TA: The Christmas/New Year period is a pressure time for everyone but one of our old mates, popular Terang Hotel barman Johnny Lee, has been under enormous stress.
AT: You would not think pulling beers at the Terang Hotel for Bernie Kenna would be too tough on the intestinal fortitude.
TA: No problems with the distribution of beverages. I think the pressure comes higher up the food chain: Johnny's Minister for Domestic Duties. Apparently, Johnny was given strict instructions to lay pavers at their Peterborough holiday haven. Johnny obeyed the instructions but then took things into his own hands.
AT: Johnny should know making decisions by yourself when dealing with the minister is not the smartest thing to do. Always best to seek expert advice.
TA: Good point. Liz told Johnny the pavers needed to be laid before guests arrive for the holiday break. He will tell you that he worked long and hard to lay the pavers but on finishing, Liz arrived on the scene and informed him that the colour of the pavers lacked consistency and they were laid unevenly and not straight.
AT: Johnny, Johnny, always ask. Initiative is nothing something that any minister will condone.
TA: Like any good-natured bloke he tried to rectify the problem. Laid the pavers again, made sure the colour was right and the pavers were all even and straight.
AT: Any other celebrations on the go?
TA: Former Warrnambool City Council mayor Frank McCarthy turns 81 today. Frank loves Warrnambool. He believes one of the things wrong at city hall is a lack of experience sitting around the decision table. I reckon he could be right. Another bit of good news relates to Margaret Daffy, wife of another former mayor, Jack Daffy.
AT: Margaret has been on the sick list for three months, how is she going?
TA: She's doing a great job with the help of her family. Great to hear that she was allowed home to spend Christmas with family.
AT: Had to go off and help mate Mark Shanley on Thursday afternoon take in some anaesthetic before he went off with his mum Theresa to attend the Christmas church service. Always willing to help out a mate and I was very pleased Shans chipped in to assist his close friend Rob Rutter and got Rutter some golf lessons for Christmas.
TA: Heard your old mate Alex Sinnott did a super job of hosting the Yambuk Carols by Candlelight event.
AT: Alex is only using The Standard as a stepping stage to bigger things. He's got the perfect head for radio and his booming voice is a unique weapon.
TA: Any truth to the rumour that one of Warrnambool's favourite watering holes might include sleeping accommodation for people after Christmas parties?
AT: Not sure where you are going here. What have you heard?
TA: I only heard a couple of key words on the street about someone's behaviour. The words were free drink, unusual sleeping arrangements and dog house. Can you throw any light on those words?
AT: Very rarely does it happen Tim but you might be on the money. Been on my best behaviour for a week now, but be warned the wheels will fall completely off with the Woodford races on tomorrow in Warrnambool. Already got my pillow set up on the back couch. Woodford has become one of the racing highlights of the year at the Warrnambool racecourse. It's a great family day so I expect the Bride to look after the kids while I enjoy the company of a few mates and some refreshing frothies.
TA: I'll be going to the Moyneyana Festival in Port Fairy for New Year's Eve. Where will you be seeing in 2010?
AT: I'll be at home with a few close friends Tim - that doesn't include you after your pot shot at me in the paper during the week .
TA: Get over it. Take a teaspoon of cement and harden up. Great to see Brisbane Lions star Jonathan Brown back in Warrnambool for a few days over the holiday break with his wife Kylie and baby daughter Olivia. Brownie looks super fit and is hoping for a big 2010.
AT: On the footy front, the whisper is that former Essendon player Courtney Johns is playing with Mal Michael at Heywood.
TA: Terang Mortlake might lose a couple of its good players in Nick Couch (Melbourne or VFL) and Xavier Moloney (Mildura district). Former South Warrnambool player Scott Maddern is back at Roosterland after a stint in Queensland.
AT: Gun full-forward Frankie Matthews has committed to stay with South Rovers and could even cut his overseas trip short if Rovers look like making the finals. Until next week, hooroo.
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