Promise of Things to Come

Wow what a day.  Now all I have to worry about is summer being too hot!

Civilization Challenge

The school holidays provided the opportunity for a game of civilization.  Even though it was the faster form of the game with only 3 players it still took5 hours before we had to call "time".  On this occasion even though Mitchell was the Master of the Game, James proved himself to be Master of the Universe. I am aftaid I did not represent the older generation all that well as Babalonia was crushed!

Birthday Dinner

Kate and Adam hosted my Birthday Dinner last night.  The meal was fantastic with chicken, shredded lamb and sides but the delicious freekah salad gets an honourable mention.  Cathy brought what I will call a triple lemon cake which was scrumptious and Lisa brought cakes and yo-yos.  I had all together too much to eat and too much to drink so it was a long night following.  Totally worth the suffering! Thanks for all the work.

The more senior members of the assembled company took a little time while the lions fed.

New Favourite Book

Following a Take Away dinner to celebrate the end of term with Lisa, Justin and the boys, I discovered a new favourite book. "The Wonky Donkey"! Great literature!

APPS School Production

It has been a big week at the school and for the whole school community with the presentation of the school production over two nights.  We were very proud grandparents to have 5 of our grandchildren on the stage during the evening.  Lisa took on the role of guest photographer.

Cooper enjoyed the whole night.

Sophie was out front but well hidden under the moustache.

Jack put on a great performance but photos were difficult as he was on the other side of the stage.

Patrick was one of the stars of the show with a number of major roles.

And James did what he had to do, leaving the impression he will not be rushing to join an amateur theatre group.

Birthday Lunch

As we rapidly approach our dotage, we find we enjoy celebrating occasions with a slow lunch.  On this occasion we celebrated my Birthday at the Box Hill RSL where the meals are excellent, parking easy, service is good and there are plenty of people in at the poker machines subsidising our meals (Thank you very much.)

Holly's Birthday

We had (a magnificent) dinner with Brett and Cathy last night (Pork Belly and Sticky Date to follow) so it was a good time to get some photos of Holly for her 7th Birthday photo in Granny's Gallery.  She had received a Lego cruiser from us for her birthday and has now completed its construction.

The current contender for the gallery is this one.

Concert Afternoon

We were invited along to the Concert organised by Mitchell and Holly's music teacher.  All the students presented short pieces to an appreciative audience.  Both did really well and I have to say I was glad it was them and not me.

Grandma Embraces Technology

There have been a lot of great family photos on Facebook recently.  Ryan and Michelle's baby Mia, anniversaries, Carri and Kylie's Netball Premiership etc so we thought Mum would like to see them.  She doesn't understand the technology at all but she loves it for what it can do.

Look Who's Here!

Lachlan had come over to play for the day.

The game was in full swing when the bell rang and Norm, Julie, Allyson and Roman arrived for a short visit. They were down from Cairns for Warren's 40th birthday.  Lachlan was pleased to have a new friend to play.

It was great to catch up in person even though we are in touch through the Net.

Climate Change

The climate certainly changed today.  After a balmy day yesterday we had a front come through with high wind, driving rain and the biggest hail we have seen here.  No damage evident but we may have to make some changes to the roof if this type of storm becomes more frequent.

Benefits of Retirement

Claire had a solid day of party preparation yesterday but, being retired, we can take it a little more slowly the day following.  It helps if the day is warm and sunny.

Adam's Birthday

Yesterday we finally had a rather belated celebration to mark the first anniversary of Adam managing to avoid having a 40th Birthday Party. As the day also coincided with Fathers' Day we had to mark the occasion in fatherly style.

The dinner was concluded in the usual rowdy fashion with no one appearing hungry as we approached the formal part of the evening - the Cake Ceremony.

The presents addressed both of the usual themes - booze and tools!

Peter's Progress

It was good to see Peter today as he recovers from his recent operation. He received an electronic (controllable) implant that reduces the involuntary movements associated with Parkinson's Disease. He is much more comfortable and currently off all medication.  A great result.

Morning Mists

In the last few days the mornings have been still and cold. It makes for an interesting walk.

Timing Is Everything

Always one for new experiences, James decided to dislocate his shoulder in a fall at school yesterday.  Perfect timing for the venture as the Football and the Basketball seasons have finished and it is still too cold to swim.  So he has time to recover before the new seasons start.

The Boys Visit

Lachlan spent a bit of time with us this afternoon. He has a very favorite dinosaur documentary that he loves to watch in his very relaxed style.

 Jack and Cooper arrived after school and it was Game On.