The race that brings Australia to a standstill is ours again

Melbourne Cup... The race that supposedly stops an entire nation... I recall fondly a time when even the local radio station ran a fake version of this race, teachers held sweeps in the classroom and every kid had a favourite. It was back when Adelaide had the Grand Prix... That seemed to be the heyday when the Melbourne Cup truly was the race of all races, at least for us Aussies. Lately though it seemed to lose its sparkle for many. We still embrace it each and every year and rope in however many friends we can to join in the festivities. It is pretty much the only time every year when I gamble (or at least it is the only time every year since meeting my wife that I always have a flutter on the horses). I must admit though I've noticed the national interest in this race has died away a bit.

Today may just have been what our (well actually Melbourne's) race has needed. A champion Australian representative has taken out the race of Aussie races with a touch of controversy for second and third. A ripper close race that went right down to the line.

Sadly I didn't back the winner this year. It was my spare for if any of my initial picks scratched. I know for many though that little Aussie champ was their numero uno and they've ridden it all the way to the bank. My lesson from the day of course was always listen to your wife as her words of wisdom stated I'd regret not putting even just a dollar or two on that one...

We love a flutter and hopefully a win today with so many foreign competitors seeking the millions and glory of a Melbourne Cup victory will be enough to re-ignite the passion in all of us. I hope to see over the next year or two that national excitement for November I recall so fondly. Fingers crossed we get known for the super close finish with a local steed succeeding again and again...

Come on Aussie, come on!!

Secretly I'm a fan of discovering what pets get up to when we are away

Family movie night again at Casa de Law and honestly I was not too sure of the flick of the night. Secret Life of Pets 2, the aptly named sequel to Secret Life of Pets has finished its holiday run and is now on DVD. We missed it at the cinema so thought we would give it a go in the comfort of our own cinema (aka the lounge). My wife was not super keen on the first film about the dog Max and all his pals so it was with a severe case of trepidation that we settled into our designated seats and prepared ourselves for Max and Co. part two. Five waiting for the (hopefully) fun to begin. Yes five! Even Master 13 decided to join us for family movie night.

And the verdict... Surprisingly good... In our opinion so much better than the first one, great, wholesome family fun. At least three and a half paw prints, maybe four... If you have not seen it yet give it a go and I'm sure you'll enjoy!