Blog Archives

New book soon to be published

New book to be published soon

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Spinning alpaca fleece

Enjoying spinning

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Tweed Initiation

We’ve passed the Tweed Initiation! Life has been exciting up here. Thursday (30th March) we had an impressive amount of about 700ml rain in a day – surrounded by water we felt like we were back in our former Scotland

Posted in RousHouse

Local Rocks

Since moving to Chillingham, one of my favourite pastimes has become fossicking for interesting rocks carried by our river, the Rous. Although a complete novice I’ve collected some pretty rocks. I was delighted to discover Alec Chapman at the Chillingham

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New Zealand tour with Chillingham Voices

Very successful tour. Pics and notes coming soon.

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Spring Flowers

New rose – ‘Fearless’, iceland poppies, california poppies, snap-dragons. Some of the delights of our garden.

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Taking off 2 – Chillingham Voices

We’ve survived enjoyed our ‘dress rehearsal’ – now its time to pack. Chillingham Voices are off to tour New Zealand October 3-13.

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Tyalgum Music Festival

Tyalgum music festival was a big success. The music was superb – loved ushering. Creating new songs about our area with Cathy Milliken was very special – a unique happening. Chillingham Voices and Murwillumbah Philharmonia choirs performed them well. I’ve

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Grandma by Myles

Grandma by Myles Cover (Joyce Hammond’s grandson & Nettie Cubbin’s great-great-grandson) Presented as part of the launch of ‘Cradled by Man’ at Nettie’s birthday party King Island July 16th 2016 We would like to give thanks to a wonderful woman

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150 year Netherby Celebrations: Shipwreck and birth of Nettie (my great-grandmother) on King Island beach

Netherby celebrations – King Island July 2016 150 years after the Netherby met its fate We returned to King Island to celebrate The survival of all passengers and crew Plus the birth of one more – brand new On Thursday

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Quaint & Curious

Premier showing of the ‘black lace dress’ and dinner suit. Complete with full slit makes me feel like an opera singer.  

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Myles and Jane Wedding

Myles and Jane’s wedding was like no other Complete with, in Seattle, the other brother Bob, the kelpie, bedecked with bow-tie Between man and wife did lie Jane looked so beautiful in her dress of red lace Lovely flowers, thanks

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Cradled by Man published

Paperback available now. Kindle version coming soon.

Posted in Books

We have hens

‘Spicks’, ‘Specks’ and ‘Short black’ – have settled in well. ….still trying to get good photos – they love scratching under the trees.                                    

Posted in RousHouse

Last mango – 1.5 kg

Our mango tree produced fruit for the first time. Storm early December destroyed most of them …but the few that remained grew sooo big. …and tasted really good. The last one weighed 1.5 kg and lasted us all week for

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Raising the Flag at RousHouse April 2015

Our first flag …present from Rex & Myles …the Isle of Man. Proper flag-raising ceremony! ..during rainy Easter.        

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My Rous river rock collection

Too many precious stones for verandah …now fairy rings around the oak tree.                         Our masked lapwing residents (plovers) clearly enjoy the fairies! This is their favourite spot in the

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Chillingham Choir Christmas Party

The Chillingham Voices Choir holds its Christmas party each year in early January – most sensible! This year it was on Friday Jan 8th. A great night – wonderful performances by many choir members and a delicious dinner at interval.

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New Years Eve – Great Birthday

New years eve 2015 was a wonderful, memorable birthday. Began with delicious breakfast cooked by Myles, Jane, Rex, Jemma. Then birthday cake cooked by Grahame. Finale – New Years Eve Masked Party at RousHouse …our house-warming party. No mask –

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Frogs on the deck

Some of our frogs

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