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.
Thursday, 31 December 2009
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.
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
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)
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)
Monday, 28 December 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, 27 December 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, 24 December 2009
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.
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.
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