Sun, 31st Dec, 2017 House&Dog sit, Eaton (near Bunbury) to Kev & Linda’s housesit, Leschenault (near Bunbury), WA

Another lovely morning . You can see why people love summer around here.

Finished packing and cleaning up.

Walked the dogs for the last time. We were going to keep them dry but Benjie jumped into the river before we got so they both then had fun chasing sticks. I should have taken my camera to video them as they are so funny. I would throw two sticks but Piper would go after the same one as Benjie and they would swim back together holding each end of the stick.

Locked up and sent Marlene a thank you text as it has been fun for a change.

Over to Kev and Linda’s and spent the afternoon chatting. I caught up on my blog so I am up-to-date for 2017.

Rang Mum, Jon, Dan and Erica to wish them all a happy New Year. We will be up later than them of course as our midnight will be their 2am.

Loretta and Wes and the kids came over too so we had a great BBQ and lots of fun.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Sat, 30th Dec, 2017 House&Dog sit, Eaton (near Bunbury), WA

Warmer morning.

Headed off for our walk. The dogs are so good but they are getting used to our routine and ran on to where they have their swim. Unfortunately someone else was there with their dogs but luckily they were nice dogs too so they had a good play and swim together.

Sent Griffo a happy birthday message. They had just arrived in Shepparton.

Steve spent the morning looking a detecting forums and U-tube videos while I watched a movie. I found a great one – Happy New Year – it is like Love Actually.

Marlene texted to say they were coming back tomorrow now which was ok with us as we are going to Kev and Linda’s for New Year so we can just sleep there now.

I cleaned the floors etc and started packing up our bits and pieces. Had a cuppa with my feet in the pool, bit chilly – hasn’t been warm enough for me to want to jump in.

Another BBQ dinner – have enjoyed using the little Baby Q.

Watched Lasseter’s Bones – a documentary about Lasseter’s Gold Reef in the centre of Australia. It was very good.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Fri, 29th Dec, 2017 House&Dog sit, Eaton (near Bunbury), WA

8am 19 degrees, was down to 11 this morning – so much for summer.

Walk and more swimming for the dogs as it has warmed up quickly.

Drove into Bunbury for a look around. Turned off first to the Inner Harbour and down the ‘The Cut’. A few boats and swimmers were out the front of the cut and then we noticed dolphins were working their way back and forth.

Looking across the beach to Bunbury then over the Cut to the beaches on the other side then back around to Leschenault Estuary.

Lots of big ships waiting off shore.

Drove around to Koombana Beach where the Dolphin Discovery Centre is. There are pods of dolphins that live around these waters and there are a few that come into the beach to get a little morsel from the volunteers who run the discovery centre.

The Council has just finished a great foreshore and playground upgrade here. All the kids are lining up for the long flying fox.

Continued into town – interesting art work on roundabout.

To the coast and the big lighthouse then we meandered around the streets checking out the houses.

The wind hadn’t come up so it was beautiful down at Back Beach as we meandered along the coast down to Minninup. Found some interesting ‘busts’ at a street entrance.

Found a fish and chip shop for lunch and sat in a picnic shelter overlooking the ocean. The wind is just starting to pick up and make white caps.

Back home for a cuppa then took the dogs for another walk.

Thurs, 28th Dec, 2017 House&Dog sit, Eaton (near Bunbury), WA

Cool morning, clear sky.

Lovely walk with the dogs. They are loving chasing the sticks in the river.

Around to Kev and Linda’s for a cuppa and chat.

After lunch Steve had his eyes tested as they were feeling a bit foggy but all is good. The left eye is just getting a bit weaker so we will get it checked again in Cairns.

Nice relaxing afternoon then another walk – at least we are getting some exercise.

Working our way through another season of Longmire.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Wed, 27th Dec, 2017 House&Dog sit, Eaton (near Bunbury), WA

Another cool morning and cloudy again. Dogs had a good walk and then they jumped in the river after a stick so they had a good swim too.

While Steve reconnected the alarm wires on the truck’s doors I worked on our sightseeing trip we will do in January. We still have a few places inland and east of Perth that we haven’t seen.

Popped into the Spud Shed for some veg and meat – good value. Stopped at the Shopping Centre and found Steve a nice t-shirt as his are getting a bit worse for wear. Only Kmart here so only found one nice one.

Rang Mum for a long chat. They had a wonderful Xmas day.

More walks then back for drinks and watch some Netflix after dinner.

NO PHOTOS TODAY

Tues, 26th Dec, 2017 House&Dog sit, Eaton (near Bunbury), WA

Cloudy and cool this morning. Took the dogs for their walk – at least we are getting some exercise too.

Watched the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race. Hard to believe we were in Hobart 3 years ago to watch the yachts come up the Derwent River.

Nice relaxing day. Quite windy which has blown the clouds away. Long afternoon walk.

I had missed a few ‘Private Number’ calls but got to the phone to answer it in time and it was Tino and Petra who we met at Jarrahdale last year. They were trying to catch up and learn about prospecting but I must have missed their email as I think it might have gone into Spam since it was from overseas. Unfortunately they are getting ready to head back overseas but we might see them next year. Will look for their email so we can keep in contact this time.

Cool evening.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Mon, 25th Dec, 2017 House&Dog sit, Eaton (near Bunbury), WA (Christmas)

Up early to video chat with Mum, Dad and boys who are having Christmas morning together. So nice to see all their faces though Jess had gone home as she wasn’t feeling well. Will call her later. Fran had to work so will try her later too. We opened our presents from Mum and Dad in front of the computer so it felt like we were with them.

Mum read out a card from Fran’s parents – it was so lovely it made Mum and me cry. So wonderful to hear from someone else how wonderful our sons are. Greg, Tracy, Matt, Tim and Katie were there too which was great to see them all again – technology is great at times.

I got Fran’s parents’ phone number, Val and Hank, and gave her a call. She sounds lovely and we look forward to meeting them next year.

Had our cereal then Steve cooked the ham (tradition – boys cook Christmas breakfast as the girls do the lunch) and I did the eggs.

Rang Erica, Terry, Dave and Amanda at Woodgate – the kids were somewhere having fun. Looking forward to seeing them all in July.

Another tradition – Steve doing the washing up (Dad always does the Christmas washing up).

Took the dogs for a long walk as they will miss the afternoon one.

Bob and Margaret arrived for a cuppa. I got my potato bake cooking and prepared the corn on the cob and BBQ vegies for lunch with Kev and Linda and the clan. We also took the icecream and my wine of course.

Kev and Linda are house/dog/cat sitting a lovely big home at Leschenault which is not too far away from us. Their two girls, Helen and Loretta and their families were there too so we all had a great time chatting and eating. Should have taken more photos but we were enjoying ourselves too much.

Helen asked me about Brian - she has a great memory as it has been many many years since she had seen him. That reminded me that I was going to ring him as he had the kids coming over for Christmas lunch. Got onto them after they had just finished a yummy trifle that Brian made – I think he was very proud of himself. We had a great chat with everyone.

Had a swim after lunch – it was lovely. Great to spend time with the girls again and their families are lovely.

Played a Finish game, Finska which was great fun. Steve won the first and only game he played – go out on a high he reckons.

We had a wonderful day and headed home about 7.30.  Found some lovely Christmas lights in the estate. Checked the dogs and gave them a treat as we had given them their dinner before we left. No need for dinner tonight for us – just a Christmas chocolate with our coffee.

Marlene (homeowner) had texted and had left us wine and chocolates too which was lovely. Kev and Linda gave us some presents – naughty but nice of them.

Sun, 24th Dec, 2017 House&Dog sit, Eaton (near Bunbury), WA

Sent off Merry Christmas texts and posted our greetings on Facebook. Saves a lot in postage. Then the fun of answering all the replies which is lovely. Made a few calls too. Gave Uncle John a call to wish him and Aunty Jocelyn all the best.

Took the dogs for a walk and Benjie found a dead something to roll in so he got a wash from Steve – didn’t bother Benjie a bit but boy did he stink.

Nice day though a bit noisy as the guys are back trying to finish the paving around the pool before Christmas.

Kev called in for a chat and showed us his pictures from his visit to PNG. It reminded me of Dad’s old photos I have of Grandad and Thorold’s visits to PNG for timber for the veneer mill so I got them up on the computer to show Kev. He was very impressed. Kev also wanted to swap some little bits of gold for two nicer nuggets but we didn’t have any scales with us. He came up with a great solution using a pencil and ruler. Worked a treat.

The guys finished the paving and it looks very nice. Might go for a dip when it gets hot enough!!

Nice long walk with the dogs in the late afternoon. Dinner and movies.

Sat, 23rd Dec, 2017 House&Dog sit, Eaton (near Bunbury), WA

Cooler morning. Took the dogs for a short walk down another way to the river.

Pottered around then I started typing up the trip details for next year. Steve put in new bars in the truck so the boxes won’t slide around when we have the mattress down next year.

Jon and Jess rang for a chat which was wonderful. They are very happy which is wonderful. Jon is loving playing golf.

Off for another longer walk with the dogs – at least we are getting a bit of exercise too.

Cooler evening. Watched a lovely Christmas movie.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Fri, 22nd Dec, 2017 House&Dog sit, Eaton (near Bunbury), WA

Lovely morning. Last Cash Cow call for 2017 this morning for $70,000 and they didn’t answer. The computer will draw someone’s name from the last entries and they will win it. I reckon they should have had a few numbers and just kept ringing till they got someone to win it that day. Oh well there is still a chance for us any case – always hopeful.

Steve coloured my hair then I gave his a trim so we look all smart for Christmas.

Chatted with Wendy online as she doesn’t have good reception to chat. They are having a great time.

Warmed up to a lovely 31 today. Steve cleaned the sand out of the pool as the guy is still finishing laying the pavers around it. Might have a dip sometime.

After lunch we checked out the Spud Shed and got some more fruit and vegies. Called in to where Linda and Kev are house-sitting but Kev was in Rockingham visiting an old friend. Linda’s brother, Ed, was down from Carnarvon for Christmas so we will have a great time with Linda’s kids and grandkids too. They have a pool there and table tennis so we should be kept busy.

Back home to take the dogs for their walk (took the camera this time) – very enthusiastic out the door. They have a good run around. Found a ball which Piper loves chasing but doesn’t bring back!!

This is the Collie River – even had a boat zoom up past us.

They walk back very quietly and are very well behaved.

Cooked dinner then tried out the Media room and Netflix.

Thurs, 21st Dec, 2017 Bob & Margaret’s, near Mandurah to House&Dog Sit, Eaton (near Bunbury), WA

7.30am 25 degrees already, clear sky and no wind, hence it is heating up quickly this morning. The Cash Cow rang someone in Cairns but it wasn’t me (I have Mum’s home address on the entry) and they didn’t answer. $70,000 tomorrow for the last one of the year. Sent off a bunch more entries!!

Margaret and Bob picked up two of their great grandsons and they came down to check out the van. We said bye and headed south to our house/dog sit.

Stopped to fill up the truck – I had checked the fuel prices in Mandurah 141.9c/l and found one on the way down for 132.9c/l. Pays to check.

Had smoko at Binningup Beach. Great pirate ship playground.

Still windy and lots of sea grass here but everyone was enjoying the beach.

Arrived out the house and unpacked. Met the dogs again and Marlene was still here as her husband, Caillin, a local builder was still trying to finish a job. They got away in the early afternoon.

We went to the shops to get some groceries – not too crazy in there.

Took the dogs for a walk – took off at the start pulling us along then we got to the open land area of the estate and we let them off to burn off some energy. They are well trained so we didn’t have any problems.

Found the V8s race at Ipswich repeated on Fox Sports so we watched that as we had missed that one.

Marlene has the Christmas tree and decorations up so I feel in the Christmas spirit now. Even have two presents from Mum and Dad to put under the tree.

Val Russell rang to say hi and Merry Christmas. She had been chatting with Erica today. She is still getting about with Mum and Dad and having a few wins here and there on the pokies. She is amazing.

Steve cooked a yummy tea on the BBQ – thanks to Kaylene for showing us the BBQ vegies.

Lovely sunset colours over the back fence.

Wed, 20th Dec, 2017 Bob & Margaret’s, near Mandurah, WA

7.30am 19.2 degrees, sunny but the wind is still quite gusty.

Rang Erica and Terry – they are both well.

Chatted with Kaylene – back home and getting ready for Christmas. Emma suggested a picnic for Christmas lunch which sounds a great idea.

Friended Francesca on Facebook and she replied so we had a lovely chat via Facebook. She has to work Christmas morning but she and Dan are having Christmas lunch at her brothers. So glad our two boys have found such lovely ladies.

Nice day pottering about packing the stuff we need for the housesit. It took Steve most of the day to do the new door hinge but it is all done. Will do the other side in the new year.

Dan rang in the afternoon – he is on holidays till the 8^th and needs it. He has been flat out with work as his boss has had to have an operation and Dan has had to step into his shoes. He and Fran are going to Fitzroy Island and Port Douglas for a few nights which will be lovely. He said they have a lot of work for the new year too which is great to hear. Jon often worries how the gasfitting things are going with the competition to keep their builders. They are both good workers and we are very proud of them.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Tues, 19th Dec, 2017 Bob & Margaret’s, near Mandurah, WA

7.30am 20 degrees, the sun trying to peek through the clouds.

Helped Bob and Margaret clean out their rental. They gave the lady notice but she just left her rubbish everywhere so we bagged it all and left it in the carport for her to collect. So glad we don’t have a rental anymore.

Back home for lunch – the sky has cleared and it is a lovely blue again. There have been some lovely Christmas movies on a lunch time.

I went back with Margaret and Bob to do some more cleaning and we left Steve getting the truck ready to put the new hinge on the big door at the back. The auto place rang to say our new suspension had arrived for the truck so he went down and picked it up. Will put that on when we get back from the housesit.

Marlene texted to ask if we could stay on till New Year as they had been invited to a party in Perth. We were there last new year with Kev and Linda.

Lovely temperature for drinks on the balcony listening to all the birds and watching the kangaroos in the park.

NO PHOTOS TODAY.

Mon, 18th Dec, 2017 Bob & Margaret’s, near Mandurah, WA

Cold and windy morning. Still waiting for the Cash Cow to ring me.

Rang Mum and Dad for a chat – both doing ok.

I worked on my blog while Steve read as it was too bleak to do anything else.

Kaylene texted after lunch to say she had arisen – not doing that midnight flight again!!

In the afternoon we went into town to get some groceries and pick up some more bits from Bunnings so he can make another brace in the back of the truck to stop the boxes sliding onto the fridge when we do the desert trip next year.

Drinks and nibbles with Bob and Margaret then back to the van for dinner.

NO  PHOTOS TODAY.

Sun, 17th Dec, 2017 Pullman Resort, Bunker Bay (Cape Naturaliste) to Bob & Margaret’s, near Mandurah, WA

Woke to a sunny sky and a bit of wind. Relaxed reading on the patio as we don’t have to check out till 11am.

The wind picked up bringing the clouds and a light shower of rain by the time we were ready to leave.

The resort buggy picked us up and our luggage – nice chap from Canada. Packed up the truck then headed  down the road a bit to Eagle Bay Olives. They have two of the cows from the Cow Parade.

Great Aussie Christmas tree out the front.

Lots of yummy stuff to taste – well I left Kaylene to eat the olives but the other spreads etc were delicious. They make a great lunch basket for two which would have been nice on a fine day.

A little girl was saying ‘I want to see the donkey’ – we found them on our way out.

The sky is looking decided dark and gloomy as we headed back to Dunsborough. We passed a Real Estate and I noticed the place with the big French entrance I spotted last year (reminded me of Paronella Park) is for sale for $2.6 million – it has three villas to rent out and more can be built – sounds interesting!! Checked out other properties – bit too rich for our budget.

Another scud of rain came over with very strong wind so we didn’t linger for long. On to Busselton where we parked near the old gaol. We checked out the museum and had lunch in the café – lovely toasted sandwiches, needed something warm today. Lucky we brought our jumpers.

Between scuds of rain and howling wind we managed to check out the main street – no nice clothes shops etc here which was interesting. We did find a gelato café and I warmed up with a great cuppa while Kaylene enjoyed a delicious vanilla milkshake.

Drove down to the jetty and beach – not very picturesque today.

Took it easy driving back through the rain but it was the very strong wind which was worse. Stopped at Eaton near Bunbury to meet Marlene and get the key for their house which we will look after for them. Met their two Labradors again (we stayed here last year), Benji and Piper and got all the info we need.

Back home to our van and Steve. He has been busy finishing off his bits and pieces. Margaret cooked us dinner which was lovely. As we were relaxing after yummy dessert the power went out – apparently it happens a lot in summer. Margaret got out the candles – reminded us of cyclone time in Cairns. Apparently Perth had been hit with very strong winds last night taking off a few rooves etc.

Went down to the van for a cuppa – we don’t need electricity!! Packed Kaylene’s gear in the truck and I got in the back this time as I didn’t want to drive in the rain at night. He and Kaylene had a great chat as I watched through the back window!! Not a bad ride back here either, laying on the mattress.

Into the airport for a cuppa then Kaylene got her ticket and bags sorted and we walked through security with her. I usually take off one bangle but the other smaller one set off the security thing too. There is a lot tighter security about we have noticed recently.

Found her gate and said our farewells at midnight, leaving her to wait an hour for her flight back to Cairns – hopefully she will have a good trip back. It has been a great holiday with her – a special treat for us too.

Good drive back watching lots of lightning strikes as we headed back out of Perth. Not much rain which was good and the wind seems to have settled a bit.

Sat, 16th Dec, 2017 Pullman Resort, Bunker Bay (Cape Naturaliste), WA (exploring Margaret River area)

Lovely clear morning though it will only get to 23 degrees today.

Headed back to Dunsborough then followed Caves Road south towards Margaret River. Stopped at Cowaramup to check out the friendly locals. Kaylene loved this little quirky town.

Amazing bits and pieces in this shop and we could have had tea in this interesting café.

Kaylene loved the aromatherapy shop – all made by hand. Cute bicycle.

Learnt all about the cows.

On to Margaret River township – very busy today.

We found a place for a cuppa. Then walked down to the actual Margaret River.

Checked out a fabulous gallery. Wasn't game to take photos but there were some fabulous timber furniture that Kaylene was eyeing off. Lots of dress shops too. I found there is a new Dan Brown book – will have to keep an eye out in the op shops for one as they are $40 each!!

Next stop at a beautiful winery, Voyager Estate. I just loved the gardens – don’t know if the wine is any good, but by the looks of the place I bet it is.

The Chef has cleaned up the herb garden - it had a lot more things in it last year.

Programmed ‘girlie’ to get us to Prevelly and we ended up on a very bumpy dirt track around the wineries then back on Caves Road and to the coast again. The wind is strong again but it was lovely sitting in the sun eating our lunch at the lookout.

Drove around to Surfers Point but no one was on the water. When Steve and I were here last year there were lots of windsurfers and kiteboarders whizzing around.

Looking across to where the Margaret River mouth is.

Down to the river mouth – not flowing into the sea at the moment.

Headed back to Caves Road then north again. Turned off down Moses Rock Road which ended up being a very corrugated road down to the water. Parked and climbed up the sand dune for a look. Making Kaylene get some exercise on her holiday!! 

Not sure which one is Moses Rock but it is another good surfing area, apparently.

A good sand dune on the other side gets lots of use from people sliding down it.

A limestone cave on the other side.

Spotted the ‘Chick on the Stick’ and turned in for a look. The lady put this up and was fined by the Council as she didn’t get permission to erect it – really!!

Next stop was Canal Rocks. Looks lovely and calm as it is protected from the wind here.

Across the bridge over the canal. The water is whizzing through but not with the big wave like we saw last year.

Back to Caves Road for a cuppa at Cape Lavender Tea House.

Devonshire tea for Kaylene – I had coffee of course. I want the milk jug – it is so cute.

There is even lavender in the jam – it said it is culinary lavender. When I bit it you could taste the lavender – we weren’t game to try a lavender icecream.

Great map – there is a lot to explore in this area. I am just giving Kaylene a taste so she can bring Rick back some time.

Back to the resort. I went for a walk down to the beach (in my togs to get the last of the sun) while Kaylene put her feet up – tiring all this sightseeing. There was a wedding on the beach which was lovely though it was very windy which was not so nice for them. A school of mullet went by as I sat and watched the waves roll in and out – very relaxing.

Back to the villa for a drink then dress for dinner in the ‘Other Side of the Moon’ Restaurant. We had our Welcome cocktails, which was very nice then enjoyed a delicious dinner. Finished it off with pavlova – such luxury!!

Lovely clear sky as we walked back to the villa though it is a bit chilly.