Cloudy with a chance of meatballs

 

Actually we are hoping for real rain but only after we get a spigot on the tank, connect it to the rain gutter and find a way to close off some of the openings. Meatballs might knock it off its current lovely bed. Before putting in the new concrete tank (see the blog about "to fetch a pail of water"), we moved this tank from in front of the house to just behind the chicken shed.

Due to the rocky and uneven ground, placing the tank required making it a sand bed. To keep the sand in its bed, we had to place the frame on the ground and make it level. Since Scott is still on restricted arm-waving (and hammering and lifting), I provided the brawn while Scott provided the brains and running commentary. 

Note the water tank behind the frame in the picture below. That also got moved from the lower orchard. Also note the steep red clay behind that tank. That was similarly under a layer of rocks, tenacious grass and hard dirt. Some parts were harder than others! But we got the frame almost square and pretty level.

We did have to get somewhat creative since the tank had to move uphill and into its bed. We tried pushing it with the little green mule but ended up setting up a come-along to pull it into position and up the ramps.

Now note the large metal poles that needed to be brought down and put into place using brawn, not brains. 

Yes, we are still married. And yes, Scott made a lovely dinner to celebrate the tanks' positioning. 

We haven't yet tried to confirm it still holds water (no ruptures), but it looks good.  Just so you know, only snake(s) currently inhabit the chicken shed and no snakes or chickens were harmed in the process. 

On the social calendar, the ewes have a visitor. We got them moved into their paddock (Erin played Mary and pulled a little wagon laden with alfalfa/lucerne) while Scott chased them in the mule. 

Their prior owner dropped off a ram and he has been trying to keep them under control. He is not having a great deal of luck. 

Shortly after I took this picture, they broke ranks and came up to the gate to get snacks. 

Not sure he has done too much else yet but the neighbors should have a good view of any R-rated activity. No kids are within range, 

We also made it to a nearby town for trivia night with Kristy and Pete. If we had one fewer point, we would have won a gift certificate for lowest score! I think I provided one correct answer the entire time. 

This coming week we are headed back into town to see an advanced screening of "The Sheep Detectives"- starring Hugh Jackman, Emma Thompson and others. The plot:  When a shepherd who reads murder mysteries to his sheep is found dead, the sheep suspect murder and take it upon themselves to solve the crime. Figured it was timely! 

We also have a repeat trip to Canberra for Scott's postop checkup. He can drive now so hoping to do it in a single day. We have another tank to move and put to bed, so no time to waste!

We have carved out some time for birdwatching. This is one of our yellow-rumped thornbills - 

They are in flocks all over the property.

The fairy wrens are also very happy here:

As are the crimson rosellas (they love the fruit and the thistles)

Also have to include this poor guy who somehow made it inside the fence and couldn't figure out how to get back out. He had a buddy who likely led him astray but who left before this challenged dude found a way out. Not sure how he managed it but both gates were open and he can hop....