Melbourne Cup in the bush

You may have realised it already, but out here we don't knock back the opportunity to don a frock and have a grand old time, and Melbourne Cup is just the perfect excuse to do both.

In previous years the kids and I have made the arduous trek down the the local pub (some 400m down the road) where of course both fashion and fun was in high supply. This year, some friends down the road on a property decided that they would host a little do, and so we decided to go to their place for a change of scenery and catch up with everyone.

The kids were happy with this choice as it meant they got the day off school. Of course we had to have the obligatory "we're clean and tidy and dressed up" shot before we left: (badly angled photo provided by the kids..either teach them to take better shots or teach myself to pose in a more flattering manner?!)

 

Husband was in attendance but declined to be photographed.

The homestead is perched on the edge of a man made dam/lake and has a sprawling shady lawn overlooking the water. Just gorgeous, and the breeze coming off the water was sublime. Thankfully not the hottest day of the year, we were sheltered by marquees on the lawn, under which were white clothed tables decorated with flowers and trophies from race days long gone.

Luncheon was served on the deck of the house (having not long put in sprinkler systems the lawn wasn't at it best, but no one really cared!) and the bunting and lanterns strung up have really inspired me for Christmas this year.

My new sister in law was there, squeezing babies (he was a very happy squeezable baby)

And my old ;-) sister in law was there too, with the chubby niece that doesn't like me. First baby I have met that doesn't and I am taking it hard. I think I have lost my touch.

And these lot had a grand old time, doing kid stuff and not wearing their hats.

  As you can see, it was a lovely setting and we had a marvellous day chatting, eating (I did not take a photo of the food, lest they think me totally barmy, however the fancy salads and cold meats delicious, and the deserts (simple but stunning trifle, and a tiramisu concoction) divine.

We even watched a horse race. Somehow managed to buy a horse in the Calcutta without making a single bid (who needs enemies when you have larrikin mates!) who ran at the back of the pack. (but what a great race it was!)

And as the sun was starting to lower in the sky, we decided to head home, where we had noodles for tea and the kids melted into bed.

Who'd want to live anywhere else?!