Hanging with Felines

On Friday, we went into the city in search for tasty treats and the Cat Cafe. Our own cat Stitches has been in disfavour ever since he used Ella's suitcase and Scott's cable bag as his litter box. He is frequently rejected from time inside, and given short shrift. 

Needless to say, after time spent with about a dozen well fed, smug and happy cats at this cafe near the Queen Vic Market, we  felt sooo guilty that we have neglected him, and we have altered our attitude to be better cat caretakers. 

The Cat Cafe is a cool idea that has already taken off in highly populated places around the world like Japan, Taiwan, and Europe. And why not? This is a cat person's heaven. Don't have a cat? come here, buy a coffee and a snack and sit and chill with the animals. 

Winter

Most of the residents appeared to be in siesta when we visited, but there were a few active or semi-active types around ready to check out a rattle toy for a few seconds before settling back to sleep someplace else. 

Clara

I want to call him X-box, but I don't think that's this one's name.....

Drama Teacher Life

So, on my term holidays, I make props! Such is the life of a drama teacher....

This is for our school's upcoming production of The Addams Family Musical. It's Fester's rocket ship, and it lights up. 

I've also made a TNT detonator box, and still to come, I'll be making a conquistador's helmet, 2 bullfighters capes, and a crossbow. 

Scott's Birthday

Scott's parents, Fran and Ray stayed with us for a week, and they were with us for Scott's birthday. 

We went into Fitzroy to have lunch at Belle's Diner, which serves real Southern Fried Chicken. the regular Southern Fried recipe is yum, but You can get your chicken fried spicy too: Medium, Hot, Really Hot and Really F***ing Hot. 

Ella and Fran

Lorne Mini Break

And now for some back blogging.... Last month in April, during the school holidays, we spent some lovely days down in Lorne visiting with friends. We also found some time to do some beachcombing and rock pool exploring. 

The weather was ridiculously good!

We had time to  drive up to Erskine Falls to see a rather note worthy trickle  this year.

One of my favourite trail walking signs in Australia!

CBD Words of Wisdom

Scott and I went into the city a few times over the school holidays in early April to see some of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. 

We came across this profound light installation as we walked back to the car. 

Castlemaine Mini Break

Scott and I drove up to Castlemaine  in March to see our friend, Xanthe perform in a show, IN PLAN for the Castlemaine Arts Festival. Yes... It's now May. Gimme a brak. I'm trying to get this blog up to date. Bear with me. there's some territory to cover, and it may take me a few days. Mostly, it's a procrastination technique. I should be doing some marking.....

Castlemaine is over-run by arty types and arty things during these two weeks in March, and there's a lot to see. 

We stayed in an historic hotel-ish type of place we found on Air Bnb for super cheap, and we got an interesting experience for only $100! It was our first time using Air Bnb, and I think we now know a little bit about sussing  out the good properties from the dodgey ones. 

Great location, clean bed linen... but a lot of dusty surfaces, and above an Indian restaurant. 

After a big brekkie, we fossicked  at some antique shops the next day. There were literally boxes and boxes and shelves and shelves filled with old bottles and jars.

This vintage sign would look awesome on the fence in our backyard! After all, we do believe that ice cream is a food group -- essential for optimum health.

We saw petrol pumps from all over the world. There were Aussie ones, American, French, German and British ones too.

This vintage sign was well over $1000 to buy, and we were pretty curious as to what medicinal concoction could possibly cure all these ailments....?!
As a brain worker, I feel I could definitely benefit from some increased vigour, especially on Wednesdays

Girls Night In

Scott and Jack went out tonight to see American Sniper, and Ella and I had the opportunity to have a girl's night in. 

So.... In order to do it up properly, we had breakfast for dinner. 

Hot chocolate....,

with pancakes, bacon and fruit. 

We watched Blended (with Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler), did our nails....

And then a big storm came through, the lights flickered, the rain poured down and so we spent some comforting Pinterest time with Cocoa.... Who was a little bit worried by all the noise and wind.