Tuesday

Just as well tractors have headlights or Doug would not have been able to do as much of the paddock as he did last night. He arrived late afternoon to do "some mowing" and off he went on the tractor down to the bottom paddock. Before M went out she reminded me to keep an ear out for him and to check the tractor was back at dark - just in case there had been any kind of problem. Come dark he was still out there and it was the sweep of the headlights around the paddock each ten minutes I went out to check that assured me he was still at it. In the end, I didn't hear the tractor come back into the shed or Doug leave, but when I went out to check the next time, it was back and he was gone ... and depending on the weather, the paddock shouldn't need another mow for a couple of weeks. The grass should just about be out of the peak growing period since it's Autumn but since the days have been warm and there has been no shortage of rain (there have been big storms here again this afternoon) the feeling among the locals is that it may not yet be time to plan what else to do in all that newly-freed-up mowing time.
The good thing about slightly cooler weather - and the rain plays a part as well - is that the cats usually come in to watch television with us. Maggie seemed to enjoy MasterChef tonight very much - and there were some segments which were very much worth watching - like when the young developmentally challenged man refused to put up his pressure test dishes because they were not up to standard - and in so doing guaranteed himself a place in the elimination round. Matt Preston, one of the judges, praised him for his honesty and bravery in so doing - and confirmed with the three other chef/judges that they had all had to throw dishes out because they was not good enough. Truly heart-warming fare and one of the reasons MasterChef stands out in the current crop of "talent" shows. Of course, Maggie may just have wanted to watch tonight because Maggie Beer was on.
I was late home tonight as I went in search of ice cream but missed the delivery man - even after a valiant offer by A to chase him down the street. The good news is that A has taken my ''order" and will try to catch him next time - which is only a fortnight away now. But at least that gives us a chance to clear out the freezer (something I have been meaning to do) as we may need the room.
Maggie was sitting in the driveway when I arrived home - along with some cane toads - and none of them were inclined to move. I drove around them rather than wait them out. Maggie came in; I'm not sure about the toads.