Sunday

Last night's work Christmas Party was fantastic - and it would seem a great time was had by all. The ante area and the room were nicely dressed and there were theme actors mingling with the crowd - but it must be said that even though they were playing the part they were not the best-dressed on the evening - although we did like the bag full of money one of the characters carried around for the evening - and that there were $100 American bills on offer - I ended up with one of them as a souvenir because you wouldn't want to spend it (it could land you in prison for very bad counterfeiting).

We left the young ones to after-party the night away and were at home (in the motel) and on our way to slumberland by midnight. Because it was going to be a big day today. Someone had suggested (one of the locals) that we should try KMart Tyre and Auto to help with the tyres and a quick check of the website (while we were at the party) showed that there were some outlets open on a Sunday in Brisbane but we wouldn't be able to see if they could fit us in until they opened at 9:30.

Breakfast at the Suburban was a great way to fill in the morning and they did a very presentable offering - and the coffee was as good as I remembered. It was incredibly busy as well, so we weren't the only ones who thought it was a good venue. (Just a pity that other good venue - Viet Hoa - wasn't open yesterday afternoon when I called in to pick us up some rice paper rolls for a late lunch.)

Chermside. Chermside. Chermside. How amazing is it and the Westfields there - but mostly how amazingly wonderful that the KMart Tyre and Auto there is open on a Sunday and could fit in selling us new tyres and fitting them to the rims - and when I told them we needed four - they pushed their schedule for the day so they could put them on the car and do a wheel balance as well. Excellent work.

Of course, getting there was no without its moments - as the car started spluttering again - but differently this time. When I floored it, it did pick up and go - so I'm now starting to think that Lars has two issues - the coil as suggested by Mr RACQ and contaminated petrol. Hopefully the mechanic will be able to tell because we dropped Lars there this afternoon (thanks for picking us up M) and don't want him back until he's all better.

Emma was pleased to see us home again and reported that Aunty M had done a fantastic job of looking after her in our absence. She had let her run free in the yard for a few hours - and, as we all know, Emma loves that.

The other furries all appear well - and Tinky was up to her naughty trick of wanting to stay out when it was really time for lockdown - but since I am home tomorrow (and therefore staying up just a bit later) she had a small period of grace. She did finally come in when called with the rattle of the special cookies.