BBY

It must be Raining

2011-01-11T21:00:00.000-08:00

Well, it must be raining or why else would I have the time to write a note on the blog. Suffice to say our track record is not good as you can see from the last post. We are now in January 2011 and what with the east coast under water, its time to blog.

Since the last post I have, I am pleased to say, worked part time for 9 months of 2010. This in itself, is a big feat and deserves some praise indeed. Having not worked (much) the previous 2 years it was 'game on' for 2010. So as duty called I was bound to respond. Much thanks goes to my work host GK, without whom my working life would not have been as successful. (PS I think the feeling was mutual from GK just quietly).

Megs completed her fourth and final RIAA conference and has taken on the Rosi lifestyle of actually not working. Thinks its pretty good and can't understand why she didn't think of it sooner. Ha, whose the clever one in this family. Megs is however responding to a higher calling and her new vocation of mediation (that's mediation not meditation) ie conflict resolution, will, I am no doubt, prove successful overtime (the underlying thought behind this positive comment is less work for Rosi in the future).

We are proud parents (again) of 20 calves, the last one dropping just 7 days ago, much to our surprise. Mum was obviously 'last drinks' for the bull before he was wiped away to his next manly duties. Our gain here of course. We had twins, but one did not make it with Megs very hands on pulling out the dead calf. It was a comedy for the next week as we endeavoured to make Mum and the other live calf bond. I know we are good fodder for the locals when it comes to farming. All good now and little Barry has bonded with Big Momma. Don't ask but the names do have a meaning. How about a prize for guessing why.

Highlights included Megs getting her motor bike licence, me feeling better about riding the tractor, purchase of smaller chainsaw called viki, buying surboards and I am sure there are many more.

Lowlight was the loss of Sidd in January 2010, whom we miss dearly. I don't think anyone can replace the man about town.

Megs and I have had a busy year, what with work in Sydney, driving, family reunion in Samoa, easter break with the gang, driving, trip to Melbourne, Christmas, driving and generally trying to catch up with family and friends in between road trips. So, perhaps it will be easier to visually show you our year, which includes homestead and paddock highlights (ie the money pit).

LEMBKE FAMILY REUNION/HOLIDAY IN SAMOA

Superstar!

LATEST PHOTOS OF THE Big Back Yard

Megs new orchard.

Viny helping himself to a rabbit. Guess who had to deal with it in the end, he and Adi are good at catching them, but that's about it.

Our new fire pit. Ready
for marshmellows.

We had 92 mil in 40 minutes. A few things got washed away, like our electric fence. You had to see it to believe it.

Farm girl ready for action.

BOVINE UPDATES - Our own Vet Megs. If you see her with a long rubber glove, run!

Barry bonding with Big Momma.

Megs takes on Barry and guess who won!

Friends and Relatives

Paddy Fitz, Will & Oddy getting ready to take on Gran in a game of hide and seek. Gran comes out triumphant and smurfs them all!

Stu and Jack at Sidd's billabong. Both looking pretty groovy.

Stage 2 Renos - Bring it On

2009-11-06T20:19:00.000-08:00

So here they finally are, stage 2 renos!! In only 4 weeks the place was transformed with a new lounge, second bedroom and office.

Suffice to say it was soooo much easier living in a house that had a bathroom, kitchen and bedroom whilst these renovations were going on. No longer was the fridge or stove being moved around like pawns on a chess board.

As you will see from the photos we encountered wildlife living in the ceiling, yes a lovely carpet python, who nearly became part of Megsie's hair style. Thankfully Al was on hand to relocate our border...... I think we now have Charlie the carpet python living upstairs. Well as long as the mouse population stays at a resonable level, who am I to complain. Better than possums.

As I am being somewhat challenged with adding posts to the pictures you'll just have to look at them and guess what happened. But really we stripped back everything to expose the structure and started again. Happily not having to replace many of the beams holding the place up. Of course, as always, Vern and Aaron had a challenging time trying to make the place straight and level. Well done boys for making the front door close. Having said that if you walk from the office to the kitchen stairs you actually have a sense of walking downhill!! Go with that feeling.

Megs and I pitched in a lot more for this one, doing all the bits the guys didn't want to do, as per usual the work lower than an apprentice. And yes indeed the cakes kept coming. By all accounts I believe we cooked well over 50 during both lots of renos, and the local chooks went into overtime supplying the eggs required.

The painting is now finished inside and out, one day I''ll get more photos on the blog to show you this. As Megs was busy in Sydney earning the $$ Russell and I got stuck into making sure that we actually finished, otherwise I'd still be going now. Happy not to pick up another brush for quite sometime to come.

So, thanks for enjoying our laughter and pain as we travelled through the delights of a renovation. Overall we were very lucky with weather and now as I sit writing this blog looking out into the rain (which hasn't stopped for 3 days) we were blessed indeed to have missed the deluge that has occurred this year on the mid north coast. Not complaining just happy.

As we are behind look forward Easter 09 photos and calves, which I am sure by the time I get them up will be a lot older than now.

New Year 08/09 with Friends

2009-11-06T19:57:00.000-08:00

New year was a blast. Weather fabbo, gourmet food and wine on tap and loads of activities to keep all busy.

John and Chantal, from the Netherlands were on hand to see how its done. John learning the basics of bbqing and whooping it up on the quad.

Maria, Brian & Mila as always providing entertainment throughout the stay. What you wont see is a surprise visit from Barbara S and her dancers, thank god we spent $$ on a new stereo!!

And a sincere apology to all Chantal and John's relatives back home, who unfortunately for them, had the pleasure of spending some of new year with us via skype. Of course being behind in time they were yet to have new year, you can imagine no doubt.

Otherwise I think the pictures say it all.

And wait theres more

2009-11-06T19:42:00.000-08:00

As you can see we had the ladies in for a visit to celebrate, with the obligatory glass of champers. There is also our private ensuire, unless of course you happen to be walking by outside!!

Our bedroom and walk in robe, luxury!! and looking north into the kitchen from our room

Well, its about time

2009-11-05T23:36:00.000-08:00

Well it is about time. So I am not going to bore you with verbal so here it is, first stage renovations pretty much completed.

new kitchen/pantry looking south where old kitchen was located

& new kitchen looking north

at last a laundry

More to come.

Holidays Rock!

2009-01-23T02:02:00.000-08:00

Today was my last full day of holidays with Megs and Rosi - Mum arrives tomorrow with Tobias and Nanna. While I'm excited the others are coming, I've got to say, I've had an amazing time this last week.

It was really hot again today so we didn't do that much - we watched Al on his digger this morning and then we watched him some more. I had a nap and then had another go on Al's digger which was even more fun than it was yesterday!

We then went to Vern's place to see some Koalas...that's right, real live Koalas.....in trees. We saw four and one was a little baby. I got to ride on Vern's quad bike and it's red like Rosi's.

We came home and I had dinner while Megs, Rosi and Al had a beer and a snack plate. I had a rather early start to the day (5.30) so went off to bed quite happily at 7.30 after chatting with Mum. Oh, I also got to speak with Dad this morning which was great.....I hope he remembers to get me my present from America.

xoxo Hugs

I love diggers!

2009-01-21T23:08:00.000-08:00

It finally arrived....the digger! Oh my gawd!!! I WANT ONE! And it has to be pink (which Al the Digger dud is a little disappointed about).

But I'm getting ahead of myself.....we started the day again with our morning ritual (which from the photo below, Rosi isn't too thrilled about.....I think it's the crumbs in the bed). It was raining so we watched BABE for a bit and played with some toys...basically just chilled out.

And then around 11am my life changed for always. Al arrived in his tipper truck with the digger in the back. Al is soooooo cool, he let me have a go straight away and now we'll be mates for ever. Actually, when I get my pink digger I'm going to go into business with Al. We had a cup of tea before we all got in the ute to take a drive around the farm so Al could tell Megs and Rosi where to put the new dams. Then after my afternoon nap, Al let me help him. He was digging up some soil to put in Megs and Rosi's back yard. I don't quite understand why this is happening but it's pretty damn fun to watch.

I finished the day with some more cow action - we had to move them into the area around the creek so Megs and Rosi can plant some more plants there in a few months.

That's all for today - I'm quite tired (or at least I'm pretending to be to keep Megs and Rosi happy).

xoxo Hugs

Let's mix it up!

2009-01-20T23:47:00.001-08:00

I think I'm getting into the swing of this farm life. I started my morning with breakfast in bed again (tea and hot cross bun....which I highly recommend!) and then after a little bit of play, heading off for a walk with Megs, Rosi and Louise (Meg's and Rosi's neighbour). We walked down to a nearby creek and I got so excited because it looked so lovely, I had to take my clothes off and go for a swim. Sorry folks, no photos of this adventure....Megs and Rosi forgot the camera which I'm actually quite glad of now! Louise and I were the only ones to go for a swim....oh, Viny and Adi and Sidd joined in actually (actually is one of most favourite words right now) but Megs and Rosi piked.

I was so impressed by Louise I invited myself over to her place for some more play time. Megs and Rosi said that would be fine....and actually I was quite pleased to have some time away from them, it's been quite intense. I returned home for some lunch (even though I'd eaten quite a lot at Louise's!) and then it was time for a nap. Well, I prefer to call it a power nap as it didn't last for very long but I was certainly up for action after it!

And there was plenty of action to be had! I helped Rosi put in some more cables around the verandah and then I helped Megs make some chocolate biscuits. They were lucky to have me here as I'm not sure they could have done it without me.

I ended the day with another "mix it up" moment....I had a bath after the cooking episode (Megs says the photos explain it all!) and then I took the puppies for a walk and then I had dinner and then I went to bed.

Yes, farm life's the life for me!

Love Hugs xo

PS - My quote for the day "Megs is the best, not mum and dad" (Megs comment - this was a totally unprompted comment).

(Megs and Rosi's comment - we won!!)

Day Two of my BBY Holiday

2009-01-20T01:33:00.000-08:00

Hello again!

Well, Day Two of my BBY Holiday started at 6.15am which I think is totally reasonable....Megs and Rosi grumbled a little though. We opted to have breakfast in bed (a cup of tea and a hot cross bun) which was lovely.

Then, it was tractor time! I picked the orange ear muffs to go with Rosi's Tangerine Dream and then we took her for a spin along West Bulga Road (the road Megs and Rosi live on). I even got to drive the tractor.....guess what I'm asking Santa for next year?!

Then, because it was soooo hot, we decided to stay inside and watch a DVD Thunderbirds are go! (FAB Dad)and read some books. After my afternoon nap, Megs and I played on the deck and I become Bingo, the little black dog. Adi and Viny kept wanting to take my stick but I wouldn't let them. We then went for a walk to check on the cows and make sure they were doing what they're supposed to do (which, to be honest, I'm still not clear on!).

A delicious dinner of chicken and veggies followed by some watermelon and I was ready for bath, books and bed. Megs read Three Little Pigs to me (insert by Megs....for the 10th time!) and then I was ready to ring Mum and say good night, grab Teddy and hit the sack.

All in all, a pretty good day.

Hugs xo

Hugo's Adventure at the BBY

2009-01-19T02:13:00.000-08:00

Hello!

My name's Hugo and I'm on holiday at the BBY with my Aunts, Megsie and Rosi. Today we had lots of fun - so much so I didn't go to bed till after 8pm!

After spending the night at Nanna's, Megsie, Nanna and I met Rosi at Wingham. We had to take Viny (one of Megsie and Rosi's puppy) to the vet to have his leg checked. Cathy the vet took good care of Viny and Viny was a very good puppy.

We then headed off to the farm and on the way, we saw a python! Megsie and I got out to take a look but I didn't touch it cause snakes can bite!

When we finally got to the farm (it's a long way away!), we had lunch and went for a little walk and then I had a nap....for 3 hours!

When I woke up, I was ready for action so I helped Rosi get the quad bike and postie bike ready and then we got Megsie to get off the computer and off we went to get the cows. First we had to fix up the electric fence and then we went searching for the cows. Wow, were they excited to see us! They came running when we called them (you do that by saying "Cmon Cows") and then we made them go over into the new paddock (called Meg's Peaks). Here's what I can tell you about the cows....they look good to eat and what looks like their willies is actually their udders.

We headed for home but the day wasn't over yet. We had to take the puppies for a walk so we went all the way to the end of the road and back again. I was very tired by the time I got home. Rosi cooked my dinner (fried rice...yum!) and Megsie helped me have a bubble bath and then we read two stories and then it was time for bed. I was soooooo tired I feel asleep straight away.

More news tomorrow....the digger arrives!

xoxo Hugs

PS - hope you like these photos of my first day at the farm.

Photos from the outside

2009-01-06T21:13:00.000-08:00

Thought you might like to see some more photos from the outside so you get a better feel for how the place now looks in situ
xo Megs
Standing on a ridge a third of the way along our property looking back at the house
The retaining wall that adds that certain charm (and order which Megs is quite happy about!) to the house yard.

View from the front(ish)

Rosi's new BBQ area....very swanky. Yes, that is a rangehood and a splashback!

Looking back at the new deck.

Stage One draws to a close

2009-01-06T16:13:00.000-08:00

Just before the silly season descended upon us, Stage One of the BBY Beautification came to a close....complete with a new kitchen, laundry, bathroom and a bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe! Plus a lovely deck that turned out to be the perfect dancefloor for our new year eve's party.
Stage Two (yes, we had so much fun the first time we've decided to jump straight into another round) commences at the end of January. While it won't be anywhere as dramatic (we're just ripping out the walls and floors and recladding and carpeting), we're very much looking forward to working with Vern and Aaron again.
We hope you enjoy these photos.
Megs, Rosi, Sidd, Viny and Adi xo
The new deck!

Friday morning breakfast - a BBY Beautification weekly ritual.

Our new kitchen!

Our new bathroom!

Our new laundry....hooray we can wash our clothes in our own home! Our thanks to Thom and Gary and to Dorothy for all the washes we've done over the last 18 months. We would have stunk without you!

Hallway to ourbedroom

The kitchen company has been and worked their magic.

Our new beaut huge pantry over to the right of this photo.

The cabinets are in....next comes the ceasar stone.

You get the idea of how it will all work....al fresco dining I think they call it?!

The bathroom starts to take shape.

The tiles go down in the laundry

The floor unfolds.

The floor board for the kitchen and dining room....blackbutt.....very nice.

The vision unfolds - part three

2008-10-22T00:51:00.001-07:00

Rightio, you're about to see how the place looks as it is today...yep, these photos are fresh off the camera. But before you get to check them out, let's take a look at how the place looked AFTER we'd been away for a few days....

We returned to the farm late Monday 20th October and our home had definitely become a building site! Poor Vern and Aaron had discovered upon removing some floorboards that bunnies had once thought our place was a pretty nice place to live too anad there were burrows everywhere and the soil covered some piers and other piers didn't even connect with the floor anymore! This certainly wasn't in the brief but being the stars they are, the guys got to it and cleaned it all up and the job was back on track.

Oh, there was one more hurdle before the gyprockers could start - the wall on the other side of the fireplace bowed...badly! So the guys move the fireplace out a bit (that's what they're doing in this photo) and then removed some of the floor and then whacked the wall into line. They've definitely got the touch!

The bi-fold door arrives!

The bi-fold doors in all their glory!

Rosi and I were finally trusted with a job other than removing nails from old bits of timber or pulling out the staples from the old floor....we were entrusted with the task of putting installation into the walls....lucky us! Actually, we quite enjoyed doing out bit to get the place ready for the gyprockers.

The makeshift kitchen till our new one arrives in 4 weeks.

The gyprockers arrive...they're the ones that make the place look all new!

View from our bedroom back towards the kitchen/dining area.

View from our bedroom...this time you get to see the walk-in wardrobe as well (very country!).

Standing where the kitchen will be and looking back towards the hallway to our bedroom.

Standing where the kitchen will be and looking at the dining room area. Finally, we have space for dinner parties!

The vision unfolds - part two

2008-10-21T23:43:00.000-07:00

These photos are from week six. Now that the structure for the extensions is in place - Vern and Aaron start putting the walls and windows in.

In the photo below, the window to the left (with the pink material around it) is our new kitchen window. The space to the right of this window is for the bi fold doors (you'll see photos of these in week seven). The guys have moved one of the old window 90 degrees so that it now runs along the western deck....in total, this room has now extended north by a couple of metres.

Taking measure before they knock it down! This wall has to go as it's now in the middle of where the new kitchen and dining room will be.

I can see clearly now! New windows go in for the kitchen and bathroom.

Out with the old.....we've packed up the kitchen and stored everything in the loungeroom or our bedroom or in the study. A little cramped but it kind of feels like we're camping!

This is how we left the place on Thursday 16th October. The sparkie was there all day doing his thing and the kitchen guy had been up to do their measure check (or check measure...I always forget which way round it goes!). It was all action stations today...and then we waved the guys goodbye as we headed to town for a few days.

The vision unfolds!

2008-10-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

We're into week seven of the BBY Beautification and it's all starting to feel very real now. Not that what's happened to date hasn't been amazing - it's just that when the work actually starts to take place within four walls and you have to pack things up and everything gets covered in dust...that's when you know you truly are renovating!

But I'm getting ahead of myself....plenty of changes took place outside during week five AND we were delighted to be able to share these in person with our wonderful friends, Greg, Cathy and Harry Kerr (yes, can you believe it, they came to visit us during the renovations AND they put in a hard day's work getting the retaining wall up and on it's way). We hope you enjoy these pics taken over that time.....more to come soon!

Love Megs, Rosi, Sidd, Viny and Adi

That's Aaron up there showing off his muscles and then we have Aaron and Vern proving they are in no way scared of heights....you wouldn't find me up there for quids! And here's a pic of how it looks from the driveway now the deck has a roof over it.

The great wall of West Bulga begins! Rosi tracked down a (relatively) local supplier and 55 sleepers were soon delivered. Rosi and Greg had a preliminery meeting (with beer in hand) to come up with a cunning plan. Vern threw in a few useful tips and set up the string line (now that's a handy piece of equipment!) and we were ready to get started.

Getting the foundations right. Greg, Cathy and Rosi get the posts in place and line up the bottom sleepers all the way round.

Megs and Harry mix up some more cement for the posts.

You start to get the idea.

Rosi and Megs go it alone after the Kerr's left for Newcastle and then home to Sydney. We've pretty much finished it now - though wet weather over the last week has prevented us from putting the steps in leading up to the back door. Fingers crossed we'll be able to get into it again soon.

More photos from the first month

2008-10-01T01:56:00.001-07:00

PHOTOS FROM WEEK THREE

The beginnings of the new bedroom & ensuite and laundry (hooray, a laundry.....what a treat!)

This part of the extension is on the south side of the house.

And next come the walls.

The view of the house from up on West Bulga Road.

The walls are up and the deck is down...just the way it's meant to be!

And to prove there's more going up here than just renovations, here's a photo of the vegie patch and also the stone fruit. Spring has definitely sprung up here and everythings growing like crazy.

PHOTOS FROM WEEK FOUR

The guys have moved around to the north side of the house and the extension of the kitchen and dining room and the new deck are underway.

Goodbye old deck - we'll use the old wood to build a gardening table and shelves for Megs and for firewood next winter.

The extension for the kitchen and dining room takes shape and we are now reassured that the space will be big enough...well, actually Megs is reassured....Rosi always knew it would be fine.

The boys turned up at 6.45am on Wednesday 1st Oct with the aim of getting the deck done - and they did....by 3pm! What champions...and thanks for working so hard on your birthday Aaron!

Megs starts oiling the new deck.....now, with over 70 square metres of deck to oil, this job seems thankless at the time, but when it's all done, it really does looks amazing!

One month into it!

2008-10-01T01:28:00.000-07:00

Hello again!

Today marked the end of the fourth week of renovations (the guys are heading off for an extra long long weekend....they definitely deserve it!) and the place looks amazing. The frame and floors are down for the new bedroom and ensuite and laundry and same goes for the extension of the kitchen and dining room. And the new deck is simply stunning....perfect for summer time parties...actually, perfect for parties anytime!

We hope you enjoy the photos....it's even better in person so drop by soon!

xox Megs and Rosi and Sidd, Viny & Adi

PHOTOS FROM WEEK TWO

The new driveway.....now getting in and out of the place is a breeze!

The boys sometimes let us play with their toys....the bobcat is a hoot!

Al makes light work of moving the cement pad for the small water tank.

Vern finishes what Al began....all goes according to plan!

Oh, forgot to mention that the guys decided that it would be easier to gravel our driveway if we used gravel off our own place rather than the quarry at the end of the road (which is about 3 kms away and while not actually available for public use, we still live by the inner-city motto that if it's not on private property, it's fair game....just ask anyone who's lived on the lane of giving!). So, the following photos are of the actualisation of our new dam....called Dam Al in honour of Al Graham, our friendly excavator and all-round nice guy.

Al starts the ball rolling.....

Vern makes his mark by removing the Sally Wattle that just had to go.....

As always, the cows wanted to check out what was going on...

Rosi standing on the great wall of Al....

And to prove that it's a job well done, here's Rosi driving across Dam Al on the Tangerine Dream (her tractor).

More photos in the next posting.....

BBY Beautification Begins!

2008-09-10T01:01:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while between blogs! 2007 finished with a flourish and 2008 began in much the same way. Even though Rosi and I have had a fair bit of time off this year (Rosi more than I but who's counting!?!), there's always so much to do....does that cut it as an excuse??

Anyway, we're back online now and that's all that matters. And we wanted to get back online so we could share the beautification of the BBY with you. Now, we think the BBY is already pretty darn beautiful and we love love LOVE our little home. However, we decided we really did need to get a laundry (yes, we've been taking our washing to my mum's at Old Bar or to my sister's at Camperdown for nearly 18 months!) and another bedroom and bathroom wouldn't go astray (hint, hint...plenty of room for visitors now!) and hey, while we're at it, why not put in a big new kitchen and dining room leading out on to a you-beaut bigger than Don-Laing Deck (for those that know Don, you'll understand the joke!).

After a slight delay of about 6 months, this big back yard make over began today and here are some photos of the day's efforts. Our talented and wonderful builders and excavators are Vern, Aaron and Al....here's to them and what they can do with their tools!

The BBY - as it stood on the 9th September 2008 - view from the top

The BBY - as it stood on the 9th September 2008 - view looking back from the north

It's September 10th and the boys have began! The new driveway takes shape.

Ironing out the bumps - preparing the driveway at the front....gravel to arrive tomorrow.

Leveling out the back - it will now be smooth sailing all the way into the shed!

That was close - Aaron doing his thang in the bobcat...bet he's glad we got this on camera!

This is Al in his big toy - he's poetry in motion!

This black snake decided to slither across our back yard while we were on smoko. Bad move. Given this was going to be a work site for the next 6 weeks, the guys decided it had to go....so off with it's head. This is the first snake we've killed at the farm (well, Al did it actually)...sad but a necessary move given current circumstances.

And every good blog post has to end with some cute animal pictures (particular given the proceeding image!) and so here they are, the two newest additions to the Lembke-Lewis household....Viny and Adi. They are as different as chalk and cheese but both delightful in their own way. Sidd's getting used to having them round and treats them with the mix of disdain (when he's not in the mood for infantile behaviour) and amusement (when he wants to demonstrate that yes, he is the fastest ball chaser on the West Bulga thank you very much!)

2007-10-07T23:17:00.000-07:00

Hi All

Its been a while I note. Much has happened, been to Sydney, surprised I am sure, moved Mum into her new abode and we are now thankful that 3 years of hard work has finally paid off. Had dinner at Billy Kwongs (birthday) and just have been generally getting into farm life.

Yes of course I worked one day whilst in Sydney, so thats the upper limit these days. Have been on the tractor a little bit, but ran out of diesel, and am not going to town now until Wednesday to pick up Megs. Buy more diesel I hear you say. Thanks for the tip.

Have had the contractor in to start fencing off the front creek, so that is exciting, I've been helping as much as I can but given only one person can drive a tractor at a time, and given he has the big toys to help, I'm good at digging dirt and pulling down fences. But I do enjoy.

Today was my Sunday and forecast was for high wind, thunderstorms, rain and hail. Of course got a little rain, heard and saw the thunderstorm but really apart from dark clouds its been quite an okay day, so I could have been outside working. Instead I did my trust accounting for the 10th time, but the lady on the phone was very helpful and my trial balance balanced. So hopefully I'll finally get marked 'competent' and get my Real Estate Licence. Hoorah.

For those thinking of visiting over Xmas we are not here from around 8th December and then we have visitors from 28th December, which is when we will likely be back at the farm from our trips around the state (thats how it will feel by the time we finish driving, but all for good reasons). So any time after 5th January is good, but be prepared for some work....... very fun, you might get to touch my tractor and have a photo, bring something orange to wear to match.

Megsie planted some seeds in a tray which I have been looking after whilst she has been gone and I am pleased to say that some of the seedlings are coming through, now that is pretty good for me, so fingers crossed when we get them into the ground we will start having fresh vegies out of the ground. And for those who heard of our potato experiment, you will be pleased to know that more are coming up in the garden. That's the Irish coming out.

Sidd as usual has been sleeping lots but did come out the other day and helped with the fencing. The only problem with Sidd is that he doesn't make tea in the morning. In fact when both he and Billie were together they were demanding tea from us. Of course in the end you just get up and do it yourself, otherwise you'd never get one.

So tomorrow, weather permitting I'm going to be out and about fixing more fences. All fun I love my tools. Will need to start spraying those pesky blackberries which are thriving on the sun and rain. A lot more managable now thank goodness, but still pesky. Thanks for listening and would love to hear from you.

Rosi

PS caption from Harry Kerr, he felt that it was fitting....

Rosi's Blog Birthday

2007-08-28T17:31:00.000-07:00

I hope you all enjoyed Billie's view of life at the farm. I have to say its pretty much the same for us, except we don't roll in poo or jump all over the furniture chasing flies.

Megsie does love poo, but for gardening reasons, list girl has become poo girl.

Anyway today is my birthday and I had a lovely morning with pressies opened in bed. The full box set of the West Wing (yes, yes and more yes) Shrek 1 and 2 and Kill bill 1 and 2. Love a little bit of girl action, Uma Thurman and Karie Moss both look good in spandex. And for the girl that needs to continue to remain wrinkle (ha) free some lovely aesop facial cleansers and creams. Of course let's not forget the tractor, a minor but important present.

I have to say 41 means I have 9 years till I am 50, a very interesting thought, one which I will surely ponder for sometime. Not much else to report on the big day. Dinner tonight here with Don and Louise coming over, just lovely.

Born Free - author Billie Girl

2007-08-28T16:57:00.000-07:00

Hi to all, Billie Girl here. Well it all started a week or so ago. The girls and Sidd came to Sydney to visit and of course stayed at our palace. Sidd and I got re aquainted with sniffs and the like and the humans just sat around, talked, gossiped, laughed, ate and drank wine. Nothing unusual there.

Sidd and I got to woofing on, Sidd telling me delightful tales of the farm, how easy life was (except bath time) and how many fantastic native animals live around the place. This got me thinking, why can't I go, without Sam and Rhys. So I put the pressure on, sad forlorn face, howling inappropriately (did not go so far as to be off my food) and just generally being annoying.

Suffice to say it worked and I'm here. Nothing too worrying about the trip, except Sidd liked to spread out, and sleep with his head on my arse, me I like to look out the front window when I drive, so I pretty much sat up the whole time. Arrived at Dorothy's for the night. Had a great time lording it over Rusty, he really is a funny young thing, so I let him think he was way to clever for me. Boys, they never learn.

So far at the farm, I've met the cows, rolled in cow poo (my favourite), had a bath, ate bones (only those provided by the girls), slept and of course chased the wobblies. My gammy leg is playing up, so resting is a good option.

Last night we watched the lunar eclipse, made for great wobbly chasing, you can get away with totally mad behaviour with a full moon, especially one which is pink (loved the colour). Oh by the way I do like trying to catch flies, I get to jump all over the furniture.

So with Sidd by my side, the farm holiday is proving just as I thought, wide open spaces, plenty of cow poo and food. For a girl of my age this suits me fine. I would send a postcard to Sam and Rhys, its just the post office is too far away and really I can't write that small.

Economic Models explained with Cows

2007-07-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

listen and learn from the bovines

SOCIALISM
You have 2 cows.
You give one to your neighbour.

COMMUNISM
You have 2 cows.
The State takes both and gives you some milk.

FASCISM
You have 2 cows.
The State takes both and sells you some milk.

NAZISM
You have 2 cows.
The State takes both and shoots you.

BUREAUCRATISM
You have 2 cows.
The State takes both, shoots one, milks the other, and then throws the milk away...

TRADITIONAL CAPITALISM
You have two cows.
You sell one and buy a bull.
Your herd multiplies, and the economy grows.
You sell them and retire on the income.

SURREALISM
You have two giraffes.
The government requires you to take harmonica lessons.

AN AMERICAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of four cows.
Later, you hire a consultant to analyse why the cow has dropped dead.

ENRON VENTURE CAPITALISM
You have two cows.
You sell three of them to your publicly listed company, using letters of credit opened by your brother-in-law at the bank, then execute a debt/equity swap with an associated general offer so that you get all four cows back, with a tax exemption for five cows. The milk rights of the six cows are transferred via an intermediary to a Cayman Island Company secretly owned by the majority shareholder who sells the rights to all seven cows back to your listed company. The annual report says the company owns eight cows, with an option on one more.You sell one cow to buy a new president of the United States, leaving you with nine cows.
No balance sheet provided with the release.
The public then buys your bull.

THE ANDERSEN MODEL
You have two cows.
You shred them.

A FRENCH CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You go on strike, organise a riot, and block the roads, because you want three cows.

A JAPANESE CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk.
You then create a clever cow cartoon image called 'Cowkimon' and market it worldwide.

A GERMAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You re-engineer them so they live for 100 years, eat once a month,and milk themselves.

AN ITALIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows, but you don't know where they are.
You decide to have lunch.

A RUSSIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You count them and learn you have five cows.
You count them again and learn you have 42 cows.
You count them again and learn you have 2 cows.
You stop counting cows and open another bottle of vodka.

A SWISS CORPORATION
You have 5000 cows.
None of them belong to you.
You charge the owners for storing them.

A CHINESE CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You have 300 people milking them.
You claim that you have full employment, and high bovine productivity.
You arrest the newsman who reported the real situation.

AN INDIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
You worship them.

A BRITISH CORPORATION
You have two cows.
Both are mad.

AN IRAQI CORPORATION
Everyone thinks you have lots of cows.
You tell them that you have none.
No-one believes you, so they bomb the **** out of you and invade your country.
You still have no cows, but at least now you are part of a Democracy....

A NEW ZEALAND CORPORATION
You have two cows.
The one on the left looks very attractive.

AN AUSTRALIAN CORPORATION
You have two cows.
Business seems pretty good.
You close the office and go for a few beers to celebrate.

Credits...thanks to Chantal for sending this hilarious list to us.

Our mate Hugo!

2007-07-18T06:07:00.000-07:00

The wonders of nature

2007-07-18T05:57:00.001-07:00

BBY transformation

2007-07-18T05:47:00.000-07:00

Bye bye Sydney - hello BBY!

2007-07-18T05:44:00.001-07:00

BBY visitors!

2007-07-18T05:39:00.001-07:00

Birthday joy flight with Hils

2007-07-18T04:59:00.001-07:00

Welcome Tobias - a few pics

2007-07-18T04:37:00.000-07:00

Proud Owners of a Tractor

2007-07-17T22:43:00.000-07:00

As usual it's been a long time. We've been in Sydney (where else) and for those of you who haven't heard, I'm about to re hash the whole sorry 5 weeks again.

So we had the big family reunion on the June long weekend at the Harbour View Rocks. Well what a hoot. 56 turned out and I am pleased to say it started at midday and finished around 10.00 pm. Not bad for a bunch of oldies. Mum was convinced she was Paris Hilton for the afternoon, without of course all the additional trimmings the media and world would soon forget. Not sure where that one came from, I think because everyone was waiting on her.

Following that social success, I had commenced a round of coffee catch ups with work ops and Megsie went into the EIA's office to work (complaining all the way about having to wear proper work clothes instead of the trackies she usually hangs out in on the farm!). The coffees paid off and, after a good 6 weeks or so of rest and play, I scored some work with CBRE which I am currently doing remotely. Of course before starting work I had my list (yes that list that list which is on the fridge) of things to do which I meandered my way through. Plus as Thom was pretty round by this time, I did some things around the house and went shopping with Thom after she finished up at work.

Which brings me to Thom. Of course we had just put the roast lamb on with all the trimmings and she decides that its time to have a baby. So in between us bathing Hugo and putting him to bed, Thom starts on the road to having a baby. Within 2 hours (!!) Tobias Otto Schmidt was born...Thom was delighted but Megsie felt ripped off! As 2IC she had packed a bag for a week with sustenance to last 2 weeks. Megsie and Gary arrived home around 1.00 am for champagne with me. A couple of bottles later and we decided to call it a night. Hugo of course, not cognisant of the time we went to bed, awoke at 5.30 am. Being the trooper I am, I got up to have some early morning snuggles on the couch while Megs and Gary enjoyed a well earned rest (well they said they earnt it!). But all is good...Tobias is a cutie and Hugo hasn't used him as his rugby sparing partner, yet.

So with the baby born, our reason for being in Sydney disappeared. I had to sort out some work and we left most happily a week or so later. We stopped on the way out of Sydney for lunch with Gav and Chantal (Megsie brother and wife). Thom, Gary, Hugo and Toby came along as well and what a treat to spend some time together overlooking the Hawkesbury. We knew we were on the way home.

I did miss out saying we caught up with many friends during our time in the big bad city. however due to the impending birth (and the crappy weather!) we did stay pretty low. Sorry to those we did not see, but will endeavour to get our act together when next in town.

Moving on. We did our usual stay over at Dots (megise mum) and loaded up the ute with all our goodies, including the new bike (postie bike go fast red). It's a treat and Megsie is in love with it. Of course when we left Old Bar it was pissing with rain and very windy...but we were happy to be driving into the bush away from everyone.

Jen and Jim will be relieved that no creatures decided to party on whilst away and the only tell tale sign of residence were the green poos scattered around the house. Green meaning "I've eaten the yummy bait and I'm off to die". Sorry, but until we get the house completed with no holes its that or wake up next to a furry friend.

We only had a couple of days to get ourselves together when my brother arrived with Cathy and 4 kids. Those that know our place will understand what a tight fit that would be. All good, we survived and had a great time. The weather was fab and we went out the back on quad, postie and ute. Went for a lovely walk and looked over the estate......... Alex and Oliver had a drive of the ute, first time, and both did extremely well. The tractor is ready to be delivered but I wont be around next week so it will have to wait until a couple of weeks. I am sure Megsie will post photos of this one for sure.

We are off to Dots 70th birthday for Saturday night but leaving here tomorrow. That list again beckons. Meanwhile we are the proud parents of 11 new heifers (6 months old and a cross between herefords and friesians) and they look fab. Our family is growing both animal and farm toys.

I'm off to Sydney next week to then make the trip to Melbourne for a couple of days. For those in Melbourne I will be working at Mt Waverley which I understand is not close to much. So I probably wont be seeing you this time. Once back from Sydney I plan to head straight back to the farm and hopefully we will be staying here for a while. Anyone interested in coming for a night or so just let us know. I'll let you touch my tractor.........

We have now watched Season 5 of the West Wing and were nearly in tears when Donna had her car blow up in Gaza. It just gets better. What will we ever do once we're through Season 7?!?! Thankfully our saviour, Chantal, is bringing Season 6 & 7 up with her for the weekend. For now its back to bigpond videos....... damn it.... but not bad anyway.

So, thats it in a nutshell. We are very happy here and the weather has been fabulous, a little windy today and very cold at night, a great frost cover the other morning, even sidd tip toed across the lawn. Talk next time.

Rosi

Its been awhile

2007-06-01T16:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, well I am back again. We've been to Sydney with me endeavouring to procure some kind of work and Megsie working very hard. Good to see.

We have been back at the farm for a week, with Jen, Jim and Layla joining us for the first 3 days. That was fabulous, although we did encounter small creatures of the local kind, who had of course decided to party and stay warm whilst we were off doing our Sydney thing. Let's just say that surprises were bountiful and the smell not very appealing.

Of course Jen and Jim were good humoured, thankfully. So Megsie and I got back into a routine, first by having a regeneration guy come for the day so we can see how trashed the place really is, ie how many native trees have actually survived clearing over the last 20 or so years and second by going to have a look at a tractor and actually drive one. Wow, now I am hooked and hopefully on Monday we will crunch some numbers.

Lovely orange, so you can't lose it in the paddock when tools are downed for the day. It comes with a bucket on front and a slasher on the back and oodles of nobs and levers for me to play with.

Otherwise the Lewis factor played a big role in the whole Lewis family and starting with little Hugo all came down with a lovely 24 hour bug that sent it out both ways. Of course me being the strong ox for goed that one and promptly picked up a lovely flu, which I am still recovering and moaning about at this very moment. Boring boring and boring.

The lovely ladies (heifers) look like they are due any moment so it will be interesting to see if we have some happy calves when we come home. Not sure how long we are to be in Sydney, but will be seeing you (some) sometime next week or beyond.

I've organised a family reunion for the Sunday of the long weekend, it should be an interesting afternoon, given its been a very long while.

thanks again for listening.

Back on the Road Again

2007-05-07T22:03:00.000-07:00

Hi All

Yes its that time again when after a lovely uninterrupted 8 days at the farm we are back on the road again.

Megsie has jumped on the train and is speedily heading (as one can only do on State Rail) to Sydney for work. I on the otherhand met with the Tractor guy today for a second discussion. No I did not wear short skirts and low tops, Megsie will do that when we are really going go crunch numbers. My dream of driving big machinery is looking like coming to fruition.

Tomorrow (Wednesday 9th May) I am heading to Kempsey for another 2 days of trees and all things green. The course thus far has been great and I think that this time next year we will feel better on the direction of replanting natives and garden design around the house, I dare say you will even see a distinct difference.

On Friday I am driving to Sydney for 8 days. I will be happy to get out of the car by then I should think.

Sidd stays with Dot whilst I am driving around the countryside. Yes he doesn't mind but with Rusty at his mouth the whole time, he does get a little tiresome. Unfortunatley for Sidd he has been biting his bum above his tail and so gets to wear a box around his head whilst the cream does its thing. I remember Billie needing to wear a bucket, hence the term 'bucket head' is now back in the vocubulary. A very dejected boy to be sure.

At the farm we did what we end up doing most days, Megsie working on the computer, me mowing the lawns, us spraying those damn blackberries. Had our neighbour come and help us round up the cattle as 2 of then were limping. The vet bill was a screamer and so we peppered him with heaps of questions, its not something we need to repeat in a hurry. We were looking to buy our other neighbours heifers, but they were too $$ and not great quality. Yes we can now with some authority tell the differernce between a good and bad cow.

PS I did work also, and made calls re all sorts of things that I wont bore you with.

We also went to our first party just outside of Elands on Saturday night. Met some lovely people and re acquainted ourselves with others. We did meet the vets brother and his wife. I love a very small community, you just really never know. Thankfully no faux pas form our end. It pays to find out who is related to who when up there before you launch into a discussion on sensitive issues.

The weather has been just spectacular, who would have thought May could be so lovely at the farm. Finished season 2 of the West Wing, in suspense for season 3 and 4, which is coming when we visit Sydney.

So hope all are well, I am off to Sydney to tart myself to potential employers, sell the dream of working remotely and being paid hugely. I know it can be done, I just need to convince others of it.

See you soon.

Rosi

What we have been doing

2007-04-24T02:17:00.000-07:00

Hi All

Here is an update on our activities of late. Megsie is finally back but working, as usual, furiously, tapping away at the computer murmuring to herself.

Since I left here on Thursday last I met up with Megs and Dot (Megsie Mum for those that don't know) at Old Bar. It certainly was lovely to see Megs again and not in Sydney (sorry). Our usual day when off the mountain is shopping in Taree, which consists of visiting at some point, Bunnings, Taree Tools, Taree Produce, Spotlight, the ATM and any number of retail stores for food and provisions.

We left Old Bar for Wendouree Park, which is the Mt White turn off on the P/Hway, about 8km north of the Brooklyn turnoff. Megs brother Gavin and his wife, Chantal live there so we arrived early evening for a lovely roast lamb dinner with all the Lewis trimmings.

We awoke to a lovely day and had breakfast on their balcony overlooking the hawkesbury. Can't get much better than that, apart from our place.

We then proceeded to Ann Blackwell's birthday (no age allowed). Ann is Brians Mum and we were lucky enough to be invited. She lives at Laguna, not far from Wollombi (dr jurds jungle juice). Arriving at 1.00 ish we had a fab time leaving at 10.00 ish. A sign of a very good party. We stayed at a kooky place called the diary with Sammi and Rhys. Its a horse stud for warmbloods. For the unitiated (like us) that actually means olympic horses.

As always when we catch up with the gang it was bliss and then we leave. So a lovely day spent working our way back to Old Bar.

As noted above shopping was in order on Monday, with most of the above places visited. We now have a first aid kit for the car and house which should give Thom a smile. Back up here early evening Monday. Of course you will no doubt know that we are off to Kempsey on Thursday for our ongoing tree course. So driving up and down the coast is becoming a regular event. We are hoping after July we can settle a bit. Don't hold your breath. I know that some of you think we haven't left Sydney, Gary and Thom included, but we are trying.

So, when you think we are sitting back relaxing on the deck, it maybe that we are no where near the deck, and like you are only having memories of where we live.

Once I can get onto Megs computer I'll start adding on before and after photos of the farm. Its a good memory for me how far we have come, especially when I look around and look at how much we have to do. Those blackberries know who they are.

Fire going, pork and salad to be had and west wing to watch, now this is bliss (did I mention wine) so cherio for now.

Rosi

2007-04-14T02:00:00.000-07:00

2007-04-14T01:59:00.000-07:00

Second attempt - first one works

2007-04-14T01:40:00.000-07:00

Hi All. Well given my success on the first one, I am now in love with the blog. So I can actually bore you all to death with details of what I am doing day to day. Sounds good to me.

Well my claim to fame today was a call to Simon and the 2 Woodies on 702 who happened to be at the Easter Show. I rang in and yes, was on the radio. Unfortunately for me we were close to the news so I was wrapped up pretty quickly, no nice chit chat. Anyway, nothing like getting your 2 minutes worth. For those that don't know, I love the woodies every saturday when I can between 10-11 a.m. They have been on deck for about 25 years.

For those that don't really know, Megs and I are now true ABC radio heads. Who would have thought after all those early years looking at 7.00 news and then the 7.30 report bored to death and reminiscing about the young doctors show for the night and what exciting event was to happen next night. Swooning over Mark Holden (yes I did do that back then, probably swooned over the girl nurses as well) and wondering if your favourite nurse was ever doing to get the guy, or just noticed by the hospital for the good job she was doing. Well, what can I say, throw in skippy, aunty jack and the sullivans and I think you get the jist.

Off track a bit there. I am going to attempt to insert some photos that the adorable Rhys took for Easter. Sorry if it doesn't work. But if it does hopefully those that have yet to enjoy the bulga plateau delights will surely make the journey. It is so worth it. A bit like Hotel California, once you arrive you never want to leave.

Signing off now. Cheerio.

Rosi's first blog attempt

2007-04-12T23:56:00.000-07:00

Hi All

Rosi here. Thought I should write something so that it looks like we are actually here and Rhys hasn't just thrown something together that no one uses.

So since the gang has left the place has felt a little empty. Sidd and I do the usual things, argue, laugh, debate world politics and then drink ourselves stupid. Not much different to Sydney, only he was always busy visiting his doggie girlfriends friends whilst Megs and I sat at home looking across at each other with nothing to say. For those of you who don't know we have no TV connected here (love it) so I watch loads of DVD's which is a god send for me. Thanks to Chantal for West Wing series 2.

Don and I did some burning off yesterday and I got back onto spraying those dreaded blackberries. We will also be burning off next week at Morris Oval, so next time, once we treat all the noxious nasties, we might just be able to play the inaugral cricket match. Beer and BBQ will be in order I dare say to follow.

Will go and take a photo of the current cricket pitch status, no doubt Tony Grieg will have something to say about it, none of it good I am afraid. Lucky if he could find a place to stick his keys. If he doesn't watch it a snake might get him.

Speaking of which, I had another close encounter with the slithery kind yesterday, again making me jump and getting the heart started. Of course Don was on his tractor with ear muffs on and oblivious to my personal dilemma. He (well of course all snakes are he) slithered off to his hole, between my feet and I thanked the lord that there was no brown to be seen and I was bigger than he was for the day. Needless to say, I contined on my spraying as the need to kill blackberries far outweights the desire to stay alive. Of course for those of you concerned we have completed our first aid course, and always carry the first aid kit in Carol when out and about. Additional immobilisation bandages will be carried on person. The first aid kit is not much use if Carol is parked somewhere else.

So thats it for now. Hope you have gotten a little detail of life on the farm. Danger all around, but the birds make up for it. Will try next time to insert photos, I have one of Mum on the quad, she is a dangerous woman for sure.

Rosi

The bby blog beginning . . .

2007-04-08T17:49:00.000-07:00

Its Easter Monday, 9th April 2007. This is the beginning of the bby blog!

Maria, Brian, Mila, Sammi and Rhys have joined Megs and Rosi at the bby for Easter and have just had Sammi's Scambled eggs and Rhys' crispy bacon with avocado & tomatoes.

Soon, we'll be posting our photos and stories of our escapades at the bby.

Here are some photos of Easter 2007 . . .

After dinner smiles . . .

Using the binoculars as a telephoto lens . . .

Delightful flowers and Sammi with Brian on the deck.

Brian Mila and Pavy on the rockin’ Quad!

The hog wanders . . .