Fathers Day Delight

'Wakey, wakey,' I greeted Merv as I opened the blind in his room this morning.  It's the first day of September, the first day of Spring and Father's Day all wrapped into one!  Mel stayed over and we were waiting with presents to surprise him.  Breakfast was nothing special as the day ahead was filled with food.  Mel surprised her Dad with a 'Super Dad' mug containing three choc lollies; a football, a soccer ball and a golf ball.  Merv had asked for a torch and Mel gave him a fluorescent tiny torch attached to a larnyard.  It's very easy for Merv to use especially when he is in respite and needs to go to the toilet in the middle of the night.  I gave Merv his new techno shaver.  I had already charged it and we tried it out before our walk this morning.  Works really well!  I also bought Merv a water bottle holder with strap.  He can take his water bottle in the holder, when he goes out and does not have to worry about dropping it or having to carry it in a bag.  The strap fits snugly across his shoulder and won't fall off.  It is dark green in colour and looks very blokey!  Dustin arrived after our walk in the park as I was preparing morning tea.  I cooked Merv a new chocolate cake and served it with strawberries and cream.  Yummy.  A short drive into the Swan Valley and we arrived at Chesters Restaurant for lunch.  We ordered first and visited the cellar door to sample their wines.  The restaurant was full but we were the only wine tasters.  We not only sampled many of their wines but stayed and enjoyed a chat about a variety of topics; local and otherwise.  Lunch was scrumptious, Merv and Mel had the Barramundi,  Dustin the Lamb Shanks and myself the beautiful Tasmanian Salmon topped with bacon wrapped perfectly cooked asparagus. The salmon was perched on a delicious potato-inspired square, all light and delicious.  Dessert came next and Dustin and I shared a beautiful sticky date pudding complete with homemade ice-cream and syrup.  Ohh, it was delightful.  Merv enjoyed a lemon merinque and Mel was amazing and refused everything stating her Weight Watchers journey should not be jeopardised.   We arrived home and on the way to drop Mel off at her unit we decided the day had not finished and what could be more perfect than a visit to the Dome Café for late afternoon tea?  Merv beamed at the thought of apple pie and cream washed down with a chocolate milkshake!  Mel had the skinny choc drink along with Dustin and I stuck with coffee.  The day was soon finished and we resigned ourselves to the comfort of our lounge chairs and a well deserved rest.