Keeping Busy

For the last few weeks here in Gympie, Mike and I have been busy in the patch and gardens. We have been planting seedlings, seeds, flowers and herbs. We planted four different types of basil, parsley oregano, sage and lemon balm in a planter box near the house. We planted seeds for sun flowers, sweet pea and holly hocks to fill beside the steps we helped build when the archway is put up. We transplanted roses and peace plants out of pots and into the big garden. We also built a pea fence using baler twine and string which turned out pretty colourful. I painted rocks to use in the flower beds to mark what is growing. Mike put out new solar lights along various paths.

We also had the pleasure of being invited over to Peter's house for lunch this week. Mike and I wanted to see his house as well, since it is a straw bale house. He did a very good job building it. The house was beautiful. He had slate and bamboo floors and used the red mud from around the yard for the mud rendering. He even had some of his son's beautiful artwork up on the walls and a purple couch. Him and his wife, Barb, call their property Guran, which means tall trees in aboriginal language. It was very fitting. His property is absolutely beautiful. They grow their own bananas, ginger, herbs, asparagus, sweet potato, egg plant, comfrey, zucchini, bell peppers, choko, and flowers. He has two pigs, some ducks and chickens. There were tree ducklings running around which were very cute. We had a lovely lunch of homemade bread, fresh herb salad, local honey, tea, tomatoes and cucumbers from the garden, eggs with garlic chives and avocado. All local produce. I think it is absolutely amazing how much can be grown in Australia and how easy it is to buy fresh and local. We gave some love to Locky, the dog and then headed down to meet his horse, Icy. His vegetable garden was also down by the horse and we tried fresh peanuts and asparagus. I am so grateful Peter welcomed us for lunch and to see his house. He also taught us a lot about gardening. He nicknamed us Canada 1 and Canada 2. He is such a genuine and beautiful soul. We also got nicknames from the Japanese girls and Kath which include: Mike Wazowski, Mick, Misha, and The Canadians.

Here is a video of Peter scratching the pig
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sMoIUmE8_dA