It has been a very eventful ten days in the new house. For a while we felt like we were on a not particularly pleasant holiday and we’d really like to go home. We missed the space and the familiarity of our old house and looking out the windows at the pool and the palm trees. Here, Instead of kookaburras and magpies we woke to the soft complaints of chooks wanting to be let out. My usual routine just a week ago had been to hobble out of bed and sit at my computer for a while (I’m doing that now) to ease my sore back. Instead, I felt compelled to drag myself and my cup of tea outside to the patio so I could supervise the chooks for a time while I made sure they had feed and water, and cleaned out the bottom of their roost. Their pen wasn’t big enough and I felt guilty keeping them cooped up. But the birds are by nature destructive and that small patch of ornamental garden was too tempting.
Within a few days I decided that I hadn’t swapped being beholden to a huge yard for being beholden to five chickens. Peter agreed, so, through friends, we relocated them to new owners with more space and knowledge than us. I waved them goodbye with a huge sigh of relief and slept better that night.
At this stage, we’ve added power points everywhere and strung ethernet cable to TVs and computers and made plans for that new kitchen. There’ll be an induction cooktop, a self-cleaning oven and a separate grill, much more bench space, and a far more practical pantry. I can’t wait.
Next cab off the rank will be a rotary clothesline so I can dry my sheets. And a few other things.
Actually, I think back in 2007 when we moved into our previous house it wasn’t much different, but the other way round. We didn’t have enough furniture to fill the space, so we got to know George in Harvey Norman quite well. We got rid of the horrible curtains and upgraded the kitchen cabinetry. Later, we replaced the roof and the veranda ceilings, bought new carpets, upgraded the bathrooms, painted throughout. It took a while. I think it was when the new carpets were in and the paint had dried I finally felt very happy.
I guess that’s what moving house is all about. You have to make it ‘home’. We’re not there yet, but we’re on the way. In the next few weeks we’ll be divesting ourselves of more superfluous ‘stuff’.
But you knew that, didn’t you?
By the way, Pets in Space 9 is due for release on 8 October. It’s a collection of science fiction romance stories featuring pets. You’ll find various beasties – but no chooks. Maybe I can write a story about somebody out there in the future who has inherited a flock of chickens… Hmmm
That’s for another time. This year, my story is The President’s Daughter.
War-damaged veteran Darius Fletcher embarks on a pleasure cruise to delay an impending career crossroads. Onboard, he crosses paths with Cilla Beckstein and her companion animal, powerful jungle cat Maahes. When Cilla takes it upon herself to attempt a rescue mission on a hostile planet Darius is pulled into the perilous quest against his instincts.
As they navigate the planet’s unique dangers while avoiding ruthless foes Darius and Cilla’s relationship morphs from an uneasy alliance to respect and affection.
Can they conquer the challenges that fate throws their way and emerge unscathed from a mission where danger lurks at every turn and each decision could be their last? And can the attraction that has grown between them become something much, much more?
