Monday, January 28, 2013
It's Wet
632 points later I think the rain has gone. We woke this morning to a dry day (after already being woken at 4am by texts from Drew at the end of a big night out, asking to be picked up at 12noon and telling me that he loves me) but just as I went to mix feed, misty rain started falling and continued most of the day. I spent the morning washing wet towels from when we've had to mop up leaks, checking the goats, rescuing chooks from muddy pens and preparing powerpoint slides for the upcoming Manager's Conference. After lunch we drove to the farm to check out what effect the 6 inches of rain had had. It's interesting to learn about how the water flows/sits and how the country holds and reacts to rainfall. I spent hours on the internet last night looking at satellite and topographical flood maps of the farm to see previous water flows and flood levels. I think we'll always be pretty safe; if water ever reaches the house, the rest of the district will be in much bigger trouble than us. Livestock will always be safe due to the rise of the land and if we're ever stuck we can head for the hills.
In December we discussed getting this dam cleaned out in anticipation of rain. Too late; it's already full.
The magpies had the right idea. Plenty of shelter in the pump shed. We've just had the bore pulled and the whip shaft replaced.
I'm checking whether the water ran under the house. I have no idea why my arms are folded. There's a bit of work to do at the garage where the water races round the corner and down to the bricks. I can just about fit my whole body under this hat.
The garden and grass is soaking up the beautiful rain. It was very dry.
It's so pretty and peaceful and calming. I'm looking forward to moving.
We drove to the nearby creek. On the right hand side it was relatively slow flowing.
On the left hand side it was a different story.
Further up around the road we met the same creek. I grew up on the banks of the Condamine River. I was reminded of it today.
As we left, I took another photo of the mill and tank. The leaking tank. That needs fixing.
Meg couldn't get home today so she still hasn't met her little goat family. The water is rising all around; main roads to everywhere are cut. The folk of Bundaberg are in for a harrowing few days. We are safe on a high ridge. Cattle won't get in or out for a few days. Water is over the road and up to the top of street signposts between here and Brisbane. The young Italian lad that I am local student exchange co-ordinator for will land at 7am tomorrow; his host family are stuck in Warwick; he and other arriving students will stay with a co-ordinator in Brisbane and wait until their host families can get to them. Drew is supposed to get the bus to Bris on Wednesday for a job interview. We are supposed to drive to the Gold Coast on Wednesday for the annual Manager's Conference. What a shame if we can't make it :)
And no, I didn't get the 2012 tax done - but I did get the chook feed mixed.
In December we discussed getting this dam cleaned out in anticipation of rain. Too late; it's already full.
The magpies had the right idea. Plenty of shelter in the pump shed. We've just had the bore pulled and the whip shaft replaced.
I'm checking whether the water ran under the house. I have no idea why my arms are folded. There's a bit of work to do at the garage where the water races round the corner and down to the bricks. I can just about fit my whole body under this hat.
The garden and grass is soaking up the beautiful rain. It was very dry.
It's so pretty and peaceful and calming. I'm looking forward to moving.
We drove to the nearby creek. On the right hand side it was relatively slow flowing.
On the left hand side it was a different story.
Further up around the road we met the same creek. I grew up on the banks of the Condamine River. I was reminded of it today.
As we left, I took another photo of the mill and tank. The leaking tank. That needs fixing.
Meg couldn't get home today so she still hasn't met her little goat family. The water is rising all around; main roads to everywhere are cut. The folk of Bundaberg are in for a harrowing few days. We are safe on a high ridge. Cattle won't get in or out for a few days. Water is over the road and up to the top of street signposts between here and Brisbane. The young Italian lad that I am local student exchange co-ordinator for will land at 7am tomorrow; his host family are stuck in Warwick; he and other arriving students will stay with a co-ordinator in Brisbane and wait until their host families can get to them. Drew is supposed to get the bus to Bris on Wednesday for a job interview. We are supposed to drive to the Gold Coast on Wednesday for the annual Manager's Conference. What a shame if we can't make it :)
And no, I didn't get the 2012 tax done - but I did get the chook feed mixed.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
They Are Named
Georgia has named the two baby goats. Please meet Rosie:
and Lightning McQueen!!
Pepper's teats are so full and heavy they almost drag on the ground and the kids are having trouble latching on. Gibbo and Drew milked her at lunchtime and attached the kids; they drank well. We went back over at 5 to have another go. Milked her again but the babies didn't want to drink. I ended up wearing most of what Gibbo managed to draw out!
They are very sweet, as most baby animals are. My brother Andrew thinks they'll be ready just in time for Easter!
There were visitors. Coco was only brave when she was behind Gibbo. Pepper doesn't take kindly to dogs. Poofy has been curious, but smart. He's kept his distance, way back.
Chloe came to check things out too.
More rain today at the farm has taken the total to 6 inches. There are Road Closed signs between here and town; some folk are nervous because there's been 10 inches at The Bunyas and most of that water makes it's way right through the middle of town. It will be a sleepless night for some. Mum isn't threatened by flood water but her back yard fills right up.
Meg hopes to make it home tomorrow from Twba to meet and greet her little family.
and Lightning McQueen!!
Pepper's teats are so full and heavy they almost drag on the ground and the kids are having trouble latching on. Gibbo and Drew milked her at lunchtime and attached the kids; they drank well. We went back over at 5 to have another go. Milked her again but the babies didn't want to drink. I ended up wearing most of what Gibbo managed to draw out!
They are very sweet, as most baby animals are. My brother Andrew thinks they'll be ready just in time for Easter!
There were visitors. Coco was only brave when she was behind Gibbo. Pepper doesn't take kindly to dogs. Poofy has been curious, but smart. He's kept his distance, way back.
Chloe came to check things out too.
More rain today at the farm has taken the total to 6 inches. There are Road Closed signs between here and town; some folk are nervous because there's been 10 inches at The Bunyas and most of that water makes it's way right through the middle of town. It will be a sleepless night for some. Mum isn't threatened by flood water but her back yard fills right up.
Meg hopes to make it home tomorrow from Twba to meet and greet her little family.
Holy Cow
It's wet. It's been raining for two days now; yesterday was slow and gentle; today it's ramped up - it's much heavier and the wind is building. There'll be no painting today. Might be a good opportunity to finally get the 2012 tax finished. Maybe.
100mm at the farm since it started is great news (94mm of it since 9am yesterday). I can check the rainfall on the internet as the farm has a BOM registered weather station. Gibbo is constantly asking for updates. We moved the wagyu herd (and the 3 charolais) yesterday by standing at the gate and calling them. The charolais cow remembers from the old farm what calling means; she just walked straight through the gate and the 40 wagyu cows and about 25 little wagyu calves all followed; in the end they were all kicking up their heels as they ran into the new paddock. I lost count of all the calves.
There's been big rain all around us and further afield; towns have flooded and mini tornadoes have wreaked havoc.
Silkes are not particularly bright. Small brains I think. They sleep right up against the gate and get wet. I didn't let anyone out today; it's lock-up kind of weather. Even Thelma and Louise, the two little black silkies that I nursed back to health, are still in their pen. They won't be happy.
Poofy's hair is a nice length now.
Just right for shaking all the water off.
He spent last night inside, dry. Now he's been out and done the rounds to check everything is in order he's too wet to come inside.
My little old english game trio got an extra layer of protection this morning.
100mm at the farm since it started is great news (94mm of it since 9am yesterday). I can check the rainfall on the internet as the farm has a BOM registered weather station. Gibbo is constantly asking for updates. We moved the wagyu herd (and the 3 charolais) yesterday by standing at the gate and calling them. The charolais cow remembers from the old farm what calling means; she just walked straight through the gate and the 40 wagyu cows and about 25 little wagyu calves all followed; in the end they were all kicking up their heels as they ran into the new paddock. I lost count of all the calves.
There's been big rain all around us and further afield; towns have flooded and mini tornadoes have wreaked havoc.
Silkes are not particularly bright. Small brains I think. They sleep right up against the gate and get wet. I didn't let anyone out today; it's lock-up kind of weather. Even Thelma and Louise, the two little black silkies that I nursed back to health, are still in their pen. They won't be happy.
Poofy's hair is a nice length now.
Just right for shaking all the water off.
He spent last night inside, dry. Now he's been out and done the rounds to check everything is in order he's too wet to come inside.
My little old english game trio got an extra layer of protection this morning.
Happy Australia Day
and well done Pepper! Two little babies! This one is in her mother's ear already!! Wonder who she takes after....
Sunday, January 20, 2013
The Basin
I went to a Thermomix demo last week and was chatting to some of the girls about our bathroom renovation. We went to the cottage across the way and measured up Kat's old bathroom that has a fabulous walk in shower. While we were there, Lisa said in passing that she had an old basin just like Kat's, sitting outside their shed. I didn't really think twice about it at the time but the next day I started to think that the basin would go just fine with the old bathtub. So I rang Lisa and asked her if they wanted to sell it; well no they didn't want to sell it, they wanted to give it away. Gibbo and I went and had a look today and brought it home in the back of the car. He will take it to town tomorrow to have it powder coated asap.
You never quite know what's going to happen do you?
For the record I didn't buy a Thermomix - well, not yet anyway!
You never quite know what's going to happen do you?
For the record I didn't buy a Thermomix - well, not yet anyway!
Dear Drew...One Year Later
When Drew was in Antarctica last year, the students had to write a letter to themselves that would be posted at a later date. All last week, fellow students were posting on fb that they were finally receiving their letters. Drew anxiously checked the mail every day, but nothing came. Finally, on Friday, his arrived. It came on the 18th - the same date that he arrived home last year!
Drew,
I'm writing this to you from the MV Ushuaia. The date is January 8th, 2012 and you are on your way back from Antarctica, currently in the Drake Passage. You'e just experience one of the most amazing two weeks of your life - you travelled along the Antarctic Peninsula and different islands off the coast, making many landings. I hope that you never forget this experience!
It's been one year since you wrote this. It's kind of a strange feeling knowing that I'll be reading this. I hope that I have made a difference in the world by now. I know one year isn't a lot of time, but you're Drew. You have the ability to make a difference and, if you haven't done something, let this be a gentle reminder to get your act together and start.
You have had the amazing opportunity to travel to the bottom of the world - not many people have that opportunity so embrace and use it to your advantage. I hope this letter inspires you and renews your motivation.
You will have just finished your first year of University and hopefully passed!!! However, if you are unhappy with your life, pack up and leave. Go out in the world and find yourself and rejuvenate. Go back to the Antarctic, climb Mt. Kilimanjaro or walk the Camino de Santiago. Mum won't like that you are leaving. She'll be sad but she will understand.
Stay true to yourself,
From the past,
Drew Gibbons
There were some many fantastic, awe-inspiring and incredible photos taken in Antarctica. Drew chose these 5 to enter a world wide competition to win a new camera and gear and go on a week's expedition in Oman with a famous National Geographic photographer.
Drew,
I'm writing this to you from the MV Ushuaia. The date is January 8th, 2012 and you are on your way back from Antarctica, currently in the Drake Passage. You'e just experience one of the most amazing two weeks of your life - you travelled along the Antarctic Peninsula and different islands off the coast, making many landings. I hope that you never forget this experience!
It's been one year since you wrote this. It's kind of a strange feeling knowing that I'll be reading this. I hope that I have made a difference in the world by now. I know one year isn't a lot of time, but you're Drew. You have the ability to make a difference and, if you haven't done something, let this be a gentle reminder to get your act together and start.
You have had the amazing opportunity to travel to the bottom of the world - not many people have that opportunity so embrace and use it to your advantage. I hope this letter inspires you and renews your motivation.
You will have just finished your first year of University and hopefully passed!!! However, if you are unhappy with your life, pack up and leave. Go out in the world and find yourself and rejuvenate. Go back to the Antarctic, climb Mt. Kilimanjaro or walk the Camino de Santiago. Mum won't like that you are leaving. She'll be sad but she will understand.
Stay true to yourself,
From the past,
Drew Gibbons
There were some many fantastic, awe-inspiring and incredible photos taken in Antarctica. Drew chose these 5 to enter a world wide competition to win a new camera and gear and go on a week's expedition in Oman with a famous National Geographic photographer.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Follow the Instructions
I didn't work yesterday; instead I went to the farm via the little local cafe where I enjoyed a peaceful half hour drinking coffee, eating a beautiful home made jam drop and half a salad sandwich.
When the instructions say to remove the painters tape within 24-48 hours it's a good idea to listen. Don't leave it for a couple of weeks like we did. It took me 3 hours to remove this pile. By the time I was 2/3 of the way through I 'd worked out a system to make it easier.
Removing painters tape is not a job to be carried out by a perfectionist. Whilst the perfectionist might scrupulously remove every tiny piece of tape she might also be horrified at what lies beneath - the, in some instances, haphazard way that the tape was applied in the first place - leading to rather a lot of overlapping, missed or glaring (in her mind) strips that need re-touching. Be calm.
Meg's room continues to challenge. The latest (and to date, best) attempt involves lots of moisture and a diamond blade tool. It's working but it's very slow progress. Rome etc.....
Last night I went to a surprise 50th birthday party for a girl I've known for 45 years!! Gibbo came and picked me up afterwards - he had to sit in the car and wait for a little while before I was ready to leave (and he kept texting me). He owes me about another 500 nights like this - where I've waited patiently and sweetly (:-) in the car for him.
When the instructions say to remove the painters tape within 24-48 hours it's a good idea to listen. Don't leave it for a couple of weeks like we did. It took me 3 hours to remove this pile. By the time I was 2/3 of the way through I 'd worked out a system to make it easier.
Removing painters tape is not a job to be carried out by a perfectionist. Whilst the perfectionist might scrupulously remove every tiny piece of tape she might also be horrified at what lies beneath - the, in some instances, haphazard way that the tape was applied in the first place - leading to rather a lot of overlapping, missed or glaring (in her mind) strips that need re-touching. Be calm.
Meg's room continues to challenge. The latest (and to date, best) attempt involves lots of moisture and a diamond blade tool. It's working but it's very slow progress. Rome etc.....
Last night I went to a surprise 50th birthday party for a girl I've known for 45 years!! Gibbo came and picked me up afterwards - he had to sit in the car and wait for a little while before I was ready to leave (and he kept texting me). He owes me about another 500 nights like this - where I've waited patiently and sweetly (:-) in the car for him.
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