Chook Yard is now tidy

The chooks love having more space to dig and have sand baths. Kim and I did the final messy corner today and went from this ...

 to this ...

The brick plinth (see below) created when we had to move the paving to build Surrey's ramp at the back door has now gone to become a wall seat under where the passionfruit will grow near the tank (above).

The silkies love their newfound space.

Kim and I had a most productive morning so I can now leave it knowing that it is all manageable. Thank you Kim.

To Berry at last

Geoff and I went to Berry for the weekend and thoroughly enjoyed our time with Rauri (Janice was away). We stopped of at Werri Beach Fish shop to buy prawns and Berry to buy pies and bread as we usually do on our way down. It has been an age since either of us have been able to get down there.

Geoff was able to help Rauri fix a pump for the weeder.

Then after lunch the three of us went down to the river paddocks to install two new gates. It was the first opportunity Geoff has had to drive the tractor, picking up the gates from the top of the property then dodging trees and fence posts to deliver them to the river paddock.

We both got the opportunity to hang gates and I must say have not made too bad a job of it.

Thanks Rauri for allowing us both to be part of your farm life.

Some changes at home - one year on

I am now enjoying my front garden and my new washing area in one of the carports in the back yard that I can't fit my car into (too low). I have added a few before and after photos here to celebrate the milestones that have been reached so far.

First the front yard...

During the renovations of the drive and front entry (one year ago) ...

and now.

 The bamboo all cut back ready to dig out ...

 and now.

The lovely view from my front door.

 The new gardens where the bamboo used to be. I am purposely leaving it a bit bare for a year or so to see any bamboo that reshoots and poison it off.

Next the carport ...

Carport #1 a year ago...

and now (yes it is carpeted). 

Note the washing line towards the back. I can hang washing out in the rain. And I have all my wood close to the house and dry ready for my wood fire in the back room.

Thanks to all those who have helped with this process. I can now enjoy a bit of a holiday. There will still be lots to do and of course the never ending weeding and watering.

Leigha & Tanja visit Underhill

Three of us had a night at Underhill last weekend. It was dry but cold in the evening.

The flame robin was performing his normal winter show and I was able to get some very poor shots of him.

Leigha and Tanja enjoyed the burning off jobs I had to be done this month.

Tanja learned a lot about lighting fires and keeping them alight.

Thanks Leigha and Tanja for a great weekend.

Botanising in New England

Last week I spent a magic time with botanists from around the world in the New England area. We travelled in a mini bus (13 in all) and saw a variety of habitats and some very rare plants.

This photo by Jeremy (our leader)

We experienced dense rainforests

 breathtaking waterfalls

huge trees

tiny mosses and lichens

elusive birds

one koala

beautiful patterns in nature

windswept heathlands

beaches and rivers

We also saw whales spouting and some dolphins frolicking in the distance.

 

And of course there was lots of fun socialising around food.

Many of the travellers knew Surrey and I was pleased to hear all sorts of reminiscences about him during the trip. I also met Fran and Margaret who were interested in patchwork and education. Chatting about these was a dimension to the trip that I had not expected and was delighted to have had.

I have lots of other photos and a journal of the trip if anyone is interested in more.

A Busy Week

Since I added the last post I have had a very busy two weeks. First, the week before I left on my short trip.

Pernilla (from Sweden) came to stay and we had some fun planting three new citrus trees - Tahitian Lime, Valencia Orange and an Emperor Mandarin. Pernilla has adopted them as her godchildren and will need updates from time to time about their progress.

Here she is making sure they have plenty of water.

Something to notice is the passionfruit behind Pernilla. It was so lush then but a week and a half later when I arrived home it looks quite dead?!? I am not quite sure what has happened to it.

The next day Pernilla and I went with my second cousin Ruth and her husband Ian to Old Government House. The journey was to see a clock made by one of our ancestors, Edward Bunbury Foster, in the early 1800s. I also recognised a small portable writing desk that had been at Miss Whalan's house (my landlady in Bathurst) and was donated by her to the museum. I had had the opportunity to actually look into all the nooks and crannies when living with her. There was also Miss Whalan's antique bed.

On the Friday that week Ellen and I went to Cirque du Soleil's Saltimbanco. It was an absolutely fabulous performance and a wonderful Christmas present. It was also great to have an evening out with Ellen. Thanks Ellen.