Medieval night #2 20 - 22 October 2017

Got to Inglewood early afternoon and was assailed by the smell of what seemed to be rotting lemons when I opened up the front door.

Searched around for the suspect lemons, but couldn't find them.

Also went and inspected the Victorian windows and floorboards that we had retrieved from the old Ansett House.

Forgot to take photos of these - oh well...

Anyway, Helen had purchased the windows, and  "rafts" of floorboards for her upcoming "She shed" that she plans to build in her back garden.

And of course she expects us to cart this all back for her on our ute - bit of a nuisance really, particularly as she won't even be there on the Sunday to help offload the windows, nor has she organised anyone to be there to do so.  I ended up getting Clare and Rory to assist - so all was well.

But at least one of the rafts of floorboards is too long to carry ie approx 3.4m, and the ute tray is 2.4m Justin wasn't happy!

Anyway, I had also invited Terry, Arlene, David and June for dinner - so wanted to get started on the basics for that.

Made a shopping list, and walked up to the IGA to get a few key ingredients - thought I would make a red dip, pate, and a chicken caesar salad.  Also thought I would make some sort of dessert with the plums that I had in the spare fridge (from Enzo) freezer.

Anway, it was soon after this that I discovered the source of the rotting lemon smell, except it wasn't lemons, but plums.... Yep, Helen had mistakenly turned off Enzo's fridge when she was here a few weeks ago over the school holidays.  The fridge component just had drinks, plus an experimental yogurt - which was originally 2L of fresh milk.  However the freezer part had 2 large bags of plums, which had in effect liquified, and now stunk, plus some previously frozen pies, loaves of bread, and left over lasagne.

Was quite a mess in the freezer, and we suspect some of the juice had trickled down the front grill.  Not sure if we'll ever be able to get the smell out.... Was really cross with Helen at this stage.


So, had to clean this out, and then got to cooking.

First the pate, as I had to fry up the chicken livers/onion/garlic etc - whizz it up, add the cream/port and have time for it to set in the (other) fridge.

And then onto the bacon which I planned to cook in the oven while I did other things.

Heated up the oven and found a plate with very dried pie remains and knife and fork in the oven.

Really, really cross with Helen now - was also sending her photos of the offending items via text messages (which she didn't receive for some days later as she generally has her data turned off). 

Soldiered on with the cooking/cutting - made red dip, croutons, caesar sauce, cooked and cut the chicken, cut up cucumber, tomatoes, shaved cheese, tore lettuce etc.

Set the dining room table, organised the tray to take upstairs to the veranda for drinks etc. And just finished by 6pm.  The cleaning of the fridge had slowed me down...

Anyway, was all good, Terry, June and David were in the forward brigade, and we went up stairs for drinks.  I tried to tempt them with summery G&T's or campari and lemonade, but no interest, they wanted white wine which they had brought.  That said, I wanted my first G&T of the season (so had one)!

Sat on the veranda in the early evening sun, and it was delightful - lovely and warm, not hot, but rather bright, so I doled out a few spare hats.

Arlene arrived within the 1/2 hour and had Alvin with her - so we all sat up here.

The sun dipped below tree level, and it started to get a little cold, so we went inside to the dining room.

I had originally thought that I would assemble and serve everyone's plates individually, however this would have taken a little while, so l subsequently thought that I would serve up "deconstructed" chicken caesar salads - ie all ingredients were in bowls/on platters in the tables, and we just served ourselves.  Much better idea.

Given that Justin wasn't here, I assumed head of the table - with Alvin at the other end.

The wine and the conversation flowed freely, and we had mini magnums for dessert.  David and Alvin left first around 11.30, and then called Terry to advise that police were on the Kingower Road.  They left soon afterwards, and I went to bed.

Got up around 7.30, had a quick breakfast, and also went to the IGA to see what I could find for Terry's birthday, - got a nice bunch of red tulips and a bottle of Mumm champagne.

Drove up to Terry's and surprised him by remembering his birthday, he made me a coffee, and then the others ie Arlene and June showed up, and we started our preparation for the Medieval night dinner.  Basically just chopping vegies ie carrots, onions etc for a chicken soup.

Terry also gave us a delicious lunch - homemade sausages with a green salad

Home after lunch - and started weeding out the left hand side of the front.  Lots of people walked past and had a chat - as there was a family reunion across the road at the Town Hall.  A stumpy tailed lizard also made an appearance on the footpath

Given that I didn't want it to escape onto the road and potentially get squashed, I moved it onto the garden bed

Justin arrived late afternoon, unpacked, and then took a breather

I went up to the veranda and had my 2nd G&T of the season

Had a quick shower, as I was feeling a bit grimy, and then up to the Village Green for the Medieval night.

We didn't get dressed up this time, although I did wear the coloured jester hat that I'd got for Justin last year, but that he didn't like, so didn't wear.

Had nuts and dips to start, followed by our chicken soup, beef on the spit, jacket potatoes, salad, honeyed carrots, and then trifle & apple crumble for dessert

Another good night

The Maypole had also been set up - don't think they got as tangled up as last year (maybe because I wasn't doing it).  Luckily wasn't as cold as last year either.

The crowd thinned a bit as it got later

Justin drove home, with no kangaroos accompanying us

Sunday,and we loaded the ute with Helen's bloody windows (too busy and annoyed to take photos)

And they were heavy and cumbersome, Victorian sash windows with the weights - 3 of them....

And Justin had a sore back also, not impressed

Anyway, he left soon afterwards, as he had to go to Warrnambool.

June had also advsied me yesterday that the the pests eating my rhubarb/mint could be earwigs, and had suggested that I put out a jar filled with a combination of water and oil

I was thrilled (and a little surprised) that the jars were full of dead earwigs when I checked later in the morning...hopefully the mint and rhubarb will thrive now

I put my overalls back on and did some more weeding out the front - this time the right hand side.  Finished that, and ventured into our actual garden for some more weeding.  Gordon dropped by and saw how full his trailer was, Jan also dropped by and I gave her the sponsorship money for the upcoming wood chop competition, and finally Ben dropped by to have a look around.  I'd met him a few weeks ago, and he came around to see what the condition of the house was, how he'd be able to assist etc

Thought he could start with replacing the bad floorboards in the downstairs green room and dining room, and to also fix up the cellar stairs.  Said he had a team of workers we could call on ie plumber, electrician etc.  Discussed the proposed bathroom upstairs -  fingers crossed, we might even get it before Christmas!!!!


Below is the work sheet that i left out for him

A very social Girl's weekend 29 September - 1 October 2017

Karen came and picked me up around 12 on the Friday, which gave me time to clean and tidy up.  (Merrill was supposed to have come also, however there was a death in the family in Brisbane, so she couldn't make it this time)

Stopped off at Kyneton for a late lunch, which was made later due to the fact that we couldn't find a decent place that was open to have lunch.  Finally ended up at a cafe closer to the car

Had a pulled pork burger - not bad and Karen had a smoked salmon salad

Got to Inglewood after 3pm, and made a few phone calls, as Karen had admitted that she was keen to watch the Grand Final on Saturday, so I suggested inviting over a few local friends to join us.   Tried Terry, but he was having people around for dinner on Saturday, and so would be cooking.  He kindly extended the dinner invitation to us.  Then tried Maile & David, but Damo and Nicole were going around there for cheese and Prosecco, and they also extended an invitation to us;  therefore didn't try anyone else, as we were sorted for tomorrow.

We had both been yawning a bit after lunch, so I suggested an afternoon nap which Karen was keen to accept.

So, then went and lay on my bed, I think I must have dozed off, which felt very decadent, we got up around 5ish, and went up to the veranda to enjoy the late afternoon sun

And given that it was after 5, we decided to have some bubbles which Karen had brought. Also found a number of empty bottles up there, which must have been left behind from the Fur party

Stayed and enjoyed the lovely sunset

And then off to the pub for dinner.  The new chef Clinton (Val's grandson) was there, but he hadn't changed the menu as yet.  I had a chicken pasta, and Karen had the steak, and they were both very good.

Karen decided that we should get to know Steve the owner better, so she tried to buy him a drink and invited him to our table.  As it was, he bought us the drinks.

And so, we commenced having a chat with him, he seemed pleased for the conversation.

Left after 9, and for some reason we were pretty tired, even after our nap.  Karen had wanted a fire earlier in the day for tonight, however we both decided to turn in - rather early.  I thought I'd watch an episode of Monarch of the Glen, but only got about 10 minutes in, and then stopped it as I was falling asleep.

Saturday morning, and a lovely sleep in.  Sure, I woke earlier than that, and read the Age in bed for a bit, but then fell asleep again, and got up around 9 - lovely.

Karen got up soon afterwards, and we had breakfast outside in the sun - just toast and coffee for me and tea for Karen.

Then back to the kitchen where I started thinly slicing lemons for marmalade.

The door bell rang around 10am, and we were still in our pjs/dressing gowns.  Debated whether we should open it or not, but thought it would probably be Damo,as Maile said he would drop in during the morning.

And yes it was (with Nicole), had a chat in the kitchen, and gave them a cup of tea (teabags ok, as it's not Kingower).  The plan was if we didn't mind - to pick up Damo, Nicole and Jerry and take them to Maile and David's  - and then drop them back home when we went on to Terry's.  That way they could have a drink, and not worry about driving.

We then received our 3rd social invitation of the weekend - which was to go and have lunch with Damo, Nicole and Jerry as they had some chicken curry, and lasagne etc, and we could then go onto Brenanna.

Well, that meant that I wasn't going to make my marmalade this morning, as the sliced lemons were supposed to soak in water for 3 hours, and we were due at the School House in about 1.5 hours.

So, showered, got dressed, pottered around a bit, and dropped in on Ben (with the new shop) to say hello, and then up to the School house for lunch

Karen hadn't been there before , and was most impressed, particularly with the big school room, also liked the surf club

Had a pleasant lunch, and then up to Maile and David's to watch the Grand Final.  We ended up driving separately, as they wanted to stay on for longer.

David had set up the outside tv, so we sat and watched the Grand Final there for most of the day, came inside when the sun went in/got a bit windy/cool.

Prosecco was obviously on offer, as was a cheese platter.

 Looked like the Crows had the upper hand in the 1st half, but in the 2nd, Richmond turned it around, and ended up winning convincingly to everyone's great satisfaction.  although none of us actually barrack for them.  That said, Justin and Madeleine do.

Was lovely just sitting there enjoying the view too

Although I've been there many times, I've never walked further up the hill.  So suggested to Karen that we go for a walk.  She readily agreed, so off we set.  Up the very top, the view wasn't quite as good, because large gum trees obscured it.  But it was still very nice

Left for Terry's just after 6pm - leaving the others to have pizza for dinner

Saw a few kangaroos on the way, but none close to the car.

Terry had said he was cooking a Thai dinner, and one of his brothers was coming with his partner, as well as Arlene.  So, we met his brother Garry who lives in Prahran and his partner Nei, his sister and another friend   Nei, Mai and Kate are Thai, and have a Thai Massage shop at the old Post office on Tooronga Road - which is very close to where we are in Melbourne!

Dinner was exquisite  - Terry had made a chicken tom yum type soup which was delicious,  followed by a lovely chicken curry, and creme caramel (with coconut milk) and other Thai dessert.

Another great evening, and only one kangaroo on the way home, once again not too close

Sunday, and it was the first day of daylight savings. I had also contacted a brickie to quote on re-pointing a few parts of the house where the mortar had come away

He said he'd come around 10, but as it nudged 10.30, I wasn't sure if he remembered about Daylight Savings or not.  No matter, he arrived a few minutes later, and I showed him around.  Said he'll be able to do it, and will use the proper lime mortar

After this we dropped in on Terry to have a coffee, and to also pick up the curtain rail that he had wanted to give us.  Will go in the yellow room

And, after this we dropped in on Arlene, as Karen wanted some of the red cleanskins that I had told her about

Then back to the house, a tidy, and pack up, and off to lunch in Maldon

Wanted to revisit the Spotted Cow - as we'd enjoyed lunch there in the past

Given that it was the 1st day of Daylight savings, we were a little out of kilter with our timings

We arrived there after 2pm....I thought the kitchen would be closed, and they'd refuse us.  But no, all was good, and we were welcomed inside

Had a delicious lunch - and the same waitress that we normally have - the delightfully droll Abby - who said that "she "was always there"