I went to bed early last night, and consequently I woke early. Not a sleepy wake where I could go back to sleep, but wide awake. At 6.03 just as the sun was rising, fourteen balloons arose at the same time. I think the most I've seen in the past were seven. Quite wondrous and they floated in my direction, but not too close by.
I was out early to meet my friend, formerly of Japan, for breakfast. Yes, too early to call it brunch. I was hungering for bacon and eggs, and that is what I had, on sourdough toast, that I am not so fond of. But our meals were nice.
Phyllis and Kosov had invited two lady friends to lunch at home, with Phyllis cooking. Phyllis was out early too, to Victoria Market to buy fresh food. I'll give them some space. I used the Franklin Street entrance to State Library Station, far simpler than the Latrobe Street entrance, and the train, a couple of minutes late, shot off like scalded cat towards Footscray Station where I alighted to catch a train to Altona. The Werribee bound train was travelling via the Altona Loop! If the trains are running the same way back, that could be interesting ona single track. The screens at Altona Station were only showing Werribee bound trains, not city bound trains for me to return to the city.
We are told to use Journey Planner in case of disruptions. It was effing useless. I drilled down and down and finally found there was a bus replacement back to Newport Station. There was signage to direct passengers to a bus stop at the northern side on the roadway but I was still unsure until I arrived at the bus replacement stop. It took forever for the bus to reach Newport Station, where I could catch a train to the city. But the train with passengers onboard had come from the Werribee direction. I just gave up trying to understand at that point. Apparently these shenanigans will continue until April.
I left the train at Footscray to catch a Metro train home.
At home the lady guests were still here, one obviously Indian and the other seemed to be a blonde Anglo. I tried to hear her voice, and I thought it sounded Indian. A game of Uno was underway at the lounge room coffee table. There was food aplenty, and enough for my dinner later. I retired to my quarters to eat my discounted near use by date supermarket sandwich until they departed.
Once the mynah chicks were born on the balcony below, I ceased harassing the parents, but Jass hasn't. She and the parents are at war with each other. I saw the chicks today, and they are just on ready to fledge, so for Jass, the bird excitement will end.
Meanwhile back in the real world, I correctly guessed that Janice at Jabblog would win the annual Laughing Horse best blog award, at a terrific ceremony on Little St James resort island, just off the US coast. It is well deserved award and congratulations to JB.
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Yes. Janice's blog is one of the best out there.
ReplyDeleteApart from yours, of course.
JayCee, one difference between my blog and JB's is that she uses facts and does proper research.
DeleteWhat a sight of those hot air balloons. Thank you for sharing. Best wishes to Janice and everyone for a happy, healthy, prosperous, and joyful New Year.
ReplyDeleteThanks Darla, and the same to you in return.
Delete~hugs~
DeleteI must get over to Janice's blog to congratulate her, thanks for letting us know.
ReplyDeleteThe balloons are wonderful. We used to have a balloon club locally, but they moved north so balloons are rare here now.
Boud, ours are purely commercial and with so many balloons rising, it is clearly profitable. A trip is not cheap.
DeleteThe balloons look fabulous. What a treat.
ReplyDeleteGuessing the winner of the LHA is a game I play but never succeed at because I don't read enough blogs :)
Enjoy your day, Andrew
Kylie, I was gobsmacked by so many balloons.
DeleteJB was an obvious choice, a high quality blog, daily posts and comments on many other blogs. YP reads her, and no doubt his recommendations to the deciding committee carries great weight.
Love the balloons very much actually. Your day is more fulfilling than mine
ReplyDeleteRoentare, I must always get out and experience experiences.
DeleteThat was so kind of you to vacate your living space in order to allow your two adopted sons to have a fun time with their lady friends. Having "Dad" around would have put a real dampener on the evening. I am so glad that you agree with me about Jabblog.
ReplyDeleteI am too kind to my 'sons', YP. JB just seemed such an obvious choice.
DeleteI like the balloons. Is because of the new year?
ReplyDeleteI think so Kirk, although three days after new year. There are a lot of English tourists here for a five day cricket match that ended in two days, so they have time on their hands. They will be moving on to Sydney now for the final cricket test match in the series.
DeleteI had no idea who would win the Laughing Horse and am so pleased it was Janice. I guess most trains and buses are still running on holiday schedules?
ReplyDeleteRiver, our trams run to a Saturday service on public holidays, which just means less peak hour trams. Christmas Day and Good Friday is a Sunday service. Janice did deserve the award.
DeleteThe photos of the balloons and the sunrise are beautiful, Andrew. Lovely of you to leave the boys alone with their guests...you are ever so thoughtful and kind.
ReplyDeleteMargaret, I try to be reasonable, but I do speak up if I am displeased about something.
DeleteWatching the balloon launch would be worth getting up that early (I am often up between 6 and 7 AM.) I still want to ride one of those.
ReplyDeleteIt was a bit of a magical moment TP. You will be up much earlier for a balloon ride.
DeleteEvery year they have a great balloon festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico and it's amazing seeing all those brightly colored balloons fill the sky.
ReplyDeleteBob, yes, I can imagine. The late blogger Sue used to cover a balloon show in our capital, Canberra.
DeleteWhen I lived in Calgary many, many years ago, there were often hot air balloons flying over our house. I loved watching them but our poor dog was terrified of them and would hide under the deck. I love that photo.
ReplyDeletePixie, I remember some dogs barking at us in a balloon a number of years ago. I think the sound of the gas jets annoys them.
DeleteWhat great photos! Seeing that balloon launch must have been stunning.
ReplyDeleteWe occasionally have similar tube/bus replacement shenanigans here, so I am familiar with the frustrations. :/
Steve, occasionally? Fairly often as I read. Such is progress. When planned disruptions don't happen, that is when to worry about maintenance levels.
DeleteThe balloons look spectacular. You have such adventures on transit systems, Andrew.
ReplyDeletePat, I generally enjoy travelling on public transport but when done, I like an easy trip home.
DeleteWhat an interesting day you have had. The hot air balloons are quite a sight. You got a nice picture of the activity. Brunch with a friend. It started out good anyway, though the part in the middle sounds miserable.
ReplyDeleteDebby, not miserable, just inconvenient. Sometimes it is better to come at disruptions like that with no knowledge at all.
DeleteSounds like a lovely way to wake up. You certainly had a full day.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
It was rather cool Sandra, and accidental perfect timing.
Delete