Happy hour for dog walkers

Now I know most people associate happy hour with a drink after work or at the local pub (or wine bar if you are a bit sophisticated!).   However me and the bloke I live with (the doona stealing weasel title has been stolen by Jack the dog) are part of an informal local dog walking group - well walking is actually a bit of a misnomer because the two legged animals tend to stand around and talk while the four legged ones run, wrestle, pee on any bags left on the ground, look for food, roll on smelly bits of ground and generally have a good time.  The group is at times referred to as the ALP - the Australian Labradoodle Party, although in true inclusive style, recognising the multicultural nature of our community, four legged animals from culturally and linguistically diverse (and occasionally unknown) backgrounds are allowed to be members. 



Members of cabinet seeking a briefing from a staffer

A debate in progress

The self appointed PM of the party is Benji, who this week declared that as the staffers (the two legged animals)  of Cabinet Ministers (the motley assortment of four legged animals) were seen to be suffering from stress due to heavy workloads they deserved a Friday Happy Hour.



A pre cabinet caucus meeting

 So the staffers were allowed to bring beverages such as wine or beer.  Which we did and a very civilised way it was to spend a balmy autumn afternoon in Melbourne as the sun was lowering, the dogs played and peed and the staffers quaffed.  The favourite tipple was white wine, we had a delightful Beelgara Estate Range Pinot Grigio, very soft, slight pear overtones and quite pleasant.  There was almost a disaster when a cabinet minister thought the wine glass could be water, however decisive action on the part of an observant staffer averted a problem.



Taking a break form the rough and tumble of cabinet

Should we call a point of order?



na na na na na - I've got the ball




 

Rain, sun and swimming

Well, life is pretty good at the moment. First have had a few email comments about my blog and, to quote one of my delightful daughters, they 'happify' me.

Just came back from a couple of days down at the beach. Found a new beach I have not been to before, unfortunately did not have the camera with me. It's down on the Mornington Peninsula on the ocean beach side near Blairgowrie. Called Monterey beach, one of those beautiful little coves with rocks and cave - have to take the boys down at low tide, they will love it. It's great for swimming at low tide, though would be a bit nervous about rips at high tide. About 20 minute walk to get there, but through the National Park so quite lovely and nice sandy path. Did take the dog although one is not supposed to after 9.00am, but she did love it, and had her first experience of the surf beach, so funny to watch, her running into the water, then a wave coming and crashing over her and her running back to the beach looking like a drowned rat. Then when I went for a swim, she got quite concerned running up and down barking. Our isolation was broken by four surfers arriving but they went to the other end of the beach after experiencing Jack's letting them know she wasn't scared of them and was hell bent on protecting me. Very comforting.

It's been very warm and slightly humid here, so the only possible drink is white wine, although I did feel compelled to celebrate being down at my little retreat with some Prosecco which I enjoy immensely. And to complete my little circle of happiness, it was the first Saturday of the month, so the foreshore market was on down at Rye Pier. I love the market. It's quite daggy, lots of local produce sold by the people who grew it, the best plant seller I have come across, everything I have bought from there has done well. And we found an egg poacher, which Erwin has decided is a must have at the moment. Will keep you informed about how it works. And it's right next to the beach, which I love.

The water was sparkling today, still a little cool to swim in, but once you are in and start moving it's fine. The foreshore also has a great camping ground between the mainroad and the beach and people are starting to arrive. Some of them are bagging the best spots for the summer with tents opening out on to the beach view and a hop step and a jump from a swim in the bay beach. I do love the democracy of camping grounds, across the road are houses worth well over a millon dollars because of the beach view and proximity to the sea and here are the campers enjoying being even closer with their deckchairs and lounges all lined up for their view of the beach.

Came home to my grandsons staying the night at my place with their father, as my Melbourne daughter is having a 'ladies dinner' (no men allowed) at her place. Another thing that happifies me - to see her enjoy the company of women. I have to say it is generally the women in my life who keep me sane and on track and actually make it possible for me to have a relationship with a bloke.

So now the boys are in bed, the 7 year old having fallen asleep while watching Iron Chef and the 3 year old, gone to sleep after being allowed to play Dino Dans Digs and Dora and then having several books read to him. And I can relax with the Pinot Grigio which arrived at my door the other day as if by magic..

Hope anyoen reading this finds as much peace as I can in doing the things I do....