Mud Monsters

Here is the result of a bit of rain at the farm.
The mud monsters include Jim's kids, Pete's kids and two of the neighbour's girls, Portia and Sophia Sloss.

Small People Everywhere

(pete blogging still (of course))

Melissa (wife of Jim) dropped her 4 munchkins out at the farm today. Mum & Dad are going to look after them for a couple of days while Jim & Mel complete some renovations. Jim & Mel are getting their house ready for sale, as they are moving to New Zealand in 3 weeks!

So, there are 3 adults and 7 kids (all under 10) here at the farm. Did someone say noise ? chaos ? Actually, they're not too bad so far. :) Alex and Patrick have been playing up a bit because they are showing off to their cousins.

We had some beautiful rain here today - only an inch or so, but it really wet things down nicely. We even went for a walk in the rain this afternoon with all the kids. Would have been lovely except the rain didn't stop those DAMN flies. (sorry - they are REALLY annoying)

A bad day for a glide

(pete blogging again)

We had a lovely hot brekky with bacon and eggs and non-alcoholic wine this morning. The occasion was Maverick's 6th birthday. (also Grandad Cook's birthday)

After a morning swim, Ed, Squirt and co hit the road. Mary & John left soon after.

At lunch time, we had a refreshing but all-too-brief shower / storm. It only lasted about 10 or 15 minutes, but it was interesting what came down in the shower.

Soon after the storm, we discovered that not one, but two gliders had come down with the storm. Apparently they were all set to land at the nearby gliding field, but the storm pulled all the heat or pressure, or something out of the air and brought them down short of the target - one landing in Lochlea and one landing in the paddock next door. We couldn't really help, so watched from the verandah as they retrieved their gliders from the muddy field.

We had a bit of a chat to the people and they seemed like nice friendly folk. Apparently landing short of the gliding field is not an unnusual occurrence. :)
No damage sustained to the gliders.

More pics

Post Christmas revelry

Pete blogging on behalf of slack parents. ;)

We (Pete, Alex, Patrick & Harry) arrived at the farm on Sunday afternoon. The farm was full of visitors. There was - Mum & Dad, Ed, Squirt, Maverick & Charlie, Bugsy & Sheree, Sheree's parents - Ron & Gaylene, Les, Deb & Blair, and Aunty Mary and her friend John. (19 people)

We all had some Christmas pudding, complete with silver coins cooked in and everyone had to perform an act or answer a question, depending on which coin they discovered in their pudding.

Bugs and Les got an old tarp and the sprinkler and set up a slip-and-slide on the lawn. The big boys were the most enthusiastic sliders and the kids loved it too. Grandad also set up the wading pool and the kids loved sliding into it from the slippery slide. Other watersports included a water fight using water pistols, hoses and old gloves for water balloons. After the water sports there was a traditional game of backyard cricket.

Squirt cooked chicken chow mein for everyone for dinner.

Christmas Letter 2009

Christmas 2009 is almost upon us! The year has been a busy one but also special in so many ways.

We were delighted to welcome our grandson, Riley Thomas, in July; fourth son of Pete and Alli. Our 15 + 3 grandkids bring so much joy to our lives. They seem to love coming to the farm, even the older ones who give the little old Suzuki a work out as they improve their driving skills. Favourite spot for the littlies is the ‘Cubby House’ in the Athol Pine tree over the chook yard. Fairies visit and leave lollies!

We had our first taste of semi-retirement this year. We have sold the farm, except for 200 acres around house, shed, silos etc. This runs down to Oakey Cr*eek, and we have Lagoon Creek out the front. The latter is dry at the moment. We have experienced the 2nd driest year since we bought in 1992. We purchased a small motor home, a pop-top mazda van, complete with bed/table/seats refrigerator, microwave, gas stove and plenty of cupboards and yes, the kitchen sink. We hit the road on 12th Sept and set out for Alice Springs for Tiani Cook’s wedding to Clint Wasley. After minor vehicle troubles the first day, we had a wonderful trouble free trip – not even a flat tyre. We toured around Alice with Margaret (Pat’s sister) and Dennis Kelly. From there we took the Tanami Desert Road to Bill (Pat’s brother) and Letty Cook’s property, Suplejack – referred to as the most remote cattle station in Australia – surrounded by Aboriginal reserves – one million acres – 730 odd klms north west of Alice. What an experience! Bore runs of 120 klms – and more, camels roaming amidst the beautiful cattle – incredible scenery, wonderful hospitality and a completely different lifestyle. It was hard to leave after 7/8 days to head North to Litchfield National Park and then on to Darwin before returning to Mt Isa, and across to Townsville to visit Brian’s sister, Mary. We then did a brief overnight ‘Kid Tour’ with Jo & Pete at Airlie; Bugs and Sheree at Mackay; Tash & Aaron at Glendon; Edwina & Squirt at Biloela; and Mary at Kingaroy; and a stop at Les and Deb’s in Dalby. (We caught up with the rest of the families, Jim and Mel, and Peter and Alli at Rileys Baptism in Brisbane 2 days later). We arrived home on Saturday 16th Oct having travelled 9,809 klms in five weeks. Sounds somewhat exhausting, but except for the mad dash around our beautiful children at the end, it was so relaxing. We just loved those spots where we pulled off the road around sunset and all alone in the world, enjoyed Australia! It has certainly given us the urge to go again - soon! Very Soon!

One of our delightful memories of the trip was catching up with Sara and Robbie Cook and their little boys. They are such a joy and inspiration. Robbie is still paralysed from the shoulders down, except for slight movement in the finger he uses to manoeuvre his wheel chair after someone lifts his hand up and straps it in place. Rob was chairman at his sister’s wedding and did a fabulous job. They just brought tears to the eyes of many when he took to the dance floor in his wheelchair, with Sara and boys on board. He has learned to voice operate a computer and does so much more-what a gutsy pair!

We still do a bit of farming - do not have cattle at this stage, but plan to run a few head again, even if it is only for the grandkids! No dogs or cats – but lots of native birds! In the eyes of one beautiful family, we have gone from being ‘the granddad and grandma with the dogs’ to being ‘the grandad and grandma who won’t let us watch “The Simpsons!!”’

Brian is not carrying so much weight these days – finally had his hernia op in Sept. He manages to keep busy with lots of jobs, building, mechanical, gardening etc. Pat still does Religion lessons at the local school; goes to Bible Study each fortnight with a lovely group of ladies; gardens; keeps her hand in at the computer doing the books etc.! We enjoy being available to help out our kids. At Father Michael Cooney’s suggestion, our local community began lay-led liturgy once a month and we are both involved. Fr celebrates mass once a month in Bowenville or Irvingdale alternatively.

A couple of big changes for 2010 – James, Mel and family are moving to NZ and Les, Deb and boys are off to Brisbane where Les hopes to finish his teaching. We will miss both families from our local area.

We had best sign off or our Christmas letters will not be away in time. God bless each of you special people in our lives.

Darwin

Hey Malovedwons,

Bugs' e-mail reminded me that I haven't let ya's know that I too was talking to the oldfolk...aka the wandering wilberries....aka Ma & Pa. They were still in Darwin but were going to be leaving that day they thought (i.e. yesterday). Said they wished they had all their grandkids with them yesterday (Sunday?!) cause they went to a 'Feed the Fish' session where they have steps down into the ocean. Mum said the kids (and adults) go into the ocean on the steps and the fish come up in all shapes, sizes and colours for a free feed...some of them are huge apparently (like 4ft long) and there are even little sharks and everything. Mum said it was just a sight to see and the kids would've loved it...they certainly did. They popped in to see some old family friends (from Emerald I think she said)....Helen & Gerrard?! McCormack who now live over in Darwin. Their daughter is one of Mum and Dad's God daughters and when they stopped in to visit them she came over to visit aswell. Apparently the man has had lung cancer and could do with prayers. Mum said he had an operation some time ago where they had to cut through something like 8 ribs through his back to operate to try to remove the cancer from his lungs (& he's never smoked a day in his life). He has been to one specialist who thought it was coming back but then saw another one somewhere else who said that he had the all-clear....so prayers are always good anyway! :-)

Anyhow lovelies, I best be off. Love you all heaps. Take Care.
Love Tash & Family

Trip update - Darwin

Just had a chat to the folks tonight. They arrived in Darwin yesterday (Saturday).
They got a chance to catch up with old friends from Emerald (the McCormacks ?).
Sounds like they had a pretty busy day today, including Mass in the cathedral this morning, a trip to the museum and art gallery, and a fish feeding that happens every day at high tide.

They are planning on heading out of town tomorrow and back to Katherine.

Campervan of Courage - update by Bugs & Sheree

Hi all,

just a quick e-mail to update on the oldies. I was talking to them last night and they had just arrived in the mighty metropolis of Darwin. No doubt some of you have spoken to them or will in the next few days.

They sound like they are having a ball still, have just left Litchfield National Park where they spent a lot of time swimming in the rock pools. Apparently its bloody hot Dad said he had to pull over under a shady tree and make mum a cuppa to wake her up on the way to Darwin because she missing all the sights along the way.

Loving the camper still but said its a pain to get it all set up and then pull it back down if they need to go for a drive somewhere, but as always dad has a solution (not that mum seems keen on it). Electric bikes - then they could just ride everywhere. Sounds like a good idea but couldn't you just see him and mum racing each other back to camp and one of them inevitably taking a fall. Anyways they should be in reception for a day or so if anyone wants to call them

Bye for now

Bugs & Sheree

A walk in the moonlight

Dad told me this story on the phone. Not sure where the folks were camping, but it was a bright moonlit night. So bright that Mum thought she would go for a walk in the moonlight. She was about to head out when she was pulled up sharp by the eerie hoooowl of a dingo just outside. That was the end of that walk.
The next morning, the folks found dingo footprints within about 5 metres of the van.

Alice Trip - Google maps

View Lochlea to Alice in a larger map

link >> http://maps.google.com.au/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=100438403308127802265.000473c47d4c4195f3c55&z=6

Alice Trip - Devils Marbles, Wycliffe Wells

My Dearly Beloved!!

Hey all, just a quick email to let you know the latest on the travelling hillbillies! Jo said I had to write an email an update you all. Spoke to mum at about 4pm this afternoon and they are having a great time. They have been in to Wauchope or Wycliffe Wells I think - one of them is where they have huge alien sculptures outside & heaps of interesting articles/photos on ufo sightings. They camped the night in the camp grounds near the Devils Marbles (the only official camp grounds) they've stayed at so far) and spent the evening chatting to a young couple with a 3 year old. The little one told Dad that he looked like her Poppy. They arrived on sunset and took some lovely photos then got up this morning & went for a 2 hour walk from about 6-8am (their neighbours were still in bed when they got back). Today they went on to Three Ways and I think it was there that they had a cuppa (cheaper than anywhere in Toowoomba) and spent an hour chatting to the lady there. They said they could have gone on to Alice tonight but decided they would camp about 150 - 200km out and head on tomorrow. They are booked in to a cabin for a few nights there and hope to jump on to the internet & check/send emails. Forgot to mention Mum said she got a lovely photo under the Northern Territory sign after just crossing the border, just like one of her daughters did a few years ago! Anyway I will love & leave ya, look forward to catching up with a few of you over the holidays.

Lots of Love
Edski

Alice Trip - Mt Isa, Cloncurry, Barkly Homestead

Talked to mum and Dad this morning when they rang for Jarred's Birthday for yesterday. They said they have absolutely zero reception for 2 days now. They Clocked up 600k's for yesterday. Fuel at Mount Isa was apparently a sweet $1.25/lt but has quickly risen to $1.77 as they move more into isolation. Mum said they had a good look around Cloncurry yesterday - found the little flat they used to rent when I was a bub - Still standing, hasn't changed at all except that Dad said it doesn't look like it's had anything done to it since the day they left - not even a lick of paint. When they rang this morning they said they were at the Barkly Homestead on the Barkly Highway I think it was. Wish I had my baby brother Pete's Talent for putting information together. I had to Google maps and locations to get this all right in my head but could not work out how to 'steal' and attach such info -so you will have to Google it for yourselves sorry.

Apparently Ed, Mum tried to send you a text but had no reception to do so. You are very privileged Ed, as I know how much she hates trying to text. Anyway she said to pass on a message for her: " Mum said she did it" Apparently you are not to let on to the rest of us what that is about until she gets back but she said the proof is in the photo.

Had to pass onto Ellen a "Happy Birthday" from them too as they are not sure when they will next have reception and of course do not have email. Apparently you even got a Birthday prayer this morning Ellen.

Sounds like they are still really enjoying themselves. Dad is resolved to the fuel consumption being as good as it's going to get.

They said to send their love to you all. Said they'd love a text (if reception is out when you call) or a call anytime.

Sorry, I am shocking at remembering I probably should jot stuff down as we talk. Hope you are all well.

Ciao.

Love Jo

Alice Trip - update from Josie

Hey there girls and boys,

Just got off the phone from Mum and Dad, and they asked if I could let you know how they are going. They wish they were on a better phone plan than they are with Telstra (but Telstra being what they are I don't think their mobile plans do get any better). Mum said she still gets her early morning free time so she will just have to get some of you out of bed some mornings when they have coverage. I think Telstra probably has the best overall coverage for them while travelling. (I just know how good my $49 vodaphone plan is and how much more I get on it than on our Telstra mobile - such a shame Telstra is so uncompetitive on these things.) She said please don't hesitate to call they love hearing from you all and being able to share their travels. I think they said they will have done about 1000k by the time they pull up tonight, then there is still 1000 till the border I think Mum said, and then about another 1000 to Alice. And then she thinks it is about another 800 to Bill and Lets from there.

They had a lovely camp their first night last night. Sorry, I did not catch where they stopped except that it was 'on the side of the road'. But they did stop in Mitchell for mass this morning, and there wasn't one, but they went to a service there instead. Mum talked of how the view from her bedroom last night looked out across a moon bathed landscape the archway of a tree trunk perfectly framing the picture. They enjoyed lots of wildlife, a mother Emu with 7 chicks I think it was, and another cluster of 11 emus all running along the side of the road, and later another mother Emu with a single baby chick.

They also saw lots of massive big wild black pigs - absolutely huge they said. (I remember praying like crazy for Mary or was it Edwina? or both? one night when they travelling out that way with one of our other sisters as they were in a little car and I was terrified they would hit one of them in the dark.) Anyway - Mum and Dad sound like they are truly enjoying themselves and the ease of their little camper set up.

Mum made me promise to tell Ellen (Shane Cooks beautiful partner) that "Jiggling Jesus" is still jiggling along nicely with them for the ride. Elle bought Jiggling Jesus - one of those springy little dash dolls for them for the camper for them when Bugs picked it up for them. When Mary and I borrowed the camper to head north one time - Jiggling Jesus went Flying out the window on the first few hundred metres of our travels - geez it's a bit of a bad omen when you're setting out on a trip and Jesus bails out of the car hey?! ...It was Mary driving...

Anyway Mum and Dad sound like they are enjoying themselves immensely. Dad is still trying to adjust things a bit to get the fuel thing going a bit more efficiently, but other than that they are stoked with their camper set up. Keep up the great prayer work guys - I know you will have all been on them for a great trip for them and they are certainly going beautifully so far.

Love to you all from Mum and Dad!

...and us Mulligrubs too.


Love Jo

Slack Mum & Dad - catchup

Well, Mum and Dad have been very slack with their blog.
You'd think they'd be a bit better now that they're "semi-retired".

Dad did finally go ahead with his hernia operation, which is very commendable for someone who has probably only been to a doctor a couple of times in his life. I think a bit of nagging from Mum and the kids might have helped him to make his decision.
He is on the road to recovery, although there is still a bit of swelling and tenderness at the operation site.

About a week after the operation, the folks went for a trip up North for Reg Buckley's funeral.
I was surprised Dad was up to the driving.

They are just about to take off on a big trip in their campervan. They are driving over to Alice Springs via Mt Isa.

Planting Petunias with the Brissie Bryant boys

The Brissie Bryants came out for a quick visit to show off little Riley (6 weeks old).
These pics are near the sign at the start of the driveway. (planting petunias)

It's Massive !

Well I gave the lady surgeon the thrill of her life on Wednesday when I finally got into see her. She asked how long I'd had the hernia and I said about 10 years so she then wanted to know why I was wanting to get it fixed now. I said I was sick of being nagged by my wife and kids - so then it was onto the bed for the viewing- she took one look before grabbing her surgical gloves and then exclaimed - "It's Huge" before heading back to her desk and telling me I could get dressed.
She then explained that she couldn't do the operation in Dalby and that she now understood why my wife and kids were nagging me. She then proceeded to do a very exaggerated drawing on her notes showing the hernia in relation to the scrotum.
Evidently she then wrote the word massive hernia on the notes as her secretary who rang the next day to tell us how much it would cost in St Andrews in Toowoomba seemed to be quite tickled by what the doctor had written.
So I am booked in for the 11th July in Toowoomba.

I hope this will get you all off my back - must remember to get my will up to date and cut all of you out of it.

Love Dad.

Queen Mary Falls

Last Saturday morning on the Gardening show on ABC radio, Brian (in the shed) and Pat (in the house) heard 'Penny', the gardening expert, exclaiming the magnificience of Queen Mary Falls after the recent rains. Pat has wanted to go there ever since our good friends of Innisfail days, Barbara and John Romano called in and while showing their photos, showed one of Queen Mary Falls. She who always say, 'Darling, do you think we could go to...." said, "Brian Darling, I am going to Queen Mary Falls on Monday, do you want to come?" Of course, he who could never refuse her anything, said, sure Pat, we can go to Queen Mary Falls. We went and are just so pleased that we did so. We headed off around 9/9.30 and called in to see Marjorie Carter (nee Gricks old friend from School days at St Joseph's in Clermont.) Marjorie had given us a couple of kilos of rosellas and Pat made up jam and dropped a couple of bottles into Marj and Jim. After a cuppa, it was probably close to 11.30 by the time we made tracks for Warwick, Yangan, Kilarney and finally Queen Mary Falls. As the day was a little misty, we opted to walk before lunch, just in case it rained. From the picnic area, we began the circuit walk to the Falls - heading in a clockwise direction. This was recommended on the brochure we read and it is a great idea, because there are lots of steps on the way down but more flat ground on the way up going that way. It is a beautiful walk with lots of mini waterfalls, hundreds of ferns, mossy rocks and a great variety of birds. The walk is reported to be an easy walk and it probably was, but Pat found it a bit hard on the knees. The falls were truly magnificient as the waters thundered over the cliff face and sprayed a film of spray over all below. Brian tells me that this is where the Condamine River begins. The walk back up the top was quite pleasant and very picturesque. We had lunch around 2.30 before heading off. A brief stop at lookout to Dags falls just down the road. These were pretty spectacular also. We called on Tim and Marl Mahony. Tim's Dad and Mum, Tom and Eileen Mahony were original settlers in the Kilcummin area with Grandad Cook. Marl was on nightshift and asleep, but we had a lovely yarn with Tim and shared family news and lots of memories.Home around 6.30pm. We recommend the trip to any of you who might have the opportunity to make it - especially after good rains.

Rain, Glorious Rain!

In the past couple of days, we have had 85ml (340 pts) of truly soaking beautiful rain - a real blessing. Our crop should respond nicely. So far we have not had any frost, so we have been very fortunate. I guess we will be look for a frost before long to ripen/dry the grain for harvest, but if it can hold off a little , all the better.

Adele and Bernie arrived here last Friday and so we have been very slack work-wise but we have been running around a bit. We went to the Jondaryan Woolshed for Brunch on Sunday morning where we met Marjorie and Jim Carter. Carters live at Highfields and Marj and Adele were in the same class at Clermont. We stayed on until about 2 pm when we decided to go across to Kaimkillenbun where Jim and Marj's son and grandson were competing in crosscountry motocross. Cody Cook had been there also but had tyre trouble so had gone home.

Monday was a quiet day and then on Tuesday Mum had Childrens R.E. then Bible Group before we went into Toowoomba to get a couple of Tyres for Adele and Bernie's car. We shopped, called on Jim and Mel and family before going out to Carters where we ended up staying for tea.

Tuesday Mum and I went into Toowoomba for a retreat day for the people who do R.E. at the schools.

Adele and Bernie are heading for Brisbane today - they will be staying with Aunty Jean and Uncle Bob Bull who live in a retirement village at Sunnybank.

Bringing back the ute

Dad is off to an auction sale with Uncle Steve. Hope they have a good morning. Dad has been working on Bug's ute most of the week - when we are home. He bought a 4 speed gear box (off the internet) to put in it as he is taking it up to Squirt. Bugs is loaning it to him for as long as he wants it but wants it back when he is finished with it.

Flying is for the birds

Dad's just been out "Walking the Bird!" 'Jo' or 'JoJo' - depends on who you talk to - is doing so well, even had a couple of attempts at flying today. Mind you it was not very successful but a week will probably make a difference!

Three Birds

Life is never dull here! Mary arrives home, brings the grandkid (Arnie), but that's not all, she brings along a stray as well...... Just happened to pick up an injured galah on the road.

We love having them ALL! M & D

Purchase of Motorhome

Dad has almost driven Mum mad since the sale of the irrigation block as he has lived on the Web looking for a motorhome. He came up with several options – one in Tasmania (but the phone wouldn’t work) and one in Mareeba in far north Queensland. Eventually he found another one on Ebay in Brisbane. In the meantime Bugs found one in the Pocket Trader in Mackay. On Sunday Dad drove to Brisbane to have a look at the Ebay vehicle - it looked OK - in fact it looked too good for a vehicle 19 years old, and I am sure that the bids on Ebay were theirs and the Reserve price was too high. So we decided to go with the vehicle in Mackay so Bugs has been negotiating on our behalf and we have agreed on a price of $11,800.00 the lady has a roadworthy but is yet to get the Gas certificate. We are hoping to go North and pick it up – we are hoping that Mary and Jo are going to take it for a spin for a few days before we bring it home.

The vehicle is a 1993 Mazda with about 140000 km on the clock. The upholstery probably needs some work. It has Gas stove, Microwave, Electric Fridge12v/240 (but can be connected to Gas), plenty of cupboard space, sink etc.

No More Irrigating:

Well it’s finally happened – on Friday the 30th January 2009 (Mothers Birthday) the settlement for the sale of the Irrigation Block finally happened. By 3.30 p.m. we had the cheque in our hot little hands and raced across to Suncorp Bank and deposited the bulk of the cheque into a Term Deposit for 90 days. It was imperative to get the money in that day as we knew that interest rates would be down on Monday, which they were. After that we called around to see Les and Deb before buying Fish and Chips as a celebratory tea and heading home to a visit from Pete and the boys who were out for the weekend.