Saturday, February 28, 2009

The Camera Really Does Lie

This is good, I've had a shit week frankly and blogging has kept me sane and distracted so being tagged was a Godsend.

I haven't much to do today other than the usual washing, cleaning, sweeping, pool water balancing, feeding animules and teaching the Merry Widow how to install and use Skype. So Plugger over at Blurb from the Burbs tagged me to air my dirty laundry, prove that I'm not anally retentive when it comes to housework. Envious of a friend's gorgeous home and superb decorator skills. My best friend also has a McMansion that looks like a display home. Beautifully furnished and accessorised so much so that I feel compelled to divest myself of shoes and tip toe around without touching anything. Kath bless her cotton sox puts her own slant on interior beauty. So thought I'd have a bash and I can nicely tie this in with English Mum's Fridge Friday even though it's Saturday . . So here's a peak at my place at its . . .normalest . . .is that even a word?

This is my raunchy, I mean ranchy house from the front. Quite nice and pretty Aussie actually. It' really two houses with a common area in between but showing any more would be giving too much away. Two weeks ago that grass was brown and I honestly didn't think it would recover . . one week of rain later and I had to ask the lad to come home from playing 'house' to mow today . . .



I so wish I lived with an Electrician then he'd fix the wobbly lights in my carport that were knocked skewiff by my nephew over 2 years ago . .yes TWO YEARS . . and have been precariously balanced on the rafters. Of course they don't work . . .oh wait . . .I do live with an electrician!The house is surrounded by a huge verandah. Keeps things nice and cool in summer . . .also a good place for a tipple as the sun goes down . . .



What you don't notice in the verandah shot is my crappy fly screens precariously held into place with an assortment of paving bricks to keep the creepy crawlies out . . . eeeuuww a bird poo'd on it. And it clearly isn't working because I've just been to the loo and there was a mouse, bold as brass sitting on the cistern! He'd crept through a gap in the toilet fly screen, caught him red handed!


Yep, it's a fridge . . .the little face is a magnetic dustpan and brush, perfect for a glass smasher like me. It's got all the usual things, magnets, petrol vouchers, physiotherapy exercises for gammy knees and the next fortnight's menu plan . . . oh and an assortment of veterinary phone numbers and after hours contacts for wildlife rescue . . .and my name, in case I forget it.



This was after my shop last week. It looks like this for about six hours before DrummerBoy get's his mitts on it and cleans me out of house and home. Note the empty milk bottle . . fwooooar that annoys me! He won't touch the prawns tho, they're for my tea! I guess keeping a 5kg bag of ice in the freezer seems excessive but it's been so hot this summer that my poor old ice cube trays can't keep up . . .actually all that's in my freezer is bread, peas and frozen raspberries . . and on very rare occasions a tub of ice cream. And that's low carb champers for the sticky beaks! Just so you know!



One of the great beauties of living in a warm climate is alfresco dining. We have a huge table in the paved 'communal' area but this is our private eating nook. Lovely for sunny breakfasts and light lunches . . .

What you don't see . . . is the crap around the corner stored on an old computer desk . .everything from garden implements to my trusty leaf blower and baby gates to keep Lily confined when she's injured. I took down the green plastic tub to house horse feed and found five Eastern Skinks dessicated inside. What a way to go! (not really sure why there's a CD rack there!)



This is the kitchen/family room. The hub of the house I guess you could say. I did mention that Saturday was cleaning day? Plus Clarebear was at the beach, DrummerBoy's house sitting so it's way tidier than normal . . no glasses on tables, shoes or mail . . just a camera bag on the benchtop . . .hot tip for would-be house buyes . . always make sure your kitchen cupboards reach the ceiling or have a bulkhead built . .they're dust magnets . . .



The bench normally looks like this . . .


This is my lounge although it's more of a computer space and office space for AB Landscapes and Gardens these days. It doubles as the guest room and is pretty much like this all the time although there's no labrador plonked prone in the open space . . . the little tapestries on the backs of the sofa's were gifts from South America, I love 'em. Oh and the Japanese hat . .well that's from Japan . . .Wherever you hang your hat and all that.

Then there is that messy bit under the windowsill and hiding behind the dining table. The business files (cost zippity from the Reject Shop) horticulture references and the Guitar Hero corner but you're not supposed to notice that.




My bedroom. . pretty ornary but tidy with summery linen and the books I have been intending to read for over 2 years . . .maybe when the electrician does his bit, I'll nail the books . . .



What you don't see? . . .The scrappy corner. Winter's Dimplex heater covered with an old towel to prevent dust, the family tool box (there to stop others pinching stuff and not putting it back.) A cork board that I'm not sure what to do with but it's too good to throw away. The wicker basket is the 'dressing up box'. Very handy for fancy dress. A pair of Colorado shoes that I love but they're so whiffy they need to 'air' near the window and the teev, well it works but it isn't even plugged in. I just have nowhere else to put it and I never watch TV in bed so . . .


Ah the workroom. . .yes I still do my children's washing even though they're big and ugly enough to do it themselves. The front loader might be sooper dooper energy efficient and wash 7kgs in a mugful of water but it takes forever to reduce my carbon footprint! Not sure why there's only one gardening glove hanging from the tap either . . .funny what you notice in photos.

Actually it doesn't look much better after the laundry's been tidied does it! (Should have washed the floor!)


Ah the shed. Looks like a normal double garage no? . . .pretty tidy with a tractor ramp . .

Sweet Jesus you don't wanna go in there. It's festooned with spiders. I've just baited for rats, found a possum on the hay yesterday (was then wracked with guilt and hoped it hadn't eaten any of the rat baits - it was actually enjoying the lucerne so hopefully safe) and believe me, I can barely move in there. The section on the right was supposed to be my painting nook . .never happened. Full of next door's tax returns and horsey stuff and old drums, and landscaping acoutrements and tractor stuff and motor bikes and workbenches and spiders and did I mention rat poo?



I'm not even going to mention the curiosity corner, the boxes of Taboo, Monopoly, Scene It and dominoes on top of the glassware cupboards or the soccer ball that Lily wedged under the TV trolley. And I'm definitely not venturing into the kids' rooms . . .or talking about wardrobes. I simply have no storage in this house so everything is shoved out of site in wardrobes and cupboards.

And final proof that I'm nowhere near as tidy as I'd like to be and why I'd never let anyone open my cupboards without undergoing a commando boot camp first . . .the dreaded cupboard above the microwave. You know, the one with the dog chains, bandana and drugs, the cables that once charged your old Nokia in 1992 which has been kept long after the phone's bitten the dust, the wrapping paper and gift bags. The cellotape dispenser that weighs a ton and falls on your noggin' the minute you open the door? Yep, THAT cupboard . . .I'm not proud of it mind you but no matter how frequently I tidy, it gets in a mess in a whisper . . .if you ever visit . .DO NOT OPEN THE CUPBOARD ABOVE THE MICROWAVE!Oh Kath, I nearly forgot . . .I have a fan . . .

32 comments:

River said...

If you'd like a suggestion as to what to do with the corkboard, cover it with a collage of family photos. I have four of these showing the kids in all stages from babies to adults and the grandchildren are on them too. One of my boards is only the kids school photos.
Your home looks lovely, I particularly love the slate floor.

Susan at Stony River said...

Wow, hon, what a beautiful house! I'm envious of your outdoor table: if I tried that it would be blown away within ten minutes by a freezing gale and downpour.

It was such fun to "visit" you!

xxx said...

Thanks for not showing us the toilet :-)

That was a lovely visit... thank you. So now could you please make us a cup of tea with a bicky.

ta

Best wishes Ribbon

xxx said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ces Adorio said...

I love the long "biking or skating" lane! Eating outside is so refreshing. You have quite a compound there.

Anonymous said...

Baino, this looks to be a fine home. No less cluttered than any other. In fact, it's a heck of a lot neater than some I've seen up for sale! The front porch and patio! A must have( if I ever get to buy another home ). Enjoyed the tour :)

Candie said...

Hi
Nice pictures and nice house.
Evrybody has some messy corners,it means that we are alive no?
cool that you got to have some space to put stuff like in your garage.I moved in a appartment which was new and it doesn't have a local space.Apparently,it's a new fashion,they are making new buildings like that,they don't care if you have things to store.But I can't complain,they make them fonctionnal though.Hope you can understand what I say cause it seems like I speak partly french,partly sort of english today.Tired.
Have a nice day or evening.
:)

English Mum said...

Wow, gorgeous house - that first shot is amazing. And I love that you were brave enough to post the messy shots too! I'd actually quite like ten minutes with your fridge meself...!

xx

Brian Miller said...

home...cluttered to some, comfortable to others. like the eating area ourside with all the green and trees. i would be found there more often than not. thanks for sharing the inside look at your abode.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely tour- I love the verandah and alfresco dining. Your messy bits aren't as messy as my messy bits!

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed the tour. Funny I never found the Chardy, where do you hide it??

Anonymous said...

HAHAHAHA!!! Your cupboards look just like mine!!

Yeah, we have those corners too. I carefully select the areas to photograph around here. ;)

Baino said...

River I actually have done that to one in the loo! The thing is that these days all my albums are online so I need to download a few pics and print them on photo paper. I really should get on with that! Yeh, slate's pretty cool and easy maintenance even if it is a bit 70's.

Well it's 2 houses joined together actually Suze. My portion was built when I had a 2 and 4 year old so frankly we're running out of space! Yeh but that's why your valley is green and mine is brown! I'd kill for more rain!

Actually Ribbon, the bathrooms and toilets are the cleanest and tidiest in the house! Very dull. (except for the mouse) Have tea but in usual style, no bloody milk!

Yep, two families living here Ces although I didn't show the back yard, common games/pool room and the barbie area. You should try getting a hose long enough to water all those pot plants! The verandahs are perfect for tricycling tots.

Candie, the biggest problem is lack of space, then I probably also accumulate junk that I don't need! You're doing fine, you write with a French accent!

Well you're welcome any time EM just keep yer mits off my prawns . .It's not my 'style' of house actually, I'd prefer something either gleamingly modern or anciently cosy. Next house maybe.

Yep Brian. Outside living is a big thing for us and we're able to do it all year round. Even wintry days are usually warm and sunny so we don't need to huddle inside unless it's raining or evening.

HA! That my dear Cinnamon is because I only showed you my normal messy bits. Remember the bedroom of stupendous clutter, has not been featured because I cleaned it from top to bottom yesterday given that the lad is house-sitting so really nothing to show there!

There were two bottles of bubbly in the fridge GM. I'm on the wagon these days but have a couple of low carb drinkies on Fridays .. 3.5 standard drinks per bottle! COUP!

Jay yours is one of the blogs I love because you show little bits of your home and surroundings. I think everone's the same . . .we've all got our little dark corners!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous house, Baino. I am very envious. We are supposed to get a few inches of snow tomorrow!

Wanna trade for a day? :)

Anonymous said...

awesome!

Bimbimbie said...

I thought you were going to show us the hordes of insects that join in when you venture outside for a meal - they must all be up here visiting me. I'm really pleased we are heading into the cooler warm months up here and can enjoy siting and eating outdoors a little more.

Now where would we all be without our corners and sheds and cupboards to hide our boring but useful bits and bobs*!*

Anonymous said...

Always fun to have a good look round someone's house. Like many Oz homes, it's a mansion by UK standards, particularly the enormous garden. My homes have always been a fraction of the size. Good to know other people can be as messy as I am. But then a bit of mess is a sign that you enjoy life, is it not?

Unknown said...

My Skype was originally installed but I deleted it recently.

Kath Lockett said...

Your gaff islovly, Baino - I'd love to share a chardy and some choccies on your verandah.

Oh and *everyone's* got their dreaded cupboard - yours is above the microwave, ours is under it. Armies of orphaned tupperware lids take the chance to shoot out the second the door is opened. The poor person (me usually) affected normally just frisbees them back inside, slamming the door shut and forgetting about it until it all happens again....

How is Lily ?

kj said...

you are a brave woman, baino! it was so fun to see your digs! i'm glad to know you are not a neat freak. your home is lived in and your outdoor space looks so inviting. i would like to have morning coffee out there with you. i liked everything except that face on the refrig. it scared me! are you sure it doesn't make you nervous too?

maybe i will walk around my house and snap a few candid shots too. oh but i don't think i can bear to show several of the closets. well, we'll see...
:)

i beati said...

come to my house for untidy a 90 lb dog and cats out to destroy all in theor path.. I love love love your trees..sandy

Megan said...

I hear you on the cupboards. I don't let anyone look in those, ever. And I have a corkboard leaning against the wall in my room, as well. Trying to think of what to do with it.

Looks like the guest room is plenty big enough for me and the offspring! Got to get that passport renewed...

Thanks for sharing your space with us!

Ces Adorio said...

Where is the sexy lingerie thrown on the bed?

Miladysa said...

I really enjoyed this post!

Dame Edna used to sneak around people's houses without them knowing once on a TV programme over here. I remember she used to say:

"You'd better say your prayers
cos we're going up your stairs!"

and the whole Nation held their breath!

I would have died if my house had been shown :D

Baino said...

Well JD you know where I live! Nah wouldn't swap for the snow now . .a couple of weeks ago maybe!

Gaye, c'mon over anytime. I'm just around the corner!

Bimbimbie, I've got plenty of greebies believe me! Daren't sit out there without the Aerogard!

Well if mess is a sign of enjoying life Nick, I'm over the moon! Next time you're in Sydney you'll have to visit. Although I'm hoping it'll be long gone by then and I'll have relocated somewhere else!

Hope it wasn't something I said Ropi!

Oh kj, he's cute! And I always know where to find him.

ibeati, there's usually a labrador on the bed as well!

Megan you and Offspring can share my 'guest room' anytime.

Oh Ces, you know I'm a tracky dak and Bridget Jones undie type

Haha haven't heard of that one Miladysa . .I love dropper innerers as long as they take me as they find me!

Unknown said...

By the way if it was up to me, our house would look like that. Cleaning and making order in the room are the only things at which I am not disciplined.

Ces Adorio said...

Actually Hells, your house looks like a healthy, normal person's house!

Anonymous said...

I've really enjoyed looking at all these photos - it's great to be nosey and be allowed to snoop - I'm so jealous of your light - and to be able to have breakfast outside - what a luxury.

Baino said...

Ropi that's exactly why there is no photo of my son's room! It's a shemozzle!

Thanks Ces, nice to know I'm 'normal'

Conor I'm a total snoop and I've heard people here say that the sky looks 'bigger' than anywhere else. Yep, it's rare that we're not invaded by light.

Mrsupole said...

You can have a house or you can have a home. You have chosen to have a home. And it looks like a great home to me. Such a brave person to show us pictures of it.

Thank you so much.

Tinsie said...

I really enjoyed this post, and yes, I agree with you, the camera often lies. Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder - or the camera holder as the case may be.

Loved your dustpan & brush! Very clever and I've never seen anything like it before. I want one too :-)

Anonymous said...

I can see I picked the right time to pay a visit - its good to see that you are also an owner of 'cupboards full of stuff' - I am not alone!!!!

Lovely home!!!!