tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61111682012-02-02T10:21:03.662+11:00A progress report from homebrucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comBlogger12231100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-78963324899405675942012-02-02T10:14:00.002+11:002012-02-02T10:21:03.673+11:00

P. and I had a good three-night weekend in Ballarat. We stayed at a small hotel, Ansonia on Lydiard which was good (and cool in the heat). For recreation we visited Lake Wendouree and the Prime Ministers' walk (no Julia yet, though there is a KRudd). We also did Sovereign Hill, which was suprisingly good, especially the information in the Chinese camp and our main purpose, the art gallery, to see

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-49398580575017310162012-01-12T11:18:00.002+11:002012-01-12T11:23:42.710+11:00

I'm now out of hospital after my prostate scrape. It all went off without a hitch, apparently. No pain, just a lot of bleeding which will go on for another fortnight probably. The urologist who did the deed said that the enlarged prostate did not look cancerous, but we await pathology results. If it's not, then we can proceed with the transplant, if it is, then, in the urologist's words, 'it

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-35887840693115096672011-12-30T16:35:00.002+11:002011-12-30T16:42:50.775+11:00

On Wednesday, P. and I went into a flurry of making salads for a barbecue lunch at the Lesley/Louise/Michael residence. Dad provided the meat and Lesley & Co. the drinks and nibblies and MORE salad. Again, I was feeling off colour and didn't eat much and slept a lot, but the mob from Moss Vale spent most of the arvo. splashing around in the pool. It was also good to meet Lesley's mum, Margaret at

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-13057651600618723922011-12-26T12:51:00.002+11:002011-12-26T13:01:23.173+11:00

Lasst Wednesday, Frank, P. and I took Noel T. to dinner at Charcoal Lane to say thankyou for his many dinners chez lui. We had a splendid dinner: starting with Noel and I having lemon myrtle whisky sours (delicious!), then three blissful courses. The standard is still high at the Lane.During the day, P. and I went to the NGV for their two Indigenous exhibitions at the Potter Gallery, 'Living

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-6342746144862495592011-12-20T16:42:00.003+11:002011-12-20T16:48:36.478+11:00

Today, with the help of my father for transport, I went to pre-operative at the Royal Melbourne to prepare for my prostate scrape-out. It will happen (unless fate intervenes) on 12 January and will require a hospital stay of two to three days, then a convalescence at home for four to six weeks with limited exercise.Pre-operative is now a well-oiled routine: two nurses, a specialist (this time a

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-79505580902642911202011-12-14T13:15:00.002+11:002011-12-14T13:22:40.276+11:00

Today, I went to visit the inestimable Jim Samson of Urology at the Melbourne Hospital. He removed the catheter (painlessly) and set me to drinking lots of liquid with a view to peeing, which I eventually did. After examination (the old rectal finger), the young urologist recommended a prostate bore-out in January because it would be impossible if the problem recurred after a transplant (because

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-89293316920815481142011-12-03T10:45:00.002+11:002011-12-03T10:54:17.943+11:00

I haven't posted for a while because P. and I have been preoccupied with medical matters. We went last Wednesday for our 'work-up' for the transplant. For a week and a half beforehand, I'd been having trouble peeing so I told the renal doctor and he said I was being admitted forthwith. The next two days were spent in hospital with myriad tests which showed in the end that I have an enlarged

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-61884751376282731552011-11-17T17:37:00.002+11:002011-11-17T17:44:27.963+11:00

I've been working away all week. The first section of the autobiography is done and back with the author and the short stories are bustling along.On Tuesday, P. and I went to see Dr Cohney, the transplant coordinator. After consultation with colleagues, he believes I have a 5% chance of failure with P.'s kidney. We've decided to take the risk on 12 December. So we'll both be out of action for

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-34597874774555487472011-11-14T17:03:00.002+11:002011-11-14T17:14:21.186+11:00

I've been working away on the short story collection, and on Friday, got a new job, 'fixing up' a memoir so it can be sent to a publisher in a respectable form. I started that today.On Friday night, P. and I went to The Commoner for dinner after a couple of false starts in Smith Street (booked out, we'll try later). The Commoner didn't disappoint. I had a selection of entrees, the highlight of

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-41245398834457744102011-11-08T17:52:00.002+11:002011-11-08T17:59:15.354+11:00

On Saturday, we did normal mall shopping but this time with Vincent from Bell Street (off Brunswick Street) as Diane the Yaris had gone on a holiday. However, it was a good location to brunch again at Madame Zou Zou's which didn't disappoint. Frank, P. and I are doing a revolving choice there, trying the different brunch items, including a very nice pain perdue.In the evening, P. and I went off

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-66409357155554504922011-10-31T17:51:00.002+11:002011-10-31T17:59:34.255+11:00

Last Thursday, P. and I went to the Potter Gallery, Melbourne Uni., for the last (for this year) of the alumni lectures. This time it was on their new exhibition of antiquities from Melbourne's private collections, mostly vases from Greece and southern Italy. As usual, it was an engaging talk by the curator, followed by a viewing of the show and wine and cheese. We then headed for Lygon Street

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-45512083704539186372011-10-24T09:05:00.002+11:002011-10-24T09:15:02.536+11:00

It's a rare treat to have an opera performance just around the corner, but on Sunday, the Opera Studio students put on a double bill at Rosina at the Convent, where it is reputed that Kiri Te Kanawa once put on a performance for the 'wayward girls' back in the convent days. First up was Rossini's L'occasione fa il ladro, excellently translated as Love's Luggage Lost by Amanda Holden, one of the

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-27416217999100965462011-10-23T11:59:00.003+11:002011-10-23T12:06:53.181+11:00

Two Melbourne Festival offerings proved rewarding this week. On Thursday, P. and I went to Whiteley's Incredible Blue...an hallucination by Barry Dickins at Forty-Five Downstairs. We had a splendid dinner at the long-forgotten Il Solito Posto first, splendid service and good food. The play was well-served by its team, Julian Meyrick (director), Neil Pigot in a very energetic performance as

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-31922472836999211642011-10-19T08:15:00.000+11:002011-10-19T08:15:57.506+11:00

King Parrots outside our B & B at Buxton, Silverstream

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-21302535624097261092011-10-19T08:14:00.000+11:002011-10-19T08:14:51.524+11:00

Pic: Peter

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-77863501756989027942011-10-19T08:13:00.000+11:002011-10-19T08:13:56.025+11:00

Curlews with chick at the Healesville Sanctuary (pic: Peter)

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-8840456451485766602011-10-18T09:31:00.002+11:002011-10-18T09:43:34.942+11:00

P. and I are back from a weekend away, staying in Buxton, just opposite the trout farm at Silverstream Cottages. They are set in a beautiful garden with the Little Steavenson River running through it. Just down the road is the meeting of the three rivers, the Acheron, Steavenson and Little Steavenson which is not Niagara Falls but is very pleasant nonetheless. The cottage was comfortable and cosy

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-34925939691614107032011-10-09T17:56:00.002+11:002011-10-09T17:59:53.995+11:00

It was a fairly quiet week, though last Sunday, P., Frank and I went to the Royal Philharmonic's performance of Elgar's Dream of Gerontius. It's a mammoth work with large choir and orchestra, though by the end, even though it was an excellent performance, I wondered whether it was all worth it. We had a tasty dinner beforehand at Petalang Street (in Swanston Street).Also this week had excellent

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-52805348681966361382011-10-01T14:11:00.002+10:002011-10-01T14:17:54.762+10:00

Last night, P., Frank and I went to Deborah Cheetham's Pecan Summer, in the company of the Governor of Victoria. She wrote the music and libretto and directed and starred in the piece, but it was very much a large ensemble piece with lots of choral and group segments. Though brisk in its storytelling, the show never palled and told a story which needed to be retold. A very talented cast included

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-41273753317669411492011-09-29T09:51:00.003+10:002011-09-29T10:03:10.201+10:00

Last Saturday was Convent Market day so after a good shop there and at the mall, we had brunch at De Clieu in Gertrude Street. We weren't just being trendy, as I had a free coffee voucher to use, but the brunch was very good, justifying the popularity of the place. I had a very superior croque madame, dubbed a croque de clieu. Even though it was a little chill dining on the pavement in

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-76937981399125117742011-09-21T11:23:00.002+10:002011-09-21T11:28:56.240+10:00

Last night, P. and I went to the South Melbourne Town Hall for a performance by Chicago-based combo Eighth Blackbird who played for three of the pieces with students from ANAM. The four pieces were very accessible contemporary works including two double sextets (the blackbirds plus six students). All four works were interesting and enjoyable including a world premiere of a work by

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-11971834852579028832011-09-19T10:05:00.002+10:002011-09-19T10:23:07.775+10:00

On Friday, P. and I headed off in Drew the Wagon down the Eastern Freeway to Frankston. We first went to the McLelland Gallery, which had a new series of exhibitions, plus some new sculptures in the park. It was a glorious sunny day and the experience was enhanced by finding a bee nest in one of the sculptures in the park. Nature meets art. Inside the gallery, there were a group of sculptures by

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-88720868769979769302011-09-12T10:08:00.002+10:002011-09-12T10:18:42.220+10:00

On Saturday, after the shopping, Frank, P. and I were picked up by Dad and Helen and went to Huxtable in Smith Street for an excellent lunch. It was a kind of deferred father's day lunch, as Dad was busy last Sunday. I picked the venue as Helen is not a big eater and is defeated by fixed menus so the 'small plate' approach at Huxtable worked well. We worked our way through the menu. My favourite

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-6427791262062564032011-09-04T13:26:00.003+10:002011-09-04T13:34:43.020+10:00

Last night, P. and I went to the Malthouse for an evening of recent music called Tract presented by Paul Grabowsky, the Australian Art Orchestra and members of ANAM. There were pieces by Grabowsksky (2011, you can't get much more contemporary) which contained sections for improvisation by the musos, then a piece by John Rogers (2009). In between the pieces, there were improvisations: the best and

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-83791462503144497332011-08-29T09:28:00.004+10:002011-08-29T09:40:45.792+10:00

It's been a busy week for events. On Wednesday, I toddled off to Readings for the launch of Ouyang Yu's Loose, a sort-of-a-novel, published by Wakefield Press. Alex Miller did the launching and there was a fair roll-up. I hope the book goes well for all concerned. Then on Thursday, P., Frank and I went to Duck Night at The Commoner. It was a splendid dinner with many courses: oyster with

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-80604594659498078672011-08-23T16:31:00.002+10:002011-08-23T16:36:52.917+10:00

On Sunday, Sally S. and Frank came for dinner. P. made some very superior polpette, with a bit of chili bite, from Gourmet Traveller Italian Cookbook. Sal brought poached pears for dessert. It was a very pleasant dinner before her overseas trip. On Monday, after a quick bite at Yoyogi in Swanston Street, P. and I went to the Melbourne Symphony at the Town Hall for Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in a

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-31972434305226055892011-08-21T08:05:00.003+10:002011-08-21T08:26:45.998+10:00

On Thursday night, P. and I went to a revisit of what Brian Johns used to call 'one of Bryson's jamborees', a dinner with a very long table (in this case it was round). It was at Rise, a very straightforward but good Chinese restaurant in Brunswick Street. The party was not too big to sit round a large round table so conversation was fairly easy and it was good to catch up with some faces not

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-66091311935565261792011-08-18T16:39:00.004+10:002011-08-20T17:13:35.260+10:00

I've been too busy to blog with a very mixed bag of (mainly) artistic events and a deal of work. The large poetry book has finally left my desk and is in the wilds of China somewhere. I'm now working on the autobiography and a piece on another poet for liner notes for a recording of his work. Meanwhile, on Sunday, P. and I went with Lorraine E. and Drew the Wagon to Heide, mainly for the Callum

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-37942917820781574212011-08-09T17:31:00.002+10:002011-08-09T17:39:54.720+10:00

Awful news about riots in London: the lovely restaurant in which Frank had his 60th birthday dinner was invaded by rioters who stole the rings from a woman then were repelled by the kitchen staff wielding implements. Horrible! Imagine enjoying a tasting dinner then having that happen. It can probably be laid at the door of the Conservative/Lib.Dem. cuts to services and the general malaise

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-77395938249204976732011-08-03T09:09:00.002+10:002011-08-03T09:17:27.514+10:00

Now Frank is back, he joined us for a quick meal at Yoyogi, then off to the Recital Centre for the Victorian Opera's triple bill of a Monteverdi (The Fight Between Tancredi and Clorinda) and two Bach's (The Fight Between Phoebus and Pan and the Coffee Cantata). Very nicely staged in the minimal stage equipment of the Recital Centre with superb singing throughout and very good support from

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-66194641220067337792011-08-02T09:58:00.000+10:002011-08-02T09:58:33.571+10:00

Bruce Sims, Polly Pollock, Rennis Witham, Peter Ronge. (pic: Ann de H.)

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-25533655280252068212011-08-02T09:54:00.000+10:002011-08-02T09:54:38.441+10:00

Polly Pollock, Ann de Hugard, Rennis Witham, Bruce Sims at the 20th anniversary Kelly memorial lunch. (Pic: Peter)

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-49966130432988835562011-08-01T09:50:00.003+10:002011-08-03T09:20:11.929+10:00

After the Saturday shopping, we drove around for ages looking for a park for brunch. Eventually we found one near The Commoner, and had a splendid lunch there. I had the cod croquette with yummy carrot puree, we both had three oysters, then P. had lamb shanks and I had the house terrine. We finished with delicious desserts.In the evening, we were off to the Malthouse for a version of Schubert's

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-90696024639967283772011-07-30T09:35:00.002+10:002011-07-30T09:42:13.457+10:00

On Tuesday night, we joined Lorraine E. to wander through the Rick Amor opening at Niagara Galleries in Punt Road. There was a very arty-farty audience, but the paintings were good, ranging from a starting price of 22,000 (dollars) to a top of 100,000. We didn't get out our chequebooks.On Wednesday, Noel T. joined us for the Victorian Opera Albert Herring. It was well played and sung, though the

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-55503888241753225332011-07-26T16:22:00.003+10:002011-07-26T16:30:03.344+10:00

On Saturday, P. and I did a quick market shop at the Convent and got lots of goodies, including a curried scallop pie and rack off lamb, then picked up Drew the Wagon and headed for Tarrawarra Art Gallery for the Archibald Prize. To our surprise, on arrival, they had opened a large car park near the entrance to cope with the large number of people. Luckily, we were waved through to the top, as I

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-82332735031299411922011-07-21T12:05:00.002+10:002011-07-21T12:11:08.551+10:00

Last night, P. and I joined Lorraine E. for the 'African night' at the Social Studio in Smith Street. Unfortunately, we were the only customers, as the other booking was a no-show. However, they turned on a very impressive Ethiopian banquet for us, including the coffee ceremony (the coffee was excellent as were the African curries). At $30 a head, plus corkage (it's BYO) it was excellent value

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-80431211528589174702011-07-19T10:47:00.002+10:002011-07-19T10:55:49.867+10:00

This last week has been preoccupied with a bad cold/flu. Coincidentally, I had to visit the doctor for blood test results, so she gave me antibiotics, 'just in case'. They seem to have done their stuff and cleared me up substantially. I'm off today for a CT scan of the chest, 'just in case'. She also put me on Vitamin D pills as my count was low. As Noel said, everyone in Melbourne has low

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-45655200405425834472011-07-10T17:25:00.002+10:002011-07-10T17:30:19.756+10:00

Phew! Finally finished the huge poetry book and the author has followed up with not one, but two other projects. I'll discuss them with him on Monday.Meanwhile, after the Farmers Market, we went off with Dad and Helen to Mr Price's Food Store in North Melbourne for lunch with Sal (who organised it), Jo, Julie and Ian. Mr Price's is a kind of restaurant, but more like eating at Gary Price's house.

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-68996436917375989272011-07-04T16:19:00.003+10:002011-07-04T16:26:23.657+10:00

It's been quite cold in Abbotsford, so it's a battle between keeping the fire going and getting supplies of wood. On Sunday, we did the crossword and only ventured out to go to the 3MBS book and record fair at the nearby Convent. We were modest in our spending, considering what gems were on offer: a few CDs, mainly Ravel and Saint-Saens and a biography of Noel Counihan by Bernard Smith were the

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-27180261913928791432011-07-02T17:41:00.002+10:002011-07-02T17:48:00.971+10:00

On Wednesday, I popped over to see George P. in Diane the Yaris. George is fine though nearly bored to death in the 'special care facility'. However, he is writing away and seems in moderately good spirits in the circumstances.In the evening, P. and I went to Turns, a show with Nancye Hayes and Reg Livermore, in a mother/son relationship which was far from healthy. It was close to being two

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-66005804014653705392011-06-29T10:08:00.002+10:002011-06-29T10:13:45.485+10:00

Last night, P. and I went to Jane D.'s for dinner. The occasion was the imminent departure of her youngest son to the northwest, to Lombadina. One of the other dinner guests, another Jane, had spent 15 years, on and off, at Lombadina. The idea was to 'word him up' about the place. I had little to add to Jane's much more extensive knowledge, but it turned out that Jane's father was a buyer at

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-24468249529408302842011-06-26T17:46:00.002+10:002011-06-26T17:51:52.323+10:00

Last night, P. and I went to Faust, put on by Melbourne Opera. We are well served in this burg for opera. It was a pared-down production but with a good chorus in good voice. All the principals did a good job and the orchestra sounded good from the expanded pit in the Athenaeum Theatre, which the program announced is 168 years old (though not in its present incarnation). It is very good to hear

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-34599472354381375802011-06-25T16:06:00.002+10:002011-06-25T16:11:22.533+10:00

On Thursday night, P. and I headed to the Provincial Hotel for their game night: three courses of barely recognisable game: pheasant, hare and venison. All were delicious, though not very 'gamey'. The dessert was a bit missable. We were seated on large tables upstairs in The Salon, so made the acquaintance of some new people, mainly from the catering business. We'll certainly try the Provincial

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-4602297163707520062011-06-23T10:09:00.002+10:002011-06-23T10:16:19.468+10:00

On Monday, I cooked David Herbert's slow-roasted pork belly, a very simple but delicious recipe which I'll certainly try again. On Tuesday, P. and I went to hear Concerto Copenhagen perform various pieces by Telemann, Vivaldi, Handel and Roman (a Swedish composer). They were accompanied in the concerti by the wonderful Genevieve Lacey on recorder and piccolo flute and Jane Gower on baroque

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-32615888627001848422011-06-20T16:25:00.002+10:002011-06-20T16:31:45.433+10:00

We had run out of firewood and our normal supplier has halted deliveries because of high demand. So on Saturday, instead of little Diane the Yaris, we got Aggie the Wagon, to pick up some emergency supplies in bags from DeMars in Clifton Hill. That done, plus buying a new hose, we did normal shopping and had a very normal (read undistinguished) lunch in Clifton Hill.On Sunday, after the crossword

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-71216330502929850122011-06-17T16:17:00.002+10:002011-06-17T16:20:48.972+10:00

Last weekend, the long one, was very quiet. P. and I had a lovely brunch at Cavallero, with a new menu item, a superior version of bubble'n'squeak which came with a fried egg and spinach. The rest of the weekend was spent by the fire, except on Monday night when we went to Noel T.'s for dinner with Lorraine E. Noel is about to head off to England to perform his Little Black Bastard at the end of

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-2294230166548369722011-06-10T09:34:00.002+10:002011-06-10T09:39:24.185+10:00

Last night, P. and I went to see the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra do Haydn's Creation. It was a stunning performance by the same conductor, Bernard Labadie, who did the recent all-Bach program. It was the same soprano, in better form, with imported tenor and bass. All of the soloists were clear and impressive. It helped being in the third row. I'll certainly keep an eye out for a return visit

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-59695220502320380782011-06-07T16:31:00.003+10:002011-06-07T16:35:42.854+10:00

We had a meeting today with the transplant coordinator and the head of transplant to discuss where we're at: it appears we could go ahead as we are with only marginally increased risk, but we have elected to go 'into the pool' in search of a couple to do a 'double shuffle' with: that is, I get one of their kidneys, and P. gives his to one of them. We'll try this for a few months to see whether a

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-41884964971845084302011-06-06T10:54:00.002+10:002011-06-06T11:00:57.336+10:00

No, not us. But on Friday night, we had Rochelle J. for dinner, who is leaving for South America and the Andes next week for a series of high level adventures including Macchu Pichu. She had an horrendous car trip over here from her bayside home due to football traffic, but when she got here at last we had a very chatty roast pork dinner. Then, after Saturday shopping, we had a farewell brunch

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-45832799739429556312011-06-03T10:26:00.002+10:002011-06-03T10:34:32.761+10:00

It's been a week of tidying up: settling accounts, shuffling papers and so on, as I expected to be in hospital, and managed to finish all outstanding jobs more or less on time. I was glad of a couple of days extra on two of them, but they are now wrapped up.Last night, P. and I celebrated our unexpected week of no surgery with a treat at the MSO at the Melbourne Recital Centre. It was an all-Bach

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-17782748043395990362011-05-30T18:42:00.003+10:002011-05-30T18:48:33.302+10:00

On Saturday, we went to the convent market with Frank and stocked up on olive oil, vegies and salmon, thence to the mall for more vegies and meat. Then P. and I met Lorraine, newly returned from overseas, for a yummy lunch at Huxtable. I love their jalapeno balls. Then, after a quick change, it was off to the Nova Cinema to see Mrs Carey's Concert, an excellent doco. about music teaching and

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-27025593604377495972011-05-27T17:24:00.002+10:002011-05-27T17:30:51.530+10:00

On Wednesday, when we were gearing up for the start of the Big Transplant saga, I got a call from Peter's renal specialist (mine is in Austria at some conference) to say that last week's blood matching showed up some antibodies in my blood to P.'s blood. This wasn't necessarily a showstopper but it did increase the risk of rejection: we had to decide whether to proceed. Though the decision-making

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-70689078164624717142011-05-27T17:21:00.000+10:002011-05-27T17:21:28.613+10:00

Bruce and Frank with the trusty Aggie the Waggie which took us to Bendigo. (Pic: Peter)

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-10817583368473521462011-05-27T17:18:00.000+10:002011-05-27T17:18:38.130+10:00

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-56659391716806053072011-05-27T17:16:00.000+10:002011-05-27T17:16:45.079+10:00

Peter the Person with Peter the Artwork (photo: Frank)

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-29563862690969908202011-05-23T08:30:00.003+10:002011-05-23T08:50:02.364+10:00

As well as being busy trying to finish off three projects for work before the big op., there have been lots of other events. Much time has been spent at the hospital as well, giving buckets of blood for various purposes and having pre-operative assessments and a meeting with my surgeon. P. has had to do much the same things.On Thursday night, P., Frank and I went to How to Kill Your Husband, the

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-50308679776899095262011-05-16T17:36:00.002+10:002011-05-16T17:42:49.600+10:00

After a hectic week of concerts, this week was very quiet. It was mostly spent on the novel with occasional side trips to the poetry book to keep it moving. After normal shopping on Saturday (it was too muddy and wet to do the farmers' market), we tried a new spot for brunch, the Knife Sharpening Shop in Wellington Street. It was competent and friendly, but hardly special.On Sunday, P. and I set

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-31089548692240251522011-05-09T11:44:00.003+10:002011-05-09T11:52:53.445+10:00

P. and I have been to four (I missed one while in Brisbane) of the 'Metropolis' concerts conducted (mostly) by Brett Dean in honour of Vienna, mostly modern. Every concert included at least one piece by Webern and one by Dean. They were in the Malthouse Merlin Theatre, so it was great seeing a full symphony orchestra is such a small space. The concerts were excellent and varied. Dean played his

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-62398135712175829032011-05-04T09:18:00.002+10:002011-05-04T09:24:41.420+10:00

Settling in after Brisbane, I had a talk to the publishing students at Melbourne Uni. It was the same one I have given before, more or less, on Indigenous publishing. I was surprised to see a face in the audience that was the same as one in Brisbane on Saturday. A real deja vu. It went quite well I think, but next time I think I'll rewrite it with less presumption of knowledge.Back at work, I

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-3536348019014653502011-05-02T10:03:00.002+10:002011-05-02T10:15:34.917+10:00

Last Thursday, my father ferried me to the airport to head off to Brisbane for the History of Australian Reading and Publishing conference. After arriving and checking into the Benson Court Motel, Toowong, I had a coffee and a chat with Judith L-A, who had kindly come down from the Glasshouse Mountains for a meeting. It was great to catch up with her after a long break.Next morning, I checked in

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-43455822721294174042011-04-24T17:00:00.003+10:002011-04-24T17:10:40.281+10:00

On Saturday morning, we went mall shopping, armed with the voucher which I got in return for being a guinea pig for the Royal Melbourne medical students. This allowed the purchase of two cheap crayfish (as well as plenty of other shopping) which we devoured for dinner with seafood sauce (a la Margaret Fulton). Then, I turned the two carcasses into crayfish bisque, using a recipe by Jean-Jacques,

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-13908832052439560432011-04-22T17:28:00.002+10:002011-04-22T17:37:22.527+10:00

On Tuesday night, P. and I went to hear Michael Kirby in conversation with Julian Burnside about the recently released biography of him (Kirby). After a bit over half an hour of witty conversation, Kirby demonstrated his performance skills by roaming the audience with his portable mike taking questions. He is very good on his feet, providing snapshot justifications for the monarchy ('She doesn't

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-37144068861893357402011-04-19T11:54:00.000+10:002011-04-19T11:54:29.597+10:00

After lunch at The Commoner: L-R Bruce, Allie, Ben, Nick, Kit, Bob. Pic: Peter

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-32449431944189169472011-04-18T10:08:00.003+10:002011-04-18T10:19:09.926+10:00

It was unplanned but just turned out that way with a 'double' booking. On Saturday, we did a quick shop with Frank at the Mall, then hurried home to be ready for a big family lunch at The Commoner. Jo of the Commoner had given us the big upstairs room so it was quiet enough to talk, and on the one occasion we had all three of my children, and four generations: my father, me, my children and two

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-11490718803746423242011-04-12T10:10:00.001+10:002011-04-12T10:16:31.532+10:00

I forgot to mention that the AFL book has gone back to the publishers. I probably won't see it again until it becomes a book. I hope that there's a launch in Melbourne, as I'd like to meet the author. Just as I thought things were going to go quiet, three new projects came up: a self-published self-help book, an academic book on an unknown subject and a poetry book. We'll see whether any of them

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-46246252978067166472011-04-10T13:21:00.003+10:002011-04-10T13:31:04.357+10:00

On Tuesday, after delivery of copious dialysis boxes from Fresenius medical, P. and I went off to the Royal Melbourne to see the transplant people. The issue is the fact that our blood types do not match, so I had to decide whether, before the transplant, I'd have a blood flush to reduce my antibodies, which might attack P.'s blood. I said, 'Yes', as anything to reduce risk seems a good thing. It

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-4457275725584534162011-04-03T11:33:00.002+10:002011-04-03T11:39:49.912+10:00

After shopping on Saturday, without Frank who was doing some rubbish removal, P. and I finally made it to the Terminus Hotel in Clifton Hill where we had a bar lunch. The menu is the same as the dining room, without table service, though ordering at the bar is no difficulty. Then the food is delivered, so it's hard to see what the difference is in practical terms. We had half a dozen Shoalhaven

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-50955184291468250382011-03-31T17:43:00.002+11:002011-03-31T17:48:43.593+11:00

P. has been home all week with flu and sinus, so has had to go a couple of times to the Health Centre for certificates for work. I've been plugging away on the AFL book, which has now gone back to the author for a few day's checking. It should return on Monday for a final proofing. Meanwhile, I've booked everything for the conference in Brisbane at the end of the month and arranged for my

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-51503167190882760122011-03-28T09:34:00.002+11:002011-03-28T09:42:42.170+11:00

On Thursday night, with P. still in Brisbane, Frank and I went to the Clown Hall to see the diminutive Mark Wigglesworth conduct Mahler's Seventh Symphony. It was a knockout. We preceded with a cheap and not nasty dinner at the Malaysian in the QVB, ever good value and prompt service. P. returned from Brisbane on Friday night (his luggage arrived about two hours later, courtesy of Virgin). On

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-91367351505260493062011-03-23T17:02:00.002+11:002011-03-23T17:08:16.707+11:00

After a quick Japanese dinner at YogiYogi in Swanston Street, Frank and I met Deb. at the Playhouse for The Magic Flute with the Victorian Opera. It is very nice to see opera in a smaller venue and we had very good seats. The production, by Jean-Pierre Mignon was excellent and minimised the absurdities of the piece, but emphasised the personalities. It was well sung on the whole, and the

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-23061539279772851692011-03-21T17:28:00.002+11:002011-03-21T17:32:29.934+11:00

I did the shopping on my Pat Malone on Saturday as Pierre was on his way to dizzy Brizzie and F. was not feeling well (possibly from something he ate yesterday). Then on Sunday, he and I went to the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra who did an all-Mozart program: the overture to La Clemenza di Tito, a clarinet concerto, a violin and orchestra rondo and the 40th symphony. Paul Dean was especially good

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-44882390461441573382011-03-19T17:06:00.002+11:002011-03-19T17:12:22.071+11:00

Last night, P., Frank and I went off to Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, for the new Australian National Academy of Music season. It was their current orchestra conducted by Sebastian Lang-Lessing. They did Webern's Variations for Orchestra which is so dense (according to the conductor) that they played it twice (it's only ten minutes long). Then they did Australian composeer James Ledger's

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-82646844625730256502011-03-17T12:24:00.003+11:002011-03-17T12:29:46.234+11:00

It's been a case of head down, tail up on both jobs in the last week, apart from yesterday when, in Brett the Alto, P. and I went out to the Bundoora Homestead, ostensibly to see the Boyd ceramics. Unfortunately, they finished on Sunday. Oops! However, we looked around the homestead, then headed home to pick up the sick DVD player and take it to the menders in Macleod. We await the result, though

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-60450371935108345142011-03-10T13:15:00.002+11:002011-03-10T13:21:40.084+11:00

Last night, P., Frank and I dined at the Malaysian in QVB: very tasty and cheap. I had the 'anchovy soup' which was delicious, but more mincemeat than anchovy. We then decamped in the rain to the Spiegeltent, still in an advanced state of disorganisation, to queue in the drizzle waiting to be let in to the Paul Capsis show. It was performed with an expert trio (where do all these great musos earn

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-22167635979120602082011-03-06T19:44:00.003+11:002011-03-07T10:23:08.490+11:00

Yesterday, after the shopping, we returned for brunch at the Johnston Street Food Store. They had a special of scrambled eggs, baked tomatoes and potato (with corn and ham). It sounds very ordinary, but was of exceptional quality, as were the chocolate milkshakes. We'll definitely try there again (just around the corner from Smith Street).On Sunday, P. and I went off to the third of our

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-79662209882602483532011-03-04T09:45:00.002+11:002011-03-04T09:52:27.027+11:00

Yesterday I finished off the current proofing on the essay collection. Phew! One of the compilers will pick it up on Monday (it's huge, about 420 pages), check it and transfer it to the designer for corrections. I'm still waiting for the last two essays (they're included in the page count).In the evening, P., Frank and I went to Esposito's at Toofey's, in Carlton, for their fixed-price

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-56859430141213284262011-03-03T16:21:00.003+11:002011-03-03T17:22:21.361+11:00

Last night, P. and I met in town for a quick Japanese meal at the every reliable YogiYogi in Swanston Street, then off to the Spiegeltent for the Wau Wau Sisters. Unfortunately the previous show, unlike the magnificent Renee Geyer did not finish on time. In fact, would-be warbler and songwrangler, Martin Martini, went for at least half an hour overtime, keeping a huge crowd of people queuing

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-55994576711276558502011-02-28T17:49:00.002+11:002011-02-28T17:54:29.561+11:00

Today, P. went to his renal specialist who gave him the go-ahead for transplant BUT my surgeon has to decide whether some abnormalities near his kidney will allow the transplant to go ahead. I was right not to break out the champagne (see below). I immediately checked with the transplant coordinator, and she said that there would be a surgical meeting to discuss the issue tomorrow (Tuesday) and

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-60352645878913734132011-02-27T11:48:00.002+11:002011-02-27T11:54:57.609+11:00

On Wednesday, P. and I went to Frank's for dinner: two Indian dishes, plus icecream and berries and a quiet night by the telly. The next morning I went off to Renal, where Dr Ana gave me the big tick and put me on the 'active' list. I am now, in theory, ready to go for a transplant. There are still some things to check with P., so I'm not breaking out the champagne yet.Then that night, I went to

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-35207378804190449692011-02-22T10:39:00.002+11:002011-02-22T10:47:03.941+11:00

On Sunday, P. and I went to the first of our Spiegeltent shows, next to the Arts Centre. It was Renee Geyer and combo. in a compelling set of songs, including some old chestnuts like 'Moon River', all lushly rendered in a good-natured performance. It bodes well for the other three shows which we have booked for the series.Beforehand, we availed ourselves of the Spiegelgarden (without grass) and

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-80903944550423375362011-02-19T16:25:00.002+11:002011-02-19T16:38:10.718+11:00

On Friday night, P., Frank and I had a quick Japanese meal in town, then went to the Town Hall for the first offering by Opera Victoria for the year. It was a concert with Orchestra Victoria, making a good sound, especially in the opening, the overture from Il Forza del Destino. It consisted of the first act of La Traviata and bits of Il Trovatore, rounded off with the quartet from Rigoletto. The

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-72904782550315654202011-02-17T17:56:00.002+11:002011-02-17T17:59:20.856+11:00

Today I went to the Health Centre for my fortnightly jab of Aranesp. I hope it's working. Then I went to Smith Street for coffee with a woman with whom I shared a house in around 1972, or getting on for forty years ago. I'm still digesting the meeting. She had hardly changed at all and it took a while for the memories to start flowing, for my part. She seems to have a much more clear recollection

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-8515521740900193962011-02-15T10:06:00.002+11:002011-02-15T10:16:20.516+11:00

On Friday, P., Frank and I went to town to see True Grit, the latest offering by the Coen Brothers. As usual, they didn't disappoint. It was an absorbing, gripping violent movie with a very large heart without a shred of sentimentality. A wonderful testament to the 'rule of law' in every sense of that word.Our shopping was a bit different on Saturday. Instead of the Mall, we went to Brunswick and

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-90365853826936183442011-02-07T09:10:00.000+11:002011-02-07T09:10:47.905+11:00

Pic: Lorraine Ellis

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-37968311448714268902011-02-07T08:58:00.002+11:002011-02-07T09:06:00.353+11:00

On Friday, my real birthday, I had a meeting with a new author, of the novel I have been reading. He brought some previous work of his and we had a chat about the novel and he gave me the go-ahead to do a report on it. I'm now reading through the previously published work, a collection of poems and stories, plus a short novel.It was normal shopping on Saturday. The rain prevented any adventures (

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-73089771239019721172011-01-31T09:49:00.002+11:002011-01-31T09:59:32.536+11:00

On Friday, P., Sally and Roger and I went to the Convent Friday night 'market'. This consists of a number of not-very-inspiring stalls and some food stalls. We had the paella, meat balls and samosas and a glass of wine. There was a huge crowd enjoying the summery evening.Usual shopping on Saturday, then on Sunday P. and I went to The King's Speech at the Nova in Carlton. We meant to go to True

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-70988744410011485372011-01-25T11:43:00.002+11:002011-01-25T11:49:12.849+11:00

Today I went to cardiology expecting some hitch or other. Instead, the cardiologist checked me out, gave me an ECG, then dictated a letter to renal saying there was no reason why I couldn't get a kidney transplant. Apparently, I don't need to be on heavy-duty bloodthinners with a single, simple stent. Aspirin is quite sufficient, he says.There must be a catch. There always is. My next renal

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-54831406154721514662011-01-20T17:20:00.002+11:002011-01-20T17:26:24.158+11:00

This week has been very quiet apart from a visit to the Club for cardiac rehabilitation. It consisted of OT people stating the obvious about postoperative care, then a good hour of exercise. My last one is in a fortnight, then it's over, I hope.Today, I went up to the Health Centre for my jab of Aranesp and to collect some pills. Helen the nurse is off to South America and Antarctica next week.

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-15131477411479757462011-01-16T23:36:00.000+11:002011-01-16T23:36:15.737+11:00

Pic.: P.

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-59491022793990037132011-01-16T23:34:00.000+11:002011-01-16T23:34:23.280+11:00

Pic.: P.

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-51793595992438924212011-01-16T23:25:00.003+11:002011-01-16T23:46:04.345+11:00

On Friday, we headed off to Hepburn Springs in the pouring rain. It was fairly heavy going along the Western Highway (the Calder was blocked, we were told by a call from our destination). It cleared around Ballan, which had a power outage, so no pies were available for lunch. We proceeded on to Daylesford, where we found pies. On the way, we stopped at a swollen Sailors Falls (see pics above).

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-42169919106467330292011-01-16T23:23:00.000+11:002011-01-16T23:23:24.280+11:00

The entrance to the Ryokan. Pic.: Peter

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-63246695025802503832011-01-12T17:31:00.002+11:002011-01-12T17:36:38.647+11:00

The event of the week so far was going to Frank's for curry dinner last night. They were very tasty, and followed up with delicious invididual summer puddings. Yum! Sadly, F. had an attempted burglary yesterday. The local constabulary were quick to respond, but it is very dispiriting.Our other local distinction is that the Investa building, the five-storey monstrosity in Johnston Street, which

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-42170141994153313812011-01-10T16:46:00.002+11:002011-01-10T16:53:36.686+11:00

Last Thursday, P. and I went to the Wharf Revue's Not Yet Out of the Woods at the MTC. An excellent cast performed with panache. Some highlights included an Amanda Vanstone in Rome with the Pope send-up, plus a mash-up of The Mikado about Japanese 'scientific' whaling. However, overall the political satire lacked bite and wit. Phil Scott on piano was superb.In the weekend, we celebrated Lorraine

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-60462187700964775922011-01-04T11:52:00.002+11:002011-01-04T12:03:35.759+11:00

After a very quiet weekend at home. yesterday P. and I went into town to the Potter Gallery, Federation Square. It's not normally open on Mondays, but we thought we'd try on a public holiday, and it was. We were both impressed by The Naked Face: Self-portraits, a large exhibition on the top floor. It had a very broad definition of self-portrait, but it was pleasing to see work from the

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-39970234632660710272011-01-01T09:33:00.002+11:002011-01-01T09:37:57.905+11:00

It's a Saturday, but, because of New Year's Day, we did the shopping yesterday on Friday. A quick visit to the Mall, then a Japanese lunch in Smith Street (they're not normally open on Saturday for lunch). Now on Saturday, I feel as though it should be Sunday with the Age Sunday crossword to do. Instead, we have a very skinny Saturday Australian.Last night, for New Year's Eve, we went to Frank's

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-20047287650893673252010-12-30T18:55:00.002+11:002010-12-30T19:00:26.831+11:00

Today, as well as doing some proofing on the essay collection, I went to the Club (hospital) for a renal visit. Sadly, cardiology have not communicated with Renal AT ALL. Associate professor ? was disturbed to find that I was only given one course of blood thinners, which have now run out. She thinks I should still be on them so brought forward my cardiology appointment from March to January. She

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-74253617117903961102010-12-29T17:46:00.002+11:002010-12-29T17:55:20.733+11:00

I'm spending most of this week on proofing the essay collection, which is very soothing, but boring. Yesterday, P. and Frank went to that Potter movie (Harry), thence to the Gustave Moreau exhibition at the gallery. I wasn't much interested: too romantic and too much bosom. So I stayed at home and kept proofing.Today, however, was such a nice day, that after a very early Fresenius delivery (of

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-79840018319428924602010-12-27T09:56:00.002+11:002010-12-27T10:05:31.323+11:00

After a very modest frenzy of shopping and preparation, we spent Christmas lunch at my sister's place, where we did the usual routine of one course each. This creates minimum, shared aggravation, with the added proviso that there are no presents for the adults, which we all are, more or less. P. and I did the entree, which was a seafood smorgasbord, with fish cakes and dipping sauce, prawns and

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111168.post-84883457979151733652010-12-21T09:52:00.002+11:002010-12-21T09:56:23.107+11:00

After a fairly normal weekend shop, it was a quiet weekend, apart from a very nice dinner chez Noel T. on Sunday with Lorraine E. on a very rainy night. Wintry conditions continued into Monday and Sal came for tea (minestrone, cajun chicken and icecream with rhubarb). We are pretty much prepared for a quiet Christmas, apart from deciding what to take for entree to my sister's place on Christmas

brucehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15965441463818089005noreply@blogger.com