"Self-sufficiency does not mean 'going back' to the acceptance of a lower standard of living. On the contrary, it is the striving for a higher standard of living, for food that is organically grown and good, for the good life in pleasant surroundings... and for the satisfaction that comes from doing difficult and intricate jobs well and successfully." John Seymour ~ Self Sufficiency 2003

Tuesday, 17 July 2012

The first days

The day we finally moved coincided with a minor cold front.  Rain lashed, wind blowing a gale - but, nonetheless we had timed it well.
As we were approaching a neighbour called RMan's mobile and said they had dinner waiting and they would meet us on the dirt road to hand it over.  Bless them.
A small lasagne each - how very thoughtful
A delicious lasagne...
And a delicious salad, complete with olive oil and
balsamic vinegar dressing ingredients
... and salad.  The lasagne was hot - straight out of the oven.  "Thank you" doesn't cover the gratitude we felt at their thoughtfulness.



We tumbled out of the car, schlepped the last of the boxes and suitcases into the house, collapsed on the dining room chairs, gobbled down the food and then headed straight to bed.


Chaos ensues inside - with boxes everywhere - seemingly on every inch of floor space.  And not just packing boxes either.  There are also cooler boxes which are filled with the last of the fridge and freezer contents.  And a dog.


And they are all determined to catch me unawares LOL  Nothing worse than hurdles, in dim light, to ensure that one stumbles headlong at least once an evening - with or without a cup of tea / coffee in your hands.
Chaos - and not easy to see at nighttime when the
kerosene lamplight creates dark area's and casts deep
shadows across the floor
But - this too will (eventually) pass.

MKid spent the last few days of of his school holidays with us - and like all little boys - the irresistible urge to make a warming fire in order to cook marshmallows supersedes even inclement weather, and the hurdles of a topsy turvy house LOL 
MKid on a mission...
Not even drizzle dripping down the back of his neck dampened his enthusiasm and the quest for (blackened) oozing hot marshmallows merely encouraged him to huddle closer to the warmth of the fire :)
The reward of wet clothing and raindrops dripping
down the back of his neck - melting
marshmallows :)
What we didn't know was that this minor cold front was a precursor of bigger and better things.

Seriously, our timing could not have been better... :)
Posted by Dani at 08:51:00
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14 comments:

  1. Joyful17 July 2012 at 08:59

    Thank goodness for the kindness of neighbours!

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  2. Sue17 July 2012 at 11:24

    That's always a good sign! Neighbors with food--yes!

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  3. Jane @ Hard Work Homestead17 July 2012 at 13:14

    Those are some great neighbors.

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  4. Barb.17 July 2012 at 13:57

    What lovely neighbours! I bet you're glad to have the moving finished with. And *proper* internet!

    Barb.

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  5. Dani17 July 2012 at 15:35

    Jody - We were completely blown away with their thoughtfulness and kindness :) how did they know it was the one thing I hadn't thought of, nor planned for...

    Sue - LOL - neighbours with food indeed :)

    Jane - They are, aren't they :)

    Barb - I'm thrilled the move is over too. But the internet - it's still a work in progress...

    ReplyDelete
  6. tffnguy17 July 2012 at 16:49

    Wow! Great neighbors.

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  7. Mrs. Mac17 July 2012 at 19:42

    Nice that you have thoughtful neighbors. Ahh ... just take it one box at a time!.

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  8. Dani18 July 2012 at 14:05

    David - Yeah - I reckon I should keep them... LOL

    Mrs Mac - I CAN'T wait to take one box at a time - but that'll only happen when the building work is complete...

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  9. JaneofVirginia18 July 2012 at 15:10

    I have been thinking of you, and praying that all of this goes smoothly. I remember moving to the back of beyond so well myself. Lovely lasagne and salad ! Twenty years ago we moved to a home where the neighbors helped us unload and provided a wonderful meal. It hasn't happened on moves since then ! It was such a blessing that now I try to do the same for people, when possible.

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  10. Dani18 July 2012 at 16:53

    Jane - Thank you - that's so sweet of you :) Yes, I too, have made a point over the years of briefly knocking on a new neighbours door on their moving-in day and offering them hot coffee and a cake / snack - to ease their hectic day. I also leave them a note with our names and contact details - just in case they have an emergency :)

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  11. JaneofVirginia19 July 2012 at 14:33

    Dani, What a wonderful idea. My nearest neighbor is a black bear, and he's never made such an offering ! LOL Really enjoying your blog. It should be very interesting to watch your setting up in a new place as it unfolds.

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    Replies
    1. Dani20 July 2012 at 09:05

      Jane - A black bear - nah, don't reckon he'd need coffee and a snack... At least, I wouldn't ask him LOL

      Yup - I will record every step of our journey... stay tuned :)

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  12. Diana Studer21 July 2012 at 17:08

    you have chosen fierce weather - that hot meal was a gift from the gods. Good to know you start with caring neighbours.

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  13. Dani22 July 2012 at 08:41

    Diana - The weather certainly tried to stymie the move, but, as you say - the neighbours made all the difference :)

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment - it makes my day and removes the "loneliness' of sitting at my screen blogging supposedly to myself ;) I try and reply as quickly as possible so please forgive me if sometimes my response is delayed.

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