A Night at the Duck

This event came together without the usual drawn out, meticulous planning. It began when Kelli and Bruce wanted to go to a "Pie Night" at the Flying Duck Hotel, Prahran. They were told it was better to come when the roast was on and that was Sunday. OK. Sunday. Bruce's parents, Con and Gina could come. Hey, why not open it up to more people?

So with two days notice the word spread to Kelli's brother Dave as well. She messaged us about it. We messaged our son Dan. When cousins Dave and Dan met they both knew they were out for that night but took a while to realise that it was going to be the same event.

On Sunday, we (P&B), with Michelle picked up Dan and Dave in the afternoon, and visited with Bec, Gord, Piper and Jasper until nightfall. From their place it was a 200 meter walk to the Duck. The picture shows us walking there. It has been pretty amazing out of all the hotels that Kelli has worked in, it is one of the closest to the Funks. But tonight Kelli was sitting with us, and we made up a long table of thirteen (counting Jasper who did not take up a seat or take a bite).

There were six roasts left in the kitchen because the midday meal session had consumed most of that. As it turned out it was not a problem with half of us at least choosing something different. For the record the food has always been good the times we have been there. And Dan must have hollow legs.

The reasons for the event were numerous. Kelli could claim her 22nd birthday (coming up). Michelle could as a special meal with all possible (and local) family members before she departs for Canada in a little over a week. Bruce could as a "meet the parents" night with our first meeting with his parents Con and Gina (future in-law-in-laws). The night was sensational whatever the reason.




There was a fun photo session before we left. This snap shows Dav, Kelli, Bec, Dan, and Michelle, cousins from three branches of the Berkeley family, Donna, Barb, and Chris. A memorable night.