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.