Yesterday was a busy day. More electronic paperwork this morning which meant I didn't finish blog reading.
At 10.30 we set off for Phyllis' second driving lesson. He had improved, so much so that we left the quiet environs of Albert Park Lake, after he successfully made a three point turn and ventured down Kerferd Road to Richardson Street where he negotiated a large roundabout and two smaller ones, one with a tram travelling through. He knew that he had to give way to trams at all times, including at roundabouts and I pointed out that he has to look left as well as right at a roundabout if there is a tram line.
If this map link works, you can see there are curves around the lake where he increased his turning skills, and he took to driving in heavier traffic quite well.
We stopped at Armstrong Street to buy coffee, he angled parked perfectly and I then drove home.
It was then into to town on the 58 tram for lunch where I really wanted thali at Villas. It was busy and the food was nice, although perhaps a little overpriced. The beef was a bit tough and the spiciest dish was the vegetable one. Lovely gulab jamun. Phyllis drank the left over syrup. There was a little uneaten, which they put into a plastic container provided by the restaurant. This is interesting because some places won't do this, citing health regulations. I remember researching and I could never find such regulations. My tight arse ABI Brother takes containers with him when he eats out.
Phyllis and Kosov paid for my thali and a glass of wine.
After lunch we walked down to Swanston Street and they headed up the hill to Melbourne Central shopping centre and I caught a tram home.
It was my aunt's birthday and Ex Sis in Law's husband's birthday. I wished them happy birthday on FB.
Wombat, formerly Our Friend in Japan, asked if I was interested in a gay Christmas in July public lunch event. I probably would have gone, but I will be away on cat care duties.
After a large lunch, home alone, I had soup and a sandwich for dinner.
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Sounds good - a lovely meal in pleasant young company and then a peaceful late afternoon and evening.
ReplyDeleteThey are such good company JB, though we have so little in common. What I like is that after say ten months, we have history and can say 'remember when....'.
DeleteIt seems Phyllis will pass his driving test quite easily. It took me two attempts 50 years ago.
ReplyDeleteJayCee, I wouldn't say that yet. Your, if like England's, driving tests are tougher
DeleteAndrew you are so kind to the boys. I can tell they really appreciate you too. Marie, Cheltenham
ReplyDeleteI am Marie, but at times I have needed to speak a little sharply, mostly about domestic stuff that 22 year olds don't know. They have learnt and are still learning about running a home.
DeleteYou are really showing a good host and a friend to the boys. They are lucky to have you abroad.
ReplyDeleteI reckon so Roentare but I get a lot from them too.
DeleteIt sounds like a good day. Excellent news about Phyllis's driving skills too.
ReplyDeleteToday's lesson was more challenging EC, and quite intense. I will ease up tomorrow. I think I expected too much too soon.
DeleteYou and the boys get on so well, how lucky for you all.
ReplyDeleteThe use of rear and side vision mirrors are essential and need to become habitual .
ReplyDeleteYes, and Phyllis asked about the centre mirror after the last lesson. Today I stood at the back of the car and asked him if he could see me in the side mirrors. Of course he couldn't, so he now knows what the central rear facing mirror is about. Having trained myself to use the car mounted cameras, I rely on them now for reversing.
DeleteYou are raising the boys right!
ReplyDeleteDebby, they are adult men, but it really does feel like I am their father, or old and wise aunty.
DeleteYay Phylliss, driving so well already. The "regulations" might have something to do with the phasing out of plastic containers, though places are often allowed to use them if you bring your own.
ReplyDeleteI think it is just Victoria, definitely there has been a perception for many years that it is illegal to take away any food from sit down cafes/restaurants. On holiday in QLD we were asked if we wanted the leftovers boxed up.
DeleteYeah River, I don't know. Plastic food containers are still allowed here. Most plastic is recyclable, and I ensure the lads understand what can go in recycling and what can't. I think it is an act of good grace for places to provide you with a container to take home. They don't have to, but you think better of the place if they do.
DeleteQueensland hospitality, hey J.
DeleteLooks like you had a day spent well. Thali, obviously, triggered my curiosity!
ReplyDeletePradeep, is thali an authentic food serving in India? I never asked them. Food differs so much in your country from area to area.
DeleteYes, Andrew, thali is indeed an authentic food serving in India. It refers to a complete meal comprising a variety of dishes presented on a single platter. It's common all across India, however the dishes vary depending on region's culinary specialties. Broadly, there are north Indian thali and south Indian thali. But there are also more specific Rajasthani thali, Gujarati thali, or Kerala thali. India is unbelievably diverse. Each of the 30 states have their own traditions. May be I should write a blog post on it!
DeleteSounds like you make a good driving instructor.
ReplyDeleteI hope so Kirk. When he has professional lessons, I hope for feedback.
DeleteWhenever there is some dry food uneaten from the local sandwich-coffee shop, the staff will always wrap it up for me to take home. We pay so much these days for a bagel and cheese, and a cuppa, that it would break my heart to throw good food away. Thank you Sonya and Raksha!
ReplyDeleteI can't remember why Hels, but about a year ago Sister who lives in Point Lonsdale and I lunched in Balaclava and she went on a shopping spree for cheap bagels and other Jewish food. They are so expensive where she lives.
DeleteSounds like a good day and a good drive achieved.
ReplyDeleteFrom memory doggy bags were not permitted due to health hazards but I've seen people take them home these recent years. I don't as I usually have no food left.
Margaret has a healthy appetite, lol.
DeleteAlways look both ways, good advice for driving and life.
ReplyDeleteDriving I know TP, and it is good to apply that to life too. I must remember that, although I think I have generally done that.
DeleteI don't get the issue about plastic containers. Isn't a "doggie bag" a fundamental right in restaurant dining? I've never been refused one, but maybe I haven't asked in many years.
ReplyDeleteSteve, I suppose there is liability concerns that the customer won't store the food properly, but really, once the person leaves the restaurant, it is down to the customer, not the business.
DeleteAll in all a good day. Andrew! You certainly stay busy! I hope you have an enjoyable weekend. Aloha!
ReplyDeleteA good a weekend as I can Cloudia, with 12/54 degrees, rain and wind.
DeleteA busy and enjoyable day, Andrew.
ReplyDeleteIt was Pat, thanks.
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