A big step forward

19.11.2012

It is a beautiful day with clear blue skies. The Montessori school kids have arrived and set up there camp around the ruins. The kids have been rescuing the tadpoles trapped in the swimming pool and learning to row a boat on the dam. So far it is all really relaxing and a big change from all the frantic work we did over the last two weeks to get the place ready.

Stevo came back and stayed in the donga with Chrisco who worked with him. They achieved miracles and we now have a fully functioning dog yard and shelter shed. The dogs have a very flash fully insulated kennel where they can shelter, but so far they seem to prefer the spot they have excavated for themselves underneath the kennel. It is so good to see them enjoying being free to dig and rest under trees rather than be shut up in the house all day.

David H helped me get the two new raised beds ready for planting out summer vegetables, and I cooked for everyone and cleared up after them. It took a huge effort from everyone but we got everything ready yesterday and were able to entertain our local permaculture group who came for a site visit to inspect the new fire safe building and the other structures we have spent the last four years putting in place.

The school camp is a big step for us because they are the first group we have had actually staying here since the fires. We did not feel at already but the date came around and we just had to rise to the occasion. Everything seems to have worked out well but we were very lucky with the weather that stayed dry all last week and made all the building possible.

I have saved an area on the bank beside the ruins that the kids can clean up as an exercise. At present they just seem to be enjoying looking at animals wild and domestic. Three large black yellow tail cockatoos obligingly came to visit us at lunchtime so the bird spotters amongst the group are off to a good start.

We are a bit worried about Josh who was possibly on the gold coast when the big storms struck this weekend. He had a conference up there and we are not sure when he was due to fly back to Perth. Earlier in the week he took time off and went up near Cairns to watch the solar eclipse. He said it was amazing. Indiga did the presentation for her school assignments this weekend and has now gone off for a job interview. We have her finally party next weekends and then her school days are formally over! My first grown up grandchild! How fast time goes.