"Mooo-ternity" cows

Today Ryan, his employees and myself head up to his farm in Macclesfield. There are several cows on the farm that are pregnant and due in March. There was one cow who delivered earlier this week to a baby boy calf. He is adorable. Each year, the farmers name the cows in alphabetical order to figure out the age of the cow. This year is the year of the "k's". So for example, if a cows name starts with an "E" then it's 6 years old. The new baby cows name is Karl, first of the K's! The boys needed to castrate the new baby cow... Ow. 

There were also two fences on the farm that needed to be taken down. They wee surrounding dams that the cows now need access to. Ryan underestimated my fencing skills (clearly he hasn't been reading the blog to know that Peppercrest made us fencing masters...) so I walked around the property with Sam (the dog) all day, visiting the cows. I was hoping that a cow would have a baby while I was there since it would be quite unique to see (Id probably puke, I don't know who I'm kidding) but it would be fun to name atleast! Anyways, it was a peaceful day on the oz. 

Catchin blue crabs

Last Saturday, Ryan and I set out to sea on his new fishing boat. He had purchased it from Queensland and was dying to try it out. We woke up before sunrise (very rare for me) to test out his new purchase. We set voyage from glenelg to north haven. The water was steady when we first got out but turned quickly. An hour later, after catching 4 blue crabs, we rode the waves back to glenelg. 

The next morning, we got up even earlier in hopes that the weather would be better. Luckily, there was absolutely no breeze. We were out from about 6 until 11. There were a tonnnn of boats out as well, about 80 other boats- not even exaggerating. We decided to bring the GoPro out to test that out as well. The videos are hilarious. We put it in the water to see what goes on down there. We saw blue crabs. Some fish, lots of seaweed and underneath the boat for a bit. I'll try to upload them to the blog if my technical skills allow. We caught 8 blue crabs and a few garfish. It was a gorgeous day and we had heaps of fun. 

Adding some color to Peppercrest

In our final days at Peppercrest, we have been leaving our mark by adding some color (or colour as the Aussies would spell it). As I mentioned before, we redid the potting shed last week. This week, we spray painted inside of the shed. Each of us got our own panel to create a mural. We think Grace must have been a criminal spray painting the streets of Boston before and hadn't told anyone because hers came out perfect (as usual). Sarah had a good idea and painted things that represented her memories of Peppercrest. I didn't really have a plan, but it came out to represent me. I painted a huge yellow flower that Liz and Mike could see from the house, I attempted to make a flower with heart pedals but it just looks like a hibiscus. I also 3 little painted little birds on the top to represent the 3 of us girls. We always used to make a joke saying Liz was the "mama duck" and we were here "ducklings" always following her lead. It surprisingly came out really nice. I think Lizzie & Mike loved our designs and will think of us every time they walk by the shed.

 

 

 In addition, Grace has been painting the chemical shed. She painted it to look like a barn and it came out phenomenal. She also painted a giant sun flower on the telephone post in front of it. It really goes with the whole theme. 

Since Grace and I are leaving tomorrow, we also bought a like green watering can and planted flowers in it as a gift to Liz. We let our crafty side get a hold of us and it came out great! We thought it would be a nice  touch to the potting shed! 

We would like to think that we left a part of our colorful souls on Peppercrest and can't wait to see what everyone thinks once we come back on October.

Valentine's Day Weekend

Although all of us actually hate Valentines Day (we all think its a pointless holiday- always have, always will), we all spent the weekend with the boys. After Grace and I went to the laundry mat on Friday we hit the road down to Adelaide to get our windshield replaced. Yes, we already needed it to be replaced.. good thing we have good insurance. Soon after, Grace dropped me off at Ryan's and she head down to Tinty. Lucky for Sarah, she got to sleep in with in Mannum with Brad on Friday due to the rain.. woohoo!

Due to the rain and chaos of Valentines Day, Ryan and I decided to stay in and make dinner rather than go out. It was a very nice low key night which I personally prefer.

On Saturday, I experienced The Fringe Festival for the first time ever. The Fringe is an event that is held in Adelaide once a year that that is pretty unique. It isn't quite a fair, carnival or circus.. it's kind of all of those in one. According to its website it's "Unlike a curated festival, the open-access nature of Adelaide Fringe means that anyone with a show, exhibition or cultural event is able to register and be part of Australia’s largest arts event. The result is one of the most diverse arts festivals in the world, renowned for fresh ideas, spontaneity and fun". It was really fun to go a visit, see the exhibits and what its all about. It is free to get in and then little exhibits you could pay to go and see. Ryan and I chose to go see "The Freak show". It was pretty much just like it sounds. There were two guys (Space Cowboy and Lizard Man- who have been on that TV show, Taboo) they swallowed swords, juggled chainsaws, put large corkscrews through their face, crazy stuff. Honestly, if I didn't see it for myself I wouldn't believe anyone could (or would) actually do such things. There was also a bunch of food stands (including a BBQ with whole pig faces-weird), games, rides, etc. Since it cost $50 for 4 beers, we didn't stay too long. We walked to the other side of Adelaide and had a really nice dinner at Gauchos.

On Sunday morning, we were going to hike Mt. Lofty again, but decided to go to breakfast instead. We went to Hillbilly's Café in Blackwood. It was a cute, quaint café with really delicious food. I had a smoked salmon omelet that was awesome. If anyone in Blackwood, they should go. It's the perfect little hole-in-the-wall.

Last night, the 3 of us girls arrived back at Peppercrest. This week we are finishing up some things on the 'to do' list before we go. Grace and I are planning to head out on Thursday. We will be very sad to actually be leaving, but we know if we don't go now- we never will.

Laundromat

This morning was the first time I've ever been to a laundromat in the 23 years that I've lived. Australia is so hot and dry most of the time that people don't generally use driers in their home. Last night, grace and I did a load of laundry at Lizzie's and hung it to dry. However, due to the massive amounts of rain we have got the past two days (which is veryyyyyy unusual for here), it didn't dry. Since it's valentines day (happy valentines day btw) the two of us are off to Tinty and Glengowrie to be with the boys for the weekend. With this said we needed out clothes dried and fast. Off to the laundry mat in Mannum we went. 

As usual, Grace and I made the best of our experience. Painting nails, sewing dresses, dancing in the rain, etc. I enjoyed my first experience go the good ole laundromat. However, it made me feel incredibly thankful for having a washer and drier in arms reach my whole life. I haven't realized how much of a convienience having these machines in my home was until now. Do you imagine always having to go to the laundromat? I legit think I would go bankrupt buying new clothes daily to avoid the reoccurs cd trip to the coin-op. While at the laundry mat, we ran out of dollar coins. After a match of "rock, paper, scissors", I had to walk to the bakery in the rain (in my pjs mind you) to buy iced coffee for more dollar coins. I probably looked like a lost wet poodle in Mannum. Classic. 

"I ain't missing you at all"

Oh New England weather. Can't say we miss you one bit... 

... Worst feeling in the world: laying on the floor at 1 am not being able to find the zooper doopers...

Life at Peppercrest

"Life at Peppercrest is tough.."- said no one ever. And if they did, they were definitely saying it sarcastically. Peppercrest is a beautiful farm that sits upon a large hill in Cowirra SA. Conveniently located an hour or so away from the city of Adelaide, and on its own "island" from Mannum- its in a perfect location. This has been what we have been calling home for the past two months.

Lizzie and Mike have a gorgeous house on top of the hill that they have remodeled. It's always so cozy, clean and homey. The three of us girls decided to live in the dairy while we stayed here. The dairy is an old milking dairy that they have turned into an "in-law" apartment I would say. It has a full kitchen, living room, (now) bathroom, and a room with 2 bunk beds. It is a perfect location for us girls to stay and we absolutely love it. We have been so fortunate that they let us make this our temporary home.

the "main" house

the dairy

bunk beds!

Lizzie and Mike take great pride in the work that goes into the farm on a daily basis, and it genuinely shows. Every morning everyone gets up early and waters their "section". Sarah waters the fruits and veggies, Grace waters the fruit trees, and I water the flowers. Afterwards, everyone gets ready for the days project. While we have been here, we have learned so much from Mike and Liz. From building fences, a jetty, painting, planting plants, transplanting grass, cooking phenomenal meals, and even learning how to gamble- there is never a dull moment on the farm. 

Although we have our "working moments" at Peppercrest, we play... a lot. And have heaps of fun. We have created our little "Australian family" in these past two months. The three of us girls have turned into sisters (and absolutely act like it...) Grace is the oldest (although doesn't always act like it- kidding Gracie, sort of..), Sarah is the middle child, and I'm (for once in my life) the "baby". On Peppercrest, we play like we are little kids again. Swing on swings, doing yoga in the lawn, camping out (and of course jumping) on the trampoline, have bonfires (and the occasional s'more), go down to the river, etc.

Yoga on Peppercrest

Chemistry all over again but with wine

Grace dogsitting for Bj.. new Bffs

dancing on tables never hurt anyone

we taught Brad what a "Cororita" is

camping out on the trampoline

 

Every night (no matter who is home), there is always a "family dinner". (except Thursdays- we have dinner at the Motel with the Hartley's) Liz is an outstanding cook! She always whips out something brand new for dinner and (in what seems) like seconds. She has taught us many of things in the kitchen that we will try to reattempt later on in life. Although we have much more learning to do, we have improved!

 

 

Peppercrest wouldn't be what it is without its pets. Jed is their 14 year old dog who has such a personality. She is suchhh a sweet, adorable dog. Although she tends to get cranky-as old ladies do (especially around 6 when its feeding time), she is so loving and wants to be around people. She is absolutely timeless. Puss Puss is the mysterious cat. Grace is obsessed with Puss Puss and will probably cry while we are on the road without her. One could usually find Puss Puss sleeping on top of the Lexus or tractor, eating strawberries in the garden, chasing mice, or lounging around the farm. Both animals have such personalities that really add to the farm. In addition to these traditional pets, there is also the chooks, who love our leftovers everyday. And the 9 goats who love to eat hay and willows all day.

Jed!

Puss Puss

On top of everything Lizzie and Mike taught us, they have showed us the "ins and outs" of Australia. Helping us find a car, car insurance, plan our road trip, showing us amazing touristy and local locations.. we genuinely would not be able to have done this trip without them. Lizzie and Mike, I know we have told you numerous of times- but we cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for us. It will be hard to leave you for our road trip soon.