Daylesford Summer Dispatch - Sunday, 25th January 2026

 

A Sally special for Wes!

After the Daylesford Market last Sunday, we quickly put everything away, had showers & drove to Kyneton to catch up with old friends, Shar O'Reilly and her husband, Rory O'Doherty at a café that Shar had booked, called Home Grown on Piper. It was run by a Lebanese family, who were wonderfully welcoming to us all. We sat for 90 minutes in their pleasant courtyard catching up on news - health, ageing, and Collingwood FC dominated the conversation. Shar & I met in August 1982 at a meeting of female Collingwood Social Club members (associates as we were known) to form the first ever Women's Group at the Club. Shar stood for President and was elected easily, while I offered to be Treasurer and no-one stood in my way. We were the perfect combination and spent many happy years together at our Club. 

Shar & Karen

Wes & Rory

When we arrived back home, we visited our neighbours, James & Yoko, who wanted to show us their outfits for a Hindu wedding they are attending this weekend. We hadn't seen Yoko since she retired and it was lovely to catch up with them both and exchange news.

On Monday, after our warm walk around the cemetery, I headed off to do the supermarket shopping, dodging huge items of machinery that were taking up most of our little road, as they attempt to repair the damage down by water overflows to #74. As we were having our first School for the year, I stopped at Baker's Delight to get scrolls for breakfast - coffee for Wes, and apple for me. We enjoyed the scrolls and got stuck into our agenda - checking our Wills & Executor Dossier, both of which only required a couple of address changes. So we moved on to the HP camera settings, which had been popping up uninvited lately, and found a couple of settings which were really useful & improved the quality of our video chats.

The next morning was a big one for me with Zooms. I started at 7am chatting with my aunt, Jeff, in Lincolnshire, and was delighted to see her looking so well and sounding chirpy! An hour later I caught up with Leanne, who was also looking & sounding good, and we discussed the temperatures for our upcoming visit. which was to have happened yesterday. Then I had a break - made a quick trip to the PO & pharmacy, before my final Zoom where Old Friends were able to chat with Lib & her daughter, Becky, in Tannum Sands, Qld. Lib is looking so much better & happier since her move - we were all delighted with the catch up.

Becky & Lib at the cinema to see Wicked

On Wednesday I had an appointment with my dentist in Ballarat, and headed off early just in case there were roadworks between here & there. Anna was pleased with my teeth, and I made another appointment to have the two remaining old fillings replaced in March. As I was finished early, I decided to go to the Palace Regent Cinemas to see the film, Hamnet, as so many friends had enjoyed the book. I was entitled to a free ticket, bought my coconut choc-top and settled in the beautiful art deco Cinema 1 to enjoy the film. Sadly, I couldn't get excited about it, and after an hour, decided to leave - something I have very rarely done (last time was Moulin Rouge and I didn't last an hour). As I walked out, I bumped into Fiona & Les Groundwater, and their son, Joshua, about to go in, and we had a quick chat.

I arrived back home to sparkling floors and an envious Wes, who would have liked to have walked out of both the previous films we have seen together! I don't think I can even read the book, as I will have the actors in my mind, and I didn't care for them at all.

We were very lucky that Pat Millman, his wife, Kate Adams, and their 8-year old daughter, Clara, were visiting Castlemaine as part of their trip to Melbourne to celebrate Pat's 40th birthday. We weren't able to get to his party, but could drive to Castlemaine & meet them on Thursday for brunch at Saffs Café. We had a wonderful time catching up - they live in Wellington, and both have very interesting jobs, which we loved hearing about. 

Pat, Kate, Clara & Wes catching up over yummy breakfasts

On Friday we prepared for the hot weather. Wes watered everywhere in the back garden, while I Zoomed with Leanne,  made enough potato salad for an army, bought a new iron (tripped on the cord & broke the old one), washed clothes and stayed cool. Wes had his usual chat with Barbara, followed by one with David Hall, who was in hospital awaiting surgery.

Yesterday, as we had postponed our visit to Leanne with temperatures of 40℃ expected, Wes continued his watering, while I cleaned the silver, and reorganised my study desk. Morse was happy to lie around keeping cool, after chasing up to 6 bunnies in the cemetery earlier. It was the 50th Birthday of ABC Classic, and I was glued to the radio/TV wherever I went, listening to the various presenters, old & new, telling stories and remembering difficulties they had experienced, especially in the early days. 

Daylesford Summer Dispatch - Sunday, 18th January 2026

 
Snoopy has a very limited imagination at times 🤣

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

Wes got a better shot

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daylesford Summer Dispatch - Sunday, 11th January 2026

It surely is!

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

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

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

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

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

Not so small and full of yummy treats!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morse still looking for those elusive bunnies

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

Far too many different blooms to name them all!

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

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

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

Daylesford New Year Dispatch - Sunday, 4th January 2026

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

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

Jane & David above, Karen & Malcolm below

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morse in search of those elusive bunnies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RIP Doug Walsh

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

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

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