"How many paddocks have you got then." "Buggered if I know." How many dams have you got?" "Wouldn't have a clue." All this in laconic queenslander drawl. He says it's not till uninitiated visitors ask the questions that everyday life here is quantified. But don't be fooled. This man has built dams in country Queensland for decades. Some of a size made for water-skiing. He's also so a JP and a Magistrate. Handy for Cheryl when she had to renew her drivers licence from a distance. We are meeting the most interesting and diversely skilled people here. He has shown us a wonder of nature where a tree has grown around another tree. Another good problem solver and fixit person like Colin.
First week here the nine year old Meg fell off her horse mustering. Got a nasty gash from a hoof on her leg. A night dash to hospital in Emerald with Mum and Nannie. Luckily no break and a dozen stitches internal and external. Healed well but an insight into isolation and the possible consequences.
We have been out to look at gold mines dug years ago in one of the paddocks. This outing included billy tea.
There are 30 paddocks by the way. A question from me prompted a count. Thanks to our host I also know how the cattle are numbered and which paddock they go in for what reason. I know how to tell a big money bull, say $50000, from a $5000 bull. The meat you buy will all be steer or cow. Bulls only go to sausage mince. Each year the bulls' names begin with a new letter of the alphabet. Up to 'w' next year. Hmmm...... A bull called Wilkie?
Another day we collected fossilised tree pieces for the garden. We have a few small bits to bring home to see if the lapidary group at McClelland gallery can make me some jewellery.
We have watched and videoed @7 year old Blake and 9 year old Meg "cutting out". A highly skilled exercise to separate out animals and put them where you want them. Amazing to see these skilled children in action.
I have been given a lesson and driven a 24 cow cattle truck some distance. Yay! Might get that truck licence up here - you can do it online.
I've been helping with English maths history reading spelling and handwriting. Fascinating to sit in on on-air sessions and hear the other kids in each class. The seven year old found out today he is to make a presentation at mini-school in two weeks. Have to pull out all stops now to help make that a positive experience. He has an animated lively speaking voice so he should do well. The nine year old is a budding teacher. She has great empathy and very good at patiently and clearly explaining things. She gets some practice with me!
Both are enjoying art sessions on Saturday afternoons. They are planning an exhibition with refreshments on our last Friday here.
My hammock has been turned into a swing when it's not being a bed for Spot the Dog.
Our nearest neighbour drops by every day with mandarins and oranges off the tree and veggies from the garden. The chooks are off laying but plenty of eggs and meat from a communal freezer. Passion fruit vine starting to drop its bounty and mulberries ripening.
Colin has been checking dams, making a new door frame, mowing lawns, wrestling cows, castrating bulls, shifting live-stock, getting frogs out of the toilet and down pipe, 15 to the kids delight, doing the Sunday molasses run for the horses, firewood stacking, oiling squeaky doors. His shoulder is doing well. 
Half way through our sojourn with some trips to Emerald for the dentist. Our time here is going too fast. But the next adventure awaits where we catch up with our friends in Darwin. They will have come from Melbourne via Perth, Exmouth etc in WA. Talk about desperate for a glass of wine with our mates!
Love to all from the wide open spaces
