No, this is not dave mortified by the spending spree.

Bruce Longden and his Malvern/Harold Holt ocean swimming buddies had their ‘end of swim’ season day out at the end of March.

This started with a swim at the Harold Holt pool, breakfast at Mr Fox in Malvern, then a leisurely drive down to Sorrento, coffee and morning tea at Stringer’s café on the corner.  From there a leisurely swim from Portsea pier to old Franklin Point and return. All this followed by lunch at the Portsea pub, much food and drinks consumed.
Usually venue has been at Lorne each year but the other side of the bay members held sway this year.

Bruce has been making full use of his current assignment being based in Sydney with a swim in the Cronulla Shark Island Swim event on the previous weekend.

Seriously though, a little scary and time to take stock.  But do not fear...this means a refocus on the things I love...like footy tipping.

Keeping up the contribution to sand in the bathers, saddle sore and blisters on the feet, Steph has competed in another triathalon in southern NSW waters in Shoalhaven Bay near Jervis Bay.

The girls were lucky to have a gorgeous day in February to wander the gardens of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch's property at Langwarrin

Judi organised the day so with champagne a plenty it is obvious the day went to plan.
In 1928 journalist and newspaper executive Keith Murdoch gave his 19-year-old bride, Elisabeth Greene, a small farm as a wedding present. Elisabeth loved the property at first sight, but Murdoch, a perfectionist, soon engaged leading design professionals to revitalise the modest weatherboard cottage and old-fashioned garden as a weekend retreat suitable for his family and for entertaining.

It is always a great feeling when a good idea turns into a great event.  Bruce & Jill floated the concept of getting all the PPA kids together for a day at the farm.  Hosts, Mel & Mark, put on superb weather. all participants arrived on time and it just got better as the day went on.

We had some memorabilia around reminding us of the early days with the Prices, Fosters and Werners first started this lifelong institution.  There were many opportunities to reflect on the previous days as playing in the dam at the Gisborne farm and many years of PPA gatherings.  So we were able to bring some of the memorabilia up to current times.  This has been over 20 years in the making.

The Foster's car fleet arrived despite the dirt driveway.  I think someone forgot to mention this to Uncle Allan and hence the Roller was a pleasant surprise.  The showroom girl (Nikki) enjoyed the moment as well.

There is no better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than with great friends on paddle steamer heading along the Murray River.

Thanks to our host, Tony and Judi, the Price's and Werner's were housed, fed and watered in fine style at the Lawler riverside resort and then had the enjoyment of the festival just down the road at the Echuca Port.