What should have been

was another win for the Bombers on Anzac Day. The reality was a horrible game and the nastiest score we have seen for a long time. Still we can't have everything. On Sunday Bill & I, together with Tammy & Paul, met Verity, Susanne, Bryce & Denise for the big game at the MCG. This has become a major event in our calender and together with 90,070 other people we watched the Bombers crash & burn. There really isn't much to say other than it was a very frustrating game to watch and we hope they can do better in the future. The loss took nothing away from the Anzac Day ceremony before the game and as usual it was a spine tingling few moments as the Last Post was played and Advance Australia Fair was sung.

We had watched some of the parade on the way to the game and were pleasantly surprised to see that all the press during the week about who could and couldn't march seemed to have little effect. There were lots of people marching and as always St Kilda Rd was lined with people watching all the way to the Shrine. Yes, I know, we really have to get up and make the Dawn Service one year. We stopped on the way and had lunch at Riverland, a bar in the old vaults under Federation Square. It was very popular spot for many people who had completed the march and we shared a table with 3 blokes who were having a great day.

It was after the game while trying to get around the cheering Collingwood mob (how rude) that we found Bianca, forgave her for her teams ungracious flogging of us and very happily taste tested her Anzac Cookies. A real treat and just enough to tide us over until we found dinner. Next stop was a little bar where we found many other Bomber supporters, many still in shock and we drowned our sorrows. Hunger pangs drove us on from there to Ants Bistro in Chinatown where we had a great dinner and solved the problems of the world. Well of the football game anyway. A great night was had by all and once home it was 4 weary people who hit the sack.

Monday saw a change of pace as Bill drove Tammy, Paul & me up to Sassafras where we had a lovely treat, Heavenly Scones, at Brother John's. It seemed that everyone in Victoria had the same destination in mind and with all the cafes full it was just sheer luck that we found this little place. Paul's soup was almost as yummy as our scones with jam & cream. A walk through town after lunch took us into a gorgeous little shop where we were all tempted with hats. Now I just need a scarf to match.
Down the hill again and we drove into Belgrave to see Puffing Billy. With all tickets sold out we just watched from the platform as it steamed up and got ready to rumble. It was almost as exciting as being on it. Once the little train puffed out of sight we headed home where Paul cooked us a yummy seafood pasta dinner. You can come again!

With Bill & I back to work the next day, Tammy & Paul had lots of time to explore the city and surrounds and did just that over the next two days, coming home each night with lots of bags. Tuesday night saw us having dinner in our favorite place in Lygon St. Sale e Pepe's as usual did not disappoint. I think it was that final Lemoncello that had me feeling just a little peaky the following day. Still I made it through so all's well.

Our final adventure was an unplanned drive across the Westgate Bridge as I picked the wrong lane while driving Tammy & Paul to the airport on Wednesday night. Lucky we had plenty of time. It is a great view at night and something they just had to see. Anyway we finally made it and said farewell once more.

Can't wait till next time........