Lumberjack
Woke a tad seedy after a solid effort last night but was immediately entranced by a glorious sunrise on this significant day . Had I really slept in until 10 am 🤔
The fire wood supply was starting to look a bit low so time to head out to wood pile with Freddo and grab some wood in the barrow as you do. Hmm, those logs look somewhat intact and thick🤔 Yes , we need to chop them up with this thing that is very sharp at one end. But I don’t want to be a lumberjack… or do I …
It was a glorious morning so we set to work tag team style but forgot our matching outfits . To be fair Freddo did most of it as I had accidentally wandered out in my slippers . We got a barrow full which should last 24 hrs. Maybe we need a bigger barrow
After our usual yummy breakfast it was time to head out for some nature on this glorious morning. Went to room, got changed and came back out and suddenly someone had stolen that orange ball out of the sky 😳 Oh well , add an extra layer and hit the road . We went to Barkers Creek Reservoir for some exercise and edumacation.
Now for that morning coffee. We drove past a few usual faves but they were all a jumping on this particular day so we ended up at Castlemaine and Padres Cafe. I wanted to go back to Frau Blucher at Das Kaffeehaus but apparently my photo is up on the wall and not allowed back in after last time. Perfectly fine , if lukewarm , coffee and some toasted fruit buns closed out the morning in style. Back home for lunch to ward off fading away and could foresee a nana nap in near future .
As late afternoon approached I could feel our resolve to be smarter tonight starting to slip. It was a cool grey afternoon or as they call it in Victoria – Autumn. Watch some Anzac Day footy but being in foreign lands it may not be the good one . Oh well
Of course watching footy in Harcourt at 5 pm – or doing anything for that matter – does require some dexterity
The Dons won, the Roosters won. Time for dinner . Another booteeful meal with accompanying alcohol in a shiraz free zone. In fact the drinks tonight would fit right in at a Pro Trump rally – white as far as the eye can see. Nothing wrong with that of course …. when talking about alcohol 😏
Another wonderful day comes to an end and only one more to go now 😰 . As sad as I may be can only imagine how devastated my devoted followers must feel to think a blog free zone approaches
Time does fly when you are having fun. An early night followed by an early morning went almost as planned. Not a fan of the new sleep mode on iPhone as only way to set up alarm. I showed this to Lorraine yesterday for the alarm I set for flight down. Despite me not actually touching anything to my knowledge the alarm was again activated as evidenced by a loud ringing noise at 415 am followed by a slap across the ear from my beloved . This extra safety net option of a double whammy so to speak could catch on and ensure you do wake up👨🏻🦳
Plans are pretty loose for today , if only jeans could follow suit . Let’s watch the sun come up first – you know in 2 hrs time. Then some breakfast before heading into Bendigo for some general loitering it appears .
Some supplies to pick up for a few meals ahead and a walk around a lake sounded like a hoot
I was keen of course but soon left behind so found a bench and warmed it. The 3 Amigos continued on and if a race caller would have gone with Freddo by 2 lengths pulling away . No surprises there
We stopped for a good coffee in Strathdale before grabbing some more supplies from Edwards Providore . My little angel has been my crutch these last few days 🤮 We should be set now for the next 36 hrs assuming there is enough alcohol at home. Yeah, I crack myself up at times.
Settled in for a relaxing afternoon before the serious business starts again around 5 pm . By serious I mean Wagyu and Shiraz.
We did the weekend quizzes in the papers and there is a remote chance we are not as smart as we think we are. The weather has again remained that constant slight gloom and 15 degrees. No complaints here folks
Time to check on news of the world just to cheer one up . Freddo buys the weekend papers but I scan the online sources. Does make you wonder….
Well, 5 pm did eventually roll around and the world rejoiced. Well, at least in Windy Hill. Time for some group photos
Time to fire up the barbie and the liver but not in that order necessarily
The food and drink were excellent as usual and it was a wonderful night . Did we eat and drink too much ? Well duh. Let’s worry about that tomorrow, life is good
And then it was time to call it a night. Or was it…… help
Despite some impressive imbibing last night slept pretty well and woke up dull eyed and bushy tailed as usual. Despite the cool temps outside the house is toasty with the wood fire burning 24/7 . Main plan today is a lunch time visit to Balgownie Winery Eatery near Bendigo. We know when we start just not sure when we will finish…..
Let’s check the weather first and always best to ignore the 37 weather apps and just look outside . Sweet
An easy morning lazing around the homestead had us all dressed up and nowhere to go at 11 am. So we went to Balgownie Winery . When we arrived they were shooting promo shots for Twins 2 – The Later Years
It was an impressive looking cellar door with beautiful Autumn colours
Thought we would go with the tasting session first as I wasn’t driving . Certainly passable range but nothing stood out as such. The main problem was we were being served by Smitty . It was a slow process
Suitably lubricated we thought let’s lock in the tasting menu. Information was light on and while it was a stated “ 6 course “ there was no idea as to what each course was. As no “ matching wine “ option was offered thought it was best to go with a bottle of white and red 😏
Started off slowly with one oyster each and then a toothpick flavoured by wagu beef. At $95 per head for food only alarm bells were starting to ring. However from there on things picked up and ended up excellent value for money . The food was ample and tasty but the actual interaction with staff was not what one expects for a quality degustation. No real explanation of each course as tasty as they may have been . We checked with the menu each time to check what we were actually eating. 3 bottles of wine helped . The desserts were especially impressive though. On the plus side might have got a knob kiss with the bill as suspect they missed one of the bottles of wine
An easy way to spend 3 hours so we thought time to waddle outside into the emerging sunshine in very pleasant grounds. Designated driver probably needed 30 mins rest 😏 I made the mistake of asking Smitty to take the photos so framing was questionable
Time to head home and settle in for the night . Food may not be required but one never says never at 430 pm in the afternoon. While we decide let’s sit outside in the cold and have another expressi martini . They don’t have alcohol in them do they….
Certainly a tad brisk in the mornings and of course stays dark until lunch time but this why we travel – experience the culture of distant lands. When I find some culture in Victoria you will be the first to know trust me . Today could be the start with the Mary Quant exhibit on at the Bendigo Art Gallery. When first mentioned am sure I heard Merry Quart so quickly agreed as assumed it was a winery . Alas no but the good news is there are only 110 garments on display to check out. At least now may get some sympathy as Lorraine has suggested I try using a crutch to support whichever particular joint is causing most pain that day. Today’s winner is…….ankle. Am sure the cooler weather in general ain’t helping but does come with its benefits , the prime one being it’s not Maryhole ! I wonder if it’s cooler outside
It is . Hi Ho Hi Ho it’s off to Bendigo we go . Could I be any keener ?
Bendigo Art Gallery was exactly where I left it last time . Now was my last chance to escape but the bloody crutch slowed me down 😰
Oh well, when in Rome. Being about some Sheila from the 60s there certainly were some great images of a great period. You just had to move 110 dresses to see them . Oddly I was the only male there , at least of the straight variety . A couple of well dressed men seemed particularly interested in my crutch. It was then I wish I hadn’t left the walking aid back in the car or I could have hit them over the head with it 🕺🏻
The time literally flew by and what seemed like only an hour and 10 mins was actually an hour and 10 mins 😏 Then it was time for an early lunch in town . Very tasty chicken curry at Hoo-Gah hit the spot before some minor shopping was done and then back on the road.
Decamped back at Windy Hill on Cloudy Day. The sun wasn’t threatening and nor was 15 degrees. Perfect . Weather predicted to remain much the same all stay . Big Bro is due home any minute so will sign off now and start drinking some water in preparation for night ahead.
Knee 4/10 – maybe switch crutch tomorrow
Ankle 6/10 – crutch assisted
Chance of a good nights sleep – 0/ 10 but nothing to do with knee or ankle I suspect …
They say fool me once shame on you, fool me twice and I must be a moron. Only explanation for why I would line up for another 35 min walk to breakfast this morning. We have our fave haunts in Melboring and another is Seven Seeds Coffee Roastery in Carlton. Maybe I should get my nuts roasted if I maintain this goldfish like memory! Mind you, the look on the business owners faces when we rock up and they remember us is almost worth the pain that will surely follow.
The weather has cleared as predicted and a pleasant 8 degrees in the city . Not a bad nights sleep all things considered so onward and upward . Now just to try and get out of bed first . First dilemma of course is do I wear the new swag from yesterday or go with the tried and tested ? As my last few hours in Melbourne thought best not to tease the female populace and then leave them hanging so will save the new stuff for the 3 ladies that live in Harcourt knowing that one has already been vaccinated against the Ferguson Male species. It’s that rare case where the actual disease is the clot rather than a pleasant side effect of the jab.
Headed off with remnants of night still with us. Luckily there was a guiding light from Buffoon Bob. Lordy Lordy take me now
Crossed the street quickly and soldiered on . Finally made it and pleased to see it hasn’t changed . Very full breakfast indeed and a good coffee is all one can reasonably ask for . Seemed a tad early for a lap dance to be honest
By now had decided time to try out this Myki card and also save lower extremities for later tomfoolery . Hopped on at Victoria markets and …. in the free tram zone, DO NOT use Myki card . Oh well. Down to Flinders Street then . Or so we thought . Approached to within about 300m for yet another stop and to be fair a lot of people got on. No announcement mind you. Then we hit reverse! Ok, so we got off at Little Collins and were able to walk off some more of that breakfast .
Our short stay in Melboring has been great but now time to catch a slow moving train northwards to bustling Kyneton. Langhams has been great and level of service is excellent . Train left on time, always a good start . Not crowded so should be a relaxing 70 min trip . The chick across the aisle started to hit on me straight up of course. Looked familiar but these masks are confusing
Our Uber was waiting for us at Kyneton station as we arrived on a simply glorious day. First stop was the Little Swallow Cafe which was a rocking for a Wednesday . Very passable Reuben sandwich hit the spot which was suitably pre lubricated by the local froth in an ice cold glass
It was certainly brisk on the street . In fact you could say it was Fook Shing cold and if you don’t believe they even have the sign to make sure
Lorraine asked if I would like a paddle now and was starting to think the K in Kyneton maybe stood for kinky 😳 Alas my concerns were allayed as we continued down the main drag to Animus Gin distillery . Pretty impressive looking place for a small town. That was the next hour sorted
Then the words all men fear. “ There are a couple of nice dress shops up the other end of town” . To be fair it was a short stop but fear could be a forerunner for tomorrow. If only there was some fashion exhibit on at the museum as well 😏 I am outnumbered at present until Bro arrives home tomorrow night . On the bright side does leave more wine for me . Now just have to find a nice fire , take off a few bandages and straight into the slippers. Hey, there is one over there . Later folks
As expected a shocker of a nights sleep. Lovely quiet room but have the cement encased doona as only option so either lay on top and get a chill or lay under and can’t move. Not as if the room AC was doing much except making noise . Some investigation is required
Which does remind me. Again, when in a city ( usually OS to be fair) that has potential for chilly climes as soon as night time temps drop below about 18 degrees all restaurants have to have the bloody thermonuclear heating devices right next to you. And fark me if the locals still don’t rock up in head to toe velvet . I suspect the Universal Cafe may be a Fave for the student brigade as seriously 90% last night were having the chicken parm and chips plate and it was massive . Probably only meal for the day . I digress
Today’s plan then first up was to find a breakfast option nearby that came in under the 2000 calorie limit self imposed momentarily . And a good coffee. And all before the bad weather rolls In around 10 am. I suspect the weather forecasting is no better down here but Melboring does have a rep for some fast moving dodgy weather . Quick peek outside indicates we are good to go
So we went . Wasn’t sure where we would go for breakfast but we will cross that bridge at the time. Here is one I prepared earlier
Slowly made our way into CBD and have to say still seems rather quiet these days even at 8 am. Found the Block Arcade and asked Scotty Cam what he would recommend for breakfast . Of course he went with the French option of Cafe St Germaine and we opted for the crepes. Tres delicious and while waiting for Pierre got a haircut and met some locals
Weather still good so to make most of it walked the 27 kms to DFO. Put CLP to shame with a wild shopping extravaganza of jeans , shoes and a belt . By now the skies were gray as we waddled back to Langhams to offload the goodies . And some other things . CLP was keen for lunch at Il Solito Posto but it had been impossible to book as they were not open until 1130 am today and were not answering phone before that . Being seat of your pants type relaxed folk we trudged up to arrive around 1135 and take our chances . The place was jumping as apparently they open at 1030 am for coffee. Just don’t answer the fucking phone it seems. So Mario said he could squeeze us in but don’t serve lunch until midday. I suggested maybe we could order a coffee and wait and we became best buds after that . Or so I thought. He looked after us well and took order even before midday . Sadly we didn’t get our main meal until 40 mins later even though others around us ordered afterwards and were eating before us. When he bought our plates he informed us the risotto takes longer “ I should have told you “ Odd then how the Sheila behind me is hoeing into a risotto she ordered after us. Unfriended Mario! It was a lovely meal of course and well worth the effort
By now some rain was falling but not too disruptive so a last check at Myers on way home to see if could finally get CLP to buy something before settling in for the afternoon . It had been a long and productive day but man the body is falling apart
Knee 3 /10
Ankle 0.5/10
The Langham has been great and could well become our go to Melboring hotel. It is a very classy joint only enhanced by my presence natch . Mind you the first hotel have stayed out I recall that has condoms in the mini fridge. Something cool to slip into after a hard day 😏
Misty afternoon ahead so will chill for a few and could be a relaxing bath in near future . After a fair go at the old feed bag last 24 hrs we thought we would stay in tonight and get the Charcuterie Board and Bottle of Wine deal delivered to our room . Luckily there won’t be much eating or drinking at our Harcourt Haven for next 5 days………..
It’s fair to say that the actual charcuterie board does not bear a close resemblance to the pictured one 😏 $79 doesn’t get you much these days and who needs 3 breadsticks! Only going to cause a fight in a couple. Mind you we did score with the good champers
Off to Harcourt North tomorrow via a train to Kyneton. Weather forecast in Harcourt tomorrow is mouth watering . 1 to 14 degrees
Darool Darool
Finally some travel not involving car only is here . It is a flight/accomodation credit from 10 months ago finally looking like happening. Originally planned as 5 days in Melboring and a few days with Bro and Wifey in Harcourt. All booked and then a couple on months ago our accomodation in Melboring contacted us to say yeah no, it ain’t happening Sonny. They did give a full refund so quickly changed to a couple of days at the Langham and then extended the free loading at Harcourt as you do from a few days to a few more . Hence we are in the travel bubble ( green zone permit) , we will be seeing my brother and we will be drinking every day. Hence, the title ain’t rocket science folks. Still clever though eh
Early start from Maplehead had us looking for a park in P1 with only 3 hrs until flight 😏 Of course when planned it all did not realise it would be same day as travel bubble with NZ opened. Being we are domestic not a major issue but have to say Qantas Domestic is very busy on a Monday morning with all the workers heading off to regional Qld it appears . Looks like an episode of Orange is the New Black here in the club .
So, safely ensconced in Qantas Club for a couple of hours . Coffee was fine but food options limited . Still all very good considering the troubled times we are still in. Just a basic economy flight down as saving up the money for the booze later on. Of course this was before latest medical episode . Had been having some knee issues last few weeks so went to Doc and had X-ray done. It would appear a knee replacement is in my future due to “ degeneration “ but not next week so just suck it up for now. Spooky as DGen always a fave.
Needless to say it may cause some issues with sitting in a cramped seat etc. Time will tell . Walking the streets of Melboring shopping may be curtailed as well as not all bad news….
Well , we left on time so that’s a good start . They usually claim “ in flight wi fi available “ but rarely works. This time it did , even at the fat end of the plane. Now , how to make 1 bikkie and a cup of tea last 2 hrs. If only I had a paper to read …
All my whining pays off at times as CLP organised a limo driver to take us to our Langham Lodgings and thus avoid any more GU momentarily. Room was ready and is a great corner room as requested so all settled in and not even 1 pm
Time then for some lunch and always like a Guinness first up at PJ OBriens . Easy walking distance but CLP insisted on driving
Time then to relax for a bit before heading up to Lygon Street later for dinner and drinks. At this stage plan on walking so leaving at 230 pm! We do have our Myki cards though just in case
Well I made it 100 m and then settled in for a G&T once we saw the Fever Tree sign. Our first, but not last, introduction to scan in menu and order and pay on your phone. Then they expect a tip as well ! FMS. Then headed off for the hour trek to Lygon Street and settled in at Johnny’s Bar which was a rooftop bar of course so just a bit of extra climbing. Great views back over city and very noice beer. Then back to Universal Cafe for a very tasty Italian meal .
By now full as a goog so despite multiple atrocities below the waist needed to walk home. Hey it was downhill. Of course anyone else who has bad knees and ankles knows downhill often worse. After a slow crawl we saw the Lights of Langham in the distance a mere 300 m away. Sweet I would be home in 25 mins 😏
So , a full day in all that does remind us why we love Melboring. Rain expected tomorrow but we shall cope . At present just want my bed
Knee 4/10
Ankle 3/10
Chance of good nights sleep 0/10
Bunfool : Rare creature that only appears in non leap years when Easter follows on immediately from April 1. Characteristics include, but not limited to, propensity to drink too much in a short time and also to rely on BOM when determining Travel Plans more than 17 mins in the future. Scientists, luckily not the assclowns from BOM, had postulated the first characteristic led to the second but extensive research ,over a few beers, indicated it is a learned behaviour that probably requires a vaccine to prevent spread – ergo expect some action around 2525. This confliguration of characteristics does see it as an autosomal dominant trait only prevalent in the male of the species .
If you are very very quiet you can sometimes sneak up on a resting Bunfool but dont startle them or they may spill their drink and turn feral
But first lets go back to the previous Monday when the sun was shining and the birds were singing. With two short weeks ahead the plan was to do a bit extra work on Golf Course which worked in well as minor green renos planned. My mission, should I choose to accept, was to spread out the fertiliser on greens with holes (cores) in them like feeding the chooks. The message didnt self destruct but the coring machine did after 9 holes! An early sign of the type of week ahead. Then Beaverhausen, A. called in the Lockdown and now we had one of the Greens staff marooned in Hervey Bay for rest of week due to an earlier Brisvegas soujourn. So back into my routine of gym, coffee and Tees mowing on Tuesday – only this time with a mask. By now the shoulder and head were recovering well if still in some minor way maybe impacting on the rugged good looks momentarily
Then it was time to prepare for actual return to the hit and fetch caper on Wednesday and try and sneak into the wallets of Beddows and Smails while still trying to play off 8! Luckily I still had my mask on and was able to make a clean get away. Nothing tastes better than free beer. Next time will try it without the mask on
Given the lack of functioning equipment on golf course it was looking like an early arrival at Flashman Inc , No Sunshine Coast HQ was on the cards with pending weather apocalypse approaching. Duly headed down on Thursday morning to help prepare for pending invading horde. Said horde was slowly dropping off one at a time as Friday approached but the usual suspects would be there ready to camp out for a couple of nights. Or not. Hats off to TB for proceeding with the camper van option even though rain imminent. RJER wisely opted for the AirBnB option with two younguns in tow and more bedrooms becoming available by the hour. Settled in on Friday in cloudy but pleasant enough conditions for imbibing. You can never start drinking too early. Or so I thought….
I told Ruby she was too young to drink but dont think she believed me or at least wasnt thrilled
I then told her it was ok to start eating though and everything was tickety boo
A solid few hours then ensued before the next arrivals – ADJG. Always a welcome sight and nothing to do with the case of quality wines he brings. Honest, there is nothing wrong with the $4.95 Sav Blanc we had been drinking as it was also useful for wiping the bird poop of the chairs as more guests arrived. Around now is when things went a bit south temporarily. After said few hours of drinking we then started on the good stuff and knocked off 4 bottles that night much to Ant’s Delight/Surprise/Dismay.
Now, everyone knows that nothing can go wrong getting full as a State School hatrack and then going to sleep for a few hours straight afterwards.
The Hostess with the Mostess had pulled up stumps a bit earlier as was strangely stressing a bit about something she usually does standing on her head. I am sure my stumbling in a few hours later didnt interrupt her at all.
Next day dawned dreary and misty. Then I opened my eyes and found the weather outside the same but getting worse slowly. There would be a staggered arrival of guests arriving this morning so in keeping with theme I staggered off to shower for a revival meeting. Well it was Easter and there was some religious stuff floating around – Hallelujah . Time for breakfast and a head count . I was seeing double as sure there were two Flashs around. Both begging it seemed..
It seemed to me the best way to get back on track was some exercise and with no walking available , next best thing was my version of Farm Gym where you use any kids just lying around for exercise
One was keen, one not so much. In hindsight was it really smart to upend a 3 yr old who had recently been on a solid chocolate only diet for preceding few hours? Luckily I had my gym clothes with me
By now the rest of the gang had arrived and time to eat and drink just for a change. As always a lovely spread was on the table as we settled in for a few. Luckily Ant still had a few bottles left – past experience with us counts.
Some of the tribe headed back to Brisvegas under gloomy skies while rest settled for an early evening. By now the Bunfool was in full bloom and after checking my 7 weather apps for next 24 hrs there was one very obvious fact. I had too many weather apps! The general concensus from those who know these things – yes I crack myself up – was that a weather Armageddon was fast approaching and in fact would hit Maryhole first before working its way down the coast to Maplehead. Did the math and figured out best to be home before Maryhole was cut off from the rest of the world. You know, like it has been for last 50 years. Some temporary smarts had seeped in by osmosis and had been rather sensible in the drinking caper so plan was to leave around 530 am on Sunday morning just as light was coming up and deluge not coming down. Of course for Flashie 1 this meant 330 am, quick check of BOM and if clear hit the road.
So got home by 515 am and just in time for Easter Bunny as choccie supply was running low while Blood Glucose heading in other direction. I am told I was not missed until it was time for their morning coffee and suddenly realised I wasnt there to make it. Oh well, at least the Easter Bunny made it to Maplehead
I went to gym just for a laugh and the peace and quiet. As always on Sunday line it up with Sip Coffee opening at 615 am and IGA at 6 am for some milk et al. Duly arrived at 615 am and both places closed still
Headed home , changed and went back out a bit later suitably miffed. As Michael D would say all I want with my coffee is what I ordered and a pleasant smile. Its not too much to ask surely.
A gloomy drizzly day followed but the best/worst was still to come. Luckily the temperature was consistent. Apparently
We had been promised 40-80 mm on Sunday and same again on Monday. My poor bunkers! Then they doubled down and updated the BOM warning Sunday evening for an Ark compliant flood starting that night and continuing until early Monday morning and Maryhole even got a mention. Here is one I prepared earlier – up t0 120 mm expected in next 6 hrs
So, I hattened down the batches and closed the house up and assumed the fetal position on top of sheets in trakkies and T shirt in case I had to swim down the road at some stage. By midnight the quiet was somewhat eerie. By 3am I was just getting a tad pissed off so quickly checked BOM map on phone and ” hey look there is that big blue rain bomb already well off shore and heading to Fiji”! Basically it was a decimal point issue and only out by 2 spots and 100 k ie 1.2 mm actually fell in Maryhole.
As they say fool me once shame on you, fool me twice and it must be a weather forecast. As if had not enough laughs for one day, fuck me slowly if they didnt rehash the map a little and repost it at 6 am this morning as un updated forecast for next 6 hrs now. Meanwhile BOM is clear as a whistle. Youi cant write this shit
Still, it was a wonderful Easter as always. Sadly Jas and boys had a camping trip curtailed by bad weather but at least home safe and dry. Easter of course always is about the kiddies so will leave you with this handsome fella. GS 5 is the one on the right. I hope……
So, when last we left our hero he was recovering slowly from some under the equator nip and tuck and there was light at the end of the tunnel. It now appears it was a bloody train a coming……
Having dealt with kidney and prostate issues as one does when one ages I was looking forward to upcoming birthday if not all the memories on Facebook of me usually spending February surrounded by snow but always usual cheery self 😦
CLP and I often joked she got the Della metabolism and I got the Ferguson Skin. She didnt have to worry about her weight and I didnt have to worry about moles and skin cancers. She could still worry about my weight of course. Had my usual yearly skin check which comes around about every 12 months and have been going to Nambour Skin doctors while at Maplehead. All good apart from one pesky dark spot on temple which was usually covered by “distinguished grey look”. No harm in taking a biopsy eh. Ring Ring. That is actually a Grade 1 Melanoma Sir, has CLP started gaining weight lately also ? Ok so Grade 1 (of 5) is not wrist slitting territory but lets chop and dice. Getting a time in next month to actually see Doc at Nambour was proving impossible so local Doc will take it out as long as you see him first so he can assess (ca ching ca ching) .I said ok as long as doesnt take it out while I am in the room….. Doc agreed to have a crack and all set for the next week. Duly done with some pain noted ” as anaesthetic didnt quite reach boundaries” No shit Sherlock! Anyhoo, all things heal
Took it easy for a few days and as had just started playing golf again was happy to hook into Beddows and Smail on my actual birthday by shooting a sweet 76. Of course this now meant my handicap would be 8 next week but thats ok. Lets celebrate in style now
Next day it was off to Doc to get stitches out and get back into full swing ( golf humor) at gym and on course work. First up though lets check that pesky histology report. Ok it is in fact a stage 2 and the excision perimeter is not wide enough for that grade 2. You need to go to theatre and get a chunk taken out and a skin graft done, here is a referral to a surgeon down Hervey Bay. “Good Bye and Good Luck” Um, ok any chance you can actually remove these stitches now which was purpose of the appointment! Ouch x 4. Surgery rang back that morning and said can you come in this afternoon for consultation and we can cut tomorrow! Makes you wonder what they do for a Grade 5 – just give you a bucket to put your head in? Hold your horses lady I need to see my honeybuns this weekend and also grand kiddies at Toowoomba, can it wait a week? “Well if it cant it wont be your problem sonny” Got to love receptionist humor. Went down to see Doc that day and all lined up for surgery next Friday. Its day surgery but the post op care period could be the painful part. Certainly no gym or golf for a couple of weeks. Especially looking forward to the second week of March. Tuesday, drive to Bay for a Peak Flow test ( yes folks Prostate aint done with yet…..luckily), Thursday see Surgeon at Bay for first of 3 follow ups and maybe remove staples from graft or stitches from chest (graft source), Friday back down to Bay to see Urologist. Just hope I dont get Urologist and Surgeon mixed up and end up with graft in unusual place. Apparently the source skin is best to have hair as well, hence chest. The one time you regret getting those anal bleaches done. Or not. I am starting to suspect I may not be able to get by on looks alone soon
Anyhoo in meantime off to Flashman Inc Sunshine Coast for a late birthday celebration. First up was a superb lunch at Spirit House at Yandina. It aint cheap but was for me 🙂
Next day out to Toowoomba to see 4 of the 6 pack. Ended up being 5 but not sure which one was the ring in ……
It was a wonderful day and reminds one to try and do it more often. You know , once the body stops falling apart
Devoted followers may recall our problems with ever getting to Melbourne with COVID issues etc in 2020. Finally had rebooked flights and accommodation for April this year for 5 days in Melboring and 5 days freeloading with JL at Harcourt. In between stitches being removed get email from City Tempo in Melbourne saying our accommodation is cancelled/refunded as “due to COVID they can no longer keep the booking” Looks like more freeloading with JL and just a couple of days in CBD first. Little optimist me doesnt really expect to be in Victoria in April. Other solid plan – as in could fall apart at a moments notice – is a week in Darwin in June
Of course as the vaccine starts to roll out there is renewed hope for international travel once doctors realise not everyone gets 4 doses straight up! Did I mention my Mum is a resident at the Twilight Home where the cock up occurred? Not getting too excited just yet but early 2022 could be a busy time with delayed plans for both NYC and South Africa both coming close together due to previous booking conditions. Maryhole in January, USA in February and South Africa in March. Its the Holy Trifecta of Must See Before I Die kinda list. A lot of water to flow under the bridge first. Speaking of which any chance could send some to Maryhole anytime soon Old Whiskers ? It is bone dry and not the good kind
So, hopefully can soon can get back to enthralling you all with Adventure Blogs that involve exploring far distant places rather than odd body parts. In the meantime, this drivel will have to do folks
flashman181 