Got to love Australia Day .......

With only a week to go until Australia Day, celebrations were well underway. During the week we attended the Australia Day reception at Government House. This is a lovely evening where all the Australia Day ambassadors come together with many other community leaders, youth groups, members of the armed forces and lots of other normal people like us representing Australian companies for a night of glamour.

The event goes for about 3 hours with everyone gathering in the beautiful ballroom at Government House for drinks & Canapes before the official speeches start. The newest Governor of Victoria, Mr Chernov entertained us with an amusing speech and was then followed by a less than inspiring episode from our Premier, Ted Ballieu. Once finished you are free to wander the State Rooms, relax in the garden and generally just enjoy the beautiful grounds of Government House with more drinks and finger food constantly offered. We didn't need dinner after our visit! Just as we were leaving we met the Governor and he chatted and shook hands with us both. Our own little 'celebrity' moment. Other celeb's seen on the night were John Blackman, Father Bob, Jack Hogan, Dr Feelgood and Lisa Edwards. There were many other 'sightings' of people we recognised but too many to reel off here. All in all a fun night and a bit of a special occasion.

The next week Bill attended the Australia Post Legends lunch at the Convention Centre. I was unable to get time off work to join him and really missed not going. He enjoyed himself and this years Legends came from the world of Football. Eight champions, past & present, were chosen from the four codes of football. They were Ron Barassi AM & Gary Ablett representing AFL. John Raper MBE & Billy Slater showcasing Rugby League. David Campese AM & David Pocock were the giants of Rugby Union with Joe Marston MBE & Mark Schwarzer OAM recognised for their stellar careers in Soccer. Bill reported lunch itself was delicious and all in all an enjoyable event. Of course he missed me!

The following weekend the Harris family gathered at Maree's place for a bar-b-que to celebrate Jarrod's birthday. We had a great day and spent the afternoon relaxing under a tree in the backyard. Rem & Aaron cooked the wide variety of meats to perfection and the salads contributed by all were very tasty. It was good to see everyone and catch up again.

As Australia Day drew closer I started to notice some quirky posters at the tram stops along the way to work. Now all good self respecting Australians just love their Vegemite and it was one of their latest ads that had me snapping away for rhossietalk. Of course the sad fact is that Vegemite is no longer Australian owned but we can't let that small fact get in the way of it being 'the great Australian' spread. There were three posters around but it was this one that I thought was worth sharing here. Such a clever play on an old advertising slogan.

The other tram stop posters that caught my eye were very patriotic with the words of 'I am Australia' featuring. A little more difficult to capture with light shining behind but here it is anyway.

On the eve of Australia Day we met our friends, Grant & Jill, for dinner. The had come in from Adelaide for a couple days at the tennis and we caught up for a great night trying out a new restaurant along the river at Southgate. We met them in Chloe's bar at Young & Jackson's for a drink before crossing the river to find somewhere to eat. The place we chose, Il Primo Posto Italian Restaurant, has in fact been there for many years but has recently been refurbished along with all the other riverfront eateries. The food was delicious and our Honey Roasted Lamb just melted in the mouth. Grant's linguine & Bill's risotto also got rave reviews. We will certainly go back again to try some of their other dishes. We finished the night with a walk along the river to find some Gelato for desert and not long after that said our goodbyes. It was good to see them again and hope it won't be so long between visits next time.

We walked home to sort our self out for the next day's adventures. We were going bush again. I'll fill you in next time

so until then ...........

Well hello 2012.....

Before we knew it our first week at work was over and it was time to hit the road for a weekend at Eildon. We have loved our trips each year to visit Astrid, Hans & Bianca at their camp site at the lake and were looking forward to spending two nights there this year. After another red wine on Boxing Day we decided that it would be a good idea to go for two weekends and an even better idea to leave the camper there so we didn't have to tow it up & back twice. Travers would camp under the awning for the week we were at work so it was not deserted - he had a super dooper swag and looked quite comfortable in the photo he sent us.

We left after work on Friday night and travelled up and over the Black Spur to the camp site arriving just as it was getting dark. While we set up, Astrid heated up the quiche I had taken for dinner and very soon we were settled in and sharing a bottle of wine, just the thing after a busy week at work. A chilly night had us rugging up and Bill looking a treat in Astrid's purple beanie. No photo's, they didn't come out without the flash, sorry folks. We chatted for a couple of hours before turning in for the night and once inside we were warm & toasty and stayed that way until morning.

The next morning dawned bright, blue and sunny and while chilly for a while it warmed up quickly. I have decided that there is nothing better than waking up in the bush with the sounds of the birds all around. Bird life is a real feature at the lakeside camp ground with King Parrots, Rosellas, Noisy Miners, Kookaburras & White Winged Choughs all happily mingling with the campers. Some a little too close as the Parrots are quite happy to land on you if they think there is a chance of food. You are not meant too feed them but water is OK and a saucer left outside the van saw many of them drinking and bathing happily. After breakfast with the birds we spent a couple hours enjoying the sunshine and then we joined Astrid & Bianca for a drive into Alexander to shop for the weekends supplies. A coffee at the Dairy Cafe was another excuse to kick back in the sunshine but it was soon time to head back to meet Hans who was arriving soon. His holiday was starting today.

After lunch we decided it was time that we donned the bathers and tried out the water. Bill & Hans were not tempted but Astrid, Bianca & I swam for a half hour or so. The water was freezing at first but once we were in it was great. So hard to believe we were swimming where we had been walking just last year. And we couldn't even begin to touch the bottom - the lake at almost 100% full is a joy to behold - just so different from the 17% a few years ago. After our swim we took some time out relaxing in the shade and reconvened for pre dinner drinks and nibbles a little later. Bianca, Hans & Bill headed off to bar-b-que the meat for dinner and Astrid & I stayed on salad duty and before long we were tucking in to a yummy dinner and a great night of chatter. Another chilly night saw a few camp fires lit, but it was the Irish Boys that kept us amused for the evening. Obviously their last night here they were letting their hair down and playing drinking games. Mmm - Irish boys and alcohol - an interesting mix. As they got louder we could hear their dares were becoming more daring and before long the loser was dared to do the walk of shame. Yep - a nudie run around the camp ground. We just thought we'd make it interesting by lighting their way as they passed us. A little shock at first but before long the culprit was revelling in the attention. And the best thing was just 10 mins after curfew they went quiet and we never heard another peep out of them - anaesthetised I think. We too decided to call it a night and slept like logs after our day of sunshine and fresh air.

A slow start to a beautiful Sunday, Bianca cooked bacon & eggs for everyone, before moving to our campsite for morning tea at site 25. The morning just seemed to melt away and before long we were preparing to eat again. How time just flies by when you are just sitting back enjoying the bush, the birds and friends. After lunch it was time for us to tidy up, pack up and head back down the hill for another week at work. It was so hard to leave everyone but knowing we would be back the following weekend did make it easier to go. We left Hans putting the boat in and Bianca was going out to get some skiing in. Travers was arriving on Monday to take up residence under our awning - I really didn't want to leave but by Tuesday I was glad I had.

On Tuesday the lovely weather was replaced with a return to winter with snow falling on Mt Buller & Mt Hotham. Overnight temperatures of 5 and below made for a chilly week in the campsite though I must say I'm impressed they all stayed. No skiing though as the weather was so bad. We drove back on Friday night this time going up the Melba Hwy through Yea and Kinglake and while not as spectacular as the black spur it is not such a big hill. We were looking for an easier run down with the camper. It was so good to see everyone again and still very chilly but an extra blanket took care of that and again we were cozy and warm inside.

Once again we woke up to a bright, blue & chilly morning to find Hans, Bianca & Travers had already been for a ski. Travers was returning home that morning and wanted to get out on the water early. Breakfast with the birds kept us entertained for some time and before long we were saying goodbye to Travers as he left to go home. Bill & I took a drive into Alexander to pick up a few bits and then we came back for lunch and a lazy afternoon of R & R. We girls swam as the afternoon warmed up but once again the boys watched from the shade of the gum trees. The many birds kept us all entertained during our waking hours as they went about their business among the campers. Watching people packing up & leaving, others coming in and setting meant that there was never a dull moment. Lots of people come up for 2 or 3 weeks like Hans & Astrid, others like us are just in & out for the weekend but all seemed very organised and very friendly.

Saturday night we were being spoiled with Bianca making her special Bianca Burgers - Yummy homemade hamburgers that really needed two hands to handle them. Absolutely wonderful and our salad was pretty good too I reckon. After dinner we took our chairs and our wine down to the lake where we had a camp fire in one of the appointed fire rings. Later we had chocolate bananas done in the coals and they were just 'heavenly'. With a cloudless sky it was a bit chilly but extra layers and a roaring fire meant we stayed nice and warm as we ate, drank and stargazed for a few hours. The night sky has to be seen to be believed away from the city lights. We all slept very well that night.

Sunday mornings bacon & eggs brunch tasted so good as Bianca cooked up a storm once again. We decided that we would clean and pack up while the others headed out for a ski now the water and the weather seemed better. That is the only bad bit about camping, sooner or later it all needs to be packed up and you have to go home again. We had a coffee and said our final goodbyes and drove off into the afternoon for our trip back to the city. We had had a wonderful two weekends and can't wait too do it all again next year. Thank you all so much for letting us share your holiday and showing us how much fun life in the bush can be.

Our trip home down the Melba Hwy was an easy run and after a mercy stop at Ringwood to give Travers back his wallet - yes he had left it there, we arrived home tired but happy and already looking forward to our next trip away. Not just yet - we need a weekend at home to do some chores.

So after a wonderful start to 2012 and with many more adventures planned for the future I'll say goodnight for now and

until next time......

A fond farewell to 2011

It only seems like yesterday that we were watching the fireworks bringing in 2011 and here it is almost over again. We have had lots of fun times during the year and apart from Bill's health scare in June we can look back and think 2011 was a good year. Of course you all know by now that we have become part time grey nomads with the purchase of our Camper trailer in October and what better way to finish the year but with one final adventure.

We both had leave on Friday 30th and another 4 day weekend gave us the opportunity to head off again and get another 3 nights practice under our belts. The 25 Frogs Christmas Party was being held at Trevor's place in Macedon so we booked into the local caravan park and stayed until Monday. A nice quiet little park, with basic but serviceable amenities, it was a nice spot to call home for a few days. And only five mins from our venue that night so no problems with getting lost on the way home.

We had a great night with 12 of us descending on Trevor & Chris for a night of fabulous food and fun. Not to mention the drinks of course. With Debbie & Tony making a return visit from Bahrain, they take the prize again for the longest journey. Jean also travelled all over the country side to visit with a NSW - Qld - NSW - Vic - NSW round trip to meet all her family obligations. It was good to see her again after almost 2 years and we were all pleased that she had been able to squeeze us in. Jeff & Helen also came down from NSW and Steve from country Vic so our little jaunt paled into insignificance against these travellers. Trevor excelled himself making home made pizzas and we were lining up to get them almost before they came out of the pizza oven. The bar-b-que that followed was just as good and we all ate too much again. Chili was a feature of the night with the menu reflecting this favourite food. Chili Pizza, Chili rice, Chili Beer & Chili Ginger Beer (both home brewed). These proved to be a hit with some of the guys and I believe were responsible for a few fuzzy heads the next morning. Now chili & I don't get on any more and I've no idea how Trevor knew this but he had made separate 'no chili' versions just for me. How good was that! Once again the boys had a fun time recalling some of the mischief they had gotten up to as young Radio Apprentices and we ladies are learning so much more about our boys than we ever knew. All good of course - NOT! With New Years Eve the following night most of us were on our way before midnight though the home made brews did entice a couple of diehards to stay on. A great night was had by all again and we are looking forward to even more fun get togethers in 2012.

We returned to our home on wheels and were asleep before our heads hit the pillows and stayed that way until the Kookaburras woke us in the morning. We had a lazy morning with a late breakfast and then decided that we would take a look around our local area and so drove down to Gisborne where we had coffee before venturing further afield. Next stop was a quick look around Woodend before we headed off to our star attraction of the day - Hanging Rock. Yes the same Hanging Rock of 'Picnic' fame. I had been there 32 years ago with Auntie Muriel and we had climbed to the top to see the view. Not an easy climb I remember as we scrambled over rocks and crevices but we did persevere and enjoyed the view once we got there. Now the rock has a 'Summit walk' which is a path winding it's way up to the top. It is steep in parts but not too difficult for anyone to do now. There are plenty of opportunities along the way to look at the views and for us there were plenty of birds to entertain us. The little fantails were just lovely and they were quite happy to pose for Bill and his camera went into overdrive as he clicked away. Once at the top I kept my distance from the edge but Bill did venture a little further getting some nice pictures of the surrounding countryside.

Coming down we decided that we would change our route and take the stairs from the halfway mark and it was here that we found the actual 'hanging rock' that the park is named after (not pictured). Said to be the best example of a volcanic plug or mamelon in the world, Hanging Rock consists mainly of soda trachyte rock (solvsbergite), found only outside this district in Norway and Sweden. Since its formation, the mamelon has been exposed to considerable weathering and erosion, resulting in a conglomeration of unusual rock formations that can now be seen here. Once a reputed refuge for bush rangers it is now more famous for it's Picnic Day Race meetings one of which is held on New Years Day each year. We were one day too early but did see all the marquees set up and ready for the big event. Have put that one on the list for a future date. Once down we had some lunch in the Cafe and the smoked salmon was just delicious. I would go back just for that again it was so good. There were lots of people taking advantage of the lovely day and picnicing in the reserve and many still climbing the rock as we left for our next stop.

A short drive through some lovely countryside and soon we were driving up through Mount Macedon. We drove up to the top to see the Memorial Cross. The 21m high Memorial Cross is a short walk from the car park surrounded by a beautiful formal garden and a Snow Gum forest. It is an imposing structure commemorating those who served in the world wars and was the brain-child of Mr William Cameron, a businessman living in Mount Macedon. His purpose in building the Cross was two-fold - to be a permanent memorial to the Australian soldiers who died in World War 1 and as well during the construction, to provide work for the unemployed of the district during the great depression of the early 1930’s. He not only provided the inspiration and the determination to follow up his plans for the Cross but provided funds for its future maintenance.

Our next stop was Days Reserve where we followed the Sanatorium Eco Forest walk to the beautiful Sanatorium Lake. This is a man made lake that was built around 1899 to supply water to a sanatorium located nearby. Now it is home to many native animals and a favourite water hole for local kangaroos and koalas. It is also known as the nicest reflection pool in the area.

That night was our quietest New Years for a long time with cold meat and salad back at the van, we watched a movie and as soon as the clock struck midnight it was off to bed for some well deserved zzzz's. It had been a big day.

More exploring was on the agenda for the next day and we headed off to Lerderderg State Park. Our first stop was Lerderderg Gorge where we found lots of people trying to beat the heat in the popular swimming hole. A drive from there to the other end of the State Park though the 4WD tracks was a bit of fun and our next stop was at O'Briens crossing, another popular camping and swimming hole. We continued through the forest until we came to the main road and our next stop was the Blackwood Mineral Springs Reserve. This lovely picnic spot with a river running through it is also home to three mineral springs and the water from these was surprising. How strange to drink sparkling mineral water coming straight from the ground. We spent a couple hours here watching little yellow robins and kookaburras before heading back to Macedon for another quiet night in. Quiche & salad followed by a movie was a great finish to the day and our heads hit the pillow much earlier than the night before.

The following morning we were up bright and early, having breakfast and getting ready to pack up. With a forecast temp of 40 deg we decided that an early start was the best way to go to beat both the heat and the other travellers returning home from the Christmas/New Year break. As a result we had an easy drive home, stored the trailer and I was sorting the washing by mid afternoon. We had thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and were looking forward to the next weekend when we were off to Lake Eildon. In the meantime it was back to work for both of us but only 4 days and counting.

Bill & I hope you all enjoyed your festive season as much as we did and we wish you all a very Happy New Year. Hope it brings all you wish for and health and happiness abounds. So I'll wish you good night now and see you again soon.

until next year...........

Christmas time fun....

We spent Christmas Eve at home this year and thought we might wander over to the Myer Music Bowl to listen to the Carols. It was a sellout, but a nice warm night was just the encouragement we needed to go for a walk and check it out. We had dinner beside the Yarra and then walked back across the bridge to the Music Bowl. We were able to sit on the hill right outside the fence and while we couldn't really see the stage we could see it on the big screen. Thousands of people had gathered in the balmy night and it really looked quite festive with all the candles waving in the night. Soon after we heard rumbles of thunder and decided it might be time to head for home before the rain hit. We did so and watched the rest on TV. And missed the rain too.

And so before we knew it we were waking up on Christmas morning. Very quiet this year without the kids here but in retrospect a good start to what would become a fabulous fun day. We exchanged our gifts after breakfast, and were both very happy with 'our loot', before getting ready to head off to Faye & Rem's place where the family was gathering for the big day. The festivities began in earnest with the exchanging of gifts all handed out by a very enthusiastic Ethan who was enjoying his first family Christmas for 4 years. Everyone was happy again and Ethan was just itching to get out and try out his new Boogie board.

A little later we were joined by Rem's Aunties, cousins and friends and before long we were summoned to the table, set for 20, to start our Christmas dinner. What a feast it was with bar-b-que prawns and antipasto to start, followed by the traditional roast dinner. The pulling of crackers was pretty random but finally all were done, trinkets collected, jokes told and silly hats donned, glasses filled and refilled as a the group relaxed into party mode. One little moment of panic as the burnt carrots set off the smoke alarm but Rem came to the rescue waving the tea towel to disperse the smoke. Offending carrots discarded and plenty more in the pan to replace those few. All the plates looked like they had been licked clean & dinner was rated 5*. A platter of fresh fruit after the mains kept us full as we waited for the Christmas Pudding which Mum had made this year. It was worth the wait and was truly yummy.

The boys headed outside to play Bocce but soon after the storm that was threatening all day finally arrived and hail and heavy rain brought everyone back inside where the game changed to Uno and kept the masses entertained some more. Late afternoon saw Rem's family leave and not long after Jarrod & Aaron arrived for what would become another food fest and Super Uno Challenge. Christmas tea was just a picking affair with most of us opting for a second go at the Christmas pudding and custard. And mince pies & shortbread of course. Would we ever need to eat again. Thank you so much Faye & Rem for a fabulous day and a wonderful Christmas. So good to have you home again.

Boxing Day started slowly and we had a quiet morning at home before leaving early afternoon for our drive to Healesville. We were off to join Astrid, Hans & Bianca for their traditional 'leftover lunch' with the neighbors. We have been adopted as honorary neighbors and once again we had a great afternoon and evening with all the friends and relations gathered at Chum Creek. There was one surprise guest with Santa making an appearance after being blown off course on his way back to the North Pole. He did the rounds of the table trying to find out who had been naughty or nice but there seemed to be quite the attraction to the lady in the Santa hat of her own. Yep, Santa was definitely flirting with Astrid. Hope Hans doesn't find out, never did figure out where he had gone too while Santa was visiting. Christmas dinner, complete with Pudding & custard, for the second day in a row probably did not do the waistline any good but it's only once a year, what harm can it do and it all tasted so good. It would have been criminal to waste it. What else are neighbors for.

A Public Holiday on Tuesday made for a 4 day weekend and we joined Pat, Russell, Blake & Mitchell, from Perth, for a days sightseeing in the city. They were visiting Melbourne for Christmas with Pat's Sister and we were stealing them for the day. We had had dinner with them in Lygon St the previous Friday night and our mission today was to visit the Edge in Eureka Tower and have a Sausage and Sauerkraut at Riverland Bar at Federation Wharf. With mission accomplished, after our lunch beside the Yarra, we decided that the boys had to see Chloe so went across to Young & Jacksons where we had a drink in Chloe's Bar, right beside the famous painting.

From there we went in search of another of Melbourne's quirky bars and found our self on the rooftops in Bourke St having a drink at the famous Madame Brussels. A rather fancy terrace and a fun place to have a drink the history of the place is as interesting as some of the patrons. Previously a sweetheart of the Duke of Edinburgh in the 1867 the lady married a remittance man and ran brothels in and around the city. It is obviously a favourite place to meet and have a drink judging by the number of people enjoying the sunshine. A quick drink there and we moved over the road to another Melbourne Institution, Pelligrini's Expresso Bar. The 1950s-style espresso bar hasn’t changed in years. The gleaming coffee machine (allegedly the first in Melbourne) still makes great coffee and mama's cakes are very tempting. The home made baked cheesecake was just perfect and in winter the pasta and minestrone are so good too. We called it a day after this and took the tram home saying goodbye to our friends as they were off to help finish Christmas leftovers at Tracey's place. it was good to see you all again and we hope that you enjoyed your day out as much as we did.

It was back to work the next day for Bill and me but only two days to go and we were off on our final adventure of the year.

until then........