Hello one and all!

Hope you are all well in bonnie Scotland, I hear the sun is shining which is good! Not good for us however - we are currently sitting in our living room with the fire on full blast, five layers of clothing on and rugged up under a blanket. Brrrr it's freezing for a country that only ever advertises blue skies and sunshine! What a con. Surprise surprise, our weekend was a little bit rainy so I was grateful that our netball match on Saturday was in a chook shed in Lang Lang - a victory for Dusties keeps us 5th in the league with the big match against Ellinbank this weekend. Ellinbank are yet to lose a game so we'll have our work cut out!

All is well with Bob and I, other than the fact I got chased up the street by two dogs the other day much to the amusement of my netball team who were standing there laughing instead of helping me out. Bob also managed to get a speeding fine (uh oh) - bad enough in your own car but in someone else's, rather mortifying! $146 later and it's all sorted. D'oh. Sorry Laurelle!

Work is busy at the moment. Despite having a fried brain at the end of each day, it's all a rather steep learning curve as I'm being exposed to lots of paediatric patients and neuro patients alongside the every day arthritic remedial patients and some complex ones to challenge me. A variety of old, young, complex, odd, lovely and demanding! All character building and good for the CV no less but I feel a holiday may be in order! So far I've treated the brother of Cat Steven's band members and a teenage fiction novelist. Claims to fame or what. Oh and the radio station DJ of course - still working on that.....still not able to beat my 'physio to the stars' status I got when working at Leith! That wins hands down.

Anyway a holiday may not be too far away. The girls from work are keen to organise a weekend skiing in either Mount Buller or Falls Creek. Laurelle, the remedial masseuse, lived in Mount Buller and is an accomplished skier so she sounds like the ideal person to show me how to stay upright on two sticks. Bring on the snow!

Only just recovered from Saturday night and it's 9pm on Monday evening. Must be getting old, can't hack the pace any longer! Had a netball night out on Saturday night in the local hotel (sorry Gran, I'm regailing my alcohol stories again, and yes, I do actually do some work instead of being on one constant holiday!!) Several jaegerbombs and glasses of wine later and I'm giving it big licks on the dancefloor to the live band playing Bon Jovi and other delightful soft rock anthems. I was in my element. One of the footie guys from Dusties has me in the "auction" - apparently if I get picked as best and fairest in the league matches, then he wins $1000! He told me on Saturday night to "start shooting more goals". Thanks, that's helpful!!

Just found out me ol' flat mate Daka Dave is in Melbourne and is heading to Warragul on Thursday night. Think we shall take him to the Thai!!!!! He can kip on the sofa and then we'll meet up with him again on Saturday night where we reckon we'll head to the Ice Lounge for a few cold ones. Looking forward to catching up with him.

It was our flatmate Bec's birthday BBQ on saturday for which I was absent for most of it due to netball. The deck is now finished with potted plants, garden furniture and the patio heater - it looks great! However it wasn't used much on Saturday due to the poor weather so everyone was squished into the living room round the heater! (yes it really is winter here). Bob seemed to enjoy himself from the stories he told although it appeared there was a rather weird concoction of friends there - makes for an interesting party! Bob joined us in the Commercial later on but stayed away from us girls and mingled with the footie boys. I think they have a new recruit for next season!

The big news in Australia at the moment is the new prime minister Julia Gillard! Very odd to see breaking news interrupting Masterchef last week - Kevin Rudd pushed out by the redhead that looks rather like Tilda Swinton and has Welsh parents. Apparently he hasn't been the most decisive of leaders and also hasn't been around much for the past year hence the reason he has been bullied somewhat into stepping down and in fact doesn't even have a place in the new cabinet. For Julia's sake, I hope she wins the next election in the coming months otherwise it would all have been a rather pointless Labour exercise! Gotta love politics.

On that note, I have no idea how the new Government is getting along in the UK and infact have not been keeping up with the news much at all due to rubbish internet and a lack of interest in world news here in Australia! Or maybe I'm just not trying hard enough to keep up with current affairs, that might be it. How is Andy Murray doing in Wimbledon?? All I know is that Sam Stosur was out in Round 1 and Lleyton is still in - not biased at all!

Anyway think that's more than enough ranting for one day - I'm off to bed. Toodles xx

Drivel

Awful display of netball by the Dusties on Sunday afternoon (down 18-4 after the first quarter) with the end result being 49-35. Dreadful! However, at least us girls managed to play a full game in the rain, dodging the puddles and avoiding a cold wet ball slapping us in the face unlike Bob and Brad who decided that they were fair weather golfers and took to watching the footie with some cold beers. Big jessies! Must be getting old as I'm as stiff as a board today! Ah well, Koo Wee Rup (yes, that's actually the name of the netball team) played very well and in fact I had some stalkers from Nilma Darnum checking out the new Scottish GA in that game! Doubt they would've been impressed.......Other names of teams coming up include

Nar Nar Goon
Garfield
Lang Lang
Buln Buln
Cora Lynn

Aren't they just silly?! Nar Nar Goon is my favourite

The past week has been stressful for Bob - not only did he have to go to work for the first time in 8 weeks (shock to the system) but he got reprimanded by a policeman for not having lights on his bike! Tut tut Bob come on now pull your socks up. He seems to be settling in well to social work life in Warragul and Morwell although reports not having done much other than have some personal internet time and cake. Ah well, start as you mean to continue.

Our muscles have been aching having started BoxFit for Bob and Pilates for me. This appears to be a regular thing on a Thursday night with my work mates, I'm clearly the one who does not have any core strength whatsoever so spend most of my time trying to stay on the swiss ball let alone actually do the exercise on it to any spectacular level. Bob is clearly enjoying his BoxFit on a Tuesday and Thursday, most probably because his instructor has had "a great boob job" according to Helen my employer.....Bob has declined to comment. I have however persuaded my workmate Renee to accompany me to BoxFit on Tuesday night to see what all the fuss is about! The funniest thing was that Bob awoke the morning after his first class declaring that his muscles felt absolutely fine. However, the second day required some oiling of the joints, a quick muscle rub and in bed by 8pm. The poor lamb. I took great pleasure in trying to loosen up his sore spots on his deltoids.....who ever said physios were nice? Mwah hahahahaha. He definitely needed a Man Up card that day!

The weekend was fairly tame. Cooked a good curry and watched some footie on Friday night then off to Fountaingate for some retail therapy. Sunday was the awful netball match then Bob and I headed over to the clubhouse with our soon-to-be-friends Casey and Phil, Tania and Troy and Liza, all Dusties associates. A few tinnies of Carlton Draught (bleurgh) then up the road for a pizza. Turned out to be a rather pleasant Sunday evening!

Other developments this week -

--Australia still appear to be perplexed that they aren't the best team in the World Cup
--Richmond AFL team won for the third time since our arrival in Warragul - it's a sign we should support them as they previously lost 13 matches in a row - 'mon Richmond Tigers!
--Netball Scotland sadly did not make it through the World Champ qualifiers this weekend, a narrow miss, the scores were good but alas it was not to be. Bad luck girls
--Our deck is almost finished in time for the BBQ this Saturday thanks to Iain, Bec's mum's partner....hurrah! Now can we get the hot tub ordered??
--Had a disaster making chocolate mousse for tea so it's not looking good for Bec's birthday cake.....

And finally...................Bob and I are going to be radio stars!! We have been offered a slot on West Gippsland Community Radio by one of my patients. We were thinking about a 'Scots Down Under' show! Cheesy, but potentially quite funny. Bob would be in his element. Watch this space!

Ta ra the noo xx

Some photos of Melbourne and Philip Island, deck building and our flatmate Bec!

Swifts and Geelong Cats victorious!

Melbourne Vixens lost to the Swifts even though it was all even at half time. A crowd of 9000 in the Hisense Arena reminded me of the world champs - no wonder the Ozzies aren't phased by the crowds and atmosphere when they play at the major events! 'sno fair. What an event though, I was like a small child in a sweetie shop, clanging my 'cheersticks' together at every available opportunity. Catherine Cox was unbelievable, how can one person be so chilled out and score 100%? I'm off to the hit the courts and shoot a few goals now that I've got some inspiration. The Dusties won't know what's hit them come Friday night training, I'll be like a new player!

The footie was just as good. What a stadium - 46000 in the Etihad stadium to watch the leaders of the league Geelong play the underdogs Essendon. Although we were on the 3rd level, we still had a great view of the game. Had to try the meat (or whatever the hell was in it) pie at half time. Best not to investigate what we were eating! I had my Geelong scarf on, alongside Bob, Bec, her mate Heather, her dad Rob and his partner Rachel and were sat in front of and behind a load of Essenden supporters. Lots of good friendly banter though and were even offered a share of the family picnic from the mum infront of us. Those bacon sandwiches and chocolate covered biscuits looked great but we maintained our manners and politely declined. Beer and pie would do fine. I'm definitely getting into the Aussie Rules - in fact I'm not as bad as I had expected at kicking the funny shaped ball myself.....perhaps there's a women's team?? Or maybe I should just stick to the netball for now.

Stayed with Rob and Rachel in Ivanhoe who were extremely welcoming and cooked us a fantastic breakfast on the BBQ. You gotta love the Aussies. Back to Warragul via Drouin where we picked up Laurelle's car (Cherokee Sport jeep, awesome) for our drive to Philip Island later on. It's a pretty big vehicle, suspension has a mind of it's own and it doesn't like sharp corners but it was great for our overnight trip and we were reluctant to give it back today!

We headed to Philip Island Sunday afternoon. It was a 2 hour drive from Warragul, via Mirboo North, Leongartha and a lovely surfing town called Inverloch. The weather was slightly overcast but the sun peeped out from time to time and the temperature was fine. Not bad for the first month of winter! Philip Island itself is a great place to visit for the weekend. Lots of interesting cafes, shops and activites for all - probably the best location for a family holiday, that's what it appeared to be anyway. Our motel was fab, just a 2 minute walk from the beautiful beach and a 5 min walk from the centre. A swift beer in a local wine bar, tea at the motel and a quiet chilled out night watching some football! We had planned to get up at 4.30am to watch the Socceroos but didn't quite manage it. In hindsight probably a good thing as the 4-0 defeat wouldn't have been enjoyable. A harsh red card we felt! Never mind.

Up early to drive to The Nobbies where the penguins live. A lovely coastal area to spot some wildlife; couldn't see any seals but spotted a penguin huddled in a hole in the ground. Decided to bypass the ridiculously touristy Penguin Parade and head off on a driving tour of the island and back to Warragul via Inverloch.

The drive home was going so well until we found ourselves with less than a quarter tank of petrol on a rather windy off road dirt track 30km from Warragul - when the petrol light comes on in the middle of nowhere, slight panic sets in! However, as I'm writing this now from the comfort of the living room infront of the fire, you would've guessed that Bob and I did in fact survive the experience! Oh, we can laugh about it now....

So that's us up to date! Bob is not looking forward to starting work tomorrow. I'm thinking he might be asleep by 8pm tomorrow evening.....Thanks guys for all your messages and emails. Hope you're enjoying our endless dribble about our exploits in Australia land. Will continue to keep you updated, lots of love Bob and Mo xx

Sports Weekend!

Another week has past.

Big hairies seen: 0 (phew)
Small bodied big legged spiders seen: 3
Small bodied big legged spiders squished by my good self after lots of prep talk by Bob and some tears: 2
Voice regained: 1
Rounds of golf played: 3
Stubbies of VB consumed in the Centre Avenue household: 6
Number of physio patients who have been a little bit annoying : 2
Number of games won by Dusties in the past two weeks: 2
Days of sunshine: 1/2
Days of rain: 5

Not only have we managed to lose our flatmate Bec this evening (we only went to the golf club raffle for a few vinos) we didn't win a single thing at the raffle. We had bought 8 strips between the three of us so that we could win a washing machine (ours has just recently conked it) but unsuccessful. Not to worry, fish and chips were good and Bec's mates Shannon and Dave were good company. We're planning a trip to the snow in the coming months, should be fun.

This week has been busy busy busy at work. A quietish day on Wednesday but otherwise action packed. And the good news is.....Bob has got a job!! He starts on Tuesday. Bec and I are slightly disappointed about losing our personal live in chef but at least this gives me an excuse to go and purchase some UGG boots....hurrah! Bob will be working between Morwell (3o mins drive east of Melbourne) and Warragul as a case manager - he's pretty happy although not so pleased that he didn't quite manage to make it as a pro golfer in his holiday time. Never mind.

Tomorrow is the big Geelong vs Essendon game at Etihad stadium in Melbourne tomorrow. As long as Bec shows up tomorrow morning to drive us in , it will still all go according to plan. If she doesn't show up, we will be a little worried and will have to get the choo choo. Before the big AFL game, we've got the Melbourne Vixens vs Sydney Swifts - who to go for, Sharelle McMahon or Sonia Mkloma?? Hmmm. Exciting stuff. Sports mad day.

Staying over at Bec's dad's house then home again on Sunday. The receptionist/masseuse at work, Laurelle has very kindly offered us her jeep for the long weekend so we are thinking about venturing to Philip Island for some penguin viewing on Monday. Maybe a wee trip to a winery on the way.....

All is good here, although missing the warm insulated houses with central heating and double glazing.......xx

Dusties win!

Well I have decided to stick with the Dusties for the remainder of the season (until mid September) and it turns out there are plenty people my age in the B grade team so I can socialise with them. Hurrah! Another win on Saturday, only by 7 goals but it was a win none the less. A pot of VB and a poke of chips post match was gratefully received. Think I'm going to enjoy the netball and footie lifestyle over here!

Our weekend consisted of beers and footie on Friday, netball and deck building on Saturday, dinner with Bec's mum Wendy and her partner Ian, some French Open final watching (bad luck Sam Stoser!) and a very chilled out Sunday afternoon. Sport mad.

xx

Ellinbank or Dusties.....oh what a decision

Developments in the netball world! Although I've signed up for the local Dusties, I'm just back from Ellinbank training and I think I might have to consider changing clubs which is a little awkward! I don't think I can do it. I can't let my teenage girls down although Ellinbank do appear to be a little closer to my age and more sociable. Hmmm. Vote please!

For Dusties
1. Training is 2 mins from house
2. Good level of match play
3. Will get full game every saturday

Against Dusties
1. They train on a Friday evening!
2. I am 10 years older than everyone else so no pub friends for me
3. They wear lycra onesies!

For Ellinbank
1. Lovely girls, bit older, some live in Warragul
2. Top of the league!
3. Good training sessions
4. Get my dinner made in the clubhouse on a Thursday night....with dessert

Against Ellinbank
1. 10 mins away so have to get lifts from other people
2. Ellinbank are playing Dusties in 4 weeks time which could be awkward if I swap
3. Receptionist at work introduced me to Dusties so work could be a bit frosty!

Oh decisions decisions.

Anyway on a more positive note, Bob is doing well, he has an interview tomorrow and another interview on Tuesday, hurrah!

We had a day out in Melbourne on Tuesday as I had the day off from work. Headed in on the train and 1 hour 20 mins later arrived in the big smoke. After getting a little disorientated finding our way out of the station, we found the outlet shopping centre (hurray) and tried an odd Turkish bread thing for lunch. Wouldn't recommend the spinach one...Off to the Museum to learn a little about the country and for Bob to sharpen up on his knowledge of the Indiginous population for his interviews. I managed to look at a huntsman spider through a microscope type thing but only for a nanosecond. Lots of interesting Aboriginal documentaries and a forest walk. Not bad at all! Then off to find Brunswick Street for some funky shops and cafes. It's a little like Ashton Lane/Byres Road only 10 times longer. Think I will need to venture back for a day to rummage through all the cool clothes and gift shops! Beer O'clock was calling so we popped into the Fitz and met a Scottish girl from Peebles! It's a small world. Then onto a rather disappointing Vietnamese restaurant that was no different to the local chinese takeaway. Not to worry, can't win them all!

Not much else happening in our neck of the woods as it's wintertime so apparently everyone hides out in their houses and keeps their tootsies warm in their big slippers and waits for summertime! Rubbish.

Our highlight of the week is Raffle night tomorrow!! Oh yes. Granny table and a VB shandy here we come....

As for the voice, it's getting stronger but I still sound ridiculous. Im sure shouting on a netball court really isn't taking the GP's advice of rest. Hmm.

Hope you are all well at home, lots of love Borag xx