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Let me tell you about tonight's photo. First of all, the more astute amongst you will notice I have posted two photograph's of the same place. There is a very good explanation for this lack of editorial logic - I'm damned if I can make up my mind which one I like!
The next thing you will probably want to know, is why did I take a photo of a pizza restaurant in the first place?
Let me take you back to Sydney Airport, December 18, 2004 - about 8:30am to be exact. That was when Mel arrived in Sydney from the U.S., little knowing that five days later I would ask her to marry me. I didn't even know so how could she!
Obviously we didn't want to do too much the first day, so we had to wait until the next day for me to take her to dinner. Unfortunately, the next day was a Sunday and the choice of venue was rather limited.Guess what - we didn't really care as long as we could be together. In any case, the main part of the evening was Mel's first open air, Carols By Candlelight concert.
Of course - it also happened to be raining.
It was not long before Mel could quite justifiably have been excused if she had said quietly to herself, "I guess we're not in Kansas anymore Toto". She ordered ice with her Coke.
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The next surprise was a mum wielding a kitchen utensil, chasing her daughter around telling her, "I'm going to spank your bottom with a spatula." Eventually the two of them disappeared out the door and up the stairs you can see in the photograph. I thought to myself, James Bond never has this trouble when he takes a woman to dinner.
To be fair though, nothing really bothered us, and the waitress was kind enough to take our first photo's together. Since that time however, I find it hard to go near the place. It's as though it is a reminder that the restaurant is still here - but Mel isn't.
Today though, I felt differently. I felt the need to take a photo. I even had the right atmosphere, as in the Plaza, a jazz band was playing "Winter Wonderland". Yes - today was the last day of autumn - tomorrow sees the official start of our winter.
Mind you, it still felt odd to hear it in May!
Wherever you may be - be safe