July 2

I gave my talk at the Camino group and after fluffing about with the media finally got the slide show owing. It seemed to go well. I talked about the three pilgrimages, Spain and Japan. Caught up with Rob when we took in the Degas exhibition  together at the NGV. He had been having a few days in Melbourne just catching up with galleries and his breath. Even though he loves his country life he misses not getting away more regularly. He needs the stimulation and I need the isolation of the country.. Funny match up! The rest of the week was focused on preparing for the trip to Brisbane for ALIA and Mum and a visit to the Zoo with Ziggy. It was so cold we were both happy to head home at lunch time. 

I had a lovely visit with Kim and David at Mt Martha who are minding a B&B that they have stayed at twice before. The owners needed someone to mind the chooks and the cat! I loved the chickens and picked one up for a cuddle. Their feathers were so soft and smooth. We visited the Briars one of the first  homesteads on the peninsula which had some connections with Napolean of all people. What a gorgeous place.

The weather had been the coldest for nine years; Freezing and finally some good snow in the mountains. Maybe I will go skiing this winter. It has been several years since I donned skis or snow board. Could be fun. In the meantime I am heading to Brisbane for a week for work and to visit Mum.

 Voting today so that was a conundrum? I am not convinced by any of the parties but I have done my best and hope we don't get a hung parliament again. I went with Nick and we got a chance to talk. He is still heartbroken and rather low about his broken relationship and life in general of course. 

I can only encourage him and remind him there are no quick fixes.