BBY Beautification Begins!

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!)