2024-01-14 08:35
One Night House SitNew Year's Eve and I had no plans to celebrate - so I was available to mind a cat while all family members were out and about. Easy. Well, it was.I suppo… Read More
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Diary Of A House Sitter And Traveller Blog
housesitdiary.blogspot.com.au
I have been a house sitter - looking after folks' homes while they travel. After driving around Australia on my own I have settled at Beachmere, north of Brisbane. Now it's time to write.
2023-12-22 00:34
Out of "Retirement"?As 2024 approaches, there are two possibilities of house sitting again. It has been quite a few years since I was an enthusiastic house sitter - with great gi… Read More
2020-11-08 04:35
Time flies - especially if you are having fun, and I guess I have been having fun for a long time. It is great living back in Wynnum again, and catching up with friends from the days I… Read More
2020-03-08 22:04
What Next?International Women's Day 2020 will be imprinted on my brain forever, I think, as I decided that this date is day one of a new beginning.I completed the GAB training program just t… Read More
2019-12-29 05:16
My Toyota CoasterI bought my old bus several years ago and had a few adventures in it. I lived in it for a while, but eventually decided I did not want to use it any more.It's looking… Read More
2019-12-27 05:58
What I discovered when I found a USB Stick.I found a USB Stick. One challenge when one moves around (house sitting and different semi-permanent addresses) is that things get lost o… Read More
2019-12-22 08:45
The PriestHe was a friend of my then-husband. They worked together on a major committee and he visited us at home on a regular basis. He was a funny man and our two children a girl and… Read More
2019-12-21 00:18
Summer Dry HeatSummer in Australia is usually very hot. However, this year, 2019, in the first month of summer, records are being broken in all states. There are bushfires ev… Read More
2018-12-13 23:12
Rain, Rain, Go Away - Come Again Another DayTo me, it's a bad day when I want to write and the clouds appear overhead and it rains. Today it is so dark and gloomy that I have to have the lig… Read More
2018-11-25 08:39
Is this the end of my house sitting? By the end of the year, I will have spent almost three months in this lovely unit at Beachmere. But I am "over" it. Moving from house t… Read More
2018-11-09 21:51
Bamboo FanIt says it on my business card, that I am a "Bamboo Fan" - though some folk are not sure of the meaning. I just love bamboo products and I am a great fan of the plant, its be… Read More
2018-11-07 05:34
Why I'm "homeless".It's around 18 months since I left the unit in Beachmere, bought the Toyota Coaster, lived in it for a while and then found house sitting opportunities. I'd left my… Read More
2018-11-04 04:10
Paper Cutting in ChinaBelow is a photo of one of the paper cutting pieces I purchased while in China. I was fascinated by this folk art and I have managed to create some interesting, b… Read More
2018-10-30 05:48
How Many Pelicans Today?The bridge from the mainland to Bribie Island is over 50 years old - and nothing much has changed in that time! It has thirteen lights on the bridge, and during… Read More
2018-10-28 09:02
Motor Event CrashThis morning while staying at the George Williams Hotel in Brisbane, I turned the television on briefly. A news item shocked me. Last night (October 27th) a car… Read More
2018-10-21 23:44
SandcliffeIn August, I attended a Writers Festival in Sandgate, a seaside suburb of Brisbane. One of the guests was Rhonda Collard-Spratt, who came along with her co-writer Jacki… Read More
2018-10-20 04:39
The Sydney Opera House OpensThis morning, while listening to the ABC, I heard that it was 45 years since the opening of the Sydney Opera House. We were living in Sydney at the time.&nb&hell…Read More
2018-10-18 06:14
Where's Beachmere?I can't remember how I found out about this tiny township, just north of Brisbane. I first went to Beachmere in 2012, when I was about to embark on my solo drive around Aus… Read More
2018-10-14 23:44
Happy WritingEvery year, in October, members of the Society of Women Writers Queensland, stay at Bribie Island, just north of Brisbane. We stay at a historic home called Coungeau House where… Read More
2018-10-04 22:15
Two weeks ago, I was a speaker at a function for women in small business in the Bayside. I was asked to speak about some of my adventures. I have been fortunate in that I ha… Read More
2018-10-04 21:23
My last house sit was on Bribie Island - in a house behind the shopping centre. I don't think I have ever lived so close to shops. I did have a bit of fun visiting the centr… Read More
2018-06-09 20:50
In the past two weeks, I have helped out in two rather dramatic events. One, a domestic violence issue where an aggressive man was abusing a woman who had a baby and a perhaps 3-year-o… Read More
2018-05-30 08:38
There's a cemetery just near my daughter's place at Hemmant. I drive past it often but suddenly decided to call in and take some photos the other day.I had been before, as I researched… Read More
2018-05-19 06:16
House sitting comes with challenges. Let me explain that I am not criticising here. I am just stating that every home is different. As a house sitter one often lives in a p… Read More
2018-05-17 06:03
Today there is "shock" that there is so much sexual assault in Australia. I don't think it is just Australia - I think it is something that is far more widespread than just this countr… Read More
2018-05-17 06:02
I am back house sitting again. It wasn't in the plan, but I am thankful that the opportunities came to me. It has enabled me to live "rent-free" for almost a year now. I am… Read More
2017-08-01 08:26
Well, it is nearly the end of my house sitting at Southport, Queensland. I return to Brisbane tomorrow and continue the preparations for the drive to Alice Springs and Uluru.Some of my… Read More
2017-07-26 03:18
I've been house sitting at Southport on the Gold Coast. Have I mentioned before that I am not a fan of the Gold Coast? It is a beautiful place no doubt and a great place for tour… Read More
2017-07-24 06:57
It really has been a busy time. I thought staying at Southport on the Gold Coast would mean more time to write and do things. But it has not worked out quite like that.Fun at the… Read More
2017-07-20 08:45
For some years I have had an interest in obituaries. Yes, as you read this you probably think I have some sort of weird obsession with death. That's not true. I do have a d… Read More
2017-07-20 03:55
After five weeks house sitting in Clayfield, I moved into the van. It is essential I learn to live in it - though it would be good to do some small trips in it. That won't happen - tho… Read More
2017-07-10 08:12
Clayfield is a lovely old suburb close to the city of Brisbane. You can read some of its history here. The suburb was part of my life for many years, though I have never lived in… Read More
2017-06-04 06:51
Here I am living just 7kms from the city of Brisbane – wishing I could be living in the country again. I have lived in cities (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane), but they get busier a… Read More
2017-05-23 05:21
I remember visiting the city years ago - not long after we arrived in Queensland. Brisbane was a little behind the times in the 1970's in many ways - and over the years since has becom… Read More
2017-05-19 06:41
My relationship with cats is quite a story. I remember that when I was little my sister and I had a cat each. I think mine was Tinkey and hers was Winkey. I have no idea ho… Read More
2017-05-17 02:17
It came out of the blue. I was packing up and moving out of my unit at Beachmere, expecting to live on the streets in my campervan. Then an unexpected phone call from a friend, w… Read More
2017-05-13 22:12
It was something that I have discussed before. I have had a range of neighbours while living at Beachmere, and was devastated when my "best" ones moved north. Their replacement … Read More
2017-05-11 06:17
Oh, if only I could say and know that I would never move again. Ever. Moving on one's own is a BIG job, though I did have the help of a friend for a few days in the end.I think i… Read More
2017-04-19 07:44
Well, they are valuable to me. I wonder if my family will be interested in my school end of year books? I'm not mentioned in any of them - they are just part of my past but after… Read More
2017-04-12 10:39
There's so much to do. I am working to move out of my unit - downsizing, and move full time into my new Toyota Coaster. My Toyota CoasterWell, it is not "new" - it is a 1983 mode… Read More
2017-03-22 22:09
With plans to move into my new abode, the Toyota Coaster - Murtle the Purple Turtle, I have to "downsize." It is something that has been on my agenda for a while, but now it is essenti… Read More
2017-03-21 04:13
In recent times I have been deep in tough about my next "move". Not that I want to move from the township of Beachmere, but I was "drowning" under the high cost of renting. My th… Read More
2017-03-04 07:46
I still like to drive long distances. I drove up to Rockhampton a few days ago from my home just north of Brisbane. I was on a mission to see something and time was an issue. &nb&hell…Read More
2017-02-17 02:49
After my visit there yesterday, I have done more research on Boggo Road Gaol. I found this video which explains the riot in 1988, and the subsequent closure of the Gaol. I was li… Read More
2017-02-16 22:30
Where has the year gone? Ok, we are only in the middle of the second month of the year, but it is going so fast, I am somewhat overwhelmed!! It has been busy. I have been workin… Read More
2017-01-06 21:51
A whole week has gone since the New Year started. I had a huge "To Do List" that I had hoped to complete the week between Christmas and New Year, but I didn't manage it. Maybe in… Read More
2016-12-30 20:20
It was David Horne who coined the words "the lucky country" way back in the 1970's I think. One only has to pick up a newspaper, or read news on the internet to see that we are well aw… Read More
2016-12-28 22:40
I am staying at my daughter's home in Brisbane. Her husband and children are in Rockhampton with his parents - and after collecting her at Brisbane Airport on Tuesday night I have stay… Read More
2016-12-27 23:43
I enjoy this time of the year. Not just the parties, the family get togethers and the feasting, but the idea that a new year is about to start. I like making plans for the new ye… Read More
2016-12-23 21:43
It does look wonderful when you drive around your neighbourhood and many of the houses are decorated with lights to celebrate the Christmas Season!!I live in what is described as a village… Read More
2016-12-22 23:18
People ask me why I seem to "love" China! I often reply that I have a "love-hate" relationship with the country that I lived in for 2008 and half of 2010. It is very heard to com… Read More
2016-10-20 06:33
I heard on the radio today of a play Mother - a one woman show with Noni Hazelhurst. I'd love to see it, as it focuses on one of the issue of homeless ageing women.I am not sure I can g… Read More
2016-10-14 09:25
My first dog was a bitzer - a bit of this and a bit of that. My husband bought her for me soon after we were married. I was no well and was lonely and miserable. Lena was a… Read More
2016-10-05 05:12
What is retirement? Is that when you are supposed to do nothing and watch tv or visit friends all the time? Not me - I am still "working" - as a volunteer for several groups.My f… Read More
2016-09-25 23:41
After returning home from my trip, I was exhausted and my foot was swollen making walking challenging, so I tried to rest up - elevate it. But nothing seemed to work.Then I was off to… Read More
2016-09-12 21:29
Well, I have returned to my home in Beachmere, after around 8000 kms driving from Brisbane to Canberra, Melbourne, across the Tasman Sea on the Spirit of Tasmania, then on to Launceston and… Read More
2016-09-06 21:58
Before leaving Warrnambool I visited the Allansford Cheese Factory, and then went on to Port Fairy and the drive across to Mt Gambier.I'd driven on the route several times but man years ago… Read More
2016-08-30 21:56
Sadly I have been unable to find the time (and the internet access) to update my travels on this site.I am still travelling. I set off as planned and stayed at Boggabilla, Dubbo, Canbe… Read More
2016-08-13 21:50
Well, in 24 hours time, I expect to be on the road on my way to Boggabilla in New South Wales.I am not quite ready, but will be by the end of today I suspect/hope.I am booked. Read det… Read More
2016-08-12 21:52
I nearly completed the Ultimate Blog Challenge, but not quite. As it turned out July ended up being a very busy month for me, and I was challenged daily with the UBC, but managed most… Read More
2016-07-10 20:50
Well, I am up to Day 10 on the Ultimate Blog Challenge, but using my other site here. As much as I am a lover of blogger and teach that to my students who are embarking on creati… Read More
2016-07-02 05:09
For years I have been a Blogger Fan - and happy. I felt that as a Writer I needed to be a bit more technical to work with WordPress. I have had a website with WordPress, but when… Read More
2016-06-20 23:24
I have written on this topic before and usually get lots of negative feedback. But I am undeterred.Years ago when I had children, one of the ways of disciplining children was to smack… Read More
2016-06-17 21:37
Today is Heritage Day at the Caboolture Historical Village. On this day I will be working in the old Hospital - a former Caboolture Hospital Building. Today I will wear my… Read More
2016-06-16 21:03
"Oh, what a wonderful morning...."We Aussies do live in a "lucky" country. We Australians love travelling. The country I have visited most in my life is China. After working ther… Read More
2016-06-07 21:20
I visit the city often - usually during the day. I am in and out before dark. Today though I set off to do something late in the afternoon. Stopping at the Eden Garden Nursery fo… Read More
2016-06-05 22:11
Something older folk have 'in spades' is memories. We can look back over a long period of time and recall events, places, people and more. Often I will write something about my p… Read More
2016-06-04 01:33
It is certainly not beautiful weather here at the moment. Brisbane, Queensland and surrounding areas are experiencing a "Severe Weather Event". (Below is a snip of a bit of the w… Read More
2016-06-01 05:47
What is affordable housing?According to Wikipedia "Affordable housing is housing deemed affordable to those with a median household income[1] as rated by country, State&n&hell…Read More
2016-05-31 09:47
I hope I don't breach copyright with this - but it came in an email. Thought I'd put it here.No matter what our kidsAnd the new generation think about us,WE ARE AWESOME !!! OUR Li… Read More
2016-05-30 06:52
There's been a bit of media discussion about front fences in housing. I live in a street where fences are not permitted, though two properties do have them. When I was a child w… Read More
2016-05-28 09:17
Today I drove to Maroochydore to have breakfast with a friend at a Cafe there. She is a Writer with Weekend Notes too, and we chatted for a few hours about our writing and our liv… Read More
2016-05-26 10:03
I am still considering the journey from Brisbane to Melbourne, then across to Devonport by boat and a few days drive around the island of Tasmania, then from Melbourne to Adelaide and then b… Read More
2016-05-24 22:35
Where is my Kindle? I hate it when I set out to "downsize" and in the mess of what results I lose something. Today I went to download an ebook from Amazon.com.au and I could not find the Kin… Read More
2016-05-22 22:40
Do you remember "The Golden Rule"?"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you?"In Matthew 7:12 Jesus says, “So in everything, do to others what you woul… Read More
2016-05-20 06:54
How many Books is Too Many? I wonder. I recall a cousin telling me that she had more than 10,000 books in her library - and we worked out if she read 2 per week it would take alm… Read More
2016-05-19 07:28
I love garlic and use it frequently in my cooking. I have attempted to grow it, but have not been very successful at it. In the past I managed it in a garden, but my "in pot" garden is… Read More
2016-05-17 05:02
I write for Weekend Notes - mainly in Brisbane, so when I am out and about, I talk to business owners and take photos, and then conjure up a story.My latest stories have been about Sutton's… Read More
2016-05-15 23:19
2016-05-15 22:08
I have been asked to post an article about an event happening this week on Weekend Notes. I was given the flyer - and I now see that it has n phone number.Grrr.Signs - oh, I could go o… Read More
2016-05-15 08:53
Today at the markets at Bribie Island I saw something that brought back many memories for me. The history of the Rawleigh Company which started in the US is very interesting, and you ca… Read More
2016-05-15 06:29
When I was little I went to church. I believe that I was a good Christian girl, though I confess I didn't read much of the Bible. I did go to church every week though - for many… Read More
2016-05-10 23:46
There are so many things to learn from the Chinese. They are an amazing people. I do enjoy going there as every day, almost every hour, there is something to learn. They do… Read More
2016-05-06 07:11
It seems to be happening all around the place these days. Homes and businesses are being robbed on a regular basis. No one seems to be safe these days. Every day the media… Read More
2016-05-06 05:26
Despite all the warnings of the dangers of smoking, people still do. I know I was a smoker once upon a time, and luckily was able to give it up easily in the end. I didn't have a troub… Read More
2016-05-06 00:00
There clearly is something wrong with me. I have never 'done drugs'. Though I was in my teens when the young folk in Australia started widely using "weed" to get a high. It… Read More
2016-05-05 10:00
I have to laugh a little as I have a tattoo. Not a real one, but one that I had expected would have disappeared without trace, within 48 hours of it being applied at the Urban Music Fe… Read More
2016-05-03 22:41
I started writing for Weekend Notes many months ago, and gradually I am learning to make the most of this amazing website that is international and gives writers in many places around the wo… Read More
2016-05-02 23:23
There is a lot of discussion at the moment re the "housing market" in Australia at the moment. Housing prices are going up and up, and often the houses are being bought by investors wh… Read More
2016-04-30 21:36
It has happened again. A house fire as a result of a candle - and again, a candle in a child's room. My advice to all mothers and fathers, and indeed anyone is that candles and c… Read More
2016-04-24 23:50
I was up early this morning - planning to ride my bike to the Anzac service at Beachmere, but could not find my helmet. It is unlawful to ride without it, so I ended up driving. … Read More
2016-04-24 23:15
A busy weekend again, with part of Saturday and Sunday at the War Plane Fly In event at Caboolture Airport. It was a busy place with a number of vintage planes taking to the air. … Read More
2016-04-24 08:38
A few weeks ago, I made a decision to drive to Kingaroy (175 kms) from where I live at Beachmere, to write stories for Weekendnotes.com along the way. I planned to stay overnight… Read More
2016-04-19 21:34
Anzac Day - April 25th, is celebrated with great enthusiasm each year - and getting larger each year. The first commemoration in Queensland was in 1916!!My parents were both in the arm… Read More
2016-04-18 21:33
I set out to a friends place to help her set up her blog. She lived a few streets away from where we used to live way back in the early 1970's, so as I set up the GPS, I decided… Read More
2016-04-18 21:03
Would it be wonderful if our writing was perfect from the moment it appeared on the page? I do know of course, that there are few books published that have NO errors in them, and I tol… Read More
2016-04-17 21:02
I am not sure that I can recall a great deal about the first few years of my life. My mother told me some things that I remember.My parents were in the Australian Army - which is where… Read More
2016-04-17 04:27
I am thinking of finishing off my Memoir and maybe getting it published. As I was born back in the 1940's, I have a lot to recall and write. In fact, I have done most of it, and… Read More
2016-04-17 02:07
When I first lived in China in 2008, I learnt that not all the massive buildings around the cities have residents or tenants. It was rather weird, to see massive buildings that seemed… Read More
2016-04-13 22:04
I do love "wireless" and wish more equipment that is used in the home (or office) is wireless. I wrote recently about irons, and the fact that there is an element of wireless. Th… Read More
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