Draped over the taps in the shower this morning was a red-belly black snake in the process of eating its own tail. Luckily it was only a rubber model. On my way to the showere I had already stepped over a dragon and removed two white pointers from the floor. The obstacle course that is our bathroom produces new species every day. We have had some real huntsman spiders scurrying across the ceiling to escape the steam from time to time - but haven't seen many of these lately. Perhaps the building work has driven them away - it must seem like earthquake city to them.

Had a chat to the two concretors yesterday as they were sitting down for yet another smoko session. They promised they would have the place cleaned up for us soon. I tried to sound enthusiastic but I'm afraid my tired scepticism shone through. They confided that they'd heard that the council had approved our driveway plans without actually looking at them - which is why they're changing them on us now. Apparently the guy just glanced at the name of the engineer who had prepared them, said 'he's good' and signed it off. They're now waiting for the new grates to arrive and will be pouring concrete by Friday. I would be interested to see how they actually create the new drains. I imagine it would be quite an art - pouring it in situ - they would have to use some sort of mould I figure.

I took the two babies on a hike yesterday to drop-off R. at the day-care centre. Wasn't confident about fitting another car seat in so instead I got out the baby backpack and the pram and walked the three of us down the very big steep hill to the centre. I felt very resourceful and pioneering. And back up of course - this time with only one baby in the pram. This hill is so steep that it is obligatory to stop a few times along the way for a rest. Am noticing a few aches and pains in new places today!