Lake House Chasm Filled

 Lisa has now declared the rear of the Lake House to be relatively safe after many metres of rock and aggregate have been put into the deep gap at the rear of the house.  This area can now be topped with a slab for a rear patio.  Mark intends to pack it down with fine crushed rock this weekend.

Birthday Dinner

 Adam and Kate hosted a family dinner for my 79th birthday.  It was a wonderful night with all the family, fantastic food and lots of noise and laughter. 

Adam had smoked a monster brisket for 24 hours, Kate had produced a number of amazing salads, Sophie had produced a beautiful chocolate mouse cake and with other contributions, no one left hungry.  The big central table worked a treat.

I had a great night. It is an enormous privilege to be able to share your birthday with all the family.

Birthday Breakfast

 For my Birthday, we decided to go to the local Pedler Cafe for breakfast.  The place has recently changed hands and the place was jumping.  Luckily we had worn our Puffer Jackets as there were no tables inside and only a couple outside.  However, it was worth it - the food was fabulous!

Brett's Birthday Dinner

 The final event to celebrate Brett's birthday was held last night at Mrs Jacksons Restaurant.  The opinion of the wait staff was that a two month delay was an unusually extended timeline however it was worth the wait.  We went for a whole range of smaller dishes and following the meal we visited Ebony's favourite ice cream shop.  The only way the evening could have been improved was if Hawthorn had won their quarter final.

Refinements at Ocean Grove

The family consensus was that summer evenings at Ocean Grove could be improved sitting out at the front of the house listening to the ocean.  Consequently, the next project was to pave the area.  The result looks to be worth the pain!

Lake House Progresses

 Mark has had a bit of external insurance work recently but there has still been progress on the Lake House

Much of the batten work is in place for the external metal cladding.

He has started on the stairs rising from the side entry and a new kitchen is in place!

More importantly, the fire box for the gas log fire is in place ready for the fireplace itself.

Spring in the Garden

 With the improvement in the weather we have started to dress the garden for spring.  We have renovated some of the potted plants and planted a few annuals to add a splash on colour.

Noel In Hospital

 Wednesday was a difficult day.  We were notified that Noel had been working in the garden when he got a severe headache. He went to the Echuca Hospital and was then transferred to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne by Air Ambulance with a suspected stroke and bleeding in the brain.  We saw him in the afternoon and he was barely conscious and appears to be paralysed on his left side.

Cooper's Season Ends

 It was Cooper's final game for the current season and the boys made it a good one nearly doubling the score of the opposition.  Cooper had a great game with 10 points and spending a lot of time in the air intercepting passes.

We have seen significant improvement in the team over the season and look forward to that continuing next season.

Fathers' Day

 The best time being a father is when your children and their families come to visit. So I had a great day today.

With everyone contributing to morning tea, there was no need to go away hungry.

With four fathers in the contingent it made for a highly efficient celebration!