Minding Tanyalla

Well I have been in residence at Tanyalla for a month, before David & Jenny left I had lessons on the computer for bookings, banking etc.  Walked around with David learning about gardens, lights and getting a lesson on the motorised blower for the regular carpet of leaves, one of the charms of the place is the bush surrounds. 
I have been very inspired to finish lots of craft projects I had planned to do while travelling but didn't get very far.  Jenny & David's home is filled with beautiful sewing of quilts, bags, wallhangings etc etc.  I had a lesson on raw edge applique on her machine before they left.  I have finished some things, now I can start a few others!!! some practical like bags for things to stop them rattling around in the van others not so practical or gifts for family and friends.
The wildlife is amazing, one afternoon David watched 2 frill neck lizards having a fight on the lawn, by the time I got there they were up separate trees and watching each other, David pulled one down by the tail for me to have a closer look.  Dinner around the camp fire 2 nights then on Monday David & Jenny were on their way to the Kimberleys.
There have been some maintenance jobs to do on the van, new hinges on a cupboard door and repainting the rear box and a thorough spring clean. 
It has been a time for family, lunch in Gladstone with Helen, watching Renae & Nathan play hockey in Finals, and Grand Finals, Nathan's team won 4-1.  David visited me bringing a Barramundi fillet for our dinner from one he had caught, then he and his children came on the weekend, after a game of Dominoes Gracienne & I went swimming (it was cold but fun) while David & Reece went to the Spider Web climbing frame.
It has been great catching up with friends I hadn't seen for a long time, having lunch or coffee/tea.  My usual morning routine of breakfast and quiet time on the front verandah in the sun was interrupted by a friend out walking who is an early riser, I agreed to join her one morning and it was really lovely walking along the beach at that time. 
Last week there were 100 little Grade 4 children here for an overnight camp, their constant chatter ended about 9pm and all was quiet. They had an excursion next day to the beach, bringing back all manner of things but mostly lots of sand!!
I have been attending St. Mark's at Boyne Island where I have been made very welcome, they have a tradition of singing Hapy Birthday and giving a small gift, last Sunday it was my turn.

This week I was surprised to find not 1 but 2 snakes entwined, in the toilet block when I went to clean, they didn't want to move when I hosed them or when I banged the floor with a broom so I left them there, I phoned a friend in Gladstone who has been the snake catcher for many years, he assured me they were tree snakes and harmless.  I went back Tuesday when they had gone back to the bush to finish my cleaning.

My photos will have to wait as the phone is at Telstra again so I have included this one, a friend sent it to me of my face painting at the Mareeba Rally.  My excuse is she had no customers, I was helping out and there was a few in line by the time she had finished.