Daylesford Summer Dispatch - Sunday, 31st January 2016

Dear Friends, thank you all so much for your messages of support and empathy. I am sorry that I wasn’t able to share my worry before the op, but mostly everyone seems to understand and you have been very thoughtful with your emails, texts, e-cards and phone calls. In the past every operation or procedure I have been through has involved a local anaesthetic because of my asthma, so my first general anaesthetic was quite a worrying experience in every way because I am used to knowing what is going on.

Last Sunday Wes had a visit from Born & Bred – two Gen Y women broadcasting researchers, who are looking into ‘interesting Victorian murders’ and the murder of Warren’s great grandfather, Frank Cartwright, at the Eastern Market in 1899 is one of those. Their research has uncovered interesting information for Wes as well – he wrote in an email to Jeff Hoolihan that they could tell him that the murderer, Emery Medor, finished his days in nearby Trentham.

Chillies thriving on the decking – they don’t seem to have missed my ministrations – can’t wait to taste the big red Jalapeno on the right!

On Monday, we drove to Ballarat yet again for a follow up appointment with Andrew Lowe at his rooms opposite the hospital in Drummond Street. Andrew removed the dressings, declared himself happy with progress and made an appointment for me in Daylesford in two weeks’ time. The scar is 10cm long and very bruised and puffy, but pathology was clear and that is the main thing. We came straight home and I rested until 4pm when I could stay sitting up no longer and gratefully went to bed.

I had decided not to watch ‘In the Heart of the Sea’ at Daylesford Cinema, as the shorts were enough to convince me that even Herman Melville wouldn’t recognise ‘Moby Dick’ from this screenplay. Wes had an enjoyable morning avoiding it as well and was able to let his team, Lauren & Jeanette, join the paying customers to see the film.

In the afternoon Wes and Barbara went to Wallaby Grove Olive Farm, where Al & Elli were hosting an Australia Day party and saying goodbye to the property as they have sold and will be moving to Glenlyon next month.

I had a very quiet Australia Day, which suited me fine – these days I am not too sure about celebrating Invasion Day and I have been out of love with our flag for over 40 years. I don’t think my preferred choice of the Eureka Flag will ever win enough popular support, but I hope that the Southern Horizon Flag or something similar, perhaps incorporating the Aboriginal Flag, will one day soon replace our outdated one. I’m also hopeful that the push for a republic will gain momentum quickly – our new Australian of the Year, David Morrison, seems keen and he has shown he can change culture very rapidly.  

Early on Wednesday morning I drove the car for about 5 minutes just to see how I went and it was fine. I went through roundabouts, made right hand turns and stopped on hills, just to be sure. Sandra arrived to clean much to Bilbo’s delight. He had been bathed the day before and our house is knee deep in fur, which doubled by the time he and Sandra had finished their cuddles.

Lovely photo from 1996 – we are on the train from Singapore to Malacca, where we met a young couple who were planning to marry shortly and wanted us to come back for their wedding. We didn’t go, but sent them a toy koala & kangaroo instead.

Wes spent a very busy gardening morning over at Barbara’s where he planted agapanthus in the front. I re-potted our Hungarian yellow chillies, which were growing very rapidly in the greenhouse.

Wes had a wonderful day in Melbourne on Thursday. He dropped some shopping off for Leanne, then visited Fawkner, Coburg & Melbourne cemeteries saying hello to relatives and friends and finding the grave of Frank Cartwright. He popped into his Indian hairdresser, checked out the spot where the Eastern Market used to be and ended the day with drinks at Jimmy Watsons, catching up with good friend, Jon Stephens.

I had shopped early at Coles & Tonnas before having a manicure and pedicure with Alanna. That afternoon I visited the Medical Centre and saw Dr Suzi Fox, as I felt that my wound might heal better with some sort of covering over it. I hadn’t been sleeping as well as I would have liked since the bandages came off, as every time I moved in the bed I irritated the scar. Suzi agreed and a nurse put a light dressing on for me and I enjoyed a much better night’s sleep.

When Wes and Bilbo returned from their walk on Friday morning, they had spent time chatting with Barry the Fisherman and discovered that his great aunt was Selina Cooper, the English suffragette, who was the first woman to represent the Independent Labour Party, when she was elected a Poor Law Guardian in 1901. Nine years later, she was one of four women chosen to present the case for women’s suffrage to the Prime Minister, Herbert Asquith. It wasn’t until 1928 that the vote was given to all women over 21 in the United Kingdom, whereas we in Australia had it for Federal Elections in 1902, and all States had legislated for women’s suffrage by 1911. However, across the ditch in New Zealand, the law was passed even earlier in 1893.

Nurse Bilbo on the doona

  

Gillie had invited me to join her for a cuppa that morning and it was lovely to sit at The Food Gallery for an hour or so, chatting & catching up with her. She had spent the previous day in Carlton seeing four films at Cinema Nova.          

                                             

Our latest rose – One Love, which is very beautiful indeed – as the rose ages it turns a dark smoky purple colour

Yesterday was another quiet day – I took Bilbo with me to pump water at Leitches Creek, while Wes enjoyed a sleep-in and read of The Age. The last three Saturdays have delivered wonderful papers, with so much to read and absorb, as well as the crosswords of course.

We have wakened today to beautiful soaking rain – I’m not sure when it started, but I’ve been aware of it most of the early morning. This is just what everyone’s gardens have been longing for and hopefully any bushfire areas are also getting a soaking. We are off to the Sunday Market shortly – Wes has offered to carry the bags, which is a big help and then breakfast at the Food Gallery. We have no plans for the rest of the day – I will be tired after the socialising and have washing & ironing to do and Wes will be hoping to get into the garden after the rain stops.

Can’t believe it is the last day of January – at least we only have one more month of Summer to worry about, although the long range forecasts are suggesting we won’t get much above 31°, which is preferable to 40s and bushfires galore. 

Daylesford Summer Dispatch - Sunday, 24th January 2016

Dear Friends, we have woken to a gloriously cool morning and are enjoying having the doors & windows open for a change after some very hot weather this week. I am sitting up for the first time since Tuesday afternoon, when I had surgery to remove a lymphoma from under my right arm.

About six years ago, I discovered a small lump near my underarm but ultrasound cleared it of any nastiness, so my doctor and I decided to keep an eye on it. Late last year I noticed it was growing rapidly, so after another ultrasound, we decided I should consult a specialist and in December, I saw Andrew Lowe, who comes to Daylesford one morning a week from Ballarat. He ordered a cat scan, which I duly had about a week later.

When we went to see him on 12^th January, he showed us the results and we could see that although the lump was benign, it was also behaving like an iceberg and spreading out far & wide below the surface. It was an easy decision to have it removed and Andrew was able to book me in for last Tuesday.

I was extremely anxious about this – mostly because I am a worrywart, but also because it was invasive and there was no guarantee that Andrew would be able to remove it all. So I decided not to tell anybody about the operation, as I knew talking about it would only increase my anxiety. Wes didn’t like this, but he went along with me and somehow we got through the week.

On Monday morning, we went to Ballarat to buy some pyjamas, as I needed the old-fashioned type that buttoned up the front to allow for the draining tube and inspections! That wasn’t an easy task, but I eventually found some unexciting pairs at Myer, hidden on a table under much more interesting nightwear.

Last Tuesday morning the film on offer was ‘Bridge of Spies’ and we watched that together, totally engrossed, and very grateful that nearly 3 hours went by without stress! After the film, we drove home, gave Bilbo a huge marrowbone and went to St John of God Hospital in Ballarat.

Everyone was lovely to me and it all went well until an orderly came to collect me at 3.30pm (op was due at 3pm). She sent Wes out from the cubicle we had been in, gave my belongings to a porter to take to the room and took me in to be prepped. Fortunately, the nurse there checked everything with me and discovered that I wasn’t Georgina, about to have my tonsils out, but someone else!

The orderly took full responsibility, apologised and led me back to my cubicle, which now was empty of husband, books & phone and I stayed there for another hour before Andrew, the surgeon popped in to apologise for the delay. I requested a phone so I could let Wes know what had happened and I imagine he was quite amazed to hear my voice.

Finally, I was called, double-checked, put on a trolley and lay in the prep room for the next 30 minutes until the anaesthetist arrived and I had my first ever general anaesthetic. I woke up at 6.30pm to find myself out of theatre with oxygen, a drip & a drain. The good news was that Andrew was confident he had removed all the lymphoma and I was wheeled into my room. Wes came to visit briefly and unpacked a few necessities before heading back home to Bilbo, who was still engrossed in Best Bone Ever.

All the nurses were lovely of course and eventually the oxygen was removed and I was able to have a couple of cups of hot Jasmine tea – very refreshing, and yes, I did take in my teabags. Later I had some fruit salad & a couple of points of sandwiches. As everyone knows, it is very difficult to sleep in hospital, but I did manage to find a way to get some rest during the night.

In the morning the nurses assured me I would be staying another night to make sure the wound had stopped draining, but they were happy to remove the drip as I wasn’t in pain so much as discomfort. Once the drip went, I was allowed to take my draining tube and bottle and have a shower – bliss! As I was drying my hair, Andrew arrived to inspect the wound, declared himself delighted and said I could go home that morning.

Wes was thrilled when I let him know and he arrived about an hour later to take me home. There had been some rain during the night and everywhere was looking fresh and wet on the drive home. I hopped into bed very happily and have been there more or less ever since. Today is the first time I have felt like getting up and staying up for a while, so that is what I’m doing.

Wes has walked Bilbo early and now they are at the Sunday Market. I won’t be going to breakfast and sadly will miss seeing John & Jan, who are making a rare visit to Daylesford.

Beautiful flowers from Leanne – I had to tell her so she wouldn’t worry when I didn’t get in touch for a couple of days and she arranged for this basket from Wombat Gardens Florist – they are still looking bright a week later

Tomorrow we are off to see Andrew Lowe and find out how the healing is going, but I am confident that all will be well. I am still in some discomfort, but have experienced very little pain, for which I am most grateful.

Wes has been wonderful, making yummy meals, providing vanilla slices, cups of tea, glasses of wine, and of course, giving me his love and care. He has been able to work in the garden for quite a few hours and everywhere is looking better for his work. When he gets home, he will make me some scrambled eggs before heading off to breakfast with everyone.

P.S. Robyn Robinson’s mother, Dulcie, died this week after suffering a massive stroke last Friday week after spending a very happy night with her family.

Daylesford Summer Dispatch - Sunday, 17th January 2016

Dear Friends, when I left you last week we were off to the Sunday Market followed by breakfast as usual. Margot was very excited to see everyone again, especially Bilbo, who made quite a fuss of her, much to her delight. The Food Gallery had been busy looking after the Boîte Singers and there was much noise and hilarity percolating upstairs as they all tucked into breakfast after a big night.

The next morning was very warm early when we walked around Lake Daylesford. We met two women, who were trying to decide the best spot to get a photo of the dawn, and almost missed it as they were facing the wrong way. Barry the fisherman had been to Thailand and back since we had last seen him and had missed his quiet times sitting on the bank waiting for fish to bite, be photographed, weighed and put back into the water.

Ducks staying cool at 6am outside Lake House, Daylesford

When we arrived back home I did a first coat of the ramp and later got about a third of the way down again before it became too hot to paint. Nick arrived to give me a massage and a jar of mango jam and we enjoyed catching up on each other’s news. Wes had a Disability Access report to deliver to Hepburn Shire Council this week, so devoted the afternoon to getting it written, while I enjoyed a long catch-up phone call with Karen Stevenson aka Lovely.

On Tuesday, I did some more painting after our walk, had a fringe trim, visited the doctor and caught up with Wes for a cuppa at The Food Gallery, where we were the only customers! That soon changed – perhaps everyone had been sleeping in. Wes cooked a stir-fry for lunch with oodles of chillies and I settled down to watch the Australia vs India One Day game at the WACA, while Wes did a couple of site visits before polishing his Disability Access report.

We had decided to vary our walk on Wednesday and did a circuit of Victoria Park, the recreation reserve, where a new all-purpose community facility building is well under way. We spotted a fox, but that was the only sign of life other than us. Back at home, Wes watered the tomatoes and zucchini, while I applied a final coat of paint to the ramp. Now, as I look at the photo, I realise I will have to repaint all the lilac surrounds as they look very grubby next to the new work!

I was very sad to hear the news of David Bowie’s death and am very pleased that I saw the wonderful exhibition celebrating his creative life at ACMI last year. I do admire him for managing to keep his liver cancer a secret and dying with dignity before there could be a media frenzy. Ditto Alan Rickman, who was so brilliant as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films.

The big footy news this week was the year’s suspension meted out to all the Essendon players involved in the drug saga at that club. It has been a very tough 4 years for everyone involved at Essendon and this, coupled with the 2-year bans imposed on the two Collingwood players who played around with recreational drugs during the off-season, should make all sports people very wary of allowing anyone to dictate what goes into their bodies without first questioning it.

Bilbo getting his friend to remind me that dinnertime is close by

Trish Nield and I met for breakfast at Cliffy’s before the heat set in. It was lovely to see her looking so well and happy now that she is retired. We both enjoyed fresh bagels with scrambled eggs & smoked salmon and only left when Cliffy’s began to get so busy we could hardly hear each other speak. Wes went over to help Barbara, as her carer hadn’t arrived. Council agreed when asked that they had forgotten to ring her to ask her to look after Barbara. He then pumped up Barbara’s tyres and delivered the Disabled Access submission to Council before arriving home hot, bothered, and ready for a rest.

This is the sight that greeted me when I drove up Vincent Street after breakfast on my way to the Post Office. I watched the horseman canter over the road and onto the roundabout before leading his horse to the fountain and fresh water – you know the old saying – you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink – well it’s true. Horse and rider stared at the water for a couple of minutes before giving up and heading off.

It was such a treat to wake up to a cool morning on Thursday after the day before & we enjoyed our early walk around Lake Daylesford. I headed off for gym again in a shower of rain, which was very welcome indeed.

One lovely result of the sun is the emergence of three beautiful pink waterlilies in our pond

On Friday, I drove to Melbourne to help Leanne with a few things and arrived back here in time to attend the first screening of the ‘Peanuts Movie’. I had been dying to see it, so Wes arranged for tickets and we both enjoyed it very much. Charles M Schulz was a very intuitive & understanding man & his characters easily stand the test of time.

Wes had a sleep in yesterday morning, while Bilbo and I enjoyed a later walk around the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, where we were the only ones out & about. We are so lucky to have the gardens, two lakes & recreational reserve all within 5 minutes drive of where we live, as well as all the tracks & paths in and around the Wombat Forest.

Wes did some gardening but mostly we rested, as we had a big night ahead of us. Robyn Robinson had invited us to her 70^th birthday party upstairs at Noir Restaurant in Swan Street, Richmond. We left early which meant we had a perfect run into town and arrived in plenty of time. It was a wonderful night and we were very honoured to be part of the group of her closest friends. I think there were 28 of us in total, most of who had provided Ian with a photo from their teenage years, which were all up on boards around the room. This provided the perfect icebreaker and later we had to complete a multiple-choice quiz on Robyn’s life in lieu of speeches.  

Here are three photos from the night.

Finally, we heard from Andrew & Annette at Eureka Kennels that they have sold their business effective the end of January, although they will be around to help the new owners in their first month or so. We will miss their care very much indeed. 

Daylesford Summer Dispatch - Sunday, 10th January 2016

 Dear Friends, we enjoyed a good breakfast last Sunday with lots of topics of conversation, including ongoing sagas – us with Foxtel and Judi & Michael with their Subaru. Bilbo missed Margot’s treats as she was dog sitting in Bendigo and unable to join us, but I think Judi & Warren tried their best to make up for it.

I seem to have started the year with a need to do spring-cleaning – I’m not complaining, it is good to have the energy and the drawers I have ruthlessly tidied are looking much better for the shake-up. The Sydney Test was the perfect backdrop to this as the ABC commentators are always entertaining, especially the new crop of special comments persons - Chris Rogers, Simon Katich & Dirk Nannes.

During the afternoon, Wes went to visit his sister, Denise, and they ranged over a number of topics. He was very relieved to discover that she has a fire plan that involves Russ & Peppa, who live close by Denise, as fire will remain a real threat until March here.

We had hoped to play golf on Monday which was a perfect morning, but both of us had disturbed sleep and neither felt up to a game. Wes did get up and walk Bilbo, while I read the Age in bed with a pot of jasmine tea. Later Wes went to Larder to meet with Pat Harrison to discuss the community radio and agreed to be interviewed on Tuesday morning re disability issues in the Shire. That afternoon we had 12mls of rain, which was very welcome indeed.

Dawn over Lake Daylesford

We three all got up early on Tuesday and enjoyed our walk in the dark. After the interview, Wes went to the Daylesford Cinema to show ‘The Good Dinosaur’, and as Lauren had already seen it, watched it with Barbara and 19 other attendees.

Meanwhile Judi & I caught up over a late breakfast at Cliffy’s, a very popular café, which has recently had a change of ownership & a spring clean itself. The menu was small but interesting and we both opted for smashed avocado with poached egg & tarragon mushrooms. We sat inside and when we were leaving discovered Annie Smith, with her brother, Geoffrey, and dog, Rosie, sitting outside.

On Wednesday, we drove to Strathmore to visit Leanne and share a meal in memory of Viva, who died two years ago on that day. We were very pleased we went – Wes spent the morning in the garden, which needed some help & I had offered to do some household chores that are easier when done by two. The morning flew by and we shared a yummy quiche & salad lunch with plum pudding for afters. On our way home, we delivered Snoopy, Woodstock & Potter to Greta, Harry & Rosie. These much-loved characters don’t fit in our modern home and have been languishing under the house, so I was very pleased that Greta wanted to be their new mother. Potter is at least 30 years old and was a gift from Jane Danaher – he used to sit at the top of the stairs at 246 Brunswick Road. Snoopy was found about 12 years ago by Judi & Wes at the Daylesford Sunday Market and he is inseparable from Woodstock.

On Thursday, I went shopping at Coles & Tonna’s very early as we were running low on some essentials. While Wes gardened out the front, I visited EKO for a facial with Alanna – I usually see Emma, but she has January off to look after her two young daughters. Alanna did a great job and we enjoyed our time together. That afternoon we had a second walk, around the Wombat Hills Gardens, where Bilbo was delighted when we walked through the fernery and he could have a paddle.

Sadly there was very little cricket to enjoy as background, but I did watch some of the last day & especially enjoyed the hi-jinks on the radio when Chris Rogers & Dirk Nannes changed roles with Gerard Whateley & Jim Maxwell. I think all four gained an appreciation of the skills of the others.

Our early morning walk on Friday started in darkness, as there is only a sliver of a new moon to guide us around the Lake before dawn. Wes had promised to spend the morning in Barbara’s garden, a job he often does on a Wednesday, but couldn’t this week. Barbara had caught up with her brother, David, & his wife, Lyn, at Melbourne airport on Thursday. They were on their way home to Perth after a visit to New Zealand & his sister, Margaret & family. Barbara & David hadn’t seen each other in 10 years.

Meanwhile I followed my daily routine of feeding the birds, filling up the fountain which is much loved by the magpies, watering the plants in the greenhouse and searching the tomatoes and zucchini for ripening produce, before ringing Leanne & settling down to get out Friday’s DA cryptic crossword.

Yesterday morning we enjoyed a sleep in, then I took Bilbo twice around Wombat Hill Gardens, while Wes washed the front porch, steps & ramp in preparation for me to paint them charcoal grey like the outdoor setting. I was able to get three coats onto the porch & steps during a perfect day, which had very little breeze and wasn’t too hot until the afternoon. We chose Saturday as we thought it was the day we were least likely to have someone arrive at our front door, and if they did, the Wet Paint sign was on display.

During the morning, Wes had a Skype call with a woman called Lee, who is very interested in the life and death of his great grandfather, Frank Cartwright, and may want to make a film or documentary about it. Frank was a show-business personality who was murdered in the 1890s in Melbourne’s Eastern Market.

Greta sent us a message to say that Snoopy & Potter are very happily ensconced at their home on two chairs & dwarf Penny completely. As you can see, she doesn’t seem too worried about that.

This morning we had another walk in the dark before a beautiful sunrise. There are hot air balloons floating over the Lake as I write this. Bilbo and I are heading off to pump water at Leitches Creek before hitting the Sunday Market & then meeting everyone for breakfast.

This week’s roses – mostly Hot Cocoa with a Peace rose, some Icebergs & Freesias

Yesterday afternoon I had a lovely experience – I noticed that Nathan Cummings was on FB, so asked to be his friend, which he accepted immediately. Nathan (aka Nash) was young boy when we first met and I have never forgotten the way he sat in the gutter outside Sweet Decadence waiting for his mother to finish work and playing with Bilbo & Frodo, who were very young. He raced off to the $2 shop at one point and came back with two little brushes and proceeded to comb their hair until they were almost purring with pleasure. We used to catch up at the local footy and once he visited us for playtime with the boys. Now he is 21, but he was thrilled to chat with me and suggested we get together over a cuppa soon – I am sure he hopes I bring Bilbo with me!

Finally, there is some good news from Lincolnshire where Kev has emailed me to say that Jeff will finally be coming home today. Although she has been dying to get home, the extra time in hospital has been good, as her stitches have been taken out and she is able to walk around a little. Everyone will be very relieved to have her back home again. 

Daylesford Summer Dispatch - Sunday, 3rd January 2016

 

Dear Friends, welcome to 2016 – we can only wish for peace on earth, happiness & good health for us all. I’ve had a great response on Facebook to this photo, which we took on New Year’s Eve morning on a lovely early walk around Lake Daylesford. The colours in the sky were so beautiful and to catch them reflected in the water was very satisfying indeed.

Wes spent the morning in the garden and managed to put some more weeds in the green bins before they were emptied. I went shopping at Coles & Tonnas, filled up with petrol and ironed all the clothes I had washed the day before.

We had been invited to sit under Glenn Mack’s walnut tree in the mid-afternoon, to help him celebrate his birthday with a wine or two and some lovely homemade goodies. We joined a few of Glenn’s friends for a very happy couple of hours before it was time to go home and feed Bilbo. We had left him with the run of the house and the air-conditioning on and I don’t think he had stirred from his bed in the lounge, which was a very cool spot.

We were sound asleep when the fireworks from the Lake House woke us at midnight – everyone had begged Alan & Alla to cancel them in light of the Total Fire Ban & the recent fire at the school, but they went ahead with the CFA in attendance. This was a very good thing as at least one tree caught alight during the 10 minutes of fireworks. We ended up giving Bilbo his bone and having a sleep in instead of going for an early morning walk around Jubilee Lake and we all felt better for it and eased our way into the day.

We were shocked to discover that my aunt, Jeff, was in hospital having had her gall bladder removed, and were sorry that she had been in so much pain. Her daughter, Leigh, had gone to be with Kev until Jeff returns home, and son Michael had been on hand when the emergency arose, as Kev also hadn’t been feeling very well.

Yesterday’s roses – Hot Cocoa, Big Red, Freesia et al

Rain stopped us walking early yesterday morning but we did take Bilbo for a stroll around the Farmers’ Market after pumping water at Leitches Creek. We met lots of Rotary friends, as well as Judi, Michael & Gillie. Our main purchase was a big container of Yellow Box honey from O’Toole’s.

Back home we were visited by our Christmas lunch guest, Madeleine, with a jar of freshly-made apricot jam, to say thank you again; and later by Rob McDonald, who had caught & cooked some yabbies & wanted to share them with us. He and Wes had a glass of Cofield Riesling on the decking while we chatted together. As I had forgotten to defrost the smoked salmon, we were very glad to have the yabbies to accompany our salad for lunch!

I had earmarked the afternoon & evening for the Women’s & Men’s Big Bash Derby at the MCG. It would have been wonderful to be part of that 80,000+ crowd, but I knew I would get home too late to be much good today, so didn’t go. The Renegades won the Women’s game on the second last ball – they deserved the win after having the Stars reeling at 4/8. The Stars turned the tables in the Men’s game with a nail-biting finish with the win provided by some hard hitting by English cricketer, Luke Wright, one of our openers. Luke has been part of the Stars since inception and proved to be an excellent part of the team.

We were thrilled to see Melanie Jones as part of Channel 10’s commentary team for the Women’s game. Mel was born in Devon, but moved to Melbourne when she was 3 months old and was introduced to cricket by her high school geography teacher (the father of the Stars current wicket keeper, Peter Handscomb). We first met her when she was an Australian Test Cricketer and later she supervised our fitness at Brunswick Gym. I have also caught up with her at the Women’s Breakfast on Day 2 of the Melbourne Test.

We are just back from a lovely early walk around Lake Daylesford on a beautiful cool morning. Bilbo is sleeping at my feet, with one eye open in case I sneak out the door and go to the market without him!

If you are wondering how our garden produce is faring, let me update you. The cabbages were a total failure – plenty of leaves, but no heart at all & even Bilbo got sick of eating the leaves; the chillies are thriving and our first Jalapeno is nearly ready to be picked; the rocket has come back to life after being dormant for a while and we had some last night in our salad; the curly-leaf parsley is prolific and last year’s champion, flat leaf parsley is taking its time; we have picked the first two Roma tomatoes and there are about 100 green Roma & Grosse lisse in various stages of growth out the front; the first zucchini has been harvested and we are expecting quite a few more; the chives are thriving; the French beans are still very young, but the French tarragon is spreading, and the basil mint is growing out of its skin. We are not sure about the fennel – there is plenty of height but not much width yet – however, we love the look of them in their pots!

After breakfast I am hoping that the 3^rd Test will be on from the SCG – Jane Knox tells me rain is expected there for the first three days – fortunately, they have reserved seats, so they can wait at home until the starting time is announced. Wes is catching up with his sister, Denise, this afternoon, and when he comes home, he promises to do something wonderful with the smoked salmon.