So many exciting happenings.....

Rain stopped pour....

The week started with a deluge of downpours so the Tuesday concrete pour had to be put off until the sun started shining again.  I know the next fact will hardly be impressive in the UK but we actually had 22 mms of water and the rain tanks were over flowing.  We were impressed but disappointed that we had to wait for the slab to be finished.

The weather reports were consulted and a cold but bright day was promised for Friday. Word was the pour would start at 7.00 am Friday morning. It was a blooming cold clear night on Thursday, the alarm clock was set for 6, and we were greeted by a very cold but dry morning.

After a quick but hearty brekkie many thermal layers were donned, scarves, hats and gloves, looking like a fat Nanook of the North, off we went to the block.  The team were (impressively) already assembled rugged up and ready. All except one chap who, rather alarmingly, wore shorts!! 

Looking towards the en-suite, north side of house

It wasn't long until the first of the 7 (and a bit) concrete mixers started to arrive. Slowly the wooden frames were filled.  The team worked hard to make sure there were no air bubbles trapped and all the nooks and crannys filled.  

It was a beautiful morning but very cold if you stood still for to long.  It wasn't long before Rick and I lost the feeling in our toes.  In total contrast the team of builders were soon stripping off their layers, which made us feel even colder.... brrrr

Last bit of concrete going in.

The concrete is given about a week to cure then the frames (which should arrive on Monday) will start going up.

The birds were very curious about the goings on and a couple of Kookaburras came down for a closer look. I do hope they approve.

Penny the pick up

As if that wasn't enough excitement the previous week whilst driving along Rick had spotted a sad looking Land Rover parked up but looking abandoned on someones drive.  After a few enquiries he got to talk to the owner who eventually was persuaded to think about selling it.  

He had thought the splines on the output shaft were stripped or the gear box was busted to you and I. A quick inspection and after a week of negotiations we hired a car trailer, hitched up Dora and went off to pick up the new acquisition.

In the Landy stable from left to right we have Dora, Landy and now Penny

As Rick says 'if you have more than one landy they will start multiplying!' 

The icing on the cake

THE Bendigo Sheep Show was on over the weekend and with a promise of all things connected to sheep off we went to Bendigo for a look.....and we weren't disappointed.

It is much much colder in Bendigo and there was actually an early morning frost (which did look beautiful).  The tall grasses and fencing were covered in spiders cobwebs with what looked like millions of diamonds glistening in the morning sun.  It looked magical.  On the way to the show we passed a field full of about 20 fluffed up and furry Kangaroos grazing. A couple of them were facing up to each other and started to box, quite an amazing sight, they looked quite off balance leaning back on their huge tails.

First stop were (nut surprisingly) the Wool Craft sheds.  We found the Ashford stand where a very kind lady persuaded me to have a go at spinning with one of the best wheels in the world. Her instructions were simple and before long I was spinning a fine yarn.  I soon became totally absorbed with the rhythm of the spin.  All went well until I over heard a Mum telling her curious daughter 'Look let's watch that lady spinning' eeek!

The Wool Craft sheds were like Aladins caves full up with many tempting treasures. Skeins of yarns all colours and natural fibres were offered for sale, the more unusual being possum, yak, camel and steel. Mind blowing.  I was amazed at just how many things I hadn't realised I needed before going there. We spoke to experts on many things, learnt lots and soon realised there is so much more to learn.  It was fantastic.

All types of sheep were being judged, there were shearing competitions and sheep dog trials.  Many schools and young farmers were represented.  We watched a Roustabout competition to find the best fleece preparer to represent Victoria in the Australian finals. These people were amazing to watch. They took less than 1 1/2 minutes to pick, clean and sort a fleece loosing points if the 'daggy bits' were put into the wrong basket, or if the fleece was hanging over the table. They also had to keep an eye on the shearer as these chaps can't be held up.  We were very impressed.

It was a very full day and we eventually headed back to campsite with Dora stuffed full of 'essentials' and our heads buzzing, for a quick bite to eat and an early night. 

Slightly off the beaten track we followed a 4wd track and found this amazing view from the top of Mount Moliagul Lookout.  So high up we looked down on three Wedge Tailed Eagles circling in the thermals.  Quite a breath taking moment.