Daylesford Spring Dispatch - Sunday, 16th October, 2022

 

Morse has similar feelings when Wes is reading - we could be doing something better than this...like sleeping!

Our Sundays seem to follow a familiar pattern - up for a walk early, breakfast for Morse & the birds, send the Dispatch, and then try to occupy Morse until 7.45am which is the earliest we can go to the Sunday Market. He starts making noises around 7.15am just in case we've forgotten & is so excited when we put on his warm green coat & invite him to jump in the car. Life then goes on hold until 5pm when he starts giving me looks in case I'm going to forget his dinner. 

I had to feed him early that night, much to his delight, as the Collingwood AFLW team were playing at 5.10pm & I didn't want to miss a minute. We had a good win, although our kicking wasn't very accurate, but it was a suitable celebration for Steph Chiocci's 50th game. She became the first AFLW player to captain her team for 50 games, which is a credit to her ability as she has been our Captain from the very start. 

These beautiful photos of black & white tulips & the memorial to Maurie Fields & Val Jellay in St Vincent's Gardens, Albert Park, came from Karen Stevenson

For School on Monday, we had decided to investigate Google Lens, which Jenny Beacham had told Wes about & suggested we try it. It is an amazing programme that can read out words (even hand-written ones), translate them, tell you what you have taken a photo of (e.g. an unknown plant) & find similar images to the ones you have taken. I used it on my recent kookaburra photo & it immediately sent me information about Laughing Kookaburras. If it's available with your mobile phone camera, give it a go. 

Wes then told me how he is using Microsoft One Drive to keep all his Documents on his phone & we proceeded to try to do the same to mine. However, my One Drive already had a whole lot of folders that it took ages for me to copy & remove before I could copy my Documents & see if it works for me. I have often wished I had access to my Documents the way I can access Excel spreadsheets & now I have.  

Our neighbour, Glen, took this beautiful photo of a pair of red-browed finches in her backyard

We've had a few Zoom chats this week & I never fail to be thrilled by the technology that allows us to see each other as we chat - singly or in groups. It is so much more personal than the other end of the phone. As well, Judi & I played Mah Jong, where nearly everyone else in Muffins & More was keen to know what we were doing & who was winning. I got home just before the rain got heavy, but we didn't get quite the storm we were expecting then. That arrived later in the day.

Morse wasn't going out in the rain for anything!

We stayed put on Thursday while the rain flooded the gauge (100mls in 36 hours)as well as everywhere else. Our Gold Coast friends, Mike & Linda Kirby, had planned to visit us at the end of this week at the finish of their holiday in Victoria, but were worried by the weather forecast & decided to give Daylesford a miss & drive back to Melbourne from Bendigo. 

We cancelled everything we had booked in anticipation of their visit, except for brunch at Bad Habits@The Convent & invited local friends, Di & Jeff to join us. We don't see each other as much as we would like since Sunday Breakfasts stopped & this was the perfect way to catch up. We spent nearly 2 hours sitting chatting together & only stopped when I realised I was going to miss an appointment with my podiatrist!

Di Lyttleton, Wes, Karen & Jeff Bain

Later that day we were both very sad to read of the death of Clive Rutherford, aged 86, a very popular man, who had been a much-loved teacher here. We met him & his wife, Janet, through U3A activities & spent many happy hours together, giving us some wonderful memories. He will be sadly missed. 

Yesterday was Caulfield Cup. We decided to bet in two races - The Tristarc Stakes & the Cup - box quinellas, trifectas & the running double. We got the jackpot in the first race, which gave us a profit for the day, but didn't expect the emergency, Durston, to win the Cup ahead of our first pick, Gold Trip. As well, there were AFLW games to watch & WBBL matches to enjoy - a feast of footy & cricket all day with some exciting results. 

Along with most of our St Kilda supporting friends, we were shocked when the Saints sacked Brett Ratten after extending his contract mid-season. Every team is anxious for success & not prepared to wait - with 18 AFL teams, you just can't expect to play in Grand Finals as often as you would like. Carlton sacked Brett in 2012 after he got them to the Finals during his tenure, but haven't played in them since.

We're off to the Sunday Market shortly, then to Strathmore to visit Leanne. Morse has been eying off the huge marrow bone that will occupy him while we are away!

Daylesford Spring Dispatch - Sunday, 9th October 2022

This is very like what happens when Wes is reading & Morse joins him in the chair 

We started our week with a lovely visit to the Sunday Market, where Yvonne had most of our vegetables sitting waiting for us to collect. Wes & Morse visited Jeff, the dog treat man, to order dried pork bones, and bought some eggs from the Peros family, who also do wonderful olives & make their own wine. 

On Monday, School was extra cleaning, which we do each month. Wes cleaned the kitchen rangehood and all the high spots on top of cupboards, while I made sure all the lounge tables & chairs were polished, including their supports & legs. We were very pleased with the results of our elbow grease & enjoyed our rewards of coffee scroll (Wes) & apple scroll (me). 

Later that morning I visited Dr Ellie for a second burning off of a small growth on my back, which had become itchy. As always, I am very glad that these growths are just that & not cancerous. I have a couple of other large ones & these are going to be sliced off in a fortnight under local anaesthetic. 

The next morning, while Wes did wonderful improvements to our front garden, I had a Zoom chat with my sister, Leanne, & then with friend, Terry Borg. The 40 minutes allotted to each chat seems to fly by. However, I was aware that I wasn't at my sparkling best & sure enough, but Wednesday I had to go back to bed. Judi & I had planned to play Mah Jong, but when I went to get into the car, I realised I couldn't even drive it, so apologised to her & spent most of the rest of the week in bed. 

Meanwhile, Wes looked after me beautifully, and Maloney Folly coped well with the 45mls that deluged on Thursday & Friday. We were both very sad to read of the sudden death of author, Peter Robinson (creator of DCI Banks) as we have enjoyed his work for many years. He was only 72.

Yesterday we dipped our toes in the water with a bet on the Caulfield Guineas in preparation for the Spring Racing Carnival bet-fest. I had a few dollars in my Sportsbet account that they had given me & we tried for the quinella & trifecta, but could only land the winner. It was an exciting day's racing programme, which augurs well for next Saturday's Caulfield Cup meeting. 

In the AFLW, Carlton shook off its lethargy & recorded a solid win against St Kilda, while Brisbane beat North Melbourne in the battle for top team. Collingwood plays GWS later today, which I will be watching keenly in the hope we can continue our good form, especially with our Captain, Steph Chiocci, playing her 50th game. 

Daylesford Daylight Saving Dispatch - Sunday, 2nd October 2022

Not sure Morse would know what to do either, but he certainly dances at mealtimes!

This will probably be a bit longer than usual as I have some extra days to catch up on. Wes & Morse drove me to Ballan Station on Friday (Grand Final eve) late morning & I caught a fairly empty train to Southern Cross & then another to Melbourne Central, which was a hive of activity, which meant it took me quite a while to find the exit to Swanston Street!

I was staying at Essence Hotel, the only reasonably-priced place left when we made the late decision that I would go to the Grand Final & stay over. Reception was wonderful and I had high hopes of my room, which turned out to be another cell, slightly bigger than the last and with a superior bathroom & colour scheme! After I unpacked, I went back downstairs to catch the train to Richmond to watch the Collingwood AFLW side play Essendon at our Olympic Park ground. Sadly, it was pouring rain when I emerged & after 10 minutes showed no signs of abating, so I went back upstairs & watched the game on my phone.

Small double bed, TV & window & storage space

That night I walked to Little Bourke Street & had dinner at Westlake, which has been one of our favourites over many years. As at my last visit, I was ignored by the male staff & waited ages for someone to take my order, while larger parties were attended to immediately. I decided to have a prawn omelette, which was OK with a glass of pinot noir, which was decidedly better. I'll have to find a new Asian restaurant to frequent from now on. 

After not much sleep, I got up early & caught a train to the MCG which got me in the queue at 6.50am, towards the back. As usual, the MCC staff did a brilliant job of people management, and 10 minutes after the gates opened at 8am, I was seated on Level 3, waiting to be given my seat ticket. By the time I left the MCG to have breakfast, the entire queue had entered the ground & the barriers were being dismantled. We had all been wanded & had our bags searched while we queued, and in lieu of turnstiles, the staff had hand-held barcode readers, which made entry very swift. 

I decided to celebrate with breakfast at Hotel Windsor, where I enjoyed Jasmine tea & eggs Royale before sitting in their foyer for 30 minutes or so & watching the passing parade of excited Geelong & Sydney fans. 

Delightful Jasmine tea 

Before returning to my seat, I headed into the Long Room to spend a very pleasant hour with Gayle Gibson and we celebrated with a glass of bubbles. Once the Grand Final entertainment started, the atmosphere livened up & everyone enjoyed singing Up There Cazaly with Mike Brady (aged 74), who wrote this song in 1979 & has been singing it ever since. 

Then came Robbie Williams & we were thrilled with his extravagant stage, costuming, dancers, singers & musicians. He paid tribute to Shane Warne, wished John Farnham well & encouraged us all to sing along with him - Let Me Entertain You, Angels, You're the Voice & Kids (with Delta Goodrem). Wow!

Geelong (established 1859) played a perfect game of footy & the Swans (established 1873) were never in the hunt. We supporters of other teams all dodged a bullet when our sides didn't make the Grand Final, as no team was going to beat Geelong that afternoon. I enjoyed watching their teamwork & how they shared out the goals, while feeling so sorry for the Swans fans, many of whom had come from NSW to cheer on their side. 

Afterwards I went back to my hotel before heading out to Carlton in search of dinner. I found myself at Tono at Borsari in Lygon Street where I enjoyed a hearty meal of spaghetti with calamari & a glass of red. 

Wes picked me up from my hotel around 9am the next morning, after I had walked around the perimeter of Melbourne Uni, past Newman Chapel, where we were married in 1970, and past the various Halls of Residence and the Conservatorium of Music. We visited my sister, Leanne, and had a great time talking about the Grand Final, before we came back home, where Morse was waiting eagerly for us to arrive. He was delighted to see me & waggled his whole body for 5 minutes!

On Monday, in lieu of School, Wes drove to Wheatsheaf where Yvonne lives, to collect our fruit & vegetables, as he had been unable to fit in a visit to the Market before picking me up. Later that morning I had my monthly massage with Sarah, who has moved out of the main building at 39 Albert Street & into her own space, which is lovely. We get along well & the hour flies by, especially now that my muscles are responding well to her ministrations. 

Two beautiful memories of my time in Melbourne - tall yellow tulips in the Fitzroy Gardens & stunning blossom in the Treasury Gardens

We've had a most enjoyable week - Wes has chatted with Barbara in NZ twice, as well as catching up with his Overseas Friends to discuss Ukraine. I had a good chat with Jeff in Lincolnshire & two Zooms with Leanne, as well as a catch up with Old Friends. It was my week for a haircut & my hairdresser, Lyndal, is a Geelong supporter, so we had plenty to discuss. It was also time for a manicure and Juls, who doesn't really follow footy, but has a family of Collingwood supporters, is still devastated that the Pies couldn't beat Sydney in the Preliminary Final. 

Yesterday, I made an impromptu visit to Leanne early, as there are lots of things she needs help with, and I hadn't been able to provide that help the previous Sunday. She was thrilled & we chatted through issues, as well as did lots of practical things. I had a good run to Strathmore there & back, but was tired by mid-afternoon. However, a stirring last gasp win by the AFLW Pies against the Saints was just what I needed to keep me going!

As usual, I changed all the clocks late afternoon, so we had dinner & went to bed at our usual times, which gave the three of us a good night's sleep before it was time to walk Morse in the dark again this morning. 

This beautiful kookaburra joined me on the decking at lunchtime on Friday - sadly, we were fresh out of mice, frogs & insects, so he didn't stay too long!

Daylesford Grand Final Eve Dispatch - Friday, 23rd September 2022

 

Morse feels like Snoopy when we settle down to watch the footy!

It's AFL Grand Final week & everyone enjoys the atmosphere & excitement of it, especially now it is back in Melbourne & many COVID restrictions have been lifted. I have booked into a hotel for tonight & tomorrow & am hoping to get to the AFLW game between Collingwood & Essendon this afternoon. Because I won't be back in Daylesford until Sunday afternoon, I thought I would send this Dispatch early again. 

We've had a fairly quiet week so far - me deliberately so I can cope with my visit to Melbourne, the Grand Final itself & then a visit to Leanne on Sunday. Wes will pick me up from my hotel & we'll go via Strathmore on our way home. 

Last Sunday night was the Brownlow Medal presentation at Crown, and Wes was delighted when Carlton's skipper & best player, Patrick Cripps, won the medal in a tight contest. Much of Paddy's time at the Blues has been when they weren't winning many games & it is wonderful that he is playing his best footy & the team is enjoying some success. 

The Queen's funeral dominated Monday's news & although I haven't seen any live footage, I have enjoyed reading all the articles in The Age each day. After School, which was further work on our Wills & Executor's Instructions, we settled down to a good Zoom chat with Mike & Linda Kirby, who will be visiting us for a couple of days next month. We fine-tuned their itinerary & are really looking forward to catching up with them again. 

On Tuesday, I was very social indeed - after Zooming with my sister, Leanne, I then had my regular chat with Terry Borg (where we ended up discussing the Archibald entries & Iceland), and finished up with a catch up with Jan Pengilley in Maleny, where the rain has stopped & the sun is shining again. In the meantime, Wes gave Morse a bath & then cleaned our cars from top to toe as they were so dirty after our recent heavy rain. 

That afternoon, we had a visit from local friend, Janine Hawker, bearing lemons & home-made lemon butter. She made a wonderful fuss of Morse & he really enjoyed every minute she was there. We miss Janine, as she was a regular at our Sunday Breakfast group, and now we no longer meet, our paths don't cross nearly as often as we would like. 

Just after Janine left, Yoko & her daughter, Miki, arrived at #80 with a carful of belongings to leave in the house. Morse barked madly, so I invited them in to meet him properly & they spoilt him with pats & hugs & kisses, as they are Labrador people & know exactly what to do. Fingers crossed, Morse stops barking next time they pull up in their driveway. 

On Wednesday I had an early appointment with Jake, the exercise physiologist to fine-tune my programme. I had too many questions for a phone call & we spent a very instructive 30 minutes solving all my issues. Jake is a very friendly young man, keen to make sure that his clients are being looked after as best he can. Then off to Muffins & More for Mah Jong with Judi, before I delivered some jumpers & beanies that Di & I had knitted with our latest wonderful wool donations. (Thanks again to Kathy Lazzaro). The Community Op Shop was delighted & assured me that every item would be sold that day. 

My latest child's jumper & matching beanie

Meanwhile Wes spent the morning cleaning our floors & then attended a very successful Hepburn Matters meeting with the Council CEO in attendance.

Yesterday morning I enjoyed chatting with old friends - Kathy, Karen, Lib & Joyce - Lib was very nervous about Geelong's chances, so we tried to find other topics to occupy her & ended up discussing Sydney rain & cockroaches! Afterwards I went for a walk around Lake Daylesford, which I should have done before the Zoom as there were wall-to-wall visitors with kids, dogs, babies & bags all making their way in a leisurely fashion on the paths. Already all the picnic tables had been taken & there was a queue to get into the carpark areas. 

Last night Wes cooked a beautiful whole snapper that he had bought last week when he was in Melbourne. We're both thrilled that there is another one in the freezer, as it really was an outstanding, sweet fish, cooked perfectly. When we lived in Brunswick & shopped at the Queen Victoria Market, we used to enjoy whole fish much more often than we do now. 

Morse enjoying his idea of bliss - a dried pork bone

Daylesford Spring Dispatch - Sunday, 18th September 2022

I was so pleased I had sent last weekend's Dispatch on Saturday morning & really appreciated all the lovely messages of support I received as a result - emails, texts, Messenger & FB. Thank you.

Wes & I enjoyed a lovely meal at Bad Habits café, our best ever we agreed. Then he & Morse drove me to Ballan Station to catch the train into Melbourne. We were relieved we had left early as there was a problem on the freeway & cars were being directed off it & onto the Ballan Road, which chewed up 12 minutes until we were allowed to pass the barriers into Ballan. 

Lovely photo of Wes at Bad Habits

I checked into my "cell" in Ibis Style Hotel in King Street & decided to have a rest before heading into Flinders Lane, where I was meeting up with David & Helen Lazzaro before the game. We enjoyed a lovely catch up over crepes before walking together to the MCG.

Squeezy room for one

As I was early, I went to the 2nd Level to see Gayle Gibson & was able to relax over a glass of bubbles with her. She suggested I try for a seat out the front & I was fortunate to get one in a great spot with no-one behind me & most people near me masked. Gayle & I had a good chat & she showed me a couple of photos from my time at Collingwood in the 80s that I didn't have.

Me, Gayle, Sharon Lendrum & Kerry Brennan above & 

below with Brian Taylor in his playing days

The Pies played well & I was so proud of them, as well as being delighted I didn't have to rush off at the end to catch a train home. Instead, I walked with everyone to Flinders Street, where we discovered that very few trains were going to Southern Cross Station and eventually caught the Werribee train which dropped us all off where we needed to go. My hotel was 5 minutes' walk from the Station & well-lit even at 11pm.

The next morning, I had breakfast with Karen Stevenson (AKA Lovely) at Degani's café at Southern Cross Station. We both enjoyed very yummy meals & had about an hour together chatting before it was time for me to catch my train home. The trip was very peaceful with only 7 people in my carriage. Wes & Morse were waiting to greet me & congratulate me on the win. 

Last Sunday was very special as it marked 50 years since I first met good friends Kathy Lazzaro (nee Ashton) & Squiz (Ian) Murray. We met on my first day of work at the Department of Labour & National Service in Flinders Street. Kathy was the first person to show me the ropes & showed me kindness that I have never forgotten, while Squiz was memorable for being late to work, which was a regular occurrence. Our boss, Betty Rae, ruled off the Attendance Book each morning, leaving a line for him as she knew he would make it up at the other end. We have shared so many wonderful times over those 50 years & marked the occasion by having a G&T in our respective homes at 5.30pm that night. 

Squiz & I had the same Japanese gin - his with rosemary & mine with lemon - I don't know what brand Kathy's was but it was colourful, with lemon as well.

On Monday morning, Wes decided to surprise me with School & I found we were watching the history of the Collingwood Football Club, which was a most welcome change from our usual more taxing assignments. He spent the rest of the morning in the garden, while I washed all of Morse's bedding, which displeased him so much he went & dug up his marrow bone from Maddy, which must be a couple of weeks old now!

My new exercise regime is going well - I plan to do it three times a week & go for a walk on the other days where possible. And Wes is enjoying doing proactive gardening now that his project of clearing up a huge pile of branches is finished. Morse isn't interested in either of these activities unless they impinge on his bone burial spot. 

A drift of daffodils & a superb rhododendron at the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens

This week we've had our usual Zoom chats with friends & family, which are such wonderful ways to stay in touch even though we are too far away from each other to visit easily. Wes also had a long Zoom with Overseas Friends & learned all about a new member of the group, an American named Bill. I had brunch with Judi before we played Mah Jong on Wednesday. We both enjoyed very yummy breakfasts & her French toast was quite something to behold. Neither of us took photos as we were hungry & now we are sorry we didn't!

I discovered during the week that I missed out on an MCC reserved seat for the Grand Final, which means I will have to queue up that morning & hope for the best. It's a good thing I am booked into a city hotel. The gates open at 8am & no-one else is allowed into the ground until 9am, which gives the members in the queue best chance at getting a seat without panicking. 

On Friday, Wes went to Melbourne & stayed overnight with Tom. His visit was prompted by an invitation from Tom to attend a Card Night with other old mates, and Wes used the chance to catch up with his nephew, Leon, on the way to lunch at the Maribyrnong Boathouse with his cousins, Gary Testro & Amanda Testro. He really enjoyed his catch up that night with old friends & he took Tom to breakfast yesterday morning to thank him for his hospitality.

While Wes was busy, Morse & I did loads of washing, went for a drive together, played, and then sat & relaxed with The Age crosswords & later AFLW footy. Sadly, the first Preliminary Final between Geelong & Brisbane resulted in a drubbing for the Lions that night - Geelong are almost unbackable for the Flag after that effort. 

No pre-match nerves for Morse!

Wes arrived back here in the pouring rain to a rapturous welcome from Morse & me. We were pleased to see him, especially when he produced fresh oysters for half-time in the footy. Late afternoon we watched Collingwood rally in an exciting last quarter against Sydney. It would have been cruel if we had won, as the Swans had led every minute of the match & were deserving winners of a memorable Preliminary Final at the SCG. I'm very proud of the Pies & looking forward to next year. 

Daylesford Spring Dispatch - Saturday, 10th September 2022

 

I just love this Snoopy cartoon - hope you do too!

The Maloneys had a lovely Father's Day last Sunday. After the Market, we came back home for crumpets & honey. Later Wes lit the fire & we spent the day reading newspapers, watching AFLW matches & just relaxing. Morse had given Wes a book on modern Scotland that came highly recommended by the literary editor at The Age, and it seems to have been a hit, as were the chilli chocs.

On Monday, it was the first School of the month, which is now dedicated to cleaning. We had marked the start of Spring as a good time to clean the air-conditioner filters and exhaust fan covers. After that Wes got stuck into the cars, while I rearranged the lounge & polished all that furniture. We were on a tight schedule as I needed a car for my doctor's appointment at 11am. I made it in time & had an excellent visit with Ellie, who reassured me that a growth on my back was merely an ageing spot & she is going to freeze it off on Monday afternoon. 

After Ellie, I dropped in on good friends, Di & Jeff, to give Di some of the wonderful wool that Kathy Lazzaro had donated to me last week. Di was as delighted as I was, and I left her planning her next items. Like me she is thrilled with donations & since Keeping Daylesford Warm folded, they have been scarce. 

As the morning wore on, I realised I really wanted to go to the footy - tonight's game between Collingwood & Freo. So I booked an inexpensive single room in a hotel near Southern Cross Station & bought a reserved seat MCC ticket. 

Camellias galore down the sideway between Maloney Folly & #80

According to the Hepburn Shire Council, upwards of 35,000 people came to Daylesford for the Borealis, which finished last Saturday. That makes it a very successful event, which hopefully will become an annual thing. The only people grumpy about it are those Lake walkers who were frustrated by not being able to do full circuits. 

It's been another busy week for Zooming - I chatted with Leanne twice; with Terry Borg who is making plans to visit her daughter, Laura, in Thailand next month; and with Kathy, Karen & Joyce. Meanwhile Wes spoke to Barbara Simpson twice; caught up with with his Godson, Danny, in Caboolture; and watched an ALP webinar on Climate Change. 

On Wednesday, Dot, Judi & I played Mah Jong at Muffins & More & were joined by John for a cuppa. We each won a game, which is how it should be & were delighted when a Vietnamese gentleman became very excited to see the game his mother loved being played at the next table. That afternoon I walked around Lake Daylesford in preparation for getting back to joining Wes & Morse in their early walk. 

Of course, it poured rain the next morning & we postponed our trip to Ballarat, rather than drive through flooded roads & get wet going to the various places we had decided to visit. We can see the NAB staff next week instead. 

April 1990 & we're about to board the Orient Express at Victoria Station - Jeff & Leigh Hoolihan arrived to farewell us

October 1990 - Viva (my mother) at Victoria Park with Collingwood's Premiership Cup - not sure this was ever on her bucket list - but she enjoyed the experience especially because of my heavy involvement with the Club at that time

Yesterday I had an early appointment with Jake, an exercise physiologist, at Springs Medical Centre. We spent an hour devising a programme for me that I can easily manage three times a week. I had printed out all the exercise cards from the SIS programme that I had been following & he picked the ones that he thought would give me the most benefit. I thought I would have to buy dumbbells, but he is hopeful that I can do everything using ribbons and a chair. We have a follow-up appointment in the first week of November. 

Wes has spent much of this week trying to make Family Tree-Maker talk to Ancestry.com - a very frustrating time for him, as these programmes usually work in sync, but something went wrong which has necessitated quite a few hours of work & many back-ups. 

The Queen's death came as a shock after she had been well enough to meet with Liz Truss, the new British PM only a couple of days beforehand. We woke to the news yesterday. I didn't watch any of the programmes on TV, but enjoyed listening to the beautiful music played on ABC Classic in lieu of their usual presentations. I found The Lark Ascending particularly poignant & fitting. 

Daylesford Fathers' Day Spring Dispatch - Sunday, 4th September 2022

We're all the same when it comes to attracting attention!

Last Sunday, we enjoyed a lovely brunch at The Convent meeting our new neighbours - James & Yoko Henderson, who are moving here from Strathmore at the end of the year. We were able to tell them a few things about Daylesford & they told us why they chose Daylesford to live & how they fell in love with #80 at first glance. Glen was pleased to meet them as well, especially sharing the pain of being Essendon supporters this century. 

On Monday, we chatted in depth about our Wills & agreed to update our Executor's Dossier, as well as simplify our arrangements. We have a date at the NAB to chat about our bank accounts & hope to have all our paperwork upgraded in the next fortnight or so. 

Afterwards it was time for my monthly massage with Sarah Hunt, who has done wonders for my neck, back & legs, which all feel more mobile for her ministrations. We chat about footy, her family, some serious stuff, more footy & the hour just flies by. 

I have booked Essence Hotel in Swanston Street for two nights over Grand Final weekend. This will enable me to see the Parade, watch the Pies & Bombers play an AFLW game, go to the Grand Final & not have to stress about catching trains. It is very exciting to have the GF back at the MCG. 

Great photo of Wes with Morse the Stare Bear

As well this week, we've been busy catching up with friends via Zoom etc. I heard all about Jeff's 83rd birthday celebrations, made plans for visiting Leanne, sympathised with two friends who have recently had facial surgery, caught up with Karen Stevenson & Libby Edgoose, and thanked Sue for her wonderful lemons, which I steal whenever I can. Dot, Judi & I played Mah Jong until Dot's husband, John, rang to say he wasn't well & she had to leave. John is now back at home after a short stay in hospital & is much better.

A lovely photo of Dot & John some years ago at Café 3460

On Thursday I had my last exercise class, as this week, I am off to visit my doctor, Ellie, and meet another exercise physiologist, Jake, who will give me a new programme. That night we watched a stunning Elimination Final between Brisbane & Richmond, that ended with a Brisbane win by 2 points. I think the lead changed 18 times in the match.

Kathy & Gerard Lazzaro were spending a couple of days in Trentham, so we drove there to catch up over lunch at The Cosmopolitan Hotel, which was as busy as you would expect on a weekend. After lunch, we visited At Eric's for coffee & Portuguese tarts, sitting in their lounge alcove in the sun. That night was another good Final, with Sydney overpowering Melbourne by 22 points. 

Wes with Kathy & Ged at The Wolsely, London 2010

Yesterday we drove to Strathmore to spend time with Leanne. We usually visit on Sundays, but thought the traffic today would be heavy with families all on the road visiting fathers far & wide. We spent a very productive three hours with her, moving furniture, helping her dispose of cardboard boxes & chatting about footy. We arrived home in time to watch Geelong & Collingwood play a nail-biter at the MCG in front on 91.000+ fans. The Pies were brave, but the Cats were too good & won by a goal kicked in the last minutes. I hadn't expected us to win or even to be that close & was very proud of the effort.

We started watching the last Final this weekend, which was Freo hosting the Western Bulldogs, and went to bed with the Doggies 41 points up & cruising. We woke to find Freo had taken control & won by 13 points, leaving the Doggies in their wake - a very sad finish to their year. The Pies now play Freo next Saturday night at the MCG with the winner into a Preliminary Final against Sydney.

Daylesford Winter Dispatch - Sunday, 28th August, 2022

 
What a lovely solution to life's issues by Charlie Brown!

Although the weather bureau had predicted a dreary Sunday last week, after the frost melted, the sun came out & we had a beautiful, cool day. Collingwood beat Carlton by one point in a thrilling game in front of 88,000+ at the MCG, much to the chagrin of the Blues supporters, who thought they had won after an eight goal to one 3rd quarter. Wes was very disappointed, as the Blues had started the year so well & seemed very likely to play Finals until this result. There is now a week off before those games start & we have been able to concentrate on the AFLW instead. 

Morse glued to the footy

On Monday, we had a great chat about finances during our School session, and made the decision to redo our wills. We are in a much better situation financially since embracing the Pension Boost, which is a reverse mortgage, that gives you extra income when you need it. Afterwards we enjoyed a lovely Zoom catch up with Mike & Linda Kirby, who are planning to visit Daylesford as part of a trip to Victoria in October.

Although it has been mostly too wet to garden, everywhere is looking wonderful as the daffodils open, the camellias continue to flower & the native violets take over from the seaside daisies briefly as the splash of colour at the base of the roses. 

When it is dry enough, I have been walking down to Vincent Street to check our PO Box, pick up anything we need & catch up on what is going on in our town. There are still quite a few shops empty. Endota Day Spa has moved out of the Frangos Hotel & is being replaced by an enlarged Bakery. The Food Gallery still hasn't been re-opened since Toni & Pasquale refused a long lease & closed over two years ago. New shop spaces are being built next to the RSL, which may attract businesses looking for a blank canvas. 

On Wednesday, after Dot & I played Mah Jong at Muffins & More, which was full of locals all catching up, I had an interview with the exercise physiologist, Jack, who has been overseeing my exercise classes. We were both pleased with my results - I am stronger, fitter, and have evened out my left-handedness to quite a degree. He is happy that I continue to attend his classes until I see his colleague & start a home programme in early September. I've decided to set up in the laundry for my gym - there are cupboards to hold ribbons, weights & explanatory cards, there is a step down to the dog decking & half the door is glass, which lets in plenty of light. 

The next morning Wes was delighted to be able to get back into the garden & do some tidying up. It was too wet to mow, trim hedges, or weed, but he cut up some previously trimmed branches & made everywhere look a little bit better. We had a break together on the main decking - I make a mean 'railway tea', which he enjoys mid-morning. Morse joined us, but spent most of the time in guard dog mode. 

Kathy, Karen, Lib & I had a good Zoom chat - catching up on the footy, families & visitors, as well as discussing walking, exercises & how we have less energy than we once did! Sure enough, I was in bed by 3pm that afternoon - having one of those weeks where I feel like a deflated balloon by the afternoon. 

By Friday, the sun was shining in earnest & Wes was able to mow & use the hedge trimmer. We sat chatting again on the decking & Morse resumed his pose of guard dog, every now & again coming over to see if any biscuit crumbs had dropped.

AFLW has started again with all 18 Clubs involved, which is extra exciting for supporters of those women's teams who are just joining - Essendon, Hawthorn, Sydney & Port Adelaide. Collingwood & Carlton opened the season at Princes Park on Thursday night. The Pies were lucky enough not to lose too many players to the expansion teams and ran out winners by 3 goals, against a less-experienced Blues team. On Friday night, Melbourne turned the tables on Adelaide in the Grand Final rematch, also winning by 3 goals. 

Yesterday we drove to Kyneton to see their mile of daffodils, which seem to bloom earlier & earlier each year. It really is beautiful & many of the homes as well as parks have clumps of daffodils to help celebrate their Annual Daffodil Festival. 

Judi & Michael delivered a beautiful rose to us this week in memory of Lewis - it's not one we've seen before and we've decided to plant "Kindred Spirits" outside the study windows, where we will see it every day & be delightfully reminded of a very special Labrador who died far too soon. 

Lewis's garden today with hellebores, tété-à-tétés & rosemary

Also yesterday, Wes successfully bid at the auction of Annie Smith's home on behalf of Fiona & Les (her daughter & son-in-law) and we are thrilled that they will be living here most of the year now. There is also interest in #77 Duke Street across the road from us, and so far all the prospective purchasers want to live there, not develop it into visitor accommodation. 

After the Sunday Market, we're off to The Convent for brunch with three Essendon supporters - our friend & neighbour, Glen, and our new neighbours who will move into #80 in December, James & Yoko. They will all be delighted that their AFLW side beat the Hawks last night in front of 12,000+.