Ah! What a beautiful sound

Yes, it is finally raining. I was beginning to wonder how long it would be before we would have our tanks filled. We've been syphoning water out of our big, black tank for over a week now. But by morning our house tank will be overflowing again.

We had an 'in house rainy day' today. The children got out some of our art supplies, and Emily wanted to practice writing her alphabet (over and over and over again :-) Elsie wrote letters and read books, Josiah, Beth and Tildy played many games of Scattergries, and a tea party was held in our back room. Willem learnt how to make brown playdough - just mix it all together. Jessica took the opportunity to have a three hour sleep.

We had popcorn for an afternoon snack, followed by bowls of hot, sweet, thick custard.

Today was really different to other days, being kept inside. Even dashing to the dunny had a new excitement about it. The children survived it, but I'm thinking that tomorrow will be the same; will they survive another day 'in house'?

Wallaby Scrub is soaking up the rain and we'll be looking forward to turning on the taps again.

War at Wallaby Scrub

War? Yes war. Down by the old bus. Every kid for himself. Forts have been erected. Amunition in the shape of Banksia pods have been collected. And injuries have already been sustained.

Both Bethany and Lilly returned to the house this evening with bruising, swelling and scratches on their faces of all places! Elsie admits that she 'got Jack a beauty' on the back of his head.

Oh...sigh...where have my young ladies gone?!

But now, all weapons have been put down for the evening, to be taken up again upon sunrise. The tribe are watching the end of their movie, Around the World in Eighty Days, and Jessica is telling me "I'm tired". Time to go and cuddle my babies.

The Lyre Bird

Last evening I sat alone on the boulder near the washing lines, the sun was setting behind me, and in front was our little valley. I could hear the children banging around in the house "cleaning" up their stuff. It was very cool as evening crept in. From the valley before me I recognised the intricate repertoire of the Lyre Bird. It starts with a clear, high pitched, gurgle. His voice then takes on the stark, sharp whipping coo of another bird. It moves, then, into a clicking and vibrating sound. On it continued, filling the valley with is loud and distinct song.

Elsie went out after I had returned to the house, with the camera, in an effort to capture the bird on film. No such luck. She said she got very close, within 10 metres, but something (most probably her) startled it, and off it raced into the bush. So we have no photos of our ellusive Lyre Bird; I wish I could upload a recording of his song to share.

Words don't seem to describe the sensation of sitting quietly hearing this bird's song. And to think, we have our own resident Lyre Bird here on Wallaby Scrub.

Storms

Here's a couple of photos Josiah took of storm clouds brewing over Wallaby Scrub. The storm never actually hit us (unfortunately). In fact, the closest to rain we've had is a sun shower last week.

Hello!

Meet our newest members of the Gutty tribe.

Belle and Spud. Cute, hey?

They're 2 month old Kelpie cross Jack Russell. Emily is the proud owner of Belle. She's scruffy and playful, and doesn't mind being carried around 90 percent of the time. Spud is sleek and fast. She is cared for by the rest of the children. Overly catered for most of the time. They'd be fed seven times a day (once for each of the older children) if I didn't step in to restrain them. They have nice natures, playful but willing to lie quietly when needed. The children are in love with them. Photos probably tell a lot more than words can, so here's some more photos.

Willem and puppy asleep in the car after a day in town.

Jessica with Belle in the front yard.

Bethany with Spud at the park in town.

The children have been wonderful when it comes to looking after them. They are diligent in providing all the dogs' needs. These dogs will grow to love handling and I'm sure will be very patient with children.

I hope we will have a long and loyal friendship with these dogs... the Gutty Mutts.

Big Day Out

Sunday in town. We planned to leave by 8.30am, and did pretty well by driving out at 9.04am. I think the very cold morning slowed everyone down. In fact, it was so cold this morning that the water bottle we had left in the car was frozen! Frozen solid! In the car! That's cold.

Non eventful trip in, oh, except for watching a wedgetailed eagle circling close to the ground only metres away from the car. Those birds are so big. Majestic. We were all struck with awe whilst watching such a magnificent creature.

Church was good. The kids had fun doing their activity 'things', and catching up with their friends. It was nice to sit next to the heater after the service and chat with everyone, sipping a hot coffee and getting caught up on the local goss.

Two of Elsie's friends joined us at the 'Highway Diner' for hot chips and gravy. The children enjoyed sitting in the dining area being served. We drew a few looks from other diners, but it didn't seem to phase the kids.

We called into the park which runs the length of the town, to hopefully catch up with some local homeschoolers. There was still three families enjoying the playground and afternoon sun. We joined them; the younger children taking only moments to get acquainted with new playmates and making the most of the hour we spent there. As we left the park, the evening cool was beginning to roll in. We had one more stop.

Max and Fran had invited us for afternoon tea at their place. It was 3.30 when we drove into their driveway, the same time as everyone else. We were introduced to Marissa's 8 week old son (cluck, cluck, cluck). The children settled down for a couple of hours of blocks, food, drawing, and DVDs. The adults settled for freshly brewed coffee and a lot of chin wagging. It was so GOOD to have face to face adult conversation. Five o'clock saw Willem crawling up into my lap for a cuddle, and it wasn't long after that, that we 'hit the road' for the hour's trip home.

I must add, we were short one child - Elsie. She asked to sleep over at Charis's tonight and then get brought back to town tomorrow. I need to check the post office anyway, so it works out well. It does feel peculiar to be without my little buddy. She enjoys her time with friends, I know she'll have a nice time. But I will be looking forward to having her home again.

Josiah set to with the fire, got the generator working and the mattresses set up in the kitchen in no time. Beth and Matilda emptied the car of its amazingly high volume of 'stuff' that had accumulated throughout the day. Lilly, Emily and Jessica got themselves ready for bed. And Willem cuddled. After reading a few pages each while cozied up in their sleeping bags I could see them one by one drift off to sleep. They had satisfied smiles on their faces and I'm sure their dreams will be full of pleasant memories of friends and fun.

Wallaby Scrub is now quiet and peaceful. It was a big day out.