Back from AUS 12 NOV 08

Back from Aus. 12NOV08

We are both back from a short stay in Aus ( with overflowing suitcases). The garden plants have shot up with the occasional storm rain. The diesel power plant has had some issues while we were away as the hydro generator has been offline due to lack of rain. This has caused the diesels to run excessive hours with two generators going offline. So we are enjoying power rationing on Upolo Island. We have been lucky and only seem to have interruptions overnight, other parts of Apia have day interruptions. These last a few hours and new parts have been flown in to repair the power station. This may add some stimulus to the building of a new facility that has been planned for some years.
While I was away F ran out of water in the tank and had to get a tanker in for a refill. I have found the leak after some digging and put on a temporary patch with a clamp and some garden hose. Other maintenance issues have been attended to including new lock sets for the 4 screen doors with locks sourced in Aus. Our art group will have some new brushes and oil paints. Also in progress is a BBQ bench on our verandah for our baby Weber.
I have removed the glass louvers and side mechanisms from the kitchen windows ready for painting. Actually got the first coat on this afternoon. When the white trim is finished we will have a very smart looking kitchen.

HASH
Last Monday’s run was near Apia Park Stadium, there were some problems with the run like the tide was “in” and although a valiant effort was made to piggy-back the girls across the flooded causeway the rest of us except one male who will remain nameless (Snake) ran the rest of the run with soggy boots. When accused of this misdemeanor he dunked both boots into the ice tub holding the keg, at least his feet were chilly while ours were hot and smelly. The keg had leaked into the ice filled esky and was not salvageable, so we sent for another. My contribution was two down downs, one for missing 3 runs and another for missing a protest march for the imprisonment of a Samoan national in the US for travelling with a US passport with which he was issued.

Cooking
The Weber is no longer a virgin as tonight I cooked chicken legs in pineapple juice accompanied by stir fried frozen vegetables. Actually it was pretty good.

Plumbing
The plumber turned up this afternoon and we dug out the split pipe and while cutting it out, the next T joint gave way (no glue in the joint) so we fixed both problems. A lot of the plumbing (white polly piping with little or no glue in the joints) can survive with local water pressure, but when confronted by an electric pump at higher pressure either leak or blow off. So by just fixing leaking valves I have upped the pressure on the system and leaks have started to appear or got worse.
Social Scene
I made it to the Ladies Morning Tea at Paddles on Tuesday. There was a very large cruise ship in, the “Amsterdam” with lots of palangi (white) tourists in town. I avoided Macas and rushed the shopping for a sanga at home. Tomorrow is art group and I can dispense some new brushes and oils.

R&F

Pics - Fuipisia Falls, back of house, swing at Sa'moana Resort.