Goodbye to Gramps



PJ with Gramps before we left Boorhaman

 Yesterday we had to farewell our beloved dog Gramps who had shared our lives for the past 15 yrs.


 I know he shared his love with quite a few of you as well & I thank you for the way you have all loved our animals - yes, for  those asking - Mitzi (16) &; Scruffy (7) are still with us. 




Pete with the 4 of them back a couple yrs ago in Boorhaman



Gramps was father to Muffin whom we had to put down just 2mths ago, almost to the day.

Sharm & Muffin earlier this year

Gramps is burried just near her in the "rose garden" & we've planted a rose above him named Grandpa's Rose (how appropriate). 


Scruffy misses them both

A big thankyou to the staff at Yarrawonga Vetenary Clinic who were once again, very sympathetic & loving in their approach both to us (Stacey and I who were there) and to Gramps.  The tangerine rose was a lovely thought. 



We love you Gramps.



On the River & around the garden



Pete finally got to pick up his new boat on Saturday. We got it in Wangaratta & so we made it into a day by stopping in on our way back through Boorhaman to call in on 3 lots of our friends which we haven't had much to do lateley.  It made it into a really nice day out! 
By the time we got to Pat & Judy's place it was after lunch & of course while Pete was out with Pat who was fixing up his sheep, Judy & I took advantage to head around the garden...... naturally!

 I got some of the seed pods for these lovely flowers, so hopefully they will be growing in my garden next year - thanks Judy!

   Judy also sent me home with a tub full of strawberries together with  a nice easy jam receipe which I made up on Sunday arvo. The jam is just delicious!  500gm of strawberries made up 2 jars, but only took about 20 -30 mins all up to make. If anyone want s the receipe just let me know :)

Sunday Morning and it was time to test out the boat on the river, even Scruffy came for a ride and seemed to really love it!



Heading down the Murray River



Pete absolutely loves driving the new fishing boat - built for a bit more comfort to accommodate for our "no longer 20yr old bones"  LOL

 

 

Heading back to the boat ramp, just down the road from home!

Cod opening opens on 1st December so lets hope its a great fishing season - we could use some nice fresh fish for dinner!





 











On Our Little Homestead

I've had a great week off work during which I've managed to get quite a bit done around our little homestead here in NE Victoria.  We missed out on being able to go to Townsville as previously planned due to Pete having to remain at work, but rather than dwell on what we were not able to do, I chose to get stuck into some things here.  With all the rain & the weather warming up the garden is really beginning to take shape.  It's amazing to see how its gone from nothing to where it is in just 6 short months.  As you can see my 4 girls have been busy at work helping out in the garden & giving us a lovely supply of fresh eggs to boot!

So far we've picked 4kg of peas from the bushes in the vegie patch which is doing quite well.  Praying the tomatoes do well so we can make up some relish in a couple months time.

I also managed to get some more soap made up during the week which will be ready to use by Christmas.  Sorting out paperwork, files & boxes took care of another couple of days

Then I decided I really needed to work on sorting out the wardrobe & making it work.  It's a type of "walk in robe" that has been designed in an "interesting" way.  But after alot of trial & error, I think I've got it sorted.  Of course it helped that Pete managed to pick up this wonderful little antique writing desk from a farmer who was wanting to throw it & quite a few other items away.  Pete cleaned it up for me & we have been able to fit it into the bedroom against one of the walls as its quite narrow (the bedroom is smaller & therefore we can't fit in a dressing table or tall boy).  I'm using it to look after all those bits & pieces like jeweller, stockings, little bits of this & that.

The little desk before we moved it into the bedroom

Thursday saw the large 70 odd foot gum tree come down which was between our house & the neighbours & looked rather dangerous each time we've been getting the strong winds & storms.  Of course lots of other bits & pieces went on during the week & I managed to catch up on some penpal letters & finally send out those PIF gifts .
Tomorrow its back to work, but at least I'm caught up on a lot of things & have managed to get other stuff sorted out, which is a great feeling!  Hugs to all who have been asking after me.
Sharm