Friday, March 23rd, Day 12

Words are the small change of thought. -Jules Renard, writer (1864-1910)

Flinders Station

Hi O Susannah and Champagne Chalie!

Trust all is well in the Northern Hemisphere! Have been having a blast everywhere. Left Melbourne this past Monday for a few days near Bendigo, then on to Adelaide on Thursday morning. An excerpt from The Down Under Diaries: Melbourne/Harcourt North:

We stayed at the Marriott, corner of Exhibition and Lonsdale. Bit further away than North Van! Lazy sleep-in until just after 8:00am when Flamin'/Sarge and I went to gym. They worked out on the stair masters and I enjoyed a quick hot tub while the sauna warmed up. Once temperature was fine I did my stretches and crunches and was in the shower next door just as Sarge was finishing his workout. Back up to the room to pack and when everyone else had finished their packing we all went downstairs to go for breakfast. We knew that Trunk, almost immediately next door, served breakfast and since we had enjoyed such a delicious meal there the night before we decided to eat there. Breakfast is served in a small cafe, just beside the building housing the main dining room, open to the elements so it was very plesant as the day was bright and sunny and heading for 27C. I had a delicious order of quesidillas filled with tomatoe, potatoe and chorizo , with a side order of avocadoe. Cappuccino and I was set for day. Back to hotel to finish last minute packing and then we took all our bags down to the lobby to leave with the Concierge as we had to check-out by 11:00am and couldn't pick car up until noon.

Sarge and I walked a few blocks to Europcar while The Sisterhood went to Woolies to buy a small collapsible eski. No trouble with car adn we even managed an upgrade from what we had booked to an SUV type, Australian only model, (I think), something like a Toyota equivalent, not sure of name, which is very roomy and comfortable. The Sisterhood were in 7th Heaven. Loaded up back at hotel and following directions provided by Concierge we had little trouble making our way out of centre of city.
Stopped at a shop, Elk, as it was en route to Bendigo, that Chloe had heard about on the Web and had asked if Cora Lee could pick up a bracelet she fancied. She assumed it would be somewhere downtown but was in a northern suburb called Preston. At any rate, had little diffiuclty finding store. Great place with wonderful designs: jewellry, clothing, purses, footwear, so The Sisterhood was in Nirvana! Trouble getting them back into car but once that feat was accomplished we had no trouble zipping along Calder Highway, extremely good freeway, and were soon in Bendigo itself.

We made straight for the Bendigo Art Gallery, a lovely heritage building, where the Goils wanted to take in the Grace Kelly Exhibition which they had read about in Melbourne papers. We'd been to gallery befoer so had a rough idea where it was and after one wrong turn we found a parking space on street a few steps from entrance. Sarge was not interested in exhibition, (He claimed he'd seen enough womens' clothes day before!), so I told him about the historical mining shaft/superstructure behind the gallery, (Bendigo was part of Australian Gold Rush), which one can climb to the top where there is a viewing platform and therebye obtain quite a stunning view of city and surrounding countryside. Extremely lush, green as all getout, given all the rain this year! Last time we were here in 2006 country was on fire with severe water rationing most everywhere!

Exhibit was fascinating, mainly her designer gowns, accessories and some remarkable pieces of the "crown" jewels. Perhaps most interesting was the half hour or so, montage, of film footage, both from her movies but also fron newsreels of the time, (I simply adore those black and white, Pathe/News of trhe World newsreels that I used to see before films in Cyprus. Similar to the clips in the Hartlepool historical Utube video.), covering marriage, family life and then later TV interviews from the '60's and'70's. Just the slightest of glimpses into her personal and private life but she comes across as a very, very strong, intelligent, sensible, caring, articulate individual, the complete, the diametrical opposite of the sort of "star" we have come to know in today's over-hyped, frenetic, media voracious environment. Of course, times were simpler, or at least seem so in retrospect, but Grace Keely was refreshingly "simple and ordinary" in much of her daily and society life. For example, she wore many of her designer outfits many times, on different occasions, and knit many of her baby clothes. Unpretentious and caring, she championed many charities and used her fame and position to help others.

Took about two hours to view everything and then we all met back at the car. While waiitng for Sarge and Flamin', (They had gone for a drink at a bar a few blocks away.), Cora Lee discovered the Wine Bank, a terrific cafe/wine store in a renovated bank building, Greek pillars and all across the street form our car. She had already been in for a bottle of chilled 2011 Prosecco, King Valley, (A region north of here I'd first visited with Steve in 2006. Flamin' "insists" on drinking this after their recent junket to Italy!), by the time I found her sitting on a door stoop, patiently waiting for us. I popped over to take a look as F/S were nowhere in sight and was delighted at the incredible array of local product. Picked up and Axedale Reef, 2008 Pinot Grigio, again from King Valley, 12.7%, and a Waterwheel, Bendigo, Petit Verdot, 15.5%, so pleased muchly as this is one of my favourite varietals and not overly availabe as a single varietal, ususally in a blend.

Back to car and chauffeur and his moll arrived a few minutes later and we made for Harcourt North. Remebered all the turnoffs from highwya nd we were soon on Franklins Road and pulled into Old Oak at about 5:30pm. Steve and Kathllen were still at work but had left the housekey in the mailbox. We unlaoded and did a bit of unpacking and then Flamin'/Cora Lee adn Sarge changed into bathers and jumped into the new hot tub on the new deck, (new since our last visit in 2006), while I was charged with refilling sparkling wine glasses and muling beer bottles! Initailly, Sarge was so dismayed not to find any beer in the fridge in the kitchen that he contemplated driving into Castlemaine, 14K round trip, to pick some up. I told him that if Steve didn't have any beer then things were terribly "crook" as I knew he had to have a stash somewhere. I found two six packs in the half-fridge in the "shed", (combination workshop, storage area), at the top of the driveway, so he was saved a trip!

Kathleen arrived to find the Sybarites in the hot tub and she brought out hors d'oeuvres after she'd greeted everyone. Steve turned up a few minutes later and we visited in different groups until just before dinner. Sarge did a fabulous job on the "barbie" with some wonderful steaks and we repaired inside, to escape "mossies", and sat down to a delicious meal of mashjed potatoes, wild mushrooms, (picked the day before), and a large green salad, (avocadoe, tomatoe, green beans and lettuce, home grown. Petit Verdot was a stunner as was the Morris, Rutherglen, 2008 Durif, (one of my favourite varietals and favourite wineries ever since first visit in '91), but an anaemic 14.5%, compared to the PV! Needled Steve about this, of course! Dessert was Kathleen's home-baked apple/hazelnut torte topped with mango/passion fruit ice cream. Lads had a few snorts of Aberlour while we chatted until it was time for bed. I managed to read the first few chapters of Peter Temple's Truth, the sequel to his The Broken Shore, which our book club read a few books ago. Steve and I had been reading his Jack Irish series back in 2006 so he had the latest works on his shelves. I'll probably return the ones i borrow when we see then in Hunter Valley on the Easter weekend.

Up at 7:00am the next morning, wind blowing like crazy, whipping trees and bushes like feathers! Quiet an hour later with just a few snatches of birdsong. Weather was forecast to be "foul" according to Katheen, last night, but wonder if fierce wind has blown nasty weather away. Hope so as we plan a day of wine tasting in surounding viticulture regions. Way Steve has it planned we will probably do about five, two or three from different appellations so looking forward to comparing product. Hope to be back in time for a quick ride on the bike I bought in 2006. Lovely to cycle the country roads hereabouts as landscapes are beautiful, rolling hills, orchards and small vineyards abound. 

Dove to Adelaide on Thursday morning to stay with Tina and Trevor. Yesterday,Teens dropped me off at Tea Tree Gully Waterworld on her way to pick up Jade, her youngest granddaughter. I started swimming at a few minutes after 9:00am and finished up just before 1:00pm. I had taken along Flamin's cell and Trevor had a missed call. He thought it was me ringing for a ride, as pre-arranged. He came to pool as I was finishing up my 4 miles/6.5K. Very pleased with distance as it is longest swim since being away. Felt like the Millionaires as I was literally the only one in the pool after a few other swimmers left around 10:00am. Had my own personal lifeguard! It rained quite heavily on way to pool but by the time I was changed it had stopped. Still, extremely heavy overcast, few breaks of sunshine, and then back to fairly brisk wind with low cloud cover. Temperature ranged between 16C and 19C, according to large digital clock on a pole near pool, giving time/temperature.

Off to Barossa, (but 45 minutes from their place), for a day of wine-tasting today and then back for dinner. Teens is a fabulous cook! Then to Clare Valley, about an hour north of Barossa, for two nights. Then back to Adelaide to celebrate Trevor's 65th and then to McClaren Vale, about two hours south, for two nights before heading back towards Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula. Life On the Road is very difficult, so many wineries, so little time, so little money!!!

All the best from The Travelling Road Show Performers, Flamin' and Sarge and Cora Lee to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Sisters!

I'll try to take a video with my camera, in order to do justice to the Pink Room!

Teens dropped me off at Tea Tree Gully Waterworld on her way to pick up Jade. I started swimming at a few minutes after 9:00am and finished up just before 1:00pm. I had taken along Flamin's cell and Trevor had a missed call. He thought it was me ringing for a ride, as pre-arranged. He came to pool as I was finishing up my just 4 miles/6.5K. Very pleased with distance as it is longest swim since being away. Felt like the Millionaires as I was literally the only one in the pool after a few other swimmers left around 10:00am. Had my own personal lifeguard. It rained quite heavily on way to pool but by the time I was changed it had stopped. Still, extremely heavy overcast, few breaks of sunshine, and then back to fairly brisk wind with low cloud cover. Temperature ranged between 16C and 19C, according to large digital clock on a pole near pool, giving time/temperature. Teens is ready to leave so will say goodbye for now. She sends her hellos and best wishes to you both. Love and Cheers, Dad!

Hi D,

Sounds like you are all having a great time, be nice to Michelle though, remember this is her vacation too!!!!
Mags and I are well, saw Grames she is fine, but no sign of Dodi.
G and G had Karen and Bill for dinner, so stopped in to say hi, they are well, but Karen is still shaking quite badly.

Meant to respond to you about Matt and Zoe, they stopped in to the Brewery 2 weeks ago and I just mentioned if I was to go away would they be into staying and watching Mags, so funny you heard about it!!!!

Off to bed, have to be up early for the gym and work then am watching Emma as Brian and Katie have dinner plans.

Love you, give my love to Nana and the rest of crew!!!xxxx Chloe

maggie and I will fly first class to deliver the gift!!!!
yes please picture of you with my little ponies!!!!
xx
Yes please video of you in the pink room, maybe a little sarge in his surge!!!! as well xxxx

Hi Daniel!

Trust all is well with you. Have been having a blast everywhere, ever since leaving Hong Kong. I apologize for not sending a message sooner but can't seem to find the time to spend as much time as I'd like on The Infernal, (according to my grumpy travelling companions!), Diaries as I'd like!


Hi Sandra et al!

Trust all is well with everyone and VIWF. Seems difficult for me to connect to order tickets for A Dram Come True on June 1st, day after we return. Not sure of number of tickets I'll need, (Four as of this writing but perhaps more once I've contacted other friends.), so I might ask Chloe to pop by with a credit card number if I can't order online. Hope this alternative will be fine. All the best from The Travelling Road Show Performers, Flamin' and Sarge and Cora Lee to you and the rest of the hard-working, selfless, self-effacing, dedicated , always cheerful, in spite of working their nimble fingers to the bone, VIWF staff! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Thursday, March 22nd, Day 11

A man may be very industrious, and yet not spend his time well. There is no more fatal blunderer than he who consumes the greater part of life getting his living. -Henry David Thoreau, naturalist and author (1817-1862)

Harcourt Post Office, opened in 1858

Hi Tiptoe!

Just wondering if you might suggest some places we might think of staying when back in Sydney. May have found a spot in Darling Harbour but we probably need a place to park the car. No big deal if you don't have any ideas but just thought I'd ask. Still working on snaps. have faith!  Fondestos and Cheers to you and Generalissimo! Patrice!

Hi Kleenex Woman and Maggie's Mom!

You might like to know that I "ordered" Nana to write her paragraph, to add to the Sanskrit cypher. She was not happy that I left so much space. She plans to write more on the back of the cheque she is sending for the new loft!

Up at 6:15am this morning to send a few messages before others woke up. Kathleen left for work in Melbourne before 6:00am so won't see her until Easter weekend in Hunter Valley. Flamin' was up first and while she made sammies for trip ahead I fried up a panful of picnic bacon. When Sarge appeared I asked him to watch the pan and to add the overleft kartofellage once bacon was crisp while I had a quick shower. Stevo was just leaving for work in Bendigo when I was out of the shower so we embraced and said our goodbyes, thanking him for marvellous stay. Looking forward to seeing them both again in a few weeks. After most of the last minute packing was done, w all ate breakfast and the Goils washed up while I stripped our bed and took used towels and sheets into laundry room. We decided not to put on a load as neither Kathleen nor Steve will be back before the end of the coming weeknd and we didn't want the damp things sitting for two or three days.

With house tidied up and rooms double and triple checked for any missed possessions, we locked the door and deposited the key in the mailbox at the end of the driveway and took our leave of Old Oak at 8:25am. We were just a few hundred metres down the road when Cora Lee realized that she couldn't find her sunglasses! Rolled eyes and raised eyebrows but no scathing remarks from rest of us as we returned to scour the house for them. I took advantage of this annoying oversight, (Cora Lee was last one to car when we left initially, although I am invariably accused of causing delay!), to snap a few more pictures of the magnificent trunk of the remarkable tree which lends its name to the street address of the Gray/Carthew Homestead.

Lost possession found, we drove into Castlemaine to gas up and then proceeded along what we believed to be B180 towards Maryborough. Somehow we missed a turn and ended up on A300 to Ballarat. Mildy disappointed as I had hoped to take Flamin' and Sarge through the Mt. Avoca and Ararat wine country. Nevertheless, probably a more direct route to the Western Highway. Just before Ballarat we picked up M8, a dual carriage- way, for a few kilometres and then we found ourselves back on a two-lane highway, the expansion to the existing infrastructure underway off to our right. Adelaide about 600k from here so we estimated arriving in Tea Tree Gully somewhere around 5:00pm-6:00pm, depending on traffic, stops for gas, bladder voiding, etc., and the unrelenting needs/demands of The Sisterhood!

But a few elongated grey clouds in an otherwise clear blue sky. Slightly rolling, farm countryside, large paddocks/fields dotted with sheep. Closer to Maryborough we drove through fairly dense gum forest. Here, in the Pyrenees Shire, Flamin' opined that it reminded her of landscape around Shubenacke. You can take the Girl out of Nova Scotia but you can't take the Maritimes out of the Girl, Dear Reader! If the trees were poplars and conifers, instead of gums, could be on the highway between Winnipeg and Falcon, in many places. Fair bit of road construction with reduced speed, (80k from 100k), but otherwise no real stoppage/delay. However, just before noon I had to take that statement back as over the last hour we had to stop twice, for 5-10 minutes or more! If this continued we imagined we'd be much later arriving at Fairview Park than originally projected. In addition there was also more heavy truck traffic so this slowed us down as we are forced to follow semis until an "overtaking lane" was available.

Stopped for lunch at a few minutes before 1:00pm in a small farming community by the look of the town. Enjoyed the tasty chicken sandwiches Flamin' put together before we left Old Oak, together with two of Mighty Nikos' apples and some Australian soft cheddar, at a small park near the centre of town. We went across the street to a bakery for tea and coffee. Cool breeze so Sarge even went back to the car to put on his jacket! Classical music playing in the public toilettes, to soothe the savage teenage hoodlums who might trash the place, according to resident Sociologist/Criminologist Dottore Durston. Replenished, we set off at 1:30pm and crossed into South Australia, not far from the state line between Victoria and SA, around 2:20pm.

Bit of a kerfuffle as Flamin' became agitated when her iPod was close to running out of juice. The USB port on the dash didn't seem to charge our various devices. However, she insisted on finding her charger which she claimed would work. After she rooted around in the luggage packed behind her, nagging Sarge, all the while, about where "he" had put "her" peripherals, she finally pulled out a cord, the same as the one I was using, grudgingly admitting that what we had told her all along was, in fact, true. We stopped for gas a short way on and Flamin', OCDU, (Undaunted), kept on at me to look for an adapter I had for my Belkin Garmin Goil/iPod. Unable to take her ADHD any longer, I found it and she was as happy as a clam until her iPad read-out informed her that it was not charging! Much more fussing and fuming. Not much difference between her behaviour and that of a spoiled five year old on a sugar high! Poor Sarge just shook his head, rolled his eyes and bit his tongue. Cora Lee and I were chortling away. I'm going to start calling Flamin' "Jackie", from now on as she reminds me of a hyper-active Jack Russell jacked up on speed!

Charging issue has not been completely understood or resolved, as of this writing, Dear Reader. We believe that the iPads will recharge if they are not being used. Flamin' was "ordered" to let her toy sit for twenty minutes, idling, so to speak. Preliminary findings indicate a slight rise in battery capacity. Remains to be seen whether she can keep her cottin' picking' hands off the virtual keyboard for long enough to see if this is the way the power outlets work.

Having put Flamin' in a straight-jacket so that we could complete the experiment, we inferred from the available data that both devices gained a slight charge when left to idle or sleep their time away. Opinion was to add a gag to her clinical restraint outfit but we took pity on her and after making her promise to behave we undid the fasteners and held our breath. Believe she was too exhausted with struggling against her chic canvas jacket to continue acting out so we cruised through Tailem Bend and Murray Bridge without so much as a peep.

By 4:45pm we were roughly an hour and fifteen minutes from The Seldom Inn, slaloming through the start of the Adelaide Hills, undulating and rather barren, at times, dotted with grazing sheep and cattle,seemingly more thickly wooded as we approached Adelaide itself. Sky was quite overcast with low, continuous cloud cover, bit of on-and-off drizzle. Sarge truly liked this as he is always turning on the windshield wipers instead of the turn signal, since these levers are reversed on the right-hand drive steering wheel column!

Just before we reached the outskirts of Adelaide, we passed an " Arresting Bed", the Ozzie term for a runaway lane for trucks which have lost their brakes! Maps we had on board didn't show enough detail to allow us to navigate to Tea Tree Gully so Flamin' did a Map Quest search and we used it to negotiate rush hour traffic. Didn't really have any trouble, other than a few wrong turns which didn't, happily enough, in the fianl analysis, take us further away from our intended destination. Pulle dinto #13 Baudin Avenue at 5:45pm, pretty much our ETA.

TNT were waiting for us and we had a warm reunion. After we unloaded car and were shown our rooms, Teens brought out some killer garlic dip, crackers, bread, olive oil , (Silver Acres Olives, Adelaide Hills, from Tina's brother's farm not far away from Fairview park when TNNT live.), and dukkah, a mixture of herbs, nuts, typically hazelnut, and spices, which Teens makes herself. Sarge had one of his last American Pale Ales and The Goils a glass of wine, , Balgownie, Yarra Valley fruit, 2009 Chardonnay, 13.5%, while Trev made me a cappccino with their whiz-bang Nespresso Machina!

By this time it was close to 7:00pm and Sarge volunteered to drive Teens downtown to have an MRI on her right knee. He wanted to get a better sense of the city and I wanted to update the Diaries so everyone was happy. Plan to have a quick shower before dinner so will sign off for now! Fondestos and Cheers, Dad!

Hi Goils and Los Horridos!

Had a simply wonderful meal last night after Teens and Sarge returned from her MRI. Trevor and Sarge did chicken breats on the bbq while Teens finsihed her smashed spuds with Parmesano on top, together with two wonderful salads, a beetrrot, onion, and carrot one, finely diced in Wonder THERMOMIX, together with a divne Greek, cyclpean chunks of feta. All washed down with a Mandurang Valley, 2008 Cabbage, 14.3%. Dessert was a gluten free chocolate torte, drizzled with strawberry puree, again, courtesy ogf the WT! SNorts of Mark's, (TNT's son's homemade cream based liqueur, yums, and an extraordinary date palm liquer from Eulo, Queensland.

Bed shortly after Nana and Flamin' did most of the dishes that couldn't be loade dintot he dishwasher. We are in the room ususally occupied by Maya and Jade when they sleep over so we have pink sheets, pillow cases and duvets surrounded by Barbies wearing tiaras and menageries of stuffed animals and Smurfs and My Little Ponies and millions of chachkas of every kind know to young females. I woke screaming at 3:30am thinking I was Alice in Wonderland being chased by the Red Queen! Nana was the Cheshire Cat and kept disappearing in a cloud of snores!!!

Big day today as Flamin' and Sarge will accompany Trevor to hus gym, while Teens will drop me off at a local pool in Tea Tree Gulley when she goes to pick up Jade. I'll phone home, (I am now the proud user of mobile Flamin' picked up in Melbourne although I don't know how to use it!), when I'm finished and Trev will kindly come to collect me. Nana will rake until F/S/T return from gym and then they will head downtown to wander and shop. We will all meet around 5:00pm to watch Maya and Jade perform their CirKids gymnastics, end of season concert. Then we will go for dinner at the Adelaide Fruit and Vegetable Market, restaurant precinct much like GI.

Time to go to get ready for swim. Much warm love to everyone from Adelaide.

PS: Put a THERMOMIX on the credit card, as well, Chloe, house-warming present from Maggie/Molly to Ayn! Use it a Kabuki whenever you want! Spend! Spend! Spend!

Down Under Diaries: Melbourne/Harcourt North

March 20th, Day 8

Lazy sleep-in until just after 8:00am when Flamin'/Sarge and I went to gym. They worked out on the stair masters and I enjoyed


March 22nd, Day 10

Left Old Oak at 8:25am and were just a few hundred metres down the road when Cora Lee realized that she couldn't find her sunglasses! Rolled eyes and raised eyebrows but no scathing remarks from rest of us as we returned to scour the house for them. I took advantage of this annoying oversight, (Cora Lee was last one to car when we left initially, although. I am invariably accused of causing delay!), to snap a few more pictures ofto the magnificent trunk of the remarkable tree which lends its name to the street address of the Gray/Carthew Homestead.

Lost possession found, we drove into Castlemaine to gas up and then proceeded along what we believed to be B180 towards Maryborough. Somehow we missed a turn and ended up on A300 to Ballarat. Mildy disappointed as I had hoped to take Flamin' and Sarge through the Mt. Avoca and Ararat wine country. Nevertheless, probably a more direct route to the WesterHighway. Just before Ballarat we picked up M8, a dual carriage- way, for a few kilometres and then we found ourselves back on a two-lane highway, the expansion to the existing infrastructure underway off to our right. Adelaide about 600k from here so we estimate arriving in Tea Tree Gully somewhere around 5:00pm-6:00pm, depending on traffic, stops for gas, bladder voiding, etc. and the unrelenting needs/demands of The Sisterhood!

But a few elongated grey clouds in an otherwise clear blue sky. Slightly rolling, farm countryside, large paddocks/fields dotted with sheep. Closer to Maryborough we drove through fairly dense gum forest. Here, in the Pyrenees Shire, Flamin' opined that it reminded her of landscape around Shubenacke. You can take the Girl out of Nova Scotia but you can't take the Maritimes out of the Girl, Dear Reader! If the trees were poplars and conifers, instead of gums, could be on the highway between Winnipeg and Falcon, in many places. Fair bit of road construction with reduced speed, (80kpr from 100kph), but otherwise no real stoppage/delay. Now just before noon and have to take that statement back as over last hour we have had to stop twice, for 5-10 minutes or more! If this keeps up, we'll be much later arriving at Fairview Park than originally projected.) also, more heavy truck traffic so this is slowing us down as we are forced to follow semis until an "overtaking lane" is available.

Stopped for lunch at a few minutes before 1:00pm in Nhill, small farming community By the look of the town. Enjoyed the tasty chicken sandwiches Flamin' put together this morning before we left Old Oak, together with two of Mighty Nikos' apples and some Australian soft cheddar, at a small park near the centre of town. We went across the street to a bakery for tea and coffee. Cool breeze so Sarge even went back to the car to put on his jacket! Replenished, we set off at 1:30pm and crossed into South Australia, not far from the state line between Victoria and SA, around 2:20pm.

Bit of a kerfuffle as Flamin' became agitated when her iPod was close to running out of juice. The USB port on the dash doesn't seem to be charging our various devices. However, she insisted on finding her charger which she claimed would work. After she rooted around in the luggage packed behind her, nagging Sarge, all the while, about where "he" had put "her" peripherals, she finally pulled out a cord, the same as the one I was using, grudgingly admitting that what we had told her all along was, in fact true. We stopped for t gas a short way on and Flamin', OCDU, (Undaunted), kept on at me to look for an adapter I had for my Belkin Garmin Goil/iPod. Unable to take her ADHD any longer, I found it and she was as happy as a clam until her iPad read-out informed her that it was not charging. Much more fussing and fuming. Not much difference between her behaviour and that of a spoiled five year old on a sugar high! Poor Sarge just shook his head, rolled his eyes and bit his tongue. Cora Lee and I were chortling away. I'm going to,start calling Flamin' "Jackie", from now on as she reminds me of a hyper-active Jack Russell jacked up on speed!

Issue has not been completely understood or resolved. We believe that the iPads will recharge if they are not being used. Flamin' has been "ordered" to let her toy sit for twenty minutes, idling, so to speak. Preliminary findings indicate a slight rise in battery capacity. Remains to be seen whether she can keep her cottin' picking' hands off the virtual keyboard for long enough to see if this is the way the power outlets work.

Having put Flamin' in a straight-jacket so that we could complete the experiment, we inferred from the available data that both devices gained a slight charge when left to,idle,or sleep their time away. Opinion was to add a gag to her clinical restraint outfit but we took pity on her and after making her promise to behave we undid the fasteners and held our breath. Believe she was too exhausted with struggling against her chic canvas jacket to continue acting out so we cruised through Tailem Bend and Murray Bridge without so,much as a peep.

By 4:45pm we were roughly an hour and fifteen minutes from The Seldom Inn, slaloming through the start of the Adelaide Hills, undulating and rather barren, at times, dotted with grazing sheep and cattle,seemingly more thickly wooded as we approach Adelaide itself. Sky is quite overcast with low, continuous cloud cover, bit of on-and-off drizzle. Sarge likes this as he is always turning on the windshield wipers instead of the turn signal, since these levers are reversed on the right-hand drive steering wheel column!

Just before we reached the outskirts of Adelaide, we passed an " Arresting Bed", the Ozzie term for a runaway lane!

You must have a picture taken in the Barbie bedroom!!


More Greetings from Head Hurtin' Land!

Hi Sisters! I'll try to take a video with my camera, in order to do justice to the Pink Room! Teens dropped me off at Tea Tree Gully Waterworld on her way to pick up Jade. I started swimming at a few minutes after 9:00am and finished up just before 1:00pm. I had taken along Flamin's cell and Trevor had a missed call. He thought it was me ringing for a ride, as pre-arranged. He came to pool as I was finishing up my just 4 miles/6.5K. Very pleased with distance as it is longest swim since being away. Felt like the Millionaires as I was literally the only one in the pool after a few other swimmers left around 10:00am. Had my own personal lifeguar. It rained quite heavily on way to pool but by the time I was changed it had stopped. Still, extremely heavy overcast, few breaks of sunshine, and then back to fairly brisk wind with low cloud cover. Temperature ranged between 16C and 19C, according to large digital clock on a pole near pool, giving time/temperature. Teens is ready to leave so will say goodbye for now. She sends her hellos and best wishes to you both. Love and Cheers, Dad!

Wednesday, March 21st, Day 10

Talent develops in tranquility, character in the full current of human life. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, poet, dramatist, novelist, and philosopher (1749-1832)

Hi Kids!

Up at 6:15am to send a few messages before others wake up. Kathleen left for work in Melbourne before 6:00am so won't see her until Easter weekend in Hunter Valley. Much warm love to you both, Dad!

Received a postcard at the office from Hong Kong...as our office
coordinator delivered it to me from the mailroom I jokingly asked her to
read it to me thinking it would be from Poppa in his signature Sanskrit
but she began to read it aloud!!!

It was a FULL paragraph from Nana! I was almost reduced to tears at the
gesture!!!

Happy travels kids!!! Send money for the new loft!! Love to all! 
Hello all,

 Well, we made it.   We are here.  Arrived in Paris around 4:00 PM.
Don and Ruyun werewaiting for us,
so we went to the car rental, signed our lives away,
lo aded up the luggage,and headed north to Arras.
Jo-Anne and I had beeen up since around 8:00 AM Vancouver
time on Tuesday, and Don and Ruyun had been on the way since 7:00 AM Montreal
time on Tuesday.  Needless to say, we were a car full of whacked weasels.

 Stopped at the Carrefour on the way into Arras, and got the
ingredients for an in room
picnic (we decided we were too tired to go looking for an eating establishment.
Checked into our rooms, then all met in our room for food and wine -
fresh baguettes,
brie, roquefort, goose pate, strawberries, creme caramel, and tomatoes.
 And of course, wine - Chateau Branda Puisseguin-St-Emilion 2009 (was
really good for
11 euros), and Chateau les Eyquem hautes graves 2010 Margaux
(incredibly good, again
only 12 euros). We topped it off with some Camus VS Cognac (15 euroes
a bottle), and
toddled off to bed.

 Tomorrow is Vimy and Ypres, two WW I battle sites.  Jo-Anne's
grandfather was at Vimy, so she really wants to see it. -Colin 

Hi Jo-Anne and Colin!

France already sounds wonderful! Wine prices here rival what you are paying, often even better. Will be visiting Clare, Barossa and MacLaren Vale while here. Had a wonderful day of wine tasting in and around Bendigo/Castlemaine yesterday.

March 21st, Day 10:

On the road by 11:10am to drive but a few kilometers to Bress to see if they are open. Steve said that according to local brochure they were probably closed. However, crush is on so if anyone is around and available we might be able to taste. Unfortunately, too, too busy to deal with visitors. Spoke to a young woman, originally from Paris, now working in Melbourne, up to help with the crush. Bit of a disappointment as offerings looked interesting. Flamin' was upset as she wanted to buy a large platter made from used barrel staves. Sarge was happy as he would have been charged with heavy-duty muleage for rest of trip, let alone flight home.

Next to Harcourt Valley. Wonderful tasting: Riesling was very dry and refreshingly crisp, Chardonnay a little bit too sharp and acidic for me. Liked the Riesling the best, not enough fruit in the Chard for my taste. Malbec was amazingly fruit forward, much more ripe berry than many of the Argentinian expressions. Shiraz was wonderfully peppery. Cabbage was not tannic enough for my palette but The Goils liked the softer approach. Sarge bought a six pack of the American Pale Ale, named for the "sightings" of panthers in the state. Supposedly, after the end of WW II, American soldiers released their mascots into the wild and some of the survivors' relatives still roam the countryside.

After paying for our purchases, we left, via the Pyrenees Highway, for Castlemaine, to pick up nosh for dinner, before making for next winery. Would decide which ones while shopping or over lunch. We found a parking spot downtown and Sarge accompanied the Goilds to butcher's/green grocer's for lamb and green beans, potatoes, tomatoes and feta cheese, as well as a bbq'd chook for lunch. Steve and I went to Priden Jewellers to see if I could buy a new watch strap for my Swatch. Didn't have one wide enough so we went up the street to the local post office for stamps. Met gang back at car and headed back to Old Oak to drop off groceries and have a bite of lunch.

Everyone made their own tasty, sliced chicken sandwiches. I feasted on bones and apple slices, (fruit grown by Mighty Nikos), and cheese. Cup of java and we were back in car. Decided to make for Sutton Grange first but place was closed as well. Funnily enough, another French intern, a young man from Nantes, told us that he didn't have expertise for tasting room and winemaker was running errands. Lovely situation, winery overlooking a fairly large dam, probably about a quarter of the size of the "pond" beside the Connors' cabin near St John's, picturesque hills as backdrop.

Next stop, Mandurang Valley. Steve had phoned ahead, during lunch, so we knew we would be able to taste. Very friendly women, Leslie Vine, winemaker's wife, pouring. Fountain of information but I really didn't think all that much of most of the offerings. Liked the Chardonnay over the Riesling but found all the reds uninspiring, flat, lacking any or much varietal character. Hard to imagine that there was so much demand for such plonk, at least according to Leslie. According to her they are selling much of their overall production to the Chinese, a burgeoning market as one can well imagine. Can only believe that the customers there don't have particularly discriminating palettes. Something one might expect, given that wine really has not been a part of the alcohol culture, as I understand things, in the way it has been, in Canada and the US, roughly since the '70's, for example. Must say I was rather disappointed as until then I had been very taken with most, if not all, the wines from in and around Bendigo. Still, that is what one must expect, realistically speaking.

Last visit of the day was to Balgownie Estate, one of the first wineries in the area. Much more impressed with their offerings. Young woman behind tasting counter was new to job so the assistant winemaker, Tony Winspear, poured for us. Very endearing and knowledgeable chap so it was an enjoyable experience all around. Chardonnay was perhaps the tastiest of that varietal we'd come across here, Pinot Gris was pleasant enough while the Sauvignon Blanc was flavourful and grassy, jus the way I like it. Was not overly impressed by the Shiraz but the Shiraz/Cabbage blend was very appealing.  Cab itself was attractive but I found the Sangiovese to be the most interesting of all. Stevo and I settled not hat for our take-away. Thanking Tony for his time and comments, we bundled into car and made for Harcourt North.

When we started out that morning it had pelted rain just as we turned onto road at the bottom of the driveway and downpour kept up until we reached Harcourt Valley. By the time we found our way to the tasting room it had turned to a light drizzle and once we were in Castlemaine it was dry and sunny. Stayed that way for the rest of the afternoon and early evening. Quite a contrast from the fierce winds, cool temperature and dark sky which greeted us when we woke up.

Tuesday, March 20th, Day 9

Man is most nearly himself when he achieves the seriousness of a child at play. -Heraclitus, philosopher (500 BCE) 

Amanda Smolinski's photo

                           

Down Under Diaries: Melbourne/Harcourt North

Marriott:

Lazy sleep-in until just after 8:00am when Flamin'/Sarge and I went to gym. They worked out on the stair masters and I enjoyed a quick hot tub while the sauna warmed up. Once temperature was fine I did my stretches and crunches and was in the shower next door just as Sarge was finishing his workout. Back up to the room to pack and when everyone else had finished their packing we all went downstairs to go for breakfast. We knew that Trunk, almost immediately next door, served breakfast and since we had enjoyed such a delicious meal there the night before we decided to eat there. Breakfast is served in a small cafe, just beside the building housing the main dining room, open to the elements so it was very plesant as the day was bright and sunny and heading for 27C. I had a delicious order of quesidillas filled with tomatoe, potatoe and chorizo , with a side order of avocadoe. Cappuccino and I was set for day. Back to hotel to finish last minute packing and then we took all our bags down to the lobby to leave with the Concierge as we had to check-out by 11:00am and couldn't pick car up until noon.

Sarge and I walked a few blocks to Europcar while The Sisterhood went to Woolies to buy a small collapsible eski. No trouble with car adn we even managed an upgrade from Honda we had booked to an XXXX which is very roomy and comfortable. The Sisterhood is in 7th Heaven. Loaded up back at hotel and following directions provided by Concierge we had little trouble making our way out of centre of city. (See below, Dear Reader, for continuation of Saga!)

Hi Laura and Her Parents!

Sorry, as well, that we didn't connect in Melbourne! Will be in touch once we leave Adelaide as we hope to visit Mornington. Perhaps we can get together then.

Hi Kids!!!

Trust you are both well. Gather that it is or will be Party Centrale at The Island Inn with Zoe/Matt staying to house sit Maggie, according to Kathleen!!! 

Hi Jo-Anne and Colin!

Guess you will be off to Gay Paree shortly! Have a wonderful time. I love Paris in the Springtime!!! Yes, I did learn of Rick's death shortly before we left. I liked him very much so was most saddened. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make his memorial as we will still be away. Weather here is fabulous so we feel badly for your cool temperatures! 

Hi Raymond and Sylvia!

Just a quick note ot say hello before other revelers clamber out of bed! It was a gloroius 27 C yesterday when we left Melbourne. Stopped at a shop, Elk, as it was en route to Bendigo, that Chloe had heard about on the Web and had asked if Cora Lee could pick up a bracelet she fancied. She assumed it would be somewhere downtown but was in a northern suburb called Preston. At any rate, had little difficulty finding store. Great place with wonderful designs: jewelry, clothing, purses, footwear, so The Sisterhood was in Nirvana! Trouble getting them back into car but once that feat was accomplished we had no trouble zipping along Calder Highway, extremely good freeway, and were soon in Bendigo itself.

We made straight for the Bendigo Art Gallery, a lovely heritage building, where the Goils wanted to take in the Grace Kelly Exhibition which they had read about in Melbourne papers. We'd been to gallery before so had a rough idea where it was and after one wrong turn we found a parking space on street a few steps from entrance. Sarge was not interested in exhibition, (He claimed he'd seen enough women's clothes day before!), so I told him about the historical mining shaft/superstructure behind the gallery, (Bendigo was part of Australian Gold Rush), which one can climb to the top where there is a viewing platform and there bye obtain quite a stunning view of city and surrounding countryside. Extremely lush, green as all get-out, given all the rain this year! Last time we were here in 2006 country was on fire with severe water rationing most everywhere!

Exhibit was fascinating, mainly her designer gowns, accessories and some remarkable pieces of the "crown" jewels. Perhaps most interesting was the half hour or so, montage, of film footage, both from her movies but also fron newsreels of the time, (I simply adore those black and white, Pathe/News of trhe World newsreels that I used to see before films in Cyprus. Similar to the clips in the Hartlepool historical Utube video.), covering marriage, family life and then later TV interviews from the '60's and'70's. Just the slightest of glimpses into her personal and private life but she comes across as a very, very strong, intelligent, sensible, caring, articulate individual, the complete, the diametrical opposite of the sort of "star" we have come to know in today's over-hyped, frenetic, media voracious environment. Of course, times were simpler, or at least seem so in retrospect, but Grace Keely was refreshingly "simple and ordinary" in much of her daily and society life. For example, she wore many of her designer outfits many times, on different occasions, and knit many of her baby clothes. Unpretentious and caring, she championed many charities and used her fame and position to help others.

Took about two hours to view everything and then we all met back at the car. While waiitng for Sarge and Flamin', (They had gone for a drink at a bar a few blocks away.), Cora Lee discovered the Wine Bank, a terrific cafe/wine store in a renovated bank building, Greek pillars and all across the street form our car. She had already been in for a bottle of chilled 2011 Prosecco, King Valley, (A region north of here I'd first visited with Steve in 2006. Flamin' "insists" on drinking this after their recent junket to Italy!), by the time I found her sitting on a door stoop, patiently waiting for us. I popped over to take a look as F/S were nowhere in sight and was delighted at the incredible array of local product. Picked up and Axedale Reef, 2008 Pinot Grigio, again from King Valley, 12.7%, and a Waterwheel, Bendigo, Petit Verdot, 15.5%, so pleased muchly as this is one of my favourite varietals and not overly availabe as a single varietal, ususally in a blend.

Back to car and chauffeur and his moll arrived a few minutes later and we made for Harcourt North. Remebered all the turnoffs from highwya nd we were soon on Franklins Road and pulled into Old Oak at about 5:30pm. Steve and Kathllen were still at work but had left the housekey in the mailbox. We unlaoded and did a bit of unpacking and then Flamin'/Cora Lee adn Sarge changed into bathers and jumped into the new hot tub on the new deck, (new since our last visit in 2006), while I was charged with refilling sparkling wine glasses and muling beer bottles! Initailly, Sarge was so dismayed not to find any beer in the fridge in the kitchen that he contemplated driving into Castlemaine, 14K round trip, to pick some up. I told him that if Steve didn't have any beer then things were terribly "crook" as I knew he had to have a stash somewhere. I found two six packs in the half-fridge in the "shed", (combination workshop, storage area), at the top of the driveway, so he was saved a trip!

Kathleen arrived to find the Sybarites in the hot tub and she brought out hors d'oeuvres after she'd greeted everyone. Steve turned up a few minutes later and we visited in different groups until just before dinner. Sarge did a fabulous job on the "barbie" with some wonderful steaks and we repaired inside, to escape "mossies", and sat down to a delicious meal of mashjed potatoes, wild mushrooms, (picked the day before), and a large green salad, (avocadoe, tomatoe, green beans and lettuce, home grown. Petit Verdot was a stunner as was the Morris, Rutherglen, 2008 Durif, (one of my favourite varietals and favourite wineries ever since first visit in '91), but an anaemic 14.5%, compared to the PV! Needled Steve about this, of course! Dessert was Kathleen's home-baked apple/hazelnut torte topped with mango/passion fruit ice cream. Lads had a few snorts of Aberlour while we chatted until it was time for bed. I manage dtoread the first few chapters of Peter Temple's Truth, the sequel to his The Broken Shore, which our book club read a few books ago. Steve and I had been reading his Jack Irish series back in 2006 so he had the latest works on his shelves. I'll probably return the ones i borrow when we see then in Hunter Valley on the Easter weekend.

Up at 7:00am this morning, wind blowing like crazy, whipping trees and bushes like feathers! Quiet now, with just a few snatches of birdsong. Weatehr was forecast o be "foul" according to Katheen, last night, but wonder if fierce wind has blown nasty weather away. Hope so as we plan a day of wine tasting in surounding viticulture regions. Way Steve has it palnned we will probably do about five, two or three from different appellations so looking forward to comparing product. Hope to be back in time for a quick ride on the bike I bought in 2006. Lovely to cycle the country roads hereabouts as landscapes are beautiful, rolling hills, orchards and small vineyards abound. All the best from The Travelling Road Show performers, Flamin' and Sarge and Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizzio!

UBC Librarians Emeriti 2012 Annual Luncheon

Hi all.

Just to update you re deadlines and other matters.

Today I gave preliminary numbers to Nick at Sage for our
lunch. Friday morning, March 28th, I will give him the final
numbers. At that point, there can be no changes/no refunds.

To date, this is the group that will be at the lunch: Nadine
Baldwin, Mary Banham, George Brandak, Lore Brongers, Elizabeth
Caskey, Leonora Crema, Laurenda Daniells, Don Dennis, Florence
Doidge, Marilyn Dutton, Ture Erickson, Stephanie Greer, Judith Hall,
Linda Joe, Janice Kreider, Iza Laponce, Bob MacDonald, Helen Mayoh,
Doug McInnes, Bill Parker, Ruth Patrick, Anne Piternick, Margaret
Price, Helene Redding, Joan Sandilands, Bev Scott, Dorothy Shields,
Tom Shorthouse, Julie Stevens, Paul Thiele, Bill Watson, Elsie
Wollaston, Fran Woodward.

Our agenda:
11:30-12:00 ... arrive, chat
12:00-1:00 ... lunch
1:00-2:00 ... updates:
Bill Watson - Will read a short update from Basil (about 5 min.)
Leonora Crema - Library update
Judith Hall - UBC Assn. of Professors Emeriti - update on various
initiatives, incl. Dept. Reps.

Note that, on March 14th, I deposited all cheques received to that
point. I have all but 2 cheques from the balance of you. I expect
they will arrive this week. In any case, I plan to make the second
deposit on Friday, March 23rd.

Cheers, Nadine

Hi Nadine!

Just a quick note to say hello from near Bendigo. We are staying with Kathleen Gray and her husband Steve Carthew. Kathleen and Corinne were in the same class at Library School, a year behind me. Please pass along greetings to everyone at luncheon. Would certainly have attended had we been in town. All the best. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Laura and Her Parents!

Sorry, as well, that we didn't connect in Melbourne! Will be in touch once we leave Adelaide as we hope to visit Mornington. Perhaps we can get together then.
All the best to you and James, Laura, Elaine and Theodorakis, from The Travelling Road Show performers, Flamin' and Sarge and Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Whirlygig!

Trust you and Robo Man managed a ride! All the best from The Travelling Road Show performers, Flamin' and Sarge and Cora Lee to you and Kerry and Tia Maria. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Marilyn and Big Al!

Trust you are both well. Have you managed any rides of late? Fondestos from The Travelling Road Show performers, Flamin' and Sarge and Cora Lee to you both and The Young Brothers. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Jane and Kjell!

Trust you are both well. Sorry I've not been in touch sooner. The Diaries suffer and I drown my guilt in Shiraz!!! Fondestos from The Travelling Road Show performers, Flamin' and Sarge and Cora Lee to you both. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Kids!!!

Trust you are both well. Gather that it is or will be Party Centrale at The Island Inn with Zoe/Matt staying to housesit Maggie, according to Kathleen!!! On the Home Front, how is Mom? Clarisse and Dusty? Much love to them. Fondestos to one and all from The Travelling Road Show performers, Flamin' and Sarge and Cora Lee/Nana to you both. Love, Dad!

Hi Tiptoe!

Just a quick note to say hello before other revellers clamber out of bed! Fondestos to you and Kevin from The Travelling Road Show performers, Flamin' and Sarge and Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrice!

Hi Jo-Anne and Colin!

Guess you will be off to Gay Paree shortly! Have a wonderful time. I love Paris in the Springtime!!! Yes, I did learn of Rick's death shortly before we left. I liked him very much so was most saddened. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make his memorial as we will still be away. Weather here is fabulous so we feel badly for your cool temperatures! Hello to you both from The Travelling Road Show performers, Flamin' and Sarge and Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Maya and Declan!

Buona Fortuna with getting place! Hello to you and Declan from The Travelling Road Show performers, Flamin' and Sarge and Cora Lee. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Kids:

Wine tasting in and around Bendigo/Castlemaine: 

On the road by 11:10am to drive but a few kilometers to Bress to see if they are open. Steve said that according to local brochure they were probably closed. However, crush is on so if anyone is around and available we might be able to taste. Unfortunately, too, too busy to deal with visitors. Spoke to a young woman, originally from Paris, now working in Melbourne, up to help with the crush. Bit of a disappointment as offerings looked interesting. Flamin' was upset as she wanted to buy a large platter made from used barrel staves. Sarge was happy as he would have been charged with heavy-duty muleage for rest of trip, let alone flight home.

Next to Harcourt Valley. Wonderful tasting: Riesling was very dry and refreshingly crisp, Chardonnay a little bit too sharp and acidic for me. Liked the Riesling the best, not enough fruit in the Chard for my taste. Malbec was amazingly fruit forward, much more ripe berry than many of the Argentinian expressions. Shiraz was wonderfully peppery. Cabbage was not tannic enough for my palette but The Goils liked the softer approach. Sarge bought a six pack of the American Pale Ale, named for the "sightings" of panthers in the state. Supposedly, after the end of WW II, American soldiers released their mascots into the wild and some of the survivors' relatives still roam the countryside.

After paying for our purchases, we left, via the Pyrenees Highway, for Castlemaine, to pick up nosh for dinner, before making for next winery. Would decide which ones while shopping or over lunch. We found a parking spot downtown and Sarge accompanied the Goilds to butcher's/green grocer's for lamb and green beans, potatoes, tomatoes and feta cheese, as well as a bbq'd chook for lunch. Steve and I went to Priden Jewellers to see if I could buy a new watch strap for my Swatch. Didn't have one wide enough so we went up the street to the local post office for stamps. Met gang back at car and headed back to Old Oak to drop off groceries and have a bite of lunch.

Everyone made their own tasty, sliced chicken sandwiches. I feasted on bones and apple slices, (fruit grown by Mighty Nikos), and cheese. Cup of java and we were back in car. Decided to make for Sutton Grange first but place was closed as well. Funnily enough, another French intern, a young man from Nantes, told us that he didn't have expertise for tasting room and winemaker was running errands. Lovely situation, winery overlooking a fairly large dam, probably about a quarter of the size of the "pond" beside the Connors' cabin near St John's, picturesque hills as backdrop.

Next stop, Mandurang Valley. Steve had phoned ahead, during lunch, so we knew we would be able to taste. Very friendly women, Leslie Vine, winemaker's wife, pouring. Fountain of information but I really didn't think all that much of most of the offerings. Liked the Chardonnay over the Riesling but found all the reds uninspiring, flat, lacking any or much varietal character. Hard to imagine that there was so much demand for such plonk, at least according to Leslie. According to her they are selling much of their overall production to the Chinese, a burgeoning market as one can well imagine. Can only believe that the customers there don't have particularly discriminating palettes. Something one might expect, given that wine really has not been a part of the alcohol culture, as I understand things, in the way it has been, in Canada and the US, roughly since the '70's, for example. Must say I was rather disappointed as until then I had been very taken with most, if not all, the wines from in and around Bendigo. Still, that is what one must expect, realistically speaking.

Last visit of the day was to Balgownie Estate, one of the first wineries in the area. Much more impressed with their offerings. Young woman behind tasting counter was new to job so the assistant winemaker, Tony Winspear, poured for us. Very endearing and knowledgeable chap so it was an enjoyable experience all around. Chardonnay was perhaps the tastiest of that varietal we'd come across here, Pinot Gris was pleasant enough while the Sauvignon Blanc was flavourful and grassy, jus the way I like it. Was not overly impressed by the Shiraz but the Shiraz/Cabbage blend was very appealing. Cab itself was attractive but I found the Sangiovese to be the most interesting of all. Stevo and I settled not hat for our take-away. Thanking Tony for his time and comments, we bundled into car and made for Harcourt North.

When we started out that morning it had pelted rain just as we turned onto road at the bottom of the driveway and downpour kept up until we reached Harcourt Valley. By the time we found our way to the tasting room it had turned to a light drizzle and once we were in Castlemaine it was dry and sunny. Stayed that way for the rest of the afternoon and early evening. Quite a contrast from the fierce winds, cool temperature and dark sky which greeted us when we woke up.

We returned from wine tasting about 5:00pm and then Nana put her foot up and iced it, Flamin' had a nap as her back was quite sore, S/K/S went for a walk and I did my stretches/crunches. When gang came back S/S/F and I all went into hot tub and chatted about everything under the sun. Sarge and Stefano knocking back bottle after bottle of the American Pale Ale, Sightings, from Harcourt Valley Winery. We got out of the tub but a few minutes before close friends and neighbours of K/S, Robyn and Nick, came for dinner. Wonderful to see them both again, of course. After introductions, we enjoyed the delicous plate of hors d'oeuvres they had brought along, catching up on each other's lives, sipping a Mandurang Valley, Bendigo, 2010 Chardonnay, 13.6%, we picked up that afternoon as well as a 2009 Climbing, Orange, Cabbage, 13.5%, (Had not heard of this winery before but knew of region.), guests had brought. Nick is still working for a fairly large local apple grower so it was fascinating to chat about the apple industry hereabouts.

When Flamin' discovered that there were numerous kangaroos in the paddocks close to where R/N live, (their prpoerty borders on a state park), Robyn offered to drive the short distance so she could take a few pictures. Kathleen joined them and rest of us finished up food preparation. I had done skewered potatoes in mustard/olive oil and fresh rosemary from their herb garden; Katheen had arranged two boneless lamb shanks ready for Sarge to bbq and Nana was ready to sautee green beans, cheery tomatoes and feta just before we sat down. Kathleen had prepared another gorgeous spinach, tomatoe and avocadoe salad.

Sat down around 8:00pm to toast everyone's health and the fact that F/S were finally at Old Oak. Everything was more than delicious, lamb succulent as all get out so Sarge received praise for his bbq skills. Meat was more than complimented by the Harcourt Valley Sightings, 2010 Shiraz, 14.1%, another score from the day's tasting junket but perhaps the piece de resistance was the Warrabilla, Rutherglen, 2005 Limited release parola Cabbage, 16.1% that I had given as one of the birthday presents to Steve for his 60th when we were here in 2006. The cellaring had done everything to improve this remarkable wine and it was a formidable drop. What a delight that he had kept it with the specific intention of sharing it at such an occasion!

Was close to 10:00pm when Kathleen brought out a pavlova that was too, too mouth-watering. Sarge, not known for eating much dessert had about three helpings until Flamin' took what was left into kitchen! By 10:30pm it was time for Robyn and NIck to go as Nick gets up at 5:00am each work day morning. Fond farewells to them. We hope to see them both in Vancovuer in a couple of years as they do have such a trip in mind. Bit of clearing up after they left and then everyone made for bed as it was a busy day and work for K/S on the morrow. Wonderful end to a magical day with wonderful, wonderful friends!

Earlier that evening, just after we took our boiled selves out of hot tub, Nana called TNT. Flamin' was not able to book a caravan park in Clare Valley for weekend so wanted to know if Tina and Trevor would have us for Friday and Saturday. Pleased to accommodate the Pushy Canadians so we will make directly for Adelaide once we leave Harcourt North. Route we will now take is more scenic than more northerly one we might have travelled to take us to Barossa/Clare, above Adelaide.

Time to shower and have breakfast and do last bit of packing. We loaded our large bags into car yesterday afternoon so are in good shape for a quick getaway! Much warm love to you both, Dad!

Monday, March 19th, Day 8

If what you are getting online is for free, you are not the customer, you are the product. -Jonathan Zittrain, professor of Internet law (b. 1969) 

Hi Tiptoe!

Thanks again for the wonderful limo service and luncheon at The Graphic Arts Club! Not to mention storage! (Even if my suit is sold on eBay!) More than appreciated by both of us. Sorry that I've not been in touch sooner! No excuses but plenty of reasons! My standard alibi!!!

That is why I sent the last message five times! As I may have mentioned, some problem/confusion about Outgoing Mail Server. I'm sure you were surprised to get a message, more than text length, from Cora Lee.

Hi Ragin'!

I enjoyed your latest account of your ride with The Snozz and Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater! Sounds as if things have not changed since I've not been around to enforce peleton rules! Sorry that I've not been in touch sooner! No excuses but plenty of reasons! My standard alibi!!  Tomorrow morning when we head to Harcourt North, about half an hour south of Bendigo to stay with friends, Kathleen and Steve. Will be in touch from there as I hope to use one of their computers so that I can clear up some of the problems I, as a relative iPad novice, have been having with sending attachments, etc. Need a tutorial with you. Fly over and we'll pay all your expenses!! Perhaps you won't need our help if Guinness hires you! Hello and best wishes from Flamin'/Sarge and Cora Lee to you and The Inside Passage! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Hi Raymond!

Glad that the email I thought I'd sent from HK finally arrived! I think I may have mentioned, in a latter email, that I was having trouble with Outgoing Mail Server. Anyway, the fact that you did receive message, with photos, means that I think I've worked out what to do. Wanted to take a look inside the HK Squahs Club but thought that Hungerford's cronies might get upset!!!

Thanks for St Patrick's Day wishes.  Yes, Cora Lee has had her troubles but her foot seems to be improving slowly. She and Flamin' returned to the room a few minutes ago and both plopped down on their repsective beds, exhausted by all the walking and buying! I picked up a nifty freezer pack, at a corner store, before returning to hotel, for Her Majesty's Royal Foot, and she has her leg elevated and is icing as I speak, reading Death Comes to Pemberley, PD James' latest, on her iPad. I've just started The Blind Spy by Alex Dryden but was too tired to read more than a few pages last night. Gather is has to do with current day Russia/Ukraine military threats involving CIA, MI6 and ex-KGB agents.

Thanks for the mention of the articles in the Sun. I'll take a look at Cora Lee's iPad as she has the app. Hard to keep up with Wade Davis as he is such a prolific author. Time to search for the perfect Semiilon and Shiraz so will say goodbye for now. Want to download latest pictures when I return so will send along some snaps once I've done that. Hello from Flamin' and Cora Lee to you and Sylvia. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Grogg and Lurch!

Hope skiing goes well. Say hello to Heike and Siege. Glad you will connect with Clarisse and Dusty. Give them our wishes and love. Buona Fortuna with baseball, El Presidente!!! Sorry that I've not been in touch sooner! No excuses but plenty of reasons! My standard alibi!! Fairly easy flight to Melbourne and connection, via Airport Express and free shuttle, to Marriott, arriving as St Patrick's Day festivities were well underway! Imagine that there were plenty of hangovers on SUnday! We went out for a short stroll that evening to find a restaurant for dinner, around 8:00pm. Sarge was back from the Grand Prix at just before 7:00pm and Cora Lee and Flamin' had gone out to start exploring for shopping opportunities! We went downstairs to Gym/Pool facility and had a sauna. Pool is okay for a dip but not for laps. Fortunately, for me, Melbourne City Baths is just a 10 minute walk away. Closed at 6:00pm on wekends so couldn't squeeze in a swim after we checked in but did yesterday. At any rate, we passed an Irish pub on way to restaurant, huge lineup, mostly young people smoking and texting. Corinne chided me for shaking my head and harummphing about such behaviour. She reminded me that when I was their age I used to frequent similar establishments, although I never smoked, tobacco that is!!!. Music was so loud, even on sidewalk, one couldn't think. Too, too old for such places and scenes now. Nevertheless, really don't begrudge youth their chosen pastimes but I fear for their health with respect to tobacco. Are you listening? More people smoking here than I've seen in a long time, even more than in HK but that may just have been our experience.

Will be here until tomorrow morning when we head to Harcourt North, about half an hour south of Bendigo to stay with Kathleen and Steve. Will be in touch from there as I hope to use one of their computers so that I can clear up some of the problems I, as a relative iPad novice, have been having with sending attachments, etc. Need a tutorial from Ragin' BullHello and best wishes from Flamin'/Sarge and Cora Lee to you and Lurch! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Good morning Logie, 

I have a late afternoon appointment deferred from yesterday and chasing up other appointments from last week. I'll be working from Macquarie Park, so let me know if there is anything I can attend?
Also, I checked my account and the funds had not transferred.
Chat soon. Tim 

Hi Tiptoe!

I transferred $1,000 AUD to your tax-free account in the Grand Caymans, as well as a cool $2 mil to your secret Swiss account. Trust this meets your expectations! Off to Bendigo shortly to see Grace Kelly Style Icon at the Art Gallery there. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrice!

Your Mad!!

Safe driving. Oo roo Kangaroo

Hi Laura and James:

Your Mom gave us 011-61413 595 915 as your cell but it doesn't connect! We are at the Marriott until Tuesday morning, in room 611. You can leave a message at the hotel or call us at 420 719 122, a cell Michele bought upon arrival. We'd like to  see you both and congratulate you on your engagement. We are off shortly for dinner but should be back by 10:30pm or so. Hope to hear from you. Cheers, Corinne and Patrick!
 
Hi Patrick and Corinne,

We're sorry to have missed you! I hope you had a wonderful visit to Melbourne, did you get a chance to head to the Mornington Peninsula at all?
If you are back in Melbourne before heading off please let us know. Cheers, Laura  

Pat,

    24 degrees in Winnipeg today. Not so in Vancouver with even a few snowflakes this morning.

Ray

 

Sunday, March 18th, Day 7

One unerring mark of the love of truth is not entertaining any proposition with greater assurance than the proofs it is built upon will warrant. -John Locke, philosopher (1632-1704) 

Greetings kids,
 
I trust you got to Melboring safely and your having fun. Remember to look out for the trams!!
Best wishes,
Tiptoe

Hi TNT!

Sorry that I've not been in touch sooner. No excuses but plenty of reasons! My standard alibi!!! Had a wonderful time in Hong Kong. Will fill you in on details when we see you. Didn't do all that much in Sydney as Corinne's foot was sore and tired by time we left HK. Nevertheles, visited with friends and I swam everyday at my favourite pool, Victoria Park. Fairly easy flight to Melbourne and connection, via Airport Express and free shuttle, to Marriott, arriving as St Patrick's Day festivities were well underway! Imagine that there were plenty of hangovers today! We went out for a short stroll last evening to find a restaurant for dinner, around 8:00pm. Sarge was back from the Grand Prix at just before 7:00pm and Cora Lee and Flamin' had gone out to start exploring for shopping opportunities! We went downstairs to Gym/Pool facility and had a sauna. Pool is okay for a dip but not for laps. Fortunately, for me, Melbourne City Baths is just a 10 minute walk away. Closed at 6:00pm on wekends so couldn't squeeze in a swim yesterday but did today. At any rate, we passed an Irish pub on way to restaurant, huge lineup, mostly young people smoking and texting. Corinne chided me for shaking my head and harummphing about such behaviour. She reminded me that when I was their age I used to frequent similar establishments, although I never smoked. Music was so loud, even on sidewalk, one couldn't think. Too, too old for such places and scenes now. Nevertheless, really don't begrudge youth their chosen pastimes but I fear for their health with respect to tobacco. More people smoking here than I've seen in a long time, even more than in HK but that may just have been our experience. Still, it was a festive scene on many sidewalks with plenty of revellers decked out in leprechaun garb, huge hats and capes and green shirts, etc. Flamin' was pretty tired as it took her two 12 hour flights, via Shanghai first, to reach Melbourne, so we made our way back to hotel after a tasty meal, on the sidewalk, at an Italian spot. The place had gas heaters so The Sisterhood was happy. I sat as far away as possible from our stand and both Sarge and I were pleased when propane ran out! Took a bit of time to have it replaced. We had taken our light jackets off and were quite comfortable for the entire meal. Walked to Queen Victoria Market this morning. Flamin' and Sarge were up about 7:00am to head down to Gym. Corinne and I did a bit of unpacking and then she had a shower before treadmill people returned. Lovely walk, about 15 minutes to market. We'd been before so knew what to expect. Bit like Granville Island Market, as I'm sure you know, but many of the stalls are much more permanent structures. Not too busy when we arrived around 10:00am. Very colourful and lots of fun just wandering around, looking at the amazing arrays of foodstuffs, seafood, meats, etc. Didn't even pop into the fresh fruit and vegetable section. We all picked up our own tea/coffee and food, (bun, sandwhiches and chicken skewers, for Cora Lee's gluten-free diet), from a wide selection of takeaways, and sat in the morning sunshine, enjoying the fare. Made a few plans for rest of day. After our tasty breakfaast, Goils headed across the street to start power shopping. Sarge waas planning to stay with them for a bit before heading to race course, around Albert Park, about half an hour by tram from our hotel. I said goodbye as I was going to make for MCB for a swim. Only five minutes from QVM so I was in locker room by just before 11:00am. Fee is $5.50 plus $2.50 for a locker, so almost double what I was paying at VPP in Sydney. Not complaining but I think both places should have lockers that allow you to bring your own lock. Must say that it is a lovely pool. Apparently it is a heritage building so it has been maintained extremely well.Everything is in impeccable condition. Wonderful skylights so almost like swimming outside without having to worry, overmuch, about too much sun. Funny thing, however, is that it is a 30 metre pool! I just decided to think of it as a 25 metre pool and set off, hoping to do three miles. Only three, quite narrow lanes, so there was a bit of traffic at the start but shortly after noon, (had logged one mile by then), there were few people in the lane I was using, (SLow Lane, Dear Reader!), so it was very relaxing. I kept churning and chugging away and had made my goal of 210 lengths, (Have yet to figure out exact distance but I reckon it is about 3.5 miles/6K), so am very pleased as it betters my longest swim, (2.5 miles), at Victoria Park Pool earlier this week. Felt pretty good. Hope to return tomorow morning. Pool opens at 6:00am so if we are not too late, I'll try to be there by 6:30am-7:00am to get a good start to day. Locker room and showers are very modern so I guess I shouldn't whinge about entrance fee! I "stole" a towel from pool at Marriott and used the complimentary shampoo and conditioner from the Y in HK so I was all set. Walked back to the hotel, enjoying the afternoon's warmth and visited the pool ther, once again, to exchange my wet towel for a dry one for tomorrow. Wanted to have a cup of coffee before heading out again so thought I'd send a few messages. I'm charged with picking up the hootch for the next few evenings and plan to go the Dan Murphy's, a large discount wine chain, (Do you have it in SA?), with an incredible selection. Concierge told me there is one but a few blocks away. While Cora Lee has had her troubles with her foot but it seems to be improving slowly. When she and Flamin' returned to the room they both plopped down on their repsective beds, exhausted by all the walking and buying! I picked up a nifty freezer pack, at a corner store, before returning to hotel, for Her Majesty's Royal Foot, and she has her leg elevated and is icing as I speak, reading Death Comes to Pemberley, PD James' latest, on her iPad. I've just started The Blind Spy by Alex Dryden but was too tired to read more than a few pages last night. Gather is has to do with current day Russia/Ukraine military threats involving CIA, MI6 and ex-KGB agents. Felt like a kid in a candy store at Dan Murphy's. Spent about an hour simply browsing the shelves. Clean Skins are truly unbelievable, apart from prices for all the labels we see in Vancouver. Looked for a collapsable "eski" at Woolies but will wait until tomorrow to look at a few other stores before deciding. Will be good to have a cooler to keep our picnic fixings in when in the car. Back to hotel to find The Babes in withdrawal. Had hardly taken off my backpack when they insisted on chilled wine but I had to try to calm them down as wine wasn't at right temperature. Put it in the icebox, risking bottle shock, for about 20 minutes while they grizzled. Finally, could stand it no longer, The Sisterhood wailing like banshees, complaining about the terrible room service, so I opened a Deakin Estate, Victoria, 2009 Viognier, $7.99, and the wild beasts were tamed! Sarge returned about 7:00pm and said the Grand Priix Final was the most exciting live sporting event that he has ever attended! We enjoyed chatting about everyone's day and when we had changed strolled but a few steps from the hotel to have a wonderful dinner at Trunk, a very pleasant restaurant in a building that was originally a synagogue in the mid 1850's. I had a haloumi/zthinly sliced zucchini/mint salad which was divine, along with pesto gnocci and fresh green beans, delicioso. back to the room, others to read and watch TV while I scribe.

Will be here until Tuesday morning when we head to Harcourt North, about half an hour south of Bendigo to stay with friends Kathleen and Steve. Will be in touch from there about when to expect us knocking on your door! Will say goodbye for now. Hello and best wishes from Flamin'/Sarge and Cora Lee to you both. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Laura and James:

Your Mom gave us 011-61413 595 915 as your cell but it doesn't connect! We are at the Marriott until Tuesday morning, in room 611. You can leave a message at the hotel or call us at 420 719 122, a cell Michele bought upon arrival. We'd like to see you both and congratulate you on your engagement. We are off shortly for dinner but should be back by 10:30pm or so. Hope to hear from you. Cheers, Corinne and Patrick!

Hi Whirlygig!

Sorry that I've not been in touch sooner! No excuses but plenty of reasons! My standard alibi!!! That is why I sent the last message five times! As I may have mentioned, some problem/confusion about Outgoing Mail Server. I'm sure you were surprised to get a message, more than text length, from Cora Lee.

Thanks for NRBC warning but I really don't think I need to worry about any sanctions from that gang if they can barely think about thinking about reading the book! Please send your cyber alert app in next email. I might use it to slap Cora Lee and/or Flamin' when they snore!!! Life with The Sisterhood continues to be trying as Flamin' keeps using everyone's iPad plugs. This is an issue as we need adapters and they end up all over the room, under piles if old newspapers, dirty laundry or overflowing suitcases! Another excuse for my garbled messages!

Hello and best wishes from Flamin'/Sarge and Cora Lee to you and Kerry and Tia Maria. Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Elaine!

Thanks for phone numbers and email addresses. Cora Lee will phone shortly. Had a wonderful time in Hong Kong. Didn't do all that much in Sydney as Corinne's foot was sore and tired by time we left HK. Nevertheless visited with friends and I swam everyday at my favourite pool, Victoria Park.


Fairly easy flight to Melbourne and connection, via Airport Express and free shuttle to Marriott, arriving as St Patrick's Day festivities were well underway! Imagine that there were plenty of hangovers today! We went out for a short stroll last evening to find a restaurant for dinner, around 8:00pm. Sarge was back from the Grand Prix at just before 7:00pm and Cora Lee and Flamin' had gone out to start exploring for shopping opportunities! We went downstairs to Gym/Pool facility and had a sauna. Pool is okay for a dip but not for laps. Fortunately, for me, Melbourne City Baths is just a 10 minute walk away. Closed at 6:00pm on wekends so couldn't squeeze in a swim yesterday but did today. At any rate, we passed an Irish pub on way to restaurant, huge lineup, mostly young people smoking and texting. Corinne chided me for shaking my head and harummphing about such behaviour. She reminded me that when I was their age I used to frequent similar establishments, although I never smoked. Music was so loud, even on sidewalk, one couldn't think. Too, too old for such places and scenes now. Nevertheless, really don't begrudge youth their chosen pastimes but I fear for their health with respect to tobacco. More people smoking here than I've seen in a long time, even more than in HK but that may just have been our experience.

Still, it was a festive scene on many sidewalks with plenty of revellers decked out in leprechaun garb, huge hats and capes and green shirts, etc. Flamin' was pretty tired as it took her two 12 hour flights, via Shanghai first, to reach Melbourne, so we made our way back to hotel after a tasty meal, on the sidewalk, at an Italian spot. The place had gas heaters so The Sisterhood was happy. I sat as far away as possible from our stand and both Sarge and I were pleased when propane ran out! Took a bit of time to have it replaced. We had taken our light jackets off and were quite comfortable for the entire meal.

Walked to Queen Victoria Market this morning. Flamin' and Sarge were up about 7:00am to head down to Gym. Corinne and I did a bit of unpacking and then she had a shower before treadmill people returned. Lovely walk, about 15 minutes to market. We'd been before so knew what to expect. Bit like Granville Island Market, as I'm sure you know, but many of the stalls are much more permanent structures. Not too busy when we arrived around 10:00am. Very colourful and lots of fun just wandering around, looking at the amazing arrays of foodstuffs, seafood, meats, etc. Didn't even pop into the fresh fruit and vegetable section.

We all picked up our own tea/coffee and food, (bun, sandwhiches and chicken skewers, for Cora Lee gluten-free diet), from a wide selection of takeaways, and sat in the morning sunshine, enjoying the fare. Made a few plans for rest of day. After our tasty breakfaast, Goils headed across the street to start power shopping. Sarge waas planning to stay with them for a bit before heading to race course, around Albert Park, about half an hour by tram from our hotel. I said goodbye as I was going to make for MCB for a swim. Only five minutes from QVM so I was in locker room by just before 11:00am. Fee is $5.50 plus $2.50 for a locker, so almost double what I was paying at VPP in Sydney. Not complaining but I think both places should have lockers that allow you to bring your own lock.

Must say that it is a lovely pool. Apparently it is a heritage building so it has been maintained extremely well.Everything is in impeccable condition. Wonderful skylights so almost like swimming outside without having to worry, overmuch, about too much sun. Funny thing, however, is that it is a 30 metre pool! I just decided to think of it as a 25 metre pool and set off, hoping to do three miles. Only three, quite narrow lanes, so there was a bit of traffic at the start but shortly after noon, (had logged one mile by then), there were few people in the lane I was using, (SLow Lane, Dear Reader!), so it was very relaxing.

I kept churning and chugging away and had made my goal of 210 lengths, (Have yet to figure out exact distance but I reckon it is about 3.5 miles/6K), so am very pleased as it betters my longest swim, (2.5 miles), at Victoria Park Pool earlier this week. Felt pretty good. Hope to return tomorow morning. Pool opens at 6:00am so if we are not too late, I'll try to be there by 6:30am-7:00am to get a good start to day.

Locker room and showers are very modern so I guess I shouldn't whinge about entrance fee! I "stole" a towel from pool at Marriott and used the complimentary shampoo and conditioner from the Y in HK so I was all set. Walked back to the hotel, enjoying the afternoon's warmth and visited the pool ther, once again, to exchange my wet towel for a dry one for tomorrow. Wanted to have a cup of coffee before heading out again so thought I'd send a few messages. I'm charged with picking up the hootch for the next few evenings and plan to go the dan Murphy's, a large discount wine chain with an incredible selection. Concierge told me there is one but a few blocks away.

While Cora Lee has had her troubles with her foot but it seems to be improving slowly. When she and Flamin' returned to the room they both plopped down on their repsective beds, exhausted by all the walking and buying! I picked up a nifty freezer pack, at a corner store, before returning to hotel, for Her Majesty's Royal Foot, and she has her leg elevated and is icing as I speak, reading Death Comes to Pemberley, PD James' latest, on her iPad. I've just started The Blind Spy by Alex Dryden but was too tired to read more than a few pages last night. Gather is has to do with current day Russia/Ukraine military threats involving CIA, MI6 and ex-KGB agents.

Time to open a Viognier, $7.99, at Dan Murphy's, The Sisterhood are wailing like banshees, complaining about the terrible room service, so will say goodbye for now. Want to download latest pictures when I returrn so will send along some snaps once I've done that. Hello and best wishes from Flamin'/Sarge and Cora Lee to you and Theodore. (Sarge said the Grand Priix Final was the most exciting live sporting event that he has ever attended!) Fondestos and Cheers, Patrizzio!

PD: Sarge said it will be 80F today and tomorrow. That should melt some Vancouver snow!!! 

Hi Patrick and Corinne

Thanks heaps for your email.  So pleased to hear about your travels.  I sure hope Corinne's rash improves and that she starts to  feel a bit better.   So bizarre and really a nuisance.  Take care and try to stay positive.
Maybe dipping the foot in the salty Pacific may help it??  Bondi Beach spa treatment?

We soon will be on our way to Paris--leave on Tuesday.
I actually feel excited and I am actually looking forward to seeing Eric in his environs.

Cool here and only the snowdrops and a few crocuses are out.  Sadly no daffodils or tulips yet.  Spring is here though as the buds are out.  More snow on Grouse--love it--535 cm base.  Pretty terrific for this time of the year.

Went to BC Ballet and their performance was excellent.   The company has improved and I always find it hard to believe just what talent comes from Arts Umbrella.  Vancouver Playhouse has closed it doors--very much in debt and gone.  I only attended on play this year so I guess there subscriptions were down and they simply couldn't function anymore.

Reid Mitchell died two weeks ago.  I didn't attend his funeral but I was sorry to hear about his death.  I always liked him and he was a character. 

I am not sure if you heard as well that Rick Welch died.  This was sometime ago now--but he had just retired and then learned that he had cancer.  Then gone!
As you have always reminded me.  Life is short.  So enjoy enjoy enjoy and remember me when you drink a great cabernet sauvignon!  Australia is a beautify country and Sydney especially spectacular--love the Manley ferry and the University of Sydney.  Our former Dean Rob Tierney is the Dean of Education there.  Jo-Anne Chilton's daughter is doing a term there as well.

Take care warmest wishes and lots of love Jo-Anne and Colin

G & P,

Patriçio, I echo G's concerns for Corinne's foot, however I am confident that a shopping extravaganza will do wonders for her.

George, did you not get your honorary membership to the HKSC?  Mine arrived yesterday, along with an invite for a Vet's Doubles Tournament.  All expenses paid of course.  Just need to choose a partner.

Did a ride today - in the a.m. with Balaclava Juanito and Pierre el Cocinero, … good ride except:  it turned out to be the worst part of the day weather wise, we had to stop for Peter to blow his nose, and of course the infernal lunch stop.  Still, ~30K, 950 calories burned, 1050 eaten at lunch.

Guiness called today.  Have an interview next week.

Watched the NBA game today, then flipped through the channels.  There was some awesome stuff on.  Did you know that there are not only "Walking Dead" but also "Talking Dead"?  I guess once you are dead it's hard to do both at the same time.  Then, the movie of the century, "Lesbian Vampire Killers".  I kid you not.  Could I make this up?  The big question is, is it about lesbians killing vampires, or killing vampires that are lesbians?  I don't need to know.

Not much more to report.  Is TV in Australia as good as here?

___________________________

Branko Peric

 

 

Wayne Sutherland

18 March at 02:00 near Hawthorn, Victoria ·

Grand Prix just finished. The most amazing live sporting event I ever saw. Button wins by 2 seconds over Vettle and Hamilton. Now I want to go to Monte Carlo.

P,

Sorry to learn of Corinne's continued saga with the foot where the pig bit
her. Please wish her well.

I am sure you would like to know that I have an app on my iPhone that would
wake me up at the required stop on any bus or tram line and measures to with
.33 of a second. The alarm is a giant cyber hand that slaps you pretty hard
at .33 minute before the stop.

The NRBC has levied a large fine against you for reading and most flagrantly
in public in a foreign country. If I were you I would not return to this
country.

By the by, I received five copies of this e-mail in various forms of
completion. The latest one, to which I am responding, was blank and had only
the attached photo of the HKS Centre

When will we receive our honorary membership in the Hong Kong Squash
Centre...?

Riders better get out today -- lovely spring day here. W