Dirty Men

Andrew Scott MacKenzie and Callvm using the quads to get dirty...

Going

Going

Gone!

Swimming that is...

tm x

Alpaca Prep

Esther from Stanmore Park Alpacas has now been to inspect our island for noxious weeds, potentially harming our pure bred alpacas, Anzac Jack and Joshee, when they come to live with us this week! 

AJ is mine, he is so dark as you can see below on the left and his fleece is so fine, micron count at 18.7 which is very high and makes him very valuable! Joshee's baby photo is on the right though he is much more caramel now and his micron is 16.7! So another good choice! 2 males, remember, with a future stud program going on once we are settled. Cameron thinks Joshee is the man for the job but we will see won't we?!

We now have their pedigree folders and all their details, certificates and the like so we even feel like we know what we are doing! Alpaca breeders though not officially until we get the Alpaca Association to sign off our memberships! Dune Road Alpacas is the name we are applying for as we already own the registered business name. Wicked cocktail sauce sales happening slowly awaiting our online appearance soon!

Esther is madly working on halter training our baby boys so we can manage them easier. The above pen is actually the cattle crush as built by our predecessors and will work well Esther said except for 1 thing! 

Alpacas roll! 

They actually get down on the ground and roll under the fence to escape! Now, where they are going to go on our 168 acres is anyone's guess, the concept of an island being that they can only get so far! Water all around and not keen swimmers either! Yet we don't want them to get injured or bogged, of course, so control is the key and it seems we need to chain mail these timber fences so that's this coming week's job!

Hey, if you want to talk to Esther, here she is! http://www.stanmoreparkalpacas.com.au/contact_us.html

tm x

How to Move Barge in Post Rain Sog Bog

Incredibly, amidst all this incessant rain, we have had a few dry spells and we actively grasp the opportunity to move things from the mainland to our island (supposed) paradise via our barge. 

However, it's stinking heavy and gets bogged!

So the boys' ingenious way to avoid digging her out of the mud is to amortize the massive weight of the Freight Train barge from all weight on 2 trolley wheels and tyres to it spread along thick timbers. They walk along to the sides but between the tractor and FT and place hardwood timbers under the wheels and this spreads the point of contact of 3 tonnes from onto the 2 trolley wheels to over 2.5 metres. Effectively staying on top of the mudholes and using up more surface area. Then, once the tractor has dragged FT over the timber they move it again. Slow going but very successful and easy with 3 men!

Great thinking, Rome was perhaps water logged as well? A yes, the aqua viaduct!

tm x

Sugar for my Sweetheart

Well it's true, Cameron knows and loves me so much, despite all behaviour to the obvious contrary, when he bought me a sweet gift - sugar cane mulch - SUPERSIZED!

Ken, our caretaker, thought Cameron was kidding when he asked him to help out delivering me a gift and was then completely shocked as to how thrilled I was. Ken has never seen my now sold Apex St vegetable garden and the serious produce we enjoyed nightly for dinner. My organic augergines or eggplants to some, were the best you have ever tasted, we even weighed and recorded them they were so shiny and heavy - just like a bought one!

My latest LOCAL NEWS is also that the BEST vegetable seedlings in Brisbane Metro has got to be the Underwood Bunnings garden centre. We decided to exit the wicked peak hour Gold Coast highway traffic the other night and spend an amazing hour amongst and awesome array of established veges including black tomatoes and purple carrots, nice strong roots, shiny green leaves, WOW! 

Now all this rain had a purpose, mulch and melt my sugar cane and grow my sweet veges!

Thank you Bish love toni x

600gms!!

OK so we need to get out more!

Magic 4

Well, Queen of flat pack has been shopping again, proving that whilst I am thinking of 4 fun items for boys, guests and speed freak friends, I am also thinking of my sisters, cocktails, striped towels and lounging! Fantastic 4's rule my life I think. 

These fabulous Adirondack styled loungers are in fact beige, poly 2 pack and aluminum, put together by moi, dreaming of tanning while using my allen key. They are so light too, both to get into the car and barge as well as to carry outside for a lovely day on our seaside lawn. They even have a stripey black and white cushion and a black fitted sheet kind of plastic cover for their own little bit of sun protection. Harvey Norman has seriously tricky outdoor gear like this, I am amazed! AND went along to Bunnings to find a totally matching beige Gazebo to really keep the ice from melting in my Mojito.

Bulla!

tm x

Quad Quads

4 Quad bikes delivered to Horizon Shores marina by awesome Paul of Gold Coast Quads! Why is Paul so awesome? He delivered the 4 quads in that back of his cool Holden ute, put them together onsite, gave us a lesson in the marina car park then helped us drive them onto our "Freight Train" barge. Thank you so much Paul, such service is unheard of in the bike industry, I discovered over the past few months trying to buy these dirty babies. No one wanted to answer any total girl questions, nor had 4 black ones available for Christmas! Paul has spare parks too, safe helmets and so helpful.

Only at Helensvale too!

Here's he who thought it was too excessive for island living, beaming with excitement!

tm x

Callvm, Bish, Ken, our caretaker and Paul, owner of Gold Coast Quads

Lovely Day

Our first sailing visitors, on their way to the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race no less. Tony Love and his new baby "Patriot" crew called as they were approaching Tabby Tabby island with a wonderful invitation to enjoy a cold sparkling Shiraz if we sped out in our tinnie and tethered ourselves behind - so we did not lose them any precious time of course! The crew sailed its way to the starting line to the famous race just last week. Here is Stuey, left of Tony, eating mudcrab and Rowan steering below. Cameron supervising whilst sharing our first ever muddie and a delicious sparkling Shiraz. 

We were happily present for "Patriot's" Brisbane launch a few months ago hence our lovely invitation

Thank you Tony, Stuey and Rowan - Good Luck!

tm and cameron

Callvm Cooling off

Last night after mowing, tractoring, jetskiing, lugging, unpacking, boating, yabby pump fixing, grocery shopping and diesel refuelling our generator, Callvm finally got to cool off at our little beach in between downpours!
We love you Cal,
mama x

Airlifting Last Night

After using the jet skiis we lift them with the tractor and store them up in the cattle yards. Cameron rigged up these very tricky lifting jigs and they snap on and off so easily with Callvm on the ground AND in the air helping. 

Boys and their toys? or is it fathers and their sons?

tm x

Where's Dad gone?

Cameron went off to work and Dolce has not moved front the front deck wistfully looking out to the pier! Poor sweetie, he'll be 10 hours including travel time.

tm x

Maxi Movers

How to get everything from the boathouse to the sheds, with many hands on deck as well including Lucky, our butler, and Dolce the best dog in the world. Yes its still raining hence the jackets.

tm x

Hand mowing 168 acres

Callvm arrived late after partying all night prior and offered to mow the lawn, no one thought to tell him that it is 168 acres... OK so after a while anyway! Perhaps it looked like our lawn was just the front bit like it was at Apex St, suburban upbringing.
The tractor is in such rotten condition that even though we did run over the grass with its mower attachment first, the lawn got even worse not better. The mower fitting arms are different lengths so one side digs up the dirt and the other side leaves the grass long! Seriously murdered so Callvm's hand mowing really did make all the difference including his mowing a path for me to not get so dirty on the way to the boat.
Thanks Cal!
mama x

Bucket of Breakkie

What a blast catching this here muddie for breakkie, Cameron's prized screen saver now on phone! Brian Davies, where are you to share? Come on over...

tm x

Breakfast Surprise!

Ecstactic Cameron with our first mudcrab that is not a "jenny" hence edible! Cameron is googling how to tie it up, cook and eat of course as we speak...I wonder how you post a video, better google that too!

Weather not too dry but fun all the same.

tm x

Our New Baby

Another weekend has gone by and we have added to our island family by buying 2 alpacas on Friday, BEFORE the "wet season" here in Moreton Bay. Meet "Jack" our cria (meaning baby), huacaya (fro style) alpaca. Check out his gorgeous fro, black with a smidge of brown on the top! Jack and I loved each other onsite and happily Cameron got to choose his own new baby as well. He chose a caramel jersey coloured cria called Joshee and he is even smaller than Jack. So cute! Sorry no photo of Joshee here as Cameron was wielding the camera whilst I was cooing hopelessly. No hard nosed negotiation going on here at Stanmore Park Alpacas at Yatala, simply fall in love and pay your money. Actually, Esther the owner of Stanmore, is the most knowledgeable breeder of anything I have struck and one who is also so keen for you to share in her alpaca love that she spills all the beans on how to raise the best alpacas, best pen/fence type, best training tips, best snacks for the most cuddles...this is where I tuned back in to the conversation. Cameron asked all the relevant questions and I honestly did take notes, it was just that I was kind of day dreaming at the same time. 

Finally, my multitasking put to good use!

tm x

Lick of Approval

After 2 million laps of the property Dolce LOVES Island living! And his mummy has no fears he is going to run off!! Too far to the main land
tm...

Zip Bike Chick

Versus the Hunter 125cc which is a baby machine of zip and agility, more me I think though Callvm said no way! Does he mean no to the bike or no to me still being agile and zippy?? Don't answer that Cal!

love mama x

Quad Choices

Now we seriously need a few quadbikes. 163 acres is too far to walk! Another business we visited in Melbourne on Thursday.

Checked the fences out in the tractor today being Sunday, which was fun, but wickedly bumpy!

This one is 250 cc but maybe too bulky?? Makes me feel too old too! I want to do a few circles whilst I'm out there. Probably so I feel a little younger along the way!!

Tragic I know...

tm x

Boat Shopping

Oh Yeah, 25 ft Chris Craft at an auction house in Melbourne on Thursday, Cameron knows so much about boats they assumed he was a boat dealer!

OK so every little extra from the boat interior like eskies, cups, flags, you name it is missing but its still a hot boat at a great price! Director partnership split = good deal for us, now it's time to negotiate.

Good luck Bish

tm x

Paradise

Tabby Tabby Island

Our Dream Home

love Toni-Maree, Cameron and Callvm Bishop

& Dolce, 2 Geese, 3 Chickens and Lucy our Duck

xxxxxxxxxx

Overseas Delivery Service

Well as you can see I am posting our last 3 days worth of adventures now that it is Sunday night and we have a minute to breathe. We are still not finished unpacking of course!! Writing blog instead...
Here is Cameron directing traffic as we pack the barge called Freight Train with all our stuff as we are finally moving into our dream island home. Here's the Mini Movers muscly dudes ferrying a HUGE truck and even more HUGE Pod worth of gear, 21 years of flotsam, one box at a time down a skinny ramp into our awaiting barge.
Next is over water from Horizon Shores Marina to...???
tm x

Laundry Self Service

OK so I own a laundry and drycleaning company with 5 vans, yet here I am delivering my own clothing, OVERSEAS no less! As viewed when I turn around in my car, off to the coast Friday morning, readying to move into our Island home.
tm x

Sleeping on the job

Cameron and Dolce Sleeping on the Job

OK so amidst the mega moving saga there must be some down time however as you see the boys sleep whilst this girl packs!

tm x

Success!

Well today, during my final Churchie Mother's Luncheon, we agreed via text on the terms of our moving into our dream Island location in Moreton Bay...Will name it as soon as it's signed!!!
We are all so excited as well as nervous...now the real work begins!
tm x

Shop Open, Home Subject Closed

Ok so the shop renovation went superbly yet the location for our dream farm is still undecided with the lovely vendors having to check some info before committing to our sale. 8 days to go, still no where to live!!!

Sleeping in makeshift offices at our equipment shed in Newstead?

Talk about sleeping on the job

tm x

Outside the Box

Cleaning out and moving from Apex St, in style, however, totally out there, since we still have not finished negotiating on our chosen place!

At least, I can show everyone how to engrave and monogram their luggage in old world ways and put them on display when I am done in our "soon to be gorgeously renovated" Stones Corner shop. Too late to worry about everything happening at the same time...

Shop has matt black walls, will look fab, feature our products and perhaps reflect my mood?

Does panic actually have a colour?

tm x

Insightful View

Dune Road is where we are going, our sandy road to the Australian Eastern coast, to our seaside farm.

Where did our inspiration for the name come from? My sister, Peta-Anne, has a beach house in South Hampton, New York and close by is a divine long road of ocean front mansions called Dune Road.
Breath takingly beautiful.
The drive itself inspires you to achieve success enough to afford such a vista and as we drove, I knew this was my direction, it felt so clear. All of the business ideas, successes, products, services and directions I have, almost aligned inside my head and the path for our seaside cabins became clear. I looked over at Cameron and he felt it too. We were ready. What for, was up to us.
We LOVE to entertain and cook daily with our fresh produce making amazing gifts with our excess. These gifts are zealously sought after, hence, we began to sell them in our Suite Coffee and Juice bars. Mascarpone cheese, yoghurt, banana breads, oatmeal and linseed chocolate chip cookies, all loved and sold out immediately. Savouries too, like Spiced Aubergine Chutney and preserves like cumquat, vanilla bean and Strawberry Liquer Marmalade...so many divine tastes. Accolades received has meant good sales and loyal clients and now we can share our story and grow our love of organics and wholesome living online here with you.
Next, is to settle on our coastal location so we can invite you to come, stay and share.
We'd love to meet you!

Hence, we dedicate this insightful record of our abundant next decade of passionate family, food, friend and life loving to our journey down Dune Road.
tm x

Duck Egg Surprise

Well Lucy, our pretty white "birthday present" duck, has given us a sweet present. We thought perhaps she was a Luke, instead of a Lucy, due to no eggs forthcoming since Spring starts all wonderful things like reproduction happen.
Check out the wonderful surprise we found today underneath the large roots of our 70 year old Poinciana tree - 16 eggs. Away from the sharp raking feet of the chickens, or "evil wenches" as I call them, since they dig up everything in sight, including my veges, if they break out of their corner and into my patch! Great for turning over the mulch...
Anyway, Lucy - What a clever girl!
They made the most delicious omelette this morning for my boys for breakfast. Duck eggs and home grown wilted spinach and sweated onions sliced finely through it.
Callvm especially wanted to know what the secret ingredient was...
tm x

Farm Life in the City

The chickens and Lucy (the duck) turn our grass clippings and the clippings that Victor, the local mower man (seriously, don’t laugh, that IS his name) bring and mix it with veggie waste from the kitchen and our 2 Suite Commuter Coffee & Juice shops, into the best mulch and produce eggs that make the Banana cake that she bakes which we sell in our shops at a sell-out success…

I’m not giving away the recipe cause the main ingredient is LOVE! Make it yourself. Hehehe.

Ok Ill get some snow peas from the garden for lunch later, she is making me type, my usual snail pace, and choose vegies from the garden, what - 2 things at once… but I’m only a mm!

Bish

Universal Message

Dear Universe,
Right now things are little exploded and I appreciate how lucky I am for everything to be going so very well. It's like we are being dragged forward on this adventure and it really is both fun and empowering... SO I just thought I'd say thanks!
tm x

27 Hour Sale

Shit, the agent just called and the house is SOLD, unconditional in 9 days settle in 25. Thankyou Brian Austin of Alma Clark Realty! We thought it would take a while and all our farm negotiations are still very casual thinking we had so much time. Isn't everyone saying that the property market is really soft right now??
Well the hard decision was to a 10% off the asking price- it's acceptable, right? Just need 10% off next purchase...OK so I am after all an agent amongst many other things. All of which she takes advantage of!

Well, we are on our way,
Q: Do half incubated Goose eggs relocate?… OR will we have goslings in the removal truck???
Bish

Eccentricity = Mad with Means

You guys are mad, some friends would say, the pair of you have too much energy say others…

Well our businesses all rock, our staff are wonderful, we love them but there must be more….  Our only son is finishing school in a couple of weeks, he is so magnificent, and our world is about to change.

For years we have been hatching a plan, experimenting in the back yard, keeping geese, chickens and a duck, Lucy. We practice permaculture, study bio dynamic agriculture, we have grown our soil, built veggie patches,  been worm ranching.

Plenty of people want to go green but we reckon that that doesn’t need to mean cheese cloth wearing sandal sluggers - weed smoking rabble! 

There must be a way to go green gracefully and still entertain…

Well we think there is, so, we are on our quest for a location that we will never get sick of and where friends and guests will beg to stay.

We don’t even care about the soil… she went to school and learned to grow it from the best “Organic Phil” then deceived me into the toiling between gym bouts to grow it, saying it made my biceps look bigger (ok…it worked). 

So, we can do it again but this time I’m insisting on using brains (read machinery) and not so much brawn so it can be of a grander more sustainable scale.

Bish

Getting High

How does one get to an island in  Moreton Bay?

Fly with us of course!

Cameron hovering and fuel testing here in stripey Ralph Lauren polo with his initials embroidered on the back by us elaundry chicks! Yes, he hates it - I think it looks cool...

Both Cameron and Callvm have been learning to fly Robinson 22 helicopters with Aeropower at Redcliffe for the entire of 2010. The cool Aeropower guys have the amazing skills to fly their helicopters and swing a maintenance man out from the helicopter to service power lines whilst the power is still live!!! Hail Mary.

They are airborne electrical contractors and can patrol, inspect, construct, string, wash (my department!), repair, maintain and analyze powerlines and save large companies, hence us, a lot of money! 

This up in the air service means that we consumers have no power interruptions and better services without even knowing it. 

Cue- internet happy girl stuck on island.

As well, AP has an incredible equipment service agreement with none other than Rolls Royce providing AP with access to spare engines, accessories, technical manuals and training. Rolls Royce is the world leading producer of light turbine engines in the helicopter market!!!

For a cool $1 Million, do you think rotor blades are included or an optional extra for your RR Phantom?

tm x

http://www.rolls-royce.com/civil/news/2010/100223_aeropower_m250_totalcare.jsp

The Meeting

Donned the Lacoste navy striped suit and met with my money. 

Yes, these besuited gentlemen tell me how to play with my own money. Actually, they teach me how to make my money play for me, so I can do something else! 

What's that catch phrase...Oh yes, Work ON the business not IN it! 

Straight from my father in laws very successful lips.

And trust me, the man knows!

tm x

What to do with our Garden?

We have been growing our soil for 6 years here at Clayfield and our produce is proof of this. We grow 90% of our fruit, vegetables and salads here in 38 perches and this makes for a glorious evening meal. Picking fresh everything at a moment's notice. My cooking is so very experimental nightly and this is due to the sheer abundance I have within a few steps. 

Google ingredient = surprise dinner for all.

What are the new owners going to do with my veges? 

Hopefully, love them, like me.

tm x

The Flaw in the Plan

OK so we thought we'd renovate our home and sell it for the eco cabin farm ( choice of 2! ) and, as per normal, we predicted it would take a few months to sell so we can politely negotiate our choices for our dream farm - Well - it took 27 hours to sell - cash contract - How could we say no?
Hail Mary.
The flaw being, that the negotiations are only casually underway on our 2 farm options and in 21 days we need somewhere to live!!!!
Bugger it all, let's borrow Cameron's dad's vintage jag and go to the coast! We can pack next weekend.
Here's Cameron and Callvm, our son, out the front of our just sold Clayfield home with Grandpa's pride and joy, his convertible e type jag.
tm x