Steady as She Goes

We have been in our little temporary digs for ten days now. We have identified the real irritants and are working to resolve these issues. For instance, my "kitchen" has no water for washing our dishes. We thought we had fixed the problem by bringing in our 25-litre camping water container for ease of access. Genius, until we discovered the spout could leak without any warning, from a drip to a deluge.

Tomorrow, on our Santa Run to the Big Smoke, we intend to gatecrash one of the giant camping stores to purchase a more efficient and secure spout for the water container. With this addition, we hope to be able to fill our washing up basins without the fear of a tsunami across the floor.

Of course, we have a perfectly good spare spout somewhere in our packed belongings. Probably in the same place as my vacuum cleaner bags, which vanished somewhere between the House that Rocks and the Residence, a vast distance of at least 500 metres. Hence, after I buy new vacuum cleaner bags at Godfrey's, the missing ones will surely rematerialise.

Other improvements that are actually completed are new towel rails in the wet area and my custom made clothes line that Michael fabricated for me. At 2.4 metres long, it is capable of having flat queen bed sized sheets hung off it with room to spare. At 1.8 metres wide, Michael has threaded 40 metres of line from side to side. The final touch was a matt black finish. I am in love with my clothesline.

The fences will need to be constructed in the near future. Sascha has had a sudden re-birth of youth and has taken to night time wanderings. Two evenings ago, she was brought home from the pub, having just wandered in an open door. Last night, she left and came back on her own. Tonight, Michael had to chase her up the laneway. He commented that she was becoming defiant of authority in her old age. I responded, like father, like daughter.

Christmas Day is looming as our day to do absolutely nothing. After a packed schedule in Perth tomorrow, we are then opening the Gallery for extended hours until 7 pm on Christmas Eve. And guess what, we are really looking forward to having a quiet day in our quirky little accommodation.

The piece de resistance - we received planning approval for our house today. Time for a vino and a happy dance.

Only a Beverley Hillbilly would enthuse over towel rails.

The master fabricator with the clothesline.

Just off the verandah, is a sample of Michael's treasures...

Still life of spiders, caterpillars, bits and bots and Muriel on the left..

Surprise! More metal from the verandah around towards our courtyard.