Right.
Well it’s Friday night, we have just got home from the pub but it’s early 8.30pm.
We are currently residing in the most ridiculous state in the whole of Australia. Today a new record was set, never in the history of Victoria have they had 3 days above 43 degrees, today was the third and at it’s peak temperatures were 45.1. Now I don’t mean to sound ungrateful and I’d hate to come off as a moaner but here it is, I have had 8 hours sleep in the last 3 days have spent two nights on the sofa ( downstairs is cooler ) and have been completely unable to function as a person.
The trams have been late or cancelled, the traffic lights have all failed on Fitzroy street, there is no power all over the state and forest fires are ripping through the green belt areas. Today Melbourne gave free transportation to all as an apology for their restricted services (wouldn’t catch them doing that in Brighton!) 5 of the main train lines are out and the fire brigade are desperately trying to protect 2 townships which are currently on the brink of being totally destroyed.
Total fire ban declared yet again for tomorrow but a slight reprieve, 37 degrees – after the past 3 days that should be a breeze.
The Ting Tings were fantastic, they really did put on an epic show and despite the immense heat and distinct lack of air con it was a brilliant experience.
My office is air conditioned, I love it, in fact I have considered sleeping over. El’s office is not when I speak to her in the day she actually has to unstuck herself from her chair! Why does this heat make everything rubbish?
I wish I could explain the amazingly disgusting tram rides I have to take home from work – imagine if you will 300 people all hot bothered and in a hurry to get home, then imagine if you will the 40 degree heat pulsating through the tram as Mr hairy and Miss Elbows rub against you – yuck. It really is quite stupid and of course the air con doesn’t work ( or on the old school trams doesn’t exist )
Talking of air con El and I decided to put our air con on – turns out we don’t have air con (problem number 1 )
Turns out we have an ‘ air cooler ‘ from the late 1960’s (Problem number 2) – you pour 5 litres of water in a box , plug it into the wall a fan then blows air out and gradually the water evaporates into the air and your bedroom becomes a tropical rainforest...oh yes not only are you now hot you’re also damp. (problem number 3)
I would personally like to thank Mr Air Cooler for all his hard work and careful research in making people feel better when they are hot and bothered. Good job you.
Yes I think I’ve probably hinted at my dissatisfaction, and suggested that maybe, just maybe it is bloody hot here. I can only express my concern for both my mild mannered demeanour and my general good nature because currently I feel the need to break into supermarkets and take residence in a chiller cabinet and start campaigns to make people with their own swimming pools share the wealth. Enough. Enough, I am sure you are all quite fed up with my complaining ( and I really could keep on and on and on ) So I will stop.
I shall lie on the sofa and wish myself somewhere cooler...somewhere a little bit like England! Funny that.
Take care
Lots of love One very sticky Godfrey and one very bothered Baker
Friday, 30 January 2009
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Joy
I'm going to see the Ting Tings now...
How exciting for me
I just wanted to anounce that for all of you who are expecting letters I posted them this morning I've been a little slack but I'm back on top now.
Just off to my favourite little book store..it's open 10am - 10pm and they'll order any book you want even if it's out of print!!..... It's not good for the bank balance let me tell you, plus I'm gonna have to ship the new 'library'home some how, oh well.
loads of love
Leah and El
How exciting for me
I just wanted to anounce that for all of you who are expecting letters I posted them this morning I've been a little slack but I'm back on top now.
Just off to my favourite little book store..it's open 10am - 10pm and they'll order any book you want even if it's out of print!!..... It's not good for the bank balance let me tell you, plus I'm gonna have to ship the new 'library'home some how, oh well.
loads of love
Leah and El
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Just a quick note
I am still at work, so I'll have to keep it short and sweet.
What a day yesterday... The Australian Open was tremendous. We had the most lovely day
The tennis was great, the atmosphere was brilliant and the weather was delightful ( if not a little hot) first up we saw the two Frenchman battle it out, that was until one of them pulled out with a sprained ankle.. next we saw Miss Serena Williams take on Vicky someone or other ... It was going well - to my delight Serena was getting her butt kicked, then Vicky came over all faint, nearly passed out and walked off the court. end of match 2.
At this point I was despairing, I concluded we would never see a whole match!
The Nedal came on, that guy can really play, he won the match in 3 straight sets and just in time too, the sun had just reached us and I was melting!
We sat outside and watched the end of the Murray game on the big screen, what a shame that he went out I really didn't like that chap he was up against.
Brilliant day, if you are ever in Melbourne over the summer I firmly recommend you get yourself a ticket.
Lovely.
Loads of love
xx
What a day yesterday... The Australian Open was tremendous. We had the most lovely day
The tennis was great, the atmosphere was brilliant and the weather was delightful ( if not a little hot) first up we saw the two Frenchman battle it out, that was until one of them pulled out with a sprained ankle.. next we saw Miss Serena Williams take on Vicky someone or other ... It was going well - to my delight Serena was getting her butt kicked, then Vicky came over all faint, nearly passed out and walked off the court. end of match 2.
At this point I was despairing, I concluded we would never see a whole match!
The Nedal came on, that guy can really play, he won the match in 3 straight sets and just in time too, the sun had just reached us and I was melting!
We sat outside and watched the end of the Murray game on the big screen, what a shame that he went out I really didn't like that chap he was up against.
Brilliant day, if you are ever in Melbourne over the summer I firmly recommend you get yourself a ticket.
Lovely.
Loads of love
xx
Tuesday, 20 January 2009
20th Jan 2009
Well not that much to report - I have been feeling slightly under the weather and have felt a little bit sick for the last 2 days, maybe it's the heat. It is hot here, 37 degrees today but a cool change is due in this evening.
The Australian Open is in full swing here in Melbourne. El and I are going to be in attendance either one night this week or the weekend, Mum said they are televising parts of it so look out for us!!
I found out yesterday that the Australian Grand Prix actually takes place in Albert Park ( that's the one opposite our flat ) How brilliant is that!!
I was very excited, still am in fact.
Tonight I am going to try and get an early night - I have finished Mansfield park and before I drive myself crazy with Northanger Abbey … I thought I would read the Deaver that Sa sent for my birthday, luckily for me Nan and Grandad also sent my books as El is half way though the Deaver and I am not sure she'd part with it!
I may go for a stroll with El tonight along the front, it really is glorious out there, the problem is that the only wind which currently exists is hot wind, and it really is not very refreshing at all. Imagine being blasted by a hair dresser and your're there!
Oh - did I tell you about the Tupperware party?
It was brilliant - El and I purchased lots of things for our future travels and some ice lolly makers for now! Not only did we have a nice day we also got invited to a BBQ - and in true Australian style they have a DJ and a Karaoke machine. looking forward to that.
Well that is your lot, not a lot to report I am afraid, but we will be going to see some sculptures soon - check these out..
Sandstormevents.com.au
Photos to follow.
Love to you all
Leah and El
The Australian Open is in full swing here in Melbourne. El and I are going to be in attendance either one night this week or the weekend, Mum said they are televising parts of it so look out for us!!
I found out yesterday that the Australian Grand Prix actually takes place in Albert Park ( that's the one opposite our flat ) How brilliant is that!!
I was very excited, still am in fact.
Tonight I am going to try and get an early night - I have finished Mansfield park and before I drive myself crazy with Northanger Abbey … I thought I would read the Deaver that Sa sent for my birthday, luckily for me Nan and Grandad also sent my books as El is half way though the Deaver and I am not sure she'd part with it!
I may go for a stroll with El tonight along the front, it really is glorious out there, the problem is that the only wind which currently exists is hot wind, and it really is not very refreshing at all. Imagine being blasted by a hair dresser and your're there!
Oh - did I tell you about the Tupperware party?
It was brilliant - El and I purchased lots of things for our future travels and some ice lolly makers for now! Not only did we have a nice day we also got invited to a BBQ - and in true Australian style they have a DJ and a Karaoke machine. looking forward to that.
Well that is your lot, not a lot to report I am afraid, but we will be going to see some sculptures soon - check these out..
Sandstormevents.com.au
Photos to follow.
Love to you all
Leah and El
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Campinng part 2 & some job news
We travelled back via lots of little places on the Sunday, The best being Maryville where we managed to visit some beautiful waterfalls, go to a local craft market and purchase a punnet of Cherries and go for a swim in their local outdoor pool.
You really should have seen us, there was only us and 2 children in this massive pool and El and I were acting more like children than they were. It was so Lovely.
We got back and flaked out on Sunday night ready for another work week.
El has been hitting the pool every night this week so I come home to an empty house but I am at least finding time to read, cook and write my letters. Thank you all so much for my birthday cards, it was so lovely to get them ( and all the letters in them ) I shall be posting responses shortly!!
Yesterday Ford declared that Ford credit Australia are ceasing retail trading. It was a very sad day, not for me, but for the people I work with ( some of whom have been here 20 years ) I was sad for them and they are sad for themselves. currently my job is secure ( or as secure as it can be in this climate ) I can't help thinking how extremely lucky I am, and how easy it is to take for granted all that we have in our lives .
Well that's your lot, I'm off to cook a delightful Thai Green curry for tea, and hopefully finish Mansfield Park ( currently I have decided it is Austen's poorest effort!!)
Love to you all
Leah and El
You really should have seen us, there was only us and 2 children in this massive pool and El and I were acting more like children than they were. It was so Lovely.
We got back and flaked out on Sunday night ready for another work week.
El has been hitting the pool every night this week so I come home to an empty house but I am at least finding time to read, cook and write my letters. Thank you all so much for my birthday cards, it was so lovely to get them ( and all the letters in them ) I shall be posting responses shortly!!
Yesterday Ford declared that Ford credit Australia are ceasing retail trading. It was a very sad day, not for me, but for the people I work with ( some of whom have been here 20 years ) I was sad for them and they are sad for themselves. currently my job is secure ( or as secure as it can be in this climate ) I can't help thinking how extremely lucky I am, and how easy it is to take for granted all that we have in our lives .
Well that's your lot, I'm off to cook a delightful Thai Green curry for tea, and hopefully finish Mansfield Park ( currently I have decided it is Austen's poorest effort!!)
Love to you all
Leah and El
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Camping part 1..
Well what a time we had -
Camping was fun... We set out with the very best of intentions but after getting completely lost on the way to pick up the tent, and then struggling to get out of Melbourne we were less than halfway by 9.30pm and it was pitch black ( not right for pitching a tent in!) So it was settled between Miss Godfrey and I, that rather than drive the winding dangerous road in the depth of night we would stop in the understated town of Townsville a beautiful little place and find a hotel.
Well we found a lovely little place and managed to sample some local ale before getting a good nights rest. It was very lucky that we did find such a delightful place to stop because we nearly booked into a road side Motel, it looked the most seedy and unkempt place I have ever cast my eyes upon, the owner had food all over his front and half the lights were gone. it really looked terrible. Saturday morning we had a great big breakfast and then set off for the camp site. It was a good job we didn't drive the Yarra Ranges at night, the locals call them the black roads because so many people have lost their lives on them. None the less they were beautiful and the drive was really scenic. The camp site was sat on the river side and we had a lovely time in the evening we had a BBQ and sat under the stars.. MORE LATER
Camping was fun... We set out with the very best of intentions but after getting completely lost on the way to pick up the tent, and then struggling to get out of Melbourne we were less than halfway by 9.30pm and it was pitch black ( not right for pitching a tent in!) So it was settled between Miss Godfrey and I, that rather than drive the winding dangerous road in the depth of night we would stop in the understated town of Townsville a beautiful little place and find a hotel.
Well we found a lovely little place and managed to sample some local ale before getting a good nights rest. It was very lucky that we did find such a delightful place to stop because we nearly booked into a road side Motel, it looked the most seedy and unkempt place I have ever cast my eyes upon, the owner had food all over his front and half the lights were gone. it really looked terrible. Saturday morning we had a great big breakfast and then set off for the camp site. It was a good job we didn't drive the Yarra Ranges at night, the locals call them the black roads because so many people have lost their lives on them. None the less they were beautiful and the drive was really scenic. The camp site was sat on the river side and we had a lovely time in the evening we had a BBQ and sat under the stars.. MORE LATER
Friday, 9 January 2009
A HISTORY LESSON
El and I are going on a camping adventure this weekend.
I call it an adventure primarilly because it makes it more exciting and secondly because we are of into the outback
(or at least the Australian countryside) We have borrowed all the equipment from my ford credit buddies and in exchange for
A bottle of wine and a 6 pack of beer have everything that a good camper requires.
It's about 3 hours away from Melbourne and we are setting off this evening. The only concern is putting up the tent in the dark!
I thought a little bit of history into our detination might be of interest to you all so I have taken the time to discover the following;
The small town of Darlingford (named after Sir Charles Darling, Governor of Victoria), near the junction of the Big and Goulburn Rivers came into being in the 1860's after gold was discovered in the area. It had seven hotels, five policemen, a log gaol, shops, post office and a small slab hut used as a school.
Eildon station, a run of 25,500 hectares was first started in 1846 by Mr and Mrs Archibald Thom. The name Eildon was chosen by the couple because the area from Darlingford to Thornton reminded them of Mrs Thom's birthplace, the Eildon Hills near Abbotsford in Scotland.
The township of Darlingford was flooded by the building of the Sugarloaf Reservoir. To house the men working on the reservoir, the new shanty town of Eildon began to arise. The State Rivers and Water Supply Commission built houses for their staff, a large mess room and single men's accommodation. However, some of the workers were still housed in tents.
Those who brought their families provided their own accommodation by building bag houses made from jute cement bags, split open and stitched together and then painted with a mixture of tallow and whiting as waterproofing. A state school was built and staffed and this building was also used as a community hall and church.
During the construction of the Eildon Dam, approximately 4000 people were housed in the new township of Eildon. Construction of the town commenced in 1950 and was completed in 1952. Originally the town comprised 300 permanent houses, pre-cut and fabricated in England but assembled on site. Fourteen different plans were used to eliminate the sameness of appearance.
All services were installed, including roads, water supply, drainage, sewerage, and electricity. Great attention was paid to all details, including the provision to convert the workshop and stores buildings to factories for light industries after the completion of the dam. There were very few old buildings moved into the town from the Darlingford area. The original shops were in High Street, now Moore Park and were of a temporary design. The first block of eight permanent shops were built and occupied in 1954, followed by the bakery and the block facing east several years later.
On completion of the dam, the works area was purchased by the Masonite company for the manufacture of wallboard, but closed a few years later. These buildings are now occupied by various light industries. The authorities at the time recognised the fact that Lake Eildon had great potential as a recreational area and made provisions for boating, fishing and picnicking facilities around the shores of the lake.
Tourism is now the major industry as Lake Eildon is a great place for a relaxing holiday, away from the pressures of city living and is within easy driving distance from Melbourne and other centres in Victoria for a day trip.
There is now a wide range of accommodation available which caters for every holiday makers need. There is easy access to three national parks and fishing is popular all year round. Lake Eildon is a great place to visit at any time of the year. Each season has its own attractions and contrary to expectations has a very temperate climate
Well doesn't that just sound delightful! I wonder how many of you just skipped all of that!
Well I shall offer you a full update after the weekend - if we survive the snales and spiders!
I call it an adventure primarilly because it makes it more exciting and secondly because we are of into the outback
(or at least the Australian countryside) We have borrowed all the equipment from my ford credit buddies and in exchange for
A bottle of wine and a 6 pack of beer have everything that a good camper requires.
It's about 3 hours away from Melbourne and we are setting off this evening. The only concern is putting up the tent in the dark!
I thought a little bit of history into our detination might be of interest to you all so I have taken the time to discover the following;
The small town of Darlingford (named after Sir Charles Darling, Governor of Victoria), near the junction of the Big and Goulburn Rivers came into being in the 1860's after gold was discovered in the area. It had seven hotels, five policemen, a log gaol, shops, post office and a small slab hut used as a school.
Eildon station, a run of 25,500 hectares was first started in 1846 by Mr and Mrs Archibald Thom. The name Eildon was chosen by the couple because the area from Darlingford to Thornton reminded them of Mrs Thom's birthplace, the Eildon Hills near Abbotsford in Scotland.
The township of Darlingford was flooded by the building of the Sugarloaf Reservoir. To house the men working on the reservoir, the new shanty town of Eildon began to arise. The State Rivers and Water Supply Commission built houses for their staff, a large mess room and single men's accommodation. However, some of the workers were still housed in tents.
Those who brought their families provided their own accommodation by building bag houses made from jute cement bags, split open and stitched together and then painted with a mixture of tallow and whiting as waterproofing. A state school was built and staffed and this building was also used as a community hall and church.
During the construction of the Eildon Dam, approximately 4000 people were housed in the new township of Eildon. Construction of the town commenced in 1950 and was completed in 1952. Originally the town comprised 300 permanent houses, pre-cut and fabricated in England but assembled on site. Fourteen different plans were used to eliminate the sameness of appearance.
All services were installed, including roads, water supply, drainage, sewerage, and electricity. Great attention was paid to all details, including the provision to convert the workshop and stores buildings to factories for light industries after the completion of the dam. There were very few old buildings moved into the town from the Darlingford area. The original shops were in High Street, now Moore Park and were of a temporary design. The first block of eight permanent shops were built and occupied in 1954, followed by the bakery and the block facing east several years later.
On completion of the dam, the works area was purchased by the Masonite company for the manufacture of wallboard, but closed a few years later. These buildings are now occupied by various light industries. The authorities at the time recognised the fact that Lake Eildon had great potential as a recreational area and made provisions for boating, fishing and picnicking facilities around the shores of the lake.
Tourism is now the major industry as Lake Eildon is a great place for a relaxing holiday, away from the pressures of city living and is within easy driving distance from Melbourne and other centres in Victoria for a day trip.
There is now a wide range of accommodation available which caters for every holiday makers need. There is easy access to three national parks and fishing is popular all year round. Lake Eildon is a great place to visit at any time of the year. Each season has its own attractions and contrary to expectations has a very temperate climate
Well doesn't that just sound delightful! I wonder how many of you just skipped all of that!
Well I shall offer you a full update after the weekend - if we survive the snales and spiders!
Friday, 2 January 2009
Happy New Year
Well,
back at work today after an eventful NYE and a day of rest! Yesterday El and I managed to watch 3 films, eat an English breakfast, drink about 3 litres or water ( each ) and do nothing else.
New Years Eve was brilliant, we hit our local pub at about 18:30pm
8 hours of drinking, 3 games of pool, the best part of a fireworks display and I would hate to say how many shots of Yagermeister later we and got home about 02.30
Irene, a girl I work with and her brother joined us in the pub and we met a couple of french speakers from Yorkshire ( which always livens up any party!! ) and had a fantastic time.
The wonderful bar people at our local had a tendency of undercharging us for drinks, or better still I'd hand over a $50 note and they'd give me back 2 $20 and a $10!! Can't complain about that now can you.
I hope you all celebrated responsibly and no one was too worse for wear, I have a sneaking suspicion however that a couple of you may have had some quite serious hangovers come New Years day!! Thanks for all your calls and texts, especially my poor brother who got up at 7am to wish me a happy new year and had to listen to my incoherent and probably quite loud yelling ..
Speak to you all soon
Much love
Leah and El
PS - for those of you it may interest, a friend from work is throwing a Tupperware party in honour of El and I - she felt it may help us meet people ... bless her heart.
I nearly fell of my chair, how 80's is that?? So if anyone wants anything... please let us know!!
back at work today after an eventful NYE and a day of rest! Yesterday El and I managed to watch 3 films, eat an English breakfast, drink about 3 litres or water ( each ) and do nothing else.
New Years Eve was brilliant, we hit our local pub at about 18:30pm
8 hours of drinking, 3 games of pool, the best part of a fireworks display and I would hate to say how many shots of Yagermeister later we and got home about 02.30
Irene, a girl I work with and her brother joined us in the pub and we met a couple of french speakers from Yorkshire ( which always livens up any party!! ) and had a fantastic time.
The wonderful bar people at our local had a tendency of undercharging us for drinks, or better still I'd hand over a $50 note and they'd give me back 2 $20 and a $10!! Can't complain about that now can you.
I hope you all celebrated responsibly and no one was too worse for wear, I have a sneaking suspicion however that a couple of you may have had some quite serious hangovers come New Years day!! Thanks for all your calls and texts, especially my poor brother who got up at 7am to wish me a happy new year and had to listen to my incoherent and probably quite loud yelling ..
Speak to you all soon
Much love
Leah and El
PS - for those of you it may interest, a friend from work is throwing a Tupperware party in honour of El and I - she felt it may help us meet people ... bless her heart.
I nearly fell of my chair, how 80's is that?? So if anyone wants anything... please let us know!!
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