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. 

Furniture arrival, at long last

Events have moved on, and now we have Emma and Steve here, which is absolutely fantastic, and we are all loving every minute of it.   But I am so behind on my blogs.   

I need to back track to nearly two weeks ago, a day of great excitement as our furniture finally arrived at our house.

For a week we thought that we would not get our furniture before Emma and Steve arrived, as the ship was a week late arriving at Port Adelaide, and then no one seemed to be in any hurry getting the container off the ship.   

In the end the contents of our container went through bio security very quickly, we paid $460 for the inspection, and then it was signed off. 

   

The inspection included spraying the goods, which made everything smell a bit when the boxes were opened.    Some of the boxes had been opened by the bio security people, and the contents looked at.   Interestingly a few items slipped through, much to our horror.    There was chocolate powder in the shaker we used when making cappuccinos.    There were also cobwebs in the wheels of the heater and dust on the edges of one of the cupboards.  It goes to show that no matter how meticulous one is, it is difficult to get things perfect.  Everything has now been cleaned thoroughly, and the chocolate powder cleaned out of the shaker.

The day was bright and sunny thank goodness,  and the truck arrived promptly at 7.30.   The unpacking progressed as fast as the packing up in Britain.    These guys were amazing. Impressive.

Familiar boxes, but mysterious all the same.   After two months I had forgotten what we owned, or indeed what rubbish existed in the boxes.  Objects that were crucial to our existence or too precious to give to a charity shop in Britain, were probably totally irrelevant to a life in South Australia.

Sunshine and empty boxes.

The boxes for the kitchen just came flooding into the room.   More and more of them.   The men from the removal company commented on the number, the most they had ever seen apparently.

Billie-Joe bravely helped with the unpacking. 

Where will I put everything? Amazingly I managed to find a place for all items, although I will admit I sent some cups and glasses to Darren's house, and quite a few items when to the charity shop.

Scott also helped with the unpacking, and finding places for DVDs and books.    Darren, Lucy and her friend, plus Walter, also unpacked books.    There was much arranging and rearranging of books, depending on people's categorisation systems.   It now looks super organised, but it will be interesting to see if I will be able to find anything.

After five long days we managed to get everything unpacked and away.    No pictures on the walls yet, that will have to come later on.

The lounge room, looking very cosy.   All ready for cosy nights of television watching.    Only drinks of water allowed in this room, except for wine of course.  Everyone is waiting for me to spill my glass of wine.   And then the ban on food will be relaxed.

The study, with its different cupboard styles, and currently also Isabel's bedroom.

Our black couch and blue spotted chair grace the edge of the dining area.

The kitchen looking spotless and free of the clutter of the few days beforehand.   I forgot to add that the electricians came in last Friday and replaced all our halogen lights with efficient LED lights, 34 in total.   They also changed the dimmers accordingly, and the house is so much brighter.   I love the dimmers.

The table we bought from a charity shop, and which lived in our conservatory in Britain now sits in the outside area.   We covered it with a plastic table cloth, and it looks a perfect patio table.   

Our pull out bed, all ready for Emma and Steve.

The new twin beds, in the room with the perfect view of the pool area.   Emma and Steve now use this room.   The chest of drawers went into the study, for Isabel to use, and the twin beds were pushed together.   Very practical.    We have made the pull out bed back into a single bed, and Jackson uses this room, with plenty of room to set up a small screen, play station and laptop.  Some creative thought by Emma and Steve.

Our bedroom, all very cosy and practical.    Almost looks like our old bedroom in Joydens Wood.

And yes we had quite a pile of clothes and other objects that went to the local charity shop, and a huge pile of defunct electronic cords and bits of pieces went into the recycling bin.   Even our electrical plugs have been changed from the UK to Australia, thanks to Darren together with Patrick on Saturday.

The only missing items were the screws and bolts from the Ikea bed and chairs, plus the outside of a small rubbish bin.   We went to Ikea and they gave us new screws and bolts, for nothing.   Of course we then spent $200 in the shop.   That store is such a trap.

And more exciting news, but more about this later.    We have a new family member, a furry friend called Atlanta (not named by us) who we call Lanta.

And I will finish with a photo of her, as a small introduction.