Week 19

Trying to get stuck into the lavender field again. Have let the grass get too long again. Got stuck in with some weeding and weedeating / line trimming.

Finally worked out how to use the weed-eater / line-trimmer / whatever-you-call-it. Actually I already knew how to use one (duh) but have now learnt how to mix the petrol/oil and fill it up. And even managed (after much trying, swearing, cuts and bruises) to pull the cord-thing to start it up on several occasions. I hate those pull-cord-things that you use to start machines. I'm just not strong enough (even though P reckons it's not about being fast or strong nowadays).

Once again we are without a (big) lawn mower. The ride on mower has previously broken down three times so we've given up on that. Now we've been using the tractor with lawn mowing attachment to mow the lawns. Only now that has broken down too. I mowed the lawn around part of the house a few weeks ago. Next time I went to use it, it wouldn't start. We suspected it had run out of diesel. So I had to buy some of that. It was another week before I could fill it up and try again. Still no luck. P says someone said you shouldn't let diesel engines run dry as it buggers them up. Well I didn't know it was running low, did I? I haven't noticed any fuel indicators on the tractor.

So the grass in the lavender field is growing even longer, although the grass and weeds creeping over the weedmat is now cut back at least. The grass in the yard is also growing ever longer. If this continues much longer P will have to get the push mower out again.

Still haven't had any rain. My well meaning friend came over last week with some herbs to plant in the garden, which she had been meaning to do for months. I'm wary of using too much of our tap water to water the plants, given that I don't know how much is in the water tank. Will have to try out water recycling next time the girls have a bath.

Received a very large electricity bill this week. Discovered that we have two electricity meters on the property - one for the house and one for the water pump & electric fences. Unfortunately we've only been receiving bills for the pump meter and not for the house, for the last 3.5 months. So now we've been stung with an unexpected $700 bill. Ouch.

-M