Resumption of Normal Services!!

 With the further easing of restrictions on social gatherings, it has now become possible to have family dinners once again.  Lisa called the first Post Covid Dinner yesterday and there was a real sense of release as we were all able to meet up again.

The BBQ was running hot with two chefs on the job -

so we had a very relaxed and delicious dinner together to signal the post pandemic era.  The after dinner entertainment was provided by newbies attempting to master swordsmanship using Lachlan's new virtual reality headset.

New Miracle Cure

 A ball in the face at school put Jack out of action for a while.  Granny pulled out her miracle cure (cheese toasties and Fanta) to ensure a rapid recovery.

Portrait Pix for Patrick and Sophie

 Lockdowns have put us a little out of step in maintaining our portrait stand.  Yesterday we were able to  catchup with Patrick and Sophie.

Getting Back to Normal

 Our travel group were originally planned to be at a Bed and Breakfast venue in Warrigul at this time however Covid had other ideas and we had to cancel and have been unable to meet for 7 months.  Today we were finally able to meet up for an easy lunch in Glen Waverley.

We then moved to Pam and Rogers house for an afternoon catching up and eating far too much!

Wedding Preparations

 We were excited to be invited to look over the potential venue for Mark and Lisa's Wedding.  They wanted to see the place in operation and see the layout and check out the food.  On all counts they put on a good show with personable staff, great food and wonderful facilities.  Lunch was on the veranda overlooking part of the vineyard.

Lisa's engagement ring will be a family heirloom.  It was constructed from the diamonds of the engagement rings belonging to her Grandmother Reid and great grandmother Thorp.

The ceremony will take place in the chapel in the grounds.

Following the ceremony, guests will be able to move to the spacious reception area for the meal to follow.

Dinner

 Restrictions are easing and it is wonderful to be visiting again.  Last night we had dinner with Lisa and Mark and the boys.  Cooper is now in his new room.

It was a beautiful balmy evening so dinner was outside.

Entertainment was provided at interval by the boys.

followed up with developing solutions to world peace and the Covid crisis. A fantastic night.

Primary Producer

 We are loving the mini veg. garden.  We thought the snow peas were about to turn up their toes but every few days we get another bowl full.

The strawberries are amazing. These are so sweet, there is no comparison with store bought!

The Long (Way to) Lunch

 We were to meet up with friends for lunch in Kensington.  So rather than a road trip, we opted for rail.  It was a very easy and convenient journey. Crowds were not an issue. We were able to check out the delights(?) of Newmarket Station and the shopping strip on Racecourse Road.  Lunch was Japanese and delightful.

Entertainment in 3D

 Lachlan recently decided he needed a VR headset to improve his skills as a swordsman.  From watching his videos, his skills are developing rapidly.

Lisa is also able to come home from work and relax with a duel or two.

Pic Updates

 Brett was in need of some updated profile pix so he decided to test my skills.  After a fair bit of messing around we came up with these.  We quite like them.

Visitors! WooHoo!

 We continued to celebrate our (partial) release from lockdown with Lisa, Mark and the boys coming for dinner.  I don't think we made too many blunders - not bad for a 7 month hiatus.  It was great to feel we are moving back to a more normal lifestyle.

Fruits of Freedom

 With the relaxation of the lockdown we have been able to visit the family again and last night we had a beautiful dinner with Brett and Cathy, Mitchell, Ebony and Holly.  A pork roast with plum and quince sauce and Reid Signature Crackling was followed with a "Burnt Boston" (?) cheesecake (that was not burnt).  A great meal and wonderful to be able to catch up with everyone and the stories of isolation and release.

Office Visit

 Even though it has been a while since Mark completed work on Adam's Office, we had been unable to visit because of travel restrictions.  Today we were finally able to see the Office in working condition and were blown away by the transformation. It now has an impressive conference room with a bright and inviting working space.  The clean signage on entry sets the tone.

The Conference Room is designed to focus attention to the job at hand and avoid all other distractions.

The once cavernous storage area has been reduced to give appropriate storage and a construction workbench.

The upper floor office space has been transformed with the open area, white walls and reflective metal flooring.  In fact there is so much light that the team usually prefer to leave the lights off.  It would be a great place to work.

Getting Out

 With the easing of restrictions it was wonderful to be able to head out for dinner with Adam, Kate and the family.  We decided that we may as well go all the way so booked an Uber for the evening.  We were there early enough to see the Wine Cellar in all it's storage glory

There is an amazing storage capacity in what from the outside appears to be a little Hobbit Hole.  The plans for the Barn were reviewed and approved before we had a delicious slow roasted lamb dinner with sticky date pudding to follow.  As things get back to normal, suddenly life is sweet again!.  We had a great night.