Shirley's 90th

Monday, 8 July 2024

Jon’s mum’s 90^th birthday celebration was held at Ben Bullen Retreat in the Barossa valley – the event was 6 months in the planning and it totally lived up to all expectations. The accommodation was beautiful and perfectly suited to all the singles, couples and family groups who attended.  The schedule contained a mix of activities including quizzes, games, shared meals and a fancy lunch at Maggie Beers restaurant nearby.  We visited the local markets, did a park run (or walk) with almost everyone and Jon even played 9 holes of golf with his mum and brother in law, achieving his life’s golfing goal of a par on one hole.  Zali designed the commemorative t-shirt which everyone loved.   It was a really great weekend. 

Afterwards I few straight on to Melbourne for a week of work, while Zali and Jon flew home. Jon only got a moment to recover though as he was able to join me in Melbourne as he had a CSIRO event later in the week so that was a nice treat for me to have company at my accommodation – this time on the 37^th floor which made for even more amazing views all the way down the coast. We both flew home on Friday for our last weekend before heading overseas.