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Stormy has been spotted! Bronwyn's dad was out in the tractor up by the hay barn, and spotted him hiding up there. So we've been putting out food, and something has been eating it. Don't think it's our dog, but he does have a liking for cat food, or indeed any food apart from carrots and green vegetables. But the hay barn is a quarter mile away, and the dog doesn't wander far.
Our mousetraps disappeared after the party. I suspect one of the children might have moved them, or quietly disposed of them. Meanwhile, we've had mice in several rooms, and a loud squeaking under the sink. Bronwyn bought a couple more mousetraps, and we've caught three so far.
Don't know how much longer I'll stick it out at work. They're in financial problems, and I got paid nearly two weeks late. I feel a duty to the old boss, who's still there as a programmer, because he brought it up from nothing and paid a high price for it. But I don't like the way it's been run recently. We seem to have too many chiefs and not enough indians, and lurch from one crisis to another.
Bronwyn is still at her job. One staff member (who had been a bit of a problem) was suspended recently, and another has left. This makes Bronwyn effectively second in command. Things seem to have settled a bit, because she hasn't been talking of leaving for several weeks now.
Two of Bronwyn's brothers are also in difficulty. One hasn't been paid properly for months, and another has just been made redundant. Seems like everyone is having problems right now!
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( 3.1 / 2187 )On Sunday night, both girls threw up twice, at evenly spaced intervals. Sarah first, and then Rachael. After the fourth event, there was enough washing for two loads, so Bronwyn put a load in at 3 am.
Since neither child was allowed anywhere on Monday, and since both parents were also suffering (from nasal and laryngeal gloop) we decided to take the whole day off. So we had a quiet day on Monday, apart from hanging out the washing...
I made it to the brass band rehearsal on Monday night, although not at my loudest. I also made it to the trombone rehearsal on Friday night. Due to the clash with the auxiliary band rehearsal, the trombones had to go to The Shed Of Eric instead. Fortunately it was warm and well lit, and we had a fun evening picking up tips, since the conductor used to be principal trombone in an English championship section band. His favourite trick is to blow very loud low notes with a mute in. Opens up the throat, apparently.
Had a mini party for Sarah on Wednesday when she turned three, and then a more involved party at the weekend, with some staying overnight. We're all rather tired and washed out, so the mess can stay where it is for the time being.
They have planted a garden in a patch of bush on the farm, where they're planning to bury baby Faith. Haven't seen it yet, but it sounds as if it was quite involved, with a number of people working on it.
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( 3 / 2213 )The bonfire went well. I hardly needed to use any of the dry wood - it caught fire very quickly and helped to guide everyone up to the paddock. It was also sunny for two days, so it was cold and clear. Ideal bonfire weather. A bit muddy through the gate, however, and some fun for certain people who didn't take the approved route driving up the paddock.
Someone had a football, which was wrapped in chicken wire, then tightly wrapped with old rags and soaked in turpentine. Once lit, it produced a dramatic fireball which they proceeded to kick around the paddock. The idea is that the flame is fairly cool and doesn't burn anything. It didn't, but there were a couple of singed trousers. Just don't tell Dad...
We were supposed to be off visiting friends this weekend, but that fell through, so it looks like I have a free weekend. Free as in chance-to-catch-up-with-everything, not as in sofa-all-day...
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( 3 / 2219 )The funeral for baby Faith was quite moving, and the place was packed. There had been at least 400 photos taken of her in one short week, and many of them were shown at the funeral. Afterwards, as the car left with the tiny casket, we all let off helium balloons.
Bronwyn's parent's dog had to be put down recently too, and an old horse died out in the paddock. Our cat has not returned either, so there have been quite a few changes lately
Sarah has been, um, exploring boundaries. She has learnt to use scissors, and cut the straps on her shoes. Last Saturday, she got the sack of dog biscuits and tipped most of them out on the floor. She also chopped up some drinking straws on front of the TV. On Sunday, she opened a bean bag. Thousands of tiny polystyrene balls all over the spare room. Then she got the cat repellent, and squirted it everywhere. This week has been quiet by comparison, but we're careful not to let her near the felt tips...
The solo competition with the brass band went well, but took quite a while. I managed most of my piece, but fell over on the high and difficult bit in the middle. Next year I might try something a little easier!
They're planning the bonfire at our place again on Wednesday. The forecast says it'll be fine. But it's pretty wet out there at the moment!
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( 3 / 2225 )Baby Faith passed away on Tuesday afternoon. She lasted a week longer than expected, long enough for us to take a plaster cast of her foot which Bronwyn plans to paint and mount on a board. She went downhill quite rapidly over less than a day. The funeral is on Monday. There was a fishing contest on Saturday, and Stephen, Allan and Ross were planning to go, but Ross decided to cancel their boat under the circumstances. He's also had to put down his dog, Suzy, who had stopped eating completely and was very ill. At the fishing contest, they decided to donate one of the prizes to Stephen and his family out of sympathy.
We had the motorbike rally last weekend. Princess had to be chained up for the morning. But that's all over now, and all that's left are some bare patches on the hillside and a couple of earthworks on the flat!
We're not having much luck with cats at the moment. Haven't seen Smokey for about 5 days now. He's not the sort to wander long distances, but has disappeared occasionally for a day or two. He's possibly found a new owner that doesn't have a dog. Princess has got bolder in her middle age, and now chases horses, although she stops short at 4 feet and slinks away again.
Baby Cooper was rushed into hospital with breathing difficulties this week, but is back at home now. It was probably a lump of phlegm down her windpipe, but quick action by Nanna saved the day.
Just been collecting firewood for the youth group bonfire in a couple of weeks time. It's in the hay barn. Hopefully that will give us enough dry kindling so we can get the fire going regardless of what the weather's been!
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