-year member to have a good seat under cover. And what a good move that was! The Pies were completely outclassed by the Hawks, and never looked likely, having kicked only one goal by half-time. 

Daylesford Winter Dispatch - Sunday, 14th July 2024

 
Poor Woodstock - a slave to fashion!

We had a good visit with Leanne last Sunday - I spent some time teaching her about her new Motorola mobile phone, after we chatted over scrolls from Baker's Delight. Wes checked her desktop, which is running well, and we agreed not to discuss the footy as our teams had both lost.

That afternoon, we were glued to the St Kilda vs Sydney game as the Saints somehow held on for an exciting 2 point win against the ladder leaders. All our Saints supporting friends were delighted, as this win was most unexpected.

On Monday, I did the shopping early, and then we spent our School time discussing the purchase of a new OLED LG TV for our bedroom, to replace the 15-year old Samsung one there. Wes visited Tim at Bi-Rite, who sold him the TV, plus a swivel base, plus a Chrome cast, which we will attach to the old TV, which will allow it to work in the Guest Room. This will all happen on Tuesday, which is most exciting.

Sarah was back from holidays, so we spent a very happy hour while she gave me an excellent massage, discussing what she & her family had done while they were away in the warmth. It was raining as I left & I started sneezing, which very quickly turned into a full blown head cold, and I spent Tuesday in bed, which seemed to do the trick.

On Wednesday, I was feeling much better and kept my hairdresser's appointment, as well as doing a load of washing & ironing. Wes vacuumed & washed the floors, as the sun came out to help dry them. By the afternoon, I was back in bed and very grateful to be served herbed Atlantic salmon with Brussel sprouts.

Wes had his fortnightly Jackson Group Zoom early on Thursday, which was on Health, specifically Aboriginal Health, as this is NAIDOC week. It was an interesting discussion and I'm sure everyone learned something new. Then it was my turn for an Old Friends Zoom with Kathy, Lib, Karen S & Joyce. Much of the conversation surrounded Joyce's latest projects, complaints about the cold weather (except for Lib in Queensland), and reviews of the play Julia, which Kathy & Ged had seen; and the Impressionists Exhibition, which Karen & Malcolm had visited. 

This week, the Gibsons unveiled a seat at Hamer Hall in memory of Fraser, who died last year. He always encouraged his family to attend concerts there and support the Arts, and he would have been delighted with this dedication.

Gabby, Fraser (the younger), Gayle & Fergie at Hamer Hall with the plaque in memory of Fraser (the older)

On Friday night, Collingwood hosted Geelong at the MCG. I wasn't confident, and when the Cats kicked the first three goals, I was even less sure we could make a game of it. However, we rallied and replied with the next 3 goals, but weren't good enough to win, going down by 20 points in an exciting, seesawing match.

Yesterday it was dry enough early for Wes to take Morse to Daylesford Cemetery for a good run, before we visited Rob & Dene in Ballan for morning tea. Glen had also been invited, but hurt her back just before we were due to leave and wasn't able to come. We missed her, but did enjoy our catch up with Rob & Dene, and admired the building works they have undertaken this year, which give them a great indoor/outdoor entertaining area and bathroom. 

Dene sitting next to the fire & Rob with Morse on the couch

Yesterday afternoon, it was Wes's turn to be disappointed when the Western Bulldogs were too good for Carlton under the roof at the Docklands. It was another exciting match, with the Doggies winning by 14 points. 

Morse showing no interest in the footy at all!

Daylesford Winter Dispatch - Sunday, 7th July 2024

 

Not sure Lucy is a dog person!

We started our week with a lovely visit to the Sunday Market - it was cold, but not windy or wet, which meant Yvonne & Ken were in good spirits and spent quite a bit of time patting Morse, once he had eaten his pear. We came back here for Wes to spend much of the day doing end of financial year stuff, and I put in preparation for the next day's School, where we planned to update our Executor's manual.

In the afternoon, Carlton played Richmond at the MCG, where it rained quite heavily on and off. The Tigers stayed in touch until half-time, but then the Blues took over and won easily by 10 goals. Wes was delighted with the effort, especially as their ruckman, Tom De Koning, was rested. 

The next morning, after an early walk, shopping and scrolls, we settled down to go through our Executor's Dossier with a fine toothcomb. There wasn't too much that had changed, apart from insurances, credit cards and addresses, but it took us until 10.30 to have everything right and a new copy printed to put in the safe.

Morse showing a lot of interest in our activities in the study

After an early frost, we had glorious sunshine on Tuesday and I ventured out after my Zoom with Leanne. I had an appointment with my doctor, Ellie, so parked the car a distance from the Medical Centre, and walked. I was pleased with my time with Ellie, she always gives her patients her full attention, and has read up on you before you arrive. 

Judi & I played Mah Jong on Wednesday morning and were thrilled to discover that Muffins & More Café had installed new, excellent lights in the back room, which makes reading so much easier than in the past. Afterwards, Wes and I decided we would like to go to the AFL Gather Round in Adelaide again next year, and were able to book with Rosie in Hackney, where we stayed for the cricket in 2022, and will be again at the end of 2024. She is beautifully positioned for a pleasant walk to the Adelaide Oval, or into Adelaide itself. She is a very generous host and we enjoyed her hospitality. 

It was another frosty morning on Thursday, with a lovely sunny day to follow. I had an early Zoom with Terry Borg, where we talked about a range of topics, including Bluey, as we had both seen earlier episodes we had missed before. Then it was time to chat with Old Friends. As it was Lib's birthday, all our partners joined us in singing Happy Birthday to her when she came on screen, something she wasn't expecting. Then Joyce showed us her latest craftwork, Kathy recommended Tracy Chevalier's most recent book, The Glass Blower, set in Murano, and Karen explained how she & her brother, Robbie, communicate in sign language over Zoom.

It was also Barbara Simpson's birthday and Wes had a Zoom with her once I was finished in the study. She has a new rescue cat, Jett, which was probably the best birthday present she could wish for. 

On Friday morning, I had a good chat with Leanne and we made plans for our visit today. Afterwards I caught up with Jan Pengilley in Maleny as it was weeks since we had seen each other via Zoom and we ran out of time before we finished our topics. It was such a sunny day that Wes got stuck into the garden, and requested punnets of pleasure when I went out. I obliged and we look forward to lots of colour very soon.

Top - sunrise pansies at the base of Tangles, the standard rose; Middle - symphony violas fringing Iceland poppies, and  Bottom - rose with blotch pansies fringing Australian poppies

That night, Collingwood hosted Essendon in a big match at the MCG, in front of 81,700 fans on a cold Melbourne night. Apart from the first quarter, when the Pies kicked 5 goals to 2, the Bombers were the better side and fully deserved their 12 point win. Brody Mihocek suffered a torn pectoral & Darcy Cameron went to hospital by ambulance with bruised, not broken ribs. With our other injuries, that leaves us with a fairly young & inexperienced side to play against the top teams over the next few weeks, so I suspect our season is over and we won't be defending our Premiership.

Yesterday was dog bathing morning and I took the opportunity to wash all Morse's bedding as well. It was after lunch before things were back to normal, much to his chagrin. I spent the afternoon watching footy, especially the very exciting game between North & Gold Coast, and was thrilled when North hung on to win their second game this year, by 4 points. Our late friend, John Hardwick, was a passionate North supporter, and some of his family were there yesterday, having inherited that same passion.

Last night Carlton played Greater Western Sydney at the Showgrounds and, a bit like Collingwood, the night before, played a good first quarter, then were overrun, before finally succumbing by 2 goals. Wes was very disappointed as the Giants haven't been playing well, and he expected the Blues to win. 

Daylesford Winter Dispatch - Sunday, 30th June 2024

 
Another one for the lovers of Sally

We started our week with a frosty trip to the Sunday Market, where Yvonne had most of our stuff ready and waiting. Ken was behind in his chores and Morse had to wait for his pear treat, which he didn't do with a very good grace, much to our embarassment! It turned into another sunny day and we were treated to a visit by our neighbours, James & Yoko, before they returned to Melbourne. Yoko was due to fly out to Japan last Friday, with three other teachers and 15 students for a fortnight. She was very excited and heading off to Queen Victoria Market to get souvenirs and gifts to take with her.

On Monday, I did our weekly shopping and brought home scrolls for breakfast. We cancelled School as I wasn't quite up to it, but Wes was able to spend the morning in the back yard - clipping, tidying & watering. At midday, we had a lovely Zoom chat with Mike & Linda Kirby in Queensland. Their daughter, Lauren, and her partner, had flown the coop and driven to Melbourne over the weekend, and they were happily getting used to the new normal.

The next morning I had an early catch up with Jeff in Lincolnshire, followed by a Zoom with Leanne. It was great to catch up with Jeff, who had been treated to a lovely stay in Manchester with my brother, Peter, and his wife, Anka; as well as her daughter, Leigh, and husband, Simon. They ate, drank & sightsaw very well indeed.

Meanwhile, Wes's phone decided to play up very badly, so he drove to the Telstra shop in Wendouree to see if they could fix it for him, as the online help wasn't sufficient. He was successful and his phone no longer assumes he is stupid and needs audible instructions to do anything! While he was in Ballarat, he picked up some fish, replenished our whisky & brandy supplies, and got out cash from the NAB ATM. We need it for Jeff, the Dog Treat man and occasionally for Yvonne when her Square doesn't work when there is no wi-fi signal at the Sunday Market, as well as for fish & chips at Daylesford Fish shop, which is strictly cash only. 

Morse doing acrobatics in the study

I have just finished reading a stunning book, which was recommended by Kathy Lazzaro - Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens - set in Sydney & Sri Lanka. It won the Miles Franklin Award last year for Shankari Chandran, who was raised in Canberra. It is a very powerful story about family, community, friendship & racism and I recommend it highly. 

On Wednesday morning, we woke to constant rain, which meant an early breakfast for Morse. It was still foggy at 10am, which felt very wintry indeed. Later that morning we attended Dot Smith's funeral at Verey's. There was a good crowd and we enjoyed listening to her daughter, Julia, and son, Michael, speak, as well as one of her grand-daughters, Emily. When I first met Dot, all the grandkids were young and used to come with her to U3A events during School Holidays when they stayed with her & John. They are all adults now, of course, and towered over Dot.

This lovely photo of John & Dot was taken at Café 3640 in Daylesford in 2008, where Kim & Gary looked after us locals beautifully for some years. 

There were so many people at the funeral I knew or knew of - probably half the room. It was good to catch up with John, who was looking better than we expected; and to see old friends like Sandra Frost, Denise Longmire, John Meir and Kim Lyden. Kim & I did reminisce about Café 3460 before the ceremony started. We left before the refreshments were served, as I was feeling I needed to go home after all the emotion of saying goodbye to Dot.

The next morning, Wes led a very successful Jackson Group Zoom chat about Housing, which encouraged each participant to speak about his/her country and what each would do differently. Then it was my turn to host our Old Friends, where we covered a multitude of topics, before it was time for me to go and Kathy took over as host.

We had twice postponed going to Bendigo Art Gallery, to see their Paris Impressionists Exhibition and we were determined not to miss out again. We loved everything about the Exhibition and recommend it highly - it is very well set out, easy to follow, and there weren't too many people allowed in at any time. We spent about an hour there, by which time my head was spinning and we decided to come home rather than have lunch at their café.

On Friday morning, after my Zoom with Leanne, I met our neighbour, Glen, for breakfast at Pancho Café, where we caught up on some of our news. It has been weeks since we have been able to chat - first Glen went on a holiday, then she caught the virus, and just as she was recovering, I had bronchial-asthma followed by the virus - finally we were both well enough and it was lovely.

Here is Glen looking aghast when her small brioche arrives! It was yummy and she took home what she couldn't eat.

Yesterday was a dreary day, so we lit the fire after lunch and spent the afternoon watching footy games, most of which were exciting and close, especially the Collingwood match against Gold Coast up there, where the Suns pulled off a great victory by 11 points. Earlier Freo had beaten ladder leaders, Sydney, by 1 point at the SCG, which was an amazing result. We were asleep before Geelong beat Essendon, who had been ahead of them on the ladder, and Adelaide did the same to Greater Western Sydney. The Blues play Richmond this afternoon, and Wes will be hoping that trend doesn't continue!

Daylesford Winter Dispatch - Sunday, 23rd June 2024

 

When I left you last week, we were heading off to visit Leanne, which we did. She was delighted to get her new phone, but we were all operating at less than full strength, so we only stayed for 90 minutes before coming back home. Collingwood played North that afternoon, and after allowing the Kangaroos to get 9 goals ahead, pulled off an amazing win by 1 point. I did feel sorry for the North players & supporters, and I am sure most non-aligned followers would have been hoping North would win.

Bobby Hill flying high for a great mark, and he landed on his feet!

We woke to a cold morning on Monday and Wes took Morse to Daylesford Cemetery for a run. Morse managed to get out of his harness and then his collar (shades of his brother, Lewis), which gave Wes a few worrying moments. I was able to go supermarket shopping at Coles and later on had an excellent massage with Sarah, who really helped my breathing, giving me the best night's sleep in a month.

It was -2° and frosty on Tuesday, but turned into a lovely sunny day. There were no dramas on the early walk, and I had a Zoom chat with Leanne, which went well. Afterwards I did  few chores, before coming back to rest, while Wes cleared all the drains and washed both cars. The division of labour is very one-sided at present - I'll have to get back into it soon!

Latest crop of beanies to go to the Salvos

Once again, it was freezing on Wednesday, -3°, and once again, Wes did the hard yards early. I had a haircut before joining Judi at Muffins & More for a few games of Mah Jong. We hadn't played for weeks and it was lovely to be back again. Sadly, our friend, Dot Smith, who had been a partner at Mah Jong for so many years, died the night before. It was peaceful, and at Daylesford Hospital, which meant her family could easily be around her. I treasure the memories of 24 years, and Judi had enjoyed getting to know her during these recent years when we had played Mah Jong as a threesome. 

One of my favourite photos of Dot taken last year - we were playing a Goulash and she picked up all four blanks!

On Thursday, I was able to Zoom with Terry Borg and catch up with her news, before hosting the Old Friends weekly Zoom and spending time with Kathy, Lib & Karen S. We did enjoy all being together again, and had to stop ourselves from all talking at once. After that I drove to Hepburn for a very overdue manicure with Juls, where we shared some stories. It was lovely to arrive back home and sit down with The Age and a pot of Jasmine tea.

It's always feels strange when your team has a bye during the footy season, and it was Collingwood's turn, along with 5 other teams this weekend. However, Carlton had their bye last week, and on Friday night were facing up to Geelong at the MCG in front of a great crowd. Wes was pleased with the selected team and we had our fingers crossed for a great game. 

I don't think anyone saw the big win by the Blues coming, and Wes was delighted with the way they played. The match was marred by an ankle injury to Geelong's Tom Hawkins, who may have now played his last game. Carlton is looking set at second on the ladder and will definitely feature in the Finals again.

Morse looking very comfy in the study

Yesterday was a lovely sunny day after some early frost. Wes took Morse for a big run at the cemetery, before celebrating Carlton's win with toast & tomato sauce (his Dad's favourite breakfast). Afterward, he did wonders in the front garden. I'd done too much the day before, so promised I would be very sedentary and spent the day reading The Age, watching footy and ignoring chores that needed doing!

Daylesford Winter Dispatch - Sunday, 16th June 2024

 

This is for those who love Sally

We started our week with a run around Daylesford Cemetery for Morse, followed by a trip to the Market in light rain. Yvonne was so pleased to see us, although I wore a mask as I was still coughing and not really up to being outside. We bought lots of fruit & vegetables and Morse enjoyed his cut up pear treat.

The day was spent, as had been the day before, glued to ABC Classic, as they counted down the top 100 Feel Good music, which was voted on Australia wide. I had a list of 10 and was delighted when 8 of them made it into the top 50, and the remaining two made 106 & 109. Thanks to everyone who got in touch during the count, it was lovely to know we were all doing the same thing. Beethoven's Symphony No 9 finale Ode to Joy won - Wes & I think that it was voted for by all the singers! I had put Chariots of Fire (34th) as my first pick, but hoped that The Lark Ascending(6th) would win. 

That night Carlton played Essendon at the MCG in front of 88,000+, which is the second best Home & Away crowd for these two teams. Even watching on TV, you could feel the atmosphere. The Blues won by 26 points, after Essendon got close in the 3rd quarter, but kicked badly. Wes was delighted of course, especially when the Blues are now second on the ladder.

Morse glued to the footy once again

On Monday, I did the shopping at Coles and bought our usual scrolls for afterwards, but we cancelled School, as I wasn't up to the physical labour, which had been scheduled - cleaning the library and guest room. I had bought a Guest Pass & Reserved Seats for the Collingwood vs Melbourne game that afternoon, and was looking forward to catching up with David Lazzaro. However, we realised that I had no hope of being able to travel to the ground, let alone last 3-4 hours there and then catch the train back home, so I pulled out. At least David was there to cheer on our makeshift team.

As well, my younger sister, Paun, and her husband, Brian, were in Melbourne for the Long Weekend, and had tickets to the game. It would have been a great chance to say hello to them, as it is a year since we visited them in Canberra. Along with all the other Collingwood supporters, they would have been thrilled to bits with our endeavour and we came away winners by 38 points, which was most unexpected in front of 84,000+.

Jubilation at the end L-R Jack Crisp, playing his 227th consecutive game (voted Best on Ground); Nathan Kreuger playing his first game in over 400 days, and Harvey Harrison, playing his 11th game. Both Nathan & Harvey kicked 3 goals & were instrumental in the win.

Wednesday was our Anniversary and we had hoped to visit the Impressionists Exhibition at Bendigo Gallery, but decided to postpone that until the end of the month. We had to cancel Friday's celebratory lunch at the Garden Room Restaurant@ Blackwood Ridge (our go to place for special events) and will miss out on a last meal there as the restaurant is closing for good this month. The owners were very understanding & grateful for our past patronage.

We'll never forget 2021 - they opened the restaurant just for us and it was a very special Anniversary lunch

On Thursday, after the Jackson Group Zoom, Wes thought it would do us good to have a little outing, so we went to Pancho, the closest cafe to us, for a quiet breakfast and catch up. Wes had the sardine dish and I went for the muesli with poached pears & rhubarb. It was lovely to be out briefly and we sat away from everyone else on the little table for two under the stairs. I had started my Old Friends Zoom with Kathy Lazzaro, who kindly took over hosting as I was still coughing. 

Yummy muesli & Wes, resplendent in Carlton gear, looking thrilled to have his favourite Pancho meal again

It's been another sad week for deaths that have touched us. Firstly, Allan McLeod, who regularly attended ALP meetings at our place over many years; then Carolyn Marrone, a wonderful pen & ink artist, who supported Daylesford Rotary Art Show, and died suddenly in Bendigo, and finally Bill O'Connor, aged 92, father of Donna Thornycroft. Bill was a delightful man that Wes & Barbara first met when they used to go to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Ballarat for hydrotherapy. Bill took his late wife, Shirley, there as well. Wes & I saw Bill often these days as he would start his morning with a coffee at Cliffy's, run by his grandson, Liam Thornycroft. 

We just love this pen & ink drawing by Carolyn Marrone, entitled "Bus Stop" and bought it from her in 2011

On Friday morning, I was finally able to Zoom with Leanne for 20 minutes and we made plans for our visit today. The last time we had chatted was 24th May, so it had been quite a while, and I was feeling very guilty that I had been out of action for so long. I'm not sure whether Leanne was more excited to see me or Morse! 

That night Wes cooked a meal worthy of a restaurant - steamed tuna with bok choi & rice and a side dish of beetroot relish. It was very yummy indeed, although I am sure he had some chili with his. I still can't cope with strong tastes, even though my "geographic tongue" seems to be improving slowly. 

Finally, my brain was working enough to look at our insurances which all fall due on 1st July and had increased by quite a lot since last year. I managed to get a good deal on our Building & Contents with Qantas, where our Health insurance is, and a better price on our Mazda 2, which was going to cost more than the Mazda 3! 

Daylesford Winter Dispatch - Sunday, 9th June 2024

Well, this wasn't the week we had expected. Last Sunday, I realised that I wouldn't be well enough to travel to Rye the next day, let alone want to leave our home comforts to feel sick at someone else's place. Wes offered the stay to our good friends, Kathy & Ged Lazzaro, and we were both delighted when they were able to accept. Back in the late 80s to mid 90s, we shared a holiday home at Blairgowrie with Sherryn & Paul Danaher, and the Lazzaros were frequent welcome visitors there.

Pearse Road backbeach, view from Rye accommodation & glasses of rosé to start the holiday

By Sunday night, Wes was starting to cough too, so we knew we had made the right decision! He, of course, couldn't go to bed, as he had to cook meals and walk Morse, who was still confused that we hadn't gone to the Daylesford Market that morning.

On Monday, Wes did the supermarket shopping at Coles, visited Yvonne at Wheat Sheaf, where she had most of the fruit & vegetables that we usually buy, and dropped in to Tonna's on the way back to pick up what he hadn't been able to get. Morse was delighted to see Yvonne, was given a pear, and allowed to run around her front yard, much to his delight.

Late Tuesday morning, tickets went on sale for the Adelaide Day/Night Test against India in December this year. I managed to get in to Ticketek quickly, but couldn't purchase anything, which was so frustrating. After 75 minutes, I stopped for lunch and the minute I did that, I got in through on my phone and could finally get tickets for the first 4 days. Such a relief! We already have our accommodation booked and getting tickets should have been the easy part. 

We both cancelled most of our Zooms for the week, as neither of us was in a fit state to chat with anyone. I let our neighbour, James, know so that he didn't come knocking on the door, as we don't want to give this to anyone. Our other neighbour, Glen, had it for three weeks, and we stayed well clear of her, but managed to pick it up anyway. It was her turn to stay away from us.

Morse keeping me company while I watch games of footy!

Thank God for all the books we bought at Clunes Booktown, as well as Foxtel with all the games of footy being shown. We've both been most appreciative. 

We were very sorry to read that a Daylesford friend, David Linney-Barber had died last weekend. I first met him in 2000, when he & Lyndall Jenkin were married and running a B&B. Lyndall was working at her parents' business - Jenkin & Thomas, which was a hardware store that later branched into electrical goods. She was a fount of knowledge when I was living here during the week and needed to give Holly Cottage some running repairs. We are still good friends and keep in touch daily.

As well, Barbara Simpson's cat, Bobby, unexpectedly had a stroke, and had to be put down. He has been a good friend to her over many years and will be much missed. 

Daylesford Winter Dispatch - Sunday, 2nd June 2024

 
Just for Wes - he loves Peppermint Patty

We started our week very quietly. I had woken with a cough & asthma, so after the Market, and after making a big pot of soup, I retired to the couch with my knitting, The Age, crosswords, Logic Problems and the footy to keep me company. We had been due to visit Leanne, but had to postpone it yet again, and will see her on 16th June.

No nerves for Morse when the footy's on

On Monday, I had no voice, but was able to go shopping and collect prescriptions from the pharmacy, before retiring for another quiet day. Leanne's phone had been sent back to the depot, so I spent some time messaging Telstra to get the phone delivered to me instead. 

It was a beautiful day, started with 0° and a frost, but worked its way up to 15° and sunshine. Daylesford featured on the front page of The Age, because Council is keen to rezone some farming land for housing, and everyone is up in arms. The little village of Guildford made Page 3 with the community attempting to buy their General Store, which has closed. 

I had to cancel my Tuesday Zooms as talking only encouraged coughing, but it was a beautiful day, and Wes spent the morning in the garden, planting Icelandic poppy seeds and watering everywhere. I spent 30 minutes trying to get tickets for David Lazzaro & I to attend the King's Birthday footy at the MCG, and was finally successful, although we are on Level 4, about 27 rows back. At least we'll see a game of footy together and enjoy The Big Freeze beforehand. 

With all this free time, I was able to donate a large bag of beanies & berets to the Salvos, for which they were grateful. I also took them a Kitchen Aid baking dish that I purchased with points earned at our local Coles Supermarket. Our friend, Judi Allen, had suggested some years ago that it was a good way to make use of unwanted points, and the Salvos agree. they are always delighted with brand new items, especially kitchenware, and make sure it goes to a needy home. 

We had planned to visit the Bendigo Art Gallery on Wednesday to see their French Impressionists Exhibition, but I wasn't well enough, so Wes changed the tickets for 12th June, which was a big relief. It was another gorgeous day after a cold night, and he was pleased to spend much of it in the garden, while I coughed and sneezed and wheezed inside!

Finally, on Thursday afternoon, we received some very welcome rain. It wasn't a cold day, but the wind made it seem cool. Definitely a staying inside day, which we did, after Wes took Morse for an early walk around Lake Daylesford, before taking part in the Jackson Group Zoom, which was on the upcoming British Election, which everyone thinks Labour will win easily.

That night, the Blues beat Port at the Adelaide Oval in a convincing victory by 6 goals. Wes was highly delighted, as were all Carlton fans as they climbed up the ladder to 4th place. The Magpies didn't do quite as well on Friday night, but I had expected we would lose by more than the 3 goals that the Western Bulldogs kicked in the last few minutes to win the game. Both teams were without some of their best players, but it was an exciting match with lots of highlights.

Signage in our front garden objecting to Council rezoning prime farming land for residential purposes

Daylesford Autumn Dispatch - Sunday, 26th May 2024

 

We had a very quiet Sunday after the Market. I was tired from our big day at the footy the day before, and spent much of the day reading The Age, doing crosswords, catching up on footy and staying awake! It was a "dreary" day according to the weather bureau - perfect for staying home and doing very little!

The first fire of 2024

When the cat's away.....

On Monday morning, it was too wet to walk, as there had been a fair amount of rain and wind. After shopping, we had School, where we sorted out the remaining details of our upcoming Dog Holiday in Rye next month, and our Test Cricket holiday in Adelaide in December. We also discussed what impact the future closure of bigpond email will have for us. During COVID, we moved just about everything over to gmail, but I will check what hasn't been changed and make sure we are ready when bigpond disappears. 

Morse wondering where all the leaves came from 🤣

Lovely photo of Wes taken at the MCG last Saturday

I found myself having an early night with head cold symptoms and spent Tuesday very quietly, apart from my usual Zoom chat with Leanne. She needs a new mobile and I had a lot of Telstra Rewards points to use, so we were able to find a phone that suited her and put my points towards it. 

Wednesday was spent quietly as well. Judi was very understanding that I wasn't up to Mah Jong, and the sun shone, in spite of the cold, for much of the day, while I read the Age, did Crosswords and Logic Puzzles and read crime fiction, mostly with Morse's company.

By Thursday morning, I was starting to feel better, and enjoyed an early Zoom with Terry Borg, (with far too much footy talk for her liking I am sure), followed by a great catch up with Kathy, who was the only one of my Old Friends able to Zoom. We discussed the funeral of her friend, Dorothy Hamilton, which had been held the day before, and finally solved the puzzle of why  Verey Funeral Directors, Daylesford, were in charge of the occasion. Andrew Nuske, who runs Vereys, was one of Dorothy's grandsons.

On Friday night, Collingwood played Freo at the Perth Stadium, at the unfriendly timeslot of 8.10pm our time. We had quite a few inexperienced players and I was delighted when we were able to salvage a draw at the very end, when Freo was on a roll. Needless to say it was a late night and we had a sleep in yesterday until 6am. Morse was very happy with a run at Daylesford Cemetery, followed by a bath, a bone and lots of lying around in the sun. 

Wes headed off late morning to the Docklands to see Carlton host the Gold Coast Suns at a lunchtime timeslot, which was very manageable. He caught the train to Southern Cross station and arrived in plenty of time to get a pie & sauce! Carlton had a good win, and he thoroughly enjoyed his outing, especially when he arrived back here to find a home-cooked fruit cake.