3-15-13

Martin: Beechworth local produce markets in the grounds of one of the local churches.

Saturday morning we left the boys sleeping and the both of us drove to the small growers market on the other side of town. Another hot day but this area is at a higher altitude and the humidity is also higher than towards the middle of Victoria where we had been. Always interesting to see what is on offer at the local markets. Ruth picked up some herbal teas, fresh peas and a bag of apricots.

Me: While Bob was mountain biking, I hit the Friday morning garage sales.

 And while we were away, James and Mike were making progress on the house.

 The remodel is taking shape and Harley approves of the new deck!

PS: I hit the jackpot of garage sales this morning. You can see one fun bargain in the middle photo. I also purchased three tall bookshelves, a gorgeous coffee table (for our vacation rental), 2 blankets (also for rental), 2 antique glass canisters, a wool shawl, t-shirt and bonus: a box of free grapefruit.

Total spent: $64.00.

3-14-13

Martin: From here on, we mainly stayed on the back roads on to see more of the countryside but it was hot when you stepped out of the car. When we pulled over to have our sandwiches at the town park in Murchison, the outside temp was 46C, so we stayed inside the car with the AC on and the engine running – hoping it wouldn’t over heat. Made Beechworth in the mid-afternoon and found accommodation for the remaining two nights. Had planned on camping for at least part of the trip and we had dragged along the equipment but were advised against it due to the high fire danger. Walked around the town to see where we would eat and it became a choice of an interesting looking seafood café or the menu from one of the numerous pubs. The busy pub won out and we put the café on the list for Saturday night. The pub meal was less than memorable and the entertainment for the evening was provided by the middle aged couple across from us who, after being seated at the last remaining available table, realised they were sitting at table No.13 and the woman proceeded to kick up a fuss as she wanted to be moved. Bet they don’t walk under ladders. Spent some time after the meal checking out the shop windows. There are a number of interesting shops as Beechworth is a popular destination for people from Melbourne to come up for the weekend.

Me: Hiking with Rod, Bob, Harley, Kathy, Janna & Kavan.

 Pima Wash in South Mountain.

 Pretty day, lovely walk.

3-13-13

Martin: This was someone's garden that we passed on the way out of Bendigo. I had noticed it on our drive through the city earlier in the trip and decided to get a pic.

Me: My brother, Rod and wife, Kathy are visiting this week. They picked the right time to escape the cold of Des Moines for heat. Our chilly weather has turned to 93 degrees. This morning the three of us took Harley for a nice walk on the trails. This afternoon I picked up Bob. Thrilled to have him home again!

3-12-13

Martin: We decided to spend the remaining two nights in the town of Beechworth, 350kms distance and a third of the way across the state but it was in the direction of home. We passed through Bendigo once again and Adrian got a shot of one of the local trams before we headed out of the city.

Me: The wildflowers are plentiful this year. I love the orange and yellow African daisies!

3-11-13

 Martin: Easy to tell how dry it has been out this way.

Me: The bread pudding story.

This Santa Barbara experience deserves it's own post...

Saturday, February 23rd: For two days I had been carrying around a coupon for one free bread pudding dessert at the Palace Grill. I LOVE bread pudding and begged Marsha and Shelly to go there at some point during our stay. Well, on Saturday night we did. Our initial reaction when we pulled up to the restaurant was hesitation due to the exterior pink neon lights and off main street location. But once we walked in...our skepticism turned to curiosity. It smelled great and the place was packed. 

Not long after sitting down the waiters and everyone around us broke into song!

"When the moon hits your eye

Like a big-a-pizza pie

That's amore

When the world seems to shine

Like you've had too much wine

That's amore!"

and so on...

All the waiters were clinking glasses with the patrons. It was hysterical, joyous and a blast!

Alas, the bread pudding arrived and let me just say it was THEE best bread pudding! Marsha and Shelly, who weren't sure they liked bread pudding, enthusiastically agreed. Mmmm. What a fun place!!

Check out the link: The Palace Grill
Apparently this restaurant is a city favorite & has won numerous awards for best service & food. The Palace Grill is known for authentic Louisiana dishes & entertaining. Definitely a must stop the next time you're in Santa Barbara!

3-10-13

Martin: Ivan hinted at an inspection of his small herd of cows before our departure, so we asked to go and see the moos. He was proud of his animals and it was surprising to see the instant response when he called out to them. The cows were standing around in the shade of a few trees in the centre of the paddock. Once the call went out, they were all lined up next to the fence closest to us in only a matter of seconds. Ivan gave us the run down on his breeding program and answered a number of questions, pleased that he had an audience, while the cows looked on expectantly awaiting a treat that didn’t eventuate. Sad to leave but we had to move on. Funny that Suzy followed the car out the front gate and watched us drive away as she sat on the side of the road. The previous mornings, she went back to the farm house as soon as we set off. Maybe she sensed we were not retuning this time.

Me: Mountain to Fountain 15k

Many members of our Vitesse biking team did a running race from McDowell Mountain Park to the big fountain in Fountain Hills. 800 participants with no wheels. :-) It was a cool, sunny day to run the hilly route. Some Vitesse folks turned out some very fast times. I'm not so speedy but happy with my result of 1 hour and 12 minutes.

3-9-13

Martin: Ivan and Norma up at their house.

Vacation continued... Friday morning (4th Jan) we reluctantly packed the car – always difficult when you have been in one place for a few days and the contents stored in the cabin have to be placed back in the car, made worse by liking the location. After the car was loaded and a last throw of the tennis ball with Suzy, we went over to the farm house to say goodbye to Ivan and Norma.

Me: Twins. :-)

Kavan came over the other day wearing the shirt we brought him from Leadville. I coincidentally was wearing my matching Tee.

Today Bob is back in the sim in Dallas and after a chilly morning bike ride I've been wrapped up in a blanket taking real estate continuing education classes on-line. It's still cold today, still have a hole in the house (with plywood walls now), but no hail. :-) Hope you're having a great weekend!