Today would have been my brother Bernie's 70th birthday, but he died at the tender age of 62. Would have been a shame being over here if he was still alive, because I’m sure it would have been a hell of a party.

This morning I was up early to watch my only live game of AFL for the year, but it was a bit of an anti-climax as the Richmond Tigers beat the Hawks 93-64. Over the past 5 years they have had a habit of beating the Hawks at this stage of the season, even in our premiership years. But this year, they were just too good on the day, and have almost certainly ended our chances of making the Finals. There is still a mathematical chance, but the Hawks now have to win all their games and have some unlikely results for the other teams vying for the last two positions in the top eight.

With a heavy heart, I therefore went back to finishing the scrubbing of the deck in late morning.

In the late afternoon, we made our way over to John & Irene’s house for a party among barge people, including a welcome back (to Moissac) for Australians David Rothery and Evelyn, who have been “up North” for the past couple of years. There were lots of tall stories and laughter as we enjoyed a BBQ and drinks in their back yard. This was to herald the start of a very busy social week for us in Moissac and surrounds. I didn’t realise it till later, but half the people at the party were Australians.