Zero Carbon Australia Launch Video

Worth watching, and the downloadable plan is not overly technical or wordy. Good clear graphic models. I don't have any children or grandchildren, but I can see the negative effects of climate change.

House raising and renovation.

Finding it very difficult to obtain quotes and costings, even with engineer's certified plans. Quotes so far have been nearly twice the amount we expected, and we have had to ask for costings. At this time it looks like we may have to do the job in stages. :-(
I was hoping to avoid doing that because of the added cost and inconvenience of moving stuff in and out of the house. Also I have torn a ligament in both my calves, which slows me down somewhat. I am growing a mo' for Movember.
Bernadette is working hard, and long hours, pus she has had concerts last weekend and this weekend. She has also had to attend several functions in the evenings outside working hours.

We fabulous weekend at Mapleton for our wedding anniversary, and marked that special occasion with an 8 course degustation dinner at Le Ralais Bressan ( see Flickr for further photo details)

House raising

Have had the soil test done, site classification M - moderately reactive clay site. Only problem is the draughtsman now wants another couple of $100 to include it in his own engineer's report. Design drafters to visit soon, $400 for measure up.

Well I didn't finish the Hawaii report, not much to tell. The biggest disappointment was being ripped off by the Softball Tour organisers on our accommodation. The best part was snorkeling Hanauma Bay. We had a good break.
Joined the Samford Local Food Growers Group, and have started helping to get Council support for a The Gap Community Garden. Council now appears to be in support so it loks like we will be able to take the next steps with our site of first choice. Bernadette is not playing softball this season, and we have each bought a new pushbike but it's been too wet to ride most of the time. Our garden is going ok and we have a few new ducks, including Khaki Campbells and a Saxony. I bought a Rouen, but it has turned out to be drake. (piccies on Flickr)
We are having Photovoltaic Power cells installed, and have taken first steps to raising the house. There may also be other big changes which I will detail soon.