What a good girl am I! I catapulted out of bed at the first sound of my alarm. Something I have not done recently, I must admit. I have been a little slowed up somehow       Ah well, age has its side effects not so?

No rain over night, but we did get 2mm yesterday sometime during the day. Whoo-hoo! The raindrops plop down and disappear so fast it makes you wonder whether you really saw or heard the rain fall at all. Incredible. It is that dry. We are waiting patiently for a good, heavy down pour. It will come, of that I am sure.

After my normal morning routine, I hung out more washing to slap its way to dryness outside in the wind and the sunshine, I love the noise of the sheets cracking in the wind. It sounds so clean.

Once Ken was up and moving, he went across the river on the quad bike pulling the trailer to bring the rest of the groceries (left in my little car on the other side of the river overnight) up to the top shed. He also had to take the empty gas cylinder across and get it into my car. He came back and fetched me, then we set sail for Peter and Sue’s where I left Ken to pick up the now-working-again ute.

At long last! Great excitement and happiness, Ken has the ute back with a second-hand engine in it now. Ken went off to Wauchope to fetch feed for the cattle and get a new gas cylinder, while I went off to meet my friend Karen.

In a fortnight or so, I will be looking after Karen’s mum and their home for her and her husband, while they attend a huge Trade Fair down in Sydney for her business. So, this morning I went to discuss all the hoo-hah of the what’s, when’s and who’s for that. I also got to chat to her mum and assure her that all will be well when I am in charge. She believed me!

Karen also got out her diary as she wants me to start up teaching calligraphy lessons in her studio again, but only after she has had her fourth hand op. I will begin classes again in July this year. There is still much for us to discuss about the dates et cetera but we have time on our side.

Karen loaded me with gifts - a bottle of wine that she did not want, some rock cakes that she had baked, masses of delicious choccies, and two sets of DVD series she has lent me. Karen and Paul have hundreds (yes, I mean hundreds of DVD’s) and so when I am staying there, I will be like a little kid in a candy shop! Spoilt for choices!

I phoned Ken from Karen's to make sure that we would get home at about the same time, so I could get a ift across the river and back up home. In the end I had to ride the quad bike, with trailer in tow, across the river, followed closely by Ken in the ute.

My goodness gracious golly gee! The sky was a dark indigo, with heavy clouds dragging themselves laboriously across it. I could almost smell the rain. The thunder rolled and grumbled overhead, and the lightening flashed with great flashes, scribbling hasty notes in blinding light across the lumpy sky.  A storm was brewing loudly above us. But … even with all that noise and activity we missed the rain as it scudded around us and travelled south. We received but 1mm. But it was 1mm of rain and we were happy to get that. But sometimes it is hard not to cry with impatience or frustration.

I hastily brought the now dry washing in.

Whilst Ken and Koda had their siesta, I sat up in my studio and worked on the lessons I will be giving this coming Monday at school for the children. I am looking forward to seeing all the children I know and to meeting the new children too.

I also unpacked the brand new Brother Scan ‘n Cut machine that Karen gave me to work out how to use for her. She gave me this machine at the beginning of the year, well just before I went to Katoomba for that convention I attended, but what with visitors and just life in general, I had not got around to doing anything with it. So, today was the day! But I think I need some sort of degree to work this machine out, there was and is screeds of instructions and I began to wade through them, but still have not got to the nitty gritty bit in order to start the machine! Maybe tomorrow?

I made us a salmon salad for supper as Ken’s mouth is still a little tender so he does not want to chew hard yet, plus it was still so hot weather-wise.

I began t watch the one series that Karen has lent me on Leonardo da Vinci, which should be very interesting. But I was tired and so only watched a portion of the first DVD episode. 

I crawled into bed with Koda, Ken was still in front of the TV and I was fast asleep before Ken got to bed.

Thursday 8^th February slipped away as we slept.

What lesson did I learn today? That I have made some wonderful friends here in Australia.

What am I grateful for today? The rain, no matter how little.

My saying for today is …

T-r-i-n-g! T-r-i-n-g! (Actually, in reality a more sophisticated tune plays on my mobile) went my alarm and out of bed I bounced to greet the new day with enthusiasm!

Early morning chores done - one feline fed, my coffee made and then it was time to go up to my studio to have my Quiet Time.

A few hours later I got together all I would need for our Bible Study Group and was about to have my shower when Ken announced that our gas had run out. Ah yes, that would be about right! Luckily for me, I showered at great speed, and the warm water lasted long enough for me to even wash my hair. Ah, the blessings that surround us if we would but take the time to realize just how many there really are, not so? A beautifully warm shower. Can’t get better than that!

Once Ken had fed the bulls it was time to put everything onto the quad bike and bounce and bang down and across the river to my little car. From there we headed down to Ellenborough where we picked up Wendy. Jeff, her man, had had to go into town early to have the rego done on their vehicle so Wendy came to Bible Study Group with us today.

There were so many of our Bible Study Group away today, but we had a new member Tom, join us which was really nice. There were only nine of us with at least five of our members away. This was our first meeting of 2019.

We did not stay for tea after the meeting as Ken had a dentist appointment in Port Macquarie and we needed to drop Wendy off in Port’ too. We made it in time to the dentist in the nick of time!

Poor Ken had two teeth pulled out and his mouth was rather tender. Ken is no whinger so it must have been really sore, poor bloke. But he heals very quickly generally, and I pray that this will be no exception to the rule.

From the dentist we zig zagged through town stopping first here then there buying the things needed for our little home. While I was in a shop getting a couple of fitted sheets Ken bought himself an ice cream to cool his mouth. From there I went in and out of the different Bed & Bath shops looking for a nice duvet cover, but our home being very African in decor, it is not easy task to find what I want. I think I may resort to making a duvet set myself if I can purchase the right fabric.

We stopped at Settlement City to grab a quick bite to eat for lunch - Ken got a fruit slushie made at Boost Juice, and I had some Chinese food. Yummy! Oh-so delish!

Next it was off to Aldis to do some grocery shopping and there we bumped into some friends of ours who we had not seen for yonks. So, we had a quick chitter chatter and then off we went.

We had two hours to kill before my Church Board Meeting so we drove down to the water, where we could watch the water activities there. There were canoeists flitting across the water like dragon flies, yachts putt-putting out the little harbour to the open waters, and then raising their sails to catch the wind, pelicans bobbing in the water waiting for the return of the fishermen and the odd tit bits of fish from them. Children laughing and playing in the nearby playground - a busy scene which begged one to watch.

I tried to have a quick snooze but was not successful in that endeavour, but I managed to read my Kindle, which was wonderful as I take so little time to read during the day normally. A real treat that was!

Then it was time for my meeting and Ken dropped me off at the chapel in Garden Village where we normally have our meeting and he went off to have a drink nearby.

I love this group of people on the Church Board - we get on so well and I love the positive things that come out of these meetings. Really good constructive stuff and things that bless other people. Love it!

Then it was time to head on back home, It was then about a quarter to seven in the evening. We got back home at about a quarter to eight - or thereabouts. Yahee! We had had some rain, not much only 2mm, but hey folks it WAS rain!

I had missed my TV programme, so it was bed for me with my Kindle and to do a little more reading for the day. Such decadence!

What lesson did I learn today? Not to be envious of our neighbours who receive ten times as much rain as we did.

What am I grateful for today? The rain we did get.

My saying for today is …

It is a very Happy Birthday to our eldest granddaughter, Tayla today. Tayla is turning twenty-five and has so much to celebrate. She has recently obtained her CA degree and is getting married in October this year!  How exciting is that folks?

Again, I rolled out of bed later than my normal routine, but that is the way is was!

After feeding my cat, making myself a mug of coffee and going up to my studio I had my Quiet Time.

Later, when I came downstairs again, I attacked the huge pile of ironing awaiting me. It took me just over two hours and with a one-two-and-a-three it was all done and dusted! Aah! WHAT a good feeling! I think that is what motivates me to iron, that feeling of achievement when I have completed that task! Yes! Yes! I know it may sound crazy to you but … “whatever floats your boat” and all that!

I did more washing but did not hang it out as I was pleasantly surprised by some rain this morning on a 40% chance of it happening! Happiness is rain falling. We got 3.5mm which was gratefully received. Seriously, one minute the ground was wet and the next second it was not! Yep, it is that dry.

We need rain desperately.

For the rest of the day I spent time writing out notes (as my computer inks have not arrived yet), for our Bible Study Group tomorrow (Thursday). I have so enjoyed, and am still enjoying the study on the Feasts of Israel. Very interesting!

I also made an arrangement to visit Karen and Paul on Friday, as I am looking after Karen’s mum and their home for five days  soon, so they can get away to Sydney for the Craft Show, and I need to know the what’s and wherefore’s of their home. I am looking forward to spending time with Karen’s mum and getting to know her better. It will also give Ken a break from his wife!

Ken worked sorting out rubbish - never a fun job for him, poor guy. We have no rubbish removal service out here so that job falls on his shoulders, and in this heat it is a smelly occupation to say the least!

Slowly the day oozed out and was gone as night made her presence felt by drawing darkness like a curtain across the sky behind her.

Both Ken and I watched a little TV and then I headed for bed as I was tired. Koda was delighted to accompany me. Shame, the little hairy hound loves his sleep. Ken followed us a little later.

What lesson did I learn today?  To be grateful for whatever rain we are given.

What am I grateful for today? The 3.5mm of rain we got!

My saying for today is …

My day should have started at four o’clock but there was still a great weariness in my body from feeling unwell yesterday, so I turned the alarm off and slept for another hour. Lazy sluggard!

But then, maybe … just maybe someone knew what I was going to be doing for the morning. I did not. That extra hour of sleep was well worth it later!

I had my day planned out, but Ken had other ideas for me! He wanted me to help him castrate the bulls - the older ones, nog al! Oh dear! Ironing suddenly sounded like a wonderful occupation for the day.

I wish we could do any cattle work early in the day as working out in the heat if the day is a killer, but my man will not have a bar of it. Seven o’clock or half past seven are his rising times and they are set in stone. Granite!

While Ken and the canines were rounding up the one herd plus the bulls to be castrated, I put the washing on then hung it out to dry. I also managed to squeeze in a few more smocking stitches while I waited for the cattle to be in the yards.

Sometimes, it is best not to know what lies ahead in life. This morning was a good example of that - for me anyway!

Okay, so apart from helping get the bulls into the smaller holding area and pushing them down the race, Ken informed me that I had to hold onto the bulls ‘under carriage’ (read ‘testicles’), whilst Ken wrapped a large thick rubber band around them. Need I add here that said bulls were not excited about that activity one bit? (Nor was I!) One of the bulls almost landed a well-aimed kick at my arm but thank goodness it was but a glancing blow. Enough though to make me want to run away and not return.

So, I stood on the one side of the crush and Ken on the other, I was told to grip onto the testicles and pull them out as far and as hard as I could. This allowed Ken to get the band wrapped around them. Yes, yes! Sounds like one smooth operation, but … it was not! The bands kept popping open, and Ken's language became more florid with each mishap. The bulls leapt around trying to hold onto their manhood, and they did their best to kick me as I hung on for dear life. Ah what fun it is being a farmer’s wife tra-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-lah! (Use “Deck The Halls with Holly” chorus tune for that!)

I can assure you all that my life is filled with a variety of experiences. Not always chosen by me! I am trying to convince myself that all these experiences are building my character. Yeah right!

I had Ken yelling out instructions in staccato like bursts, with his hat that kept trying to remove my glasses, so I had a Mrs Mouse look with my glasses perched on the end of my nose trying to see what the heck I was doing. Added to that little scenario was the bull flick-flicking his filthy moo-pooed tail all over me and then two of the bulls let rip, and we had warm moo poo dripping off our arms and hands. Lovely! My Profit watch almost drowned in that rich, warn, dripping, re-cycled grass, but Ken’s watch took it in its stride being an underwater watch! We both had to take a break and go and wash in the bath of water nearby as there was no way that either of us could grip onto anything, dripping with moo poo.

Yes, Mrs Housewife, you who moan about the prices of veggies, fruit and meat you have NO idea what goes into producing these things for you! Whatever price you pay, let me tell you it is cheap!

When I walked out to the yards to help Ken earlier in the day, I was wearing a pale blue denim long sleeved shirt and denims. When I returned home later, I was covered in moo poo, so much so it looked as if I was wearing camouflage! Yes! Seriously!

I was into the shower quick smart and came out smelling sweet and looking ever so clean. I think everyone should be covered in moo poo at least once in their life time to appreciate the blessing of water!

Ken and Koda soon headed off for their siesta and I watched some TV while I had a cool drink and nodded off, then I did some work on my laptop, wrote some emails, paid some accounts and did some studying for our Thursday Bible Study meeting. The first one of 2019.

Again, it has been a ridiculously hot day. When will the unrelenting heat abate? We need rain desperately now. Plus, in the afternoon there was a strong breeze blowing, which dried everything up even further, if that is possible. Sad. Really sad. Here we are crying out for rain and the people in Townsville would do anything to give us their flood water. What a mess that is up there. My heart goes out to all those affected by the floods.

The day wound down gently. Ken, me, plus Koda and Shamara all relaxed in our own ways. Koda on my lap in the Laziboy armchair as I watched my programme on TV, Shamara spread out on the floor like  a puddle keeping cool, and Ken in front of the other TV watching sport with his mobile phone on Facebook. Happiness for us all.

What lesson did I learn today? That castrating larger bulls is not my favourite occupation.

What am I grateful for today? That I do not have to castrate bulls every day!

My saying for today is …

I had a restless night’s sleep, waking a few times, which is so unlike me. At two o’clock, or thereabouts, I woke up again with horrible tummy cramps, not a good sign at all.

When my alarm went off at four o’clock I gave it a firm whack and turned over, but got up a few minutes later only to return to bed as I was not feeling kosher at all. I was nauseous, had a horrible headache and still had terrible tummy cramps. I sort of crawled back into bed feeling rather sorry for myself!

Ken received a phone call at about eight and he hared off into Port Macquarie to pick up some part for the ute. After which he took said part to Peter (a mechanic and friend of ours who lives down the road from us), where he and Peter worked on the ute' for several hours.

I slept on and on and on and on. I had taken a tablet for the tummy cramps and one for the nausea. The anti-nausea one knocks me for several loops, hence the amount of sleeping that followed.

Throughout the day I slept on and off. I did attempt to get up several times, but the moment I stood up the nausea returned with a vengeance. So, lying horizontal it was for me.

In the afternoon I felt a lot better so sat up on the bed and did some smocking, and the moment I felt yucky, I lay down and read for a little or slept some more.

By the time Ken got home, which was after two o’clock I was feeling a lot healthier! Ken looked whacked, so he and Koda had their siesta together while I read for a while and then dozed on the couch.

Yes, today has been a slow day with lots of resting, which obviously my body needed.

In the early evening I watched a TV show and then headed for bed. I thought I may not be able to sleep seeing I had slept for most of today, but ...

I was wrong. I went to sleep quickly and easily. What a blessing that was.

What lesson did I learn today? Sometimes it is wise to listen to what your body is demanding of you.

What am I grateful for today? The rest and restoration of my health.

My saying for today is …