Monday Road Trip

Shane and I decided to go on a bit of a road trip to Bendigo today. Bendigo is one of our old goldrush cities of the past. As with all the goldrush towns the Chinese community played a huge part in the history. With this in mind I really wanted to have a look at the "Golden Dragon Museum", "Yi Yuan Gardens" and the "Kuan Yin Temple." Our first stop was the Yi Yuan Gardens, there is something about both Chinese and Japanese traditional gardens, they are always so peaceful and colourful.

Colourful Lotus Leaf at the Museums entry

Yi Yuan Gardens

Our next stop was to the KuanYin Temple.
What can I say - it is a Buddhist Temple and there are lots of Buddhas.
Oh I was in total bliss.

The last stop was the museum. Amongst all the amazing artifacts the museum housed "Loong"(Dragon) the worlds oldest Imperial Dragon. Loong appeared in Bendigo in 1892 and annually paraded at the Bendigo Easter Parade until he retired in 1970.

Also housed is "Sun Loong" (new dragon) the worlds longest Imperial Dragon being over 100 metres in length. Sun Loong stretches his legs annually at the Bendigo Easter Gala Parade. These are not the only Dragons featured, there is also "Yar Loong" (night dragon), "Gansu Loong"(dragon fromGansu), "Ming & Ping" and  "Xiao Loong" (little happy dragon). They are all amazing pieces of past and current times.  

What a Weekend

What a weekend I have had - I now feel a bit drained. I am up at Daylesford as I have guests in Old Chilli B&B this weekend. Yesterday morning I had to take myself of to the Drs (was nearly going to be the hospital) as I was having fairly bad chest pains. Had and ECG done and the Dr informed me that it was all OK but it could be Angina so best I head off to my Dr next week to have a stress test done. Must say I was a little concerned. I finished the day with having one of my swollen throats again so I took my tablets that are supposed to relieve it - but all they seem to do is put me to sleep. Needless to say it was still not right when I awoke this morning, infact hasn't been right all day. I think I have found what causes it (Preservative E211) but sometimes I think it is bought on by stress. Also today is the 2 anniversary of my beautiful Dad leaving me. He was the best Dad a girl could possibly wish for and he was also the epitome of a Gentleman. I LUV you and MISS you Dad. He never had a wrong word to say about anyone, he always saw the good in everyone no matter how small it was. But I finished today of with a positive - Shane and I went and had a lovely meal at "Old Hepburn Hotel". It it's an old pub that has kept it's old, country charm and I haven't had a bad meal there yet.

My Wonderful Dad - Keith

Old Hepburn Hotel

Country Life

It's hard to believe that my Daylesford experience is already three quarters of the way finished. The last nine months has been very enjoyable, I have loved living the country lifestyle. Being a city girl I wasn't sure how I would cope living in the country but I have really enjoyed it.

Having worked in the travel industry for over 15 years as a travel agent and travel sales manager, I have visited lots of different types of accommodation and always had a bit of a fantasy that I'd like to run a B and B. So this has been my perfect opportunity. I haven't had to fork out heaps of money having to buy a property and I've had the experience of running one.

Country towns have great events, yesterday (Sunday) I went to a regional produce day. There were about 50+ stalls, information stands, entertainment and lots of yummy tastings.

Beautiful fresh locally grown Garlic - that hasn't travelled from the other side of the earth!!

Tiny Zucchini flowers - one day I will be adventurous and stuff some with something and try - not sure what to do though!!

Colourful Organic Tomatoes

Waiting Thinking Waiting Thinking!!

Here I am sitting in my car in a 15min parking area - as there are no other parking spots in the two blocks I have been circling - waiting for Shane who has another Dr's appointment at the hospital. He is still on crutches and still not allowed to drive after his hip replacement, so I am still his lifeline to the outside world. So while sitting here I have started thinking about me doing stuff for me. Those of you who have followed my blog in the past know that I am one to always do something for me at least every week if not daily. But now that I think about it, it has been a while since I have pampered myself - my life has been busy but not Davine busy. So I think it is time I got back on track of doing something for me and only me - funny thing I can't think of anything to do. But tomorrow morning I WILL do something for me - I will just rely on it coming to me in the morning.

Sitting waiting waiting waiting!!

Mmmm ? 1/4 hour parking - hope the parking dude doesn't happen by!!!