With the holiday season approaching, Mark is hoping to capitalise on the availability of some additional workers on the house.
While Mark was busy getting the new kitchen up to the Lake House, Lisa ducked out with the girls to do a little celebrity chasing.
It is a little confronting to face the end of an era. We bought our first caravan in 1976 and camping has been part of our lives for over 50 years. But all good things come to an end and it was with some sadness that we decided to sell our well loved Trakmaster van. On the positive side, we are selling it to a couple that remind us very much of ourselves 15 years ago. They worked in the same area we did and seem very excited to be able to do the things we have done. It is a good result.
As Patrick is heading off for his Asian Tour shortly, it meant we had to find a time slot for his entry into Granny's Gallery. Today was the day and this is his new entry in the Gallery.
Unfortunately Patrick and Sophie both arranged for their birthdays to fall in the middle of exam season so large celebratory gatherings become problematic. Grandparents, on the other hand do not have this issue so we were pleased to join the family last night for a wonderful birthday dinner.
Claire had a shot at reviving some old and neglected pots of orchids Adam found at the Peel St property. They were quite sad originally but in their new pots and soil they look as though there may be a chance.
The Lake House has seen some big changes lately. The front deck boards are now in place.
Adam, Kate and James have completed a lot of work on the Peel St property since they bought it. Although the house was fundamentally very sound, the interior required painting and a great deal of work was required to bring years of neglect up to standard. Electrical work was brought up to standard with new lighting, toilet replaced, blinds installed etc. The overgrown back yard was cleaned out and made serviceable. After a huge amount of work it is now ready for rental.
Lisa, Claire, Mark and "The Girls"went in to dinner and the Regent Theatre for "Menopause The Musical".
I have been showing signs of mild sleep apnea lately so we decided to get it checked. An operative comes to the home and wires you up with sensors to take all your measurements while you have a restful night's sleep (as if!)
We watched Lachlan play with his new (or perhaps - slightly revised) team as they enter their new season. The boys goal shooting let them down but Lachlan is becoming a great defender and he really worked hard the whole game.
Mark has been working solidly on the Lake House and it is starting to look like a house rather than a construction zone. A milestone addition has been the insulated garage door. As it is on a north face it keeps the garage cool in summer and limits heat entry to the house.
Claire has had a couple of days in the garden bringing the spring growth under control. Unfortunately, she sees a few more similar days ahead!
Jack had his first game of the season yesterday. The boys got off to a very slow start but were a different team after half time. They didn't make up for the slow start but gave the opposition a real scare.
We had brunch today with Jack and his family as a finale to mark the end of school. We went to Eugenes in the Wantirna Mall where they produce a variety of contemporary options. Great food but there will be little need for sustenance for the rest of the day.
We attended Jack's final day of secondary school and Valedictory Evening last night. The boys have certainly changed since their entry into Year 7.
As the family grows it becomes increasingly difficult to find a convenient time when we can all get together. Things worked out for us to have Adam's dinner for his birthday at Sapporo's Japanese Restaurant last night. The meal was up to the usual high standard and we enjoyed a coffee to follow back at Donvale.
