That's it folks - I'm a Tasmanian! I have parted with my NSW licence and number plates and am now proudly sporting a pair of new white and blue stunners. Haven't had much time to contemplate such things but that felt like some sort of milestone - it only scared me for a few seconds! That was Monday, a public holiday on the north island, but not here - we like to be contrary. No wonder I fit in so well. Next I can get on the electoral roll and join the confusion of the Tassy system.
On Anzac Day itself I watched the parade and speeches at the local war memorial through the front/back fence. I was drawn to it as I was working in the garden. It's never been my thing, it always seemed like a glorification of war but I think I am changing my view. It felt quite poignant in a small town and small state. One speaker mentioned that for one war, 3500 Tasmanians went to fight and something like 2300 returned. When you live in a town of 800, it's hard to imagine how devastating any losses must have been.
On a cheerier note, a large flock of tiny, olive green finches (or wrens) have dropped by a couple of times - darting through the trees and bathing in our bird bath - what a racket and what a sight. I've also seen a bluebird - reminiscent of the bluebird of happiness from my childhood. There are birds here I didn't know existed -they are such a pleasure.
On Monday we rose to our first frost and zero degrees according to our highly inaccurate outdoor thermometer. Today has been cold, windy and wet, which though well above zero, has felt like the coldest day so far. We really do weather here - winter is truly on the way now and it's time to get serious about the heating.
What is it about looking like crap that draws out all the people you know? Winsor insisted we go to the Red Velvet Lounge for (a quick) lunch yesterday and there they were...just about every person I know and would prefer not be seen by in a dirty tracksuit, with filthy hair and no makeup. They were busy and there was plenty of socialising so a quick lunch took 2 hours. To add insult to injury, I have started on the last frontier - the hobby room. Half the house was turned upside down, and we've had 3 people in the past day drop by for a look at the house. There clearly is no place for pretence in this town...perhaps I need to let go. (Nooooooooo, don't think I'm ready for that yet..)
Winsor keeps coming home with dangerous treats - warm baguettes (should be a law against that!)and handmade chocolates by Cygneture that he appears to be gaining a real appetite for (thankfully, I can stop at one....or two). Mick has brought me a supply of fresh eggs and Bruce has dropped off some fresh smoked trout. Food, glorious food..there's so much of it here and not a packet in sight! Good thing I'm working hard or I'd be the side of a house.
We have been invited to dinner again tonight by a couple we ran into at lunch yesterday and Winsor knows from the Hunter. They also have a house nearby and are moving between the two. I have always loved dinner parties and this is our third in 10 days. The only problem is the drink/driving issue - Tassy police are not to be trifled with, they are everywhere.
Enough chatter, time to get ready. Will update again soon.
The chooks continue to be barren and eating their weight in food everyday. We had 3 Spice Girl escapees the other day and struggled to find them at dusk. There they were, perched on the front/back fence. Good thing we found them, before a feral cat did.
Our local craftsman (supplier of the Spice Girls) fitted doors to the kitchen fireplace today. He made them from recycled timber from the Old Woodstore in the city. They look fantastic and its great to know the provenance of the timber.
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