Ball games & Birthdays

September in Melbourne means Football Finals time and we arrived back just in time. Not that our team made it but it still doesn't stop you getting caught up by the buzz in the city. Especially this year as there were Victorian teams were in each stage of the finals. A nice change after the last few years. September became Septopia - The AFL final series. Federation Square was the focal point for special events during the month culminating in the Grand Final being shown on the big screen for those of us that couldn't get into the MCG to watch the big game.

Yes, we joined the hordes there on 'the last day in Sept' but decided to eat first to stay out of the wind for a bit longer and found that the game was being shown on the big screen in the cafe as well. So a couple of Reds later we were watching the Geelong Victory that excited most of the people there. The few Port fans who had come out to watch were very quiet - understanable given the score. A great afternoon's work, I think. Of course the party in Melbourne went on all night and continued in Geelong the following week - I guess they are still celebrating down there.

The following night Melbourne Storm completed the double by winning that other Football game in Sydney by beating Manly. We have not yet been to see a Storm game but will definitely put it on the list for next year.

The NBL season has started again in September so we have been off to watch the South Dragons play again. The first 2 games have not had the result we would have liked but I'm sure that most of you will be thrilled that we were beaten by the Perth Wildcats last Wednesday. Still it is early days yet and I'm sure the boys can improve.

September is also the Birthday month in the Harris household with Maree starting the ball rolling on the 3rd. We met Maree, Mum, Jarrad & Aaron at the Gee Bung Polo Club for dinner to celebrate. David's big '30' was next and when we rang to wish him Happy Birthday he was already on the way to spend 'his pressie'. Hope the party went well last weekend.

And then it was Bill's turn. We were joined by Astrid, Hans & Verity at Lilydale Estate, a winery in Seville, were we had a lovely long lunch, followed by further wine tasting at Morgans Winery just over the road. A good time was had by all. The following night Mum & Maree met us at Doyles in Mordialloc for the family affair - more good times had.

So with the footballs packed away for another season and the candles blown out once more we can sit back and think about what adventures October will bring.

Until next time.........