Underhill trees

Last weekend Terry & Ellie, Geoff and I met at Underhill to cope with the falling tree. Unfortunately it had not fallen during the time we were away so we needed to assist.

There was much thinking to be done then throwing of ropes and setting up the hand winch to start with. This brought it down a little way but it caught on the next tree.

Then there was  a bit of assistance using Terry's car but that only snapped the ropes.

At that stage (2 hours after we started) we decided that lunch was in order because it was quite hot and we were all exhausted.

Back to more ropes and winching.

Two more hours later the tree fell very very slowly with the assistance of the winch and lots of running away between times.

It now lies in a heap on the ground ready for cutting another day. Hooray!

The most important thing we had to do all day was insure escape routes were free for Terry and Geoff to escape when needed and that Ellie and I were well out of the way. Another very important part was discussing the next option each time so that all four heads could assess the risks. Otherwise this could have happened...

Thankfully we are all well and healthy after 4 hours of work on one tree. Terry just needed a lie down.

I picked greengage plums (and ice cream container full) and golden delicious apples (4).

The dams are looking healthy but not full...

We were greeted by about 6 kangaroos (Eastern Grey) when we arrived and had two other interesting visitors... a Christmas beetle and a small lizard.

Thanks again to Terry and Ellie who have helped so much over the last year or so.

Gerroa Holiday

Last week Ellen's family, Geoff and I rented two cabins at Gerroa Caravan Park for the week because our usual Gerringong holiday rental house has been sold.

Highlights included ...

Gerringong lagoon is open (a rare occurrence but with all the rain here lately it is flowing swiftly).

A python in the tree on the walk to the beach at Gerroa
.

Lots of time for chatting over coffee, tea and games.

Friends who came to stay or just for the day. Elaine, Anne, Jen, Brad & Ali, Mick, Pauline & Lara, Janice and Rauri and Marie.

New skills learned by the boys on their bikes, in the water, and playing Super Mario Chess.

Food shared with friends. In this photo with James, Belinda, Ryan and Cara.

Of course there were also Werri Fish Shop meals with Janice and Rauri and Janice's mum Marie, Elaine. And another large group for fish and chips around Geoff and Ma's table. Then there was lunch at the Gerroa cafe with Anne and dinner at the Gerroa Fisherman's Club with Geoff.

Lots of surfing, swimming in the river, walks along the beach, swims in the pool and riding of bikes around the camping grounds.

Next year I'd like to find somewhere that would allow me to spread a jigsaw and maybe some patchwork to fill the very sunny days when it is too hot for the beach. If you know of anywhere at Gerroa please let me know.

Happy New Year 2011

New Year's Day 2011 would have been Surrey and my 40th wedding anniversary. He was pretty sure he would not make it so he had a ruby ring made for me while he was sick. He then hid it in his underwear drawer and I found it when clearing out his clothes. I've been wearing it since but yesterday was the day I was to officially receive it. One ruby and six tiny yellow diamonds.

There was also other ruby jewellery for me which I have been wearing on special occasions but this ring I wear most of the time.

The day was spent with Ellen and the boys for breakfast (and lots of playing with K'nex) and then Geoff and Jen for lunch. In all a lovely family day as always (but with  one significant person missing which saddened us all). A time for memories, reflection and fun together.

 
Happy New Year to all.