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.