*le sigh*

J2 and the folks have since been and gone to Melbourne.

I'm going to give you an executive summary of their visit as I don't know how detailed J2 will be with her account of her trip. I'm also not going to put my photos up because a) I haven't downloaded them yet; b) J2's will be muchos better. On that note, J2 did teach me how to use my camera. I think I've had it for nearly 2 years now... so long blurry pictures, hello macros!

On Thursday night, we walked along the Southbank Promenade and headed in Chinatown for dinner. After the long(ish) walk and dinner, the folks were tired so they headed back to the apartment while J2 and I hunted down some photo ops.

On Friday, while the parents seemed content with hanging out in C-Town and the Packer Playground, we ventured out on a sightseeing tour and took in a river cruise and a bus tour out to Mount Dandenong on Friday. Unfortunately it was an overcast day and we didn't see panoramic views of Melbourne as promised but the drive through Ferntree Gully was magnificent. We also stopped at a bird sanctuary J2 even let a bird land on her! Ok, 'let' might not be the right word.

Saturday morning, J2 and I ventured out looking for street art. The morning fog was pretty thick and not very conducive to taking photographs. Then we met up with the folks for lunch and walked out to Fitzroy and Collingwood for something different. J2 met a fellow Magic Pony-ette at the Robio Store on Gertrude street (www.robio.com.au). That evening, we stayed in and had a Thai food and movie night.

We jumped on the 109 and headed out to Port Melbourne, one of my most favourite places in all of Melbourne. I haven't been there in ages and not much changes but it is wonderful all the same. We walked along the beach (ok, on the footpath) and took many, many photos and then up to South Melbourne Beach and then caught the tram back into town for some lunch and more shopping. That night we descended upon Crown Casino for some surf and turf and a small flutter.

And that about wraps it up... The next morning we were up at dawn's crack and said our goodbyes. >:0(

So after 7 years of living in Melbourne, it was finally nice having the folks visit... a planned visit, at that, and not just a 'Surprise! We're here!' visit.

And last but not least, it was great seeing J2 and spending some time with her... I can't believe it's been nearly 6 years since we last saw each other and 10 years since we had time to hang out! Cor blimey!

My aim now is to get over to North America late next year and join her and AM in Vegas or couch surf at their place or BOTH!

YAY!

J2 - I miss you already!

Victorian Roller Derby League Photoshoot 14 July 2007

The ladies gathered on Saturday, 14th July 2007 for the first official league photo shoot.

Here are the photos:

http://www.ashotaway.com/VRDL/

Big thank you goes out to Nicole Reed for her time, patience and beautiful photography!

They're coming...

Not long now until J2 and the folks arrive in Melbourne!

Woohoo!!!

Oh where, oh where has J2 gone...

SHE'S HERE!

T-minus 10 days and a handful of hours, minutes and seconds until I see J2 and the folks.