Basketball - Patrick

Pat has joined a new team with his friends this season and we saw them play for the first time last night.  These boys are getting good. The standard is another notch up on last season.

Roof Resolution

Over the past 6 months the balcony roof has taken it upon itself to evolve a new life form that stumped all the experts. It was clearly a mould but when people came to examine it there was a lot of " Wow! I've never seen that before!"

It was finally decided that the treatment of the external plaster ceiling had been inappropriate so the painters have been in for two days to make amends.  It's looking good so far!

Musical Soiree

It was a slow Sunday evening so the decision was Pizza. It started well as Adam's colleague, Doren had left a very nice bottle of French Chablis to which Kate took a particular liking.

The "Bolt From the Blue" was that Adam and Kate had purchased a new Caravan that day so there was real reason to celebrate!
Patrick had previously handed out our musical assignment to learn Greenday's "Good Riddance" so this was our first practice.

It was a fun night!

Basketball - James

We saw James for the first time this season with his (slightly revamped) Celtics team. Last season they were clearly the best team in their group with crushing wins each week.  This season they have been moved from U14 to U16 and it appears they will have to work a little harder.  They won this week 24 - 20 but it was not an easy task.

Netball - Ebony

Ebony's team came into today's game with three of their players missing and substitutes in from lower year levels. Even so she showed some confidence that turned out to be well justified, nearly doubling the score of the opposition.

Netball - Holly

It is the new season so this was our first opportunity to see Holly in action under a new Coach (Cathy).  Facing a more experienced team, they put up a good fight.

Civilization 2016 Mk 3

The drama was all there. The tensions began to rise as the fledgeling Empires rose and developed out of the primordial wilderness.  Populations grew and cities developed.

It soon became evident that we had to contend with an aggressive despot from Egypt (Adamases II) who made a series of disasterous forays into Africa only to be finally repulsed. Africa and Italy were skirmishing on their borders while the Mitchellian King of Crete expanded his empire in the middle of the Mediterranean.  

Meanwhile, James the Javelin of Asia was spreading his mongul hordes over the North of Europe ready to attack and destroy all in his path.
As these developments were progressing, the calamities started to hit hard with volcanoes, civil disorder and epidemics taking their toll and reducing great empires to their knees. As King of Italy I achieved a peak of 7 cities only to have them all destroyed in 2 rounds!
The day finished with James emulating his hero Gengis Khan sweeping all before him and winning the game.
There is always next time!

Harvesting the Beer

About 6 weeks ago, Brett's Beer Bonanza was initiated as the keg was mixed and left for 6 weeks to mature.  Today the bottling took place.

Once the bottles were rinsed out, we then filled and capped them with the new brew.

The brew generated about 6 slabs but being preservative free, the beer has to be stored in a cool place. Brett found he was not wanting for offers of accommodation.

Room Reno.

A change is as good as a holiday so Sophie decided on double benefits by having both. During the school holidays she had her bedroom rearranged.

New Chickens Arrive

As the Donvale Chicken Palace nears completion, the new residents have arrived and are currently acclimatising to the Donvale environment before transfer to their new accommodation.