Dungarron Highland Ponies

Last weekend was yet another trip to Melbourne. This time to my lovely cousin Katelyn's wedding out at Coldstream. Got to Melbourne after lunch on Saturday and we all tumbled out at Tam's (Thank's Tam for putting up with us YET again. Love you!) Taking turns getting ready, alternating with sitting out on the deck trying to get some air. It was still and humid, and something was brewing over the city. We watched the clouds getting blacker and blacker, but it was 3pm and we had to head out to Coldstream, and as we backed out of the drive the scary looking clouds were driving in over the suburbs with terrifying speed.

The little black Alfa flew us out and around the foothills of the Dandenong's, we watched a solid wall of rain chase us while dodging tree limbs crashing over the road. A series of texts and a phone call from Amanda informed us that they would be late as the whole city had been closed because of torrential rain and hail ... little did we know just how big the storm really was! We got to the winery and parked where we thought the car would be most protected, and we watched as it all headed towards us. Poor Katie & Kyle, what a way to get married! But the ceremony was moved inside, but now with the very dramatic backdrop of storm clouds annd lightening over the Yarra Valley behind them. And it was a lovely ceremony, and gorgeous little Kate arrived on her Dad's arm wearing the most beautiful dress, with a stunning bouquet made by her step-mum Kez and all 18 months of little man Chase wearing a three piece suit and tie (and Kyle looked pretty schmick too) I don't think one person noticed the rain or the thunder and lightening.

Katelyn & Kyle Hadland.

Photo pinched from Aunty Tamaris because i didn't take my camera. Doh!

It wasn't a late night, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable one, and a rare chance to catch up with many people we don't get to see nearly enough.

Got home late, no major damage to Tam's house or garden, we all headed in for cups of tea (Nana's that we are) and bed. Up at 9, after listening to rain on the roof most of the night (such a lovely sound) Packed up, hugs all round, off to have breaky with Morgan before heading home to muster and sort cattle for sale. Parked near the cafe in Ivanhoe, Muzz points to car and says "Did you notice that?" "Notice what?" and then i wanted to cry a bit ... poor hi-lux ... dints every where. Orange-peel like dints all over the bonnet, all over the roof ... aaaawwwwnnooo.

"Hello, NRMA? I need to make a claim ...my car was in Melbourne on Saturday March 6th..."

By the time we hit Broadmedows it was sunshiney and humid and the air-con was on. By the time we headed down the big hill at Glenrowan, it was black to the north and obviously raining. Hmmm. Raining at Chiltern. Raining at Wodonga. Still black to the North, raining at home?? Pissing with rain! Yay .. not so fun for mustering cattle though. Made the decision to put it off til monday .. until on a quick look around we found the cow having trouble calving .. so we mustered, drafted and pulled a big, live, heifer calf - all in the pouring rain. And i was more than happy to come in a couple of hours later well and truly soaked to the skin!

Can you make that out? It says 72mm! add that to the 16mm tipped out on Friday,

which makes the best rain we've had for about 10 years!

The Ten Mile Creek - flowing.

Amazing (and i hope it keeps flowing too.)

This is the first time in all of Romi's 3 years that she's had an opportunity to wade through the creek!

You can not imaginge how much time i have spent smiling today. And there is not one new photo of the foals to be seen, because i was just having too nice a time looking at the green and the water. And i am grateful, so very grateful for the opportunity to just look and feel happy, because it's been a long time since i have been able to do that. Thank you Universe.