January:
January started with a flurry of excitement, particularly from our immediate family who joined us on 4th January to witness our marriage. It was a magnificent day – perfect sunny weather as we strolled together through the streets of Melbourne to make our way to the Registry Office in the Queen Victoria Building.
After the ceremony we headed off to the private dining room in The Windsor on Spring Street. A magnificent 5 star feast had been prepared for the 13 of us (our very own last supper!) and we relaxed and enjoyed the time together.
After the reception we sauntered back to our suite with some family members where The Windsor staff had supplied numerous bottles of champagne for us to enjoy.
The remainder of January was very busy catching up with friends and family and making our own private announcements.
Whilst it has been our intention to catch up with everyone personally and let you know about the event, if we haven’t had an opportunity to do so we apologise.
February:
February was another busy month. In between get together and the day to day grind we were delighted to join with Sydney friend Louise in witnessing the marriage of two of our friends – Gail and Simon.
It was a lovely day at the Yarra Valley Dairy – the food, wine and atmosphere were all sensational.
March:
March was the month of weddings and honeymoons.
First our honey moon – we escaped for almost 2 weeks to explore the wonders of China. We started in Shanghai for a few days before flying to Wuhan and being coached to Yichang.
We then boarded the Victoria Rose cruise ship and commenced our 4 day upstream cruise on the Yangtzee River (before it was flooded). We traveled through the Xiling, Wu and Quatang Gorges (the famous Three Gorges) and took a sanpan ride up the Lesser Gorges.
We disembarked and continued by coach to Chongqing where we boarded our flight to Beijing for a few more days. For more detailed information and photos check our China Page.
Upon our return home our presence was required at two weddings.
The first, our accountant and friend Stuart to his lovely partner Ann. It was a more traditional church wedding and a delight to share the commitment of these two people.
The next wedding was a lovely garden wedding for friends Malcom and Jenny (who have a lovely daughter Megan). Tony had been asked to do a reading which was quite an honour, and it was a lovely relaxed ceremony.
The weather couldn’t have been better – clear skies, a light breeze and bright sunshine. Fortunately the marquee provided an escape from the sun when it got too warm.
After all of this there really wasn’t much of March left!
April:
April saw the baptism of our nephew Adam (currently the last male in our de Castella line). He was perfectly behaved and even seemed to enjoy the ceremony.
Over the past months Adam often spends time with Sigrid (and his mum) in the office and it had been a pleasure to watch him grow into a little boy. We’re pleased to report he’s now able to clear the office bookshelves and empty the stationery box. God help us if he finds the shredder!
We spent Easter repainting one of our rentals (which has come off a long term Defense lease) to spruce it up. Thanks to Leanne and David for their invaluable assistance – we couldn’t have done it without you!
May:
May saw niece Rachel’s 4th birthday (left) in style with a Monsters birthday cake – chocolate mud cake of course!.
The painting over Easter seemed to do the trick as in early May we signed a new 5 year lease with Human Services.
We also investigated some other business opportunities and checked out a couple of businesses for sale. Still running the numbers.
June:
June was quite a momentous month of completion. After almost a year of planning our subdivision, working with architects, builders, arborists, town planners and the council we finally had approval to go to advertising!
This is a minor miracle!
We have only one discrepancy with the council’s requirements which refers to a rear boundary issue. Despite receiving no objections regarding the development we’re not sure whether the council will reject the proposal – in which case we’re off to VCAT.
We took a weekend away to Sydney to do a goals workshop with Robert Kiyosaki’s coach Jayne Johnson. This was truly a life changing seminar.
It was more about getting in touch with your subconscious and using this to determine the priority of your goals. It does sound a little left field but it was a great process and out of the 12 goals we identified – our top 5’s were identical – so we were thrilled to learn we are both heading in the same direction.
July:
We’re only in the start of July but already we’re on the move. The day of Tony’s MBA graduation finally arrived. Due to the 7.15am start in the Palladium Room at Crown we decided to stay in a city hotel the night before.
The Hotel Enterprize in Spencer Street was a great pick without being too pricey. We did manage to have a fabulous dinner next door in the Jarrah Room. If you’ve never been – go. It has new owners who are dedicated to providing an eclectic 5 star all-Aussie dining experience – and with items like Emu, Kangaroo, Buffalo and Crocodile on the menu how can you go wrong? (Yes, there’s chicken, fish and vegetarian too!).
The graduation went well and was an important moment of completion for Tony who has been aiming for this award for nearly 8 years.
August:
On 2nd August we celebrated nephew Jai’s 3rd birthday with a famous Anderson BBQ.
August also saw us celebrate our 6th anniversary together. We escaped for a much needed weekend to a country cottage outside Ocean Grove, where Tony had spent some time after he finished University. We had a wonderful lunch at the Vue Grand in Queenscliff before enjoying the beautiful sights of the coastline.
In late August we did a flying trip to New Zealand to visit Tony’s parents.
September:
In September we traveled to Coolum to the Grand Hyatt to attend a 3 day property workshop by Peter Flanagan. This was the first property workshop we have attended and it was sensational and information packed. Peter and his team taught us the basics without trying to sell you anything and it was reasonably priced. We can highly recommend this one.
The following day we flew all day from Brisbane (after an early morning drive) via Wellington and Christchurch to Invercargill to check out some property. Then it was back up to Auckland for a catch up with Tony’s parents before heading home.
October:
In October we remained mostly home bound while we cleaned out the house which also allowed Tony to study for his upcoming Diploma of Technical Analysis exam with the Australian Technical Analysts Association (ATAA). Tony just can’t help himself – we think he’s addicted to study!
We headed off to New Zealand late in the month once again on family business. We did have some great news – our subdivision permit was finally granted just before we were due to attend VCAT mediation with the local council.
November:
In November (Melbourne Cup weekend) we traveled to Bundaberg, Queensland with friends Ruth and Frank to soak up some sun and explore a bit of property (note to self – find some interests other than property).
Whilst we did stay in a oceanside house at Bargara, it unfortunately wasn’t the one pictured (oh we wish!) which is well outside our price range but it was a pleasure to enjoy the 180 degree views.
Reality set in however when we had to return home for a fairly work oriented November. However celebrations came when Tony got his exam results – a credit of course!
December:
So far December has seen us visit the zoo with our niece Natasha, and friends David & Pauline. We had a wonderful (and long) day seeing all of the animals and Natasha particularly enjoyed the butterfly house.
Most of all Tony and Natasha really enjoyed climbing the giant fig trees. Afterwards we visited down Lygon Street for a home made Italian gelati and a granita or two.
We have several more get togethers and functions before the year is out. Pre Christmas is a busy time for us all.
