Jack Presents

At Assembly today, Jack was fully involved.  First he was presented with a certificate for his work on the Junior School Council.

Then he had to present a talk on the School's Food donation program.  He looked comfortable in the role ......

although I think he was happy to head back to his seat!

Aussie of the Week

At Assembly today Sophie was called up and presented with a Certificate for her work on Natural Disasters.

Presenting - the Pond Precursor

Adam has undertaken a huge amount of work to clean out the old garden and pond ready for the installation of the new pond.  The intention is to install a self sustaining ecosystem with work starting soon.  We await developments with great interest.

Basketball - Patrick

It has been a while since we have seen Patrick play in his new team that is being coached by Harry M and Pat is playing with his mate Fletcher.

As the boys grow, so do the skill levels so it was a good game today with both teams having to work for every point.  Pat's team was down a few points early but they were coming back when beaten by the buzzer.

150 Year Birthday Celebration

One of the joys of touring country areas is to visit local wineries.  These days those establishments in the Yarra Valley can be quite spectacular both in placement and their food offerings.  As we had a combined birthday (Noelene 70 and Roger 80) we booked in to Oakridge Winery for our celebration.
Most such visits start with a wine tasting and this was no exception.  They had some magnificent offerings, some of which now grace our storage shelves.

The meal was brilliant.  Not overdone but with wonderful taste and top of the line service.  It was a fantastic venue for the occasion.

Faces of the Yarra

Living in Melbourne, the Yarra River is hardly regarded as scenic by the residents. However closer to its source the river is very different.  While in Warburton there was time to wander around the river.

Away to Warburton

Our annual trip away with our fellow European tourists was a trip to Warburton and surrounds.  We stayed at "Oscars on the Yarra", an old but refurbished guest house on the banks of the Yarra River set in spacoius grounds.

 As usual with this group, far too much eating takes place in a range of locations in the designated area. One of the evenings we spent in Cunningham's Hotel in Yarra Glen.  The old Pub had been taken over and refurbished by a group of local women and they were doing  a roaring trade.

We also visited the Allowyn Gardens in Yarra Glen.  They have produced a whole variety of garden rooms and types in a 7 ha site. We certainly thought that time there was well spent.

Cousin Catchup

It has been many years since I met with my cousin Peter and his wife Sue.  Through the magic of social media, we had been in contact for a few weeks and we took the opportunity to meet this morning.  It must be me but all my compatriots seem to be moving their hair colour toward white (or losing it!).

Christmas Shopping

Jack, Cooper and Lachlan needed to do a little Christmas shopping so we hit the shops today.  Boredom soon set in so it was 40 minutes of shopping and 80 ninutes of deciding what to eat and subsequent consumption.

Pat's Birthday Lunch

After a delay or two we took Patrick out for his lunch to celebrate his teenagehood.  Our favourite cafe/restaurant, AngAng put on it's usual wonderful food and filled us to the brim.  Just to make sure we decided that a little ice cream should be pushed down to fill any vacant spaces.  It will be a late dinner tonight!