Lach the Block

Lachlan came for a short visit today and spent time demonstrating his building style which is fluid and organic.  His architecture has more in common with Gaudi than with Christopher Wren.

Cooper and Lachlan Spend the Day

Cooper and Lachlan took time from their busy schedule to spend the day with us. Like others that have been here, it turns out they like bubbles too (provided they do not last too long)

Then we had a little bike riding -

and a little construction work.  It was a big day.

BYF Annual Meetup

We had the annual get together of the "Youth Group" yesterday down at Flinders. Apart from the totally evident contradictions (Youth Group and the abundance of grey hair) it was a great time to catch up with old friends and have a good feed.

Col and Angie's house overlooks the ocean so the after lunch walk was a meander out to see the view.

Claire's Birthday Dinner

We assembled around the pool last night to celebrate Claire's official retirement.

While Kate was doing the real work - she delegated to two assistant chefs to manage the sausages.

After a wonderful meal (lamb and a whole range of salad sides followed by Lisa's mini flans) Granny called in her assistants to manage the cake ceremony.

Another Victory for James

James' team worked hard for their points today against a team full of taller players. Early in the match it looked like it could go either way.  James did his bit with another impressive long goal early.

Our boys won (37 to 21) on agility and ability to get under the opposition but there was a penalty to be paid and James copped an elbow in the mouth in the first half.

Great game James - now for the finals.

Winning Form Continues

Pat and his team had another impressive victory today.

The gallery was a little concerned in the early stages, but the opposition faded later in the match and the boys won 30 to 14.

 Pat had a good game.  As the team is top of the ladder we hope the boys can now get a Grand Final win.

Pool Progress

The iron work has been completed and today the concrete sprayers came in to form up the pool walls.  It took the whole day but the shape of the pool is now becoming more evident.

The Bureau Of Meteorology is sending out a survey team to assess the impact this new volume of water will have on the weather patterns to the east of Melbourne.

Sophie On a Roll

Sophie has been enjoying school.  She was presented with her Starting School Certificate at Assembly.

 She was also made "Aussie Of The Week" so she has been having a good time.

Preparation of the New Van Pad

In order to park the new van easily, the old parking space needed a considerable edit.

All the old bricks needed to be lifted and a large tree stump and assorted massive roots needed to be removed before the foundation could be laid and the brick paving reinstalled.  It has taken a LONG time but it is approaching completion.

Tough Day For James

James Team was very evenly matched with their opponents on Saturday.

The Vikings started well and James threw a fantastic long goal early in the match.  The hot day made conditions trying for the players.  Late in the game the opposition drew ahead but the boys rallied.  The game ended in a draw 22 to 22.

Heading for the Finals

Pat's team were up against the current leaders in their competition so it looked like an interesting game.

The boys burst out of the blocks and had 8 on the board before the opposition had scored.  I think they were shell shocked.

The opposition did regroup and started to score but the Vikings were too good and came home winners 24 to 14.  Great game Pat!

Swimming Stars

James and Pat both did well at their Swimming Sports yesterday.  If they are getting ribbons now, they will be unstoppable once the pool is in and they can swim every day.

Building Progress

Construction of the new lake is underway with all the reinforcing in place ready for the concrete walls.

Pool Progresses

Vast amounts of concrete are now forming a series of huge piers below the base of the pool.  I hope the decision to install the pool is not reversed.

All the activity has lead Sophie to review options for her future occupation.

Books at Bedtime

Jack, Cooper and Lachlan love their books at bedtime.  We were deputising on the weekend and Granny held them entranced.

Excavation Finished

The pool excavation has finished and all the dirt redistributed.

The pool will be sitting on about 40 massive concrete piers that are going to be poured next week.  From the reverse angle it is now possible to see the future shape of the pool with the deeper section in the middle.

Pat's Team Dominates ... Again!

This week we thought Pat's Team may have a fight on its hands.  The opposition had a number of members taller than Pat - see photo - and the Coach was booming instructions across the court.

However it was effectively all over in the first 10 minutes and with a final score of 44 to 13, there was no need to worry.  All in a day's work for Pat and it keeps the fans happy!

Digging Continues

I suppose if you have three diggers working all day, you are going to move a lot of dirt!  The contractors have moved a LOT of dirt!!

The Pool Starts

Excavations for the pool have begun and they are really something to behold.  We know that as of yesterday, they had not breached the crust and hit the mantle layer so  hope they are careful today.  When you have to remove this much soil (dirt) it pays to have a large block!