Drinking water

 

When we were at Moomba, I was pleased to see a drinking water stand.  It was well patronised.   I think there's sometimes one at the forecourt of the Arts Centre, too.  

 

On the Bondi to Coogee path



In Sydney, there are a number of permanent installations encouraging people to refill their water bottles with tap water.  





I wonder, though, if it's really necessary for the water to be filtered?   Nice, but the inference is that ordinary tap water isn't good enough! 

At Fairfield Boathouse

And, anyway, what's wrong with the traditional drinking fountain and tap?  

Perhaps a little basic...?





Moomba (2)

I mentioned that the rides at Moomba have become even more extreme.   I'm the first to admit that I have no head for heights, so it will be no surprise that it amazes me that people actually pay to go on these so-called "rides"!

Moomba

It's been a few years since we've been to Moomba, but as it was a lovely warm afternoon, we went for a wander at the weekend to see if things were still the same.   Yes, there have been some changes:  the number of activities (and the amount of parkland occupied) has increased, there is a side-show alley and the rides have become even more extreme.   However, all this seems to be appreciated - there were large crowds of people present.


We liked the fire brigade's stand, which allowed children to "hold" a fire hose and the belly dancer performing on the stage at Fed Square (this was the Enosi United Festival - perhaps not strictly part of Moomba?)
 


The traditional water skiing was in progress, but unless you're really an enthusiast, it's hard to concentrate because there's only one skier at a time so the action is intermittent.

One for the pheasants

I suspect that I ought not admit that I sometimes read mX.    Be that as it may, I did happen to be glancing at a copy and there was a note about the Duke of Edinburgh being upset because he's had to give up shooting pheasants.

It seems that there's a risk that the shotgun recoil will dislodge the stent inserted in his artery after his recent heart scare. 

The article is here as well:

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4065300/Prince-Philip-quits-shooting-over-heart-operation-danger.html

Haven't seen the anti-whaling activists taking the credit for this, but perhaps it's only a matter of time.

Is this a pheasant?  Google says it is, but I can't speak from personal knowledge!

Cup Day

Some years back, we had a good day at the Melbourne Cup in a marquee.   The marquee was nicely fitted out and the food and service was good.  There was a TV, of course, but apart from that, we only managed to push through the crowds outside so as to see one race, and then only from a great distance.   No doubt if you really want to see horses racing, you ought to go on some other day, but as yet, we haven't been sufficiently motivated.   So, our Cup Day approach is usually to watch proceedings on TV!    This year, we did so at a Cup Day BBQ.  This has much to commend it.   A couple of sweeps, the opportunity to partake in a flutter or two, no need for the hassles of getting to and from Flemington, ready availability of shade, food and drinks and some pleasant company.
Relying on a comment I heard on the radio, I thought Shamrocker offered value for money, but as history has shown, this was not to be.   Nor did the sweeps turn up anything (I drew Saptapadi and Glass Harmonium), and Sue's inclination to follow Bart Cummings (Illo) and Damien Oliver (Manighar) wasn't helpful either. Fortunately our "investments" were modest so our losses weren't too great! 

Bowling

Today was "Community Open Day" at the bowls club.  We're social members, so we had a bbq lunch and glass of wine and watched while they looked out for talent.    Seems they did in fact spot talent, in Kevin!    Thjey made sure he had a membership application form in his hand before he left!