WWOOF hosting continued.

Woojon mowing the lawn with an enviro mower.

I recently had the opportunity to host not only my first mature aged WWOOFer, but also my youngest WWOOFer.  First came Woojon, from Korea.  He came along not knowing what to expect, just as I didn't know what I should expect of a mature aged person.  His age remains a bit of a mystery as he was most secretive about it.  Not that it is a big issue, but curiosity will raise it's head and niggle at me.  Although he claimed to be much older than I am, he only looked around 45.  I came to call him the man with an engaging smile.  During his time with me, it brought a greater awarenes about the extreme differences that can exist between cultures.  It really isn't just about the language barriers, it is cultural beliefs, religious beliefs and personal perspectives.  He would have worked day and night if I hadn't stopped him. He is so used to a country that has very high humidity as well as temperatures, however Australia's climate is so very different and I am pedantic about educating my WWOOFers on the risks of heat/sunstroke, dehydration as well as the risk of UV exposure and resulting skin cancers. It took a lot of hard thinking and problem solving in order to get those things across as he just couldn't grasp them.  Eventually his time came to leave and as I saw him on his way, I pondered the possibilities laid before him and how his journey would turn out for him.  One can only wish him well and pray he achieves what it is he has in mind.

Damien, shucking corn cobs

Then I had the lovely opportunity to host my youngest ever WWOOFer, 19 year old Damien from France.  We met at the Southern Cross Station and journeyed back to Kyabram together by train.  What a great chance to chat and get to know each other a little.  Along the way, we both felt the need to take a rest, instantly I dozed off and when we got closer to Shepparton, Damien gently woke me.  Finally ensconced back in my humble abode, we set about giving the gardens a good watering.  The two hot days in a row had taken a toll on a number of plants (some were lucky and survived).  We then settled into the routine of daily chores, sharing stories and of course, me listening to this intelligent young man as he spoke on many subjects.  A breath of fresh air to say the least.  Once Damien leaves my place, he will travel back to Melbourne to begin working as an Au Paire.  To Damien I say,  Au Revoir and journey well.

Herb Drying 2012

Oregano, Sage and Thyme drying on the Clothes airer

I have just spent about an hour or so out in the garden to see what herbs etc were ready to harvest.  I ended up with a big bucket of sage, oregano and thyme.  So I brought that indoors and began the process of making it into bunches and tieing it off with some wool.  Now, the problem is, I don't have a proper herb drying rack.  What to do, think outside the box, ta da.  A solution presented itself in the form of my clothes drying rack.  It has 3 levels and is on castors, making it quite easy to move around. I worked out it will hold 16 bunches of herbs per level giving enough space for 48 bunches in total.  Feel pretty chuffed about it because I now only have to worry about finding a food dehydrator for the celery leaves and basil. Mind you it will also be used for a variety of fruits I want to dry to make snack packs for the winter.  Think that issue may have been resolved as I found one on Ebay for around $39 plus P&H of around $10.  I almost have all the required equipment to make my food preserving kit complete.  I actually had to buy a food processor to do some of the prep work for jams and pickles as my arm is not at it's best and I find chopping a bit of an issue. (thanks to family for the envelopes with money at Christmas time.)

Who's crazy now?

"Snake" the cat in repose

Snake the cat has decided that my tray table by the window makes a good bed to sleep on.  So I don't argue, who wants to wake a sleeping ninja anyway?  So on the tray table he sleeps, with the window slightly open for him to get a bit of a cool breeze.  Then the other night the inevitible happened, there was Snake in repose, snoring for all the world to hear.  Big Stretch, rolls over and plonk, thump on the floor.  He sits up stunned, turns my way and gives me the biggest dose of "stinkeye" I have ever seen. So I laughed,  as you do. He immediately lumbered over and bit my foot and leg.......hard.  Now, with blood streaming down my ankle,  I give said Snake the cat still wearing the "stinkeye" look a good shove so I can go fix my leg and foot.  Nooooooo,  it's not over by a long shot.  As I get to the lougeroom door he lunges again and firmly affixes his claws and teeth around my shin and calf.. gaaahhhhh.  I swear one day I will turn this cat into a Davey Crockett hat.  grrrr mumble mumble curse.