From the Hunter Valley -
For all of those affected by the floods they will surely feel the need to have a new beginning, by putting behind them the floods, for a moment or two in time. People all over the world started have started remembering all those who were struck by the recent flood events in Queensland. People in Scotland are helping to celebrate a new start where they hope that people can begin afresh. Another group in France are beginning their day with breakfast and bubbles and invited guests are making donations 
to the Premier's Flood Appeal. Some have travelled far and wide to join the group. Thank you. Kirstie and Michael are having a fine dinner on the verandah where they sat, just a few weeks ago during the severe storm, for 6 hours waiting and watching rising flood waters. In Tamworth another two are sitting and sharing a platter and their desire to support all those making new beginnings. In the Hunter Valley more people are quietly recalling the floods and trusting that people can slowly start to rebuild. Best wishes for Happy New beginnings in Queensland and indeed all over Australia where floods have changed lives.
This is not an occasion where chooks gather on the range to discuss the latest prices of feed nor is it a time for baking or roasting hens in the kitchen. It is a celebration where a soon-to-be bride gathers with a group of friends and family to recognise the upcoming marriage and nuptials. As this is my first Hen's Party I am interested to observe and or participate in traditional happenings at such do's. The invitation certainly sets a precedent for me. The invitation cites that we will be attending a Mad Hatters Tea Party. I've seen Alice in Wonderland so that at least is familiar territory. Further to this, we are to partake of the Tea Party at the Watagans National Park and each of us has been asked to wear or bring our maddest hat! I have numerous hats but which to wear has proved challenging. Sunsmart; I think not, too boring. Silly, glamorous, colourful, too tricky to decide until I remembered a hat that I purchased many years ago to wear to what was to be my first ever Melbourne Cup luncheon. As it turned out luggage from incoming Canadian flight had gone astray and I found myself eating chicken on rolls in the kitchen whilst wearing my hat since we were waiting couriers to deliver the afore mentioned bags. So no real airing (wearing,) of the hat, so surely,this had to be the right occasion. Flash hat was indeed appropriate for those hosting had fresh white linen on the tables, cushioned seating, two silver candelabras, fine China, cake platters and champagne poured waiting for our arrival beneath the canopy of the trees at the Pines. The function commenced with a parade of hats that was judged by the bride-to-be. Champagne was sipped, sandwiches, cupcakes, scones, jam, cream, passionfruit cream biscuits, meringues and so much more was sampled with convivial conversation. The relaxed atmosphere and the elegant spread was seen by fellow visitors and they wondered at the focus of our celebratory activities. I guess that it not an regular occurrence to see a large group of smartly, attired ladies seated at a table dripping with delicate cuisine in such a remote location. The bus driver and his able support person made the journey to the picnic area possible for I am sure that none of us ladies wished to drive the many kilometres over rutted and dusty, body rattling loose gravel on our own.
What is a habit? The dictionary cites -"tendency or disposition to act in a particular way, established custom, usual practice, one frequently repeated ..." Recently when I visited Spicer's Hidden Vale I once again enjoyed the fine cuisine at Cotton's Restaurant for my meals. Everything from breakfast, lunch and dinners too. A good habit that I'd like to keep. At Spicer's it has become my habit to enjoy a quiet, early morning swim or spa, in the pool overlooking the valley below. Another habit that I'd like to keep. The wildlife visits and sightings around our cottage were regular but I am not sure if the animals understand that I'd like for this to be their habit when I come to stay. It has become my habit to digitally capture such sightings with the camera lens. Late afternoon and evening nibbles on the porch while taking in the view. This is definitely another habit that I'd like to maintain. One very relaxing and perhaps indulgent habit is the option of a massage treatment; so necessary to really unwind. Each time I've visited it has become my habit to check that a massage is available. This is one of my must have habits too. I have lots of habits but these are ones that I love to keep with family and friends. What are you favourite habits?
In preparation for the visit to Grandchester a purchase was made of a collapsible fishing rod. I was excited to catch some of the fish that I had heard about that had been swimming in the driveway at the height of the flood. I had resisted the urge to open the fishing kit until I unpacked in Queensland. What I found was truly interesting. There was a huge range of slimy, bright, coloured lures. Some appeared to be white bait in style, a couple of prawn-like shapes, worms, maggots, feathery gizmos and other things that I am yet to identify. That said, it was fun rigging the rod and attaching a small prawn lure to the hook. My casting was a little rusty and I appear to have a golf-type slice to the right when I cast the line. I delighted in the battle with the weeds that grew both above and below the water line. Once hooked the plan was to safely navigate the weeds without losing the hook, line or sinkers. The arching rod, just like a fish might pull when biting, reminded me what if was like to actually hook a real fish. Dream on. This fishing adventure will have to be a rehearsal for another day and I can only anticipate better luck next time. In conjunction with the fishing was the placement of a small net in the dam and baited with slices of quality ham where it was hoped we'd catch some yabbies. Well, the outcome was - ham gone, perpetrator gone. Fisherman (woman) nil and livestock one. Fish win this time but I will live to fish another day! The law of averages should eventually go my way. It's a good thing that I am not a gambling person.
Following our indoor picnic we had a quick trip back to Spicer's for some time out before dinner. As we pulled into the drive it was impossible to ignore the purple helicopter that was parked in the paddock by the function centre. Judging by its size the helicopter appeared to be large enough to transport a number of people. A helicopter in t
he paddock was not what we had expected to see but I must say that if I owned a helicopter I too might have flown in for lunch. What a buzz! No traffic worries. No issues with damaged roads or retreating flood waters. A short walk to Cotton's Restaurant where one can eat on the verandah whilst partaking of the rolling hills. A fine backdrop for a tasty lunch.
When Kirstie arrived we made our way first to Laidley and then onto Rosewood where we shopped for a picnic lunch at her home. As we turned into the road leading to her property we were struck by the widespread evidence of flood waters having passed through the whole area. Fences were littered with grasses, paddocks were strewn with assorted farm machinery and even a yellow van that had obviously been pummeled and rolled several times sat in the middle of one field. Tide marks revealed the scars of the flood levels along the road. In places the road pavement had been replaced by dirt and gravel patches. Deep ruts paralled or criss crossed our path in several locations. The torrential storm water's peak had gouged the earth with little attention to people or property. Water still ran from invisible sources. At the farm gate 40 to 45 centimetre deep tracks in the driveway wound like canyons towards the house. A now dusty layer of silt and fine mud blanketed the home paddock all the way to the dam and as far as we could see. Back sheds stood as a testament to the heights of water that ran through treasured possessions, too sodden to be saved. A large pile of collectibles lay in a jumble on the barn floor. Not wish or clean water could prevent their scrapping. One large, green, water tank ripped from its home at the side of the house sat some distance away; a silent victim to the force of the storm. White water rushed and tumbled like a waterfall at the edge of the dam. Despite three days of fine weather the sound of the water gushing over rocks met our ears. Our eyes noted the incredible changes to the once serene landscape. Its beauty not lost, just temporarily challenged by mother nature. Soon its beauty and calm demeanour will return along with the cows and perhaps Clyde the camel. Wonder where Clyde went when it started to rain? Anyone seeing Clyde please tell him that it's time to come home. Life will need to return to normal. We had our picnic inside today but next time that we visit the flood will be a memory and our picnic will be shared at the dam or on the verandah where we will take in the views.
Now that the dining room has been painted it is necessary to rethink the window or more correctly the drapery at the sliding door. So many options when we went shopping on Sunday. There are some wonderful new items available in the way of blinds, shutters and panels to dress windows. The major factor in selection will probably come down to which product successfully blocks out the intense Summer heat and conversely the Winter chill. To coordinate with the other side of the room, the kitchen, a brown venetian would be most appropriate but as there is a door involved in the equation so a blind is simply not practical. I raided two bedrooms and borrowed a drape from each to hang while I check out the best colour options. Tricky and definitely too long for the space but the strategy reveals colour combinations that just don't work. Would love to leave the whole door/window undressed but a nude window leaves us so vulnerable to the elements. The notion of panels is growing on me as I like the contemporary feel that they would introduce into the space. The wide choice of fabrics is exciting. Perhaps the only draw back (excuse the term,) is the durability of such panels given the frequent use and access to the yard and garden. Too many choices!
Stephen and I have flights booked to Queensland later this month and I am excited to catch up with family who have been caught up in the floods. When I hear recounts of the days of isolation leading up to the major storm event I begin to gain a little insight into the situation. The Toowoomba scenario that unfolded on television screens across the world went into the homes of others who were waiting and watching storm water rising in their own backyards and communities. Such images captured in real time by all forms of electronic and digital media spread the news of the dire plight of all those involved. In some instances the intolerable 
wait for the inevitable flooding; while others were struck by walls of uninvited and totally unexpected torrents of water. I expect to see reminders of the floods not only on the landscape but also in the faces of the people who have survived them. How refreshing it is to know that total strangers are arriving in streets in affected neighbourhoods and lending a hand. Wish that I could be helping too but I also realise that travel to Grandchester would be challenging since so much infrastructure is damaged and routes may be precarious. I am also cognisant that the hire car is not 4WD and at the moment that would be essential for me to make the journey to Grandchester. A further issue seems to be the availability of food as the local supermarkets were completely inundated. To travel as a tourist so soon seems selfish in this matter, as families must be challenged to shop for basic necessities. Somehow it doesn't seem appropriate to be adding to the burden of the local population at this time. I plan to do a spot of fishing in one of the dam's on the property. Who knows what I'll catch? I understand that during the storm tide fish swam in the driveway so I am keen to see fish that swim in driveways.
Today's agenda includes painting the dining room and applying the top coat in the master bedroom. I had attempted to do this yesterday but the paint tint was incorrect so the can has to be returned this morning for re tinting or whatever they do. The tiler is due to finish the en suite on Monday so I would like to have everything else complete so that the bathroom can once again, be operational. It is a sad day when one plans 
to celebrate the first flush so to speak. What is the protocol for official use or openings for newly renovated bathrooms/en suites? Champagne seems a little tasteless if you'll excuse the term? A good red, candles and a long soak in the bath? Any suggestions would be welcome. On the other hand, the dining room was a spur of the moment decision. Since I am spending almost each waking moment on the walking monster I have a lot of time to think of things to do. My list grows as I walk. Clear the garage of the assorted junk, stack the boxed wine into the racks, weed the garden, prune the roses, mow the bottom yard, shop for new espresso cups for Stephen, sweep the drive, prune the hedges and if I stop walking long enough I may even have enough time to do some of these chores. As I write I am waiting for the sun to rise so that I can get started on something from the list. Probably not as exciting as a 'bucket list' but one must do what one must do.
At this point in my day I am sitting at my computer terminal with an ever watchful eye on the Queensland, 
weather, radar screen. Yet another huge storm has hit at Kirstie's home. Her home that is already isolated by flood waters remains on evacuation alert. She and Michael have packed ready to leave their home as necessary. The SES is aware of their situation and plans to evacuate if the water rises to the floorboards. A stream of telephone calls have been exchanged all morning. Michael has surveyed their property and they can go no where as they had planned. It was hoped that they may have been able to move to higher ground. A lightning strike was so close to them in this latest storm that they saw smoke. As a precaution they switched off all electricity to
the house. Anxious minutes seem like hours as I wait. I realise that many metres of deep and swift flowing water prevents anyone from entering or leaving the property. Kirstie and Michael mentioned that one of the water tanks not connected to the house has floated away. Belongings in the shed have been water logged and ruined by the rising water. It is reassuring to know that both Kirstie and Michael are calm and seem to have approached this situation with due recognition and appreciation of the perils of flash flood waters. The one thing that they don't have is milk. Milk for their coffee would be most welcome. I suggested a small teaspoon of ice cream but unfortunately they only have a supply of mango sorbet. Perhaps if they remain isolated long enough they will be tempted to give it a try. Interesting question that I shall ask after the present situation has resolved is - 'What did you pack in preparation for an evacuation?' I started to wonder what I would pack if I was in the same position.
Painting can be therapeutic, painting can be colourful, painting can bring new life to a space and so it is the latter that I choose to do this morning. For some time the walls in our bedroom have been a dazzling white colour but I have trialled a new shade of white and it brings a subdued elegance to the room. The Antique White is so different when painted beside a true, brilliant white. Somehow the new shade introduces a subtle and refreshing change to the bedroom. I have sugar soaped the walls and cornices and am keen to see the remaining walls covered with the new paint. It has started to rain intermittently and the light is hazardous as it alters with the outside cloud cover. So I sit here and wait for the rain to pass and the cornices to dry to allow me to cut in 
the walls. The furniture has been pushed, shoved and coerced into temporary spaces to allow me to move freely about the walls. My plan is to have most of it completed to surprise Stephen when he comes home from work tonight. I hope that he will be pleased with the changes too. Rainshowers pass quickly and cornices dry fast so that I can get on with the job. Little disappointed that I only finished the top coat today as I really wanted everything completed.
Christmas is over for another year but trouble lurks on the porch. I am desperately seeking someone who can separate the last two sections of the Christmas tree. No experience necessary but possibly desirable. Once stripped of its decoration the Christmas tree is supposed to r
eturn to its rather large box, for safe storage in the cubby. Sadly, I had not remembered that last year we had the same problem. It required considerable muscle power and great ingenuity to finally twist, turn and pull apart the last two stems. Since it it so big the tree lays in a dismal mound on the top of its enormous box on the porch just waiting for the right technique or scientific method to allow it to be re boxed. So far the saga is; three attempts with several different partners all urging the tree to relinquish its grip. Is there a secret message in its stubborn refusal to comply? Who is willing to be the next to try?
For all of those affected by the floods they will surely feel the need to have a new beginning, by putting behind them the floods, for a moment or two in time. People all over the world started have started remembering all those who were struck by the recent flood events in Queensland. People in Scotland are helping to celebrate a new start where they hope that people can begin afresh. Another group in France are beginning their day with breakfast and bubbles and invited guests are making donations 
to the Premier's Flood Appeal. Some have travelled far and wide to join the group. Thank you. Kirstie and Michael are having a fine dinner on the verandah where they sat, just a few weeks ago during the severe storm, for 6 hours waiting and watching rising flood waters. In Tamworth another two are sitting and sharing a platter and their desire to support all those making new beginnings. In the Hunter Valley more people are quietly recalling the floods and trusting that people can slowly start to rebuild. Best wishes for Happy New beginnings in Queensland and indeed all over Australia where floods have changed lives.
