Council clearance/kerb shopping

Twice a year here in Sydney we have a council clearance for your suburb. I am not sure how it works in the rest of Australia. The people start putting things they want to get rid off outside their house on the piece of land (not in the street) about a week before the actual date. Then 2 to 3 days before the council come which is usually just after a week-end, do they start putting out their stuff  in all earnest. Not a very neat picture of the neighborhood then.

For some people it is a second income, they collect old and broken things, fix it or collect things which are still in a good condition and then either have garage sales or sell it on ebay.

There are at times the most amazing things that the people discard of. If you travel through the more affluent areas you are flabbergasted about the stuff that's been discarded of. Most of our SA friends have some thing in their homes which come from the council clearance. We also a few things...or two.. The first time you stop to pick up you really have a weird feeling bit it does become easier after the second time and the third time and the ...  One of our friends' husband refuse point blank to take part in her 'shopping spree'. She takes her son with and the poor child must do his fathers job... :)

I have driven past a wrought iron bed, beautiful chest of drawers which you can't pick up because of space in your car or in your house, and many other beautiful and useful things. I have a believe that 'less is more' so I do have to keep myself in check when it comes to 'stuff'. It is so easy to hoard things.

Some of my friends will know of the beautiful red leather couch that is (used to be?) in the coffee shop at Exclusive Books in Pretoria, SA. It was my biggest treat to go and sit there with a cuppa and a few books and sink back into the soft much sat in cushions. Well Gaby, hubby, drove past a similar couch last year. He stopped and had a look. It had plastic cover over and a note saying "It's virtually brand new, it doesn't fit the interior any more..." Well he arrived without it. I am sure he could have made a plan.. like putting it on the roof or carry it home.. or ask the people to keep it inside the yard he will get a hute/bakkie/pick-up from some where and will be back in no time. Men!!!???

So with this little bit of information into the life of a Sydneysider will I leave you with a few pictures taken in our street from our latest council clearance. See if you could find something of interst there.

 I took this sewing machine home and will try and sell it on ebay..

New Year's Eve 2009

I know we are way past the used date but I only got some photos from friends which I wanted to include recently. Anyway it's always good to celebrate for no reason and maybe also to review and think about those 'new years resolutions'. Mmmm!!
                                               
It was our first new year's eve in Australia and we were happy to celebrate it with dear friends, Arista and Francois Jooste in beautiful Sydney. Which city in the world has a more magical and beautiful display of fire works?? We could only see the bridge from where we sat, next time we'll have the Opera House also in view. Double splendour!

                                   Waiting for the sun to set so that the fireworks can start.

                     Their daughter Laurene, and Carli.  Our two boys were with friends

                                                           People starting to gather all over

Barbie/Braai at Roseville Chase

We went for a 'braai' with Heinrich and Tania (SA friends) and kids after church on Sunday to this beautiful place in Sydney. Again it was a 'new discovery' for us. These Ferreiras know how to introduce us to new and exciting places. Still can't believe there are so many picnic spots in the city and often close to water. Open, clean and peaceful! Lovely. Thanks guys it was a great afternoon!!

Gaby and Tania preparing 'braai broodjies',

tomato cheese and onion sandwiches barbequed.

Markus, Naomi and Carli

                                     Relaxing after the 'braai'...

                                   Late afternoon fishing for 
                      father and daughter.

                                          No explanation needed

Camping at Kangaroo Valley

We went camping at Kangaroo Valley last week end with Michael and Ina, long time friends from SA. Her Mom and sister and brother in law also went with. It was great fun and as always enjoyed the discovery of new places. I was very eager to buy property on the spot, as always when we are visiting the country.

Kangaroo Valley is south of Sydney, about 2 hours drive and is situated on the Southern Tablelands. We took the coastal road down, past Wollongong, Kiama and Berry. It's a beautiful drive and specially so because the green rolling hills with cattle grazing sort of roll into the sea. Pretty pretty!

On the way back we left the valley via Moss Vale and Berrima. Berrima is a quaint historical village but unfortunately we haven't had the time and the energy to discover what it is famous for..

The camp site is next to a big river where they do lots of kayaking. The girls were not keen on getting on to the river and the possibility of getting wet. Maybe more so in Carli's case than Minnette's...

Carli took a friend with since Ruan thought it would be nicer to visit with friends on the Saturday night than to spend a week end with older folk. Carli celebrated her 13 th birthday on Sunday and was spoiled by all.

I walked into town and did a bit of sight seeing in the area on foot while the rest were driving to town and sitting on their back sides.. But that's why I have the pictures of the area and they don't!!

I am still taking pictures with my mobile since no camera has fallen into my lap yet so excuse the quality and no close ups.

Remember to click on photo to enlarge it

 

Gerringong in the back ground

This farm is for sale..!!

Gorgeous little country
gardens here and there

The entrance to the camping grounds
is next to the bridge 

To the left side of the bridge

To the right side of the bridge

A restaurant and guest house 
for sale..(Sonia)

I thought the old car fitted well.

Mega milkshakes!

Saturday market under the Eucalyptus'

A place to take our visitors too..?

Kangaroo Valley Public School

Little Anglican church

Resting(contemplating)benches on the way to town

Meet Gertrude

Morning fog in camp

Ina explaining about the hole
in her pants

Another
view of 'my farm'

Tannie Bets,Ina,Lizette,Carli and Minnette 
( all boertjies!!)

Carli
opening her presents

On the way out of the valley

A Ghost Eucalyptus. I am falling in love 
with these trees..yes I am!!

I suggested to the wedding photographer when I walked past her 
'what about a swop', she only gave me a polite smile

How can one disagree??!!

Australia Day, 26 january

I know I am a little bit late with this, but does time matter..? Last year Carli and I arrived in Australia on the 27th of Jan. so we missed our first celebration with the Nation.

That flag must be the size of a rugby field. The  flags on the bridge are already quite big.

We went into town by train and it was quite chaotic. Couldn't believe so many people could fit into it. Great fun!

One of a few well decorated yachts. On the background one can see the 4 tall ships(if you click on the photo it will enlarge)

Gaby hurt his ankle while on holiday so we could not move around as wanted but we 'parked' him in the Botanic Gardens and he was able to watch the ferry race and after that also the tall ship race. Lots of other exciting things were happening around him to keep him occupied.

I think this guy must have lost a few kilos wearing that suit in such extreme heat.

It was extremely hot that day. Close to 40 degrees if I remember correctly so everybody was protected against the fierce sun. These Ozzies love the sun but also take good care to protect themselves. Surely there will always be those who think they are invincible but generally a hat is part of the attire.

All the flags and painted faces and 'I love Australia' t-shirts reminded me of my visit to the USA where we celebrated 4th of July with the De Bruyns in Atlanta. I think the Americans tops the Ozzies with patriotism and celebrations but this bunch gave them a good go.

I do enjoy this view of the city so much.

The motorshow was in Macquarie str and it was bliss to walk in shade looking at all the lovely cars. We wish you could be here Cesar to enjoy it with us.

Kids playing in a fouintain. I was desparate to join them.

Afterwards we went with Debbie and Gavin, SA friends to a street barbie which they organised. Ozzies, Polish, Jews, South Africans, Kiwis all enjoying a typical Ozzie barbie. We were totally spent after that.

 There are so many things going on at different places in town that one could entertain yourself and be entertained in many other ways. Becoming a citizen is also part of the celebrations. Where it was held in Sydney I do not know but in the smaller towns it is apparently a big part of the daily celebrations. We'll see when our day comes.. :)