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Welcome to a new Probus Year of Fun, Friendship and Fellowship

2020

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Taken from quote on Pinterest

                DONVALE CENTRAL PROBUS CLUB

                            Annual January Picnic (in lieu of a January meeting)

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On January 15th a group of Probus members gathered together at Ruffey Lake Park for our annual January barbecue.  The weather was extremely hot and humid but that certainly did not stop the fun and chatter that is always part of our Probus gatherings. 

Come along and join us at the next barbecue on February 12th.

CROWN CASINO LUNCH

      Year of the Rat

Just when we thought our 'post Christmas' diet and exercise routine was beginning to take effect, what do we do?  Well, go and indulge again.  34 friendly folk all turned up on time at the casino.  This was despite one of our members, totalling forgetting that she had promised to accompany another member enroute.  However, we had two 'ringins' who were warmly welcomed to our happy group.  Despite an extra $2 added to our cost (obviously Crown's shares are down this year) we all enjoyed our never ending buffet.  We had one member (nameless) who turned up, unpaid and not listed which confused the finances no end .... please confer with the Club's Treasurer.  It was noted that the Club's President was still checking out the dessert bar, especially the strawberry topped one with a glass of red in hand well after we had all finished.  I think he just wanted to make sure he had had good value for his money. Well all that is to do now is to check out that diet and fitness routine ...again... as always good catching up with friends and having a good natter.

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Susan

This is what I call good food !!!!

What's for dinner tonight?

Doing time at - HER MAJESTY'S - Service

Monday 10th February and 23 DCPC members thoroughly enjoyed "doing time" at HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE exploring the history and workings including numerous stairs, rooms and stage facilities, 1,700 new seats, paintings and plaques etc.etc of this grand old lady.  Built in the 1880's, rebuilt internally following the 1927 fire (Art Deco) and refurbished by MIKE WALSH since his ownership in 1999.  Her Majesty's stands as one of Melbourne's outstanding "live theatre" venues.

The day started with our host  Mary Murphy providing a short history followed by a beautiful short film on the history of the theatre and bygone productions featuring Mike Walsh interviewing past performers and production personal.

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After negotiating many steps, we found our way into the 1,700 seat theatre itself. Continuing through narrow passages and more steps we explored many small rooms all with a particular purpose such as dressing rooms, makeup rooms, costume departments and everything else that serves to bring a production to the stage

Then onto the STAGE itself for an excellent account of the processes and workings of the stage equipment/props etc provided by the Resident Stage Manager - interesting stuff!!!  We then found our way down to the Orchestra Pit ( where Margaret and Grahme's son Stuart has spent much time).

A photo of a recently assembled group on stage who auditioned for the proposed new show called "Young at Heart" (which fortunately failed to get funding) is included in this report - look closely you may find someone you know!!!

"The Group who auditioned for the new show "Young at Heart"

Onwards then to the wall of signatures of members of past shows/productions started by Marcel Marceau post 2000 - winding our way back for lunch.  A lunch comprising lovely sandwiches, plus scones with jam and cream, tea and coffee and a free raffle culminating with Trish winning a beautiful hard cover book on the "History of Pantomine in Australia".  GUESS WHO DREW OUT THE WINNING TICKET!!!!

Many thanks to LYN. for arranging such an interesting tour for us all - A GREAT DAY

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Brian

March Barbecue - Ruffey Lake Park

A perfect night for a barbecue with Probus friends. A huge thank you to Jack and Lucy.

Thank you also to our visitors who helped to make this a great evening.

Crazy Whist:

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We had a good tune-up of 20 players for our Crazy Whist game on Thursday evening and as usual there was plenty of lively chattering and laughter.  The results were close for both the biggest winner and the biggest loser, but Cynthia was delighted to just pip Jeanette to the winning post and Margaret came in a worthy Tail Ender. 

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We look forward to more fun and brain teasing next month.

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Jan

Sue's Walk Report:

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Here we are almost into March, with Easter and School holidays coming up.  It will be "Christmas in July" before we know it!  We have had two walks so far, the first one had 7 members and 1 visitor walk around Eltham Park area, stopping along the way for our "cuppa" at the "Second Home Cafe".  Wth all the strange weather we have had over the summer, the morning wasn't too bad but think we were all pleased to get back to the cars.

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Our second one was on Thursday 25th February, where 9 members walked around Koomba Park, having our "cuppa" halfway at "Java Script" cafe at the Vermont Private Hospital.  Three of us did this walk late November, and the amount of undergrowth that has developed since then was amazing - almost like walking through jungle in parts. They certainly need to get the maintenance men to do some cutting back, as it is a pretty area with wild flowers and lots of bird life.  Once again, quite humid weather but we made it.

Our next walk is on during  the Happy Campers week, so hope to see a few of you join in who are not away.

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Sue's Coffee thought for the day:  "Beautiful smiles appear with good coffee."

And for our tea lovers: "There is a great deal of poetry and the sentiment in a chest of tea."

Now for the cake lovers:  "My policy on cake is pro having it and pro eating it."

Breakfast at Melissa's:

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We had 23 members attend a breakfast at Melissa's today ( Feb 26th).  They gave us very thoughtful, efficient service and enjoyable food.  What more could you ask for of any restaurant !!

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Lauris

                              Web page - Zomato

Sue's Walk Report:

While our happy campers were enjoying their stay down at Phillip Island, we had 4 ladies enjoy a lovely walk around the Mullum Mullum creek in Donvale.  The weather was perfect, home before the heat, enjoying a quiet cuppa at the Stadium Cafe.  We were the only ones.  The area is quite overgrown in parts, but we did see the grass cutter tractor on the other side of the creek.

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Our next walk is Jells Park, having our "cuppa" at Madeline's Cafe in the park.  A bit of small change would be handy as they won't split the bill.  Hope to see a few of you join in.

Sue's Coffee and Tea thought for the day:

"Tea has the afternoon, but the morning belongs to Coffee."

Now for the cake lovers:  

"Crumbs are the best compliment".

Sue's Non-Walk Report:

Well, today, being 24th March, our walking group should have been having a lovely walk around Jells Park, but of course that didn't happen.  So, I have nothing to report!  I will attach some photos of Jells Park Lake that I took a few weeks ago while refreshing my memory of the walk.  Today would have been a superb day weatherise for it too. 

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While we are not walking or doing any of our activities I thought I should still put in some non reports for our web page, just to keep in touch with you lovely folk.  I wish you all well, and stay healthy.  We will have to come up with entertaining ideas to keep ourselves occupied.  Today I brought out some colouring books and pencils from when that was a fad, so, this afternoon I had a peaceful hour or so colouring in.  I'm sure our Craft ladies will have some magnificent items to show us later in the year.

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Sue's Coffee thought for the day: (If you can get one!!)  "I like coffee because it gives me the illusion that I might be awake."

And for our tea lovers: "Keep calm and have a cup of tea."

Now for the cake lovers: "Let's face it, a nice creamy chocolate cake does a lot for a lot of people: It does for me."

(Maybe not too much cake while we are not able to exercise so much!!!)

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Till next time, cheers from Sue.

Fun and Fellowship at Phillip Island

What a lucky group of campers we turned out to be!! We had a wonderful 5 day holiday on Phillip Island, from Tuesday 10th March to Saturday 14th, in lovely Autumn weather and with a variety of activities to keep us all interested.  52 Happy Campers joined in the festivities, including Ros and Jeff's daughter, kim, Pete and Jan (friends of Rick and Wanda), Rod and Robin Jones, who are to be our next inductees, and a couple of first time campers.  We were pleased to welcome you all, and under new circumstances which hit us the following week, so pleased that our trip was able to go ahead without any disruptions.

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After settling in on Tuesday to our beachfront caravan park, several of us took advantge of the solar heated pool for some swimming and impromptu water aerobics, led by Sandra.

Later we met for drinks and nibbles at Happy Hour in the large recreation room, which was made available for our exclusive use during the week.  Some of our members had to travel a short distance to the caravan park as not everyone was accommodated in the park, but that seemed to present no problems. The next event was dinner, made yp of delicious casseroles and desserts, all carefully prepared and presented to all involved.

The following morning we all gathered at the San Remo foreshore to await our twin hulled boat which took us for an hour-long cruise to Cape Woolamai and back.  From the water we could see the interesting rock formations, including the granite Pinnacles and the remains of the old quarry where granite was mined.  The Beacon, on the point, is the highest elevation on Phillip Island.  The birds and seals kept us entertained, but unfortunately the dolphins kept away on that day.  Although it was a very clam day with very little wind, the water still gets quite choppy out near the point, and a swell which was a little unpleasant for some.  Following our cruise, we watched the pelicans being fed fish offcuts from the Fisherman's Co-op, where we enjoyed our fish and chips.

That afternoon we visited the Vietnam Veterans War Museum on the island, where we were given guided tours by two very informative vounteer guides.  A highlight was the holographic Light and Sound Show.  Even though most of us were affected in some way by the Vietnam War, there was so much more to learn at this outstanding exhibition.  Geoff S. was so mpressed he went back the following morning to see and read more.

Our pelican friends at San Remo

Panny's Amazing World of Chocolate, which we visited on Thursday, was a delicious place to behold. Most of the ehibits were made of chocolate, inluding a sculpture of David (no not Beckham), and a model train village (all but the trains were made of chocolate). There was a games alley where accurate shots enabled you to win chocolate balls. Sandra won 4. All the activities and exhibits were of a very high standard and entertaining for adults and children alike.

The afternoon wa spent on Churchill Island, within Phillip Island, which lies just over a small bridge.  There is a lovely historic homestead and farm to explore.  Farming began there in the 1850's and we were able to see demonstrations of old farm techniques such as sheep shearing, hand milking of cows, sheep dog and whip cracking demos as well as just taking in the beauty of the surroundings.

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On Friday we went to the Nobbies centre to see the new Antarctic Journey attraction.  This is described as a virtual journey into the Southern Ocean and Antartica and it certainly didn't disappoint us.  There were plenty of buttons to press, spectacular films to see and cartoon Antarctica creatures to interact with and keep us all happy.  The ocean views from the nobbies were made more dramatic by the cold, windy conditions.  While 4 golfers headed to the Phillip island Golf Course for a round, others enjoyed a quieter afternoon of holiday entertainment.

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Our final dinner was held at Rusty Water Brewery, where we made the usual amount of Probus noise and chatter we engaged in Fun, Friendship and Fellowship at Phillip Island.

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Saturday morning saw most members breaking camp while some had elected to stay on for a day or 2 (or maybe more).  Overall, it was a very successful robus event, becoming more popular each year.

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Jan and Ralph

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Sue's Non - Walk Report:

Yesterday 9th April our walkers would have been meeting at Antonia Park Mitcham heading towards Mullum Mullum Creek Trail for what would have veen a very pretty walk on a lovely sunny morning.  So, I will put this on my file to keep ready for when we are allowed out together, soon I hope.

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So, while we are not walking or doing our activities I thought I would meander down Memory Lane and reminisce about some of our walks over the years.  While our club was young, small and learning, David anf Pat Taylor organised our first three or four walks.  I was then asked if I would like to be the walk convenor.  What !!! I used to go for a walk in the local area with a couple of neighbours, so, leading a group was all new to me but I have learned a lot and enjoyed every minute.  The first walk I organised was 5th September, 2006, at Ruffey Lake park, and my first walkers were Emmie, Jan A. and myself, with 6 apologies.  Since then we have walked around a few lakes, Blackburn, Ringwood, Mullum Mullum, Diamond, dandenong, Scotchmans, Tarralla and Koonung Creek.  We have followed along the Yarra Trails and beside the Plenty River.  How lucky are we to have all this more or less in our backyards.  We have been over bridges, under bridges, over and under Freeways.  We have seen kangaroos, lots of birdlife including water birds in the wetlands, cattle, horses and one time a lovely greeting from a donkey.  But, luckily, we have never experienced a snake!

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And, of course a most important part of the whole morning has been the Cafes, places called "CoffeeOffCourse", "Stream",

"Second Home", "Z", "Bingo & Mooch", "The Daily Dose", "Aunt Billies" & "Stir it Up", just to name a few>

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As the Tea & Coffee's are hard to find, no sayings today, but just a thought about the seagulls.  No Footy, no Cricket, no Rugby, not allowed to go to the beach.  I think the Seagulls are becoming the forgotten members of our society; where oh where are they going to get their next feed of fish and chips !!!.

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I hope everyone is staying well and that it wont be too long before we are all enjoying each other's company.

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Till next time,  cheers from Sue.

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Sue's Non - Walk Report - April

from Tripadvisor

So, on Tuesday 28th April, we would love to have been walking along the Plenty River Trail from Montmorency to Heidelberg and, what a lovely walk it would have been.

The weather was perfect and this is a very pretty area. It was to be a short drive from the car park to have our "cuppa" at Petty's Cafe. This is another walk I have tucked away for when we finally are allowed out!!

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How are we going with the housework, tidying up and decluttering ladies?? And, dare I say, how are the fellows going with the gardening, painting and renovating!!!  I've decided it will still all be there next week so have put it off until then. I"m finding the worst part of this isolation thing is missing the grandkids and I'm sure you are all feeling the same.  Another big gap in my life is NO FOOTY, and I had pencilled in North Melbourne to win the Premiership this year'

They say inspiration starts with a full tummy, and there is lots of that going on, sometimes too full.  There seems to be lots of time for coffee and cake, tea and biscuits, plus the occasional chocolate.

So, Coffee thoight for the day: "Even bad coffee is better than no coffee at all".

And for our tea lovers: "One sip of this will bathe the drooping spirits in delight, beyond the bliss of dreams".

Now for our cake lovers: "You can't buy happiness - but you can buy cupcakes, and that's the same kind of thing."

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I hope that you are all keeping well, staying entertined and I'm looking forward to us all geting back to our "Fun, Friendship and Fellowship." In the meantime, my hairdresser is not working, so silly me, I am being faithful to him, hence, I haven't been near a hairdresser for 11 weeks.  This is definitely not a good look, so far quarter grey, three quarter brown, but I am working very hard on the grey section, waiting for it to join up to the brown so, when you see me next time, hopefully, I'll be one colour - GREY.

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Till next time, cheers from Sue (your non-walks coordinator)

Sue's Non- Walk Report - May:

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OMG, I have just realised that I have missed a non-walk from last Thursday, 14th May.  I was so busy fluffing around between the bedroom, kitchen and lounge, that it completely slipped my mind. I'm so sorry non-walkers!! 

On checking back, we had a beautiful day for our non-walk from Edendale Farm towards Diamond Creek, where, on return, we would have enjoyed our "cuppa" at the Kiosk in the farm (which is closed just now). Here is another lovely walk tucked away waiting for our coming out of the COVID lockdowns.

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As of last Thursday, our restrictions were slightly lifted and we were allowed to visit family and see grandkids again.  So far, I have caught up with the Mill Park lot, and the Rosebud bunch. Melton still awaits.  My 6 year old grandson at Rosebud noticed the grey stripe down the middle of my head. I suggested to him that, like Pa, I've decided to let it go completely grey.  He didn't think that was a good idea as I would look like an "Old Nana"!!  Kids, they have a way don't they!!

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I thought I'd give my hairdresser a call the other day, after all, one can only be faithful for so long.

'Oh ,hi Sue, yes I've been back for a couple of weeks". Thank you very much Steve! Now the grey is out of control, I'm just going to go with it, so just a haircut coming up next week.

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                    From Website

There has been a lot of cake and coffee going on at our place, oh, and yes cream with cake.  So, my thought for the day is not of, tea and cake but 'WALKING':

"A morning walk gives the body a chance to forgive the trials and tribulations of yesterday, to shed its rubbish and mental clutter."

And, just for a bit of fun: The advantage of exercising every day is so when you die, they'll say 
"Well, he looks good doesn't he!"

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Our next non-walk will be 26th May, the Blind Creek trail, Wantirna South.  I'm looking forward to it, hope you are too.  Stay well, stay safe and hope to see you all again soon. Till next time.

Sue

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Sue's Non - Walk Report - May 26th:

We had another crisp but lovely morning for our non-walk on Tuesday 26th May.  We would have been walking along the pretty Blind Creek trail behind Knox Shopping Centre, making our way toward the hills.  Then we would have enjoyed our "cuppa" break at either "Coffee on Sherwood" (that one has an Adult Shop!!! across the road - of course we have never been in there) or "Hey Mikey Expresso".  I know of two Cafe's that we have been to that have been closed permanently due to the Virus, so when we finally get back to our 'real walking', I'll have to do some follow ups on the Cafes.  A bit sad really isn't it to see small businesses going under.

From Web - Inspirock

It is nice that the restrictions are easing up now, and we can see family and friends, albeit only 5 at a time.  But, we are getting there.  Last report I mentioned was going through this grey hair thing.  Well, my hairdresser is back, and I have been JUST for a cut, so there is plenty of grey showing now.  I thought I had convinced myself this was the way to go, but I'm really struggling with the concept. "To grey or not to grey?  That is the question."

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Not sure if I need any more coffee and cake but here we go:  My coffee thought for the day is: "Once you wake up and smell the coffee, it's hard to go back to sleep." And for our tea lovers: "Tea is wealth itself, because there is nothing that cannot be lost, no problem that will not disappear, no burden that will not float away, between the first sip and the last'.

OK, here is the cake one: "A cupcake a day keeps the frowns away."

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After all that we better have a walking one: "Walking gets the feet moving, the blood moving, the mind moving. And movement is life.

We have now run out of what would have been our official listed walks, so next time we will just have to wing it!!  See you then.  Stay well, stay safe and hope to see you all again soon, till next time, cheers from Sue (your non-walks coordinator)

Non- Walkers Report - The Last One

I'm a week behind with this one, but Thursday 11th June was a crisp and sunny morning for our LAST NON-WALK. As I hadn't got that far in my planning I thought we'd wing it and it would have been a great morning for a walk alongside the Yarra in Warrandyte. Some of the Cafe's have opened up for limited numbers, and we could have enjoyed our "cuppa" at "Riverview Cafe". As you have probably all read in the last newsletter, the reason this is my last non-walks report, thanks to the Committee and scrambly organisation on my part, (still not sure I'm ready to get dressed in time to leave the house before noon) our walks are about to start up again.

       Walking Track - Warrandyte

I have gone with those we have "done" on some of our non-walks, so our walkers will know what to expect on these walks.  A few coffee shops are letting us in, still with many restrictions on numbers for seating, some are still doing take away only, but it is a start. I am going with our normal days being the 4th Tuesday and 2nd Thursday, except I have changed the day for our first one next week from the Tuesday to Thursday due to other commitments.  As mentioned in the Newsletter, please contact me via email, phone or SMS so let me know if you are able to join in, just for the numbers and so we can keep DAN happy.  Look forward to seeing you there next week at Jell's Park.  At the moment Madeline's Cafe is take-away only.

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A few 'Aunt Betty's puddings have been enjoyed here, but I have never paid attention to the labels on the boxes.  Apparently Aunt Betty was a gem and her enthusiasm and wit were legendary - and her puddings were loved by the whole family.  So the tradition continues with the company.  She said "Happiness is always having the next snack prepared" and "Sometimes no matter what the question is, a snack is the answer".  Thanks "Aunt Betty".  Often washed down with a cup of Bushells with lovely sayings on the tags like "There's no better time to talk than now" or "A simple 'How are you?' goes a long way".

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I look forward to catching up with some of you at Jell'sPark on the 25th June, till then, stay well, stay safe,

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Cheers from Sue

Sue's Walk Report:

                                                                        Welcome back walkers!!!!

   ALOWYN

  GARDENS

We had 19 for our first official "back to the walks" on Thursday 25th June.  Our last walk before lockdown was 12th March, so it was good to see everyone and I think we all enjoyed catching up and chatting as well as walking.  It was chilly but turned out a pleasant morning for our lovely walk around Jells Park.  We did have a few "moments" with finding the car park area, making sure the car was locked, staying out of the mud and as we can officially now only have 10 outdoors keeping our distance, but I think we managed admirably.  We had our take away 'cuppas' at the kiosk at Madeline's Cafe, where a few outdoor seats were available. All in all, I think we had a very enjoyable morning.

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            ALOWYN

           GARDENS

Our next walk is Mullum Mullum Trail from Schwerkolt Cottage in Mitcham on 9th July.  When I last checked, we could have our "cuppas" inside the Cafe at Ringwood Square.  I will follow up on this, but maybe take a thermos and chair to have in the park, just in case.  The COVID rules seem to be changing as we go.

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"Aunt Betty" was good value for my last report, so here are another couple of her gems.

"Chocolate .... the therapy you don't need an appointment for" and "If you are what you eat, why not be very sweet". 

Washed down with a coffee "A morning without coffee is like sleep."

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I look forward to seeing you on our next walk, till then, stay well, stay safe.

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Cheers from Sue

Don't forgot to exercise daily

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Fun, Friendship and Fellowship

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