A big blow.

Yesterday we went to pick up Alex as we were baby sitting while his parents went to the computer market. Beckys hard drive was on the way out and they had to get a new one. As we got closer to home the wind speed increased and as far as the eye could see there was a combination of smoke and dust filling the sky. The bush fire season has started early this year. By the time we got home the wind was gusting to 102kph. Lots of trees down, no electricity and debris everywhere. We suffered no damage other than fruit being blown from the trees and lots of small branches to clean up.





This is actually the front garden of next door. It doesnt look like a very big branch but it was. The Ute is now full and ready for its first outing to the tip.


Of course with the power off we had no air conditioning and it was 32 deg. Eventually it came back on after a couple of hours but as I write this there are still thousands of homes without electricity. All the traffic lights in the area are out and the police are directing traffic. Its probably the hardest they have had to work for some time!


When the wind dropped a bit, my helper and I took the wheelbarrow and collected up all the fallen grapefruits.



But look Grampy, this orange tastes better than the grapefruit.



Thanks for the help Mate!

New Ute

A few weeks ago I traded Jims old Nissan Bluebird TRX in on this 1998 Mazda ute. Every man needs a ute! (Aussie speak for pickup truck)
Its in very good condition and has all the essentials, power steering, air conditioning etc. and the usual roo, or bull, bar.




Last week I was given an old arc welder by my good friend Jumbo. As every body knows, if you've got a shed you have to have a welder. Dont let its looks put you off, it works a treat.




So after lots of rumaging in the shed, out came odd bits of steel and the welder. A few hours later and Voila! a towing bar. Nice bit of black paint, four bolts, some wiring and a great saving of dollars. You just have to have a welder to get all these essential things done!!

More photos for Mia.

I risked life and limb to climb to the top of this two story house frame, before the roof frames went up, to get some more photos of the back garden from a different angle.






Not like Sweden with our fenced off gardens.



Our favorite spot for morning coffee, near the back verandah and among the roses and orchids.

Photos of the garden.

The Pergola at the farthest corner of the garden from the house.



Bougainvillea being trained over the Pergola.



From the Pergola looking towards the house, early morning shadows.

Message for Mia and some photos.

In the week that the rain gauge photo was taken, we had a total of 154mm of rain.
The Avocado trees have no fruit and it will be some years before they have any as they are grown from seed. To get fruiting trees they need to have been grafted onto base stock.

The front of the house.



The front verandah.




The back verandah.

Elin and Sara's avocado plantings.

The seeds planted by Elin and Sara are now taller than the fence.
Their bright green foliage contrasts nicely with the Wisteria

Trees do come back.

This is the tree that was cut down at the back.







It has now produced shoots and is covered in Wisteria.

Looks like more rain on the way.

It Rained

The day before it overflowed.
This isnt too bad for 12 hours!!
Just wish it could keep on for a few weeks, with sun in between though!!

Testing 123

Here's a photo to get things started

Swedish Jims Birthday

Celebrating Uncle Jims Birthday. Happy Birthday from us all. We enjoyed your cake.