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January 6, 2013 / diannegray

A review, a snake, and The RUC

I’m putting my latest update below my thank you to Elisa (Lost Inside the Covers) just in case you didn’t want to be confronted with the image of a snake when you opened my post.

Hey, no need to thank me!

Elisa has been kind enough to review my latest novel The Eleventh Question so if you’re interested in reading reviews and want to know if she loved, hated, or was indifferent to the book, please feel free to take a look

Update on the Old Farmhouse

I’ve almost recovered from my road trip and there’s a lot to do out at the farm. I was pulling out the bedroom ceiling yesterday only to be greeted by an intruder who was happily feeding on the rats that had moved in when we moved out. He wasn’t too happy with me for disturbing his dinner. He is Boiga irregularis (and I thought I was going to be irregular when I spotted him). I didn’t have time to grab the camera (as I took off screaming doing a silent rain-dance from the room), but I‘ve put a picture of his daddy (below) from Wikipedia.

Hey, buddy – can’t you see I’m trying eat?!!!

Brown tree snake

Because I don’t like killing things (and he’s not a poisonous snake), I left him there to digest his meal. The rat’s nest has been completely cleared out so (hopefully) he’ll find another vacant homestead to reside in before I walk back inside for the last time

…due to the Big Change of Plans

The farmhouse is now completely stripped bare and unfortunately this has revealed some structural damage from the last cyclone. We mentioned this to a friend of ours who told another friend and so on and so forth and before we knew it – we were offered another farmhouse to put in its place.

So the skeleton of the old farmhouse is coming down (and will receive a fitting burial) *insert tears here* and a beautiful Queenslander that was once a wartime homestead converted to a Rugby Union Club will be moved into its place. From this day forth our home will be known as The RUC (Rugby Union Club). Hubby is happy because it has a bar, a Foosball table and a cool-room for the beers.

So there you have it. Once the RUC has been moved onto the land (with a fresh lick of paint and new roof) I’ll post more pics of it.

A lot of equipment is needed to move this beauty. It should be on its way to the farm in the next few weeks. If I can get pics of them carrying it on the truck I’ll post them here.

The RUC

 The RUC

I hope you’re having a wonderful new year!!

144 Comments

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  1. Polysyllabic Profundities / Jan 6 2013 1:45 pm

    What an exciting adventure you are having!! I love the RUC and can’t wait to hear all the stories of the “new move”.

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    • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 2:13 pm

      This is a different take on ‘moving house’, Susan! It’s now ‘moving A house’ 😀

      There’s not much we need to do with it that we wouldn’t have had to to with the old farmhouse (bathroom kitchen upgrade etc.) It’s got beautiful big veranda’s and I’m an outdoor living kinda gal! 🙂

      I’m pretty excited 😉

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      • Polysyllabic Profundities / Jan 6 2013 2:17 pm

        I can see you now….wine in hand on your big porch (sans snakes) and your mind just churning with new book ideas. Cayo may need a follow up book…..just sayin’

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      • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 2:25 pm

        I’ve definitely got Cayo in mind when I think of that veranda. I’ve even got one of those lovely cane swinging chairs and I know exactly where I’m going to put it! Relaxation and writing – here I come 😉

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      • Polysyllabic Profundities / Jan 6 2013 2:27 pm

        Ooh, I can’t wait!! I love your writing and am anxiously awaiting the newest best sellers!!

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      • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 2:29 pm

        Now I’m blushing – you’re too kind! 😀

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      • Polysyllabic Profundities / Jan 6 2013 2:31 pm

        Just call it like I see it!! 😀 (see post on truths tomorrow…haha)

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      • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 2:39 pm

        Looking forward to it! 😀

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  2. John / Jan 6 2013 1:52 pm

    Wow Diane, really big changes indeed! Very interesting, moving a structure that large presumably several miles. There was a three bedroom home moved several miles to near here three years back. I hope the move goes well for you, and snake free!

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    • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 2:15 pm

      There should be no snakes in the new place (they have to take off the roof to move it) so it’ll be a fresh new start for it. They need to move it about 20kms – so that’s not too far. I think they do it at about 4am when there’s very few cars on the road. Should be really interesting, John! 😀

      Like

  3. Sheila Morris / Jan 6 2013 1:54 pm

    GREAT review on your book – that should make you happy!! And the story of the farmhouse and the new Club House is almost too much to digest in one sitting…add the snake and it becomes a reason to take to my bed with the vapors tonight. Geez. Your head must be spinning! 🙂

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    • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 2:20 pm

      LOL – my head is spinning, Sheila! I love getting a great review and Elisa is an excellent reviewer who pulls no punches 😉

      The house will be a huge move, but I’m sure it’s in the hands of very capable people (and if not, I’ll get pics).

      The snake was a surprise I didn’t really need yesterday (because of it’s colour (copper/brown) I thought it may be deadly, but I had someone who knows snakes better than I do take a look and they put my mind at ease). 😀

      Like

  4. bodhisattvaintraining / Jan 6 2013 1:59 pm

    Wow – that is exciting!!

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  5. avwalters / Jan 6 2013 2:05 pm

    Well, plans have to be flexible, or you’ll go crazy….

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    • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 2:22 pm

      If there’s one thing my plans are – they are flexible! And, hey, who could knock back a piece of history like the RUC? 😀

      Like

  6. kford2007 / Jan 6 2013 2:29 pm

    Great book review. The snake would have sent me screaming, too, and I tip my hat to you for moving the RUC. What a HUGE undertaking. I can’t wait to see pics of the move. Hopefully you can get some of the house up on the bed of the truck. I think it’s so cool they can move houses. I watched a house get moved from land a few miles north of here. It then traveled the inter-coastal waterway before being transferred to another truck and moved to it’s final destination. Fascinating.

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 2:38 pm

      I’d love to get some pics, but they start at 4 am. Hopefully it will still be on the truck at sunrise. Apparently it’s an amazing thing to watch (and I’ll be up early to see it!) They’re only moving it about 20 kms – so not as far as the one near your place (and across water – WOW!)

      I’m glad you liked the review. I did too 😀

      Like

  7. Lonely Daffodil / Jan 6 2013 2:35 pm

    2013 is year of the snake 🙂 But I can imagine the “visitor” was a big surprise….

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    • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 2:40 pm

      I should have thought of that when I saw it! It must be a good omen – thank you so much for reminding me 😀

      Like

  8. adinparadise / Jan 6 2013 2:36 pm

    Good gracious, and he still has his skin on! The RUC looks really interesting. You’ll certainly have quite a unique home when it’s all spruced up. 🙂 I’ll have a look at Elisa’s review and come back to you. Must get to bed now, as I have an early Skype call to my mom in South Africa in the morning. 🙂

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    • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 2:42 pm

      No worries, my dear 😉 Have a nice night sleep and enjoy the chat with your mum.

      The RUC is certainly unique and a big part of the history of the area. I can imagine it will polish up beautifully 😀

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  9. ocdreader / Jan 6 2013 2:51 pm

    Bar and foosball!? Sounds like heaven! Now, just keep those slithering slitherers OUT and life will be good. Though that was kind of him to clean out the rats! 🙂

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    • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 3:10 pm

      Every home needs a bar and a foosball table!

      There’ll be a NO SNAKES ALLOWED sign out the front 😉

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      • ocdreader / Jan 6 2013 3:18 pm

        though they can leave their skins. You have your bookmark business to think of …

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      • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 3:28 pm

        Oh, that’s right – and I found another one yesterday, business is booming 😉 LOL! 😀

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  10. Bonnie / Jan 6 2013 3:11 pm

    I LOVE the RUC…and the whole story behind it. Who gets to do that…really move a whole house? Oh, right my blogging sister Dianne! So excited for you and can’t wait to see the evolution of it’s transformation. Just no more pictures of snakes, poisonous, or not! 🙂 Happy New Year to you! 🙂

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    • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 3:27 pm

      I thought I’d warn you about the snake so it didn’t take you by surprise, Bonnie! Promise no more snake pics (until I see the next one) 😉

      The house move is nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time. I just want it to be there NOW so I can see what it looks like on my block (and before the house relocators change their minds or get a better offer – or something!)

      Happy New Year to you too, my dear blogging sister! 😀

      Like

  11. Janna G. Noelle / Jan 6 2013 3:31 pm

    I’d take snakes over rats any day, and not just because I like snakes. I have an absolute horror of rodents. (Although I too probably would have had the same quasi-irregular reaction initially.) 🙂

    I like the look of your new homestead. It instantly conjured a vision of you cooking up meals in a canteen-style diner. I have no idea if that actually happens in a Rugby Union Club, but that’s where my mind took me. 🙂 I’m excited for more pictures when it’s all set up.

    The Eleventh Question is one of the 12 books I’ve resolved to read this year. For that reason, I didn’t read the book review, as I don’t want to go into the book with any expectations. I only read reviews to help me decide whether I actually want to read a given book. Once the decision is made, I won’t read reviews again until after I’ve finished the book to see what other people thought of it.

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    • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 4:35 pm

      I have an abhorrence for rodents as well, Janna – so the snake was actually doing me a favor! He just gave me a bit of a scare because I thought he was going to fall on my head 😯

      The RUC is lovely inside – it’s all wood walls, floors and 15 ft ceilings with big fans – beautiful. It has a kitchen and an office (which will become a bedroom) and the cold-room (that will also become a bedroom when we pull out the ‘safe-like’ interior) 😉 It has a ‘women’s loo’ upstairs which is rather large (because it had three loos in it) and a really old sign at the top of the stairs saying “men’s toilet downstairs” with a painted hand and a finger pointing downward. It’s a great sign!

      Well done staying away from the review – I totally understand 😀

      Like

  12. Amanda / Jan 6 2013 3:37 pm

    How exciting! The new “homestead” looks amazing! Great to share in a piece of history like that!

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    • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 4:36 pm

      It has got a bit of history, Amanda – and it looks amazing up close 😀 The verandas are about 4 meters wide and are on three sides – I love outdoor space like that! 😉

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  13. T. W. Dittmer / Jan 6 2013 3:44 pm

    Really nice review, Dianne. Nice snake too. 😉

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    • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 4:41 pm

      I like snakes because they eat the rats (and I hate rats!) 😉

      Thanks so much for heading over to Elisa’s to read the review 😀

      Like

  14. agjorgenson / Jan 6 2013 3:57 pm

    Five stars!! Congrats, and good luck with the new house. The home I grew up in was moved from another farm to ours and served us well for many years. I like the idea of houses on the move, at least for a time. I’m glad mine is currently standing still.

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    • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 4:45 pm

      It’s nice to save an old homestead with such an amazing past. I’m really looking forward to it, Allen 😉

      Thanks for the congrats on the five stars – Elisa is an amazing reviewer and I was so happy she liked my story…

      Glad your house is standing still – I’ll have to wait for the next big tropical storm to see how the RUC handles it 😯

      Like

  15. bodhimoments / Jan 6 2013 4:24 pm

    Congratulations on the great review! Well done!

    Hopefully no rodents or reptiles are coming along with the RUC!!!

    Eagerly awaiting RUC updates! 🙂

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 4:46 pm

      There will be RUC updates coming thick and fast as soon as they get it on the truck! 😉

      Thanks so much for the congrats on the review 😀

      Like

  16. Maddie Cochere / Jan 6 2013 4:26 pm

    Wonderful review, Dianne! … I just love reading about your life; there is always so much excitement. I love the snake rain dance. I can sooo relate. The RUC is such an exciting turn of events, and how cool that your house has a name!

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 4:49 pm

      Thanks for the congrats on the review, Maddie – I was pretty happy about it myself! 😉

      I’ll be trying to get pics while the RUC is on the truck (hey, that rhymes!) Maybe that’s what I should call my first RUC post 😀 You’re such an inspiration!

      Like

  17. Rustic Recluse / Jan 6 2013 5:42 pm

    Whoa and you could tell what snake it was. I would’ve freaked out and ran to another state! Good one Dianne, all the best for your new home and looking out for your new books! 🙂

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    • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 6:28 pm

      I know some snakes, but this one had me confused with it’s colour (brown and copper) – so I had to ask a neighbour whose a little more into snakes than I am 😉 (Yes – I was running!)

      Thank you so much for the best wishes for the house. I’m going to be needing as many as I can get! 😀

      Like

  18. jennymiller62 / Jan 6 2013 6:14 pm

    we one time came home and found a snake all curled up in front of our air conditioner six inches from the front door. Let me tell you there were more than one of us doing a “rain dance” out the front door . . . . 🙂 thank you for following me!

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    • diannegray / Jan 6 2013 6:31 pm

      LOL! I love the ‘rain dance’ – I’ve done it a couple of times now 😉

      Thanks so much for coming by and commenting – I really appreciate it 😀

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      • jennymiller62 / Jan 6 2013 8:54 pm

        your welcome.

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  19. ramblingsfromamum / Jan 6 2013 7:08 pm

    How the hell are you going to move that baby? Great post and yes as everyone has commented arms flailing in the air with your silent rain dance – priceless! 🙂 Good luck with it – better you then me gunga din! x

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    • diannegray / Jan 7 2013 5:47 am

      LOL! I haven’t heard that gunga din expression in ages! You’re priceless 😀

      I think they cut it in half and move it on two trucks, then put it all back together again to finish off (that’s as technical as I get!)

      😀

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      • ramblingsfromamum / Jan 7 2013 7:26 am

        awww fanks mate 😉 hmm index finger under chin looks up to the left and ponders … yup very technical 🙂 xx
        Good luck with it think you may need it 🙂 😉

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      • diannegray / Jan 7 2013 7:29 am

        I need as much as I can get at this point! 😀

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      • ramblingsfromamum / Jan 7 2013 7:30 am

        🙂 1st day – new job I got to get my bottom parts into gear – have a great day chook 🙂

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  20. grumpytyke / Jan 6 2013 7:18 pm

    Some more fascinating posts coming up I think as the move gets underway. Looking forward to them.

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    • diannegray / Jan 7 2013 5:49 am

      The entire move should be very interesting (and probably stressful) to watch 😉 I hope it doesn’t fall off the back of the truck! 😯

      Like

  21. mrscarmichael / Jan 6 2013 7:42 pm

    Only in the Antipodes! I miss seeing houses on trucks in State Highway 1.

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    • diannegray / Jan 7 2013 5:50 am

      It’s great to watch. I’ve only ever spotted a glimpse of a house on a truck – this time it will be mine (and that makes me nervous) 😉

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  22. pommepal / Jan 6 2013 9:07 pm

    The RUC sounds such an historic place I can see your mind will go into over drive when you get to live in it. Is it going to be a big reno job? or will you leave it with the stained wood walls etc?

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    • diannegray / Jan 7 2013 6:01 am

      It’s a lovely historical place. I’ll keep it as close to ‘classic’ as I can. It’s all tongue and groove inside and the walls are already painted, but I’ll give it a touch-up (that will be a big job because it’s got 15ft ceilings). It’s got 6 french doors leading onto the veranda and I’m going to put new glass in those. The floors are wide hoop-pine so they’ll be cut and polished. A revamped kitchen and bathroom are in order – but this is a lot less than I would have to do on the old farmhouse to completely rebuilt it.

      I can’t wait to get my hands on it! 😉

      Like

      • pommepal / Jan 7 2013 3:02 pm

        Make sure you take lots of photos so we can all share the experiance with you

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  23. 1girl4adamwest / Jan 6 2013 9:08 pm

    Solo cool and the critter eeeek!

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    • diannegray / Jan 7 2013 6:12 am

      I thought the snake might freak you out a bit, so I out it further down the page 😉

      So glad you like the house! 😀

      Like

  24. 4amWriter / Jan 6 2013 9:08 pm

    I love snakes, and I would have been thrilled to find one like that! My husband is terrified and would have also taken off doing a silent rain dance. 😉

    I’m sorry about the farmhouse. I know how excited you were about it. However, I’m glad that you are still able to continue on with the plans with a different building. Sounds really exciting!

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 7 2013 6:11 am

      It was a cute fella – and if they eat rats that’s a big bonus (I hate rats). I took off because I thought it was going to fall on my head – LOL! 😯

      The old farmhouse has had it’s day. I think if we hadn’t moved out it may have survived because we would have been able to keep up on the jobs around the place (so I feel a bit guilty about that). But I’m so excited about the new place and can’t wait to get my hands on it! 😀

      Like

  25. Theo Fenraven / Jan 6 2013 9:42 pm

    People just give you houses in Australia? Wow. No one would do that in the U.S., and moving a house is so cost-prohibitive, it’s rarely done now.

    Love the snake. I happen to enjoy the creatures and would like to find one living in my place.

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 7 2013 6:54 am

      The house was going to be demolished to make way for a brand new club house. It costs money to demolish so they’d rather give it away and that saves them a fair bit of cash. I love old things and have a lot of antiques, so the house will be a perfect project for me.

      I much prefer snakes to rats – so I kinda liked this little guy as well 😉

      Like

  26. cocoaupnorth / Jan 6 2013 10:11 pm

    Great review on your book by Elisa. I’m building up a list of books to read and I will be getting my hands on this one soon:-). Good luck with moving The Ruc, that’s an enormous task.

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 7 2013 6:56 am

      I just hope it makes the trip safely, Cocoa. It only has to go about 20 kilometers, so that’s a good thing!

      I’m glad you liked Elisa’s review – I was absolutely wrapped! 😀

      Like

  27. justinwriter / Jan 7 2013 12:11 am

    Well, I guess I should tell you I don’t like snakes, so I may have missed some of your post as I was fumbling to scroll away from it. The snake, that is … The Ruc should be fun though. Can it be made cyclone proof? Maybe a bunker would be useful for extreme weather. Anyway, at least the project should be faster now.

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 7 2013 7:06 am

      The RUC has been through every cyclone for the last 100 years and is still standing, so that gives me a lot of hope, Justin 😀 Having said that – I’m not keen on cyclones, so if one comes along we usually go to the main farmhouse next door which is all double brick. If the RUC survives the first few, I may think of bunking down there in the future. Many years ago I had a phobia of thunderstorms – then when I experienced my first cyclone I realised that I had nothing to worry about with a ‘normal’ storm and haven’t been frightened of them since!

      Sorry about the snake – I didn’t put it at the top of the page because I didn’t want to give anyone a heart attack! 😀 Because I nearly had one when I saw it!

      Like

      • justinwriter / Jan 7 2013 4:36 pm

        I’m glad you’ll be secure, didn’t want you to blow away. 🙂 Love double brick! I’ve lived in two of them and they’re so cool inside. Ah, yes cyclones. Never been in one, never want to either. Sorry about my comment on snakes. They sort of freak me out. When I opened your post on my ipad, it greeted me. 😦 I’ll have to work out a way to block things I don’t want to see. 🙂 My wife often reminds me of the time we drove over a snake–I lifted my legs up as we went over it. Stupid I know, but it was a reflex action, survival instinct. We didn’t mean to drive over it, just couldn’t avoid it in time … We prefer to move living things out of the way rather than kill them.

        Like

  28. Lynne Ayers / Jan 7 2013 1:39 am

    What a job! But what a blessing – instant new house – upgrades, yes but, not having to re-start from scratch. And I too had to keep scrolling away from that snake – thank you kindly for not having him as your ‘greeter’.

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 7 2013 7:08 am

      I couldn’t put him as the main picture (and I made him smaller as well) because I didn’t want to frighten anyone!

      Even though the house is being moved to the block, it will be a lot less work than completely rebuilding the old place.

      Thank so much for stopping by, Lynne – great to see you here 😀

      Like

  29. Ruth Rainwater / Jan 7 2013 2:07 am

    Too bad about the house structure – but now you get that other fantastic place – Wow!! I used to live in a part of the US where moving houses happened quite often. It was nothing to see a house on a truck being towed along a busy highway! Looking forward to pictures! And snakes are fine by me – except for the poisonous ones, that is! 🙂

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 7 2013 7:12 am

      I have this feeling that it was ‘meant to be’, Ruth 😉 The RUC is such a beautiful building with so much potential and we were very lucky to get it. As I said, a friend mentioned to a friend and then it was ours. So many other people have put their hands up for it since then, but our timing was perfect 😀

      I’ve seen houses on trucks before, but they weren’t mine – now I’m nervous! I really hope it all goes well.

      Snakes don’t particularly bother me – I hate rats and the snakes do a good job of keeping the population down. It’s just that I was worried this one would fall on my head! LOL 😉

      Like

  30. mcwoman / Jan 7 2013 2:07 am

    A well-deserved review. I loved “The Eleventh Question.”

    I’m also happy you’re getting a “new” house. I think the farm house was dismal–at least this way you’ll have a roof over your head and walls to keep out the wind. . . and hopefully the rats and the snakes that feed on them!

    It’s an exciting adventure. I’ll pray for your sanity!

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 7 2013 7:14 am

      Thank you, Barbara! Elisa did a great review and I really like her work.

      The old farm house was definitely past it’s prime and there would have been so much work go into it that we would never have got there comfortably. At least this one has walls and doors! 😀

      Like

  31. Corner of Confessions / Jan 7 2013 2:28 am

    THANK YOU for not putting the snake image up front. I would of been terrified! LOL. You are a brave lady to have simply run away. I would of ran and ran and never went back lol. Luckily I’m a NYC gal so I haven’t had to worry about snake encounters ( knocks on wood cause it would be just my like the one loose snake in NYC would make it into my house lol).

    Hope the move goes smoothly and no more surprise “guests”!

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 7 2013 7:17 am

      The snake picture is scary and I wouldn’t like to open a post to be confronted by something like that! I had to make it smaller and put it lower so I didn’t give someone a heart attack 😉

      Thank you so much for dropping by – great to see you here! 😀

      Like

  32. LjS / Jan 7 2013 2:50 am

    Awww…sorry to hear the old place is done. I restored an old farm house in Tumalo, Oregon and it was an amazing adventure. I have enjoyed following your progress on your place…thank you for sharing.

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 7 2013 7:24 am

      I was determined to get the old place up and running, but the damage from the last cyclone was just too much 😦 I think the new place will be beautiful (and it has walls!)

      I’m sure this will be an amazing adventure and I can’t wait to get my hands on the place 😉

      Like

  33. billyraychitwood1 / Jan 7 2013 4:02 am

    You have such a delightful way of giving your updates – history, accidents, snakes, rats, the RUC… sun specks passing through the cloudy days. As always, thanks for sharing.

    The 5-stars for “The Eleventh Question” – Congratulations! Just not unexpected!

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 7 2013 7:26 am

      Thank you Billy Ray – it’s wonderful to see you here again 😉

      I love your way with words “sun specks passing through the cloudy days” – just beautiful and so humbling for me.

      Like

      • billyraychitwood1 / Jan 9 2013 8:33 am

        Thank you for your kind words… Should you have the time and inclination, catch my posts at thefinalcurtain1.wordpress.com and/or goo.gl/TeQpP. Always my very best to you and yours.
        Billy Ray

        Like

      • diannegray / Jan 9 2013 9:02 am

        Heading there now 😉

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  34. Photos With Finesse / Jan 7 2013 5:07 am

    Congrats on your exciting news! I’m sure the RUC will inspire many a story and, given where you live, I’m sure there will be more creepy critter tales to come!

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 7 2013 7:28 am

      Thank you, Suzan! The RUC ha a history and I’ll be looking into that as well. They need to remove the roof, so I’m sure any ‘critters’ living there will be gone by the time it gets put on the farm. That doesn’t mean some won’t move in further down the track – but that just means more tales and photo opportunities!

      Like

  35. poetmcgonagall / Jan 7 2013 10:20 am

    A fine building, and spacious, too.

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    • diannegray / Jan 8 2013 7:08 am

      It is fairly big inside – most of it is just one huge room (which is how I like it 😉

      Like

  36. Kozo / Jan 7 2013 11:48 am

    What an incredible life you live, Dianne. First, you get a stellar book review that compares your book to the Alchemist. Great comparison. Next, you battle snakes in real life. Then you get to live in the RUC with a bar and foosball table. Truth is stranger than fiction, but it would be hard to decide which is better, your reality or your fiction. haha

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 8 2013 7:13 am

      I was astounded and humbled when Elisa compared The Eleventh Question to The Alchemist – I absolutely love that book!

      Things seem to happen for a reason and I’m a great believer in fate. The timing of us mentioning the old farmhouse and it’s woes was perfect because we would never have been offered the RUC had we not said anything. I’ve always believed the universe conspires and rules our lives – what we send out is what we get back. I see Bloggers for Peace is really taking off and this brings me a lot of joy! 😀

      Like

  37. Spider42 / Jan 7 2013 7:29 pm

    Lot of laughs with this post, thanks for that – always nice to start a week with some fresh laughter and amusement 🙂
    This ability to physically move a house is something I think I envy a little because the solid foundation, brick-laid houses we make here cannot be moved – if it’s done it’s torn down and a new one has to be made in it’s place.
    And I’m sure it wasn’t easy saying goodbye to the place you were looking forward to, but better finding out about the damage now than in some other, less pleasant way, no?
    Cheers and all the best – looking forward to any moving pictures you may get 😉

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 8 2013 7:15 am

      I’ll have the camera poised – we just have to make sure it’s not raining (it is very tropical weather here) otherwise the move will have to wait until the sun comes out.

      So glad you enjoyed reading this post! 😀

      Like

  38. nrhatch / Jan 7 2013 11:27 pm

    Hubby is happy because it has a bar, a Foosball table and a cool-room for the beers.

    Please invite us to the Grand Opening . . . AFTER you hand the “No Snakes” sign!

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 8 2013 7:15 am

      LOL! Everyone is welcome to attend the Grand Opening! What a fabulous idea, Nancy 😀

      Like

  39. Zen A. / Jan 8 2013 12:53 am

    Oh dear. That’s one scary snake! I don’t think I would’ve dared go back into the room… no, the house ever again. That’s one reason I’m not fit to live on farms/in the countryside, pests and such creatures really scare me!
    Good luck with the move! This is the first time I’ve heard of a house being moved elsewhere, haha.

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 8 2013 7:18 am

      They move houses quite a lot here, Zen. I guess it’s because people build new ones but the old ones are very sound and historically significant. To tell you how excited I am would be an understatement. I wish you were here to see the move – it should be awesome! 😀 (promise I’d keep the snakes away from you)

      Like

  40. Lacuna Kittie / Jan 8 2013 1:02 am

    I love snakes. I guess with him living there, you don’t have to worry about rats. He’s a cute snake. I’m guessing he’s not so cute looking to you because you’re not a big fan.

    I’m sorry about the old farm house. The new one looks pretty nifty though!

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 8 2013 7:20 am

      I actually don’t mind snakes, but I thought he was going to fall on my head! 😉 But I hate rats, so he was just doing his job and I have to give him credit for that.

      The new farmhouse should look great and I can’t wait to get pictures to post up here 😀

      Like

  41. Anna Scott Graham / Jan 8 2013 2:03 am

    I too would have done a silent rain dance when faced with a snake. 🙂

    Sorry the farmhouse will have to come down, but those new digs look intriguing. How cool to live in a rugby union clubhouse. Looking forward to the pictures!

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 8 2013 7:22 am

      It’s very exciting, Anna. Inside there are still trophy cabinets on the walls so I’ll be able to use those for my crystal and china (handy – because I don’t have that many trophies!)

      I’m going to try and get as many pics as I can 😀

      Like

  42. sherrylcook / Jan 8 2013 2:45 am

    So glad to hear you found another farmhouse so easily… I noticed that you are a little tearful about saying goodbye to the old one…just an idea…grab some of the old wood and make something out of it… IE, picture frame, stool, table… That way you will always have a bit of it with you. Here’s to the new house!!!

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 8 2013 7:23 am

      That is such a great idea, Sherry! There is some beautiful wood in the old farmhouse and I’m sure I can grab some and make something really nice! You are a gem 😀

      Like

  43. gabrielablandy / Jan 8 2013 3:37 am

    Happy New Year – yours appears to have got off to an exciting start. Would love to see pictures of the RUC being moved.

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 8 2013 7:25 am

      Thank you so much – and a very Happy New Year to you as well! My new year is really taking off to an amazing start (much better than 2012!). I’ll get as many pics as I can 😉

      Like

  44. Rick Mallery / Jan 8 2013 5:47 am

    That’s great! How soon will you have it on your property?

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 8 2013 7:26 am

      The move depends on the weather, Rick. This is a tropical climate so monsoonal rain may affect the timing. At the moment they’re looking at mid next week. I’m nearly jumping out of my skin! 😀

      Like

      • Rick Mallery / Jan 8 2013 8:08 am

        Wow! Awesome. Sounds like a great time.

        Like

  45. Piper George / Jan 8 2013 8:36 am

    Wow – good to see you are making progress. I have tagged you in a post for a Coffee Quiz, if you want to play. http://talkaboutcheesecake.wordpress.com/2013/01/07/milk-and-sugar/

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 8 2013 9:51 am

      Thanks, Piper – I’ll come over and take a look 🙂

      Like

  46. Carrie Rubin / Jan 8 2013 9:01 am

    Oh, jeez, finding a snake would have done me in. I wouldn’t have to worry about finishing my novel or cleaning my house or cooking dinner, because I’d be in a catatonic stupor. Ick and yikes.

    I’m going to un-follow and then re-follow you, because I realize I didn’t receive an email notifying me of this post. I hope that will take care of the problem.

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 8 2013 10:01 am

      The snake was a bit of a shock, Carrie – I thought it was going to land (or poop) on my head (yikes!)

      Thanks for the re-follow 😉

      Like

  47. jmmcdowell / Jan 8 2013 12:29 pm

    I’m sorry the renovation didn’t work out, but it’s amazing that you were offered another house to move onto the property! I just hope it doesn’t come with any unwanted residents like snakes and rats. 🙂

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 8 2013 2:39 pm

      All the snakes and rats will probably fall out on the highway! 😉

      I’m really looking forward to the new place – it’s go so much potential! 😀

      Like

  48. Jacqui Murray / Jan 8 2013 1:26 pm

    Nature is such a delicate balance. I don’t know how we ever think we should interfere. Snake eats rates eats….

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 8 2013 2:40 pm

      We live with so many other creatures on this planet – it’s good to see them (once and a while) 😉

      Like

  49. EJ / Jan 8 2013 4:50 pm

    Wow, the RUC is a bit of a change of plans, but what great timing! It looks pretty big – I’ve seen prefabs move on the motorways here but nothing that looks the size of that place!
    I have never had a snake in my house; I’m quite happy about that, really… 😉

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 9 2013 6:24 am

      It’s good not to have snakes in your house, you should be very happy, EJ 😉

      Apparently they move these big homesteads all the time (I did say “apparently”) so hopefully they know what they’re doing. Your so right about the timing – phew! 😀

      I think it’s going to look very nice out at the farm!

      Like

  50. maggiemyklebust / Jan 8 2013 5:25 pm

    Sorry about the old farmhouse but the RUC looks good… have you checked it for snakes yet?
    ps
    Great review, Dianne!

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 9 2013 6:26 am

      Thanks , Maggie. Elisa is an excellent reviewer 😀

      The old farmhouse has been too damaged from the cyclone – time to put her to rest. And I’ll use some of her beautiful wood in the RUC 😀

      Like

  51. tchistorygal / Jan 9 2013 12:04 am

    Hi Dianne, I’m going to hold off reading the review until I read the book. I’ll write a review, too, and as I do that I’ll copy, ops I meant read, Elisa’s review. I am anxious to read more of your house moving adventure. That is a huge house to move – two story!!! Wow!! I’m so happy for you. I’d be happy to get rid of the snake, too!!!! Ours are poisonous here, but in 12 years I’ve seen one dead little one, and saw that the cats cornered one live one. So I don’t worry as much as I used to. Love this post!!! 🙂

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 9 2013 6:42 am

      Thanks, Marsha! You’re wonderful doing reviews for me – I don’t know where you find the time – but I’m really looking forward to it 😀

      The RUC is two story – but they don’t take the bottom bit because it’s besa block and they just knock that down and take it away. It’ll still be high off the ground, but there will be nothing underneath (to start with) and we can build that in if we want in the future.

      I’m so glad you love this post – I’m so excited I’m jumping out of my skin!!!

      Like

      • tchistorygal / Jan 9 2013 8:31 am

        I bet. When is it happening? Where are you living in the mean time. You probably wrote it, but I forgot. You can just send me the link if you wrote it already!!! 🙂

        Like

      • diannegray / Jan 9 2013 9:01 am

        I’m living at my friend, Joey’s place in the town. He offered the house to me because he went to live at the farm (next door to our farm) when his dad died so he could look after his mum. It’s a beautiful little house so I’m very comfortable 😉

        I’m hoping the RUC will be moved within the next two weeks 😀 “Hoping” is the critical word here….

        Like

      • tchistorygal / Jan 9 2013 9:10 am

        Yeah!!! Then it must take a little bit to get it set up, but basically it will be ready to go. I’m so happy for you!!!

        Like

      • diannegray / Jan 9 2013 9:28 am

        Thank you, Marsha! There is much less work in the RUC than in the old farmhouse (at least it’s got walls) 😉

        Like

      • tchistorygal / Jan 9 2013 10:55 am

        Yes!!!! That’s a big help. Our little house had walls, but we tore them all down to create a new floor plan. Lots of work! 🙂

        Like

  52. Hazy Shades of Me / Jan 9 2013 4:42 am

    A ‘new’ house AND a VIP club membership…pretty high falutin’!! Must be very exciting. Well wishes to enjoy!

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 9 2013 6:44 am

      I’m just too excited – like a kid at Christmas! Woo hoo 😀

      Like

  53. Sheila / Jan 9 2013 11:45 am

    It’s a tough decision, but I think I’d rather have snakes around than rats (as long as the snakes aren’t poisonous). I’m glad you didn’t have one of those accidents from the previous post while ripping that ceiling down!

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 9 2013 1:59 pm

      Me too! Could you imagine – I knocked myself out with a rake and woke up to find a snake wrapped round my face! LOL!

      Like

  54. Linda Vernon / Jan 9 2013 12:41 pm

    What an amazingly eventful life you lead! First of all, you live in Australia which in and of itself qualifies you to be on par with Indiana Jones. You drive through the outback. Come home to face snakes! And then end up getting a new house that used to be The Rugby Union Club all the while writing fabulous novels. You are my hero Diane!! That’s all there is to it!! 😀

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 9 2013 2:01 pm

      WOW – thanks Linda! I never thought I’d be anyone’s hero – ever!

      Woo Hoo *happy dance* 😀

      Like

      • Linda Vernon / Jan 10 2013 2:46 pm

        Well you are! I have a feeling there’s much excitement and laughter in store for us readers!

        Like

  55. donnajeanmcdunn / Jan 9 2013 12:50 pm

    I SO agree with Linda Vernon. I couldn’t have said it better, so I won’t even try!

    Like

    • diannegray / Jan 9 2013 2:02 pm

      Thank you, Donna! I really feel like dancing down the street now like Fred Astaire – all these beautiful compliments 😀

      Like

  56. eof737 / Feb 1 2013 6:20 pm

    What a busy time for you… I’d scamper at the sight of that snake too. 🙂

    Like

  57. Peter / Feb 4 2013 12:45 am

    Dianne,

    I’m so glad you put up this post. I tuned into your blog kind of late in the story and I wasn’t getting the gist of what you are doing out there.

    Now that I know what the RUC is I am so eager to see pix of the move. We have a TV program here that my Son-in-Law introduced me to about “home movers” — professionals who do just what you are having done. It’s always so interesting even though they pack the TV program with all manner of unnecessary angst and drama (after all — TV is all about entertainment, not news).

    Good on you.

    While I’m on the subject…. have you said what part of OZ you are relocating to. Not mailing address, but general environs? I spent a month there some years ago and would like to appreciate something of the geography and setting in my brain if possible.

    anyway…. keep writing

    Like

    • diannegray / Feb 4 2013 6:35 am

      We are in Cairns. Very warm, tropical climate 😉 The house we are moving is classic Queenslander (built sometime between 1870 and 1918) and I’m going to have to do some digging to find out more about it’s history. I’ve never seen a home-moving show, but I’m sure we have something like that on one of the tv channels here. I’m going to try and get pictures of the move and re-location (am I’m really hoping it happens within the next week) 😀

      A friend of our who lives on another farm had it done several years ago and they should have filmed that. The truck carrying the house dropped into the creek because their bridge collapsed and then they had to get it out and stumped in the ground before a cyclone hit. Now that was a drama! I hope we don’t experience anything similar to that!

      Like

      • Peter / Feb 5 2013 12:51 am

        Cairns — We got a little way North of Brisbane. (Warana) I also have a friend (farmer) who lived somewhere near Gladstone.

        Let’s keep the truck out of the ditch! Don’t need that kind of sturm & angst.

        Like

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