All of this happened before 6:15am - it was really an early start because Lars needed to be dropped off early so I could get a lift to work with Joan (who starts at 7!!!). Hopefully they will be finished with him today, otherwise I will get a lift home with J and borrow the Honda tomorrow - and then work out a way to get both home without doing the "drive half a kilometre ... park ... go back for the other car ... drive a kilometre ... park ... go back for the other car ... etc.". Hmmm ... if it comes to that maybe F would like to visit or I could grab a lift with the next-doors.
Hermes seemed a little less heartbroken today so S felt no need to spoil him with treats and run the risk of overfeeding him. Did we mention that he's now wearing a lighter coat during the day and has his fly mask on (please note use of "technical" term).
I managed to turn the BBQ on tonight and J coached me through Meat Searing 101. It's quite easy when someone else does it but I insisted in helping cut the sausages apart and spinning them and flipping the chops and steak. I let her do the kebab turning because it looked like a great way to get fingers burned especially if you had no prior experience. We were incredibly lucky though. We had moved the BBQ out from under cover (S had read or heard somewhere that you're supposed to) and cooked and cooked and cooked, and then moved the meats to a serving platter, turned the gas off and went inside ... and literally a minute later the skies opened and the rain bucketed down - on where we had just finished cooking (it rained in other places too). And how lucky was it that after a brief discussion Jo had allowed me to put the hood down!
Pearl was exceptional this evening. While J and I were cooking, Pearl was on the back deck obviously watching over us, S and the barbecue - all at the same time - a big ask for one dog. Then, as we ate, she sat beside or under the table and didn't pester anyone for food. The other kids stayed out while the visitors were here but came in soon after they left.
It's good when companies conduct surveys on topics which affect most of us - although it's sad when you realise, from your own personal experience, that they're talking through their collective hats. One such study, released today, reports that you pay more in Brisbane for a takeaway coffee - $3.31 - than people in Sydney ($3.06) and Melbourne ($3.22). They didn't go anywhere I go ... $3.20 or ... oh wait - they could be right but I'm still dubious about the one cent!
And speaking of sense - Racing Queensland has said "no" to the Fillies Stakes (using adult women) in a novelty race at the Turf Club and will keep saying no unless the Club submits a proposal which includes attire more attuned to an elite sports event - but if they mean racing we're all in trouble especially if they decide to change the required dress for the race from bikini to ... saddle! Not surprisingly the chat pages of the Gold Coast Bulletin are awash with people saying the (not so) original concept for the race would be in keeping with the look and feel of the Gold Coast and any suggestion that participants cover-up is political correctness gone mad. Here at Latimers, MWC are still very much the fashion of choice. Elsewhere, swimwear is on full display. Brisbane International Airport has been given a makeover - red and yellow flags on the airfield and lifesavers inside the terminal welcoming visitors (and returning residents) and encouraging them to swim between the flags - at the beach, not at the airport where the big jet engines roar!
