Obsessed with Lots of Things

Dave has been awesome looking after me whilst sick. He doesn’t usually need to do this, as I’m not usually completely house bound. But at the moment, I don’t need the cold to make me worse.

He has gone to the shops before work to get supplies. And he has cooked some lovely dinners, and bought me drinks when I’ve been feeling too crap to get out of bed.

Dave also came home tonight with the following:
* Cocoa Farm Dark Organic Chocolate - Yum!
* Max Brenner Dark Chicao Chocolate Thins with Ecuadorian Cocoa Bits - Drool
* Flight of the Conchords CD

He also purchased “Cassius” by Foals for me on iTunes.

And he deserves his own post in my blog for all that.

:)

These are some tracks (non minimal) that have come to my attention recently, and I like:

“Golden Skans” - The Klaxons
“Cassius” - Foals
“Intergalactic” - Boom Boom Satellites

Thanks to the iQ, we’ve started recording Rage. Usually, there’s about 6 hours of stuff that doesn’t interest me. But the occasional track or guests bring some stuff to my attention that I really like. So thanks Rage. But please, no more hosting by The Mess Hall. There was a lot of really awful stuff in their slot.

I have just found out, from my 17 y.o. brother, that blogging is lame. Why am I not surprised? Or worried? He is a lot younger than me! I also know that we have the same chest infection. Considering I haven’t seen him in about 2 months, it seems that whatever I have is doing the rounds. The sneezing and constant coughing has now subsided. My head is not feeling as blocked, but it’s still not brilliant. And the coughing, when it happens, is unpleasant. Well, very unpleasant. The doctor has told me to not go back in until Thursday, but I don’t know if I can handle another day in bed. If I actually wake up feeling better tomorrow, maybe I should ask my boss if I can work from home, so that I give my lungs a chance, away from all the bloody sick people at work. Who made me get this in the first place.

I swear, my lungs are like sponges for all illnesses recently. The advantages of asthma, not. Can work people who are really sick stay the hell home, and not infect me again? I’m pretty over being sick. I’m bored, and would like to do some work. And I’d like to be able to enjoy my weekend.

This is what was planned last weekend:

* Andrew Wowk and Kazu Kimura at Chinese Laundry with Dave
* Seminar at NSW Art Gallery with Alisia (Does media stimulate or stultify the flowering of art? Einstein, Diaghilev, Stravinsky, Bernstein, the Beatles, Bach and Vivaldi join this presentation along with Salvador Dali, Man Ray, the New Yorker, Cézanne, Minkowski, Kupka, Joan Miró and Alexander Calder, as we move to abstract art with a cosmic perspective)
* Hairdresser
* The Chaser live at the Enmore with Dave, Rowena, Charles, Chris and Carla.
* Dinner at Bank’s Thai with Dave, Rowena, Charles, Chris and Carla
* Bjorn Wilke and Matthias Tanzmann at Chinese Laundry with Dave
* Taking Mum to lunch in Burwood

Apart from Chaser and Bank’s Thai, I had to cancel everything. Admittedly, both were lots of fun. And frightening for the Chaser, due to having front row centre seats (thankfully, we missed being hassled). But missing the rest of everything and swapping it for lying like a zombie in bed, constantly coughing and blowing my nose, is not what I really wanted to do.

So, now I will go to sleep, and hopefully wake up in the morning feeling better. Fingers crossed.

Thanks to all you lovely friends who have sent well wishes. I am so over being in bed. Only left the house on Saturday to go to The Chaser’s Variety Hour and dinner, but have been in bed for the rest of the time since then. It’s so boring. All I do is sneeze and cough and splutter. If I laugh, it gets worse. So trust me to watch some of “Flight of the Conchords” tonight, and end up having coughing fits.

I’m going back to bed, and hoping I wake up well.

Wondering if I will have strange dreams again. Last night I dreamt that my husband (!) was a school teacher. And we were locked in a room. WTF? Dave’s first response was “you’re not married”. Yes, I know, and Dave is not a school teacher who locks me in rooms either!!!! That’s a fun one for you dream interpreters

Should I have stayed in bed today? I think so. So far:

* my cough, which started a few days ago, is really horrible now. so i shall miss Kazu Kimura tonight. fun, not.
* a friend who I was to meet for lunch got badly delayed by a meeting. so we couldn’t catch up. unfortunate for both of us - was really looking forward to catching up.
* the manager who had scheduled a meeting with me at 1.30 did not turn up. just plain rude.

But then again:
* there is a an afternoon tea today that involves Lindt chocolate cakes. yum!
* it is a lovely day, cool but not cold, and bright blue skies. which made walking to and from david jones not so bad.
* we can watch the last 3 episodes of “Flight of The Conchords” tonight. more nuts!

Dreaming of napping right now!

What a fun, and also weird, weekend.

Friday
Well, Friday night did involve a lot of house tidying. I didn’t want to have to worry about it for the rest of the weekend. So after that, we watched the first episode of “Flight of the Conchords”.

I am now a big fan.

Thanks to Rowena, Charles and Helen for recommending it. After Arj Barker talked about it on Wednesday night, we finally got to it.

The music bits make me cry with laughter.

Saturday
Another HUGE saturday.

Started with the NSW Art Gallery for the second weekend in a row for a Seminar on “Myths, mystics and music”. A brief description from the brochure follows:

“From Orpheus and the golden mean to Rilke on music, we explore the shared characteristics of the arts, myths and mystics. Myths transmute and reappear in new genres over time, as seen through Shakespeare and in great artistic movements including the Renaissance, the music of Monteverdi, Bach, Mozart and Beethoven, French Impressionism and the Parisian intersection of Diaghilev, Picasso and Stravinsky. We’ll note parallel innovations in science with the periodic table, electromagnetic spectrum, spectography and astrophysics”.

The combination of a beautiful sunny day, lovely friends with me (Juliet and Alisia) and a great lecture (with inspirational music) made for a great morning.

We then headed to the Lindt Cafe at Martin Place for lunch with Chocolate. Let’s see, I had a bit of a roast beef sandwich plus a 70% dark chocolate Sundae (drooooooool), Juliet had a roast beef sandwich plus a hot chocolate (yum!) and Alisia had the waffles (oh, if only they still had salad there for lunch during winter, I would have eaten the waffles myself!). We had a very pleasant lunch, involving much talking about yummy famous men, art, and our upcoming trip to the Blue Mountains. It was a very entertaining lunch, and time got away from us.

Alisia had to head off at that stage (in preparation for dinner at Radio Cairo later in the day), and so Juliet and I alighted a 389 bus to Woollahra. This also involved a lot of discussion about the Blue Mountains, and what we would do in Woollahra.

We wandered around the shopping area at first, where Juliet had to fight the urge to go into Antique stores. Then we went into the Touch Galleries, at which we wanted to see the “Wales to Warhol” exhibition.

On walking into the gallery, each step has a Campbell Soup Can on each side. The first room at the top of the stairs was all Warhol. Mostly some of his Marilyn Monroe’s and Campbells Soup Cans. There were also some Rolling Stones and various sketches. A lot of it was similar to what I’d seen before, but was still lovely to see.

The second room was the Prince of Wales watercolours. We decided that he must have a reasonable amount of time to spare in order to paint these. They weren’t bad at all. I’m not usually a big watercolour fan, but I did appreciate these.

Afterwards, we made our way into a bookshop I had seen before. Of course, I found a (rather expensive) book on Berlin I hadn’t seen before, and promptly purchased it. All book shops are dangerous creatures!!!!

And then it was homeward we went. Another 389 bus followed by a lovely walk, a train for Juliet, and a bus for me.

On arriving home, it was time for a short 2.5 hour disco nap, after which we got ready in a hurry to go to dinner.

We met Sara from Melbourne at The Establishment (where she was staying), and wandered up the hill to the Belgian Beer Cafe on Harrington Street for dinner. It was great to see Sara, as we had only a short catch up with her and Damien in March in Melbourne. I wish the food had been great, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.

Sara and I both had the mussels mariniere, and were disappointed that there was no broth, and that the mussel shells appeared dry and unwashed. Dave’s dinner was pretty average too. Sara and I shared a chocolate pudding for dessert, which was dry. And the guy who served us was extremely surly. I’m glad for the great company, as the whole dining experience was pretty off-putting. I don’t think I’ll be going back there in a hurry. What happened to that place? Has it gotten too complacent after being around for a few year? Typical Sydney Syndrome I think.

Unfortunately Sara was too tired to come out with us afterwards, but it was great to see her, and hopefully we’ll get to see both her and Damien later this year in Melbourne. I think your engagement ring is gorgeous Sara, and the proposal story was very very cute

So Dave and I got a taxi to Kings Cross, to go to “The Cross”. Yes, it’s confusing. “The Cross” is a club in the Bourbon. Why on earth it’s called “The Cross” is beyond me. I think it was done to confuse people.

Up we went to find a relatively small crowd (it was only 12am), and found our friends in the side room, listening to Kate Doherty. After a good catch up, I wasn’t getting into the music, so went to check out the main room with, John Devecchis. He was playing a track I really liked, followed by a lot of not so interesting stuff, with questionable mixing. So I ventured back into the side room for Bjorn Wilke, who was not bad.

We were all waiting for Alex Smoke, so we ventured into the main room for him. Unfortunately, he didn’t start until 1.30, so we stood around a while, trying to amuse ourselves until he started.

I really really loved Alex Smoke. His whole set was very danceable, and exactly the sort of music I’d expect from him. I don’t understand the people who didn’t get into it - they obviously hadn’t listened to much of his stuff before. I didn’t stop dancing for 2 hours. Neither did Dave, who only took a toilet break right at the end of his set because he couldn’t wait anymore!

The crowd thinned out during his set, which was fine by us, as it got rid of most of the idiot factor that I’d come across at previous Lost Baggage’s. I’d have to say it was much less annoying than ususal.

At the end of Alex’s set at almost 3.45, we went back to the side room for Matthias Tanzmann. I really enjoyed what he played, but could barely keep my eyes open. Obviously the disco nap hadn’t helped much. We had to leave at 5am, as I just couldn’t move or keep my eyes open. And we were lucky to get a taxi the second we left

Thanks to Dave, Lisa, Ant, Brad, Hayley, Silvana, Ben, Bianca and Rob for making it such a fun night.

Sunday
After getting to sleep at 6am, I woke up at 12, had a sandwich and looked at the internet for a bit, and then went back to sleep.

This is the weird part of the weekend. When I woke up again it was dark. It was 7pm. I couldn’t believe it. It’s been a long time since I’ve done that! I thought I would have been up at 3.

Dave had only been up since 5, and was happily watching Ghostbusters.

After having a quick diner, we decided to watch some more “Flight of the Conchords”, which kept us in stitches. After 4 episodes, with a bit of other TV in between, Dave went back to bed, and fell asleep immediately.

I, on the other hand, could not sleep. What a surprise!

After watching a bit more TV and tidying up a bit, I decided it was time to call Bec in England. It was 11.30pm here at this stage. We had a great chat for an hour. I love 0018! It was great, as I hadn’t talked with her in ages. We discussed her engagement, upcoming wedding, work, friends, england, holidays, new york, etc. It was so good - but time goes so fast.

I STILL couldn’t get to sleep, so decided to watch that night’s episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” which promptly really did the trick and got me to sleep. At the grand time of 1am.

Monday
So today, I am feeling a little tired. But happy. The sun is shining, there’s lots of work keeping me busy, and I have thoughts of Europe 2009 in my head. One word people. BERLIN

Right, it looks like Europe will be late May to somewhere in July next year. I now have to start thinking how, where, etc.

Possibilities: England (Windsor definitely. Maybe one other place), Germany (Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg), Spain (Barcelona, Madrid), Switzerland (Lindt factory, etc), Czech Republic (Prague). Oh, and a stopover in Japan.

But most of that list are maybes. Depends on loads of factors. Including if we can go for 6 or 8 weeks. Which also depends on work. And money. And when the Melt festival is. I need to know that!!!!

Excited already. First action: spend very little money on anything between now and then!

I am loving the sunshine at the moment. It may be bloody cold, but my coat is warm enough.

Can’t wait to get out at lunchtime.

On arriving home from Canberra on Friday, I was too tired to move. Didn’t take me long to fall asleep.

Saturday was another busy day. Started with the NSW Art Gallery for a Seminar on “Politics and the Outrageous Arts”. I was so tired from the night before, I woke up wondering whether I should just stay in bed for a few more hours. But I realised it was a talk mainly about Van Gough, so I quickly got ready and headed off.

I have to say that the weekend weather has been wonderful. It didn’t rain in Canberra on Friday, and it was reasonably warm. Saturday was lovely - bright, warm and nice to be out. When I got to the city, I really enjoyed walking from Wynyard to the NSW Art Gallery. I hadn’t been able to walk around at lunchtime due to the rain over the past few weeks (and I know most people were getting sick of the rain) so I revelled in the sun. The domain is gorgeous on a sunny day, where the only things around are the trees and a few people. No games, no stage. I wished I had more time, as I would have sat there for a while and enjoyed the sun.

On arriving at the gallery, I FINALLY got the new book on Jeffrey Smart. I’d found about it at a seminar on him last year, and it only got released in the past few weeks - “Jeffrey Smart. Unpublished Paintings 1940 - 2007″ http://www.australiangalleries.com.au/ag/artist/jeffrey_smart/

It’s brilliant. Although I’m confused that the back page is a Spotlight brochure. Why? I may find out, I may not. But I’ve not seen that before in an art book! I love Jeffrey Smart’s style. It was weird - some of his works were in an Australian Surrealism exhibition at the National Gallery, but I’d never really thought about him being a Surrealist. I’m no expert though. Wish I’d had time to check the pieces out.

Anyway, I happily made my way to the lecture. I was rather surprised that Van Gough seemed to be mentioned only in the last sentence of the whole seminar. I did miss the first minute, so maybe he was mentioned then. It was rather good, although the presenter really should make “full stops” in her talks more obvious! I liked the music played, and the very good references to art and politics over the centuries. Someone near me noticed the Jeffrey Smart book and we had a bit of a chat about him.

All up it was a fun morning, and then it was off to the Powerhouse Museum. Thanks to public transport issues, I got there a bit late. I don’t think it made much of a difference though, as we had to wait for 45 minutes to get seated for High Tea. Josie and I decided to get the ticket that included entry to the Diana exhibition, with a headphone set, and High Tea. But if the food ran out, it seemed to be your problem, not theirs!

The food was ok, but we didn’t expect much for $12.50 each. If you go in the next week before it finishes, I’d just go to the exhibition as it will save you some time.

Diana: a Celebration
http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/diana/ was pretty good. I was more interested in her Charity work than her dresses. The dresses were nice, but as Diana once said, she wanted to be thought of as a work horse not a clothes horse. I agree - there was much more to her than her clothes. It was a sad exhibition, seeing as she died so young. She was only 36. But she did quite a lot that was good in her life. She wasn’t a little airhead, like so many “famous” people who have inherited money these days. Her life did mean something. She gave a lot.

Thanks Josie for convincing me to go.

And with that I headed home. Walked back to QVB, grabbed a few things there, then at Abbey’s bookstore (Berlin - The Architecture Guide) and at the shops near home, and came home and tried to relax. Dave and I had a lovely evening of relaxing and watching tv/dvds.

Then it was time for some dvds. We had seen “Death at a Funeral” at the movies, and liked it a lot. It is still great viewing second time around. Then it was “No Country for Old Men”. It was great. So harsh though. Afterwards we watched some “Dexter” episodes which were great. And then it was 2.30am, so we thought sleep would be good!

And today has been another day of relaxing and watching tv/dvds. We started with “1408″ which was alright (Dave found it funny). Then some episodes of the American “The Office”. We did watch some of “Wargames” but surprisingly, Dave got bored, and so I watched some of the second series of “Sex in the City” instead. You will get this back on Saturday Liz

So now what? Work tomorrow for me, but Dave has the day off. And a lot on this weekend too.

What a great way to start a long weekend - going to Canberra with a bunch of great friends, Art and High Tea!

I woke up at the awfully early hour of 5.30am, 5 minutes after Dave got home from a great night out clubbing. Which I would have been at if Canberra hadn’t called!

Rowena, Fiona and I headed off at 6.30am and started the long drive. We met up with Ros and Mark at Dad’s place, had some lovely breakfast made by Ros, had a brief conversation with Dad, and an even briefer one with Phillip, and then headed off again.

We arrived in Canberra at 11, and quickly made our way into the National Gallery for the “Turner to Monet” exhibition. http://www.nga.gov.au/TurnertoMonet/Flash/

There was a guided tour happening, so most of us took advantage of it. There were a lot of people on the tour so Rowena got headphones instead, and met us towards the end. The tour guide was very good, and explained the paintings very well. He got really into it, as it went for 1 hour and 15 minutes, which I think was a bit overtime. Hope he didn’t have to have a shortened lunch as a result.

There were some really beautiful paintings, but also some really average ones. I was very surprised at how many came from other Australian galleries. I was expecting a load from Europe, but I’m sure the other ones on loan only came from Canada and the USA, and there weren’t many of those. So I had seen some before - in NSW and Victoria - but the other ones were a pleasant surprise.

My favourites included:

“Waterloo Bridge” and “Port-Goulphar, Belle-Ile” and “Vetheuil” - Claude Monet
“Haystacks in Brittany” - Paul Gauguin
“Tree Trunks in the Grass” and “Undergrowth” - Vincent Van Gough
“Lucerne, Saint-Denis” - Georges Seurat
“Boulevard Montmartre, morning, cloudy weather” - Camille Pissarro
“A path at Les Sablons” - Alfred Sisley
“Snow effect, Damvillers” - Jules Bastien-Lepage
“Under the birches, evening” - Theodore Rousseau
“Sunlight and shadow, the Newbury Marshes” - Martin Johnson Heade
“Milford Sound, New Zealand” and “Bush fires etween Mt Elephant and Timboon 1857″ - Eugene von Guerard
“The flood in the Darling 1890″ - W.C.Piguenit
“Dresden in the moonlight” and “Cloud study” - Johan Christian Dahl
“Alwick Castle” - J.M.W. Turner
“The Leaping Horse” - John Constable
“A Scene in Windsor Forest” - Paul Sandby

After the tour, we had a quick break in the Cafe (which was REALLY crowded), and then went back in. This time all of us, except Fiona, had headphones. We spent the next hour perusing our favourites again, and finding out about a lot of the works that weren’t covered in the guided tour.

I’m very glad we went. It was well worth it. I spent a lot in the gift shop, as there were just too many good things (Catalogue, Van Gough mug and print and microfibre lens cloth, a few fridge magnets, and some specially made Lindt chocolate for the occasion!

We had to hurry to the Park Hyatt, as we were running late. Unfortunately, we didn’t know how to work Fiona’s navigator, so we got a little lost, not realising it was a 2 minute drive from where we were. 15 minutes later we were at the Park Hyatt.

The High Tea at the Hyatt was fabulous
http://canberra.park.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/entertainment/lounges/index.jsp

Very open space with lots of comfy chairs. All you can eat high tea, including tea/coffee AND champagne. Brilliant chocolate tarts and pavlova included amongst the sandwiches, scones, etc. Rowena and I decided to share a Lychee Martini which was very pleasant too. We were all fully very quickly! But we were there for 2 hours, so made the most of it. It was just nice to relax, eat and chat.

Then it was time to head back home. The drive was very relaxing - no heavy traffic. The view on leaving Canberra is divine, and I wish I’d realised as I would have taken some video. Rowena says it’s her favourite part of leaving Canberra. I think a few people know what I’m talking about, but I’d just forgotten. I think I tend to leave Canberra in the dark ususally!

Fiona let me drive home from Dad’s, and it was a very easy car to drive. We finally got to my place at just past 9pm, exhausted but happy.

Thanks to Fiona and Mark for driving Ros, Rowena and I. And for the great company that all of you were. Apologies for talking too much. I was excited!

Now we have to start planning for Brisbane and Picasso

Dave’s birthday did not turn out quite the way we expected, with me making him (and loads of other people) sick. I’d like to AGAIN thank that special person at work for coming in for 2 weeks, being quite ill, and passing it on to numerous people.

On the Saturday beforehand, we were going to Pello for a degustation dinner with Rowena & Charles, but had to cancel it as we were all sick. Both Dave and Charles could not taste food or smell anything, so it would have been a waste of time! We will now have to wait until some time in May.

Dave’s actual birthday night (a Wednesday) was changed due to illness. He still wasn’t well enough to face a night out to dinner and movies. We have a tradition of seeing a bad sci-fi movie on his birthday. There weren’t any on, so we were going to see “Be Kind Rewind” (Dave has since seen it, and I’m glad we didn’t go on his birthday now, as it sounds awful and depressing).

So we had a quiet dinner at The Longueville, comprising Lamb Shanks (Dave) and Salmon (me). And then ventured home so that I could give Dave his presents.

Thankfully he liked them, although he guessed most from the packaging. I’m not very good at wrapping, but he seemed to like the funky paper!

I got him a signed cookbook by Nigella Lawson (who signed it in the ABC bookshop a week before hand, and who was lovely), Ralph Lauren Polo Double Black EDT, “Stranger Than Fiction” DVD, a nerdy book on technology, and a nerdy book on Commodore 64s (which arrived in the post yesterday, and he has excitedly read since).

Thankfully, he was well enough to go to Prague Czech Restaurant on the Saturday after his birthday. Thanks to all of you who came for making it such a fun evening. The food was pretty good - all very large serves. We had mixed entrees, our own mains, and mixed desserts. Everyone was amazed at how huge the mains were. Mostly very meaty!!!! I took a few photos, and will hopefully get them up on Flickr soon. Well, the ones that worked out. I apologise for spilling beer, even though I wasn’t drunk! Yes, I drank about half a beer (spilled most of one, and gave most of the other one to Dave).

Afterwards, we went to the Longueville for a few drinks with Nicole & Tim. Mmmm…Frangelico. Funnily enough, I woke up on Sunday with a hangover. On 1/2 a beer and 2 Frangelicos - wtf!

Dave and I hadn’t been to Adelaide since June 2006, so it was great to go for a long weekend.

We were actually very prepared to leave. I think that was the first time ever. We’re usually frantically doing things until the taxi/car arrives/bus leaves. But this time, we were looking for stuff to do.

We arrived on Thursday night - on time, and in time to pick up the rental car before Hertz closed. Nice, small, zippy, practically new car too.

Dave’s Mum, Jan, gave us a warm welcome. And so did the dog, Ripley. He’s been snipped since we’ve been there last, and has now become a much more friendly dog, who enjoys patting more than tennis balls now.

We did a lot of sleeping. I don’t think I’ve felt this rested after a holiday EVER. Didn’t really get out of the house until 12 every day. Was nice to just sleep, hang out with Jan and Ripley, and relax.

Dave’s sister, Nat, came over and visited with her daugter Jokhoda. We hadn’t seen Jo before, and now she’s almost 7 months old. Had a good laugh at how protective Ripley was of her. Every time Dave went near her, he got growled and barked at!

Friday’s activites started with lunch at a Greek place, followed by shopping, in Hyde Park. There are loads of new cafes. I found a great book on German architecture, and Dave found one about Minimalist architecture. So started our shopping! I got some chocolate from Cocolat.

We couldn’t do a lot, as we had a booking for dinner at 6pm at Windy Point Restaurant. We went there last time we were in Adelaide. It’s still great, but they are big on the upsell now!

As we had lunch so late, we skipped dessert, and went straight for the mains.

We both got Roast Chateaubriand of Beef Murray lands ‘Clare Valley Gold’ prime grain fed beef fillet with bordelaise sauce roasted parsnip and house made potato crisps. Sides were French Beans and Potato Puree. Very yum, but soooo filling. Not used to the big serve sizes. This happens every time we go interstate - anywhere but Sydney, we get big serves of food.

Dessert was a variation on what was on the menu. They were very accommodating. Dave had Honey Cinnamon Ice-Cream, and I had the Chocolate Melange - which was awesome. 6 ‘petite chocolate masterpieces’. I gave the creme brulee and panacotta chocolate things to Dave, as I don’t like them. But I had the rest, and they were divine.

We left feeling very full! It was lovely to watch the sun come down over the city whilst eating. We arrived when it was still quite light, and left at 8 when it was very dark.

Decided we couldn’t be bothered going for a drive, as we were too full. We just went back to Jan’s, where we watched TV, cleaned up a bit of our mess, and Dave went through old Bliss/DAMC stuff to bring some back to Sydney.

Early to bed, and then late to rise! Up late again, and then off to Rundle Street. Started with shopping. Chocolate was included, of course. We went to the Chocolate Bean, and decided to go there later in the evening, as they are open until midnight on Saturday. Walked along Rundle street and checked out all the shops.

Lunch was at Scoozi. Unfortunately, the previously brilliant pasta is now rubbish. If I had asked for a bowl of slop, I would have been happy. Presentation was terrible. And taste was pretty crap. For those prices, I would have expected more.

But we went to get Gelato at Alfresco and was happy that it was still excellent. Lemon and dutch chocolate yum!

More shopping after that. More chocolate shops, shoe shops, etc. Founds some great stuff in Chocolate World, Haighs and L’Occitane. Dave didn’t get a thing though. He’s more picky than I am!

We went back to Jan’s place, dropped off all our stuff, and headed to Susan & Paul’s place for drinks and nibblies. Helen was also there with Mark. It was great to catch up and chat on a nice afternoon outdoors. The weather in Adelaide was so warm - they need the rain. We’ve got too much rain in Sydney at the moment!

Time got away from us, and then we had to rush back to Jan’s for dinner. Jan made a nice roast, and Nat, Stew & Johkoda were there too. We had a great time catching up, and afterwards Dave & I headed back to the Chocolate Bean for dessert.

We had to get takeaway choccies and Mousse as the place was packed. There was a function upstairs too. I’d love for there to be a chocolate place in Sydney with functions allowed. If anyone knows of one, tell me please!

Afterwards, we drove to Glenelg. I’ve never been on the beach there so we went for a short walk. The beach is nice, but the new developments remind me of the Gold Coast. I’m not a fan. Too many yobbos too. At least we found some good chocolate at Bracegirdles, and a dvd for Dave’s Mum (Death at a Funeral) at a music/dvd store open late. It was funny, we got home to find Jan watching “Pride & Prejudice” - the latest version. Jan really likes Matthew Macfadyen, so Death at a Funeral was hopefully a good choice.

We were going to see HMC, but were too stuffed and tired. Another early night!

Sunday was really a day for not very much at all. We got up late again, packed, and headed off to Hyde Park again for some shopping and lunch. Had lunch at great little place, that used to be a funky restaurant. Yummy Salt & Pepper Calamari for me, and Caesear salad for Dave.

We considered going for a drive afterwards, but Gelato called! Back again to Rundle Street, where they have a large afternoon market now. It used to be a small side street of stalls, and now they block off the road to traffic, from the Mall back to the end. After gelato and finding a great t-shirt for Dave, we drove back to Jan’s. Nat & Johkoda were there too. I proceeded to fall asleep on the lounge, whilst they all caught up and laughed at my snoring

And then it was off to the airport. It seemed the weekend went entirely too quickly. I’m missing them all now. Apparently, Ripley has missed us. He’s been waiting for us to come back!

Nat wants us to come back for Johkoda’s 1st birthday in September. I think we may do it. Maybe we’ll go to a winery this time. I’ve only been to Adelaide about 6 times, and never been to one! Dave?!?!?!??!

Congratulations to Dave and Valli on their impending marriage. Nice thing to happen at the end of a long work day!

Just found out that Sara and Damien are engaged. Awesome news!

I thought I would wish Dave a happy birthday in a very public way - on the internet

Although that is making an assumption that people read this. I think I could be very wrong here.

Dave is a bit stressed today as he’s getting a little older. But I’m going to try and make it fun for him. Presents will be presented tonight. And we may have some yummy Chinese.

:)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!!!!!! xxxx