Collendina Report

Went back for a visit to the Klyes and also ran into the Carney's.  Paul is looking OK after some heart bypass work.  We had some lunch at the Queenscliff Brewhouse which is a bit pricey but if you like beer tasting then this is the place.  Back at Collendina we did a tour of the changes. The hedge directly across from our van has been replaced by a replanting and don't delay too long there as a wayward magpie is doing the Spring Swoop.  Around near the pool we checked out the new Cafe de Collendina which looks quite good with its aspect looking out towards the pool.

Note Magpie stick

Not open today come back in January

That's Invigorating

Went down to the beach again and this time decided to wade in.  I had to walk out past the end of the groyne to get groin deep.  So another example of Winter Water in Victoria.  I didn't stay long.  From the position I was in I could look back to the house for a selfie.  At first the shallowness was half warm water but when you got out past the rocks it was cool.  Yesterday I spied a bag of poo that was left in an obvious spot so I left it.  Sure enough it was still there today and a group of school teachers ignored it so I moved it to the bin topside. That bin is a stinker.

Groyne wade

Beach report

It was reasonably calm on the beach today. Around at the Dell the sea grass has abated so it is possible to see the springs agian. They have been hidden by piled grass for months. I brought a bag for the rubbish clean up but there were only a few wrappers and some short rope segments.  I went back into the hinterland areas and found a few flowering shrubs i hadn't seen before.

Not sure what these are called.

Orchid bloom

I could say that we have had a huge burst of flower power either side of our back door, all based on the research we had previously undertaken down at the nearby orchid farm last year.  Basically find the right spot with some Winter sun and do not move the pots, as the plants will find and grow and bloom towards the sunshine. We did get two good stalks but the new ones below have been bought. If they look like this next year that will be the test.  However there has been a big development near the back fence where the new apricot tree has blossomed. Does that mean apricots in the first year?

Too spindly yet for bearing fruit

Ocean Eyes

Today was the last of a raft of appointments being an eye examination and a pocket gouging.  Hopefully BUPA will bring this bill down below $1000 but we wont know until I pick up the two new pairs of glasses which are bi focaled, polarised, transitioning glasses and maybe I will be able to see out of them.  In the end the test said there was not a lot of change. I did get some photos done which captured an image of a floaty with its tail that I notice occasionally when I am looking at a white background, like a book.  The optometrist says just ignore it.  At least we can go for lunch as part of this trip, like to the Olive Pit.

Sticky Stamps Stuck

I have had a few posts about stamps but this time the Post Office has put sticky tape all over the envelope. I have a theory that they reinforced the envelope by completely covering it in tape. They could obviously feel a cable inside and maybe thought it might puncture and snag on their equipment.  I have been jibbed of two stamps. I have attempted getting tape off stamps before but it is permanent. Each year I do get the annual stamp pack so they will arrive in the next few months anyway.

 

Geelong Showgrounds

Got the bikes out again with good sunshine so decided to try a ride into Geelong but not from Clifton Springs. We drove to the other side of Drysdale near the Curlewis Driving Range. This still gave us a fair ride. We followed the rail trail to the show grounds which had its weekly trash & treasure. This is a big venue with many stalls.  It had numerous junk food options nut I had my eye on Botanical a cafe near the botanical gardens.  The food was good. We had a half steak sandwich in sunshine when we started and spitting rain when we finished. It was a 30km round trip and now that we have done it there must be 50 cafes in that area.

Spring Wattle

Treasure for sale

Botanical