Daylesford Spring Dispatch - Sunday, 14th September 2025

Last Sunday was Fathers' Day in Australia - not sure about the rest of the country, but it bucketed down rain in our little bit of Paradise and we three were quite happy to do nothing much, although Morse took some time to forgive Wes for going to the Daylesford Market without him, especially as Morse had given him a bottle of his favourite whisky, Edradour, which comes from a tiny distillery outside of Pitlochry. I spent the day in bed recovering from our visit to Leanne, but there was plenty to read, puzzles to do & footy on TV to watch. 

I woke on Monday feeling much better for the rest, did the supermarket shopping & some chores, and finally settled down with Wes for School, to plan our trip to Adelaide for the 2026 AFL Gather Round. We've booked Athelney Cottage again with Rosie, as she promised us first refusal - we love the location, and the comfort of her property, and have decided to stop at The Cumberland in Lorne for a beach holiday on the way home. Morse is booked into Eureka Kennels in Ballarat, and we're excited to have this break together coming up just after Easter next year.

Here are some photos from the St Bernard's Old Boys reunion at the Royal Hotel in Essendon on 5th September

On Tuesday morning, I had an early chat with my aunt, Jeff, in Lincolnshire, before Zooming with Leanne. In between, we were visited by 3 beautiful King Parrots, including one who seemed very tame & was happy to be fed by me. I suspect Ollie the magpie was quite jealous, as he had been first on the scene when I produced breakfast for the 50 or so birds who regularly arrive in our backyard from 6am onwards.

I was pleased to see my GP, Dr Ellie later that morning. She has put me on a stronger asthma preventative puffer that requires a degree to put together; upped my Restavit dosage, & agreed to look at a second opinion in November if these moves haven't done the trick. 

Karen feeding the King Parrot

I did pay for my betrayal - Ollie was waiting for me at 6.20am on Wednesday morning, and later when I was eating breakfast, he appeared on the decking asking for more. I duly obliged and am now back in the good books 🤣. Judi & I played Mah Jong, while Wes vacuumed & washed the floors and we enjoyed a good morning, playing some different hands with honours even.

On Thursday morning it was too wet to walk, but I had two delightful Zooms - the first with Terry Borg, where we enjoyed some laughs; and the second with Kathy & Joyce, where we reminisced as it was 53 years to the day since Kathy & I met, and a little less than that since Joyce & I first encountered each other at the Department of Labour in the Gas & Fuel buildings in Flinders Street. We were sorry not to have Lib or Karen S join us - the latter had forgotten and was very disappointed when I texted to see if she was OK.

By Friday morning, I was showing signs of another bout of bronchial asthma & I've been in bed ever since, with little or no voice, hoping that rest and medications will do the trick. Once again there has been plenty of footy to watch - both our AFLW teams had good wins - in fact the Pies beat the previously unbeaten Swans in what is probably the best game we have played in years, if not ever! 

In the men's footy, Hawthorn were too good for Adelaide in their semi-final over there, and Brisbane put paid to the Gold Coast's ambitions last night up at the Gabba. Meanwhile, Daylesford played Skipton in their second consecutive Grand Final, but were unable to beat the team that had finished top of the ladder, however the Daylesford netballers won their second consecutive Premiership, much to everyone's delight. 

Finally, I keep forgetting to mention how thrilled we all are that Trentham, 20 minutes away, has been crowned Australia's Best Tiny Town. This is testament to all the wonderful people who have moved there & made it a welcoming & interesting destination. Our friend, Bob White, and his late partner, Kirk played no small part in the rejuvenation, and chef, Annie Smithers, can take credit for moving there & helping put Trentham on the map. 

Our friendly large kangaroo enjoying the bounty in the backyard of the house in front of us - he pops up most afternoons

Daylesford Spring Dispatch - Sunday, 7th September 2025

 

Lucky Snoopy!

We started our week with a fun visit to the Daylesford Market just as the rain started again. Wes & Morse had enjoyed a good walk at the Cemetery as there were 3 bunnies waiting for Morse, which meant lots of games of chasey. We then pumped water at Leitches Creek, before coming home to tea & toast. Wes had offered me breakfast out, which would have been lovely, but I was fighting off bronchial asthma, and preferred to stay at home.

Morse finding himself in the armchair & reluctant to leave it!

We had discussed getting Brit Box, because quite a few of the British shows I enjoy on Foxtel are now only available on it. And Sunday was D day - I started with my Wishlist and there are so many wonderful shows on it, that I am right for all those hours I spend in bed. The very first programme I watched was Series 2 of Professor T, which is getting better & better. I suspect my next port of call will be the wonderful Adam Dalgleish series starring Martin Shaw. I think the author, PD James, had died by the time he was cast in the role, but she would have loved him, in the same way Ann Cleeves loves Brenda Blethyn for her portrayal of Vera. 

We had light rain on Monday morning, but Wes & Morse were able to have a good time at Daylesford Cemetery, and I put out all the bins before heading to Coles to do the weekly supermarket shop. Wes had mentioned that he wished we had some fruit cake, so I did my easy boiled recipe, and when he came in from working outside, he was delighted to be greeted by Railway Tea & warm fruit cake. That saw me out for the day, but I was pleased to have achieved that much.

Meanwhile Wes had a busy day of Zooms - he started with his friend, Barbara Simpson, in New Zealand; followed up with his Godson, Danny Wells, in Brisbane, and finished with our UK friend, Paul Jackson, in Oxfordshire. We try very hard not to overlap our chat times, and it only happens once a fortnight, when the Jackson Group & my Old Friends coincide.

Ollie inspecting the food offerings on Monday morning!

Once again on Tuesday, Wes & Morse were able to have a good walk early - can't wait until I am well enough to join them again! Meanwhile, I Zoomed with my sister, Leanne, who was in good spirits, and then our friend, Jan Pengilley, in Maleny, where life is very different. Our Zoom finished when she had to chase a bush turkey away from her chook. Jan was in long sleeves as the temperature was only 14℃, and so was I as the temperature was 3℃ here in Daylesford. 

Wes then drove me to the Post Office to collect a book by one of my favourite authors, Andrea Camilleri, who created the delightful Italian Inspector Montalbano. We dropped into Tonna's on the way back and I picked up some flavoursome vine-ripened tomatoes.

Our English daisies have finally flowered

We were able to do our regular Wednesday activities - me to Muffins & More to play Mah Jong with Judi, and Wes to vacuum & wash the floors, which were sparkling & dry by the time I arrived home. The morning at the café went well - there were lots of locals and a good atmosphere. All the Collingwood supporters were discussing our chances of winning the following night, and an Asian couple came over to chat to Judi & I about our Mah Jong games. They were confused that we still needed books & that there were only 2 of us playing!

That afternoon, while I indulged in Brit Box, Wes continued his incredible Ancestry work before having a Cousins Zoom with 4 others who are all interested in their family history and exploring the links they share. 

The next morning, Wes participated in the Jackson Group Zoom, where a number of topics were raised, and I chatted with Kathy & Joyce in our Old Friends Zoom. We debriefed on the visit to Joyce & Manny's place last Thursday; said goodbye to Kathy & Ged's daughter, Jess, who is off to Mexico with her husband Eri for a long visit, and rejoiced in the news that our friend, Libby Edgoose, has found more suitable accommodation in Gladstone this week. 

This beautiful camellia, a gift from Marjorie Atkinson, keeps on giving every Spring with its abundant blooms

That night, Collingwood played out of their skins to defeat ladder leaders, Adelaide, at the Adelaide Oval, in front of 52,000+. It was a nerve-wracking game to watch and when Danny Millman AKA Mate, suggested it was time for the rosary beads to come out, I was able to oblige. The Crows didn't score after that, and I was grateful for all the phone support I had during the match.

These beads belonged to Wes's uncle, Roy Maloney, and they sit in my bedside table

On Friday, Wes hosted a 50-year St Bernard's Old Boys reunion at the Royal Hotel in Essendon. He had originally planned to go by train and stay over, but didn't want to leave us on our own, and opted to drive and come back home that night. About two dozen turned up & enjoyed catching up with each other. The venue was perfect as it is very accessible, serves Seniors Meals and has enough dining space that a large group can meet without disrupting all the other diners.

Yesterday, Wes drove us back to Melbourne, this time to Strathmore to visit Leanne. We stopped at the local bakery, Gusto, to collect a spinach quiche and some scones. We usually share the quiche with Leanne, and the scones were a first - she had made strawberry jam, which was beautiful and went well with the very fresh, light scones & whipped cream. We all enjoyed the visit, but were pleased to arrive back here again, where we woke Morse up from a heavy sleep.

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.

Daylesford Winter Dispatch - Sunday, 27th July 2025

It's sometimes like that at night here when Morse gets a bee in his bonnet🤣🤣

As part of my getting better quickly routine, I spent all Sunday in bed, which helped with doing things this week. Wes & Morse went to the Daylesford Market & brought home some Baker's Delight goodies as well - sourdough fruit loaf & berry custard tarts, both very yummy & extremely filling! That afternoon, Collingwood hosted Fremantle at the MCG in front of 62,000+, the biggest crowd Freo has ever played in front of in a home & away game. It was tight, close & exciting and the Dockers deserved their 1 point win, which brought them into the top 8. The Pies now hold first spot by a mere 2 points, so we have to win every game from now on, starting with Richmond this afternoon. I have returned my reserved seat for the game as I don't have the energy to get there & back.

On Monday I was able to do the supermarket shopping and stayed up until lunch-time, when I retreated to bed and rested. Meanwhile, Wes gave Morse a big early walk, and then emptied two of our five compost bins, which was a great start in the garden. Oliver the magpie and his mates, began eyeballing me at 10am, which was a trifle early to be hungry after tucking in since 7am!

Morse with yet another sleeping pose

The rest of the week has followed a similar pattern for me, and I've mostly had to cancel or postpone activities, apart from Zooming with Leanne & hosting the Old Friends Zoom. I'm watching the Downton Abbey episodes for the umpteenth time, and also enjoying Patience, an English crime series, set in York, but filmed mostly in Belgium, that Wes found, which stars an autistic police archivist, showcasing her different approach to solving crime. 

We've had so much rain, except for Wednesday & Thursday, when it was very minor, and all the lakes, dams & water tanks are looking a lot better than they were. As the ice melted on the garden on Thursday, Wes emptied another the remaining 3 compost bins, adding valuable mulch to the garden bed that hosts our beautiful Japanese double wisteria. 

On Thursday night, Carlton & Hawthorn played at the MCG in front of 51,000+. The Blues were outgunned in the first quarter and played catch up footy for the rest of the night. This was the final game for one of my favourite players, Sam Docherty, who has overcome cancer twice & serious injuries, to play his 185th match. He is one of the most popular players across all the teams, and is on the Board of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, where his experience of testicular cancer makes him a valuable contributor. 

Sam with his wife, Nat, and children - Myles & Ruby, announcing his retirement at Carlton

Yesterday, Wes visited his sister, Denise, in pouring rain, to bring her flowers & wish her a Happy Birthday. It didn't stop raining all day, and we had at least 50mls in 24 hours. Later in the afternoon, Leon & Shaun Anderson, two of Denise's sons, dropped in with a large piece of her birthday cake, before returning to Melbourne. Wes & Morse enjoyed their visit very much. 

We've woken to no rain this morning, so Morse is getting a lovely long walk before going to the Daylesford Market. I had hoped to get there, but can't shake a headache, dizziness & exhaustion, so I'm back to bed. I've had a pretty good run lately, and can't complain, especially as it is perfect weather for staying indoors!

We can only hope the driver & passengers were all OK - this happened by the side of the road between Daylesford & Hepburn

Daylesford Winter Dispatch - Sunday, 20th July 2025

                        Another brilliant Snoopy cartoon

After our early walk & visit to the Daylesford Market, we decided to have a quiet day. Wes was feeling chilly and went to bed to get warm & hopefully improve after a sleep. Morse & I sat in the lounge, and would have been reading the Sunday Age, but it didn't arrive, so I had to resort to saved cryptic crosswords & logic problems for my daily brain teasers. We were very sorry to read of the death of a lovely Daylesford friend, who had been in Trentham Day-care recently. Jean was a great friend of Dot & John Smith, and a member of the U3A Hepburn Shire, and it was always a pleasure to spend time with her. She was 96 years young.

On Monday, it was raining when Morse & I got up, so he had an early breakfast & Wes stayed in bed until I went supermarket shopping. We were able to have School, which was a discussion of bucket list items we might be able to achieve in Australia. We ended up with a few and need to do some more research.

Wes was able to walk Morse early on Tuesday in the mist, while I chatted with my aunt, Jeff, in Lincolnshire, where she was hot & I was kitted out in a beanie & scarf while I waited for the heater to kick in. We enjoyed our chat & the time flew by too quickly. Then I caught up with my sister, Leanne, on Zoom, and we discussed our exercise regimes and her plans for the week.

                                Spot Morse if you can!

After lunch I had an appointment with my doctor, Ellie O'Connor, and we decided to change from Melatonin to Restavit to see if that helped with sleeping. I was starting to feel like I was getting a head cold, so after I came back home from seeing Ellie, I went to bed, which was the best thing. I tested the next morning for COVID, but it wasn't that, so we agreed a day in bed wouldn't hurt, and it didn't. That night I had the best sleep in ages, so fingers crossed this will continue to work.

On Thursday morning I was able to Zoom with Terry Borg early, and we discussed medical centres and the way they are run these days, often being a one-stop shop, which is so convenient. We are blessed here in Daylesford to have so many medical & allied health professionals under one roof, with the hospital across the road. Then it was time to catch up with Old Friends - Kathy, Joyce & Karen S - Lib rang to apologise as she had a busy day & couldn't join us. I wanted to let Joyce know what a great visit we had enjoyed with her son, Matt, and family the previous week, and everyone else had liked seeing the photos. 

I went back to bed after these Zooms as my cold was developing and it seemed the best place to be. Our friend, Les Groundwater, came & took our fire-screen away to weld a gumleaf back on it, and returned it an hour later. He is such a kind person that when he had the use of a welder he remembered about our screen & fixed it! 

Friday morning followed the same pattern - up to chat with Leanne on Zoom before she had a blood test, and then a rest while Wes went off for a haircut. I was lucky enough to be in our bedroom when this huge kangaroo arrived at the top of the drive, hopped through our circular driveway and stopped at the end of the street before deciding to hop down the embankment & out of our lives!

While I've been taking it easy and trying to get recover from this cold before it turns into bronchial asthma, Wes has been wonderful - gardening, cooking, walking Morse, staying in touch with friends & family, and keeping me fed & watered. I am very grateful, although I wish I didn't need all the care and could just bounce back the way he does.

Yesterday I decided to return my reserved seat at the Collingwood vs Freo game at the MCG this arvo as I don't have the energy to catch the train there & back, let alone cope with night air. I'll be able to watch it on TV of course, but nothing is as good as being at the game.

Last night Carlton survived a spirited fightback from Melbourne at the MCG to record a win by 8 points in front of nearly 41,000 people. I had gone to sleep at half-time, but woke 5 minutes before the end and joined Wes in the lounge to watch the Blues steady after the Demons got within 2 points.