Little rays of sunshine

is what Melbourne has been experiencing during November. As mentioned last time records have been broken and new ones set of how many November days over 30 we have experienced. Hard to believe that it was only a few weeks ago when the largest ever snow dump occurred on Mount Buller. All gone now with the last few weeks of sunshine.

It really has been a year of records, starting with the hottest ever temperature in February with our 47 degree day, followed by the earliest snowfalls for many years in April, then coldest days in winter and now our early summer bringing us the hottest November nights since 1901. I guess it all really does indicate that the climate is changing. Summer dresses have been all the rage in the city as the heat continues, but there are still a few sceptics each day wearing scarves in the morning.

One of the sights we see from our window on a regular basis in summer are the rays of sunlight beaming off the Eureka building. It does look pretty amazing and I thought I would share it with you all.

After a quiet week spent at home we ventured down to Beaconsfield two weeks ago to celebrate Uncle Jack's 80th birthday. Uncle Jack is Bill's uncle (his Mum's brother). Once again it was good to catch up with lots of cousin's, Aunt's & Uncle's from all over the country, some not seen for many years. Looking at all the old photo's the grandchildren had put together was really like taking a trip back in time. Even a photo of our wedding. That was a shock. Uncle Jack had a wonderful day as did all his guests & we are all looking forward to his 90th now.

As we say goodbye to Spring and hello Summer the weather has had a change of heart again and we have had some major rain happening over the last two weeks, this time breaking records for November rainfall. It really is an interesting time. We took advantage of a break in the weather to spend Saturday at Serendip Sanctuary. Last time we were there it was a very busy place with birds nesting and this time we have enjoyed the results. Lots and lots of baby birds. We saw a baby Brolga, Swans with Cygnets, an Emu family with 7 or 8 young Emu's and the baby Ibis are just as noisy as the adults. The baby Owls would have been missed if not for the friendly ranger taking Bill off the beaten track to see them. They were so cute.

Back at work and Bill is hard at it in the Yarra Valley for a couple of days and I'm having a ball at the office.

Until next time........

Fun & Fashion

are two of the highlights during this time. Yes, it's Spring Carnival time again and with the shop windows full to the brim with beautiful dresses, hats and fascinators you can't help but feel the excitement. And all that is without even seeing a horse yet.

Tammy & Paul came to stay and play for Cup week and on Saturday morning we all frocked up, jumped on the train and headed off to Derby Day. Summer also decided to come to Melbourne that day and with the mercury going over 30 it was a challenge to keep the champagne cold and to stay out of the sun. Our fortunes were a little mixed but we all left smiling though wilted after a day in the sun. Next stop was the air conditioned comfort of Chloe's Bar at Young & Jackson's where we enjoyed a cold drink and the very welcome shade. From our table by the window we watched the many other racegoers coming home. Some not looking quite as elegant as they would have done that morning.

The sun was still shining the next day when we joined Astrid, Hans, Bianca & Travers for lunch in the Yarra Valley. The food, wine & company was wonderful so we extended the afternoon with a visit to Giant Steps Brewery in Healesville. Lots of cheese & wine tasting resulted in us buying far too much to take home for dinner that night. Yummy.

Tuesday's Cup Day was a lot cooler and once again we all set off in our finery. The few clouds fluttered by without rain but the windy day made some of the fashions a bit interesting. Hats & Fascinators were under threat as the wind gusted as were some of the flimsy frocks. Still we all had another great day with Tammy & Paul being the winners that day. We broke even. That night we went to the Yak Bar for dinner before heading for home and putting the glad rags away for another year. Our Spring Carnival adventures were finished.

With the horses out of the way it was time to hit the shops to see what bargains could be found. Chapel St, Smith St, Harbour town & DFO all were duly walked and shopped with our intrepid shopper, Tammy, picking up some great bargains along the way. Still not sure how she does it but she never fails to come home with the best bargains of the day. Of course food & wine was a feature of the week as well with breakfast at Madame Sousous worth the tram trip. We did manage to fit in two home cooked meals with Paul's bar-b-que on Monday & my Raspberry fish on Thursday.

Friday saw Paul throw in the towel in the shopping stakes and he took himself off for a bit of culture, visiting the NGV and the Ian Potter Centre. A wonderfully decadent afternoon was had when we rejoined him for High Tea at the Langham Hotel. Now that is the way too spend a few hours and the Chocolate Indulgence was to die for. Thanks for that wonderful interlude.

All good things must come to an end and before we knew it Saturday night had arrived and the travellers were heading home. Once again we had a great week and can't wait for your next visit.

After saying Au Revoir to Tammy & Paul, Bill & I joined Verity, Astrid & Hans for a night at the Atheneum Theatre in Collins St, where we saw Tim Finn's Anthology concert. It was a great show.

We had a very quiet Sunday, staying inside to avoid the heat, which had decided to come and stay breaking November records for almost 100 years. Washing & ironing was the most exciting part of the day as we prepared for life to return to normal routine. Back to work on Monday.

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