1st November 2009

Johnny was home this Sunday again and we spend the day catching up with a few chores around the farm. Not nearly as much as I would have liked to get to but I have to remind myself life is full of balances. So it was a little lawn mowing, some house cleaning chores, some socializing and some relaxing. I finally found one of Iris’s shoes that Spot has been stealing off her verandah. She has been over twice now to explain that Spot is coming over and taking her shoes off the verandah. I have apologized profusely and offered to buy her some more shoes but she has refused. Now that I have her size I will replace the shoes. Spot is really trying my patience. Iris is being so nice about it though and for that I’m grateful. Today Meg one of Johno’s friends mum came over with her puppy for a play date with spot. It was amazing and so good for Spot. He was such a gentlemen and played so well with Lizzy who happened to be just taller than him. They raced around the garden together and by the time Meg left Spot was exhausted. It was so good for him and he thoroughly enjoyed it.

The weather conditions were perfect for another bonfire. We have collected over months, yet another pile of tree cuttings and have been waiting for the perfect moment. It was so nice to stand around the bonfire and watch the wood burning once again. The stars were out and there was no wind. The flames burned straight up and cause no smoke. From the middle of the pile all of a sudden there was a loud explosion. We all got such a fright. It sounded like a gunshot going off but only ten times louder. Johnny thinks it was the cement block that accidentally got into the pile of cuttings. Apart from that the burn went off smoothly. The following morning it was smoldering still but a large section was turned into ash. I’m looking forward to burning the rest of it but Johnny will have to move the unburnt section closer with the tractor before that can happen – its spread out. It is so nice to hear the sounds of summer approaching. The kookaburras are back again to welcome in the warmer weather and the jacaranda trees have made a carpet of purple which is so pretty.

Today I got four eggs. This is the first in a very long time which indicates the new chickens are laying eggs now. It is wonderful and I expect it will increase from here. The chickens are doing exceptionally well. The rooster who I’m determined to find a name for now is slowly growing some spurs. I must admit I’m rather dubious about them finally arriving. I’ve heard hard cold stories of abuse to egg collectors. Of scars and bleeding chickens. I heard today that you can remove the spurs if they become a problem with an angle grinder. Now I know this sounds barbaric but you don’t cut them off right up against the skin but remove just a little of the end, much like cutting your own nails. It will stop some damages to the girls and us too I suppose.

07 November 2009

Johnny has noticed that the rooster whom I have decided will be christened “Theodore”
is not an Australop rooster. He happens to have two white pieces of skin on the sides of his face. Australop roosters should not have that! In addition we see now there are two other rooster as well. I will be contacting the breeder for an exchange. It’s quite a pity really as “Theodore” is a beautiful specimen. However be that as it may Johnny does not want him messing up our girls eggs. He will have to go.

As I look back on this entry it’s hard to believe just two days ago I was still wandering how we were ever going to find a horse for Michaela. Life can change fast. It doesn't really change any other way I guess. I’m happy to report we have found the most suitable horse that we could imagine for Michaela in a matter of hours. Thursday night I found an advert for a white thoroughbred aged horse which was listed as a beginner’s horse. He is 12 years old and is, a been there, done that kinda horse. He’s done years of pony club and is so polite and very quiet. I rang up the lady and arranged to see him on Friday afternoon. He was a dream and Mel covered all the possible angles that we could be worried about. Saturday morning I showed Kristy and Jess (Michaela’s trainers) and they both agreed that this was the right horse for Michaela. All the pieces had fallen into place. The time had come. I immediately contacted Mel and arranged to pick Ozzie up that afternoon. By the time Michaela got home from riding club Oz was safe at home. He was an absolute gentleman to float and started grazing the grass as soon as he got off the float. Michaela was over the moon needless to say and she spent the rest of the day riding him bareback. Hold on – Johnny and I joined her too. She was not going to be the only rider. Bareback riding is good as it forces you to concentrate on your balance. Oz was loving the attention.

Sunday morning we went saddle hunting and were happy to find a good deal just around the corner at the stock supply store. The rest of the day was spent grooming Oz and riding him time and time again. He got so much attention from us.

I’m so very happy the search is now over. I was getting a bit worried there for awhile. I had visions of not finding one in the end. It all worked out well though and we found the one and only horse for Michaela at last. One Christmas present down, one to go. The next search is for a motorbike for Jonathan. These are very early Christmas presents I must add.

13th November 2009

I had to cancel Michaela’s first ribbon day at Pony Club today as I unfortunately double booked her. She had her first party invite from a friend she has made in the new school and she was very upset when I told her she couldn’t go because of the ribbon day. So I decided to cancel the competition and let her go to the party. There will always be another ribbon day but the parties are few this side of the country. She is so looking forward to it. I’m happy to be at home this morning to catch up on some computer time and house chores too. I worked four days last week and am rather behind with laundry etc. Does it ever change?

Johnny has been hard at work in the garden again to catch up with all the needed chores. I’m so glad that the garden is back to a decent state again. It’s back under control again and that is a wonderful feeling.

We have enjoyed Oz enormously and Michaela is slowly learning what he responds too and what doesn’t work. He has a tendency to want to gallop which is a bit worrying but I think it has something to do with the big open space he is being ridden in. The paddock he comes from was a quarter of the size he’s in now. I guess he reasons “Freedom and lets go!” We have moved Michaela and him into a smaller paddock when they ride and it seems much better. I am very proud of Michaela. She has handled him very confidently and he loves her. There was once upon a time that I wondered how I would know how to saddle up a horse having never done this in my life. I had to learn quickly as most of the time Johnny wasn’t around to help me. My word base has increased quickly as I have learnt new vocabulary for saddles, riding gear and tasks as Ozzie has joined us here at Pine Haven. He gets lots of love morning and night and has added such joy to our lives.

I contacted Ingrid regarding “Theodore the rooster”. I was disappointed to hear she has no grown chickens to swap and the only way we can correct the equation is by taking “day olds” again. Johnny is rather annoyed by this and hasn’t said much about what he wants to do. Quick honestly I wouldn’t mind Theodore going, as beautiful as he is. I think the thing Johnny is most upset about is that Theodore isn’t an Austrolop chicken. He doesn’t want a mixed up brood. It begs the question “How could the breeder get it so wrong? It makes one wonder what if some of the other chickens are mixed breeds and we have no idea.

22 November 2009

Today our brand spanking new ride on arrived. After much consideration the other day we had to admit that a new ride on was the only solution. So Johnny took the day off and we went to see a John Deere model. It feels like the “rolls Royce” however it’s not the fanciest one around. It sure makes life a lot easy and I guess that was the aim at the end of the day.

It’s been a busy few days. Between working and catching up on the chores around the house, I’ve had Jonathan and his mates in and out the house and birthday parties with Michaela. School life starts winding down now and it will be good to have a break for awhile.

Today we had to go out for awhile and on arrival home I was devastated to find my beloved vegetable garden was destroyed. I’m not sure who I was angrier with. Johnny for leaving the gate open or the goats and cows for chomping down my plants. They didn’t touch the tomato plant strangely enough and the cucumbers have a few strands of remains which I may be able to revive. The mielies, strawberries, chilies and most of the granadilla plant are gone. It is so disappointing. This will only happen once I’m determined about that! As compensation for his crime of leaving the gate open, Johnny will replant all the eaten plants! There is no mercy for those who choose to leave the gate open.

As for an update on Theodore – will Ingrid will order the two new day olds and Theodore along with the other extra rooster will be exchanged for the babies. We will start this cycle all over again. It will be better this time as it is warmer and the chicks can live outside.

22 November 2009

Today was the scariest day of my farm life yet. It started out a hot peaceful Sunday morning. We were up bright and early. We had plans to go to a local nature reserve later on so wanted to get going with some chores. In hind sight now I blame myself totally and am still working through guilt issues. Hopefully someday soon I can forgive myself. I know we have all learnt a very big lesson here.

Johnny and I were cleaning out the chicken coop which really needed a clean. Michaela approached me and asked me to pass her the lead rope for Ozzie. Maybe it was because I was so focused on the cleaning or perhaps I believed deep down that Ozzie would not hurt Michaela. After all had I not gone to extreme lengths to buy the perfect safe horse?

About 10 minutes later the accident happened. Oz had kicked Michaela in the lower arm.
All I could think about at the moment we were rushing through to the hospital was what if it was worst. He could have kicked her in the head or chest. I questioned so many things. How could he do this? How could I have given her the lead rope? Why didn’t I stop her? I’m her mother and should have known better. I didn’t see the whole ordeal happen so I’m hazy on the details. Michaela can’t remember much and the details she has given me don’t add up. I think she’s accidentally spooked Oz and is too afraid to tell me.

Her wrist was completely malformed and she had slight grazes over the lower arm. I panicked so badly and it was so good to have Johnny and Jonathan who were very level headed. We arrived at the local hospital, having never been there before. The staff was incredibly amazing. How I managed to give the front receptionist my details is a complete blur. Michaela was taken to the ped’s ward and given some pain relief straight away. With our record of needles I was dreading this part but knew it was the quickest route to follow. The nurse appeared with a syringe but which no needle and proceeded to explain that she would put this medicine up Michaela’s nose and it would help within 2 to 3 minutes. It was some sort of Morphine based meds. Right then and there I could have kissed her I was so relieved. One, for the pain relieve for Michaela and two for not having the needle. The following few hours left us going for two ex-rays to establish where the break was. I had already settled on the fact that her arm must be broken as it looked so distorted. The doctor could find no break, only soft tissue damage and that was why it was so swollen. She did say that it could be a growth plate break and that they could not see on the ex-ray but she didn’t think so. So after that the plaster guy put half a cast for support on and we were told to re-visit the fracture clinic in 7 to 10 days and then sent home.

While in the hospital we saw some very sad cases. A tiny bub opposite us had to be resuscitated and across the way a littlie who needed dialysis. As I sat there working through all my emotions I took the time to count my blessing. Whoa, you always think your situation is bad until you see another. Imagine what that poor mum with the re- sus baby must be going through?

So after many hours in hospital we made our ways home with Michaela all strapped up and she was smiling again. We were so pleased to get out of the hospital environment. We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing with chocolate and a good DVD. I had a million things to do but after this experience I re-evaluated the day and thought to myself “theirs nothing more important right now than just sitting with Michaela”. We all needed to chill out abit anyway and what better way could there be to do this. I must be honest I wanted to get rid of Oz at one point but after Johnny and I had a good chat I’ve changed my mind. Horses are huge animals and they can inflict great damage. They are to be respected no matter what and safety is never to be taken for granted. I was still wondering how Michaela would relate to Oz now and decided to go see him late in the afternoon. I strangely enough have no anger towards Oz which I expected to have. Shortly after I reached Oz I turned to see Michaela approaching. She had come on her own. Together we greeted Oz and chatted about the dangers of horses. She’s not afraid of him. The reality of the situation is that horse riding has its hazards and this was a huge reality check for all of us. I’m happy to see she doesn’t hate Oz. With a big sigh we made our way back inside. What a day. I was emotionally drained and exhausted and very happy to close my eyes. After checking in on Michaela a few times I was satisfied she was doing okay. She was starting to move her fingers and had total control of her fist. She was healing and was going to be okay. As for me, well mothers have a tendency to carry things for a while. I do hope I can put thing guilt down soon. I said my prayers and thanked God for his mercies for my little girl.

26 November 2009

Michaela has healed up wonderfully and after missing only one day at school, she is again functioning at near peak. She has complete usage of her right hand and is still able to write. The bruise came out about a day after the accident and extended right down to her knuckles and has now faded well. Today the fracture clinic called to say we must be back at the clinic next week Friday. There is still a good chance she may have to have another cast put on but if not she will be home free. Saturday following is the Christmas children’s party organized by Johnny’s employer. It is being held at a local swimming pool, so for Michaela’s sake hopefully the cast is off and she will be able to swim too. It won’t be much fun otherwise. There are so many social activities from now until Christmas; it’s going to go so fast. I have a list of things to arrange and sort out by Christmas and time is not on my side. Invitations to send out, Christmas cards to post, meat to order, parties to plan and the list goes on. Oh brother this should be fun…..

29 November 2009

Johnny has gained Crystal and Queeny’s trust and is able to touch there udders at last. At one stage I doubted that we would ever be able to milk our heifers and then came the breakthrough. Crystal is giving sticky colostrums which means she is very pregnant. At last we actually know she is pregnant. It was such a great revelation today. Queeny’s udders are extended too but there is nothing coming from her. I still guess she is in calf but probable not at far as Crystal is. I guess now we need to do some studying up on calving pretty quickly. We should have a baby rather soon. Today the temperature was way up in the 30’s again. 38 degrees to be exact. Johnny installed the air-condition in our bedroom so we could have some decent sleep again. The nights are hot and humid. The air hangs thick and warm which doesn’t help encourage sleep. The afternoon brought a storm with a little rain.

Tomorrow Theodore goes – I am relieved to say goodbye to him and his large voice. I have arranged to collect two day olds and to exchange Theodore for them. All the work starts again.

I’m haven’t been too good at taking many photos’ latterly. I need to remember to have the darn thing around my neck. Good opportunities usually present themselves when I haven’t prepared for them and I miss out.

31 November 2009

It was another very warm day again. I’m actually getting accustomed to the very warm days. The trip to drop Theodore off at Ingrid’s turned into quite a funny experience. I had to transport him in the cat cage which he didn’t seem to worried about. From time to time he crowed in the back seat but was generally calm all the way over.

I had arranged to meet Ingrid at 12 and my friend and I were a little early so decided to stop off at Mac Donald’s for a coffee. I saw the verandah was pretty much empty so there we were sitting at Mackers with Theodore in the cat cage. I understood that we were bound to draw some attention and was quite interested to see what would happen the moment Theodore let off his first cook-a-doodle-doo. Just as well we weren’t at KFC. Just imagine what that would have created! We sat drinking our coffee and he was so well behaved and as quiet as a mouse. I’d asked the attendant to bring us some water so was happy he was content. Three quarters of the way through our coffee he started crowing and the children inside Mackers were so intrigued by the sound. They could not see him on the floor but from the darting eyes you could envisage just what was going through their heads. It made us laugh. He got out of control thereafter and I quickly tossed the remaining coffee out in the flower bed behind me and we left there in a hurry laughing at the looks we were getting. I mean who usually carries a rooster around in a cat cage?? When we got to Ingrid, she said she thought the one baby was another male. So I gave her the rooster and got the one baby chick in exchange to raise instead of the two. At home Johnny assembled the box on the wall down in the kennels. It’s just like the one Ingrid uses and what we should have had from the very beginning. It has glass in the front and has a light on the chickens constantly. Best of all I don’t have the chick in the house.

We pumped some water from the top dam to use in the sprinkler this evening. The sun scorched grass is not coping under these unforgiving temperatures. It is dry and brittle and in desperate need of some water. The levels of the dams are both very low and I’m concerned that if the rain doesn’t come soon they will dry up completely.

My one remaining cucumber plant looks like it’s destined to survive. The granadilla vine is still hanging in there and the one corn plant stub is growing some leaves. I might selvage some vegetables this season after all. The pumpkin plant has come back to life again and is spreading all over the ground.

1 September 2009

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ~Proverb

HAPPY SPRING DAY TO YOU ALL! At last the winter is behind us. Spring is my favorite season of all. It represents life. As the earth reawakens from its slumber, color and life resurface. Well at least it’s supposed to be like that. This is quite a cool spring the Ist and it definitely feels more like a winter’s morning instead. After that heat wave we had its back to freezing again. I’d just packed away my slippers and had to haul them out again.

Johnny came home with a few split poles he had picked up from the supply store and was really eager to put them in. So after dinner we geared up with jumpers, scarves and torches. Johnny sunk the split pole in and then noticed the pole was too far east. As a second thought he said maybe we should have treated the pole with creosote before putting it in! Ah, the joys of doing a job twice! During the time we were freezing outside, Jonathan accidentally knocked over the box of rattle sockets, which had been placed on top of another pole precariously. So there we were, on our hands and knees searching for these important sockets, which some of them I must add were so small it made it difficult to trace. After about half an hour of looking we decided to throw in the towel. It will be easier to find them in daylight.

8th September 2009

Today is windy and warm. The temperatures have increased and I’ve packed away the blankets and yes my winter slippers again. Hopefully this time they will stay packed away until next winter. The leaves are still dropping like its autumn but at least the weather is warmer. We collected our male goat from the breeder this weekend and affectionately named him “Romeo”. He is settling well, the girls give him a hard time as he hasn’t realized he’s a buck yet. He’s still rather young and they are a wee bit bigger than him. Billy-Joe said we should ideally only start putting them together around April next year so that one doesn’t have winter kidding. Johnny and I have decided that the goats need to be together and the sooner the better. Gestation takes 153 – 158 days so hopefully just before winter next year I’m hoping to have a kid or two. Carla isn’t the least bit interested in Romeo and is the roughest with him. If anything I’m guessing Lady will be pregnant first. It’s rather exciting just thinking about it.

Johnny came home early yesterday and we went to buy a grass catcher. It’s a really interesting contraption I tell you! At first I thought it would be a total waste of dollars but once I’d seen it in action I changed my mind. It compliments working in the garden so much and raking will be a thing of the past. It vacuums the garden actually. There are so many different machines that help in the garden - it is fabulous. While Johnny was cutting I took the opportunity to get stuck into some weeding. My, how the weeds have spread. Last night we had some more rain. The tanks along with the grass are very grateful as am I.

I pulled out the Barbie this weekend and it was really nice to cook outside again.

11 September 2009

Tonight a funny thing happened. Johnny was fixing an old sprinkler he found laying in the back garden. After cleaning it up, Jonathan set it up in the garden to water the much-needed grass. We all stood back and waited for the anticipated sprout of water to arrive, which was not forthcoming. So off it came again and it was back to garage light to see what was stopping it from working. Johnny couldn’t find the problem so he connected it up again and blocked off the one side with his hand this time. Low and behold out squeezes this tiny lizard from the open side. He must have been hibernating in there all winter. So there he was half in and half out the sprinkler spout. He looked alive but was not moving an inch more. I definitely thought he was stuck. Jonathan thought this was hilarious and there they were trying all sorts to get the lizard to move his behind.

They eventually resorted to physically removing him with pliers and he of course met his untimely death. The sprinkler now works!

21 September 2009

Time waits for no one the old saying goes! Wow is that true. Well the past two weeks have been very full. I was offered a job and took up the challenge of juggling work, farm chores and home life. While it wasn’t a walk in the park, I did manage to stay on top of most things. The animals were confused, as my usual calm morning ritual had turned into a race against time. Of course life can’t occur with out one drama to relay. The one hectic morning as I waved the kids off to school, Michaela came rushing back a few minutes later telling me the goats were on the road outside Iris’s house and they were eating her plants! There I was running so hard that my chest hurt. I ran down the road to try coax them back to the enclosure. They just stood there looking at me like I was mad and then calmly followed me back inside. I guess I should be grateful they see me as breakfast lunch and supper, most days!

After an internal investigation we discovered the culprit who left the gate open. The previous night the boys were chopping more trees down and moving them to the burn spot in the open paddock. As it turns out the main gate wasn’t shut after the last trip and then the following morning, Jonathan went down to attend to the animals for me. I had told him to allow the goats into the big paddock by opening the side gate. He never noticed the big gate was open.

And so the week of working passed. Now the children and I are on holiday. Jonathan is off on a holiday camp for three days. I spent the day watching “17 again” with Michaela. I’m at home for the holidays too, which is just so great.

The spring weather is warm and apparently a couple of degrees over the average for this time of year. Tomorrow we expect 33 degrees. It will be a hot one for sure. Tonight there was a little drizzle of rain but not much. Just enough to make the grass grow! We need water desperately.

23 September 2009

This week of holidays has been a wonderful week of visitors to the farm. The animals simply love all the treats these wonderful people bring along. The goats have graduated in knowledge and now can no longer be trusted out in the big paddock anymore. While relaxing on the porch I glanced over to see the trio of goats on the opposite side of our fence, again in Iris’s yard. I left my guest and charged over at lightening speed, my heart almost jumping from my chest. I reasoned on the way there that Carla would lead the rest back so all I needed to do was convince her to follow me. She stubbornly refused too and what followed was a struggle with her and I. Grabbing hold on her hind leg she struggled to get free and gave me a run for my money. It’s incredible the strength of these animals. Eventually she gave in and I managed to get her back over to the right side of the fence. As I thought, the other two followed suite without any troubles. I’m still at a loss on how they escaped, as the paddock is fully fenced. So for the past two days they have spent their days in the smaller enclosures. I will have to baby-sit them if I am to take them out into the large paddock again until I discover how they got out. It is a shame for the grass is getting greener by the day and is more bountiful than it has been in a while.

Last night we went to view a prospective bull in the area. He is magnificent and a definitely plus. We need to negotiate his price and hopefully he will join our herd shortly. He’s on the young side too so we don’t expect any action for a while yet.

Today we experienced our first sand storm. I was of the impression that these sorts of weather patterns happen only in the states out in the deserts. Do you remember those movies with the town out in the middle of nowhere where the cowboys had gunfights in the center of town? You would see rolling tumbleweed in the background and the red dust swirling in the air. I’ve never seen anything like it in real life until today. The sky was red and the air was clogged with dust. I had to close up the house to avoid the dust penetrating inside. The wind howled outside and Michaela and I spent the day baking and watching DVD’s. It was one of the peaceful days indoors while the elements went wild outside.

25 September 2009

I finally got to take a walk around the big paddock to investigate where the goats had gotten out and could not find any holes in the fence and was satisfied that the only place they could have gotten through was the gate leading into the very bottom paddock. If they had gotten through the gate which was latched but looked as if it had been bent on the bottom, then all they had to do was work their way around up another path and then their wasn’t anything to stop them going over to Iris. I made sure the gate was secure and then went up to collect the goats. My plan was to sit with them for a while and then walk them around the fence again to see if they found any new spots. All went well and I was reasonably certain that the problem was solved. I really hope they won’t surprise me again.

I sat for a while down by the dam watching the ducks. They are such graceful creatures on the water. The dam looked wonderful today. The water was a dark clear blue. It seems to me like the water takes on a life of its own. Some day it is cloudy and others it’s crystal clear. The reeds provide a safe haven for Daisy, the moorhens, and the wild ducks too. Donald is still very territorial and frequently rushed up to me while I was sitting watching them. These days though he seems to put on a show more than anything else. He’s grown into a beautiful specimen of duck.

Johnny just got home with the wonderful news that my new computer will be ready on Monday, what awesome news that was. At last I can start down loading my hundreds of photos and update my Internet blog site.

What’s life without drama like? I certainly don’t know much about that since arriving on this farm. This afternoon we ran out of water. I was in the middle of cooking and came to turn on the taps to find no water. We knew we were low but it was amazing how quickly we went through the last bit of water. So Johnny phoned around to the water carriers and nobody apart from a very small 8500 liters could help us out straight away. The earliest they could deliver was Saturday morning latest in the afternoon. I discovered the water was gone around 2 on the Friday afternoon. It is astonishing how much water one person uses in an hour. Most people including myself don’t think much about it, as it is always just available when you open a tap or hit the flush switch. I now find myself calculating the amount of liters we may need on a daily basis. I sure do remember taking the precious stuff for granted and my eyes are open to a new reality now. Water is a precious commodity and it’s high time the world starts thinking about saving it. I got to think just how much water a suburb for example uses in one day, or a city? What about a country? These are questions that would scare me if I knew the answer too. Right now I’d give a lot to have a full tank of water.

27 September 2009

Well another weekend is behind us. It was a very good one. We worked in the garden mostly and Johnny repaired some more of the fence. The children and I painted the one side of the fence with creosote. What a difference it has made to the facade of the front garden. I can hardly wait for the whole fence to be finished. We must have transferred about five full loads of rubbish to the back during Saturday and Sunday. My roses are blooming wonderfully. There are about fifty buds on the one red rosebush. I must remember to take a photo of it. Johnny set up the sprinkler again from the dam water. The grass has taken a beating from all the pruning and dragging of branches along. It will do well to get a drenching.

The water arrived around 4 pm, which was wonderful. Johnny had given the tank another clean out so we were ready for the carrier. The first thing I smelled climbing into the shower tonight was the chlorine in the water. It was a wonderful smell and I know I sound really weird but I’ve missed that smell. I can now differentiate between the two whereas before I could not. I’m more water conscious now than ever before and understand how vigil we need to be about it. Once again experience is a great teacher.

30th September 2009

Johnny has taken leave for this week and we have gotten so much done around the garden. We painted a little more of the fence with creosote. What a messy, sticky job that was! The children eagerly took up their paintbrushes but the novelty soon wore off as I expected it would. One by one they disappeared indoor to cleaner grounds and as usual it was Johnny and I left to finish up. We finished to the left of the gate but still have what seems like miles and miles of fence to still complete. What an amazing difference it makes to the old fence. Although I must add that the wire at the bottom was straighten and the ground was leveled off too. All three of these jobs added to the end result. I can’t wait for the whole project to be complete. It will take some time though.

Most of the day was taken up with the general garden duties but we did get to some nice chores too. We unearthed the existing veggie garden patch and were very pleased to see the beds had crusher run laid around them. Somebody had at one time lovingly prepared these beds and must have grown a successful vegetable garden. Because it was over grown with grass you couldn’t see much of it but as we worked on removing the grass we discovered pegs to mark the outsides of the veggie beds and then we found the pathway. A lot of the grass came away quite easily. We now need to add some fertilizer and some ag-lime to improve the soil quality and then we can start planting. The children each want their own beds, Johno wants to plant chillies, and Micky wants strawberries and grapes. We might just have ourselves a little healthy competition I think. Whose plant will produce first?

Johnny made a stand for the washing up basin out side and tidied up the piping around the pump and filter. It looks so much neater. I carried the outside table down to under the trees this afternoon and we had tea in the garden. I looked around me once again and then closed my eyes. The wind was gently moving the wind chimes and the birds were whistling in the background. I opened my eyes again and took in the progress in the garden. Yes, it’s been eight months and we are moving ahead.

1 September 2009



No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ~Proverb


HAPPY SPRING DAY TO YOU ALL! At last the winter is behind us. Spring is my favorite season of all. It represents life. As the earth reawakens from its slumber, color and life resurface. Well at least it’s supposed to be like that. This is quite a cool spring the Ist and it definitely feels more like a winter’s morning instead. After that heat wave we had its back to freezing again. I’d just packed away my slippers and had to haul them out again.



Johnny came home with a few split poles he had picked up from the supply store and was really eager to put them in. So after dinner we geared up with jumpers, scarves and torches. Johnny sunk the split pole in and then noticed the pole was too far east. As a second thought he said maybe we should have treated the pole with creosote before putting it in! Ah, the joys of doing a job twice! During the time we were freezing outside, Jonathan accidentally knocked over the box of rattle sockets, which had been placed on top of another pole precariously. So there we were, on our hands and knees searching for these important sockets, which some of them I must add were so small it made it difficult to trace. After about half an hour of looking we decided to throw in the towel. It will be easier to find them in daylight.



8th September 2009



Today is windy and warm. The temperatures have increased and I’ve packed away the blankets and yes my winter slippers again. Hopefully this time they will stay packed away until next winter. The leaves are still dropping like its autumn but at least the weather is warmer. We collected our male goat from the breeder this weekend and affectionately named him “Romeo”. He is settling well, the girls give him a hard time as he hasn’t realized he’s a buck yet. He’s still rather young and they are a wee bit bigger than him. Billy-Joe said we should ideally only start putting them together around April next year so that one doesn’t have winter kidding. Johnny and I have decided that the goats need to be together and the sooner the better. Gestation takes 153 – 158 days so hopefully just before winter next year I’m hoping to have a kid or two. Carla isn’t the least bit interested in Romeo and is the roughest with him. If anything I’m guessing Lady will be pregnant first. It’s rather exciting just thinking about it.



Johnny came home early yesterday and we went to buy a grass catcher. It’s a really interesting contraption I tell you! At first I thought it would be a total waste of dollars but once I’d seen it in action I changed my mind. It compliments working in the garden so much and raking will be a thing of the past. It vacuums the garden actually. There are so many different machines that help in the garden - it is fabulous. While Johnny was cutting I took the opportunity to get stuck into some weeding. My, how the weeds have spread. Last night we had some more rain. The tanks along with the grass are very grateful as am I.



I pulled out the Barbie this weekend and it was really nice to cook outside again.



11 September 2009



Tonight a funny thing happened. Johnny was fixing an old sprinkler he found laying in the back garden. After cleaning it up, Jonathan set it up in the garden to water the much-needed grass. We all stood back and waited for the anticipated sprout of water to arrive, which was not forthcoming. So off it came again and it was back to garage light to see what was stopping it from working. Johnny couldn’t find the problem so he connected it up again and blocked off the one side with his hand this time. Low and behold out squeezes this tiny lizard from the open side. He must have been hibernating in there all winter. So there he was half in and half out the sprinkler spout. He looked alive but was not moving an inch more. I definitely thought he was stuck. Jonathan thought this was hilarious and there they were trying all sorts to get the lizard to move his behind.

They eventually resorted to physically removing him with pliers and he of course met his untimely death. The sprinkler now works!



21 September 2009



Time waits for no one the old saying goes! Wow is that true. Well the past two weeks have been very full. I was offered a job and took up the challenge of juggling work, farm chores and home life. While it wasn’t a walk in the park, I did manage to stay on top of most things. The animals were confused, as my usual calm morning ritual had turned into a race against time. Of course life can’t occur with out one drama to relay. The one hectic morning as I waved the kids off to school, Michaela came rushing back a few minutes later telling me the goats were on the road outside Iris’s house and they were eating her plants! There I was running so hard that my chest hurt. I ran down the road to try coax them back to the enclosure. They just stood there looking at me like I was mad and then calmly followed me back inside. I guess I should be grateful they see me as breakfast lunch and supper, most days!



After an internal investigation we discovered the culprit who left the gate open. The previous night the boys were chopping more trees down and moving them to the burn spot in the open paddock. As it turns out the main gate wasn’t shut after the last trip and then the following morning, Jonathan went down to attend to the animals for me. I had told him to allow the goats into the big paddock by opening the side gate. He never noticed the big gate was open.



And so the week of working passed. Now the children and I are on holiday. Jonathan is off on a holiday camp for three days. I spent the day watching “17 again” with Michaela. I’m at home for the holidays too, which is just so great.



The spring weather is warm and apparently a couple of degrees over the average for this time of year. Tomorrow we expect 33 degrees. It will be a hot one for sure. Tonight there was a little drizzle of rain but not much. Just enough to make the grass grow! We need water desperately.





23 September 2009



This week of holidays has been a wonderful week of visitors to the farm. The animals simply love all the treats these wonderful people bring along. The goats have graduated in knowledge and now can no longer be trusted out in the big paddock anymore. While relaxing on the porch I glanced over to see the trio of goats on the opposite side of our fence, again in Iris’s yard. I left my guest and charged over at lightening speed, my heart almost jumping from my chest. I reasoned on the way there that Carla would lead the rest back so all I needed to do was convince her to follow me. She stubbornly refused too and what followed was a struggle with her and I. Grabbing hold on her hind leg she struggled to get free and gave me a run for my money. It’s incredible the strength of these animals. Eventually she gave in and I managed to get her back over to the right side of the fence. As I thought, the other two followed suite without any troubles. I’m still at a loss on how they escaped, as the paddock is fully fenced. So for the past two days they have spent their days in the smaller enclosures. I will have to baby-sit them if I am to take them out into the large paddock again until I discover how they got out. It is a shame for the grass is getting greener by the day and is more bountiful than it has been in a while.



Last night we went to view a prospective bull in the area. He is magnificent and a definitely plus. We need to negotiate his price and hopefully he will join our herd shortly. He’s on the young side too so we don’t expect any action for a while yet.



Today we experienced our first sand storm. I was of the impression that these sorts of weather patterns happen only in the states out in the deserts. Do you remember those movies with the town out in the middle of nowhere where the cowboys had gunfights in the center of town? You would see rolling tumbleweed in the background and the red dust swirling in the air. I’ve never seen anything like it in real life until today. The sky was red and the air was clogged with dust. I had to close up the house to avoid the dust penetrating inside. The wind howled outside and Michaela and I spent the day baking and watching DVD’s. It was one of the peaceful days indoors while the elements went wild outside.



25 September 2009



I finally got to take a walk around the big paddock to investigate where the goats had gotten out and could not find any holes in the fence and was satisfied that the only place they could have gotten through was the gate leading into the very bottom paddock. If they had gotten through the gate which was latched but looked as if it had been bent on the bottom, then all they had to do was work their way around up another path and then their wasn’t anything to stop them going over to Iris. I made sure the gate was secure and then went up to collect the goats. My plan was to sit with them for a while and then walk them around the fence again to see if they found any new spots. All went well and I was reasonably certain that the problem was solved. I really hope they won’t surprise me again.



I sat for a while down by the dam watching the ducks. They are such graceful creatures on the water. The dam looked wonderful today. The water was a dark clear blue. It seems to me like the water takes on a life of its own. Some day it is cloudy and others it’s crystal clear. The reeds provide a safe haven for Daisy, the moorhens, and the wild ducks too. Donald is still very territorial and frequently rushed up to me while I was sitting watching them. These days though he seems to put on a show more than anything else. He’s grown into a beautiful specimen of duck.



Johnny just got home with the wonderful news that my new computer will be ready on Monday, what awesome news that was. At last I can start down loading my hundreds of photos and update my Internet blog site.



What’s life without drama like? I certainly don’t know much about that since arriving on this farm. This afternoon we ran out of water. I was in the middle of cooking and came to turn on the taps to find no water. We knew we were low but it was amazing how quickly we went through the last bit of water. So Johnny phoned around to the water carriers and nobody apart from a very small 8500 liters could help us out straight away. The earliest they could deliver was Saturday morning latest in the afternoon. I discovered the water was gone around 2 on the Friday afternoon. It is astonishing how much water one person uses in an hour. Most people including myself don’t think much about it, as it is always just available when you open a tap or hit the flush switch. I now find myself calculating the amount of liters we may need on a daily basis. I sure do remember taking the precious stuff for granted and my eyes are open to a new reality now. Water is a precious commodity and it’s high time the world starts thinking about saving it. I got to think just how much water a suburb for example uses in one day, or a city? What about a country? These are questions that would scare me if I knew the answer too. Right now I’d give a lot to have a full tank of water.



27 September 2009



Well another weekend is behind us. It was a very good one. We worked in the garden mostly and Johnny repaired some more of the fence. The children and I painted the one side of the fence with creosote. What a difference it has made to the facade of the front garden. I can hardly wait for the whole fence to be finished. We must have transferred about five full loads of rubbish to the back during Saturday and Sunday. My roses are blooming wonderfully. There are about fifty buds on the one red rosebush. I must remember to take a photo of it. Johnny set up the sprinkler again from the dam water. The grass has taken a beating from all the pruning and dragging of branches along. It will do well to get a drenching.



The water arrived around 4 pm, which was wonderful. Johnny had given the tank another clean out so we were ready for the carrier. The first thing I smelled climbing into the shower tonight was the chlorine in the water. It was a wonderful smell and I know I sound really weird but I’ve missed that smell. I can now differentiate between the two whereas before I could not. I’m more water conscious now than ever before and understand how vigil we need to be about it. Once again experience is a great teacher.



30th September 2009



Johnny has taken leave for this week and we have gotten so much done around the garden. We painted a little more of the fence with creosote. What a messy, sticky job that was! The children eagerly took up their paintbrushes but the novelty soon wore off as I expected it would. One by one they disappeared indoor to cleaner grounds and as usual it was Johnny and I left to finish up. We finished to the left of the gate but still have what seems like miles and miles of fence to still complete. What an amazing difference it makes to the old fence. Although I must add that the wire at the bottom was straighten and the ground was leveled off too. All three of these jobs added to the end result. I can’t wait for the whole project to be complete. It will take some time though.



Most of the day was taken up with the general garden duties but we did get to some nice chores too. We unearthed the existing veggie garden patch and were very pleased to see the beds had crusher run laid around them. Somebody had at one time lovingly prepared these beds and must have grown a successful vegetable garden. Because it was over grown with grass you couldn’t see much of it but as we worked on removing the grass we discovered pegs to mark the outsides of the veggie beds and then we found the pathway. A lot of the grass came away quite easily. We now need to add some fertilizer and some ag-lime to improve the soil quality and then we can start planting. The children each want their own beds, Johno wants to plant chillies, and Micky wants strawberries and grapes. We might just have ourselves a little healthy competition I think. Whose plant will produce first?



Johnny made a stand for the washing up basin out side and tidied up the piping around the pump and filter. It looks so much neater. I carried the outside table down to under the trees this afternoon and we had tea in the garden. I looked around me once again and then closed my eyes. The wind was gently moving the wind chimes and the birds were whistling in the background. I opened my eyes again and took in the progress in the garden. Yes, it’s been eight months and we are moving ahead.

My heart – my home



Chapter seven



11 August 2009



It’s been so long since I’ve written in this diary. So much has happened and I do really hope to remember it all. I’m thankful to have our second computer so I’m not totally cut off from the world of cyber space however my emailing has been axed since the computer decided to down tools and strike! It’s gone in for repairs and so I have been unable to receive or send emails for roughly three weeks now. I’m having withdrawal symptoms and so miss the contact with all my loyal reading.



The wheels of progress still turn here at Pine Haven and the office has taken shape nicely. The new laminated floor has been successfully laid and the skirting boards are in. I cleaned the windows so you can now see through them in the office. I honestly think this was the first clean they ever got, well at least the dirt that came off appeared that way. Apart from that it’s just a few touch up’s to do now with the paint and then we can move the furniture into the office at long last. Johnny fixed the telephone point and at the same time set up another phone next to our bed so no more sprinting if the phone rings late at night. Yay! I can’t remember if I wrote about the front rose bed? Please bear with me if I have. At long last it is completely free of weeds and the best part of it all is that I did that with my own two hands. There were times I was so ready to throw in the towel, but perseverance won out at the end of the day and now I can look over the bed with such a sense of accomplishment and pride. Anything is possible to those who are determined I say.



The cows have given me some grey hairs I’m afraid to say. As far as we were concerned when we purchased these cows, part of the deal was that they were supposed to be pregnant. About three weeks back I took notice that Kiara in particular appeared to look like she was on heat again. The next day Queenie and Crystal also started behaving strangely. Of course this is rather annoying as it means “NO CALFS” AND “NO MILKING” as we anticipated. The only way to establish if they are indeed pregnant is to do the test. For all you city slickers out there I will tell you this means we need a vet and a cattle crush to keep them still while the vet sticks his arm into the cow’s bottom to check what is happening in the uterus. Unfortunately for us the crush is very costly and not in our reach yet. Without this piece of equipment I doubt the vet will accomplish much. I did call David, the breeder who sold us Kiara and he told me to keep a close eye on them. It is really irritating to say the least. Johnny and I have not decided what to do about this situation yet. There is always the option of getting a bull but that might be costly and I’m not ready for that yet.



Today I got my first duck egg, which is so amazing. I was undecided on what to do about it. Do I remove it or do I leave it. I eventually decided to remove it, as she wasn’t sitting on it. The problem is, I move her during the day and I think this is disrupting the process. Johnny and I will have to work on getting her settled in the pond area permanently. I think the warmer weather will see some changes as well. This morning I heard the baby austrolop rooster crow for the first time too. They are down in the kennels now and have grown so much. I’m still not sure how many roosters I landed up with but I’m sure I’ll find out pretty soon. Ingrid has promised to swop them with others she has.



29th of July 2009 brought around another anniversary. This was not our wedding anniversary but our immigration anniversary. We past two years and decided to have a huge celebration to commemorate it. It was a wonderful shin din filled with friends and loads of food. We are slowly growing roots in our new country.



Yesterday Johnny took a day off work and we all went off to spend the day at the EKKA. This is when the farm comes to the city in the form of an agricultural show. It was a day filled with fun and interesting sights. Johnny and I had our fill of the farming facts and cattle shows. We saw dairy goats and studied the sheep too. We admired the various different breeds of poultry and watched as the cattle paraded before the judges. We learnt a valuable tip for further labors with sheep. When Mum is ready to start labor she pounds the ground with her hoof. This is a good indication that labor is imminent. The kids wag their tails in mum’s face as they drink. This is a bonding thing between mom and lamb. The children enjoyed some lighthearted fun at the fare and came home armed with teddies and lollies deluxe. The fare of course was the high light of their day. Nothing like noisy dodgem cars and fairy floss to draw crowds. After that it was still one more stop to the show bags pavilion for the children. They had been waiting all day for this one. It was overfill as usual and one had to fight to get served. We survived and at last left the busy pavilion. Exhausted but happy we trudged back to the car and made our way back to our quiet country house and away from the big city lights.



12 August 2009



This morning very early Johnny’s internal alarm clock had gone off and he was in the office touching up the paintwork. I awoke to the smell of paint drifting down the passage. Very soon the furniture will move in to its designated spots. The days are getting much warmer of late. It won’t be long now until I can pack away the winter willies and the evening fires will be a thing of the past.



Today was a public holiday. It was the official Ekka holiday. It was so nice to have Johnny spend the day with us again. Jonathan had plans to go off for the day to a friend. Johnny, Michaela and I got productive and got stuck into cleaning out the shed in the duck pond enclosure in order to settle Daisy in there. Nothing like some hard work to keep one occupied. The shed was fill of very old wood, half eaten away by ants and totally useless. Those logs had been there untouched for some time I imagine. There were heaps of wasp nests and spiders galore that weren’t too happy about being booted out. They just would not do and had to go. It gives me the creepy crawlies just thinking about it now. Anyway it was a job that had to be done and it was done and dusted before we knew it. We still need to go back and perhaps give the roof a last sweep, then to rearrange the nesting boxes for the ducks. Hopefully Daisy, my female duck will find the place acceptable and she will sit on her eggs in the shed and hopefully one day we will have a few new ducklings around about. Donald has become extremely touchy now that Daisy is laying eggs. Today I actually thought he wanted to charge me. I will have to watch behind me from now on.



This afternoon was gone before I knew what hit me. I vacuumed the car, which was long overdue I might add and Spot got a bath. How can time fly so fast?







13 August 2009



Today was one of those busy, exhausting days. I only have myself to blame for that as I set up all the appointments. It started off with taking spot to the vet to be de-sexed and then onto Toyota to have the carpet replaced in the car. It had started to fray in one place and needed to be fixed. While I waited for the car to be sorted out I took a walk to a nearby shopping center and wasted away the hours until finally the car was ready to collect. There is nothing like wasted time to tired one out. Then next was the return trip to collect a very dopey puppy. I received strict instructions to keep him quiet and not to let him lick the stitches. Hmm, how was I going to pull that one off? That is like asking a child with ADHD to sit still.



The afternoon was gone in a flash and before I knew it suppertime was here and Johnny was home from work. I rushed off to get some pizza to feed my hungry brood while Johnny attended to the animals.



I returned and was welcomed home by the tragic news of the death of one of the baby chicks. I had left the bucket of water for the duck in the same pen that the chicks have been spending the day in. It must have flown up and fallen in and couldn’t get out. What a silly mistake that was. I was very annoyed with myself. Daisy the duck had gone missing too. It was really strange as Donald was still up in the pond but Daisy was gone. We could only think she has gone and made a nest somewhere and was hiding. It was rather dark by now and so we had to go get the torches. We looked far and wide but couldn’t find her. Jonathan then thought to go and check the bottom dam and there madam was without a care in the world. She didn’t mind that our dinner was getting rather cold inside while we were out looking for her! Silly old duck! The chase was on now that we had discovered her, and around and around she swam, in and out of the reeds as if she was taunting us. Eventually after collecting Donald and letting him loose onto the dam, she came out in the open and we were able to guide them both back up for the night. Exhausted and very hungry we came inside to cold pizza – Yummy… I think not!



14 August 2009



Today was hectic but which day isn’t anymore? This pace has to stop soon. It’s crazy just how many “to do’s” I have. All the caps us mom’s wear during the course of the day gets me tired just thinking of them all.



Spotty had a quiet restful night and very obediently went outside to do his “business” during the night and early morning. I think he’s rather enjoying the extra attention.



I finally got Jonathan into the doctor who confirmed my suspicion that he needed an antibiotic. After the doctor’s we rushed off to do some very needed shopping. I was out of the very basic of a pantry cupboard. From there we rushed around to various shops and then stopped off at a new supply store. They were much more expensive so decided to skip buying there and revert back to my normal supplier. From there we went to hand in the desexing certificate to the council. Jonathan decided he would like to get some books from the library and I thought I could pick up a novel too. Yer right, where am I going to get time to read? I’m determined to make it! I was so tired by the time I got home and then I still had to submit a tax return online, which took me about an hour to figure out and do. I looked again at the clock on the wall and you guessed it – where had the day gone. I threw in a load of washing and went down to sort the animals out. Daisy had done a disappearing act again but this time I had the good sense and the daylight on my side. I located her and herded her back up to her pen. I think she might be making a nest in the reeds on the dam perhaps.



I ran a deep bath and regained some vigor. My pillows were again calling loud and clear.



15th August 2009



Michaela started her horse-riding lesson on a Saturday morning instead of the usual Thursday evening, which is great. The riding school had moved premises to expand but this meant a further 15 minutes to our trip. We were out of the house by 8 o’ clock. Jonathan had gone visiting and it was just lonesome old me at home for the morning. I got stuck into some really needed laundry and in-between I picked up that book I had grabbed at the library yesterday. I’m determined to make a go of reading again. The afternoon brought Johnny home and we got busy moving the furniture into the office. I moved my pine bookcase in aswell but didn’t like the look of it. It was getting on in age and was in need of a coat of paint and so out it went again. The painting of the bookcase passed the afternoon. Jonathan brought his friend home and they got stuck into building a tree house in a very big tree out in the paddock. It kept them amused and they had great fun in the process.



16th August 2009



Today I crossed the ravine to look at the other side. I felt like I was walking through the jungle for a bit and felt like a pioneer again. The trees are densely populated in one spot. To cross the ravine there is a very large tree trunk, which has fallen down across it. It was a fairly sturdy tree trunk in its day but time has caused decay to set in and the tree has become rather hollow in one spot thus causing the person crossing to walk on the outskirts of the trunk. One almost felt like a ballerina! Okay not quite but you get the general picture I hope. Spot was ever so game as usual and swam across to meet me on the other side. Rather him than me in that water. I mean who knows what is in there. Hmm… let’s see, what about some leeches, anaconda’s maybe? Spot was fine and of course my paranoid mind was at peace once he reached the other side. There is still roughly one and half acre on the other side of the ravine. It’s fairly wooded but would make a wonderful spot for a cabin. If only we could find a way to build a bridge over the ravine to be able to take the tractor and material over the other side. It is really rustic and untouched there. I’m going to do some research and find out if I could purchase a cabin already made perhaps. It would be so neat if this dream came true.







24 August 2009



The weather has changed and we are heading straight for Spring. I’m enjoying the longer days and most of all the fact that I don’t need to walk around with three layers of clothes anymore. I will need to make a cupboard exchange again fairly soon. This weekend brought Jonathan’s final rugby game for the season. Unfortunately they didn’t win and he was rather disillusioned. It has been an extra long season as they had a few semi final games to go. Now that the rugby season is officially closed, mister is looking to play another summer sport. America football. The good thing is that it is right here in the next suburb so there shouldn’t be racing all over the country side to practice and games. We will see what happens though. He might just decide not to join.



Johnny attached a tap to fill up the cow’s water trough, which means no more dragging of the hosepipe down to the trough. It will be great to just open the tap and out comes the dam water. He also sorted out the front pump in order for me to water my flowerbeds from the dam aswell. I busied myself with painting my bookshelf with what seemed like 100 coats! Okay I’m exaggerating but it was frustrating how many it needed. Sunday night Johnny re assembled it for me but I still cannot pack my books on it. It still a little sticky to the touch, so I’m forced to wait yet another day or too. I climbed onto the ride on and cut the front lawn again. It will be lovely to watch the grass come back to life after winter.



Missy sore bottom (the Isa brown chicken) got another rumble and tumble by spot. She has recovered and there was no damage done this time. I caught Spot before she was hurt. He always attacked her. Perhaps he senses she is the weaker one. How he got in is a mystery and so I will have to find out where. The hen laid an egg the following day so she isn’t too traumatized this time. Thank goodness for that!



I touched a stinging nettle on Sunday for the first time. I really understand now why they call it “stinging”. It was an awful sensation. My fingers felt hot and itchy. Thankfully it didn’t hurt for too long. It serves me right for not having my gardening gloves on.



Well today is Monday and as Monday’s would be there is always a list of chores to be taken care of. Spot will have his stitches out today. Michaela is coughing badly again so it’s back to the doctor for her… I’ve been there so many times this winter and honestly am glad that the season is coming to an end with all its coughs and colds. I’m so tired of everyone being sick. Even me, as I sit here now am battling with a cough, not nearly as bad as Michaela though. Jonathan has just recovered and is well again at last. The worst part about this flu is the terrible headache that comes with it. Almost everybody I speak to about it complains about the same thing. Well I guess winter has its pro’s and con’s. That cozy fireplaces of ours, and the grass that doesn’t seem to grow. The spiders and snakes, which join the band of hibernating species and are no longer around. Our thick woolly jumpers and blankets are a constant companion. Cold foggy mornings and misty breath is slowly making way for longer days. Nature is starting to come alive again. The birds celebrate it and the animals seem to embrace it. Roll on summer! We are ready for you.



26 August 2009



Donald the duck has become awfully aggressive and tries to attack my feet each time I go near him – it’s rather annoying! I’m sure it is just because Daisy is laying eggs now. I decided to leave the eggs there in the hope she will become broody soon. I believe duck eggs are very high in protein and don’t taste much different to chook eggs. I’m not too crazy about eating Daisy’s eggs so Spot is the fortunate candidate, not that he is complaining though. Although, as I said latterly I’ve been leaving them in her nest.





28th August 2009



Another Friday rolls around. Yesterday I had Jonathans’ guidance interview at school. My baby boy is choosing subjects and will be started his school based apprenticeship next year. It’s hard to believe the years have gone by so fast. Just the other day it was his first birthday and we were battling to keep his Humpty Dumpty cake together. Johnny put a cake skewer down the center to hold humpty on the wall as he kept falling off, true to the rhyme. I remember putting up the biggest banner I could find. As I think back, it’s like a movie playing in my head. I can visualize it like it was yesterday. Could it really be 15 years ago? We had this incredible birthday party and it felt like I’d invited the entire world. Those were the days of platform trainers and permed hair for me. Dearly love people were part of my world back there. Mom was still alive and her dear friend Petra. I smile now as I remember them sitting on the verandah. Mom had Jonathan on her lap. He was her blue-eyed baby; he could do no wrong in her eyes. She was feeding him cheese curls and chatting to her friend who sat next to her. My long ago memories include people who were happily married and now are in bitter divorces. Some of the company has now immigrated to different parts of the world. I’m reminded again that nothing ever stays the same. Life is constantly changing. These memories I have are locked away in the corners of my heart and although I will never be able to visit this time again I know that the memories are safe in my heart. It’s good to remember some times.



29 August 2009



We just got back from a superb Aussie Barbie. On the way home I saw a dreadful sight. There was a horrifying accident. The car was a write off for sure. The ambulance was there waiting and they were busy working on the driver who was trapped in one of the smashed up car. It again occurred to me how quickly and unintentional accidents happen. One careless mistake on the part of one driver and lives are changed forever. I wondered if either parties were speeding, or under the influence of alcohol? Accidents are such a sad fact of life. I do hope the outcome is a good one.





Today Johnny finally got around to putting up the other gutter. We have heard rain forecasted on Monday so let’s continue to hope the weatherman is accurate. We do need some water, rather earlier than later seeing we have entirely drained the one water tank and now are using the second tank and final batch of water. I decided to wash my car this afternoon. I had, what looked like a bug suicide mission on the front of my car. The poor girl was in dire need of a clean. Johnny jumped on the bandwagon too and I ended up washing the Ute aswell. I had great plans to grout the edges down the passage this afternoon but time ran out. I guess tomorrow is another day. There’s a hot wind blowing outside now. This wind has made everything uncomfortable. The leaves on the trees continue to flow like water to the ground. It’s hard to imagine there are so many leaves on a single tree let alone a number of them. Jonathan raked up the back yard this morning but by this afternoon it looked as if the rake had not been touched. Very disheartening I say. I tried to encourage him as he persevered but we both knew this was a wasted chore and his efforts were in vain. He landed up with a sizeable blister on his hand to show for his hard labor.



I emailed the lady that sold us the goats and asked her for a suitable Billy goat so that we can start breeding. She replied today, to say yes she had one for us and was prepared to sell him at a very reasonable price. I agreed to collect him next Sunday morning. Billy goats have a tendency to be rather bossy so this should be very interesting. The good thing is that he is still young and won’t be ready until early in the New Year, which is a good thing. I haven’t noticed when the girls are in season so I must remember to ask that question. In fact I can’t recall them acting any different from the time they arrived. I must have missed the signs.



31 August 2009



The rain is here at last. Not the heavy hard rain we have been accustomed to in the months past but the good sort, soft and steady. The last minute items to sort on the gutters were taken care of yesterday afternoon. The roof was sweeps free of leaves and the drain pipes were checked to be working properly. Everything was in order and we were ready for the rain. Sometime during the night it started and this morning I awoke to the soft pitter-patter of the drops on the roof. The one thing I did forget to do was take Johnny’s work gear off the line and so now they are soaked!



Yesterday I walked right into a patch of stinging nettle again. Experience is a very good teacher. Hopefully this time I’ll learn my lesson and be more observant! I got stung around the ankles and as I reached down to rub the very tender spot, my hand brushed past the weed and I got stung on the hand too. Nursing my very sore foot and hand I glared down to identify the culprit and made a mental note to come back and eradicate the silly plant. I mean what purpose does a weed like that serve, I ask you! It deserves to land up on top of the bonfire pile and that is precisely what I plan to do with it, once my hand and foot stops throbbing!

Part two of chapter six,



01 July 2009

Isn’t it just so annoying when you think things are going to be one way and they turn out completely the opposite? I go and order a drake for my supposed two females and the paperwork is complete and the collection day is set and then, two days ago I noticed “Miss. Peking” is developing one curly tail feather so she ain’t a Miss. Due to my ignorance in this department about sexing a duck I relied on asking the local feed stores and anybody who owned ducks. Each time I spoke to someone they gave me different things to look out for. The one said the female looks like she has a heavier bum (to carry the eggs) another said there’s something different in the quacks. Yet another said curly tail feathers. None of these were very specific and then I met Ingrid the breeder for the Australops. She breeds ducks as well. Now she told me that there is only one definite tail feather that will curl which indicates you have a drake. I have been watching for this for the longest time and eventually gave up waiting for the feather to turn up. Content that I had two females I decided to order the drake through Ingrid. Now I’ll back up to two days ago, while feeding them I noticed the long awaited curly tail feather. It wasn’t there the day before and now has appeared. I immediately thought of the ordered drake but it’s too late. Today the situation got even more interesting. I saw what I think was mating! I won’t give you the graphics as I’m not to sure how to describe them myself. So the bottom line is I’m thinking of ordering another female Peking to balance out the equation. Come spring I should have some baby ducklings waddling around either way. It’s going to be wonderful.

Kiara is not a very calm heifer. Maybe it’s because she is pregnant and just moved home but she is sure cranky. I hope she will calm down though. Enough for me to milk her. Tonight I managed to rub her belly and even touch her little udder. She didn’t take to kindly to that and stomped her hoof. I have a lot of work to do with her if I’m to milk her come January. I’m sure she will come around though. The steers really did.

Today was such a lovely warm day for a change. The herd didn’t even want to come up for the night. They were grazing at the far end of the paddock. It took a heap of convincing to get their attention. At last they took the bait and came galloping up. I had gone quite close to them to get their attention so had to turn and run myself to make it back to the gate before they ran me over. It was so funny and I was huffing and puffing by the time I reached the gate. Nothing like an evening run to get the blood pumping I say.

With the beginning of a new month I thought it will be good to tackle my linen cupboard today which was all upside down. I’m happy to report everything is back in order and I’m rather pleased to have conquered this mountain.

05 July 2009

Sunday night is upon us again. Where did that weekend go? Today being Sunday we welcomed home the two other pregnant heifers. There names are crystal and Queeny. I did have ideas to call them different names but they arrived with these names so I don’t want to confuse them further. We’ll stick with it. The two new heifers are just as dominant as Kiara and they have bumped heads quite a lot already. It’s sure to slow down as they become accustomed to each other. The paddock looks complete now. Five cows and three hopeful baby calfs to come. Who would have thought this was to be. It’s amazing. The ducks are doing their mating ritual daily now and I’m more certain than ever we will have some tiny babies come spring.

Today we all got stuck into cleaning up the garage and the area around it. Johnny took three loads of junk from the previous owners to the tip. It was great to see it go. I’ve picked out my veggie patch but it will still take some work to get it under control again. The grass is overgrown and it doesn’t get much sun due to the overhead trees. Johnny will have to prune back a few branches. I discovered another lonely tomato plant growing in a very odd section. As for the other tomato plant I moved, well it’s hanging in there, what can I say. The pumpkin seeds I planted are at last sprouting and growing well.

Friday night we got stuck into the office, preparing the walls for painting. Earlier on in the week Johnny had pulled out all the old cupboards and lifted the carpet tiles and literally striped the room bear so we were ready to start. Friday afternoon we had gone to purchase the flooring, paint and skirting at the local hardware. I found some nice reasonably priced laminated flooring along with some baby blue paint and some very nice molded skirting to finish off the walls. I can’t wait to complete the furnishing of the office and then move my computers and desk into that room. It will be very rewarding I’m sure.

Saturday morning the kids and I started some weeding. It is incredible how fast the weeds grow. Johnny had cleared an area in the courtyard a few months ago while it was still Autumn and I know it was a while back but these weeds were knee height in some places I kid you not! We started at about 7.30 and got three quarters done within an hour. Luckily they uprooted fairly easily so it was not too much hard work. I got some more done in my front flower bed too. I planted some of the plants I’d found in other areas into the flower bed. They look great. The roses are at last flowering buds again and hopefully I will have some attractive blooms soon.

12 July 2009

It is a cold Sunday night and the children are curled up under blankets watching DVD’s. Johnny has retreated to the bedroom after a very long, hard days work for him in our beautiful garden. We made major improvement in the garden this weekend which is always lovely. My front rose bed is finally completely free of weeds and overgrown shrubs. I worked really hard and finished off replanting plants I found lying around the property in pots. Now that the garden bed is cleaned up I will just have to maintain it which I must add will be a breeze compared to cleaning it up. While I was working on the beds Johnny was dealing with the trees and overgrown shrubs to the side of the house. He cleared the whole area and cut down quite a few trees to let some more sunlight through. He made periodic trip with the trailer to the back, on which Michaela perched her self. From time to time I would hear a squeal of delight as she called to me. “Look how high I am Mom”. I would caution her to hold on and pray quietly for her safety. She would wave at me as they took yet another load of cutting to the back. Johnny let the goats out of the paddock and brought them into where he was cutting down the branches. The leaves of the tree he was cutting is a favorite of the goats. Unbeknown to me there was a can of old paint in the ground that has accidentally been knocked over. Carla the bigger goat walked straight into it. So with two red hooves she went prancing around making an even bigger mess. Johnny and I decided to captured her and try and wash her hooves. What a saga I tell you. I managed to barely get half of it off so she still has slightly pink front hooves. The goats got stuck into the leaves on the cut down branches and made short work of them quickly. Spot got a bath this afternoon after lying in the sand all morning while I was gardening. He likes to lie right in the path of where I was working and after severally scoldings he moved off and settled on a pile of weeds I had pulled out earlier on. I don’t know why I bothered to worry about bathing him. No sooner had he gotten away from me he ran down to the bottom dam and straight into the muddy water. So much for the bath!

One of the Austrolop chickens is much larger than the rest. Today we noticed how he was treading all over the new baby chicks. Johnny thought it would be a good idea to move him over to the older hens. This was a bad proposal as we were to find out later. The older hens ostracized the chick and ran at her and pecked at her with loud noises. I was nervous to leave her there but things eventually settled down and the hens went back to scratching in the ground and overlooked the chick. Throughout the day I checked on her and she was doing okay. The last time I went down in the afternoon I couldn’t find her and panicked instantly. I searched everywhere and still do not know where she had vanished too. There were no feathers anywhere and there was no trace of any fight. I can only presume a bird snatched her. It’s a real mystery and I’m saddened we lost another bird. It’s a lesson learnt though, not to put the chicks out prematurely even if they look bigger than the rest. There is no better teacher than experience. I just hope she’s not out there in the wintry weather somewhere because she will never survive the night. I did my best to look for her but sometimes things just don’t work out.

The ride-on lawnmower has gone on the blink yet again. I’m so close to going out to buy a brand new one that will start on the click of the key first time, every time. Johnny has stripped her again and checked everything yet still she doesn’t start. My grass although still reasonably short is still in need of a trim. I do hope Johnny can solve the puzzle of why she won’t start.

Tonight we set the bonfire in the paddock ablaze at last. We have been piling more and more green waste on top of the mound and it was time to send it into cinders. The children had great fun hitting the pine cones into the fire which causes the flames to soar to the sky. We had to retreat as the sky became full of embers and started raining down soft feathers of ash on our heads.

Today I got to thinking about this diary I’m writing and the reasons for it. In the pages of these stories my children will one day find memories which would have otherwise slipped away. I myself might forget and so I hope to seal them into my heart by recorded them as I have. Hopefully someday the children and I will reminisce about the fun times and family moments filled with success, failures, joys and heartaches. They will have a hard copy of our very full life as a country family learning and experiencing and riding the winding roads of farm life. As they grow so too will these pages be filled with new experiences and many more adventures.

As I think back now on how my life collided into this farm lifestyle I realize just how much I have been longing for this country lifestyle all my life. This is definitely what was missing and now it’s found. As I sat watching the mesmerizing flames of this afternoon fire, I am content and happy.

13th July 2009

"We live in a fast-paced society. Walking slows us down."
~Robert Sweetgall


Well so much for the mystery of the missing chicken. This morning while making the customary cup of coffee in the mist of many yawns, Jonathan heard Spot making a real ruckus outside. He went out to see what was causing the disturbance. The last thing on my mind at that time of the morning was definitely not the case of the missing chook. As Jonathan was approaching the kennels he saw Spot sitting in front of the closed gate and barking. Low and behold there was the baby chick eating along side the hens. Where had he come from? Who knows but I’m sure glad he survived the night outside. I quickly whisked him up and took him back indoors.

As I was cleaning up after dinner tonight I looked out the kitchen window and saw the bonfire we had started yesterday. It had burnt out during the early part of the evening last night, but now was ablaze again. It is really creepy how it just starts burning all on its own. I guess it was the embers underneath that never got wet from the dew and that was where the fuel came from. I watched from the window but it only burnt for about 10 minutes and then went out again.

Today was the last day of holidays for the children, so tomorrow it is back to routine, packed lunches and homework. All good things must come to an end sadly.

17th July 2009

The children have successfully started school again. I’ve been terribly ill these past few days and went to the doctor in the beginning of the week. I’ve been feeling awful. I am now taking anti-biotic’s so hopefully will be on the mend. Yesterday Michaela came down with the flu too, probably me passing it on. She was not well so I took her to the doctors too. She was complaining of a headache and I had the same now that I think of it. It must be this flu virus. The good thing is that neither of us have a fever so I know it’s definitely not Swine flu. Talking about the swine flu, I heard on the news early this morning that Australia has reported 9 swine flu related deaths. That is terrible news. It just reminds me how fragile life really is and how I long for the cold months to pass even more now.

This mornings’ temperature was 7 degrees and I felt all 7 of those for sure. I woke up this morning feeling much better and decided to get up a bit earlier. My routine is to put on the heater, fill up the hot water bottles and of course I need to dress like an Eskimo.

I looked out the kitchen window as I wait for the kettle to boil. The animals don’t seem to mind the cold at all. The hens are laying wonderfully still and the ducks seem to enjoy the lower temperatures of the pond water. The cows seem to hover around the bonfire area each morning before ambling past to the big paddock. Now that could be from the bit of warmth from the smoldering embers or it may have something to do with the banana leaves in the pile that the cows just seem to love eating.

I think I should make the children some hot oats for breakfast this morning. The day has started so let us begin.