Half the fun is getting there

We dropped Trav’s old mountain bike off to Bicycle Superstore in Flemington last week, it will soon be on its way to Zambia for Bikes for Humanity.

Trav's bike with a little bit of Oz

While I was in there I tried out some helmets, they had the Bell helmets but they seem so heavy and with so little airflow I’d arrive a sweaty mess. The Lazer Helmets were an interesting urban design but once again so heavy. It seems I might have to bite the bullet and pick up something like Adura Corsa. Still waiting for my new bike. I could have really used those mudguards and skirt guard in the rain on the way to Docklands Friday night! I decided protesting by not riding old faithful would only make me grumpier so still I ride and still I wait. I also discovered that it’s better to get wet than wear waterproof pants – oooh so sweaty!

I’ve found my drive/ride routine very easy to maintain, I’m riding all the way (no pushing the bike up hills for me!) it takes me just as long to get to work as it did going to the city on PT, and only a bit longer than driving over the bridge. IT’S. SO. EASY. As soon as I leave our street I am already enjoying myself, the sounds, the people and it’s such an interesting ride, firstly past quaint weatherboards in Seddon, along the Footscray Rd path past the markets, through Docklands (Costco is always baking in the mornings), down the spiral Webb Bridge before riding along Yarra’s Edge and tree lined Lorimer Street, where I get a good whiff of Vegemite just before arriving at work. I’m really glad it’s a part of life now!

And to make my commuting even more stylish, I’m sewing a garment bag with stunning Florence Broadhurst fabric – I’ll do a bag to match and hope to have the pics up here before the end of the week. I’m very pleased with myself, it’s my first sewing project with a zip that I’ve done all on my own!

Spring has sprung

Tonight I'm looking forward to celebrating Tamz’ and my birthdays at the Butterfly Club in South Melbourne, we’re getting all dolled up to see a show and then do dinner. Can’t wait!

It seems that from August onwards our life gets much more social – and with events like these two coming up – it’s easy to see why! There’s a couple of great local events coming up in the next few months – book quickly because these ones are popular! I’ll see you there…

#1 Local Edible Gardens Tour - 8 November 1pm - 4pm
Following the success of the inaugural Open Garden Day Tour in 2008, this local tour gives a sneak-peak into what locals in Maribyrnong are doing with their backyards and front yards. From the traditional patch beyond the Hills Hoist, to the edible urban jungle in a recycled wonderland - you’re bound to see gardens that are full of ideas to inspire you to dig-up your lawn and plant you own piece of sustainable paradise. Bookings are essential. Departure details provided upon booking. Limited bus-seats available.

#2 Yarraville Village Lunch 2009
When: Sunday 18 October, 2009 12.30-4.30pm.
Now in its 6th year, the Yarraville Village Lunch is a unique partnership between Maribyrnong City Council, Victoria University (VU) and the Yarraville Traders Association (YTA). This ticketed event will be a sit down lunch for 200 diners, at 2 long tables under marquees, in the heart of the Village in Ballarat Street outside the Sun Theatre.

Relax with a glass of sparkling wine or berry mocktail on arrival. Premium wines, ales and soft drink available at bar prices. Enjoy five gourmet courses showcasing the outstanding quality of Yarraville eateries accompanied by live music. The event will be held during the Spring Racing Carnival with a Spring theme.

Posters and Registration form are available below, or at Council's Customer Service desk, Yarraville shops, Sun Theatre and at Community Information Points throughout the City of Maribyrnong.

Thanks to the following sponsors and supporters:
Bronze Sponsors: Compton & Green, The Yarraville Club, Bendigo Bank Seddon Community Bank Branch.
Thanks to Galli Estate, Mt Atkinson Olive Grove, Dawson’s Cellars, Sun Theatre, The Bank Gallery, Baker’s Delight, Hausfrau, Café Terroni, The Cornerstore, Yim Yam and Alfa Bakehouse for their proud support of the Yarraville Village Lunch.

Here's the link to the flyer

Grazing in Gippsland

Friday was one of those easy nights, no plans, just a quiet stroll around Charles street to decide on dinner. Until we decided on Sabroso and invited Matt and Kat around for a wind down drink. 5 or so wind down drinks later and 2 servings of yummy spanish donuts heralded in the weekend. I love unplanned nights.

We spent the weekend with our good friends David and Andrea at their cabin in Toora - we like to take the scenic route so after visiting Wild Dog Winery in Warragul, and dropping into the Yarragon Ale House for a free (YES FREE!) beer, we headed down Grand Ridge Rd - a beautiful wooded trail that winds its way through huge fern glades and eucalypts, Lucky loved it!
We also met Matt and Allison and we all shared a stunning Gippsland feast for dinner, I also learned how to stuff artichokes for the first ever time!
Sunday morning we helped out in the vegetable garden and enjoyed lunch at Koonwarra General Store on the way home... what a wonderful laid back weekend!

Recapping on my efforts last week, my new office is looking great, I rode to work twice and felt so much more alive but I still didn't go to bed before 10:30. Must work on that...