Time Remaining

Life passes by so quickly and with it the seasons, the places and the experiences. Looking at the Camellia with the Buddha water fountain now dwarfed by that shining camellia, oh, how it has grown. Not the fountain, that stopped working after about 6 months but it was pleasant to hear the gurgle of the water descending down the tiers.

Within the next few days, this scene will all be gone, but not forgotten. Soon it will be chopped back to a manageable size and then the Man of Steel will work his expertise in creating a garden of clinical, symmetrical beauty. As far as the eye can see, a lush green lawn, well 5 meters, is the end of the garden. To be accurate, the Man of Steel will be as far away as he can during the destruction of this urban garden, Sean Dibbens, his subcontractor is doing the Man of Steel’s dirty work.

Moving on from the garden, my life expectancy could be compromised. There is only so much “She who must be obeyed” will allow.

Not sure if you remember but just before Christmas I posted our gingerbread-making event, well I am pleased to say the one house is still standing. I must caution anyone thinking of eating it, the present Government Guideline states, that any Gingerbread House older than 1 month should be appreciated from a distance but it would be best not to consume it at this age. Susan built the house and Claudia provided expert building advice, those two should go into business. Hopefully, it will last until early December as an example of what can be done if you follow the instructions.

This leads me nicely to my next subject, what they write on milk cartons. This Oatly carton is one of the best.

Well what a week, I know, two days and we have visited the Corfe Mullen Carnival, added support for our family members who took part in the Big Feat 30 km trail run and managed to relax on the beach for an hour or two.

Sorry about that, because I am writing, you would not have known that I just spilt wine on my new jumper, dashed to the kitchen and washed it off before it had time to set. Let us carry on.

Back to the weekend. Corfe Mullen Carnival was exactly as it said on the box, a community get-together with the normal food vans, tacky stalls and local bands. That might not be that appealing but it was a pleasant experience, wandering around the fare. Gary had an important cricket match and we offered to have Alex, now known as Maverick, for the afternoon. Where does one take a child of 9 years on a Saturday afternoon, to a carnival? 

We started with food and a wee pint of pale ale, Susan had a Gin and Tonic and Maverick had a fruit shoot, apple, if I remember correctly. I had Pulled pork, stuffing and apple sauce shoved into a bun covered in mayonnaise, Maverick opted for a spicy chicken burger and Susan, actually I do believe she abstained from the processed food.

On to the fun, mini golf, train rides and then some more food. Pancakes, not just any pancakes, Banoffee and ice cream pancakes. After watching the insane bicycle rides doing all manner of tricks, we headed home, Jenson was fed up with all the loudspeakers, blaring out stupid announcements. Those that live in Corfe Mullen would have enjoyed the day, I for one will probably go again, only for the excellent pale ales and the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car.

Sunday I was forcibly evicted from my warm bed at 7:45 am to get to see Matilda, Michael and Bee set off from Knoll Beach on a 30 km trail run. Quick cup of coffee and after loading Jenson in the car, we set off to catch the 8 am ferry. Really, takes 20 minutes to the beach and we were never going to make it. In hindsight, I was pleased I insisted on the cup of coffee before we left because we caught the 8:20 ferry and were at the starting line by 8:40. Such fun waiting for 200-odd runners to get going, but we took some fun pics and when they finally left, we cheered them on. That was a bit premature, they were all fresh and motivated and would need the cheering on later in their run.

A mad dash to Studland's viewpoint just in time to wait for 20 minutes for the leader to come through. After what seemed like an eternity Michael came running in, closely followed by Matilda and Bee. What I thought would be a quick chat turned out to be at least a 5-minute catchup, at this stage they were 10 km into their run and the hill beckoned them from there on. 

Thankfully they carried on and we drove to Corfe Castle for a much-needed breakfast. 

The day merged into waiting for them and then cheering them on with food and sweets that Susan had managed to purchase from the limited availability of stores. The strawberries were the standout success story, even the marshalls were given a taste.

At the finish line, too early, my car is fast. Waiting again for someone we knew turned out to be a short wait. Matilda came running through, the third female runner, and said that Michael was behind her. That glee when she said it does remind us of the competitive nature of the friendly Australians.

Michael did arrive shortly after Matilda and looked quite out of breath, 30 km running would do that to a man. While waiting for Bee to come through Michael swam to cool down and help his shattered legs. Bee did take a while but I think her pitstop in Corfe set her back, they do take a while to pull a pint of cider at the Greyhound, one has to hydrate on these long runs. Matilda got ever more impatient and went back to fetch her, nice touch and finally, we welcomed Bee over the finish line. Well done you three marathon runners.

Lady Bell-Brown has just completed another triathlon- Swimming, Cycling and Running, all in her new, state-of-the-art running gear. Well, she did an amazing job and finished on time for lunch with Robert. Setting personal bests in all disciplines, we wait for the official images to come through from her marketing agent. I do believe she is going to enter in the Iron Ladies event shortly, a gruelling event in which all competitors must iron 10 shirts, knit a jumper and using their sewing skills, make a summer dress. Sounds exhausting but Lauren is made from sterner stuff.

Matilda has received a 1-year ban from entering any triathlon, she decided that the bike section of her last triathlon meant a Honda 250 Trails bike, this section of the triathlon she did win but the organisers took a dim view of her mode of transport and disqualified her, that takes ball tampering to another level.

Susan had a fall on the rocks on her walk at the beach, those old pins are not what they used to be. Banged her knee and pulled a muscle in her back, her pride a little dented as well but we learn from our falls and the next morning she was out there doing it all again.