Serious Progress at the Lake House

 With the holiday season approaching, Mark is hoping to capitalise on the availability of some additional workers on the house.

The insulation is now in so the walls and ceiling can be plastered.  A few extra workers were required for this work.

As always the locals maintain a keen interest.

The Girls Get Out

 While Mark was busy getting the new kitchen up to the Lake House, Lisa ducked out with the girls to do a little celebrity chasing.

Farewell Old Friend

 It is a little confronting to face the end of an era.  We bought our first caravan in 1976 and camping has been part of our lives for over 50 years.  But all good things come to an end and it was with some sadness that we decided to sell our well loved Trakmaster van.  On the positive side, we are selling it to a couple that remind us very much of ourselves 15 years ago.  They worked in the same area we did and seem very excited to be able to do the things we have done.  It is a good result.

Patrick's Portrait

 As Patrick is heading off for his Asian Tour shortly, it meant we had to find a time slot for his entry into Granny's Gallery.  Today was the day and this is his new entry in the Gallery.

Patrick and Sophie's Birthdays

 Unfortunately Patrick and Sophie both arranged for their birthdays to fall in the middle of exam season so large celebratory gatherings become problematic.  Grandparents, on the other hand do not have this issue so we were pleased to join the family last night for a wonderful birthday dinner.

Breaking through the protective chocolate layer of the cake to access the contained treasures nearly called for specialist tools!  As a bonus on the night, the basketball half court had been completed earlier in the week so it was now open for inspection.

The new hard surface offers amazing grip, there is no way to slip over on this court.  We were really impressed by the way Alfie owned the court and made as if he had nothing to do with all the resurfacing work.!

Orchid Revival

 Claire had a shot at reviving some old and neglected pots of orchids Adam found at the Peel St property.  They were quite sad originally but in their new pots and soil they look as though there may be a chance.

Having achieved success with her imitation of Kosta in the garden she then did Jamie Oliver in the kitchen.

Getting Plastered at the Lake House

 The Lake House has seen some big changes lately.  The front deck boards are now in place.

The weather is becoming warmer making completion even more urgent!

The long weekend gave Mark and Cooper the opportunity to get stuck into the internal walls.  Insulation was put in place and the plaster is starting to give form to the rooms and living space.

The main kitchen/living space is starting to take shape.

Ready for Rental

 Adam, Kate and James have completed a lot of work on the Peel St property since they bought it.  Although the house was fundamentally very sound, the interior required painting and a great deal of work was required to bring years of neglect up to standard.  Electrical work was brought up to standard with new lighting, toilet replaced, blinds installed etc.  The overgrown back yard was cleaned out and made serviceable.  After a huge amount of work it is now ready for rental.

Old trees and junk have been removed from the back yard and turf laid so it could be used as a barbeque area.  The transformation has been amazing.

Menopause The Musical

 Lisa, Claire, Mark and "The Girls"went in to dinner and the Regent Theatre for "Menopause The Musical".

They thoroughly enjoyed both dinner and the show.  For interest, Mark counted all the men in the audience and there was a grand total of seven.

Measuring Sleep

 I have been showing signs of mild sleep apnea lately so we decided to get it checked.  An operative comes to the home and wires you up with sensors to take all your measurements while you have a restful night's sleep (as if!)

After a rather uncomfortable night, the recorded information is downloaded and anlysed to produce a report.  I was then provided with recommendations related to my specific responses.  It was not world changing but has been useful.