Rain!

Two weeks ago forecasts predicted a potential of 8-12 inches of rain, enough, to put our poor little babies under water! The Tuesday brought 40mL when we were only meant to receive 5, and with Thursday being the day for the downpour to being, I diligently went out on Wednesday to shift our cattle to higher ground Justin was away for the day helping a friend.  

 The morning had been stinking hot and I shifted two mobs, before ducking home for smoko. After 5 minutes of sipping tea, the thunder began on the horizon, but nothing really to show. In the next 15 minutes, time enough for me to trot/ canter to the bottom of the paddock, these clouds had formed.

Difficult to explain the anticipation of a big storm bearing down on you, especially when you know that if you don't reach the gate in time, the rain will turn all the cattle back on top of you and I wouldn't have stood a chance of holding them!

My poor pony had a fair bit of sweat dripping off her by the end of the day! The heat was really suffocating!

Dunno who these belong to, but they were abandoned!

 It took me 40 minutes to muster the whole paddock and the cull cows really lived up to their name on this occasion which lead to a significant amount of galloping on mine and Snorts part. But I finally managed to get the last one through the gate, just as the wind started to howl and the rain swept across.

I probably would have been able to trot home and safe myself from the bulk of the rain, but thanks to Pirate following me after smoko, I had to walk home with her reluctantly following me back to the yards. 

I don't look as soaked as I felt. 

Dad always told me that you weren't soaked, unless the water was running down your butt crack...... Success! 

Rain leaves some beautiful sunsets though. 

 We only ended up with 80mL of rain, far less than predicted, however, better safe than sorry. The cattle were returned to their paddock!

Photography while the boys went fishing. 

 Australia day long weekend, came and went. Had a great time catching up with friends, and as our tradition could not be broken, mum visited with lamingtons in hand!! Yummo! Dunno how long we have been spending Australia day together for now, but it has been a while and now I think a necessity.

Me trying to get the lighting right for the image I wanted!! He wasn't helping!

Just loving the afternoon light shows, that this heat is bringing. Although it's best to stay indoors where possible during this heat!

I got back to doing some nursing shifts this past week. Is always lovely to catch up with all the girls. Good to keep a hand it! 

Selfie on route home after a transfer to Rockhampton. 

Ahoy Pirate, there she blows!

We had some visitor this week, which was a much needed addition to our mustering team! Although, the cattle were still slightly elusive, we still managed to get them!

Rabbit got lots of cuddles! 

Not sure whether this means that he gives up? Just jealous I think! 

Handsome men! 

Secretly he loves her! 

 Many hands make light work as they say, I think we would be still mustering otherwise. On the last mustering day we were back down to the two of us. We drafted and drenched and the next morning branded 102 of dad's calves. I then left Justin, to pregtest the drys and turn out on his own, while I drove to Yeppoon to keep my hand in for a nursing shift. Finshed at 9pm and drove an hour and a half home, only to help our neighbour the next day with 75 more to brand. Needless to say I had and early night that night and a bit of a sleep in this morning. 

This is one of our neighbours that I just couldn't get over the muscle in it, not particularly attractive but.... wow!!

Dad's brand

Pirate meeting Rabbit.

Not too sure! 

"What happens if I grab that?"

My Hibiscus are going well. 

Not too sure if these are friend or foe in my garden!

I'm sure someone will think this looks like jesus!

I'm having a bit of a sky montage at the moment. Just love all the cloud formations that this suffocating heat is producing.

We are currently receiving some good precipitation, so I will be excited to check the gauge in the morning. The lawn will appreciate some love.

 Caught these in the build up to the storm, no real fork lightening about but I still got a couple of shots.

Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot!

No one really knows the song, so here is the original version from http://english-zone.com/: 

Auld Lang Syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days o’ lang syne!

Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne,
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet
For auld lang syne!

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pu’d the gowans fine,
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary foot
Sin’ auld lang syne.

We twa hae paid l’t in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
Sin’ auld lang syne.

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere,
And gie’s a hand o’ thine,
And we’ll tak a right guid willie-waught
For auld lang syne!

And surely ye’ll be your pint’ stoup,
And surely I’ll be mine!
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet
For auld lang syne!

In the lead up to the new year, I had a little time to do some baking. There is nothing so homely and beautiful as a fresh banana cake and this recipe was a twist on my normal one..... but let me tell you, it was to die for!!! 

In my last blog, you may recall I mentioned a rescue mission. On a trip into one of our paddocks to water a lame beast, we noticed one of our neighbours weaners bogged on the opposite side of the salt water creek. After numerous unsuccessful phone calls to our neighbour, we chose to boat over and try to release the stranded creature. Unfortunately; we failed, however we found a little severely dehydrated calf that  belonged to one of our cows stranded on the wrong side of the creek. Poor thing walked straight up to us. We drove around trying to find his mother, but couldn't. So I now introduce you to "Pirate", our new pody. 

We did manage to contact our neighbour about his stranded weaner, but he was also unsuccessful in saving the poor thing and it had to be put down. 

On a more humorous note, imagine my poor mother and step father's astonishment, when we arrive to spend the Xmas in town with 6 dogs, Rabbit and Pirate. Lucky she is only little. 

After Xmas, we ventured to Mackay, to visit our beautiful new niece although I regret to say I have not got a photo for you yet.

Then, bring forth the new year celebrations.

Last sunset for 2014.

This is Pirate, a bit unsure about her Heritage

Rabbit chillin.

These weirdos with matching shirts for new year.

"Oh no not the cake!!!"

Too much for Greer.

Mum and I had some photo fun, waiting for the new year to tick over.

Not sure how many tequila shots this took!

Greer finally awoke just in time to get showered in passion pop which Justin eventually managed to pry open. 

2015 looks positively wonderful from here, and I'm sure this year will be better (health wise for friends and family) than the last.