Cows are home, birds are fed
Things have been crazy busy around the RUC in the past few weeks. I pulled up the floor in the spare room last week and am now in the process of raising it by about 2 centimetres (or half an inch). The floor had a distinct sag in it (even though it was built with all new wood) because the beams on the edge were thicker than the ones in the middle – like some of the builders who didn’t notice the difference when they laid them.
I noticed when I drove to town the other day that all the cows were safely back in their paddock so I don’t have to worry anymore about riding one home after dog walk. Those cows certainly added some excitement around here (as did the cowboys).
The bird bath/feeder my neighbour made for me is a HUGE hit with the birds. Check them out below.
Hey buddy – what are you lookin’ at?
Um yes – my lawn needs mowing, but aren’t they cute! And I think they’re here to stay.
***Have a great week!***
Dianne Gray author 
Oh, floor leveling is such a chore! I’ve done it, several times in old houses. This time in building we were VERY picky about the lumber for our beams–so that the floors would be more level. At least at the end of a hard day you can step out and watch those crazy birds.
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It’s amazing how a couple of centimeters can make such a difference to a floor. I’ll know next time to be very picky about the lumber – it didn’t occur to me at the time that each piece wasn’t exact and it wasn’t until I laid the flooring that I noticed – argh! 😦 But you’re right about the birds, it’s very relaxing watching them at the end of the day xxx
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There’s a big crowd at the bird buffet. Word must spread fast around your place. 🙂
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Haaaa – it does look like a bird buffet! They’re loving it 😉
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Great pictures of the birdfest Dianne.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
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Thanks David. I’m so glad you like it – massive hugs to you too xxxxx
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They definitely are cute! I wouldn’t want to disturb them.
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It’s a serious business eating all that seed, Colline 😀
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Love that bath and feeder! There is always something to do on the farm.
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That’s right Dannie, there’s so much to do in a day. I thought I’d be relaxing and writing when I left my full time job – how wrong I was! 😀
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Wonderful photos, Dianne!! Makes me happy to see your pictures…
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I’m so glad Sheila – there’s just so much worry and pain in the world at the moment – it’s nice to take a break from it every now and again. Love to you all xxxxx
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I wouldn’t know the first thing about pulling up a floor. You always impress me!
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I wouldn’t have known anything about it either a few years back Carrie – but I guess this is my lot now so I have to learn. I was there when they built it, so I kind of know how it works. I may end up making it worse, but hey – I’ll always try something 😀 xxxx
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Those are some happy birds! I’m curious what kind they are, Dianne?
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They’re chestnut breasted finch. I was standing up on the veranda because I didn’t want to disturb them so the pictures aren’t as clear as I would have liked – but they’re definitely cuties! xxx
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They certainly are cuties, Dianne. Thanks for identifying! ❤
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No worries, Jill – my pleasure! 😉
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What a fun, busy life you lead. Keep sharing! You’re my taste of nature.
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It’s good to know you enjoy getting some good doses of nature from Australia, Jacqui! xxx
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As long as the birds are happy! And they sure look it. LOL Glad you won’t have to ride a cow back home. That would be uncomfortable. 😉
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I’ll say – those cows are bigger than I thought. One approached me a few weeks ago and I was scared! hahaha 😀
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I would be too! lol
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Love that you have a “standing room only” crowd at your gorgeous bird bath & feeder!
Good luck with the floor ~ that’s a BIG project.
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Anyone would think they were starving, Nancy (but I know they’re not). There was a lot of squawking and shoving – first in first served as they say! 😀
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That’s such a rustic-looking bird feeder! Love it. 😀 (and they seem to love it too, haha)
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Yes it’s very rustic, Zen – it was made from old stuff in my neighbours shed. I love it! 🙂
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Wow – that’s great that so many birds are enjoying your smorgasbord! It’s nice that there’s a built-in pool up there for them too. Do you have squirrels out there? We keep trying to make sure the birds get our bird food, but the squirrels climb up on the feeder every chance they get and they end up eating most of it. The squirrels will go through all kinds of acrobatics to get the food so we haven’t been able to fool them yet. It’s nice to see the birds enjoying the food instead. I was hoping to see you riding a cow home! 🙂
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We don’t have squirrels here, Sheila – but I’ve heard they can really disrupt bird feeding. We have bandicoots but (thankfully) they don’t climb, they just dig. I’m so glad the birds are loving the feeder and pool (though it’s hard to keep the pool clean :D)
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Well, a nice bird bath and feeder. It’s a bit like a bird holiday camp though, luxury. They’d survive without it Dianne, wouldn’t they? 😉 Nice swipe at the builders who I guess did notice but hoped you wouldn’t 🙂
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I thought you’d notice that swipe, Roy. They were the ones we got and then fired after the house was stumped and settled. They said they knew everything about old houses but they knew nothing. We got a good builder after that who fixed most of their dodgy work 😉
Those birds would certainly survive without the feeder – they eat the grass seeds and sugar cane flower seeds They’re healthy little blighters! 😀
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So, here I have my answers! 🙂 🙂 Love the bird bath, Dianne. The thought of you floor laying, not so much! Onwards and upwards 🙂
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I took a wall out yesterday and started on the floor – but it’s rest day today 😀 xxx
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Phew! 🙂 🙂
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I am SO in love with that birdfeeder. I know that’s a true ‘original,’ but he should sell them – maybe through your site. :-0 Loved your veiled comment about the builders who missed the uneven wood. xo
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Haaaa – yes, those builders need a good boot in the backside. Luckily we fired them before they did any more damage (but they did ruin two of the doors I sanded) 😦
I’ll tell him you love the birdfeeder and I’m sure he’ll be thrilled 🙂 xxxx
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wonderful! I feel like it’s been forever since I last read your wonderful words…. I have been absent for a while. It’s great to read you again!
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It’s great to see you back here DAF! Thank you for the kind words xxxx
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❤
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Glad the cows made it home safely. Sorry about the floor headache. How annoying. And so delighted by the lovely bird bath/feeder. I’m sure your neighbor is glad it’s such a success too.
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He’s so happy to see those birds having a wonderful time in it! 😀
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Cute birds! I bet they’re making a racket while bathing and feeding, aren’t they? That’s a key memory I have from my visit Down Under a few years ago: all the birds were so loud – much louder than North American birds. I think it’s because the people are loud too and the birds don’t want to be outdone.
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Haaa – you’re so right, Janna, the birds here are very noisy indeed 😀
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I’m glad the feeder is such a hit, great pictures!
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I took some more shots yesterday, Andrea – it’s becoming an even bigger hit with birds lining up on the chains waiting to jump in! 😀
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The finches are lovely… we saw varieties all around Australia, they are friendly but wary at the same time. They’d be very happy with their new amenities.
There’s always something to be done with an old house., or life in general. The days, weeks fly by. If I’m lucky I tick off that day’s list. But I’m not handy so replacing a floor wouldn’t be on my list!
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I’m half way through the floor now, Dale and a friend who is a builder is coming to help (thank goodness). You’re so right about being busy, I just don’t stop these days. I thought I was busy when I worked full time, but this is a different kettle of fish altogether. 😉 xxx
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Good to know all is well on the home front! Sorry to hear of your need for renovations so shortly after renovations. Best to you in all of this!!
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Thanks Allen. I kind of knew the floor was bad when I first put the floating floor down on top of it. I tried to ignore it for a couple of years, but it just got the better of me! 😀
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Those birds know how to party! Glad the cows are home safe, and love the way you take life by the horns and level it 😉 Do you reckon you might’ve been a cowboy in another life….? Among other things, so multi-talented and ‘can do’ are you… Hugs, Harula x
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There are more and more of those birds coming every day – I might have to get my neighbour to build a bigger version! 😀
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Lucky you, I wish I could have a feeding tray but my kitties would think it was take away lunch. Hoping the warmer weather arrives here soon Dianne the frosts are evil this winter. Im betting you never see one up there though. Happy Sunday to you.
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I’ve been loving the cool weather, Kath – but it never gets below 16 here so I guess that a bonus. Come Summer time I’ll be crying 😀
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On zero here some days, it gets a bit much Dianne I walked outside this morning and wow! no frost and a warm breeze, quite bizarre for this time of year.
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