Its been and gone!

Well that's Christmas over for another year. Its too hot outside to work so I am getting this blog up to date and writing some letters.
Just before Christmas, Becky had a new hot water service fitted. Trying to do the right thing they chose a solar system but unfortunately the original system started to leak so they had to survive without a hot water system for a couple of weeks. At least it meant that Alex came to see his Grands for a while, which was great but tiring. To fit this new system a section of the laundry wall had to be removed and so Mr Fixit was called in to re-panel and fit new sink and washer taps. When the sink unit and original water tank were removed it was found that the floor tiles had only been laid up to them not under so it was decided to remove the old ones and re-tile. Graham did a good job of removing them and grinding back the subsurface. He had to buy a new tool from Bunnings though, I like his style! New floor tiles were laid just before Christmas and my knees were stiff for a couple of days but it was worth the effort. All that's left now is for Graham to tidy up the ceiling and other walls so that Becky can paint them.
This can be checked out on Becky's blog page:-
http://capturedbyrebl.blogspot.com/

Christmas really started the week before the day, if you follow. Becky, Graham and Alex came over to set up and decorate the tree. This year of course Alex was more aware of what was happening and had to help decorate the tree.






Looks like he made a good job of it.

This year Becky had a great idea. All the presents were wrapped in paper made from Alex's drawings that he had done throughout the year and they each had tags on them with photos of the person they were meant for so that Alex knew who he had to hand them to.



He really enjoyed this but was too keen and quick as everyone had a pile of presents without having time to open then before the next one arrived.

After a very nice lunch, complete with the usual goodies ......




...... and a quick nap, we all went to have dinner with friends Bonnie, Jumbo and family.


A very good Christmas.

And the best present ever.



This was on Boxing Day which was warmer, Christmas Day being the coldest I can remember for many years, but still a little bit warmer than where Elin and Jim spent Christmas at -11C

The Deck.

Well I may as well keep going while on a roll.

For some time Becky has wanted a covered entertaining area at the rear of the house. Originally there was an old roof over a concrete area which was falling down. Graham and myself pulled it down with a view to my building a covered deck area. Work got a bit heavy for a while and so they decided to get a company in to replace the roof, which turned out cheaper than we could buy the timber for!

The first photos are courtesy of Becky.



This is where I begin.


Getting the floor joists down.


Starting to sort out the decking, with some help from my little mate.


Just about finished, Becky will be doing the staining.


Becky talking to Anthony from next door. He is also in the middle of renovations.
Eventually the window behind Becky will be removed and replaced with a door to give direct access to the deck from the dinning room.



Not bad if I do say so myself. Next thing to do is move a pile of soil and finish off the BBQ area.

Catch up time.

Its been a while again but no excuses this time. Well maybe one or two. We have been having some wonderful rain over the last few weeks and the garden is lush and green. Only problem is that it gets a bit tiring having to mow half acre, twice a week, and then get rid of all the clippings. There is only so much that can be used as mulch so it means trips to the tip. I have a streamline system now, I bought two used 'bulka bags' or 'big bags', which I have in the trailer and fill them as I go. At the tip I can just roll them over to empty, no heavy lifting. The reason for the problem with
grass cuttings is that we have bought a new mower. The old one, a Husqvarna, was a mulcher and this has been the reason for the spread of broad leaf weeds and bindi's. The new mover, a good old Victa has a catcher and with the rain and no cuttings thrown back on to it, the lawn is looking terrific. Alex loved the box the new mower came in. I had to cut doors and windows into it, even a letterbox so that he could post letters to himself.

Last month was 'Sculptures by the Sea' and we were more successful this year, or better organised. We left early and after battling the city commuter traffic found a nice shady parking spot at Bondi. We took Alex's stroller but he insisted in walking the whole way.



Nana and Alex starting at the Bondi end of the walk.


You can buy this one for $6000


or this one for $9900


But this one is not for sale. This is actually where someone is living on the cliff face. They must have truly million dollar views.





The prices on the items above were ridiculous.


But this one is priceless. Alex exploring while being chased by Nana.






This was my own favourite, titled, Car cutter. Very clever use of old metal items.

That's 'Sculpture by the Sea' for another year. Another nice day by the sea.