Decisions - Roll Up, Push or Pull

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!

Off To Queensland Soon

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.

Early Start

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.

Flood Waters

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.

Not Picasso

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.

Wanted - Muscle Power

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 return 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?

Holiday Platters

The time has come to set aside Christmas platters and really concentrate on the old waist line. Too much of a good thing and any other cliche that you can think of suggesting that one must bite the bullet rather than another piece of cheese. I do not believe in New Year's Resolutions so I'll refrain from making one relating to my attempts to be fitter and healthier in 2011. Beginning right now there will be limited encounters with munchies of the tastiest kind. When I need prompting I'll endeavour to revisit this blog entry to remind myself of the need to be moderate in my platter portions. Wish me luck! I must up and away to the walking machine. Well, I'm back and I am pleased to report that I spent 50 minutes on the walking machine today! Last picture shows what I now make to replace the platters. The healthy alternative.