Holidays.....Yea..... I think?

It has just occurred to me that I actually lose two days of my holiday travelling back and forth. I don't think it has crossed my mind before, but it does take me almost the entire day to drive to Perth and of course the same time to return to Kal. Unfortunately flying, for these longer stays, is not an option as I do need my car here.

Having said that I enjoy the drive and whilst I get tired, I do all the right things; stop, stretch my legs, and have a caffeine fix. A double demerit weekend ensured I didn't speed.

No. 1 priority this holiday is to rent the unit next door. My tenants gave notice about a week ago and so today was spent showing people around the place.

I found it a sad and quite humbling experience. I'd heard the rental market was tight, but having had long term tenants haven't had any first hand experience. I had an add in the newspaper yesterday and spent much of my drive home fielding calls. These only ceased late this afternoon. I must have received close to 25 enquiries and shown almost half that number around the place.

The sad thing, everyone has a story. From the single, mining guy who wants a place he and his dog can hang out in when he's in town, to the elderly retired couple who have to find somewhere new to rent after being in a place for 12 years. Then of course there is the young couple with the baby, the newly arrived South African student who has brought his family with him and the single, professional lady who would probably make a great long term tenant. To be honest I just don't know.

What I really want is a short term tenant so I can repaint the place, replace the carpet and give it a really good clean up.

Yes, today has been a bit of a reality check for me.

Packing

Winter clothes are in the suitcase ready to take home. Yes, Perth is still my home and I have to admit I am looking forward to pointing the car towards the west coast and heading that way for two work free weeks.

Breakfast Anyone?

Yum....... the smell of barbecued meat wafted over the oval.

The dogs' jowls dripped saliva as they waited for the titbits their devoted owners were reluctantly parting with. Deliciously fattening bacon, sausages and eggs were on the menu.

"Now this is what I call, Dog Training," I could see Chardy thinking.

Yes, we lucky dog owners and our furry friends, were treated to a great cooked breakfast this morning, kindly put on by the Eastern Goldfields Dog Training Club. I know of at least one delighted canine.

Reluctant to leave, training will never be quite the same again for my four legged friend.

The Weekend After

Slow......very slow and that's exactly how I like it.

After all the hype of the Race Round and a fairly hectic week at work, which included the annual sports carnival, it was very pleasant to take an early morning stroll and discover yet another park for Chardy and I to explore.

First we watched as a freight train, heading towards Adelaide, tooted its way through a level crossing, then we walked down towards this small, picturesque park at the end of Piccadilly St.

"Hey, which way to the water?"

Coolgardie Day

All the fun of the fair...................

Not very original, but that's what the day had and more. There was something for everyone. Dancing, music, stalls of various shapes and sizes. Camels rides, old vehicles to examine, (but not touch).









Children carrying stuffed teddies; Dads with kids on their shoulders and Mums with an assortment of odds and ends, all made their way through the town.

I could hardly believe the change in the place. The last time I visited Coolgardie on a Sunday, there was my car and one other parked on the side of the road. I had the whole place to myself, but not today. Thousands had gathered to celebrate
Coolgardie Day.

Kalgoorlie Cup 2008

A spectacle...........yes the Kalgoorlie Cup is certainly that.

It was packed, no garden party this time. Wall to wall people. The beautiful and those who are no doubt lovely on the inside. They were young, old, in between and some who were not quite sure what they were. The atmosphere was a credit to Kalgoorlie. It was warm and welcoming. Now to my favourite part; the fashion.

I loved the dresses, the hats, the suits. Some stunning outfits. I mean take a look at what this lady, (eh perhaps not) is wearing. His was just one of the eye catching ensembles. Here are some others......

Hats were much in evidence; diverse in style and colour.




Yes, there were lots and lots of people............... All sorts.

Boulder Cup Day - Start of the Race Round

Eski in hand I made my way from the fast filling car park to the entrance of the Kalgoorlie Racecourse. The well known Race Round, began today. It's a week of racing and other ancillary events. Today, Being Father's Day, the Boulder Cup was promoted as being an ideal family outing.

As I walked in I was surprised by the number of tents; further in I passed the local brass band setting the scene with some rousing music.

I followed some very well dressed ladies, who turned into, what I later discovered, was one of the exclusive areas kept for those who are prepared to pay around $200 for the privilege of sitting in a tent.
Not being one of the so privileged I continued my search and soon found the party I was joining. Along with them I set up for an afternoon of eating, drinking and socialising. The weather was surprisingly mild and whilst I wasn't prepared to wear anything sleeveless, I could quite accept that many slightly hardier souls were able to sacrifice comfort for fashion.

Hats were there, but not as numerous, I am reliably told, as those that will grace the course on Wednesday's "Ladies Day", or even at next Saturday's, " Kalgoorlie Cup".

No this was, as previously stated, more of a family day. There were lots of kids and the atmosphere was very pleasant, almost like a garden party.

I had a flutter or two with moderate success, but as they say the tote is always the real winner on such occasions.
Even so it was a most enjoyable afternoon.

He's In

Update on today's events..........John Bowler, an Independent, won the seat of Kalgoorlie.

Looks like a change of government too. I don't think there are many teachers in WA who will be sorry to see Mr Carpenter and his colleagues lose power.

Election Day

Yes, that's me wearing orange..........

It was freeeeeeeeezing, standing there for my allotted two hours. Most voters were being sensible and waiting to see if the weather was going to warm up. That meant we, the various pamphleteers, had plenty of time to get to know each other.

The Nationals had a couple of lovely, young Uni students, (they were up from Perth to support their Dad, the local candidate), whilst the Liberals had a Queensland metallurgist,who had been living in Kal for about eight years. The Greens' candidate was a rather loud, red haired lady who took exception to an official from the electoral commission telling her, and a number of others, that they were blocking the entrance and looked quite intimidating. Personally I tended to agree, but to be honest I think they were simply taking shelter from what was a biting wind.

I also got to cast my first absentee vote, which was quite amusing, considering I knew even less about the candidates in my own electorate than I did about those in Kalgoorlie. Still we don't, as many of you know, have an option here in Australia. Voting IS compulsory, so like all good citizens I voted.

State Politics - Kalgoorlie Style

I went to the Independent candidate, John Bowlers, campaign launch this evening. Drinks and nibbles were on the Palace Hotel menu, as well as a few well orated speeches. It was fun jumping on to a political bandwagon and listening to some of the rhetoric. Being the first time I had actually heard J B speak, I was impressed with the simplicity of his message.

It was also interesting seeing such a cross-section of the community from all political persuasions supporting this once Labour party heavyweight. I guess what really appeals to me is the fact that John B is not distributing his preferences, making him a true independent.