Underhill in June

A few weeks ago we had a day trip to Underhill and were quite a crowd. It was wonderful for me to get a lift down from Greg and Ev again as my hip was limiting my driving ability. I spent a lot of time taking it easy acting out my role as matriach.

Geoff experimented with his chimnea and discovered our antique fire top oven which proved to be a great warming oven for pies.

Nathan and Brad worked hard slabbing logs under Nathan's new shelter. This was a great bonus as they could stay dry in the rain that we had most of the day. Geoff's new container can be seen in the background.

One urgent job was to fix the downpipe overflow and tank filling drains. The inlet to the top tank was quite blocked with rubbish again so this time we have tried a single layer of mosquito net rather than a double layer.

 Of course Ivy continues to love it at Underhill but was a bit restricted to the shelter because of the rain. Thank goodness we have a large shelter now.

Everyone else enjoyed lunch together and lots of cuppas before heading home.

Royal Botanic Gardens 200th Birthday Picnic

Those who were watching the ABC News on Monday night might have caught a glimpse of Ma and Ivy. We were photographed at the Royal Botanic Gardens 200th Birthday Picnic. It was a great morning and we found John P so were able to have a long chat and walk together, catching up on old times and new ventures. Lea from St Stephens Choir also met up with us.

Of course we took our picnic rug made from Surrey's shirts to include him in the picnic too.

Chorus Oz 2016

This year was my 12th year with Chorus Oz, one of the Sydney Philharmonia choirs. There were around 700 choristers, 5 of whom were from the Sutherland Choral Society - Lee, Janetta, Betty, Phil and Lyndel.

Of course we all had a fantastic two days learning and then performing Handel's Israel in Egypt in the Opera House.

On our way home on Sunday we were treated to glimpses of Vivid. The only drawback being having to join the huge crowds to shepharded to Martin Place Station to get home.