Diary of a House Sitter and Traveller

House Sitting No More

2026-01-21T09:50:00.000+10:00

The House Sitting Start

My "career" as a house sitter started strangely. I was around 56 years old, had been married for a long time and our children had "flown the coop". After a career in nursing, I was working for a community organisation, which assisted unemployed people of all ages, to get into the workforce.

Someone suggested I should get good qualifications for what I was doing, so after investigations, I found a course at Griffith University in Brisbane - not far from my home.

Lessons were on the campus, and there was more work at home on-line. I continued to work during this time, and with a house to run, and dachshunds to manage (we bred them and occasionally showed them), I would do my study in the evening, or the early hours of the morning.

But my husband wasn't happy about it. I don't think he liked the fact that I was likely to be seen as "more educated" than he was - I didn't talk about that. I was just keen to study and see what happened.

I had no idea that this decision, would lead me to a long "career" of house sitting.

In My Office

I had an office downstairs, and we had a room with a desk upstairs, and I would work upstairs if it was night, and daytime I would be in my special room downstairs.

But early on, I learn how my husband did not like what I was doing. He felt lonely watching television on his own, and would appear in the evenings with a glass of wine for me, or just come to talk. Even if I asked for time to study, he'd find another way to interrupt and annoy me.

Then I read about house sitting somewhere, and I paid for an advertisement (a tiny one that he never saw), in the local newspaper, and within a couple of days of publication, I had a phone call from a man, wanting to meet as he and his wife were due to travel and needed someone to look after the house, and pets. He liked me, and a few weeks later, I moved into the house and spent a lovely time there.

My husband questioned me, as he didn't know the family and wondered how we had met. I lied. Just friends of friends.

But that was the start of it - from that one tiny ad I got plenty of calls, and I'd be away from home for several weeks - usually only a short drive away, so I could keep up with many household duties.

Years and Years

The house sitting went on for over 25 years. I would go long periods at home, but when study was on, I'd take on more, and eventually after a few years of study I graduated with my teaching degree. A few years later, I spent time teaching at a university in China, and some months teaching in South Korea.

When my overseas teaching came to an end, not surprisingly, so did the marriage.

But the house sitting was not over.

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One Night House Sitting

2025-09-28T10:14:00.000+10:00

Dogs and Chickens

My daughter and son-in-law are away for just one night, so I agreed to look after the two dogs and eight chickens. Easy? Pretty much. But things can be challenging.

The dogs sleep a lot. While I am sitting at the computer or sitting watching television, they pretty much just sleep. If they want to go outside, they either stand at the door waiting or it to open or come and harrass me!

They like playing ball at the back of the property and twice I have taken them up there. They will run and catch the ball, but do not bring it back to me, so I have to hunt around to get them back.

This morning, on the way back I chose to water some orchid plants, and afterwards there was only one dog waiting to get indoors. Mmm.

I hunted around, calling for LuLu to come, but there was no sign of her, so I set off to the area where we played ball earlier. She must have heard me calling, as she soon came running to me.

The Chickens

I let them out, as instructed, and the head rooster directs the girls to follow him, but there is a brush turkey who is hanging around them. It is really interested in getting into their food.

Yesterday, when I set out to lock them up for the night - there are foxes, snakes etc around, but one black and white one refused to abide by the rules. Eventually, after lots of "directing", she gave up and joined the team.

This morning when I let them out, the brush turkey rushed into their pen and enjoyed some food, until I saw it, and went in the pen to get it out. It got the message quickly and ran out.

I think we are all going to survive. I'm not sure I want to do any house/animal/chicken house sitting any more.

The Control Cat

2024-01-14T18:35:00.003+10:00

One Night House Sit

New Year's Eve and I had no plans to celebrate - so I was available to mind a cat while all family members were out and about. Easy. Well, it was.

I suppose anyone who owns a cat realises that they can't control the cat - life is all about the cat.

So when I wanted to do some work on my laptop, the cat made sure I could not do anything other than play with her.

"Come and play with me. Pat me. You are supposed to be looking after me. " she pleads.

Play a board game? Not a hope - Actually this was Bananagram.

I did get to sleep in the "guest" bed, and I shut the door for I know she would have pestered me all night.

And we did play and I'd pat her on my lap - but she warned me a couple of times to stop, but biting and scratching me. She does this, but the wounds were minor.

I am glad I don't do regular house sits - and I don't intent returning to what I did all those years ago.

House-Sitting Again?

2023-12-22T10:34:00.005+10:00

Out of "Retirement"?

As 2024 approaches, there are two possibilities of house sitting again. It has been quite a few years since I was an enthusiastic house sitter - with great gigs around the northern Brisbane areas - including Bribie Island and Wamuran.

When I moved back to Brisbane, it was no longer on my radar to do. I had a few health issues, a stable home, and took time to rest up and do other things.

However, I did have a few short stints at my son's place - no pets, no children, just to stay and water plants really, on the Gold Coast.

Two Days and Nights?

It has yet to be confirmed but I may be taking care of my daughter and son-in-law's place for two or 3 days - not far from where I live.

There's a cat - which I like, but it is a moody creature and it can cuddle up to me, and without warning attack with bites and claws. But it is the chickens. they have a (sometimes) secure pen, but somehow foxes and snakes find a way in. Recently a fox (or two) took two chickens - smallish, a few months old.

And when the family were seeking information on the missing chickens they came face to face with a large python!! Now if this happens to me, I might pass out in the chicken pen and the snake might try to eat me!!

The snake was taken away by the local snake catcher, but what if it comes back.

On an Island

The Moreton Bay has a lot of islands, and I did house-sit on one quite a few years ago. My son has moved to a nearby island, and may be going overseas later in 2024. Does he want me to house-sit? It has been discussed but not sure if it will be something I do. I will be consulted nearer to the time. Will I agree to do so? Maybe.

There are a lot of birds on the islands - and probably one or more of these. I will have my camera next time.

A New Direction

2020-03-09T08:04:00.000+10:00

What Next?

International Women's Day 2020 will be imprinted on my brain forever, I think, as I decided that this date is day one of a new beginning.

I completed the GAB training program just the day before, and now I have the onerous task of starting a new business where I will work with people to record stories of their life. GAB, for those who don't know, is the acronym for Guided AutoBiography, created by Dr. James Birren, back in the 1970's. While technically it is not about "autobiography", but more about life stories or memoir, the name continues as is, in respect of Dr. Birren, who passed away a few years ago.

There is quite a lot to do to set up the new business, and get some action so that I can start to earn money, but I am very clear in my mind of how it is going to work.

CoronaVirus

We are in unknown territory with the Coronavirus increasing its impact on all facets of life in Australia. Fortunately, I can run the GAB course online. It is better Face to Face, but I did the course from Canada via Zoom, so I have no issue with doing my courses via Zoom.

Meanwhile, I will be setting up my Lesson Plans, PowerPoint Presentations and more. Plus I will be connecting with organisations who may be interested in supporting a GAB program e.g. libraries, community groups etc.

I still have to find a business name. Not sure what, at this point so will brainstorm with some friends.

Penzu Too

I have been using Penzu - rather spasmodically - to create a personal journal. But I have found with GAB that I often am reminded about stories that I have not recorded elsewhere, so I have now a collection of memories.

Surprisingly, many things pop into my head - and I find it easy to write it in Penzu. It may never see the light of day, but I know I can go and read the stories and may just use them in something.

If you wish to make contact with me re GAB, go to this website and send a note via the contact form.

Goodbye Toyota Coaster

2019-12-29T15:15:00.001+10:00

My Toyota Coaster

I bought my old bus several years ago and had a few adventures in it. I lived in it for a while, but eventually decided I did not want to use it any more.

It's looking a bit worse for wear, but it appears I have a buyer for it. It is with mixed feelings though. But I will have the funds to visit China next year.

My plan is to do a farewell trip to China next year - maybe two weeks, perhaps a few days in Shanghai, then a week in Shaoxing, so that I can spend a few hours at the Museum of Qui Jin - for I have lost the photos I took last time.

I'm not sure when I can made the trip - but looking at May. A lot of things to do first.

So, Murtle the Turtle will go to a new home and I hope take folk on some great adventures. Farewell Murtle.

I Found a USB Stick

2019-12-27T15:58:00.004+10:00

What I discovered when I found a USB Stick.

I found a USB Stick. One challenge when one moves around (house sitting and different semi-permanent addresses) is that things get lost or mislaid. I am often hunting for something.

A few days ago I found one - and was most surprised to find out what was on it. Clearly, I had only used it once - and I have yet to check if I took the photos, or if I took some and someone else took the photos, as I am in some of them.

The photos were taken in 2010 - when I was on my third secondment to the university in Shaoxing, China. The photos were all taken on March 8th. How do I know? Well, the details on the photo would tell me, but so far I haven't looked.

Foreign Teachers - I'm in the middle of the back line

It was International Women's Day - which is very well celebrated in China, and we were at a major hotel in the city. There were speeches, entertainment and food. It was the second IWD event I had been to - the first one was in 2008.

At both IWD events that I attended, I had been on stage, although this one was the only one that was "programmed". Jo and I did know what we were going to be doing.

It was very funny. Neither of us are "performers" but we managed to do it to loud applause. So polite are the Chinese!

Choir Performance

Entertainers

Anyway I have loaded all the photos onto Dropbox, and will put the USB to good use now.

The Paedophile and the Knife from the Vatican

2019-12-22T18:45:00.000+10:00

The Priest

He was a friend of my then-husband. They worked together on a major committee and he visited us at home on a regular basis. He was a funny man and our two children a girl and boy, always found him very funny.

In those days I was quite religious and was a regular attendee and volunteer at a church. The priest was a Catholic, but we were not. Still, the friendship continued. We had no idea what was to eventuate.

My son went to a private school, where the music teacher was found to be a paedophile. I was the angry mother who alerted the church hierarchy, which dismissed my concerns. (Later I was proven correct and ultimately the teacher was found guilty and gaoled!)

The Priest visited the Vatican and when he returned he gave me a tiny knife, that could be used with party food - spreading cheese and other items on biscuits. He told some story about how he came by it at the Vatican, a story that I doubt was true, but it was rather funny.

Sometime later, he attended a family event and was rather grumpy. Our friends made a comment about it.

On the following Monday, he was arrested for paedophilia. I don't intend telling all the story here. We were shocked and immediately talked with our son, wondering if he had seen anything untoward. He didn't. We found it very hard to believe, however, the priest eventually appeared in court and was found guilty of abusing two boys.

He was sent to gaol for several years.

Strangely, unexpectedly, I met him again. He was living in a nursing home. I saw him once more, but that is all.

I still have the little knife, and on the rare occasions, I use it, the story of our former friend is remembered.

Fires and Heat in Australia

2019-12-21T10:14:00.001+10:00

Summer Dry Heat

Summer in Australia is usually very hot. However, this year, 2019, in the first month of summer, records are being broken in all states. There are bushfires everywhere. Many bushfires. Some of which have been lit by humans, who have a warped sense and enjoy the sight of flames.

Arsonists and pyromaniacs have caused so much damage in Australia. One fire caused by one of these criminals destroyed over 20 homes in Queensland.

The poor people who have lost everything have to start again but of course will never, despite good insurance, will never get to replace everything that has gone. Some folk will probably not have adequate insurance to replace their homes, cars, boats, and livestock. No amount of funds can every replace the photos, memorabilia and other items that are lost.

Currently there are over 100 fires raging in one state!

Photo by Meritt Thomas - Unsplash.com

Summer Holidays

I was born in Adelaide, South Australia, one of the hot dry states and in summer we (my sister and I) would spend time with an aunt and uncle in Gladstone, north of Adelaide.

The country home had no cooling apparatus - it was in the 1950's and 60's. My sister and I spoke about it (by phone) yesterday. We would spend the afternoon, the hottest part of the day, in the bedrooms - lying on our bed. We'd have a face washer which was dipped in water, wrung out and we'd wide our face and arms with it, to try to keep cool.

Now, everyone feels deprived if they don't have air conditioners!

How long the fires will continue we don't know. What we can do about preventing such events in the future is unknown too.

Let's hope 2020 will be a better year for us all.

Dull Weather Writing

2018-12-14T09:09:00.001+10:00

Rain, Rain, Go Away - Come Again Another Day

To me, it's a bad day when I want to write and the clouds appear overhead and it rains. Today it is so dark and gloomy that I have to have the light on, above my keyboard. It's hard to see anything without some artificial light.

I have a few issues when I set out to write. I like it to be a bright and sunny day. Today's weather is the worst for me. It does remind me of the nursery rhyme - Rain, Rain, Go Away. I like to see out of the windows. I always dislike being in a house where it is difficult to see outside, though strangely I happy write when I am in the library and am in an enclosed space. The house I am in at the moment has double layers of white (sometimes lacey) curtains and I feel as if I am in a white bubble. Not my best writing venue.

It's raining. The forecast is for heavy rain for a few days as Cyclone Owen makes its way across the north of Queensland. It is not unusual at this time of year to have days of miserable rain, storms, floods and even dramatic smashing of properties with a cyclone. So far, it is only rain and flooding. Though all of the east coast of Australia is getting a drenching. Strange, as in recent months all the chatter has been about the drought. At least the rains have fallen in parts of western Queensland, so it is helping those properties that have an urgent need for more water!

Wet and miserable rain

(The photo doesn't do it justice).

The rain though has slowed, and the sky behind the trees does not look as dark in the pic as it does as I stand outside.

As it turns out I am meeting with a friend for lunch, and have an event later in the day, so it is not a good writing day in any case.

Still, I have put a few words together. I'm not inspired to write great things today. I'll wait for a sunshiny day.

The End of House Sitting?

2018-11-25T18:39:00.000+10:00

Is this the end of my house sitting? By the end of the year, I will have spent almost three months in this lovely unit at Beachmere. But I am "over" it. Moving from house to house - packing up, unpacking, learning the new house routines etc. is taking its toll on me. I feel it is time to settle down.

I am currently looking at a rental to move into at the end of the year. No guarantees that I will be accepted yet, but will do my best to get there.

I enjoy being near the waterfront - and one day last week I was awake around 4 am, so I quickly got dressed, grabbed the camera and walked to the fence which overlooks the beach.

Previously I had been up, not quite so early, and driven to the waterfront as each dawn produces another photo opportunity. I love being able to walk to the end of the property to take a photo.

If all goes well I will be moving closer to Brisbane, but still near the waterfront - in fact quite close to a lovely place which has plenty of bike paths. My e-bike is being serviced at the moment, so all should be ready when I move.

There will be no lawns to mow (or pay to be mowed) and it will be a quiet place to write.

Just hoping it all works.

More Bamboo

2018-11-10T07:51:00.000+10:00

Bamboo Fan

It says it on my business card, that I am a "Bamboo Fan" - though some folk are not sure of the meaning. I just love bamboo products and I am a great fan of the plant, its beauty as it grows, its sustainability and versatility.

I love the wonderful bamboo gardens - there are some great ones in Australia, but in China they are just so much better.

Photo by Jeremy Goldberg - Unsplash.com

(The above photo was taken in Kyoto, Japan)

I found some new bamboo products in a chemist recently - and am enjoying using them, There are boxes of tissues (facial tissues), but I use them for anything and everything.

Below are little packets of tissues for travelling. I have not used them at this point - as I have had no need, but one day I will. I have others in use at the moment.

So I have added more bamboo to my "stable" of products of this great plant.

I see more and more products in stores - but the undies have disappeared from the shelves where I used to be able to get them. Now have to buy on the internet.

The Housing Shortage and Me

2018-11-07T15:31:00.001+10:00

Why I'm "homeless".

It's around 18 months since I left the unit in Beachmere, bought the Toyota Coaster, lived in it for a while and then found house sitting opportunities. I'd left my husband after 43 years of marriage - he'd spent our money, was in denial, and I couldn't cope with it all. I packed a suitcase, took my computer and went to a friend's place to look after her house. He's sold my car too - so I was without wheels, though my friend let me use her car.

I was shattered. Messed up. Alone. As it turns out I manage to go back to university, and I was house sitting for over two years. During that time my father passed away, and I inherited his old car and some funds. Not enough to buy a house and retire on though.

Travelling

After graduation, I drove my new car (had traded Dad's old one in), all around Australia. From Brisbane down to Adelaide via Broken Hill, then across the Eyre Peninsular, the Nullabor and up the WA Coast, and across the top end to Darwin, and eventually home to Brisbane. At least I kicked that off my bucket list.

In 2013 I rented a unit in Beachmere - and watched the rent increase every time I sneezed or so it felt, and a combination of a health problem (which made it difficult for me to mow lawns), and difficult neighbours I left.

The Coaster

My Coaster

I bought a 1983 Toyota Coaster, and as a member of a group called Rolling Solo, drove from Brisbane up to Mt Isa and Camoweal, and then across to the NT, down to Alice Springs for a great camp with 499 other women (solo travellers). Something else I kicked off my bucket list was visiting Uluru - I did that too.

Living in the Coaster had its challenges. I really was too tall for it, and I'd keep hitting my head, and the bed was too short for my tall frame. Checking the oil and water was not easy - and emptying the loo was a problem too.

Back to House Sitting

Then I was offered house sitting again, which I have been doing for over a year now - neglecting the Coaster. Things are changing again. I'm "over" house sitting and would like to settle. But where?

What do I want?

I'd like an affordable house (rent no more than $275 pw), all on one level (I can't do stairs at the moment), space for my furniture, which is very basic. I'd love to have room for my ebike and my exercise bike too! Maybe a little space to grow some plants. I'm happy to share - but would need two bedrooms at least and definitely two bathrooms. I like living near the sea - but a few kms away is ok, and I'd like to live within 40 kms of one or both of my children, though I'd rather not live on the Gold Coast. (In any case they are too expensive.)

Where to next?

I've explored many options and just can't find one that looks like it will work for me. I sound like I am "picky" but I don't want to live in a shoe box.

Watch this space - I have 6 weeks to find a new home.

Paper Cutting

2018-11-04T14:10:00.001+10:00

Paper Cutting in China

Below is a photo of one of the paper cutting pieces I purchased while in China. I was fascinated by this folk art and I have managed to create some interesting, but far less clever, paper cutting of my own.

The information with the above video states that when women do paper cutting, it is an indication that they are clever. I find this somewhat amusing, as I saw mostly guys in China doing it. In museums, places of historical interest and some shopping places, there will be a stall, where you can purchase completed pieces. Or just stand and watch in awe as the talented artist does his/her thing.

Paper Cutting History

This article here will give you information on the art of paper cutting and its history.

Red paper is used for this craft, as red is a very significant colour in China.

If you would like to learn how to do it - this YouTube video should help.

Thirteen Lights and How Many Pelicans

2018-10-30T15:48:00.000+10:00

How Many Pelicans Today?

The bridge from the mainland to Bribie Island is over 50 years old - and nothing much has changed in that time! It has thirteen lights on the bridge, and during the day they are nesting spots for pelicans.

The light - no pelican

No Pelicans this end today

Today there were a couple, but not at the end where I took the photo. When I have grandchildren with me, it is a game to count the pelicans. And I find myself doing it when I am on my own too.

Normally they sit quietly on the light - as if just casting their eyes over their territory. But sometimes, their bowels move and a spray of bird poo lands on a passing car. It is not a big problem - unless you are the one with the messy duco.

Sometimes there are two pelicans on the light.

There are always pelicans on the waterfront if you want to get a good look at them. They are usually at the boat ramp or near the fish and chip shop - always hoping to get a feed.

They are lovely looking birds.

Memories of a Car Event Crash

2018-10-28T19:02:00.002+10:00

Motor Event Crash

This morning while staying at the George Williams Hotel in Brisbane, I turned the television on briefly. A news item shocked me. Last night (October 27th) a car at a motor event, lost control and crashed into the crowd.

Within seconds I was in tears. It brought back a memory of an event way back in 1963.

Motor Racing

I can remember some aspects of it well. I had never been to a race track, but a friend and I went with two guys. It was the first and last time for me. I'm not one that enjoys such events, and with what happened, it made me decide never to go again.

Luckily, I was never asked to attend such an event again. I don't like noisy/potentially dangerous events.

In the Crowd

We had been at the racetrack for around an hour - when one of the vehicles lost control and veered into the crowd. It was some distance from where we were - but it was a horrific event and we were all rather shocked. There were soon ambulance officers and police on the scene, and I think the event was stopped. We went back to the nurses home. I was a student nurse in my first year, and I knew I had to be up early the following morning for my shift.

On the Ward

One of the first duties in the morning was to ensure everyone had a shower or was bathed in bed. I was assigned to a lady in a four bed ward - the victim of the accident at the race track the night before. She had minor injuries - cuts and bruises mainly, and these minor injuries were bandaged and she was under observation.

I carefully washed her - face, then hands and arm, then the front of her body, before I had to turn her over. She and I were both shocked as she vomited a huge volume as I moved her. The awful smelly mess of liquid and undigested food was sprayed all over me. My white apron was covered from my neck to the hem with liquid and carrots, meat, and peas. The fluid seeped through and I could feel its wetness on my skin.

After calling for assistance, another nurse came and I left the room in order to return to the nurses home building, to change into clean and dry clothes.

Sister H, who was the sister in charge, refused to let me leave the ward until I had listed the volume and contents that was on me! I can recall trying not to vomit myself, as I endeavoured to estimate the total fluid and made notes on the lady's chart of the food items I could identify. When done, I was allowed to leave to walk from the hospital to the home to clean myself up.

It was probably 30 minutes before I returned. I was angry with Sister H - who was quite a difficult woman to work with - much disliked by the trainee nurses.

The lady who had been injured in the accident at the car racing track recovered quickly, and I have rarely remembered the incident.

Until today. I did tear up for a while as I watched the scene on television. Just so glad I was not in the audience!

PhotoPum RanaRoja

The photo does not look anything like the car I witnessed, nor the one last night!

Do you like car racing?

Book Review - Alice's daughter

2018-10-22T09:32:00.001+10:00

Sandcliffe

In August, I attended a Writers Festival in Sandgate, a seaside suburb of Brisbane. One of the guests was Rhonda Collard-Spratt, who came along with her co-writer Jacki Ferro, to talk about her book, Alice's daughter.

Rhonda's story is a heart-wrenching read. It is how she was taken from her mother, at age 3 years, and placed in a Mission at Carnarvon in Western Australia. This happened in 1954 when one might have thought that this behaviour by governments, was well in the past. She was the daughter of an aboriginal mother and white father - apparently the reason for this behaviour.

She and her younger sister, who was taken from their parents at the same time spent some horrible years in the Mission.

It is a story that everyone should read - especially "white" folk - as there are many stories like Rhonda's and we know little of the life they endured as a result of the archaic government laws.

Rhonda has clearly made a great success of her life, and now lives in Ipswich Queensland, where she sings, dances, writes and sets a great example for her people.

The book is available through most libraries and bookshops. Booktopia has it.

(I do wish that the book's title had a capital 'd' - references on the back of the book us a capital, and I believe it would have looked better on the front cover too.)

Celebrate the Sydney Opera House

2018-10-20T14:39:00.001+10:00

The Sydney Opera House Opens

This morning, while listening to the ABC, I heard that it was 45 years since the opening of the Sydney Opera House. We were living in Sydney at the time. There were, of course, great festivities for the opening, and Queen Elizabeth II performed the official opening.

On the night of October 20th, 1973, there was a huge fireworks display, and our family were on a hill on the north side of Sydney with amazing views. Hundreds of people were also there, and though it was some distance away, we saw the skies light up!

Sydney Opera House - photo by Johnny Bhalla

Shaoxing Opera

When I was in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China, I learned that there was an opera house there, which was supposedly a copy of the Sydney one.

In the first semester I was in China I ventured alone to find out about it, and even went into the ticket sales area, but no one spoke English, and there was no English information either. I did ask some students to take me but didn't find anyone enthusiastic to do so.

I think it was the second or third semester that I was in Shaoxing, that I found out that there was to be a performance there, and I arranged for a group of English teachers to go.

About 10 of us sat through an interesting performance - but of course, we could not comprehend the whole story. We could tell who the lovers were, and the good characters and the bad ones. I recall at the interval, we went into the foyer and groups of locals stood staring at us in awe.

At the end of the show, some came and spoke to us, wondering if we understood it. We had a few laughs as we explained our understanding of the story.

Shaoxing opera is quite famous in China.

Shaoxing Opera House

The Shaoxing Opera House is "modelled" on the one in Sydney, so I was told. It has three 'sails', but doesn't look much like the one in Sydney. I took this photo. You can see the 'sails', but that is about the only similarity. There is no harbour around it - in fact, it is somewhat "hidden" in the central park.

Moving to Beachmere

2018-10-18T16:14:00.001+10:00

Where's Beachmere?

I can't remember how I found out about this tiny township, just north of Brisbane. I first went to Beachmere in 2012, when I was about to embark on my solo drive around Australia. I was investigating where I might return - a friend and I came for a drive, and visited a couple of properties. I recall at one the Real Estate guy was a former policeman, and when my friend told him I was going to do a solo trip he got angry. "Remember Peter Falconio?" he said. As it turns out I had a safe trip, and a few years later even stayed at Barrow Creek!

Anyway, in 2013, around June I moved into Beachmere, and have been answering the question ever since. The little township between the Caboolture River and Moreton Bay is a peaceful (usually) community. I have spent much of the past five years here.

Now I am back house sitting - in a unit on the beachfront. This is the view from the property. The weather is not the best. I have seen better views from this site - but this is today (October 18th)

Sausage Dogs - Dachshunds

Now, I really don't have any live animals to care for, but these two sausage dogs may just keep me busy here. I love the breed - and had miniature longhaired dachshunds for over 20 years. I miss them. So these will be my companions for the time being.

I don't think they will get up to much mischief!

Happy Writing on Bribie

2018-10-15T09:44:00.000+10:00

Happy Writing

Every year, in October, members of the Society of Women Writers Queensland, stay at Bribie Island, just north of Brisbane. We stay at a historic home called Coungeau House where we endeavour to write, relax and have fun.

This year we have had a large group and some of us have written plenty of great words.

Some of the team at Bribie

Some of our members go a few days early, but I suspect it is as much to visit the local op shops as it is to write!! Still, it doesn't matter - there are no rules, and some members did remain in the house and write.

The story of Coungeau House is well documented at the nearby Seaside Museum, but surprisingly for all the years we have been going there (over 20 years) we did not know that Emily Coungeau was a writer and poet. I learned that at the Museum a few months ago.

Sally Eberhardt visited us on Saturday morning to tell us all about her new/first publication Pain-Free Networking for Introverts, and her journey to publishing. There were various other workshops - blogging, poetry as well as readings.

Plus there was good food and wine, including meals at the house and at The Jetty restaurant, near the Bribie Island Jetty.

This is an annual event for the Society of Women Writers Queensland - so why not join and be part of the action. Visit the website here.

Writing - Plenty to Do

2018-10-05T08:15:00.003+10:00

Two weeks ago, I was a speaker at a function for women in small business in the Bayside. I was asked to speak about some of my adventures. I have been fortunate in that I have travelled and worked overseas, and have experienced some really funny times. Especially in China and South Korea. Afterwards, someone said I should write a book about my experiences.

When I returned to Bribie Island, where I am house sitting, I started to make notes and before long, I had started writing. I am amazed that in less than two weeks I have written nearly 17,000 words. I am not sure how many I will aim for, but the way things are headed I should have about 60,000 within a couple of months.

Clearly, it is just a first run, and I will have a lot of editing to do.

In November, I am planning to participate in NaNoWriMo. It is a massive task but I have a story in my head that I want to write, so I am going to do my best to finish 50,000 words in November. I was going to title it "The Unknown Sister", but there is a popular book already with this title. I changed it to "The Foreign Sister". I will do my best to complete it this year.

I wonder if any of my writing friends will participate in NaNoWriMo this year? If you are, let me know.

House Sitting on Bribie Island

2018-10-04T20:54:00.001+10:00

My last house sit was on Bribie Island - in a house behind the shopping centre. I don't think I have ever lived so close to shops. I did have a bit of fun visiting the centre more often than I normally would have done.

After nearly three months there, I moved to another house, this time on Osprey Island. Yes, an island on an island. Unusual.

The bridge to Bribie

Bribie Island is very popular for a day out or a holiday - it's a drive of an hour or so from Brisbane and there is so much to see and do. To get to the island one has to drive over the bridge. I recall a time when there was a toll to go on the bridge - the little hut remains.

It is very relaxing on the island - a bit more of "holiday mode" most of the time.

There are many seniors living on Bribie, a great place to retire to.

The current house overlooks a canal and I am enjoying watching the boats go back and forth along the canal. At weekends there are more, but there'd be about 10 per day on other days, especially if the weather is good.

Reflections on the canal - view from the house

On a rather windy day I went on a boat further up the Pumicestone Passage, the waterway between Bribie and the mainland. Great views, but I will try and go on a better day, some time in the future.

This good house sit will come to an end in two weeks time. I will relocate to Beachmere. Still with a water view.

Would you like to spend time on Bribie Island?

Am I a Good Samaritan?

2018-06-10T06:50:00.000+10:00

In the past two weeks, I have helped out in two rather dramatic events. One, a domestic violence issue where an aggressive man was abusing a woman who had a baby and a perhaps 3-year-old little girl, and the other when a utility rolled over in front of me on the Bruce Highway.

Domestic Violence

I was on my way to catch a train to the city - an hour's journey at best. I heard voices - one person on the walkway and a man in the car park - yelling at one another. I took no notice and had no awareness that there was abuse in the conversation.

There is an elevator up to a walkway, which takes one across the railway tracks and two other elevators, to the tracks. As I exited the first one, I saw the young lady with the pram, baby and small child. Again I heard her yell to the man below but didn't take any notice. I walked along to the next elevator to go down to my platform, and the woman with her littlies followed me in.

Then I heard the yelling - coming closer. Then this tall brute of a man come in the lift, yelling and pushing. He wanted to take the baby. It is a small area, and I quickly exited but stayed just beyond the doorway. I shouted at the man to leave the woman and child alone, and to go away. He turned to me, only a few feet from me, and yelled abuse at me. I called for people to call the Police. It was a very dramatic few minutes. Soon other people and railway staff appeared and I shakily left the scene. I went down the stairs - my whole body shaking. I heard police sirens an when I looked back the woman and children were being cared for by the railway staff. I had seen the man run off just minutes earlier.

It really shook me up. I realised how close I had come to being a victim too.

Ute Rollover

Less then two weeks later, I was on the motorway, heading home from a meeting. There was a lot of traffic on the road and it had been raining so the road was wet. Much to my horror, a utility just in front of me rolled over and off the road into a ditch. There was a truck between my car and the vehicle that rolled. I stopped quickly, and rushed to help, calling the police as I did so.

As a former nurse, I usually stop to help anyone in such an incident, if there are no others there. The driver was on his own, with no passengers and was very lucky. He didn't have a scratch on him. Of course, he was shaken by the experience.

A couple of other vehicles stopped, but didn't stay and drove away when they saw he was not injured. However, I chose to stay. He was on his own, was a guy who was in his 50's or early 60's and I thought it prudent to stay until someone else did. It was a long wait before police and tow truck appeared. I then left.

I posted about both events on my FB page, and many people said nice things about me, for being kind enough to try and help.

Someone also suggested things like this happen in threes. What will be my next event? I am scared thinking about it. I hope it is just two!

#dihill

Cemeteries - the Dead Centre of Town

2018-05-30T18:38:00.000+10:00

There's a cemetery just near my daughter's place at Hemmant. I drive past it often but suddenly decided to call in and take some photos the other day.

I had been before, as I researched a family member of a friend. It is quite an old cemetery by Australian standards and has been operating since 1875.

I do have a habit of visiting cemeteries, especially those that have war graves. I like to walk along the rows reading what is written on the gravestones.

These days, when the dead are often cremated and ashes either kept by a family member or loved one or scattered somewhere, there are fewer people getting grave sites and fewer still are getting the wonderful stone headstones of days gone by.

Once upon a time, there was always evidence of someone's life and death recorded on the headstone. I think of my own parents who weren't buried in the family plot. Their choice. The cost of maintaining headstones/cemeteries is causing a lot of challenges. Even the cemetery at Hemmant is rather sad in places as some of the headstones are deteriorating and some of them so much that it is hard to read about the deceased.

So maybe there is more value in the written story of the deceased. Life stories are my passion and also obituaries. I have to laugh when I mention the latter, but I think that we should be doing more of these. That way, there can be a lasting story about people. So, no gravestones, but a life story (biography) complete with some photos can be stored electronically. Helpful for future historians too.

I am happy to talk with groups and individuals about preparing their own - it doesn't have to be very long. Maybe 1500 words are enough.

One of my goals is to promote this idea. Newspapers do like to publish them too.

By Neil Thomas - Unsplash.com

War cemeteries are very interesting. They tend to be better cared for and managed and reading the headstones is very moving.

How We Live.

2018-05-19T16:16:00.000+10:00

House sitting comes with challenges. Let me explain that I am not criticising here. I am just stating that every home is different. As a house sitter one often lives in a place that would not be your own ideal place to live.

Animals

It might be the animals - one house sit I had, came with a large number of animals including a rabbit (no, it wasn't in Queensland where they are banned), chickens, dogs and cats and a lizard. Another I had 12 pigeons to care for - quite spoiled birds too! One had a dog which was a delight, but take it for a walk and watch out - it was crazy on its daily walk.

Some houses are clean when I move in and some I have been lucky enough to have a housekeeper and gardener. In some, I have had to make some changes in the way I live. An example of this is one house that a couple resides, never use a toaster. I am not a toast every morning person but do like occasionally to have a slice of toast and marmalade.

I am good at gardening and often do extra work weeding, trimming dead flowers or branches and so forth. Every house sit is different.

No, not at a house sit. But lovely water lily.

Occasionally I wish I could change things. For example, I get annoyed about keys. Why don't people have one key that opens the front door instead of having to use two? Why don't people do regular maintenance? Some of the issues are builder issues too. Something that "is" and no one has thought about changing things. Like steps. I've written about some issues with house plans before.

But as someone who has no home of my own, I am very grateful that I have the opportunity to live rent-free and look after a house while the owners travel.