Xmas 2018

Another year gone. Another Prime Minister dumped in Australia. Another Xmas coming up which means another year summary from us.

We are writing these words at Cape Paterson, where it was 34 degrees in early December. Nicky still hasn’t been in the sea yet, but it is freezing. It’s fascinating to start to receive news from our family and friends in the UK. And some of our vintage have retired or are thinking of doing so. A sign we are getting old!

It’s been another year of work, house renovations, trips away and visitors for us in Melbourne.

Nicky continues as a ‘one woman band’ with a range of income streams including academia, Director of Cleft, coaching and mentoring.

Last year the shock news was that Stuart had a job – this year’s shock is that he still has it! It’s been a busy year at Orchestra Victoria, ending with a season of Wagner’s 6.5 hour epic Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg. For an amusing take on life on the pit, click here. The band had a tour to Canberra in May – many Auzzies bag the Federal capital, but it is actually fantastic.

Our first full year in our Story St house was all about the next phase of our renovation plans. We converted a lightwell to a loo/laundry and now have a posh bedroom plus en suite upstairs.

Wodonga is still alive at the ripe old age of 18. Like Stuey, his grumpiness is proportional to his age.

Both of us visited the UK in 2018. Stuey went for 7 days in May to visit his folks, as mum Nora had a stroke in Feb. She has made an amazing recovery – they make ‘em tough up North. Nicky made her two work/family trips and acted as a double bass bow mule! One of the highlights of her August trip was Mo and Steve’s wedding, and catching up with Arturo, Naimh and Felix.

2018 was the first year in a while that we didn’t go to Port Douglas. Instead our holiday was a birdwatching loop into NSW and ACT, Wangaratta, Chiltern, Canberra, Batemans Bay, South down the coast, and headed thro Gippsland back home. One highlight was a boat trip to Montague Island just when the hump backed whales were migrating South after calving further North. At one point three of them almost climbed into the boat! One thing we learnt being so close to these wonderful creatures – they stink when they blow water into the air. OMG, they stink. Stuey didn’t know whether to cover the camera lens or his nose.

It was another year full of visitors. Xmas Day 2017 saw 16 round the table, er tables. Many courses, great wines, stimulating conversation and petanque – a good game after a few bottles of grog. Bob and Liz were over from Bristol – we almost had a Canynge Road reunion with Rachael, Paul, Jazzie and Angus, our neighbours in Bristol. We did the usual pilgrimage to the MCG for the Ashes test - this year it will be India who are currently doing very well in Adelaide in the first test.

Although it was wonderful to meet Erin Calder, her visit marked an ominous milestone for us – at first our friends came to visit, then some with kids, then the kids came alone and Erin was the first grandkid to come and stay. Her Grandad Mike was one of Stuart’s first bass teachers and a huge influence. Erin was cool. But this was another milestone in our aging.

Jazzie Wilson returned, without parents, after a spell in NZ.

Hilary and Stormin Norman returned to Melbourne.

Amelie Schrape came to stay, all the way from Wonthaggi. Her trip was part of a school initiative for country kids to get used to life in the ‘Big City’.

Nic went to Sydney to catch up with Justin, Clare and the kids.

And finally Nick and Sally Beach came to stay. Nick and Nicky were half of the Lamorna string quartet many decades ago, and the photo proves, the music is still flowing though it was the only time the viola came out in 2018!