Rocky! (aka Rockhampton)

Andreas and I have now been in Rockhampton for almost 2 weeks. It has been great to be in a house again. We were getting just a little tired of the air mattress and a few of the cool nights we camped out.

The house here in Rocky (as it's affectionatly called by Aussies) is fairly large, well larger than the place in Townsville. However I did do some deep cleaning once we arrived and settled in, so it would feel comfortable to my standards. Growing up with a perfectionist, tidy mother and home has somewhat shaped how I like a house to be. And the family that lives here are also very busy and don't have a lot of time to spend cleaning. Well I had plenty of it!

The animals are interesting, and funny. There are 2 dogs, Muddy and Splodge. Muddy is a labradoodle, and only 2 years old. Splodge is a 9 year old lab sharpea breed. I must admit I quite miss Tiggy compared to these dogs. First of all Muddy is incredibly hyper and needs a firm hand and consistent commands to not jump up on you. He is a pretty big dog, thigh height.

We are taking them for walks to the dog off lead area. Muddy runs all over the place, though at least he does come when you call. Splodge on the other hand does not listen. She could care less, I think she is undertrained, that's probably the main reason. So we leave her on the lead now, that way we don't have to run after her. Muddy we are working on training with treats as incentives. Seems to be working somewhat.

They also have two cats, Skittles and Missy. They are cute and pretty affectionate, half indoor/outdoor cats.

Then there are 4 chooks (chickens) in a pen at the back of the backyard. Easy to look after, and the free eggs are great!

Some of the best news is I am finally working! A friendly and helpful neighbor passed on a newspaper ad from a chiro office looking for a massage therapist. I phoned the receptionist/part owner and had a interview. This was just over a week ago now. All she could offer me was a casual postion, but hey, I'm only here temporarily, I'll take what I can get.

So I work about 2 shifts a week. It is great to be doing massage again. I really missed it and it's a neat opportunity to work with a chiropractor as I have never worked with one before. Also massage therapists get free adjustments and massage, so I will book myself in for one before we leave. Ahhhh......

Andreas has not found any work and that has definitely been dissappointing and frustrating for him :(

We have attended a church here several times now "Cathederal of Praise" It's a nice sized church with a really great worship team. The messages are good as well. The only down side is the air con is turned up way to high. Feel like I'm freezing thru half the service. To bad my husband is just as cold as me!

We did meet a really nice couple from the church though, Simon and Linda. They are our parents age and have a small boat. A week after we arrived in Rocky they took us out on the boat to this island 30 mins away. Humpy Island. It was such a beautiful day. We went on a hike, then had a quick bite, then the guys went snorkelling in the wet suits, while I suntanned on the beautiful beach. Then after Andy came back I put on the wet suit and went snorkelling. Some beautiful fish to see! We hope to get to the mainland beach at least one more time before we leave.

The story of the Skittles and the mouse will be the next blog.....