flashman181

So as things get a tad gloomy we had luckily booked a few days in Brisvegas as our fave resting place The Stamford was having some good deals naturally. I was originally going to Sydney for 5 days this week while CLP relaxed on Straddie. Luckily I pulled pin a few weeks ago – no way would have been there this week .May not be flexible in the bending caper but am with plans so we also tacked on a night at RJE BnB to ease us in . Dropped in and saw Sis and Bro in Law on way through before blowing the froth off one at Gasworks. Our first introduction to guestHQ for digital logging in and works well

Decamped at Camp Hill and spent lovely afternoon with da girls. Eloise gravitates to Nonna which leaves me to lie on floor while Ruby climbs all over me. Sweet . It had been a long day having started in Maryhole at 0430 so an early night for all. Certainly had a good nights sleep and maybe because CLP apparently slept elsewhere …

Tuesday spread before us so thought we would try the old early check in trick but as had forgotten my sling no sympathy was shown. Or a valet. I had combined a “ Riverside Retreat package with a Staycation “ and knew I had free parking and breakfast and also drink and food vouchers but on which nights am not sure ! Also a top room on 16 th floor. Certainly see differences around the hotel with no valet parking and no mini bar – not big issues. Ronny at Reception said they still did 50-60% capacity during week.

So, I parked car and we caught a slow moving Rivercat to Newfarm park where we had arranged to meet CLPs old boss Stuart for lunch. First pleasant surprise of the day was I am a “ gold member “ in the Go Card festivities and ride for free off peak. I have been off my peak for years so should be able to abuse this the whole week. Great lunch and catch up and Stuart even played free Uber when I told him of my Gold status .

So it was up to our room for a relaxing afternoon. We do have a “ High Tea” as part of our package today so thought we would use that as our dinner . You know at 430 pm. We are Seniors after all.

The High Tea was nothing special but then we didn’t pay much for it either😏 There was a full bottle of “champers” but not much solid food but rather little “sweet treats” which just happens to be CLPs nickname for moi . It was a booteeful night though under a full moon

Dont tell Anastasia Beaverhausen but we did dip our collective toes in the travel whirlpool this month and spent last weekend in Toowoomba. Main attraction was a sadly rare opportunity to see the 6 pack all in one place. And they were Full Strength, none of that woosy Lite stuff 🙂 We spent two nights at our go to B&B “Wanulla” which has sadly gone now too! Perhaps they thought they should now close down and leave it as a shrine to our visit but they are getting out of the B&B caper in August. Covid restrictions already meant a 2 night minimum which worked out well actually. Toowoomba is certainly opening back up and we were able to get a beer at the Ark AKA Fitzys where you had to enter and sit 2 x 2 like some rare almost extinct species which to be fair is not far from the truth. Then we had a superb dinner at Sofras across the road. One could say it was a Turkish Delight. I’m here all weekend try the Baba Ganoush

Next day then we decamped at Number One Sons abode for the day and mingled and jingled. The kids are all a delight of course as they have inherited my carefree nature and general good humour just with a dash of sarcasm. Its always wonderful to see cousins get along so well and play together when they dont see each other all that often. Jess is a bit outnumbered but did have one big fan

Another very pleasant and quiet night at Wanulla before another sumptious breakfast and on the road to Maryhole via Flashman Inc at Sunny Coast. Time then to get back into the golf routine of the mostly work and some play variety. Oddly still stuck on a handicap of 7 which aint helping my wallet too much. It is great to be and about though on glorious days like these. Also great to have the PGA back on the TV especially with no moronic Yank in the crowd screaming out “get in the hole” when someone drives off the PAR 5 10th….

Speaking of morons. Where does one start? Australia is/has done well for a number of reasons whereas many countries have done woefully for usually two reasons – poor leadership and moronic behaviour – a dangerous, yet common occurrence. Two comments struck a chord with moi this week

“If you don’t like wearing a mask you won’t like wearing a ventilator “

” It appears the US is working towards making sure there is no second wave by ensuring first wave never ends”

It is easy to stay with US because of Buffoon Bob but UK is no better really. Crowds flock to the beach on a warm day and leave behind 40 tonne of rubbish while parking anywhere they feel like or they run into the streets to celebrate a football accomplishment

The USA situation is of course coloured by the constant dribble from BBs mouth. Talk about a person in denial. I did love the graphic by the Daily Show which shows the situation in all its simplicity

Trumps current approach about the alarming increase in positive cases is that they are testing more and he seriously wants to reduce the number of tests done to reduce the number of positives! Though moronic in origin there is a simple truth to the premise and that is about all his followers can absorb so nod one of their two heads sagely to his calming words.. Trump is itching to open all states so that he can get the rallies going again and economy heading in the right direction before November. Of course this is 2020 and things are not always in your control. The efforts by many to sabotage the Tulsa Rally were brilliant in planning and execution. Its not too often you see Trump look defeated even if it is a feeling he should start practising. His return from rally put to music was a perfect summary of the impact of a disastrous rally

If we now move on to first world problems then we see that this is having a significant impact on my personal travel plans. Pulled plug on October Las Vegas visit but was quietly confident that Feb 2021 in NYC would be a given. Not so sure now after Joyce comments about Qantas not returning to international flights until July 2021. Of course it is the politician in him that paints the grim picture to try and get more Government help now and also to keep expectations so low that if somehow flights return before that he seems like a genius. Of course it also means that “Call Me Bwana 2” is seriously in doubt. Mind you I do hear the Mohave desert is quite pleasant this time of year so that could be one way to boost my FF miles. I have a short stint in Sydney in August – if borders open! – and maybe CLP and I can get to Victoria in October. After that who knows. Its not that life is not pretty good at present but man the prospect of another February spent in Maryhole rather than making snow angels in NYC is depressing. In a relative way natch. I genuinely fear any future USA visit whether next year or 2525 will never be the same again. I feel a song coming on

In TV land there is plenty to choose from but you need to run the sliderule over some. Harlan Cobens latest The Woods was woeful and the continued excellence of his books is only matched by the continued woefulness of all adaptations. Yellowstone is a pleasant surprise and just hope it doesnt become Dallas 2 unless Victoria Principal appears in the shower again with jugs on full alert. Billions is the usual guilty pleasure. Once a week you escape to the decadent depravity of the super rich but without the odd little family of Succession as a necessary attachment. There has been a run of great 30 for 30 docos of late and also the excellent 2 parter on Laurel Canyon music

In sports land the return of PGA is great and have been 3 great courses so far with none better than the Travellers this week. You cant beat a great short Par 4 like the 15th and of course the field is chock full of top players, mostly COVID 19 Negative:) Roosters look a shoo in for Number 3 barring more injuries like last night while Broncs need to merge with Titans and Cowboys to make one hopeless team that only disappoints once a week rather than 3 times…..

As May 2020 draws to a close there is light at the end of the tunnel – but could just be Buffoon Bob killing some COVID 19 with his bedside lamp. Australia is doing very well but when is close enough good enough ? I would give it 28 days from lifting restrictions significantly – 2 quarantine periods – and if still going well time to open it up folks. Dont expect complete eradication but by early July time to open all borders and pubs – but not necessarily in that order of course. We have been sensible bordering on too conservative but at least not a dogs breakfast like USA which is not really one thing or the other

International travel is basically screwed for foreseeable future ie 2020. Early 2021 aint a lock in either. So, pretty well put the line through Las Vegas in October and now just waiting to see what Qantas may offer while ensuring cancel accommodation in time to get a full refund. Ideally would wait for Qantas to cancel flights to get cash refund but likely jump early and take flight credit even with its drawbacks in that have to use “tickets same value or higher” which will be hard as were bought on a BC sale and unlikely to get same for Feb 2021. However do think it is more important at this stage to make some firm decisions so that can start travelling with some certainty within Australia by September say. No point holding off on a trip in the forlorn hope will be able to fly to USA in October. USA sadly, for a number of reasons, is in a real mess now and could be for months especially with an ignorant fool running the place. Of course still hopeful of a trip to NYC in Feb 2021 and may be able to tack on Las Vegas then. Africa in March 2021 is also looking a bit dicey still given how that country is struggling. When next do travel OS , dont expect full normalacy , but would hope for some freedom of movement with popular attractions fully accessible

So first toe dip in water will be a weekend in Toowoomba late June to see kidlets and basically freeze for 2 nights. May is a good time with 3 birthdays for younguns – Jessica, Harry and Patrick – and even a couple of old farts approach middle age with haste.

By mid June hopefully the gym will reopen – with restrictions – which will help general demeanour enormously . Golf has continued and rather strangely my game continues to improve. I feel it was the quick play that enabled me to survive the 3.5 hrs with ankle intact last 6 weeks. Its amazing what a difference being able to transfer weight to back foot makes. Apparently. Golf does remain a very racist sport sadly with only Caucasian Men and Native American Women allowed to play 🙂 Exhibit A

Last week back to groups of 4 and a slower game led to bad ankle after 5 holes and a resulting ugly score. Oh well

July comes then and we have a few days at Mt Tambourine before the first Della family gathering for some time – Xmas in July at Canungra. All this fun and still have not left Qld honestly Anastasia. Mind you by then its time to open the borders sweetheart – assuming no second spike. We can then plan “The Replacement Holiday” with CLP. No, I dont mean I will replace CLP and take a holiday…… although……Nah, only kidding. We have some flight/accommodation credit to use in Melbourne and that certainly seems a good starting point. Most likely September/October depending on school holidays and major events. My arrival would be a major event of course but luckily not widely advertised. By Oct/Nov we should have a clearer picture of Feb/March 2021 while remembering we also have the Covid Cruise to Cooltown in September 2021

Not much more can really say about the world scene these days except it is grim . Was really pissed off with those brain dead chooks protesting restrictions and 5G yesterday in Australia. Luckily their numbers match their IQs and I hope they all get fined the maximum. Rugba League is back and does look a faster game. I suspect there will be a few blowout scores this season as it seems it will be harder to come back with more fatigue apparent although early days. Already appears to be some likely contenders and a surprisingly large number of possible no hopers. The Top 4-6 will sort themselves out early and put a break on field even in a shortened comp. PGA Golf will be back soon hopefully and in meantime there have been a range of excellent sport docos

In TV land Mrs America was a very good period piece. Space Force is better than expected especially when Carell not front and centre. 3 part UK show QUIZ was great and Little Fires was engaging when not gagging on Kerry Washington’s overly dramatic “acting”. Of course she will win awards for it but she is woeful to watch. Mystery Road on ABC was poor sadly, especially the ending. Thought all would be ok when Gary Sweet made his inevitable appearance but alas he could not save it. The Clinton Tapes on SBS was excellent and Monica does impress these days. Linda Tripp was a prize bitch and while Clinton was a knobhead at times it was interesting/disappointing to once again see rampant republicans go feral. It isnt simply a 2020 thing eh 🙂 Seemed like a much smarter general public back then too in USA. Not hard mind you

So methinks June will not be classified as a lock down month all things considered so will leave it at two months. Its not all doom and gloom of course folks as we approach Qld winter which are generally adorable

In the 70’s they developed Claytons – a non-alcoholic, non-carbonated beverage coloured and packaged to resemble bottled whisky. It was the subject of a major marketing campaign in Australia and New Zealand in the 1970s and 1980s, promoting it as “the drink you have when you’re not having a drink” . As is the Aussie way it quickly lost popularity as a drink but the name remained in our vernacular to denote an imposter if you like.

The current COVID-19 situation raises many questions of course – the first being “What happened to the first 18” ? Would generally give Scotty from Marketing a pass mark as long as he stays away from the God Botherer stuff. The problem is mixed messages and a state by state approach. It can be confusing which is another good reason to stay at home

My coffee shop has stayed open which is good as has the golf course as opposed to golf club. Golf is a game that can be played with social distancing but what exactly is the point if you cant have a beer afterwards? Not sure its a good look though – bit like J Lo going to a private session at a closed gym. I thought of offering my services to Marybhole Pathology again but with the new lab size and social distancing in place could only have 2 staff in there at any one time……..Speaking of gyms the closure here has been the biggest downside I notice. Here is one I prepared earlier

Some folk say we should all follow NZ PM for advice – except on orthodontists obviously. I suspect her main plan was to save the NZ Warriors from another dismal season but some people have proposed rather than closing borders we just get a Trump Sharpie and do some creative cartography ?

The main problem at present seems to be that many clowns dont understand social distancing and what it is trying to achieve.

Its a bit like the mask debate – experts would say the aim there is to prevent you spreading it rather than stopping you catching it. They can be buggers to wear at times though

Memes of course are sprouting up everywhere and are the only real reason to stay on social media. It certainly isnt to see what particular brain dead “celebrity” is doing today in isolation

Many people off course have to work from home including my offspring. One way to maintain a semblance of normalcy is still to do roll call in the morning

At the end of the day though if this drags on for months as predicted some creative ideas may be needed.

One thing we do all know of course is no matter how good an idea a particular activity sounds on day 1 by day 50 it starts to lose its appeal

I actually found Frasier rather boring by Day 7 to be honest….. There is plenty of great TV to catch up on though with a new season of Ozark having dropped , Better Call Saul and Homeland concluding seasons and many movies having an early digital release. The lack of live sport on TV certainly leaves a noticeable hole in the day

Travel plans of course are very much a month to month proposition. A short 5 day stay in Melboring in June is maybe a 30-70 prospect at present and really no big deal in the scheme of things. Of more concern is “What Happens in Santa Monica” planned for October. Would give that a 50-50 chance at best. Then there is NYC in February next year which should be a goer but then NYC is going to take a long time to recover methinks and may not be the same vibrant city for years. Call Me Bwana 2 is pencilled in for March 2021 at this stage but a lot of ducks have to line up and Qantas have to give us some money back. And then far off on the horizon like a big ocean liner docked off the West Australian Coast is our Viking Homelands Cruise in September 2021. There is a distinct possibility that I could be going on 3 significant overseas holidays in space of 7 months next year but it wasnt planned that way trust me and it will mean a rather bland 2020 has occurred. All first world problems of course and one does have to maintain a sense of reality and also try to save money where one can. With that in mind have already saved on my next T Shirt purchase

Signing off from Self Isolation which actually resembles my usual existence remarkably closely…

Well the rest of the year is spent being Fit and Jolly so a 5 day break seems reasonable. Its a busy time of year with lots of travel but also a wonderful time to catch up with family. Now if the weather will just behave – early indications not good. CLP is house sitting in Brisvegas again this year which works out well as a good base for various day tripping apart from that one last long trip back to Maryhole. Mind you if you look up “Purgatory” in the dictionary there are only 3 words – Xmas in Maryhole. Onward and Upward.

Of course while I always head south for Xmas Jas and family head “home” to Maryhole so first up is a stop at Beachmere on the Sunday before Xmas. The pretense is to see da boys but really keen to catch up on Sparky and Candy who appear to have been very naughty elves this year with a lot of activity “off shelf” if you get my drift. With all the horror movie ideas out there two things creep me out more than anything. Little kids roaming halls with hessian bags on their heads and doll like creatures that sleep with their eyes open. The boys are certainly growing up as both have full moustaches now . Another reason to drop in off course was for some home made Rocky Road! Best thing about relationships is finding a treat you love and the CLP doesnt. A Festivus miracle perchance?

Next stop was a slight detour to Medium Level Security Twilight Home to drop off some chocolates for Mother who loves handing out gifts to anyone who comes to her unit at this time of year even if just doing their paid job! Of course pretty sure some are double dipping as well given Mums poor memory. Its not all bad of course as I got 4 boxes of chocolates and $300 in cash myself…….A disturbing message came through though while enroute. Yes, never like getting unexpected messages at this time of year especially this one. We left the Rocky Road at Beachmere! I could well starve this Xmas now

We settled in at Windsor for rest of day and tried to stay cool as was well into the mid-high 30s by now and only respite was downstairs standing 3 feet in front of AC on full blast. By now the first tease had started with predictions of rain and pleasant temperatures for Xmas day. Given how accurate these forecasts always are we all breathed a sigh of relief and went out and bought 4 umbrellas and 6 raincoats for guests. Monday dawned warm and dry but we had contingencies in place – afternoon at Jolly RoJERs new house at Camp Hill. With Pool. Also got to have a cuddle with Ruby but didnt let that interfere with my drinking of course. Its a lovely house already and they have not even started renovations yet. Time to enjoy some family time for a while

Then it was on to our AirBNB for the night at Burbank with ADJG. A few beers , some great wine and food and this LBD was ready for a lay down and a belt loosening. Just left enough room for the included hot breakfast next morning before heading back to Windsor for a couple of hours. It was then time to return to The Home to spend some time with Mum on Xmas Eve and have lunch. The choccie count was of course well reduced by now but we only have to get through Xmas! It was a very pleasant time and very passable lunch at local cafe. Jas and da boys had also visited during week so tis a pity Mum wont remember any of it. Luckily we have photos

Back to Windsor then for afternoon to prepare for Xmas day lunch. The Della Xmas gathering had already been convened so it was a more low key event with less attendees abut same amount of food. Win Win. Jolly RoJERs arrived early morning for Champers and Prawns as you do. Matt and Quinn were duly summoned and arrived nice and early for lunch – as in 930 am! Apparently Rick hates cocktail sauce with his prawns so CLP hid that for later #insidejoke. Then it was time for pressie swapping and of course we all did very well. Did I mention that the previous night weather forecast had us up at 5 am building an Ark? Of course the deluge did not eventuate but it was more pleasant although certainly not the breezy 24 predicted. More like a humid 29! Still, there was beer and wine to bring down body temp.

We bid adieu to Jolly RoJERs who had other family commitments for lunch and retreated to the AC room for a recharge. Suitably achieved we ventured back upstairs for our midday feast but first up some prawns WITH cocktail sauce . Note the subtle difference?

The buffet was then laid out and apparently we had to fill our own plates! Years of practice ensured plate was fully covered and yet aesthetically pleasing to look at ? Some more wine – the good stuff personally transported back from Coonawarra – helped to digest the food because we all knew the “Deconstructed Pavlova Train” awaited for dessert. Once more , points were awarded for presentation and imagination. I only scored 8/10 because I forgot the cocktail sauce 😦

Needless to say after that feast we didnt need dinner but we still had our traditions to follow. That can only mean one thing – Die Hard before bed . Next morning we headed to Toowoomba for catch up with other grand kiddies. RRRs came over to Tonys for morning so just for a change we decided to eat some rich food. We may not have been able to swim for an hour but we certainly could play cricket as it was Boxing Day after all! There was cricket outside and cards inside. I did receive Cards Against Humanity for Xams but didnt think that was appropriate so they stuck with Exploding Kittens instead….

Then it was time for a good old singalong. Here is one I prepared earlier.

It was then time to head back to Sunshine Coast for the night before parting ways on Friday morning for a few days . But first Tradition 2 – Love Actually on Boxing Day. I headed back to Maryhole while CLP headed back to Brisvegas. Temperature was still pleasant enough and before you could say hand me my rake was back into my routine – golf course , coffee and gym. May take a few days at the gym methinks…..

It was a wonderful time spent with all branches of family form the youngest to oldest. It is a time to celebrate family and to give and receive gifts but it is important we dont forget the real meaning of Xmas. Eating and Drinking. Also pleased to see that Tony and Leigh understand it is always the thought that counts and the kids will always have perspective

See you in 2020

It was shaping up as a big 36 hrs but first the usual Friday morning bunker run. Or walk it seems as the Bunker Bike is broken and the only way to get parts for it is to find Noah who built it at same time as the Ark! So time to hand rake a few. Then the long drive to Brisvegas for Richards Bucks Night at The Footy. First though time to drop in to the Medium Security wing at The Twilight Home to catch up with Ferguson Matriach and she even had her hair done special for the day release. CLP thinks my hair looks the same – yeah if only.

Then onto Pullman at King George Square and of course room not ready at 1 pm but “we will upgrade you to a balcony room Sir. Come back at 2pm” Ok, no big deal drop off car and bags and limp the 100m to mall. What can one do though to fill in time before a big night out. Well, just the one……

Back at 2:15 pm to reception. “Ah no Sir room not ready so have put you back to original room” It was that sort of day. The room was perfectly fine on 12th floor but despite double windows can still hear some traffic. So, chilled for a couple of hours before CLP arrived from work (he he) and then around 5pm headed off to Caxton Street pub for a pre game meal. Its a long walk actually and already very crowded with a surprising number of Rabbitoh supporters. Luckily they only eat lettuce. Booteeful evening though

Yeah I was a bit early but got choice of seats:) The man of the hour turned up duly and we settled in with a good group of guys and a few Sherberts before hooking into a couple of slow moving cows as you do

The place was jumping by now and took a while to actually get meal but that was fine. Organising bill and paying same took a bit longer mind you but eventually headed off with the throng to the big lit place. In the distance I could faintly hear the pre game entertainment 😉 Mind you as we were approaching gates about 10 mins before kick off there was still a mass of people rocking up – must be the Brisvegas thang. Good seats and really is a great stadium. Of course if down one end you do miss some of the action at other end and tend to watch on big screen. Its almost as good as being at home in front of TV……

It was not a great game per se but was a great experience and really exciting last 10 mins. I left the younguns to it after the game and hobbled with the masses back to hotel. It was crowded but as always the Police do a great job with crowd control. Ankle was officially broken and this led to a rough nights sleep but at least not full as a state school hat rack. With age comes wisdom.

Had an excellent breakfast next morning with full buffet on offer for only $1 – special internet deal. We had booked to see Once Upon a Time in Hollywood in Gold Class for 10 am so duly arrived in plenty of time and parked and ordered our refreshments as you do. Its a long movie at almost 3 hrs so we organised very clearly to get a coffee at 1030 am, some sliders and chips at 1130 am and finally the big dessert just after midday. Spread it out nicely as we had had a hearty breakfast. Made myself comfortable in a surprisingly empty ( about 8) cinema. Here is one I prepared earlier

So coffee turned up at 10:10 quickly followed by meal at 10:30. When the dessert turned up – in a wheelbarrow- at 10:45 told them to take it back and buy themselves a clock! Seriuosly what is the point of pretending to take down all the info at the counter? The food was fine and the dessert enormous but really dont want everything served so quickly #firstworldproblems

And so to the movie. It was a disappointment. Great period feel but way too much time spent on DiCaprio acting in movies within movie. Pitt was great whenever on screen and the small part of Lewis as McQueen was rather mesmerising. The Bruce Lee bit just jarred. No issue with ending as it was a fairytale after all. QT is always a bit different but really think he missed the mark here.

A slow drive back to Maplehead then with the rather baffling nature of traffic on full display. There were no accidents but you would just come to a standstill for a few minutes and then speed up and then another standstill. Defies logic really but a rather common phenomenon at certain times of day on highway. Can only assume too many female drivers out there ? Made sure left early next morning to avoid the traffic and just enjoy the fog

This could be fake news of course. Still very dark when I arise and still dark, luckily, when the jammies go on at 530 pm in arvo. Its a conundrum. I do love my QLD winters but would like some daylight at 6 am to start mowing on GC. Of course as soon that happens then you know the pleasant nights for sleeping will soon become a long lost memory. In the meantime the days are glorious apart from that one frosty morning last week. Here is one I prepared earlier

July also means we get to celebrate that quirky little event known in the trade as Xmas in July – another excuse to eat and drink too much but at least be acceptable to be wearing trakkies! The annual gathering is at TB @Canungra where it can also get a tad frosty. First up though lets lunch at Mt Tambourine as you do. Tres impressive Fortitude Brewing establishment with some very passable amber fluids and even better pizzas

The highlight though of course was right next door where there was a very clean cheese shop with a well know proprietor

Then it was down the mountain and across the plains to YabbaDabbaDo and the McLeod Spread. Would be adding to my spread lickety split. We took the 2 night B&B package – as in beer and bacon – so we were able to choose the deluxe suite next to the Galah Cage. The tribe didnt arrive until next day so thought I was rather smart here until I realised it meant I had to help set up the next morning! Used my slide rule and TSquare to fit the required 16 seats around the table only to then be informed numbers had dropped to 13. My angst at having to deal with an odd number at a rectangular table had to be balanced against the realisation that it meant more food and drink for moi. Life is a balancing act after all. Tribe duly arrived at staggered times so I staggered out to greet them and line up the 4 skinniest on the side with only 4 chairs. Being a Della gathering of course meant they were all skinny. Bastards. We ate, we drank, we hunted treasure. Rinse and repeat. A great time had by all

Fairly busy in TV land in what is a mixed bag. Loudest Voice continues to impress. Saw Rusty in recent interview so now not so sure how much is fat suit and how much is him but suggesting its about 50/50 now. Great performance though. City on a Hill is good rather than great and suffers when Bacon is not front and centre. Perpetual Grace is Fargo Lite so interesting but one needs to concentrate. Big Little Lies Season 2 started out great with Streep on Full Ham alert but that was eventually cancelled out by Kravitz’s perpetual angst and frown and poor writing. For a seemingly rushed season it dragged at times and dont be surprised if Eric wins an Emmy nod even though he was dead the whole season. Ah, thats right he is a vampire of course. Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee may well be suffering the well known Netflix effect as now more than ever just seems to be rich guys driving around in rich cars for hours while Jerry bends over in very loud but silent laughter. The first episode with Murphy E was dull apart from a few interesting anecdotes about Pryor and Cosby. Picked up after that but not sure how Matthew Broderick qualifies as a Comedian? He did Ferris Bueller and then married Carrie didnt he? Highlight so far – havent seen Short – was the Gervais line from his standup

Sober 18 yrs

Crowd applauds and Cheers

But as soon as I turned 18 have been pissed every night

In Sportsland the predictable happened in CWC. Aussies lost to South Africa and then England and NZ cant win because they wont cheat. That last ball had be an underarm surely. NRL top 4 is sorted and one could argue so are the premiers – Roosters with Storm an outside chance. The Open was on but at the wrong time of night for this LBD with the real highlight being Connor as usual. His line from “DJ” is classic

The Open 2019: Watch as Conor Sketches praises the new Open champion

DOT has approved the Qantas and AA alliance so the new flights to Chicago and SF should be announced soon. Not that I will be rushing into anything as still have to wait and see the outcome of my DSC claim for the Call Me Bwana South Africa trip next March. If successful then its straight to Gold FF for me. If not then may need to supplement a couple of soujourns before Oct 31 next year. Be nice to feel Golden for at least one year before I croak. Qantas send me about 3 emails a day but simply refuse to confirm my registration for this!

Visited Mum at the Medium Security Twilight Home on way to Canungra and she seems well settled there although still issues to deal with health wise. Focus now moves to CLP turning 60 – and retiring – at end of September and then onto the Big One – Ranny Wedding in October.

If CLP enjoys retirement I am thinking I may give it a go too. One can only work “15 hrs” a week for so long after all and still find time to watch all these TV shows

And it was a lovely 3 days! Qld winters are tres pleasureable but it dont exactly get very cold for very long. A couple of days of single digit overnighters and the moaners are out because they can only afford one pair of Ugg Boots and matching flanno shirt. On a side note why is it so hard to buy flanno PJS now ? Everything is bloody sleep sets. Anyhoo, as one gets older do find the 10-12 degree nights are a bit easier to cope with than the 4 degree nights and also prevent causing that track in the carpet from bed adjacent to toilet! Its the crystal clear 22 degree days one craves

Since last we met our hero he has returned to golf with moderate success ie he didnt retear shoulder cuff. The short game has lost some touch and the tee shots are more the 180 straighty than the 203 in the tree but this is not a bad thing. Sadly my handicap remained the same – 11 – for the 7 months off so shooting a 2 over handicap in 3rd game back was very passable. The shoulder has in fact settled down quite well now and mostly due methinks to getting back to gym. Of course improvement in said appendage also means reacquainting myself with oldest piece of equipment on golf course – The Bunker Bike! The weeks are slowly filling themselves in a bit better now but when one still gets up at 5 am even on a “free day” then some can drag

Speaking of Winter coming and going GOT ended with simply the dullest episode known to mankind, befitting a very ordinary season. Still plenty of good stuff on of course and starts with local production of Harrow. Maybe its the familiar Brisvegas surroundings that appeal but its an easy watch. Killing Eve second season was rather dull. Billions was good if predictable and saving up some Stan originals – which look good – like Perpetual Grace and City on a Hill for a multi episode watch. Veep was a good series ending but think show wrung every last gag out of yarn. Chernobyl was excellent and usually find more drawn to a good docuseries these days rather than “another drama”. In keeping with this theory just rewatched the excellent “OJ Made in America” 5 parter. Luckily 30 for 30 still roll out new docos every couple of months

In sporting world the SOO is front and centre and fear the second game may come back to bite us and mostly because Pearce got injured! Maloney is such a dangerous player. Of course he can also have a howler at times 🙂 I fear the QLDers , being mere footballers, will be complacent despite all the lectures they will get. Exhibit A Your Honour – The Broncos! Have you ever seen such an inept display by a bunch of highly touted millionaires as the last two games?? The US Open Golf was a great watch as always and Pebble is probably the second best viewing tournament after Masters. World Cup cricket is in its 3rd month I think but still in pool matches with Aussies playing Ethiopia tonight I believe! Of course it did bring back Roy and HG to the airwaves so is to be applauded for that alone. The fact that some idiots dont find Roy and HG humourous only confirms the well know view that the world is full of morons and mental retards

Speaking of which – US Politics! Nah I cant be bothered its all too unbelievable

On USA though it was interesting, bordering on life altering, to read about the new direct flights from Brisvegas to San Fran and Chicago – two of my fave US Cities and you can also avoid LAX! Then the reality kicks in. They are amongst the two most expensive cities to stay in with city taxes etc and crack down on STRs (Short Term Rentals for the Plebs). You look at a hotel and what starts of at $1200 USD for the week ends up $3500 AUD after conversion, taxes, cleaning fees, wall fund………. The idea of a 10 day stint in one of these cities though with only two flights to deal with does appeal. At short notice could grab a good deal or even a DSC (Double Status Credit for Plebs) deal for a few months down the track. This week also saw a much heralded Qantas FF programme rejig and didnt have to be Einstein to know you would get screwed over somehow. Its not all bad of course but for this LBD (work it out yourself!) two negatives were

1) More crowded Qantas Lounges because of the “Points Club” concept – drunks who never have to catch a flight
2) More points needed to upgrade to higher class for booked flights eg PE to BC – one of my go to options

Yes first world problems but in case you hadnt caught on yet that is where I live : )When last our hero ranted the prospect of a solo RTW was in the wings so to speak and still a distinct possibility although to call it RTW may be a stretch. Basically a few stops in USA via Helsinki and London as you do of course.

In an ever changing world the one constant is the joy of grandchildren and the fact they live so far away. Only joking…….

They are all growing up so quickly and doing new and wonderful things each day. A quick trip out to Toowoomba next weekend will at least allow some time be spent with 2/3 of gang. Trip is needed for suit hire for Rannys wedding in October. I have added on a few kgs the last month so when get suit fitted next week I know I dont need any of that pesky dieting afterwards for next few months 🙂 I may be old but I aint dumb

Speaking of dumb I just saw this typo? Folau has started a GoFund Me page to raise 3 million dollars! When I went to school am pretty sure it was spelt with a ck on the end ………

As in not counting my shots on golf holes. It would be fair to say my usual optimistic take on life is temporarily on hold, perchance forever buried

Shoulder is not good 6 months post surgery. Despite the surgeon being very happy with progress and range of movement at sign off a couple of months ago it seems months away from any full function as in playing golf and going to gym. Every time I start to increase exercise I am met with pain the next day. The cooler weather is not helping now of course as arthritis from earlier botched job overlays the new pain. Still have tuckshop lady arms and simply cant put muscle back into deltoids etc. Playing golf seems an eternity away. At least with the cooler weather the arthritis in my “good” shoulder now makes me feel like a more balanced individual. If I could just break my left ankle on the QT the symmetry would line up booteefully.

In more concerning developments on this Mothers Day 2019, the Ferguson Matriach has moved up in the low security Twilight Home to the slightly more secure next level. Several weeks ago a fall at home led to broken hip and hospitalisation for a few weeks. Despite rather impressive physical recovery for a 92yr old the memory loss and associated inability for independent living has led to this inevitable move. Dealing with Aged Care facilities in general is a bit of a nightmare and they dont miss ya in the money caper but all family is working well together and hopefully some semblance of normality will return to Mums daily routine. Sadly also means very unlikely to attend Rannys wedding in October but maybe we will just tell her she did go so we can still get a present 🙂 Well, come on you dont expect me to be maudlin 24/7……

In happier news May is a month of many birthdays in family starting with GD 1 Jess and proceeding with GS 2/3 as well, Pat and Harry. Throw in a few old farts as well and its a packed schedule

In TV land would have to say GOT 8 has been underwhelming but can still pull it out of the fire – as opposed to two more dragons! Dead to Me on Netflix is a pleasant surprise while Brooklyn 99 has been a mixed bag. Veep finishes this weekend and will be missed but there is still plenty to catch up on. Bosch was another solid season and Fleabag Season 2 a delight. Actually mixed with the GU to see a movie but as in GC a slightly skewed GU perhaps. Not an MCU fan but Avengers Endgame was pretty good and the 3hrs seemed a lot closer to about 2hrs 55 mins at times. Still morons abound of course – you know the ones who look at the food menu for 10 mins then wadddle up to counter and take another 10 mins to actually order. GC certainly need to open doors more than 20 mins before screening time

Have had a couple of visits to Brisvegas with Mums situation and has been very handy that CLP is house sitting at present in Windsor. Celebrated 17 happy years together on our 19th anniversary earlier this month by going to Three Blue Ducks at the W Hotel in Brisvegas. Lovely restaurant and a great night but for a classy place they lack many subtle touches that good restaurants do

And of course since last we saw our hero we have had the Annual Della Easter gathering at Flashman Inc, Maplehead. Weather not ideal but didnt interfere with eating or drinking strangely enough. Eloise continues to grow of course and she and Nonna have a very special bond

So as always life tends to be a mixed bag with the good mostly outweighing the bad and when it doesnt there is always wine. Or holiday planning. Not that I will miss out in next 12 months with Melbourne Road Trip and Call Me Bwana in the works but also working on that bucket list item of an RTW solo plane trip – round the world for the younguns – for later next year. Even if never eventuates sure is fun planning. Paying for it on the other hand…….

Oh well its only money and Buffoon Bob has to blow up the world soon so why wait?