Sunrise 2

May has past. What a wonderful season Autumn is.
(and winter, spring, summer)
The winter wonderland exposed.

The vege soil has arrived.
Its evil, steaming, smelly and very warm.
The mega worms will probably love it.

Soil stew

10 tons to shift into the raised beds. Oh dear.
One nasty shovel scoop at a time.
I really do love this soil.

The new plants should love it.
Just a pity its now winter as its not the best time for growth.
Planted all sorts.

Watering the seeds

Went a little overboard without expectation of much success.
Planted - silver beet, carrots, peas, parsnip, bok choy, lettuce,
              snow peas, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower
             and some others I cannot remember.

Trying all sorts

The birds are interested, I imagine the local Wombats will be intrigued and the local
residents have another thing to talk about these odd new neighbours.

To finish off the Vege garden area we had delivered 6 tons of crushed pink granite.
(same as new driveway material)
This is to spread around the vege beds as pathways.
More digging, barrow work and back management.

The crushed granite pile shrinking

Now a proper path around the vege beds

A very rustic pair of compost bins.

crude but effective

 We don't have much to fill these with (no lawn clippings) but all we have will be used.

 Talking about Wombats. I was.
The Southern Highlands seem to be synonymous with the Wombat.
We have twice seen Wombats grazing on farmland and lots of burrows.
Also lots killed on the roads around here unfortunately.
Evidence around our place (out the front) of Wombats.
Nicknamed "The Bulldozer". If something is in the way - burrow through/under.
Story of a young couple moved into their new house.
Discovered a Wombat had taken up residence under the house.
Very concerned about the damage to the foundations due to tunnelling.
Sort advice from experts and were provided with a powder to spread around
that is meant to deter the presence of the Wombats.
It didn't work.
All they now hear at night (nocturnal animal) is the Wombat sneezing.

One of the locals

May produced many frosts.
The bridge proved quite slippery.
Might need construction of hand rails. (or maybe low hedging each side to cushion the fall)

Sign of things to come

Locals talking of possible snow this winter.
Something to do with the Holly trees and lots of berries. (and other similar plants/berries)

The fireplace is now a 24 hour concern.
Experimenting with type and quantity of timber to last all night.

The house is warm (perhaps too warm) and we will see during winter whether to install
a duct from the lounge to the main bedroom. (to suck warm air to the other end of the house)

To lighten our routine (and to fill in the "must do something silly everyday") we joined in
the record braking attempt of creating a "Mary Poppins" with Umbrellas.
We smashed the record.

We are on the left of her waist

Imagine 2000 plus people doing the "Hokey Cokey" whilst holding an umbrella up.
This was held at Bowral (20 minutes away) the home of the writer of Mary Poppins.
Lots of fun.

Now that the garden and plantings are generally complete (are they ever) we have started to
paint the outside of the house.
Not much really. Gutters, eaves and a few other bits.
After that we will pay attention to sealing all holes, gaps etc. where wind and cold can
penetrate to inside. Making ready for winter and the winter/spring westerly winds.

Must mention our local Doctors. "the Robertson Doctor"
Its a pleasure to attend. Rarely have to wait.
The reception staff are efficient and personal in greeting and assistance. (us being newbie's)
For the few minutes waiting that may occur you can:
*   look at the exhibitions of paintings, pottery, poetry, etc adjacent to the reception area.
     (a small gallery within the practice)
*  From the waiting room look out upon the backyard... the vege garden, pots, pottery animals,
    trees/shrubs, timber stack, clothes line, etc.
*  Near to the waiting room is the house kitchen with the emanating delectable smells being warmed
    by the pot belly wood stove. Often something delicious in a cast iron pot on the wood stove.
    The kitchen also contains the fridge for the practice.
Very very calm, receptive and almost a pleasure to attend.
Most unusual in our busy busy lives.
Very country.

Finally a little rain this month. (the 25th) Just a light shower. The plants like it I suspect.
We have not watered any of the plants (except the vege beds) and even with the mulch they must
be due for a drink.
Maximum temperature of 9oC with wind gusts to 45km.
Its a day for bread making (I'm looking for the perfect loaf without using yeast) and cake making.

Exciting news----- 29th----- the Chinese Cabbage seeds have started sprouting in the garden bed.
The excitment is building....30th----the Pea seeds have started sprouting.