The Glitz & The Glamour.....

Wow, what a night. Bill & I had the night of our lives last Monday when we received a last minute invitation to the 2010 Brownlow Medal Count. With only a few hours warning there was no time to stress over what to wear & we managed admirably. Every moment from the 'Blue Carpet' entrance to the Afterparty in Studio 3 was just pure glitz & glamour.

We shared our table with Guy McKenna and his gorgeous wife. And No we didn't get any inside information on whether Gary Ablett Jnr would be changing states. Our other dinner guests were Russell, a board member from North Melbourne football club, two very nice girls from Swatch Watch and another couple from the AFL.

James Hird & his wife were at the table beside us. This year almost everyone attending was looking very elegant. The Palladium at Crown just sparkled and with 1400 people attending, most in Black Tie & Evening wear it was an event to remember. The food and wine was excellent and the count itself was so exciting.

The arrival of the envelopes by Armoured Guard sent a ripple of anticipation through the crowd and with Judd out in front all night it got a bit close with only a couple of rounds to go. The excitement levels went up a nocth before the last round put him in the winners circle again.

With Melbourne in 'football mode' all week the city has had an air of excitement as it gears up for the Big Game at the MCG. It really is a lot of fun watching the city take on the atmosphere of whatever event is happening. As you can imagine, everywhere is a sea of either Black & White or Red White & Black as the workers and the city traders get into the vibe. And by now, of course, you all will know that they have to do it all again next week. Just when you thought it was safe to turn on the telly again. We had been going to watch the game in the city but with most venues full making it standing room over we decided that the couch at home would be the best place for Bill's wonky hip.

The other big event this week has been Bill's Birthday, he's now officially able to get cheap tickets to the movies at ACMI. We had dinner last night at the Rising Sun. Love that steak. This morning we were up bright & early to catch the train to Mordialloc where we had breakfast with Mum & Maree. It was great to see them both again and the French Toast with bacon and banana at Seed Cafe is just yummy and worth the train ride. Coming back into town with a train full of Collingwood & St Kilda supporters made for a fun ride as they all happily chatted together and ribbed one another. I'm thinking it might be a quieter ride home as they all think what might have been.

And tormorrow we are off to have lunch with Astrid & Hans at the Vines at Helens Hill, a winery in Coldstream. Home again and lunch was just lovely. The food and bubbles were great and a few hours in the sun filled dining room with friends was such a nice way to spend the afternoon. Oh and desert was just fabulous.

So with a week full of football & parties over it's time for me to leave you now. Just one question before I go, just what on earth is this latest installation in the ACCA forecourt. It appeared 2 weeks ago and I can only conclude that Melbourne is definitely not heaven as it certainly is all happening here.

until next time............