We're not Cross

 It must be 30 yar since I have been to Mt Macedon, so we get up there and it's closed for maintenance, big time.  That also includes the Tea Rooms which have been closed for some years but will reopen at the end of the year.  We still found plenty of walking tracks, with a koala tree right near the car. We got the grandies to a lookout on a rough track for a photo as well as up to the Camel's Hump for another foggy view. Lunch was pasties and sausage rolls from the Lazy Baker and we were one of their last customers as the business was shutting shop permanently that afternoon. Back at the cottage the fire is now warming up and grandies are having quiet play.

Fire lighting 101

We have been to the Victoria tavern in Gisborne  before and it seems to be just as busy as Geelong. The spread as well as drinks were all supplied so thanks to grandma  and grandpa for that. The picture frame of the greats was the best present. There will be more before the 100 is up. I need to add photos to this lot. Have managed to get the internet happening at this cottage now.

Fireside chats

These Queensland's are certainly attracted to the fire. I have forgotten how kids are impervious to the cold though. It should only take three hours to get everyone here thru the ensuite shower. Two hours to go and I can see three grandies are ready. I have spent some time on this fire and wet wood does not help however it is a good focus.

Macedon ranges cottage

 The cottage has a rustic olde world  charm. We had to get the  barbie extra cleaned due to its neglect but except for the broken shower we are making this work. The kids have already had a spa session while the barbie was in use. The billiard table is wonky but who cares. James has got the fire going and we are just waiting for the last visitors. 

Medical Update No 356

 We had the longest discussion yet about developing side effects with the ongoing treatment. Technical discussions were held about a very long enzyme chain which shows a variation in word 594 but it is only word 600 that can be significant.  In the end today's dosage was postponed, in favour of resting and recovery. Hooray!  More tests will be done and detailed observation continued but mostly the problem is resolved.  So we have had a slow afternoon to recoup at Williamstown. We bid farewell to the outgoing manager here.  She is retiring and I quipped about her being able to move in here now and it is TRUE. She is deciding on the right unit to take up.  The new manager will have to be on her toes.  We have bought some new jeans and tops for the 90th birthday, so nothing like some retail therapy to help the healing.

The Wash Up

 I was checking out the boat action but brought my trusty rubbish bag which on this occasion was inadequate. The main build up was at the East end and I concentrated on larger items like bottles and cans. Overall the beach survived ok and is mostly clear. I filled the bag quickly with ropes and plastics as well as other plastic bags. The was also a nasty syringe with a very sharp needle. Hopefully it has nothing to do with the drug factory that has just started up in our street. It seems a government house has been given to a single mother but there are also blokes around who have wheeled a caravan into the back for the drug making.  Cars are showing up at all times of the night and are also getting the address wrong and knocking on other neighbours doors at 3:00am. The police say they will deal with it but the backlog means it will have to wait.

Action Tug

One of the interesting things here is the water view and what can happen out there. We have seen big ship situations where small boats are often getting in the way, this time a big ship is in trouble.  This one was heading in when a malfunction has occurred. A tug has since come along and had a rope attached to the stern and in the mean time the anchor has been dropped forward. So that means it can be turned on its spot completely around the anchor point at the front.  This operation took an hour or so as I went down to the beach while it was happening.  It seems the main problem is manoeuvering as it is now limping back where it came with the tug as escort.

WindJammer

 I think the wind has abated here but I thought the same thing yesterday.  The plants at the front have taken a beating but the house seems to stand up to it ok.  It is the five year bloomer, Aeonium that took a big hit. This is now its sixth year and the big yellow cones of flowers were just showing some colour.  We saw one go down the road and another 4 or 5 are broken off as the cone heads are heavy.  The middle court yard fared better as there are now 11 orchid spikes coming thru compared to the seven out back.  No doubt the beach will be a washed up mess.  

broken cone heads

Sunset meet and greet

Newbeary Plaza

 I was half way thru this puzzle before I figured out it had a bear theme going on.  At least this one has a box cover picture to refer to and I did see the bear in the middle but there were subtle bears all over it including bears in the clouds.  It was an indoor day today, except for the emergency dash next door where our neighbour had another fall. He seemed ok after picking him up off the floor.  The wind outside meant I could finish off this puzzle inside. However looking at the picture below you will spot the jigsaw dilemma. It wasn't me, it must have come that way. I even moved the couch.

Shop Saga

 Shopping has not been one of my best pursuits and you do need to be paying attention especially if you have been sidetracked by recent events or some such.  First off, we were distracted due to the roads being closed near the shopping centre, requiring convoluted detours and turnings.  The item we are after is a present that requires two parts to be matched together and we successfully got both in the same store. Hooray, however I left the rather large and obvious part at the checkout when I walked away and there were two of us without a clue we had left it, until we got home.  So I drove back, negotiated the detours etc and found the item intact, so all was restored.  Much later that afternoon, after a rest period, it was time to put the two parts together.  Wrong, the second part is now also missing.  This part is smaller but cannot be found, not in the car and not in the bags. It has also been left in the store. !!#$%!!  So this morning a third trip was made to retrieve the situation. Turns out it was handed in to Lost&Found. Now I just need to find the sticky tape.

Beach Report No 388

 You would almost think it was beaching weather. I did notice when I was casually gazing at the sunrise this morning that the Sun came up 30 seconds earlier than yesterday. The beach has had wave action pushed all the way to the back again which means the sand is still being moved around. The good thing is that the salt water will kill off a lot of vegetation that is creeping forward however I am now throwing a lot of old wood into the undergrowth.  As for rubbish, I picked up a solid bag full where the bulky item was a sodden woollen scarf. 

This is the most Northerly point that we see before it starts heading back South

50 yar

 I opened up the most recent box of stamps that I have had waiting in the wings here. The first thing on top was a large envelope that seems to be a souvenir of a cruise ship voyage that took place in 1975.  Now we were supposed to be on a cruise ship right now doing a lap of Japan however medical necessities got in the way of that.  Seems a bit of an omen to be sent this 50 yar later. It looks like a Euro trip on a Norwegian cruiser.  It got me thinking about other trips from back then.  I think it was around then that I first went to Tassie for a walk thru Cradle Mountain. 

Paul standing, Brendon standing background, Mark sitting foreground, Mick sitting middle ground, Neil crouching background, unknown sitting to the right

Too Good not to Ride

 Yes a picture perfect day demands you get out and about.  I kept this ride to my standard circuit of around 15km. In the next few weeks Debbie will be allowed back on the bike so I don't want to be getting to advanced.  There seems to be a lot of maintenance on the tracks I am riding at the moment, grass cutting along the old rail line and turf laying at the sides of the path. Our rates at work. I had to stop for a photo of the Q Train. The engine they had hooked up this time was all gleaming yellow. Last time we ate on there the engine was the same colour as the carriages.

Q

One False Move

 Another Coben whodunit. I have not seen this one on Netflix so have read it in time before they put it to film.  There are not too many of the characters left standing in this story then again it doesn't seem to matter as the next book is an entirely different thing with new setting and new characters. This one is set in the high stakes sports management area but this guy seems to be more detective than manager, complete with Sly Stallone sidekick.

We were in stitches

 We weren't laughing last week although we were in stitches but this week we are not in stitches so it is all smiles. Hooray!  From now on we are hoping for a more routine approach to this business starting with a renewed dose in 10 days time.  We managed to get out of there before all the lunch venues closed and this time we snagged the last two chicken pies from the nearby US of A embassy.  They make a good pie in there although they most likely are Aussies working for the Yankees.  I got a few photos inside the new Alfred building. It is all architectural waves and curves designed to calm the mind before probing the body.

Sawyers's Arms

 I called into this pub once before as the door was wide open but they weren't serving for some reason. This was a few yar ago and I had forgotten that time, until I rolled up to the door again and we were back. This is an old pub with a modern upgrade.  The menu features more than standard pub grub, like the duck's leg that I had but you can still get a parma if you want.  There is also an asian restaurant upstairs and a steakhouse next door. More food than you can eat.  Also has its own carpark as a bonus.  We caught up with Ross and Fran for a birthday toast and will recommend this spot in future although there did not seem to be a grandies area.

Flowers more than hours

 I got some flowers last week to take into the Alfred.  I just got them on the go, a bunch of roses with tight blooms that were about to open.  So these are all setup in a vase in the short stay area and the next day they are a drooping, withering mess. Today I searched out the top notch florist shop for another go at buying roses.  One advantage over our home grown stuff is that these have no thorns but I will settle for them lasting at least a few days.  I still think our own grown are bigger and brighter.

Wee Jeannie

 We used to ride to the Yarraville area from Essendon all the time, especially with the Sun theatre connection.  I can't remember the last time I went into a picture theatre.  Hhooly Dhooly found a cafe for brunch today which is situated right next to Yarraville train station where the trains are replaced by buses at the moment.  There is a large outdoor eatery next door and Winter is no hindrance to this lot, breaking their fast. We were cosy enough with a traditional big breakfast.  The quirky shops are always worth a visit here.

service station now house

Sun never sets here

Kooringal 67th Lunch

This golf club was recommended as somewhere in the area to go for a luncheon.  The dining area was huge and there was plenty of space but no kiddie play area. They did have some books and pencils and paper.  It was the most I have seen the grandies eat for lunch being favourite fish and chips. Generally the meals went down well so I think we will try it again. Golf courses have some prime real estate and this one is no exception. Grandma & Grandpa hit the jackpot winnings in bingo so thanks for their shout. Back at Willie it was time for cake and once again Grandma & Grandpa came up with a huge gnash cake. That is the first of numerous birthday outings.

Hover Search

 Last month we had a helicopter crash near our old beach hangout on Collendina. There was a lot of action trying to secure survivors and wreckage against the incoming tide.  We had the police chopper out again this time buzzing the front of our place obviously on the hunt.  It was a low level cruise slow and steady and there were numerous passes during an hour or so of searching. Certainly got all residents interested. How are you supposed to do some quiet reading with one of those hanging around.

Nuthin But Blue

 After a few days of confinement the calm sunny day beckoned so I got the bike out for a short circuit ride.  Debbie is banned from physicality for the next four weeks except for the casual walk so any jarring bouncing activity is out. We were talking to one of our finance guys on Zoom this morning and he happens to have had many lymph nodes removed from the side of his neck. The similarity is amazing but the good thing is that you cannot notice it just looking at his face. 

Slow drive

We took nearly 3.5 hours to get here due to a faulty road surface. It has been a slow 🐌 day. We are well into the afternoon now and still have not seen the plastics people. I have finished my book and am typing a blog entry from my phone to fill the time. All the tests and  checks have been done and she has just been called. Hooray phone typing is a pain.   OK  I can type on a normal keyboard now. After a long day I can report that not much has happened. They took out one stitch and the whole thing was threatening to break open so after a nine hour day we have to do it all again next week. Hopefully the road will not be broken. Getting this thing addressed is a pain in the neck.  At least the second insurance claim has been approved. 

Afternoon walk

 We have to manage energy levels in this recovery period so there has not been too much exercise of late.  The rain has stopped for a while so we took the chance to walk the beach and see what the damage is.  The tide was up as high as I have seen it and the far groyne is mostly submerged.  There is a lot of grass around.  The beach has been awash with rainwater from the back and seawater from the front.  I spied a lot flotsam but did not stop for any pickups.  I did pull a few plants that had browned off with the sea water. Debbie has managed the walk ok so now for the next step.

In the Navy Update

There is a bit more action across the way at the Point Wilson pier.  It seems to be the same type of activity as previous whereby a ship with heavy duty cranes is unloading heavy duty loads.  So far it has been the work horses of the sea that have docked there since the pier was reopened. They stay for a week or so then head off.  

Repair Shop

 Next door to the felting expo was a sign that said Repair Shop.  Now this is not your TV land artisans arrayed on stylish workbenches. There were two guys with a couple of tool boxes and that was it. However they will look at just about anything and give you an opinion for $5.  On our move to this area some 6 yar ago, my record player, that I saved $200 for and purchased when I was 12, took a turn for the worse. In the end it was traded for a similar machine that also was not quite right.  The repairman said he would take a look. When James was here last we were fiddling with trying to get the machine level. There were wood blocks here and dodgy bits there. This time I swapped them out for thinner very stable tiles.  Now things seem to be playing out on an even keel.  I will investigate further before spending the $5.

Caught

 Another Coben whodunnit that I have now read after watching it on Netflix.  It's definetly better to read them first and watch them later but there are times where that does not work so well, when for some reason producers want to mess with the original storyline.  That doesn't happen here where both versions are mostly the same except for the backdrop. Having a good old USA setting for the book and then seeing it filmed with a setting in Argentina is a bit of a stretch.  And this is not the first time Netflix have repositioned a story in another setting.  They are still worth watching though.

I Felt That

 We have been driving to Willie every 6 weeks for a haircut from a neighbour who lives just down the street on the Bellarine.  It seems nonsensical to me but don't ever get inbetween a hairstylist and a woman's hair.  As it turns out the haircutting is one thing but the felting is another. Debbie was ready to try an outing, so for an hour or so she managed to walk around a felting exhibition where Karon the haircutter/felter also had her work on display.  The theme was Alice in Wonderland but it seems to me that the Mad Hatters hat would also look equally at home with that other Alice.  I even managed to purchase a secret birthday present for next week.  Don't anyone mention it is a felted scarf. Should come in handy for hiding that cutthroat work. 

Karon's work

Alice Cooper

The Beach has grass balls

 Haven't been down to checkout the beach of late.  A recent wind has driven water right up to the foliage but has since retreated leaving a lot of grass balls laying all over it.  There is also seagrass heaped at one end but overall there is plenty of sand to walk on. I picked up the usual bag of junk, including two cans, rope pieces, plastic lids and ciggie butts.  The next bay over has two large blue escapees from the fish farm. These barrels break free on a regular basis and I did not check how heavy they might be. Getting them out will be tough.

Beautiful Baboon

 We got some paintings in the mail from Estelle but in our hospital wanderings we must have misplaced them until now.  In any case I am repaying the art work with a drawing for her to colour in.  The correct colour scheme is below but somehow I thing a different set of colours might get used.  This came from the Book of Bs where every word in the story starts with a B, including Bam Boom and Bop.

WasGij 42

 I had plenty of time to work on this jigsaw last week but I was where the jigsaw wasn't.  Now that we're back I was able to give it the last hour it needed to finish off.  I don't recommend this style although there are plenty of practitioners out there like our cleaner Michelle and our beach friend Jill who love the no reference puzzling.  Michelle saw the half finished version and was raving about it.  I still need a box cover to refer to.  This one is going back today and I would have preferred the picture below before I started it.  So to those out there giving this one a try, be my guest, as here is a high definition photo of the finished scene.  To quote "The Rock Maui"  Your Welcome.