A birthday downunder - Mark still not use to having his birthday in the winter or the fact that there is no bank hoilday

August ended with a grown up visit to the tax man and Mark’s birthday. As the Australian tax system works slightly differently we decided it was best to get someone in the know to sort out our yearly tax contribution. I have to say that I felt very odd and really old. It dawned on me that my childhood is miles behind me now.

Mark’s wish for his birthday was some new bike wheels and breakfast and dinner out. So after being a child on Christmas day, with his bike in the garage, we headed out to the ‘Tin Cat Café’ for an alfresco breakfast (I would fully recommended it, if you find yourself in Kent Town, Adelaide). The afternoon was spent in the Greenhill Park, watching the city below, in the warm winter sun, accompanied with a good book and a delicious slice of stout chocolate cake.







For our evening meal we visited Maximilian’s (Adelaide Hills) for some European food. It was an entertainment evening as the restaurant is like stepping back to the 1980’s. My starter of salmon and green salad was fantastic, though it was a downhill experience from there. My main course was chicken wrapped in bacon and cheese. It was very tasty expected for the drowning it was given in beef gravy. Which I am sure went very well with Mark’s peppered steak. Desert was lovely but I don’t think there was any need for the frosting of icing or for the disk to be served on a doily. This was shortly followed by Mark jumping out of his skin when the chief appeared from behind him, wearing the tallest chief’s hat you have ever seen (By this point I was laughing so hard, by sides were hurting). Our bill arrived with a strawberry covered in levels of sugar (oh my god sugar over load).

September has begun with a family Diamond wedding anniversary and a number of birthdays. We wanted to wish Les and Gladys many happy returns, and we hope you enjoyed your celebrations. We are sorry we could not be there it share in them. We also hope that all the friends that have had birthdays recently, have had a great day. September work wises has come with its ups and downs for both of us, but we are working through them and hope that things well improve. Mark is currently preparing for a few days in Mount Gambia, followed by 2 weeks in Perth, so this weekend is being spent in front of the rugby world cup. I will also be running a day camp tomorrow with the Girl Guides to complete a 3 course meal on the camp fire. The waterproofs are ready as the rain has set in over Adelaide this weekend.

Last weekend we ended up going for a drive around the Adelaide Hills and the Murry River. Below are a few of our favourite photos.