Possum Galore

A life ‘Down Under’!

27/12/2013 27/12/2013

A Read of Books, A Bash of Nails, A Hanging of Lights, A Feast of Tofu.

I think Rambo has definitely moved on. There were no untoward noises in the night apart from Will snoring and Otto scratching at the rug to make it more comfortable. Will and Ros heard rain, Will said he heard a possum...I heard neither, though I was awake about 3.00am and heard a nocturnal kookaburra.We had a lazy morning reading with our feet up. Will and I were both in Westeros with what was left of the Starks and Ros was investigating with Inspector Lynley, just one evil act.We drove into Stanthorpe for supplies around lunchtime leaving Otto behind to guard the house. We had pies, quiche and hot drinks at 'Zest'...The waitress asked if I wanted sauce with mine. I asked for tomato but then, I think it was the owner who came over and said;“Please try the pie without sauce first. I am a 'sauce gir'l but I prefer these pies without sauce.”They were good and I ate my pie without sauce so as not cause offence. Perhaps they should remove all sauce from their shop or at least not hint that there is sauce available if they want their customers to enjoy their pies sauce-less.We got some shopping and headed back to Westeros and Lucca, Italy. I tried to have a siesta but couldn’t quite drop off.Later Will and I fixed the ramp up to the toilet and then I removed the solar fairy lights from the front of the house and refitted them along the path to the loo and around the loo itself. Ros swam with the turtles. It was a hot day.We went to the Rocks at sunset. There was very little cloud but just enough to reflect the fading light. Clear skies mean we will have a starry bath on the rock tonight.We are leaving for Brisbane early in the morning.

26/12/2013 26/12/2013

Boxing Day treat!

We are up at Frogknot again for a few days. We drove up with Ros and Otto and got here about 2.00pm.Happily the garden has not been too badly damaged by the hailstorm the other week. Kangaroos have nibbled some of the larger plants and some were wilting a little in the heat.We are resolved to having a relaxing time but after a few hours of doing nothing and a game of cards we felt we should be doing something. After weeding the garden we decided to change over the composting chamber underneath the toilet...as you do!Firstly Will emptied out the old one that has been composting for the last 6 years. It was amazing to see how it had compacted down to little more than a bucketful of dried compost. Will disconnected the fluid drain pipe and rolled the full chamber out from under the toilet while Ros put a lid on it and I stood watching from a safe distance. He and Ros put a layer of grass in the bottom of the emptied chamber and I helped Will put it under the toilet because Ros had to go and clean Otto who had suddenly appeared covered in a layer of mud from the dam. Will reconnected the fluid pipe and the job was done.It is lovely to be back up here...changing compost chambers on Boxing Day!(I did take photos of the whole operation but sadly I had forgotten to load the memory card so they were not recorded.)

25/12/2013 25/12/2013

Christmas Day Down Under.

Can you believe that the dustmen came this morning to take away the rubbish and recycling?I awoke and felt a little homesick knowing that I would not be with 'my' family today...but I have had a lovely day and felt very much part of my new family here for my first 'Aussie' Christmas.The day began with us washing the car?! I have never done that on Christmas morning before. It was Roxy's present from us.It was boiling but the sky and forecast threatened showers. My Christmas outfit was shorts, t shirt and crocs.Dulcie, Will and I exchanged pressie's at home before setting off to Wendi and Geoff's for lunch. We picked up Danny on the way.It was much cooler at Wendi's as they are nearer the sea.We spent much of the day sat outside under their 'Portico'. We exchanged more presents before enjoying roast duck with roasted vegetables sprinkled with fennel seeds and pomegranate seeds for lunch. It was quite delicious.In the break between main and dessert we played cards...as you do. I was teamed with Wendi and Geoff against Danny, Dulcie and Will. I knew we were the underdogs and I was pretty certain we would lose but I was lucky and got two cracking hands which put my team in the lead and we managed to hold off the opposition to claim victory! It was a very enjoyable game!It was a lovely relaxed day and the first time I have had Christmas dinner outdoors.Back at Dulcie's house I rang Mum and Dad and my brothers and sister and later skyped the boys. It was lovely to speak to and see them all and made them all feel that little bit closer.I miss you all but I am happy here and I am being looked after very well.