Sorry this
is a day late, but I was too tired yesterday, when I returned from 48 hours in
the big smoke, staying with Danny Millman at Northcote, which enabled me to get
to & from the Grand Final with ease. And what a wonderful day it was! Danny
& I had breakfast at Square &
Compass, which was packed with excited, confident Adelaide supporters,
before I walked down to the ground & found my seat.
I spent
time with Gayle Gibson before doing my traditional walk around the stadium
watching the colourful crowds arrive. Unlike the Adelaide supporters, Richmond
fans were nervous & anxious, as well as excited.
The
pre-match entertainment was fine; every seat had a seat cushion on it courtesy
of a sponsor; the sun was shining; the MCG was full with thousands next door at
the Punt Road Oval watching on a big screen as well, and the setting was
perfect for a great game. Adelaide started well & I wasn’t the only worried
person at quarter-time. However, the Tigers got their game going in the second
quarter & kept the Crows goalless, which is no mean feat. The second half belonged
to Richmond & they posted an unexpected, but richly deserved win by 48
points (8 goals).
I cried
when their coach, Damien Hardwick, gave a modest, but emotional speech, and
again, when Tiger hero, Matthew Richardson, presented the Premiership Cup to
Damien and captain, Trent Cochin.
What a lovely surprise to find Greta &
Penny at Danny’s place when I arrived home after the game!
The past
week has been a very busy one, especially for Wes. He spent many hours at the
Wood Shed helping Brian Nash display the paintings & words of the Villages
of Hepburn Shire. He also spent many more hours at the computer typing up the
catalogue, producing the stories to accompany the paintings, and making up all
the signage that was needed. It brought back memories of the three Rotary Art
Shows we organised – with only one artist, this was certainly less stressful!
There was
a good turn up to the Opening on Thursday night – lots of locals, lots of our
friends who came to support Wes & quite a few paintings were sold, which
thrilled Brian. The Wood Shed is a
perfect venue for an art show, with lots of wall space, good lighting &
plenty of parking close by. Wes gave a lovely speech, when invited to do so.
On Friday
we had breakfast at Boathouse Daylesford
with everyone who had travelled here & stayed overnight – Karen &
Malcolm, Wendy & Roberto, Warwick & Carol. It was a huge success,
considering the three couples didn’t know each other before then. Everyone was
most impressed with the venue, the service & their breakfasts.
Warwick, Karen, Wes & Wendy deep in
conversation.
My week
has also been busy – I went to gym twice & was able to do most of my
exercises, although not all. Dot & I played Mah Jong; Wes & I were both
able to see the beautiful film, Maudie,
at the Daylesford Cinema, and I was able to do a few short walks without
getting too tired. Most afternoons were spent reading or knitting beanies, as I
really needed to conserve my energy for the weekend.
And I am
so pleased I did, as I was quite exhausted by yesterday – it was emotional
being involved with the Exhibition, (Brian has sold 10 paintings to date); with
catching up with friends, both local & not; with the footy, and with
worrying about whether I had to fit in jury duty as well. Fortunately, that was
cancelled on Thursday afternoon, as I don’t think I could have coped.
Wes was
busy while I was away – Barbara had been unwell at the start of the week,
rallied to come to the Exhibition, but then became quite sick the next day
& has been in bed recovering ever since. He has been looking after her
& making her meals.
Yesterday,
after Danny was kind enough to drive me to Spencer Street post breakfast, I
caught a blissfully quiet train to Ballan, where Wes & Bilbo greeted me. It
is always lovely to be home, although Danny is a very thoughtful host & I
did enjoy staying with him & appreciated his generosity.
This is our latest very stunning rose,
called Fearless – can’t wait for all these new plants to flower!
Enjoy your
week & I hope to be back on track next Sunday.
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