My first blog in over a month, which I had planned to be all about my mega-awesome housewarming party and introducing my friends to The Enchanted Garden.
But alas, I'm sitting here all alone, drinking the red wine meant for the party sangria after a day spent sweating it out preparing my home for bushfire.
So what the hell happened to Spring? It seemed to go from frost to 40 degrees in a heartbeat; I came back from my trip to the US to find out all the blossoms had fallen, the grass was singed from heat and dehydration and the summer roses in full bloom. My Spring Garden Party was looking more like a Summer Bake-off ... but then it was thwarted by nature.
Goddamn natural disasters.
On Wednesday, as I drove into Lithgow to buy a BBQ for the party (still sitting on the front verandah, unpacked), I saw a big fire starting on the hill behind the city. It looked pretty bad, but the firies were onto it.
The next day I had to come down to the city for a meeting at Blue hotel in Woolloomooloo; I decided to catch the train, parking my car at Mt Vic station. And during the 2.5 hours of boredom on the train, I watched the whole drama unfold on Facebook and the WWW.
Needless to say, I was stranded down in Sydney; I stayed at Jo's, sans clean undies and toothbrush but at least I had a bed and peace of mind.
But knowing my kitty was starving, I headed up on Saturday morning, to one very cranky cat and a house still thankfully in tact.
I have been one of the lucky ones. The winds have been - and continue to be - in my favour. Cass is also fine so far in his paddock, and is the best of care with experienced bushies who have been through this many times.
I don't need to reiterate just how awful these fires have been. Over 200 properties lost. People still being evacuated. Frayed nerves aplenty. My situation is minor compared to those who have had to grab their most precious belongings and run for their lives.
I've also been blessed with great neighbours. Old Macca, who has the property on the right hand side of me, lives in Sydney, but we were in constant touch during the initial drama. He finally got up here this morning, and he kindly offered to come and blow all the leaves off my shed roof and the workshop out the back. He reassured me that my place is as clear and fire-proof as possible; all we have to do now is pray the wind stays kind.
I also met my other neighbour today for the first time. I was heading into Lithgow but had stopped on the corner of Coxs River Rd to take a photo of the Mt Vic fire. A car pulled up, and a man asked, "Are you my neighbour?" It was Richard, the reclusive chef who lives next door at The Briars function centre. We exchanged details, and he's also offered his expertise and assistance if need be.
Tragedies usually bring out the best in people; and even without anything major happening, I'm experiencing the support and friendship of country folk who don't hesitate in lending a hand. My horse community has been in constant touch with me, sharing news and offering to help out if necessary; and I've even changed my harsh views about the Lithgow folk, who really do have hearts of gold. My thoughts go out to those who have lost property - many of them are doing it tough.
Needless to say, I'm so friggin' happy here ... fires and all - no regrets at becoming a country bumpkin one little bit.
But alas, I'm sitting here all alone, drinking the red wine meant for the party sangria after a day spent sweating it out preparing my home for bushfire.
So what the hell happened to Spring? It seemed to go from frost to 40 degrees in a heartbeat; I came back from my trip to the US to find out all the blossoms had fallen, the grass was singed from heat and dehydration and the summer roses in full bloom. My Spring Garden Party was looking more like a Summer Bake-off ... but then it was thwarted by nature.
Goddamn natural disasters.
On Wednesday, as I drove into Lithgow to buy a BBQ for the party (still sitting on the front verandah, unpacked), I saw a big fire starting on the hill behind the city. It looked pretty bad, but the firies were onto it.
 |
| The Lithgow fire from Woolies carpark |
The next day I had to come down to the city for a meeting at Blue hotel in Woolloomooloo; I decided to catch the train, parking my car at Mt Vic station. And during the 2.5 hours of boredom on the train, I watched the whole drama unfold on Facebook and the WWW.
Needless to say, I was stranded down in Sydney; I stayed at Jo's, sans clean undies and toothbrush but at least I had a bed and peace of mind.
But knowing my kitty was starving, I headed up on Saturday morning, to one very cranky cat and a house still thankfully in tact.
I have been one of the lucky ones. The winds have been - and continue to be - in my favour. Cass is also fine so far in his paddock, and is the best of care with experienced bushies who have been through this many times.
I don't need to reiterate just how awful these fires have been. Over 200 properties lost. People still being evacuated. Frayed nerves aplenty. My situation is minor compared to those who have had to grab their most precious belongings and run for their lives.
 |
| My handsome boy, against a smoky sky |
I've also been blessed with great neighbours. Old Macca, who has the property on the right hand side of me, lives in Sydney, but we were in constant touch during the initial drama. He finally got up here this morning, and he kindly offered to come and blow all the leaves off my shed roof and the workshop out the back. He reassured me that my place is as clear and fire-proof as possible; all we have to do now is pray the wind stays kind.
 |
| Macca cleaning the gutters of my shed |
I also met my other neighbour today for the first time. I was heading into Lithgow but had stopped on the corner of Coxs River Rd to take a photo of the Mt Vic fire. A car pulled up, and a man asked, "Are you my neighbour?" It was Richard, the reclusive chef who lives next door at The Briars function centre. We exchanged details, and he's also offered his expertise and assistance if need be.
 |
| Mt Vic fire from the corner of Coxs River Rd |
Tragedies usually bring out the best in people; and even without anything major happening, I'm experiencing the support and friendship of country folk who don't hesitate in lending a hand. My horse community has been in constant touch with me, sharing news and offering to help out if necessary; and I've even changed my harsh views about the Lithgow folk, who really do have hearts of gold. My thoughts go out to those who have lost property - many of them are doing it tough.
Needless to say, I'm so friggin' happy here ... fires and all - no regrets at becoming a country bumpkin one little bit.
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