Netball - Holly

The new season is upon us and we called in to see Holly with her new team.  There were a couple of new players in the group so they were taking time to find their feet but they had a good game.

Valerie's Birthday

It seems to be becoming a habit that the Nelson cousins meet for each others birthdays. Claire (Jean's daughter), Valerie, (Bill's daughter) and Glenda, (Nellie's daughter) met up to celebrate Valerie's 70th.  We all  travelled down to Yinnar in the Latrobe Valley for the occasion.
Barry and Valerie hosted us for the occasion.

Following a day of talk and excessive amounts of food, including a magnificent dinner, Barry conducted a tour of the area including the defunct and soon to be defunct power stations.  There will be years of work ahead decommissioning and removing the massive Hazelwood station.

The Loy Yang station is an imposing structure that still has over 10 years to go.  Apparently there is a debate over the removal of Hazelwood  which makes its presence evident wherever you are in the valley.

James' Last Match for the Season

The Mitcham Tigers have not enjoyed the most stellar of seasons and finished out of the finals so today James played his last match. The boys played well and were ahead for much of the game. Unfortunately the strategic tactic of taking their best players off in the last quarter and giving the "football toddlers" a run played out badly and they lost in the last few minutes.

James had a great game kicking a goal and being warmly embraced by the opposition.

Brett's Birthday

We found out last night that it was a good policy to make Brett prepare the dinner for his own birthday celebrations. 

 The present selection had a very familiar feel but we are all hopeful that it will work out in the long term and we will be able to provide assistance with the consumption of the main items.

 The magnificent Beef Wellington and selection of sweets ensured that we were all able to retire replete (if a little uncomfortable).

Cooper Fires Up

It has been a long time since we have seen Cooper in a game of basketball.  It was good timing to see him today as he was on fire.  He played a great defensive game but he was also grabbing the ball and taking it the length of the court to the goal.  In fact he scored 3 goals for the match.

 He had a good day!

Finally!

Lachlan is now the toothless wonder as his front teeth are no longer with us.  He was wondering if they were ever going to fall out.

Sovereign Hill - Mid-Winter

We took our life in our hands and decided to go to Sovereign Hill for their Winter Festival.  As expected, it was freezing and the rain didn't help but mercifully, the thunderstorms did not eventuate!
On arrival I decided it would be good to offer my expertise to provide a warming Devonshire Tea to all.

The reading of "The Emperor's New Clothes" was not really a crowd pleaser but it was indoors.

The real purpose of the visit was the evening's activities with lights and laser projections on all the buildings.  Good fun and worth the visit.

We followed up with an excellent dinner served on a massive table in the dining room of the old theatre.

Auction Day

"Reid's Guide to Achieving Nirvana" is a very short publication.  There is one line in the book.
That is "Sell before auction!"

Efron Street Sold!

After nearly 50 years the time has come to say goodbye to Efron (nee Colbar) Street.  We were very happy to receive an offer prior to auction in our price range.  So we have sold the property to a younger couple who intend to use it as a family home.  After more than a year cleaning and clearing out it is a great result and we do not have to endure the tension of an auction.

Appliances in Place

We hate to admit it but we were quite excited to get our new washing machine and dryer in place today.  The washing machine can do an 11 kg load and replaces our previous 30 year old clunker that only did less than 7 kg and was starting to fail.  The condenser dryer is brilliant neither heating or humidifying the room.

Mark's Birthday

Last night we gathered to celebrate Mark's birthday. It was a small miracle we were all able to get together being the middle of the school holidays and Adam, Kate and family had just returned from Broome. 

And About Time!

We told Flix her family were returning from northern Australia today. She thought it was about time!

Holiday Action

The vacation period is always good for games.  If not on the screen then it has to be on the table.

Dramatic Skies

In Mid Winter the early morning sky puts on quite an entertaining show to add interest to the morning walk.

How About That!!

Straight out of the "Amazing Coincidences Department" we learned that Adam, Kate and family ran into Paul, Allira and family at the museum in Darwin.  Paul and Allira are making their way around Australia by caravan and Adam and Kate were passing through on their way to Broome when they all met up.

 James and Jett

 Patrick and Jimmy

 Sophie and Indi

Nearly There!

Our transition out of Efron St to the new location is nearly complete.  We are finally starting to feel "at home" in our temporary accommodation and we now look forward to watching the new build take place from our living room.

Exploring the North

Adam, Kate and family have abandoned freezing Melbourne and headed north for Darwin, Kakadu and Broome.  The great thing about travel is that you get to meet the locals and they are evidently enjoying the experience.

Grand Final Victory

Ebony's team were in the Grand Final and were playing the team that finished first on the ladder.  The team was happy with their season and there was some confidence in the camp.  Their confidence was well placed as they came out firing and moved ahead quickly.  Again, Ebony was on fire with her goal shooting.  Unfortunately she rolled her ankle and was off in the third quarter and the opposition started to come back.

Ebony was back on in the 4th quarter and the team again extended their margin for a great win.

 The ankle will be sore but the trophy says she played well.