flashman181

For the fans with the withdrawal DTs, for some reason Facebook removed my blog yesterday as Spam ! Not sure if that is Canuck speak for Poutine but anyway here is link. It was a ripper 😏

https://flashman.me/2024/09/19/ptp-day-4/

Different start to day on what looks like a beauty. Let’s do a coffee run back at Milanos as Cortado was good yesterday. First customer so obviously made barista’s day . It’s the little things that count.

Plan A today then seems a good place to start. Let’s try a local hot breakfast and then walk that off scouting the region for erections of interest. Never a dull moment. 🤓 Did I mention it was a ball tearer day 😏 Not as cool as I would like but then I am a unique individual . Apparently .

Cafe Portrait was chosen and it is a winner . While waiting for breakfast we sat for a portrait and think they nailed it 👏🏻

Food was certainly worth the wait and suspect we shall return on the weekend

We made a slight detour on way home to check out the fancy Barclays Square but there were no nightingales singing just some ravens swooping. Great to walk off our substantial breakfast.

On such a nice day decided to head up to Stanley Park once more but this time just on our own two feet. I did ask CLP for a piggy back but she wasn’t keen. Nice to walk more on the inside now and before you knew it we were back at Ferguson Point

Apparently there are other attractions there for when I am not on scene in person including the rather fancy Teahouse. Too early for lunch but sated ourselves with a coffee and a luscious brownie.

Then it was time for another plan. We are so efficient and adaptable we had already compressed 5 days of sights into 3 . We decided to walk the brownie off and head back to Denham Street and then 2 buses and a cut lunch to West Vancouver to check out the Museum of Anthropology on the UBC campus. Look, I wouldn’t walk over wet grass to go back but it was impressive if you like multiple wood carvings and garish clothes I guess .

Again adaptable plans made on the go and resulted in a full day but a bit parched and hungry by now ( forgot the cut lunch 🤦🏻‍♂️) so ubered back to English Bay for a cold one at Sylvia’s and it was perfect . Classy establishment with reasonable prices . We sat at the bar with the common folk but of course didn’t mingle.

That went down rather well and easy . Do we have another or go get something to eat seeing as how half a chocolate brownie is not quite lunch. Easy winner

Now , we were hungry and just up the road was a fish and chippery which sounded perfect. Up market one as well so started with some oysters as you do . And another wine . I think CLP was there

Wobbly Boot on now and time to waddle home even if CLP begged to stay for another sunset 😏 Ouch

Hindsight is a wonderful thing especially in tight jeans . 4 full days in Vancouver and taking into account our extreme efficiency in the planning caper we have pretty well ticked all the boxes we had. We kinda wish we had one or two less days (3 to go) in Vancouver and added them to Quebec City. There were contributing factors like not spending a special day approaching in airports or on planes and definitely a problem of the first world kind but still putting it out there. One day of relaxing is fine but 3 may be a stretch especially if bad weather comes in as predicted. There are of course still things to look forward to like a special dinner on Sunday night

And another glorious sunset soon surely 🌝

Today’s plan then is to head out to Capilano Suspension Bridge…..wait a minute , didn’t we do that yesterday in a fanciful fit of foretelling 🤔 Ok , Plan B. Yes folks its time to Pass the Poutine although not always possible with all that cheese, no shit. As not routine to poutine before noontine we needed to fill in the morning . Checking my 4 weather apps only confused more but general concensus was cloud plus or minus sun but no rain. Sounds like time to get out the straw hat and hit the water with a day pass on the Ferries of False Creek. We can hop on and hop off – but probably smart to wait until we dock each time – at Granville Island , David Lam Park, Stamps Landing , Yaletown….ok you get the drift, tides permitting . If time permits we can go up Truth Tributary but to be honest doesn’t really appeal. Prefer to stick to a plan much like cheese to a colon.

Of course it wasn’t too long before word got out that a relative of Errol Flynn was back and everyone wanted my charter. Impressive but not really practical. Bit like the new boarding groups on Qantas , you don’t want to be on the last boat when it comes to docking. Look when Canucks make an effort I like to reward them so promised to try each boat out at some stage . As I say at least a Canuck gave a Fuck.

Cloud hung around for a few more hours than expected and made a rather dull trip just a bit duller. We went all the way to the last stop first up as had an all day pass. Smart eh. It was the Science Centre and in a previous world where World Fair was held. I think the birds may have been exposed to some radiation leaks 😏

Then it was back on next ferry and off to Yaletown for a coffee. Says a lot about a place when a stationary steam engine is the highlight. We did eventually find a pretty good coffee place which was tantalisingly close to a drinking establishment. I played smart

We were told that the room cleaners would service room between 9 and 3 so keen to stay out as long as possible. Remember this tidbit for later fans . It was still cloudy so a 20 min walk back down to a dock to catch a ferry to another dull place didn’t appeal. What could we do 🤔

I know what I wanted but CLP wasn’t prepared to wait for me so I didn’t bother 😢 It was now or never, it’s Poutine time. Another 20 min walk had us at Poutine Paradise in Davie Street. I got some meat in mine just in case arteries put up a fight.

So now the weather had cleared and once again CLP had a great plan. As weather may deteriorate after tomorrow let’s go to Vancouver Lookout today as should be great views. A quick google maps for bus stations also noted it as closed as “full” . Ok let’s book online. Hmm , simple enough but no time period to book. Odd, let’s hop in a bus anyway, act dumb ie American and see if they let us up or at least book us a time tomorrow. The apocalypse had struck and no one around on ground floor with either a ticket office or a helpful zombie. The sign above elevator did say “closed for private event”. Maybe an Errol Flynn Retrospective ? Let’s go up anyway as outside elevator with views. Ok, doors didn’t open at lookout level. What the hell lets go up to revolving restaurant and maybe get a drink. I tell ya some times it’s just one knob kiss after another, even in a long term relationship 🤓 . We sat against the window while as usual the world revolved around me. We wanted to get a full turn in so ordered some lobster sliders to go with our cocktails. Simply a magic hour and now we don’t need to go back tomorrow with GU 👏🏻

From on high you can see all that Vancouver has to offer and even clear examples of how Canucks park 🤦🏻‍♂️

We have done so much in only 3 days it’s going to be hard to keep up the pace. Booteeful afternoon again so will head down for another sunset . Drinking may be involved but doubt it 😂

As for the tidbit? The old service shim sham methinks. We got home after 2 pm to same room we left🤔 Within 5 mins knock on door and two service personnel asked to come in. Guess they wanted to make sure they got a tip in person. Ok, fair play you deserve it I am sure.

Not even thinking of a plan tomorrow. Just sit tight and wait for CLP to get another lightbulb moment mid morning 💡

Decided to have another crack at a beach sunset . Looked a tad cloudy so went with Plan C. Beer .

Then on way home whoa and behold a Festivus miracle . Goodnight

Fair to say all the walking yesterday reminds this little black duck that the ankle isn’t quite tickety boo and never will be. Not too restrictive during day but when you stop you do feel it and does impact sleep that night before it tends to recover just in time for more abuse next day. Today’s plan then is a Scoot in Stanley. Tossed up between bike and scooter but went with the old fave. Stanley Park is nice and close to our lodgings and will kick off at 0830. For a 3 hr cruise…..

Weather should be ok with some cloud and maybe some sun. Just that pesky temperature where not sure if need jumper or not until it’s too late to change mind 😏

Edit: SUN IS OUT, Pack the sluggos 😳

We chose Joes Cycles as was across the road and he went to a lot of effort to name his business 😏 Deux Scooters siv voo play Garçon I said hoping for the local French discount . Didn’t work but then who would want to pretend to be a Frog for more than a minute. Off we scooted with gay abandon but a solid helmet. It was indeed a glorious day now as we headed in our counter clockwise direction on designated bike paths . First stop was some totem poles.

Second stop was break the stand. Yep tried to engage stand and it snapped off. I quickly thought what was in he waiver I signed but then remembered I didn’t read it 🤓 It was pointed out to me I should have . Here is one I prepared earlier, almost as if they knew I was coming

On we continued park to the left, water to the right here I am stuck in the middle with you .

As we made it around to the other side there was the beautiful vista of Lions Gate bridge and some tart sunning herself on a rock.

All good things come to an end – except luvin relationships – and we headed out of park and back to Joe who wasn’t fussed about the broken stand . “ You Aussies “ he guffawed so I threw in a $1 tip. We then decided to have a coffee at Milanos nearby and in keeping with a great day they had Cortados. Could the day get any better. Glad you asked

My honey …..wait for it……suggested as weather lovely why not go to Capilano Suspension bridge today . Sounds cool let’s check what times are available and book some tickets online. Basically would take you 20 mins to fill in the nonsense so thought let’s roll with it and just walk up to nearest free shuttle pick up and risk buying tickets when we arrive even if we have to wait a while for a free time slot. Blue Horizon hotel was spot and a good 15 mins walk for a regular 15 min shuttle. 20 mins later with no shuttle we smelt a dead otter. Another couple also waiting rang the number and was not impressed when told they were not using that stop today, you have to walk another 10 mins to Hyatt Regency . CMS.

Side Note here. Have an Airalo eSIM which works fine BUT is data only ergo can’t make calls or receive messages etc . Lesson learnt, still have the tremors every now and again.

Ok so we trudged to HR and made last shuttle before they went on a 45 min hiatus. Duly arrived with half of Japan and went to the ticket counter with several others. Bought our tickets and asked “ what time space can we enter as didn’t book online” Anytime, in ya go. CMS.

There were plenty of people around but not over crowded at all. Suspension bridge was as expected with great views ,mostly of Japanese women stuck after about 10 m😀 .

Plenty of walks around amongst tree tops to do but ankle was screaming by now so CLP continued on . She said she couldn’t bear to be without me for long and duly returned shortly with a moose she had caught and already had mounted . She’s a keeper

That was certainly a full morning but on such a glorious day no rush to head home to unit. Instead we headed back on shuttle right through to Canada Place ,adjacent to Steamworks😏 It’s Muling time …for some

Time for a quick bite then, couple more Souvenirs and head home . Next on agenda is first wash of the holiday so really it’s been the perfect day for CLP. Ouch that hurt . Chill for a couple , reset ankle and then head out later for a drink down near English Beach again

Drink done, Day ended. And it’s goodnight from Canuckistan on another great day

Unit seems fine although as always find the rooms in these “cooler continents” seem overheated and it is a warm room. Not sure if due to raging fire 😏

Cloudy start to day and in general the week long forecast doesn’t look great although mostly cloudy rather than rain. 12-18 average seems ok but just glad to get out of the furnace room. Great Safeways across road so some early stocks in as full kitchen. We want good weather for Stanley Park and Capilano Suspension Bridge – hear it’s a honey , already in suspense .😏 Let’s explore the neighbourhood first and get feel for eateries, drinkeries and public transport. There are hills but need some walking after last 36 hrs. Onward and upward. For the slow ones…

Headed up Denham Street towards English Beach. Picked up a Compass Card for transport ( one spring chicken and one Senior 🤓 ) and did a couple of prostate exams along the way as you do.

English Beach is nothing special sand wise but an impressive harbour. Then caught a ferry across to Granville Island. The public market was open with some tasty looking food but we settled on a coffee at this stage because it was “European” 😏 Fool me once….

Then it was time to experiment with buses . Google Maps suggested a hop and a skip to the 50 bus to downtown. We walked to stop along comes a bus “ 50 Downtown” . Sweet. Just before we got further from downtown and closer to Alaska I asked the driver “ does this bus go downtown” ? No. But it said Downtown? “ That is where you caught it” CMS. Get off next stop, cross back into Canada and catch a train back. Walking toward station we noticed a Bus 49 parked. At stop 49…. Hmm. Ok it would seem that buses display the stop number when they arrive ? Other interesting thing, and maybe detrimental to the blind, walk signs to cross at lights have no sound. You just have to wait for colour to change . We knew we were back in Vancouver when we saw the sign

Then it was time for me to make a contribution to Gastown 🤓 . Very touristy area but a pleasant walk. Mind you you go one street too far and it’s suddenly slumsville with plenty of homeless around. I took Duke with me just in case shenanigans ensued.

Fair bit of walking had us gagging for a frothy one and Steamworks was near by and looked impressive. We had the tasting paddle and also a bar lunch. Seeing the Moscow Mules copper mugs suggests we may return

Full as a state school hat rack time for some more walking and this time off to Rogers Arena and nearby Sporting Hall of Fame . Name your top 5 Canadian sportsfolk would stump most but it had some fun interactive sections where you could be a Canuck for a day. Next to soccer stadium

A good first up morning and it was time to bus it home now that we were bus experts. Dropped off just outside suites and time to chill for a couple before a late afternoon imbibe. Good to get in and take shoes off and wash the street grime off. You would think that they could spell their own country proper eh 🤦🏻‍♂️

A pleasant walk back down to English Bay and a drink at Sylvias around 5 pm. Classy looking place so went with the signature Vancouver cocktail and it had a kick. Of course some locals asked for an autograph assuming I was related to Errol Flynn.

A slight detour on way home to check out Stanley Park as close by and is plan A for tomorrow , weather permitting. Certainly fitted in a lot today on a dreary but pleasant day . Now back to The Furnance.

Ah yes that first day when you arrive in Canuckistan before you leave and don’t sleep for 36 hours 😏 Check in yesterday online was fine and all checked through to Vancouver in PE leaving Sydney at 830 pm tonight after early afternoon flight from Qantas Bumfuck Idaho aka Brisvegas. We had requested a points upgrade to BC but will be unsuccessful and now just wait for message confirmation which usually comes at 3 am 😡 No surprise then that a Qantas message came through at 3 am. Sadly it was to tell us flight delayed until 1030 pm! Ok these things happen. Almost back to sleep when phone rang at 4 am . Bloody Qantas. Ah no, it was Air Canada asking me if would swap flight to Montreal on Sept 24 th as they have oversold my flight. Canuck Me Slowly (CMS) . May go for full refund but not making that decision at 4 am Ryan ! ( hereafter all Canadians will simply be called Ryan.)

Great trip down to Brisvegas because we all know when you leave plenty of time everything runs smoothly. Check in at Brisvegas not as smooth as previous but still QC Bar adjacent at 11:30 – you know the bar that opens at midday 😏 . Luckily we didn’t look like tourists and served promptly at 12:01 and started rinsing the tonsils #DBF.

Good flight down and first go with Qantas boarding groups. Be fine without morons. You know the ones that are in rows 17-30 but still board from the front 🤦🏻‍♂️ Good wifi and a great snack

It was a quick flight , no doubt because such a long plane 😳 Bitch to turn around mind you

Easy transfer with the GU and quiet security screening had us in Qantas lounge with a mere 5 hours until boarding 😳. Just time to change into our Canuckistan gear and get a few supplies

Massive wine range but no draft beer and help yourself spirits. What could go wrong 😏

Took the top shelf for a spin and then went out for a walk to get some small denomination Canada money. Bent over the bonnett and chili on the stick with a 67c exchange rate at airport exchange. No mate I want Canadian not US. That is Canadian cobber . CMS. We only had 50s so bit bullet to get some 10s and 5s. BC2 lent CLP some Bose noise cancelling headphones which liked feel of so bought some duty free Sony ones. Then back for a shower before I spent any more money. What a great way to refresh. Now , where is that wine bar ?

Our plane was coming from Perth and running 4 hrs late so didn’t arrive in Sydney until 905 pm . It was a great effort by Qantas to still have us start boarding by 945 pm and left about an hour later and had a good trip so ended up arriving about 90 mins after our original plan at 7 pm. The trip was fine but 13 hrs is still 13 hrs even in PE. It was busy at airport but all worked pretty smoothly and we were at our lodgings at about 815 pm.

Time for some sleep now hopefully but don’t expect much first night after such a long day. It’s quite warm in unit as well

With less than a month until we jet off for our Canadian Sojourn the most important task has arrived. Name the Blog. This is serious business and can take 3-4 mins if sober. Its 7 am so should be safe . Some early candidates I ran a up the flag pole to see what blew in the breeze

Moose, Mounties and Maple Leaves. Love alliteration but unlikely to see any of those . Or all 3 at once .

Oh…. Canada? Probably a bit too clever for my fans 🙂

Canuck me Slowly If you get the pronunciation wrong it makes no sense

Then I remembered CLP is coming along this time so asked her as she has that common touch 🙂

Pass the Poutine

We have a winner. Simple, catchy and fits on a T Shirt. Trust me……

I hear you ask “What is Poutine” and why would it be on a T Shirt. Second answer first – because you are a sloppy eater? My many years on Social Media has revealed that most people would rather ask random strangers on “the net” a question rather than actually google it themselves. Let me save you the time

Poutine is a simple yet indulgent Canadian dish made of crispy French fries and chunks of salty, softened cheese curds smothered in a tangy gravy. It originated in Quebec region – no doubt by a group of cheese eating surrender monkeys – in the late 1950s and then spread through out Canada. The slogan is

“Poutine keeps your Bowels Routine when served with Ovaltine”

Here is one I prepared earlier.

Most countries have traditional dishes much like they may have a traditional drink or coffee. Much like US coffee Canadian coffee is cod ordinary and their national brand is Tim Horton which is basically Moose Piss mixed with – yes you guessed it – Ovaltine to add colour . Why would that be of interest you may ask ? Exhibit A Your Honor

Now back to the Sojourn. Dipping a toe into Canada only and visiting 4 cities all with their own appeal and probably own version of Poutine! Fly into Vancouver from Sydney because Qantas runs more useful flights from Bumfuck, Idaho than Brisvegas. 7 full days there as plenty to see . Also will celebrate CLP 65th Birthday at a swank restaurant which even has 1 Michelin star. Not sure what the big deal is, my car has 4 Michelins. As a regular USA visitor thought I was across most of the tipping shim shams but this a new one. Not only do you prepay in full for the set menu when making reservation but also a 20% tip is paid in full 6 weeks in advance! In general it seems that not only is Canada a tipping nightmare but also add in taxes up the ying yang everywhere. Then we fly to Quebec City for 5 nights . Staying in the old town so should feel right at home. First – and hopefully last – experience with Air Canada. We debated about whether to go QC-Montreal or Montreal-QC but opted for direct flight to QC as longest trip first. Of course with AC you pay up front for luggage, seat ,food, toilet paper etc. Not as if fares are cheap either. Then the ovaltine on the cake? Sorry mon ami your flight has changed and you will fly to Montreal first, wait around for an hour and then catch a Cessna 001 to Quebec City. Canuck me slowly!

Couple of train trips then from QC to Montreal – weren’t we just here?? – for 5 nights and then train to Toronto for 5 nights. Little bit slower than plane obviously but should be great countryside and easier to get to Train station than airport generally. Then a last flight on Westjet from Toronto to Vancouver and home.

Few notes of interest. Canada seems a little backward in the public transport caper with only 2 of the 4 cities using digital apps rather than a physical card you have to buy. Expect to do a lot of walking but also may throw in a scoot or a treadle here and there. Once again not easy like in Santa Monica with an app but rather pick up and drop off at one spot only and pay when return. Can understand in a way as dont want scooters and bikes just parked everywhere in Stanley Park for example like happens in SM.

We have a mix of furnished suites , B&B and a couple of hotels. All offer something a bit different but all nears pubs. Hey, I may be old but aint stupid. In fact expect the tonsils to get a darn good rinsing on this trip and that will start at Brisvegas Qantas Club #IBF

Weather should be pleasant around the 10 -20 range but variable and getting cooler as holiday extends. May pack the sluggos but doubt they will get a workout . They are still at the laundary actually on their 17th rinse cycle

The weather wont be a “The Snow Must Go On” scenario hoping for in Feb 2025 when of course I will be

Actually keen to get another tatt as dont get enough respect yet when I walk into a bar. Thinking NYC theme but would like to get it done before then as a lot cheaper!

Enough excitement for one day. Until we land in Canuckistan AKA The Home of the Beaver it is au revoir for now.

Say what? Its actually an animal?? Dam……..n

About every 12 months , not surprisingly, the annual Xmas in July comes around with T&B at Yabba Dabba Doo just outside Canungra on the family estate. As experienced free loaders we always take the deluxe 2 night package which requires serious preparation. Here is me preparing for 48 hrs of frivolity aka “ to yuck it up “ . With age comes wisdom. And arthritis in these temperatures 🥶

First stop on our trek south is the Beenleigh food and fun complex which also has a Giraffery that sells coffee and spotted coats which is a concern 🤔. Handy place to stop on a road trip. Place was rather packed for a mid morning . I’m going to stick my neck out and say the scones were pretty pretty pretty good. #LD

Then time to climb the mountain that is Tambourine for a stroll along Gallery Walk before our usual pizza and beer at Fortitude Brewing. Next time we will definitely drive up instead. You may have caught on by now we have a bit of a routine each year. This was a little different as we took the Munchkins with us but they were happy to play outside while we drank #responsiblenonna

It was a simply glorious day if a tad brisk. We went with the prawn pizza as options a bit limited. It filled the void especially with shells still on 😳

CLP was driving so she decided to take it easy with just 5 oz stout. I had to remind her that 2 x 5 oz beers were still 10 oz especially if drunk together 🤦🏻‍♂️ . We hit the road , and a few trees, but made it to Yabba Dabba Doo around 2 pm

Our little Cabin of Comfort was ready although lack of mints on pillows could affect final review. The Smoker was on with a brisket and chicken on the go for dinner which only left one question. How do we fill in 10 mins until it’s Muling Time. Someone said “Let’s take Flash for a walk “ but I wasn’t getting sucked in to putting a collar on . Again. Then I remembered their dog is called Flash so was able to relax. That was until I saw they had returned…… #redrum

What a scary image. And then we have those two ghouls standing in front as well 😏 I hear Moscow calling

A sumptuous dinner to follow with both chicken and brisket and then in honour of Olympics approaching we finished off with some Crepes Suzette . Time for bed . Still no mints ….

Cool morning as predicted with a recorded temp of -0.9 at Yabba Dont Do It . Frost was around so only fair to tell CLP she didn’t have to sleep in the car tonight. Mind you she had some Mints in her hand ….

The clan will all arrive by midday so have my list of chores for the morning

Defrost ✅

Set out chairs and cutlery in Cabin de Cuisine ✅

Make my famous Flash Antipasto ✅

Hide the good Wine ✅

Westerlies are tipped to peak at 30 kph late morning so that could be interesting. The reviews are in for the minimalist approach to the antipasto and were mixed to say the least .

They came by car , they came by bike. Here is one I prepared earlier

A few sherberts to reacquaint ourselves and then the Fab Four knocked out a few melodies to get the party rocking. “When I Use to be 64” was a particular fave

One Fab Four led to another Fab Four

Then it was time to line the stomach with usual feast , the highlight of course being the Antipasto V2.

After a lovely few hours it was time for the gang to start heading home and for the suckers to clean up. Looking at left overs we shan’t starve for dinner . A quiet night then before we head up to RJER tomorrow for a night before then going to Old Fart day at Munchkin 1 school on Monday. Home to Flashman Inc Monday afternoon and then onto Maryhole Tuesday morning for a relax and a colonic cleanse maybe. I could just watch a Trump speech I guess. Don’t get me started….

As an ardent supporter of equal rights I like it when it works the other way. As such I claim the right to change my mind. Apparently. Yep, he is going back to New York one last time(hee hee) in February 2025. Now devoted followers may well say

1. He said he would never go back to New York after last trip.
2. Feb 24 was “last trip to USA” and have the tattoo to show it

Ok, first up . Invoking Equal Rights. Secondly , who gives a crap. Thirdly …..Exhibit A Your Honour

Clever eh. And saved $300. I turn 67 in Feb 2025 (you all know the date obviously as in your calendars). Plan is to go to NYC Feb 3 for 10 days and then fly back ergo WHILE STILL 66

Now the real reason most probably is trying to recapture the magic of a 2015 visit in February. I was still almost a teenager but had the perfect stay with cold temps , snow and many clear blue days. Exhibits B-F

Have been a few times since but not always in February and never had snow again . Or even real cool weather. Now, there is never a guarantee of snow even in February. It will be cold of course if maybe 2 degrees hotter than 2015 😉 . Wont quibble if -2 becomes -4. Going back to The Beacon and even likely my same room 🙂 I live by the seat of my pants I know. Also trying a new route……nah too easy ….. by flying via Auckland direct to JFK so no pesky transits in LA. This is primarily because Qantas still treats Brisbane like a second rate city. If have to fly from Sydney to get PE then may as well do it in one hop. Arriving in NYC and more importantly leaving from there limits missed connections. Cancellations do occur of course but at least if all flights with Qantas then outcome likely much better.

In NYC the plan will be to see more of the outer boroughs. Last trip severely hampered by ankle issues – you know the one that was “fixed”. Much more confident now can walk heaps in a day. Of course there are pubs nearby…..And yes there are some concerns about the USA post November election/January Inauguration but you have to live your life eh.

Stay tuned .

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 wrong🤦🏻‍♂️

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 🤓 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 realised🕺🏻

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.

Well its been 3 weeks back in the land of the not quite dead so lets review the tape. We will start with the good news as it wont take long. The dreaded lurgy may finally be cracked, boxed and buried. Basically been crook since got COVID on Boxing Day and then a new bug in USA with two days sunshine in between. Speaking of which, the hottest dryest summer on record almost washed the house away and certainly buried the golf course. Finally some solid mowing there yesterday and first game of golf for about 6 weeks tomorrow. If I wasnt a natural talent I may struggle to play to handicap. Mind you this may be final year of golf anyway for a number of reasons and not including that in the good news section.

Speaking of supreme physical specimen was doing some leg stretches on Saturday just in case a late call up for Paris Olympics. Noticed a new sensation in the general vicinity of the fused ankle. Now a fused ankle comes with a range of sensations even 18 months post surgery. One new one would not be in excess would it?

This one felt like a couple of cold needles pressed into flesh above ankle on left. If I have any more issues with this ankle then I am screwed. Actually as it turns out, I am unscrewing. If we review the tape from 18 months ago and 18 hrs ago I think we see the problem.

I am no Orthopod but doubt that is supposed to happen especially if associated with vague pain. Contacted surgeon but he was at a Meccano Retrospective in Birdsville for the weekend. So, physician heal thyself. What I found is that after 3 hours mowing on Sidewinder the ankle is so swollen that you no longer see the screws. Yay. Sadly around midnight the swelling has decreased and the feeling of someone dripping cold water on your ankle returns. Of course could also indicate another pee stop is needed after 5 hrs sleep. Lets move further north as the Bishop said to the Actress. We can probably safely assume that the left shoulder is as good as its going to get so lets file this away in the “definitely not good news” folder. Its not debilitating as such but certainly limited movement for certain exercises like military presses etc. If the right shoulder is the benchmark (for doing benchpresses) and we give it a 9.5/10 score then the left shoulder comes in at 7.1 I guess. (gave it an extra 0.1 cause its way cool having matching scars). Which reminds me, the tatt hasnt washed off yet. Yay. The real issue with these continuing medical situations (apart from cost!) is it makes it virtually impossible to get into any routine of gym, golf, walking, ice skating….One thing I know about me is that I need physical activity to keep the kgs at bay. Simply eating better doesnt do it if sit around all day. And before you say it I hate bike riding whether moving or stationary. There was that one time 10 years ago when it felt really great until after 10 minutes realised the seat had fallen off at the start. On a side note never understand people who go to the gym just to use walking treadmills. Duh?

No great desire to return to the USA at this stage so thats good. Also good not to be constantly monitoring Qantas flight delays. CLP is always gagging for OS travel so we looked at places where the exchange rate is not too bad and settled on Canada. The plan then is a few weeks in September this year just checking out some major cities like Vancouver and Toronto but not venturing into Bear country or even a Miffed Moose hopefully.

After that can probably pack the passport away. Apparently…. too soon? Did note this week that Qantas is hiking the price of Club membership so maybe thats a sign. Never been a very frequent flyer anyway but do enjoy some perks when I do.

The usual Della Clanfest is on again this Easter at Flashman Inc, Rainy Coast. Taking a few choccie eggs for the girls and a Phillips Head screwdriver just in case. In the meantime days are easily filled in with the biggest issue facing a troubled world at present but I am on the case