All go at Dolphin Boulevard

It is always 'all go' here in our house on Dolphin Boulevard, and regardless of making promises to myself to regularly write blogs, time and other activities always seem to get in the way.

Today is definitely a day for writing a blog, due to it raining outside and I am putting off filling in forms to see if we qualify for any benefits here, namely a health care card for me, and perhaps a bit of a top up of pension.   The process for applying for any benefits here is so difficult, and cumbersome and requires a high degree of intellectual mastery of form filling.    And if you fall outside of the normal criteria, then it is extra complex, and no one is ready to answer questions or give any assistance.   Not for free anyway. And if anyone suggests popping along to Centrelink, forget it.    

The rain is falling steadily outside,   One would think, in the driest city, in the driest state, in the driest country in the world, that rain is always desperately needed.   But not so, and I think that we have had our fill of rain here, for a while.  So anyone that lives in the northern hemisphere and is currently feeling envious of us living in a state of continuous sunshine, I can assure you it is not true.   We are not a city with perpetual sunshine.    Mind you, when it does shine, it is wonderful.    But we get our bad weather also, and this is especially so in winter and in spring.    At the moment we are getting a few days of glorious sunshine followed by days of cloudy, windy or rainy weather.   Last week we had a storm of massive proportions, so much so I thought the new verandah would be blown away.   And it took me most of the day to clean out the swimming pool as it was full of dust, leaves and twigs, which had got underneath the pool cover.    

And before I go any further, I must write about our little bit of excitement yesterday.    The door knob on our bedroom door would not open the door, it just kept sliding around.    At 5.50 a.m. the dog, Walter and I were trapped in our suite, namely bedroom, walk in robe and bathroom.   Luckily we had a bathroom.    And there was no climbing out of the windows, because they have security fly screens on them, and are not removable.    Walter tried to open the door with a screwdriver, kept for emergencies in his drawer, but without success.    After a few moments of panic, I rang Steve, who was conveniently sleeping in a bedroom not far away, and he got up and opened the door from the outside.    Thank goodness Emma and Steve were living with us.    'Pensioners rescued from bedroom' is a headline that comes to mind.    Walter went out and bought new door knobs and mechanism, as I would not accept his assurances that he could fix the old door knobs.    The old knobs also had a lock that was part of the mechanism.   Very strange.

But life is not all about door knob dramas, or rain or filling in complicated forms.    It is mostly about having lots of fun, and activity filled days.

We celebrated Jay's birthday, and to be here for the first time on her birthday, was very special.  Hamburgers, with all the trimmings, cooked by Darren, followed by the most enormous pavlova, covered in sweets and fruit., which Billie-Joe brought with her.

It was a beautiful sunny day, and Jackson, Isabel and Jay started the party off, with a game of pool volleyball.

The birthday girl, looking very happy, with Darren, Billie-Joe and Jespa.

We have had another two dogs visit us, a gorgeous pair, who Piper fell in love with, and then tried to dominate.

Piper was also very jealous as both dogs wanted to sit or lie close to me, and Piper also tried to do the same thing.     And I was not feeling ill when the photograph was taken, rather it was a case of trying to have a little snooze on a cold day, with three dogs sitting on top of me.    Very cosy.

One of Piper's favourite resting positions, lying stretched out but ready to bounce up should someone want to play with her.   Hope this pose is not detrimental to her hips. 

Finally, Piper has completed her Bronze level training and she has a certificate to prove it too.   It also means that we get a reduction in our dog registration fees next year.    Happy days.

Our U3A walk last Thursday was held in the atrocious wet and windy weather.   Just about everyone turned up for the proposed walk along the beach, which ended up as a walk along the edge of Aldinga Scrub Reserve, where there was a little less wind.   However we are a tough lot. 

A view of part of the wetlands, which is part of the conservation programme.    Large areas have been set aside for the programme, namely how to manage storm water, rather than let it flow straight out into the sea, which then causes pollution and destroys the sea grasses.    The wetlands have attracted many species of water birds, as well as being attractive areas to walk around.

Aldinga Beach after the storm, when the storm left a large area covered in stones and looking like a beach in England.

We visited Glenelg with Donna, Patrick and Lucy, in order to look at the world Surf Life Saving competitions.     This is a very exciting event for Adelaide.    Sadly the weather has not been pleasant, what with rain, wind and cloud cover plus low temperatures. 

On the beach there is now an area set aside for hiring sun loungers, together with a bar and I presume a restaurant. 

Lucy took the photograph below the previous Sunday, on a lovely hot day, and before the storm the following Wednesday.    Very Mediterranean.

The view of the same area last Sunday, after the storm.   There was a deep ditch in front of the building in order to prevent the waves washing everything away.    We think one of the stands for the Surf Life Saving Carnival was washed away, but not really sure.   The competition was being held in the background.

The competitions in progress.

Some of the swimmers.

Moseley Square, Glenelg, all ready for Christmas.

And a couple of photos of new additions to the house.    Darren used left over timber to build a long garden bed in which I am growing herbs plus a few vegetables, namely peppers, courgettes, tomatoes, silverbeet and a couple of strange looking rhubarb plants.   Unfortunately some of the plants are struggling due to Piper digging up the soil in search of the horse poo which lies at the bottom of the beds.

The new verandah and pool fence, so  much room now to walk around the house and on a couple of hot days we could feel the benefit of the wide verandah.

I managed my second bike ride with a very patient group.   It was a gradual climb all the way from Aldinga to Willunga, a climb that is barely noticeable in a car.    But I should have realised it would be tough, the view from Aldinga is of a town half way up the hills behind us.    Our 'Mr Condescending' or 'Mr Know it all' kept away from me, and generally just circled around, and did a few extra kilometres.   But he was full of information about bike paths around Adelaide, and very pleasant about it, so I decided that he was okay after all. 

And now that I am finished this blog, there is no excuse but return to the paper work.   Ever onwards.

A challenging week

I have definitely been challenged this week, on three occasions.     There was a difficult bike ride on Monday, an ongoing dog training class on Tuesday, and an occasion where I needed to follow an unwritten rule on Thursday.    Unfortunately I do not have any photos of any of these events, due to being too involved in the challenges.

The bike ride.    I eventually gained confidence to join the U3A cycling group, and persuaded Walter to be my back up vehicle.    He very kindly loaded my bicycle into the back of the car, after taking off the front wheel, and drove me to the starting point at Seaford shopping centre.   We waited at the wrong place, before driving around the shopping centre where we found the group nearly ready to ride off.  Not a good start.  

The bike ride was extremely hard work, mostly on bicycle paths, some of them gravel, some potholed, and some in excellent condition.    There were two extremely long climbs,  and a strong hot wind just to add to the challenge.    The people in the group were fantastic, and were very encouraging but I was always so far behind them, and one rider had to stay with me so that I did not get lost.   It was during the ride that I regretted the decision to buy an ordinary bike rather than an electrically assisted bike.   

And to add to the challenge there was Mr 'Condescending' who let me know that I paid too much for my bike, and I could have got a cheaper bike from KMart rather than Bike 99, that the new tubes added to the weight, and that I wobbled at times.   And by the way Mr Condescending was thin because he cycled and exercised a lot.   That is what he told me, and Walter, both of us a little on the chubby side, during the coffee break.  I gained most of the information above as I struggled in the head wind, feeling very inadequate, while Mr Condescending rode slowly beside me.   

But the good news was that I dressed appropriately in trousers and a long sleeved shirt!   No lycra allowed in this group.  

I am now practising cycling uphill every day.   I am determined to not give in.   I have been told that it will get easier.   Next week the ride is on flat ground.   It will be interesting.

Now Tuesday evening is always a challenge.   Dog training night.    Both Walter and I attend, it is too much for one person.     We are in the group that has restless dogs, or difficult to train owners.   Not sure of the difference.    Piper is certainly not the star pupil, and she has an attention span of about five seconds.     She would also much rather chase the birds that tantalising land in groups behind the class, or play with the other dogs.     And to top it off the weather has been cold every night, with a strong wind often sweeping across the open reserve.

The challenge on Thursday was more about accepting rules.    After I retired I did not join a group activity, due to wanting the freedom to do as I please without conforming to rules, spoken or unspoken.    But the need to meet people here meant that I needed to join groups and activities.   Although most of the people who belong to the cycling and walking groups are from Europe and England, they have all been here long enough to have picked up the Australian way of doing things.   And I am the new chum.   And there are rules, mostly unspoken, such as the 'no lycra'.

On Thursday the walk was local, to the aerodrome and back again, on a path initially but mostly walking along the side of the road. An ideal walk with a dog, especially as it was a cool day,.   I asked one of the walkers last week, about taking a dog, and she thought it was a good idea.   Of course I should have asked the group co-ordinator.    I know now.    

Anyway I set off to the meeting point with Piper walking briskly beside me, and as I approached I could see a cluster of walkers with their backs to me.   As I approached, they all ignored me, no 'hellos' or hugs, and no eye contact either.   I knew instantly it was 'the dog'.   The co-ordinator was very understanding, but emphasised that no dogs were allowed on the walks, as some people do not like them, and it could be a health and safety problem.   

So I rang Walter, who came and picked up Piper in the car, who thought she was going on an outing, but home she went.

But the upshot was, there was nothing in the U3A brochure about dogs on walks, and like the lycra it was an unspoken rule.  At that point I nearly gave up, I so prefer the freedom to make my own decisions.  However, I went on the walk, and it was lovely, with perfect weather and friendly company.    But I did feel very chastised and my ego certainly had quite a dent in it.

And now onto other events and some photographs.     

The Saturday ParkRun, or in my case a walk/slow jog, is an activity I really look forward to, even though it is often held in windy weather.   Dogs, children and elderly people are encouraged to take part, as well as the people who can run.   On the day that the photo below was taken, I was the 'Tail Walker', with the responsibility of walking at the back to ensure everyone in front was okay.   I also had to collect the banner at the turning point and bring it back.   

Walter has now joined the ParkRun, and today he walked the 5 kms in an hour.   His new knee did not bother him at all.   We were very proud of him.

The two photos below are of Aldinga Beach.   The first photo was taken on a sunny day, and no wind.    

The following photo was taken on a windy day, with plenty of surf.  For those people who know Aldinga Beach, they will notice there is a building on the foreshore.    We think this is going to be a cafe, but the progress of building it is so slow we all doubt it will be ready for this summer.   

Back to Piper.     The good news is Piper has made dramatic progress, due to the lessons and the consistent training during the week, plus a huge amount of treats and a wooden spoon covered in peanut butter.   She mostly ignores the dogs in the neighbourhood throwing themselves against fences as we walk past, and responds to the following commands - stop, sit, stay, lie and go.   She has learnt tricks so can shake hands, walk between legs and today she learnt to roll over.

She is also a very loving dog, and is friendly towards other dogs she meets on the beach.   She loves the freedom of the beach, and I try and take her there every morning at 7 a.m.  Dogs are allowed off the leash until 10 am, on the main part of Aldinga Beach.   She is besotted with chasing a ball, and waits eagerly for me to throw it.    She also comes back instantly when called.    She  goes for a swim, well more like a paddle really, and drops the ball in the water, and waits for me to collect it.   A bit of a game.   

And for two weeks we had a little visitor at Darren's house, namely Elvis.    Elvis very quickly asserted his authority over Piper, who followed him around, the large dog following the little dog.   It was very sweet.   I took Elvis for a few walks on his own, to give him a bit of peace from Piper.   

Elvis believes he is a large dog, but he is in fact a very cute little dog.

And so next week we start again, with a few less challenges I hope.   And a little less denting of the ego too. 

 I might add that despite all the walking and cycling I am still chubby around the middle.

Bits and Pieces

It has been so long since I wrote a blog that I am having trouble finding the keys on the laptop.   An absence from writing does not do the brain any good at all.

So how do I fill the day?   All I know is that each day goes by far too fast.    Emma, Steve, Jackson and Isabel are living with us, which certainly fills in quite a bit of time.   But great having family in the house though.   There is plenty of outside work taking place, and that certainly takes time, and a special thank you to Darren, Emma, Steve, Jackson, Isabel and Patrick for all their help.   And not to mention family and friends visiting us, which we are loving.   

But the most time consuming activity concerns 'the dog', called Piper.   A puppy still, and the cattle dog part of her wants plenty of exercise and action.   She is keeping us all occupied, and me very fit.   She has now been going to dog training classes for a few weeks, and I might add, she is not top of the class, all the other dogs and birds flying around are just too distracting.   But we are learning heaps.   It is just as well that we are not too house proud, as there is a fair amount of dog hair, muddy paw marks and sand in the house and car.   However, she is a most gorgeous dog and we all love her. 

I have lots of notes and plenty of photos, and a determination to make time to write, but it will be a disorganised approach, unfortunately.    Usually I like to have my blogs organised in topics, but it is good for my super organised ego, not to be super organised.

So here goes.

The sticky flies are attaching themselves to my hands as I am typing, due to the fact that I am sitting outside in the shade.   Bloody Australian flies.   I need a net over the hands.

First off, a view of Aldinga Beach in the early morning.   As from the 1st October, dogs can only go on the beach, without a lead, between the hours of 8 pm and 10 am.   The 1st October was also the first day for cars on the beach so there are now wheel marks everywhere.   But there are usually no cars there before 10 am, with exception to the area called the boat ramp.    I might add there is no actual ramp, but that is where all the boats are launched into the water.

 During the past two weeks the tide in the early morning seems to be either going out or coming in but always at the high tide mark, so not much sand to walk on.   Piper loves chasing a tennis ball, and it certainly keeps her occupied, but she has found a new trick, which is to carry the ball into the water, where she uses her nose to move it around, and then leaves it for me to retrieve.   Wet sand shoes are becoming the norm for me.  On one occasion she jumped against me as I was retrieving the ball, and I fell over, on the wet sand.   I discovered that wet sand is like falling on concrete.   Ouch.

However I love the early morning walks, with hardly anyone on the beach, just me and my dog.

And while we are on the subject of Piper.    The pool hose, chewed one evening, while we were otherwise occupied with our red wine and barbeque.   

 Every Saturday morning Emma, Steve and I join many other people for the Park Run event.  Our Park Run is not in a park, but along the cliff path, with absolutely magnificent views to inspire us.    I must add that Emma and Steve run, and are both doing brilliantly, whereas I join the walkers.   Surprisingly I am finding that I can walk very fast, and I can still jog    Last week I came 52 out of 90 people registered for the event, and the fastest for my age group.   And surprisingly there are a reasonable number of over 70s.     

I have bought some 'active gear', so beloved by Australian women.    I need to look the part. 

A view of the path, with some of the participants in front.    The Park Run is open to all, and there were family groups, older people and people with dogs, plus the serious runners.    There is also a brilliant online programme which tracks everyone's progress.   A fantastic worldwide organisation which started in the UK.

 I have also joined the U3A walkers group.   People were very friendly and I loved my first outing, plus the very long coffee session afterwards. 

Unfortunately I wore the wrong clothes, as I arrived in my 'active gear' on my first meet with the U3A walkers, who were all dressed in sensible jeans, shorts or walking trousers.   For those people who do not live in Australia, 'active gear' consists of lycra sports tops and bottoms, which for some reason is very popular with many women here, and used for shopping trips or for general casual wear.    As they are usually wearing strappy sandals or flip flops and are out shopping, one can surmise that there has been no exercise involved except for a slow walk

The ruins of an old farm house and shed, taken on my first walk with the U3A.

Poppy and Piper having a brilliant time in the water.   They love to play together, great friends.

Our back area in the process of getting a new roof, and pool fence.   I can hear the workman cutting the metal for the fence, as I am writing this blog.   But more about the work later.

And now it is time for lunch, and snooze time for Piper, so innocently asleep on her bed, well more precisely Poppy's bed.

Thank goodness I have made a start, so plenty of blogs to follow, even if they are a little disjointed, but definitely a summary of our life in Aldinga Beach.

I wish I could do something with these bloody flies.

Life in the fast lane

Life continues on, in the fast lane, with plenty of action.   And some hard work at times.

Interestingly I no longer have to think about which side of the road to drive on.   Thank goodness, no surprises for other motorists.   The confusion is due to always making sure that I drive on the other side of the road in Europe, therefore the brain registers that leaving Britain means changing to the right side of road.   But of course it is not always the case with all countries.  But my brain does not always think logically.   

And riding a bicycle can cause more problems, because we have only used our bikes in Europe during the past eight years.    So I have to make a major effort to keep to the correct side of the road.   And helmets are compulsory here as well.   So it is 'put the helmet on, and think about which side of the road I am meant to be riding on', and then it is give way to everything; people, cars, buses etc.   But more about that later.   

We are starting to make contact with our friends here, and it has been lovely to meet and catch up with news.    

We are also getting our heads around the health system, Walter with his Gold Card which entitles him to free health care, glasses and hearing aids, plus goodness knows what else, and me on a basic cover with a health fund.   And Piper's on a medium level of pet insurance too.   I have not had the need to see a doctor but the vets at our local veterinary practice are truly lovely.   I have always maintained that I will visit a vet if I am ill.   So caring and unfailingly friendly.

I am still trying to sort out taxation problems.   Bureaucracy!   And we still do not know what our income will be in the future, but I am sure that will work out okay at some stage.   Best not to worry.  And to top it off I received an email from a debt collecting agency in Britain, reminding me that I had not paid my last mobile phone bill.    I had cancelled the direct debit too early.   Oh dear.   Not good for the credit rating, but then that is not needed here, I hope.    

But ever onwards with the photographs.

Walter and Jackson sitting outside our favourite cafe, Lucia's, at the Central Market.   We went into Adelaide to collect our numbers for the City to Bay event on the following Sunday, and took the opportunity to show Jackson around the market.   I do not think he was impressed by Angelikis Bros, with their huge display of fish and meat products.    Not to his liking at all. 

We celebrated Isabel's birthday earlier in the month.     And here is a photograph of her making a swiss roll for the occasion.  It was delicious.

Isabel's birthday barbeque, beautifully cooked by Emma and Steve, but the evening was extremely cold.    And judging by the photograph below, where we sat, with rugs around our knees, in the last rays of sunshine, it was cold.

Happy birthday, Isabel.

Our new gas heater was very much appreciated on the night. 

But on a brighter note.    The weather on the following day was sunny and warm, once the early morning chill disappeared.    We had a large contingent who took part in the City to Bay event.  Donna, Steve and Emma caught the tram very early in the morning, in order to start the 12 kilometre run.

Jackson, Isabel, Andreena, Lucy, Kailen and I drove to Kurralta Park, as we were taking part in the 6 kilometre walk.    It was quite an easy walk, on a very flat road, and I was disappointed to find that I had only done 7,500 steps, due I think, to Andreena and I striding it out.    I believe that Lucy, Kailen and Jackson may have run some of the way too. 

There were thousands of people taking part in the event, with many options; a very long run (not sure if it was a marathon or half marathon), a 12 kilometre run or walk, a 6 kilometre run or walk, and a 3 kilometre family walk, which included walking with a dog.    Fantastic atmosphere too.

Unfortunately I did not look the part, due to realising that I did not have any sporty clothes, when I got dressed in the morning.   Too late to go to the shops, so I had to make do with a pair of skinny stretch jeans and a tee shirt.   

All ready to go on the 6 kilometre walk.

Andreena and me, looking very happy. 

The line up at the end, with everyone feeling happy and relaxed.    The runners managed the run easily too.

The medal and number just to prove I did take part in the event.

Emma and Steve now have a new car, a Mitsubishi Outlander.    A really lovely vehicle to drive, and it has heaps of passenger room inside it.

A walk on the beach, or in Piper's case an excited run.    Notice that I am carrying a black bag of poo, just to prove that I am a responsible dog walker.   The council provide plastic bags and bins.   

I managed to catch Piper being still for a moment.   

My new Sketchers!   Chewed by Piper.    However I still wear them, with a chewed heel.    The trademark of a puppy owner.!

Jackson and Isabel have painted the inside of the 'Man Cave'.    It is now a white cave rather than a black cave, and no longer a 'man cave'.     It will now be the cinema room, with new carpet and comfortable chairs.

Jackson and Isabel dressed in their painting gear.    I am not sure if they look like professional painters or part of a forensic team.   Definitely sinister, I think.

Life is busy

Life is very busy.   However we are enjoying every minute of it.    

All our bits and pieces were sorted out and put away, three weeks ago.   Now we are not always sure where some items are, but I guess they will turn up one day.   Best not to think about it too much, but it can be frustrating at times.   Not even sure if it is the 'senior moments' problem or the 'frantic pace of life' problem.

We were all excited to see Emma, Steve, Jackson and Isabel arrive on the first of September.    They were a very tired group, after a long flight, a few days in Kuala Lumpur and saying goodbye to family and friends in Britain and in the Netherlands.    

They have settled in brilliantly, and have gone through the same process as us, in registering for Medicare and getting their taxation numbers and South Australian driver's licences.   As well as all the other bureaucratic details that one needs to attend to when changing countries and becoming residents.    It is not for the faint hearted, I can assure you.

But they are getting there, and now are looking at a school for Jackson and Isabel, and getting personal statements ready in order to apply for jobs.    They both have excellent references and a range of expertise and skills, so should be fine.

We had the family here for the day, in order to catch up with Emma, Steve, Jackson and Isabel, and we caught up on all the news.   Luckily the weather was kind, with bright sunshine and warm weather.

It was even warm enough for some people to try out the swimming pool.   A hardy lot, I think.

We took the English crew to Aldinga Scrub to view the kangaroos who put on quite a show for us, not that we walked close to them.

Emma and Steve have joined Donna in running, and climbing to the top of Mt Lofty.   A very fit trio.   In the photograph below they were limbering up before going out for a run. 

As soon as the water volley ball nets are available in the shops we will buy one, as there are very keen players here.   Not a lot of room, admittedly but enough for four aside teams.  I think I will try light aqua aerobics, and a few laps, when the weather and pool become a bit warmer.   I took my jumper off for the first time this afternoon, it has not been a warm spring.

More fun in the pool, on a not so warm day.   Emma managed to take the plunge, but came straight out I think.   Steve has been braver.

And now to introduce our new family member, namely Piper.   And for those people who think we may have two dogs or changed one dog for another, we have only one dog.    Piper came to us as Atlanta, very apt for people who live on Dolphin Boulevard and have a mermaid fountain, not working at present, at the front.

But the name 'Atlanta' did not seem right, and indeed that was not her original name, as I discovered when i registered her at the council offices.   She was previously registered as Piper, and someone, no doubt the previous owner, had changed her name.   Interestingly she answered to Piper, and by popular family agreement she became Piper again. 

So we have Piper, a cocker spaniel/heeler (Australian cattle dog) cross, who is eight months old.

We got her from the RSPCA centre, in Lonsdale, where she had been spayed, so she came with a massive wound and had to be kept quiet and calm, which was nearly impossible as she is a pup still.  After the stitches came out, we let her play with Poppy and run on the beach, which was a bit silly, as fluid collected under skin, in her abdomen. due to her being too active    Consequently she has had numerous visits to the vet, to have the wound drained, and to be given antibiotics.   She now has to be confined to quarters again, which is very boring for her.   Luckily we have not had to pay for any vet services as it was seen as a follow up.

Piper tired after her playtime, in the photograph below.   I would like to add that I have allowed her to sleep on our new couch, sleep in our bedroom and use the grass by the pool as a toilet.    The family keep reminding me of my previous setting of rules, which Poppy had to follow for a few weeks, prior to Piper's arrival.   I also should add that none of our previous dogs have slept in our bedroom.   Oh well, rules are meant to be broken!

A photograph of this beautiful bush, which I noticed a neighbour's front garden.   A type of protea, I think.

A close up of the flowers.   Magnificent.

And finally I must mention the numerous types of doggy treats available here, in the pet shops.   Quite an education for us.   There are the usual pigs, sheep and cattle ears, but also dried bones from all of these animals. 

And the most delicious of all treats, the dried cattle penises, large and small.   Yes for those who do not live in Australia, you have read correctly, we have dried cattle penises here.    Piper loves them.