This weekend’s trip to The Charlton House had been earmarked to replace the aluminium window in the kitchen with a new timber one, however the plans for that were changed mid week when the new 22,700 litre water tank was delivered but not put in position due to the ground being too wet, on account of the tap timer being used to water the fruit trees being faulty… it turned on OK but failed to turn off, resulting in a swimming pool in the yard and the trench for the stormwater pipe, which Randall had dug a couple of weeks earlier, being full of mud.
By the time we arrived late on Friday afternoon, it had dried out considerably although the ground was still a bit spongy. I guess the sprinklers being on for a couple of days will do that. At least the orchard got a good watering, although I dread the thought of the next water bill.
The trip up on Friday was also the opportunity to test out our new car, which I had picked up just hours earlier on Friday morning. The Commodore Ute was nearing the end of its lease and whilst researching the market for a potential replacement I found the ideal car at an ideal price. So exit 2014 Holden Commodore Ute, enter 2019 Ford Ranger XLT dual cab Ute.
Whilst Skylar found it very different travelling in the back seat and being strapped into a harness which was attached to the seat belt, rather than having free reign in the back of the wagon, we found it an extremely comfortable trip. The new car also got a workout positioning the water tank, after manipulating it over the stormwater trench and into the front yard so we could haul the tank into an upright position via a strap attached to the tow bar.
Once the tank was in position I was able to complete the stormwater drain and hook it up to the tank, so all we need now is some rain! Saturday’s work ended with the backfilling of the stormwater trench followed by a hot shower to remove all the mud, and a hard earned beer.
Sunday morning’s job was to make some adjustments to the back door, after the warm weather caused the house to shift a little and stop the door from closing properly.
After completing our usual Sunday chores we toured around the town visiting a number of lovely gardens opened up as part of the Charlton Gardening Club’s open gardens day. We then headed into town for lunch at the Rotary Club’s annual art show.
After a very pleasant day we packed our stuff and ourselves into the car for the trip home. Now looking forward to the Charlton Show next weekend.
Manipulating the Ranger over the trench and into the yard
Tank on its way to being upright
Success! Tank in place.