THURSDAY 31st MARCH
I got up about 6.30am to go to the loo and encountered Jeannette getting ready for work. I returned to bed fairly promptly after emptying my bladder, and woke up a couple of hours later to the sound of clanking spanners. I got up post haste, and went out to find the car jacked up and the mechanic working underneath. After overcoming a problem with a faulty earth connection, the mechanic completed his work around 10.30am, and I paid the bill, half on Bridie's card and half on mine - we certainly timed our visit well!
I texted Bridie with the information that I was on my way. As it costs her 2E to receive Australian calls, speech has been saved for dire emergencies only. I was given coffee and toast upon my arrival in Eastwood, and suitably replete, we set off for Hornsby. There was 3 hours free parking at the Westfield Shopping Centre, which we utilised in almost its entirety. Bridie and Angela found much to sustain their interest in Myers, and eventually made some purchases. We then went for a luncheon snack in the Food Hall, after which I directed the ladies to David Jones store whilst I adjourned to JB HiFi. I found a Peter & Gordon Australian compilation for $5.99, and that was my solo purchase of this particular shopping trip. Robert phoned to say that Nick's training had been cancelled and Jane wasn't going to yoga. I told him we would pick him up from work at 5pm.
We drove back to Oakhurst calling in at Plumpton enroute to post Bridie and Angela's postcards and buy some chews for Reilly. I was short changed by the cashier by $5 and had to forceably argue my case with the supervisor, who initially wanted to refund me $2, until I pointed out that I had paid with a $10 note but had been given change for a $5 note. Damn youth of today can't count!
After a rest and a cup of tea we tried out Robert's car by going to the pub. Jeannette had gone to Penrith to see her father. Both Bridie and Angela opted for the beer battered barramundi, chips and salad, whilst I asked for the garlic prawn chile sizzler. I asked for it as the main course option, but instead got the smaller starter option! It seems these ruddy Aussies have as much difficulty in understanding my dulcet tones as I do in understanding their form of English! Anyway a donation of chips, a piece of barramundi and the bulk of Bridie's salad turned my plate into a full sized meal.
Jeannette was home when we got back and said that her parents were very keen to meet Bridie and Angela. I could make some comment about people not knowing when they are well off - but I won't as it might get a Chile reception! Anyway I drove the two of them home and returned home cursing the roadworks on the M7 that reduced the speed limit to 40kph.
Thursday, 31 March 2011
MOBILE MECHANICS
WEDNESDAY 30th MARCH
Virtually the whole day was taken up with the problem of Rob's immobile Hyundai. A mobile mechanic was contacted and was due to arrive between 10-12. The weather in the morning was superb, and Bridie and Angela went by train to Town Hall and thence to Darling Harbour.
They also took in the QVB Building in their travels and other downtown sights.
I in the meantime awaited the arrival of the mechanic, doing some work on the computer. Our man arrived about 11.50am and I explained the problem. He had a look and pronounced the battery as knackered, and quoted a price of $160 for a replacement. I said go ahead as without that he could make no further progress, and anyway Bridie had offered to pay! Our man returned and commented on leaking hoses from the radiator, I mentioned this to Rob on the phone who told me that he had had a new radiator fitted recently. I passed this info on to the mechanic who said there was little lubricant left in the rad, and it would need new hoses and clips. Fair enough I responded. It was the starter motor that was the root of the problem. The mechanic went off to work out a quote for the entire job including the call out fee of $90. The total came to over a grand but he rounded it down to an even $1000. I spoke to Robert, whose only comment was, "He's taking the piss". I replied that the job needed to be done - otherwise I would be taxiing him to and from work for evermore! I told him I would pay half the cost, as I don't think Bridie was thinking in terms of a grand when she offered to pay. I gave the mechanic the go ahead and he said he'd be gone for about an hour or so.
Sitting in the back typing away, I suddenly heard a peal of thunder and went outside to have a look. A massive black cloud was approaching with thunder and lightning in evidence. I quickly took Reilly to the park before the storm reached us, and got back just in time before the skies errupted. Apparently the girls got caught in the downpour making their way back to Town Hall from Darling Harbour. Ah well, there's always a silver lining to every cloud!
The mechanic phoned later to say that the starter motor he had collected was wrong and he would go searching for the right one elsewhere. He phoned again just before 5pm to say that he had found the correct starter and would be over first thing in the morning to fit it. The storm passed over, but the temperature fell from around 26 to I guess about 18/19 degrees. And that really was that, apart from a very tasty pasta bake created by Jeannette for dinner.
Virtually the whole day was taken up with the problem of Rob's immobile Hyundai. A mobile mechanic was contacted and was due to arrive between 10-12. The weather in the morning was superb, and Bridie and Angela went by train to Town Hall and thence to Darling Harbour.
Sitting in the back typing away, I suddenly heard a peal of thunder and went outside to have a look. A massive black cloud was approaching with thunder and lightning in evidence. I quickly took Reilly to the park before the storm reached us, and got back just in time before the skies errupted. Apparently the girls got caught in the downpour making their way back to Town Hall from Darling Harbour. Ah well, there's always a silver lining to every cloud!
The mechanic phoned later to say that the starter motor he had collected was wrong and he would go searching for the right one elsewhere. He phoned again just before 5pm to say that he had found the correct starter and would be over first thing in the morning to fit it. The storm passed over, but the temperature fell from around 26 to I guess about 18/19 degrees. And that really was that, apart from a very tasty pasta bake created by Jeannette for dinner.
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
THE QUEENS IN WINDSOR
TUESDAY 29th MARCH
It was flipping early when Robert woke me up announcing he was ready to go to work. Being his usual chirpy self in the morning (I don't think), we drove in silence other than the car radio disseminating the sports news. I got him to Distribution Road at Seven Hills spot on 7.30am, and then took off for Eastwood. The traffic was pretty heavy and I got to BoJo's about 8.15am, managing to park outside the cafe. The usual egg and bacon roll washed down by a cup of coffee saw me through the morning paper, and I drove up to Ward Street about 9.00am. The inhabitants were up and breakfasted. Bridie made me a cup of tea and toast, and we then set off. We then drove down into Eastwood and I showed the ladies the shortest route to the station and explained which line they needed to catch to get into the city. We went to the Bureau de Change in Eastwood and without any request for ID they happily changed 300 of Angela's American Dollars into their Australian equivalent, without any commission charge. Then it was Oakhurst ho! Whilst the girls sat outside at Knolton Place, I took Reilly for a walk, and we then set of for Windsor. We walked the length of the main street including the pedestrian precinct, and then went
into the Macquarie pub for lunch. It along with several others in Australia claims to be the oldest pub in the land dating back to 1815.
It was a stuggle finishing the meals especially as we ordered two portions of garlic bread on top of the two cesar salads (one with chicken and one with lamb) and a basket of calamari and chips.
Bridie was able to revisit a VB (in fact we all had a Victoria Bitter), and the heat of the day allied to full stomachs made us all quite sleepy. I took forty winks in one of the comfortable settees in the outside area. We then drove down to the Hawkesbury River where Bridie and Angela went for a walk whilst I did some blogging.
Angela returned and had a quick snooze on one of the tables adjacent to mine whilst Bridie went off along side the river in the other direction. The Blue Mountains were clearly visible over the other side of the river.
The girls searched in vain for postcards, and eventually were given directions to the post office at the far end of town. They found some postcards (not very good ones), and picked a few. However they then joined an enormous queue, and with only one person serving, eventually gave up and returned to the car. We drove to Plumpton and had some drinks outside in the gorgeous sunshine (it was around 26 degrees today), and Rob and Jeannette came by on their way to do some shopping. We then returned to the house to take full advantage of the fine weather, and although offered dinner, Bridie and Angela turned it down, saying they were too full for another meal (and anyway they had purchased a couple of meat pies for supper). I took the dog for another walk - it was his lucky day, and Robert arranged for a mechanic to come round to look at his car between 10-12 tomorrow, so I will again have the joy of driving him to work. It promises to be around 28 degrees and the girls will probably go by train into town, as I will be on mechanic duty. I then drove les filles back to Eastwood about 7.00 and got back an hour later with one of Jeannette's culinary delights awaiting me on my return. Charlene was there having brought Jayden back from his day out in Penrith and she stayed quite a while, as ever full of stories. Another early morning start awaits, and I retired relatively early at 10.30pm.
It was flipping early when Robert woke me up announcing he was ready to go to work. Being his usual chirpy self in the morning (I don't think), we drove in silence other than the car radio disseminating the sports news. I got him to Distribution Road at Seven Hills spot on 7.30am, and then took off for Eastwood. The traffic was pretty heavy and I got to BoJo's about 8.15am, managing to park outside the cafe. The usual egg and bacon roll washed down by a cup of coffee saw me through the morning paper, and I drove up to Ward Street about 9.00am. The inhabitants were up and breakfasted. Bridie made me a cup of tea and toast, and we then set off. We then drove down into Eastwood and I showed the ladies the shortest route to the station and explained which line they needed to catch to get into the city. We went to the Bureau de Change in Eastwood and without any request for ID they happily changed 300 of Angela's American Dollars into their Australian equivalent, without any commission charge. Then it was Oakhurst ho! Whilst the girls sat outside at Knolton Place, I took Reilly for a walk, and we then set of for Windsor. We walked the length of the main street including the pedestrian precinct, and then went
It was a stuggle finishing the meals especially as we ordered two portions of garlic bread on top of the two cesar salads (one with chicken and one with lamb) and a basket of calamari and chips.
The girls searched in vain for postcards, and eventually were given directions to the post office at the far end of town. They found some postcards (not very good ones), and picked a few. However they then joined an enormous queue, and with only one person serving, eventually gave up and returned to the car. We drove to Plumpton and had some drinks outside in the gorgeous sunshine (it was around 26 degrees today), and Rob and Jeannette came by on their way to do some shopping. We then returned to the house to take full advantage of the fine weather, and although offered dinner, Bridie and Angela turned it down, saying they were too full for another meal (and anyway they had purchased a couple of meat pies for supper). I took the dog for another walk - it was his lucky day, and Robert arranged for a mechanic to come round to look at his car between 10-12 tomorrow, so I will again have the joy of driving him to work. It promises to be around 28 degrees and the girls will probably go by train into town, as I will be on mechanic duty. I then drove les filles back to Eastwood about 7.00 and got back an hour later with one of Jeannette's culinary delights awaiting me on my return. Charlene was there having brought Jayden back from his day out in Penrith and she stayed quite a while, as ever full of stories. Another early morning start awaits, and I retired relatively early at 10.30pm.
Monday, 28 March 2011
THERE'S DOLLARS AND THERE'S DOLLARS........
MONDAY 28th MARCH
I got up reasonably early, had a quick bath and shot off for Kings Cross. A bus pulled up at the stop ahead of me presuming (correctly) that I was heading for the stop, and I only had a 15 minute wait for the train. I arrived pretty much on time just after 10.00am at Bayswater Car Rentals in William Street. Although I had inadvertently deleted my confirmatory e-mail and therefore didn't have my booking reference, the car was there all ready and waiting for me complete with a GPS system and electronic tag for the toll motorways.
I set off for Eastwood. Unfortunately I had the window open and couldn't clearly hear the instructions. I caught a "turn right" instruction and promptly got in the right hand lane. There was no going back, despite the fact that I realised just afterwards that it was the next right not this one that I was to take! No matter I was bound for Bondi! After emerging from a lengthy tunnel, the navigator instructed me to turn around and head back the way I had come from. Unfortunately its instructions kept telling me to turn into No Entry roads which I was unable to comply with. It took quite a while to get out of this conundrum! Eventually I was on the right road and arrived at Ward Street about 11.30am. I picked up my passengers and we set off for Knolton Place. My navigator took me the shortest route up the M7 and M2 and duly got us to no 11.
I took Reilly for a walk and left Bridie and Angela to have a cup of tea (and probably a smoke in Bridie's case). I then took them to the Plumpton Shopping Centre, where Bridie found a handbag, and I realised I had left behind the form to collect the letter at the post office that Robert had asked me to do. The two girls found some tracks suit tops and bottoms that they were impressed with. I found a couple of long sleeved crew necked tops also at $9.00 each and indulged in these as a precaution against colder climes to come. As we were queueing I noticed Angela holding a $10 US note, and asked her what she was planning to do with it. Her initial response was that she was going to pay for her top, convinced that she had Australian dollars in her hand. I assured her that they were American. She then pulled out a wallet containing $600 US. She had changed these at Marks & Spencer in London and had even discussed where she was going in Australia with the teller, who nevertheless had answered her request for Australian dollars with American ones. Angela hadn't noticed this faux pas, and was happily trundling around with American cash! I said we would have to go to a bank in Mount Druitt to get the money changed. So after refreshments Gloria Jeans, we headed off for Mount Druitt. After a lot of walking we found a Westpac Bank, but that was all to no avail
as they required a passport before they would change the money. However we made a successful foray into the bottle shop emerging with beer and wine!
I drove back to Knolton Place and collected the Post Office slip and went to collect the letter. I produced my driving license but that proved to be no good as it didn't have a photo. I went back to Knolton Place and returned to Plumpton for the third time with my passport. Of course this time there was a queue a mile long, but ultimately I got the wretched letter.
Jerri and Pat turned up and met Bridie and Angela, and then Charlene brought Jayden over, whom she had taken to the doctor with his toe problem. She stayed for dinner and regaled us all with tales of her travels in Europe and Fiji, not to mention discussing her foibles about toilet seats that I won't go into!
I drove the ladies back to Eastwood and by the time I had returned the whole house was asleep, although Reilly woke soon enough and kept me company whilst I successfully redid the previous two day's blogs before retiring to bed just after midnight.
I got up reasonably early, had a quick bath and shot off for Kings Cross. A bus pulled up at the stop ahead of me presuming (correctly) that I was heading for the stop, and I only had a 15 minute wait for the train. I arrived pretty much on time just after 10.00am at Bayswater Car Rentals in William Street. Although I had inadvertently deleted my confirmatory e-mail and therefore didn't have my booking reference, the car was there all ready and waiting for me complete with a GPS system and electronic tag for the toll motorways.
I took Reilly for a walk and left Bridie and Angela to have a cup of tea (and probably a smoke in Bridie's case). I then took them to the Plumpton Shopping Centre, where Bridie found a handbag, and I realised I had left behind the form to collect the letter at the post office that Robert had asked me to do. The two girls found some tracks suit tops and bottoms that they were impressed with. I found a couple of long sleeved crew necked tops also at $9.00 each and indulged in these as a precaution against colder climes to come. As we were queueing I noticed Angela holding a $10 US note, and asked her what she was planning to do with it. Her initial response was that she was going to pay for her top, convinced that she had Australian dollars in her hand. I assured her that they were American. She then pulled out a wallet containing $600 US. She had changed these at Marks & Spencer in London and had even discussed where she was going in Australia with the teller, who nevertheless had answered her request for Australian dollars with American ones. Angela hadn't noticed this faux pas, and was happily trundling around with American cash! I said we would have to go to a bank in Mount Druitt to get the money changed. So after refreshments Gloria Jeans, we headed off for Mount Druitt. After a lot of walking we found a Westpac Bank, but that was all to no avail
I drove back to Knolton Place and collected the Post Office slip and went to collect the letter. I produced my driving license but that proved to be no good as it didn't have a photo. I went back to Knolton Place and returned to Plumpton for the third time with my passport. Of course this time there was a queue a mile long, but ultimately I got the wretched letter.
Jerri and Pat turned up and met Bridie and Angela, and then Charlene brought Jayden over, whom she had taken to the doctor with his toe problem. She stayed for dinner and regaled us all with tales of her travels in Europe and Fiji, not to mention discussing her foibles about toilet seats that I won't go into!
I drove the ladies back to Eastwood and by the time I had returned the whole house was asleep, although Reilly woke soon enough and kept me company whilst I successfully redid the previous two day's blogs before retiring to bed just after midnight.
ST AGATHA'S FETE
SUNDAY 27th MARCH
A superb fully fried breakfast prepared by Jeannette got us all of to a good start to the day. However things went down hill soon afterwards when Robert called me away from my blogging to have a look at his car. When he turned the ignition key nothing much happened other than a clicking sound emmanating from the bonnet. My diagnosis was a faulty starter motor or possbly a duff ignition coil (always assuming that new cars still have such things). Being an automatic it is not possible to bump start it, so I suggested leaving it in the garage and getting a mechanic out to look at it, especially as under the bonnet it is so crowded I couldn't even work out where the starter motor was located. (Cars have got infinitely more complicated since the days when I used to tinker under a bonnet!).
Ultimately we went off in Jeannette's car to meet up with Nick and Jane at the St Agatha's Church fete somewhere up the Pennants Hill Road not far from Beecroft. We managed to park in the church carpark, and despite the sizeable crowd managed to located Nick and Jane fairly quickly. Nick had talked about the "Sizzler" the day before, which was located near the dodgems, and Nick soon had Rob taking him for a ride.
Nick enjoyed it, Robert didn't! I in the meantime had checked out the bookstall and acquired 5 books and a canvas bag to carry them in for $6.00 including three David Baldacci books I haven't previously read. But back to the Sizzler, Nick enjoyed it so much that he wanted another go, so I was volunteered to go with him. Although the whole area was covered over by a roofing net, when the rain started it went right through the netting. I got pretty wet queuing there with Nick, and then his mate turned up, so I was informed that my
services were no longer required. Unfortunately Robert turned up just in time to scupper my escape by declaring that all three of us would easily fit in the Sizzler cars, so I was back in the queue! I nearly fell flat on my face trying to climb into the damn thing (and repeated the performance getting out). Trying to take photos whilst you are spinning round at speed is no easy matter, but I had a go, results seen below:
After this thrilling experience I went to get a hot cup of coffee and attempted to dry out. Nick relieved me of a $20 note in the quest for sweets, although I have to admit that he later offered me some change back, but I told him he could keep it. He got a bag full of cuddly toys for $2. Bridie got some books whilst Jane had a whole stack of children's books. We got some containers of fresh fruit salads and Bridie bought a home made chocolate cake for Jeannette, so all told we made our contribution to the fete!
We dropped the women back off at the Eastwood Hilton and made our way back to Oakhurst where we found Jeannette and her sister Charlene in paroxsysms of laughter watching a DVD. Later Charlene regaled us with stories from her recent trip to Europe and Egypt and went on to recount tales of her trip to Fiji, going to some lengths in telling us that Sam had on several occasions abandoned her to her fate in the face of danger. She scared Jayden by threatening to pull of his sore toenail with a pair of pliers, but then relented and suggested soaking it in salty water. I suggested that Jeannette could tip all the salt she has given up for Lent into the bucket!
Robert phoned Bridie and discovered that they had wandered down into Eastwood, replenished and enhanced their food supplies and had sampled the wares at BoJo's Cafe.
A superb fully fried breakfast prepared by Jeannette got us all of to a good start to the day. However things went down hill soon afterwards when Robert called me away from my blogging to have a look at his car. When he turned the ignition key nothing much happened other than a clicking sound emmanating from the bonnet. My diagnosis was a faulty starter motor or possbly a duff ignition coil (always assuming that new cars still have such things). Being an automatic it is not possible to bump start it, so I suggested leaving it in the garage and getting a mechanic out to look at it, especially as under the bonnet it is so crowded I couldn't even work out where the starter motor was located. (Cars have got infinitely more complicated since the days when I used to tinker under a bonnet!).
Ultimately we went off in Jeannette's car to meet up with Nick and Jane at the St Agatha's Church fete somewhere up the Pennants Hill Road not far from Beecroft. We managed to park in the church carpark, and despite the sizeable crowd managed to located Nick and Jane fairly quickly. Nick had talked about the "Sizzler" the day before, which was located near the dodgems, and Nick soon had Rob taking him for a ride.
We dropped the women back off at the Eastwood Hilton and made our way back to Oakhurst where we found Jeannette and her sister Charlene in paroxsysms of laughter watching a DVD. Later Charlene regaled us with stories from her recent trip to Europe and Egypt and went on to recount tales of her trip to Fiji, going to some lengths in telling us that Sam had on several occasions abandoned her to her fate in the face of danger. She scared Jayden by threatening to pull of his sore toenail with a pair of pliers, but then relented and suggested soaking it in salty water. I suggested that Jeannette could tip all the salt she has given up for Lent into the bucket!
Robert phoned Bridie and discovered that they had wandered down into Eastwood, replenished and enhanced their food supplies and had sampled the wares at BoJo's Cafe.
LES GIRLS
SATURDAY 26th MARCH
From the airport, with only one false turn from Rob, we headed for Ward Street. There we showed the ladies around their residence, and Angela was agreeably surprised by the sleeping quarters, which according to her were much better in real life than in the photos. The general consensus of opinion was that the gaff was larger in real life than they had imagined it. Robert received a pack of duty free cigarettes, and I got my South American Guide Book, as well as the Spanish South American Phrasebook, not to mention the 8th Series of Spooks. From Eastwood we headed for the playing fields where Nick was playing football at 9.00am, and we got there just before the kick off. Jane was there, so she duly met up with Bridie and Angela. The match ended 1-1 although Nick's team conceded a silly goal and might easily have scored another three. The man himself had a good game and came within a whisker of scoring with a long range shot.
After bidding Nick and Jane farewell we headed for Oakhurst. Jeannette was out shopping when we arrived but came home soon afterwards. A luncheon prepared by Jeannette and cooked by Robert on the
BBQ was washed down by white wine, and it all went down a treat. The prawns were cooked to perfection in my opinion and I have to confess to having several helpings! The chops were appreciated by Angela, the Chardonnay equally so by Bridie, but truth to tell we all enjoyed the entire meal, not least the bbqued corn on the cob.
Although she confessed to being apprehensive about meeting Bridie, Jennette and she seemed to hit it off pretty well. Robert reminisced with "Ange" about his trips to Ireland and inquired about Gerry, recalling watching an Arsenal v Chelsea game in his bedroom as a young lad.
Bridie and Angela lasted until 7.00pm and then adjourned to bed. Jeannette went to bed relatively early, which left Rob and me to watch the Sri Lanka v England World Cup match. I watched it until the end of the England innings, at which point I called it a night, retiring in a not overly optimistic frame of mind. Robert watched on for an hour or so, but then he two gave up when he saw how the Sri Lankan innings was shaping.
I was awake well before 5.15am (the appointed rising time), thanks to the telly blaring away down below. We set off for the airport shortly after 5.30am after checking that the flight was not going to be late, and got to the airport around 6.00am. Trying to find the "Arrivals" lounge we climbed to the 5th floor of a multistorey car park before realising the error of our ways. We eventually found "Arrivals" and discovered that the flight had landed. So we got some coffeees and waited. In the fullness of time Bridie and Angela appeared with their cases. Rob and I relieved them of their luggage and we headed for the open air tearoom, where you could get some tea and have a smoke. Ideal for Bridie and Rob, but I'm afraid the teas were fairly dire!
After bidding Nick and Jane farewell we headed for Oakhurst. Jeannette was out shopping when we arrived but came home soon afterwards. A luncheon prepared by Jeannette and cooked by Robert on the
Although she confessed to being apprehensive about meeting Bridie, Jennette and she seemed to hit it off pretty well. Robert reminisced with "Ange" about his trips to Ireland and inquired about Gerry, recalling watching an Arsenal v Chelsea game in his bedroom as a young lad.
Bridie and Angela lasted until 7.00pm and then adjourned to bed. Jeannette went to bed relatively early, which left Rob and me to watch the Sri Lanka v England World Cup match. I watched it until the end of the England innings, at which point I called it a night, retiring in a not overly optimistic frame of mind. Robert watched on for an hour or so, but then he two gave up when he saw how the Sri Lankan innings was shaping.
BLACKTOWN
FRIDAY 25th MARCH
Reilly was ready for his morning walk when I got up, so Itook him for a run around the park, and at the same time got my own circulation going! I then walked to the bus stop, had a 25 minute wait for the bus and then another 25 minute one for the train at Mount Druitt. But eventually I got to Blacktown. This time I had taken the precaution of looking up the address of the second hand CD shop on the internet before leaving. I needed no 12 Main Street. There was a sign for Main Street at the station exit, so I didn't have far to go. Then of course none of the shops had a number showing. I walked up the road until I came across no 50. A bit further on it was no 55, so obviously I had to retrace my steps. I eventually located no 12, it turned out to be the party headquarters for John Robertson, the Labour candidate and potential new leader of the party. The signs for the CD shop had been reversed but were still visible in black and white.
It is the State elections on Saturday and Labour are expected to get decimated. Anyway so much for my CD shop! I did find a JB HiFi store in the Westpoint Shopping Centre precinct and got a Seekers A&B&EP sides compilation as well as a Greatest Hits by Shirley Bassey.
I then caught a train to Strathfield and thence to Eastwood. I popped into Woolies and got necessary provisions for the Hilton as well as a 2 litre pack of Chardonnay. Loaded down with these items I caught the 745 bus up to the Marist College and then walked round the corner to Ward Street.
My first job was hanging the new shower curtains, then I got round to cleaning the shower tray and the rest of the bathroom. I then hoovered the ground floor, cleaned the kitchen area and threw out the rubbish. I had done all this before Robert got in about 7.00pm. He inspected all of my handiwork, and gave it his nod of approval, and then suggested we went for dinner at the Eastwood. We both had calamari and chips, (having given up meat on Fridays for Lent), but had to move indoors due to the rain.
After getting back Rob hoovered the sleeping area and fitted the newly washed bed clothes. I rang Alan to check the girls' flight number and ascertained it was BA0009. The expected time of arrival on the internet was 06.05am. I went off to sleep about 10.30pm but Robert stayed downstairs with the TV on. It kept waking me up periodically throughout the night so much so that I had a lousy night's sleep.
I then caught a train to Strathfield and thence to Eastwood. I popped into Woolies and got necessary provisions for the Hilton as well as a 2 litre pack of Chardonnay. Loaded down with these items I caught the 745 bus up to the Marist College and then walked round the corner to Ward Street.
My first job was hanging the new shower curtains, then I got round to cleaning the shower tray and the rest of the bathroom. I then hoovered the ground floor, cleaned the kitchen area and threw out the rubbish. I had done all this before Robert got in about 7.00pm. He inspected all of my handiwork, and gave it his nod of approval, and then suggested we went for dinner at the Eastwood. We both had calamari and chips, (having given up meat on Fridays for Lent), but had to move indoors due to the rain.
After getting back Rob hoovered the sleeping area and fitted the newly washed bed clothes. I rang Alan to check the girls' flight number and ascertained it was BA0009. The expected time of arrival on the internet was 06.05am. I went off to sleep about 10.30pm but Robert stayed downstairs with the TV on. It kept waking me up periodically throughout the night so much so that I had a lousy night's sleep.
Saturday, 26 March 2011
A LOVELY DAY
THURSDAY 24th MARCH
It turned out to be another lovely day with clear blue skies (doubtless they will all disappear by Saturday!).
After taking the dog for his walk I ambled up to the Plumpton Shopping Centre with a black T-shirt I had bought in a sale yesterday. I purchased a size "XL" but it was a bit tight so I thought I'd change it for an "XXL" as I like my T-shirts loose. But when I got to the shop in question the rack marked "$5 each" was no longer there. "Curses", I thought and went on to Woolies to buy their equivalent of Brillo pads to clean the gas oven. I went for a coffee, read the paper and then returned to the clothes shop. They still had "Sale" signs about so I decided to go in and have a look around. And there on the back of one of the statnds, invisible from the front of the shop were the black T-shirts. I got mine exchanged and returned home well satisfied.
Rob rang about 3.00pm telling me that Nick had football training this evening, but I decided it was probably a bit late to try and get there by bus and train (Rob goes straight from work at Seven Hills as it is half way there). Nick apparently immediately asked where I was and Robert told him I wasn't well. Nick then wanted to know details of what was wrong with me, so Robert told him I was a bit tired and there was nothing as such wrong with me. (Opinions may differ on that score, but there you are!).
I spent the evening chatting with Jeannette and working on the computer. Robert returned home quite late (he had been baby sitting as Jane went out for a meal with friends), and went straight to bed when he got back. Despite his absence, or maybe because of it, Jeannette and I managed to consume quite a few beers!
It turned out to be another lovely day with clear blue skies (doubtless they will all disappear by Saturday!).
Rob rang about 3.00pm telling me that Nick had football training this evening, but I decided it was probably a bit late to try and get there by bus and train (Rob goes straight from work at Seven Hills as it is half way there). Nick apparently immediately asked where I was and Robert told him I wasn't well. Nick then wanted to know details of what was wrong with me, so Robert told him I was a bit tired and there was nothing as such wrong with me. (Opinions may differ on that score, but there you are!).
I spent the evening chatting with Jeannette and working on the computer. Robert returned home quite late (he had been baby sitting as Jane went out for a meal with friends), and went straight to bed when he got back. Despite his absence, or maybe because of it, Jeannette and I managed to consume quite a few beers!
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
CURRY NIGHT
WEDNESDAY 23rd MARCH
I got up relatively early at 8.00am and went to check my e-mails. There was a request from Charly wanting to borrow some of my records, so I told them I could let John and Mark know if they let me know when they are going to call round and one of them would let them in and show them to the CD room. I'm awaiting an answer. (I gave them Mark's mob no in case, and they have my home number).
Reilly got himself entangled in his rope bone which he has thoroughly chewed and it got caught in his claws. No way could I pull it off without him squealing, so I had to carefully operate with some scissors and cut it all away without injuring the dog in the process. It seemed to work as he ran and bounded around the park quite freely. Again it was a warm and sunny day, around 29/30 degrees.
I got a text message from Bridie checking if she had my correct mobile number her in Oz and asking if it was still raining. I'm having trouble with texting on my i-Phone, I don't really know why as I used to do it without any difficulty - maybe it is advancing old age! During the process I received a text from Optus telling me my credit was about to run out, so I promptly got the voucher I purchased on Sunday and updated my credit. In the end I gave up on texting and phoned through to Bridie's mobile, and confirmed that she had the right number - I had been meaning to e-mail it to her, but then I thought, Alan's got it, so he will doubtless pass it on - in fact he already had done so! I told her the weather was fine, but having checked the forecast some showers are due over the weekend. Talking of Alan, I got an e-mail from Amazon sent on Tuesday saying that my Spanish South American phrase book had been posted to Alan's address. It's going to be touch and go if it arrives in time for Bridie to bring it over to me.
I set off for Plumpton, having foregone breakfast and lunch, and with my shopping list in my top pocket I started off in Big W. I duly found some new shower curtains for the gaff as instructed by Robert, pale blue in colour. I then went to Woolworths to buy ingredients for tonight's curry that I am cooking. I found everything I was looking for and went with the Telegraph for a refreshing coffee, before walking back home fairly heavily laden. My arms were almost dropping off by the time I got back! I peeled the potatoes on my return, and put them on a slow boil. I then made Bombay potatoes, curried mushrooms, and finely chopped chicken breasts with loads of garlic, some lemon and herbs, hot curry powder and Cashew Masala sauce. It was all just about ready for 6.00pm, Robert arriving in time to find the rice and get it cooking before Jeannette arrived home. The dinner went down well and Jeannette got off to her parents' evening for Jayden at 7.00pm. Robert reckoned she would be back within the hour, but it is currently 7.58pm and there is no sign of her.
It is Carina's birthday today if I'm not mistaken, so many happy returns of the day.
I got up relatively early at 8.00am and went to check my e-mails. There was a request from Charly wanting to borrow some of my records, so I told them I could let John and Mark know if they let me know when they are going to call round and one of them would let them in and show them to the CD room. I'm awaiting an answer. (I gave them Mark's mob no in case, and they have my home number).
Reilly got himself entangled in his rope bone which he has thoroughly chewed and it got caught in his claws. No way could I pull it off without him squealing, so I had to carefully operate with some scissors and cut it all away without injuring the dog in the process. It seemed to work as he ran and bounded around the park quite freely. Again it was a warm and sunny day, around 29/30 degrees.
I got a text message from Bridie checking if she had my correct mobile number her in Oz and asking if it was still raining. I'm having trouble with texting on my i-Phone, I don't really know why as I used to do it without any difficulty - maybe it is advancing old age! During the process I received a text from Optus telling me my credit was about to run out, so I promptly got the voucher I purchased on Sunday and updated my credit. In the end I gave up on texting and phoned through to Bridie's mobile, and confirmed that she had the right number - I had been meaning to e-mail it to her, but then I thought, Alan's got it, so he will doubtless pass it on - in fact he already had done so! I told her the weather was fine, but having checked the forecast some showers are due over the weekend. Talking of Alan, I got an e-mail from Amazon sent on Tuesday saying that my Spanish South American phrase book had been posted to Alan's address. It's going to be touch and go if it arrives in time for Bridie to bring it over to me.
I set off for Plumpton, having foregone breakfast and lunch, and with my shopping list in my top pocket I started off in Big W. I duly found some new shower curtains for the gaff as instructed by Robert, pale blue in colour. I then went to Woolworths to buy ingredients for tonight's curry that I am cooking. I found everything I was looking for and went with the Telegraph for a refreshing coffee, before walking back home fairly heavily laden. My arms were almost dropping off by the time I got back! I peeled the potatoes on my return, and put them on a slow boil. I then made Bombay potatoes, curried mushrooms, and finely chopped chicken breasts with loads of garlic, some lemon and herbs, hot curry powder and Cashew Masala sauce. It was all just about ready for 6.00pm, Robert arriving in time to find the rice and get it cooking before Jeannette arrived home. The dinner went down well and Jeannette got off to her parents' evening for Jayden at 7.00pm. Robert reckoned she would be back within the hour, but it is currently 7.58pm and there is no sign of her.
It is Carina's birthday today if I'm not mistaken, so many happy returns of the day.
SUNNY TIMES ARE HERE AGAIN
TUESDAY 22nd APRIL
Just goes to show, you don't know what to expect from one day to the next at this time of year. Today it was sunny with blue skies and a temperature of 31 degrees! The park was much drier during Reilly's walk although there were still quite a few puddles around, Afterwards I walked to the Plumpton Shopping Centre, and I must admit I was pretty hot by the time I got there. I had a cold Berry Softie and a vanilla slice and read my book before strolling back again. The forecast is showers to develop on Friday and temperatures of around 23 over the weekend with an occasional shower, but there again these long term forecasts are often wrong!
The rest of the day I spent working on the computer, watching Two And A Half Men and downloading Rock'n'Roll podcasts by DJ Bill Smoker from Croydon - Surrey, that is, not Sydney. I now have about 10 hour long shows. By the time I've download some more I should have plenty of listening material for the rest of my trip.
Just goes to show, you don't know what to expect from one day to the next at this time of year. Today it was sunny with blue skies and a temperature of 31 degrees! The park was much drier during Reilly's walk although there were still quite a few puddles around, Afterwards I walked to the Plumpton Shopping Centre, and I must admit I was pretty hot by the time I got there. I had a cold Berry Softie and a vanilla slice and read my book before strolling back again. The forecast is showers to develop on Friday and temperatures of around 23 over the weekend with an occasional shower, but there again these long term forecasts are often wrong!
The rest of the day I spent working on the computer, watching Two And A Half Men and downloading Rock'n'Roll podcasts by DJ Bill Smoker from Croydon - Surrey, that is, not Sydney. I now have about 10 hour long shows. By the time I've download some more I should have plenty of listening material for the rest of my trip.
Monday, 21 March 2011
THE DAY THAT THE RAINS CAME DOWN
MONDAY 21st MARCH
Or in the French version Le Jour Ou La Pluie Viendra, both sung by Jane Morgan. However the morning was relatively dry and hot and humid, so much so that I took Reilly out, but the there were massive puddles everywhere, and even where there were no puddles the grass was sopping wet. Reilly did not care, he raced through the mud, the puddles with equal impunity!
After getting up I tried contacting Mark on Skype, but despite several efforts only managed to exchange a few words as the connection kept cutting out and the quality of the connection was poor. I did manage to learn that Chelsea had won and England were going to face Sri Lanka in the World Cup.
Upon returning from my walk my sandals were soaking wet and covered in mud and grass. I didn't venture out again as the rains started coming down. Described as showers, the rain comes down in a ferocious torrent for maybe 10-15 minutes and then stops for a while. However eventually the skies completely filled in and it got quite dark and it poured and poured.
So it was down to reading, working on the computer and in the evening watching Two And A Half Men on TV. Alan phoned in the evening and gave me the latest from the committee meetings at the SPK in Amersham. The forecast is for the weather to gradually improve from mid-week, let's hope that is the case otherwise I'll be confined to barracks with Reilly.
Or in the French version Le Jour Ou La Pluie Viendra, both sung by Jane Morgan. However the morning was relatively dry and hot and humid, so much so that I took Reilly out, but the there were massive puddles everywhere, and even where there were no puddles the grass was sopping wet. Reilly did not care, he raced through the mud, the puddles with equal impunity!
After getting up I tried contacting Mark on Skype, but despite several efforts only managed to exchange a few words as the connection kept cutting out and the quality of the connection was poor. I did manage to learn that Chelsea had won and England were going to face Sri Lanka in the World Cup.
Upon returning from my walk my sandals were soaking wet and covered in mud and grass. I didn't venture out again as the rains started coming down. Described as showers, the rain comes down in a ferocious torrent for maybe 10-15 minutes and then stops for a while. However eventually the skies completely filled in and it got quite dark and it poured and poured.
So it was down to reading, working on the computer and in the evening watching Two And A Half Men on TV. Alan phoned in the evening and gave me the latest from the committee meetings at the SPK in Amersham. The forecast is for the weather to gradually improve from mid-week, let's hope that is the case otherwise I'll be confined to barracks with Reilly.
WHAT A DRIP!
SUNDAY 20th MARCH
I was woken up about 7.30am by the sounds of Pav and Rob leaving - surely the pubs weren't open at that hour, I thought. Jenny moved around the L-shaped settee, gave me a lick and curled up next to me. I kind of dropped off only to be awakened by the sounds of Maria's daughter coming down from the grandparents' house and deciding she wanted to play in this one. An electronic piano produced some pretty discordant sounds in the hands of the 3 year old! I moved into the upright position and kept my eyes closed but there was too much going on to get back to sleep properly. Rob and Pav returned about 10.30am having been to a couple of jobs, and Pav had had Robert working on one of them. The rain hadn't stopped all morning and the sound of it drumming down also didn't help in getting back to sleep.
We moved on to Eastwood where Robert left me, saying he needed to go to Carlingford to see Jane to discuss some matters. He dropped me off in Eastwood and I told him I would go to Bo Jo's for breakfast and wait for him there. I got through breakfast and the whole of the Sunday edition of the Telegraph but still there was no sign of Robert. I tried phoning but just got his voicemail, where I told him I was still waiting at Bo Jo's. I eventually got a text message back saying "Try Again". I phoned again but the call went straight to voicemail. This time I told him I was in need of a toilet and would be away from the cafe for about 10 minutes. Upon getting back I tried phoning again, but the call just went dead. I tried Jane's home number and mobile with the same results. I stood on the road in the vicinity of Bo Jo's hiding from the rain under the canopies. Robert ultimately turned up. His voicemail is not set up so the messages come through as text messages interpreted from the voice message you leave. His first one said that I was at the casino, and the second one made no sense whatsoever.
We drove back to Oakhurst in the pouring rain. Jeanette was out with the boys at a market to which I was going to go to to look for a fleece jacket for New Zealand and possibly a new suitcase, but we got back to late, in fact she returned not long after us. She had bought Reilly a new bed, following the destruction of the sleeping matress I had bought him. He seemed quite taken with his new sleeping accomodation!
So instead we went to Mount Druitt shopping centre, where I found some towels, and had a banana milkshake, and bought a new voucher for the mobile, before returning home. I must say I started feeling quite tired by dinner time and adjourned to bed by 9.00pm. I was woken up about 11.15pm by a sound that I couldn't place at first, but then realised it was Skype. It turned out to be Mark, who couldn't understand what I was doing asleep at that time of night! It took me quite a while to get back off to sleep after that!
I was woken up about 7.30am by the sounds of Pav and Rob leaving - surely the pubs weren't open at that hour, I thought. Jenny moved around the L-shaped settee, gave me a lick and curled up next to me. I kind of dropped off only to be awakened by the sounds of Maria's daughter coming down from the grandparents' house and deciding she wanted to play in this one. An electronic piano produced some pretty discordant sounds in the hands of the 3 year old! I moved into the upright position and kept my eyes closed but there was too much going on to get back to sleep properly. Rob and Pav returned about 10.30am having been to a couple of jobs, and Pav had had Robert working on one of them. The rain hadn't stopped all morning and the sound of it drumming down also didn't help in getting back to sleep.
We moved on to Eastwood where Robert left me, saying he needed to go to Carlingford to see Jane to discuss some matters. He dropped me off in Eastwood and I told him I would go to Bo Jo's for breakfast and wait for him there. I got through breakfast and the whole of the Sunday edition of the Telegraph but still there was no sign of Robert. I tried phoning but just got his voicemail, where I told him I was still waiting at Bo Jo's. I eventually got a text message back saying "Try Again". I phoned again but the call went straight to voicemail. This time I told him I was in need of a toilet and would be away from the cafe for about 10 minutes. Upon getting back I tried phoning again, but the call just went dead. I tried Jane's home number and mobile with the same results. I stood on the road in the vicinity of Bo Jo's hiding from the rain under the canopies. Robert ultimately turned up. His voicemail is not set up so the messages come through as text messages interpreted from the voice message you leave. His first one said that I was at the casino, and the second one made no sense whatsoever.
We drove back to Oakhurst in the pouring rain. Jeanette was out with the boys at a market to which I was going to go to to look for a fleece jacket for New Zealand and possibly a new suitcase, but we got back to late, in fact she returned not long after us. She had bought Reilly a new bed, following the destruction of the sleeping matress I had bought him. He seemed quite taken with his new sleeping accomodation!
ZYVKO'S BIRTHDAY
SATURDAY 19th MARCH
The forecast did not lie when it forecast rain. It was absolutely pelting down when we set off for Wahroonga at 7.30am. Arden were playing against Knox Grammar School, the school buildings lying on the Pacific Highway. We found our way there relatively easily and arrived fairly early. I had brough my rain jacket with me so I was able to get to the school relatively unsoaked. The only reason the match was still was one was because the school had indoor facilities, indeed there were two basketball courts side by side. However the rain had affected the interior of the building with large pools of water in the viewing area being mopped by by a gang of workmen with industrial hoovers. With two matches on simultaneously there was quite a large viewing public. Arden got off to a good start but by half time were only 8 points up according to the electronic scoreboard.
Young Nick demonstrated his speed on the court and covered well, but got dispossessed a couple of times at the end of good run. Anyway the term's basketball ended with a 26-16 victory and a 100% record, and Nick made his contribution. Jane is taking over as the team coach next term. (I gave her a tip - "don't play the two girls on court at the same time as they are both fairly useless, and whilst the team can carry one of them, with two it noticeably weakens the team").
After practising with a couple of his mates in a squash court that doubled as a basketball practise area, we eventually left with Nick bound for Castle Hill. At least that was the plan. After driving some considerable time in the pouring rain, Robert checked the map and discovered we were heading in the wrong direction. Having rectified this mistake we ran into a solid traffic jam outside Castle Hill caused by an accident. By this stage the petrol gauge was hovering around the empty mark, whilst Robert's temper and language were at boiling point. When we got into the carpark, his temper was not improved by a woman driver refusing to stop to let him reverse into a parking spot and then having the temerity to accuse him of going the wrong way down a one-way lane! Words were exchanged!
After going to K-Mart and finding some Penguin cards that Nick collects, we went for something to eat. Nick having elicited from his father that he had no more money for further purchases, politely enquired how much money I had on me. I told him that I had $130. Having taken in this welcome information, he asked me if I could give him $10, and assured me that he would give me the change! And he was as good as his word and gave me back $3, coming away with another pack of cards. Castle Hill is a massive shopping complex and we had difficuly finding the carpark. When we eventually found it, it was the blue area and we had parked in the orange area. By this stage Robert's temper was definitely frayed and his language was at the rough end of the scale. We were eventually directed to the orange area and walked up and down the rows without find the car. A desperate inquiry off of one of the car park attendants elicited the information that there was another orange floor below the one we were on. At long last we found the car, and left accursed Castle Hill behind.
We dropped off Nick at Carlingford, which was Jingleless (he has gone for the snip), and then went over to Eastwood. Robert stripped all the bed clothes whilst I packed my suitcase and removed all my belongings. (We will go there on Friday to clean the place up in preparation for the new guests' arrival, and will drive from there to the airport Saturday morning to pick up the new arrivals at 6.30am.). I will probably go to the gaff during the day and stock up on essentials like toilet paper, Chardonnay, milk, tea, bread, butter, marmalade, crisps and the like. I have purchased two new bath towels one green and one blue - they'll have to fight over which one has which! I have hired the car from Monday morning along with a GPS, and will go in by train to Kings Cross to pick it up.
Anyway, back to Saturday afternoon. We went round the Pavela's around 3.00pm having called in at a bottle shop on the way. It was Zyvko's 75th birthday - he being Pav's father (Pav's real christian name is Michael but all his friends call him Pav). There was quite a gathering of the clan. Pav's sister Maria came down from Newcastle with her young daughter, Jason and his Mauritian wife and their children were there as was Jason's mother and her sister, as well as Jason's sister whose name I didn't catch. Leslie's mother Bev was present as well as Robert and myself. Robert and Pav were in charge of the bbq and despite the rain managed to do some tasty chops. After the meal it was down to cutting the cake and singing "Happy Birthday" and "He's A Jolly Good Fellow". I threw in "Sto Lat", which Zywko (a Croatian) seemed to recognise.
On the left Jason and his wife and daughter, Maria, Pav, his daughter Lucy, Leslie, Zyvko, Jack & Gloria
Zyvko and his sister-in-law's sister
Zyvko and his wife Gloria - on left Leslie's mother Bev
Jason, who seems to have numerous facts at his disposal and is able to marshall them well, came out with his theory that all the world's philanthropists like the Rothchilds and Gates etc are trying to establish a world order, governing the world, by initially gaining control of all the third world countries by making them take up Carbon Emission Control through loans from the IMF, and eventually when they are unable to repay the loans taking the countries over, or something along those lines. He also totally debunked the global warming theory, and accused the press moguls (who are in league with the bankers and philanthropists) of supressing the findings of 10,000 scientists who have signed a declaration stating that global warming is hokum. In general I agreed with him on the question of global warming, however it wasn't easy to get a word in edgeways! There was also the theory propounded that Womens' Lib was backed by the world bankers, because without women at work only 50% of the population were paying taxes. Later on, Jason who is a staunch Catholic, came out with his pro-God argument, again laden with facts, the sheer volume of which I would be hard pressed to remember, and fairly bemused Pav and Robert. Jason's late father, Frank was apparently the patriach of the family. A Spitfire pilot during the war based in Malta, he came to Australia and became an architect, designing the original Epping Station.
Bev brought along her photos from her trip to New Zealand and I went through them all, it certainly looks like a place with spectacular views, and in places a rugged landscape. Apparently the only castle in New Zealand is just outside of Dunedin. Although she was in Christchurch, to within hours of the earthquake, she failed to take any pictures of the place, apart from that of a tram. A shame as she could have got some irreplaceable shots. She was at a loss to explain her failure to do so.
Afterwards Robert, Pav and I accompanied by Maria and Leslie went down to the Epping Arms for a few beers. There I leant that Maria had had aspirations of being a singer but it never really happened for her, despite talks with several record companies, so by the age of 30 she gave up. Lucy, Pav's daughter is also a good singer, and at the age of 14 is well developed for her age. She got a stud put through her tongue this week, which sent Pav ballistic, as she had had it done without parental consent. It was out in a twinkling of the eye. There is talk of having her go to music lessons with a view to developing her musical career. If I've said it once I'll say it a hundred times, "Thank heavens we didn't have a daughter!" Thankfully Robert didn't turn out to be a girl, and nobody can argue with that! He had a go on the pokies at the Epping but lost his money, and borrowed $10 from Pav, and promptly won enough to stock up with drink for the rest of the night. I settled down and watched the Western Tigers (Nick's team in Rugby league) win their game (they lost their first one last week), and more entertainingly saw the Aussie's get beaten by Pakistan. I then nodded off in the early hours on Pav's sofa with the dog - a hefty lump called Jenny - for company.
The forecast did not lie when it forecast rain. It was absolutely pelting down when we set off for Wahroonga at 7.30am. Arden were playing against Knox Grammar School, the school buildings lying on the Pacific Highway. We found our way there relatively easily and arrived fairly early. I had brough my rain jacket with me so I was able to get to the school relatively unsoaked. The only reason the match was still was one was because the school had indoor facilities, indeed there were two basketball courts side by side. However the rain had affected the interior of the building with large pools of water in the viewing area being mopped by by a gang of workmen with industrial hoovers. With two matches on simultaneously there was quite a large viewing public. Arden got off to a good start but by half time were only 8 points up according to the electronic scoreboard.
After practising with a couple of his mates in a squash court that doubled as a basketball practise area, we eventually left with Nick bound for Castle Hill. At least that was the plan. After driving some considerable time in the pouring rain, Robert checked the map and discovered we were heading in the wrong direction. Having rectified this mistake we ran into a solid traffic jam outside Castle Hill caused by an accident. By this stage the petrol gauge was hovering around the empty mark, whilst Robert's temper and language were at boiling point. When we got into the carpark, his temper was not improved by a woman driver refusing to stop to let him reverse into a parking spot and then having the temerity to accuse him of going the wrong way down a one-way lane! Words were exchanged!
After going to K-Mart and finding some Penguin cards that Nick collects, we went for something to eat. Nick having elicited from his father that he had no more money for further purchases, politely enquired how much money I had on me. I told him that I had $130. Having taken in this welcome information, he asked me if I could give him $10, and assured me that he would give me the change! And he was as good as his word and gave me back $3, coming away with another pack of cards. Castle Hill is a massive shopping complex and we had difficuly finding the carpark. When we eventually found it, it was the blue area and we had parked in the orange area. By this stage Robert's temper was definitely frayed and his language was at the rough end of the scale. We were eventually directed to the orange area and walked up and down the rows without find the car. A desperate inquiry off of one of the car park attendants elicited the information that there was another orange floor below the one we were on. At long last we found the car, and left accursed Castle Hill behind.
We dropped off Nick at Carlingford, which was Jingleless (he has gone for the snip), and then went over to Eastwood. Robert stripped all the bed clothes whilst I packed my suitcase and removed all my belongings. (We will go there on Friday to clean the place up in preparation for the new guests' arrival, and will drive from there to the airport Saturday morning to pick up the new arrivals at 6.30am.). I will probably go to the gaff during the day and stock up on essentials like toilet paper, Chardonnay, milk, tea, bread, butter, marmalade, crisps and the like. I have purchased two new bath towels one green and one blue - they'll have to fight over which one has which! I have hired the car from Monday morning along with a GPS, and will go in by train to Kings Cross to pick it up.
Anyway, back to Saturday afternoon. We went round the Pavela's around 3.00pm having called in at a bottle shop on the way. It was Zyvko's 75th birthday - he being Pav's father (Pav's real christian name is Michael but all his friends call him Pav). There was quite a gathering of the clan. Pav's sister Maria came down from Newcastle with her young daughter, Jason and his Mauritian wife and their children were there as was Jason's mother and her sister, as well as Jason's sister whose name I didn't catch. Leslie's mother Bev was present as well as Robert and myself. Robert and Pav were in charge of the bbq and despite the rain managed to do some tasty chops. After the meal it was down to cutting the cake and singing "Happy Birthday" and "He's A Jolly Good Fellow". I threw in "Sto Lat", which Zywko (a Croatian) seemed to recognise.
Bev brought along her photos from her trip to New Zealand and I went through them all, it certainly looks like a place with spectacular views, and in places a rugged landscape. Apparently the only castle in New Zealand is just outside of Dunedin. Although she was in Christchurch, to within hours of the earthquake, she failed to take any pictures of the place, apart from that of a tram. A shame as she could have got some irreplaceable shots. She was at a loss to explain her failure to do so.
Afterwards Robert, Pav and I accompanied by Maria and Leslie went down to the Epping Arms for a few beers. There I leant that Maria had had aspirations of being a singer but it never really happened for her, despite talks with several record companies, so by the age of 30 she gave up. Lucy, Pav's daughter is also a good singer, and at the age of 14 is well developed for her age. She got a stud put through her tongue this week, which sent Pav ballistic, as she had had it done without parental consent. It was out in a twinkling of the eye. There is talk of having her go to music lessons with a view to developing her musical career. If I've said it once I'll say it a hundred times, "Thank heavens we didn't have a daughter!" Thankfully Robert didn't turn out to be a girl, and nobody can argue with that! He had a go on the pokies at the Epping but lost his money, and borrowed $10 from Pav, and promptly won enough to stock up with drink for the rest of the night. I settled down and watched the Western Tigers (Nick's team in Rugby league) win their game (they lost their first one last week), and more entertainingly saw the Aussie's get beaten by Pakistan. I then nodded off in the early hours on Pav's sofa with the dog - a hefty lump called Jenny - for company.
Friday, 18 March 2011
SAWNNDERFUL
FRIDAY 18th MARCH
The day started somewhat earlier than normal, namely at midnight. I had started watching the England v West Indies match earlier in the evening and as usual had experienced the ups and downs of an England innings. The total of just under 250 was less than they should have got, and it was criminal getting bowled out in under 50 overs, but on the other hand it was better than might have been expected when they had lost their first 6 wickets for a 130 odd. The dynamic hitting of Gayle at the start of the Windies innings did not augur well, but Tredwell managed to get him lbw. Robert went off to bed at 2.00am but I settled in for the long haul. Things were looking good with six wickets down, but then the innings between Sarwan and Russell brought the Windies within sight of victory. The "catch" by Trott that was adjudged to be a "6" looked like the straw that would break the camel's back. With only 20 odd runs required for victory with 4 wickets left and plenty of overs to get them in, things looked bleak for England. Then Tredwell got Russell lbw, 3 wickets to get! Bopara who had taken two wickets for 16 off 6 overs bowled a maiden. It was time for Swann's last over. Not only did he get Sarwan caught at short leg by Bell, but two balls later Tremlett took a brilliant running diving catch off of Roach. Last pair in with 20 runs to get. Benn took a single of the fifth ball of Swann's over leaving Bishoo to negotiate the final ball. Bopara came in to bowl with a glazed look in his eyes. Benn played the ball to fine leg and came back for the second run. A rocket throw from Trott into Prior's gloves saw Benn run out and England were still in the World Cup! It was gone 4.00am before I adjourned to bed.
I awoke about 9.00am but though sod it", and turned over. I eventually got up at 11.30am just in time to watch the highlights of the match all over again. And let me tell you it was just as good the second time around! It was early afternoon by the time I got round to taking Reilly for a walk, and I discovered it was raining. I donned the old rain jacket and we set off. It was quite warm and the rain soon stopped, so much so that I unzipped the jacket not long afterwards.
The rest of the afternoon was spent on the computer and I ordered a Spanish South American phrase book from Amazon (£0.51 + £2.80 postage) to be sent to Alan in the hope that it arrives before the girls depart on the 24th. Robert's new job is going well and he appears to be enjoying it although the hours of 7.00 - 5.00 were a bit of a shock to the system at first. The owners are definitely suggesting that they want Robert to manage the wharehouse, which is quite an incentive for him.
The weather today was reasonably warm but showers dotted the day, and just before dinner I looked out and saw my first Australian rainbow circumscribing the back garden.
Being a Friday we were on fish, and Jeannette cooked beer battered flat fish, and Alan I have to tell you you're beer batter is under serious challenge!
The day started somewhat earlier than normal, namely at midnight. I had started watching the England v West Indies match earlier in the evening and as usual had experienced the ups and downs of an England innings. The total of just under 250 was less than they should have got, and it was criminal getting bowled out in under 50 overs, but on the other hand it was better than might have been expected when they had lost their first 6 wickets for a 130 odd. The dynamic hitting of Gayle at the start of the Windies innings did not augur well, but Tredwell managed to get him lbw. Robert went off to bed at 2.00am but I settled in for the long haul. Things were looking good with six wickets down, but then the innings between Sarwan and Russell brought the Windies within sight of victory. The "catch" by Trott that was adjudged to be a "6" looked like the straw that would break the camel's back. With only 20 odd runs required for victory with 4 wickets left and plenty of overs to get them in, things looked bleak for England. Then Tredwell got Russell lbw, 3 wickets to get! Bopara who had taken two wickets for 16 off 6 overs bowled a maiden. It was time for Swann's last over. Not only did he get Sarwan caught at short leg by Bell, but two balls later Tremlett took a brilliant running diving catch off of Roach. Last pair in with 20 runs to get. Benn took a single of the fifth ball of Swann's over leaving Bishoo to negotiate the final ball. Bopara came in to bowl with a glazed look in his eyes. Benn played the ball to fine leg and came back for the second run. A rocket throw from Trott into Prior's gloves saw Benn run out and England were still in the World Cup! It was gone 4.00am before I adjourned to bed.
I awoke about 9.00am but though sod it", and turned over. I eventually got up at 11.30am just in time to watch the highlights of the match all over again. And let me tell you it was just as good the second time around! It was early afternoon by the time I got round to taking Reilly for a walk, and I discovered it was raining. I donned the old rain jacket and we set off. It was quite warm and the rain soon stopped, so much so that I unzipped the jacket not long afterwards.
The rest of the afternoon was spent on the computer and I ordered a Spanish South American phrase book from Amazon (£0.51 + £2.80 postage) to be sent to Alan in the hope that it arrives before the girls depart on the 24th. Robert's new job is going well and he appears to be enjoying it although the hours of 7.00 - 5.00 were a bit of a shock to the system at first. The owners are definitely suggesting that they want Robert to manage the wharehouse, which is quite an incentive for him.
The weather today was reasonably warm but showers dotted the day, and just before dinner I looked out and saw my first Australian rainbow circumscribing the back garden.
Thursday, 17 March 2011
LIVERPOOL AND ALL IN VAIN!
THURSDAY 17th MARCH
An overcast warm and sultry morning, around 25/6 degrees, which saw me take Reilly for an early walk. We nearly had an encounter of the the nasty kind with a rather large doberman. Fortunately I spotted him before Reilly and called him over to me and grabbed hold of his collar. The owner of the doberman put him on a leash when he saw us. Reilly wriggled and strained to break my grip and barked ferociously. The doberman's owner gave me a wave as he passed by. I hung on to Reilly until the doberman was over the other side of the park and then pointed him in the direction of home and let him go. Thankfully he continued heading for home.
Around 11.30 I set off to catch the bus to Mount Druitt, but this time had about a 20 minute wait. I explored the shopping centre thoroughly, and found the two book shops mentioned by Jeannette. In one I picked up an excellent map of New Zealand, so I can now start planning my movements in May. I was tempted by a seafood platter for lunch for $8.00 which really filled me up and then set off for Liverpool. When I was over a couple of years ago, Robert drove me over to see Ralph at his home in Liverpool (Adam and Karen you doubtless know it well!), and on the way through Liverpool I spotted a shop that claimed to be a "Secondhand CD Shop". I decided to go in search of it.
Alighting at Liverpool station I headed down towards the old shopping area. Unfortunately all the streets
I caught the train back to Mount Druitt and a bus from there to Oakhurst. There was no one in when I arrived - Robert had gone straight from work to take Nick to football training. Much to Jane's chagrin he has been demoted to the "B" Team following last Sunday's trial games. Robert is much more philosophical about the situation. Me - I'm having a beer!
An overcast warm and sultry morning, around 25/6 degrees, which saw me take Reilly for an early walk. We nearly had an encounter of the the nasty kind with a rather large doberman. Fortunately I spotted him before Reilly and called him over to me and grabbed hold of his collar. The owner of the doberman put him on a leash when he saw us. Reilly wriggled and strained to break my grip and barked ferociously. The doberman's owner gave me a wave as he passed by. I hung on to Reilly until the doberman was over the other side of the park and then pointed him in the direction of home and let him go. Thankfully he continued heading for home.
Around 11.30 I set off to catch the bus to Mount Druitt, but this time had about a 20 minute wait. I explored the shopping centre thoroughly, and found the two book shops mentioned by Jeannette. In one I picked up an excellent map of New Zealand, so I can now start planning my movements in May. I was tempted by a seafood platter for lunch for $8.00 which really filled me up and then set off for Liverpool. When I was over a couple of years ago, Robert drove me over to see Ralph at his home in Liverpool (Adam and Karen you doubtless know it well!), and on the way through Liverpool I spotted a shop that claimed to be a "Secondhand CD Shop". I decided to go in search of it.
Alighting at Liverpool station I headed down towards the old shopping area. Unfortunately all the streets
looked much the same to me. And there was quite a few of them. I walked around for a couple of hours without so much sniffing a record shop of any kind, nor even a book shop.
I spotted a nice palm, but that was scant consolation.
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
DELUGE
WEDNESDAY 16th MARCH
A pretty warm start to the day (it reached 30 degrees), so much so that I donned my singlet when taking the dog for a walk. We did the long circuit and after returning I set off again for Plumpton, changing my atire to a short sleeved shirt - it has the advantage of a breast pocket for the iPod. . An almond croissant and coffee sustained me for the day until the evening repast. I had the foresight to bring my current book with me and sat outside with my coffee having a liesurely read at the same time. I picked up a Ruth Rendell book in Big W for $3.24 which is about as cheap as I've seen over here for a book.
After getting back the clouds started gathering and in the mid afternoon the skies darkened. I went out the front door to drop a couple of empty beer bottles (from last night - not today's consumption) in the bin. By the time I had walked though the house and gone out the kitchen door (about 5 seconds) the rain was hammering down, and boy did it pour!
I then got down to some Charly work and this kept me occupied for the bulk of the afternoon. I managed to reserve a hired car - a Corrola automatic hatchback complete with a GPS for the duration of the girls' stay or at least from the Monday after they arrive. After Rob and Jeannette got home I drove down in Jeannette's car to Plumpton and purchased a case of Bitburger Premium Beer as stocks were running low. Again it was dry when I left but by the time I got to the carpark it was tipping down again. I stayed in the car until I spotted a car parking spot near the entrance and moved the car with some rapidity! It was then a relatively short dash to the entrance, so I didn't get too wet. I am now sipping one of my purchases as I write this.
Dinner consisted of a spicy meal of noodles with various vegetables and meat mixed into it - absolutely delicious, and I finished off Robert's portion as he was unable to finish his. A bit of Australia v Canada on the box and some more research on Peru and Bolivia on the internet saw out the evening.
A pretty warm start to the day (it reached 30 degrees), so much so that I donned my singlet when taking the dog for a walk. We did the long circuit and after returning I set off again for Plumpton, changing my atire to a short sleeved shirt - it has the advantage of a breast pocket for the iPod. . An almond croissant and coffee sustained me for the day until the evening repast. I had the foresight to bring my current book with me and sat outside with my coffee having a liesurely read at the same time. I picked up a Ruth Rendell book in Big W for $3.24 which is about as cheap as I've seen over here for a book.
After getting back the clouds started gathering and in the mid afternoon the skies darkened. I went out the front door to drop a couple of empty beer bottles (from last night - not today's consumption) in the bin. By the time I had walked though the house and gone out the kitchen door (about 5 seconds) the rain was hammering down, and boy did it pour!
I then got down to some Charly work and this kept me occupied for the bulk of the afternoon. I managed to reserve a hired car - a Corrola automatic hatchback complete with a GPS for the duration of the girls' stay or at least from the Monday after they arrive. After Rob and Jeannette got home I drove down in Jeannette's car to Plumpton and purchased a case of Bitburger Premium Beer as stocks were running low. Again it was dry when I left but by the time I got to the carpark it was tipping down again. I stayed in the car until I spotted a car parking spot near the entrance and moved the car with some rapidity! It was then a relatively short dash to the entrance, so I didn't get too wet. I am now sipping one of my purchases as I write this.
Dinner consisted of a spicy meal of noodles with various vegetables and meat mixed into it - absolutely delicious, and I finished off Robert's portion as he was unable to finish his. A bit of Australia v Canada on the box and some more research on Peru and Bolivia on the internet saw out the evening.
SAME OLD ROUTINE
TUESDAY 15th MARCH
I believe it is Syd Simmon's birthday today - Happy Birthday Syd! Nothing much new to report, same routine repeated today. Researched possibilities in South America. The Andean Express from Cuzco to Puno (a ten hour journey) seems a distinct possibility, ending up on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Other than that it was walking the dog, reading and working on the computer. Much warmer day, almost back to summertime!
I believe it is Syd Simmon's birthday today - Happy Birthday Syd! Nothing much new to report, same routine repeated today. Researched possibilities in South America. The Andean Express from Cuzco to Puno (a ten hour journey) seems a distinct possibility, ending up on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Other than that it was walking the dog, reading and working on the computer. Much warmer day, almost back to summertime!
Monday, 14 March 2011
STORMY WEATHER
MONDAY 14th MARCH
Had a bit of a lay-in this morning and then watched a recording of the England v Scotland rugby match. It was the first of 6 Nations matches I'd seen and it was a bit of a disappointment although England just managed to win. The heavens opened mid morning and the rain hammered down for an hour or so. However by midday it was sufficiently dry to take Reilly for his walk. That was the only occasion I ventured out of doors. The rest of the day was spent reading, researching South America on the computer, eating and drinking. Weather was down to 20 or just under so relatively cold compared to the weekend.
Had a bit of a lay-in this morning and then watched a recording of the England v Scotland rugby match. It was the first of 6 Nations matches I'd seen and it was a bit of a disappointment although England just managed to win. The heavens opened mid morning and the rain hammered down for an hour or so. However by midday it was sufficiently dry to take Reilly for his walk. That was the only occasion I ventured out of doors. The rest of the day was spent reading, researching South America on the computer, eating and drinking. Weather was down to 20 or just under so relatively cold compared to the weekend.
Sunday, 13 March 2011
A HAT TRICK
A peach of a day today, clear blue skies and a temperature in the low 30s. A fairly late start to the day, but once I got up it was a case of investigating the problem with Rob's car. We drove over to the Mount Druitt shopping centre and checked out the availability of new shock absorbers. They were around $150.00 each and had to be ordered in. We left it at that and went back home after having some breakfast in the the Food Halls. When we got back we jacked up the nearside wheel and took it off. There was a nail in it and it didn't look totally symmetrical, but the main objective was to see if I thought I was capable of fitting an new shock absorber. I studied the existing one and it was tempting to say that it was possible, but I had some doubts at the same time. After Rob refitted the wheel, I checked the suspension on the near side and it was fine, whereas last night it was totally seized up. I then suggested that maybe it was the tyres that were causing the vibration. Robert checked on line but no tyre stores were open on a Sunday.
We set off for Carlingford about 2.30pm. Upon arriving Nick declared that he didn't want to come because there were no basketball nets at the park where Robert was playing. Robert kept asking him if he wanted to come and he kept replying "no". Just as we were about to go he changed his call to "I don't know". Robert gave him the option of "yes" or "no", but he persisted with "I don't know", so we left. Robert reckoned he would be running down after us within 10 seconds. He was a bit out with his timming, as Jane waved from the balcony as we were driving out to let us know that Nick was on his way. The young lad was most impressed with the car - we'd left Robert's at home.
Once we got to the ground Nick wanted to play passing the ball, which we did for some time. He also challenged me to a crosscountry race giving me a ten second start. I reckon it was a dead heat finish, and I turned down the offer of a re-match! Then it was hide and seek - there was shrub land just down from the park, part of a creek. The second time round I spotted Nick and threw the ball at him, not realising that the creek was behind him. The ball went in the water. We had quite a palava getting the ball out with Nick wanting to be the one to retreive it, but instead continually pushing the ball away. I eventually managed to rescue the ball and threw it up the bank to Nick, who promptly hurled it straight back at me. He said it was all my fault and he was merely copying what I had done! My goalkeeping instincts came to the fore and I divided to catch the ball to stop it going back in the creek. What I had failed to take into account was the nature of the terrain, which was uneven and populated with shrubs branches and twigs. Whilst I saved the ball from going in the creek it was at some cost to my arm. It seems everytime I play with Nick I end up with an injury. I still have a large scab on the back of my elbow from playing basketball with him a few weeks ago.
After this we returned to watch Robert's match just in time to see him score a hatrick in about ten minutes flat! And two of them were with his right foot! There's life in the old dog yet! After purchasing a beer from Stewy's four year old daughter - she was in charge of the eski, we dropped Nick off back home. Robert took great delight in applying Dettol to my scratches after we got back to Oakhurst, where a roast pork dinner awaited us.
I phoned Jim on the dial option on Skype but just got the BT answer service. I also phoned Alan on Skype but the reception was bad at my end. I confirmed the house number here and he phoned back on that claiming he had been unable to get through earlier. I told him I had ordered Spooks 9 for delivery to his address and asked if he could take out the DVD's when they arrived and stick them in an envelope and give them to Angela along with my Freedom Pass.
We set off for Carlingford about 2.30pm. Upon arriving Nick declared that he didn't want to come because there were no basketball nets at the park where Robert was playing. Robert kept asking him if he wanted to come and he kept replying "no". Just as we were about to go he changed his call to "I don't know". Robert gave him the option of "yes" or "no", but he persisted with "I don't know", so we left. Robert reckoned he would be running down after us within 10 seconds. He was a bit out with his timming, as Jane waved from the balcony as we were driving out to let us know that Nick was on his way. The young lad was most impressed with the car - we'd left Robert's at home.
Once we got to the ground Nick wanted to play passing the ball, which we did for some time. He also challenged me to a crosscountry race giving me a ten second start. I reckon it was a dead heat finish, and I turned down the offer of a re-match! Then it was hide and seek - there was shrub land just down from the park, part of a creek. The second time round I spotted Nick and threw the ball at him, not realising that the creek was behind him. The ball went in the water. We had quite a palava getting the ball out with Nick wanting to be the one to retreive it, but instead continually pushing the ball away. I eventually managed to rescue the ball and threw it up the bank to Nick, who promptly hurled it straight back at me. He said it was all my fault and he was merely copying what I had done! My goalkeeping instincts came to the fore and I divided to catch the ball to stop it going back in the creek. What I had failed to take into account was the nature of the terrain, which was uneven and populated with shrubs branches and twigs. Whilst I saved the ball from going in the creek it was at some cost to my arm. It seems everytime I play with Nick I end up with an injury. I still have a large scab on the back of my elbow from playing basketball with him a few weeks ago.
I phoned Jim on the dial option on Skype but just got the BT answer service. I also phoned Alan on Skype but the reception was bad at my end. I confirmed the house number here and he phoned back on that claiming he had been unable to get through earlier. I told him I had ordered Spooks 9 for delivery to his address and asked if he could take out the DVD's when they arrived and stick them in an envelope and give them to Angela along with my Freedom Pass.
Friday, 11 March 2011
CREDIT CARDS ARRIVE!
SATURDAY 12th MARCH
I was up at 7.15am and got dressed and waited in the sittingroom for Robert to arise. His alarm went off at 7.30am, was quickly switched off and the curtains, which had been ajar, were drawn. I knew all this as his bedroom door was wide open. Last weekend when he failed to stir at the appointed time, I gently knocked on his bedroom door, but was promptly told to "Go away". I didn't commit the same mistake again! Eventually Robert appeared about 7.45am and we set off for Beecroft. The game had started when we arrived although Nick wasn't on the court yet. He soon came on as a sub, did some lightning runs down the wings, tackled back well and I was glad to see that he was jostling the opposition players and not at all intimidated by them. There was no score for some time but eventually one of Nick's runs resulted in a pass to a colleague who scored. Arden won 9-2 making it four straight wins in a row.
Afterwards Nick and some of his friends went to practise at an adjoining covered court. Rob and one of the fathers joined in and it was the two adults against four of the boys. I sat on the sidelines nursing my injuries, keen not to re-open my wounds! Nick was then invited over to his friend Ryan. As he came over I noticed the sweat dripping down Nick's neck and said to him that he was all wet. He replied that he wasn't that it was sweat, to which I countered that sweat is wet. (Nick seems to relish having a good argument with his grandfather!). At this point Robert tipped a water bottle over my head proclaiming that that was wet! I had worn a long sleeved shirt as I wasn't sure what it was going to be like after last night's weather, but by this stage it was approaching 30 degrees and pretty warm. I remained seated and let the water dribble down over me.
We drove over to the gaff in Eastwood, and lo and behold my new credit cards from Lloyds were there! It had only taken from the 22nd February, when Mark had posted them, to reach me. I'd said that if they didn't reach me by the weekend I would report them stolen and get new ones sent which should have arrived in time for Angela to bring them out. However that is all now by the by. Robert told me he was going over to see Pav in Epping and would be back in an hour. I told him I would walk down to town and wait for him at Bo Jo's cafe. Having bought a paper and read it from cover to cover and paid for my meal - I was charged $12.30 although I had made it $9.00 but paid without arguing. As I was sitting reading the TV Guide (that was all I hadn't read), the waitress came out (I was sitting outside) and told me she had overcharged me and refunded the $3.30. Eventually after about 2 hours I gave up and phoned Robert to learn that he was in the Epping with Pav. He told me he'd be over in about half an hour. I told him to stay where he was and I'd catch a train to Epping. This I did and found the second hand book shop Robert had told me about and found one of the two Baldacci books I'm looking for, Stone Cold.
I then went to the Epping and could find no sign of him there. I rang again and he said he would come out to me. I waited some considerable time and was actually in the throes of ringing him again when he appeared. Apparently he had accompanied Pav to the Pokies, which was why I failed to find him. The odd thing was I had looked in the Pokies, but possibly not in the smoking area. We had a beer and Rob texted Jeannette asking if he could be excused going to Penrith for Dennis' 18th birthday, and much to his surprise he got the thumbs up.
After returning to Oakhurst I checked out Robert's car as he was complaining of a problem with the nearside front wheel. I had just started jacking it up when I thought I would check the shock absorbers - the nearside one was locked solid. The problem now is how to get it sorted when Robert needs the car to get to work and apparently local tyre stores don't open on a Sunday around here. Jeannette returned from Penrith not long afterwards.
Anyway I took Reilly for his daily exercise, and upon my return we drove off to the Plumpton Hotel for a spot of dinner.
The portions were fairly sumptuous - I had a steak with oysters, which wasn't bad. Robert
and Jeannette's plates were brimming over with food. The meal was eaten to the accompaniment of a karaoke evening emmanating from the bar next door. It was all pretty dire apart from a woman who sang an excellent version of Solitaire, so much so that Robert was moved to get up and go and have a look at her. He came back disappointed saying she was pretty ugly - another case of the Susan Boyles.
We decided to leave shortly afterwards, but apparently it was going to be via the adjoining bottle shop. Robert was more than surprised at the prices - a couple of bottles of :
for $10.00 was superb value at $5.00 a bottle. Anyway we came away with four bottles of wine and a casket of beers. The security man came over and told Robert he would give him a free glass to go with the beers. He then brought over a wine bag that had a capacity of two bottles for Jeannette and finally pulled out a small wallet/card holder for me. Robert assured him he would be back again!
I was up at 7.15am and got dressed and waited in the sittingroom for Robert to arise. His alarm went off at 7.30am, was quickly switched off and the curtains, which had been ajar, were drawn. I knew all this as his bedroom door was wide open. Last weekend when he failed to stir at the appointed time, I gently knocked on his bedroom door, but was promptly told to "Go away". I didn't commit the same mistake again! Eventually Robert appeared about 7.45am and we set off for Beecroft. The game had started when we arrived although Nick wasn't on the court yet. He soon came on as a sub, did some lightning runs down the wings, tackled back well and I was glad to see that he was jostling the opposition players and not at all intimidated by them. There was no score for some time but eventually one of Nick's runs resulted in a pass to a colleague who scored. Arden won 9-2 making it four straight wins in a row.
Afterwards Nick and some of his friends went to practise at an adjoining covered court. Rob and one of the fathers joined in and it was the two adults against four of the boys. I sat on the sidelines nursing my injuries, keen not to re-open my wounds! Nick was then invited over to his friend Ryan. As he came over I noticed the sweat dripping down Nick's neck and said to him that he was all wet. He replied that he wasn't that it was sweat, to which I countered that sweat is wet. (Nick seems to relish having a good argument with his grandfather!). At this point Robert tipped a water bottle over my head proclaiming that that was wet! I had worn a long sleeved shirt as I wasn't sure what it was going to be like after last night's weather, but by this stage it was approaching 30 degrees and pretty warm. I remained seated and let the water dribble down over me.
We drove over to the gaff in Eastwood, and lo and behold my new credit cards from Lloyds were there! It had only taken from the 22nd February, when Mark had posted them, to reach me. I'd said that if they didn't reach me by the weekend I would report them stolen and get new ones sent which should have arrived in time for Angela to bring them out. However that is all now by the by. Robert told me he was going over to see Pav in Epping and would be back in an hour. I told him I would walk down to town and wait for him at Bo Jo's cafe. Having bought a paper and read it from cover to cover and paid for my meal - I was charged $12.30 although I had made it $9.00 but paid without arguing. As I was sitting reading the TV Guide (that was all I hadn't read), the waitress came out (I was sitting outside) and told me she had overcharged me and refunded the $3.30. Eventually after about 2 hours I gave up and phoned Robert to learn that he was in the Epping with Pav. He told me he'd be over in about half an hour. I told him to stay where he was and I'd catch a train to Epping. This I did and found the second hand book shop Robert had told me about and found one of the two Baldacci books I'm looking for, Stone Cold.
I then went to the Epping and could find no sign of him there. I rang again and he said he would come out to me. I waited some considerable time and was actually in the throes of ringing him again when he appeared. Apparently he had accompanied Pav to the Pokies, which was why I failed to find him. The odd thing was I had looked in the Pokies, but possibly not in the smoking area. We had a beer and Rob texted Jeannette asking if he could be excused going to Penrith for Dennis' 18th birthday, and much to his surprise he got the thumbs up.
After returning to Oakhurst I checked out Robert's car as he was complaining of a problem with the nearside front wheel. I had just started jacking it up when I thought I would check the shock absorbers - the nearside one was locked solid. The problem now is how to get it sorted when Robert needs the car to get to work and apparently local tyre stores don't open on a Sunday around here. Jeannette returned from Penrith not long afterwards.
Anyway I took Reilly for his daily exercise, and upon my return we drove off to the Plumpton Hotel for a spot of dinner.
and Jeannette's plates were brimming over with food. The meal was eaten to the accompaniment of a karaoke evening emmanating from the bar next door. It was all pretty dire apart from a woman who sang an excellent version of Solitaire, so much so that Robert was moved to get up and go and have a look at her. He came back disappointed saying she was pretty ugly - another case of the Susan Boyles.
We decided to leave shortly afterwards, but apparently it was going to be via the adjoining bottle shop. Robert was more than surprised at the prices - a couple of bottles of :
WALKING TO NEW ORLEANS (OR SO IT SEEMS)
FRIDAY 11th MARCH
Well it was Mardi Gras this week (here in Sydney it takes on gay conotations so I didn't actually go to see it). However the distance I walked today felt as though I had walked all the way to New Orleans and back again. Anyway it was a damn good Fats Domino song and I thought it was about time I introduced a musical motif in the daily report.
I had a quick bath with a book - so maybe it wasn't that quick, and after some coffee and toast with marmalade I took Reilly for the morning stroll. There is an option of turning left or right as one comes into the park area just opposite the house. Normally I turn left as that leads into the park proper, but as there were some people walking around in that direction and Reilly has a habit of rushing towards strangers and barking at them (in my opinion in a friendly sort of way - but possibly not interpreted as such by the people involved), I turned right. A few days ago in Macquarie Fields an Alaskan something or rather rushed up to an 18 month old child on the swings and badly savaged it. Apparently the owner at first tried to deny it was his, but has now been charged and the dog has been put down. All this made me suspect that people may be more wary when seeing a dog rushing towards them barking like mad. So we went right and walked all the way to the end, which is a main road. On the way back I noticed that the path was all clear to the left so we walked all the way to the end of the park and back again. Basically two walks in one. We may have an answer to the mystery as to why there are a number of dead small birds lying around on the pathway to the main park area; a falcon was spotted in a tree in the garden by Jeannette. Now I wouldn't know a falcon if it slapped he round the face with a wet dish cloth, but Jeannette's ornothological knowledge is far in advance of mine, so I bow to her superior knowledge. It has obviously been on a bit of a killing spree!
Having refilled Reilly's water bowl and resisted the temptation to spray Reilly with the water hose, I made a shopping list. Here I need to backtrack. Apparently the company who have taken on Robert on 3 months probation belong to the "Brethren" religious group. No TV's no radio, no smoking, no swearing, but Robert seems to like it there and they definitely want to teach him to drive a manual car so he can sometimes go and do some deliveries for them. Robert is now threatening to say grace before meals! Anyway that is all an aside. The fact of the matter is that it is Lent, and Jeannette, with her Catholic background, has decided to give up salt completely (of which she eats far too much) and meat on Fridays. Robert has joined in with this Friday abstinance. As a result I offered to do my prawn curry for the evening meal. I made a list of everything I needed to buy and walked off to Woolworth's at Plumpton. I got some Greek yohgurt for a raitha but could only find mint jelly not mint sauce. I couldn't find cocanut milk, but found crispy cocanut flakes, otherwise I found everything else I needed. There was quite a bit of bit and it got quite heavy on the way back. My feet felt as though they had definitely walked to New Orleans!
By the time I got back it was about 2.30pm so I decided to get things ready and peeled the potatoes and boiled them. I then placed them in a frying pan and sprinked garlic powder, curry powder and cummin seeds, added a chopped up onion, leaving everything ready to cook the Bombay potatoes. I chopped up a red pepper (or as they call them here, a capsicum), and added a few cloves of chopped up garlic and left all that ready in a bowl. I mashed up the coconut flakes into a powder, and got out all the cooking utensils I would need apart from the rice cooker as I didn't know where that was (I had purchased basmati rice as I was told that was what Robert liked and indeed I am partial to it myself). I mixed some mint jelly into the yoghurt and chopped up a cucumber and mixed it in. I tasted it and it was a bit sweeter than I expected. I then found mint sauce in the fridge which was brown in colour and poured a dollop of that in. It took some of the sweetness away so I added some more. Gosh, I feel a bit Delia Smithish describing all that!
I watched a re-run of of the West Indies v Ireland game, but the Irish were unable to repeat their heroics against England. Robert was the first home and chided me for not finding the cocanut milk, which he told me was in the Asian section. He told me he was popping out to the shops and asked if there was anything I wanted and I asked him to get the cocanut milk. After he was gone Jeannette's daughter Jerri and her boyfriend Pat called in wanting something from the garage. They stayed until Jeannette came home and then settled in the kitchen area, precluding me from starting cooking. Robert came back a bit later and joined them. I retired into the summerhouse until the area was clear, and then started cooking. Robert had failed to get the coconut milk, having run into a friend enroute and been diverted to a pub before ever reaching the shops! I still had some yohgurt left so I mixed that in with the powdered coconut flakes and it seemed to work quite well. I had marinated the prawns in lemon and garlic for several hours previously, and added tomato paste and more garlic to the mixture. Along with the Bombay potatoes I did curried mushrooms, and Robert cooked the rice, and made some popadoms. I still had a bottle of Chardonnay in the fridge which went down well with the meal, whilst Rob and Jane stuck to Shiraz. Everybody seemed to enjoy the meal and we had raitha and potatoes left over for another day.
I discovered a number of posts on Xandra Sherman's facebook describing her trip from Panama City, where she stayed with her step-brother Jocelyn and his partner, before moving on down to Peru visiting Machu Pichu, Arequipa - the White City, going to the rain forest, taking trips in canoes down the waterways as well as a journey on the Andean Explorer train, to name but some of the places and things she describes I'm making copious notes, before I start finalising my plans for South America.
I watched the England v Bangladesh game and was later joined by Robert. I eventually gave up and went to bed about 1.00am - there being a 7.30am start in the morning - but Robert watched it through to end - another England defeat to the alleged minnows!
Well it was Mardi Gras this week (here in Sydney it takes on gay conotations so I didn't actually go to see it). However the distance I walked today felt as though I had walked all the way to New Orleans and back again. Anyway it was a damn good Fats Domino song and I thought it was about time I introduced a musical motif in the daily report.
I had a quick bath with a book - so maybe it wasn't that quick, and after some coffee and toast with marmalade I took Reilly for the morning stroll. There is an option of turning left or right as one comes into the park area just opposite the house. Normally I turn left as that leads into the park proper, but as there were some people walking around in that direction and Reilly has a habit of rushing towards strangers and barking at them (in my opinion in a friendly sort of way - but possibly not interpreted as such by the people involved), I turned right. A few days ago in Macquarie Fields an Alaskan something or rather rushed up to an 18 month old child on the swings and badly savaged it. Apparently the owner at first tried to deny it was his, but has now been charged and the dog has been put down. All this made me suspect that people may be more wary when seeing a dog rushing towards them barking like mad. So we went right and walked all the way to the end, which is a main road. On the way back I noticed that the path was all clear to the left so we walked all the way to the end of the park and back again. Basically two walks in one. We may have an answer to the mystery as to why there are a number of dead small birds lying around on the pathway to the main park area; a falcon was spotted in a tree in the garden by Jeannette. Now I wouldn't know a falcon if it slapped he round the face with a wet dish cloth, but Jeannette's ornothological knowledge is far in advance of mine, so I bow to her superior knowledge. It has obviously been on a bit of a killing spree!
Having refilled Reilly's water bowl and resisted the temptation to spray Reilly with the water hose, I made a shopping list. Here I need to backtrack. Apparently the company who have taken on Robert on 3 months probation belong to the "Brethren" religious group. No TV's no radio, no smoking, no swearing, but Robert seems to like it there and they definitely want to teach him to drive a manual car so he can sometimes go and do some deliveries for them. Robert is now threatening to say grace before meals! Anyway that is all an aside. The fact of the matter is that it is Lent, and Jeannette, with her Catholic background, has decided to give up salt completely (of which she eats far too much) and meat on Fridays. Robert has joined in with this Friday abstinance. As a result I offered to do my prawn curry for the evening meal. I made a list of everything I needed to buy and walked off to Woolworth's at Plumpton. I got some Greek yohgurt for a raitha but could only find mint jelly not mint sauce. I couldn't find cocanut milk, but found crispy cocanut flakes, otherwise I found everything else I needed. There was quite a bit of bit and it got quite heavy on the way back. My feet felt as though they had definitely walked to New Orleans!
By the time I got back it was about 2.30pm so I decided to get things ready and peeled the potatoes and boiled them. I then placed them in a frying pan and sprinked garlic powder, curry powder and cummin seeds, added a chopped up onion, leaving everything ready to cook the Bombay potatoes. I chopped up a red pepper (or as they call them here, a capsicum), and added a few cloves of chopped up garlic and left all that ready in a bowl. I mashed up the coconut flakes into a powder, and got out all the cooking utensils I would need apart from the rice cooker as I didn't know where that was (I had purchased basmati rice as I was told that was what Robert liked and indeed I am partial to it myself). I mixed some mint jelly into the yoghurt and chopped up a cucumber and mixed it in. I tasted it and it was a bit sweeter than I expected. I then found mint sauce in the fridge which was brown in colour and poured a dollop of that in. It took some of the sweetness away so I added some more. Gosh, I feel a bit Delia Smithish describing all that!
I watched a re-run of of the West Indies v Ireland game, but the Irish were unable to repeat their heroics against England. Robert was the first home and chided me for not finding the cocanut milk, which he told me was in the Asian section. He told me he was popping out to the shops and asked if there was anything I wanted and I asked him to get the cocanut milk. After he was gone Jeannette's daughter Jerri and her boyfriend Pat called in wanting something from the garage. They stayed until Jeannette came home and then settled in the kitchen area, precluding me from starting cooking. Robert came back a bit later and joined them. I retired into the summerhouse until the area was clear, and then started cooking. Robert had failed to get the coconut milk, having run into a friend enroute and been diverted to a pub before ever reaching the shops! I still had some yohgurt left so I mixed that in with the powdered coconut flakes and it seemed to work quite well. I had marinated the prawns in lemon and garlic for several hours previously, and added tomato paste and more garlic to the mixture. Along with the Bombay potatoes I did curried mushrooms, and Robert cooked the rice, and made some popadoms. I still had a bottle of Chardonnay in the fridge which went down well with the meal, whilst Rob and Jane stuck to Shiraz. Everybody seemed to enjoy the meal and we had raitha and potatoes left over for another day.
I discovered a number of posts on Xandra Sherman's facebook describing her trip from Panama City, where she stayed with her step-brother Jocelyn and his partner, before moving on down to Peru visiting Machu Pichu, Arequipa - the White City, going to the rain forest, taking trips in canoes down the waterways as well as a journey on the Andean Explorer train, to name but some of the places and things she describes I'm making copious notes, before I start finalising my plans for South America.
I watched the England v Bangladesh game and was later joined by Robert. I eventually gave up and went to bed about 1.00am - there being a 7.30am start in the morning - but Robert watched it through to end - another England defeat to the alleged minnows!
Thursday, 10 March 2011
MAN IN MANLEY
THURSDAY 10th MARCH
A good start to the day as I watched Spurs draw 0-0 with AC Milan and go through into the quarter finals of the European Cup. I took Reilly for a long walk as I knew I wouldn't be back to take him for a second one later. A bit of a bath and read, then I checked out my e-mails and discovered I was friends with Charlie Gracie Jr, who amazingly remembered my article in New Kommotion in 1979 on his father, Gene Summers who asked what had been happening to me over all the intervening years, as well as Mac Curtis, Johnny Powers and Ian Wallis. There were also a couple of guys whose names I can't remember but they knew of me through my sleeve notes.
I then set off to catch a bus to Mount Druitt, which I successfully managed to do and only had a ten minute wait at the bus stop. On arriving at my destination I noticed a train pulling out of the station heading townwards, so I went to explore the shopping centre which is fairly immense. I found a JB Hi-Fi shop and invested in a Shirley Bassey Singles CD for $8.00, and then got slightly lost trying to find the station again. However I eventually got my bearings and bought the old Senior Day Concession ticket for $2.50 and caught a train into town. Just one change at Wynyard saw me through to Central Quay. There I found the
Manly Ferry at pier 3, and one was leaving at 2.30pm in about 15 minutes time. I quite accidentally stood around waiting at a spot that saw me as one of the first people to board the boat, the Fresh Water, so I got
a good seat at the front. The ferry took about 25 minutes to get to Manly, during which time I continued reading David Baldacci's Divine Justice. On the walk down to the seafront I noticed that a cheap DVD/CD shop that had been there last time was gone, but the New Zealand Ice Cream shop was still there. I indulged in a Berry Smoothie which went down a treated.
The temperature was in the upper 20s out West but I reckon it was about 24/25 in Manly despite the skies being overcast and no hint of sun. There were quite a few people bathing in the sea, and I sat down and breathed in the ozone.
I phoned Robert and told him I would go straight to Carlingford and meet him there, and caught the 4.15 ferry back to Central Quay. I poked my head out of the window when we docked snapping the Harbour Bridge.
My train connections went extremely smoothly and I got to Carlingford station just around 6.00pm, exactly the time Robert expected to arrive there. However when I arrived at Jane's place there was no sign of either her car or Robert's. I phoned Robert up but just got his voicemail, and the same happened when I phoned Jane. I found a bench to sit on and carried on reading my book. I received a text message from Rob telling me that Jane wouldn't be home until 7.00pm, so I phoned him up and told him I would go round to the Empress of China and have a spot of grub. I had some garlic beef on rice washed down with a VB, and as I walked back Rob was just turning in off the main road.
Jane went off to her yoga classes and we were left with Nick to look after. He had partaken in a cross country race at school today and came in 13th out of 80, which isn't bad at all. Robert insisted that he had a bath, which elicited cries of , "But I had a bath yesterday!". Robert explained that yesterday's bath would have had little effect on the dirt and sweat accumulated on the cross country run. I was despatched to get some Carlton beer for Robert and salt and vinegar crisps for Nick, but prior to leaving I came in with a beaker telling Nick I had some thing for him, He screamed, "No! no!", and when I made to throw the beaker over him he visibly flinched, however the beaker was empty. "I got you there!", I cried and left. I made the error of getting sea salt and vinegar crisps which Nick turned his nose up at saying he didn't like sea salt. As there weren't any other crisps in the shop that was just tough luck on him. We had fun playing indoor football - I seemingly lost to both Robert and Nick, although at one point I thought I had won one of the games, however there was some extremely biased refereeing with yellow and red cards flashing around like lights on a Christmas tree.
A good start to the day as I watched Spurs draw 0-0 with AC Milan and go through into the quarter finals of the European Cup. I took Reilly for a long walk as I knew I wouldn't be back to take him for a second one later. A bit of a bath and read, then I checked out my e-mails and discovered I was friends with Charlie Gracie Jr, who amazingly remembered my article in New Kommotion in 1979 on his father, Gene Summers who asked what had been happening to me over all the intervening years, as well as Mac Curtis, Johnny Powers and Ian Wallis. There were also a couple of guys whose names I can't remember but they knew of me through my sleeve notes.
I then set off to catch a bus to Mount Druitt, which I successfully managed to do and only had a ten minute wait at the bus stop. On arriving at my destination I noticed a train pulling out of the station heading townwards, so I went to explore the shopping centre which is fairly immense. I found a JB Hi-Fi shop and invested in a Shirley Bassey Singles CD for $8.00, and then got slightly lost trying to find the station again. However I eventually got my bearings and bought the old Senior Day Concession ticket for $2.50 and caught a train into town. Just one change at Wynyard saw me through to Central Quay. There I found the
The temperature was in the upper 20s out West but I reckon it was about 24/25 in Manly despite the skies being overcast and no hint of sun. There were quite a few people bathing in the sea, and I sat down and breathed in the ozone.
My train connections went extremely smoothly and I got to Carlingford station just around 6.00pm, exactly the time Robert expected to arrive there. However when I arrived at Jane's place there was no sign of either her car or Robert's. I phoned Robert up but just got his voicemail, and the same happened when I phoned Jane. I found a bench to sit on and carried on reading my book. I received a text message from Rob telling me that Jane wouldn't be home until 7.00pm, so I phoned him up and told him I would go round to the Empress of China and have a spot of grub. I had some garlic beef on rice washed down with a VB, and as I walked back Rob was just turning in off the main road.
Jane went off to her yoga classes and we were left with Nick to look after. He had partaken in a cross country race at school today and came in 13th out of 80, which isn't bad at all. Robert insisted that he had a bath, which elicited cries of , "But I had a bath yesterday!". Robert explained that yesterday's bath would have had little effect on the dirt and sweat accumulated on the cross country run. I was despatched to get some Carlton beer for Robert and salt and vinegar crisps for Nick, but prior to leaving I came in with a beaker telling Nick I had some thing for him, He screamed, "No! no!", and when I made to throw the beaker over him he visibly flinched, however the beaker was empty. "I got you there!", I cried and left. I made the error of getting sea salt and vinegar crisps which Nick turned his nose up at saying he didn't like sea salt. As there weren't any other crisps in the shop that was just tough luck on him. We had fun playing indoor football - I seemingly lost to both Robert and Nick, although at one point I thought I had won one of the games, however there was some extremely biased refereeing with yellow and red cards flashing around like lights on a Christmas tree.
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