Camping in the Residence.

Day Four of our innovative and somewhat primitive lifestyle. I have promised Michael that I will not refer to our temporary home as the Hovel anymore. Hence the title of the Residence. For hopefully only six months.That's the plan.

The pros are numerous. The two rooms and wet area are well ventilated, receive very little direct sun and has the internal wall of the workshop along the eastern side, which is the coolest part of the building. The floor is lino in the living space, which makes cleaning up the ongoing canine liquid surprises much easier. The cat has ceased to be feral, is exploring the outside world from time to time, but is wise enough to scurry back into the safety of inside.

Except for this morning. Madame Cat found herself behind the washing machine which is jammed next to the laundry trough. Miaowing plaintively, I cursed her stupidity and then hauled her out by the back of her neck. She was not amused.

Another plus is its proximity to  our town oval, which is rumoured to be the best in this part of the Wheatbelt. So far, we have managed to walk the Three Stooges there for the last three evenings. The grass is green, lush and soft - perfect for enthusiastic rolling - and the area is large enough to encourage all three of them to gallop madly. Even the Beagle. We have watched her in open astonishment, as Ruby's little legs propell her swiftly and even her stout little body appear to be leaner.

Cooking and washing up  continue to be challenging. Michael will set up the camp stove today so I can be persuaded to use it. Last night, we were saved by being invited to stay for dinner with the Moads.

There is no sink or water in the kitchen nook, which involves me creating one with our camping basin. Occasionally, this set-up does provoke a tad of displeasure to erupt from my lips.

However, there is no point in remaining testy. We are here for the duration until our house is built. I trust John and Lyndsey's time predictions. And building over summer and early autumn will be relatively speedy if we receive little rain. Once all the approvals are finalised, our building gurus predict we will be in the house in three months. Or so....

I can hardly wait.

And for entertainment value, here is a collage of our Residence...