Back in the Chookpen

Victoria on fire! These images are not mine, they were taken from the News Reports but every night , on the news in Melbourne and indeed here, we were told of more devastation and more deaths and injuries.It was almost surreal. Then ,in between, stories of the joy of re unions and the bravery of people there and the firefighters. So far, 190 lives lost, just terrible and Australia cried. We also rallied and donated goods and money, to this day,$100 Million and it will surelybe needed to re -settle and re- build. It seemed obscene to travel outside the city so we stayed within and donated and shopped and had coffee wherever they advertised donations going to the bushfire appeal.

We mostly dined in China Town as that was right near our hotel or at the Casino,where food is cheap and I won nearly $800 .

We re discovered Mao's Restaurant but it was disappointing.

We saw driverless cars on the bridge at the Arts centre, a commercial was being shot. The Yarra river and South bank,federation Square ( Trev hates it, I quite like it and it grows on you)Chappel road and the Jam Factory ( Chappel Road has lost a lot of appeal) and Docklands where we did not quite reach harbour Town.

One of the horse drawn coaches

We visited every market,the Arts market (Oh such beautiful things and...............Poffertjes!!!!!!!)''the South Melbourne, the Prahan and ofcourse the famous Queen Victoria MARKETS WHERE, INCREDIBLY ,WE HAD TO BUY JACKETS TO COPE WITH THE COOL WEATHER.

famous dim sims in Sth Melbourne Markets

We went almost everywhere by tram. Anyone can tell you where to go.

The building which has the Block, a perspex block which moves out from the building to give a 360 degree view. did not go up, more's the pity

Birthday Party as seen from the Chookpen

With apologies to the Birthday girl. I did not get to you and some of the others nor the beautiful birthday cake because my battery ran out. Sorry Sarah and anyone else looking at this blog, click on a Branch of Peeps until Karen gets her photos on. She will no doubt have some terrific shots. The Tinkerbell Fairy castle

Dance concert too.

The Hostess , Karen & 3 Painted Ladies

How wonderful to be a kid these days. No ordinary parties. They either go out to a special function or stay home with lots of activities. Well Sarah had a Tinkerbell afternoon tea and there were lots of adults and about 20 kids. They had a facepainting lady in who also played pass the parcel (with everyone getting a prize) and she made them all fairy floss. She was a great artist. To top it off a Fairy bouncing castle was hired and a great deal of fun was had by all.

We're off to Melbourne early Monday morning so unless I find internet access at the hotel, I will return with lots of pictures after the 25th.

Someone turns 6 ,tomorrow in the house by the chookpen.

Chickens are doing well.Sometimes a bit hot for them but they would be hot anywhere, with the temperatures we are having. (A little cooler today, around 30 degrees. ) They now have names, Snugglepot,Cuddlepie and Possum so they are real Australian Sussex chicks!!!!! Rachel sent this pick of myself and Trev and Gary and Net ,taken at the engagement party. It's not often we four have a pic. together so thanks Rachel. Happy Birthday Sarah.........

Riley's Day, from the chookpen.

Lots-o-uncles (Scott, Travis, Gary) creating lots-o-hilarity in the pool,and a very wet Oma Carla on the pool surround. Are they legs in the air?????

Yes,they are Sarah's

Took lots-o-courage ,but Caitlyn bravely captured this crocodile.

The Pool doughnuts from Aunty Net & Uncle Gary created lots-o-fun.

It takes lots-o-strength to blow out 9 candles.

A chookpen for the Chookpen

In a moment we are off to Riley's 9th birthday.Happy Birthday Riley,with Love.

Saturday we watched Riley play cricket and Tuesday he climbed a (rubber ) mountain.

On Wednesday we painted one of our new bins with an image representing each grandchild. It looked grand , especially Bella's horse as she is an expert in that art. Come yesterday and they have almost vanished, the acrilic paint was cooked by the heat! We'll have to upgrade again and bondcrete it.

Kelly,Chelsea & Julie(thanks to Nanny for image or was it Chelsea?)

Last night we celebrated the engagement of Denise & Bruce's eldest, Christopher , to Rachel. A nice evening was held at a hotel on Scarborough bEACH rOAD. It was also a chance to say goodbye for a while to Kelly who is having her first Doctoring practice, working for a year at Albany.Good luck to all three and also to Ryan who now has to travel much futherto catch up with his girlfriend.

There is so much going on all the time and this blog is in no particular order.

Today the Main Branch was presented with a Sub Branch, we were given our very own beautiful Sussex chickens and we have a cute little run. Rick got them from some neighbours who are also in the force.