Fergella 24

Posted: April 5, 2024 in Uncategorized

Bigger, Better but not really Brighter but enough about me. Our version of Coachella where music is replaced by booze and desert heat by rain. Apparently.

Weather forecast was a tad grim so headed down on Wednesday in what was actually the heaviest rain would experience for next few days . Duh. On way down got my Telehealth call from Bali ( the doctor not the island) and for a quick $100 he told me all looks good but if want screws out its another surgery yada yada yada. Suggested we may just sit on it for a while then but he said always better if you stand on them. Surgeon humour. So with one bill out of the way just need to see GP to get new referral letter as last one expired. Basically spend $40 to get $40 back but need current referral letter for any slice and dice next 12 months.

Plan then was also to get two crowns put in on Thursday before Easter by new dentist at Nambour having been assured I could still eat chocolate and go horse back riding straight afterwards. Good dentist and of course crowns are not cheap but next job he wants to retire on is an implant which is even more expensive. As usual you have your mouth full of tools and he keeps asking you questions. Then with mouth fully numb they give a you a free coffee voucher while you wait for the crowns to be made! Drink hot fluid and dribble – what could go wrongπŸ€¦πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ

Then it was just a case of waiting for the gang to roll in over a spaced timetable . A few groups took the 2 night package which included a signed poster of hosts (see below). RJER set up camp in the front yard while TB set up Van adjacent to drinking area. With age comes wisdom. BC2 and Quinn went for the loft apartment which comes with its own white noise to assist sleeping. Then it was time for a swim with the Munchkins as weather was good

Well that gets an appetite going so must be lunch time. Good time to test out new outdoor seating set up. Worked so well we (ok Bruce) came up with idea to have the big lunch out there next day, weather dependant.

Then came that tricky time when you have to do something between lunch and drinkies. I know what I wanted but the other Flash got there first! Trust me Flash 2 I have tried that look and it doesnt work😎

Thought went into drink menu. As in, make sure we have plenty. Always wine and beer of course but for the 2 night free loaders we start with Aperol Spritzers on Night 1. Very noice especially when we added more aperol for colour only Your Honour second time around

Being Friday it was fish for dinner as we settled in under some grey skies

Everyone behaved themselves and retired for the night as the big day was still to arrive. Some rain during the night but woke again to a good day so went ahead with Plan A – get to that bloody chair before that dog! Another swim and then set up the outdoor areas – eating and drinking . This could catch on

All the gang was here including ADJG who were camping in the Garage – you snooze you lose πŸ€“ A lovely lunch accompanied by several bottles of the grape stuff as the weather still held. It was also doubling as a 40th Birthday celebration for BC 1 which can only mean one thing. CLP is a lot older than I realisedπŸ•ΊπŸ»

Lovely relaxing afternoon then before the first of our guests started to head home mid afternoon. This just left the drinkers which could only mean one thing. It was Muling Time! I get the Moscow connection with Vodka but not sure where the Mule comes from. Anyhoo, very passable until you have too many and cant pass another down.🫏🦍

One last dinner then of leftovers as once again the rain stayed away. The serious boys then went through the Rum Liquor selection that Bruce had bought up to Toast BC 1 while the ladies did secret womens business. Then he bought out the Tullamore Dew and the rest is a blur. I did wake up next morning to Munchkins running around with arms full of chocolates and wondered – was I ever that young?? I know Easter Eggs were certainly smaller in my day.

One last big meal then of eggs and bacon before the happy campers started to pack up and head home slowly. The idea to sit outside all weekend certainly made the decamping easier. And so another wonderful Easter weekend came to an end which only leaves one thing to say .

$29.99 Signed and Delivered.

Brisvegas – Sprung Broke

Posted: August 2, 2026 in Uncategorized

Seriously any chance you clowns could get within 4 degrees of actual temperature so when dressing in dark in morning can do so accordingly before leaving the biodome that is our incubator/room for the week πŸ€¦πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ Of course doesn’t matter how β€œ it’s not cold ya goose β€œ it may be most idiots are still dressed like Nanook of the North because you know β€œ it’s only 6 am”

So when last we left our hero he was salivating at making an Exhibition of himself in the eating and drinking caper. It did not disappoint- simply an amazing dining experience . It was the ambience, the variety, the staff , the……….nah it’s just the Vibe . I present for your perusal Exhibit A

So it’s 5 β€œsnacks” and 5 β€œmains”. We chose the Unorthodox alcohol companion for mains so had a very pleasant Rose during our snacks . Now that is 5 courses not just 5 snacks and a pretzel. The colours are amazing as is the texture and taste. Too many photos to share so let’s choose a selection

Then it was time for the β€œ Mains” I guess. Once again simply superb. One drink of note was the Beaujolais . Big bottle odd taste. By now we had bonded with our lead β€œ waitress” and asked delicately β€œ any chance this is off β€œ? β€œAh nope ya clown that’s why it is called unorthodox” . β€œ Ok sweetheart maybe go with Undrinkable next time” . We laughed . I think. Hard to pick a favourite course as all great and all different. There two desserts in the 5 and then a box is presented. It has Petit Fours, a copy of menu and the bill. Classy end to a wonderful night

Oh and heres a couple of Madeleines for supper. As always with a classy establishment the time flies (2.5 hrs) and you feel well sated but not full as a goog or drunk. A nice 20 min walk home helps

Woke next morning, luckily, to continue search for a good cofffee. The search resumes tomorrow . Apparently 😏 Also able to interact with my fave people – fuckin cyclists

CLP assures me she sleeps when I leave in the morning but I can see the light on in our room on 72nd floor as she gazes down longingly .

We decided to head down to Wynnum for the morning. Easy train ride down had us checking out the thriving metropolis that is Wynnum Central lickety split. Had a very passable coffee in the Main Street and then took my bucket and spade down to the seaside and the 3 sq m of actual sand. We walked up, we walked back and then we had some fish and chips before returning home for a quiet afternoon. Well we did duck out to our fave happy hour at Sixteen Antlers for another Sunset Sour but being a Friday afternoon the GU were gathering

Headed off for my early morning walk on Saturday just before 6 am and strangely even though dark still I was casting a shadow πŸ€” Then I realised that CLP had joined in as threatened which now meant I actually had to walk and not just sit in hotel lobby for 30 mins πŸ˜₯ Easy walk down to Southbank this time and strangely that light on Floor 72 was still on ! I had a coffee and as we were heading back home for an easy breakfast in we bumped into CLPs old boss Stu so caught up for 30 mins. When CLP started pulling out some scrapbook albums – which really do compact down apparently in that backpack – Stu said he had to get to morning mass😏 By then it was well after 7 am so we went back to Jimmys on the Mall for a substantial breakfast out . That then necessitated a gym visit and one last swim on return. Quiet day now before walking up George St. tonight to Little Provence to continue French theme for week .

La Provence was surprisingly quite crowded for early on a Saturday night. It was nothing special but certainly well presented and tasty in a relaxed atmosphere. Waiters of course displayed the usual mix of French disdain and charm.

A few spots of rain last night . Luckily did not slow down the rampant Broncos just down the road πŸ€¦πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ. Hopefully it clears for the Wedding this afternoon which is an outdoor event and then into a Marquee and start to hook in on Ants Cellar stocks πŸ˜‚

Before the last big event of a wonderful week a few thoughts on Meriton. It has been great. Very comfortable two bedroom unit on high with fantastic views. Every amenity could need including laundary in unit. The lifts are great with their technology knowing which floor you want from card and directing to specific lift. On site car park is useful but usual nightmare with tight access and curves. The pool area and gym are very good and was lucky crowd wise. In fact has been very quiet all week really apart from one aspect. It’s Pearl Harbour Part 2. Seriously would be surprised if occupancy is less than 90% Asian specifically Japanese and the vast majority seem to be residents eg lone girl taking her Maccas to 35th floor. Would suggest plenty of overseas students that Daddy is putting up in a unit all year. The area is not great , although safe, and yet to find a decent coffee on any morning. Easy access to Kirilpa Bridge and across to Southbank etc though . Also easy to get to Roma Street for transport

Weather behaved itself for the big event and an excellent set up at ADJG abode in Burbank. Lovely ceremony and plenty to eat and drink as we moved through the night . Couple were radiant and very happy. Great speeches too .

One final walk on Monday morning early brings an end to a great week with so many highlights. It’s been a hoot folks.Farewell Brisvegas

Brisvegas – Spring Broke ?

Posted: July 30, 2026 in Uncategorized

Well briefly maybe, Yabba Dabba Doo may have been a false dawn. Toowoomba tomorrow may be a pleasant surprise. It is a great unit with everything you could ask for including great views. Sleeping is ok – as usual not great pillows or temperature – and am surprised how many sirens still hear on 72 nd floor. Obviously no double glazing but only a minor complaint . Went for morning walk and while plenty of options open at 6 am nearby β€œ he chose poorly” with Dash on Quay. Plenty of mornings to go

Wandered into Queen Street mall as you do for a gander and bought a few items actually need for a change – a belt, aftershave and a light jacket. Today’s highlight – unless I get a better pillow – will be a return visit to Pompette Frenchie Place in Star for the Ooh La La lunchtime banquet. Great food and ambience for reasonable price . Once again an amazing lunch . Of course the old Anniversary trick worked a treat πŸ₯Έ Baptiste was our French waiter today and we had many a chat

Time then to relax for a few and duck down to the pool spa for a splash. Still no one else around yet so taking full advantage. Ducked out for a walk and a sneaky cocktail late afternoon at Antica in Burnett Lane. Another classic cocktail bar with mood lighting and interesting range

Wednesday almost dawned as time to head off early to Toowoomba. Of course there would be fog wouldn’t there as trying to navigate new streets and directions . Use to know Brisvegas really well but it’s all different now so did my planning and route chosen – get onto M5 as quick as possible – worked well at 5 am but still a bit ugly in someone else’s car with quick lane changes called for in a sea of headlights. Made it safely and started with breakfast with Tony and kids at Cafe 63. Not aware of the place but Rick and Matt rave about it so gave it a try πŸ₯Έ . I think it is great value actually which is handy when feeding teenagers 😏

Sadly both Ranny and Ryan are crook but was still able to visit . Dropped in to see Ranny and then headed to St Saviours for the morning. As luck would have it found Ryan out on playground so didn’t have to mingle with old people – but did grab the snack pack πŸ˜€ Then went to class room and spent time with Ryan and his attached best friend Izzy. Must be my welcoming presence but always seem to get barnacles attached to me at Grandparents Day πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ . A lovely morning all round but am glad now to be back in Meriton to chill for a few days . Didn’t help that Legacy Way was closed on way home – Milton Road at lunchtime not fun πŸ˜₯

Time then to relax with a happy hour at Sixteen Antlers above The Pullman at King George Square . Lovely views and great value cocktails for $12 . Me very happy if only for 30 mins 😏

We then wandered over to Burnett Lane to Mr Wabi for an early dinner and again a cocktail of course. Great atmosphere and tasty food well presented

A relaxing few days ahead then before wedding on Sunday. A highlight will be fancy dinner at Exhibition Restaurant on Thursday night courtesy of RJER .

Brisvegas – Spring Break

Posted: July 27, 2026 in Uncategorized

Well you wouldnt call this crap Winter! πŸ€¦πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ

And so another week in Brisvegas full of varied highlights. A Della gathering at YabbaDabbaDoo ( with merchandise available for purchase), a couple of Old Fart Days , some fancy food, some Tall Buildings, some early morning coffee hunts and then finish of with a wedding. If she yes of course 🀞. Whats that? Oh it’s a couple of younguns you say ….. and maybe squeeze in a sherbert or two, weather permitting. Very pleasant day at Flashman Inc with a hint of a winter day approaching . Brisk but booteeful by the pool

First up then head down a day early to get the lay of the land at YabbaDabbaDoo and a relaxing lunch at Tambourine with our wonderful hosts. Drove up to St Bernard’s which is an impressive restaurant with incredible views. Busy but excellent service and very filling lunch . Loved the Xmas in July theme as well.

Down the goat track then to Yabba Dabba Doo for a relaxing afternoon on a glorious day. You have to be quick to grab a good seat here. Quick as a Flash one may say……..and then you get the dirty look

Can only mean now that it is time for damaged duo (extended to a troubled trio) to appear .

Settled in then for a few sherberts in the New Outlook with the Old Crowd. Then we had a lovely lasagne for dinner and called it a night to prepare for next day festivities. With age comes wisdom…..and several pee stops on a cold night 😏


It was a bit brisk folks just quietly. Daleks had moved in overnight and were happy to do some cooking so why not. Yabba Dabba Doo 2026 was about to kick off after official opening by Event Patrons.

The gang started arriving shortly after 11 am for a quick catch up and frothy one before the eating starts .

Usual wonderful spread of meats , veges and salads finished off with some low fat desserts. As always the Antipasto won all the awards for content, presentation and value for money . Girls were quickly climbing the walls …..literally .

Headed off mid afternoon back to RJER to be bright and bushy tailed for Grandparents Day 1 on Monday at St. Thomas. Lovely day as always

Time then to chill for a couple before heading into our accommodation for the next week – Meriton Suites in Herschel Street .

Rocked up early at 1pm as on site parking is limited. All sweet and roomy ready. Knobber Knobber . It’s a great room indeed on 72 nd floor with magnificent views. Here is one I prepared earlier

Well that might do as a lead in to a luxurious week. And in late breaking news…… Spring broke πŸ‘πŸ» Get the sluggos out πŸ•ΊπŸ»

WDR – The Wrap

Posted: May 26, 2026 in Uncategorized

Currently sitting in Business Lounge at Melbourne awaiting our 9:15 flight. Fog in Sydney is cancelling flights so lucky there. Some fog in Melbourne may delay our flight so wait and see. Less hassle flying home as no tight connection to make . Has been a wonderful holiday with mostly highlights and some Melbourne β€œthings” to understand.

Bendigo accommodation was great as was location. Very good breakfast provided. Manageable walk into town especially as this was peak ankle issues . CBD is dead , tourist attractions quite dull. Lake WeeWop a great area and Alium Dining superb

Always a joy staying with JL at Harcourt. Weather not quite as cool as hoped for but allowed us to get out and about. Plenty of wonderful food and drink of course and a very comfortable house to relax in .

QT on Russell was a perfect location. Room was good on 8th floor and the bath a treat. Opposite lifts not ideal and pillows and general sleeping not ideal . Breakfast substantive and rooftop bar quiet. Not the best run hotel as some confusion over accounts and already sitting in lounge at airport when get message to do online check out😏

Kooza was a clear highlight and we had some memorable dining occasions. Grill Americano just shades Farmers Daughters with Scropi a distant third mostly due to poor service level. Fleet Rooftop was also an Exceptional experience in a slightly different category .One thing to know in Melbourne is if restaurant first booking is midday then the doors do not open until midday .

In general coffee culture not great and certainly not helped by opening hours. The gardens around Melbourne are beautiful and is a great walking city . Free public transport helpful

Think CLP and I will most likely do short trips like this in coming years . A bit of luxury but for a shorter time and less hassle with no international flights

Except NZ next February for me of course πŸ•ΊπŸ»

EDIT: Plane left 30 mins late and as little optimist me thinks, yay bar service before we pass Bendigo. I’ll drink to that

WDR – The Last Bit

Posted: May 26, 2026 in Uncategorized

And so we come to last 48 hrs. Been setting a hectic pace and will be good to relax a bit probably as some rain passes through. One final special lunch tomorrow will do for the fancy eating caper. Went for usual walk this morning and certainly not cold . Did decide to hook in at breakfast for a change though and then walk it off later .Maybe. In one of the more amazing medical recoveries ankle has been fine for last 10 days. Go figure

Went for our morning constitutional down to Collins Square to check out the new hip and happening spot. If this is hip I ain’t happening. Mostly a block of offices with some cafes so we took a long shot and had a coffee . Then on way back home stoped in for our go to crepe at the local crepery in Royal Arcade

Weather remained surprisingly good but will have a quiet one at home this afternoon with maybe a quick detour to the rooftop bar for a frothy one.

Or maybe a foamy one πŸ₯Έ Hey it was very tasty in a bannannery sort way and we had the place to ourselves

Headed out for last early morning stroll and coffee. At least after tomorrow will be able to get one at 5:17 am . I wonder what time it is now . Ah, that’s handy , only 30 mins to wait 😏

First up after usual solid breakfast is another washing day . Check out some street art ( limited) and check Kelly, N still dead ( he is ) and then back for a free coffee on site. Not the worst one I have had trust me

We chose Farmers Daughters for our last anniversary lunch and it was excellent indeed and went with the 3 course offering for the extra $10 duh. Of interest , as usual they ask at booking if special occasion and we always say something eg anniversary this week. Again for a midday booking they open doors at 12:01 😑 Both the first hostess and then second hostess wished us a Happy Anniversary. We thought we better leave some room for the special treats coming our way . Ah nope , nothing . Not that we needed anything but still it’s the principle that counts . The lamb belly was especially delicious for moi . And we were in the Cuddling Chairs

And that pretty well wraps up a wonderful Victorian holiday. Some wonderful meals , great time spent with family and some great entertainment like Kooza. Accommodation was all very good and weather also behaved itself. Checked in for flight home tomorrow which just leaves the packing this afternoon. As always will be good to get home and back into routine and less rigorous eating and then we plan next holidays. For me will be a solo trip to NZ next Feb around same time ( probably earlier) CLP is planning to head far far away as possible in northern hemisphere with new travelling buddies.

As always you need to travel regularly if just for the new memories. We have a couple of events in late July including multiple Old Farts days at schools so will spend a week in Brisvegas between weekend engagements . It ain’t easy but someone has to step up eh

Thought Fri/Sat nights could be a problem with our room across from lifts and as expected some ruckus a couple of times after midnight but not long lasting . Woke to a cloudy and slightly warmer day. Supposed to be a balmy 19 this arvo. No fog so headed out on morning walk. Saturday means less places open before 7 am but one up near Queen Victoria markets opened at 6 am so headed off. Much quieter on streets on a Saturday so walked and trammed. Coffee alas was luke warm at best and cold at worst . Not having the greatest luck so far for a city with a β€œ coffee culture”

Back home for a light breakfast before heading out for a walk up to our fave coffee place Seven Seeds in Carlton. Again warm coffee . Back down to the Markets to drool at the fresh food and CLP was also on the hunt for a new off the shoulder bag. Mission accomplished. Home for a rest and then back out for some lunch at the Satay and Reog festival at Fed Square. Not exactly rocking . The satays were ok but no point sitting down to listen to the music. Let’s just say Yoko Ono would have lifted the performance. After some hot food then it was time to head back home and up to rooftop bar for a beer. Surprisingly not busy at all

That will wrap up Saturday really as have walked many miles and even more kilometres and time to relax for the day .

Sunday dawned cloudy but warmer so decided to walk some more πŸ€¦πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ Out to MCG and back through the gardens to Shrine – a leisurely 2 hr walk

Then home for a brief rest before trying out the Classic Tasting course at Grill Americano. Must be a Melbourne thing that even if lunch booking is midday they don’t open doors until…..midday. Come 10 mins late and lose your booking! Anyhoo a great meal all round and also very good value. The Tiramisu was especially impressive, sadly only one piece so I had it

Then it was time to duck home and clean the teeth before catching a tram out to Flemington race course for Cirque du Soleil presentation of Kooza under the big top. The great unwashed were there in abundance but it all went pretty well. Not a lot of toilets mind you. It was simply a superb show which can’t be told in pictures but hey I will try. The acrobatic skills were amazeballs and some fun and games in between . Will try and pick best selection from about 40 photos

The tram ride home was not a lot of fun as standing room only for a 30 min trip but all worth it for that experience. So that was an amazing day and will sign off now. A couple of quieter days now with maybe one more special anniversary meal πŸ₯Έ

WDR – The Next Bit

Posted: May 22, 2026 in Uncategorized

Toorak or not To Rack that is the question. At last we had a cool and foggy day but that did not deter Daring Dave . Headed out with my Hound to Baskerville Cafe which supposed to open at 6 am – it wasn’t. Did another couple of 400 m laps and then returned at 630 am and it was kinda open. You could get a coffee but no one was turning on lights 🀷🏼 Maybe the baristas are ugly

Back then for usual breakfast before catching a tram to Toorak for Tea with Trude and Prude. Of interest on way found dullest tourist attraction since the Talking Tram @ Bendigo. I present Como House or as we now call it Comatose House. Dull is too kind. We did have a nice coffee at least at cafe on site. I think it was the cafe , not the house πŸ₯Έ

Time then to walk to Toorak Village and mix with the great and frequently washed, if by a maid only. Knew we were in Toorak when walked into the 7/11 and saw the caviar dispenser 😏

The village itself was not unique or special – could have been Carlton if ya ask me. An interesting mix of locals but only two of them wanted their tummy scratched. And I thought I was a prickly bugger πŸ•ΊπŸ»

So we basically caught a tram home and walked back via Fed Square and there was a great show on at ACMI with a real eclectic mix of displays related to film and tv. Highlight was Interceptor replica from Mad Max. It was pretty, pretty, pretty good

Time then for a quick lunch at Meatballs and Wine which really hit the spot which of course now could be a liver spot. CLP was still looking good though if a little tired . Ouch

It was a truly glorious day to be out and about so we had a walk through Fitzroy Gardens on way home. Only 3000 Jap tourists so we’re lucky. For such a respectful race man they are ignorant folk.

With mounting excitement it was time for the days highlight – using a laundromat . All pretty simple really, don’t know what you women carry on about . Also came home with 8 socks mostly matching. Time then for our early drinkies / dinner at the ever reliable Fleet Rooftop bar in Flinders Street. I hate technology , let’s get that out there. A 5 pm booking so a leisurely walk starts at 430 pm. Get a message then β€œ table is ready , check in online or let us know you are on way , press 1 β€œ Ok, so don’t rush and arrive 20 mins later at 4:55 pm and am told β€œ your table is not ready, can you please just sit inside” I gave her a piece of my slowly diminishing mind. β€œ Listen Sweetheart , you told us 30 mins ago our table is ready. Don’t try the old wrong table shim sham with me”. We were led to a clear table . From there on it was a great night . Of course we did the old β€œ anniversary special occasion β€œ trick and received free glass of sparkling. When I saw the next table got a small cake bought out tried for my birthday as well but didn’t take 😏

Apparently it is Dreamtime round in AFL so big game at MCG tonight so decided to walk with the masses for a squizz. It is a grand sight at night

And so once again with no grand plans we had a full and memorable day . Of course not every day can be washing day so time to start planning some other activities tomorrow

I did tell CLP there was an ironing board in the corner

Doctor says my vision should start clearing tomorrow. It was like my very own Dreamtime. Spooky.

WDR – Melboring Begins

Posted: May 21, 2026 in Uncategorized

A leisurely morning at Harcourt before catching a lift with Freddo first to Essendon to see Nic and Paul and family and then an Uber into our lodgings at QT in Russell street . Dropped our bags off and then up to Rooftop Bar for one last cocktail with Freddo before he headed off to meeting. Of course Thermonuclear Heaters on full blast

Our room is on 8 th floor and quite spacious . Straight opposite lift not ideal but time will tell. Lovely bathroom area

Quite peckish by now so duckedout and around corner to Chinatown for some dinner . Ordered a bit too much but did hit the spot

As threatened this brave soul headed out before 6 am for a walk and a coffee. Not a great nights sleep of course but not in zombie mode. Still dark of course but plenty of people around. Did make it back for a coffee at 630 am with 10 tradies and it was quick service crap

CLP was champing at the bit when got back and so it was time for breakfast. Included in deal and quite filling but nothing special. It was only when we got back to room and checked mirror before heading out that realised what a toll 5 nights at Freddy’s had takenπŸ₯Έ

We walked around the city for a couple of hours getting lay of land and laundromat location along with some quirk of course . Despite weather forecast of sun it remained cloudy and overcast . Shocked I tell ya

That long walk had worked up a great appetite which was ideal as we had our min fancy meal booked – lunch at Sopri in Carlton . Free tram out, relaxing walk home. Wonderful food and good value but service below standard. When you have the tasting menu there should be some interaction with server as to what dish is exactly, how many dishes etc especially if trying to choose wine and how much. Not just dump the plate on table and say β€œ here are your oysters”. We also had Asian version of Frau Blucher as head server but eventually she warmed and was actually helpful by end. It was very crowded on a Thursday lunch too.

A full morning then left us a couple of hours to chill in room before evening shenanigans . Knock Knock, room service πŸ€¦πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ

We started our tour of new cocktail bars with Death & Co in Flinders lane. Very nice ambience and good cocktails to boot .

Thursday night was Steak and Frites night special at Pascales on site . We wondered what quality steak you get when you also get a glass of Shiraz all for $30 😏 When the chef did not enquire how we wanted our steak cooked the jig was up . Looked good mind you but does remind me I need to get my shoes repaired

And so our first full day in Melboring is done . The hotel seems fine at present but may get loud on the weekend. Quite shaggus tonight after all the walking but no guarantee of a good nights sleep .

Sunday has dawned gray and gloomy. Ah that is the mirror πŸ€¦πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ Let’s take a squizz outside as is 7 am already . Yep right the first time . Steady rain through the night will certainly help the property

Nothing really planned today . Looks a good day to sit by the fire even if not that cool really. May get some cooler mornings starting on Tuesday with some luck. Time to get cracking and start the blood pumping

Well that is the morning sorted. We played some card games and drank some coffee. We were smarter today and 5 pm drinkies were actually at 5 pm πŸ•ΊπŸ» I needed a sherbert or two watching the Broncos first half let me tell ya. Freddo made his classic winter lamb shank slow cook which went down a treat on suitably lubricated tonsils. Not a lot of rain during day but certainly overcast

Monday dawned cloudy and overcast but we brave souls ventured out to see the sights of Trentham. Didn’t take long as it turns out but these small towns are great to wander up and down the main, if only, street 😏 We had a scrumptious morning tea at Redbeard with coffee and pastries. I patted the Town Wombat Fatso and then we headed off to The Falls. Easy access from car park is always good

A restaurant in Kyneton appealed but sadly it was closed. Still a few other options around and of course a Main Street to explore . The restaurant was called Prato and was rather impressive for a small town. Da ladies haunted some more dress shops and then it was back home for a few hours before the evening session . We had some very tasty cocktails at lunch so thought may explore that further tonight. Living life on the edge baby .

Misty gray afternoon unfolded and so we relaxed by the fire before shenanigans restart. Tonight for a change we will have some alcohol. Well a slight change , fair call. We will throw a few bottles together and see what comes out. Margaritas apparently

Started the festivities with a delicious lamb and hummus spread as you do and then dinner was a lovely Thai pumpkin soup with a couple of whites to balance out the visual spectacle. Went bobbing for prawns but I had already cornered the market when no one was looking

Another full day leaves us with one last day of being full. Tuesday weather is looking much better so here is hoping we can get out and walk in the fresh air. Some exercise is required methinks 😏 Here is one I prepared earlier πŸ•ΊπŸ»

Weather is a roll of the dice here but headed into Bendigo for a walk around Lake WeeWop and a coffee and suitably rewarded as simply a glorious day. It is a lovely area and the usual good coffee at Cafe Whitby. Back home then as it was an exciting day and didn’t want to be away from home for long. Yep, it was washing day 😏 Sadly it was quite cloudy around the homestead but we do have duelling fireplaces so am sure we will survive

Relaxing afternoon then reminiscent of how an old folks home operates I imagine. Some chat, some reading, some card games and a coffee. Before long though it was Spritzer Time and the Fab Four lined up for a farewell drink under mostly clear skies. Dancing could break out .

A lovely duck dinner washed down with some superb Pinot Noir and it’s a wrap for Harcourt folks. Driving down with Freddo just after lunch tomorrow as he has a meeting later that day in the city and we will check in for 7 nights stay at QT Melbourne. Has been a wonderful 5 days in Harcourt with family and now we enter Phase 3 of our cunning plan

Another glorious morning in Bendigo for a stroll through the gardens. The bats in the trees were amazing number wise

JL picked us up late morning and we spent some time at Lake WeeWop before our lunch booking at Alium for midday. Went with the tasting menu and simply superb both in taste and value. Great service in very pleasant surroundings.

Then time to head to our BnB in Harcourt for our 5 nights stay in mountain view rooms. The weather has been great all week, if a tad warm, but may deteriorate by weekend but all good. Always great to catch up with family and learn more about their travels and the kids. Of course too much talking is no good for anyone and soon the sun was approaching the yard arm which means only one thing . Get ya bib on

And of course food is always delicious. Not a big scotch drinker but this was very passable. When in this neck of the woods always introduced to an amazing variety of white wines . Also had my birthday present to wear to set the mood. Night 1 navigated

Saturday arrived and finally the sun started to rise like an old man getting out of bed. Hey, I resemble that

Leisurely drive into Castlemaine this morning and was able to see some of the devastation from the January bushfires which was both widespread and hap hazard at times it appeared. Some hard luck stories and some lucky misses. Nice walk around botanical gardens while ankle behaves herself ( must be female as always changing mind ). Pleasant town to walk up and down the Main Street while da ladies haunted the dress shops. Back then to Harcourt for a coffee and danish as you do

As the weather was still very pleasant we headed off up to the top of the hill for some champers. From our view on high we could make out some peasants down below so threw some cake at them to eat. It’s the little things that count. Sadly it slowly dawned on Freddo he had only bought up one bottle of champagne πŸ€¦πŸ»β€β™‚οΈ

Time to relax then for a few as there could be some drinking later. It’s a gift I have to foretell the future. It seems though that after factoring lunar cycles, lack of daylight saving and rabbit migration studies 5 pm drinkies became 3 pm drinkies. Yay. Did fall for the old β€œ where did my drink go β€œ shim sham though.

Tonight was BBQ night which can only mean one thing. Bye Bye white wines and hello Big Red. The scotch fillets were delightful as were the accompanying salads . Glad we did some walking today as rain is starting to approach and will be a wet Sunday . I quickly forgave my drink snatcher as is my nature

Cheese and scotch rounded out the evening and my stomach . Night 2 done and dusted . Bring on Sunday

Of interest to the medically inclined or age related reclined I have discovered an interesting factoid. Intake of over 1 L of alcohol per day alleviates ankle pain. Who would have thunk.