Cousins Catchup

Claire had her regular (6 monthly) meetup with cousins Valerie - from Yinnar in Gippsland and Glenda from Cohuna.  On this occasion they were joined by an ex neighbour, Maxine who lived on the farm across the road from Claire.

On The Job

 The sale of Greg's Unit in Echuca is underway so Claire is now experiencing the joys of being an executor.  Hopefully it will be completed soon.

Cooper's Season Ends

 Cooper played in an elimination final yesterday.  It was a very even tussle ending in a draw.  In the subsequent extra 5 minutes, the boys lost out.  It was an exciting game to watch.

Netball at Vermont

 Ebony and Holly spend a lot of time at the Sportlink Netball courts at Vermont South.  During the Covid years, the outside courts have been completely redeveloped and yesterday we watched Holly play at the new facility.  They have greatly improved the surface and the roof over increases the usability in inclement weather.  However the open sides make photographing games exceptionally difficult.  Clearly no grandparents were consulted in the planning stages!

Computer Changeover

 It seems a simple task.  I needed a new computer with more capability than my old 7 year old tower.  It turned out to be a tortuous month long process as the unit I bought had fundamental faults.  Once the issues were identified I had to get a full replacement computer and reinstall all the software - yet again!

It is now all up and running so normal services can resume.

Maldon Area

 Like other historic towns Maldon is holding on to its heritage buildings.  It started earlier than most so the town is full of historic buildings and sites.

Above the town the Mt Tarrengower tower offers panoramic views of the town and the whole area.

Castlemaine

 A few years ago Lake Eppalock (Bendigo's water supply) was nearly dry.  Not so at present.

We had a look at Castlemaine, another historic gold mining era town.  Locals are trying to preserve the best of the past and blend it with interesting development.

The old brickworks has been converted to a series of great cafes, wine stores and a micro brewery. The food was excellent.

One of the old hotels of the town is looking in need or care.  We actually stayed in it about 15 years ago when it was being presented as an upmarket B&B with excellent food and wine.  It looks as though the enterprise failed.

Stupa Impressive

 Our friend Tara volunteers at the Great Buddhist Stupa in Bendigo.  It is the biggest Stupa in the Western world and the surrounding grounds are being developed by all of the religious groups in around Bendigo.  It is a project that will probably never be finished but will encourage all sorts of cooperative ventures between various groups in the area.  The building itself is massive but only the ground floor is being developed at present.

The building houses a number of impressive artifacts that have been brought in but there are a number that are being painstakingly constructed on site.

Central in this photo is the "Jade Budda" made of a single piece of gem quality jade. At 4500kg, it is the largest piece ever found.

Bendigo Bound Mk 2

 We took a few days to visit Bendigo and surrounds and to visit friends who had had a few health problems.  It turned out to be a more extended visit than expected as Tara was improving quickly.  We visited a couple of years ago and their garden is now remarkably different.

We stayed near the Botanic Gardens that are undergoing a total transformation.  The object is to demonstrate "Gardens of the Future" with plants and designs appropriate to a dry climate.  The developing garden is already impressive but in a year or so it will be stunning.

Sistine Chapel of Ocean Grove

Adam is addressing his inner Michelangelo painting a huge wall at Ocean Grove.  The real interest will be to see if a mural eventuates.

Ocean Grove - A New Start

 Adam and Kate took possession of their new property at Ocean Grove on Friday.  So they were able to spend a fulfilling few days over the weekend ripping up old carpet and starting the refurbishment process.  At times like this Bunnings is a boy's best friend (although his enthusiasm is not evident in this photo!).  

Once decked out with the necessities, the work can begin.

60th Wedding Anniversary

 Our friends Pam and Roger who we met 25 years ago on our European tour, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary that we attended on Sunday.  A wonderful celebration of family, friends and a life well lived.

Jack's Basketball

 We watched Jack's team yesterday playing their nemesis.  They are a tall team and the teams are one and two on the ladder so it was going to be a tussle. It was!  Maybe next time.

James Approaches 21

 James came over yesterday for his 21st portrait for Granny’s Gallery.  Very happy with the result.

First Outing for "Tonic"

 Pat has done some practice with his new group "Tonic" and today they played their first gig at a local school fete.  For a first run their performance was amazing!  Not a note out of place.

Lachlan's Trumpet

 Lachlan has decided to learn the trumpet this year and we saw the new instrument for the first time today.  Could be quite a band in Ringwood soon.

Peter and Jill

 We caught up with Peter and Jill this morning.  At least the process of visiting is now easier although it is still difficult to see them as impaired as they are.  They were both in good spirits but they both have very limited mobility.

Changing Times

 It was the end of an era today as Terry and Tricia sold their Glen Waverley house in preparation for their next move.  Even though the market is depressed they sold in the upper part of their expected range.  Having a couple of competing bidders helped.  They are happy because their terms were a 5 month settlement and their new accommodation will not be ready until December.

Tanks a Lot

 After all the work of setting up the Platform for the tanks at the Lakehouse, they are now in position.

The excavator has now also set up the pad for the installation of the slab that will be the base of the garage.

The New Family Member

 It has been a while coming but Adam and Kate have finally had their new baby delivered.

The Crosstrack Is a light but ruggedly constructed tourer that will provide camping comfort in more "out of the way" places.