The white chicken has decided to take over at our house. Every evening before dusk, she tootles up to the back verandah and pecks and then launches herself at the sliding doors. When they are opened, she steps daintily through the kitchen, chortling all the while, and into the laundry where she likes to perch on a multi-coloured nappy box. We've taken to setting the oil heater on low to keep her comfy - after all she has no chums to keep her warm at night. I'm thinking of calling her Rocket after the way she hurtles around the yard when you're trying to catch her.

S and friends have been busy last weekend constructing a new chook house. The frame has gone up - somewhat wonky, but stable - and the corrugated iron roof is painted. Someone has promised to bring a hen down to visit for company for Rocket - so we can save on heating bills! There'll be another working bee the coming weekend - anyone got a few spare hours? Only joshing!

The subdivision process is now complete - P. has added the new details to our letterbox in case anyone wants to send us mail...

Now we're waiting on a construction certificate from the council - more paperwork and more fees and charges. We've actually signed the contract with the builder now. Next step is removing even more trees - unfortunately. Don't worry, we'll be planting more after the house is finished. When the rain decides to have a break then we might start to think about excavating for the slab.