As Hot As Hades

Melbourne is well known for its 'changeable' weather.  The top temp today (Sunday) is around 39 degrees, while day 3 of the upcoming Test match against Sri Lanka at the MCG will see an expected top temp of 20 degrees.

A mild change is expected later today with tomorrow being around 26 degrees.

The two nights we have just spent as a family celebrating Christmas was wonderful.  The house was great with plenty of sleeping accommodation, an upstairs and downstairs, a couple of bathrooms, toilets and kitchens as well as two living areas. It was perfect for our needs.

We had 7 adults and four kids.  There were a couple of TV sets, XBox, dvd players and lots of games and things as well.  There was even a 'cubby' house in the backyard.

We were a good 15 minute walk from the beach, close enough to get to on foot if we needed.

We walked down with the kids for a swim Saturday morning, they loved it.

It took us around an hour to drive from Kate's so driving times were at a minimum for us.

The photos here will give you a glimpse of what we had.  There were two large deck areas off the top floor, a couple of BBQ's, basketball ring, and some toys.

The rooms were large and the weather was lovely.  It was around 30 degrees the one full day we were there and it wasn't cold overnight.

Kim and I enjoyed my 'Black Ale" which I had brewed myself and brought down from Queensland.  There was plenty of red wine as well.  Arj had enough bourbon to keep him going and there soft drink aplenty for the kids.

As usual Wendy was in charge of the kitchen but others pitched in to help as required.

Yours truly did the BBQ tea on Friday and the other ladies hopped in to help with serving up and then cleaning up.

Wendy was banned from doing any washing of dishes, the dishwasher was OK but not the very best.

We had our Kris Kringle as well and everyone seemed pleased with their gifts.  I am a 'monty' to get gift cards and this year was no different.  I now have $100 worth of gift cards and my new external hard disk drive is a certainty!

We arrived back at Kate's late morning on Sunday.  The evaporative cooling went straight on when she arrived home and this exceptionally hot day has passed by quite comfortably.  I am enjoying an A(lcohol) F(ree) D(ay) .... and an early night as well.