Hey Bud

 We seem to be doing something about travel every day at the moment. I booked a Museum day for the middle of London. We got caught out last time when we arrived for our visit to the museum and they said yes you have free entry but we are too busy.  This time we have a time slot.  I got the buds out of the packaging as well as the bluetooth transmitters.  I am running out of places to plug things in. We left a set of buds on a plane once and this time is going to be worse trying to keep track of every little piece of kit. The transmitters are good for 25 hours but they will still need to be charged for the return. I have counted eight items so far that need charging, four of those will be used in the plane's seat with me.

The Conservatory

 We have been following the renovation of the Queenscliff Hotel over the last couple of years. This is one of those iconic Victoriana spots that has been restored to glory days.  It was abandoned when the new owners took over and hasn't looked as good since 1888. We went to the Conservatory for the first of a number of birthday treats over the next few weeks. This is well worth a visit and very historic.  When the pool is opened we might go back for another round. Did I mention that Mietta's has reopened there as well. So much to do.

 

Hello World

 Maybe I should not be giving these guys a plug because we have not been anywhere yet. We did go and pickup some documents including various tickets and vouchers for travel and accommodation. So far so good.  There is a service for the older brigade where the airlines will get someone to meet us and walk us through the Euro entry gauntlet which these guys have arranged at the last minute.  We are also anticipating more use of technology compared to seven yar ago when we were last on the go.  Already we have replaced the old ear muff type of noise cancellation with a paired bluetooth transmitter and ear buds. There seems to be an app for every place on the itinerary.  My phone is going to get heavier.  I used to code in Fortran and you often start out with a Hello World.

Beach Walk No 891

It seems a long time since I have done the sand comber and beach roamer. One thing and another with too many distractions going on. As it turns out it is a reasonably clean beach here. I got a half a bag of small papers and plastics but no bottles or cans.  The weather makes a difference to the washup with the absence of any big blows lately. I stopped for a short tug of war with a couple of plants that are getting to close to the rock nook. We don't want them taking over in that spot. It is always a bit nervy when dogs spot you and come charging full pelt. So far they do an inspection and then go back to their owners. 

city view

BotanicaH

 It seems more was packed into this weekend than the entire Darwin week.  The hospital visit was originally unintended however a Friday meetup was organised for a detailed examination by another raft of doctors. The Saturday was Elyce's surprise 40th Knees Up at a place called Botanicah in the Prahan high end shopping strip.  Yes we were in a shed with a lot of plants. How this place fends off the buy out offers is a mystery.  This morning we were up before sparrow fart and back to the scene of the ribbing at the church in MontMorency, for more photos. At least we know it was all worth it, as the school has accepted Estelle as a student. No comments here on the selection process. 

Who's boots

hot chocolate milk

Dead Man's Grave

 I have tried a new author for me with this book set in the land of the Scots.  It all seemed a bit predictable being a crime yarn rather than a whodunit. The bad guys are being chased by a few cops not on the take etc etc.  It started well with a mystery about a grave enscribed with "Never to be Opened". This part was a true story about such a grave. The grave was part of a feud problem going way back.  At least the author did not try to get much of a Scottish accent into the writing.

Morning Birds

 I got one of the videos going from last week taken off the balcony generally filming the scene however there was also some bird tweeting going on. I was doing a similar thing back here trying to keep a bird focused in the lens. I was distracted by a guy in a full sci fi kit.  I have seen a pair of these swamp harriers buzzing and dive bombing before and got some good views of one this time. The birdman was really attentive and trying to record what I thought was a noiseless bird. The bonus was the landing.

It's a parabolic microphone