Daylesford Autumn Dispatch - Sunday, 15th March 2026

I'm sure Morse would too!

We ended up with a very quiet day last Sunday, which was disappointing as we had hoped to see the ChillOut Parade in Vincent Street as usual, but I had no energy and it made sense to stay at home. We were thrilled to see the Australian women win the Test against India - a wonderful way to say farewell to Alyssa Healy, who had been such a good Captain/wicket-keeper for so long. She has a career in the media beckoning if that is what she would like to do.

Fun photos from ChillOut follow

That evening, I was very nervous watching Collingwood play St Kilda at the MCG in front of a crowd of 82,000+. It was an exciting close game, which we were lucky enough to win by 2 goals. Thanks to everyone who sent messages - all were much appreciated.

On Monday morning, after our walk and supermarket shopping, Wes showed me the uses of AI in an excellent School session. We used the Google version, and I was impressed by the ease of asking questions and the rapid, comprehensive replies I received. 

Then we went off to Larder for breakfast with our God-daughter, Greta, and her husband, Harry. They had been staying in Bullarto for the weekend with friends, and celebrating a 50th birthday. The café was full of ChillOut revellers enjoying coffees and big breakfasts and reminiscing about their huge weekends. 

On Tuesday, we both had appointments. I dropped Wes at the optician as he was due for a check up and wanted new glasses combined with sunnies. I had my first check up with my new doctor, James, who was very thorough and most impressive. We had met a few times before and I was comfortable with him. After the appointment I booked COVID boosters for us, got on the waiting list for the flu injections and booked a biopsy with James in Kyneton for next week.

Once again, on Wednesday, we both had appointments - haircuts at Daylesford Hair & Beauty@9am. I dropped Wes home afterwards and met Judi for Mah Jong at Muffins & More. We had a fun time, catching up on news & sharing the wins.

We woke to a cool morning on Thursday and the rain certainly tried to come down, but we only got 1ml, which wasn't enough to do anything. I had an early Zoom with Terry Borg in Balwyn, and, as we hadn't spoken for 2 months, there was a lot to catch up on. Then a quick break for a cuppa and it was time for the Old Friends Zoom with Kathy, Karen S & Joyce. We covered quite a few subjects including the Spiteri family tomato bottling last weekend, and then I asked for help with an interesting child's jumper pattern, and Kathy came to the rescue with a couple of websites that looked hopeful. I also consulted AI which found a good Australian site featuring Patons wool and patterns.

Wes took Bob White to lunch at the Blackwood Hotel to celebrate his 89th birthday. I wasn't well enough to join them and was hoping they enjoyed this old pub as much as the others we have visited in our general area. They did and would be happy to return. That night the Blues somehow hung on to defeat the Tigers by 4 points at the MCG in front of 74,000+ fans. Wes was very relieved - never in doubt 🤣

Friday was another cool day, but we had a good walk at the Cemetery before I Zoomed with my sister, Leanne, in Strathmore, followed by friend, Jan Pengilley in Maleny. We had lots to debrief on, but lost a few minutes as Jan's new Samsung's technology didn't allow her to easily access WhatsApp. However, we got that sorted and enjoyed our catch up. 

While I did local chores, Wes got stuck into the back garden - trimming, weeding, mowing and watering. Everywhere was very appreciative of his attention and the roses look as though they are going to bloom again, especially our hardy Red Riding Hood standard.

Yesterday, Wes and Morse very kindly drove me to Melbourne, where I had booked a room in the Victoria Hotel, to enable me to go to the MCG to see Collingwood play Adelaide at night. My room is quite compact and a little tired, but the location is fine - I would prefer The Windsor, but couldn't get a room. 

Small room, big TV, good bathroom

I had arranged to catch up with David Lazzaro & his son, Daniel, who were driving in from Geelong for the match. They had a good run and fluked a street carpark, so we met at The Pullman Hotel, across the road from the MCG, for a drink and chat, which was the perfect start to the night. We were sitting in different areas, so this was the best way to get together. Sadly that was the best thing about this trip to the footy, as the Pies were outplayed and never really looked like winning. I think we were ahead for a couple of minutes, but Adelaide was more prepared and more determined to win.