More about Fernwood

As I have said earlier, Fernwood gym at Broadway doesn't provide creche facilities. Some may defend this as a purely economic decision, based on a narrow analysis of cost benefit. However, I am certain that the most successful businesses take financial risks and/or make customer service choices based on a broader analysis of their market. In this case, we have an enormous franchise operation started by a stay-at-home mum, Diana Williams, who found a market gap for women like herself who were uncomfortable in the standard gym culture. Given this context, offering creche facility should be a branding requirement. The good news is that a new Fernwood has opened recently at Rosebury with a creche.

Baby Bounce at Duck and Swan

On Friday afternoon I joined a group of foxy local mums and their various offspring for a beer and a chat at the Duck and Swan. The initiative was inspired by Jenny, who observed that many of us with pre-school aged kids take advantage of the fabulous creche facilities at Victoria Park pool. This was a chance to get together away from the distractions of the toddlers pool. We lasted about an hour and a half before things went pear-shaped and we scattered. Jenny reports that her 3 year old, Sofia, locked her out of the house for ten excruciating minutes. We blame the sugary orange juice for the deterioration in behaviour.

Anyhow, it was yet more evidence of the "baby bounce" happening — as we adults were well and truly outnumbered. Also, that there is enormous diversity among the families living in this community. We expect to repeat the experience soon and I will post a note beforehand in case any other mums feel like joining us.

Thanks to the Duck and Swan kitchen for providing French fries and spring rolls for the kids.

Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day

Sunday was Fair Day, the annual festival in which the gay community subsides countless essential City of Sydney services through their parking fines.

It seemed like a nice atmosphere, though it would have been much more pleasant if it wasn't so hot. While I think of it, that's a real problem with Victoria Park. It needs more tree cover, or events like Fair Day need to start after the sun passes its peak.

Our 3yo picked up a "show bag" from the Broadway Gym stand. Mostly just brochures, but also a glove (now a balloon), three chocolate flavoured condoms (also now ballons) and a sache of chocolate flavoured body-building drink (not recommended for those under 15, so we replaced it with regular chocolate milk through slight of hand).

And of course the highlight hands-down was the dodgem cars. Always a winner.

Film set in Kent Brewery

It looks like there's a film set in the Kent Brewery site, just near the Abercrombie Hotel. Anyone know what's going on?

Delicious And Responsible Eating (DARE)

I couldn't believe it. DARE cafe in The Rocks actually serves its eat-in meals in takeaway containers. You've got to laugh.

The Duck & Swan Hotel

The Duck & Swan doesn't have a website, so I'm linking to this Wikipedia article instead. After all, they've instantly become my definition of the "public house".

Nice atmosphere. Footy tipping. Bar food. Kid-friendly beer garden.

Can't understand why I didn't get there earlier. Guaranteed to make the trip regularly for now on.

My tip: go for the seafood grill for two while the special lasts.

The Chippendale Support Network

Well, first things first, thanks very much to Susan and Steven for inviting me to their blog. I take it as an honour and hope to contribute as best I can and proffer the occasional insight in regards to my Life in Chippendale.

My name is Mikey and I have lived in the fine suburb of Chippendale for nearly 7 years now. It started out as a place I had hardly heard of when I decided to move into a share house on Cleveland St from somewhere in the outskirts of Sydney . Immediatly I was introduced to the community via the goings on of the local pub, the Duck & Swan hotel, and before you knew it; I was doing my shopping at Broadway, popping off to Newtown for a wander, and doing my laundry for the first time at the corner store.

Welcome to Chippendale.

As far as the content of my first blog goes, I need to set the scene a little...

Last year, my partner of 6 years, Cherie, got sent off to hospital for bad case of endocarditis (heart infection) due to a trip to the dentist a couple of months prior. Poor Cherie has a pre-existing condition in her heart valves and as such is at increased risk from such matters. It was good to get an actual reason as to why she was feeling so tired all the time and had a loss of appetite during the past few months (and a few other symptoms I cannot recall off the top of my head). She was stuck in RPA for a month getting a course of anti-biotics until the bacteria was well and truly treated. It was a rough time but we made it through as you have to.

(here is where things get a little heavy)

Fast-forward to last night and a couple of check ups later. It turns out that due to the infection, Cherie's heart is expanding and therefore is in need of two artificial valves in her heart to make it stop. The open heart surgery is yet to be scheduled but it will need to be done sooner rather than later. It has to be said, we are both still getting over the shock of it a little bit and trying to get our heads around the situation.

What has this got to do with Life in Chippendale?

It's always good to share your problems with other people in my opinion, to lighten the load on yourself, and to make you feel better knowing you have a network of friends and family ready to understand you and to give support. I am greatful to live in a community that I can relate these issues to and help talk about these problems to, people who offer sympathy whilst we deal with these things that try us in one way or another.

Oh, I forgot to mention. Today is my birthday. Happy birthday to me. Cherie gave me my birthday present a day early, something she organised a couple of months ago. It's a gorgeous rose and silver gold ring with an enscription on it. It is in latin and reads AMOR VINCIT OM. Roughly translated, it means Love conquers all.

Just keep walking

Alan, 91, is walking every street of Sydney. Check it out.