Except painting. Sanding and coughing.
But it's on my list to update the bloody blog tonight so best get to it. Now, there was something I have been mulling over lately but for now it eludes me.
Ned (half of Ned and Dulce from over the fence) was today hospitalised because his kidneys are failing. He will need dialysis from now on, poor man. Even their cat looked dejected this morning. I wish him good luck and told him today I might sneak around to see him if he's in for a while. He's been feeding me passionfruit from their vine. I come out of the house in the dark and there, by the car door is a bag of them. I love 'em and eat four or five in a single sitting. They are lovely neighbours and are very much aware what goes on around them. They know if I am working late, and enquire about how my wog is going if I've been coughing too much. It's nice to know someone is looking out for me as we had a bit of a run in with a drunken painter which unnerved me for a little while. I am sure it was just pi** talk but I got my chisels sharpened just in case I have to defend our little investment from the threatened vandalism.
Trevor and I have been sort of babysitting Maree, wayward NZ'er and has been roaming around the world for a while. She had a job for a while but has decided to return home and face her problems head on. She fell off a stool at some nightclub night before last, knocked herself out and had to go to the Hospital for observation. Life with Maree is one big merry go round and never dull.
Hey, how about Kevin's jaunt to the strip club? Revealing it is a strategically intriguing move, pretty much guaranteed to get him some votes just for being one of the boys. In sunny Augathella we have a euphamism for these visits. The boys all start ringing each other up discussing the "Landcare Meeting" they must attend. They seem to have thought up this thin disguise as a way of putting us wives off the scent. But then they spend the next two weeks giggling amongst themselves and give the game away completely. And as for 'what goes on tour, stays on tour' that lasts about five minutes and they give it all up about who did what. Our strip club is just a back room of the pub where a few nubile women put it about. They may dangle a few streamers from the walls and play some bump and grind music then the girls pack up and go to Blackall.
Moving on, our little skinny S has been excelling on the sports field. She's made it to the squad for high jump and we wish her lots of luck at the Regional trials.
K has found out exactly how loud she may play her new stereo that Daddy bought. It was confiscated (always going to happen, otherwise how will she know what's the loudest she can play it?) and we hear whispers of a glad wrapping episode recently. Bash rang his baby and a familiar but not genetically familiar voice answered and told him to call back, K is busy. Some poor kid comes back to a plastic bedroom. I do hope Ms Makin doesn't read this before the dust settles. Naturally, to protect the guilty I have used only the first initial so there can be no recriminations!
Better blow this rathole as I am rapidly running out of suds.
Friday 24 August 2007
Thursday 9 August 2007
Ok, so I have to eat some words.
Soo. it's been a while.
You all remember when I poked gentle fun at my husband a few entries ago? About the cow. Well that was a bad move. I have managed to replicate this feat. It was traumatic and dark and we are lucky the repairers didn't write off the poor old Effie. Sure sent me into a tailspin for a while but life marches on and I couldn't very well sit in a cupboard for the rest of my life. I still feel sick thinking of it. So on to the present.
Am back in Mackay under cloudy skies which for once, I don't resent. Am currently weathering a bout of nasty flu which sent me to bed for 3 days. Floors are being sanded at present. By me. I had to let the very very expensive but likeable painters go. Which leaves me with a lot of work, when I start to look around. Oh, well, work never killed anyone. I have been lucky enough to secure the services of a painter for a few hours over the weekend. I hope he doesn't have the same work ethic as Bruce.
So, now I've dipped my toes back into blogging am sure there will be regular updates from here on in...
Better jet, there is a sander waiting patiently for me at 227.
Plumbing certification is complete and I just have to pick up the paperwork. Yay...
You all remember when I poked gentle fun at my husband a few entries ago? About the cow. Well that was a bad move. I have managed to replicate this feat. It was traumatic and dark and we are lucky the repairers didn't write off the poor old Effie. Sure sent me into a tailspin for a while but life marches on and I couldn't very well sit in a cupboard for the rest of my life. I still feel sick thinking of it. So on to the present.
Am back in Mackay under cloudy skies which for once, I don't resent. Am currently weathering a bout of nasty flu which sent me to bed for 3 days. Floors are being sanded at present. By me. I had to let the very very expensive but likeable painters go. Which leaves me with a lot of work, when I start to look around. Oh, well, work never killed anyone. I have been lucky enough to secure the services of a painter for a few hours over the weekend. I hope he doesn't have the same work ethic as Bruce.
So, now I've dipped my toes back into blogging am sure there will be regular updates from here on in...
Better jet, there is a sander waiting patiently for me at 227.
Plumbing certification is complete and I just have to pick up the paperwork. Yay...
Sunday 17 June 2007
Notes from Mackay
Hello toilers and spoilers and causers of pain.
Today we shall explore the exquisite pain of waxing as experienced by Russell (shown above). Firstly as you know I was boarding in Mackay with a friend we shall call Trevor. I can't imagine why he agreed to let the hair hating maniac we call D'rell (spelt Darrell) loose on his nose hair. The prospect of an attractive young redhead sitting in his lap might have done the trick. It was quite a spectacle and Russell was heard wandering around Trevor's house next morning like a lost ghost, moaning softly about his nose. Sandra, whose heart is way too kind, was sympathetic and as for Trevor the traitorous brother - that's his Balinese silver encrusted wrist holding a mobile phone for photos. Seems cruel in retrospect but it started small and we didn't know how bad it would be until it had gone beyond the point of no return.
Saturday 16 June 2007
Ironing cement
Well, here we are, cementing the donga posts. Ready for Graeme and Al to turn our pumpkin into a luxurious friend friendly accommodation venue. Bash reckons I lost the concreting trowels so has repaid me by using my iron. That's okay. I'll have the vengeful pleasure of watching him get early dementia from smoking. That's what they said on the ABC Radio this morning. So, the iron did the job anyhow - and it was just sitting there in the shearing shed covered in dust.
Today we put the whole show on the stumps. Bash tells me it will go like this: He climbs into monster D9 and lifts one end. I climb into elderly blue truck crane and we lift and inch forward in perfect synchronicity (thanks Sting) then deposit the load gently onto new posts. This is just the general idea. Too romantic by far. There will be much befouling of the fresh country air with diesel fumes, language and dust. One or both of us will again be covered in hydraulic oil and dust. One of us (me) will probably drop my end or something. But we're made of stern stuff, we country people. We shall end up with all 55 feet of this thing on posts and level. I have the gin and tonic ready in case things should go terribly wrong.
Will post photos.
Tuesday 12 June 2007
Dust not sweat
That's the discovery for yesterday, as I idled along behind the mob. In Mackay you sweat when you work but end up relatively clean. In Augathella paddocks you don't sweat but get covered in dust. Still, it was nice to work with cattle again.
It's been a busy few days since I got home. Cold too. We have fired up the wood heater and all is very pleasant until you step outside. The oats is in, after more than it's share of dramas. Bash and Davey had to pull off one of the front idler tyres (Cat Challenger 75) which unlike those of a steel tracked dozer are filled with air. You just loosen off the track adjuster then ease the tyre out from inside it. Putting a repaired air filled tyre back in is a different thing. Lucky Jason the local stock agent called by for just the right amount of time. Thanks, Grant Daniel and Long. For once Bash didn't calibrate the air seeder. Oops. She went in a bit heavy at about 44lbs/acre which cousin Phil the NSW farmer believes is about what we should be planting at anyway. We now really really hope for rain and warmish weather. Pigweed vines kept clogging up the gear which means you have to stop and lift the planter, give it a shake then continue. So now, the risk part where you worry that you've just wasted $20grands worth of seed if it doesn't rain in time.
So today, I will ring the broker and sell all my shares. I owe some money to Bash's family for getting the building project finished quickly and need to square up before the end of June.
I did some thinking while filling those endless nailholes with putty. Mum helped me make up the deposit for my first house, against dad's wishes at the time. When I was about 15 Dad showed me how to buy and sell shares and put me onto his broker to buy some MIM with some money I had saved. Both of these bits of help are what started off my investing. I have decided that the starting and tending of a share portfolio is a bit like learning how to grow a garden from scratch. Mine has been pretty haphazard but the big trees have formed a canopy so now it's all quite nice in there. Won't do any harm to have a clean out though. Next time I'll know exactly which plants do well and that i can rely on Mark's judgement. You can get out there every day and dig about if you wish to have it perfect. Otherwise, provided it gets minimal attention with some judicious pruning, things run along by themselves. Bash being the language reducer that he is calls my account/share trading the TAB betting account.
We've also engaged the services of a Mortgage broker. With the constant turnover of staff in Banks now, it is difficult to maintain an ongoing relationship. Robert has all our information now so if we want to borrow some more, we just call him and update a few bits and pieces and sool him onto the Banks to find us a good deal...
Have just received a few emails from a girl who has recently gone to South America to teach english to spanish speaking children. They are very entertaining and I'd like to figure out a way to link to them. Hmm. Any ideas Jensav?
It's been a busy few days since I got home. Cold too. We have fired up the wood heater and all is very pleasant until you step outside. The oats is in, after more than it's share of dramas. Bash and Davey had to pull off one of the front idler tyres (Cat Challenger 75) which unlike those of a steel tracked dozer are filled with air. You just loosen off the track adjuster then ease the tyre out from inside it. Putting a repaired air filled tyre back in is a different thing. Lucky Jason the local stock agent called by for just the right amount of time. Thanks, Grant Daniel and Long. For once Bash didn't calibrate the air seeder. Oops. She went in a bit heavy at about 44lbs/acre which cousin Phil the NSW farmer believes is about what we should be planting at anyway. We now really really hope for rain and warmish weather. Pigweed vines kept clogging up the gear which means you have to stop and lift the planter, give it a shake then continue. So now, the risk part where you worry that you've just wasted $20grands worth of seed if it doesn't rain in time.
So today, I will ring the broker and sell all my shares. I owe some money to Bash's family for getting the building project finished quickly and need to square up before the end of June.
I did some thinking while filling those endless nailholes with putty. Mum helped me make up the deposit for my first house, against dad's wishes at the time. When I was about 15 Dad showed me how to buy and sell shares and put me onto his broker to buy some MIM with some money I had saved. Both of these bits of help are what started off my investing. I have decided that the starting and tending of a share portfolio is a bit like learning how to grow a garden from scratch. Mine has been pretty haphazard but the big trees have formed a canopy so now it's all quite nice in there. Won't do any harm to have a clean out though. Next time I'll know exactly which plants do well and that i can rely on Mark's judgement. You can get out there every day and dig about if you wish to have it perfect. Otherwise, provided it gets minimal attention with some judicious pruning, things run along by themselves. Bash being the language reducer that he is calls my account/share trading the TAB betting account.
We've also engaged the services of a Mortgage broker. With the constant turnover of staff in Banks now, it is difficult to maintain an ongoing relationship. Robert has all our information now so if we want to borrow some more, we just call him and update a few bits and pieces and sool him onto the Banks to find us a good deal...
Have just received a few emails from a girl who has recently gone to South America to teach english to spanish speaking children. They are very entertaining and I'd like to figure out a way to link to them. Hmm. Any ideas Jensav?
Sunday 3 June 2007
Home again Home again Jiggity Jig
Looking about on the internet for permeable paving which was tricky to find until I typed in 'Grass Pavers'. Problem solved. After some reading I have come to the conclusion that the cement grass pavers tend to heat up in the sun and affect the healthy growth of grass. The plastic ones don't appear to have this issue so will look at cost tomorrow. Concrete pavers cost $45 per square meter. Don't want to consider the all up cost yet as it scares me.
And so to the packing...
And so to the packing...
Thursday 31 May 2007
Moo. (hee hee)
Hi fellow internet users. It is my sad duty to inform you that Bash has hit a cow in the 'Effie'. That makes us square after he dined out frequently on my own cow incident a few years back. Poor cow, they had to destroy her as she had broken bones. Not too much obvious damage to the vehicle but the bull bar is pushed back into the bonnet and doesn't look bent which leaves the chassis. Oh dear.
On the Mackay front, found out through a friend of Trevor's that the new house is known locally as the Big Brother house. I dunno why because we haven't voted anyone off yet and there are no cameras. And there's no prancing about in our pyjamas.
Anyway, the plumbers showed up today bless 'em. Josh the tiler has put down some floor tiles, Graeme collected the stainless balustrading and Russell will be making his sober inspection on Saturday morning so he can come up with some landscaping ideas. Painting continues and will for at least a week.
Trevor's ex boarder, J (who shall remain nameless in case they work out who he is and search his bags) will be attending 'happy school' as a guest of Mr anThony Robbins the motivational guru. He is considering smuggling contraband into the precinct because he's not sure he can be good for three days. The upshot is that he will also be getting his 48th motorbike. Has the scars to prove it too. I remember Granny Savill telling me that if you laugh, the world laughs with you. I was a depressing child sometimes, perhaps she was trying to tell me something for free. Anyway, the scientific community is getting in on the act by attempting to measure whether the physical act of smiling leads to an improvement in emotional state. It seems that it does. Go Gran. I think Mr Robbins can fill us in on the secret of life which would be handy. Although it is handed out in $3500 doses of a letter at a time. Sort of demonstrating via it's own example that you CAN make money out of anything at all, even the pursuit of happiness.
And so to the weekend which was wonderful although had it's odd moments. As we drove into the motel I realised it was in fact the place where our brother died in the 80s. As there was a group of us booked and paid for, and it all happened a long time ago, Bash and I agreed not to mention it to anyone as we didn't want to spoil the mood (enjoyable and relaxed). In the end the ghosts were quiet and the place itself isn't holding any bad memories for me. We had a good time together, watched the kids play sport and ate and laughed.
There was an incident at the airport which was funny afterwards. I left Toowoomba late and in my rush to fuel up the hire car, I somehow ended up in the International spare taxi area where there were lots of Ukranian and foreign looking people who stood in groups and wouldn't talk to me. They basically told me to get lost which I was already. I decided to jump the kerb (in the brand new Prius hire car) but a nice man who spoke some English decided to help. Ended up late in the airport with a knife in my bag which was originally going on as check in luggage. The Qantas people were very nice about it; at 42 and overweight I don't look like an assassin but it did scare me a bit when I realised I might lose my beloved Leatherman. They charge you $7 and give you a post pack so you can send it to yourself.
Nina, Trevor and I imbibed some truth serum last night and I have left the heel of the bottle to help unweld Sandra's undies for Russell. Not that I am on his side, of course. Go Sandra. Sorry I won't be there to side with you... Send him to the bear cave, I say.
On the Mackay front, found out through a friend of Trevor's that the new house is known locally as the Big Brother house. I dunno why because we haven't voted anyone off yet and there are no cameras. And there's no prancing about in our pyjamas.
Anyway, the plumbers showed up today bless 'em. Josh the tiler has put down some floor tiles, Graeme collected the stainless balustrading and Russell will be making his sober inspection on Saturday morning so he can come up with some landscaping ideas. Painting continues and will for at least a week.
Trevor's ex boarder, J (who shall remain nameless in case they work out who he is and search his bags) will be attending 'happy school' as a guest of Mr anThony Robbins the motivational guru. He is considering smuggling contraband into the precinct because he's not sure he can be good for three days. The upshot is that he will also be getting his 48th motorbike. Has the scars to prove it too. I remember Granny Savill telling me that if you laugh, the world laughs with you. I was a depressing child sometimes, perhaps she was trying to tell me something for free. Anyway, the scientific community is getting in on the act by attempting to measure whether the physical act of smiling leads to an improvement in emotional state. It seems that it does. Go Gran. I think Mr Robbins can fill us in on the secret of life which would be handy. Although it is handed out in $3500 doses of a letter at a time. Sort of demonstrating via it's own example that you CAN make money out of anything at all, even the pursuit of happiness.
And so to the weekend which was wonderful although had it's odd moments. As we drove into the motel I realised it was in fact the place where our brother died in the 80s. As there was a group of us booked and paid for, and it all happened a long time ago, Bash and I agreed not to mention it to anyone as we didn't want to spoil the mood (enjoyable and relaxed). In the end the ghosts were quiet and the place itself isn't holding any bad memories for me. We had a good time together, watched the kids play sport and ate and laughed.
There was an incident at the airport which was funny afterwards. I left Toowoomba late and in my rush to fuel up the hire car, I somehow ended up in the International spare taxi area where there were lots of Ukranian and foreign looking people who stood in groups and wouldn't talk to me. They basically told me to get lost which I was already. I decided to jump the kerb (in the brand new Prius hire car) but a nice man who spoke some English decided to help. Ended up late in the airport with a knife in my bag which was originally going on as check in luggage. The Qantas people were very nice about it; at 42 and overweight I don't look like an assassin but it did scare me a bit when I realised I might lose my beloved Leatherman. They charge you $7 and give you a post pack so you can send it to yourself.
Nina, Trevor and I imbibed some truth serum last night and I have left the heel of the bottle to help unweld Sandra's undies for Russell. Not that I am on his side, of course. Go Sandra. Sorry I won't be there to side with you... Send him to the bear cave, I say.
Wednesday 23 May 2007
State of Origin Night
Hi fellow toilers. Am at Ali's eating an enormous roast and ostensibly watching the footy. For those of you (if there are any) outside Eastern Seaboard, State of Origin involves two teams of thuggishly built young men chosen carefully for their ability to catch, kick and throw a small elongated sphere made of dead pigs. I have had this chat with Poleroller and Phil, neither of whom could satisfactorily explain why it wouldn't just be better to grease a real little pig and chase him around the field. It could be a try when they catch him and make him squeal. Penalty if lil piggy gets hurt. Anyways, they have devised a set of rules for this game where they kill the pig, skin him and stitch him back together again and pump him up. Then they kick this ex pig around a large lawn covered field, and headbutt or knock down anyone who gets in the way. They also grab each other by the privates and try to bulldoze each other which always looks a bit funny. Or is that Rugby Union? So, which colour are we going for?
Sorry Bash
I still love you. But not football. Speaking of the big fella, we shall be reunitied this weekend after a painfully long separation. I can't wait to see him and the kids. He's driving his parents down to Toowoomba for the weekend of their 50th wedding anniversary and we will go out to tea at Weis's, the original boarding school kids pig out joint. Much much nicer than Sizzlers. They have this delicious smoked fish which I would gladly eat all night. Mind you, this will be on the very day of Bash's much anticipated visit to the fang snatcher which should hopefully land him a gold tooth, in the vein of 50 cent or Snoop Dogg of whoever it is...
Because I am half pissed and there is a bottle of Sambucca (the secret spilling syrup) in the wings, I shall now confess that the old boy has made me fall in love with him again. He has supported this venture of ours, even though I have never built a house before or even lived apart from him for more than a week or two except when the babies were hatching. He has trusted me to bet my life savings (even some of his) on something I believe in which has made me see him through new eyes. He has tolerated living alone and fending for himself which couldn't have been easy as he has never lived alone for any length of time. I hope to God I can erase this post when I sober up a bit as we are both kinda 'behind the bushes' people who avoid publicising this stuff.
Venertheless I shall proceed. No photos but the painting continues. We have Bruce and his offsider Chris on the job. They're an interesting pair when they do talk which isn't often, As Bruce is a bit broken down, he needs occasional doses of neck oil but gets the work done well.
Ronaldo has scored himself a fiance (Janine) and a new job at the place just up the road where they build prefab dongas for mines and export.
The houses are still underway and I had no idea how long it would take to finish off the details. I would heartily recommend anyone taking on this style of housing PAINT EVERYTHING before the plywood goes up. At least a priming coat, perhaps a first top coat. As for those little cupboards on the mezzanine level. We have taken to calling it the hydroponics room, or the bondage closet.
Blah blah blah. Sorry viewers.
Nina Trevor and I stayed in a few nights ago watching Roy Orbison and Friends in 'Black and White Night' which has reinforced why this is my favourite music video of all time. Favourite Album is 'Graceland' by Paul Simon, Nina's is 'The Joshua Tree" U2 and Bill from Bali's is Pink Floyd's 'The wall' Trevor didn't really nominate one. But today I like the sound of 'Interpol's slightly synthesised songs. By the way if I should shuffle off this mortal coil, play 'Calling all Angels' by Jane Siberry as they push me into the furnace.
And now, the Sambucca. Goodnight Origin supporters.
Sorry Bash
I still love you. But not football. Speaking of the big fella, we shall be reunitied this weekend after a painfully long separation. I can't wait to see him and the kids. He's driving his parents down to Toowoomba for the weekend of their 50th wedding anniversary and we will go out to tea at Weis's, the original boarding school kids pig out joint. Much much nicer than Sizzlers. They have this delicious smoked fish which I would gladly eat all night. Mind you, this will be on the very day of Bash's much anticipated visit to the fang snatcher which should hopefully land him a gold tooth, in the vein of 50 cent or Snoop Dogg of whoever it is...
Because I am half pissed and there is a bottle of Sambucca (the secret spilling syrup) in the wings, I shall now confess that the old boy has made me fall in love with him again. He has supported this venture of ours, even though I have never built a house before or even lived apart from him for more than a week or two except when the babies were hatching. He has trusted me to bet my life savings (even some of his) on something I believe in which has made me see him through new eyes. He has tolerated living alone and fending for himself which couldn't have been easy as he has never lived alone for any length of time. I hope to God I can erase this post when I sober up a bit as we are both kinda 'behind the bushes' people who avoid publicising this stuff.
Venertheless I shall proceed. No photos but the painting continues. We have Bruce and his offsider Chris on the job. They're an interesting pair when they do talk which isn't often, As Bruce is a bit broken down, he needs occasional doses of neck oil but gets the work done well.
Ronaldo has scored himself a fiance (Janine) and a new job at the place just up the road where they build prefab dongas for mines and export.
The houses are still underway and I had no idea how long it would take to finish off the details. I would heartily recommend anyone taking on this style of housing PAINT EVERYTHING before the plywood goes up. At least a priming coat, perhaps a first top coat. As for those little cupboards on the mezzanine level. We have taken to calling it the hydroponics room, or the bondage closet.
Blah blah blah. Sorry viewers.
Nina Trevor and I stayed in a few nights ago watching Roy Orbison and Friends in 'Black and White Night' which has reinforced why this is my favourite music video of all time. Favourite Album is 'Graceland' by Paul Simon, Nina's is 'The Joshua Tree" U2 and Bill from Bali's is Pink Floyd's 'The wall' Trevor didn't really nominate one. But today I like the sound of 'Interpol's slightly synthesised songs. By the way if I should shuffle off this mortal coil, play 'Calling all Angels' by Jane Siberry as they push me into the furnace.
And now, the Sambucca. Goodnight Origin supporters.
Thursday 10 May 2007
Photos, I hope
Sooo, am at the Mt Pleasant Library for a change. Have printed off a very informative interview with the subject of Sarah's SOSE assignment. Sarah has chosen Dr Fiona Wood, one of the two inventors of spray on skin for burns victims.
Graeme and his crew have almost finished house at the back end. They are cleaning up for the painters, Bruce and his brush hand who is tall and laughs a lot. To the left, you see Ron, roof surfing on the old garden shed. It's now on the ground waiting for some one to take it home. Ron has a hangover today as he was celebrating being alive last night. Bash thinks he's a pretty clever dude, he's good at fishing and welding and let slip today that he can also wield a mean putty knife. I have puttied so many bloody nail holes that I can do it in my sleep. Let Ron take it on, I say. Anyways, he has been a welcome member of this little housebuilding boat and I hope he and Bash get to go fishing sometime.
Sala Homes, we notice the main bedroom door sits in front of the glass entry door when both are open. There has been a bit of muttering about the sliding door mechanisms being out of date and the doors have taken quite some time to hang. Can there be a more modern solution? It poured rain this morning and the strawboard certainly cut down the noise. Quite pleasant inside despite my boring job... We all agree we would use wood frames next time we tackle this type of project.
We now have four sides fenced which has made a big difference. Have taken away my 13th load to the dump.
Am currently reading a book called 'The Tipping Point'. Over the past few years Kate and I have had a running conversation about fashion and fads and why I don't rush out the buy the next big thing. The book describes how a tiny idea can, if it comes in contact with the right personalities along the way, balloon into a separate existence all of its own. It puts forward the theory that not only viruses etc are contagious - that ideas or object ownership can be too. Kate's current object of desire is the 'Vote for Pedro' shirt which is associated with a movie she has seen. This idea has come from a scene in the movie and some clever person has turned it into a business. I am not seeing it everywhere so assume the idea has not yet taken wing however it illustrates the case. If one day, weeks from now, you see the shirt, you can assume it has started to become contagious. Seems to affect young people who still spend their parents money. The fad will die off almost as soon as it hits it's peak. Anyone want to borrow the book? I hear a collective groan.
There is another thing it explains a little. Sustainable design has become trendy lately - will it become contagious?
Above photos, in no particular order are the kids, Bash and Graeme and the digger, Ali and I, then lastly Ron who has so far been able to avoid the camera.
Monday 7 May 2007
Coldplay - Yellow
Monday 23 April 2007
Flooring is almost finished
Hi all
Another day at the coalface. We have almost finished installing the flooring which was very generously supplied by Sala Homes even though they technically could have got out of it. This is an indication of what this company has been like to deal with. Floors are beautiful and THANKYOU Scott and Damon. My cheap and nasty alternatives would not have done these lovely little houses justice. Not for one moment have I wished we hadn't used these kits. The plumber is impressed by the quality of the fittings supplied, particularly the very expensive toilets. We have had several lookers this last few days. Today it was Tony from Mackay Coloured Housing Coop. He is most interested in the style and spent a good half hour here today inspecting them. Hey, Mike, be ready now and remember my 500 bucks spotters fee.
There are a good few people talking about this project, particularly the locals which has surprised me a wee bit. I hope we pull it off well and the houses last forever.
I noticed this morning at about 9am upon opening the door to the hotter house of the two, that it was still very cool inside despite the two windows facing east receiving a fair dose of sunlight. Proof of the pudding, I guess.
I took an almost sober Russell (Trevor's brother) on a house tour Sunday morning but he had too much of a roaring hangover from a party Saturday night. He and Sandra grow plants and will be doing some work on the landscaping later on. He reminded me of Bash after a night at the Ellangowan, the way he slowly roared into life after sleeping in the bear cave in protest at Sandra's wanting to leave earlier than he. Funny to watch. But talk about stink!! the fumes were pretty strong.
Hey, Bash - channel Bob has been clear as a bell of late. He's my hero in waiting as I heard some funny noises last night so have obtained his phone number so I can call him to scare away the monsters if need be. He's been having a good run with the women this week or so. He's got a dancing partner, a drinking partner, an ex/on off partner, and I believe is currently hero to one of the office girls where he works. A busy man is Bob. He has sold one of his wrecks and the home renovations continue. Bob runs when he mows. Everything is speeded up and things can get pretty entertaining. Bash knows what I mean.
I meant to tell you too, of the Pilots' Gathering Jay organised back in February. We aren't always aware how difficult it becomes for these men to socialise with other ex Air Force personel as they get older. Jay figured out that she knew three men who had been in the Air Force at around the same time, and we plotted a way to get them together for a few hours. As you all no doubt know, my father in law Jack was a navigator in the airforce during the tail end of WW2. He is a man I admire a great deal and it was wonderful to see these three men, who didn't know each other, spend an afternoon together. We shared a delicious lunch from Weis backdoor and after we were full, left them to chat. It's Anzac Day, got me thinking about it. We will be taking Anzac Day off to attend the march here. The machinery at this place is another story entirely.
I'll be off now. Photos tomorrow as my camera batteries are flat again.
Another day at the coalface. We have almost finished installing the flooring which was very generously supplied by Sala Homes even though they technically could have got out of it. This is an indication of what this company has been like to deal with. Floors are beautiful and THANKYOU Scott and Damon. My cheap and nasty alternatives would not have done these lovely little houses justice. Not for one moment have I wished we hadn't used these kits. The plumber is impressed by the quality of the fittings supplied, particularly the very expensive toilets. We have had several lookers this last few days. Today it was Tony from Mackay Coloured Housing Coop. He is most interested in the style and spent a good half hour here today inspecting them. Hey, Mike, be ready now and remember my 500 bucks spotters fee.
There are a good few people talking about this project, particularly the locals which has surprised me a wee bit. I hope we pull it off well and the houses last forever.
I noticed this morning at about 9am upon opening the door to the hotter house of the two, that it was still very cool inside despite the two windows facing east receiving a fair dose of sunlight. Proof of the pudding, I guess.
I took an almost sober Russell (Trevor's brother) on a house tour Sunday morning but he had too much of a roaring hangover from a party Saturday night. He and Sandra grow plants and will be doing some work on the landscaping later on. He reminded me of Bash after a night at the Ellangowan, the way he slowly roared into life after sleeping in the bear cave in protest at Sandra's wanting to leave earlier than he. Funny to watch. But talk about stink!! the fumes were pretty strong.
Hey, Bash - channel Bob has been clear as a bell of late. He's my hero in waiting as I heard some funny noises last night so have obtained his phone number so I can call him to scare away the monsters if need be. He's been having a good run with the women this week or so. He's got a dancing partner, a drinking partner, an ex/on off partner, and I believe is currently hero to one of the office girls where he works. A busy man is Bob. He has sold one of his wrecks and the home renovations continue. Bob runs when he mows. Everything is speeded up and things can get pretty entertaining. Bash knows what I mean.
I meant to tell you too, of the Pilots' Gathering Jay organised back in February. We aren't always aware how difficult it becomes for these men to socialise with other ex Air Force personel as they get older. Jay figured out that she knew three men who had been in the Air Force at around the same time, and we plotted a way to get them together for a few hours. As you all no doubt know, my father in law Jack was a navigator in the airforce during the tail end of WW2. He is a man I admire a great deal and it was wonderful to see these three men, who didn't know each other, spend an afternoon together. We shared a delicious lunch from Weis backdoor and after we were full, left them to chat. It's Anzac Day, got me thinking about it. We will be taking Anzac Day off to attend the march here. The machinery at this place is another story entirely.
I'll be off now. Photos tomorrow as my camera batteries are flat again.
Wednesday 18 April 2007
Web Site under Construction
That sister of mine. I'm not sure what she's up to but I am ready to blog...
We receive the flooring (cypress pine) today and a few of the doors. Finlaysons tell us the doors and a forklift had a collision. Forklift won. This weeks's big news is the fence. Bash pulled the ratty old one down and the fencers are there today, putting up a new paling fence. I have settled back into my old routine of cleaning the site. 11th uteload is ready to go to the dump now. We're pretty excited about it as that side of the building was looking revolting. Our new neighbours have a young staffy who likes to wander so they're pleased.
Mr Plumber and his offsider have FINISHED THE CLADDING! It looks great and I'll get hold of some touch up paint and all that side is finished bar the eaves. What a saga this has been and I am very glad it is all over. Bash has taken the shiny almost new saw home and I think he'll spend most of the journey thinking about what he can do next with it.
I had a visit late one afternoon from a gentleman who is very interested in the style of housing. He was in Mackay City Council engineering section and did express some concern about how the galvanising would hold up. I guess we are on trial here. It seemed to be a choice between termites and rust in the end...
So this afternoon will be spent doing paperwork things, getting the quotes for kitchen sorted out etc. Ron has just called to say the flooring has arrived on site, so I'd better toddle off.
The steps are our current bone of contention and we are concerned about the turning circle required to have two cars parked in the carport. It is looking impossible at present. The stairs will come off the front patio and jut out into the driveway right next to the carport.
Graeme has jetted off to the Coast and has been muttering about wearing a penguin suit - we hope Faith gets a photo as we would all like to see it.
Bash, Kate and Dotty left this morning for home. It will be very quiet without them but Sarah, we'll visit you as soon as we can.
Those of you who know Bash should discreetly ask him about our trip to Habana. Eventful. But I am sworn to secrecy. And drinking coffee, not champers so am able to keep my mouth shut at present.
Poor old iPod got squished. One too many expeditions over his front fence.
That sister of mine. I'm not sure what she's up to but I am ready to blog...
We receive the flooring (cypress pine) today and a few of the doors. Finlaysons tell us the doors and a forklift had a collision. Forklift won. This weeks's big news is the fence. Bash pulled the ratty old one down and the fencers are there today, putting up a new paling fence. I have settled back into my old routine of cleaning the site. 11th uteload is ready to go to the dump now. We're pretty excited about it as that side of the building was looking revolting. Our new neighbours have a young staffy who likes to wander so they're pleased.
Mr Plumber and his offsider have FINISHED THE CLADDING! It looks great and I'll get hold of some touch up paint and all that side is finished bar the eaves. What a saga this has been and I am very glad it is all over. Bash has taken the shiny almost new saw home and I think he'll spend most of the journey thinking about what he can do next with it.
I had a visit late one afternoon from a gentleman who is very interested in the style of housing. He was in Mackay City Council engineering section and did express some concern about how the galvanising would hold up. I guess we are on trial here. It seemed to be a choice between termites and rust in the end...
So this afternoon will be spent doing paperwork things, getting the quotes for kitchen sorted out etc. Ron has just called to say the flooring has arrived on site, so I'd better toddle off.
The steps are our current bone of contention and we are concerned about the turning circle required to have two cars parked in the carport. It is looking impossible at present. The stairs will come off the front patio and jut out into the driveway right next to the carport.
Graeme has jetted off to the Coast and has been muttering about wearing a penguin suit - we hope Faith gets a photo as we would all like to see it.
Bash, Kate and Dotty left this morning for home. It will be very quiet without them but Sarah, we'll visit you as soon as we can.
Those of you who know Bash should discreetly ask him about our trip to Habana. Eventful. But I am sworn to secrecy. And drinking coffee, not champers so am able to keep my mouth shut at present.
Poor old iPod got squished. One too many expeditions over his front fence.
Saturday 14 April 2007
Saturday 7 April 2007
Remember me?
Okay, we are packing up to return to Mackay today. We're all a bit out of sorts. Bash has been commandeered for work behind the bar at the Rodeo. Sarah is staying with him and Kate will bounce over with me in the Navara. All of a sudden it seems a very long way. But there are Trevor's new fish to think of. He gave them 10 days worth of tucker and today is day 10 so that's motivation.
We will be painting and Kate will probably angle for a more fun job but life's tough.
I really can't make this day interesting in any way so will stop grumbling and just get on with it.
Al and Ron have taken Easter off and Graeme will be back next week so it'll be pretty busy from there on in.
So far one end has been rough wired, lined and should be looking ready for a coat of paint. Curly and his crew have threatened to return next week to complete the other end so lining can begin. I have to sort out something regarding the solar panels. We have grid connected feedback system where I understand there are two meters, one runs forward and the other backward. It will be interesting to see what effect that has on the electricity bills in future.
This trip I will be doing Yoga classes and walking around in this 'bush' Trevor gets so excited about. Apparently there are a few walking tracks around Slade Point.
I hope Sarah gets to run at the Cathy Freeman oval, it is a beautiful place - shady and quiet and green. They have little athletics there so Ali, Aliviah and Lahni have all joined and run regularly. You won't see me running though. I was built for walking.
Hi Ned and Dulce, look forward to seeing you again.
I have given my very secret password to sister Jen who will spruce up the blog a bit as I am really not the person for the job. Stay tuned.
Congratulations Andrew for quitting smoking. Could you please whisper in Bash's ear for us? Tell him who your hypnotist is.
We will be painting and Kate will probably angle for a more fun job but life's tough.
I really can't make this day interesting in any way so will stop grumbling and just get on with it.
Al and Ron have taken Easter off and Graeme will be back next week so it'll be pretty busy from there on in.
So far one end has been rough wired, lined and should be looking ready for a coat of paint. Curly and his crew have threatened to return next week to complete the other end so lining can begin. I have to sort out something regarding the solar panels. We have grid connected feedback system where I understand there are two meters, one runs forward and the other backward. It will be interesting to see what effect that has on the electricity bills in future.
This trip I will be doing Yoga classes and walking around in this 'bush' Trevor gets so excited about. Apparently there are a few walking tracks around Slade Point.
I hope Sarah gets to run at the Cathy Freeman oval, it is a beautiful place - shady and quiet and green. They have little athletics there so Ali, Aliviah and Lahni have all joined and run regularly. You won't see me running though. I was built for walking.
Hi Ned and Dulce, look forward to seeing you again.
I have given my very secret password to sister Jen who will spruce up the blog a bit as I am really not the person for the job. Stay tuned.
Congratulations Andrew for quitting smoking. Could you please whisper in Bash's ear for us? Tell him who your hypnotist is.
Friday 30 March 2007
Wendy's reading the Blog!
So, there you go. I thought an update might be a good idea.
I have left the toilers to it up there and headed home to Augathella for a few days with Bash and Dotty the wonderdog who, by the way, killed another pig yesterday. I have been crunching numbers to make sure we don't go broke before finishing the castles and it is scary.
Loving the cool nights out here. And not having to wait for traffic before reversing out of the driveway. Miss being able to buy takeaways instead of catching, killing and cooking any food.
We haven't talked much about the team who is building this castle yet. So I thought I'd introduce 'em one by one. On account of Al being the new boss we'll start there. Here he is, the handsome brute. The extra set of arms come in pretty handy at times. Genetic mutations aside, he is always on time, never grumbles and invites us all back to his home for drinks every afternoon after work. I think I mentioned previously that he lives at a nice place with ready refreshments. This comment could be translated more accurately to read: he lives at a pub. And we love him for it. He is also the undisputed boss of tools purchasing. Even Graeme defers to his greater knowledge although he did rebel in a small way by buying a new drill without advice. We all know how that turned out, hey Grayman. Al also provides site security by way of Dee, who can climb two storeys on a ladder. A pretty mean feat for a dog. She has became the object of affection of a black dog two doors up which I think she finds faintly irritating.
I haven't yet got a photo of Captain Ron or Ben so will have to be a bit sneaky as they'll be onto my plan if anyone reads and tells Al his pic is on the internet. Lucky for me, I have zoom lens and they don't know when I'll be back there. Which by the way will be in the next few days. I have lots of painting and cleaning up to do which oddly enough, am looking forward to.
We've scored some rain and there's plenty of grass on the lighter country now. The cows and their near weaner sized calves look fantastic and Bash has finally got the weeds under control after a mammoth battle and many flat tyres. Now, there's the planting equipment to get serviced up and ready to go. We see several broken seed hoses and two flat tyres to start us off. Bash is back to look at the weather, so I'll send this one out.
Wednesday 21 March 2007
Kitchen and other Stuff
Hi all
I am trying to do photos, believe me. Spent 1/2 hour on it this morning and the video shop man helped but computer doesn't believe my phone is capable of taking photos.
We are putting external walls on and painting today and I really really wish I could put these bloody photos on. However, we do have a back up plan and I will try again tonight.
It has rained quite heavily for the past two or three mornings and remains very humid - not ideal painting weather but we have put mould inhibitor into the paint which should help.
Ali is out choosing more interior fittings which I am loving. She phoned me from the sale table at KMart - 30% off curtain rods!! Yay. I could imagine her hovering protectively with her wings out over the lengths she thought we needed while phoning me to confirm lengths. She's a true bargain hunter and it is fun to see her in action.
We had a distraught lady come in yesterday looking for her black dog called iPod. Al said he had seen it come in through the back and leave the same way so we sent her sadly on her way. After she left, he admitted it had left under his strict instructions after he caught it chatting up Dee.
The shiny new saw remains a virgin. Marty hasn't shown his handsome face yet - I think he might be scared of the device. He left yesterday after setting everything up to make the first cut. I should be there with the camera and a sheet of paper to record the great moment.
We are still wondering what the garage will be lined with. Hmm. Will it be the same as the eaves? Or maybe hardiflex type stuff.
Trevor is going to save his employers from self destructing. He is busy preparing a presentation and motivating staff to unite and figure out exactly what they are capable of doing and what should be left to others. I am surprised by the poor work conditions and low pay given to psych disability workers. Their work can be difficult and stressful and I believe should be very highly paid as I sure wouldn't like to be doing it. He was last seen doing up a chain of command poster and mumbling about feeling like a school kid.
Al and Captain Ron are toiling along very well - we are in the shade now which has made life much more comfortable.
PHOTOS>TONIGHT
I am trying to do photos, believe me. Spent 1/2 hour on it this morning and the video shop man helped but computer doesn't believe my phone is capable of taking photos.
We are putting external walls on and painting today and I really really wish I could put these bloody photos on. However, we do have a back up plan and I will try again tonight.
It has rained quite heavily for the past two or three mornings and remains very humid - not ideal painting weather but we have put mould inhibitor into the paint which should help.
Ali is out choosing more interior fittings which I am loving. She phoned me from the sale table at KMart - 30% off curtain rods!! Yay. I could imagine her hovering protectively with her wings out over the lengths she thought we needed while phoning me to confirm lengths. She's a true bargain hunter and it is fun to see her in action.
We had a distraught lady come in yesterday looking for her black dog called iPod. Al said he had seen it come in through the back and leave the same way so we sent her sadly on her way. After she left, he admitted it had left under his strict instructions after he caught it chatting up Dee.
The shiny new saw remains a virgin. Marty hasn't shown his handsome face yet - I think he might be scared of the device. He left yesterday after setting everything up to make the first cut. I should be there with the camera and a sheet of paper to record the great moment.
We are still wondering what the garage will be lined with. Hmm. Will it be the same as the eaves? Or maybe hardiflex type stuff.
Trevor is going to save his employers from self destructing. He is busy preparing a presentation and motivating staff to unite and figure out exactly what they are capable of doing and what should be left to others. I am surprised by the poor work conditions and low pay given to psych disability workers. Their work can be difficult and stressful and I believe should be very highly paid as I sure wouldn't like to be doing it. He was last seen doing up a chain of command poster and mumbling about feeling like a school kid.
Al and Captain Ron are toiling along very well - we are in the shade now which has made life much more comfortable.
PHOTOS>TONIGHT
Sunday 18 March 2007
BUILDER WINS ARGUMENT
Hi all
Graeme has won the standoff/demarcation dispute regarding cladding in a very convincing fashion. He sat down, announced he wouldn't be able to carry anything for a while and when asked, showed them a big bulge on his belly. Al made him drive himself straight to hospital where they sliced and diced and sent him home with strict instructions to BE GOOD. Al could have been a little more sympathetic, in my opinion. However he did say that Graeme didn't show too much sympathy when his hernia exploded or whatever they do!
Anyway, Marty has grumblingly agreed to take the job on. Buchaneers and Bash got their heads together and procured a saw which cuts colourbond in straight lines without overheating it as normal wood saws are prone to do. It has not yet had a run, but Marty assures me the screws will arrive tomorrow and we will be into it.
Today, I went to the dump for the seventh time and was pondering life and such things. The dump here is quite an experience. Nothing like the adventure of my Toowoomba days where I would sometimes snavell a fabulous little art deco table with only one leg missing (a restoration project) after risking life and limb crawling through all sorts of horrible festering waste. NO, the dumps of our modern world are very different. They have this huge cement pit and a bigger shed built over it. There, about 15 feet down, we see the flotsam and jetsam of everyday life minus steel bits (Sims Metal recycling), plastic bottles (PET recycling), green waste, copper, anything useable. Not a single interesting thing here. It has all been diverted for reuse which is truly a wonderful thing. I just feel a bit let down, is all. Anyways, there is a youngish girl there every day. She drives a D6 (just in case Cameron is reading this) back and forth over the crapola until it is squished into a kind of stew which Theiss then cart off in very secretive looking white trailers to a destination unknown. Maybe they just let it dribble out along the roadside? Where do they go, I wonder.
While tossing out my crap, the fellow in the next bay and I struck up a general conversation. He is a heavy haulage contractor who carts impossibly large pieces of machinery over railway tracks (approx $10000 to cross a single set) and under power lines (he couldn't even begin to imagine how much these cost to disconnect, move aside and reconnect). He has shifted D11's from Melbourne which prompted me to tell our little story of dozers and Melbourne. We moved on to road accidents and like the rest of the trucking community, he was aware of the details of Kym Lonergan's fatal accident and sympathises with his family even though he never knew him. It is a tight knit community, I guess. The thing he feels sets abnormal load carriers aside is that they get to stop and have a beer at sunset and the other operators have to keep driving. The down side of that is that he has to travel to Darwin tomorrow with a load and trailer and police and wide load escorts with either 26 or 56 tyres - at 80km an hour provided it isn't too hot then he slows down. Apparently it gets pretty boring. If it gets too hot, tyres start to blow and at $500 odd a pop that's not a good thing. I hope he gets there okay.
I'd better go. Trevor is cooking a beef and mushroom pie with his special potato mash and if it's as good as his curries, I will be a happy girl.
Oh, the house. Ali (NOT AL) chose beautiful colours for the exterior and I have purchased all the paint and started preparation for painting. While Graeme is away I shal let loose with the airless sprayer. He goes a funny colour and changes the subject whenever I mention the paint spraygun. I think I scare the poor man sometimes but he is very patient. Not to mention ill and I shouldn't be saying inflammatory stuff or he'll pop open again.
Graeme has won the standoff/demarcation dispute regarding cladding in a very convincing fashion. He sat down, announced he wouldn't be able to carry anything for a while and when asked, showed them a big bulge on his belly. Al made him drive himself straight to hospital where they sliced and diced and sent him home with strict instructions to BE GOOD. Al could have been a little more sympathetic, in my opinion. However he did say that Graeme didn't show too much sympathy when his hernia exploded or whatever they do!
Anyway, Marty has grumblingly agreed to take the job on. Buchaneers and Bash got their heads together and procured a saw which cuts colourbond in straight lines without overheating it as normal wood saws are prone to do. It has not yet had a run, but Marty assures me the screws will arrive tomorrow and we will be into it.
Today, I went to the dump for the seventh time and was pondering life and such things. The dump here is quite an experience. Nothing like the adventure of my Toowoomba days where I would sometimes snavell a fabulous little art deco table with only one leg missing (a restoration project) after risking life and limb crawling through all sorts of horrible festering waste. NO, the dumps of our modern world are very different. They have this huge cement pit and a bigger shed built over it. There, about 15 feet down, we see the flotsam and jetsam of everyday life minus steel bits (Sims Metal recycling), plastic bottles (PET recycling), green waste, copper, anything useable. Not a single interesting thing here. It has all been diverted for reuse which is truly a wonderful thing. I just feel a bit let down, is all. Anyways, there is a youngish girl there every day. She drives a D6 (just in case Cameron is reading this) back and forth over the crapola until it is squished into a kind of stew which Theiss then cart off in very secretive looking white trailers to a destination unknown. Maybe they just let it dribble out along the roadside? Where do they go, I wonder.
While tossing out my crap, the fellow in the next bay and I struck up a general conversation. He is a heavy haulage contractor who carts impossibly large pieces of machinery over railway tracks (approx $10000 to cross a single set) and under power lines (he couldn't even begin to imagine how much these cost to disconnect, move aside and reconnect). He has shifted D11's from Melbourne which prompted me to tell our little story of dozers and Melbourne. We moved on to road accidents and like the rest of the trucking community, he was aware of the details of Kym Lonergan's fatal accident and sympathises with his family even though he never knew him. It is a tight knit community, I guess. The thing he feels sets abnormal load carriers aside is that they get to stop and have a beer at sunset and the other operators have to keep driving. The down side of that is that he has to travel to Darwin tomorrow with a load and trailer and police and wide load escorts with either 26 or 56 tyres - at 80km an hour provided it isn't too hot then he slows down. Apparently it gets pretty boring. If it gets too hot, tyres start to blow and at $500 odd a pop that's not a good thing. I hope he gets there okay.
I'd better go. Trevor is cooking a beef and mushroom pie with his special potato mash and if it's as good as his curries, I will be a happy girl.
Oh, the house. Ali (NOT AL) chose beautiful colours for the exterior and I have purchased all the paint and started preparation for painting. While Graeme is away I shal let loose with the airless sprayer. He goes a funny colour and changes the subject whenever I mention the paint spraygun. I think I scare the poor man sometimes but he is very patient. Not to mention ill and I shouldn't be saying inflammatory stuff or he'll pop open again.
Tuesday 6 March 2007
More roof please
And now it's Tuesday evening and Bash is here. He brought the mutt too. We are debating what to have for dinner - probably Thai. It is his birthday tomorrow so we won't make him go up on the roof. It's been bloody hot, no clouds to speak of and we drank all the cold water (I'd guess about 30 litres on site today). The crane man came in today and lifted all those heavy panels in quick time. We stood them on their edge and just put a sling at either end. The crane has no slew but swivels from the middle. He had about 1/4 of an inch on one side and a tree on the other and didn't hit either. Nailed up some insulation to protect the sheets from rain and tomorrow the plumbers from Party Plumbing will put the roof on. That would be Marty and Paul. Graeme, showing his usual care, has started considering the windows and where they might be and whether the louvres will be in them (broken) or packed separately. We also have something to sort out with the frame makers which involves the Engineer who happens to live in Cairns. I see those $$$ floating away into the sky as it involves the word 'certified'.
We are also pondering why there are so many framing screws left over. There was a good map for putting the frames together but no instructions about how many screws are required. Not a problem - now we'll be doing it under a beautiful shady roof.
I don't know if I told you about the crane incident the other day. I was puttering along Slade Point Road minding my business when my windscreen splatted and scared the absolute s**t out of me. I last passed a truck crane and thought it had something hanging off it but after a couple of trips past where it happened, I found the culprit - a foot long piece of 4x4 hardwood. It had glass embedded in it and my windscreen has the same colour wood embedded in it. A match.
Didn't see hide nor hair of Dulce today although who can blame her - we had a diesel motor running for three hours in the driveway. If you're out there, it is nearly over - we don't expect to need much more in the way of heavy vehicles except when the last load is delivered.
And last but not least, thanks heaps to Ned who whipper snipped and mowed our very messy footpath and front yard. We can see all the snakes and rubbish now and I don't worry about tripping over!
Yeah yea yeah. Photos soon. I just have to figure out how to bluetooth 'em to this computer.
We are also pondering why there are so many framing screws left over. There was a good map for putting the frames together but no instructions about how many screws are required. Not a problem - now we'll be doing it under a beautiful shady roof.
I don't know if I told you about the crane incident the other day. I was puttering along Slade Point Road minding my business when my windscreen splatted and scared the absolute s**t out of me. I last passed a truck crane and thought it had something hanging off it but after a couple of trips past where it happened, I found the culprit - a foot long piece of 4x4 hardwood. It had glass embedded in it and my windscreen has the same colour wood embedded in it. A match.
Didn't see hide nor hair of Dulce today although who can blame her - we had a diesel motor running for three hours in the driveway. If you're out there, it is nearly over - we don't expect to need much more in the way of heavy vehicles except when the last load is delivered.
And last but not least, thanks heaps to Ned who whipper snipped and mowed our very messy footpath and front yard. We can see all the snakes and rubbish now and I don't worry about tripping over!
Yeah yea yeah. Photos soon. I just have to figure out how to bluetooth 'em to this computer.
More roof please
And now it's Tuesday evening and Bash is here. He brought the mutt too. We are debating what to have for dinner - probably Thai. It is his birthday tomorrow so we won't make him go up on the roof. It's been bloody hot, no clouds to speak of and we drank all the cold water (I'd guess about 30 litres on site today). The crane man came in today and lifted all those heavy panels in quick time. We stood them on their edge and just put a sling at either end. The crane has no slew but swivels from the middle. He had about 1/4 of an inch on one side and a tree on the other and didn't hit either. Nailed up some insulation to protect the sheets from rain and tomorrow the plumbers from Party Plumbing will put the roof on. That would be Marty and Paul. Graeme, showing his usual care, has started considering the windows and where they might be and whether the louvres will be in them (broken) or packed separately. We also have something to sort out with the frame makers which involves the Engineer who happens to live in Cairns. I see those $$$ floating away into the sky as it involves the word 'certified'.
We are also pondering why there are so many framing screws left over. There was a good map for putting the frames together but no instructions about how many screws are required. Not a problem - now we'll be doing it under a beautiful shady roof.
I don't know if I told you about the crane incident the other day. I was puttering along Slade Point Road minding my business when my windscreen splatted and scared the absolute s**t out of me. I last passed a truck crane and thought it had something hanging off it but after a couple of trips past where it happened, I found the culprit - a foot long piece of 4x4 hardwood. It had glass embedded in it and my windscreen has the same colour wood embedded in it. A match.
Didn't see hide nor hair of Dulce today although who can blame her - we had a diesel motor running for three hours in the driveway. If you're out there, it is nearly over - we don't expect to need much more in the way of heavy vehicles except when the last load is delivered.
And last but not least, thanks heaps to Ned who whipper snipped and mowed our very messy footpath and front yard. We can see all the snakes and rubbish now and I don't worry about tripping over!
Yeah yea yeah. Photos soon. I just have to figure out how to bluetooth 'em to this computer.
We are also pondering why there are so many framing screws left over. There was a good map for putting the frames together but no instructions about how many screws are required. Not a problem - now we'll be doing it under a beautiful shady roof.
I don't know if I told you about the crane incident the other day. I was puttering along Slade Point Road minding my business when my windscreen splatted and scared the absolute s**t out of me. I last passed a truck crane and thought it had something hanging off it but after a couple of trips past where it happened, I found the culprit - a foot long piece of 4x4 hardwood. It had glass embedded in it and my windscreen has the same colour wood embedded in it. A match.
Didn't see hide nor hair of Dulce today although who can blame her - we had a diesel motor running for three hours in the driveway. If you're out there, it is nearly over - we don't expect to need much more in the way of heavy vehicles except when the last load is delivered.
And last but not least, thanks heaps to Ned who whipper snipped and mowed our very messy footpath and front yard. We can see all the snakes and rubbish now and I don't worry about tripping over!
Yeah yea yeah. Photos soon. I just have to figure out how to bluetooth 'em to this computer.
Sunday 4 March 2007
And that House
Yeah, so here I am again. Better update on the huts, hey.
We have 1/3 of roof and ceiling done but no walls which will become a problem if that cyclone brews up and comes back at us. Apparently the lift force on a roof only is pretty big. If it starts to blow we will bolt down there and screw on some extra bracing and stuff to try and keep it all square. We do have insurance but I was really hoping never to have to call on it. Thank God we did - it wasn't required but Graeme thought it would be a good idea. So now I rest easy.
This week has been pretty full on. Hot, humid and draining work. Graeme says the hardest part by far is getting the roof on, from then on you work in the shade and can get a lot more done. We haven't used the crane as recommended by Sala because we tried the first few (100kgs each and 4.5 m long, 50mm thick and they flex in the middle like hardiflex) and they seemed to go up okay. Then we tried the ones on the southern side which are much harder because there isn't as much room to move there and also because the walkway along the verandah is not on that side. I still haven't finished oiling those planks... We will probably relent and use the crane for the rest of the southern side as it is just too hard on our backs and energy levels. And that's just my opinion. I'm not perched up on a scaffold or hunched under the sheet holding it in the right place. That's what Al and Ron do. Ben and Graeme lift and carry the sheets and I help manouvre them into place.
The mob have gone out today to have lunch with Ben and Chantelle who have a pool which in my book is a compelling argument for a visit. But I really didn't have it in me and stayed around the house, reading my latest book which I love also. By Amy Tan, who tells stories of the older living generations who moved from China to America. I keep hearing bloody Dulces voice "I read your thing yesterday. You raved on too much."
So, just for you Dulcie, that is all I shall say on the matter. Home for a drink and what Tman calls 'an old fashioned tea' with vegetables.
I will save the hilarious story of cooking the mud crab for next time.
We have 1/3 of roof and ceiling done but no walls which will become a problem if that cyclone brews up and comes back at us. Apparently the lift force on a roof only is pretty big. If it starts to blow we will bolt down there and screw on some extra bracing and stuff to try and keep it all square. We do have insurance but I was really hoping never to have to call on it. Thank God we did - it wasn't required but Graeme thought it would be a good idea. So now I rest easy.
This week has been pretty full on. Hot, humid and draining work. Graeme says the hardest part by far is getting the roof on, from then on you work in the shade and can get a lot more done. We haven't used the crane as recommended by Sala because we tried the first few (100kgs each and 4.5 m long, 50mm thick and they flex in the middle like hardiflex) and they seemed to go up okay. Then we tried the ones on the southern side which are much harder because there isn't as much room to move there and also because the walkway along the verandah is not on that side. I still haven't finished oiling those planks... We will probably relent and use the crane for the rest of the southern side as it is just too hard on our backs and energy levels. And that's just my opinion. I'm not perched up on a scaffold or hunched under the sheet holding it in the right place. That's what Al and Ron do. Ben and Graeme lift and carry the sheets and I help manouvre them into place.
The mob have gone out today to have lunch with Ben and Chantelle who have a pool which in my book is a compelling argument for a visit. But I really didn't have it in me and stayed around the house, reading my latest book which I love also. By Amy Tan, who tells stories of the older living generations who moved from China to America. I keep hearing bloody Dulces voice "I read your thing yesterday. You raved on too much."
So, just for you Dulcie, that is all I shall say on the matter. Home for a drink and what Tman calls 'an old fashioned tea' with vegetables.
I will save the hilarious story of cooking the mud crab for next time.
And there goes the week
Greetings all
It's Sunday. I went rowing today. Well, everyone corrects me right there. Apparently it is called paddling when it's a dragon boat. About 20 of us met at the Yacht Club at 7.45am to put this enormous canoe (do you remember that book from the Dr Seuss series about the bear cubs who went camping and made a canoe out of bark?) into the harbour and then 20 pink people have to climb in it without tipping it over. Lean out Robin. It was a blast and those ladies are a pretty lively bunch.
The idea was hatched by a woman in Darwin who had fought off breast cancer and decided she needed a) something to do, and b) a way of drawing together other people who have been down the same track; so she somehow scared up a big canoe and persuaded various survivors of this battle to get in with her and paddle. They bought pink shirts, practised twice a week and started entering competitions and generally making themselves known. I haven't yet read the literature so this is not necessarily facts, but the gist of the thing. Anyway, it's a sort of support group/fitness exercise/teamwork building thing which works beautifully. They lift each other and push each other and if one of the crew has had chemo and doesn't feel well, they put them up the front to enjoy a ride anyway. By way of a casual question ( only the ignorant could ask such a thing), I asked did all the original members still paddle. What I meant was: had any lost interest and stopped. I realised after receiving the answer that there is not really an easy way to leave the paddlers. They support each other until the very end. It turns out the single paddler who no longer attends has died.
I sort of bumped into this pink tribe on the plane to brisvegas last weekend and talked a bit about Mum and my participation in the lifelong breast cancer study undertaken by kConFab and also about the BRCA2 gene mutation which Mum and her sister and brother all had. They have all had either breast cancer, ovarian cancer and testicular cancer which I believe are related by this mutation.
It was an honour to be with this closeknit group of people. Although I kept hitting the poor woman in front of me with my paddle, she never seemed to get annoyed. I also splashed every one and got out of time.
There was a lone man standing on the rocks who was looking out for the crocodile we apparently rowed past. We also paddled past an overturned boat which I completely missed as well. I was concentrating on not knocking anyone out so didn't see much outside the boat...
Yeah, so sorry Dulce. I raved on again. Not to worry, I promise much interesting stuff next time.
It's Sunday. I went rowing today. Well, everyone corrects me right there. Apparently it is called paddling when it's a dragon boat. About 20 of us met at the Yacht Club at 7.45am to put this enormous canoe (do you remember that book from the Dr Seuss series about the bear cubs who went camping and made a canoe out of bark?) into the harbour and then 20 pink people have to climb in it without tipping it over. Lean out Robin. It was a blast and those ladies are a pretty lively bunch.
The idea was hatched by a woman in Darwin who had fought off breast cancer and decided she needed a) something to do, and b) a way of drawing together other people who have been down the same track; so she somehow scared up a big canoe and persuaded various survivors of this battle to get in with her and paddle. They bought pink shirts, practised twice a week and started entering competitions and generally making themselves known. I haven't yet read the literature so this is not necessarily facts, but the gist of the thing. Anyway, it's a sort of support group/fitness exercise/teamwork building thing which works beautifully. They lift each other and push each other and if one of the crew has had chemo and doesn't feel well, they put them up the front to enjoy a ride anyway. By way of a casual question ( only the ignorant could ask such a thing), I asked did all the original members still paddle. What I meant was: had any lost interest and stopped. I realised after receiving the answer that there is not really an easy way to leave the paddlers. They support each other until the very end. It turns out the single paddler who no longer attends has died.
I sort of bumped into this pink tribe on the plane to brisvegas last weekend and talked a bit about Mum and my participation in the lifelong breast cancer study undertaken by kConFab and also about the BRCA2 gene mutation which Mum and her sister and brother all had. They have all had either breast cancer, ovarian cancer and testicular cancer which I believe are related by this mutation.
It was an honour to be with this closeknit group of people. Although I kept hitting the poor woman in front of me with my paddle, she never seemed to get annoyed. I also splashed every one and got out of time.
There was a lone man standing on the rocks who was looking out for the crocodile we apparently rowed past. We also paddled past an overturned boat which I completely missed as well. I was concentrating on not knocking anyone out so didn't see much outside the boat...
Yeah, so sorry Dulce. I raved on again. Not to worry, I promise much interesting stuff next time.
Tuesday 27 February 2007
No more stuff
Hi all
We aren't working today because there's no more stuff to work on until the next load arrives from Sala Homes. Due tomorrow, we hope it will keep us busy for a while. This load will contain the ceilings, roof and claddings, I believe.
There's a low forming in the Coral Sea which could become a cyclone and rain like it did earlier in February. If it starts before we have the roof on, there will be major dramas which we don't even want to contemplate. If it all goes beautifully we will have a roof by Sunday ish and Jay tells me the building industry celebrate this milestone with beer. Actually we celebrate a few milestones with beer, like Friday.
Good news is that drilling through those enormous beams is pretty easy - the drill bit follows the ply and will even drill a warped hole through the warped beams which made Greyman happy. I problemsolved the lack of a 650mm long drill bit by visiting a nearby welder who happily welded some reo to make ours longer. He didn't want paying but we'll probably shoot something cold his way come Friday as he sure put a smile on Graeme's face. We had drinks yesterday with Al at his home which is charming. He has easy access to refreshments and lots of shady trees for Dee. A perfect arrangement.
Damon from Sala Homes was a bit taken aback when I told him I'd do this project again if we found the money and the land for it. We have had a few hiccups and I guess he thought I'd be a bit sour on the idea but freight and engineering logistics aside, Graeme and I agree this has been quicker than either of us expected. We have spent more time worrying about how to do tricky or new things than actually doing them.
And on to the weekend. We and the Bryants all bunked in together near the racecourse and Bash has started work on a song which involves the rhythmic clip clop of racehorses walking to trackwork and the muffled sound of someone speaking gibberish as they stumble into the room next door at 4.30am. It was great to see Bash and the kids and I miss 'em all again now. Am already plotting my return trip with Ali on the internet to get me cheap flights.
Today I read a book by Lily Brett, called What God Wants. I like her insight and the way she stings you sometimes. She writes with the perspective of having grown up as the child of holocaust survivors, but is bloody funny along with it.
Have been to City Cabinets. Gary took one look at my wheelchair friendly house and said don't be too fussy about the kitchen being friendly to quadraplegics - he can't peel the vegetables to put in the accessible saucepans or side opening oven... As he is quadraplegic I went with his opinion. We are having drawers, a beech look laminate on doors and a dark scratch resistant benchtop. Now to buy the appliance package.
As I walked into the bus depot from the rail station, there on the floor was a young girl who was obviously en route to her home from some sort of cattle work up north. She had all her stuff scattered around her and was sorting it out so her mother wouldn't know how feral her life had been for the last little while. I hope our girls grow up with the same healthy respect for my opinion although I could think of better places for them to do their packing than the Roma Street Transit centre floor. I had to admire her spirit though, she obviously hadn't wanted to waste a single moment of her time up wherever she was and just allowed enough time to keep herself in the will.
I love travelling - you know the suspended reality of it? On my way back from Transit centre to airport, the taxi driver had to answer many questions about her life - she has a daughter who suffers from a rare disorder called something like Bater's syndrome or something. It affects internal organs and she would stop breathing as a young child and the mother couldn't do so much as shower alone as there was noone to watch the child. One day the elderly next door neighbour gave them a puppy she was unable to take proper care of and shortly after that Mrs Taxi driver noticed the puppy would come racing up to her and carry on until she followed, inevitably the daughter had stopped breathing and the dog would paw at her and push with her nose until the girl woke up. She is now about 15 and the dog died not long ago. This behavior continued for years and they remained good friends till it died. I stopped the self pity after realising something like saying goodbye to my daughters is not as earth shatteringly sad and fraught as this poor woman's early mothering years have been. I feel lucky to have seen my girls and that their health is good.
Yah yah yah. I clearly don't have enought to do.
We aren't working today because there's no more stuff to work on until the next load arrives from Sala Homes. Due tomorrow, we hope it will keep us busy for a while. This load will contain the ceilings, roof and claddings, I believe.
There's a low forming in the Coral Sea which could become a cyclone and rain like it did earlier in February. If it starts before we have the roof on, there will be major dramas which we don't even want to contemplate. If it all goes beautifully we will have a roof by Sunday ish and Jay tells me the building industry celebrate this milestone with beer. Actually we celebrate a few milestones with beer, like Friday.
Good news is that drilling through those enormous beams is pretty easy - the drill bit follows the ply and will even drill a warped hole through the warped beams which made Greyman happy. I problemsolved the lack of a 650mm long drill bit by visiting a nearby welder who happily welded some reo to make ours longer. He didn't want paying but we'll probably shoot something cold his way come Friday as he sure put a smile on Graeme's face. We had drinks yesterday with Al at his home which is charming. He has easy access to refreshments and lots of shady trees for Dee. A perfect arrangement.
Damon from Sala Homes was a bit taken aback when I told him I'd do this project again if we found the money and the land for it. We have had a few hiccups and I guess he thought I'd be a bit sour on the idea but freight and engineering logistics aside, Graeme and I agree this has been quicker than either of us expected. We have spent more time worrying about how to do tricky or new things than actually doing them.
And on to the weekend. We and the Bryants all bunked in together near the racecourse and Bash has started work on a song which involves the rhythmic clip clop of racehorses walking to trackwork and the muffled sound of someone speaking gibberish as they stumble into the room next door at 4.30am. It was great to see Bash and the kids and I miss 'em all again now. Am already plotting my return trip with Ali on the internet to get me cheap flights.
Today I read a book by Lily Brett, called What God Wants. I like her insight and the way she stings you sometimes. She writes with the perspective of having grown up as the child of holocaust survivors, but is bloody funny along with it.
Have been to City Cabinets. Gary took one look at my wheelchair friendly house and said don't be too fussy about the kitchen being friendly to quadraplegics - he can't peel the vegetables to put in the accessible saucepans or side opening oven... As he is quadraplegic I went with his opinion. We are having drawers, a beech look laminate on doors and a dark scratch resistant benchtop. Now to buy the appliance package.
As I walked into the bus depot from the rail station, there on the floor was a young girl who was obviously en route to her home from some sort of cattle work up north. She had all her stuff scattered around her and was sorting it out so her mother wouldn't know how feral her life had been for the last little while. I hope our girls grow up with the same healthy respect for my opinion although I could think of better places for them to do their packing than the Roma Street Transit centre floor. I had to admire her spirit though, she obviously hadn't wanted to waste a single moment of her time up wherever she was and just allowed enough time to keep herself in the will.
I love travelling - you know the suspended reality of it? On my way back from Transit centre to airport, the taxi driver had to answer many questions about her life - she has a daughter who suffers from a rare disorder called something like Bater's syndrome or something. It affects internal organs and she would stop breathing as a young child and the mother couldn't do so much as shower alone as there was noone to watch the child. One day the elderly next door neighbour gave them a puppy she was unable to take proper care of and shortly after that Mrs Taxi driver noticed the puppy would come racing up to her and carry on until she followed, inevitably the daughter had stopped breathing and the dog would paw at her and push with her nose until the girl woke up. She is now about 15 and the dog died not long ago. This behavior continued for years and they remained good friends till it died. I stopped the self pity after realising something like saying goodbye to my daughters is not as earth shatteringly sad and fraught as this poor woman's early mothering years have been. I feel lucky to have seen my girls and that their health is good.
Yah yah yah. I clearly don't have enought to do.
Wednesday 21 February 2007
It didn't rain today.
Hi all. The drowned rat has dried out today. I am oiling 462 l/m of decking on four sides, hmm wonder how much actual square metres that is.
I went to Masaki yesterday for more of his hot sticks torture which I credit for my back holding up to this fairly demanding work. We got heaps done today finished the wall bracing - we are halfway through screwing the decking on (bought 2000 screws, need 1000 more) sheesh, everyone is getting very sick of drills. Ben's coming tomorrow and he's been warned to bring his drill.
Al, Ronnie the welder, and I are having a contest where you turn up the radio (sorry Ned and Dulce) and guess the name of the singer when a song comes on. We have argued over which station we should be listening to but settled for Sea FM. Lots of Bob Seger and Snow plough or whatever they are called. 'what if I just lay here?' tragic little song.
I am seeing a bit of life here at Slade Point. We have had quite a few people come to the gate and ask where we got the house/s from. I'm happy to talk to them but not mad keen on paying builders to answer their questions about exactly how you build them. Not sure Graeme is wild about the interruptions either. We have asked Sala Homes for a sign with their contact details on it which will help. It is quite touching that the locals are interested enough to ask though, so we always talk to them. Today it was a nice man from around Ocean Ave - the posh end of town. He would like to ship one over in a container and build it in Tonga.
Yesterday it was a man with very shiny shoes (which made Dee suspicious straight away. She's our site supervisor and keeps the cat next door on her roof, looks out for uninvited visitors and such.) who wanted to know if he could build a house out somewhere in the bush. He is a publisher and gave us a card but we did think he might be from the tax office or Mackay City Council on account of his shoes.
Trevor has the runs, poor bugga. He ate a seafood pizza which he had in the fridge! He got sick the night before after having a piece but thought it was one particular prawn, so gave it another try last night. So he's been sitting about groaning but still went off to work.
I'd better get off now. Am starving as usual.
Hey, I hope someone is reading this twaddle. You are welcome to comment if you can figure out how to...
I went to Masaki yesterday for more of his hot sticks torture which I credit for my back holding up to this fairly demanding work. We got heaps done today finished the wall bracing - we are halfway through screwing the decking on (bought 2000 screws, need 1000 more) sheesh, everyone is getting very sick of drills. Ben's coming tomorrow and he's been warned to bring his drill.
Al, Ronnie the welder, and I are having a contest where you turn up the radio (sorry Ned and Dulce) and guess the name of the singer when a song comes on. We have argued over which station we should be listening to but settled for Sea FM. Lots of Bob Seger and Snow plough or whatever they are called. 'what if I just lay here?' tragic little song.
I am seeing a bit of life here at Slade Point. We have had quite a few people come to the gate and ask where we got the house/s from. I'm happy to talk to them but not mad keen on paying builders to answer their questions about exactly how you build them. Not sure Graeme is wild about the interruptions either. We have asked Sala Homes for a sign with their contact details on it which will help. It is quite touching that the locals are interested enough to ask though, so we always talk to them. Today it was a nice man from around Ocean Ave - the posh end of town. He would like to ship one over in a container and build it in Tonga.
Yesterday it was a man with very shiny shoes (which made Dee suspicious straight away. She's our site supervisor and keeps the cat next door on her roof, looks out for uninvited visitors and such.) who wanted to know if he could build a house out somewhere in the bush. He is a publisher and gave us a card but we did think he might be from the tax office or Mackay City Council on account of his shoes.
Trevor has the runs, poor bugga. He ate a seafood pizza which he had in the fridge! He got sick the night before after having a piece but thought it was one particular prawn, so gave it another try last night. So he's been sitting about groaning but still went off to work.
I'd better get off now. Am starving as usual.
Hey, I hope someone is reading this twaddle. You are welcome to comment if you can figure out how to...
Sunday 18 February 2007
Got pics today!!
So, I won't say much. Please make sure you look closely at Catwoman's house - it is fascinating and a grand folly.
Friday 16 February 2007
But they Just Don't FIT!
Hi all. More sweat and some blood lost today. The second floor is down and we have frames strategically placed around the floor so we can frame up quickly tomorrow. The engineering is further complicated by the fact that the beams which run through the spine of the roof are bigger than the spaces left in the steel frames to hold them. Hmmm. What to do. I think the problem started when our engineer got very very safety conscious and arranged for these huge beams of laminate timber ply. They are nearly 40cm deep and have to be drilled straight up (about 8 cm thick, doesn't leave much leeway for crooked drilling) to hold the rafters with these big bolts the engineer wants. This has to happen approx every 90cm along the length of the building. But the frames don't fit around these huge beams. We have put it into the hands of the frame makers to see what they can come up with.
I will be very pleased to see the beams in place - might even be able to go home and see everyone for a few days. The builder is quite worried about how it will all happen but I guess you get that on the big jobs (to paraphrase Bash)
Hey Kate, I hope you swam well at your swimming carnival. Will call you Saturday night to hear about it.
I will be very pleased to see the beams in place - might even be able to go home and see everyone for a few days. The builder is quite worried about how it will all happen but I guess you get that on the big jobs (to paraphrase Bash)
Hey Kate, I hope you swam well at your swimming carnival. Will call you Saturday night to hear about it.
Thursday 15 February 2007
Hurry hurry.
Frame is going up today on house number one - it rained again last night and delayed putting down the flooring on house 2. Graham is not wildly happy with the framing system as the frames are not marked a-a b-b etc so we can match the ends. However, we have done quite a bit of the jigsaw for today and it really looks like there's a house being built. As it is an entirely new building system, Graham has had some questions but I have overheard him saying to someone that he thought the flooring system was pretty good, apart from the approx 3000 screws/nails we have put in. I even bought a new drill for the exercise and it sure is getting some use.
On the home front, I have learned some interesting things. Sarah is going out on her first leave this weekend, thanks Dave & Jo! Have found the library and met some locals. I have learned things about sniffing paint, disability advocacy as a job, the best place for vegetarian lasagne and of the cat lady who has the most interesting house - it is decorated, entirely from ceiling to floor, with stories of cats and some legends redone with the cat theme in mind. Will post photos soon as I work out how to 'bluetooth' em from my camera. It is truly the most remarkable thing I've seen in home decoration.
Bash, Cam and Tory had a rowdy old time on the verandah yesterday on account of it rained 160 points so he's happy. Don't know about poor old C&T - they were going to harvest some buffell which wouldn't look too promising now. Bash cooked 'em a big fat roast which I'm sorry I missed. I had a stubby of strongbow and a piece of chocolate and went to bed absolutely wrecked.
I'd better go, my 15 minutes came up pretty quickly.
Hey, Jen - I will try to make this as rivetting as possible from here on in.
On the home front, I have learned some interesting things. Sarah is going out on her first leave this weekend, thanks Dave & Jo! Have found the library and met some locals. I have learned things about sniffing paint, disability advocacy as a job, the best place for vegetarian lasagne and of the cat lady who has the most interesting house - it is decorated, entirely from ceiling to floor, with stories of cats and some legends redone with the cat theme in mind. Will post photos soon as I work out how to 'bluetooth' em from my camera. It is truly the most remarkable thing I've seen in home decoration.
Bash, Cam and Tory had a rowdy old time on the verandah yesterday on account of it rained 160 points so he's happy. Don't know about poor old C&T - they were going to harvest some buffell which wouldn't look too promising now. Bash cooked 'em a big fat roast which I'm sorry I missed. I had a stubby of strongbow and a piece of chocolate and went to bed absolutely wrecked.
I'd better go, my 15 minutes came up pretty quickly.
Hey, Jen - I will try to make this as rivetting as possible from here on in.
Wednesday 7 February 2007
First Hurdles
Today I cut myself with the stanley knife. Graeme and Al went home early as the steel for sub floor is not all on site. Several phone calls and we think it's on a little truck somewhere between Gladstone and Mackay. Gotta love One Steel.
I have been able to secure a boarding arrangement with T, the neighbourhood helping hand. It's pretty handy, being only a few doors up from the building site. Have learned how to use my new gadget for phone calls (don't snigger, it's not as easy as you might think) and have developed the habit of asking everyone I see about it and they all seem to be able to show me something new. Thanks Paul for working out my PIN number for messagebank. My next big step is to figure out how to use the bluetooth headset. B reckons I'll look like a clown, wandering about talking to myself.
Topic for discussion this morning was tie downs - for cyclones etc. We appear to be over engineered for what what we are building and the builder expects the tie downs alone to take almost a week to complete. I guess the engineer doesn't want to get sued.
The master of our domain informs me during huffing, that he has had another stick go through a tractor tyre which meant a 2 km walk. Poor man, I wish I could split into two and leave one of me home. It's a two person job to take it off and put it onto the vehicle to take home for repair.
I tried to take a photo of the site this morning so I can start one of those time delay sequences and speed up the building process but our resident user of stuff (S) has flattened the batteries.
I am going over to Ned and Dulces (next door) later to show Dulce the joys of eBay. In between cleaning out the shed and putting the end caps on all the joists. Someone once lived in the garden shed and has left carpet and a bed - the carpet is saturated from 20 inches of rain so is pretty rank. That'll be fun.
All that and I've found an internet cafe up the road. A feed and a read, who can ask for more?
I have been able to secure a boarding arrangement with T, the neighbourhood helping hand. It's pretty handy, being only a few doors up from the building site. Have learned how to use my new gadget for phone calls (don't snigger, it's not as easy as you might think) and have developed the habit of asking everyone I see about it and they all seem to be able to show me something new. Thanks Paul for working out my PIN number for messagebank. My next big step is to figure out how to use the bluetooth headset. B reckons I'll look like a clown, wandering about talking to myself.
Topic for discussion this morning was tie downs - for cyclones etc. We appear to be over engineered for what what we are building and the builder expects the tie downs alone to take almost a week to complete. I guess the engineer doesn't want to get sued.
The master of our domain informs me during huffing, that he has had another stick go through a tractor tyre which meant a 2 km walk. Poor man, I wish I could split into two and leave one of me home. It's a two person job to take it off and put it onto the vehicle to take home for repair.
I tried to take a photo of the site this morning so I can start one of those time delay sequences and speed up the building process but our resident user of stuff (S) has flattened the batteries.
I am going over to Ned and Dulces (next door) later to show Dulce the joys of eBay. In between cleaning out the shed and putting the end caps on all the joists. Someone once lived in the garden shed and has left carpet and a bed - the carpet is saturated from 20 inches of rain so is pretty rank. That'll be fun.
All that and I've found an internet cafe up the road. A feed and a read, who can ask for more?
Friday 2 February 2007
Starting Out
So here i sit on a pretty good day. I'm packed and ready to go to Mackay where we will be building two Sala Homes kit homes at Mackay. Only thing is, it won't stop raining there. The schools are open but the buses aren't running so there are some mighty happy kids about.
Dotty and Mr Meatant will contain any disasters on the home front while I am the intrepid adventurer for the first time in a while. We have just put our kids into boarding school which my friend describes as barbaric, between loud sobs. Part of me wishes it didn't have to happen but I am so conditioned to the idea that as long as the girls are happy, then so am I.
I'm not too sure what is interesting to others so this will have to evolve with me. The best thing about this venture so far is that I now have a new gadget (one of those new smart phones) to play with, and I do love gadgets. It is a JasJam and seems to be able to run my life very efficiently if only I can figure out how to use it. I shall consult the helpful people at Whirlpool forums or Aussie 3g should I need assistance.
Home is in the 'bush' with cattle bred for beef, and a small amount of cropping for forage. The recent rain has lifted all our spirits and even the animals have a spring in their collective step.
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