This month we had two surprise visits from family and friends far away. First Ari arrived. She popped over for dinner during her three hour stopover from Bali.
Next Jaquie stopped over for two days on her return to the UK. It was exactly a year ago that we were in Europe for her wedding. Here we are with Lanty – three childhood friends - talking about life so far, and what the future may hold!!!
The Peters and Marchenkovs decided it was time to go through the cupboards and the unexplored parts of the house and move our forgotten treasures out to the street for a Garage Sale. Here Valera is ready to open the garage door at 8pm to the waiting customers.
The sale went for two days, and our best sellers were furniture, toys, kitchen ware, but surprisingly the knick-knacks sold very slowly. Some people asked us if we were moving house! It was a tiring weekend but it was a relief to be rid of the things that weighed us down for years, and make some money and room at the same time. The final thing we sold was the oven at 7pm as we closed the doors.
The next weekend, poor Valera tried many tactics to move the unsold items. He moved the trampoline to the verge and placing items on it with a ‘Free’ sign, so those going for their walk would be tempted. It worked!
It was called the Booby Trap and Boogie Man Track but no matter what the kids called it, Becky finally walked a small part of the Bibblemun Track. Something she has always wanted to do.
A local told us to follow the track symbol through the bush.
Maybe one day Becky will go further without her non walking family! Unless she can convert them!?!
Balingup has some good quality food. Just like this lovely tea that Becky had ordered…
…and the fresh fig and apricot bread that Valera fell in love with…
…Oops, sorry for eating it all Valera while you were having your afternoon snooze!
Oh well, we’ll go for another walk then…
…to the shops…actually the local jewellery shop. This is the ring Valera bought for Becky. She is one happy women!
Nik is also happy! He bought some Rattle Snake Eggs! They are actually two magnets that make a lot of noise. As you can see they are fun for other things too!
It’s the beginning of the school holidays and we had travelled to Balingup for the long weekend. The rain has paused allowing us to explore this peaceful area.
It’s the best time of the year to see the green rolling hills with blossoming apple orchards.
Becky has gone crazy with the camera taking a photo of every flower she sees.
This is our accommodation on the hill above the town, separated by a creek. It took us a while to find but we were pleasantly surprised. It is still cold at night that we light the fire place, yet during the day the house is a like a sauna. (Well we wanted the sunny weather).
It’s that special time of the year –Father’s Day / Becky’s Birthday! What a conflict of interest! Becky was the clear winner…
If the completion of the bathroom wasn’t enough, Valera replaced the broken mixer with a new one.
One day Bella and Becky made these yummy custard horns, and then decided to also make a Pavlova with the left over egg whites. What over indulgence! And we all know Valera is OK with that!
This is also a sign that spring is here and the hot summer is coming!
The bathroom is something we have put off for years, since Valeri has never really enjoyed the task of tiling.
For those of you who were lucky enough to miss seeing the original half renovated bathroom – here it is.
It took six weeks of working after work and during weekends to put a new slab in, build the cabinets, set the bath, tile the floors and wall, and choose and install the fixtures.
The toilet also had to go. We had to say good bye to our blue sea theme for something more modern…
The final product. Good work Valera! What a challenge!
After six weeks of the kids using our bathroom now they have to contend with their parents using their bathroom. We have had a bath everyday (first time in years).
And lets not forget the new toilet too!
I wonder what the next job will be now that the renovation bug has bitten?
