We made quite a rush on the airport at the end of last week. Emily, Andre and the children arrived from Canada on Thursday morning, not long after Lindsey had returned from Hobart. She collected them with her car and took them to their holiday dwelling. On Friday afternoon, Ant, Jess and their children arrived from Sydney. Ian collected them and took them to their weekend retreat. At a very similar time, Ruth and Andy, cousins who are usually to be found in England, arrived from Hobart, having had a two week touring holiday first in New Zealand. No one was available to collect them so they made their own way to East Melbourne and I met them at The Flat and let them in.
Lindsey, Ian and I escorted them to Kinyoubi in Smith Street for an early dinner. And then I went home. I needed an early night - the rest of the weekend was likely to be busy!
Saturday was a busy day. Fortunately it was also a nice day, weatherwise - for many, many people were meeting at the Collingwood Children's Farm to celebrate the twins' second birthday.
I had never been to the children's farm and was looking forward to visiting (although I am not usually particularly comfortable in the company of lots of very small children!). And it was lovely. We had a large marquee in a paddock for the party so were separate from other visitors, although we could go out and mingle and look at the animals at will. Getting there proved to be something of a challenge. Seemed simple enough. Tram to Johnston Street, bus along Johnston Street to the farm. Except that it was also the Johnston Street Festival that morning and the road was closed. I walked along until the road wasn't closed any more and was just reading a sign at the bus stop which said that it was out of commission when a bus turned up, and stopped. I got on it! It was much easier getting home. Freyja and Simon gave Wendy and me a lift to the station and we caught a train back into the city. Wendy went into the city and I went to the supermarket and then walked home. No street festivals to avoid.
Somehow, I seem not to have taken any photos at the party. I did take this one of a shop on Johnston Street, but it wasn't very relevant to the purpose of the journey
I had a quick turn around at home, tidying, preparing and getting organised before Ruth and Any arrived at my place to inspect it and to have dinner. I have to confess to you all that I am never going to win medals, prizes or honours for sweeping. Or even for carpet sweeping. I have an uneasy feeling that the only way my flat is ever going to be free of cat fur is if I get rid of the cats. And I don't think they want to leave!
The weather was much less clement on Sunday, although it was only damp when I met Freyja and Simon at the Alphington market. We had lunch in a cafe called Poke the Bear, not far from their place. Personally, I feel that poking bears is a bad idea. It's likely to have the same outcome as poking crocodiles. However, should you be invited into this bear's den I would encourage you to accept the invitation. It is really cute. The food was delicious too (it has menus for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans so suited all three of us).
It was a good weekend.
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