Downpipes ready for rain

What a fabulous and productive day we had at Underhill this month! Greg and Ev came to help Geoff and I attach downpipes to the eastern slope of the new roof (the highest and most difficult side).

There was lots of ladder climbing, pulley systems with rope, wire ties and blue glue.

At each stage there was testing to be done so more ladder climbing with buckets of water.

We even remembered to let the first run bypass the tank inlet.

It works and looks quite elegant!

We did so well we decided to remove the makeshift diagonal pipe and complete the third pop hole downpipe. Removing the makeshift pipe was awkward to say the least.

Ponyo supervised the whole process of course. As we did not have enough new pipe for the final hole we used an old bit so it does not look quite as elegant as the other downpipes. But it works and is feeding the tank used to drip irrigate the new fruit trees.

Now all we need is a bit of rain to start the system working. It is amazing the relief both Geoff and I felt on our way home that now there would be water to drink from the top tank and to irrigate from the bottom tank and middle tank.

Thank you Greg and Ev.

Busy Times

The last few weeks have been very buzy. There have been many music rehearsals and performances that included being in some incredible places with high-rise views and Martin Place just full of people and flowers in the aftermarth of Monday's seige. We finished the last of 8 Westpac choir performances today.

Then there has been the round of pre-Christmas get togethers with friends.

Of course my patchwork groups had get togethers as well. A high tea at a local patchwork shop and a party at the Kogarah Library at which we officially donated our quilts to the chosen charities.

There was an overnight trip to Newcastle with Janice for brother-in-law Jim's ordination.

Of course the garden continues to produce prolifically too. So there is lots of produce to preserve or eat.

I've also had some fun with Alex and Luke - sewing games bags with them (they love sewing with me) and decorating their Christmas tree.

So now there are only five more sleeps till Christmas, one more trip to Underhill and four more opportunities to sing before a month long break. So I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a thank you for all your help and friendship throughout the year.

Vale Surrey Jacobs

Today it is 5 years since Surrey died leaving behind a host of bereft family and friends.

John Williamson's song "Flower on the water" was played at his funeral and could have been written for him. Surrey loved frangipanis and I had them in my bouquet when we were married. Listen to it again at http://youtu.be/itjYcO9Jsx0

We will not be visiting his tree as a family today but must find time to seek it out again soon. It is still doing well. And so are we... there are many things I need to talk to Surrey about and I just have to make up the answers. Maybe my answer is wrong but I do my best and hope he accepts it. However, I'm sure he'd love the new roof down at Underhill and all the consequences of that. I'm also sure he'd love to see how wonderfully Ellen and Geoff's families are progressing. I'm not so sure he'd love all the tidying I've done at home though.

The thing I miss most is just him, being there to have a hug, getting that all-knowing smile at something I've done (like tidying up or moving the furniture) and always a word or two of sense. I think, between us all we are still doing OK.

Rod said it all on facebook today...
"Today marks 5 years of the passing of my father in law and Mate Surrey.
He left a big mark on a lot of people's lives and I'm proud to say I was one of them. Today my thoughts go out with extra meaning to his immediate family today as I'm sure we/they will all shed a tear.
There is so much more I could say but I believe the song below says a lot it."
 http://youtu.be/itjYcO9Jsx0  

A busy time of year

If you are wondering why I've not been very communicative for a while it is because I now belong to four choirs for Christmas and have three students in the middle of exams and final projects (in fact last week I had five for two days).

Then there is also the garden to keep alive as it is my source of vegies and flowers for the table.

If you'd like to come to any of the choir performances just ring or email and I'll let you know what, where and when.

It is all fantastic but very very busy.

The Caravan saga ends

Last weekend the caravan was moved into place under the new roof at Underhill! The tyres were fixed but one went flat in the process so it was pumped up again. Then there was a mad rush to get the caravan moved before the tyre lost all its air again.

With a bit of landscaping around it, the caravan will look less raw.

Elaine and I met Geoff down there on Friday and busied ourselves with other tasks while waiting for the others to arrive on Saturday for the big caravan move. Elaine stockpiled metal scraps and black hoses. The next day Ev and Greg helped her clear fallen timber from the clearing. It is all looking a bit tidier now.

Nat and Karita came and Nat and Geoff had an interesting time slabbing the pecan trunk from my place.

Of course there was the usual comaraderie at meal times and another cute little flower was discovered by Ellie. I have not found what it is yet.

What about a Comesperma sphaerocarpum (thanks Karen)?

Thanks to all our friends for the help that made it all possible.

Underhill achievements

We had a very busy long weekend at Underhill during October. There was a great crowd including Elaine, Greg, Ev, Anne and Terry.

Geoff, Jen, Keogh, Nathan, Karita and Brad arrived on the Saturday and stayed on till the Monday.

There were lots of jobs done including a chimney repair and extension for the old stove so it is now usable.

The wheels are now off the old caravan and being repaired at my mechanics.

We removed everything from the tool shed and threw out lots of rubbish, removed the bath, and reorganised it all.

Then there was the dead Acacia to fell as it was a bit dangerous. Lots of pulling with ropes to ensure nothing was damaged when it fell. There was also some clearing done along the southern fence line.

Anne found a different ground orchid on the top dam wall. And the blossoms were glorious.

Caladenia carnea

It was really great to be able to entertain so many people, all in shelter.

Neighbours Cal and Mick also visited to chat.

Thank you to everyone. Your efforts in all our achievements are much appreciated.