Sing your own song...

What an amazing day today... A massive storm overnight and Max the cat waking Heidi and I up at all kinds of hours made for a very restless night... So restless that I overslept on the first day back to work after Christmas... MADNESS!!! Quickest shower ever! Creamy oats and honey wheats scoffed for breakfast (so ouch... too hot!!) and then throw on a shirt and dress pants before giving my beautiful wife and three little ones a quick kiss...

Arrived at work and the carpark is in near darkness... Lift is on already and the library foyer is lit from the other end by a greyish natural light. As I swipe there is no reaction from the sliding door (not good) until a work mate comes across and together we somehow manage to get the doors open wide enough for me to slip through. Signs are already bad for us opening, library is in utter darkness, not even the natural light is very bright and it is not penetrating the 8:30am dull morning dreariness. Rain falling gently as I check for new leaks and see if anything is working (technology-wise)... We got SQUAT!!!

Buzz the ones in charge and then it is time to give the public the bad news... Library in darkness... Not safe to open today.

What next but to head home and surprise the kids! Guess who is home for an extra day... Not home for long though... With not a lot happening in the Bridge it is into the car and off to Mount Barker for a bit of shopping and a family film.

Many thanks to our local radio station PowerFM (Murraylands) where I won a family pass to see the latest family film by Universal and Illumination, Sing. A great film with lots of famous talent voicing the characters. Although there are a manangery of crazy characters (including a koala who's misfortunes propell the story along nicely) my favourite would have to be Johnny the gorilla and the side story focused on his relationship with his dad... I love how this film encourages every child to dream BIG and give everything a go... A film well worth a watch and don't wait for it to come out on DVD! Oh my God! Look at... this film!!

Wishing everyone everywhere the best Christmas

Blessings and well wishes to you all on this special day. The stresses and worries of the lead up to Christmas are now (thankfully) behind us all and it is time to kickback, relax and enjoy the time spent with family and friends.

If you got what you had always wished for lucky you. If not please take the time to smile, thank the giver and enjoy the feeling of being loved and thought of.

Christmas was always a truly joyous occasion for me as it meant a roadtrip to Goolwa and the beach where me and my two brothers would catch up with our nine cousins and run amok. As a parent myself now of three wonderful kids I take a moment or two and look back and wonder how my father felt as we rarely caught up with his cousins and family, always mum's. Even then we needed more money, more time, more everything to see everyone. I guess as a kid you never realise those sort of things.

Time has gone on and I am certainly not that kid any longer (though some people would argue otherwise). There are people I have lost along the way, family and friends that sadly I will not see. My thoughts are of you all even though we cannot be there to help you celebrate the arrival of the silly season. Those in the heat stay cool, those in the cool stay warm and those in the very, extremely cold stay indoors by the fire...

Remember the ones you love! Those traveling (even just around the corner) travel safe! Merry Christmas to you all!! May 2017 give us all more money, more time and more of a chance to catch up with everyone we love.

Family film review

We have been lucky to catch Trolls at our local cinema (The Cameo), a fun filled film with lots of singing talent and a great throw back to the little toy creatures of the eighties. I truly loved this film as did my wife and all three kids. There was the right mix of crazy characters, a Cinderella twist and a seriously catchy soundtrack that pumped out memories throughout the whole film.

Last night we sat down to Storks and popcorn in the comfort of our own home. This too was far better than I thought it would be. A lovely family film with enough adventure and gags to keep us all glued to the screen. Well worth a watch...

Finally my wife and I finally sat down to the latest (and perhaps the last) Jason Bourne film aptly titled um... Jason Bourne. It was typically an action packed thrill ride. The first hour needed lots of focus but after that it was enough to kick back and relax. I must say both Matt and Tommy Lee are looking on the old side...

Three great films! And guess what?! I've just won tickets from our local radio station (PowerFM) to see the latest family film to hit cinemas... SING!!! We all cannot wait to see it...

Another full on jam packed weekend of Law family fun

Step one... Knock off at 6... Step two... off to Sunnyside... Step three... Rock out to Metallica in the Retro Room...

Sunnie and Troy you are amazing, generous, wonderful people... Never change... Thank you for inviting ALL of us out to your place for a fantastic Friday night... Saturday morning was bright (too bright for some lol)... And Sunnie I love, love, love the wall of vinyl... We all loved the arcade...

Saturday was a right off, just proves the older you get the harder you are hit by a bedtime after the witching hour... So glad I have had the weekend off as there was no way I could keep my eyes open at 8.30 let alone don a suit and smile... It was the anniversary of when I started going out with the gorgeous girl who is my wife and it was so nice just to spend the day together...

What could top off such an awesome Friday night and such a special Saturday? How about catching the all singing and all dancing family film TROLLS followed by a trip to Woodside and the family friendly Adelaide Hills Swimming Centre... TROLLS was not quite what I expected and was thankfully more entertaining than I was sure it would be... Yes TROLLS was a good flick, made better as I stole the odd piece of popcorn from our youngest and dealt with her accusing looks with a smirk of my own... After such family fun it was great to cool off at a swimming pool... We were going to go local but the Murray Bridge Swimming Centre was a little busy with a carnival... Instead we ventured out past Mount Barker, Verdun and then got to Woodside... The staff were so friendly, the facilities first class and there was space in all the pools for everyone even though today was a 30+ degree day...

A jam packed weekend so full of family fun... When the kids are young I guess it is all about making memories... I hope we've made a few these last three days... Looking forward to making more...

Hungry Eyes - Enjoying a little Dirty Dancing

What a night... A bit of fun popping our Christmas Elf Jingles in his bath in the kids bath ready for them to hunt for him tomorrow morning... Simple dessert of fresh strawberries and baileys cream served fancy-like in a glass with a kid's fork and of course relaxing on the couch with my gorgeous girl wearing my 'My Wife Is Awesome' singlet, a gift from a friend of ours who had visited Bali.

To our surprise Robotwars drew to an end and on came an old classic... Dirty Dancing... So we're sitting back with a smile enjoying a great Patrick Swayze flick. The man can act and damn he can dance from a time when films had substance, story and had you measmurised...

Getting ready for the Murray Bridge Christmas Pageant

We are getting ready to attend the wonderful Murray Bridge Christmas Pageant. Once again we have one of the kids on a float and friends and family on other floats. I'll be walking beside my daughter on the Girl Guide float, my waving and smiling muscles are already warmed up!!

I love the Murray Bridge Pageant, the way that the community gets involved, the chalk pictures on the Main Street that last for weeks and weeks after, the Power FM (local radio station) car with a trailer at the back shaped like a boom box, Olaf the snowman, Unity College with its two trucks with the bands blasting out Christmas Carols, the cute floats of kindy kids and schools and other businesses and of course the big man himself in the sleigh pulled by an old tractor...

Once more I am sure my son will be set up, poised ready to gather together a hoard worth of lollies and other candies enough to last him til the next Christmas Pageant. Of course he will whinge when we, his parents tell him he needs to share with his sisters...

The heat is already making us titchy, I can see the mad dash for the door and all the stresses involved with finding a carpark close enough that we don't need to walk far. It will all be worth it though when the first float slowly meanders past the stoplights and heads down our Main Street, the first person waves and smiles and yells out that they know you (and could they have some lollies, please?)
So bring on the frolicking, festivities and fantasticness of fun… Let the pageant begin!!!

Heading back to the 80s with Axel Foley

One of the TV stations is replaying the Beverly Hills Cop films. A couple of nights ago was the first one and tonight is the sequel. I fondly remember watching these films as a young kid, but do not recall there being so much swearing...

Eddie Murphy is really cool as the laid back Foley and I just love that soundtrack. The theme song, Axel F is award winning and just so catchy. And that laugh...

Cheers to you Eddie Murphy! We need a rebirth of your Axel Foley role...

Trick or Treat... Don't Smell my Feet!!

I love the way that our local community has embraced Halloween. Firstly our friends took costuming to a whole new level. A great party to lead up to a fun filled Monday. Even before this in the foyer at work we had a cool looking frightful display. Today though as the sun sets out came the ghosts, ghouls and other little freaky creature. My fav would have to be the little Christmas Elf with a Skeletor face... Such a horrid sight but underneath a cheeky charming smile...

I know there are people out there who dismiss this night as too American, for us and many others like us though it is just another excuse to have a bit of fun and enjoy life. So everybody please have a fantastic phantasmic night tonight!

HHHHOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy 100th to a great man

As this crazy wind whirls around us and my eFacebook page has pictures of my brothers, cousins and aunties and uncles sharing a drink I type this post one handed with a half glass of port in my left. Tonight we celebrate John Boog, a man who would have turned 100 years, a man I am proud to say was my Opa.

We loved heading to Goolwa every Easter, Christmas and any other time. It meant a crazy catch up with cousins, a couple of days with the calm, gorgeous, family friendly Goolwa Beach only a five minute stroll through the dunes, but it also meant time spent with our Opa and Oma.

My favourite Opa memory is a super fast go cart coloured red and blue that my brother and I created with mum and Opa. We got some old pram wheels, some bits of wood that were lying around in the shed and with a bit of spray paint and some Opa know how a go cart appeared in an afternoon. My brother and I pushed each other in that thing for hours. Best toy ever and we all made it together.

If you knew Opa you would be smiling now. An amazing man would have been 100 today. No war, relocation of family or any other troubles seemed to get him down. He was a mechanic, confidant, card shark, children's entertainer, but a plumber by trade.

Tonight we raise a glass in your honour. Opa, happy 100th! Long may you live in glory!

Putting my hat back into the ring

I have found it! My best chance yet to see my novel The Eleventh Tome in print, hopefully coming to libraries and bookshelves around the world soon... Well perhaps that last statrement is a bit premature...

A month or so ago I stumbled across a publishing company based in Sydney named Pantera Publishing (Google search for unsolicited manuscripts). I love how this compnay has the same name as a hardcore metal band which had me headbanging in my younger years to some tribal drumbeats and thrashed out guitar riffs. I love even more though that this company exists to give new authors with new ideas a fair go.

If you have been sitting on a polished gem of a novel that all your friends tell you is amazing but you cannot seem to get it beyond the 'slush pile' of the well known publishers definitely check out Pantera
and see how you go.

Wish me luck!!

October: The month that just seems to fly past us...

What a month October has already proven to be. Spring still cannot seem to decide if it wants to be winter or summer, mostly though it seems to just want to be wet.

After our amazing few weeks in September creating super special family memories it was back down to earth again with a crash for me. Tuesday the 4^th found me back at work, a bit of a surreal experience as my wife and the kids were still enjoying holidays. I got my best pirate voice ready for the holiday activity I was running with a colleague and made an appearance. After a normal weekend there is always a general library tidy before we open (great team bonding exercise where everyone pitches in). After a holiday on the Monday there were even more returns to deal with on top of the usual tidy. Add to this an absence of two fulltime staff and a meeting booked for the space where we were planning to run the buccaneer fun and suddenly a normal morning became battle stations… All hands on deck.

These past two weeks have been like the spring weather, crazy chaos at work and holiday slowdown at home. Full credit to the amazing girls I work with who have all pitched in where and when needed and also put up with a jumpy, panicked, wild-eyed Team Leader without too much complaint. Full credit also to my amazing family who have kept me grounded, life goes on whether daddy is at work or not.

I’m happy to say that our school holiday program at work had a few youngsters entertained. I’d like to put on more of a show in January however and try to get our numbers back up again, some of the kids booked in unfortunately never showed (probably due to the weather washing them away). We have been contacted by a local gardening club that the library has worked with in the past a couple of times with great success on every occasion. I’d also like to look at another session of Australian animals visiting the library and to connect with our multicultural community it would be great to look at a Chinese puppet show too. So many great options, I cannot wait…

Last Friday night we were finally able to run our after-hours wine and cheese night with famous radio announcer John Ovenden. John organized for us a stellar cast to perform two of his short plays, Fame and Fortune. It was great to see between 50 and 60 people attend, enjoying both performances and also local Willow Point wines and South Australian cheeses during the intermission. Full credit to the Friends of the Murray Bridge Library without whose support this event would never have occurred and also much thanks is owed by me to the amazing library team that I work with. You girls are a great bunch to work with and offer me so much support. Also to my amazing wife Heidi, thank you also for giving me the freedom to try new ideas and thank you for taking on so much at home, you are and always will be my angel.

Finally this weekend has found us a family of seven as my two nieces have come to stay. Ben and Maria, happy belated wedding anniversary. So glad we could finally pay you back. I have a feeling the smallest one will never let me change a nappy again…

Well I guess it is now off to help another of our tiny friends to celebrate a birthday. I am so happy that a local business for kids has been given a second chance. With some luck hopefully the community of Murray Bridge with support Scallywags and its new managers. During the week there were kids everywhere down by the river for a family fun day run by our local AC Care (an amazing day with something for everyone) so there are definitely young families around in large enough numbers to make a business like Scallywags a success. I just wish they would all come down and visit us (at the library! Not at home!!!)

Bring on the adventures of the next two weeks, back to school, whole school camp and preparing at work for a visit from the amazing and wonderful rural romance wonder Rachael Treasure.

Bring it on!!!

My final post for September... Home again safe and sound

Home at last, our final day of our epic family adventure. Naracoorte gave us power last night (major improvement on when we first arrived) so we watched The Angry Birds movie with the kids (better than I expected, kinda funny actually) and then TRIED to watch X-Men Armageddon (just Heidi and I) after we sent the kids to bed. Yummy steak for tea BBQ style and two movies was a great way to spend the evening together as a family.

Next morning more rain... Packing the car was interesting fun but we were on the road by 9:30 with the Naracoorte Big 4 cabin cleaning crew hovering at our doorstep. Early lunch at Keith was nice but it was a disappointment for the kids with it being too wet for the roller coaster (next time kids...)

I have never ever felt so happy to see Cosi' Rhino at Tailem Bend or the roadworks along Morris Road (just around the corner from our place). Thanks to Jess for looking after our two fury kids and thanks to Lynda for a house that looked and smelled as fresh as daisies as we walked through the front door. A final thanks to my darling princess Miss Heidi who planned this amazing holiday and drove so many kilometres to get us to where we needed to go. A gallant effort M'lady, you are amazing my love.

Now comes the hangover from the time away as living out of suitcases, so much time on the road and seeing sooooooooooooo many amazing things catches up with us. I already feel Sumonday (when Sunday stops feeling like Sunday and you start dreading Monday back to work) creeping into my thoughts... Craft with kids with a pirate spin, a wine and cheese night and then two well known authors all coming up over the next few weeks. There is definitely no dull moments ahead of me.

This finally completes a month of posts, one a day. I cannot believe I did it. Don't expect more than four of five posts next month. Signing off home safe and sound, Trippin Timmy.

A day at Naracoorte... With power!!

The storm past last night and power returned at about 9pm. I was fast asleep, enjoying the sweet smell of scented candles and dreaming about all of the amazing things we have been up to while on our holiday. My tummy was quite full after a few ham and salad sandwiches for tea and a few ciders and I was destined for a long and peaceful sleep.

A 7:30pm bedtime I guess means a 6:30am wake up... Daddy cooked up yummy pancakes for breakfast (thanks Greens for making this an easy cook). After that it was off to the Naracoorte Caves, after a quick stop over at the Naracoorte Visitor Information Centre where a lovely old lady there told us how to get there (and gave us a 10% off voucher).

We saw impressive megafauna and some amazing speleothems (use this term for stalactites and stalagmites when you visit the caves and impress your guide... Our guide Tom gave us this term to use)... The caves were about 800,000 years old, some very impressive natural formations.

Finally I tried to give Heidi some peace and quiet this afternoon as I took the kids mini golfing. Only Miss 9 and I made it through all 18 holes. Many were very challenging, a great course...

Our final night in Naracoorte before we head home again tomorrow (via Keith of course and that crazy roller coaster death trap). Yummy steak for tea BBQed to perfection of course.

Signing off,

Trippin Timmy and the Law clan...

The continuing adventures of the Laws on holiday...

The day of the storm has finally arrived. This morning at Mount Gambier though the sun was shining and it was a glorious day for the Law family to go exploring. Our first stop once the car was packed and the cabin key returned was the amazing Mount Gambier Library.

I am seriously jealous of the Library Manager Vicki, she took a big risk moving from the Barossa to Mount Gambier a little while back but right now she is at the head of what I must admit really is the very best public library in South Australia. And it all comes down to the one percenters... There is a table set aside for a public jigsaw puzzle, there is an IT training suite actually set up for public IT training (not just a room called the training room), another community meeting room was running sewing machine lessons, the staff that I met were so gosh darn friendly and the Children's Area... WOW!!! The whole area was so well designed, looked so awesome and seven years on still looked welcoming and fun. My kids loved it and I must admit I loved it too... Then of course there is the lovely café with the ammmmmaaaaaazzzzzzziiiiiiinnnnnnnngggggg caffeine smell as you enter and the delicious and delectable delights (all homemade) that can be devoured.

Leaving (green with envy) the library we then headed for the Mount Gambier shopping centre (identical to the Market Place in Murray Bridge as it was also setup by Woolworths). It was sad to see a Masters hardware store there as this company will soon be gone for good. Everything else about this Market Place was pumping busy. Perhaps the rent for shops is cheaper or perhaps just more people shop there because there seemed to be no empty shops what so ever. This is what Murray Bridge could and should look and feel like. Mount Gambier gave us the impression it was a town alive, busy and definitely kicking. My fav thing was the frog in the library where kids borrowed their things... It even croaked every now and then...

From Mount Gambier we then hit the road again on the way to Naracoorte with a surprising stop over in Penola. Not for anything to do with Saint Mary McKillop but for a quirky little zany train 'museum' called Penolaraya. Words cannot describe this experience but please make sure you take the time to drop in on Princess Rose for an hour or two you will never ever EVER forget...

After we left Penolaraya with five smiles on five faces we headed back onto the road for the short stretch between Penola and our next home away from home. As we pulled into Naracoorte three things then happened. Firstly we are in Trev's (my wife's favourite shop) and the power goes out (shopping in the dark was great family fun), then the heavens opened up but only produced annoying drizzle and finally my darling wife told me of the passing of sports commentator Max Walker. A sad afternoon all round... Welcome to Naracoorte!!

Now we sit in the darkness listening to the fury of the storm, fed and satisfied on cold meat and salad sandwiches (makes me wish Naracoorte had a McCue's bakery too) hoping that the power will come back on as promised at 4am but happy I am with the girl I love and our amazing kids. Tomorrow we have playgrounds, caves and other amazing places to explore. Just as long as the rains pass us by... Bring on an early night and yet another day of fun tomorrow.

And just quickly... Farewell Max! Your nose and mustachio will know no equal. Your commentary however...

The Law clan is not done traveling yet... Still more to see and more to discover...

Our terrific day in Mount Gambier

The awesomeness and severe coldness of Mount Gambier

Today has been yet another jam packed day on the Law family's epic holiday adventure. After a couple of coffees and Vegemite toast our first stop for the day was the Lady Nelson. "Woohoo," stated Miss 9 in her best imitation wolf whistle. Only for her smirk to become an embarrassed smile when we told her it was the name of a ship. Not just a ship though, also a great Information Centre with well informed staff and a FREE museum which showed the development of the local area over centuries. It had a great short film display with a lady from the original European settlement, she steps out of a photograph to tell her story and while she does she lights a fire, a candle, a gun goes off... Just a fascinating, educational display. Our son, a Master 10 was trying to find out how they did it. Our youngest, Miss 6 was a little scared of the 'ghost lady' until I told her it was all run by computer.

From our great start at the tiny, but impressive Lady Nelson we then jumped back onto the Jubilee Highway East and headed back towards Melbourne, but only ad far as the majestic Umpherston Sinkhole. This place was so beautiful and fascinating, a delightful green and floral garden set against a backdrop of chalky white limestone, hanging vines and busy buzzing bees. So many steps down into the sinkhole and so many back up again, but our legs were fresh and the Laws' spirits were high so we powered on down and back up again with a spring in our step.

Then we headed back past the little ship that discovered and named Mount Gambier and took a left at the roundabout onto Glenelg River Road headed for (and straight on past) the Aquifier Tours (thanks Google Maps) which gave us the option to stop at a lookout of view the picturesque Blue Lake. It is a greyish green this time of year but still massive in size and impressive to look upon. The Aquifier Tour was a great way to find out more about this amazing landmark, volcano and lake both at the same time. One thing that stuck in my mind was that the Blue Lake is a good source for trout, but only 150mm at a maximum length. Undersize in anyone's book...

Exhausted from our 45 minute walking tour of the 'Blue' Lake we decided on Hungry Heidi's for lunch followed by a hunt for the Cave Gardens. These 'gardens' would possibly be more impressive tonight with the light show but I was still impressed by the natural beauty of the limestone cave and the gardens integrated amongst it (above, around, within). For some of us though these gardens only meant more steps. I must admit the Cave Gardens were smaller than Umpherston Sinkhole, but I thought it pretty cool to see where the first settlers of Mount Gambier sourced their water...

Not done yet the epically adventurous day for the Laws took it up a notch and popped in to the old Railway Lands. These lands have been given (sold or donated I'm not sure) to the local council (I think) who created a lovely family picnic area with a nature playground the kind of which I have never ever experienced. Murray Bridge needs to take a leaf out of Mount Gambier's book... Our nature playground opposite Coles supermarket is pretty awesome but the one here is twenty times better at least... The kids and I loved finding the native animal statues (HUGE in size and fun to clamber all over or balance on) and the smaller natives artistically carved into the stepping stones themselves.

We have returned to Limestone Coast Tourist Park much wiser and far more exhausted. Tomorrow is a 'quick' trip to the highly praised Mount Gambier Library and hopefully a catch up with my colleague Vicki. Then it is back on the road again. We'll be headed for Naracoorte to catch up with a few familiar faces and some deep, dark caves... I can't wait!!

Another hard day of driving - the Law adventure continues

450km day... Beaconsfield to Mount Gambier via Geelong and Hamilton

Another HUGE day of driving today. After fond farewells with the Williamson family and a mad dash pack up of our things and shoving it all into the KIA we were on the road again. We beat our 9:30am departure time by two minutes (believe in the miracle Roh and it WILL come true!!!)

From Beaconsfield we began our journey of hours and hours with Mount Gambier our ultimate destination. First stop though was the home of the Geelong Cats and the Cat shop for some souvenirs to show our loyalty. The stadium where these boys play so well is getting a serious upgrade. It will be an amazing place to visit once it is done.

From Geelong we left the Princes Highway and headed along the B140 for a mammoth stretch. Fuelled up and well fed it was a great day for a drive. The weather was ideal, perfect blue sky, nice Spring sunshine, perfection...

Then we hit Hamilton. The heavens opened and the rain bucketed down upon us. It was unbelievable to see the change. I want to thank the lovely guy in the caravan (the only other vehicle heading our way on the road, or so it seemed). This guy pulled over into the passing lane at the first opportunity and slowed a little to give me the best chance to fly past). I don't want to thank all the trucks that came the other way, especially the half of a house 'wide load' that we came across... Cheers though to the policeman in front of that load who waved me off so the truck could get by. You don't argue with a suggestion like that.

The crossing back into South Australia was a bit dampened, the rain keeping us car bound, not willing to pull over for a selfie with Tom Danger...

Finally we made it into Mount Gambier a bit before 5pm with an awesome spaghetti with meat sauce for tea (thank you my darling girl) and a splash of Shiraz to wash it down.

Looking forward to the family thrills that our latest destination has in store. I have already learnt that the Mount Gambier library has been awarded number one country library in the world (or something like that) and it appears in every single touristy pamphlet and brochure that gets given out. We have much to learn when it comes to promotion it seems. Bring on the caves, the sink hole, the Lady Nelson and of course the amazing Mount Gambier Library. We are looking forward to it all!!  

Yet another epic day on the Law family holiday

Thank you Melbourne... What a send off!

Our time in Beaconsfield is sadly coming to an end. Roh, BB and the kids you have been wonderful to stay with. Your generosity with your home, your time, everything about our stay with you these last few days has made our family holiday just so totally and utterly stress free.

Today was a day for us in the city centre, seeking my mate Aaron, his wonderful girlfriend Rhiannon and all the culinary delights of Melbourne's Chinatown district. Well the trip in to the city found us switching freeways halfway there as good old Google Maps thought it would get us to the parking of the Queen Victoria Markets via the Eastern instead of the Monash. Bad decision Google as we headed away from said markets and had to turn around.

Finally at the Queen Victoria Markets Miss 9 and Miss 6 found more plush teddies to add to their ever growing family at home. Master 10 was on the hunt for more Pokemon and other cards, he still remembers the man who had packs for $2 each. A Geelong Cats flag (loyalty is deep in the heart and soul of my gorgeous girl), a pair of sneakers and a few other bibs and bobs later and it was time for doughnuts.

Faces wiped clean of jam (those doughnuts were epic) and we trusted again in Google Maps to take us to where we were meeting Aaron and Rhiannon. Epic fail number two... We had to ring Rhiannon so they could come and find us!! Aaron mate, you should have known me better... No direction sense and an inability to find meeting spots...

With our city guides finally with us Aaron and his girl took us another 100 meters further on than where we had wandered as a family but decided to stop. The changes in scenery as we stepped into China Town was amazing! With tummies rumbling despite the doughnuts we saw forty of so different Asian restaurants, some where you could even see the dumplings being made in the front window. The dirty, rundown joint where Aaron and Rhiannon loved going sadly didn't open on a Sunday. Next time I say Heidi and I will come in on a Saturday instead. This meant though we had another thirty to forty places to choose from. I wanted to go to the most exquisite place in the whole of Melbourne, a place so amazing and so popular you need to know the chef and still book six months ahead... We didn't know the chef though and hadn't booked at all and also we had three kids tagging along. I got the feeling from the way Aaron described this joint kids were probably NOT welcome.

We ended up finding a place just down from the Dragon Bowl. For the first time ever many of us tried Yum Cha. This is where the staff bring out baskets of things for you to try and for every basket of two of something you ask for you get charged. We offer a humble thanks to our city guides for covering an amazing meal fifth seven, plus jasmine tea and egg custard tarts. We will pay you back in kind next time you are down our way with Shiraz and gourmet style barbecues (a couple at least). It was so awesome to spend the afternoon chatting away with a great mate and it was just so good to see my girls all chatting away to Rhiannon just like best friends. A stop for Nitrate ice cream was just the perfect icing on an already perfect catch up session.

The funniest thing though was when our two guides escorted us to the right tram stop and told us when to hop off (now that is a service you don't get from Google).

One more night in Beaconsfield now and the fantastic company here. Roast for tea in the Webber and maybe Ninja Turtles for movie night. Can life get any better than this? I don't think so...

Next stop Mount Gambier, perhaps a little side stop at Geelong to stretch the legs and to give Heidi a chance to go Tom hunting. Cannot wait to checkout the library at Geelong (massively epic and very funky from what I have seen online) and the Mount Gambier library too where there is supposed to be a brilliant children's area.

I would like to end my post today wishing Aaron luck with his attempt at 50,000 words in November. One day I may give the same challenge a go. Until tomorrow... This is Trippin Timmy signing off...

Another glorious day in Beaconsfield

A down day today. BB and Roh have been the perfect host and hostess. Bacon, eggs and hash browns for brekkie. Chef Rohan let me cook the toast! Sitting out the front while I write this post soaking up some surprising dazzling sun. Watching Miss 6 in her Minnie Mouse helmet and cat mask on scooting around the quiet street... Makes me think we could happily move to a place like this.

Can't wait to head to the oval with the soccer ball for a kick and a run. After lunch we will be putting the best playground in the world (according to Master 11) so looking forward to that.

Why do down days always require so much energy?

Two short stories

The Sound of Thunder

Heat, within, without, seemingly everywhere. Sir Thomas sat upon his grey mare in full plate his breastplate chaffing, the summer sun striking him viciously. At first the sun's bite had been a mere annoyance but after three hours of jousting the suit of armour encasing the knight felt like one of the castle kitchen ovens.
'Please let this be the final bout,' begged Sir Thomas, praying in his mind to any gods who happened to be listening.
At the opposite end of the field Sir Thomas could just make out through the slits in his helm visor a flag being madly waved. The bout had begun and every second counted.
Spurs from armoured ankles prick the flanks of the grey mare sparking it suddenly to life. The beast learched forward from naught to canter and then gallop as its passenger clung on tightly with padded thighs, a tiny shield placed over his breast, the shaft, a mere thin tree branch of a lance being lowered ever so slowly as Sir Thomas drew closer to his foe. As the distant figure seen through the helm slits became a distinguishable target Thomas discovered the foe he faced was none other than the Black Knight. Was it a lowly lord now stripped of rank, an enspiring young lord trying his luck and aiming for fortune and glory, or the High Prince himself forbidden to compete? Sir Thomas did not know, so chose to urge his steed on faster and lowered his shaft to strike true upon the covered shield. There came a moment where the two knights met with a shuddering crunch and two lances splintered in a shower of pine. Sir Thomas immediately felt his collarbone snap as the Black Knight's lance tip ploughed into his shoulder, the knight had aimed too high and too far to the right. Sir Thomas smiled though through his pain... The Black Knight was unhorsed, landed upon his rear and struggling to rise. Two squires ran across the tilting field to aid the fallen, with young muscles bulging the fallen knight was brought back to his feet. Removing his helm and the cover hiding the crest upon his shield the mysterious combatant revealed himself. Sir Thomas had bested the High Prince and had won the day. His shoulder was a high price to pay but the honour earnt would last him a life time.


Something More Modern

Larissa Marcos, the latest talent in high class lingerie sped along the Autobahn in her Julieta. The passion red machine roared like an angry bear as the speedo clicked over a hundred miles an hour. Comfortable in the drivers seat Larissa made a brief indication she was switching lanes and then shot past three Audi delivery trucks in a split second.

"Darling! I'm about half an hour away!" the young fashionista casually announced to her handsfree. Larissa's accent was distinctly Australian, she had moved from Bondi to the Eastern suburbs of London only six months before. The man on the other end of the line understood every word.

"Magnific madam Marcos. Emma, Sally, Michelle and the other models have already arrived and your pieces are all unpacked and hanging ready."

"I hope the pink champaign is on ice too?" Larissa laughed.

"Of course, madam! Of course," came the man's reply with a dry chuckle of his own.

The rest of the journey vanished in under twenty as the foot was flattened and the thrumming engine of the Julieta found another gear.

"Minister of Finance, so sorry to hear that the United Kingdom has chosen to leave the Euro," Larissa stated solemnly as she kissed the older German first on the left, then the right cheek and then the left again.

"As the Italians say, Ce Sara Sara... The loss of the U.K. may yet prove to be a blessing," the Minister replied, kissing Larissa upon her cheeks in kind.

"Well if it proves to be a blessing or curse matters not tonight. It is all about six lovely young ladies and my latest designs."

"As you say Miss Marcos, my wife and I both are very eager to see your creative genius, tonight and perhaps later..."

"I hope you mean on your wife good sir..."

"Of course," smiled the Minister. "I get my wife a new set every fashion show I attend..."

"You may like the third piece to be shown tonight... Diamond dusted... Very expensive... Highly exclusive..."

The halls of German Parliament were an unusual site for a fashion show but Larissa was happy to show off her sensual designs anywhere and everywhere.

The chandeliers rattled and flicked the green, orange and blue lasers around the ballroom as Iggy belted out her latest single. Michelle, the first to model stepped out confidently upon the catwalk. She wore a silver gown spiderweb thin, low cut at the neck and secured with a rose gold clasp at the model's navel. At the end of the runway the clasp with released with a small smile from Michelle and the flourish of a magician. The German Prime Minister and his wife applauded enthusiastically as the two piece was revealed, the same thin shimmering silver fabric revealing the best of Michelle's assets while still leaving enough to the imagination of the crowd of one hundred.

After that the show just went from strength to strength. Emma's Aqua green and salmon pink single piece with stockings and garter made Larissa smile as even the PM wolf whistled, causing his wife's eyebrows to rise. The champaign flowed freely at the show and then long into the night. As the sun rose on the following day the passion coloured sports machine left Parliament, headed for Milan and yet another opportunity to sell to the very rich. Life was good for the young designer. Life was very good indeed... 

Swimming swimming swimming like a fish

Today we braved the Fountaingate Shopping Centre in Victorian School Holidays. Bad decision on our part. Not only was the outside of the Narre Warren Library drab and depressing, there were little to no car parks (except council staff only ones) which of course equated to there being a shopping centre chock full of people. After a chaotic lunchtime game of hoard the chairs (we had the five of us and BB's delightful Master 11 and Miss 9 along for the ride) we decided to get out of Dodge and head for the well recommended Casey Race Swimming Centre.

This was a far better choice with so much fun had by me and the kids. Poor Heidi did not have the best fun, but we have plans to return (a cheapish afternoon of exhausting Tim and the kids) and this time we will get Heidi coffee before we get into our bathers. I spent hours chasing after Miss 6 (our little Pisces) while we went from pool to pool to pool to under the massive bucket then on to the seriously warm toddler pool and then back to do it all over again. The only disappointment was that the main water slide was broken down. Master 11 and my son Master 10 both took on the monster slide with an awesome twister section at the bottom. I'm hoping if we go back I'll get to give that same slide a crack...

Tonight we have the culinary skills of Head Chef Roh to look foward too... Pasta Cabonara with mushrooms, bacon and SPRING onion. Cannot wait to try it. Fine food, finer company and a fun filled day at the Casey Race pool...

Meeting the wonderful Lords and Ladies of Kryal Castle

Today has been a great way to say fare ye well to Ballarat as we headed out of town in search of the very famous Kryal Castle. We were the first car in the car park, the first family across the drawbridge, past the portcullis and the first family to come face to face with the dragon.

Aside from our first stop, the dragon display which scared the heck out of all of us and missing out on seeing the magician perform we all had an utterly amazing day.

The knightly display of skills in the morning and the joust in the afternoon were real highlights, but so too was the indoor archery, the purfume making with the resident enchantress and both pantomimes put on by the three hilarious performers.

All in all there was plenty to do to fill a day at Kryal and it put the whole Law family in a great mood as we ventured further south away from the majesty of Kryal and Ballarat and down the Monash to our next stop, Beaconsfield. We've already been spoilt with an amazing tea (compliments to the chef BB and Roh... Those lamb steaks and that potato salad was something else). Looking forward to what else this holiday had in store for us...

Post 100 Friends Old and New

I cannot believe that this is my 100th post ever... Thank you to everyone who has read and enjoyed my posts over the last few years... So on to my 100th post...

Today has been extra special. Two dear friends, Maria and Ben celebrate thirteen years of marriage today and although 13 is a number unlucky for some for Heidi and I 13 years together has been full of so many amazing highs I can only say that 13 has been just as lucky for me as the other 12 years previous. Seeing the love of Ben for Maria and vica versa over the past 13 years just grow stronger and deeper has been a true privilege.

Today we also caught up with a great friend we had not seen in at least nine years. Karen it was great to see you again and to FINALLY meet your three delightful. Our kids loved your kids, especially Miss 9 who was utter soulmate to your middle daughter.

A whole day with Karen and her girls was utterly amazing and completely exhausting. Ballarat kept the rain away but turned on the wind machine. Nevertheless the day at Ballarat Wildlife Park was epic. Crunch the croc was impressive in size and bite potential, the Tassie Devils were wild, so many great animals to see and more than enough to fill a whole day...

Looking forward to another epic day tomorrow, a visit to a castle and then another road trip to great friends in Beaconsfield... BB and fam ready or not here come the Laws!!

Yo ho yer landlubbers!!!

Yaaarrrrr!! It be talk like a pirate dee todeeeeeeee! So pass me a pint o' rum fer brekkie and let's set sail for adventure!! Ya ha harrrrrr!

Todeeee we be doin' what a pirate loves best... Searchin' fer gold... Cannot wait to hit the gold fields with me best mate Captain Heidi and me scurvy crew o' rapscallions. The dee looks dastardly overcast so there aught be few landlubbers to trouble our journey so let the fun begin... Let's set sail!!!

On the road at last

I would love to blog about the AFL (Australian Football League) finals... Sadly the Crows are out leaving the Dogs, Cats, Swans and Giants still in the hunt for the silver cup. I could make a suggestion that the Crows might have done the Cats a favour with such a physical loss to a barbaric Swan outfit... I could but I am on Day 1 of an epic family fun filled escape and I would rather blog about that.

What an awesome beginning to a family road trip... Awake at 5ish with no chance of getting back to sleep. My wise wife suggests "why don't we just hit the road early..?" And guess what?! We were in Keith in no time and rolling on that awesome death trap of a roller coaster faster than you can say "the Laws are here..."

Nil to see at Nhill, the usual play on word jokes as we passed through Ki Ki and a few other quirky named joints, and of course my highlight... Dimboola (a little piece of Africa with a name like that!)

Keith though was a big highlight with the yummy bakery food the retro room and that wickedly awesome roller coaster plus the cool playground.

We have our little travel mascot (a Geelong Cats bear teddy nicknamed Tom Danger) and it has also been fun taking pics of him in the different places that we stopped at along the way.

I am so glad that we did not attempt a run from Adelaide to Melbourne. I think today we went far enough.

A biggest of big THANK YOU to Google maps who guided us to our cabin when my navigation skills let us down. The lost are now found and safe in our delightful cabin. I have my gorgeous girl beside me and our three little ones hyped up on memories from only day one (stopping at the BIG KOALA was an eye opener of an experience)... Bring on day two I say and heaps more memories to come...

Family holidays are simply the best...

Excited much? On the cusp of epic family memories

Who remembers their family holiday to the Victorian snowfields or Ayres Rock or that cabin by the beach (oh wait... They might all be me...) My point is we all hopefully have amazing memories from our childhoods and teen years when the family would all pile into the car and we would hit the road to see things never seen and create new precious memories. Now that my gorgeous wife and I have three wonderful kids (Master 10, Miss 9 and Miss 6) it is high time that we attempt the family road trip...

This morning has been similar to mornings for the past week seeing the three munchkins bound out of bed and scoff their breakfast as excited as ever that our holiday is only days away.

I cannot wait to share these amazing experiences with my own family. Let's hit the road and start up the memory making machine...

Wish us luck!!