Daylesford Summer Dispatch - Sunday, 18th January 2026

 
Snoopy has a very limited imagination at times 🤣

It was good to wake to another cool morning last Sunday, although there was a smoke haze when we walked Morse at the cemetery, where he spotted two of the five bunnies we saw. I tried to take a photo of the sky, but my phone camera compensated for the haze and corrected it!

Wes got a better shot

Wes discovered that our old friend and neighbour, Caroline Storm (aka Caroline Cameron), had died last year. We had lost touch a few years ago when she moved back to Melbourne from #75 Duke Street, and had searched in vain to find her again. She suffered dementia towards the end of her life, and probably died in care somewhere. She was a lovely, interesting & intelligent woman, and we did enjoy her company on many occasions.

Just as we were thinking about Caroline, I read that another old Daylesford friend, Carol Bruce, had died on Saturday. Carol, Dot, Valerie & I played Mah Jong together for 15 years before Carol moved to Ballarat to be closer to her daughter, Sue, and grand-daughter, Alexandra. We had continued our friendship online and have many happy memories of times together, especially when we were able to introduce Carol to Julia Gillard, one cold night in Trentham before Julia became Prime Minister. 

Carol loved this photo of her that I took at Café 3460 one lunchtime

On Monday, we had planned a trip to Ballarat to see "The Choral", starring Ralph Fiennes, Roger Allam & Alun Armstrong among others. I did the supermarket shopping early, and we headed off for toasties & hot drinks at Wen & Ware café before the film. I really enjoyed it, but Wes didn't and was very critical of the direction. When we left Ballarat, there was smoke haze everywhere, which only intensified as we got closer to home & the Harcourt fires. I retreated to the bedroom and the air purifier, which helped my breathing, as I was quite asthmatic.

We woke on Tuesday to cleaner air, and were able to walk Morse at the cemetery. I had no commitments for a change, as Leanne wasn't able to Zoom with me, so enjoyed a leisurely read of The Age before heading into town to check the PO Box and do some chores. Wes spent the morning in the front garden - clipping, tidying and watering.

More roses - Guy Savoy, 4th July, Hot Cocoa, Perfumed Passion, Freesia, Julia etc

On Wednesday, Wes was determined to do the floors, which had taken second place to Test cricket this year, and I was invited to leave home for a couple of hours. Firstly I filled the car with petrol, checked the tyres and topped up the water; then I had a blood test at Springs Medical, and finally I went for a long walk around The Mill Markets, which I hadn't visited for quite some time. I was on the lookout for second-hand books that we might enjoy, but had no luck, and ended up back in Vincent Street, where I found three at Paradise Books. By then the floors were dry and I came back home to a sparkling clean house.

The next morning, it was great to catch up with Terry Borg on Zoom - we hadn't chatted since before Christmas, and there was a lot to share. Then it was time for Old Friends, and we were all thrilled to have Kathy joining us again, full of stories from their month in Mexico. 

We had decided to have lunch at Tuki Restaurant & Retreat, a wonderful place that we have neglected in the past few years, to say thank you to Rob & Jan, who are taking stepping back and leaving Tuki in the capable hands of their son, Alastair, & his wife, Georgia. 

Sadly, we were very disappointed when we arrived. We have taken so many friends to this place; had fun fishing for trout in the pools; sat down to wonderful set menus, and watched Rob expertly fillet trout, as Jan, just as expertly, looked after us all. Instead we were the only ones having lunch and were waited on by two young waitresses. The menu has changed drastically and we were shocked to be paying $46 for a fillet of trout, and $18-$30 for a glass of wine. So we had our meals, which were yummy thank God, and said goodbye to the Tuki we had known & loved for so long.

Our view over Stoney Rises, which remains an incredible one, this time with the addition of some ponies instead of the usual dogs

Fiona Groundwater had delivered a tuna casserole to us, as she was feeling so sad that we were mourning a few friends. We were very grateful, but couldn't eat it that night and saved it for Friday night's dinner, instead of our usual fortnightly fish & chips. 

Meanwhile, Wes started back in earnest with Zooms & phone calls this week - 2 chats with Barbara; a catch up with old friend, Carole Hardwick; a call with his sister, Denise, and time with another old friend, Wendy Owen. On Friday, I caught up with Leanne's news, before a WhatsApp call with Jan Pengilley, where we debriefed on Christmas & she explained Costco to me, among other topics!

Yesterday, after the walk, Wes washed Morse, which is always fun, and we enjoyed a quiet day together. The wind had died down and I was able to cut another vase of roses, which are so prolific so far this year. Even our standard Glorious, which suffered in the storms towards the end of 2025, has recovered and is blooming again.

Last night the Melbourne Stars fell in a heap in Perth against the Scorchers and look as though they will have to travel to Hobart to play an Elimination Final against the Hurricanes. We're very disappointed as they started BBL15 very strongly and were on top of the ladder for quite a few weeks. 

Daylesford Summer Dispatch - Sunday, 11th January 2026

It surely is!

We started our week with a very early trip to the Daylesford Market, so we could be home, unpacked and ready to watch Day 1 of the 5th Ashes Test from the SCG. The Poms won the toss and batted very well, with Root making his first century on that ground, and Brook hitting 84. 

I was still struggling with asthma the next morning, but did the supermarket shopping early, as well as a podiatry appointment and some chores before the early start of Day 2. After we dismissed the Poms, we batted very well with Head & Smith both making centuries.

Tuesday was another busy early morning - my first chat with Jeff for 2026, followed by a catch up with Leanne, and a midday appointment with my GP, Dr Ellie, who is leaving Springs Medical as the travel time is too much now that her elder daughter, Billie, is starting school. I am very grateful to Ellie for all her help, and we both agreed that Dr James, who is Wes's GP, would be a good fit for the future. 

In the cricket, we were eventually all out for 567, a lead of 183, which the Poms set about chasing with enthusiasm on Day 3, and which saw Jacob Bethell make his maiden Test century in front of his delighted family, who rode every ball with him. At 22, Jacob looks like the future, and he played with a wonderful maturity. By stumps on Wednesday, they were 8/302, giving them a lead of 119 runs.

Before the cricket on Wednesday, I had visited Juls early to have my first manicure for the year. As I was leaving, she said she had a small gift for me in return for all the gifts I had given her over the years.

Not so small and full of yummy treats!

Meanwhile, most of Australia was sweltering in high 30s/low 40s heat, and we were very grateful for our air-conditioning, which kept us cool as we sat engrossed in this 5th Ashes Test. 

On Thursday I caught up with Old Friends, Karen & Joyce, and we exchanged Christmas stories before chatting about the cricket and wondering what this last day would bring. Wes & I had arranged brunch at The Convent with Bob White and his Mexican friend, Angel Aldapeg, so we headed off there and were delighted to find ourselves in The Parlour, which was cooler than Bad Habits Café. We spent a very happy 90 minutes together, discussing a wide range of topics before heading back home to watch the Test on delay. ,

Bob, Angel, Wes & Karen with thanks to Beck Walker who always obliges by taking lovely photos

Wes & I were thrilled when Australia finally hit the winning runs, after losing 5 wickets and looking shaky in the final hour of play. Mitch Starc was a worthy Player of the Series, and it was a Test to remember for Usman Khwaja, playing his 88th & final one.

Wes has had a quiet week for Zooms, as, apart from chatting with Barbara in NZ, his other ones were either cancelled or forgotten. We have installed a strong fan in the downstairs study, which makes working there more pleasant in the temperatures we have been experiencing this week, but nothing beats the air-conditioning upstairs in the lounge & our bedroom. 

The worst day was Friday, so we stayed put after walking Morse early and then pumping mineral water at Leitches Creek. I chatted with Leanne, who was staying cool, and not too concerned about her cat, Smokey, who seemed to be drinking water and sleeping happily. I ducked out early to get some spuds to make a potato salad to go with our fish & steak for dinner, and was very pleased to come back home. 

Wes & I have spotted quite a few bunnies at the cemetery this week - as many as 10 on one day. We think Morse sees one or two and heads off for a run in the direction he thinks they have taken, which isn't always right! We continue to pick up rubbish on our walks and try to leave the cemetery cleaner than when we arrived.

Morse still looking for those elusive bunnies

Although Daylesford had some smoke haze, we fortunately remained free from fires, and it was a big relief to wake up yesterday to cooler temperatures. Wes spent the morning reclaiming our garden, which had suffered in the strong winds, and everywhere is looking much better now. I even managed to pick a vase full of roses that had been sheltered from the weather.

Far too many different blooms to name them all!

We had bought tickets last month to the Ballarat Organs & Fine Music Festival, previously known as Organs of the Goldfields, which we had attended when we first arrived here. We were attracted by the performance entitled The Singing Pipes - Music of Handel, Bach, Haydn & Beyond, which was at St John's Anglican Church in Creswick yesterday. 

However, early in the week, we received a phone call to say that the performance was oversubscribed and we were invited to choose another item from the programme, which we were unable to do, as most were at night, and in Ballarat. So we missed out, but will keep an eye out for next year's schedule and book earlier. In some ways it was a blessing as there were trees and debris on the roads in & around Daylesford, and it wasn't an ideal day to be travelling.

That afternoon, Wes collected old Daylesford friend, David Hall, from his home about 5 minutes away and spent a couple of hours with him in our study, showing him how to get the best out of Ancestry.com and introducing him to WhatsApp, so he could contact his family & friends more easily. David is 93 and his mind is still as active and full of ideas as it has been since we first met him in 2000.

Daylesford New Year Dispatch - Sunday, 4th January 2026

I think we mollydookers are allowed to do that these days!

While Wes was busy walking Morse and feeding him & the birds last Sunday, I was enjoying a delightful breakfast with friends - Karen & Malcolm Stevenson & Jane & David Knox joined me in The Windsor Dining Room for a long, leisurely catch up. It was ages since I had seen any of the four, and we had heaps to talk about while we enjoyed our meals & hot drinks. Danny Millman should have joined us, but he wasn't feeling well and very sensibly decided he wouldn't come. 

Jane & David above, Karen & Malcolm below

After everyone left, I headed into Little Bourke Street and visited every Asian Supermarket looking for my Jasmine tea, but to no avail. I had decided to go to The Kino to see the French film, "My Brother's Band", and Jane & David joined me there. We all enjoyed it very much and debriefed over drinks afterwards. 

Back at The Windsor, I had a rest, watched minis of the past two Tests and ordered an early dinner, as I was quite tired after all my lovely socialising. Jane & David had offered to drive me to Daylesford the next morning, so they could see Wes, and we were very grateful for their offer. 

I woke on Monday morning to discover the Melbourne Stars had won their 4th game in a row this season at Manuka vs the Sydney Thunder. My sister, Paun, and her husband, Brian, who live in Canberra, were at the game. Like many of us, Paun is a big fan of Glenn Maxwell, and would have enjoyed seeing him take a great catch and score 39 from 20 balls. 

My current favourite Windsor breakfast - chilled coconut & quinoa porridge with fresh fruit - had it three times & different fruit each day - yum!

After breakfast, where the maître d' recognised me from past visits - she had been on leave after working on Christmas day & assured me she needed all three days to recover, I went back & packed ready for my trip home. We three had a lovely drive to Daylesford, where Jane & David spent a couple of hours catching up with Wes and meeting Morse, who was thrilled to see me home again.

Predictably, I crashed at 5pm after preparing Morse's dinner and had a smoked salmon sandwich in bed with a glass of Wangolina Sauvignon Blanc. At least I had unpacked completely and everything was washed, dried and put away before I hit bed. 

The next morning, it was already hot, but I did enjoy joining Wes & Morse on their walk at the cemetery. He & I spotted at least 3 bunnies, and Morse chased one of them. We came home - me to feed Morse & the birds before Zooming with Leanne; and Wes to catch up on the news before spending the morning in the front garden - snipping, weeding & watering. 

Morse in search of those elusive bunnies

By Wednesday morning the temperature had plummeted to 8℃, felt like 1℃, with a very strong wind. We only did 2 circuits of the cemetery as we were being blown away. We then spent an hour or so talking about our coming year and making plans to catch up with friends, go to films & events, and see how we pull up after our visit to Adelaide in April before booking any other holidays. Whatever else we do, we won't be having another Dog Holiday, as the dog didn't enjoy the strange surroundings, bedding, dinner bowl etc etc when we took him to Barwon Heads last May. 

Wes went into Vincent Street to pick up our Coffin Bay oysters & hapuka for New Year's Eve Dunch, only to discover that there was no hapuka and we were given deep sea trevalla (aka Antarctic butterfish) pieces instead. The fish shop was in its usual chaos, but we were very happy with what we were received. 

NYE roses - Ashram, Tangles, 4th July, Spicy Perfume, Gold Bunny

Pan-fried, oven baked trevalla on a bed of peas & chives

Later that afternoon, I could feel a head cold coming on, and went to bed in the hope of heading it off. That wasn't successful, so I started medications the next morning, and spent New Year's Day in bed. Wes had a couple of Zooms - one with Barbara in NZ, and the other with Wendy in Clifton Springs. As well, he had a couple of drinks in the Daylesford Hotel with one of his nephews, Leon, who was in Daylesford visiting his mother, and wanted to catch up before he drove back to Melbourne. 

After being looked after totally the day before, I felt well enough on Friday to get up and do a few chores that were due, including changing the sheets and towels, and taking down the Christmas decorations. I do like to leave them up until 6th January, but our tree was looking exhausted, having lasted over 4 weeks and been an absolute delight. Meanwhile, Wes & Morse drove to Rob & Dene's place in Ballan to check everything was OK, and give everywhere a good hose. Fortunately Rob & Dene arrive back home before the 40℃ temperature we are expecting on Wednesday!

Alfie & his shy son getting stuck into the cashews daily!

We were very sad to learn that our dear friend, Brother Doug Walsh had died on New Year's Day aged 88, after 70 years as a Marist brother. We had exchanged Christmas emails with him last month, and he was hoping to get his annual letter out, but spent the last two weeks of his life catching up with family & friends in his hospice bed, where prostate cancer finally won the battle. 

We first met Doug at Brunswick Rotary in the 80s, and were in awe of his kindness and compassion for his fellow man. His biggest project was Bagong Barrio in the Philippines, where whole families were living in rubbish dumps. Brunswick Rotary took on the challenge and Wes went with Doug and other Rotarians to see what they could do to help. Many years later, when we were members of Daylesford Rotary, Doug asked again for help, and Wes, with our good friend, Glenda Rozen, answered the call and flew over to help. The project is now finally self-managed and those families and their children all lead better lives because of Doug. 

He was also a big believer in St Vincent de Paul's soup kitchens and worked in them until he could no longer do so. He taught for many years in Traralgon and Kilmore, where he was a popular teacher. He was also a passionate Collingwood supporter and told me he had attended every Melbourne game we played in 2025, and had been in touch with the MCG to find out if he could attend this year in his wheelchair. 

RIP Doug Walsh

Yesterday morning I felt well enough to rejoin Wes & Morse on their early walk in the cemetery. We spotted 5 bunnies, but Morse's only sighting was a cyclist on the other side of the road, who he chased along the fence line until the cyclist had vanished.

The rest of the day was peaceful - Wes did some gardening & mowing in the back yard, while I washed dog bedding, read Saturday's Age newspaper, and prepared for today's start of the 5th and final Ashes Test at the SCG. 

Neither of us knew anything about Wolf Moon until our neighbour, Glen, sent this wonderful photo taken in Daylesford yesterday. We did see the moon ourselves early this morning before walking Morse, and it is quite special.

Melbourne Ashes Dispatch - Sunday, 28th December 2025

Sadly I didn't see this wonderful cartoon until after Christmas!

We were glued to our seats last Sunday as the Poms fought bravely to try to win the 3rd Test in Adelaide. Once Jamie Smith went, it was only a matter of time, and courtesy of some stunning catches by Marnus Labuschagne, the Aussies prevailed mid-afternoon. Phew!

That evening, like many Australians, we lit a candle in our window at 6.47 and spent about 5 minutes reflecting on the Bondi massacre of the previous Sunday. 

On Monday, after I did the supermarket shopping, we headed over to Ballarat as Wes had received 2 x $7 tickets & we thought we should use them. The film we saw was called The History of Sound. We knew nothing about it, and found it quite compelling to start with, before it lost its way and included about 40 unnecessary minutes dotting each i, and crossing each t, and ruining what had gone before. 

I had a busy morning on Tuesday with an early Messenger chat with Jeff in Lincolnshire; followed by a Zoom with Leanne, and finally a WhatsApp call with Jan in Maleny. It pays to be versatile these days - not every platform works for everyone! Wes & I visited Blake's Family Grocers to buy goodies for our Christmas Eve dunch (a meal starting at 3.30pm), as well as Christmas lunch items, which we took to Leanne.

These hay bales suddenly appear all over Daylesford & surrounds & this was our view one morning from the cemetery

Generous & unexpected box of fresh fruit from our neighbours at #77 to say thank you for putting out their bins each week

We woke to a cool morning on Wednesday, and enjoyed our walk at Daylesford cemetery, where at least 3 bunnies presented themselves for a game of chasey. Back home, Wes gave Morse a bath; I changed the sheets & towels; made the brandy butter, and started packing. Wes went to our local fish shop to collect oysters & prawns for Christmas and we may or may not have gotten our order, as Peter and his family are traditionally disorganised when it comes to handing out pre-ordered seafood.

We enjoyed a lovely Christmas Eve mid-afternoon meal, especially looking out over our garden, Lake Daylesford & the Wombat forest. We still feel very lucky to be living here, with good neighbours, lots of friends, and an excellent medical centre.

Christmas Eve dunch - oysters, prawns, Charles Melton rosé

On Christmas Day, we took Morse for a long walk at Daylesford Cemetery, where we saw 4 bunnies and he chased 2 of them and headed in the wrong direction for the other two. We came home, fed the furry & feathered friends, and drove back to Cliffy's for the Annual Christmas morning CFA fund-raiser. We managed to get a table and invited a single young woman, Kathy, from Ballan, to join us with her dog, before Gillie & Irene came along & we were able to include them and do some catching up over hot drinks. This year the raffle raised over $37,000 which goes to all the local Country Fire Authorities. 

We headed off to visit Leanne and arrived around 11.30am to find a beautifully decorated table and much excitement happening. Wes had put together a USB of photos of past Christmases, so we sat enjoying that before exchanging pet presents - dried bones for Morse, and a cat scratcher for Smokey. Lunch was lovely - non-alcoholic prosecco, smoked trout & ham slices, a huge bowl of salad, various dips and cheese. Afterwards, we tucked into plum pudding with brandy butter.

Wes dropped me off at The Windsor Hotel afterwards, where I was very pleased to be greeted warmly and given a lovely room on the 1st floor. He had a long trip home, and was breathalysed in Woodend, so very glad we had non-alcoholic prosecco! 

The next morning, while Wes was busy walking Morse and feeding him & the birds, I had an early breakfast in the Windsor dining room, before heading to the MCG with no idea of the carnage I would witness. 20 wickets in one day hadn't happened at the G for 75 years, and the record crowd of 94,199 was amazed as first Australia fell for 152 runs, followed by the Poms, who made 110 runs. In a magnificent gesture, Scott Boland faced all 6 balls in the one over we negotiated in our second innings, even scoring a 4 from the last ball. 

Turkish eggs for breakfast above & waiting for the pre-match ceremonies to begin. Excellent Welcome to Country followed by stunning renditions of the National Anthems

When I came back to my lovely room, I was too tired to go anywhere, so ordered fish & chips and had a glass of Tempranillo to celebrate the day. And slept very well after watching the Melbourne Stars win their 3rd game straight in the BBL.

Yesterday morning, after another good sleep, I was up early to get organised for Day 2, and have breakfast with David Lazzaro, who was going to the cricket with his best mate, Matt, who had flown over from Tassie. Sadly, Matt was not well enough to travel, but had given his seat to another mutual friend. David & I walked to the ground together having no idea of what to expect.

Lovely photo of David with his bacon, eggs & proper Gentlemen's relish!

As I reached my seat in the 50-year member bay, I spotted my friend from Traralgon, Brendan Wilkinson, and we had a great catch up before the game started. He was sitting a couple of bays away, but was able to join me in the afternoon when the seat next to me was vacated. 

The Poms bowled very well and we batted poorly to be all out 132, giving England a total of 175 to reach in their second innings. They did that with some sparkling batting for the loss of 6 wickets and fully deserved their win, their first in Australia for nearly 15 years. 

Daylesford Summer Dispatch - Sunday, 21st December 2025

 
Poor Snoopy

Last Sunday, after the Daylesford Market, Wes washed Snoopy & transferred all his belongings into our hire car. Morse was quite confused about having two cars again, but by Monday, we were back to one and he was fine. I then delivered our Christmas gift to The Convent, just before they opened for business, making my way through the queue & the Closed sign. It's hard to buy for them as they have so much on sale in their lovely shop, but I found an unusual box of English toffee and fudge at Blake's, which appealed to me. 

Meanwhile Wes got into the back garden in a serious way - mowing, trimming, weeding, and moving another old wheelbarrow so I could plant marigolds & nasturtiums in it. Morse comes outside to help, but once the mower starts, he races back to the comfort of his bed, out of the noise.

We have two pots of these very pretty daisy bushes from Spring Park Nursery

On Monday, we decided that School would be teaching me to drive the Toyota - it differed from Snoopy in quite a few ways - no cruise control, no automatic lock, no back windscreen wiper, but it does have a camera to help with reversing. I drove it for about 10 minutes and felt comfortable, which was great, as I had to go out to the PO to collect a parcel, and then to Sarah for my last massage of the year. It's easy to buy a gift for Sarah, she is always appreciative and I usually find something from EKO that suits her. 

It was wonderful on Tuesday to have an early chat on Messenger with my aunt, Jeff, in Torksey Lock, Lincolnshire. It's been three months since she broke her hip, and much of that time has been spent in hospitals. She was looking and sounding good, and I was very sorry to hear all that has happened since her fall.

Then I chatted with Leanne, who, like all of us, has been horrified at the Bondi Beach massacre last Sunday. The antisemitism that has arisen over the past few years has been frightening. We hope that the political parties can work together to further tighten gun laws and bring about another gun amnesty like that John Howard instigated after Port Arthur in 1996.

On a brighter note, my sister, Paun, let me know that her youngest son, Rohan, had become engaged to his partner, Christina, over the weekend. Last month her middle son, Warwick, married his partner, Ali, at their home near Margaret River in WA.

A very happy occasion for Ali & Warwick. His two brothers, Liam & Rohan are on his right after the best man

The 3rd Ashes Test started on Wednesday - both Wes & I had a few chores before it started, but we spent much of the day watching both teams play well in spite of the heat, especially Carey with his maiden Ashes century. I had my final hair appointment for 2025 - Kirsty even had a small gift for me to exchange, which was lovely. 

It was so hot here & in Adelaide on Thursday that we were pleased to be able to watch the Day 2 in air-conditioning. We would have sweltered at the Oval, which is why we don't do the day Tests there. Australia was finally all out for 371, and the Poms put on a spirited show, led by Ben Stokes, who was finally out on Day 3 for 83, aided by Jofre Archer who made 51. During the tea break, we were able to collect Snoopy, who looks brand new and was sparkling clean to boot. 

One thing I have been able to resume this week is early morning walks with Wes & Morse, and after Friday's walk, we headed straight to Ballarat to return our hire car. I had to postpone two Zooms, but Leanne & Jan were most understanding. We felt as though we had already lived a day by the time we got back! Wes watered, and I did chores in town, and we were ready when the cricket restarted at 10.30am.

Post dawn skies at Daylesford Cemetery

Once again, the Aussies dominated with a wonderful batting display, lead by Travis Head who was 142 not out at stumps, with Alex Carey looking good on 52. The Poms looked exhausted after their 3rd day in the heat and were bowling in short spells to conserve their energy.

Yesterday we finally had a cooler morning, and after the walk, and my delayed Zoom with Leanne, we headed to Larder for breakfast and a chat. Wes had their chili scrambled eggs and said it was as good as any he had tasted. My eggs royale was also yummy, and as the staff were smiling & helpful, I think we'll be going back there again. 

By lunch the Poms were 1/5 chasing a total of 434, and at stumps they were 6/207, with very little chance of getting the remaining 228 runs they need to win. At least this game has gone into the 5th day and we'll be pleased to watch the end this morning. 

Daylesford Summer Dispatch - Sunday, 14th December 2025

 

We had a very busy Sunday - Morse had an early walk with 4 bunnies to chase at Daylesford Cemetery; followed by a trip to Daylesford Market, and then we got on the road to Strathmore, arriving at Leanne's place at 9.30am. She was pleased to see us and we shared scrolls & croissants for brunch. We went for a stroll around her garden, which is looking very healthy, did some computer work & I taught her how to use WhatsApp for video calls. 

That afternoon we were once more glued to the TV watching Ben Stokes resist our bowlers valiantly for a whole session. Once he went out, the rest of the Poms followed, and we had a small total of 65 to make. We lost two wickets on the way, and it was fitting that Steve Smith, who has captained well in the absence of Pat Cummins, hit a 6 to win the match. 

Morse enjoying the cricket!

On Monday, we were overdue to do a thorough clean of our decking, which Wes did. He washed all the windows as well and watered plants that were looking thirsty, while dodging all the birds looking for more to eat. I did a proper clean of the kitchen while he was outside, and we were both very pleased with the results. 

We were shocked to hear that an old Daylesford friend, Chris Dobson, who recently turned 80, had suffered a stroke and was in the Ballarat Base hospital. She had been in intensive care, but has now moved to the Queen Elizabeth Centre for rehab.

I was pleased to be able to deliver Christmas gifts a little earlier than usual, and started on Tuesday by delighting our young Garbo with a tin of chocolates for them all to share. It's a thankless task and they work in all weathers, and they need to know how much we appreciate them. Then I was off to see Juls for my last manicure of the year - she appreciates quality extra virgin olive oil and vinegar, and this year was no exception. While I was with her, Wes did wonders in the front garden!

A glorious vase of roses found in our backyard including Spicy Perfume, Munster Wood, Perfumed Passion, Donald Bradman, Guy Savoy and Ashram

On Wednesday, it was the last Mah Jong for 2025, so I gave Hien and the crew at Muffins & More some chocolates to share. She was thrilled, but I'm not sure how much sharing will go on, as she & her husband left that afternoon for a fortnight in Vietnam. I also popped in some chocolates for Luke & Steve in our Post Office, and in return, Luke gave me a beautiful 2026 Calendar with photos of memorable post offices, including ours. 

After finishing up Mah Jong with Judi, I went across the road to Emma for a wonderful facial that will keep me going until I see her again in March. I found a blend of spices in Gewurzhaus that goes well with eggs, which I thought she would enjoy using while her family is on holidays. 

We had a busy Thursday - Wes walked Morse early, but wasn't able to join the Jackson Group Zoom, as we were meeting Wendy & her husband, Roberto, in Castlemaine for brunch at Saff's. I had a WhatsApp chat with Terry Borg, and her daughter, Laura; followed by Old Friends with Karen & Joyce. Then it was time to drive to Castlemaine. Roberto has been diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer, and is having all the treatments - he is very fortunate that he is eating & sleeping well, and his fitness is helping him cope with all he is going through. 

Roberto & Wendy tucking into brunch

We were all thrilled to be hosting Rob, Dene & Glen on our decking for our Christmas get-together this year, which was held on Friday. It was so lovely to catch up with all three of them, and Morse was delighted, running from one to the other in his excitement. Wes had bought some excellent goodies from Blake's Family Grocers, and Glen provided a box of Walter's mince pies, made freshly by Natasha Hall. We had the traditional bottle of Cofield Sparkling Shiraz while we exchanged gifts. 

Morse with Rob

Yesterday morning, after the early walk, Wes & I drove to Avis in Ballarat to collect a car for the coming week while Snoopy is in hospital after an argument with a small retaining wall. We have a Toyota, which is a relief, as all the controls will be on the same side as the Mazda, but it doesn't have cruise control or too many other extras. We were tired after our busy week, and very happy to spend the rest of the day quietly at home reading Saturday's Age newspaper and doing the odd chore. 

Daylesford Summer Dispatch - 7th December 2025

 
Typical Snoopy!

Even though it was 30th November last Sunday, I decided to bring out the Christmas decorations a day early, as it was raining and we were having a quiet day at home. I put the wreath on the front door, hung the bells over the decking, and placed the various decorations we still have in their allotted spots. Most of them are gifts from Viva, and it is lovely to think of her as I unpack them from the chest at the bottom of our bed.

Christmas in Strathmore 2003 - Karen, Wes, Leanne & Viva 

Mondays are always busy - Wes & Morse managed to walk before the rain came down; I did the weekly shopping at Coles, where most items are now in their forever homes, and we failed to resolve our School discussion, which was changing from NBN to Fibre to the premises. When we tried to make the change, there was nothing on offer in spite of an email alerting us to the possibility. We'll have to make a phone call instead. 

Wes had hoped to get out in the garden to weed while I was out doing chores - buying stuff from Tonna's; returning a full tin of Jasmine tea to The Convent; donating glassware to The Salvos, collecting prescriptions & checking our PO Box. We don't have a letterbox, so all our mail goes to our PO Box, unless something is addressed to the street number, in which case we may or may not receive it! He was unsuccessful as it kept showering on & off, and it wasn't worth the risk of getting soaked. However, he was busy chatting - Barbara in NZ, Danny in Brisbane, and Paul in the Cotswolds made for a very social day. 

Roses to celebrate the first day of Summer

On Tuesday, after my Zoom with Leanne, we prepared the lounge for the arrival of a Christmas tree, and Wes headed off to select it. He came home with the perfect tree, and I had great fun decorating it. We usually come close to divorcing over these trees, but it sat perfectly in its bucket, and we were amazed. A first in our lives together!

Before & after - very happy indeed!

We had been very sad to read of the death of Bev Dale, wife of Brunswick Rotarian, Kev. We had a lot to do with both of them, and the most memorable was a trip to Hong Kong in 1997 with them & the Tyrrells. They were fun to be with, and Kev will be very lost without his soulmate. The funeral was held at Fawkner on Tuesday afternoon, and Wes was able to postpone an appointment with his GP to attend.

Kev & Bev on a Hong Kong boat trip organised by Bill Friend

We woke on Wednesday to a cool morning ushering in a very warm day. I delivered newspapers to Spring Park Nursery, went for a walk along Vincent Street, and returned home to try to book AFL Gather Round tickets for next year. Wes vacuumed & washed floors around me, while Judi waited to hear whether I would make Mah Jong or not. I was successful in getting a Multi-pass to all four games at the Adelaide Oval, and we are thrilled. We booked our accommodation with Rosie back in September, and now we have tickets! I eventually got to Muffins & More around 11.20am in time to have a pot of tea & share news with Judi before her friend, Mirella, arrived to have lunch with her. 

We decided to visit Blake's, our specialty grocer, after I had finished my Zooms on Thursday. First was with Terry Borg in Hawthorn, and we enjoyed a great chat - her daughter, Laura, was arriving home the next day, and there was a lot to be done, culminating in a big Christmas party on Sunday for the family. Then the Old Friends wished Kathy well for their trip to Mexico, before chatting about our own Christmas plans.

Our dogwoods are looking even more spectacular in December

At Blake's, we found all the items we needed for Christmas lunch with Leanne, and resolved to go back there a few days before the 25th to buy all the goodies we had spotted. Wes suggested we go for a walk around Lake Daylesford, something we haven't done together in quite some time. It was a lovely walk, especially when we met old friend, Maureen Dean, who has moved back to Daylesford after a trial retirement in Kilmore. At the end of our walk, we stopped at Walter's cafe, run by Natasha Hall, daughter of another Daylesford friend, David, and enjoyed hot drinks & home-made mince pies. She was thrilled to see us and we exchanged news until business got too busy!

That afternoon we sat down in the air-conditioned lounge to watch Day 1 of the 2nd Test. Mitch Starc removed two batsmen very quickly, and at one stage, the Poms were looking in strife with 4 wickets down, but they rallied, mostly through Joe Root, who was unbeaten on 135 at stumps, to be 9/325.

Next morning, Wes washed Morse, before heading out to the garden to trim, weed & mow. I bought some punnets of pleasure to replace some ailing pots, and Morse walked around disconsolately for a couple of hours, as most of his bedding was in the wash. 

I woke yesterday morning to discover we were 6/378, 44 runs ahead of the Poms, with every batsman making a contribution. It was showery weather here, which wasn't ideal for the 74th Daylesford Highland Gathering. We braved the rain and watched the Parade of Bands in Vincent Street, meeting a new resident, Margaret, while we were there. She had come down from the Sunshine Coast about 12 months ago, and was now throwing herself into everything Daylesford has to offer - the festivals, U3A, the walking & writing groups, Aperitifs - making friends along the way. Before the Bands marched, we were treated to a parade of West Highland Terriers who were piped up & down Vincent Street, some wearing kilts, and all well-behaved.

Some bands wore raincoats & some didn't

We were glued to the cricket again in the afternoon. What an innings by Mitchell Starc, who top-scored for Australia with 77, helped by Scott Boland on 21 - all out 511. When we woke this morning we discovered the Poms were 6/134, still 43 runs behind us. The match will be over today unless Ben Stokes can produce a miraculous innings.