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cassandra

Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 19 12:59 am Post subject:
Thanks Yes. A woollen blanky is already in there. For pulling over my head in the worst case scenario (radiant heat is the killer, and once the fire front passes you can get the hell out). It's a really good quality heavy woollen job. And I might pop the swag in too - good thinking. Total fire ban and strong winds make burning a patch a bit unwise at this point.

cassandra

Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 19 4:32 am Post subject:

And today's weather, apart from the wind, was a bit overstated, so that's lucky. Hopefully the cold front pushing up from the Antarctic will win over the Low coming down from the north, and it will rain, but I have a feeling it will just give us lightning.

Sorry for the doom and gloom. I am amused at my packing priorities - teddy bears are now in the ute. I should take this as a cue for decluttering. If it wasn't important enough to save, do I really need it? (apart from the things that are left because they are insured and replaceable that is).

Take care all - blizzards and all.

Mistress Rose

Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15592

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 19 8:29 am Post subject:

Hope you won't need to evacuate Cassandra, but stay safe whatever happens. Rather a frightening situation; I still remember the big fire we had in our nearby woods that happened when I was 4, but it is so unusual round here that I suppose I would. Hope you get the rain.

We have the opposite of you; cold and still, but any wind is coming from the Arctic and is really cold. For about the first time ever I felt I needed a hat yesterday while shopping-and of course being a first I had left it at home.

gregotyn

Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area

Posted: Thu Jan 24, 19 3:22 pm Post subject:

Snow yesterday, about 4 inches, but not too bad I went in 4wd for the first time today I forgot in the snow! but safe enough, the main roads all gritted though white as they had not long been "done" very long before I went out, all the main roads were clear today. Our council boys are really good-thinking of the overtime-they are on the go so that if you are a stones throw uphill from a road you are ok, my drive goes down to the road and is stone. I assume you didn't need to secure that log load as it would have frozen to the pickup!

Now don't call me young man Cassandra, as my chest will swell to the point I will be unable to see the knitting needles! At present kindling is the priority I am doing as much as I can as often as possible to the point I am now starting to saw "stock" boards of 2 to 3 metres stuff which I would prefer to keep for "jobs" which come up periodically. This year has highlighted that I need to build another shed for storage of either nets of sticks or at least cut sticks so that I have a bulk amount that I can call on in times of shortage-like now it is a bit hand to mouth. I have a back log of about 60 nets, but that could be swallowed in a week if things get worse; Sometimes I wish 'they' would turn the oil heating on! (Only joking).
Anyway take care, Cassandra-an order not a request!!!!
I don't have a lot of time on my hands right now for knitting, I am in work at 5am, or sooner some days, if I know a lot of spares are coming in for that day jobs, if I am late the mechanics myther me till they get what they want and I don't like to be hurried-I want it right first time.
I am not sure why round needles negate the need to purl....? I think you need get out before the ash starts falling Cassandra, get ahead and know where you are going to be safe. I hope that wind does as you wish-radio for instructions I guess?

I always need a hat MR., I don't have much thatch left! I have big beanie hat which looks like I have 2 ears sticking up above my head-but it is very warm-objective achieved!

cassandra

Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 19 1:25 am Post subject:

So far it's all good - lots of smoke about but up high and blocking the sun. And the smell of it suggests there's nothing burning nearby.

There's some rain down the South west which may or may not make its way up here (hope so). The local 'refuge' is no longer available because tomorrow is the sheep dog trials and apparently preparation for that takes precedence, haha.

Apart from a weird yellow light which comes from smoke, it's still pretty good, though I have been keeping an eye on the activity at the fire shed.

cassandra

Joined: 27 Mar 2013
Posts: 1733
Location: Tasmania Australia

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 19 6:39 am Post subject:

The nearest fires are still a long way off, but we have been engulfed by smoke since mid-afternoon. I do hope I don't have to evacuate in a hurry as we did a dry run this afternoon and Poppet simply refused to let me pick her up and Seb took 20 minutes to persuade into the car (even with food treats). So if we were in a hurry I wouldn't be able to save them it seems (though I would leave them to run free and hopefully save themselves).

Once in town, I popped Billy and his carrier on the ground on the shady side of the car and Seb and I went exploring. He has not been allowed in Oatlands for some years now as he misbehaved badly last time, but this time he had a lovely time and so did I.

Home now, and considering our Australia Day spinning activity. While pulling things together to evacuate i have realised I have absolutely no idea where I put last year's spin. I expect it will turn up eventually.

Tomorrow will be marginally milder (27 degrees) and we are planning to inhabit the shady side of the street for a spin-in

Mistress Rose

Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15592

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 19 7:52 am Post subject:

I hope if the fire gets close enough for evacuation, Seb and Poppet see the sense in getting into the ute with you double quick. Otherwise, as you say, let them run free will be the best you can do for them. Really hope it doesn't come to that. All the smoke alone must be very unpleasant.

Lets hope you get your spinning day in.

By the way, it seems they have just found the grave of Captain Flinders, who first proved to Europe that Tasmania was an island. The grave was found near Euston Station which was built on an old graveyard. Rather apt for Australia Day.

Gregotyn, one extreme to the other. I can understand why you need your wooly hat. I used mine yesterday while in the woods, but had to take it off as I was too hot. I was cutting birch again while husband and son cut me some more timber for log sacks. I have just completed one order, but another came in yesterday, so more to make on Monday if I can. We have had to stop new customers again as we are getting too many new ones.

gregotyn

Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area

Posted: Fri Jan 25, 19 3:07 pm Post subject:

I would imagine if the fires get close the animals will understand; do the cats have crates, Cassandra? I am sure Seb will oblige if he has to, but cats can be stubborn. Freedom is their only chance if they won't oblige. I am hoping for the best for you, take care and no risks strong rubber bands round their legs if you have to!? use gloves!!

You are right to stop the new customers, MR, if anyone has to be stopped. Regulars would be horrified and move I guess. Another drying shed is needed so that you can have more seasoned logs available, alternatively can you find another forester who will sell some logs this year for next year? A shame as a friend has been moved out of the farm he should have inherited as he left a silage trailer full of well seasoned logs-a few larch but 80% oak and ash. I got 3 large dumpy bags full out as he lost his battle to keep his inheritance and they "moved" him out-he had lived there for 60 years-his parents moved to another farm, and left him there to help his grandparents. He never attended school if there was something he was wanted for at home and rarely took any exams as they were making hay at that time of year. His first tongue is Welsh, so I don't know where he managed to get his English from!

Mistress Rose

Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15592

Posted: Sat Jan 26, 19 9:28 am Post subject:

We have ordered some logs from across the ride, but he hasn't come up with them yet. Husband and son are getting in large fallen branches, but most either seem too well seasoned on not enough. We need to get in what he can, fell some more and get it split at least. We hoped this last summer would dry things out nicely, but it didn't unfortunately, so we have a reasonable lot of wood, just not ready to sell. Some of it has been down a couple of years too.

Cassandra, stay safe. Will be following what is happening on FB, but please try to keep us updated here if you can. Hope the fires stay away and the rain comes.

Gregotyn, your friend may have learnt English from watching TV. Difficult when someone missed out on schooling, but it was probably thought of more importance for him to be at home for farm chores as you say.

gregotyn

Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area

Posted: Sat Jan 26, 19 10:25 am Post subject:

I am going as soon as I have arrived! friends are coming to lunch at a local pub after dropping a few pallets off. Trouble with what others bring is that they are not always suitable for whet I want, 'cos' firewood for starters is not always that good, needs to be bone dry, most of what I have has come from work and has been stood in the warehouse for a few months so is dry and seasoned. Portuguese timber tends to be no good for firewood as it is usually grown too fast, in the south facing the Med. sea. I have stock for the next 2 years anyway. But they mean well and I will enjoy seeing them. I have watched their children grow up and they have their families now and given me someone to play with. I have a huge model railway and Dinky toys, Bakyo and Meccano and my friends children have given me someone to leave my valuables to; not sure how valuable or how well they will go down with modern folks as the computer seems to out do all those things, make believe world for kids has disappeared? Maybe I am harping back and reverting to my own childhood-oh dear!

The friend from up here (with the nasty family), had no television till after he got married and his wife brought one with her. He is like me and doesn't have a tv where he is living in his council bungalow now.

Mistress Rose

Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15592

Posted: Sun Jan 27, 19 8:37 am Post subject:

Hope you enjoyed your lunch out Gregotyn. Now Bayko is something I never had. I had an early competitor to Lego called Betabilda. It had little roof tiles and everything for building a house. I suppose in those days Meccano was supposed to be for making other models.

We went out for a walk at the Devil's Punchbowl again, and managed our explore this time. The weather was rather iffy as we kept getting heavy drizzle, but an enjoyable walk. Unfortunately we didn't take a turning we should have done, so ended up walking nearly 6 miles, including some quite trying uphill sections. Still, good exercise, and plenty of fresh air.

gz

Joined: 23 Jan 2009
Posts: 8609
Location: Ayrshire, Scotland

Posted: Sun Jan 27, 19 9:14 pm Post subject:

We've started getting the heat from Australia here in Whanganui as well as the winds..a good 27 yesterday and again today as soon as the close clear, forecast to be hotter for a few days.. Blenheim hit 35 yesterday and the East coast North Island is getting 30s. Everything is drying out fast because of the wind, but fire risk is still only medium in some areas because of all the rain up to now. Mostly high risk though.

Mistress Rose

Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15592

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 19 8:02 am Post subject:
Stay safe Gz. I have heard from Cassandra, and although there is a lot of smoke, all is well near her. She says there are a lot of planes and helicopters firefighting, and if they see anything burning in their area, which currently is fire free, they drop a load of water on it.

gz

Joined: 23 Jan 2009
Posts: 8609
Location: Ayrshire, Scotland

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 19 8:35 am Post subject:
We're ok, timing our rides for cooler weather. Just seen reports of the Tasmanian fires on fb

gregotyn

Joined: 24 Jun 2010
Posts: 2201
Location: Llanfyllin area

Posted: Tue Jan 29, 19 3:16 pm Post subject:

Things never work out as you expect, the friends who I thought were coming on Saturday came on Sunday, complete with pallets. We went to a place for lunch which was ok but that's all. For some reason they don't do good pub lunches this way and Sunday is always a carvery-beef or chicken-at this place. only boiled potatoes and none roasted. I was going to treat them, but conveniently forgot to take my wallet. I gave them some cash for the children when we got back! The Day before I took some kindling to the shed where I pack the nets and when I came back an end had fallen out of the shed which is along side the drive-way to the packing shed, resting on the half open and still half open gate. I have added another prop to keep it in place. This was a shed full of bone dry timber for either firewood or jobs-mostly long boards, which will chop or make cladding good cladding for anything-another shed perhaps? Anyway I have fished some of the dry stuff out and it will get cut this afternoon.

We have had snow on the tops which started when I left work at 1 pm. Where I am now it is raining, so funny weather, but here I am around 400 feet, so I hope It is still rain when I get back home at about 900 feet.

Another disaster has happened, rather more serious for me. I cannot find my glasses. The thing is I can see well in the dark to drive, better tan with the glasses on so I put them on the passenger seat when in the dark, sensible or what? I now that cannot find them and wishing I had put them in a pocket. So I have booked an appt. at the local Specsavers for an eye test and will have a new pair of specs following that-not sure how long it takes from start to glasses. I have an old pair but they are no good for typing/reading. Lucky they are good for driving in daylight!

I assume you are rubbing it in, gz, regarding the weather-only joking-in reality I am just jealous! But do take care. I have friend in Brisbane or there abouts and haven't heard from them yet. Heat is the one thing that put me off going to Aus to see them. My friend tells me that his winter is akin to our late spring and can be wet! I am pleased that Cassandra is ok.

I am glad you had a good walk, MR, even if a bit wet. I am finding that work gives me as much exercise as I need, going up and down stairs. I wish I could find a pedometer that I can work and see how far I travel in a day on foot.

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