Blood moon

It was spectacular for those who saw it on Tuesday night and a reminder of how diminutive we are in the face of Mother nature and Father time. Time itself, suddenly seems to be passing very quickly although I thought it was a bit premature for Christmas decorations to be displayed (they’re all out if you’re travelling down Upper Heidelberg Road in Ivanhoe).

Image credit: Mirella Di Lorio (South Melbourne)

Speaking of the moon, Mr Moon at Melbourne’s Luna Park has had a makeover after being neglected over the pandemic and with lighter days and warmer nights upon us – the Night Noodle Markets have started again in the city and the Alphington Twilight Market (below) will be held from 4 pm on Thursday 8 December next month.

If you’re a fan of Asian food, you might like this article on Rosheen Kaul’s guide to wear to eat in Box Hill including the local food court! Cheap and cheerful is definitely the way to go with so many of us on a budget. I also had a great meal on Friday night at hidden surprise Akamaru Japanese near Darebin station – a cut above above your normal suburban fare. Three of us shared the spicy edamame, kingfish ceviche, soft shell crab and mixed Japanese vegetables with a couple of drinks all for less than $100 in total. It is small (6 tables) but a great experience if you’re a local and I will be back. My ex-La Trobe colleagues and I then had a quick drink at nearby card-only bar (and former Mario’s cafe) The Post Inn although had to compete with the young lads singing karaoke-style to the late 80s music playlist. Good on them….

Speaking of new venues, I’ve not visited but vintage bowling alley, beer garden, bar and bistro The Keys in Preston has opened in a refurbished 110 year old warehouse just in time for Christmas.

Lastly on food, I thought you might like a pic of our sourdough loaf from Dougharty Baker (above) delivered last Thursday as it was delicious goodness (and eaten in less than a day)!

COVID has risen its head again and doing the rounds so wishing you a speedy recovery if this is you. It’s been an interesting end to the year with floods, cost of living issues, cybersecurity attacks and a state election now all playing out in the media. I’ve been running around the Rosanna Parklands in recent weeks and have never seen the grass so high – the mozzies and snakes are out so be careful if you’re venturing anywhere near the Yarra river.

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Tell me how it ends

Wouldn’t we all like to know? It’s the intriguing question posed by this year’s Melbourne Writer’s Festival – this time impacted by the extended lockdown in Sydney, rather than Melbourne. We live in uncertain times with no ‘neat ending’ in the words of Artistic Director Michaela Maguire. As I mentioned last week I think we are writing our own stories with ourselves as the main characters with ‘no foregone conclusions but infinite possibilities’.

One of the things I love about Mr Rosanna was his saying from early on in our days together that ‘anything is possible’ and I still believe this to be the case – good and bad. While we are in our final month of winter here in Melbourne, I’ve seen flowering gum nuts on my regular walks and wattle out on the trees, which now reminds me of my organisation ANZSOG whose logo is the wattle (representing Australia) and the silver fern (New Zealand) which is emblazoned on the walls of our new office at Melbourne Connect and a lovely reminder of my colleagues and our neighbours over the ditch, with whom we share much in common.

Image via Nancybird

I also love the new Woodland range from Nancybird (above and below) – a label which has collaborated with botanical artist Nicola Woodcock to produce some nature-inspired garments and accessories that herald the new season that is almost here and encourage us to awake from winter.

Image via Nancybird

Arts and cultural events can now be tentatively held in Melbourne and it’s great that Patricia Piccini’s exhibition has resumed at Flinders Street station and been extended until 2022, and tickets are on sale for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival Winter Edition being held 20 – 29 August, which includes plant-based food event Welcome To The Jungle with $15 tickets right up to Synaesthesia: Vue De Monde X Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with tickets at $750! That one might be a once in a lifetime experience only.

Image via MFWF

Closer to home, Banyule Arts and Culture have been busy with their program which includes a ‘magic and movie night‘ on Friday 13 and Friday 20 August featuring a vaudeville show by magician Mr Marmalade and screening of Australian movie The Dry at the Yarra-me Djila Theatrette @Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub. Sounds just up my alley!

Speaking of alleys, I was excited to read about retro-inspired bowling alley The Keys currently in construction in a 115 year-old warehouse near the corner of Plenty Road and Bell Street in Preston with an expected December 2021 opening. Featuring 12 bowling alleys, a bistro, arcade, dance floor and beer garden out the front, there’ll be another place to to go to besides Moon Dog World.