The heat was rather horrid here on the Sunny Coast over the weekend, so the main part of the day was spent inside in the air conditioning. On Friday, from late morning until 5.30 I helped friends put up a "dog proof" fence at their new property. Firstly we had to remove the old netting and barbed wire - I thought that stuff was long gone, but obviously not. I think in NZ it isn't sold anymore. The ants weren't happy with us disturbing their homes in the posts - they can be really aggressive - I don't like them. My friends had already put in new posts within the boundary of the property to make a smaller area for the dogs. It was hot work, but very satisfying to see the finished product. They worked for another 1.5hrs to finish the last little stretch after I left, only to have one of the dogs start to dig out underneath it - little horror. An electric wire is going to be run around the bottom and about 1/3 of the way up as both of them are climbers as well.
On Saturday I returned there after 4pm to watch the "burn" pile be consumed, instead we demolished the walls of the built in back entertainment area. Once again, ants had made their homes between pieces of wood and were very upset to have all their eggs fall down onto the ground. In this area, the previous owner must have been concerned about his building skills and compensated by using 'millions' of nails. It has made such a difference opening the area up. There are still supporting posts to be replaced that are rotting and others to take out completely, then new paving to be laid etc. They'll get there, slowly but surely.
Sunday morning I attended hill sprint and resistant training as part of my Gold Coast Kokoda training - it was brutal, but I'll be back. I definitely need to work on my cardio fitness.Then I went up to the Noosa Farmers Market for the first time. I had contacted Supernatural Organics about purchasing some garlic corms off them for me to try and grow my own garlic here. Due to the climate being so warm all year around, I wanted to get garlic corms that have been acclimatised to the area. They were so lovely and told me if I couldn't make it to the market they would post a kg down to me, however that would, of course, increase the price. Peter and Wendy were so lovely to meet in person and gave me some very helpful advice. I am looking forward to growing my own garlic this season. While at the markets I found a couple selling salami - plain pork without nitrates and a pistachio and prosciutto salami plus some cheese, one of which they imported from France and was delicious. I had to buy one of each. My lunch today will be consist of some of the pistachio salami and the cheese. There were lots of other tempting goodies to buy, however, I resisted and left before temptation got the better of me.
I finished the day off with grocery shopping and baking - baking for the young adults who live here and for the 'extras' that it appears are living here as well - to take with their lunches - cheaper than buying muesli bars and the likes. I actually enjoy baking, although struggle to not eat it while it is still warm - a real no no for me at the moment as I am not eating any sugar and only low carbs each day. Feel so much better for it too. Then it was dinner, which considered of chicken and a 'fat' salad, made of salad leaves, cucumber, tomato, olives, capsicum and feta cheese with a dressing made with a natural greek yogurt base - delicious. There was hardly any left, so the boys must have liked it.
