Fuel in; fuel out

As part of the celebration events for Australia Day, a Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules plane was flying overhead. Obviously waiting to perform its duties, it was circling in a holding pattern on the outskirts of Canberra and flew above our house almost a dozen times. Him Outdoors remarked that it was quite quiet for a four-propeller machine; I replied "Sorry, what?"; he repeated that it was quite quiet for a four-propeller machine; I replied, "Sorry, what?"...

Not everyone was impressed with the noisy, shiny bird, however, and Penelope bravely hid in the lavender bush. Look at that grumpy face!

Him Outdoors has been shopping. We're really looking forward to playing our vinyl again, especially on this beautiful Liverpool red turntable!

It's always good to get out on our bikes for a quick thrash around Aranda Bushlands. The hills don't look like much, but I feel them in my out-of-shape legs!

In the evening we thought we might watch an Aussie classic film - our television offered us the selection below. I question that The Piano is considered to be an Australian classic - it is a New Zealand story, set and filmed in New Zealand with Kiwi and American actors and written and directed by a New Zealander (although Jane Campion graduated from the Australian Film, Television and Radio School in Sydney).

The aso.gov.au website (Australian Screen Online) claims it is 'the most successful Australian film ever produced', because it received Australian funding - the producer is Australian Jan Chapman although the executive producer (Alain Depardieu from CIBY 2000) provides a French association. I wonder if this is part of the time-honoured tradition of Australians and New Zealanders claiming each other's stuff if it is any good (and disowning it if it isn't - no one wants Russell Crowe) or if it just implies that money trumps creativity when it comes to ownership. (For the record, we ended up watching cricket instead.)

For date night we went out to a new (to us) bar in the suburbs: Herbert's at EVATT. It is a cracking wee venue with super friendly owners, hearty pub meals, and rotating craft beers on tap. 

Mac 'n' cheese balls

Jalapeno poppers wrapped in bacon

Pepper steak pot pie with chips and coleslaw

Hawke's Brewing Co Patio Pale and Opener IPA

I love my kittens - I think that's a given. Sometimes, however, they are so cosy and adorable that it is almost impossible to tear myself away from them and go to work (in the next room). 

While working at home, once a week I try and leave the house for lunch - this week I treated myself to a seafood laksa at Chinese Inn Restaurant.

This week our walking crew route was chosen by the Purple Lady - it absolutely poured down as we walked around Lake Ginninderra - good weather for ducks (or pukekos) as they say - making ideal conditions for her to practice leaping over puddles. 

Pukeko with babies

Purple Lady with puddles

The sun came out by the end in time for us to sit and have bacon and egg breakfast buns at 54 Benjamin. Note how the Purple Lady is determined not to let me capture her with food in her mouth (for once).