Gilly suit 21 & 22nd May 2011

Well, I'm back for the 2nd week in a row.  Drove up with F & A, while J trucked up in the Ute - with the wheelbarrow, and wardrobe from Joels.  We passed him  about an hour onto the Calder.  I was surprised - thought we would have passed him much earlier - but we were stuck at the train crossing on Burke Road for a while.

Anyway, arrived at the house around midday - which was relatively early for us. 

Unpacked, and then the kids decided that they wanted to dress up in F's Gilly suit (which he'd got for his birthday)  - so we went down to the IGA to shop for supplies

We certainly got lots of strange looks - the kids thought it was great

E in Gilly suit, with F poking his head out from behind her

Came back to the house and had some lunch on the verandah.  Rather than our boring sandwiches, the kids had elected to have hotdogs - so we cooked up the frankfurts on the BBQ - and had them in rolls with grated cheese, lettuce, tomato and various sauces.  Not bad at all

delicious hotdogs

After lunch the kids dressed up again in the suit and stood on Verdon Street - waving to the cars passing by - lots of honks happening

We also had a visit from Peter B - a new structural engineer we have asked to come and have a look at the cracks in the house - as we need to fix the roof - but don't want to do so until we know whether we need to do any underpinning or not...

He got us a bit excited when he called us outside and showed us a trapdoor to the famed tunnel leading from the house to the Tivey's store.  However the trpadoor turned out to be just another piece of tin.  We've found lots in the garden and have assumed that they were used as some type of weed retardant for the flower beds etc.  So, unfortunately not a trapdoor.  No matter, we 'll get the kids to keep looking.

He also thought that the roof could be fixed without waiting on the underpinning - so that was great news. Now we just have to see when the roofers can fit us in

Meanwhile, I pottered about, sweeping up all of the dirt (not just dust) in the downstairs rooms - took ages.  This all must have been stirred up by Ken when he was replacing the sash cords in the windows.  Also cleaned out the 2 fireplaces, and shook out the rug with F - as we don't have a vaccuum.cleaner.  Lastly, watered the irises that I'd planted the week before, plus the strawberry plants that Francine had given me, and the rose that I'd moved - as they were all looking a little dry.  Got the kids to help also - as it is a time consuming process - going to the tap with the most pressure, filling a bucket, walking around to the front, watering, repeating repeating repeating etc

J put a final coat on the front door - so it looks great now.  And he also put the King George knocker back on

A arrived after 5pm, (had things to do back in Melbourne) - and we all sat on the veranda and had our customary  Saturday afternoon nibbles and drink.  B came and joined us also

Then onto the Empire for dinner, yes I'd been there last week, but the others hadn't.  It was looking a bit crowded as we approached  - lots of cars - but it wasn't too bad when we got inside.

We 4 adults had a table, and the 3 kids had their own table next to us - worked well.  We tried a different local wine this time _ 6 Sovereigns Merlot Cabernet Franc - and it was very good.  There was an email address on the label if we wanted further information - so I emailed the maker a few days later to enquire about buying a dozen - but the email address was defunct. I also couldn't find any information about the vineyard on the web - maybe they've gone under.  Would be a shame - as it's good wine

Well, had a good dinner as always, and back to our place for a fire in the dining room, and a dvd for the kids.  J took out his guitar and serenaded us also

J entertaining us without his guitar 

J entertaining us without his guitar - portrait

Unfortunately, F and I had to leave early the next day - as he had a footy game at 12.30.  - so we had to leave by 10 -10.30. 

Had a big fry up breakfast 1st - bascon, eggs hash browns - because I knew we would have a late lunch due to the footy.

J cooking up the breakfast

I also took home 2 of the wooden venetian blinds from our bedroom.  I quite like them, but they don't work properly.  I plan to ask one of our neighbors in Glen Iris how to fix them/if they're worth fixing - as he made his own venetians - and therfore must be vey handy...

So, I didn't feel as though I achieved much this time, just housework type miantenance - but I enjoyed myself nonetheless.

Solo :- 14 & 15 May 2011

It's been a few weeks since we went up to Nimmitabel due to Melbourne committments.  Anyway I ended going up there by myself as Fraser had a party to go to on Saturday afternoon, and then footy on Sunday, and Justin elected to take him to both.

Got there after 3pm - and unpacked the yet again full car :- 2 x hall chairs, firescreen, fire irons, another blanket from Mum, letterbox, large camp chair that I'd mended, othe rcamp chairs that we'd needed in Melbourne etc. Then I had a very late lunch - sandwich that I'd made a home - and did the rounds while eating it...

hall chairs with light through colourd glass

I'd seen that Ken had been there, as the wooden venetian blinds were down in the front rooms, and boards were up in the dining room and the our upstairs bedroom to be.  Good - things are getting done.

I'd also seen that Gordon had been busy in the garden, more pruning, cutting up of logs, and putting them in our designated wood shed, and of course cutting the grass.  It's looking very civilised (and bare) in the garden now



cleared up

 

similar spot - labour day weekend



peppercorn tree that Karen and girls had sat under a
few weeks ago (much bushier then)

  

peppercorn tree in background



Did the customary trip up to the IGA, and bought a few supplies and some wire to affix the letterbox to the fence, and a gardening fork.

Given that my mobile phone doesn't work here, I'd borrowed Madeleine's and let it charge as it was flat.  Unfortunately I couldn't work out how to turn it on - tried the large central button and the green button - nothing.  So I drove up to the lookout point - where my phone had a signal before.  Called up home and found out that I had to press the red button (which I had thought was an off button).  Anyway, I now had convenient mobile phone coverage.

By this stage it was close to 4.30 or so, and too late to don overalls and get dirty, so I went up to the verandah, read the paper and had a glass of wine and some nibbles - why not take it easy?  Called up Becky, but Elise had just had a friend dropped off, so they were busy - and I didn't see them.

Stayed up there until it was getting too dark to read, was also getting cold, but I had a coat on.  Came back downstairs and read a bit more in my bedroom.

I had also prepared a fire in the bedroom fireplace earlier, as this was going to be a treat for me.

Went up to the Empire around 6.30 - had a glass of red and a chicken schnitzel dinner - very nice as usual.  took my Age samarai sudoku for company.  Braydon from next door came there with some girlfreinds and said hello

I left around 8.30 or so, and yes it was quite cold outside.  Glad I had my new coat.  Came home, lit the fire (just one match, Justin would be so proud) and watched a couple of episodes of Laid followed by Million Dollar Baby that I'd taped off TV a while ago.  I didn't realise it was such a long movie

Anyway, the fire was lovely and cosy, and of course I used the new screen and fireirons

roaring fire

ebay fireirons, Camberwell Market fire screen
and Youngs statue on mantle

 Given that Million Dollar baby was so long, I went out to get some more wood, but I must have chosen some green wood, because it hissed and dampened the flames when I put those logs on.  No matter it just smouldered, I was warm enough.

Finished up around midnight, made sure that the logs/embers were ok and turned off the lights.  Was startled awake again some hours? later by a blazing fire - the light had woken me up.  I guess the logs had dried out and were now fully alight - good thing I had the screen there (not that any logs rolled out, but it's just good practice)

Woke up after 7, and just lay there listening to the chimes.  For once didn't get up to buy the paper, read in bed for a while.  Then up for breakfast, George Foreman cheese sandwich and some coffee.  I had wanted a hot breakfast, not cereal this time, although it wasn't all that cold. 

Got going around 9 or so, donned the new Camberwell market overalls and thought I'd attach the letterbox to the front fence.  Did so with the wire that I bought from IGA.  I'm sure that Justin will say it's not a good enough job, but I think it looks pretty good.  I also trimmed aorund there a bit, so that you could see both it and the house number which had long been hidden behind leaves etc

ebay letterbox and original hosue number

Then I started out the front - taking the weeds out and getting rid of the couch grass.  Tiring work, in fact I'm still stiff today (Monday) after it.  Had lots of visitors - Kevin from the Historical society came and said hello, Gordon dropped in for a chat, followed a little while later by Ken.  Jamie waved hello from his car, as did Grant. Met a couple of new people, Barbara from the house on the corner and her friend Val.  We chatted a while and discussed that the shrub up the road was sticking rather far out onto the footpath. Val said she was going to cut it back with her secateurs one of these days as she'd scratched her face on it the other day.  I said I might beat her to it, if I finished everything here that I wanted to get done.

Took a lunch break around one - just sat on the front step and ate my sandwich - was good to have a rest.  Back to it soon afterwards - planted the irises I had dug up a few weeks ago, and also watered them in -as well as everything else I'd planted the last time.  Was quite time consuming as I had to walk to a tap in the back garden (the one that I've found to have the best pressure) - with the bucket, wait for it to fill, water a few plants and then repeat - had to make many, many trips.




planted irises on the left side

 David walked by while I was doing the irises and offered me some organic fertiliser which I will take him up on, once we figure out what to do with the garden  (although maybe I should take some for this bed before we put down the mulch)  Anyway, I said I would drop in on him later to buy some eggs, but he very kindly said that he would bring them to me - which he duly did.  Service with a smile!  Met another  neigbour who was turning onto Storm lane - Tim, and he told me there was a painting of the house in an art gallery in Guilford (near Castlemaine) and that he would get me the details - if we like it we might buy it!

I think the last visitor was Noreen, who had been at the auction,and had thought that "Justin" was "Julian". She had known Elsie Parry, (the previous owner) and her mother had known the house when she was young and it was beautfully well kept.  She had said we would have had a fight on our hands 20 years ago, as she would have liked to buy it then (when she retired).  On reflection there is no way we would have bought it 20 years ago - just wouldn't have had the money).  She also said that Mr Nevins snr had once told her about 30 years ago that if the house ever came up for sale that he had 23 interested parties... I wonder what happened to them all?  Justin had said that there were only about 4 bidders at the auction, and only one other at the end.  I invited Noreen back for a cup of tea when we have proper electricty on - and boiling up a kettle isn't such an ordeal.  Finally finished watering , and decided to prune back those whippy, scratchy branches on that shrub

Justin from the Labour day weekend, offending
shrub in the background beyond Storm Lane 

Got my secateurs and marched down there, and started cutting away - as it was extending over a metre onto the footpath.  A couple of blokes walked by and I assumed wondered what I was doing, so I beat them to it, and just said that I was doing some civic pruning, perhaps they thought I was mad.  I had brought a large cardboard box up with me - but I soon filled that, and went back home to get the large bin.  Was walking back with it and Val walked past, she said someone must have read her mind about pruning it - I said it was me - and she seemed quite pleased. 

Anyway that was pretty much enough for me - emptied the bin out onto Gordon's trailer (I'd already dumped another bin load of couch grass there).  Packed up, turned the fridge and the gas off on the bbq and left just before 5pm.  Was a bit scary driving on the highway in the dark, as I was concerned about kangaroos, and also couldn't put the high beam on - because of oncoming cars, had to concentrate very hard...luckily I wasn't falling alseep tired though, more bone weary tired after a full day's gardening.

Anyway, came home to a lovely roast chicken dinner, so I should do this more oftern...

Irises and trifles

Weekend of 30 April.  Mad had yet another party and stayed home in Melbourne with a friend.
However 4 of us sttill went up to Nimmitabel as I went and picked Alex up to join us - as he wanted to finish up his painting job in the hallway.

We left home just after 9am, and got to Inglewood  really early for us - just after 11am.

J and A commenced in the hallway, I unpacked the books (yes we'd brought them up this time), and Fraser grudgingly picked some more olives.  - and then disappeared to watch some dvds

Given that we hadn't brought the ute up this time, we still didn't have a wheel barrow, so I went and borrowed one from Francine next door (as well as a rake)

I then started on the garden outside the fence - beyond where we'd spread the mulch.  F actually helped  a little there too.  I was mattocking to get rid of the weeds and he was picking them up and discarding them

This was relatively tiring work... I also dug up the irises that you can see behind me, separated, and re-planted them.

Gordon dropped in to say hello, and also to tell us that Don (who has the keys to the Town Hall) would let us up anytime to take a comparable photo (to the old one that we were given)

In fact, Don dropped by soon afterwards to say hello, and took us up...
First inside the town hall, then up the stairs - where there was a gallery of previous town mayors - including Joseph Tivey who commissioned our house

Then across an open terrace and up a ladder to an interim roof

and up a second ladder to the "viewing platform" (above the clock) which had great views of not only our house, but Inglewood

We also went up those steep stairs behind Justin - through a trap door, and up into the  roof  bit

J even went up a little further ( to the base of the flag) - that was high enough for me

 Anyway, while we were up there with Don, a couple were down at our house chatting with Alex. They had seen our olive tree in flower a while back, and were wondering what sort of olives they were.  Told us it was a wild olive, and that the olives would be no good - not enough meat.  Well, that didn't dissuade me, I still wanted to pickle them - so we'll see how they turn out.  Nigel and Jenny pick olives and produce olive oil, and had also made a straw rendered house - I'd be interested to see it.  They stayed and chatted for a while, and then it was back to work...

G&T time with nibbles followed on the veranda.  Had invited Francine and Grant, but they couldn't make it.
We did see them in the pub a little later though.  It was the Royal's  turn.  We arrived after 6 and wanted a table for 5,  - J,F, A & B - however the larger empty tables were all reserved.  Francine saw us looking around and kindly invited us to sit with them which was nice.  After dinner, back to our place and J got out his guitar again in the dining room.  I was quite tired - so had an early night

The next morning Fraser said that Grant had dropped in (before we had breakfast) but it wasn't Grant at all - but rather Frank from Adelaide who came up prospecting this way every April.  He'd seen the gate open and couldn't resist coming up to see if he could have a look inside.  So, I showed him around and he also told us about prospecting and gave F some good tips about metal detectors etc.

 After this F and I made both jelly and custard for our proposed trifles to take to Nin and Clare's for dinner.

Also got J to hang up the hammock that I'd bought a while ago.  He put it up between the 2 mulberry trees - and it proved very popular

Then, back out the front, shoveling and spreading mulch.  Finished up just before lunch, and just about finished the mulch too.

Sandwiches for lunch, and then more gardening, this time planting some strawberry plants and a couple of peach trees that Francine had given me.  Watering all of these new plantings also took a while, as I had to troop back and forth from the one of the water tank taps - with just a small bucket.

I also picked some more olives, and assembled the trifles (which turned out quite well)

And the boys painted...Alex has started calling the hallway, the foyer, J still prefers hallway, but also called it the entrance hall.  There was a bit of discussion as to whether the woodwork in the hallway should be white or stripped back to the wood, after much too-ing and fro-ing we decided on the white option (easier)

Started packing up to leave around 3.15 (as we wanted to leave by 4, to get to  Nin's by 6)  But it always takes longer than you think...and we got to Nin's a little late (but still before Frank)