Ebony's Eleventh Birthday Photo

With another birthday passed, Granny's Gallery had to be updated with Ebony's new photo.  This one got the nod.

Ebony's Birthday Purchases

For her birthday, Ebony went shopping with Granny today.  There was an early distribution of Easter Eggs which seemed to go down well.

Then it was off to the shops.  This year, the Jewelers won the battle for the hearts and minds.

A pendant and a pendant tree are now part of the inventory.

Harry Hits 40

It was Harry M's 40th on Saturday so Kate and Adam were going to have a big night out.  This enabled us to have a big night in with James, Pat and Sophie.

The Challenge of Civilization

Mitchell set up another Civilization challenge on Saturday.  I got flogged again.  My true vocation may be as a Neanderthal - some may say I have already arrived!

James Enters His Teens

We had a family party to celebrate James moving into his teen years. It had to occur a little early to fit with various holiday plans.

Tough Week for James

James spent Monday in the pool and then on Tuesday he headed off to camp for four days.  Not quite the School of Hard Knocks!

Mitchell's New Uniform

It took us a while to get organised but we got photos of Mitchell in his school uniform today.  He is looking very smart indeed.

School Fete

The School Fete is on today and the theme is "The Wild West".  Sophie really looks the part!

Mitchell Hits His Teens

As Mitchell passes another milestone, we had to update Granny's Gallery.  This is the chosen pic.

Red Hill

We found the perfect way to celebrate a Friday.  Chris and Gavin had invited us to Red Hill.  It was the perfect day for lunch on the balcony together with Pete and Jill and Col and Angie.  We arrived home from our (long) lunch about 8.00pm - time got away a bit!

Visiting Ethan

We caught up with Craig and Michelle this afternoon and met Ethan for the first time.  He is a very relaxed young lad sleeping through the visit.  Being only 3 weeks old that is permitted.

Pete and Jill are performing like old hands -

but I am not sure if Claire wishes to go there again.

The other sensation of the afternoon was Jordan's new haircut.  I may have to look at the possibilities for my next visit to the barber.

Who Is This?

It would appear that Sophie is growing up!  It is what happens when you use your brother as your stylist.

The Unexpected Sojourn

I spent a little time in Box Hill Hospital following an episode of Transient Global Amnesia which, interestingly is neither global nor amnesia.  You seem to lose memory of some details of the past hour or two.  Apparently gentlemen of a certain age seem to get the condition on a random basis.  As there are no negative effects there has been no real research on the condition so I did not get a lot of information about it.
The treatment at Box Hill was exemplary but it essentially consisted of checking that nothing else was wrong.

One aspect of the treatment appeared to have a heavy emphasis on Aversion Therapy.  The evening meal was presented and it would struggle to make half a star.  The rice was as dry as breadcrumbs and the spinach was like cleanings from the lawn mower.  It was not an experience you would be eager to repeat.

Setting up for the New Year (already)

We booked in to the Novatel in Geelong for the New Year (getting the last available rooms!) and went down today to have a look around.

The Hotel is in the heart of Geelong overlooking the foreshore so we will have a great vantage point for the 2 fireworks displays that are planned for the evening.

In the area there are all sorts of attractions, walks and eateries.  We will have no trouble finding a range of activities to fill a couple of days.

Birthday Celebrations Continue

We celebrated Claire's birthday with a family dinner at Adam and Kate's last night.

It was a very relaxed evening with wonderful barbequed salmon and salads.

Claire was spared the embarrasment of a full complement of candles! Thanks for a great dinner to all the contributors.

Photo Fun

We had dinner with Jack, Cooper and Lachlan last night.  This time we decided to do the photos a little differently.