tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12354393166105428052024-03-14T03:25:03.660+10:00the quiet lifekids : misadventures : many freezers : much laundry : our not so quiet life in the countrysharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.comBlogger833125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-37354731914528777092015-01-15T04:14:00.000+10:002015-01-15T04:14:00.393+10:00Christmas 2014<p>So we found ourselves back on the coast again, for Christmas this year. Dr decreed that Mum wasn’t allowed home yet, so we and the family took ourselves to her (not Dad, he thought some one might steal the place - eyeroll – so he stayed home to ensure everything was secured). Initially I tried to book a nice big air-conditioned holiday house with a pool but none wanted us for short stay. So instead I booked into Seagulls “resort” which did have aircon, a very nice pool and didn’t care how many nights we stayed.I suppose if we are going to have a coastal holiday it should look proper tropical.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pr9fl-aovsY/VLYJwEz8V6I/AAAAAAAALPo/teBGkiGZNaE/s1600-h/IMG_7860%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7860" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7860" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fR9TfwbVe_U/VLYJxMVEa1I/AAAAAAAALPw/5oy2DLkucOw/IMG_7860_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="444"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DmUO-5L5zGk/VLYJyme4cdI/AAAAAAAALP4/KGh-JPFX3fM/s1600-h/IMG_7864%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7864" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7864" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ob0fob1-zBw/VLYJzhSyZ1I/AAAAAAAALQA/v4-EIkr_Vao/IMG_7864_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="444"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LgUi-TdgO9Q/VLYJ0hnoqkI/AAAAAAAALQI/O_-uykM7ufM/s1600-h/IMG_7865%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7865" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7865" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f9HmvtsrMnU/VLYJ10odvBI/AAAAAAAALQQ/lqjZnVKu6_A/IMG_7865_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2AZSe_3Se4U/VLYJ26BJx2I/AAAAAAAALQY/dWWfXHXSeuM/s1600-h/IMG_7903%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7903" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7903" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Brf_X1tN-LY/VLYJ36mrWSI/AAAAAAAALQg/Nr7qV3V2n1E/IMG_7903_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a></p> <p>And yes, I did take a (skinny drought ridden but sparkly!) tree with us.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j9eLExo7-50/VLYJ4uXkV2I/AAAAAAAALQo/8zpfmEQ3Er0/s1600-h/IMG_7904%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7904" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7904" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wn0gdjtmYa4/VLYJ5tBOeII/AAAAAAAALQw/SGdh4JWuaRU/IMG_7904_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="444"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JLCGm4l0JNM/VLYJ7CZHJWI/AAAAAAAALQ4/7-BzNjGZqeI/s1600-h/IMG_7906%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7906" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7906" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4EmHPsHu2nA/VLYJ8F2QwEI/AAAAAAAALRA/-9rQhyzwLpc/IMG_7906_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="444"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oKBNQOUW2Ww/VLYJ9AQ4RTI/AAAAAAAALRI/u1wY43R6YzE/s1600-h/IMG_7907%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7907" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7907" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tq_jI398DzY/VLYJ-HUyAmI/AAAAAAAALRQ/HXmlbYcX65s/IMG_7907_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="444"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iZSCpaKe600/VLYJ_qzFO1I/AAAAAAAALRY/RksTZ4FMzqM/s1600-h/IMG_7910%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7910" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7910" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L2BSLoSc5LQ/VLYKAgoVMAI/AAAAAAAALRg/0oW4EMd90eI/IMG_7910_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="444"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V_EoiQRmidg/VLYKB8wwR1I/AAAAAAAALRo/HT9BBSZnXmY/s1600-h/IMG_7919%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7919" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7919" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hIqkxv-Fi4I/VLYKDNXHf5I/AAAAAAAALRw/KfpMGHcM5HI/IMG_7919_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w17SBANlK7g/VLYKE385XtI/AAAAAAAALR4/GR-mNfGamXQ/s1600-h/IMG_7937%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7937" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7937" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UwxCvHZWJfs/VLYKGNuLmMI/AAAAAAAALSA/8fuPg8Wl7cE/IMG_7937_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="444"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CBn50ss4nPs/VLYKHCmQlOI/AAAAAAAALSI/ScT2DI0hgLc/s1600-h/IMG_7939%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7939" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7939" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XuNaPxC8yrg/VLYKIOpcdkI/AAAAAAAALSQ/ZMNKb0cd7jU/IMG_7939_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="444"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fRFAcIa3E8Q/VLYKJ8CKZRI/AAAAAAAALSY/peVLsrysUlM/s1600-h/IMG_7941%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7941" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7941" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b0ovUgYpbtQ/VLYKKwSHYZI/AAAAAAAALSg/t7SQxRvQr1c/IMG_7941_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--zMDeElaGJo/VLYKL9hGnGI/AAAAAAAALSo/llFkzQjwKLk/s1600-h/IMG_7949%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7949" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7949" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rng8CKuSWZI/VLYKM0ayr8I/AAAAAAAALSw/ipyZuAiICpU/IMG_7949_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="664"></a></p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZTDKX6I7Ev4/VLYKNzrVZeI/AAAAAAAALS4/m5TtM-TSTa4/s1600-h/IMG_7912%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7912" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7912" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-upHhwYevXQE/VLYKO7YE30I/AAAAAAAALTA/xQQ6veJ0QI8/IMG_7912_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="591"></a> <p>Noisy toys were given with glee to small nieces that like to press buttons. Kids were spoilt and got lots of lovely things. Much food was eaten. The aircon was set at artic and full blast. A Pommie friend of my sister in law was part of the family, and a cousin dropped in for lunch as well. Full house.</p> <p>After lunch had subsided it was decreed that we needed to retire to the fancy pool that we were paying a bomb for. Water guns were dragged to the pool. Uncles that thought they were going to blast small nephews away were sadly disappointed when it appeared his newly purchased water canon had some plumbing issues. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1rTnMxDRmfA/VLYKQIDSWlI/AAAAAAAALTI/HoRG1zZja9w/s1600-h/10923230_10153045979096942_697098819200976374_n%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="10923230_10153045979096942_697098819200976374_n" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="10923230_10153045979096942_697098819200976374_n" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9EW0GtAiBG0/VLYKRSvm-3I/AAAAAAAALTQ/dcd7JAxeRg8/10923230_10153045979096942_697098819200976374_n_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CA2PRD88VAI/VLYKSqVw_HI/AAAAAAAALTY/eiJlfIM8lSA/s1600-h/10929030_10153045978611942_1928990251828554962_n%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="10929030_10153045978611942_1928990251828554962_n" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="10929030_10153045978611942_1928990251828554962_n" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W4f96wLmJpg/VLYKTyQj3HI/AAAAAAAALTg/vdoQ8WZoC90/10929030_10153045978611942_1928990251828554962_n_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p>After swims and more food, super tired kids were sent to bed and the rest wandered off to their own accommodation slowly. Mum was taken home (albeit reluctantly, even though she was drooping) and The Husband and I were left clutching our overfed selves, and wondering how doing very little for a day can be so exhausting.</p> <p>And so that was Christmas.</p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-85271785091609461212015-01-14T15:24:00.001+10:002015-01-14T15:24:35.829+10:00So much to tell you<p>Oh my, how can it be over a month since I last posted. As I type we have rapidly sped through the school holidays, with less than two short weeks left of the lazy mornings, evenings outside and dinner being late on the table. AND NO LUNCH BOXES. Anyhow, the last few weeks of 2014 were certainly quite jam packed, so lets catch up shall we? So much to tell you.</p> <h1><em><font size="4">School Breakup</font></em></h1> <p>The last time we shall have THREE children at our tiny school’s school breakup concert. Kate reached the end of year six. Doesn’t time fly, it really is true.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iUwqOEBBbOA/VLX8z0-3XwI/AAAAAAAALKQ/ncipN4lWTzU/s1600-h/IMG_7058%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7058" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7058" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mZZUOOAvVbE/VLX817GyV-I/AAAAAAAALKY/KWGOOHtYD_A/IMG_7058_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p>The Husband’s brother and wife (Kate’s godparents) and their kids travelled from the coast to celebrate Kate’s “graduation”. The kids had a wonderful evening with their cousins.</p> <p>Santa of course arrived in style.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FlMRbndWEH8/VLX836PkuuI/AAAAAAAALKg/x3XSvdbbkeE/s1600-h/IMG_7065%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7065" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7065" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UVaQvWpjvP0/VLX85GAMQ3I/AAAAAAAALKo/EGlHlPWJivQ/IMG_7065_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FnKJo9tixew/VLX86pgn8iI/AAAAAAAALKw/W2lswjNifF8/s1600-h/IMG_7076%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7076" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7076" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ns7rYnsSlrU/VLX87qWWstI/AAAAAAAALK4/tvLBLVDRo0w/IMG_7076_thumb%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="296"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-orxF4XnGwMk/VLX88j79K4I/AAAAAAAALLA/obGZObL1sq8/s1600-h/IMG_7108%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7108" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7108" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YiP2QtldGYo/VLX89tdN0LI/AAAAAAAALLI/LlW1gj7CZ98/IMG_7108_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="left" height="444"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2AhkS_uF9Vw/VLX8-vrh4uI/AAAAAAAALLQ/X0sfSjtmGPY/s1600-h/IMG_7123%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7123" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7123" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qM4yafX1ePA/VLX8_i7LQ4I/AAAAAAAALLY/UD67kM4K0e4/IMG_7123_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="297" height="444"></a></p> <p>The kids put on a short musical concert showing off their skills. To be honest, I didn’t really get to enjoy the night as I spent it flat out either serving drinks or food, or clearing away food. </p> <p>And then school was over, with a last day pool party to celebrate.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RZLvifCCdQs/VLX9BXNOmXI/AAAAAAAALLg/Yn8dAaCLb8s/s1600-h/IMG_7257%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7257" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7257" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d-zjkXdGrBc/VLX9CxuBXiI/AAAAAAAALLo/VyJyOKsopPM/IMG_7257_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="301"></a></p> <h1><em><font size="4">McKenzie’s birthday</font></em></h1> <p>We also celebrated little cousin McKenzie’s birthday. She likes Peppa Pig. Her mum can ice a mean cake too.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xg5uc9Syc2Q/VLX9EhpYCVI/AAAAAAAALLw/BRRg_haBk_Y/s1600-h/IMG_7172%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7172" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7172" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cTHt3i9k3uI/VLX9F9NQy1I/AAAAAAAALL4/1dxc9ruAz1Y/IMG_7172_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="444"></a></p> <h1><em><font size="4">City “break”</font></em></h1> <p>Mum has been in the city having treatment, staying in the wonderful Leukaemia Foundation units near the hospital. We went and “cared” for her during the first week of the holidays. We took her out for some fresh air most afternoons, and to run some energy off the kids.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YCr4c4i849I/VLX9G8lOlXI/AAAAAAAALMA/gJ_xy1M0gwA/s1600-h/IMG_7342%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7342" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aO1-J0DxRmI/VLX9H2YQ_ZI/AAAAAAAALMI/S8AK1G8EpT4/IMG_7342_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ryF3OwtZir8/VLX9ItVgvKI/AAAAAAAALMQ/mrX71L5zpjs/s1600-h/IMG_7346%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7346" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7346" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XkWezTWiNIY/VLX9JuVsn1I/AAAAAAAALMY/7offgbGgWWY/IMG_7346_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pNbFx4gqz1I/VLX9K8XoSkI/AAAAAAAALMg/QtE7mXCLg8o/s1600-h/IMG_7455%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7455" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7455" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zLXX4MjzF20/VLX9L66zMuI/AAAAAAAALMo/6oA_spWgpbc/IMG_7455_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bzIYOykAEeQ/VLX9M69Gy0I/AAAAAAAALMw/pjJbN0NuW04/s1600-h/IMG_7354%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7354" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7354" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AV2X0KugjGk/VLX9NheA4iI/AAAAAAAALM4/2w6Rd6ycFdY/IMG_7354_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N_f8ItzZO8Q/VLX9O-IAXtI/AAAAAAAALNA/qPOYsmFWLE8/s1600-h/IMG_7395%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7395" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7395" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gvYMbpXq2dI/VLX9PkVZFnI/AAAAAAAALNI/oOAdbH-eBZY/IMG_7395_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pAMvekSQ_bo/VLX9RA4XJsI/AAAAAAAALNQ/chX0_iVVjDM/s1600-h/IMG_7360%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7360" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7360" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QwSGri1eyvE/VLX9Rznvk4I/AAAAAAAALNY/YuoTRRrO2Ro/IMG_7360_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a></p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-czrCzHmNgL0/VLX9Tctz1zI/AAAAAAAALNg/BLB9IRp2MCw/s1600-h/IMG_7415%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7415" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7415" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5ctrq6fnp9M/VLX9UWfhmFI/AAAAAAAALNo/WFMwV8Oru94/IMG_7415_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="591"></a> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4qi0gCAKD0U/VLX9Vjd3G4I/AAAAAAAALNw/q3M59RsdREE/s1600-h/IMG_7477%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7477" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7477" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NBNORWHQIog/VLX9WnfY6dI/AAAAAAAALN4/imIoWbJVWVA/IMG_7477_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="224"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vBnnFFNVj5Q/VLX9X32setI/AAAAAAAALOA/P_7Tiho1e0c/s1600-h/IMG_7479%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7479" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7479" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M5n9Sz0icCA/VLX9ZNPP6tI/AAAAAAAALOI/S9uCyzCZM00/IMG_7479_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="224"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KwetPNcxXG8/VLX9afw7r1I/AAAAAAAALOQ/TPnoHN2FaW0/s1600-h/IMG_7480%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7480" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7480" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1V5Y2KPBV8I/VLX9bLqQxtI/AAAAAAAALOY/RXZnnpGxo8g/IMG_7480_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="224"></a></p> <p>Our shift staying with mum came to its end, and thankfully she was feeling a lot better by the time we left (the tail end of treatment week has her feeling unwell we have discovered) and we departed, fully loaded, handing back over to my aunt. Kids wondered how we would fit the load of groceries in amongst the other shopping, but hey, like someone else said, if you don’t have to unpack the beer carton and stick them in one by one, you have heaps of room.</p> <h1><em><font size="4">RAIN!</font></em></h1> <p>It rained whilst we were in the city, the biggest fall in how long. Very excited phone calls were received. It feels so old news now, but the elation when it does finally rain, puts you on a natural high. Sadly, now some weeks after the event and little other than random showers since, has meant that elation was short lived. Concern that we won’t get any more still sits in our minds.</p> <p>My sister in law took these photos.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KziEREoTTFM/VLX9c9H2TeI/AAAAAAAALOg/KhIxr0FQFEg/s1600-h/IMG_7421%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7421" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7421" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oA6ToC2sf4Y/VLX9dxyMbKI/AAAAAAAALOo/nyd1JddivSo/IMG_7421_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hD6GuMWpyZ8/VLX9evumbqI/AAAAAAAALOw/mHmnXuBVoBA/s1600-h/IMG_7424%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7424" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7424" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nqxxcIiYnaI/VLX9fkaHsuI/AAAAAAAALO4/vF86B-uuICI/IMG_7424_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-93Bz07z_qhc/VLX9gjQFaRI/AAAAAAAALPA/-ihYJYCSqxQ/s1600-h/IMG_7422%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7422" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7422" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gDvLBSTS0tM/VLX9hu63heI/AAAAAAAALPI/SY-nrp9RM-c/IMG_7422_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="444"></a></p> <p>Georgie FINALLY got her ears pierced 4 long months after her 10th birthday. As expected, she didn’t even blink.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-znLoes8nU54/VLX9jG1gr3I/AAAAAAAALPQ/Ra1mUhP9uYk/s1600-h/IMG_7592%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7592" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7592" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lzR3rvAUPQc/VLX9kS4aIcI/AAAAAAAALPY/xhK1Amhqc-w/IMG_7592_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="444"></a></p> <p>And that catches us up - until Christmas at least!</p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-92012427851362874922014-11-27T21:40:00.001+10:002014-11-27T21:40:03.418+10:00Between 8am and 230pm<p>That’s the hours that The Husband has me available on a school day at the moment. So he booked me in to give him a hand the other day, to get some fresh air in the searing heat and dust that is “spring” in north west Queensland (I think we had two days of spring like weather in mid August!). Of course I got to do my favourite thing in the world, drive the tractor.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BkAgdc86IBE/VHcNEpZAvjI/AAAAAAAALHA/1ngvJ97VKhA/s1600-h/IMG_6777%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6777" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6777" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4uqHOnfoxbc/VHcNGQwnNII/AAAAAAAALHI/TxfYy3B4ofQ/IMG_6777_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p>Apparently I was driving said tractor like it was an off road rally car, however one doesn’t have all day to muck around.</p> <p>Task of the day was to add aprons around troughs so that calves could get a drink, and so that the cows didn’t continually gouge out the soil around the troughs, making a big depression around each and making getting a drink impossible for small calves.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9XzM1R4qThQ/VHcNJdag3gI/AAAAAAAALHQ/UDyO_xsbfow/s1600-h/IMG_6786%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6786" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6786" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ulP5Zn-syXE/VHcNLPdCVLI/AAAAAAAALHY/oZXtXvU8qs0/IMG_6786_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Sqb_2iICrjc/VHcNMgTt2ZI/AAAAAAAALHg/TNepMdU_3Ss/s1600-h/IMG_6788%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6788" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6788" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wrcnsGiea4E/VHcNNv3h9mI/AAAAAAAALHo/fBYJqoEjvFI/IMG_6788_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="297"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D7m1j-fiUsc/VHcNPVvfZkI/AAAAAAAALHw/9he00d0xVZE/s1600-h/IMG_6795%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6795" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6795" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MuElOJYf1Jc/VHcNQf6Vm8I/AAAAAAAALH4/vmCecjodEy8/IMG_6795_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="297"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KNWgrZrXm5M/VHcNSVR6ElI/AAAAAAAALIA/zk52p5Pm50c/s1600-h/IMG_6800%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6800" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NcDeAEExkQk/VHcNTX-LvMI/AAAAAAAALII/Ul2gA5X_ItI/IMG_6800_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="297"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Rmfd6_SZGK4/VHcNWm6x0FI/AAAAAAAALIQ/L0b7Qj6IOnw/s1600-h/IMG_6785%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6785" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6785" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-In7hxhmMmdk/VHcNYPPGXvI/AAAAAAAALIY/owVgS8WRMLc/IMG_6785_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p>These heifers – which were trucked to LC in January (robbing Peter to pay Paul so to speak) as it had more grass. As it pans out, where they came from still hasn’t grown any grass (it hasn’t rained of course) and the grass is getting in short supply here as well. They are bright and strong and shiny but on the lean side, and have started calving. We are helping them out as much as we can nutritionally, with lick and molasses that has a high level of protein included in the mix.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8X7BcTj4W0w/VHcNaHuLJaI/AAAAAAAALIg/A2Rcg1kfVXg/s1600-h/IMG_6810%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6810" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6810" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qq4_MFDJqTY/VHcNbYcGZiI/AAAAAAAALIo/ahySo-dQ018/IMG_6810_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="290"></a></p> <p>After the aprons are laid into place, dirt is backfilled around them and the trough for the cows to pack down nice and tight. This of course involved a bit of a boys-and-their-toys moment, requiring the digging of a hole to get sufficient dirt. (I kept my mouth shut about that hole being a smidge close to the trough, he had to do a few three point turns to deposit the dirt correctly).</p> <p>We then repeated the process at two more troughs. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4236R8MmDjI/VHcNdSeGZ3I/AAAAAAAALIw/WLu4fkQNfQI/s1600-h/IMG_6814%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6814" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6814" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gJiFLExxH-A/VHcNfM9b4NI/AAAAAAAALI4/rkj1A_4isEA/IMG_6814_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p>This one I was quite happy to empty and clean out. The Husband told me it wasn’t necessary for me to remove my boots and get IN the trough in order to do so. But it was hot and I was quite happy to splash around sweeping out the rubbish.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-epAcYt7I12o/VHcNikyP7eI/AAAAAAAALJA/6V1bzz5zm0c/s1600-h/IMG_6823%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6823" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6823" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VZQwFwbTgjg/VHcNkLvFAlI/AAAAAAAALJI/Zs66Ux_CCoE/IMG_6823_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p>And then we went home where these two little fellows were not so patiently waiting for their lunch. On the left is Megsie and on the right is Monty. Both are a bit cheeky. On the far right of the image is some fantastic creation of the kids, built over a small water trough. You may be mistaken in thinking that its part of the rubbish tip, however NO, apparently is a SPA. </p> <p>I haven’t the mental energy to argue with them.</p> <p>Actually an outdoor spa sounds quite nice. Bring me a cocktail please?!</p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-16558053510924309162014-11-21T05:02:00.000+10:002014-11-21T05:02:00.374+10:00Shaken Foundations<p>Friday the 14th November. I was in Kmart in Townsville, doing some shopping on a flying visit whilst Kate attended a pre boarding workshop in the Towers. My list was long if not haphazardly written, and my plans were to cross a fair bit off that list sans kids.</p> <p>My mum rang. Her blood test results were back, the results weren’t looking good. She was matter of fact and we discussed what the plan of action was; she was waiting for specialists referral appointments to be sorted out for next week and we would go from there. I stood in the Christmas crockery aisle, drew a deep breath and marched forward. Mum wasn’t unwell (apart from feeling a bit tired, dr had decided to do some routine bloods)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ekbktHMDTMA/VGxAubyn1mI/AAAAAAAALGo/HeA9t51VbR4/s1600-h/IMG_28327.jpg"><img title="IMG_2832" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_2832" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TPgANX3aK3Y/VGxAvt9DrQI/AAAAAAAALGw/X-qKhms-WpM/IMG_2832_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="404"></a></p> <p>About an hour later, my brother rang. They’d been having smoko, mum was sitting on the floor playing with Violet. A vehicle pulls up, brother goes out to find its an ambulance! Are you lost mate?! he says. No, they say, we are here to collect Jean!</p> <p>Of course, the fact that an ambulance arrived to collect a woman who was fairly hale and hearty and very surprised to see them was quite a shock.*** She went and packed her bag and was taken off to town, where they were to fly her out to Townsville that day. This was starting to look a lot more scary and serious. And not really the sort of phone call one should be taking by oneself in the middle of Kmart.</p> <p><em>*** Turns out that Tvlle registrars need to realise that mobile phones don’t work in the bush and when they didn’t get her on the phone to ask her to come in for an urgent appointment, they pushed the panic buttons. Nor were there any local staff working at the local hospital that day, nor did anyone think to talk to the actual dr’s surgery. </em></p> <p>I was able to finish off my shopping in Kmart, quite distractedly, before haphazardly throwing the overflowing trolley of shopping into the back of the car. I sat in the air-conditioned car for awhile, gathering myself together and texting The Husband the news of the morning. I know that if I’d called him, I wouldn’t have been able to string a coherent sentence together. I’ve been in fairly scary situations before, when Kate was bitten by a snake, and when our neighbour had hurt himself seriously, but on both occasions I was too busy doing and organising to loose the plot however this time I had nothing TO DO. </p> <p>Anyhow, I pulled myself together, and continued my day. Being in Townsville already was turning out to be quite handy, with mum to arrive at some point that night. And that list of things to do was pretty handy as well, to give me something to do.</p> <p>After booking into a motel and estimating that the plane should have arrived, I timed my arrival to the hospital perfectly that evening, as mum had arrived and was just being settled into a bed in oncology (which is scary word in itself, but you get over that quickly). </p> <p>I’ll shorten the story at this point, as its ongoing of course. A great range of Dr’s and nurses are looking after her throughout the raft of prodding and taking blood and testing. They are currently talking a thing called <a href="http://www.cancer.org/cancer/waldenstrommacroglobulinemia/">Waldenstroms</a>, which simply put is a form of blood cancer. Its somewhat similar to Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, except it is of course RARE. It does appear manageable. Mum said to the dr that she’d hoped to have made her 90’s, the dr replied lets not get too excited but we’ll see about the 80’s, which gives us much more hope than the rather long and unfriendly sounding names the other doctors were speaking of to start off with. They think its been picked up early in the piece, which again is hopeful. So for now, mum is sitting (somewhat impatiently) in a hospital bed, in the lairy printed soft pants I bought her for comfortable yet non-nighty bed lounging (not an item of clothing that would usually grace mums wardrobe!) and armed with a new touch screen phone that in theory she can send and receive texts from. (receiving going sort of OK, sending NOT at all unless cheeky brothers send messages on mums behalf!) </p> <p>And added to list of rain that we are hoping and praying for, is mum’s health. We’d appreciate it if you could add it to your list as well.</p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-39072714739110188242014-11-20T04:55:00.000+10:002014-11-20T04:55:00.574+10:00Around here<p>We continue to feed horses, every afternoon, without fail.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NpfM2ISPCQ0/VGw--RgM8NI/AAAAAAAALA4/AHAYqRYfLCk/s1600-h/IMG_5958%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5958" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5958" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KAoOjww9N0o/VGw-_kQH53I/AAAAAAAALBA/wcIlKauwfNA/IMG_5958_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CROv6MzoR1k/VGw_A3wC7rI/AAAAAAAALBI/_Oi-rn8f2Qc/s1600-h/IMG_6272%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6272" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6272" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-37D3bCS5qPo/VGw_Bv_TyBI/AAAAAAAALBQ/qP6LBW-UjXc/IMG_6272_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>S<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FmvMkOZ25XQ/VGw_ClsqoXI/AAAAAAAALBY/OZy2At3QKjE/s1600-h/IMG_6370%25255B4%25255D.jpg">ome times with some added Red for Daniel Day</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><img title="IMG_6370" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6370" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KAFL7qiCJpU/VGw_Dy7BVXI/AAAAAAAALBg/s92m794k140/IMG_6370_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="664"></p> <p>We continue to search the skies for signs of rain filled clouds. Some days are more hopeful than others.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FgHwJ0pVnBM/VGw_E2lbtII/AAAAAAAALBo/RrmVZt8ScxY/s1600-h/IMG_5876%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5876" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5876" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-toVWUqLayls/VGw_FpCR_5I/AAAAAAAALBw/fcnRZBd-D4s/IMG_5876_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="311"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b8TQR7BhWiU/VGw_G9yifzI/AAAAAAAALB4/Mo0M8ZoCeeo/s1600-h/IMG_6287%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6287" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6287" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U4QrEvS811Y/VGw_HoFUqoI/AAAAAAAALCA/Gj2aMZYjKPE/IMG_6287_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jtch3HmvrNs/VGw_I3XLs-I/AAAAAAAALCI/NwmGs8EMG60/s1600-h/IMG_6297%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6297" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6297" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iYIeVmbOgIE/VGw_JrJWvPI/AAAAAAAALCQ/Z5GRe1FMGDc/IMG_6297_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a></p> <p>We continue to have heavy hearts when we allow ourselves to really look at the pictures in front of us.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pOuZ51mIZdg/VGw_K1iCOGI/AAAAAAAALCY/cFpay-OIxKk/s1600-h/IMG_6050%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6050" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6050" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RlkUIqWkR0I/VGw_Lms6rbI/AAAAAAAALCg/Vud5tRLCMSw/IMG_6050_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="331"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0ilBekO-II0/VGw_M0u9wLI/AAAAAAAALCo/tF5-hsec0is/s1600-h/IMG_6518%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6518" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6518" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vel9csMJSuQ/VGw_OBBbBYI/AAAAAAAALCw/wkRRs8NcKwk/IMG_6518_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MxRhRkxh6yo/VGw_PmuxwKI/AAAAAAAALC4/QNe7OvtbJXI/s1600-h/IMG_6519%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6519" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6519" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D2ihDrnt-nY/VGw_Q6QoMwI/AAAAAAAALDA/C57TUXhW7LM/IMG_6519_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p>We work. Some days are sticker than others with molasses spills. Dust is a given. (lets not talk about cobwebs, OK!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bPbUR42V_ZU/VGw_SIeodfI/AAAAAAAALDI/26nIHbkk93U/s1600-h/IMG_6119%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6119" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6119" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZjFNDXx1TQM/VGw_S0xjL4I/AAAAAAAALDQ/BpZ-OBor_6s/IMG_6119_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qjuSrbVxz0U/VGw_T18CAHI/AAAAAAAALDY/4bwaVZ7dWqA/s1600-h/IMG_6716%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6716" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6716" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x1MEhWcGPqs/VGw_U66f6xI/AAAAAAAALDg/pMQ_jtPzYf0/IMG_6716_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JMYGrT9KSQ4/VGw_WLl8wwI/AAAAAAAALDo/7t9zSMOBe6U/s1600-h/IMG_6581%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6581" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6581" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OK-tjECkDT0/VGw_W_OLAUI/AAAAAAAALDw/EoJKLu7Skzc/IMG_6581_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bZIogTQWaF0/VGw_YEfP1sI/AAAAAAAALD4/B4OTvbGOAHE/s1600-h/IMG_6677%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6677" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6677" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VVlccLONfa0/VGw_Y1vVo2I/AAAAAAAALEA/OeMcZ5lBQNY/IMG_6677_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a></p> <p>We play.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_dSXJplrk0g/VGw_Z5tR2_I/AAAAAAAALEI/H5DGaAMDiWo/s1600-h/IMG_5766%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5766" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5766" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XILpy0Tbt8Y/VGw_ag75_EI/AAAAAAAALEQ/kETB9i7Adxo/IMG_5766_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PpXNRTnPevs/VGw_b5j08hI/AAAAAAAALEY/p2J_0mTf2JQ/s1600-h/IMG_6012%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6012" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WgMcsrUeZ00/VGw_cxygiHI/AAAAAAAALEg/eW4FkJc_Ui4/IMG_6012_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FQ97RyddeM0/VGw_dwQyyLI/AAAAAAAALEo/2rmAUIPljVI/s1600-h/IMG_6578%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6578" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6578" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yOkkUqTqXZw/VGw_e-3-5DI/AAAAAAAALEw/raIa42C9PGw/IMG_6578_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8c3SRd42_34/VGw_forbokI/AAAAAAAALE4/3PVGcNOfog0/s1600-h/IMG_6185%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6185" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6185" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zzhp2c7vCT8/VGw_gtGGkxI/AAAAAAAALFA/UjxQ4R_34do/IMG_6185_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e1wCIYGLA7c/VGw_hp5HGOI/AAAAAAAALFI/43FJFLo0zzU/s1600-h/IMG_6100%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6100" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6100" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L8P8fXyGlvY/VGw_isGM1fI/AAAAAAAALFQ/YYY-YmcRYco/IMG_6100_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="664"></a></p> <p>And we wait.</p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gyDSGaGE1AA/VGw_js0iXQI/AAAAAAAALFY/_nyjVQjGnbk/s1600-h/IMG_5797%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5797" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5797" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-i7z_u8TveWQ/VGw_kQszZaI/AAAAAAAALFg/L0ebHu3W_fw/IMG_5797_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bszXEvtC5Dk/VGw_lPFsMeI/AAAAAAAALFo/lqD510LWDSo/s1600-h/IMG_6399%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6399" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6399" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pvoOe_eI4pY/VGw_l_D3YaI/AAAAAAAALFw/DFuRUvaKWAU/IMG_6399_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KZCamrFpf8s/VGw_m6wKaLI/AAAAAAAALF4/nhxPN8IxwcA/s1600-h/IMG_6673%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6673" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6673" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jjXKrQi4y3k/VGw_nuETdDI/AAAAAAAALGA/6IulxYxKllI/IMG_6673_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JhHQrpQJYPk/VGw_oYT5epI/AAAAAAAALGI/xcavw--9WzY/s1600-h/IMG_6053%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6053" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6053" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sMMGy6kinLw/VGw_pZYdXaI/AAAAAAAALGQ/eF_jSBJDcNA/IMG_6053_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="334"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-77HEv_HDzt8/VGw_qKiyxVI/AAAAAAAALGY/FvI7SRWW2QM/s1600-h/IMG_5855%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5855" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5855" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0X1-UUeaKRU/VGw_rgj4joI/AAAAAAAALGg/mRWi-VpRuDE/IMG_5855_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="1213"></a> <p>And we wait. </p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-9232822954264054822014-11-19T16:20:00.001+10:002014-11-19T16:20:42.982+10:00Off and Racing<p>Way back in August we were meant to hold our annual race meeting. We had a teeny tiny amount of rain the day before, and on this dry parched ground, it was deemed enough to make the surface somewhat dangerous, and so the races were postponed. We all breathed a sigh of relief and went on doing the myriad of other things clamouring for attention.</p> <p>Roll around the new race date – which so fell the weekend after the Melbourne Cup. That’s one way to get the spring racing mood happening I suppose, although Spring Racing in Western Qld poses far different wardrobe challenges than spring racing in Melbourne (not to mention the need to kick off ones thongs TWICE in one week!). Cardigan less of an issue opposed to keeping cool!</p> <p>Melbourne Cup day I was very tempted to stay at home and wallow in the air-conditioning and not stray far from the televised coverage. However, with the combined nagging of my mum and sister in law, the kids (given a day off school as they didn’t have a show holiday) and I frocked up and went to the Melbourne Cup function hosted by the other small school in the shire.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SfituZc6C-s/VGw2ZMzkisI/AAAAAAAAK-g/_37M7Qcp8t8/s1600-h/IMG_6465%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6465" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6465" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2NZnLvb3ffY/VGw2bDSGg-I/AAAAAAAAK-o/vACP1PyADhk/IMG_6465_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="904"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-y4MDkHyT3XE/VGw2cHv5hBI/AAAAAAAAK-w/N_XCZbE3i60/s1600-h/IMG_6553%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6553" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6553" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vWHTBfzY_b0/VGw2dfL5cNI/AAAAAAAAK-4/Hcu_DPE0A7o/IMG_6553_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="664"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D2TjOG6l8OE/VGw2ef4CerI/AAAAAAAAK_A/fb23UAglxMY/s1600-h/IMG_6483%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6483" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6483" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-v90hEtaRUKs/VGw2ft0VjkI/AAAAAAAAK_I/V43A8RUUs1s/IMG_6483_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="664"></a></p> <p>(violet clearly finding the situation concerning). I favoured a blue and yellow ensemble for the day, with the head piece being borrowed, but matching my new yellow clutch which I just LUFF.</p> <p>We had a lovely day out, Angus relishing in some boy play and not arriving home as tidy as he left (in fact saturated from balloon fights with a “boy” with children of his own). </p> <p>Roll on our own race meeting, at which our tiny p and c run the canteen. There was little time for photos I have to say, the crowd was big, and we were kept on the hop all day.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-piC9g-NUi_g/VGw2gxN-RjI/AAAAAAAAK_Q/FosBiybkaPw/s1600-h/IMG_6598%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6598" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6598" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IpLGJm-NT3Q/VGw2hyjWHuI/AAAAAAAAK_Y/H5EvEiSXNcY/IMG_6598_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="664"></a></p> <p>The Husband had to shower and dress the kids – thank goodness they are somewhat self sufficient these days. I arrived home for a shower after setting up, in time to take a few shots before they got dirty. (side note here. Boys bloody skinny legged slacks. How awful are they?! where does one buy normal legged slacks?)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LEg3CTBaeWM/VGw2igC9r9I/AAAAAAAAK_g/q44MgFQwv9U/s1600-h/IMG_6610%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6610" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6610" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CY8DCQwsL0Y/VGw2kGrNnJI/AAAAAAAAK_o/mJUbQ5A_5-Q/IMG_6610_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="958"></a></p> <p>And I managed to snap this on my way between the coldroom and the food shed. The fashion was every bit as colourful and glamorous as Melbourne. Except a bit dustier around the edges.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uS767ncdQIU/VGw2lxMQ-CI/AAAAAAAAK_w/_NNDoSDX3ww/s1600-h/IMG_6618%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6618" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6618" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EkNK-kj0788/VGw2nOG9jMI/AAAAAAAAK_4/qTAtX0vKPgM/IMG_6618_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="557"></a></p> <p>Someone else took these photos of the kids fashions (awesome photo isn’t it!) Our rough and tumble spare kid dressed up beautifully (remember, she won at the last race meeting and obviously inspired her!); Gracie in the middle in the white navy and yellow (she was so clean looking!) won the girls. Angus, sporting an ice cream mustache and SO NOT neat and tidy, won the boys. (good thing they could see what he’d been like on arrival!). Thankfully a lady sitting near him whisked his ice cream out of his hand before he accepted his prize.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N50Tu1vCl9E/VGw2oVpSDMI/AAAAAAAALAA/eMXIIt7LjDA/s1600-h/IMG_6644%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6644" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6644" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zV8tCoi8kys/VGw2pm0el3I/AAAAAAAALAI/zEcwQuyykBE/IMG_6644_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="664"></a></p> <p>We sold all bar two sandwiches, which we gave to someone in need of food in his belly. Packed up and put all away that day. It was exhausting.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8_WC9xEKQ3k/VGw2q1nBeQI/AAAAAAAALAQ/r09IQGYJTO0/s1600-h/IMG_6631%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6631" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6631" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0PuA8lYo6uM/VGw2sDQqOmI/AAAAAAAALAY/uu5212mx5Ec/IMG_6631_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="left" height="529"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FUyV5UHIMAQ/VGw2tJ5QZeI/AAAAAAAALAg/f6W-84y76w0/s1600-h/IMG_6632%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6632" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6632" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QOGvbmFD7D0/VGw2uExyfjI/AAAAAAAALAo/v9ohqzfwuHw/IMG_6632_thumb%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="right" height="529"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Snapped these in the car park – these two girls – so grown up looking! – head off to boarding school next year. </p> <p>And that, is the end of our racing season for the year. Thank goodness. My aching feet.</p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-76115570547456239832014-11-02T16:42:00.001+10:002014-11-02T16:42:35.781+10:00School Holidays Part 3–The Trip Home<p>The kids and I decided that we would “play tourist” on our way home from Cobbald, determining that Forsayth and Einasleigh, thriving metropolises that they are, wouldn’t take up too much of our travelling time but break the trip nicely.</p> <p>Happening upon phone signal on our exit from Cobbald did however delay matters somewhat with a backlog of four days worth of messagebank messages to catch up on.</p> <p>A potted history of Forsayth: </p> <blockquote> <p><em>Originally known as Finnigan's Camp after the prospector who discovered gold nearby in 1871, within a year the settlement had become Charleston township, and it continued to grow despite near desertion when its inhabitants rushed to the Palmer River Goldfield in 1874 and to the Hodgkinson in 1876. After a slump in the mid-1880s the township was again a flourishing centre by the mid-1890s, having five hotels, a school and a court of petty sessions.</em> <p><em>By the late 1890s base metal prices were high: a number of promising copper deposits were opened up in the Etheridge district at Charleston, Einasleigh and Ortona, and several were acquired by a subsidiary of the Chillagoe Company. This led the company to commence a rail link in 1907 from Almaden to Einasleigh and the Charleston area, which was completed in January 1910. The Etheridge Railway terminated at a new settlement on the other side of the Delaney River. First known as New Charleston, it was renamed Forsayth after the railways commissioner, James Forsayth Thallon. During the year, all the buildings in Charleston, including the police station and the school, which had previously been at Gilberton, were moved across the Delaney River to Forsayth.</em> <p><em>New buildings and services followed the opening of the railway; these included a hospital, a new court house and a new school built in 1912, and a public hall built two years later. In 1914 the Chillagoe Smelters were shut down and the town's importance as an ore-loading facility and centre for miners and their families declined as mining activity in the area was scaled back. Forsayth remained the railhead for transport to the west, although plans in the 1930s to extend the railway to connect to the Croydon line did not proceed. From the 1980s, renewed mining activity in the area and increased livestock traffic revived the town. Today Forsayth is a service centre for road transport and regional tourism.</em></p></blockquote> <p>What interested the kids was the little machinery display that was around the town, what interested me was a well kept older building I noticed on our way through. Don’t get me wrong, this is a very small township, in the middle of some very dry, barren hills, but the stop was interesting enough. <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qGh3B8qEeWA/VFXR5tet-UI/AAAAAAAAK7A/eNXyE-yK89c/s1600-h/IMG_5312%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5312" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5312" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--32oL54RULc/VFXR6qkl2eI/AAAAAAAAK7I/RtiGNTMaOUM/IMG_5312_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="246"></a> <p>Many old mining and other assorted machinery were also display in the centre of town, with great signage explaining their purpose. I’m all over this sort of thing these days, nothing worse than wondering what the importance of something is.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PFUvv1W7KY8/VFXR77P71XI/AAAAAAAAK7Q/eAjLjS4oHJ0/s1600-h/IMG_5334%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5334" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5334" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Z-L0oRRzHss/VFXR865r63I/AAAAAAAAK7Y/fAxdvKYBwFI/IMG_5334_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="444"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WFI83s_3kIY/VFXR953rS4I/AAAAAAAAK7g/RcSeneczuU4/s1600-h/IMG_5339%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5339" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5339" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bMgDas0_yck/VFXR-2obSJI/AAAAAAAAK7o/Mx05UiwhkGQ/IMG_5339_thumb%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" height="444"></a></p> <p>I got to investigate the old building that caught my eye as we also visited the public toilets, were I may or may not have liberated a small plant cutting from the healthy pot plant in its foyer (husband calls it “pinching plants”, I call it propagating). </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CjLqXnhtfZ0/VFXSAPwweqI/AAAAAAAAK7w/X8_Lkn-Tc60/s1600-h/IMG_5352%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5352" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5352" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7pW0crQzB7c/VFXSBeQ4V6I/AAAAAAAAK74/7q9UtDJWmUE/IMG_5352_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="334"></a></p> <p>This charming old building was the Stationmasters residence back in the day, and has had new life breathed into it as a B and B apparently. The railway – still in use for the Savannahlander– runs past its front door (although I believe this is the end of the line, from Cairns) . I possibly could have asked to look around the building but didn’t. I like its distinctive shape.</p> <p>On the way in, the kids and I had noted the sign indicating the old cemetery. Now knowing the history of the town (see above) this cemetery is mostly consisting of residents of the old settlement as we expected. It was also on a slightly different soil type, which probably meant it was on high ground above flood level and was better for digging? It wasn’t a big cemetery, and possibly a great many unmarked graves; some that were there were fenced and tiny, no headstone but obviously a child's. It would have been very inhospitable here back in settlement days if one had been ill. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WY58GkgKPrI/VFXSCp-Z-0I/AAAAAAAAK8A/Sw3BAq7pPA0/s1600-h/IMG_5358%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5358" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5358" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Afes5C5lQ_M/VFXSDw4gBlI/AAAAAAAAK8I/03JZwJb5Yl4/IMG_5358_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="884"></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="2">{I believe the Newton referred to on the headstone was another mining settlement in the area}</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="2">We also found an interesting flowering tree which Georgie, lover of weird looking things, begged we investigate. We did, plucking from it (not without some gymnastic endeavours from both of us!) a large, very light, green seed pod or fruit. Turns out that this is a native Kapok tree, the inside of the pod (seed) being used to stuff saddles, pillows and mattresses. One must have to have had a rather good crop of trees to get enough pods?!</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="2"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0p7AxmbBdX8/VFXSE-eKTfI/AAAAAAAAK8Q/bVcxVcRKq6o/s1600-h/IMG_5419%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5419" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5419" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SaJ8m-m3N60/VFXSF8EnVgI/AAAAAAAAK8Y/nrygFOUbyto/IMG_5419_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="884"></a></font></p> <p align="left">So onwards we drove, back to Einasleigh, perched on the banks of a small but spectacular Copperfield Gorge. </p> <blockquote> <p><em>The township of Einasleigh, originally named Copperfield, was laid out in 1900 by the mining warden on a new township reserve established near the Einasleigh Company's copper mine. Although the company had been formed only in the previous year, already two hotels, a store, a billiard room, and butcher and baker shops were being built and funds were being collected for a school. The town briefly became the largest population centre in the shire during construction of the Chillagoe Company's Etheridge Railway in the years 1907-10. After the closure of the mine in the 1920s, however, the township almost disappeared and was saved from extinction only by its location on the railway. </em></p> <p><em>Found by Richard Daintree in 1866, the Einasleigh copper deposit was one of the earliest mineral discoveries in north Queensland. It was initially too remote to develop and was abandoned and virtually forgotten after Daintree's death. The Chillagoe Company rediscovered the Einasleigh shaft when exploring the area and began developing it in 1900 through its subsidiary, the Einasleigh Copper Mines Company. A small blast furnace was erected for smelting in 1902, but until the opening of the Etheridge Railway in 1910 operations proved uneconomical because of high transport costs. The mine closed when the Chillagoe Smelters were shut down in 1914.</em></p> <p><em>Acquired by the Queensland Government in 1919 as part of the assets of the Chillagoe Company, it returned to full production the following year, supplying the reopened Chillagoe Smelters. As the Einasleigh State Mine, it finally closed in 1922 as a result of depleted ore reserves and a post-war drop in the world copper price.</em></p> <p><em>Einasleigh sits on the Eastern edge of the Newcastle Range, on the banks of the Copperfield River. Einasleigh is on the old Chillagoe to Forsayth railway. Once a Copper mining town, it is set among some unusual scenery with flat top hills that rise out of the grasslands.</em></p></blockquote> <p>Our arrival in Einasleigh happened to coincide with not only the arrival of the Savannahlander, disgorging its mostly elderly passengers for lunch at the pub (which pretty much sat on the banks of the Gorge) but also the RFDS Clinic Day. <p>The kid wished we could stay for a swim in the Gorge. <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LLYA9j-FwD0/VFXSHL6dc5I/AAAAAAAAK8g/f9IUZVs2NMY/s1600-h/IMG_5379%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5379" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5379" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AldwDrAEnqQ/VFXSIK9U_6I/AAAAAAAAK8o/hakLZ_pT2T0/IMG_5379_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HbTclMgPY2o/VFXSJpsWsFI/AAAAAAAAK8w/r2m4tD437TU/s1600-h/IMG_5724%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5724" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5724" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pXIcKcKp1QQ/VFXSKzCd3MI/AAAAAAAAK84/0he4URWZ_Es/IMG_5724_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a> <p>(another stellar family holiday photo for the album, yes?!) <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jOa3G6SjDfY/VFXSMHO3IxI/AAAAAAAAK9A/u9KsMrVlOac/s1600-h/IMG_5378%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5378" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5378" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ugkePgrmQVM/VFXSNManlVI/AAAAAAAAK9I/RNX1yKVlpos/IMG_5378_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a> <p>Other buildings caught my eye as we again found need to check out the public conveniences. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8gQOdIJm4do/VFXSO4_pxFI/AAAAAAAAK9Q/0OxkAibTSfE/s1600-h/IMG_5742%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5742" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5742" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PiAtPB3Ocps/VFXSQXPkisI/AAAAAAAAK9Y/W5UxnaIVkwQ/IMG_5742_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p>The police station building(now unmanned but still used by the police throughout the year) is a very old building. Thankfully good signage quelled my curiosity somewhat, this building moved to Einsasleigh from Port Douglas and named Dyas Homestead in the early 1900’s. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UuFNTb8_Puc/VFXSRI-OPnI/AAAAAAAAK9g/DrslDQH44tg/s1600-h/IMG_5735%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5735" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5735" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7KtgtgdttOk/VFXSSAO198I/AAAAAAAAK9o/knBb0J2gvOU/IMG_5735_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="410"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EHWMr6yfP90/VFXSTDVS52I/AAAAAAAAK9w/2yTid-AFczI/s1600-h/IMG_5743%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5743" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5743" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-89wgh3PLUig/VFXSUCQdCiI/AAAAAAAAK94/xBuXVu7yYr0/IMG_5743_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="250"></a></p> <p>This building too also had a familiar roofline, the old stationmasters residence. (appeared to be a private residence so I didn’t stick beak). Clearly all stationmasters buildings on this line were built on the same specs.</p> <p>So then it came time to move along again, crossing the Copperfield Gorge via the rather spectacular road bridge. Its a single lane bridge and I itched to stop and photograph the aspect however sense overcame that urge, even though traffic wasn’t exactly thick, murphy’s law would indicate that as soon as I did a road train would come along.</p> <p>This nearly concluded our touristy adventures on the way home, however the kids also begged that we cross the big Einasleigh River waterhole at Carpentaria <strong>very slowly</strong> so they could see if there were any freshwater crocs lolling about. Considering there was a merry band of bikini clad holiday makers swimming there as we crossed, the lack of sighting was understandable. (and possibly could have been a traffic hazard for locals?!) </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7QKstz6nZ7k/VFXSVemHwNI/AAAAAAAAK-A/GKqAGCHQ6Eg/s1600-h/IMG_5756%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5756" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5756" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Wtr-1WYriUw/VFXSWHU0uaI/AAAAAAAAK-I/6mNFnJk0cRw/IMG_5756_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p>And then, after a refuelling of both car and bellies back at the Oasis, and chatting with a surprising number of other travellers that we knew, and receiving a message to go the “long way home, we are out of milk!” from The Husband, we put head down bum up and headed the next 300km home.</p> <p>And I got the milk. </p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-14772640464915687342014-10-30T06:35:00.000+10:002014-10-30T06:35:00.501+10:00Part 2 (continued) Camp Cobbald in photos<p>The camp was fortunate not only have Catherine Marriot there to inspire and motivate us, but she she’s also a pretty mean photographer. Many of her photos are included below. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5DqniP8eZs8/VFDfMw16LeI/AAAAAAAAK34/-P0oP08Hauc/s1600-h/IMG_5412%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5412" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5412" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9-pOsyXRPgc/VFDfNjoZ6zI/AAAAAAAAK4A/Qj33RbJB308/IMG_5412_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="334"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PgAEy4t9UWA/VFDfOYIfzDI/AAAAAAAAK4I/O7kaN6icVPY/s1600-h/IMG_5413%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5413" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5413" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lbOjLBEYjKY/VFDfPbdp7-I/AAAAAAAAK4Q/EtNcnIlacf0/IMG_5413_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="334"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--3LO-vNP-bo/VFDfQRjef_I/AAAAAAAAK4Y/6uwwt3o7Wkk/s1600-h/IMG_5427%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5427" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5427" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wZj-4tNGI1o/VFDfRKwLWuI/AAAAAAAAK4g/JdZTyvW93Jo/IMG_5427_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="334"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Efn7hgKaWvA/VFDfR9tGqrI/AAAAAAAAK4o/M-2UxO14DY4/s1600-h/IMG_5438%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5428" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5428" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lfz-oqm1SQI/VFDfSpJoOkI/AAAAAAAAK4w/k8We15Lt290/IMG_5428_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"><img title="IMG_5431" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5431" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-enqBPRUV5VE/VFDfTm-LIJI/AAAAAAAAK44/e7zGHGGsf5M/IMG_5431_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"><img title="IMG_5438" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5438" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PvXKxve2knI/VFDfUZeAlyI/AAAAAAAAK5A/md3zS9fqpa8/IMG_5438_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5CM2rFeXQ-M/VFDfVeRBaPI/AAAAAAAAK5I/30--i1lYEB4/s1600-h/IMG_5487%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5487" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5487" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Eif4tGk5l5w/VFDfWV7R2rI/AAAAAAAAK5Q/5ck9aRgh7pg/IMG_5487_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="1119"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KVhZ5qM-nMU/VFDfYCyjamI/AAAAAAAAK5Y/wBfoMCn8H8Y/s1600-h/IMG_5505%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5505" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5505" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Uj8mrBaykZU/VFDfZPbxrfI/AAAAAAAAK5g/49WZSCKuZUU/IMG_5505_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sT5O1hyVzOI/VFDfaDBxakI/AAAAAAAAK5o/rKho_SoJowM/s1600-h/IMG_5190%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5190" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5190" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MCAjjX8Jf5w/VFDfbTVNmPI/AAAAAAAAK5w/O56dFRUVfAk/IMG_5190_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="884"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SiB4OdJQo84/VFDfcHy_skI/AAAAAAAAK54/tDM-_lBIqtY/s1600-h/IMG_5439%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5439" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5439" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FW7vFcWGgik/VFDfdFWAKRI/AAAAAAAAK6A/KMpQ4P5BPDs/IMG_5439_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sC2O22tL2RE/VFDfdyWkhxI/AAAAAAAAK6I/S0aZSx8ML84/s1600-h/IMG_5440%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5440" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5440" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dBauQROayJE/VFDfe1DSUdI/AAAAAAAAK6Q/PG_Imom9KVk/IMG_5440_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hDnIgnNRh3A/VFDffqYUxqI/AAAAAAAAK6Y/iz0rG_QLUmU/s1600-h/1000265_623886407728263_1062979972540746058_n%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="1000265_623886407728263_1062979972540746058_n" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="1000265_623886407728263_1062979972540746058_n" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hiilJWjM-Eg/VFDfggAxkjI/AAAAAAAAK6g/kwGR2x6g1Ak/1000265_623886407728263_1062979972540746058_n_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sRonWXmg-_k/VFDfhvFozqI/AAAAAAAAK6o/sNNsHSfM9eQ/s1600-h/10702099_623886697728234_5085955129878395863_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="10702099_623886697728234_5085955129878395863_n" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="10702099_623886697728234_5085955129878395863_n" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X9y3rq_FEoo/VFDfihPi9pI/AAAAAAAAK6w/TazY3u40zf8/10702099_623886697728234_5085955129878395863_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p> <p>A random selection of photos from our time at Camp Cobbald. We reconnected with old friends, made new ones. I am not sure anyone came home refreshed and rejuvinated…but certainly left “home” behind for a few days. </p> <p>In somewhat unrelated, but good news, The Husband may have learnt how to send emails from his phone, so that I could check in that he wasn’t under a tractor or something each day**.</p> <p>Turns out you can teach old dogs new tricks!</p> <p>**no phone signal but great technology set up so one could access wifi to keep in touch with the outside world.</p></p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-8610107741058879012014-10-29T22:16:00.001+10:002014-10-29T22:16:35.726+10:00School Holidays Part 2 {Road Trip to Camp Cobbald}<h2><font size="3">Bright and early, the Monday of the second week of the school holidays, we packed up the wagon with all that we’d need for a week of roughing it in the wilderness, and headed north. We left behind us Dad and all of the assorted animals in his care, instructions on their feeding and use of the washing machine. Also instructions on how to send an email. Learning curves on all fronts .</font></h2> <p>The first 250kms were broken at The Oasis, after a road we’ve travelled well and is much more pleasant than it used to be (so much bitumen). Fearing we may be lost in the depths of the Gulf Savannah from this point on, as we ventured onto roads un-travelled (by us at least!) the kids begged for a feed.</p> <h2><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X0C7-kFCgCs/VFDaHhSP_WI/AAAAAAAAK0U/ONq97DV_ZnY/s1600-h/IMG_5148%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5148" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5148" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lFsQSp-d8T8/VFDaI7nDkYI/AAAAAAAAK0c/b-QFv3irMZk/IMG_5148_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="664"></a></h2> <p>And then westward we were bound. Einasleigh and Forsayth were on the route, and so we looked forward to discovering their delights.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5qAPXzSfa2Q/VFDaKe7863I/AAAAAAAAK0k/FBBya0r1zfE/s1600-h/IMG_5151%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5151" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5151" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QS4azyA5GC0/VFDaLCJghRI/AAAAAAAAK0s/Y8h0f2K-imU/IMG_5151_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" align="left" height="225"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j6kiTRG8B_A/VFDaMVGRvPI/AAAAAAAAK00/FuBHLVyczw8/s1600-h/IMG_5157%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5157" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5157" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CwsvobdabNs/VFDaNJLi2oI/AAAAAAAAK08/4bHavFcsKII/IMG_5157_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" align="left" height="224"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZCpEtmyDP_k/VFDaOd1CAyI/AAAAAAAAK1E/rSa1n5ljxH0/s1600-h/IMG_5158%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5158" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5158" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OrHxY8xp6CU/VFDaPDDNYmI/AAAAAAAAK1M/Emcq4SD9tx0/IMG_5158_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="223"></a></p> <p>Deeper into them there hills we drove – with a surprisingly long and windy and HIGH range in between Einasleigh and Forsayths (the delights of both I will save for the return journey). And dry, oh my goodness. Ravaged by huge fires in the back end of 2012, it is very clear a lot of this country has a long way to go before its recovered, drought gripping this part of the country as well. Back to feeling that perhaps things are QUITE so bad at home.</p> <p>And finally we arrived.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ATpcs3rPhmE/VFDaQVRxVTI/AAAAAAAAK1U/i2A6U3rgod4/s1600-h/IMG_5164%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5164" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5164" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oFMQxNCwiqw/VFDaRnurwgI/AAAAAAAAK1c/9Yujj89JAbo/IMG_5164_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="664"></a></p> <p>Cobbold Gorge itself is a privately owned tourist attraction on Howlong Station outside of Forsayth. Its a long way to town. They have created a wonderful camp site for travellers here, and this camp site was taken over by the organised of Camp Cobbald. Organised by one of my oldest friends, it’s a camp aimed at outback families, with a focus on bringing services to them that they may struggle to access especially in the midst of this dry conditions. Swimming lessons, sports, wood work, music and more, the kids were kept extremely busy. The mums also weren’t sitting around idly either – with sessions with inspiring motivational speakers Catherine Marriot (Influential Women) and Julia Telford (Engage Create Consulting), physio, haircuts, remedial massage. There were also educational support and physcologists present as well. As well as a huge team of helpers in the form of Chappies from around the north and volunteers all of the way from Toowoong Uniting Church. In all there was around 230 people on site. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hKFrNCJafLk/VFDaTCa9pWI/AAAAAAAAK1k/hPaAVgW3Fs0/s1600-h/IMG_5429%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5429" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5429" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Zsy9zsqloZQ/VFDaUHqDqyI/AAAAAAAAK1s/PbcOPKZDa88/IMG_5429_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p align="center">{aerial view of camp – in a “normal” year the pool over looks a waterhole}</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nEvoBhrq1lU/VFDaVp7SGgI/AAAAAAAAK10/TA2RRHXlVV0/s1600-h/IMG_5173%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5173" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5173" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TrFixjOpiOA/VFDaWrIi-CI/AAAAAAAAK18/FkKQhJSUhHY/IMG_5173_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="333"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fLQr7tt8qZc/VFDaYA5GFqI/AAAAAAAAK2E/V1TqFS3cfuk/s1600-h/IMG_5180%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5180" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SI-q9YD06mA/VFDaZm5s09I/AAAAAAAAK2M/X96m3qfz8iw/IMG_5180_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p align="center">{our camp site – I just provided bedding and clothing – a mere 10 metre walk to a shared toilet and shower block – but a 300 metre walk up a steep hill back up to the pool and dining hall}</p> <p align="left">We had a very busy and full week, including a fancy dress disco, sit down formal dinner for the mums (and dads) and a culminating concert on Thursday night. </p> <p align="left">Thursday afternoon we had the chance to look at Cobbald Gorge itself. This required a short ride on a 4WD tour bus, crossing the large Robertson River on the way. Cobbald Gorge itself is only 750 metres long, a small unique gash in the landscape. </p> <p align="left">The gorge is accessed via a walk way and specially made flat bottomed boats with super quiet electric motors. These boats were made especially for navigating the narrow reaches of the gorge.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jkHSi9osEdo/VFDaa685tOI/AAAAAAAAK2U/h9qHrQv0k5s/s1600-h/IMG_5236%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5236" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5236" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UWYyPYppesU/VFDacayRrwI/AAAAAAAAK2c/gHTsg0_Dv_4/IMG_5236_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="884"></a></p> <p align="left"> </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m6-HPX2aTcI/VFDadWC6TmI/AAAAAAAAK2k/V3ehkGPe8ok/s1600-h/IMG_5247%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5247" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5247" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Z_95cFDTKJk/VFDaebbvmOI/AAAAAAAAK2s/-OLE-OTIb6Y/IMG_5247_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="293"></a></p> <p align="left">The gorge maintains a near constant water level year round (apart from during wet season rains of course) being spring fed. The depth of water is around 8ft. The water is held up by a natural dam in the form of tea tree roots, the water drops from the top “dam” into a series of smaller “dams” very quickly before disappearing into the sand bed of the nearby Robertson River (from which the Camp site pumps its water from, via a spear into the river bed)</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cfM8YoHC3Zo/VFDafiKqjbI/AAAAAAAAK20/pUcr5rWTSKE/s1600-h/IMG_5277%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5277" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5277" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NvR-WqBqcWM/VFDagpyRatI/AAAAAAAAK28/N7DqZ5Ws7Hw/IMG_5277_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="707"></a></p> <p>The knowledge of fresh water crocs residing in this water way had Angus quite anxious. (honestly! picture me rolling my eyes right now) And, from memory, his boating experience has thus far been quite limited so he was quite worried about the whole process for awhile. </p> <p>The gorge is so narrow in spots that one can nearly touch each wall with arms outstretched. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MwgeZ616Gh4/VFDahbOV5eI/AAAAAAAAK3E/r010ayRNB3I/s1600-h/IMG_5288%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5288" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5288" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_GMfSKNVWA0/VFDaigwn5aI/AAAAAAAAK3M/qdN6BNz8cLU/IMG_5288_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="1046"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vLBiQ17mE_Y/VFDaj3o0xdI/AAAAAAAAK3U/0yq1BkPOogY/s1600-h/IMG_5291%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5291" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5291" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-28nxFnFxjB8/VFDalJUlUBI/AAAAAAAAK3c/WvNo_hRuoSk/IMG_5291_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-q0S20scho2U/VFDamzPr2gI/AAAAAAAAK3k/6umFH_HqkCI/s1600-h/IMG_5673%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5673" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5673" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ytzlK3pqqus/VFDaoHjWnmI/AAAAAAAAK3s/MvaPxh9aYb0/IMG_5673_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="994"></a></p> <p>Its quite a unique little spot, and protected as a nature reserve now. (although has made me realise we have some wonderful natural assets closer to home as well).</p> <p>The tour of the gorge was well timed, on the eve of our departure. We packed ourselves up and were ready to leave after breakfast in the morning – with a 6 hour drive to get home we (or rather I) decided that the sessions that morning were not vital our well being!</p> <p>More adventures to share of the trip home…..</p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-83433360603348712122014-10-25T15:33:00.001+10:002014-10-25T15:33:08.097+10:00School Holidays Part 1<p>The word holiday sort of conveys the feeling of relaxation and restoration, doesn’t it? Not so around these parts, with the juggernaut that is 2014 continuing, or so it feels, to gather even more pace. </p> <p>After a very busy term, we finally went to our last session of netball training. During the last couple of days of term I also ventured out, attending the Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote Women’s Network Conference in Charters Towers. I wasn’t sure what to expect; but the speakers were inspiring, although the workshops that I chose weren't quite as advanced as I would have hoped. </p> <p>So, onto the school holidays. It had been on the calendar for a while that a free cutting clinic had been organised. Thankfully, a different location had been sourced at the last minute (easier for me!) so after rounding up kids and saddles and horses and swags and horsefeed and overnight bags, not to mention a few smokos, we loaded the truck and headed off.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RwQ1ZHdItJI/VEs1ykrf7CI/AAAAAAAAKyc/w5rlFZhkIp0/s1600-h/IMG_5016%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5016" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5016" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bjnwutZAMIw/VEs1zrln9aI/AAAAAAAAKyk/usTCEX6LabA/IMG_5016_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="444" height="444"></a>Richard Webb was running the clinic. Cutting isn’t something that is high on our agenda of horse sporting events, however he came with a great reputation of being able to teach kids some great general horsemanship skills. And straight off the bat he had the kids doing things that I thought were well above their ability level.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6m64cFKPyxo/VEs11SHiDtI/AAAAAAAAKys/_zqE6V1kcGw/s1600-h/IMG_9384%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9384" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_9384" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jfSrBaUrIy4/VEs12tBKLmI/AAAAAAAAKy0/ox1NDMq3AJg/IMG_9384_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DKAm4gebxak/VEs14MjWvqI/AAAAAAAAKy8/fwSRt7bmIbQ/s1600-h/IMG_9422%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9422" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_9422" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RgiRCXxs2aM/VEs15Hu5PhI/AAAAAAAAKzE/x_dhraN25q0/IMG_9422_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p align="center">{Georgie getting Redman to stay collected in the stop – he prefers the lazier version}</p> <p>Both of the kids ponies are very well trained to a high level, however like all kids horses they don’t use their full range of talents unless the kid actually does the right thing at the right time. Straight away he had them all applying their leg aides and getting great results, with nose in and nose out of the circle. This may sound like gobblydogook, but I was amazed that the kids followed his instructions so well and were able to do as he asked. I guess its about simplifying the process. They don’t have to understand it, they just have to DO it!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kNS4IiIGTyw/VEs17btDZ-I/AAAAAAAAKzM/UYvKCWSlsZw/s1600-h/IMG_9461%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9461" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_9461" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nGIr8ighcKA/VEs1846k52I/AAAAAAAAKzU/iEUHNefLZ88/IMG_9461_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p>Although, as you can tell, the ponies did a fair bit of napping when they got the opportunity. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2L-M1bqJjZU/VEs1-IFOIvI/AAAAAAAAKzc/yvZmd6aA7BE/s1600-h/IMG_9498%252520-%252520Copy%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9498 - Copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_9498 - Copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xfDnEJYUHZE/VEs1_WEu_ZI/AAAAAAAAKzk/MKNpa5ntAGc/IMG_9498%252520-%252520Copy_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p>After lunch the mechanical cow was introduced to the horses. Some were quite unfazed by this bit of flappy fabric on a rope drawn back and forth by a little pulley system. Some however, thought this was some fresh hell come down to earth to torment them and put on quite a show.</p> <p>Redman wasn’t too worried although wasn’t too impressed with having to try and block the thing up all of the time. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qtIVawomTJ0/VEs2BSCRxLI/AAAAAAAAKzs/WT5D_boU8Yc/s1600-h/IMG_9513%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9513" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_9513" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0BgaCfBq_sM/VEs2CVR8xjI/AAAAAAAAKz0/6XjGa-Y4RDI/IMG_9513_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p>Kate’s old pony Ben, who knew exactly what this cow was and what it did (and what was asked of him) chucked a tatny of a different nature, and unfortunately got away with it. He was NOT going to chase that silly thing around, and expend any further energy, thank you very much.</p> <p>The afternoon concluded and led into a BBQ dinner, with the kids all sleeping over. At this point I left them there, even Angus who was managing to keep himself busy even without a horse.</p> <p>The kids rode again the next day. I didn’t take my camera, and am kicking myself. They again had another lap at the cow in the afternoon, and I intervened and made Ben take his overfed attitude up to the cow. With spurs on Kate’s boots and some timely instructions from Richard, she had that old pony sit down and boogie like he had been trained to do in his youth. A great confidence builder for her as well. Ben, he heaved a big sigh of relief when he was allowed to walk away from it. </p> <p>And so, we then packed up the saddles and swags and horses and feed and ports and kids (when I say it like that, it sounds so EASY and QUICK) and home we went, on a mission to be unloaded before dark lest any constabulary type person might enquire after the lack of lighting on my borrowed gooseneck. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p72zd2w1QFI/VEs2DbISDgI/AAAAAAAAKz8/mJEihTEptAg/s1600-h/IMG_5043%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5043" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5043" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-amkDpS4knus/VEs2EdPeWOI/AAAAAAAAK0E/3gYr6R7JZX4/IMG_5043_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="664"></a></p> <p>Being a strapper for the kids is probably more exhausting than riding the horses themselves!</p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-29357648287222399482014-09-28T04:57:00.000+10:002014-09-28T04:57:00.673+10:00I just need a hand, he said<p>Ah the infamous words…I just need a hand. We all know how that goes. So I packed lunch and smoko, and the kids and headed off to the prickle farm to help The Husband put up a fence around a tank. Well, not so much put up, but pull down the old one so a new improved model could be installed.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NeSWanOEcPY/VCUPjTz_WuI/AAAAAAAAKvk/T12QljDrZtU/s1600-h/IMG_4721%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4721" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4721" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UDim4fRUxPo/VCUPk5DNvQI/AAAAAAAAKvs/fjVG0ISfmWM/IMG_4721_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a>This may sound a simple task, but much machinery and equipment was required. Firstly we had to wait for Dad to arrive with the bulldozer. Dad (I should have known better) vastly over estimated the speed of his machine and so we had a bit of a wait. This allowed me to catch up on some reading, and the kids to catch up on some sword stick fighting and generally do their best to maim each other before smoko.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tKFxXe9UySE/VCUPmgydhjI/AAAAAAAAKv0/aY8tz4dGGC4/s1600-h/IMG_4732%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4732" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4732" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-My1JFi6QrMQ/VCUPoc_04eI/AAAAAAAAKv8/TNsl701BYrc/IMG_4732_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9xhSOkyWvLI/VCUPqhcGueI/AAAAAAAAKwE/3n6vhN2SMQk/s1600-h/IMG_4734%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4734" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4734" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dZJ0BTIDHug/VCUPsL6BXLI/AAAAAAAAKwM/h4M7RFEW2SY/IMG_4734_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Blm9aq3qroo/VCUPuNsMRcI/AAAAAAAAKwU/XbMKUzAN0IE/s1600-h/IMG_4738%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4738" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4738" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8uK41FuoMA8/VCUPvlpYL6I/AAAAAAAAKwc/gAq6l_2ek1Q/IMG_4738_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p>(is this a case of I HAVE ALL OF THESE BOYS TOYS SO I’M GOING TO USE ALL OF THEM TODAY?!)</p> <p>First job of the day, after feeding the troops, was to roll up the barbed wire fence that was sort of still standing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7JPAQBW8tig/VCUPw1mjTkI/AAAAAAAAKwk/wnqLOU9broE/s1600-h/IMG_4751%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4751" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4751" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7oeUbNbYcV8/VCUPysOjp4I/AAAAAAAAKws/U7TN5NQ_a0c/IMG_4751_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="884"></a></p> <p>Clearly my gloves have seen better days and this little chore did not do them any favours. Whilst I was rolling the bulldozer did its thing VERY closely behind me, removing trees that could drop limbs on the new solar panels that are to be installed beside this tank. Speaking of Boys Toys, there were two boys in that bulldozer with big dusty smiles on their faces as they inhaled dieseline fumes and did lots of brooooming as they made an unholy dusty mess.</p> <div id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:0917b2a4-6bf1-4699-8787-7852ba25e55b" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="width: 448px; float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px"><div><object width="448" height="277"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZLdVsi1f2n4?hl=en&hd=1"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZLdVsi1f2n4?hl=en&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="448" height="277"></embed></object></div></div> <p>I also discovered – well I had a fair inkling – that I lack the skills to create anything more artistic than this out of barbed wire. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hpIG0MistSI/VCUP0w4U5jI/AAAAAAAAKw0/Yp2Gte-vD2o/s1600-h/IMG_4754%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4754" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4754" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UX5k8RqN6zY/VCUP2SNetgI/AAAAAAAAKw8/ube3tzHYfLQ/IMG_4754_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JlXhT9majmE/VCUP45SZqpI/AAAAAAAAKxE/t-9SCT1Eljw/s1600-h/IMG_4748%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4748" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4748" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ibwQAc8sP44/VCUP6V5KU8I/AAAAAAAAKxM/ini4FnwwPJ8/IMG_4748_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p>Then came the super fun part (please read that in sarcasm font). Digging holes with the post hole digger on the tractor. There’s about 3 feet of super fine sand and then a big old flat hard rock after that. A three foot deep hole isn’t ideal however is not so bad if one has to bale out the super fine sand by hand after the post hole digger has finished.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xHtF6d8ndW8/VCUP8XbSugI/AAAAAAAAKxU/Mm9ACQypWT0/s1600-h/IMG_4774%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4774" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4774" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mbKmMURX1QI/VCUP-DSEfyI/AAAAAAAAKxc/VeRhRxtQn1Q/IMG_4774_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p>(I wasn’t just taking photos! sheesh. That’s my shovel sticking out of a hole there in front of me).</p> <p>Once holes were close enough is good enough, in went the frame for the solar panels and cement to hold it in place.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q-1Qaccx5h0/VCUP_m2ASeI/AAAAAAAAKxk/bto_8YqByUU/s1600-h/IMG_4781%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4781" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4781" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ttdLcPjWicI/VCUQA2cxxOI/AAAAAAAAKxs/mLTlJVTGEeo/IMG_4781_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="884"></a></p> <p>At this point in time, after putting the frame in place and putting in two strainer posts for the fence that was to go around this structure, it was discovered that we were out of both vital materials and day. So all toys were parked up or packed up and homewards we went. The kids were delighted that I managed to get sand bogged in the ute (however nothing that the application of hubs in and 4WD didn’t fix…which reminds me, I always forget the HUBS OUT part. Wonder how many kilometres before The Husband realises and takes the hubs out again….)</p> <p>Anyhow. I digress. We got home just on dark – and in time for some golden light that enabled me to take this photo.</p> <p>Great end to a good days work.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IZgCQLouovY/VCUQCnrFEhI/AAAAAAAAKx0/05mygBRUefE/s1600-h/IMG_4808%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4808" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4808" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l6glqBvb7Tc/VCUQEKP-VWI/AAAAAAAAKx8/2dut4WTExrM/IMG_4808_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p>Grubby faced, bare footed children and sharp toothed pups make the best photos do they not? <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" style="border-top-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none" alt="Smile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-48B1S8RLKaM/VCUQE-DBraI/AAAAAAAAKyE/ZWWvXF17ieU/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-7662277618078310462014-09-27T04:28:00.000+10:002014-09-27T04:28:00.133+10:00Guard Dog<p>With the passing of dear old Sally (also known as The Black Tart from time to time) Wally the Jack Russell has been a bit lonely. He has also been letting down the side in the watch dog stakes, most likely to only bark at the visitors he knows at the gate (a welcome bark if you will) instead of everyone that arrives.</p> <p>Fortuitously, the provider of many of our ill fated kittens over the years, recenty advertised the availability of a litter of blue/collie cross pups. I chose one from a photo simply as he had a patch on his bum and showed the most blueness.</p> <p>And so Boof arrived to live at our place.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d-t7pVtSklg/VCUIE5qyOsI/AAAAAAAAKus/Hzoi2h56spM/s1600-h/IMG_4652%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4652" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4652" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QxIL1radvuQ/VCUIG0D37AI/AAAAAAAAKu0/FIww_2pnLIQ/IMG_4652_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="667"></a></p> <p>Very wriggly with sharp teeth. Very friendly. Very FAST.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Dy0NktXeTiU/VCUIIxQpmSI/AAAAAAAAKu8/_NuE5cnfHPA/s1600-h/IMG_4713%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4713" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4713" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Yi4Hkr-y7Xg/VCUIKoh1QGI/AAAAAAAAKvE/G0KqLAmsatA/IMG_4713_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="661"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t7wJ3V8xHNc/VCUIMa3-K3I/AAAAAAAAKvM/yPGkdT1Q-EM/s1600-h/IMG_4845%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4845" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4845" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g-cSOqgQcCA/VCUINh_kr-I/AAAAAAAAKvU/KyptZq0p2UQ/IMG_4845_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="664"></a></p> <p>Also very much liking coming inside. And doesn’t sulk when smacked. Probably would be good if he did as he keeps repeating his mistakes over and over. Perhaps somewhat aided and abetted by the two youngest children in the house.</p> <p>Boof has settled in JUST fine. The first night of yowling and crying stopped abruptly and we were quite smug in that he had settled in his pen quite quickly. Turns out the next morning, he had managed to squeeze through the small gap at the top of the pen, and put himself with Wally. Not sure what Wally thought of proceedings but it certainly kept Boof quiet . Wally has found out there does exist a more annoying and persistent dog than himself, but thankfully cannot jump up onto chairs and other high surfaces as yet. Wally takes the high ground when he has had enough attention.</p> <p>It has occurred to me that perhaps having both a Blue Dog and a Jack Russell may be a volatile/rebellious combination. Oh well. </p> <p>Get ‘em Boof. (and pick up your shoes, kids!)</p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-11994131518328972742014-09-26T16:13:00.001+10:002014-09-26T16:13:53.772+10:00Eight<p>Eight. Hard to comprehend my squigy cuddly little baby boy is now a long lean lanky, callused palmed and boofy, eight year old boy. How the years have melted away.</p> <p>The eight year old boy was lucky enough to score TWO cakes this go round, a pretty mean feat considering mum had spent the best part of the week prior away at Westech Field Days in Barcaldine. But seeing as his birthday fell on a Saturday, a second cake was required to share with the 6 little friends at school.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f7A0qjpXOOI/VCUD9kZcDXI/AAAAAAAAKto/hy7bKduhFvY/s1600-h/IMG_4668%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4668" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4668" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4XzyCzmghko/VCUD_lXt-aI/AAAAAAAAKtw/jUQk0-agM5Y/IMG_4668_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="884"></a></p> <p>There was plenty of sisterly love going his way. Momentarily at least!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZORS3jKPZxY/VCUEBNksjcI/AAAAAAAAKt4/AeQAYXqtfXA/s1600-h/IMG_4672%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4672" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4672" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q5xAcGRUC58/VCUEC3clnuI/AAAAAAAAKuA/9R3CtChZ4oU/IMG_4672_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="664"></a></p> <p>Lego and games, and a new hat, boots AND WHIP. All dogs in the district are cowering. Boy can crack a whip far better than his mother (who’s whip cracking skills are very lacking).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3XNEf03T-78/VCUEEKLKRKI/AAAAAAAAKuI/pevq9D04c54/s1600-h/IMG_4692%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4692" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4692" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FlM2K_7XS0U/VCUEFb5mJ2I/AAAAAAAAKuQ/4wnFJtJakrg/IMG_4692_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="664"></a></p> <p>Cake One was a chocolate and freckles masterpiece that did not last past morning smoko. </p> <p>Cake Two was a lot heavier on the sugar laden embellishments. Smarties and TV Snack biscuits surely do hide an absolute multitude of sins, do they not?! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1JGQ-zMEX84/VCUEGaDS9yI/AAAAAAAAKuY/QsLck1uPvYc/s1600-h/IMG_4834%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4834" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4834" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sBHxnUn0-OU/VCUEHk1mA6I/AAAAAAAAKug/GHDAof7L5iY/IMG_4834_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="664"></a></p> <p>Happy Birthday Angus. Now about that whip. Back corner of the back paddock is a brilliant place to practise your whip cracking, son.</p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-61590800496148451392014-09-21T13:54:00.001+10:002014-09-21T13:57:23.684+10:00Spring Cleaning<p> So in the spirit of spring and all, and the fact that my bathroom needs cleaning far more than my blog, but that is far less fun, I give you a new blog header.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zQWlN8vZJis/VB5L1dibZyI/AAAAAAAAKs8/giVoYMF31xc/s1600-h/header%252520sept%2525201%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="header sept 1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="header sept 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Zayxzm6Pfbw/VB5L2RaybQI/AAAAAAAAKtE/a-c0frZcinc/header%252520sept%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="249"></a></p> <p>Sadly what equals white and code #fffff in my photoshop elements doesn’t seem to equal the same thing when I upload it into blogger. Hence the change of background colour. I don’t like the grey walls. Any one who can help me solve my colour issues, I’d love to hear from you.</p> <p>Bit rusty at all of this stuff clearly!</p> <p>FOOTNOTE: have since changed back the background colour to white. In livewriter and photoshop elements on my computer (new laptop), the background is showing as white (and code #fffff - I checked) and yet even when I upload the header into the body of the post it comes up as #eeeee. (grey). WHY IS THIS SO?!!!</p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-21121867602148149322014-09-20T22:10:00.001+10:002014-09-20T22:10:48.770+10:00Fun Times<p>Ah, fun times indeed. As I mentioned in my last post, I lost my voice somewhere between Barenya and home that afternoon. It certainly did not improve that evening (nor did the man flu/sinus problems) but fortunately for me but possibly not so much the children and husband, I posses a pretty strident whistle and can say an awful lot with a certain look and pointed finger.</p> <p>However just because the vocal chords had man flu didn’t mean that lolling around in bed was an option (actually, I’d stopped feeling blah by this point) as the next day the good times were continuing. Such is the way, events tend to cluster and collide and this was no different, with a Yoga Day being held at school the morning after our paddle boarding adventure. Now, you’d be pretty assured in knowing that Yoga is not something that I have done regularly but in the name of supporting local events and Frontier Services (host, another one of their community resilience drought functions) I donned my stretchy pants. I took them off again as I really didn’t feel MY stretchy pants had any place in public, not when around my butt that is for sure.</p> <p>Yoga, I have found, is not a lot different to the stretching exercises one might do in other exercise sessions. I am sure the mentality and the deeper meaning behind it is totally different, however I am also pretty sure we never reached that level as we were far too busy giggling at our ability or lack thereof to complete the moved required.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zCQWp48xwi8/VB1ucigJAPI/AAAAAAAAKqE/XENCCLDlKvs/s1600-h/IMG_9304%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9304" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_9304" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UHm6MnCk9T4/VB1ueLqB9xI/AAAAAAAAKqM/zPjy08dFvzM/IMG_9304_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p>Cath, our instructor had no such difficulty but enjoyed trying to put us through our paces. Some of us were far more flexible than others, and some of us really found the stretching and using a few forgotten muscles really loosened up a few sore spots.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9BRvPgCY5ME/VB1ufDjJjuI/AAAAAAAAKqU/KXX1BlFvcPQ/s1600-h/IMG_9319%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9319" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9319" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tfSGJaCgSHA/VB1ugQbOkxI/AAAAAAAAKqc/F7_bjm1M88Q/IMG_9319_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="left" height="499"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UBsOu7pzwy4/VB1uhJ1PcCI/AAAAAAAAKqk/W05SUoS3CK8/s1600-h/IMG_9309%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9309" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9309" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7AJCUjGISuw/VB1uiCuj0yI/AAAAAAAAKqs/bh9L3To6KIg/IMG_9309_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="right" height="499"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><br clear="all">Cath is also a pretty flash cook/foodie type and provided morning tea and lunch with her sister Rachel’s help.</p> <p>We then REALLY enjoyed the “breathing/relaxation” session that Cath led us through which involved laying down and breathing deeply in varying ways. The use of a straw to control stress, control breathing and to calm was introduced and it was suggested that the straw might come in very handy to hand to ones husband in the cattle yards when he might be getting a little overwrought. “Here dear, breath through this, in through the nose and out through the straw”. The thought was highly entertaining for all present. (all husbands clearly must be the same in the cattle yards)</p> <p><br clear="all"></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SetAaaEy2nc/VB1ujWbihsI/AAAAAAAAKq0/SpoPVhQDdhc/s1600-h/IMG_4321%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4321" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4321" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dJM93jASsZM/VB1uk5lpZOI/AAAAAAAAKq8/zqH2wrwFjgw/IMG_4321_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="666"></a><br clear="all">Lunch was a treat of tastes, with platters of flavours and dips to spread on crusty bread. Lots of laughter and conversation accompanied. Even more so after we allowed the food to settle and we tried a new version of yoga – with a partner.</p> <p>Let me say we got to know our friends a whole lot more intimately after this session.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VQIdzyPZ_Ro/VB1ul1WOiPI/AAAAAAAAKrE/1AIK_ZFoM6I/s1600-h/IMG_9327%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9327" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9327" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DGeJBQgU0Jo/VB1unNpVjdI/AAAAAAAAKrM/jiHNX719Gv0/IMG_9327_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="left" height="499"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t4UWGDMWXbg/VB1uoAfjAhI/AAAAAAAAKrU/9GuV4MkhQM8/s1600-h/IMG_9332%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9332" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9332" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k2SkZuF1exk/VB1upUeDGWI/AAAAAAAAKrc/m_g1HG9NuuY/IMG_9332_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="right" height="499"></a><br clear="all">I think it also helped if you had longer legs and were a bit flexible for this exercise. Oh how we did laugh. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0KM-so1hvDM/VB1uqgH_fMI/AAAAAAAAKrk/iTGsw2lxPkM/s1600-h/IMG_9345%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9345" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_9345" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RL9BDdEwreo/VB1urptcgAI/AAAAAAAAKrs/aMPQASe3dJ4/IMG_9345_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a>But soon it was time to pack up (there is only so much contortion one body can withstand!) and head home. Cath also sent home with us a precooked cryo-vaced meal for dinner that night.</p> <p>You know, I didn’t think I needed yoga at all. Especially not with little to no voice (it improved on and off throughout the day). But I did have THE best day, and laughed more than I had for such a long time. So perhaps I did need yoga.</p> <p>On arrival home I found the men folk undertaking their own version of yoga (the one that bends the elbow frequently) on my front steps.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5WKIJEwgtHI/VB1utXwa8pI/AAAAAAAAKr0/DQ0UXNileNc/s1600-h/IMG_9371%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9371" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9371" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X8-DnJX-iUI/VB1uu3eh5oI/AAAAAAAAKr8/C9K-2HDlpjQ/IMG_9371_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="994"></a><br clear="all">They seemed to be doing a fair bit of giggling themselves, for grown tough middle aged men. They were not keen to participate in the downward facing dog even though the kids offered to show them how and help them do it. Spoilt sports. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bx4eClzQ4ug/VB1uwHyMBeI/AAAAAAAAKsE/mK5p5EhLi0o/s1600-h/IMG_4326%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4326" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4326" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3zmKTZfL89I/VB1uxmyGr_I/AAAAAAAAKsM/0Y2RCkDTsM0/IMG_4326_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="664"></a><br clear="all">And that night, as our bellies were full and we were all sleepy in our jarmies – kids and parents alike – it was declared a Very Good Day indeed.</p> <p>Yoga huh. Who knew.</p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-27402828913293723712014-09-04T05:10:00.000+10:002014-09-04T05:10:00.022+10:00Paddle boarding<p>One would think that living 450kms from the nearest beach might put the stoppers on paddle boarding but where there is a will there is a way. Invited to attend the a joint Frontier Services/RFDS clinic at Barenya Stn, we drove around 120kms from us, paddle boarding was on the menu. With some community drought funding, the paddleboarders with their blow up paddle boards, flew in with the RFDS for the day. The other small school in the district swelled the number with their 3 students.</p> <p>Let me preface this image with the reminder – this is what drought looks like. You see grass in my pictures around home, and it doesn’t look like we have a lack of feed but its goodness is minimal. But this… this is drought encapsulated in a photo. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kQVVkMBgaGs/VAa-8C7qRQI/AAAAAAAAKm4/ChZF1LVnvOI/s1600-h/IMG_4281%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4281" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4281" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ROFj2M18Yso/VAa--62oKCI/AAAAAAAAKnA/PUrpaihCzDw/IMG_4281_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="884"></a></p> <p>Remember a while ago – we took cows to agistment nearby on the downs? The green knee deep grass? well this paddock is part of it. Very different now.</p> <p>The RFDS plane landed on the dirt strip at Barenya. This strip is maintained year round and is often used by the RFDS and bigger planes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NUuxTDP8MZs/VAa_AVioEBI/AAAAAAAAKnI/RwWgaizKD3c/s1600-h/IMG_9205%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9205" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_9205" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FflC1iMZ4BQ/VAa_CF_H_PI/AAAAAAAAKnM/47m6eZDd5S0/IMG_9205_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="662" height="446"></a></p> <p>Back to the paddle boarding. The hole in the bore drain that our host used as a swimming pool in summer (with a sand base for comfort!) was deemed a little too small, so off to the nearest turkeys nest they went. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y8-UVwVk_Do/VAa_DdMNOwI/AAAAAAAAKnY/0yJ9TwxKqPM/s1600-h/IMG_4297%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4297" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4297" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RDdSJAMy8Rc/VAa_FNfItWI/AAAAAAAAKng/EOKKiFmn5F8/IMG_4297_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="202"></a></p> <p>The kids took to paddle boarding like ducks to water. The instructor was amazed at how quickly they were on their boards – but these are all fit bush kids that love their swimming and water.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gVqz5HU-pzA/VAa_Gh5_uMI/AAAAAAAAKno/j349dDlpFio/s1600-h/IMG_9266%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9266" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_9266" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WNdGwbQ9biI/VAa_IPYm34I/AAAAAAAAKnw/_2v3twLSl3Q/IMG_9266_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p>If that doesn’t say paddle boarding in the bush, then nothing does. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5kzD5YlxVJc/VAa_J7fHKfI/AAAAAAAAKn4/s8ikK4HLsl0/s1600-h/IMG_9275%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9275" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_9275" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gOeNADoXzdA/VAa_LQ5XWTI/AAAAAAAAKoA/eEq7HbPjh9c/IMG_9275_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iaA36kpsm4U/VAa_MzmqYuI/AAAAAAAAKoI/iua40_u_4j4/s1600-h/IMG_9278%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9278" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9278" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nxIm6JymTzw/VAa_OWvCSMI/AAAAAAAAKoQ/Wj_4ovmF454/IMG_9278_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="left" height="499"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6U2nAgCzdgE/VAa_QOCtqGI/AAAAAAAAKoY/vZYUfwwrsrA/s1600-h/IMG_9283%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9283" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9283" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oeZKlXQ9MAU/VAa_R2MIL5I/AAAAAAAAKog/WQXGs9GiVSU/IMG_9283_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="right" height="499"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Meanwhile, while the kids were getting wet and muddy and slightly burnt (someone’s<em> </em>children thought it a super duper idea to not done their swim shirts for the first boarding session) the adults weren’t being left out of the fun.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lOD2VpOSpxI/VAa_TGvT04I/AAAAAAAAKoo/Q6I3yXJ2BWA/s1600-h/IMG_4287%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4287" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4287" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LIADZgWtZx0/VAa_V4KvetI/AAAAAAAAKow/bNBKeM2J3Ho/IMG_4287_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="left" height="444"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_421V1Q8lLQ/VAa_XXQaSzI/AAAAAAAAKo4/la9pg6SaWiQ/s1600-h/g%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img title="g" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="g" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nGAyrhnyBuY/VAa_ZFp00XI/AAAAAAAAKpA/5-KXoikGBn0/g_thumb%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="right" height="439"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Yes, there’s two blokey blokes sitting there getting a foot scrub and a massage (and really enjoying it). A hairdresser was also brought along by frontier services, and Georgie begged for an overdue fringe cut (before paddling). There was no shortage of tucker - as usual at bush events…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jQ6W0uRSmuM/VAa_bDXablI/AAAAAAAAKpI/7RUbY5vlaKg/s1600-h/s%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="s" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="s" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HP5qLhF2s_E/VAa_cutFFTI/AAAAAAAAKpQ/740SchgTvrk/s_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p align="center">(last two images borrowed from fellow attendee Jenny Underwood, thanks Jenny) </p> <p align="left">And then, with our feet scrubbed and massaged, our bellies very full, our souls a little lighter, and with sun kissed wet, muddy children waving, the RFDS plane took off back to Cairns. The kids were handed a backpack each as we left – sun shirt, cap, t shirt and other fun things contained within. I was handed a brown paper gift bag – a pamper pack lovely shower gels. How lovely and unexpected! We piled back into our cars and weaved our slightly weary way home.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QX3eyZ1EYwk/VAa_eND4KwI/AAAAAAAAKpY/KHkjqqxgJbU/s1600-h/c%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="c" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="c" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m-cVUF6j0kc/VAa_fmLUV8I/AAAAAAAAKpg/rOxznZT-r0M/c_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p>Where at that point, having had a good hour at least of peace with snoring kids in the back seat, I discovered that I had pretty much lost my voice in that time period of unuse.Yay. Fun times indeed. </p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-90467824064715099852014-09-03T15:59:00.001+10:002014-09-03T15:59:00.914+10:00Ten<p>The pace of life seems to have picked up like a runaway truck hurtling down a highway, whilst brain speed and creativity levels correspondingly seemingly have slowed right down, and paradoxically, at the same time we are in a holding and making do pattern waiting for it to one day rain. During the midst of all of this, the kids keep on growing and Dodgy Birthday Cakes need to be made.</p> <p>Ten whole years we’ve had this kid. Without argument she’s the loudest personality of our offspring, the one that lives life from one extreme to the other, sometimes in mere minutes. She’s the one that gets her name yelled at the loudest and most often, the one that’s in strife, but also the one that can suddenly decide to clean the bathroom just because she feels like it (she <em>likes</em> cleaning stuff!) She adores animals. She’s loud and opinionated – she came out that way, quite indignant about being born. Her mind is quick; her body is twitchy (dear lord is it ever) even in sleep. She’s a master debater and will go back again and again from a different tact to try and get her own way. She drives her brother bonkers but he adores her. She fights with her sister over clothes and yet they chatter well after bed time every night even thought Dad has threatened to send them separately to dog and chook pens to sleep if they don’t bloody well shut up and <em>go to sleep. </em> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6ALJzPURXJQ/VAat0osSVpI/AAAAAAAAKlw/4ZCdwpjGdk4/s1600-h/IMG_4219%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4219" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4219" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cwBpy05hinI/VAat3NzLAOI/AAAAAAAAKl4/52j2H-dOIfk/IMG_4219_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="665"></a></p> <p>The request this year was just that the horse had to be on the cake. Of course when it comes to birthday cake baking, the never fail recipe turned out a little dodgy on the day, but nothing that a fair application of butter cream icing with the magical cake icing thingymemob didnt sort of fix. And really when you are TEN, there’s not much room for anything else on the cake other than candles which hides a lot of flaws!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P8FgACQnFb8/VAat68cEE5I/AAAAAAAAKmA/lfUE_91H2GU/s1600-h/IMG_4224%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4224" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4224" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7_iDCdB-aBY/VAat92lKyrI/AAAAAAAAKmI/LTk8pdAvn68/IMG_4224_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="623"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TJxcAUNaSAs/VAauA6f7NFI/AAAAAAAAKmQ/MzxyO1xnIhw/s1600-h/IMG_4252%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4252" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4252" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xOh_TNbDdhc/VAauD3CIsVI/AAAAAAAAKmY/zrLOpnPy7cs/IMG_4252_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="884"></a></p> <p>Ten is a pretty good age. Double digits but not so cool and grown up that you cant be super excited about presents and a day being about you. </p> <p>Most favoured gifts have been cool retro headphones; lego (of course) water coloured paints from grandma (the real deal) and BY FAR, a pocket knife complete with pink pouch from a little mate.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gWH8nNpx4LY/VAauFtp7GaI/AAAAAAAAKmg/O5UpCvVobWM/s1600-h/IMG_4327%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4327" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4327" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u9ro1TPAr5Y/VAauHwYBt2I/AAAAAAAAKmo/Ap1Tl9_n_Rw/IMG_4327_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="664"></a></p> <p>I look forward to seeing how long it is before injury occurs – or it gets left somewhere and becomes lost. The boy, reminded of his own small carabineer-style knife with the pink arrival, was recently devastated to loose his when he thought tying it to his shoe via shoe lace would be a great place to keep it. And then run through some long grass. Of course the inevitable happened, given his poor shoe lace tying skills and the fact his shoe laces are pretty much always undone no matter who has done them up in a triple knot. Such a boy.</p> <p>But this isn’t about him, its about Georgie!</p> <p>Ten whole years huh. Holy smokes. We now have two kids in double digits. </p> <p>Excuse me whilst I go have a bex and a good lie down. I am not mentally prepared for teenagehood. </p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-60318765688936198842014-08-20T05:24:00.000+10:002014-08-20T05:24:00.140+10:00Campdrafting<p>Its rather liberating to be no longer the secretary or admin support for the local campdraft. Which is a good thing too, the amount of time and energy that is required to transport and strap horses for the girls! Georgie decided that she would like to have a go at campdrafting, and much thought went into choosing which of the three horses she might ride in her first ever campdraft.</p> <p>Red we decided might get too excited, Chester we decided might be too excitable and distracted and so it was left to Old Ben to carry the load. Very much feeling his age and the dry weather, we started feeding him a special potion in order to help with his arthritis. </p> <p>We rocked up the to campdraft and saddled up. Little friend gathered around and off they went to “warm up”.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5Fh5TTC5LQk/U-7c-f-4HgI/AAAAAAAAKhc/sQRQsyRIp3Y/s1600-h/IMG_3880%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3880" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_3880" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dw4ElpngDTE/U-7dAXtImzI/AAAAAAAAKhk/SmjZwgbKgPw/IMG_3880_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p>The two kids on foot at this point suddenly realised that perhaps a horse might have been fun (and in the boys case, knowing how to ride would have been handy as well)</p> <p>Three hours later (slight change to programme) the horses were WELL and truly warmed up, or in Ben’s case, nearly worn out.</p> <p>Mum was quite nervous for the jockey. Handed the camera over to the person standing next to me and said TAKE PHOTOS.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ui11fEMFrGY/U-7dCByMtxI/AAAAAAAAKhs/SaPduUgTk-0/s1600-h/IMG_9150%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9150" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_9150" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RLc-uFFNzTA/U-7dDtAbL0I/AAAAAAAAKh0/0dZXGEbDEg0/IMG_9150_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wrEdxmivurI/U-7dFVF6fTI/AAAAAAAAKh8/KMXlOQy-az8/s1600-h/IMG_9151%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9151" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_9151" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0f0oqDR_FAA/U-7dG_Da96I/AAAAAAAAKiE/4B0WGeGIgNs/IMG_9151_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d-behNS-7EU/U-7dI_Q4aQI/AAAAAAAAKiM/DSCZTsxvGME/s1600-h/IMG_9159%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9159" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_9159" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AGXsIhO0kaM/U-7dKdXLUKI/AAAAAAAAKiU/f2PmlrjSKf0/IMG_9159_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-71Oyh89dJt4/U-7dLytHUJI/AAAAAAAAKic/d_U-y7dcty8/s1600-h/IMG_9161%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9161" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_9161" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4iSuwTPa_Kc/U-7dNPZZA-I/AAAAAAAAKik/mydFAo2Fb24/IMG_9161_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_Pn2OJmhKk8/U-7dOo7GJLI/AAAAAAAAKis/XvOSNyHUPvY/s1600-h/IMG_9163%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9163" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_9163" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EPClvRTdrGU/U-7dP32obrI/AAAAAAAAKi0/2aJTQyGRk5o/IMG_9163_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p>I realised after the fact that she was riding far too short on this horse (but needs to ride at this length on Redman normally). She got a “full” outside score – 17/32/2 which is a pretty good score for her first time out. Poor old Benny looked like he needed some go go juice but he only goes as fast as the rider so guess she was happy!</p> <p>The next day we went back in for the horse sports which I was helping coordinate. No photos. Ben was left in the paddock for a spell, Georgie on Redman and Kate her first time on Chester (sink or swim girl). Angus on foot again was wondering if this horse business might actually be fun.</p> <p>And then we went home and were exhausted!</p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-2952639756072179152014-08-19T05:03:00.000+10:002014-08-19T05:03:00.047+10:00The girls<p>You see your kids every day. You yell at them, laugh at them, tell them to do their chores, pick up their stuff, to stop being mean to their brother or sister. They are with you for nearly every task or journey.</p> <p>Then you take a photo and realise suddenly that they are half way grown up. How DID that happen so fast?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cN8EKAhmQj0/U-7YM2L8R-I/AAAAAAAAKhM/f3BJ27Kl1OY/s1600-h/IMG_3708%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3708" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_3708" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vAF-d74icYs/U-7YPJjsBQI/AAAAAAAAKhU/KJPYrWMW6Cw/IMG_3708_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-85434348297737222852014-08-18T05:36:00.000+10:002014-08-18T05:36:00.362+10:00Netball<p>Netball is a sport only recently (term two) taken up by my kids. Not a sport that I played other than during PE at boarding school, they went to the fun/sign on day, and then begged to continue. There went my Tuesday afternoons for two full terms…</p> <p>So we dutifully attend practice every Tuesday afternoon. Due to clashing events, my kids didn’t get to attend two out of town tournaments, but we had one at home recently. Unfortunately the teams from the other town decided not to come at the last minute (rude!) but there were enough kids to make up three teams and they had a great time playing against each other. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WGRy8hGuMJM/U-7R8gXHFtI/AAAAAAAAKe4/2drV5E7lW7A/s1600-h/IMG_8824%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8824" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8824" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JHZ3h2ABIEA/U-7R-aEAZQI/AAAAAAAAKfA/JXQclFqKqCU/IMG_8824_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="left" height="499"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oMSuAGfCRgo/U-7R_wBHD8I/AAAAAAAAKfI/6KCTLzbsUcI/s1600-h/IMG_8828%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8828" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8828" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3L41344nXVg/U-7SB_01uSI/AAAAAAAAKfQ/IxcMMsrGhB8/IMG_8828_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="right" height="499"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Angus loved playing. Took a hard ball to the face and was very wounded for a moment with tears however the coaches didn’t let him hang around sooking to mum (just quietly I think the town mums are a bit different to our small schools/distance ed mums…)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3aRYhTZyi2c/U-7SDfaNkFI/AAAAAAAAKfY/uq_mDRrKXv0/s1600-h/IMG_8830%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8830" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8830" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ItEyNtGqAX4/U-7SE5s5X-I/AAAAAAAAKfg/TBrCsFtB5ho/IMG_8830_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="left" height="499"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3wwGWbLn3Uw/U-7SGdYWNzI/AAAAAAAAKfo/VSprm8nEQWI/s1600-h/IMG_8883%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8883" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8883" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ha6wOw-JaJY/U-7SH5qs_GI/AAAAAAAAKfw/fMjPDRVOUcA/IMG_8883_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="right" height="499"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XobINyRmxzs/U-7SJYHRlAI/AAAAAAAAKf4/2DcRhVNBt0o/s1600-h/IMG_8848%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8848" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8848" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0erhC39XAYQ/U-7SLNM6SVI/AAAAAAAAKgA/WyTlzVL__60/IMG_8848_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="left" height="499"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o7AzzL8O7JE/U-7SMaipdfI/AAAAAAAAKgI/ULqbzHWR2q8/s1600-h/IMG_8930%25255B18%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8930" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8930" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VI40FpvMEGQ/U-7SN0xNolI/AAAAAAAAKgQ/y0a5QkD-dCw/IMG_8930_thumb%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="right" height="499"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Georgie also took a ball to the side of the head (a few tears) then back into it. After all this was their first competitive game! They really loved being in the uniform (the biggest girl doing lots of swirly turns in her dress).</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-D4cLhozLHcU/U-7SPVClsVI/AAAAAAAAKgY/BzdyG2hRsQM/s1600-h/IMG_8858%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8858" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8858" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gcMy4BHoTB4/U-7SQ_anRLI/AAAAAAAAKgg/pYi-U3Cqzaw/IMG_8858_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s6_0H8BJ_Mk/U-7SSLiDvhI/AAAAAAAAKgo/WIwc-kYt-Lg/s1600-h/IMG_8952%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8952" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8952" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zqG5e3idxYg/U-7STrwtGBI/AAAAAAAAKgw/C7acCY6n7pE/IMG_8952_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="left" height="499"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L4sSczdzLYU/U-7SVD_0Z-I/AAAAAAAAKg4/JF2E4Aezgbg/s1600-h/IMG_8978%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8978" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8978" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZURNpI2Jowk/U-7SWhZDVhI/AAAAAAAAKhA/Fnr2QvWGy5c/IMG_8978_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="right" height="499"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>I can’t even remember what team won at the end; a sausage sizzle lunch was made and fed to the kids, then much to my dismay they wanted to have a mums V kids game. I have no issues with throwing a ball but my knowledge of netball rules extends to no travel with the ball. I was constantly out of my area and too close to the opposing players. But the kids had fun even if dear lord, my knees felt hammered the next day.(I did end up on the floor after tripping over and trying to avoid landing on my child…that is NOT a soft surface, rather is just painted concrete) Now I completely understand why netball players have bung knees.</p> <p>Now…how long til the end of term? </p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-18134906032845489882014-08-17T05:41:00.000+10:002014-08-17T05:41:00.032+10:00the tour<p>It came around again, the annual Tour de Prairie, whilst the real riders biked around the hills of France. Costume deciding was weeks in the planning (as of course, our bike ride was FANCY DRESS). Mum layed down the rules: must be kept SIMPLE.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lsR6oBqks5Y/U-7FBKCdCdI/AAAAAAAAKbk/wsS1LeZwzSs/s1600-h/IMG_8657%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8657" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8657" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ndIbJ-zdr0E/U-7FDyxZY0I/AAAAAAAAKbs/vTR2_UW-91s/IMG_8657_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="994"></a></p> <p>Georgie originally had other plans (of which I have forgotten) but embraced my Huck Finn suggestion with gusto (we did have to google some images though, as she hadn’t heard of him before!) Kate wanted to be a rock star, along with her little mate Grace, so they hatched plans to be matching rock stars. Angus, recycling his Where’s Wally glasses, was of course Harry Potter with the addition of a borrowed cape (and use of eyeliner pencil on his forehead).</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mnI8Ow5BkE4/U-7FFd6FbOI/AAAAAAAAKb0/6koH_5TTbWI/s1600-h/IMG_8644%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8644" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8644" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QkAzjhI9Qao/U-7FGzDz-kI/AAAAAAAAKb8/2EqULX4QPLw/IMG_8644_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="994"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-USvxrZmkiH4/U-7FITuN-RI/AAAAAAAAKcE/VS27to_JqTc/s1600-h/IMG_8648%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8648" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8648" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4KbBbSG1DVU/U-7FKQtd7OI/AAAAAAAAKcM/KGDXmlagScM/IMG_8648_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="994"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tqoimV1H4xk/U-7FLxcwAqI/AAAAAAAAKcU/dl2augFs3kM/s1600-h/IMG_8654%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8654" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8654" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Thvekx0HIPM/U-7FNWmVwYI/AAAAAAAAKcc/wX61Nqdtsrk/IMG_8654_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="994"></a></p> <p>The dress up theme was embraced by the school and community. Really the bike ride itself (a 14km round trip) is just an excuse.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l77FgTWbY-k/U-7FOoal61I/AAAAAAAAKck/I2I-COQpsqI/s1600-h/IMG_8670%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8670" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8670" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I6cyCvhY-A0/U-7FQQghl-I/AAAAAAAAKcs/hHWJ9wXmZCg/IMG_8670_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="169" height="252"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1ZERAmeyecE/U-7FR5sjmsI/AAAAAAAAKc0/zdOPh_KCQLc/s1600-h/IMG_8689%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8689" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8689" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wqmhDf0AAWw/U-7FTZwTpQI/AAAAAAAAKc8/Mlf5zuLMvKM/IMG_8689_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="169" height="252"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DEpKTsDAWMA/U-7FUd-ylnI/AAAAAAAAKdE/S038MdSyrhc/s1600-h/IMG_8698%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8698" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8698" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iTwuJYwNmlE/U-7FVVwzYOI/AAAAAAAAKdM/_Bg66A19jeM/IMG_8698_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="169" height="252"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YZgPRhgVikY/U-7FWsvXu9I/AAAAAAAAKdU/f_k7Uou4UBY/s1600-h/IMG_8699%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8699" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_8699" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vN_m34Aqy3Q/U-7FYMn_bGI/AAAAAAAAKdc/9Pz4sHtwjEU/IMG_8699_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="169" height="252"></a></p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9tpIRH4kRxc/U-7FZwfqACI/AAAAAAAAKdk/WrsXHwS5YXE/s1600-h/IMG_8673%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8673" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8673" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lDs5D5K1xfg/U-7FbmNMxvI/AAAAAAAAKds/CZtn239pBEY/IMG_8673_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KSv0bl7bH9Q/U-7FdQYUdlI/AAAAAAAAKd0/_lvMBwi87BE/s1600-h/IMG_8720%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8720" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8720" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UvSngKYuAM0/U-7FfISdobI/AAAAAAAAKd8/swF3yq5R9k8/IMG_8720_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-StND9QKVUn8/U-7FgyWFPrI/AAAAAAAAKeE/2gxp4a8bBxU/s1600-h/IMG_8754%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8754" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8754" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BrTmwCzlMiA/U-7Fi9-ILVI/AAAAAAAAKeM/RHroO64INWk/IMG_8754_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p>This one is of Wally NOT TOUCHING THE BABY (if he doesn’t look at her and his butt touches her arm it <em>doesn’t count</em>) Baby is my niece Violet. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vz8UBvewDX8/U-7FkCynfTI/AAAAAAAAKeU/KTfjs7J67H4/s1600-h/IMG_8770%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8770" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8770" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0yYpfDS6WAY/U-7FleNk2bI/AAAAAAAAKec/ASEnFJ9r670/IMG_8770_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T3UvGZdRJVM/U-7Fm3arvjI/AAAAAAAAKek/lvzf_ttMIbk/s1600-h/IMG_8805%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8805" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8805" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TNkpSqF6LFE/U-7FovC70mI/AAAAAAAAKes/GyQfVmUm1tk/IMG_8805_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p>A sausage sizzle was enjoyed by all and recovery on the lawn. Then they had to ride back again….some deciding to catch a ride half way.</p> <p>Kids slept well that night. </p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-38949037028457786902014-08-16T12:04:00.001+10:002014-08-16T12:04:53.325+10:00Sally<p>Sally, daughter of the infamous Lena (a talented dog that could almost speak, and one that could be sent to get the milkers in solo each day, including any new calves) and Buddy, a determined kelpie collie cross that was equally happy about heading or heeling, came to live at our house in around October 2005. A black wriggly bundle of fur, as I went looking for photos evidencing her part in our family, I discovered there was very few.</p> <p>That’s a little sad, for as part of our family for so long, she greeted numerous visitors at the front gate, saw many other dogs and cats and chooks and ducks come and go, but had been the one constant. One black loopy, from time to time tartish, happy dog that had no talent at rounding up bovines but was never happier when rounding up a cat or two. (and on one occasion, and only ever the once with one particular horse, worked that horse until it chased her, then repeat).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IoWdNyo-yYY/U-670TI8Q2I/AAAAAAAAKZQ/bzEjIMORZqU/s1600-h/IMG_4058%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4058" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4058" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3WJSYXM9UcI/U-672IRbrEI/AAAAAAAAKZY/HzKbABv2RgY/IMG_4058_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="413"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BF8oOyMRONY/U-674EE5H0I/AAAAAAAAKZg/YRqZLue_f8s/s1600-h/IMG_4059%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4059" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4059" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-i9Ui9P3oHOQ/U-675-c8p8I/AAAAAAAAKZo/JGsuhg8WrXI/IMG_4059_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="504"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8v7i68RUIo0/U-678iQ9uxI/AAAAAAAAKZw/JaotzecqJZc/s1600-h/IMG_4060%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4060" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4060" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pYWN1sbqFwY/U-67974yp3I/AAAAAAAAKZ4/4JxkFCEEAQ8/IMG_4060_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="466"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NAB03PnJwHw/U-67_Dn_RAI/AAAAAAAAKaA/7Kx8KX6oXU0/s1600-h/IMG_4062%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4062" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4062" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RVj2tdQ18_g/U-68ATVJuZI/AAAAAAAAKaI/Miav1WP3vhY/IMG_4062_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" align="left" height="293"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Mo0hWxybE9Y/U-68B3vQu9I/AAAAAAAAKaQ/hCnRsSsARUA/s1600-h/IMG_4061%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4061" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_4061" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x7bWU6xyQA0/U-68DP2wvtI/AAAAAAAAKaY/BXzgigC0pz4/IMG_4061_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" align="right" height="293"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dYbZkgwgh0w/U-68ERJotvI/AAAAAAAAKag/8oQJow5jsR0/s1600-h/IMG_4068%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_4068" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_4068" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UMJRzkC0rmY/U-68FtRZ5oI/AAAAAAAAKao/YRrSWoMCB8I/IMG_4068_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="293"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>The reason for the walk down pictorial lane… our loyal old mate is no more. We knew her time was limited when, after a few (always unplanned) litters of puppies, in recent times she started to develop lumps in her udder. Her mother Lena also went the same way, with canine breast cancer. But for the longest time she remained happy and shiny and healthy, seemingly unaffected, but clearly starting to feel her age (needing a boost up into the back of the ute). Always a skinny sort of dog, she became a little more portly in her advanced years but maintained a super shiny glossy black coat.</p> <p>Sally loved nothing better than a ute or car or bike ride with anyone, but preferably the family. She used to bark at Trevor when he came home from work – would hear the truck or ute coming from around 500 metres up the road and would lie in wait to escort/chase him into the shed. She barked at any visitors (occasionally at an intrusive tourist who parked too close to my front gate). Became a little deaf in the past 18 months or so; having a run in with a big shiny truck one day when she just didn’t hear it. (we thought she’d used up all of her lives on that occasion but she recovered). \</p> <p>She never chased the chooks (that I can remember, although I may have applied early lessons as a pup) or poddies. She was extremely trainable (even though my dog training skills are somewhat lacking) and would sit but had great difficulty with the stay command especially if it was more than two or three metres away from me. She liked to be CLOSE, touching close. Georgie taught her to shake hands, which Sally thought was awesome as it meant MORE TOUCHING>MORE ATTENTION! </p> <p>We knew the time had come one Monday of the school holidays when she was let go out of the dog run and just wasn’t herself. She’d had a little episode a few months earlier but had come good, but I knew this time that our time was nearly at an end. Kate went and sat in a warm spot with her for awhile, just patting her.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MKW3x46FkvA/U-68Isg5U_I/AAAAAAAAKaw/-ehqb6namMo/s1600-h/IMG_3013%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3013" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_3013" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2MtYdEQ5pPU/U-68KL9bGAI/AAAAAAAAKa4/MfRqse1xgUA/IMG_3013_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="664"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8VbYBaYiu38/U-68LhxAORI/AAAAAAAAKbA/I9FnxPV_udo/s1600-h/IMG_2662%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2662" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2662" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nQXpo9OKwJ8/U-68M-rRzbI/AAAAAAAAKbI/Q-yDXA940yA/IMG_2662_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="left" height="444"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BTlRObaaHG8/U-68Osby1cI/AAAAAAAAKbQ/Ch1gFL55WDA/s1600-h/IMG_2663%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2663" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_2663" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-92TGtzJKirY/U-68QU-zExI/AAAAAAAAKbY/iW3yhVHw6KY/IMG_2663_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="334" align="right" height="444"></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>We made her some new sleeping quarters in an old pallet crate, with a windblock wall and comfortable bedding, so she could stay warm and stretch out. She got special extra just because rides in the buggy. She rallied. Still not quite herself but brighter. No one wanted to do the job, to take her on that last little walk down the paddock.</p> <p>We had to go to Mareeba for the 90th celebrations so we shipped her off to my mums place whilst we were away. Mum rang on the Sunday morning. Sally regressed again on the Saturday, my dad was willing to take that walk with her and planned to do it the next day. She beat him to it, they found she’d passed away during the night.</p> <p>She was a good dog, Sally. May you be rounding up cats and riding in the back of utes withe the wind in your face forever more old girl. </p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-80549747961504862782014-07-26T17:30:00.000+10:002014-07-26T18:20:17.959+10:00Northern Exposure (part 2)alternately titled : Living on the Edge<br />
<br />
I last left you as we departed Julatten laden with pine cones and rolly around fruit and things in the back of the car. Heading back to Mareeba and our cabin, The Husband wanted to check out this other road where OF COURSE there is always machinery and other super duper fantastic treasures to be looked at.<br />
<br />
Very luckily (for me and kids) but there were no fantastic rusting bits of machinery to be seen but I did, quite absently, read out a sign that I saw, EMERALD CREEK FALLS. Then the blinker came on and off we went exploring.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xzIbqsyalRc/U9JJ8X5teyI/AAAAAAAAKWQ/xH95u65qRVU/s1600-h/IMG_3144%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3144" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kseHfA7S-Lc/U9JJ-hr99wI/AAAAAAAAKWY/hI26Mbi9FAY/IMG_3144_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="499" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3144" width="664" /></a><br />
There seemed to be a fair bit of UP in the road that were were following. We were surprised to find quite a lot of sugar cane growing in the area, which was clearly not of the same fertile soils as other areas on the tablelands (the higher and rougher it gets, the less fertile the soil).<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U5jfIFIyOLc/U9JKApvrADI/AAAAAAAAKWg/dL4aXkfsS7U/s1600-h/IMG_3145%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3145" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Xb109FnTalE/U9JKCTRovbI/AAAAAAAAKWo/1s_YpwQtj0M/IMG_3145_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="884" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3145" width="664" /></a><br />
What goes up must go down and finally we did indeed go back down again. The photo does not adequately convey the steepness of this section of road and now we understood the NO CARAVANS part of the road signage. As certainly on the way back on this same road I ended up finding a very low gear in order to get up and over. holy smokes.<br />
<br />
Anyhow, we found the camp site. A lovely running creek could be seen and heard, but tempting us was the sign that said FALLS –1.9 kms return trip. That is 950 metres each way. PIECE OF CAKE.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hyEcj-KpL9o/U9JKE_lsqBI/AAAAAAAAKWw/U_XHZKks-qc/s1600-h/IMG_3147%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3147" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OzPZBqxc62I/U9JKHNJSdDI/AAAAAAAAKW4/gIRrYtZLFDU/IMG_3147_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="499" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3147" width="664" /></a><br />
Someone in the National Parks and wildlife team wants to go and get some lessons on distance as that was the longest bloody ninehundredandbloodyfiftymetres I have ever walked in my life. More like 1.9kms EACH WAY.<br />
<br />
Still it was a nice walk despite being somewhat steep and having a bunch of torturous bloody steps half way along. All that what must go up – there was a big waterfall up there somewhere! The track followed the creek along and one could see little tracks down to favoured swimming holes along the way. Children had to be restrained. We were going to see this BLOODY WATERFALL.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lq6PRx8uJIY/U9JKI8TgBJI/AAAAAAAAKXA/rtRN3_cQglk/s1600-h/IMG_3151%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="IMG_3151" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GyfnI7LkZdI/U9JKKaNYw7I/AAAAAAAAKXI/gmsg2oTq0hM/IMG_3151_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="297" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3151" width="224" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--RQI3fI3a40/U9JKLxa8cAI/AAAAAAAAKXQ/ncYh8npp04w/s1600-h/IMG_3153%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="IMG_3153" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3Kvh-sxHflc/U9JKMzeDb8I/AAAAAAAAKXY/GvXxDfgQIlM/IMG_3153_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="297" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3153" width="224" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-scdmeocmhmQ/U9JKOV2QLGI/AAAAAAAAKXg/Si-yHY2jOlM/s1600-h/IMG_3156%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3156" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-40gm5R97g14/U9JKQO8RivI/AAAAAAAAKXo/4c46JFH-AeI/IMG_3156_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="297" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3156" width="224" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VVrkuBbCUb4/U9JKR-TeOSI/AAAAAAAAKXw/rGXIn-Ndu_I/s1600-h/IMG_3157%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="IMG_3157" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ffGRqeHZ4iw/U9JKTYpmPAI/AAAAAAAAKX4/S03_rX42Xd4/IMG_3157_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="444" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3157" width="334" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ulXc0lIyXQE/U9JKUtMGLyI/AAAAAAAAKYA/YOGUQ2BDBMQ/s1600-h/IMG_3158%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="IMG_3158" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A-b3sm3y7M0/U9JKWMhCNKI/AAAAAAAAKYI/08l20Soon4o/IMG_3158_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="444" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3158" width="334" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We finally reached the end of the official walking track that led to a little look out where one could admire the torrent of water pouring out over the rock at the top of the mountain. The flow of that water! We would have dearly loved to climb further and see the source of that gushing flow. But we did suspect that what we thought was the top of the hill was but a crest and there was a lot more mountain up there. But geez would have like to have seen the spring that fed that torrent.<br />
<br />
At this point my phone went flat, quite over the longest 850 metres ever as well. We turned back around and walked back down (surprisingly so much shorter on the way back, perhaps its 950 metres on the way back?!) which ended up being a much trickier prospect in unsuitable sandals than the climb up had been. We took a break and dipped out feet in THE iciest water I have ever dipped my feet in. Numbing stinging cold. Like out of the fridge cold. We refilled out water bottles from the creek. <br />
<br />
So we then drove back up that steep and interesting road…where the “living on the edge” comes into the equation. Fuel light on orange, some questioning frowny looks to The Husband and children living in fear that they would “starve to deaf” that evening if we ran out of fuel on the way back into Mareeba. (however I did not mention that I had found that one can travel approx 35kms on orange without any exciting things happening, that is just between you and I, Ok?!). Fortunately with only 11kms to travel were able to refuel without incident.<br />
<br />
The next morning we packed up and headed off homewards. We continued our thing with steep mountain goat walks to look at waterfalls with a visit (and last run for the kids) at Little Millstream Falls. Air was quite brisk at Ravenshoe. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0WXgUMWW-rI/U9JKYQ1T-PI/AAAAAAAAKYQ/KWbJ9xi31WU/s1600-h/IMG_3169%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3169" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ssgTxeXDNhY/U9JKaOR42iI/AAAAAAAAKYY/witiRmZW65w/IMG_3169_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="664" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3169" width="664" /></a><br />
(a long way down; side note it would be nice if they would remove those two trees ruining the view!)<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fAnZBxJyTO8/U9JKbyhiXqI/AAAAAAAAKYg/5OUq4bvZc-0/s1600-h/IMG_3182%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="IMG_3182" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TeBlndaKDcA/U9JKdI2xlqI/AAAAAAAAKYo/pm3Cz3bnMIs/IMG_3182_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="444" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3182" width="334" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6xrQjKjJ23c/U9JKfBu-iUI/AAAAAAAAKYw/nu_5EyN_ayU/s1600-h/IMG_3184%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="IMG_3184" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0LDPClIakNw/U9JKgU05XyI/AAAAAAAAKY4/Pl417qo4XU4/IMG_3184_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="444" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_3184" width="334" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And then we drove and drove and drove. Had lunch on the road back in the dry country and got stuck behind a hay truck from our part of the world for aaaagesss. And made it home just before dark.<br />
<br />
Our northern exposure done for another year.sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-68087055499964542292014-07-26T06:25:00.000+10:002014-07-26T06:25:00.530+10:00northern exposure (part 1)<p>After Grandma’s party, and checking waters and deciding we really could NOT drive home again straight away, we decided to take another day off. A 9 hour drive each way with a day off in between is not the funnest holiday. So we left our bags unpacked, booked the cabin for another night (despite its three forks and FREEZINGness each morning) and headed even further north for the day.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-edzp7eETFuE/U9I-sC4ZBTI/AAAAAAAAKTo/_djswymM9Tg/s1600-h/IMG_8483%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8483" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8483" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-55cef4gw_aQ/U9I-vItxI2I/AAAAAAAAKTw/AKDBmO1-So0/IMG_8483_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="791"></a></p> <p>We headed down the Rex Range – pulled up at one of the lookouts and admired the view over Mossman and the surrounding farms. Its crushing season and the mill could be easily picked out.</p> <p>We went to Mossman with the purpose of visiting my mothers oldest sister and her husband. Fortuitously we were also able to kill two birds with one stone (perhaps not the most apt term to use really?!) as my mothers’ brother and his wife were also in town and called in for smoko. None of them are getting any younger and I must say I was a bit shocked to see how much some of them had aged in the couple of years since I’d seen them. But then again, I am positively middle aged myself these days….</p> <p>Of course my Aunt Heather brought out the cake and the biscuits and all sorts of other lovely goodies served on the good china (she told me that she thought, bugger it, it never gets used! so uses it whenever anyone turns up for a cuppa). Kids in heaven as I saw her sneaking them each a soft drink out of the back fridge with a little chortle. It was great to see them all. I am kicking myself now, I did not take a photo of them all with the kids.</p> <p>Fed up on cakes and again needing to undo top pant buttons, we drove past the mill on my uncles directions (retired engineer) and think we may have <em>slightly </em>trespassed however got to see the sugar trains coming in and the bins being tipped out. Angus had a running count happening of all haul out trucks we had seen on out travels and the count was pretty high.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UdA9LvtSLls/U9I-yrz0KUI/AAAAAAAAKT4/4tIvW7q_750/s1600-h/IMG_8487%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8487" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8487" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lDD1onEbfdM/U9I-0GJ3DEI/AAAAAAAAKUA/aSIC52YMqSw/IMG_8487_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p>The kids then requested a beach visit, so the closest one to town was Newell Beach which I hadn’t visited ever before. One of those quiet coastal townships, with its service to the tourist trade limited to the fish n chip shop (open 7 days!!!! but closed on Mondays. Guess what day we were there!) </p> <p>We checked out the beach. Looked pretty fine as beaches go. Fine fine sand and lots of shells. Kids removed with much whining and moaning.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ppHEdgaitoQ/U9I-3XTHp3I/AAAAAAAAKUI/e2aVOsJ9j8w/s1600-h/IMG_3097%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3097" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_3097" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eaVCPsPhvzQ/U9I-5cUemOI/AAAAAAAAKUQ/2AWXNJRowqk/IMG_3097_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--_BdGpg4Vyk/U9I-7dBlcFI/AAAAAAAAKUY/iOX4IbM0bzU/s1600-h/IMG_3098%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3098" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_3098" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s-uxDlWlkmg/U9I-84WI-zI/AAAAAAAAKUg/LhHySVIQ1Kc/IMG_3098_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="298"></a></p> <p>With the fish n chip option scratched off the list, and CLEARLY in need of more feeding, we hit the bakery and found a pie. Enjoyed in the coolness of a local park by a river that I had swum in as a child. Buggered if I know how we did it, the water was absolutely glacial. We were fascinated by local flora (black bean tree I have been told). </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AWAJtz8jJgM/U9I--nq5FII/AAAAAAAAKUo/qF5ld5oQXVs/s1600-h/IMG_3106%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3106" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_3106" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-62RQZ7Uclig/U9I_AFojWBI/AAAAAAAAKUw/u9PDWmq0SgU/IMG_3106_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p>There may have been quite a collection of seed pods chucked in the back of the car. Probably highly illegal. We then wound our way back up the Rex Range, and pulled up at Heather’s Julatten weekender block. I’d live there in a heartbeat. Gorgeous.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jNUv9uCvTWA/U9I_DctV7QI/AAAAAAAAKU4/ZQ_Q1qnYXGs/s1600-h/IMG_3121%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3121" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_3121" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8jyC86ayzzU/U9I_F_if3qI/AAAAAAAAKVA/smD1K_C94Fg/IMG_3121_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p>As you can see, we stopped at Julatten with a purpose – to collect pine cones (for our wood heater). Added one large garbage bag to the black bean contraband in the back of the car. Checked weather reports and wished I had another garbage bag.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YQ-z2KHOwSY/U9I_HeGNELI/AAAAAAAAKVI/DbxWVb0z_rs/s1600-h/IMG_3124%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3124" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3124" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mJuej1hwr18/U9I_IksWXbI/AAAAAAAAKVQ/PEed5ky4TWo/IMG_3124_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="297"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JXB6IlpQlho/U9I_LVveg3I/AAAAAAAAKVY/jBJj-bzHZ7c/s1600-h/IMG_3128%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3128" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3128" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7lX0e8La_rg/U9I_M1PXJoI/AAAAAAAAKVg/21zKICVybB4/IMG_3128_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="224" height="297"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-07E2ZlTYt8Q/U9I_PDDrfzI/AAAAAAAAKVo/FzMM5lR4TnQ/s1600-h/IMG_3132%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3132" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3132" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cuMjnHwcAlE/U9I_QsroYMI/AAAAAAAAKVw/p-XodgrOqBg/IMG_3132_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="297"></a></p> <p>We also wandered down and checked out the fruit orchard, down a steep driveway that did not seem so bad going down. But going back up laden with odd bits of citrus? a TOTALLY different story!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2rWl3HsNmgI/U9I_UeYj5qI/AAAAAAAAKV4/rGB-yHb-TEo/s1600-h/IMG_3126%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3126" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_3126" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Y14pwAfNqiA/U9I_WurdJBI/AAAAAAAAKWA/TDlKKjYnptc/IMG_3126_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p>Not such a shabby view from the front steps!</p> <p>We then added citrus fruit to the increasing load of rolly around things in the back. Also collected were a couple of mystery fruit items which I consulted the collective brains trust of Instagram and Facebook about. (unripe sour sop and chocolate sapote apparently!)</p> <p>The adventures of the day did not finish there! But I’ll bore you again another day with the rest….</p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235439316610542805.post-16833740848871287792014-07-25T20:06:00.001+10:002014-07-25T20:06:59.051+10:0090 years<p>During the school holidays we packed up and headed north to greener pastures to celebrate the 90th birthday of The Husband’s paternal grandmother.</p> <p>Feels like we’ve done this road a bit of late, and we made good time. The favourite swimming spot just out of Mt Garnet was packed with grey nomads chased very far north by the cold.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4lusgTsYtII/U9Ir25e_QDI/AAAAAAAAKSA/LreB5cX6B8Q/s1600-h/IMG_3072%25255B19%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3072" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_3072" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FSn3RN4g69g/U9Ir4l1CqRI/AAAAAAAAKSI/CKRIhBNLinA/IMG_3072_thumb%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="499"></a></p> <p>We rolled down the windows to breathe in the fresh tablelands air as soon as we climbed the escarpment and across the Millstream to Ravenshoe. On a mission, we didn't do any wandering touring around the back roads but drove straight through to Atherton through Evelyn (my dad’s old stomping ground) and Upper Barron, some of THE most prettiest countryside ever.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5ABpK0VDwpQ/U9Ir6byR4ZI/AAAAAAAAKSQ/YPW62VyoD1Q/s1600-h/IMG_3084%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3084" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_3084" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G0Z5yzVbkvE/U9Ir8BzNcMI/AAAAAAAAKSY/A-y6mMOTP6Y/IMG_3084_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="664"></a></p> <p>The kids were super excited about the prettiness and the greenness and freshness. Back seat shenanigans and noise had father’s blood pressure rising. He isn’t keen on those bits of extra bendy steep rainforest roads with hyper children squawking in the back seat. Ah. Good times. Every family road trip has them.</p> <p>Grandma’s birthday celebrations were to be held in the busy town of Mareeba. With six children, and looooots of grandchildren plus a very healthy dash of GREAT grandchildren, there was nearly as many family members as years racked up attending the RSL for a luncheon.</p> <p>Photos were of course taken.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3k2W25lc96U/U9Ir_dPiLWI/AAAAAAAAKSg/tVusRniN11U/s1600-h/10540993_10152278300734053_1205215030_n%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="10540993_10152278300734053_1205215030_n" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="10540993_10152278300734053_1205215030_n" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0kW1ULFLi0w/U9IsBoZV6tI/AAAAAAAAKSo/uDMWetYDoo0/10540993_10152278300734053_1205215030_n_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p>This being The Husband’s branch of the family tree pictured with Grandma. There was NO attempt to try and squeeze the whole family into one photo. It was torturous enough trying to get some of the more prolific breeders of children organised in one photo. (I was tasked with helping to arrange the groups pleasingly to help the photographer – an aunt – not have a nervous breakdown!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9-B6yxq3vFc/U9IsETeR5jI/AAAAAAAAKSw/i0qLoDpXyK0/s1600-h/IMG_8427%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8427" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8427" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FM9ThBFNEWo/U9IsGZ3njXI/AAAAAAAAKS4/Iwwbwp1t1-s/IMG_8427_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="444"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DBMMMgap1tw/U9IsIR_E96I/AAAAAAAAKTA/XW-8k0HsBIE/s1600-h/IMG_8444%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8444" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8444" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RwIraRbVdow/U9IsLbLT73I/AAAAAAAAKTI/br5RXMTDoNs/IMG_8444_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="994"></a></p> <p>Ah. Another stellar family shot. We are really getting a rather good collection of these gems. Sigh.</p> <p>Cousins had a great time giggling and meeting up with second cousins once removed that they’d never seen before.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ha-BongnTbs/U9IsNu3bMnI/AAAAAAAAKTQ/aQ1e6mEfwj0/s1600-h/IMG_8461%25255B20%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8461" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8461" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_v6Ln0I8Mv8/U9IsPu4FnrI/AAAAAAAAKTY/TOXwQvzLzZg/IMG_8461_thumb%25255B17%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="994"></a></p> <p>The tables were beautifully decorated by one of the granddaughters, with doilies and bunches of flowers, and grandmas favourite colour (lilac). </p> <p>And then, after we were well fed and watered and everyone had chatted and talked and caught up and happy birthday sung, we went home to our cabins with top pant buttons undone. </p> <p>Happy 90th Birthday Grandma! </p> sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354883388516186987noreply@blogger.com2