Daylesford 2023

After the Christmas service at Christ Church Dingley presents were opened and we then decided to visit Daylesford a couple of days later to enjoy rural Victoria. It was a hectic day which started at Cliffys Emporium for breakfast (GO THERE) followed by some failed attempts at art galleries which were closed to eventually go back to the The Mill Market which we visited with my mother only a few months back. We checked into the motel and then proceeded to take a heritage train ride to relax. Once done we ventured into the town to browse the quaint shops, visited Hepburn gin distillery and crawled a few pubs. Once done we freshed up and headed out for an Indian opposing the motel before watching the Cricket and nodding off.

What a GREAT DAY.

Daylesford

Perth 2023

We finally made it to Perth, well half of us did. As Karl Jnr finished school this year we decided to check out Western Australia. It was a four-day adventure packed with seeing as much as we could to understand how it ticked. Besides being a little parochial it was definitely more friendly than Melbourne and had a nice laidback feel with beautiful beaches, great weather and some great pubs. We also got to see my Aunt Maureen and Uncle Brian, our good friend Chris and one of my properties in Westminster (yes yes not so upmarket) so it was not all holiday. 

I like to keep these blogs short so I will just mention a few highlights in succession. The gig watching Last Quokka at Badlands Bar was great, Karl eating his $70 tiger prawns, the Lobster in Freemantle harbour, the Prison, followed by the Little Creatures brewery, Scarborough Beach, Perth city with its quaint walkways, Perth's cultural centre with my favourite pub, Nobu at the Crown, the Zoo, Perth hop-on-hop-off and a very nice Hotel. 

We'll be back.

Perth 2023

Karl's Valedictory & Martin gets his L's

Just a quick blog today with some footage of Martins's first drive around the industrial area. I have to say that all that Forza has helped and he got it in one. 

It was a busy week with Karl's valedictory (aka participation award) where we had to sit through four hours of self-congratulation. Earlier this morning we got Martin a suit for his year 10 formal next week while Karl was working. We had some brunch at The Nest then headed home to do the chores and get ready for the trip to Perth.

Martin takes the wheel

Martin turns 16

It was a great day today with the obligatory morning present opening followed by a great lunch at Ikkoryu Fukuoka where you can customize your Ramen. On the way back we stopped off at Deeds Taproom and Kitchen for a swift schooner. One of the presents was a Miyoo Mini+ and it was a winner. I'm very proud of my two boys. PS Melbourne is still one amazing city.

Happy Birthday Dork

175 Years of the Royal Melbourne Show

It was sad to see Mom leave on the 28th so to cheer ourselves up a little we headed off to the Royal Melbourne Show. It was the same as every year but it's still something we love doing as a family as it brings back many great memories. It was pretty empty due to it being Grand Final day but we never complained. Saying that we got home to watch the Pies take a well-deserved win. 

PS Georgie and Karl Jnr have also decided to visit South Africa early next year.

The show must go on

Karl Jnr turns 18

Just a short post on Karl Jnr's 18th birthday. We did the obligatory morning birthday cake and song for breakfast where Karl received a few gifts, including a shaver to smooth out that hamster on his lip. We went out for lunch to Chocolate Budda in Federation Square and enjoyed some great food. Sadly, it is also the 2nd last day that Gran is here as she is leaving for South Africa tomorrow. The only good news is that Karl and Georgie will go early next year to visit.

PS Karl bought his first beer at Dan Murphy's and kept the receipt.

18th for No.1

Korumburra with Gran

It was the last little trip with Mom on a glorious spring day, so it was off to Korumburra. We stopped off at Tooradin for coffee before arriving at Coal Creek Museum in Korumburra. After a stroll, we hit the high street before heading off to Lock for a fantastic lunch at a local wood-fired pizza restaurant. It was then back home to enjoy the sun to get ready for work tomorrow. PS Australia is awesome.

Some Video

Sculpture Park

It's the final week of Mom's stay and today Martin had a PGA golf excursion at Sandhurst where he was closest to the pin and earned himself $100 of merch. While he was there Georgie and I went to McClelland Park for the 1st time and it was great. We collected Martin, picked up Karl and Gran and then headed to Mama Nuoi in Aspendale for lunch. A quick movie (The Matrix; as Gran has never seen it) and a BBQ later should round out the day as tomorrow's adventure awaits.

The Park

Bendigo with Gran

Whenever Gran arrives we go on a trip; this time it was to Bendigo. On the way, we stopped off in Castlemaine at the Viennese restaurant where Gran had goulash. We had been to Bendigo before and had the perfect place to stay that would make Gran's day, the All Seasons Hotel. We took the tram, visited The Great Stupa and ate like kings. I hope Gran had a good time as the weather was fantastic and the atmosphere was peaceful in good old Australia.

Bendigo time with Gran

Snow fail

It's August and we are in the middle of winter but for 'the one week' we decide to go to Buller the snow hid and all lifts were stopped on the day due to high winds, so I chalk that up to bad luck. It's still a beautiful place just 2.5 Hours from Melbourne. Today however was another golf competition Martin took part in which took place at Sandhurst Golf Club. The lad sure has come on and plays some mean bogey golf (official 23 handicap). He has what it takes to be a very good player; it is now up to him. Next month is going to be crazy with my mom arriving, doing a speaking event in the Gold Coast and Karl's 18th Birthday.

FORE

Golf Comp

Martin participated in his second golf competition today at his home club Woodlands. Things started off well and then things turn south. With all that said, it was a fun day where dad was the caddy and the weather turned up to make it a beautiful winter's day. After the round and the card was handed in (Martin plays off a 21 handicap) we went for Ramen at Shyun Ramen Bar.

FORE

Winter is here

Winter has arrived but in true Aussie fashion, the weather turns out to be a beauty which means a road trip. This time it was Karl Jnr doing the driving as he needs the hours. Mom was being a right old Karen in the backseat but we got to our destination in one piece. Our first stop was Mock Red Hill where we had all their tasters with the apple pie being the best. It was then off to test his skills on the winding roads at Arthurs Seat which almost saw mom having a coronary. The last stop was at Pure Peninsula Honey where we bought some ciders and HONEY.

Still a long way to go

April Road Trip #2

Another trip and Dad is knackered. We went to Philip Island today (somewhere G and I have never been - Boys have) to have a look around. We started off in Cowes for some brekkie and then onto Phillip Island Wildlife Park. The boys had a good time with the animals and then onto a few viewing spots culminating in the chocolate factory. Tummys were rumbling so we stop off in San Remo for some lunch at the local Motel. We then headed home, relaxed, and had a BBQ and now blogging while the family are watching a movie.

April Road Trip #2