Heavenly Beverley : A Punch In My Face, A Shave For My Back And Other Comedy Routines...

How on earth can it possibly be Friday again? We were back in the East End Gallery as per usual yesterday and enjoyed a steady stream of guests plus another of our Famous Artists' Play Days. Loaded around the Gallery table were Phil, Jan, Greg and Michael, all gasbagging away. Lunch was consumed with gusto and not much art was actually undertaken, but a great time was had by all.

Our three days out of the Gallery were utterly consumed at a rapid rate. Monday and Wednesday were thankfully at home, but there was still plenty to do. With some warm Spring weather and then windy conditions before a change, the garden was surprisingly dry. Throw a minor volcano of dirty washing and the general house chores into the mix and those two days vanished in a puff of smoke. Last night, we contemplated, with some wry amusement, having to cover some of our tender new shoots in our potted garden as we had a frost this morning.

Tuesday was our marathon day in the Big Smoke. We started off with our six-monthly visit to the divinely delicious Doctor Daram for our full body checks. Entering his inner sanctum, I was transfixed by his gorgeousness until he cheerfully voiced those fateful words - "Down to your bra and knickers, Kate."

The only good part about showing off all my wobbly bits was that I can heave a sigh of relief for the next six months after he delivered liquid nitrogen to all my spots on my hands and arms and removed any other suspect bit through a variety of approaches. As much as I dislike local anaesthetic, there was really no choice. So, I swore loudly, clutched Michael's hand and screwed up my face as Daram performed a punch biopsy on my cheek and shaved a piece off my back for closer examination. I was left with two neat little stitches on my face, which Daram will remove next week. Michael, the lucky bastard, managed to pass with flying colours and had nothing that needed to be removed.

As we were literally across the road from Murdoch Vet Hospital, we decided to drop in and collect some of Stella's puppy power dog log, everything a growing canine scallywag needs for health. Rachel, on the dispensary, was very helpful indeed. A handy find and useful information for future expeditions.

With Gem and Adam's Steampunk Pizza Party this weekend, we paused for a few essential supplies from Hurly Burly - a costume show in the centre of Perth. A rapid fire stop saw me in and out with a pocket watch and goggles for Michael and a hat, earrings and Steampunk firearm for me. Between Jan and ourselves, we now have all clothing and accessories for a truly splendid time at Gem and Adam's pre-wedding soiree.

The more mundane shopping was left until last. Chemist, supermarket, vino and finally Hills Fresh were all visited. We set off gratefully for home, the car bulging with purchases, including a bright red gerbera for the garden.

The Dynamic Duo of Pip and Stella were delighted to welcome us home. Pip no longer resembles the sad and arthritic little dog, who inhabited his Jack Russell suit earlier in 2019. He now jumps onto the couch in a single bound, plays noisily with Stella at the drop of a hat, pinches her toys to frustrate her and runs around the house or at the oval with her. Yesterday, he leapt off our bed without hesitation, a feat he has not performed for over a year. So much for his ruptured cruciate ligament. He has no apparent discomfort, a cheeky grin from ear to ear and a rediscovered joy for life.

As for Stella, she is a blast of pure energy, of constant positivity, a beautifully natured soul who adores everybody and every day. She has pursued Happyness and grabbed it with all four paws. Toilet training has been successful and she has a plethora of sturdy rubber toys into which she can sink her teeth. Yes, she still chomps on the wrong items - our bedroom Ted has become a pirate as Stella removed one of his eyes, both sets of our thongs have been chewed and a plastic pot, with plant insitu, was too irresistible to ignore. All of these instances have occurred because we were too slack to respond to circumstances of potential puppy demolition.

Stella is now adored by all, except for Madame Ruby the cat. We have decided to change her name to CC (Cranky Cat) as she has no sense of fun and actively discourages Stella from Final Approach. Ever the optimist, Stella now believes she has a Mission from God to continue her efforts to win over the Fickle Fairweather Feline.

Not to be outdone, Red the Parrott launched himself skywards, only to seek emergency refuge on Michael's head. Red squawked loudly in protest, Stella was nonplussed and Michael was not amused. Red was sent packing and Confined to Barracks for the rest of the day.

The Steampunk Pizza Party tomorrow is just the beginning of a few weeks of socialising. Next Saturday is our Famous Sundowner, with Michael as the chief chef at the Sausage Sizzle and LIVE music from six o'clock. Earlier in the day will be sweet nibbles and beverages. Musos Lawrence Jones, Nick Childs and his fabulously fiddling Dad, Jan George and Shane Dasborough are all confirmed. Waiting with bated breath to hear back from Guy Slingerland and Luke Blanch.

The following weekend is Bronwyn's Baby Shower. As Nanny Kate, I intend to be in my element. Michael and the dogs will accompany me to the Big Smoke, helping Callum take apart the corner desk that will make its way back to Beverley with us. I'm not sure how handy Pip and Stella are, but I'll reckon they will make up for their lack of tradie knowhow with complete enthusiasm.

I must mention that the Beverley Heroic will take place the weekend of 12 - 13 October. For anybody who has ever clapped eyes on a bicycle, this annual event is a rollicking ride, even if, like me, you can't even mount a bicycle. Vintage bikes and riders, new bikes and riders, a bike show, cyclocross and some serious road races are all on the agenda, along with serious prizes such as the Most Heroic Hair.

Do yourselves a favour and join us for our Sundowner or the Beverley Heroic or performance of Road Dahl's "The Twits" at the Platform Theatre or the Beverley Rose Show, all scheduled for October. Have any thoughts on boring country towns?

Never a dull moment, in Heavenly Beverley.