All Is Well!

 Life has officially resumed with us being able to visit Bunnings at will.  The run this morning will be a first of many.

Ringwood Reno

 Our first day of release from total lockdown coincided with Lisa's day off so we were very excited to be able to visit and see the changes that are taking place in the house. Mark and Lisa have done a power of work clearing out and making a versatile utility space in the roof cavity.  Eventually Jack will use it as a bedroom and the space at the other end will be a games room with screens on opposite walls so combat can take place!

Park Picnic

 As the current pandemic lockdowns ease and there is a little more freedom of movement, we were able to meet up with Lisa, Mark and the boys in the park for a picnic.  It has been a long time since we have seen Jack, Cooper and Lachlan so the catchup was eagerly anticipated.  Luckily, the predicted rain held off.

The biggest change has been the growth in the boys.  The balance is rapidly changing as Granny drops back down the list of the family's tallest members.  She now sits between Lachlan and Cooper but it probably will not be that way for long.

The feast was demolished in short order so appetites have held up over this period as has Granny's cooking.

Snow Pea Heaven

 The snow peas we planted some time ago are nearly climbing out of their enclosure and we are getting some great production from them. A good meal every couple of days.

Now That's Nice!

 The sun is out and the new front garden is starting to come to life after a dormant winter. 

We suddenly have a garden full of bees and were thinking it is starting to come together, then we found this in our letterbox

Inciteful Retrospective

 In tracking through the old photos, we have come across evidence of the early development of a car obsession.

Creative Containment

 We are more than a little over being confined to quarters so other activities are required.  Brett had overdone his bean production so the surplus has been planted along the drive in the hope of the abundance to come.

I have finally been able to modify my equipment to photograph old negative film.  Many of the photos we have but there are a few that may prove interesting.

Strangely, we all look a little different in the old photos.

Our First Crop

 The snow peas are growing and coming into production.  We have had a few straight off the plant but today there was enough to have for the evening meal.  (Provided we can wait that long.)

Masked Invaders

 Max and Louie came visiting today and brought their handlers with them.  This time last year we would have been concerned about masked invaders coming through the back gate.  This year it was wonderful.

Motoring History

 As we have been researching family history, the issue of transport arose.  I was able to find an image of a car Citroen Light 15 identical to the one my father purchased in 1950.  Long hours were spent examining the various mechanical advantages of the available makes and their options.  The seating material was examined in great detail and samples of the various fabrics were obtained and tested in the home for wear characteristics, stain resistance and flammability.

Eventually, the decision was taken to purchase a Citroen Light 15. It was a grey metalic colour much like the one pictured with Registration Number VV 781.  This was by no means an ordinary vehicle.  The windscreen was hinged at the top and could be wound out for a direct flow of air into the car.  It was a front wheel drive, the gear shift was in the middle of the dashboard, and there were unusual engine controls available to the driver.  A choke control and capacity to advance and retard the spark timing.  The car had been designed for balance and control that meant the model was used at the time for racing and rallying but it also meant it was a very stable car to drive unlike the more common cars of the time.