Whitehorse Calendar - Again!

 How about that!  I submitted a few photos to the Council for inclusion in the 2025 Calendar and one of mine was chosen as the Front Cover.  Last time I submitted I also got the Front Cover.  I doubt I will be able to keep this up.

Annual Getaway

 For many years now we have taken a few days break with our travel friends from our European tour in 1998.  Two of the men have died recently so it's now more difficult for the widows who are struggling with health issues.  To make it a little easier we went out to Carribean Gardens in Scoresby and stayed at the Hyatt Hotel.  It was quite a surprise to have such a hotel in this area.

We stayed in the general area but a highlight was a visit to the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens (previously the Victorian Rhododendron Gardens).  A lot of work has been put in recently to make this a great place to visit.

Of course we made full use of the wide range of good places to eat in the area!

Caravan Sold

 Today marked the final event in selling the caravan as the new owners took possession and drove it home to Castlemaine.  We were very happy that it fitted their needs and they will be using it in much the same way as we have.  They wanted it for all the reasons we had when we bought it, compact maneuverable, rugged and suitable for off road.

Cathy's Birthday Gathering

During Exam Season it is always difficult to get a time for a family gathering but most were able to come for Cathy's (late) birthday on Friday.  We love having these opportunities for cross family catch-ups across a dinner table.

Serious Progress at the Lake House

 With the holiday season approaching, Mark is hoping to capitalise on the availability of some additional workers on the house.

The insulation is now in so the walls and ceiling can be plastered.  A few extra workers were required for this work.

As always the locals maintain a keen interest.

The Girls Get Out

 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.

Farewell Old Friend

 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.

Patrick's Portrait

 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.

Patrick and Sophie's Birthdays

 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.

Breaking through the protective chocolate layer of the cake to access the contained treasures nearly called for specialist tools!  As a bonus on the night, the basketball half court had been completed earlier in the week so it was now open for inspection.

The new hard surface offers amazing grip, there is no way to slip over on this court.  We were really impressed by the way Alfie owned the court and made as if he had nothing to do with all the resurfacing work.!

Orchid Revival

 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.

Having achieved success with her imitation of Kosta in the garden she then did Jamie Oliver in the kitchen.