Diary of a House Sitter

Day Two - Bali Belly

2012-02-07T16:21:00.000+10:00

Was it something I ate on the bicycle tour? Was it the luwak coffee? Whatever, I was not well the following day, and even had to decline my trip. Luckily I was well enough to go from Legian to Ubud the following day.

My driver and a tour guide arrived around midday to take me and my luggage to the resort in Ubud, and I talked them into taking me to The Green Village first. It was quite funny as the driver in particular was getting frustrated. He was lost on more than one occasion. I could see his disinterest and in fact annoyance of my request. Eventually though we arrived and I saw him change.

Within seconds of arriving his eyes open wide like huge saucers as he observed some of the houses near the parking area. My Guide was also wide eyed, especially when he found that my guide from The Green Village, was someone he worked with years ago - as seaman on board a cargo ship travelling the world.

I inivted both men to join the tour with me - and I could see the expression on their faces as they saw the magnificent bamboo houses, fittings and furniture. Though the driver whispered to me. "Snakes? There are many snakes in the jungle - they must get in???? Apparently not - they cannot slither up the bamboo poles.

Sadly I could not take any photos. But you will see for yourself on the website. The driver will never be the same - he saw the potential for bamboo and was amazed that someone from Australia should show him something like that.

From there we went to Pertiwi Resort, Ubud, along the Money Forest Road. and I started to explore Uud.

Day One in Bali

2012-02-04T21:24:00.000+10:00

I joined the throng in the restaurant for breakfast - not bad, no complaints, and later arrived in the hotel foyer where I met on of my tour guides for a 'downhill bicycle ride'. We did have to laugh as the tour did not quite match the description.

First of all we were taken to a coffee place - not a plantation, but they sold coffee there, especially the coffee 'treated' by the luwak. I must say that even knowing that the coffee beans had been defecated by this weird little animal, I had to admit it was a good coffee, but I didn't buy any of the grounds. No thanks.

From there we went to a place adjacent to the Batur volcano - an active volcano, but corrently in rest.

We had 'breakfast' in a little cafe with the view above in the background. We had banana fritters and fruit.

From there there was a short journey in the car before we were met by our bicycles.

A little test ride, before we set off. The bicycles were not build for tall people, though I managed to raise the seat, but I found it a challenge to pedal. It was ok on level ground or going down hill,

but we were told the route had been changed because of some religious festival, and we had a 2 km uphill section, which I found impossible, so I walked it.

It was certainly interesting riding through the villages, and rice fields, but oh, how I wish I had my ebike in Bali.

We eventually arrived at a place overlooking beautiful rice terraces, and we said 'goodbye to our tour guides from HaiBaliBicycle tours.

It was mid afternoon, in a small restaurant that we enjoyed another meal - late lunch/early dinner.

The backdrop was spectacular - overlooking rice terraces.

In Bali - Indonesia

2012-02-01T21:57:00.001+10:00

What a long day it has been. I left the house sit house at 7.30 am, and took my car to my daughter's place, before heading off to the Brisbane International Airport and my flight to Bali.

It is a 5 1/2 hour flight - long and tiring, though no complaints about any of that. I knew it was a long flight.

Denpasar Airport was busy when we arrived - quite a few flights had arrived, and my man Sammy was there to meet me, and another couple who are staying near by. Quite an amazing ride through the narrow streets with chaotic traffic to arrive at our hotels.

I note the great piles of rubbish here - reminds me of China. I loved seeing the guy on the book gate at the hotel. He had a huge handle on the boom and he spends all his working day pulling it up or down, allowing the boom gate to go up or down.

I've had a short work around, in part to get my bearings, and I've had a swim. It is overcast with showers, so the photo of the sunset wasn't to be this afternoon. Maybe tomorrow.

New house sit offers

2012-01-30T19:50:00.000+10:00

Life is quite an adventure - and I find with house sitting I am always changing direction. Actually I have my direction changed for me. I am going to stay with a friend for a few days when I return from Bali, but she has asked me to spend several weeks looking after her house when this house sit is over.

It is worth thinking about - I have made no decision, but it is a lovely house, near where all my 'action' is, and I know I will love it. It is close to the sea, and wonderful for long rides on my bicycle. That sounds really good.

I do get regular offers from a couple of house sitting websites, and some sound exciting, but none that really suited me at this point - mostly timing as I am already book. I am curious though, about the number of dogs and other animals that people keep.

Could I look after 3 dogs? House dogs? No way.

Of course I have looked after dogs, but usually one at a time. Cats - yes, I've had two at a time, but I baulk at the idea of running around after more than one dog.

I certainly am looking forward to the few days after I return from Bali - I have so much writing to do. I am writing about bamboo at the moment - you can read some of the information that I have found here.

In limbo - a little

2012-01-29T07:33:00.004+10:00

I am back at the house for a week - the owners are in Tasmania and will return on Wednesday, but I will have left for a week in Bali.

I planned the Bali trip for two reasons - (1) with the owners home I felt I had to find somewhere else to stay and (b) I am researching bamboo.

After Bali I am back again in Brisbane, but as the owners are not leaving until February 11th, I will be looking for a bed with a friend.

Living out of a suitcase is not my idea of fun, but it is a reality for me at the moment as until the owners go, I am not on a great position to do much else - especially with the "to ing" and "fro ing".

It may be the end of June before I need to move on again - and I am not sure where I will go, then. I'm not wasting any energy thinking about it now.

Am I getting sick of house sitting? I guess the main thing is that I long to have my own space - my own home. I don't know when that will happen. I don't know what that part of my future will be.

The rain is almost non stop here in Brisbane at the moment, it is overcast and quite depressing. When you need lights on in the house to see anything, it is depressing. I have though been making some cards using photos that I took over the last few weeks. Most of them are photos taken in Western Australia.

I have set up a new site where I am going to feature my photos. You might like to visit it. Click here.

Back house sitting.

2012-01-25T09:45:00.001+10:00

What a crazy few days. Perth and apart from playing the traveller/tourist role I attended my friend's graduation at the Perth Convention Centre after a wonderful full on lunch at the Atrium at Burswood Casino, and a sleep in hot humid conditions, I flew to Adelaide. I can hardly (almost) fly over Adelaide without calling to see my mother who is 97 later this year.

She was fit and well, and looking marvellous on Sunday, but a bit cranky and wild on Monday. Still it was good to call in and see her.

On Monday night I flew on the late flight arriving back in Brisbane around 10.30 pm, and was whisked off to my daughter's place for two nights. Today I moved back into the house sit again - at least for a week.

After the torrid heat of Perth and Adelaide, it was good to see Brisbane again. However, it is raining - really raining with local flooding and chaos on the roads.

Why do so many silly people take a risk and drive through flooded creeks, especially where the water is fast moving. So much wasted manpower trying to save these idiots who seem to think they have super powers, but in the end risk their lives and certainly damage or even lose their cars.

I drove just a few kilometers from my daughter's place - and had to face bumper to bumper traffic and reroute around flooded roads, to get here, but all is well.

So, today, shop, study, do my laundry, repack for the next adventure.

What a busy life!!!

Dongara to Perth

2012-01-24T17:02:00.001+10:00

On the road between Dongara and Perth - photography on the go

The storm from Cataby

Storm clouds over the Brand Highway

Mystery Tree

2012-01-24T16:44:00.002+10:00

What tree is this? This great tangle of limbs is a tree which is between the Dongara Museum and Dongara Library. I am hoping to find out what type of tree it is - but the great tangle, we decided, was a likely place for a homeless person. The tangle forms a strange platform around 6 feet from the ground. I wonder???

Australian History

2012-01-24T16:35:00.000+10:00

Dongara is a very interesting place - I love looking at the old buildings that have been there since the early settlements. The main street is a wonderful treelined place, but when the first folk settled there it was treeless. The Methodist Church, in old photos, stands out in the treeless landscape, but soon a deciion was made to plant a number of Moreton Bay Fig Trees that flourished, and now line the main street of Dongara providing shade, a wonderful vista and a home in summer to a flock of noisy corellas. When the corellas come to town apparently they feast on the new shoots of the big fig trees, screech and of course leave behind piles of excreta. So the ranger has the job of 'shooting' them - at least firing a gun with blanks, the noise from which scares them away.

As I sit typing this, I am reminded of the Dongara corellas, as across the road from where I am staying is a guy who is a bird lover, who attracts corellas and other bird life to his property by his bank of feeders. Funny, one group of people trying to get rid of the birds, and others making them welcome.............

We went for a visit to the Dongara Museum, which is in the premises of the old Dongara Police Station, on Thursday (12th Jan) and discovered it to be a fascinating place, helped along by the volunteer tour guide, a member of the Dongara/Port Denison Lions, whom I had met at the Lions meeting on the Monday night. He is a long standing member of the community and knows much of the history and he certainly gave us a good tour.

Recreation - lifelike model of a prisoner in a cell - complete with 'mattress' on the floor and the bucket.

Set up as the kitchen to provide food for the prisoners, which is cleared away to make way for the court.

It was surprising to learn that the old court room is still being used for some small court cases - as there is a shortage of other venues in the area. Seems quite amusing to think that the old kitchen which supplied meals for prisoners in years past, has been resurrected as a sometime court house i
in the 21st century!!!

Old tools in the old stables

There is so much of interest there - especially the history of the rabbit in Australia, and the old prison quarters. The old stables have been revamped and there is an awesome collection of tools, animal traps, and so much more. Well worth a visit.

Geraldton

2012-01-19T10:45:00.002+10:00

Today we ventured to Geraldton. I’d not been there before, so was keen to see this town on the coast of WA – famous for a number of things – including the memorial for the HMAS Sydney, but more about that later. It is an area of great history, with historical settlements, information on the pioneering and Indigenous history, and a fabulous coastline with plenty of fishing, and other water sports, and lots more to see and do.

HMAS Sydney Memorial

We left Dongara around 9 am and headed north – and our first place of interest was the famous Leaning Tree. The wind in these parts is very strong, and these trees manage to cope by leaning over with their backs to the wind. There’s one tree beside not far from the road, complete with information about the trees – appropriate for photographers!

The Leaning Tree

Further on we came to the Greenough Pioneer Museum, which was ‘established in the former Maley homestead by the Geraldton Historical Society in 1966.’ The house was built somewhere between 1862 and 1880, where the Maley family settled and had 14 children. There really is so much to see, and we wandered around the old house looking at the vast number of historical artefacts, many donated by people keen to preserve items from their own families, that had great significance. Anyone visiting this area of WA must set aside time to explore this and the other buildings on the property. Beside the homestead are the remnants of a Flour Mill, and a general store. And of course you can find more information at the website http://www.greenough-pioneer-museum.com/.

There is so much to see in this area and a fantastic area for those interested in Australian history to explore further. You really need almost a day to check it all out.

We headed into Geraldton and wandered around, visited a few shops, before going to Memorial for HMAS Sydney which is on a hilltop overlooking the town. It is quite an extra ordinary memorial to a dark time in Australia’s wartime history, and has been created since the discovery of the wreck some distance from the WA coast. It is well worth a visit.

Then it was off to The Dome on the new esplanade. Once upon a time the railway went along the esplanade, and after it was rerouted, development of the Esplanade included shelters, grassed areas, and access to a sandy beach with two pontoons for young people to jump off into the water. The Dome is a restaurant/café on the waterfront, which is clearly very popular and they were doing a roaring trade when we were there. We enjoyed lunch overlooking the sea, while a number of ships either sat at anchor or made their way north.

After lunch we went for a stroll along the Mall – but it was quite hot, and we weren’t interested in shopping so we made our way back to the car on the esplanade.

We were soon on our way back home, via the fish cooperative where we bought some scallops and bug meat – the latter to be consumed for dinner tonight.

The journey back to Dongara included a visit to the Greenough Historical area – which is quite amazing. The churches, homes, and other buildings are so well preserved and a wonderful historical area has been created – complete with a fabulous café and shop, which is the entry point for the park. After a wonderful afternoon tea of tea/coffee, hot scones with jam and cream (enough cream for 4 folk I think!) we ventured into the buildings. The school, the police station, and gaol (can’t imagine anyone escaping from the cells, with such high windows and secure doors), the court building, various cottages, churches, nunnery etc. We were able to go into the buildings unescorted, just so long as we closed the doors behind us. (I have many photos – these are just a selection.)

On the grounds were 6 inquisitive alpacas too – they looked at us with suspicion but were more interested in their afternoon feed.

One could spend a long time in his place – such a lot of history to explore. It is amazing how many old buildings (some of which are still in use) and others in various states of decay – with so many churches that the locals must have had great faith in the Lord way back then.

We soon were back in Dongara – a wonderful day again.

No house sitting - just travelling

2012-01-18T10:27:00.002+10:00

What a week! I packed my things, cleaned up, and took the dog to its holiday place on the Gold Coast, and moved in, exhausted to my daughter's place. Early on the 14th I went to Brisbane Airport for the long flight to Perth, Western Australia - where I was met up with my cousin Pat and her husband Barry. I had not seen them for many years, but we managed to talk non-stop about family and the comings and goings of ourselves.

They took me to Kings Park, overlooking the Swan River and we had a lovely walk around the park.

Perth City from Kings Park

The old Swan Brewery on the banks of the Swan River

On the Sunday morning, my friend Bev arrived, and after lunch we set off for the long drive to Dongara.

The new road was good, but warnings of kangaroos, emus and other wild animals were signposted along the way. We only saw two emus - who chose to run across the road in front of us. Luckily Bev braked in time, and we just 'bumped' on big bird. No damage done to us, the car, or the emu we think.

We called in to Lancellan for a brief look, and went on, arriving in Dongara about 7.30 pm, so had dinner at the Dongara Hotel.

We've had a quiet few days - small jaunts around the area, a little shopping, but to today we venture to Geraldton, about 60 kms north.

Downside of House Sitting

2012-01-09T09:13:00.001+10:00

Nothing is perfect - including house sitting. There are lot of little things that are annoying. Really not having your OWN space is one of them. "My" things are in every room of the house almost and as is happening in the next weeks, the owners are home for a while. I am moving out. Now I know I am free to stay, but it is rather awkward, so it is my excuse to do a little travelling.

However, I try to leave the house just as it was when they left, clean tidy and without my things scattered. I don't have a house to go to so my things will go to the shipping container at my daughter's place. Pack the boxes, move the boxes, store the boxes.

I have two 'cleaners' coming on Friday - two granddaughters keen to earn extra money.

Meanwhile I have my writing projects to progress, and as usual I might find myself running late on all this. Bah! Humbug!

Working on my bamboo project will keep me busy in the next few weeks.

Home Alone - after the Tennis

2012-01-08T09:51:00.001+10:00

Our view of the centre court!

For the second year in a row, Bev and I attended the Brisbane International at the Pat Rafter Centre at Tennyson. We did look a the peaceful Brisbane River flowing past and wondered how the river could have risen so much to flood the centre court. Hard to comprehend.

Ball boys and girls warm up before the games started.

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We had a look around prior to the start of action on the centre court, and saw Serina Williams practicing on the outer court. We were not to see her play on centre court - but enjoyed the whole day's experience.

Serena Williams at practice - with quite a group of spectators around the court. She certainly was the centre of attention!

Serena at practice with mother Oracene sitting beside the court.

(In between games I learned how to upload photos onto Facebook from my phone. Clever me. I have only had the new phone for about 8 months!)

The day after our outing at the tennis, Bev departed - flying back to Perth about mid morning. My granddaughter was with me when we went to the airport, and then we two 'shopaholics' went on to DFO.

South Bank

2012-01-08T09:35:00.000+10:00

We did sleep in a little on New Year's Day, and slowly recovered - not much drinking so no need to recover except from the late night. We decided to go to the movies at South Bank - to see We Bought a Zoo. So off we went, ready for the first afternoon session.

I will not go to the South Bank theatre again - I think it is stupid that if you want to use the lift, you have to ask a staff member. Which I did, but I don't know what happened as I didn't see one appear, and had to go and ask again. I really don't feel safe/comfortably climbing so many stairs. By the time we got into the theatre, there were few seats left, except in the front rows, so we sat apart.

A great movie.

Afterwards we walked around South Bank. It was such a beautiful day. It is hard to believe that just over one year ago, this place was all under water from the inglorious Brisbane floods of 2011.

Look at it now!

South Bank Pool on New Year's Day

South Bank Pool looking towards the city

The Go Between Bridge over the Brisbane River

Looking back to the city from near the Maritime Museum

Jess Watson's boat at the Maritime Museum

There are new restaurants towards the Maritime Museum - and it looks absolutely stunning. The Maritime Museum is a must see - especially as Jessica Watson's yacht is not on show there.

New Year's Eve

2012-01-08T09:29:00.002+10:00

Tartufo - this restaurant opened around October 2010, and we celebrated the new year there (Dec 2010), as our son Gavin, was performing on the night. Again this was to be - and so we booked in again. Actually there were almost a dozen family and friends in the house that night.

Gavin sang on his own earlier in the night before Simon Bower arrived and found a place at the grand piano. The entertainment continued, and at midnight we all joined in the celebrations as the count down was shown on a screen.

The food was awesome - thank you Tony and team - and all in all it was a good night. I had chosen to drive as we figured it would be challenging trying to get back home on public transport, or getting a taxi, so I celebrated with a glass of wine sometime after 1 am. At least we had a sleep in.

The food at tartufo was excellent. Thank you Tony and Team!!!

Time flies when you are having fun!

2012-01-08T08:41:00.002+10:00

Sanctuary Cove

It is hard to believe that it is over a week since I posted. But of course, we have been busy. Bev and I travelled back and forth to various places of interest around Brisbane, went to the movies twice, and tried to rest. Actually I tried to study - but it was challenging.

The broken pot

One morning as we were sitting drinking coffee/tea we heard a loud crack, and it seemed something small hit the side of the house. Later when I went outside I discovered the cause. There is a big pot of Jade plant, and it is clearly pot bound - I suggest that the pot had just had enough and gave up - cracking all around. No other damage done, so I removed the broken pottery, and found a larger pot which was empty, and just lifted the jade and dropped it neatly into the bigger pot. I think it will be a long while before the roots protest again!

Another day of touring....

2011-12-29T09:20:00.000+10:00

Today the itinerary included the Ginger Factory at Yandina, and the Blackall Range - calling in at Maleny. You really do need to stay up on the mountain for a few days to see all the wonderful places in the area. Even a week would be better, and we only had half a day. Still - that's better than nothing.

We left Brisbane early and arrived at the Ginger Factory just after 9 am. Yandina is the home of The Ginger Factory after it outgrew its earlier factory at Buderim, and the new site rambles through wonderful gardens with various 'pavilions' - which house exhibits, and there is a row of olde world shops beside the railway station.

The train takes visitors (for a small fee) on a long journey throughout the site, with commentary.

Entrance to Ginger Factory

The engine from a sugar cane train - built in 1901.

The grounds are spectacular - tropical and interesting, and so was the commentary. I remember visiting the old factory at Buderim many years ago, and we have been frequent visitors to the new one and each time there is something new and interesting.

You'll need to go on the boat ride to see these - as you tour 'around the world' looking for the gingerbread man.

After the Ginger Factory, we drove through the edge of Nambour, past the new hospital complex and up to the Blackall Range. The views are spectacular - not just of the places in the distance from so high up, but the green paddocks and lazy dairy cows, the trees, the wonderful homes and gardens.

We did not stop as we drove through Mapleton, and Flaxton but when we arrived at Maleny we found a parking spot and wandered through the maze of wonderful shops there. We had a lovely light lunch at a Chinese restaurant, before wandering back the other side of the road to the car. I found a wonderful dress shop - with bamboo clothing - so I WILL have to go back again and soon.

To Tamborine

2011-12-27T07:51:00.000+10:00

We had a more quiet morning on Boxing Day - we visited my daughter and son, and the four grandchildren as they had all stayed overnight at the daughter's house - so there was a lot of noise and laughter.

Returning to Wakerley, we watched a little television - the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, and then the Cricket before we had a quick lunch and left just after 1 pm for a trip to Mt Tamborine, in the hinterland above the Gold Coast.

On the way we visited Bamboo Down Under (I am doing some research for something I am writing on Bamboo for uni). It is such a wonderful place. We could spend a whole day there.

There is so much bamboo growing and there is a maze, a bamboo tunnel and several places to meditate among the bamboo.

Huge Bamboo growing in Bamboo Down Under

Bamboo Pavilion at Bamboo Down Under

Bamboo Tunnel at Bamboo Down Under

Looking west from Mt Tamborine (sadly there were fires so it is a bit smokey)

The shopping area of Mt Tamborine

Christmas at the House sit

2011-12-27T07:21:00.001+10:00

This is the second year in a row that I have been house sitting at Christmas and this year I decided to invite the family to join me for a special lunch.

The two older grandchildren helped me with the entertainment and came to decorate the tree. There is a great covered area at the back that is excellent for such an event - everyone could be outside in the fresh air and even if the weather was very hot, or even raining, we were protected.

On the menu was ham, turkey, tossed salad, a beetroot salad, a bean and tomato salad, a peach and onion salad, and for dessert a home made pavlova. All the food was received well!!!

We played pass the parcel - and everyone had a chance to open the parcel and do what was required on the note - sing a Christmas carol, pretend to be a reindeer, whistle, make a kookaburra noise etc.

The family played some carols while others sang, and the girls arranged an amazing parcel game where they had 21 items in paper bags and everyone had to try and work out what was inside the bag. A great exercise, and the winners were my son and grandson working as a team.

Santa arrived - and chatted with the children before lunch. Even the youngest was asking - Is that our poppy? (The secret is out!!!)

The four grandchildren had a lot of fun playing with each other - as two live in Brisbane and two on the Gold Coast, they don't get to see each other often to play.

All went very well - a wonderful Christmas.

All Wrapped Up

2011-12-24T14:09:00.002+10:00

Well, almost. It is Christmas Eve and I still have few things to do, but I have done my shopping and the parcels are all wrapped. The Christmas tree is decorated and as it is outside I have not put the parcels under it yet.

As you can see I've wrapped the presents in newspaper. And I am thrilled with the result. I think we are quite crazy to spend so much money on beautiful gift wrapping paper, that is more for the giver of the gift - it is we that like to look at our handiwork and feel good about how we have presented the gift. Hand it to the person who rips open the paper and minutes later someone is trawling around grabbing the torn shreds and putting them in the bin.

I have found The Australian the best paper to use - the colourful pictures can be selected to so that they are at least appropriate - but in any case, unless you planned well ahead, you might be like me - having to use that which is on hand. I'm happy with it. No, not just happy - I'm thrilled and can't wait to put it all on display tomorrow. And yes, I have decorated with my favourite colour - purple. Purple ribbon and lilac home made card.

Bring on Christmas.

Eumundi, Pomona and Belli Park

2011-12-21T20:25:00.001+10:00

We set off on our journey early, and arrived at Eumundi Markets soon after 10 am. How busy it was! Crowds everywhere, and we wandered through the rows of market stalls and bought a few things for Christmas gifts. Can't say here - just in case some folk read this and learn what their gift will be. We had lunch at the Eumundi Pub (nice squid) before heading back through the stalls and then back to the car park and the car. It was then off to Pomona - to a place I saw on TV a few weeks ago - the Two Old Ladies Tea House. What a delightful place!!!! We had tea and scones before we headed off for our next visit.

Tea and Scones at Two Old Ladies Teashop, Pomona

In the Teashop

I had wanted to visit the Bamboo place at Belli - to meet Durnford Dart, or Mr Bamboo as he is known. It was wonderful to see some of the 100 acres of bamboo! He moved there in 1989 - and bought an old brothel in Maroochydore and moved it to the property and it is his house! He was a most interesting man, and I know I shall have much information for my uni assignment.

The Driveway into Australia Bamboo Belli Park

I wanted to purchase some purple Bali flags, but he had none left, so I left empty handed, other than a copy of his book. I must get him to sign it next time I see him.

I walked around and took quite a few photos of the many bamboo plants he has growing.

Reunion

2011-12-19T07:55:00.001+10:00

With Bev staying here from Western Australia, I phoned another ex-nurse from Mt Gambier, and surprise she had another from our cohort there, so we were invited to dinner that night. It was so much fun catching up on news of each other's activities in the past 40 odd years. We chatted well into the night!!!!

We have decided to try and organise another reunion, perhaps in South Australia, though there are quite a few with connections in Queensland.

A newsletter will be first off the mark. Bev and I 'created' a committee, with her as President, me as Secretary and Newsletter Editor, and one of the 'team' in Adelaide on a 'sub committee'. The latter is sending me names and addresses of some of the others, and we have created a Facebook page.

We have a number of photographs of those days as trainee nurses in Mt Gambier. I've included one here.

Stradbroke Island - North

2011-12-17T06:19:00.002+10:00

The Brisbane River flows through the city of Brisbane and out into Moreton Bay, which has quite a few islands, large and small. One of the big ones is North Stradbroke Island, and this was our destination yesterday.

The weather was overcast, but it did not rain, although on several occasions 'sprinkles' appeared to fall from above, but it was all over in seconds. Not the best for photography though.

I drove to Cleveland, and parked the car near Toondah Harbour, and we walked the short distance to the waiting area for the Big Red Cat. Soon the Big Red Cat appeared on its return from Straddie, and we were soon on board. We went straight into the cafe/seating area, as it gave us a perfect view of the choppy seas, and a comfortable seat. The journey takes 45 minutes across to Dunwich, but it was a pleasant trip, though certainly would have been better if the sun had been out, and no wind.

When we arrived at Dunwich we discovered that at near midday there were no buses - and there was an hour or so wait, so we negotiated with three young schoolies, who also wanted to get to Pt Lookout, to catch a taxi and share the cost.

At Lookout, we went for a walk around the gorge - which is quite spectacular and has been recently upgraded with good rubberised walking tracks and stairs with safety fences. Quite an improvement from when I was there 15 months ago.

We did the walk, took lots of photos and then walked all the way back to the Stradbroke Hotel, but were just a few minutes late for lunch. So we sat and ate our own snacks, while having a Lemon Lime and Bitters, before slowly making our way to the bus stop, and the return journey.

The bus was full on the way back, but we managed to get seats, though they were a little precarious as the bus hurled around some bends in the 10 kms back to Dunwich, where we only had a few minutes wait before the Big Red Cat appeared, and we were on our way back to the mainland.

Car trouble

2011-12-16T05:51:00.001+10:00

I really am not good with cars - I mean, I look under the bonnet and freak out. What are all these pipes, caps and strange things???? What does it all mean? How do I do ....?

OK, it is not quite so bad. I have not driven the house owner's car for several weeks, and she had problems with it. When the owner came back to Australia for a couple of days, she drove her Commodore and it overheated. She filled up the radiator with water and all appeared to be well.

So on Wednesday I decided to use the car - but of course I am smart enough to check the water before I leave the driveway, especially after knowing the story. The radiator is empty. In my car (Daihatsu) I add coolant via a cap near the radiator, so I figured the Commodore would be the same, especially as the cap says "coolant". But the coolant just ran out under the car.

I phoned RACQ - the car emergency association of which I and the owners are members. The guy came, and filled the radiator with water. We started the car, and all seemed well. He tested a few things and suggested I take the car to a mechanic to check. So I set off to see Mario at Wynnum Mechanical, who looks after my car.

Dear Mario looked under, in and around the car, put the pressure testing kit to work, and all without finding out what was wrong. He didn't think it was the thermostat. So we left - happy to know there was a bottle of water on the back seat of the car - just in case. I then took the car to Nitro Crew at Wynnum to get the tyres checked. He said the tyres had deteriorated since I was last there. I've not driven the car for nearly four weeks!!! Still, I will pass on the information to the owners.

I did use the Commodore that night - I went into the State Library - in particular to The Edge to do a class on animation with Flash. I found it really difficult, but did learn a few things. Would like to have been able to read the screen - it was too far away for any of us to see what the tutor was doing.

I checked the water before we set off on the return journey - with my two friends waiting in the car - but all was well.

Still, we have the mystery of why the Commodore is running out of water in the radiator. I'll keep my bottle of water handy, and check the temperature gauge regularly.

Me and my electric bike

2011-12-11T13:01:00.001+10:00

I do love cycling and I know I 'cheat' a little having an electric bike, but it works for me - especially as it protects my 'dicky knee' - doesn't give me trouble unless I push it.

Living at Paddington with its hilly terrain, I didn't have it with me, but here at Wakerley, it is mostly flat land, with some undulation, but quite suitable for me and my bike. However, finding a time when the weather was good, has been a challenge, but today I took my bike for a spin. I initially was going to do a quick tour, and then go to the newsagent to get the Sunday paper, and return home, but on the homeward journey I chose to go further and explore another part of Wakerley.

I found some new parks - or new to me. It was a lovely adventure, though I feel I am sunburned on my neck. Must get and use some sunscreen.