Plugging the Holes

In preparation for Annwen, Ashley and Nathan arrival in the first week of school holidays, Andy and I have been busy determining how to provide privacy to the front room. Our aim is to have something easily installed/removed and slightly sound proof.





A visit to Bunnings saw us equip ourselves with timber to build boxes to slot into the holes. Andy carefully measured, cut and built the first box. It easily passed the test of fitting into the non-square square! We stretched and stapled different fabric on to each side and voila! Happy with the prototype, we proceeded to make the second box. A quick coat of scotch guard on the kitchen side and we were ready for our guests to arrive.

Random Snippets

Andy and I enjoyed an evening out with friends at a trivia night held by Aranda Primary School. Trivia wise we ended up mid field but took out the 'Build the Tallest Tower' challenge!















The girls are in love! Our next-door neighbours recently got a puppy. Her name is Nellie and she is adorable! Pippa wasn't really interested in this gorgeous black fluff ball.



We all joined Katy at one of her school friends rock climbing birthday party. Despite the centre being super busy, fun was had by all. Towards the end of the party, a group of climbers started using the silks. All the kids (and adults) were throughly engrossed with their moves!

Wagga Weekend

Our Queen's Birthday June long weekend saw us participate in the Australian 3 Days. This event is not to be confused with the Easter 3 Days...which was absent on the 2017 calendar thanks to the Masters and Oceania Carnivals being held in NZ over Easter.  As we did not join the masses venturing across the Tasman at Easter, we decided to make the 3 hour trek south to Wagga Wagga for this event.

Avoiding camping in the chilly conditions, we booked a cabin at one of the local caravan parks as did several of our friends. Orienteering wise we had mixed successes. Ella and Katy continue to learn from their experiences (both good and bad!) Ella ran W10 and Katy completed W10N being shadowed by various adults.

Overall a fun weekend away.

What The!

A few weeks ago when Katy was home sick with a virus, I had the opportunity to attend piano lessons with Ella (normally Nana goes). It was an interesting experience! Nice to watch Ella interact with her teacher and also listen to her play. However halfway during the lesson this happened...

Yep the cleaner came in and vacuumed the entire classroom during the music lesson. I was shocked and sat there in disbelief! Post lesson I discovered that this was a usual interruption! Hmmmm.....

Bulb Progress

One month later...June 2nd and the bulbs begin to shoot and roots are well established.

And another month later...July 5th one bulb is doing the right thing with flowers emerging!

And a few days later it's looking beautiful with two other bulbs beginning to sprout flowers too!

Keeping Active

It's not only me who is keeping active these days. After coming 5th in her School Cross Country, Ella just snuck into the Belconnen Regional Carnival. Although I think nerves got the better of her on the first lap, she turned it around in the second running faster and with confidence. It was a good experience for her and most importantly she seemed fairly happy with the day.


Katy has tried out her birthday rollerblades gaining confidence traversing the garage and driveway!

Cycling the Centenary

The Centenary Trail, a 145km multi use trail which 'showcases Canberra and takes users on a journey between urban and rural environments past iconic sites and hidden treasures'. It opened in late 2013, as part of Canberra's 100th birthday celebrations.  So with Cath now permanently relocated to Canberra and currently in between employment, we decided to ride the trail, in sections on Mondays (my day off).

1. Watson to Hall - 33km 2hr43mins
A cracker of a day for Cath's first official day of freedom! Easy going from Cath's house through Goorooyarroo and Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary. Got a little more interesting, technical and physically challenging once we crossed Mulligans Flat road and hugged the northern border of the ACT. Beautiful section between the Northern Borders Campsite and One Tree Hill with the newer improved track much appreciated. Fast downhill finish from One Tree Hill to Hall where we met Eoin (our ride home) and enjoyed a bite to eat.

2. Hall to Bruce Ridge - 22km 1h30mins
Quite a boring but must do stage. Mostly on bike paths. We lost the trail markers a few times. Did a small lap in Bruce Ridge on way home.


3. Bruce Ridge to Arboretum - 26km 1h57mins
From my place to Bruce Ridge through Black Mountain and Cork Oaks to the Arboretum. We explored the new trails of the arboretum. Made Cath get off her bike and walk up to the top of Dairy Farmers Hill to appreciate the Eagle Sculpture and enjoy the panoramic views of Black Mountain and Lake Burley Griffin. Coffee at the Visitors Centre was nice and warm before returning back home.

4. Issacs Ridge to Watson - 30km 2h13mins
A few weeks break due to Orienteering long weekend, followed by sickness on my behalf. Cathy joined us for this section with the lovely Eoin dropping us off. Fast fire trail through Isaacs before a steep climb up and around the disused quarry on Mt Mugga Mugga. On to the lower slopes of Red Hill before scooting around Parliament House. Down into the Parliamentary Triangle, weaving between Old Parliament House, High Court and the National Art Gallery before emerging onto Kings Ave Bridge. Nice views as we rode along the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. Up Anzac Parade, past the War Memorial and back on to the fire trails of Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura finishing at Cath's place.

School Holidays have now put a temporary halt to our ride but I'll take the opportunity to get my bike serviced as according to Andy it doesn't have any brakes! We are hoping to do the longest and final section in one go....