Goedendag… It’s us, Mister C and Me…

We say ‘hallo’ (hello) in Dutch this week! My dear Dad was born in Holland and immigrated to Australia, when he was a young lad (about fifteen years of age) many years ago (sadly passing away back in 1995- always remembered). So, in memory of this milestone, we acknowledge our Dutch heritage and say Goedendag today! Well, school went back in NSW today (for most areas not in Covid lockdown); Mister C was looking forward to going back, when I asked him what he was most looking forward with school going back, he replied with, “I can’t wait to see my teacher and my best friends!” (So good right?). The girls on the other hand, were not so looking forward to going back for their term three in high school, both girls, I have to add have been tired, grumpy and a little ‘off’. I had some quiet chats with both girls individually, and things are okay, nothing notable as to why the grumps about going to school. I guess they were both concerned about having to wear masks on the school grounds, otherwise they were looking forward to seeing their friends. Flossy said, “I’m not looking forward to the next lot of assignments, Mum!” I have to say, it’s been many weeks since I have had a day to myself, to get my writing work and blog done (a lot to catch up on). I enjoy some space and peace (like most parents), and was looking forward to a bit today, but the builder and his keen and hardworking apprentice turned up, to do the guttering on our extension (too much noise there!). I know I shouldn’t complain; I am always grateful for the help and work at the house (especially during this uncertain time). Of course, I do miss the kids with their busy noise and laughter (well, most of the time!); I must knuckle down and get some constructive writing done, before school pick up comes around (too fast!).

Me and Mister C wanted to acknowledge our NSW state is working hard at present, to contain numerous Covid cases (a much higher infectious Covid strain) that are showing up in the south-west Sydney areas. Understandably (like with Victoria recently), it looks like some borders are closing up and some have already shut (again). Worryingly though, I have just heard a positive case recently came through our local area to note during last week (oh no! Stay safe all). We send out our warm thought to all the families and communities who are still in lockdown; thank-you for staying home and wearing your masks- we know we can all do it! It is relevant to point out, that it is a very important time to book your Covid jab in now too (if you haven’t already done so- thank-you!), particularly with the development of this latest cluster of positive cases- let’s all help each other (particularly our older generations) and get vaccinated ASAP!

Sadly, our oldest and dearest chook girl ‘Molly’ passed away over the weekend. I noticed she was quite a lot slower last week compared to our other sprightly girls (Winter never helps), she wasn’t eating much either (the usual signs that her time was coming up). In previous blogs I recall mentioning, we had inherited several chook girls when we purchased our property back in early 2017; so not really knowing how old ‘Molly was (Husband’s guess), we thought she was probably close to nearly seven years. Mister C was sad (as were all of us- particularly Flossy) and commented, “Wow, Molly was a grand old lady and very kind to our other girls. I bet she was over one hundred in chook years, such a good long life she had with us; I hope I can live that long too, Mummy!” I guess that sums it all up nicely; RIP our sweet old girl-her dear face and clucking will be greatly missed…

Great news, our electrician friend was able to come up for the whole day yesterday (thanks heaps T.G); we really appreciated all of his work, wiring up the extension for lighting and power points etc (Flossy made delicious choc-chip biscuits to share- thanks sweetheart!). We also arranged for a new powerful sensor light to be installed over the front of the extension roof, to over-look our auto gate, so as to help light up the carport and second driveway at night (and early morning), to enable us all get on our merry way easier for work etc (particularly when Widy starts driving on her own very soon). Being semi-rural we have no street lights (and drainage/drains either), making it tricky to see that well in the dark (head lights do help). The extension is going up well and taking good shape, I have had some good quotes for flooring and new carpet downstairs. I am excited to have chosen (and paid for) our new front door, it should take about two weeks to be made and I have arranged delivery to our house as well (yay!). The house is a mess (with left over school hols fun), we have the large upright piano in our bedroom at present (nice huh?) and stuff everywhere (never mind) it’s a work in progress and is always a journey with renovations (of which we are very grateful could be done at present, through this changing Covid climate).

Righto… back to 2019, I recall we were now mid-year, after celebrating Husband’s birthday early June. We all enjoyed the milestone (Husband particularly) and were all trying to stay warm and away from the looming Winter bugs and the dreaded flu (bit like now in 2021!). We were still having many issues with the neighbours’ dogs, who barked all hours- day and night. We had contacted the Council on several occasions, who requested we complete another thirty days of a ‘dog barking diary’. We had already completed one months earlier, but were told that a disgruntled ex-worker at the Council had left, taking valuable documentation with them (sounds great- doesn’t it?). So, we were essentially back to square one, with no documentation regarding the ongoing ‘nuisance dog barking’ complaint. We had several other neighbours on board, who were also filling out their own barking diaries. However (the plot thickens), we heard from a reliable source (can’t say sorry) that the neighbours had a connection who worked in the area (Council ranger), who had sent out an alert that an investigation into the barking was occurring; of course, the neighbour put their dogs inside for the same weeks the diary was being conducted (naturally!).

Husband commented, “Bad last night, dog started up at 925pm and went for over three hours. I did not sleep until after 130am. For the first time, I set foot on the neighbours’ premises and sticky taped a note to their front door (ooh Husband!); it was not rude- but it all stressed me out, the noise disturbance is outrageous! I feel down and sad right now, no happiness and false smiles at work (poor Husband). Well, it is all their fault not ours, at least I tried… Depending on what happens with the Council and our neighbours, the ‘bark diary’ will help us decide whether to pursue matters through court (‘noise abatement order’). Husband went on to comment further, “You know, I faced my fears today. I don’t think I have ever gone to a neighbour’s door over a contentious issue that I am mad about before; I only stuck a note on their door, but it was a big deal for me. I feel a bit empowered even if it has no effect!” (Well done, Husband!).

Through these difficult (and noisy dog barking) days, Husband and I decided to refinance with our current mortgage and arrange to have retrofit double glazing installed to the rest of the house (like in our bedroom- is a so great), pay off the credit card (arrg!) and organise the install of a nice wood fire-box heater downstairs, to help keep downstairs warm in Winter (the heat would rise upstairs too). It took a few conversations to get Husband to come around on the fire box idea, but he soon saw my vision with it all (yay). So, Husband busily arranged the paperwork for our refinance and met our home lender to crunch the numbers (good to have kept him busy); however, we had to (unfortunately) have the house revalued, which meant a mad ‘spring clean’ up (in the middle of Winter?!) so we could get ‘top-dollar’ for our property. With all that done (phew!), we were also pleased I had not given up the ghost, with finishing to paint the entire outside of the house (good timing), as it all went towards increasing the total house value. Uncannily, it is almost the exact timeframe now since we last refinanced, with our current renos now underway (better to stay home and decorate, than go on trips away at present- don’t you think?).

Mister C and the girls were looking forward to having the renos completed at the house and to enjoy the nice warm fire box. Mister C was improving again in the classroom and settling back down in the playground (thankfully). He was still quite difficult to get dressed and do his jobs, to get ready for school each morning, but we were coping (as we negotiated each day with him) as best we could. Husband also commented, “Quite unusual, this morning I was in the bathroom drying off after my shower and I heard Mister C call out, “Daddy? What is your greatest fear?” I replied, “My greatest fear is that something happens to you kids, like you are hurt or in a car crash.” Mister C nodded and then said, “Daddy, do you want to know my greatest fear?” … “Yes, my son,” Dad replied, smiling… “Well, it is if something happens to you or Mummy!”

A Word from Mister C …

Dad and Widy were sitting at the dining table, chatting about careers in the Police Force and what kind of jobs Widy may end up doing. Dad smiled and said, “I bet you would do all kinds of interesting jobs, like traffic control; that would be good to be able to control traffic lights!” Widy nodded and replied, “Yeah, that would be fun.” Mister C came into the room and sat down next to Dad; he looked at Widy and then said, “No way, no Cops; Pepper spray in the eyes is really bad!” All laughed…😉

Stay tuned…

For more zanier stories towards the end of 2019 and heading in 2020 (the dreaded Covid year!). I promise to not write too much about sad or morbid stuff- I know we really don’t need to read about it all again and I certainly don’t want to write about it all much either (is best to move on right?); but unfortunately, with the plan of the blog this way, I have to include some parts from 2020 (some happy bits?), so it can join back up to our present day (hopefully). This is our ninetieth blog this week! We are SO happy the blog is still going strong- since the end of 2019, all this time later; thankyou for your ongoing support and keep on reading! Stay safe and hugs from Me and Mister C…🙃