Anzac Day 15 - we had a busy weekend planned, and plenty of people to share it with. Jane's parents arrived on Friday afternoon, and Clare on Friday evening. We had a casual function at the Mess on Friday night that really didn't fly, and then it was to bed early for all.
The alarm went off WAY too early, but we all bounced out of bed fairly well in preparation for Anzac Day celebrations. As we drove into Wodonga for the dawn service, we could see plenty of lightning flashes all around, but didn't think too much of it as we could still see stars overhead. What a difference a couple of minutes make! As the service was about to start the heavens opened. We managed to find some shelter under umbrellas (or fancy colanders, as Jane discovered), and the service eventually got under way.
After the service, we warmed up with good coffee in Wodonga before heading home for scrambled eggs and dry socks. Most had a sleep before heading out to the march. I would have loved to have the opportunity, but we had a full house for dinner and I had a mountain of prep to do (especially if I wanted to stop in at the RSL after the march for a quiet ale or two!). We got wet again during the march, and I decided the only thing for it was to head to the Huon Hill Tavern to stand in front of the fire with a beer in hand. Eventually I headed home, and spent the rest of the day getting ready for dinner, and Sunday lunch.
On Saturday night we served the following menu:
Fresh baked sourdough bread
- Beetroot Carpaccio, with whipped feta (MacK had two helpings)
- Brined and roasted chicken, with parsnip mousse, spiced pumpkin, braised onion and sauteed Brussels sprouts
- Cheese plate (peppered maffra cheddar, aged cheddar, triple cream brie) with quince paste
- Apple and raspberry crumble, with custard and ice cream.
Sunday we did another four course lunch (just for fun...), hosting Kevin and Jenny (our architect - this was the first time he had seen pictures of our construction). Peter magnanimously shared the last of his "Patricia" shiraz. It was really good - lucky we have another couple of bottles in the North wing of the cellar...
Lunch was more sourdough, with:
- Chicken liver and green peppercorn pate, gherkins and aged cheddar
- Roast cherry tomato tart, with goats cheese and cucumber and onion salad
- Spiced pork cabbage rolls with bacon and sauerkraut
- Chocolate chilli tart with vanilla ice cream
Needless to say, Sunday dinner was a bowl of soup... and maybe a slice of sourdough bread with jam. But that was it! It has been a busy weekend, and we were fortunate to be able to spend it with close friends and family. I was very proud to be able to again show my respect for Grandad by wearing his medals for the Dawn Service. I think I will be going to work for a rest this week.
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