Storms & new additions

A stormy night last week, Ian was BBQing and providing entertainment
The hills in the background are lit up by lightning.

You will no doubt have seen on the news that SEQ and NSW are copping some big storms at the moment.  We have been fortunate to have some decent rainfall, after about 3 or 4 months with no rain at all, and recently we have also had some cracking storms here at Seven Springs.  Ian has been looking forward to the storm season, and so far it hasn't disappointed.

Ian providing further entertainment (note the gum boots).

 The biggest so far at Seven Springs was yesterday (Sunday) - about 15mm of rain, golf ball sized hail, and the temperature plummeted by 10 degrees in under 1 minute down to 16 degrees Celsius.  Here are some pics.
 

In truth the photos do not do justice to the intensity of the storms.  It is impossible to hear a spoken word even at close quarters the rain and hail is so heavy.  Fortunately no damage was sustained at all to any one or any thing, just a little anxiety  :)

New Additions 1 & 2
We've mentioned to a few people that we now have roosters, so here's a pic of them dutifully guarding the hens.  They really are quite sweet - they will sound an alarm if there is danger (eg: eagle) and usher the hens to a safe spot; they also call the hens to wherever they have located a particularly tasty morsel and let the hens eat first.

However, the red rooster is suspicious that Michelle might not be as friendly as she pretends to be (with her garden scraps and her warm morning mashes) and has attempted to chase her out of the chook enclosure a couple of times.  Michelle, of course, will not put up with this behaviour and stands her ground, making sure he knows that he is not the boss.  The ultimate demonstration of seniority by Michelle may well occur in the coming weeks.  We'll let you know how he tastes.

New Addition 3 - Foxy
We finally have a lovely puppy dog to add to the menagerie.  Her name is Foxy, and she is 20 weeks old.  Foxy is a ridgeback / shepherd / kelpie cross, and we obtained her from a local animal shelter.

She has a lovely temperament, wants to say hello to and play with everyone and everything, including the hens if she were allowed. 

The cats aren't convinced Foxy is a worthy addition to the family.  Didi is quite tolerant, but Gigi is a little toad and will hiss, spit, growl and swipe at poor Foxy when all she wants to do is make friends.

Didi and Gigi pre-Foxy - relaxed Queens of the Castle.

Gigi post-Foxy - en garde !

Foxy already has a play date with the dog of some friends of ours that live down the road, so hopefully that will go well and Foxy can run off some of her youthful vigour.

There's lots more happening at Seven Springs, so look out for our next blog entry.