Day 1

First day of our ski holiday dawned - cloudy overcast conditions and still not much snow. Off we went for a tour heading over to Blue Cow to check out the quality of the snow there. With our buff masks on we completed a few laps of ridge and summit chairs finding our ski legs again. The group split into several smaller gangs with everyone eventually converging at Blue Cow terminal for a break.    

As the weather and energy levels declined, the kids peeled off at different times to return back to the lodge for lunch. Post lunch saw various combinations of people head out for another ski, with the weather keeping us close to Guthega. Meanwhile back at the lodge the kids kept themselves entertained!!

 

Where is the Snow?

We held our collective breath for several months waiting and watching as to the impact that covid would do to the ski season and to our annual snow trip that was planned for mid August. Luckily covid plateaued and didn't make it to the ski fields. Like many organisations, the committee of our lodge worked extremely hard to figure out how our lodge would be impacted by the covid restrictions and recommendations. Thankfully, they felt Doorack could remain open (unlike many ski lodges who chose to close for the season) however with a reduction in the beds available and strict rules to adhere to. Perfectly was the fact that our party consisted of 14, the maximum covid number of bed available - our family of 4, the Kluth family of 4 plus Maki and the Jones/Walter clan of 5 fitted perfectly! Also extremely fortunately the other 10 people who booked during our week either cancelled their booking, or were able to move to another date.

As the weeks ticked by, snow began to fall, the ski season opened and covid remained at bay, our snow trip eventually arrived. We were looking forward to a change of scenery and an escape from everyday covid life. Sadly though, rain had fallen during the week leading up to our holiday washing away a decent amount of snow. The drive through Kosciuszko National Park was particularly bare. Definitely no chains were needed today! As it turned out our sled was useless too as the road to the lodge was free of snow. Both the Kluth and Jones/Walters cars drove up this normally closed section of the road to dump their luggage close to the lodge. 

The patchy blue sky from Canberra was replaced by the grey skies at the lodge and unfortunately for us stayed that way for most of the week.

Awkward

We have 2 local coffee shops that we frequent - Little Oink which is walking distance from home and 2B10 conveniently located opposite school. Both have been around for 5+yrs and do great coffee. Prior to Covid, we would always sit down to enjoy a coffee. Obviously when covid hit this wasn't an option, however takeaway was still available at both establishments. For Andy who only drinks out of a takeaway cup in extreme circumstances, he stopped going to the cafes and bonded more with his home coffee machine. 

Meanwhile I often would still grab a takeaway on my way to work. As Katy wasn't going to school, I would rarely go to 2B10 opting for the closer cafe Little Oink. Procedures at Little Oink had adapted to the changing conditions and one was required to order at the door, then wait outside until your name was called as your coffee was delivered to the outside table. Thus the staff at Little Oink learnt my name (having already mastered my order previously).

Anyway as restrictions slowly lifted, we returned to 2B10 a little more and I had two wildly different experiences recently that made me chuckle. Firstly one of the staff members calls me Jackie and despite correcting her on at least 3 different occasions, she continues to do so! Anyway no biggie really however, the other morning she served me. As I approached the counter she greeted me with 'Hello Jackie, a medium latte today?' while writing down Jackie on the takeaway cup. I nodded and paid before taking a seat continuing to sift through my emails. Funnily though was when she called Jackie, I stood up collected my coffee and turned around to see a confused look on a fellow school friend's mum face - yep long story I said to her!!

Then within the week, I returned again. This time while waiting to be served by a new staff member, I heard a familiar voice come from behind the coffee machine  'Hi Natalie, lovely to see you again!' Turned out to be a staff member who had recently returned from overseas. She'd been away for the past 18 months and when calling out my correct name commented 'What happened to the mochas?!'

Circus Party

There was a fair amount of organising during the morning to be ready for Ella's afternoon party. Unfortunately the weather was not at all amenable to use the slackfline or silk in the front garden on arrival. As the rain fell steadily, all of the activities needed to be conducted inside the house or inside the garage.

Unbeknownst to Ella, Andy and I decided to get into the Circus mood...

Each activity, accrued points for each circus performer and at the end of the night scores were tallied and prizes could be selected.

First activity was Balloon Pop - performers used a dart to pop a balloon and collect the points behind. It worked really well!

  

Next was voting for best costume with 

Lolly Jar guess had performers counting lollies in one of three mason jars with the closest winning the loot!

Then it was time for the Ping Pong Toss where performers earn points based on which cup their ball randomly landed in.

 

As darkness descended, it was a good time to play Ring Toss using glow sticks. A knock out competition took place.

  

A carnival dinner was planned next. It was good to have the girls calm down for a moment while they ate!!

Chocolate Coin Game was played - with performers tossing a coin hoping to land it onto either block of chocolate to earn points and their choice of a mini chocolate bar! A popular game.

A little bit of free time mucking around with the Intsagram frame!!

 

 

Cake time!!

 

Post birthday cake, scores were revealed, prizes chosen and then Circus party had come to an end. Hoping all the performers had a memorable time, I know Ella did. Katy by this time had warmed up...possibly a little too late!!

Party Prep

Covid foiled both girls birthdays - I was secretly thinking great however the girls had other ideas! Both had already organised their belated birthday parties in their heads!! Once Covid in Canberra came under control, Ella was busy in planning mode for a Circus Party.

Her individually designed invites were handed out a few weeks prior to the party. As Ella allocated herself Ring master, we were required to hunt around for her costume. She had also organised the evenings activities and menu which meant a few shopping trips sourcing supplies.

We grabbed and individualised this Instagram frame from Nadine for the night.

 

And Ella roped in Katy's help for cake making...

Family Genetics

The Hogg family are renowned for their curly toes and both of our girls have inherited this family trait. Katy though complained recently about a sore toe and on closer inspection, the 2nd and 4th toes on her left foot were indeed curly (also red and swollen) but way too much! It looked like Katy was walking on the tip / nail of her toe(s) rather that pad. So after a consultation with the family physio and GP, it was decided that these toes were more than Hoggie toes and required a trip to the podiatrist. 

At the podiatrist, Katy told him they weren't Hoggie toes and he looked quite confused not knowing what Hoggie toes were. A quick explanation helped him understand the meaning. Unfortunately for Katy, there is no conservative treatment available and she will need surgery to correct the alignment of these toes. So now it's off to see an orthopaedic surgeon....

New Friends

Indi got to make a few new friends - Cooper and Echo ( fellow bordoodle from the same breeder). Despite excited wees and lots of tail wagging neither Cooper or Echo were interested in an energetic, playful puppy. Cooper wanted to play fetch while Echo cowered and sought human protection!! Indi followed Cooper while he played fetch trying to keep out of his way! Fun times!