Drove a car today, first time in nearly a year! While we have been on the road, Himself does all the driving as I will not try to drive our huge rig. And even when we are unhitched I will not drive as I cannot judge the size of our ute for parking etc.
Today I drove a standard sized Toyota 4x4, easy as apple pie. Was not too sure of the length of it for parking purposes but was a lovely vehicle to drive. The hostess and I only went to the shops but it was a huge leap in our freedom. No more waiting until the men get through with their stuff before we can go to ths shop to make them all sorts of yummy dinners. Tonight we had chicken, beef and prawn kebabs with a potato dish that was tossed in lemon and rosemary. Scrumptous.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Friday...14 October 2011
Today was reasonably quiet. The boys drilled a hole in the master bedroom wall to allow the completion of the installation of the split system ready for summer. All they need now is a fridgie and a sparkie and bingo, all will be done. They also completed the clean out of the not really little shed. More boxes have found their way to the verge for the council clean up. By now the entire town should be aware that this is the best place to go for bargains and wonderous chuck outs!!!
Then they put up some of yesterdays metal delivery by adding bits to the shed project. Right now they are attempting to set up a surround sound system, having received a replacement master control which arrived by courier today.
Earlier today the resident puppy went digging again.Attached is him disappearing down a muddly hole.
Then they put up some of yesterdays metal delivery by adding bits to the shed project. Right now they are attempting to set up a surround sound system, having received a replacement master control which arrived by courier today.
Earlier today the resident puppy went digging again.Attached is him disappearing down a muddly hole.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Thursday...13 October 2011
Today the boys settled for cleaning out the shed. Mind you as fast as they put it on the verge it vanished. Our host put some computer stuff including an old unwanted laptop out inside a box before lunch and it was gone by the time we ate our egg toastie!!! Overnight the set of seven white plastic patio chairs disappeared, they threw back the eighth as it was white but a different style! Someone pulled up and asked if we would mind if they took the old washing machine for spare parts and today the neighbours asked then took the blower/vac and some unwanted pots for plants. Gotta love a council clean up!!!!! Wonder what will disappear tonight???
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Wednesday...12 October 2011
So what did today bring?
Today we ripped out a Hills Hoist! It too now resides on the verge along with the rest of the unwanted things waiting for collection. The boys dug up the clothes line and cut it off way down deep in its hole with an electric tool. While they were at it they cut the pole we found that had been left by the last home owner when they removed their Hills hoist!
Then, while they were in the mood and winning they removed the brick chimney attached to the old BBQ in the backyard which is no longer used. Between the tree, the clothes line and the chimney they sure have improved the view in the backyard. There is much more sunlight in the yard and the yard seems to have grown overnight now that there is so much more usable space.
While we were at it we have cut off the overhanging branches from the tree next door that was scraping against the roof and keeping our hosts awake, and then we tidied up the side part of the house, taking away a couple of barrow loads of tree droppings. Them and some unwanted pots have also found their way to the verge. To top it all off a massive old tv was added to the pile out on the verge. There is nothing wrong with the tv but the owners have got a nice new slimline tv and no one not even charity want the big bulky one. So out it has gone!
Meantime we are waiting for a delivery of metal to complete the original shed project from last year. The list of things to be done is slowly but surely being whittled down! Those waiting for the shed stories will have to wait a bit longer!
The days are rushing past, will we get it all done????
Today we ripped out a Hills Hoist! It too now resides on the verge along with the rest of the unwanted things waiting for collection. The boys dug up the clothes line and cut it off way down deep in its hole with an electric tool. While they were at it they cut the pole we found that had been left by the last home owner when they removed their Hills hoist!
Then, while they were in the mood and winning they removed the brick chimney attached to the old BBQ in the backyard which is no longer used. Between the tree, the clothes line and the chimney they sure have improved the view in the backyard. There is much more sunlight in the yard and the yard seems to have grown overnight now that there is so much more usable space.
While we were at it we have cut off the overhanging branches from the tree next door that was scraping against the roof and keeping our hosts awake, and then we tidied up the side part of the house, taking away a couple of barrow loads of tree droppings. Them and some unwanted pots have also found their way to the verge. To top it all off a massive old tv was added to the pile out on the verge. There is nothing wrong with the tv but the owners have got a nice new slimline tv and no one not even charity want the big bulky one. So out it has gone!
Meantime we are waiting for a delivery of metal to complete the original shed project from last year. The list of things to be done is slowly but surely being whittled down! Those waiting for the shed stories will have to wait a bit longer!
The days are rushing past, will we get it all done????
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Tuesday...11 October 2011
Wow what a day! There is four very very tired people tonight.
The day began with putting unwanted stuff out on the verge ready for the big council pick-up next week. Then there was a discussion about a tree in the backyard.
It was one just like we had in our yard up north, and just like that one, it was preventing the lawn from growing due to its ability to block out the sun and the leaves that drop from it are extremely acidic and it wrecks the soil under and around the tree. So of course... IT HAD TO GO!
Himself got the job and armed with a set of steps and a saw, off he went. In very short time the yard was covered in tree branches which our hostess and myself set to removing to the verge. Meantime Himself swapped saw for axe and chopped up the bigger branches. He then dug up the humungus tap roots and cut them with the axe and then he and our host used a block and tackle to pull the main truck out of the ground. Then they used the chainsaw to chop up the trunk and bingo....no more tree. Simple really.
The whole time this was happening the family puppy was locked in the house to prevent him escaping through the open backyard gates through which we were dragging tree branches to the verge.
When our hostess had raked up the mess and filled in the holes, the puppy was finally allowed out to explore the new backyard. He was a bit timid initially but soon got the courage to check it out and then he started digging in the soft soil around the old tree trunk area.
Once he started it was hilarious watching him, he looked like he intended to dig all the way to China. The hole got bigger and deeper by the minute. We had a hose running and he was picking that up in his little mouth and taking it to his hole and when it filled with water he would drag it somewhere else and go back to digging in his hole. He was covered in mud, wet to the bone and happy as a puppy could be digging in the yard. Yes Yes I know, pictures....when I remember to get the camera out of the car that has not been started since we pulled up here.
Yesterday the men went to Geraldton to do a spot of shopping for all those things that come under the heading of secret mens business in the hosts car as they needed to take the trailer too. They were gone all day and when they got back they were fairly tired. It is 150km each way.
Wonder what tomorrow will bring?????
The day began with putting unwanted stuff out on the verge ready for the big council pick-up next week. Then there was a discussion about a tree in the backyard.
It was one just like we had in our yard up north, and just like that one, it was preventing the lawn from growing due to its ability to block out the sun and the leaves that drop from it are extremely acidic and it wrecks the soil under and around the tree. So of course... IT HAD TO GO!
Himself got the job and armed with a set of steps and a saw, off he went. In very short time the yard was covered in tree branches which our hostess and myself set to removing to the verge. Meantime Himself swapped saw for axe and chopped up the bigger branches. He then dug up the humungus tap roots and cut them with the axe and then he and our host used a block and tackle to pull the main truck out of the ground. Then they used the chainsaw to chop up the trunk and bingo....no more tree. Simple really.
The whole time this was happening the family puppy was locked in the house to prevent him escaping through the open backyard gates through which we were dragging tree branches to the verge.
When our hostess had raked up the mess and filled in the holes, the puppy was finally allowed out to explore the new backyard. He was a bit timid initially but soon got the courage to check it out and then he started digging in the soft soil around the old tree trunk area.
Once he started it was hilarious watching him, he looked like he intended to dig all the way to China. The hole got bigger and deeper by the minute. We had a hose running and he was picking that up in his little mouth and taking it to his hole and when it filled with water he would drag it somewhere else and go back to digging in his hole. He was covered in mud, wet to the bone and happy as a puppy could be digging in the yard. Yes Yes I know, pictures....when I remember to get the camera out of the car that has not been started since we pulled up here.
Yesterday the men went to Geraldton to do a spot of shopping for all those things that come under the heading of secret mens business in the hosts car as they needed to take the trailer too. They were gone all day and when they got back they were fairly tired. It is 150km each way.
Wonder what tomorrow will bring?????
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Sunday...9 October 2011
Tonight I will tell you about the Killer Grasshoppers of Kalbarri!!!
The other day I was playing in the backyard with the previously mentioned long haired daschund belonging to mine hosts. I went a bit too close to one of the bushes in their garden and a massive grasshopper just as big as the ones we used to have up north, jumped out of the bush and landed on my head with the not unexpected screaming and yelling and face slapping and growling by me. I am not very happy when one of them lands on me, for a start the shock is massive and then there is the actual size of the awful things. They hurt when they hit! I put that experience down to myself invading its territory.
Now, my host owns one of those ebook thingys and generously downloaded the lastest John Grisham novel for me (at a grand cost of A$10!). Bliss, I had a whole book to read by one of my favourite authors and in a format I am most taken with. So there I was sitting outside at the table on their patio enjoying the fresh air and sunshine of Kalbarri, reading my extremely engrossing book, when out of nowhere one of those massive grasshoppers flew at me and landed on my face!. It was so big it fitted from my forehead down to my mouth and had a leg on each of my cheeks. I, of course, screamed blue murder and proceeded with the time honored face slapping and dancing around yelling words like ewww, grrr, yukk.....etc. The damned beast eventually departed, to be blasted into the next world with help from the sole of my hostesses croc sandal.....lol. There I sat muttering about how dare it scare me and goodness me, fancy it coming from nowhere and landing on my face. Next thing I know, I was dripping blood! The mean spirited beast bit me on the nose and drew blood and its legs scratched my cheek and also drew blood...NOT HAPPY JAN.
Sooooo.....warning Will Robinson....if you go out into the outdoors in Kalbarri at this time of the year beware the dreaded oversized locust type grasshoppers.
The other day I was playing in the backyard with the previously mentioned long haired daschund belonging to mine hosts. I went a bit too close to one of the bushes in their garden and a massive grasshopper just as big as the ones we used to have up north, jumped out of the bush and landed on my head with the not unexpected screaming and yelling and face slapping and growling by me. I am not very happy when one of them lands on me, for a start the shock is massive and then there is the actual size of the awful things. They hurt when they hit! I put that experience down to myself invading its territory.
Now, my host owns one of those ebook thingys and generously downloaded the lastest John Grisham novel for me (at a grand cost of A$10!). Bliss, I had a whole book to read by one of my favourite authors and in a format I am most taken with. So there I was sitting outside at the table on their patio enjoying the fresh air and sunshine of Kalbarri, reading my extremely engrossing book, when out of nowhere one of those massive grasshoppers flew at me and landed on my face!. It was so big it fitted from my forehead down to my mouth and had a leg on each of my cheeks. I, of course, screamed blue murder and proceeded with the time honored face slapping and dancing around yelling words like ewww, grrr, yukk.....etc. The damned beast eventually departed, to be blasted into the next world with help from the sole of my hostesses croc sandal.....lol. There I sat muttering about how dare it scare me and goodness me, fancy it coming from nowhere and landing on my face. Next thing I know, I was dripping blood! The mean spirited beast bit me on the nose and drew blood and its legs scratched my cheek and also drew blood...NOT HAPPY JAN.
Sooooo.....warning Will Robinson....if you go out into the outdoors in Kalbarri at this time of the year beware the dreaded oversized locust type grasshoppers.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Thursday...6 October 2011
Well I have been super lazy and very naughty taking so long to blog again.
No real excuse, we got to Kalbarri and I have been busy playing catch up with our hostess and her husband and meeting their new puppy. He is a miniature long haired dachshund who is not quite 6months old. An beautifully natured animal and fairly intelligent. He is on a learning curve as he was not acquired until he was already four months old.
Various people in the house take him for his walks in groups or individually, poor little thing has been quite tired lately, probably worn out from all his walkies. Those of us less fit creatures make do by playing chasy games and tug a war with various toys to contribute to the fitness and of this very sweet animal. Pics will eventually be posted, but I keep forgetting to get our camera out of the car!
Tonight we entertained our hostess's niece and her family with a Weber leg of lamb with all the usual roast vegetables and gravy. Extremely yummy! No scraps on any plates or left overs for the puppy.
Once again the two men have been busy with a list of jobs around the place, which will include the completion of the previous shed project from our last visit. Unfortunately the host has been unable to finish the job as his back packed it in on return from his own caravan trip, during which they went up the coast to Darwin then down the Centre to Pt Augusta then over the Nullabor back to Esperance and into Perth, finally making it back to Kalbarri about a month ago.
No real excuse, we got to Kalbarri and I have been busy playing catch up with our hostess and her husband and meeting their new puppy. He is a miniature long haired dachshund who is not quite 6months old. An beautifully natured animal and fairly intelligent. He is on a learning curve as he was not acquired until he was already four months old.
Various people in the house take him for his walks in groups or individually, poor little thing has been quite tired lately, probably worn out from all his walkies. Those of us less fit creatures make do by playing chasy games and tug a war with various toys to contribute to the fitness and of this very sweet animal. Pics will eventually be posted, but I keep forgetting to get our camera out of the car!
Tonight we entertained our hostess's niece and her family with a Weber leg of lamb with all the usual roast vegetables and gravy. Extremely yummy! No scraps on any plates or left overs for the puppy.
Once again the two men have been busy with a list of jobs around the place, which will include the completion of the previous shed project from our last visit. Unfortunately the host has been unable to finish the job as his back packed it in on return from his own caravan trip, during which they went up the coast to Darwin then down the Centre to Pt Augusta then over the Nullabor back to Esperance and into Perth, finally making it back to Kalbarri about a month ago.
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