Joe and Julia's wedding

3rd weekend in March was Julia's wedding. I worked from home Thursday, including a 4 hour flight. I got off at Mascot and walked for 10 minutes as I didn't want to pay $23.30 to go the extra stop. I paid $5.38, train took 30 mins. My work laptop battery lasted 3 hours,  and I ran out of things I could do on the flight.  In Perth, the airport train is modern, excellent, cost $3.50 and is valid for 3 hours. Wtf NSW govt??

Got out at Freo. Stopped at the excellent St Pats Op Shop where they upcycle jeans, jackets and bought a vest. The walk to Anne Sophie's is beautiful and brings back great memories. She's retired. We bemoaned the state of democracy and war in the world. 

She's started to work 2 days a week. Said hello to George, Yannick and David, who are in good health.  Ellen's just moved in here. Her new place is a lovely new town house,  open plan with a mezzanine style 2nd floor, in a strata  of 8. There is a locked gate entry. A single driveway access is lined with mature trees like it's a street in a French village. We all had dinner together. 

Me and Anne Sophie went for a swim at Coogee Beach, following the shark net. I had to cut out after about 200m due to the nausea caused by the bobbing ocean. A seal had jumped the fence and was cruising around inside the area. 

Walked Freo, via a gorgeous viewing point, to collect a hire car for AS. I checked if I could change Marie's booking by chance,  and yes all good,  I picked up a car also.

Marie and my boys arrived at Freo station directly from the plane. We met them there and wandered to get a coffee and did a bit more op shopping. 

Drove directly to dinner at Margaret River with Julia, Joe and 30 odd family members. Another great day.

I'm awake and it's 5am, 8am NSW time. Will try to get back to sleep or I'll bomb at 8pm tonight. 

 

March-2026

The start of this month I was on call.

We went over to Vonnes to assist her finish her celebrants course for both days. Me and Marie got married 5 times. On Sunday there were 20 guests to witness our marriage. I had to lean over to read my views because my name was the words and I did not know my name. Good times. 

Next weekend, Lou went with some friends to the coast, while me and Oli stayed home. We walked the dog. The grand prix was on so we watched. Max Verstappen crashed in practice due to endings breaking locking the rear. Once you have a decent lock up, it's hands over, hello tyre barrier. He will start from the rear. Oli is still strongly interested in F1. Me too but I don't follow it. I'd better clean the house before Marie comes back hey. It's a mild disgrace today. 

Had lunch at Fils while still on call. Ate way too much. Marie and Lou were up the coast. Oli was at volleyball. 

First weekend after,  was nice to be free.  Nothing special happened. Walked dog. 

Last weekend to be updated!

Feb-2026

The Kiari family sent photos of the Himalayas under snow. It looks spectacular.

Rishabh has started to see someone. I hope this is going well!

Well the only weekend we could make turned out to be Kyle's birthday. She wondered if we'd asked to visit just when that was, but alas sorry I didn't know. Anyway, it was a lovely weekend.

I tried my hand at Indian food. It's funny; I planned on doing it often but somehow have not been cooking. I really like the idea of bread with no preservatives etc etc. It turned out quite well and everyone ate it.

I was on call (S1 duty) for work, so haven't done anything for two weekends.

Jan-2026

It feels like another world to be "home". At the airport, I asked for help and wasn't hounded into bying anything.

Happy birthday Fil.

Finally got to see my boys again. A few of Marie's sisters decided to come to the coast and visit.

I had a tube of Mehendi, so we had a bit of a go.

And a puzzle as always.

The guys from Kiari sent some photos of their village now it's snowing. This is the house at the end of the street where their Grandma lives.

I brought back some scarves to hand around. I think Mohammad and Farnaz look great in them.

Here's a snap of Shimla in the snow from this year. I wish we were there!

More visitors. January, everyone is on holidays.

Went over to dinner at Andy and Monika's to talk about India, but mainly talked about everything else, work etc.

Well happy new year everyone.