Friday 7th November 2025

Friday 7^th November

SHE SAID:

Geoff & I headed to the Belconnen area, near Lake Gininderra, to meet with Jean & Bill for morning tea. They had recently moved from their house into an independent living unit there.

We met them outside their unit block & walked about 200m to their local cafe. It was a warm day so nice to sit out with views of the lake & bush.

We last saw them both in September 2024 when they came over for an orchid hunt. Since then they have both had medical issues; Jean had a stroke & Bill heart problems. They are in their 80's, but seemed good today. I was happily surprised how well Jean looked.

We had a tour of their chaotic flat, as there are boxes & paintings everywhere; they are still in the process of unpacking. It was a large flat with a balcony facing the lake off in the distance.

In the late afternoon Geoff & I, along with Carmel & Scott, walked down to the shops for a drink at their “local”, The Duxton Bar. It was happy hour with 2 for 1 cocktails, so Carmel & I indulged in Cosmopolitans, a first time having these for me. We ended up staying for a meal too.

Black-tongued Orchid
Lemon Caps

Tiger/Hornet Orchid

HE SAID:

Jean and Bill are a nice couple, with Jean being a crazy orchid person, like Varena. We enjoyed brunch at an almost lake-side cafe, chatting away. Our casual arvo drink turned into a few drinks plus dinner, and it was all good.