renovation ruminations: part 1

Posted on October 29, 2015 by kathy

The house we have now is quite different from the one we bought six and a half years ago. The transformation has been gradual and we’ve had a lot of fun along the way. The first thing to go was the lino (why cover polished Tasmanian Oak flooring with lino?) and the pink walls

followed closely by light fittings, curtains and pelmets.

The eastern end of the house had a large decked area that we would never use as we had plenty of other outdoor areas.

We thought an office and second bathroom would be a much better option. The framework soon went up

and it wasn’t long before the plumbing was in.

Next came the sisalation

and the sliding door was relocated to the front of the house.

Everyday was a surprise as the inside began to take shape.

The decking had to be cunningly re-laid.

While the cedar cladding was fixed to the outside

the tiling was underway in the bathroom

followed closely by the shower installation.

Once the builders had finished, the painters added the finishing touches.

The end result was exactly as we had envisaged.

grapes, gourmet & guitar

Posted on October 23, 2015 by kathy

Ghost Rock is an award winning vineyard on the central north coast of Tasmania. Established in 1989, the vineyard was one of the first to be planted in this region and in 2001, the Ghost Rock label was launched. Once a month, on a Sunday afternoon, they promote live music. The star attraction in July was my husband, Michael, a very talented singer, songwriter and musician. We arrived early before the lunch crowd

and once Michael had set up

we enjoyed a delicious Ghost Rock Platter, complemented by a glass of superb chardonnay

We were soon joined by our support team, not a big group, but I think quality is far more important than quantity

Another Ghost Rock Platter and Guacamole Dip were ordered, along with a couple of bottles of wine

Before long, we had a full house

and Michael entertained the diners while they ate, drank and were merry.

It was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon, the gorgeous view and cavorting cattle added to the relaxing atmosphere

To find out how Ghost Rock got it’s name and to learn more about this fabulous venue, go to ghostrock.com.au

pretty Poppy

Posted on October 21, 2015 by kathy

When we moved to Tasmania we made the decision, much as we love them, not to have a dog. Two months later, driving home from work on a cold winters night, I came across a scared, starving creature wandering the lonely country road. I picked her up and she curled up on the back seat of the car. Stopping at the neighbours to cadge some kibble, I brought her home. She was in a very sad state and had obviously been mistreated and dumped in the middle of nowhere with no identification.

We made a comfortable bed for her in the potting shed and next morning took her to the Dogs Home.

Within 24 hours, we had phoned to say if no-one claimed her, she had a home with us. A few days later, we adopted Poppy, a 9 month old Border Collie (we think she has bit of Springer Spaniel as well).

We soon learnt that stuffed toys were not the best choice of plaything.

Her abusive past meant she was quite hand shy and for the first couple of years would freeze when her back was touched. She still won’t wear a jacket, even in the pouring rain.

Her best friends were Clarence, a labradoodle

and Charlie the chihuahua.

They loved visiting and having sleepovers, although Poppy has never liked being in the car.

Sadly, Clarence and Charlie moved to Adelaide

and (more sadly) Charlie passed away last year.

It didn’t take too long for Poppy to gain more confidence and she loves the freedom of running through the paddocks

and walks in the forest.

Sometimes a paddle in the stream is irresistible.

Poppy is now 7 years old and such an important part of our lives.

We wouldn’t be without our lovely Poppy.

gorgeous gorge

Posted on October 16, 2015 by kathy

Last Sunday, we ventured to Launceston to catch up with our friends from Darwin. We spent a glorious spring morning at Cataract Gorge, a unique, natural formation close to the city centre.

Cataract Gorge Reserve covers 192 hectares at the lower section of the South Esk River.

The nesting swans have a spectacular home.

There are many walking tracks and lookouts offering fabulous views.

The Alexandra Suspension Bridge was built in 1940 to connect the two sides of the river.

A short pause midway rewarded us with a great view upstream.

The chairlift is a relaxing way to travel from First Basin to the Cliff Grounds. Built in 1972, it is the longest single-span chairlift in the world

and presents a different perspective from above.

The swimming pool, presumably empty for winter maintenance, is a very popular place in the warmer months.

The Cliff Grounds are serene, with sweeping lawns and variant displays of colour radiating from the many azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and exotic plants

as well as ferns bursting forth with new fronds.

The Gorge Restaurant showcases Tasmania’s finest produce and wines

while the kiosk offers casual dining and the perfect terrace to enjoy a beverage.

The resident peacocks turn up in some surprising places.

Some are happy to quietly display their magnificent plumage

others feel the need to show off

and the girls just get on with it.

The wallabies are a little more bashful, especially with baby on board.

Don’t miss the experience of Cataract Gorge when you next visit Launceston.

rainforest reflections

Posted on October 10, 2015 by kathy

At first glance, our property has a nice, cedar clad house, surrounded by a large garden, surrounded by a few paddocks. What is not immediately obvious, is the other 40 acres of untouched rainforest. A short stroll through the western paddock finds a gateway to nature’s wonderland. The path should be taken slowly, not only because of the steep gradient but also to appreciate the expanse of manferns embracing the hillside.