Snakes Alive

The mere thought of the word 'snake' breathes fear into alot of people. Let alone stumbling upon a deadly one in knee- high grass.

I have been fortunate to have grown up in Australia, home to 7 of the worlds 10 deadliest snakes. I have also been lucky enough to live in rural New South Wales, where the Eastern Brown and Red Belly Black snake call home.

Last Sunday I climbed on board my trusty steed.... (gelding will do) and went for a ride (first one in over 12 months for both of us). When I felt that he was going kindly I popped my five year old on, behind me. We took a short stroll down towards the dam when I heard a rustle in a nearby tuft of grass. As I approached, a Red Belly Black snake slithered away hurriedly and scared the bejesus out of my son and I. The horse didn't give a rats!


(Photo credit - BunyipCo)

After having many discussions with our sons about snakes, the moment had arrived. Initially, my 5 year old son was frozen with fear, he then went into panic mode, demanding we return to the house where he could run inside and lock the doors.

It wasn't a disabling fear of snakes I was trying to instill, but a healthy respect for one of natures quirks.






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A real winter in Oz

First week minus 4,5 and 7 but where is the snow I ask. And no heater, thats right, NO HEATER for 5 weeks.

I love the cold, but I enjoyed the cold so much more in Holland. The homes are built with a cool climate in mind and the central heating keeps the internal temperature at a 'tshirt' comfortable level for at least 6 months of the year.





Our homes in Oz fall far short, with single glazing on windows/doors, inadequate insulation and heating, not to mention the price of electricity.

With the purchase of an acreage, and the pending build, in the New England region of NSW, the above has me researching ways of enjoying winter all over again.


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Over the hill and off the pill

When is old, too old?

I'm on the downhill run to 40, but I would love to have another baby.... a baby girl to be precise.

Now this goes without saying, I love my boys tremendously, but I would love to play 'dress-ups' with my little girl.


To fulfill this maternal desire I have considered gender selection techniques, which of course is not legal within Australia, performed legally only in the USA and Malaysia.

I have also considered foster caring for a sister sibling group.

Where to from here...




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