Tree House

Tree House

I am pleased to announce the latest facility at Possum Valley is now open for business.  Just in time for the wet season.  But it was always going to be that way, as building anything in a rainforest has to be done in the dry season, unless the builder has a high tolerance for misery, inconvenience and delay.  Today I installed some furnishings including chalkboards and a bucket hoist.  My thanks to the young consultants who were most generous in donating their time, thoughts and work to the project.

I have implemented a good portion of the ideas of my young guests to the benefit of all.  I think they were delighted to be asked for advice when I frankly admitted that I had no idea beyond the structure, and I got some creative ideas my ossified old brain hadn’t thought of.  I did exercise my right of veto with the impractical or dangerous, like table tennis for reasons of scale, or darts for reasons of safety.

So I have learned something.  When you are stumped, ask the kids.  Maybe none of their ideas are practical, but hey, they may just get you thinking outside the box.  They have not yet been nailed into a box and their possibilities not yet dragged down by realities.  Besides, they will blossom and bloom if you just really listen to them.  Not just lend an ear, but understand where they are coming from.  Now I come to think of it, it works for adults too.

The dry season has been prolonged, hot and tiresome.  With wilting trees shedding leaves, grass dead and brown, and my power supply dwindling away.   Now a few days of gentle rain has renewed the grass to green, the trees to growth, and my hydro to normal voltages.  It is cruel and unusual punishment to subject electronic equipment designed for 240V to 170V and still expect it to function.  The brave little charger has soldiered on for several weeks under this harsh regime.  With more water in the creek, I have been able to replace the 23mm nozzle with a 25mm nozzle.  Might not seem much to you, but it has got me out of the system collapse zone.  In a week or so, I may even have enough surplus for a hot shower, as excess energy is diverted to heat the house water.

I have been negligent about making posts in the last few weeks due to the festive season activities.  My daughters, grandsons and others made the long trek from Darwin etc to be here.  Awesome to hold my grand kids in my arms.  They were active and exploring.  I am still trying to find things they creatively displaced.  The family had Xmas early and the feast on the 20th Dec, which left me with time to accept other invitations.  Xmas with Mark and Lilia at Wagtail House.  A new B&B at Tarzali on a farm with the most glorious views of the tablelands and the mountains that you could imagine.  Check it out.  Then boxing day with guests and a friendly sing-along.  So good.  I am not at all religious, but I think Xmas is a special time for family and friends to get together and take a break from toil and trouble to celebrate the important things.  Family and friends.  Nothing more important than that.