Home for the big birthday bash.........

The next morning it seemed very strange to wake up in a bedroom and not have to get ready to travel again.  I'm sure we will adapt but not sure if we want too just yet, but for now we have to spend a couple of weeks at home as we have a big birthday bash to organise.  Yes, Bill is turning 60, a little way behind a lot of us but as we know good things come to all who wait.  But more on that later.

The first job to deal with was the back lawn (read overgrown weeds).  Before we left we had organised a local man to keep the front lawn mowed but hadn't thought the back would need it.  Imagine our surprise when we found knee deep green in our little yard.  I guess we were gone a long time.  The first mow filled our green waste bin and the following week the rest followed but at least our weeds looked tidy again.  

After the lawn was taken care of we went into town to pick up our mail and do some shopping.  I'm sure the post office was glad to see us.  Back at home our gorgeous neighbours Wilma and Gordon came in to welcome us home and we enjoyed an hour or two catching up on each others news.  And the yummy chocolate cake Wilma brought with her was good too.   

The next job was to empty the van and organise the bed as we would need that to accommodate visitors the next weekend.  We did this over the week but soon enough it was clean and tidy once more just begging us to hitch up and leave again - but no - we had to wait.

We drove across to Shepparton one day and of course just like before our first stop was Bunnings.  Bill couldn't wait to renew his relationship with them and we left with more tools for the shed and a wheelbarrow.  Looks like he's getting serious now.

The next morning was the 24th and Bill was finally turning 'the big 60'.  He spent the day pottering around, walked into town for a coffee and then just chilling out in general.  That night I took him to The Butter Factory for dinner and we enjoyed a lovely meal together to celebrate the big day.  The main event was happening the next weekend when the family were coming up from Melbourne.

Our second week at home was similar to the first as we reacquainted ourselves with our neighbourhood and our home, we were still getting used to all this extra room to ramble around in.  Bill continued to edit the many photos he had taken on our trip and I have used some of the beautiful birds here rather than mundane backyard weeds.

And then it was Friday and we were waiting for the gang to arrive.  This year in Melbourne the State Government declared Grand Final Eve a Public Holiday and so everyone was driving up today and staying for two nights.

Faye, Rem and Ethan arrived first and it was lovely to see them all again and hear all about what they had been up too since we left the city in March.  We soon had them set up in the back sun room, air mattresses pumped and sleeping bags ready.  Camping indoors was the order of the day.

Maree, Mum and Aaron arrived later in the afternoon and more cups of tea, coffee and chatter took place, beds were allocated and Aaron erected his tent in the back yard.  All set to go, let the fun begin.

Dinner that night was a barbecue and we had a great night in with lots of stories and laughs where of course Bill featured in quite a lot of them as his family helped him celebrate.  The first 'big one' they have all been part of since his 21st as we were on the other side of the country.  

The next morning the party atmosphere continued with breakfast around the big table and then we all wandered into town for a look and of course a coffee and cake at the bakery.  Back at home we got ourselves set up to watch The Grand Final on TV and enjoyed drinks and nibbles throughout the afternoon.  With none of our teams playing it was easy to watch and I was the only one smiling at the end when the Hawks won.  Everyone else had gone for the West Coast Eagles.

Once the footy was over it was time to don the glad rags and get ready for the birthday dinner.  We all walked across to the Seven Creeks Hotel where we had a lovely meal and a fun time.  Back at home it was time for Birthday Cake and the obligatory pics which were a bit of fun as everyone had to have a photo with the birthday boy.

We had all had a great day, and though sad that David and Gareth and their families couldn't be with us, I think we can call the big birthday bash a success.

Unfortunately our young neighbours on the other side also had a party that night and like most young people theirs was just beginning as ours was finishing.  No one slept that night due to the noise and it was 8 very weary folk that came together for breakfast on Sunday.  A shame but we have survived to tell the tale and hopefully it won't happen too often.

We said goodbye to everyone during the morning and after lunch Bill and I walked across to the park to see the Euroa Show and Shine.  Wow, what an event.  A glorious day and the entire park, both sides of the Sevens Creek, was filled with cars of all sorts.  Old, new, vintage and unique all making for a fabulous event.  

A small market place was taking place along the road and some kids rides added to the carnival atmosphere of the event.  I'm glad we went but was glad to get home to fall in a heap after a big weekend and restless night.  

The next day was a busy one as I tackled the beds and housework again getting ready for more visitors arriving the next day.  Lorraine and Hans were visiting from Perth for a few days on their way home from Canberra.  It was so good to see them both again and we enjoyed the short and sweet visit with them. 

We all drove across to Tabilk Winery on Thursday where we enjoyed a yummy lunch, wine tasting and a look at the new Black Caviar sculpture in Nagambie's Jacobs Lookout.

The next week started off quietly until Bill discovered some paving bricks for sale on Gumtree and then spent the next couple of days transporting 1000 of these from a farm nearby to home.  Thank goodness we are going away on Thursday, I think he needs a rest.

So on that note it's time I was gone too

Until next time.......