New toy

Since being in the parish I have been a bit of a lazy bum and have not spent much time exercising. So to fix that problem I bought a bike, a Giant Upland. I realize that buying the bike does nothing to increase how much I exercise, so i walked the 20 mins down town and rode it back, and I plan to ride it regularly.  Now it has been a while since I rode a bike so the experience was interesting, but good. I am surprised how much peddling is required to keep the machine moving forward; aluminum and rubber is surprisingly heavy. Also, I am more accustom to the performance of my Yamaha WRF 400's 65 horse power and not a bicycle powered by a single ass. 

And in case you are wondering, no I don't need to loose weight for the wedding.

Changes

The renovations have begun

This view from the side of the manse shows that the carport and patio have been taken down. The wall with the glass door in it is going to be taken out and a new wall put up on the edge of the raised concrete pad. This will be the dining/family room. The brick garage will go where the car is and the new patio run from the back of the garage 11m into the yard. I have been busily moving plants I want to keep: daffodils, agapanthus, cannas, a small grape fruit tree and roses have been relocated, and so far they are all looking well. 

I have been doing some renovations of my own in the backyard to make room for a raised vege garden. No, I'm not becoming Peter Cundall but I do what a good vege garden.

Cheers, Adrian

The big smoke

Today I got back from spending a week in the city. I travelled the 8 hours to Perth last Monday and spent Tuesday finding a place to have my camera serviced, checking out the city centre for a while and looking through furniture shops for a tv chair. I came back chairless. It seems that my taste in chairs cannot be satisfied, except for lots of money. This is what I would love, but i cannot find. 

Wednesday to Friday I spent at my first pastor's conference. My brother's over here are a great bunch of pastor's and I'm looking forward to the next time we get together. Friday night to Sunday we had the WA district Convention at Duncraig. I don't usually find meetings the most interesting place to spend time, but I enjoyed getting to know more people over here and they loved meeting the new pastor. Last night I spent in Katanning at the Pukallus' (the new pastor and his family) and got back at 2pm this afternoon. 

I'm tired, excited and happy to be home after a week away. How about that, Esperance is home.

The whitest beaches

Many a beachside town in Australia may claim to have the whitest beaches in the country but only one beach can claim that title. Lucky Bay near Esperance is the current title holder (click to read article), and much to the disappointment of Queenslanders. 

When I visited Lucky Bay I met some 'unlucky', most probably silly, jet-skiers who didn't know much about the dangers of backing into the surf. YAY for the ever vigilant and helpful Esperance fire brigade. I wonder if they gave the fireman a donation, after all, a tow would have been a lot cheaper than a new van.

Our fishing trip

Over the summer break Brenton, Shirley, Mark and I went fishing for a few days just north of Kingston, South Australia. While we caught quiet a few fish they were all were too small. Jewfish have to be 80cm to keep. The wind was the worst part. One afternoon we got back to the tent to find 5mm of sand on my pillow. All the same, we had a great time in a beautiful place.

Adrian

Those fires

The recent bush fires in Victoria have shaken us all. The loss of life is tragic and unseen in our history. For those who don't know Victoria so well my family are not in those areas burnt by Saturday's fires. 

While we are helpless to restore lives lost, the LCA has launched an appeal to raise funds for those left with nothing but the clothes they wear. We can also pray for the victims who have lost family, friends, property and their community. God is not silent in these times, he speaks through his children who offer any help we can.

Grace and peace to you all.

-Adrian

The first week

First, sorry about the lack of news. 

Second, I love WA! The people are great, the beaches are amazing and weather is beaut. Sure Rebecca is now even further away, but the phone doesn't know the difference.

All considered, I think I will stay for a while.

God's blessings to you and thanks for the best wishes for Rebecca and I.