August-26

Started August by getting totally sick. The first weekend was spent pretty much entirely in bed, which is fine by me, as it was excellent to catch up on some rest. Still was coughing it up Monday, so took a day off work also.

On the 6th and 7th, me and Marie flew to Perth, along with Fil, Ceal, Will, Tess, John, Peter and fam, for Peter Newsome's funeral. On the first night we all went out to dinner. Many family members had flown in from England.

The funeral was on Friday. The eulogies were very touching, even including a mention of Peter ironing the kids underpants. That brings back some memories, of Peter ironing in the TV room. I stayed at Maryanne and Peter's quite a few times with work, staying for a week each time. My memories are of going up to the local park with Peter to walk the dog. 

As they said in the speech, he was very outgoing, always making friends everywhere, and improving people's moods. He always sat in poll position at the massive bench in the kitchen, catching up on things on the tablet, or doing some weird home repairs. You will be missed!

We were back in Sydney Saturday. I spent half a day with Yves and Elliot after popping out for a coffee. Elliot is really growing quickly. They had plans to demo half the house, but after getting bills for 2 million, the plans are to more lightly renovate. We both are shaking our heads at the right wing nuts running the world.

Right>>at the steakhouse in the city.

Me and Marie popped over to Trish at Tims for Trish's birthday. Happy birthday Trish.

Happy birthday to my beautiful boy!! We went to Noi Friday night fir a menu prix fixed. It was ok. I was expecting more.

Me and Oli went for a 1 hr 20 drive to Parra Saturday  thanks to how slow Parramatta Road goes past Homebush. I can get there in 20 if I leave early in the morning. We checked some records at the vintage markets, had a Falooda on Church St, v nice. Tonight it's dinner w McCabe's  at the steak house. A lump of meat is not my cup of tea, so I ended up with a lump of beetroot instead. The caper toast and ceviche were very good. We went out a bit afterward, which explains this picture here of Tony with a Lambo.

Other stuff that happened: had breakfast with Mohammad and Farnaz as he was on S1 call out duty, so could not really go anywhere.

Holy and Lola's 18th was one Saturday aftrernoon, followed by another with all their friends a week later night. We kind of helped on bouncer duty but there was zero trouble on the night. In the morning, they found out one guy had drilled holes in several paint tins, making a big mess and costing a fair bit in lost product. He was trying to bargain own the damage cost as well. So they threatened to get police,parents involved, and anyway, he's being an ass but will do small repayments.

Right, after breakfast at Summer Hill with Jaime.

Had lunch with Fil and David, yum cha at Burwood, v delicious! A great idea.

Left>>Rishabh holding apples during the harvest, Kiari, Kothkai, Himachal Pradesh.

July 26

We went up to Erina to see Pnau. They were pretty good. Probs needs something to truly appreciate this electro music but even so, had a good dance. Sev, Vonne, Brett, Marie here.

I think this was a trip to Bar Italia. A good excuse for a walk to get them out!

Went to a Hari Krishna festival at Liverpool 

The Persian restaurant at Merrylands (close to the Kabul one), seems it's the home of sensational food.

Another shot at the Hari Krishna show with Mohammad and Avinash. We danced in the streets, got an Indian Halva afterwards as well. This is pretty similar to the end of service snacks that the Sikhs hand out. The music is not as good as the Sikh stuff, but not all religions pump up the beats fully eh.

Lou went up the coast with some buddies during the school holidays. I stayed at home with Oli all very nice.

On the 26th I had my family over for lunch. Fil, David, Ceal, John came over. Ceal gave me a Tequila reposado in oak for Vanilla and caramel notes. Have to say it is a nice drop!

Right, in Merrylands for some pretty good gelato.

Peter Newsome passed away. Fel and Ceal got a flight straight over, and made it there in time to see him in the hospital. Very traumatic times. It was lucky that everyone could be there. Julia and Joe are living at home with Maryanne while their place is being rebuilt, which also helps.