the old house (ex restaurant) built around 1880
our little 2 bed brick home, next to the house.Some of the flowers in the garden:
Tuesday 29 January 2008
Stirring Pot Heights
Our beautiful little home away from home for two weeks. 
the old house (ex restaurant) built around 1880
our little 2 bed brick home, next to the house.
the old house (ex restaurant) built around 1880 our little 2 bed brick home, next to the house. 
And the next few days
Friday
Michael went off to work so I took the girls and dog to the Botanical Gardens again. We saw the emu and peacock in their enclosure, the rabbits, budgies and cockatiels in their cages, the walk though aviary, the wishing well and bridge over the little lake, lay on the grass and wrote a letter, played in the playground for a few hours and had donuts from the yummy local bakery for morning tea.
Gomez being checked out as prospective lunch 
Saturday
Took the dog and cat out of the vets for the whole day. They really enjoyed it. Gomez is ultra skinny now, although the vet says he does eat, he is moping and burning it all off in nervous energy. The girls enjoyed playing tag amongst the rose bushes.
Mim wandered into Jen’s house and came out grinning, carrying a biscuit with butter and sprinkles. Apparently she’d asked Jen for one, Jen had asked if her parents allowed her to have one, and Mim said “of course!”
Got to 31 degrees today. Heard one of the locals talking about it being ‘boiling hot’ and just laughed. There was no humidity and the breeze was nice and cool. Even out in the sun, there was no bite to it the way there is in Qld. You could still do things, not get swamped by the humidity. It was lovely sitting outside the unit at 7pm with a book and a glass of wine. The light at this stage was about the same as 5.30pm in Brisbane. And the sun doesn’t rise until just after 6, not 4.30 like Brisbane!! Quite civilised.
Sunday
We drove to Mt Gambier to visit the Blue Lake Markets and catch up with Michael’s friend Dani. She was selling smoked eels (yuck!). Caitlin met her son, John, who is starting school with her on Wednesday. He seems like a nice friendly boy, but god the size of his feet!!! And let’s not go with that train of thought, people!
Had lunch at Mac’s Hotel (again) and then zipped into Target to find me a jacket. Found one that I didn’t mind the look of and would keep me warm when the wind started blowing. On the way home, Mim decided to tease Caitlin “Caitlin has a stinky bum, Caitlin has a big nose” and various other taunts. Caitlin simply responded by “STFU”. Took us a while to figure out what she was saying “Shut the F Up”
Came home via Casterton (one very large dead roo on the road, one long (and very dead) black snake, numerous dead foxes) and called in to Gertie and Eric’s place. Their garden is gorgeous! You could smell the peach tree a mile off. The peach, apple and pear trees are laden with fruit, the roses and other flowers are blooming and the 40 year old swing was given a good workout by Jemima. Mim was also taken by Minnie the dog, Charlie the cat and a chook she called Johnny.
Monday
Went to the staff BBQ at Penshurst Botanical Gardens in the afternoon. Very small botanical gardens, consisting of mostly a few trees and three interconnecting ponds (the wetlands). Was very relaxed, met some of the staff and their families. The kids enjoyed playing cricket and then a few of the adults joined in. Some great fielding by Tim O’Farrell (deputy principal) and extensive bowling by Michael Harms (Caitlin’s new teacher). Caitlin got in the way of a great shot by Bernard Neal – wonderful that she gets hit in the back of the head with a tennis ball by her new principal even before she starts school - “that’s for nothing, god help you if you do anything!”
the Principal and Deputy Principal 
Michael went off to work so I took the girls and dog to the Botanical Gardens again. We saw the emu and peacock in their enclosure, the rabbits, budgies and cockatiels in their cages, the walk though aviary, the wishing well and bridge over the little lake, lay on the grass and wrote a letter, played in the playground for a few hours and had donuts from the yummy local bakery for morning tea.
Gomez being checked out as prospective lunch 
Saturday
Took the dog and cat out of the vets for the whole day. They really enjoyed it. Gomez is ultra skinny now, although the vet says he does eat, he is moping and burning it all off in nervous energy. The girls enjoyed playing tag amongst the rose bushes.
Mim wandered into Jen’s house and came out grinning, carrying a biscuit with butter and sprinkles. Apparently she’d asked Jen for one, Jen had asked if her parents allowed her to have one, and Mim said “of course!”
Got to 31 degrees today. Heard one of the locals talking about it being ‘boiling hot’ and just laughed. There was no humidity and the breeze was nice and cool. Even out in the sun, there was no bite to it the way there is in Qld. You could still do things, not get swamped by the humidity. It was lovely sitting outside the unit at 7pm with a book and a glass of wine. The light at this stage was about the same as 5.30pm in Brisbane. And the sun doesn’t rise until just after 6, not 4.30 like Brisbane!! Quite civilised.
Sunday
We drove to Mt Gambier to visit the Blue Lake Markets and catch up with Michael’s friend Dani. She was selling smoked eels (yuck!). Caitlin met her son, John, who is starting school with her on Wednesday. He seems like a nice friendly boy, but god the size of his feet!!! And let’s not go with that train of thought, people!
Had lunch at Mac’s Hotel (again) and then zipped into Target to find me a jacket. Found one that I didn’t mind the look of and would keep me warm when the wind started blowing. On the way home, Mim decided to tease Caitlin “Caitlin has a stinky bum, Caitlin has a big nose” and various other taunts. Caitlin simply responded by “STFU”. Took us a while to figure out what she was saying “Shut the F Up”
Came home via Casterton (one very large dead roo on the road, one long (and very dead) black snake, numerous dead foxes) and called in to Gertie and Eric’s place. Their garden is gorgeous! You could smell the peach tree a mile off. The peach, apple and pear trees are laden with fruit, the roses and other flowers are blooming and the 40 year old swing was given a good workout by Jemima. Mim was also taken by Minnie the dog, Charlie the cat and a chook she called Johnny.
Monday
Went to the staff BBQ at Penshurst Botanical Gardens in the afternoon. Very small botanical gardens, consisting of mostly a few trees and three interconnecting ponds (the wetlands). Was very relaxed, met some of the staff and their families. The kids enjoyed playing cricket and then a few of the adults joined in. Some great fielding by Tim O’Farrell (deputy principal) and extensive bowling by Michael Harms (Caitlin’s new teacher). Caitlin got in the way of a great shot by Bernard Neal – wonderful that she gets hit in the back of the head with a tennis ball by her new principal even before she starts school - “that’s for nothing, god help you if you do anything!”
the Principal and Deputy Principal
The drive home was pretty traumatic for me. It was only about half an hour, but do you know how many times the girls can sing Burning Ring of Fire in 30 mins!!!!!
The next few days
Sunday
It was still cold and wet. We drove over to Mt Gambier (South Australia) to Kmart to get the girls some joggers and jackets. Had lunch at Macs Hotel. Stopped in at Casterton on the way home but Eric and Gertie (michael’s aunt/uncle) were not yet home. So we detoured via Merino and the girls had a play in a playground. On the way home, we came across a young cow grazing on the side of the road. Michael stopped and put Mim’s window down so she could see one close up. Mim now definitely wants a cow at our new place.
It was still cold and wet. We drove over to Mt Gambier (South Australia) to Kmart to get the girls some joggers and jackets. Had lunch at Macs Hotel. Stopped in at Casterton on the way home but Eric and Gertie (michael’s aunt/uncle) were not yet home. So we detoured via Merino and the girls had a play in a playground. On the way home, we came across a young cow grazing on the side of the road. Michael stopped and put Mim’s window down so she could see one close up. Mim now definitely wants a cow at our new place.
For dinner, we went down to the Black Bull Pizza, Pasta and Burger Bar. Mim ordered pasta and bacon (not on the kiddies menu), the girl obligingly gave her a bowl of penne with lashings of cut up bacon. Not fake little bacon pieces that you get in Coles deli, but real bacon! The food was delicious, but I’m looking forward to home cooked meals!!
Went back to the unit and put the heater on!!!
Monday
Michael noticed a streak of grey in my hair that was not there 3 weeks ago!!!
Managed to do two loads of washing, although it was still overcast and cold. Went to the Telstra shop in the morning and changed my phone over to Telstra. Got a $50 credit, which got used up in only three phone calls!!! Gotta love Telstra. Also, apparently the idiot at the shop signed me up as Kate – obviously really misread my licence!!!!!!!!!! Took ages to get that sorted out.
Drove out to the new property about 5pm (doesn’t get dark until 9.15pm around here). Walked around it and peered into windows. We can’t get keys because the owner is in Qld until 29 Jan and hasn’t left keys with anyone. There was one window unlocked so could have broken in, but as it isn’t officially our property until 4 Feb, we thought we’d better not!!!! We’ll arrange to inspect the property on the Sunday before settlement to ensure that all is in order. It was very windy. We up to the various boundaries. The property is divided into about 5 sections, we’ll have to do some refencing before getting any livestock.
walking up to the boundary line
Stopped at the historical marker just outside of Coleraine. Thought it might be something cool, like an explorer died on that spot, or something similar. It was where Adam Lindsey Gordon, a poet, rode his horse across the road in a steeplechase!!!! Bugger that for a joke!! Historical, my arse! Apparently he was queer, I bet he was being chased by the local rednecks!
Went back to the unit, while Michael cooked dinner, I ironed his underwear. Don’t worry, this isn’t an ongoing thing. Because the washing was so cold when it came off the line, and felt dampish, I thought it might take the chill of it.
Tuesday
Had the guided tour of Monivae College today and bought some secondhand uniforms as well as some new ones for Caitlin. Cost the better part of $1000 for uniforms and stationery. Most textbooks are included in the school fees as a hire situation, thank goodness!! She is very excited to be going to school next week.
Had dinner with our hosts, Jenny Tully and Warren (not Tully). They are extremely lovely and friendly people. They operated Stirring Pot Heights as a restaurant for about 17 yrs before closing up and converting it back into a house about 10 years ago. Jenny was a chef and now makes jams and chutneys. Mim ate 3 helpings of roast lamb, plus her vegies, plus two helpings of strawberries and icecream, and then had two slices of bread with sprinkles!!!!! Anybody would think that we starved her!! Caitlin took her back to the unit around 10.30pm (less than 10 feet away from the house) where Mim feel fast asleep. Meanwhile, Warren and I were solving the problems of the world over a bottle of wine and Michael and Jen were discussing cooking techniques and jam making whilst bottling some chutney! It was a lovely evening and I hope we’ll be able to do it again in our new property.
Had the guided tour of Monivae College today and bought some secondhand uniforms as well as some new ones for Caitlin. Cost the better part of $1000 for uniforms and stationery. Most textbooks are included in the school fees as a hire situation, thank goodness!! She is very excited to be going to school next week.
Had dinner with our hosts, Jenny Tully and Warren (not Tully). They are extremely lovely and friendly people. They operated Stirring Pot Heights as a restaurant for about 17 yrs before closing up and converting it back into a house about 10 years ago. Jenny was a chef and now makes jams and chutneys. Mim ate 3 helpings of roast lamb, plus her vegies, plus two helpings of strawberries and icecream, and then had two slices of bread with sprinkles!!!!! Anybody would think that we starved her!! Caitlin took her back to the unit around 10.30pm (less than 10 feet away from the house) where Mim feel fast asleep. Meanwhile, Warren and I were solving the problems of the world over a bottle of wine and Michael and Jen were discussing cooking techniques and jam making whilst bottling some chutney! It was a lovely evening and I hope we’ll be able to do it again in our new property.
I’ll have to do a separate blog on the beautiful gardens here at Stirring Pot Heights. Very simple but full of rosemary, lavender, roses and various other flowers.
Wednesday
Drove out to Coleraine and set up our post box. Had a look in a new/used furniture mart and met the owner. Turns out that he is the brother in law of the woman (and children) that Michael flew back to Melbourne with a few weeks ago, when Michael was holding sick bags for the kids. We then had lunch at one of the two takeaway stores in Coleraine, and outside was an ex student of Michael’s from when he was teaching at Casterton. Yet again, we can’t take Michael anywhere!!
We called in to the Botanical Gardens and had a walk around and the girls had a play on the playground.
Thursday
Drove out to Coleraine and set up our post box. Had a look in a new/used furniture mart and met the owner. Turns out that he is the brother in law of the woman (and children) that Michael flew back to Melbourne with a few weeks ago, when Michael was holding sick bags for the kids. We then had lunch at one of the two takeaway stores in Coleraine, and outside was an ex student of Michael’s from when he was teaching at Casterton. Yet again, we can’t take Michael anywhere!!
We called in to the Botanical Gardens and had a walk around and the girls had a play on the playground.
Thursday
Did nothing much, another two loads of laundry. Mim met young Jackson, a five year old who is her new boyfriend, because he taught her how to climb a tree!!
Road Trip
Thursday
The alarm woke us at 4am. By the time we’d showered, drugged the animals, woken the children and gotten them dressed, packed the overnight things and put all in the car and bid farewell to Margaret, it was close to 5.30 when we left Kedron. I got the pick, I only had Morticia in the car; Michael had the girls and Gomez.
Going through Toowoomba, I showed my willingness to be a Country Girl, and listened to Toowoomba Country FM for 5 mins. Hmm, riveting lyrics at that station! Stopped at Captain’s Mount (between Toowoomba and Milmerran) and had breakfast and filled up with petrol.
It was hard going between Milmerran and Goondiwindi. I was soooo tired that my eyes were not focusing on the road properly. Had to stop at Goondiwindi and find a CD to play. Luckily just the act of getting out of the car was enough to wake me up a bit.
We stopped at a BP at somewhere over the border so Mim could have a pit stop and Michael bought us Red Bulls. OMG!!! How disgusting are they. Took a big swig and almost spat inside the car – it tastes like cherry cough mixture!!!!! Does the trick though, I spent the next hour and a half trying to get the taste out of my mouth!
We stopped at KFC Narrabri for lunch. Was only a 20min stop, then took the animals to a park across the river. Tish had no desire to do anything but get back into her cage so we drugged the animals again (half a tablet each) and continued on.
somewhere before Dubbo
Arrived at Dubbo and made our way to the Goode Times townhouse, which was pet friendly. Cat and dog were glad to be out of their cages. Took them outside, Gomez peed on anything that didn’t move but Tish just wanted to get back indoors. She raced upstairs and stalked into the bathroom. I found her madly scrabbling at the back of the shower recess before she turned around, squatted and peed. I swear the look on her face was sheer relief. She then crapped as well. I had to grab her because she was madly trying to cover the evidence with non existent dirt.
Friday
Left Dubbo about 8am. Only gave Tish half a tablet, didn’t give Gomez any as he seemed fine with travelling. Filled up with petrol before we left. Michael tells me that Mim requested Burn Burn Burn (Ring of Fire – Johnny Cash) and Jackson three times in a row. Glad I wasn’t in that car!! She can now sing Ring of Fire quite well (unfortunately).
We stopped for breakfast at Maccas, Forbes, or was it Parkes. Anyway, the girl in the Café section had to ask how to make a Mocha! They were very slow, and not because they had a lot of customers! Caitlin’s quote of the millennium:
“Dad, if you were falling from 10,000 metres up, would you die before you hit the ground”
“Yes, because you’d be falling at a rate in which you couldn’t breathe so you’d pass out and die of lack of oxygen first”
“But if you had a sheet, would that help you?”
“Yes, to wipe your ass after you shit yourself on the way down!!!”
We had a late lunch and petrol stop at Hay. I wanted to see the Stuart’s signed tree but we were on a time schedule. The drive between Hay and Balranald was beautiful. It was so flat! There was the occasional tree dotted on the horizon, but nothing else. Had to stop on the side of the road for Mim to take a leak. She took off her undies, thrust her pelvis forward, and after a bit of performance anxiety, let fly. She’d make any boy proud!! We managed to make up some time doing 140km/h along this stretch of road. Saw very little traffic, and you could literally see them coming miles off.
between Hay and Balranald
We crossed the border at Nyah. (Mim apparently started singing “Nyah believer” (I’m a believer), you know the Monkees song, or the Shrek song, depending what age you are). We’d also driven through Dooen (Dooen the Eagle Rock). The Wiggles have a lot to answer for!
about to cross the border
We took a photo of Mim’s face after we’d walked across the border. It was not impressed. She then burst into tears and wanted to go back home. Failing that, she wanted to go to Swan Lake (Swan Hill). So we drove into Swan Hill, detouring via Beverdere to drop the animals off at Scooby Doo Pet Resort. Lovely place.
Had dinner at a local pub and dessert at Jelarty (a gelati bar). The gelati was so creamy and delicious! It was like a Baskin Robbins of gelati with free tasting and many varieties.
Saturday
Left Swan Hill around 10, after I’d picked up the animals. Didn’t bother drugging either of them. Let Tish out of her cage, she curled up on the towels at the foot of the seat. Took our time driving as it was still raining (had started just after Goondiwindi and hadn’t really stopped since). Decided to overtake Michael but he wouldn’t let me.
Stopped for lunch in Horsham. It’s a nice town, about the size of Toowoomba, more or less. Filled up again and drove down to Hamilton. The Grampians are beautiful. Would have liked to taken a few more photos but Michael wouldn’t stop. Arrived at Stirring Pot Heights (our temp home for the next 2 weeks) about 4pm. Dropped the animals off at the vets at 5 and got Pinky’s Pizza for dinner. Went shopping at Coles for breakfast things (Coles is open 7am to 10pm 7days a week!)
The alarm woke us at 4am. By the time we’d showered, drugged the animals, woken the children and gotten them dressed, packed the overnight things and put all in the car and bid farewell to Margaret, it was close to 5.30 when we left Kedron. I got the pick, I only had Morticia in the car; Michael had the girls and Gomez.
Going through Toowoomba, I showed my willingness to be a Country Girl, and listened to Toowoomba Country FM for 5 mins. Hmm, riveting lyrics at that station! Stopped at Captain’s Mount (between Toowoomba and Milmerran) and had breakfast and filled up with petrol.
It was hard going between Milmerran and Goondiwindi. I was soooo tired that my eyes were not focusing on the road properly. Had to stop at Goondiwindi and find a CD to play. Luckily just the act of getting out of the car was enough to wake me up a bit.
We stopped at a BP at somewhere over the border so Mim could have a pit stop and Michael bought us Red Bulls. OMG!!! How disgusting are they. Took a big swig and almost spat inside the car – it tastes like cherry cough mixture!!!!! Does the trick though, I spent the next hour and a half trying to get the taste out of my mouth!
We stopped at KFC Narrabri for lunch. Was only a 20min stop, then took the animals to a park across the river. Tish had no desire to do anything but get back into her cage so we drugged the animals again (half a tablet each) and continued on.
somewhere before DubboArrived at Dubbo and made our way to the Goode Times townhouse, which was pet friendly. Cat and dog were glad to be out of their cages. Took them outside, Gomez peed on anything that didn’t move but Tish just wanted to get back indoors. She raced upstairs and stalked into the bathroom. I found her madly scrabbling at the back of the shower recess before she turned around, squatted and peed. I swear the look on her face was sheer relief. She then crapped as well. I had to grab her because she was madly trying to cover the evidence with non existent dirt.
Friday
Left Dubbo about 8am. Only gave Tish half a tablet, didn’t give Gomez any as he seemed fine with travelling. Filled up with petrol before we left. Michael tells me that Mim requested Burn Burn Burn (Ring of Fire – Johnny Cash) and Jackson three times in a row. Glad I wasn’t in that car!! She can now sing Ring of Fire quite well (unfortunately).
We stopped for breakfast at Maccas, Forbes, or was it Parkes. Anyway, the girl in the Café section had to ask how to make a Mocha! They were very slow, and not because they had a lot of customers! Caitlin’s quote of the millennium:
“Dad, if you were falling from 10,000 metres up, would you die before you hit the ground”
“Yes, because you’d be falling at a rate in which you couldn’t breathe so you’d pass out and die of lack of oxygen first”
“But if you had a sheet, would that help you?”
“Yes, to wipe your ass after you shit yourself on the way down!!!”
We had a late lunch and petrol stop at Hay. I wanted to see the Stuart’s signed tree but we were on a time schedule. The drive between Hay and Balranald was beautiful. It was so flat! There was the occasional tree dotted on the horizon, but nothing else. Had to stop on the side of the road for Mim to take a leak. She took off her undies, thrust her pelvis forward, and after a bit of performance anxiety, let fly. She’d make any boy proud!! We managed to make up some time doing 140km/h along this stretch of road. Saw very little traffic, and you could literally see them coming miles off.
between Hay and BalranaldWe crossed the border at Nyah. (Mim apparently started singing “Nyah believer” (I’m a believer), you know the Monkees song, or the Shrek song, depending what age you are). We’d also driven through Dooen (Dooen the Eagle Rock). The Wiggles have a lot to answer for!
about to cross the borderWe took a photo of Mim’s face after we’d walked across the border. It was not impressed. She then burst into tears and wanted to go back home. Failing that, she wanted to go to Swan Lake (Swan Hill). So we drove into Swan Hill, detouring via Beverdere to drop the animals off at Scooby Doo Pet Resort. Lovely place.
Had dinner at a local pub and dessert at Jelarty (a gelati bar). The gelati was so creamy and delicious! It was like a Baskin Robbins of gelati with free tasting and many varieties.
Saturday
Left Swan Hill around 10, after I’d picked up the animals. Didn’t bother drugging either of them. Let Tish out of her cage, she curled up on the towels at the foot of the seat. Took our time driving as it was still raining (had started just after Goondiwindi and hadn’t really stopped since). Decided to overtake Michael but he wouldn’t let me.
Stopped for lunch in Horsham. It’s a nice town, about the size of Toowoomba, more or less. Filled up again and drove down to Hamilton. The Grampians are beautiful. Would have liked to taken a few more photos but Michael wouldn’t stop. Arrived at Stirring Pot Heights (our temp home for the next 2 weeks) about 4pm. Dropped the animals off at the vets at 5 and got Pinky’s Pizza for dinner. Went shopping at Coles for breakfast things (Coles is open 7am to 10pm 7days a week!)
Thursday 24 January 2008
Wednesday the Worst!
Michael hired a ute in the morning to remove the last items (fridge, chairs, table...) to fit into Margaret's shed. He spent most of the morning doing this. I helped with some of it as well as vacuuming the rooms in preparation for our carpet shampooing guy(Clean 01) to come between 1-3. The bedroom walls were washed, fans cleaned, cupboards wiped down and floors vacuumed. Then we took the fridge over to Margarets. It was just on 1pm when I had to leave Michael with the fridge and large table and dash back to our house. I quickly finished vacuuming and then started pottering, cleaning the toilet and bathroom. I didn't want to start washing floors before the guy arrived, nor did I want to do any of the Lifeline runs.
So I waited. And waited. And waited.
At 3.15, I called Clean 01 and asked them where he was. The girl, Kristy, put me on hold and then told me that he wasn’t answering his phone, so he must have the machine on. I told Kristy that I had things to do, so I needed to know when he was going to be here. Kristy said she’d track him down and call me back in 15 mins.
No call back. I started on the bathroom and toilet and finished them off. By this stage it was about 4pm, so I called Kristy back. She put me on hold again and then told me that he was “up the mountain, so wouldn’t be coming down until about 7pm tonight. So sorry, but could they rebook for tomorrow”. Naturally I was a bit upset about this, but didn’t get aggressive or swear, just told her that I was leaving for Victoria at 4am and a tenant was moving their furniture in tomorrow so no, it was not convenient to rebook. I asked why I had been booked in if the guy was so obviously unavailable, the response was an unfeeling “I dunno”. She told me that there was no manager to complain to, that she was the only one in the office and that if I wrote a letter, just to address it to Clean 01. She then hung up on me. What great customer service!!!!! And from a family business.
Michael was furious as well. He called back and spoke with a Stephanie. She at least apologised not only for the obvious stuff up with my booking, but for Kristy’s lack of customer service. He spent 10 mins on the phone with Stephanie in his cool calm collected way, explaining to her how the business had failed to deliver, with me in the background muttering “Effin customer care, effin family business crap, @#$%^%#@#”. Poor Carla arrived just at this moment and made the mistake of asking what was wrong. I just burst into tears. The cupboards were still full of food, there was still crap everywhere, I hadn’t vacuumed the lounge/kitchen, or cleaned the rangehood, we were expected to have a family dinner with Margaret for our last night, hadn’t seen the girls properly for a few days, was overtired, underfed, hot, MetroNissan hadn’t called to say my car was ready ……
Carla came to the rescue. She arranged for the carpets to be shampooed, for Connie to come and clean the place on Thursday morning and told me to get a good night’s sleep. (Yeah, right)
We dropped the ute off and drove into Windsor to pick up my car. One of the guys said that the solenoid thingy had been replaced but they’d noticed that something or other needed replacing as well. He said that they’d put in an order on the part and it could be done in a few weeks, it wasn’t an urgent issue. Michael went red and I burst into tears and walked outside. Michael then explained (one more time for good luck) that we were not going to be in QLD after tomorrow morning. The guy quickly backstepped, said that they’d cancel the part and told us to eventually take it to Geelong (the closest dealership) for repair, or to book it in when we come back in June for a holiday!!!! I don’t think they wanted to deal with a weepy woman at 5.30pm!!!! We took the Renault and went.
Michael and I did another load from the house, went back to Margarets, saw Mum and Dad and scoffed a late dinner, went back to the house and loaded up the cars one last time (and collected Morticia).
By 11pm on Wednesday night, the majority of stuff had been taken and the place was looking very empty. Cupboards, fridge and freezer were still stocked though, Carla had her pick of groceries. Michael and I then repacked the suitcases and packed the cars. My Renault had the seats folded up and all the suitcases and various other bits and pieces. I was amazed at how much stuff we fit into the cars!!!!
M and I dropped into bed at 1am.
Please, everybody out there, do NOT use Clean 01!!!
So I waited. And waited. And waited.
At 3.15, I called Clean 01 and asked them where he was. The girl, Kristy, put me on hold and then told me that he wasn’t answering his phone, so he must have the machine on. I told Kristy that I had things to do, so I needed to know when he was going to be here. Kristy said she’d track him down and call me back in 15 mins.
No call back. I started on the bathroom and toilet and finished them off. By this stage it was about 4pm, so I called Kristy back. She put me on hold again and then told me that he was “up the mountain, so wouldn’t be coming down until about 7pm tonight. So sorry, but could they rebook for tomorrow”. Naturally I was a bit upset about this, but didn’t get aggressive or swear, just told her that I was leaving for Victoria at 4am and a tenant was moving their furniture in tomorrow so no, it was not convenient to rebook. I asked why I had been booked in if the guy was so obviously unavailable, the response was an unfeeling “I dunno”. She told me that there was no manager to complain to, that she was the only one in the office and that if I wrote a letter, just to address it to Clean 01. She then hung up on me. What great customer service!!!!! And from a family business.
Michael was furious as well. He called back and spoke with a Stephanie. She at least apologised not only for the obvious stuff up with my booking, but for Kristy’s lack of customer service. He spent 10 mins on the phone with Stephanie in his cool calm collected way, explaining to her how the business had failed to deliver, with me in the background muttering “Effin customer care, effin family business crap, @#$%^%#@#”. Poor Carla arrived just at this moment and made the mistake of asking what was wrong. I just burst into tears. The cupboards were still full of food, there was still crap everywhere, I hadn’t vacuumed the lounge/kitchen, or cleaned the rangehood, we were expected to have a family dinner with Margaret for our last night, hadn’t seen the girls properly for a few days, was overtired, underfed, hot, MetroNissan hadn’t called to say my car was ready ……
Carla came to the rescue. She arranged for the carpets to be shampooed, for Connie to come and clean the place on Thursday morning and told me to get a good night’s sleep. (Yeah, right)
We dropped the ute off and drove into Windsor to pick up my car. One of the guys said that the solenoid thingy had been replaced but they’d noticed that something or other needed replacing as well. He said that they’d put in an order on the part and it could be done in a few weeks, it wasn’t an urgent issue. Michael went red and I burst into tears and walked outside. Michael then explained (one more time for good luck) that we were not going to be in QLD after tomorrow morning. The guy quickly backstepped, said that they’d cancel the part and told us to eventually take it to Geelong (the closest dealership) for repair, or to book it in when we come back in June for a holiday!!!! I don’t think they wanted to deal with a weepy woman at 5.30pm!!!! We took the Renault and went.
Michael and I did another load from the house, went back to Margarets, saw Mum and Dad and scoffed a late dinner, went back to the house and loaded up the cars one last time (and collected Morticia).
By 11pm on Wednesday night, the majority of stuff had been taken and the place was looking very empty. Cupboards, fridge and freezer were still stocked though, Carla had her pick of groceries. Michael and I then repacked the suitcases and packed the cars. My Renault had the seats folded up and all the suitcases and various other bits and pieces. I was amazed at how much stuff we fit into the cars!!!!
M and I dropped into bed at 1am.
Please, everybody out there, do NOT use Clean 01!!!
Goodbye Furniture ....
On Tuesday morning, Michael and I put our cars in for various service things (my gear box, his electrics). We hightailed it home and continued packing. Margaret very kindly looked after Bib and Bub for us, and Gomez.
The Dial A Box people were due to arrive at 12. We were still packing everything up right up until that time.
The lovely men (hired muscle) from All Purpose Removals arrived promptly at 11.45. They wandered around the rooms and took stock of what large items we had and started formulating plans.
Then, right on 12, the phone rang. It was Dial A Box, they had been delayed on the Gold Coast because of the rain but were on their way. It’d be at least 1.30 before they got here!! Not happy Jan!
So my hired muscle, Tim and Mr Kiwi guy, started moving all the furniture down to the garage. I least I got a good perve at the muscles of Mr Kiwi, he was wandering around topless and reminded me a bit of Kostya Tszyu.
A large shipping container on the back of a truck reversed into the drive just after 1.30pm, approximately 30 secs after it really started pelting down with rain (of course). It only just over an hour to fill the truck with our belongings, and I mean fill!! There wasn’t even room left to fart in the truck!! The cross section of the swing set has been wedged across the doors to stop things from falling out the minute the container door is opened again in Coleraine.
I rang Metro Nissan around 4pm as I hadn't heard from them about my car. The chap I spoke to said he'd find out and call me back. 5 mins later he called. "We fixed such and such, but we've had to order the solenoids from Melbourne. Don't worry though, you can drive the car until they arrive in a week's time and then we'll book the car in again". I just started laughing hysterically and told him (yet again) that I needed the car for Thursday as we were relocating to Victoria. He very kindly offered to keep the car overnight and ensure that someone else's solenoids were snaffled for my car.
Thank goodness this day was over, but worse was to come.
The Dial A Box people were due to arrive at 12. We were still packing everything up right up until that time.
The lovely men (hired muscle) from All Purpose Removals arrived promptly at 11.45. They wandered around the rooms and took stock of what large items we had and started formulating plans.
Then, right on 12, the phone rang. It was Dial A Box, they had been delayed on the Gold Coast because of the rain but were on their way. It’d be at least 1.30 before they got here!! Not happy Jan!
So my hired muscle, Tim and Mr Kiwi guy, started moving all the furniture down to the garage. I least I got a good perve at the muscles of Mr Kiwi, he was wandering around topless and reminded me a bit of Kostya Tszyu.
A large shipping container on the back of a truck reversed into the drive just after 1.30pm, approximately 30 secs after it really started pelting down with rain (of course). It only just over an hour to fill the truck with our belongings, and I mean fill!! There wasn’t even room left to fart in the truck!! The cross section of the swing set has been wedged across the doors to stop things from falling out the minute the container door is opened again in Coleraine.
I rang Metro Nissan around 4pm as I hadn't heard from them about my car. The chap I spoke to said he'd find out and call me back. 5 mins later he called. "We fixed such and such, but we've had to order the solenoids from Melbourne. Don't worry though, you can drive the car until they arrive in a week's time and then we'll book the car in again". I just started laughing hysterically and told him (yet again) that I needed the car for Thursday as we were relocating to Victoria. He very kindly offered to keep the car overnight and ensure that someone else's solenoids were snaffled for my car.
Thank goodness this day was over, but worse was to come.
Tuesday 22 January 2008
We made it
We've made it safely to Victoria. Will blog more about the harrowing time before the move, the actual drive down and what we've done since. Have only 5mins remaining in the public library in Hamilton, so can't say much. Except it's been bloody cold down here!!! Max of 23 degrees the other day. Had the heater on at night and went looking for jackets today. And it's only January!!
Monday 14 January 2008
My last blog from Brisbane
Well, this is my last blog from Brisbane. All of our belongings (including the computer) are being picked up tomorrow. We still have a lot of packing to do before then.
Margaret looked after Mim today. Apparently Mim said to her sister "For Fuck's sake!" and called Margaret a "silly old bitch". Needless to say she had a lovely red tattoo the shape of Margaret's hand on her backside.
Back to the packing!! Will blog again from Victoria!
Margaret looked after Mim today. Apparently Mim said to her sister "For Fuck's sake!" and called Margaret a "silly old bitch". Needless to say she had a lovely red tattoo the shape of Margaret's hand on her backside.
Back to the packing!! Will blog again from Victoria!
Friday 11 January 2008
D Day (Departure Day) minus 5
Looked after Charlotte this morning. Took her shopping with Mim and Michael to buy provisions for our farewell.
Michael's comment to Carla "I have to curb my natural fatherhood instincts with your children. I keep going to walk up behind them and kick them up the bum, before I remember that they are not my children, and I can't do that".
Michael looked at Charlotte's hands, "Charli, you have really long fingers!"
Me: "Yes, great for playing piano"
Michael: "No, great for shoving all the way up your nose"
Charli complies, one finger per nostril!!!
Michael's comment to Carla "I have to curb my natural fatherhood instincts with your children. I keep going to walk up behind them and kick them up the bum, before I remember that they are not my children, and I can't do that".
Michael looked at Charlotte's hands, "Charli, you have really long fingers!"
Me: "Yes, great for playing piano"
Michael: "No, great for shoving all the way up your nose"
Charli complies, one finger per nostril!!!
Tuesday 8 January 2008
Sunday 6 January 2008
Wall of Boxes
This was taken on Saturday morning. It has grown somewhat since then.
Most rooms have had the non-essentials boxed, except Caitlin's (and Michael's side of the room).
I walked into Caitlin's room with a box this morning, looked at the shit lying everywhere and thought "oh, no. Not today, I can't deal with this just now".
The Satanic Squirrel, aka Morticia, is not real happy about the changes happening to her kingdom. She doesn't realise how hard having her and Gomez go with us is making the journey. We've found somewhere in Dubbo that is pet-friendly but need to book that accommodation and find somewhere around Swan Hill as well.
Let's see,
Have done: booked removalists, arranged to stay at Margarets for two nights before leaving, tentatively booked 2weeks accommodation in Hamilton before the house settles.
To do: arrange cleaners, book overnight accommodation in Dubbo and Swan Hill, find cattery/kennels in Hamilton, finish packing and have one hell of a farewell party!!
Friday 4 January 2008
Anybody want to buy my Scooter?
I've now got about 10 days to sell my beloved scooter.
Anybody know of someone who's interested? I've listed it on Bikesales, but need to take some updated photos of it (when Michael returns with my camera!)
(sigh) As if life now wasn't one big ball of stress!
Anybody know of someone who's interested? I've listed it on Bikesales, but need to take some updated photos of it (when Michael returns with my camera!)
(sigh) As if life now wasn't one big ball of stress!
Massage heaven
Mum and I went to Biella's Beauty Salon last night and had a "mini retreat". This consisted of a mini facial, a relaxing foot treatment, a manicure, and a very relaxing massage. It was wonderful having the massage, listening to the rain pouring down over the top of the obligatory "relaxing" whale music/pan flutes. I'm sure those girls go home and put on heavy metal music to counteract all that "relaxivity".
Don't know about Mum, but I felt wonderful afterwards. Just a pity that the lovely manicure and nail polish will be ruined within 24 hrs because of packing boxes and cleaning!!
Don't know about Mum, but I felt wonderful afterwards. Just a pity that the lovely manicure and nail polish will be ruined within 24 hrs because of packing boxes and cleaning!!
We got the house!
Michael has been down in Victoria for the last few days, buying us a place to live in.
We've (he's) signed a contract for this 5 acre property about 30mins drive from Michael and Caitlin's new school. It's fenced, so we could get some goats, sheep, chooks, horses, cows ........ eventually.
Now comes the most stressful part - packing the house, arranging removalists and getting down there.
I've made an appointment at the vets, so the dog and cat can stay in boarding kennels for two weeks, until the house settles. We'll be staying in a serviced apartment in the centre of town (all 4 streets of it) until the house settles in early Feb.
This is the view from my new back yard
My new bathroom
My new kitchen
We're having our Farewell Soiree/Bugger Off Bash next weekend, and driving down the week after next.... about 10 days away (hyperventilating now!!!!!!)
When Michael returns with my camera, I'll post pictures of our Wall of Boxes (most of these containing books from the downstairs room).
We've (he's) signed a contract for this 5 acre property about 30mins drive from Michael and Caitlin's new school. It's fenced, so we could get some goats, sheep, chooks, horses, cows ........ eventually.
Now comes the most stressful part - packing the house, arranging removalists and getting down there.
I've made an appointment at the vets, so the dog and cat can stay in boarding kennels for two weeks, until the house settles. We'll be staying in a serviced apartment in the centre of town (all 4 streets of it) until the house settles in early Feb.
This is the view from my new back yard
My new bathroom
My new kitchen
We're having our Farewell Soiree/Bugger Off Bash next weekend, and driving down the week after next.... about 10 days away (hyperventilating now!!!!!!)
When Michael returns with my camera, I'll post pictures of our Wall of Boxes (most of these containing books from the downstairs room).
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