241. Fleecing the teacher as we rumble through the red dust.

Bus rumbles along

Through hours of red dusty landscape.

One diversion, cards,

More engaging when

Playing for money.

Mr Ellem joins in.*

Pontoon, for cash.

Coins on a makeshift table

In the aisle of a bumpy bus

We play for hours.

Mr Ellem loses heavily

Schoolkids win,

My winnings … big – about $9.

Note:

* I am pretty sure this game took place along the Stuart Highway as we headed towards Alice Springs. The map below gives you a rough idea of our itinerary.

A, N=Penrith; B=Mt Isa; C= Camooweal; D=Three Ways; E=Katherine; F=Darwin; G=Alice Springs; H=Uluru (then known as Ayers Rock); I=Coober Pedy; J=Port Augusta; K=Adelaide; L=Mildura; M=Canberra

 

 

 

Read Full Post »

206. Melbourne Cup plunge …

Everyone is in action

For the Melbourne Cup.

The favourite is

My first bet in The Cup.

Previous years – sweep tickets only,

Random selection.

Drawn from a hat.

This year – it’s my choice.

But he’s scratched an hour before the race.

Big Philou – nobbled!

For me … message repeated, but unheeded.

Read Full Post »

205. When something’s not right … it’s wrong

Regular trot nights,

A punt with Nana or Uncle Frank

There’s gotta be a way to beat the odds.

A system!

Try greyhounds – easier calculations

8 starters maximum.

Hours spent at night in bed

Listening to race calls

Tabulating results, working on systems

Evaluating them.

All fail.

Something’s not right.

 

Read Full Post »

168. Between extremes there could be a lesson to learn …

Thursday night, trots,

Poppy’s visiting

But no roof tonight –

We’re all going.

Mum places my bet

Quinella.

“Strands fly back, they’re off!”

Two laps later

“I’ve won!”

Ecstasy.

It pays $20.

Mum returns from collecting.

“Sorry, I had the wrong numbers!”

Agony.

Between ecstasy & agony: A worthy lesson.

And I missed it!

Read Full Post »

155. A little brother intent on getting a drink and having a gamble!!

Menu & prices cater

To families.

Comfortable, affordable meal.

A little bit “posh”, mmmm!

The club bistro at Panthers*.

Snack Bar Decor, Murals circa 1967. Love the “Chicken Dinners” mural. Phil’s demand was a bit later than this.

Most tables occupied – plenty of patrons.

Phil** – 6 or 7  – brazen, mischievous.

Announces loudly:

“Hey Rodge! I want a beer
and a go at the pokies!
Your the boss, aren’t you?”

Heads turn.

Crack up!

Note:

* At this stage the name hadn’t changed … it was still Penrith Rugby League Club.

** Youngest brother Phillip aka The Fat Man.

Read Full Post »

119. A new game to play …

Nana offers me a pick.

She loves a little play on the horses.

I scour over names,

Fascinating, colourful.

“Nana, I pick this one.”

Pointing, unsure how to pronounce.

Uncle Frank applauds. Nana nods.

“Except the Sun, it’s the closest star.”

Ken Howard calls it:

Bet – ell – gurz.

Written: Betelgeuse.

 

Read Full Post »