Will Rain Wash Out the Game?

At the time CJ leaves for the Oval, it is raining hard. Nonetheless the optimist is off. Shortly after arriving at the Bodyline Bar, he realizes that if the game isn't played, at least the draining of the field will be entertaining.

When the tarp is pulled off the pitch in a way to drain the water, it leaves a pond that is visible between the pitch and the tarp. Adelaide Oval is renown for its drainage. Four groundskeepers with huge push drums walk back and forth through the pond forcing the water into the ground and toward whatever drainage system lies beneath the Oval. Enough passes and the water disappears.

As the tarp is rolled up, the teams take the field for warm-ups.

The final phase is a roll of the wicket, gas-powered blowers, and two ATV's pulling a rope to distribute water for drainage. 

CJ is saving two seats for Meredith. Carol is texting to get her status. She decided to blow it off and have dinner with her daughter until Carol told her the field was getting in shape and they planned to play. She's dining within a few blocks and is soon seated with CJ.

In cricket, games get shortened when there is a rain delay. Tonight we are playing 14 overs instead of 20. 

CJ gets a text message. Nick asks if there are seats in the Bodyline. CJ saves him two places and shortly after Nick and girlfriend arrive. Who is Nick? One of CJ's friends through Louis; one of the drinking group, one of the fellows in the beer tasting group.

Strikers with The Regulars

We are off to the cricket. Because of COVID, the Tour Down Under, the opening race of the professional international cycling year has been cancelled. It has been replaced with the domestic Festival of Cycling. The huge blow-up bike in Victoria Square is part of the festival.

Hail, hail, the gangs all here. It has been an interesting year in the Bodyline. There is a group of us regulars who are hear for every match. At some matches, CJ is asked where Carol is, particularly if he is alone. On this evening CJ was a bit late getting in and takes seats in the third (upper row).

Our regulars group consists of the three guys beyond CJ. They two guys in the Strikers shirts always arrive together, the fellow beyond them is usually first in line with CJ.

Meredith, another regular we met years ago, has brought a new friend this time.

The match between the Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Stars is on.

This is one of this evening's bartender. She has been a gem. How good has she been? They do not tip in Australia. We gave her a tip.

Our Front Patio

 The front of Tomsey Street has an imposing three story view.

The front courtyard is now decorated in succulents, potted plants and planted trees.

Crash Test DUMMY

 Who is getting a reputation for Trek bikes Crash Test Dummy.

He saw a road sign stated bike path. Maybe it had a cross through it. In any event while his eyes were watching his bike tire slide down into the tram track, his brain was telling him the shit was about to his the fan. A second later he and the bike were introducing themselves to the pavement of Glenelg's main street.

Belgium Beer Bar and a Movie

Do we go to the movie as an excuse to go to the Belgium Beer Bar or the bar as an excuse to go to the movie? Does it matter? 

It is a warm day outdoors and the water mist coolers are bringing relief to those sitting outdoors.

Leffe Bruin and a fine platter of their version of fish and chips. For a place previously dishing up mediocre fare, this was a fine dinner.

Following dinner we walk the short block to the theater and view Promising Young Woman.

Ballaboosta

It has been far too long since we have walked the three short blocks to Ballaboosta for dinner. When the spirit moved CJ, Carol was forced to let her move her also. Besides, she did not have to make dinner. 

Wine service her has always been slow for some reason. We know how to beat the system. They have five reds on the wine list. We order a glass of four of them at once. The waitress is impressed. One is an interesting Cinsault made by a place we don't know called Brash Higgins in McLaren Vale. We will need to look it up on our next visit.

The food is good, the bread better.

More Bonython Pond

 Today there are powerboats in addition to the sailboats.

One fellow begins with a model of a ski boat. Much more fun to watch is his model jet ski. It looks and acts like a real jet ski.

Year of the Ox - Chinese New Year Street Party

 

Thankfully the heat has broken and temps have retreated from the nineties into the low eighties. Chinatown is adjacent, and a part of, the Adelaide Central Market. Today Gouger Street is blocked off for this event.

Tents and booths line the street. A stage with seating under a large tent sits at the other end of the street.

We need a refreshing drink and come across a place advertising sugarcane juice and a drinking coconut.

This machine takes in cane stocks, sometimes two at a time, and spits out cane stock debris from the opposite end and sugar cane juice into that pitcher next to the machine.

A raw coconut with two straws and a glass of sugar cane juice should refresh us.

Farther down the street we find this place. We wonder what they are making. People are walking away with what looks like five rolls of bread or crepes.

It is ice cream! They have a cookies and cream version, a green matcha green tea, and a durian, an Australian fruit we first saw in Queensland. Below is CJ's durian creation. It is simply delicious.

What would Chinese New Year be without a dragon?

This booth served up grilled lamb and squid. $2 for the lamb and $2 for a squid skewer. Both delicious.

Return to Little Bang

It is a Sunday morning and Louis calls and invites CJ to brunch and a drink. After enjoying an excellent brunch just south of the CBD, we move on to Little Bang for a couple of brews. It is a favorite of both Louis and CJ. In this picture, Louis is purchasing four packs to go.

Last Sunday when CJ visited the place was incredibly busy and seats were at a premium. Today we have our choice of seats; anywhere.

CJ Out and About Town

Carol decided she did not want to go to the cricket with CJ. Instead she got him a date. Here he is with Meredith, the date Carol arranged. They have color coordinated for their date.

One Sunday afternoon and while we still have the rental car, he passes by his favorite local brewery. They make a line of "sour" brews. As much as the two of profess to dislike this form of beer, Little Bang makes three we find refreshing for summer.

CJ returns with three versions of the "sour" style of brew. One is a watermelon that doesn't taste much of watermelon, one is a very good guava, and the other is a very good hibiscus.