About the Convent – Page 13 – CONVENT AND CHAPEL

Unsettling Times

Published on October 26, 2013October 26, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

I have sold my Sydney property which is a big step and a relief in now moving into a new life. However it means deadlines for moving out of Sydney and packing everything up. I’m doing trips to Sydney at least once a week to move things here as well as pack boxes for the removalists, which is surprisingly unsettling.

I’ve only lived at our place in Wahroonga for around five years which is a short time for me, but for many reasons it has been more a home to me than other places. It has been a haven and home for the girls and me, had many good friends through the door and holds many happy memories. Now I’m packing, I’m really missing my girls and realising that they have moved out and we won’t be together again like before. All is good – we’re all doing what we want and is right for us, just a jolt to realise that everything has changed so much. And permanently.

Anyway, Wahroonga is being vacated over the next month, the Convent is becoming more established (a proper fridge and a garbage bin are contributing to the feeling of permanence), I’m making an effort to fit into the local community here and the garden is consuming a large amount of time.

It has now well and truly set in that this has been an enormous move in so many ways, but also feels so right. The dogs have made themselves so at home so quickly from only ever knowing a townhouse. It’s a bit strange given it has been such a big change for them, but they have never appeared uncomfortable with what was asked of them – from the constant long drives (from non-car dogs) to the new house and gardens. It’s a good sign. Their presence and obvious enjoyment has made the transition much easier for me – they have been great little companions through all this. I only hope they will embrace some additions to the Convent. I’m not sure that Roxy will make chooks or another dog or cat very welcome, but I’d love to get some more animals.

Anyway, I’m now so far past the point of no return and have taken so many life-changing steps over the last 18 months. So far it all seems right, just challenging and so much change to take in …

February Dragon in October

Published on October 25, 2013October 25, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

I remember this book so clearly after reading it over forty years go. Now I’m in rural Australia, it has hit home much more closely how the fires impact on the people, lifestyles, countryside and wildlife. I’ve always cared but now being here, watching the news constantly, having to check RTA websites for road accesses and seeing the damage first-hand makes it so much more real – and it hasn’t hit my area yet.

The last week or so has been horrific. I’ve driven through two of the areas in the last week in-between fires. These are areas I have known for decades and have always been beautiful and scenic – places I would have loved to have live in. Now they are deeply scarred by fires. I can’t imagine the devastation felt by the home owners impacted.

I do know that the locals will rally and help people out as much as possible. I also now have a profound appreciation for the local fire services and the importance of their role – and how much we all rely on volunteer support for crises.

The reference to February Dragon was via a novel, that this was when the big fires could hit – at the end of torrid Summers. These fires have come to us well before Summer. We are just mid Spring, hence there is serious trepidation for many months to come.

These are a few of my favourite things – Spring

Published on September 26, 2013September 26, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

Golden Hornet Crab Apple in full bloom, keeping the rampant Borage company

Spring is such a wonderful time of the year, particularly for gardeners. This is my first Spring at the Convent and it is wonderful to see both the old plantings and the new spring into life, particularly my misgivings and the forebodings of the damage that the vicious Winter frosts could inflict on my new garden.

Last weekend was the first Convent Spring Retreat. My friends are always welcome but by setting aside special dates each season, it makes it easier for them to co-ordinate and plan when we can all get together. It was a wonderful extended weekend supplemented by Verve and Moet and also co-ordinated with the wonderful Kandos Hootenanny. The Convent is now much more comfortable being painted and with carpets in bedrooms, curtains and polished floors, as well as some furnished rooms, however guests are still mainly on air beds. Unfortunately the Convent plumbing was a tad overwhelmed with supporting more than one or two residents, although the roses are flourishing with the unpleasant results.

The garden is springing to life and I’m seeing the results of my planting as well as now more heavily planting out, particularly with the impending Kandos Gardens Fair, which has the Convent as one of the gardens on display (although positioned as “in progress”).

Wild asparagus spear - amazing to watch spring up each time — Wild asparagus spear – amazing to watch spring up each time

Remember a recent post when I said we had been gathering wild asparagus? Much to my delight, yesterday I noticed three spears coming up from the scavenged “crowns”. As they were old crowns, the spears are thick and generous. I’m now hoping for a bumper crop. Amazing when I think of how woody and dead they looked a few weeks ago. I think the pony poop is beginning to work wonders.

I’ll now show some of the flourishing garden residents as they are now beginning to make an impact and make the garden such an interesting place to visit each day.

Flowering Quince - this is a real, fruiting quince, unlike some of the ornamentals I have also included in the garden — Flowering Quince – this is a real, fruiting quince, unlike some of the ornamentals I have also included in the garden

The Lavenders (together with catmint and thyme) are bushing and flowering along the back garden path

The lemons and limes flanking the back garden path are covered with new growth

Sugar Snap Peas - we feasted on these a number of times. They will be a regular garden and menu feature. — Sugar Snap Peas – we feasted on these a number of times. They will be a regular garden and menu feature.

Alpine Phlox making a splash as a ground cover in the old bobcat tyre tracks

And the white primulas have flowered their hearts out

The Freesias have been a delight under the Catoneaster. I hope they multiply next year

One of my all-time favourites - Aquilegia - and my favourite versions in blue — One of my all-time favourites – Aquilegia – and my favourite versions in blue

The New “Normal”

Published on September 19, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

As I start to see light at the end of the tunnel with a permanent move to Kandos and things settling down once my Sydney home goes on the market, I keep telling myself that life will return to “normal”, but I’m not sure what this is anymore.

I’ve never lived in the country before and life in Central NSW in the Convent is likely to be far from what I’ve always considered as normal. I’ve also never been on my own like this before. The girls only moved out recently but moving to a new place without them really means being on my own for the first time.

I guess it means settling into what life will now be like. I know I will have my garden, new home, time to focus on my interests and discover new ones. It will mean making new friends whilst still keeping the old ones. It will also mean participating in activities and helping out here in a town that is much like me in settling into a new future.

With my homemade yoghurt in the fridge along with camembert and feta, my first date and walnut loaf from my new bread maker, the knitting back in action and more roses to plant, life is looking pretty good at the moment. Friends arriving this weekend is the icing on the cake.

An Early Spring Weekend

Published on September 13, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

Spring has sprung here in Kandos and last weekend was perfect weather (although we definitely need rain).

The Convent gardens are coming back to life. I’m happy to see a number of the plants I though had died off over Winter with the frosts, springing back. Remembering that this is my first Spring in the garden, it’s lovely to watch the young trees I’ve planted blossom and come into leaf for the first time. The trees and plants are all still quite small and dwarfed by the building but I’m sure will fill out over the next few years and fit in well.

One of the locals keeping an eye on our horse poop shovelling endeavours

This weekend was busy with my friends G and L visiting. G and I attended Cheesemaking workshops at Mudgee, as described in my last post. We also did a bit of gardening. The ponies next door seem to have been moved on and we took advantage of utilising some of the prolific horse poo in the garden. The dogs are enjoying this addition much more than they should! Whilst in the paddock, we noticed another local taking advantage of the wonderful sunshine.

Another adventure was harvesting asparagus growing wild on the roadside. Whilst it was very hard work to dig up the crowns, I now have a number in the side bed and am hoping for a harvest in future.

A bit of heavy duty digging to retrieve asparagus on the roadside

Life is a little chaotic at present as I shuffle between Sydney where the house is going on the market in the next week, and Kandos where there is still lots of work being done. I’m hopeful life will settle down a little once the house is actually on the market and even moreso when permanently residing at the Convent (which I’m sure will be the case).

Convent Pre Spring Update

Published on August 31, 2013 by conventandchapel2 Comments

From the Hall through to my room with new carpet (!) and view through to the verandah (now also polished).

Just a quick trip and back in a day to have a peek and do some watering. I couldn’t go inside as the floors are mid-polishing but could look through a few doors.

Through the back door looking to the Study.

It’s hard to imagine that it was only just over a year ago that I made my first trip with my friend L to see the Convent. At the time I didn’t even know where Kandos was. Whilst I fell in love with the Convent and location, it was also very shabby and unloved – peeling paint, drab and worn floor covers and obviously unlived in for some time, with piles of crunchy dried slaters along the skirting boards.

Whilst I could see the potential and realised that much of the work was only cosmetic and within my reach (although I had originally been seeking a fully renovated property – albeit not a Convent!), I had no idea just how well the old girl would respond. She has risen to the occasion every time and looks wonderful after each tradesman works their magic. She has also revealed her own surprises with the cellar, lovely old fittings and parquetry chapel floor as well as some of the finds such as the old church sign, processional cross and wonderful original large decorative hinges.

I can’t wait now to start putting in furnishings and decorating the place with personal touches, especially since camping there with minimal personal effects since November. A mini move will take place in the next few weeks and each car trip will contain more items.

As for the garden, Spring is already in the air. Some bulbs are fading but others are still coming into their own. The Freesias under the Catoneaster are just starting to flower after having come up and had buds on them for so long. The first ones are large and bright yellow, which look lovely with the Grape Hyacinths and Snowdrops.

The old Prunus that looked so tortured (and the neighbours regularly suggested could come out with the other plants), has responded well to a trim, feed and mulch and is flowering dramatically.

The Anenomes are working hard in the central front bed as the first flowers. I’m not sure what will come up here after my “seed throw” but I’m sure I will get some Cornflowers and I’ve also added a few Delphiniums. Blue and white are great colours for this location.

The Manchurian Pears are getting their first leaves and many of the plants that were dormant during Winter and were hit heavily with the frosts, are now beginning to show signs of new growth, although I think there may be just a few casualties we will not see again.

I'm sure the Sprouts are not supposed to look like this! — I’m sure the Sprouts are not supposed to look like this!

The veggie beds are doing well – the Berry bed is shooting to life and for the first time I can see new growth on the canes. Along with the disastrous beans which were planted at the wrong time and were annihilated by the frosts, I apparently planted peas that were purely ornamental, which have now become compost fodder after waiting months for action. The long- awaited Brussels Sprouts, unless I am sadly mistaken, have gone straight to seed. I’m sure they’re supposed to have sprouts and not look like Broccoli – sorry L. I know you had great expectations but this is all very new to me. However the Broad Beans ( of which I have many planted) are now bearing well and I have taken a pile back to Sydney to make a Risotto.

Much of the white external sections have now been painted or at least been undercoated and have brightened the place up. The original front urns host Gazanias that go well with the paintwork and have filled out well. The back of the Convent, whilst still showing slight signs of the old dark stains, is now so much cleaner with the paintwork really glowing. I may need a new banner for the Blog!

Anyway, I’m hoping this last two weeks is the longest I will be away from the Convent for some time. It will be wonderful to be moving in to the renovated home, making it permanent part of my life and being there for Spring to see everything come to life.

These Gazanias suite the old urns - and need to be able to take plenty of heat. — These Gazanias suite the old urns – and need to be able to take plenty of heat.

Auction Adventures Part II

Published on August 30, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

A Persian Bidjar carpet with Medallion and Pendants according to the auction description and certificate.

Today I spent the day at Lawsons endeavouring to pick up a few more items. From the online catalogue I was particularly interested in chests of drawers, wardrobes and rugs. I haven’t been to a mid week auction before and it appeared to attract mainly dealers with a smattering of private buyers.

The internet must make a big difference to the auction houses as they can now publish the catalogue (with photos) online prior and take a significant amount of absentee, online and phone bids from people who can’t make the auction. It’s good to see the care taken to place these bids as a standard part of the procedure and the prompt follow up. It makes me feel comfortable in placing online/absentee bids.

There was a huge variation in bidding – many items were passed in, a few real bargains – I kicked myself over a Victorian mahogany chiffonier that went for $200. It’s hard to assess size on the internet and some of the chests of drawers were too big, some in poor condition, but the one I loved was unfortunately also loved by others. I didn’t get a bid in as it quickly went for more than double the estimate, which made it quite expensive. The wardrobes were all far too big for my needs.

My arts and crafts mirror with hanging hooks - an informal addition for the back entrance. — My arts and crafts mirror with hanging hooks – an informal addition for the back entrance.

This auction had quite a few Persian rugs on which I am no expert, but know I need rugs and this style will suit the Convent. There were two I really liked but both went for much more than the estimates. However I was really pleased with the one I bought for $425 which came with a valuation/insurance certificate of $2,250 . It’s in excellent condition and could go in a number of rooms. It’s also a good size.

Another purchase was an arts and crafts period oak framed mirror with hanging hooks that will be perfectly at home at the back entrance, that I snapped up early at $70 to the auctioneer’s comment that it may well have been the bargain of the day. The other was a beautiful late Georgian mahogany bowfronted mirror with drawers. This would look wonderful sitting on a chest of drawers – I just need to be able to buy one!

Mahogany mirror with drawers. I now just need the chest of drawers for it to sit on.

The Floors – Nearly There

Published on August 29, 2013August 29, 2013 by conventandchapel6 Comments

The central hall. Is that new carpet I see to the side? — The central hall. Is that new carpet I see to the right?

I was thrilled tonight to get photos from Michael from Mudgee Carpet Court who is looking after the floors. The boards are Cypress pine and every tells me they’re good quality and should come up well – but it’s hard to imagine what they’ll look like when I’ve only seen them covered in multiple layers of old carpet, masonite and lino.

The lounge room looks great. And I now have some furniture to put in there.

Anyway, I’m relieved and thrilled with the results shown in the photos and can’t wait to get up there and finally put some permanent furniture in place and set up rooms. Looks like this can start next week. I also have removalists booked in a few weeks from now to take some things up to make the Convent look a bit more homely and tidy up my place in Sydney.

Hard to believe this is the old weathered verandah floor outside the Chapel. The old cane furniture should be great here.

More auctions may be on the cards this weekend as it will be best for me to buy what I can prior to finally moving from Sydney. Removalist costs to Kandos do not come cheaply! Items I have my eye out for include smaller old wardrobes (often a good buy as most people have built-ins these days and you can pick up quality old pieces very reasonably), chests of drawers, study/library type chairs, perhaps a sideboard or credenza. Auctions are very opportunistic – you need to be well prepared, disciplined and bid fast – most items are only up for auction for less than a minute! I also think some floor rugs will be in order – and lots!

This was the big surprise. No idea that the old green carpet covered the original parquetry flooring which I've been told was great quality and has come up beautifully. — This was the big surprise. No idea that the old green carpet covered the original parquetry flooring which I’ve been told is great quality and has come up beautifully.

Auction Adventures

Published on August 27, 2013August 29, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

Scrunchy and welcoming. Sure to see much more "living in" over the next years. — Scrunchy and welcoming. Sure to see much more “living in” over the next years.

As I mentioned previously, I’m having a short break from the Convent as the floors get sanded, polished and carpeted. I’m using this time to tidy up the Sydney home to get it on the market, as well as attend some auctions to find suitable items for the Convent.

Auctions are a great way of getting quality pieces at much lower than in the shops. I love antiques (or at least vintage) pieces but the antique and collectable shop prices are often prohibitive. I follow a number of Sydney auction houses that have regular auctions. Usually around Thursday they send an email with a link to their online catalogue of sales for the weekend. The catalogue usually lists, with a picture, each item, sometimes with an approximate anticipated price range. The auctions themselves are usually held in their auction rooms on Saturday and Sunday with viewings of the items on Friday or just before the auction. You can leave an absentee bid (either at the auction house or online) if you can’t attend. I’ve been doing the occasionally during the year with some success but I’m very cautious if I have only seen the item online.

This weekend I went to viewings on Friday at Vickers and Hoad and John Williams and attended a site auction with Lawsons, with more success than usual. I’m also keen to start furnishing the Convent and I don’t have a great deal of items here.

Treated bottom cushion compared to untreated top one. It makes a big difference.

I was thrilled with this lounge which was exactly what I was after. It is scrunchy, comfortable and generously proportioned. Whilst looking much loved, I was also pleased with how well it came up after a bit of TLC. After some quick internet research, it seems that lathering with moisturiser soap (Dove) and buffing with a dry cloth (just like washing a saddle with saddle soap) was the best approach and it’s made a huge difference. Eventually this lounge will be destined for the Chapel but in the shorter term is likely to go in the lounge room instead of the old cane furniture which was always planned for the outside porches.

Photo taken onsite at the auction venue but it is a graceful lovely bed.

One of the other big successes was a nineteenth century French brass and iron half tester bed which should look stunning on one of the guest bedrooms. Getting a mattress with it was a bonus. I’m now thinking of an interim furniture delivery to Kandos asap.

A large building such as the Convent lends itself to having a few more whimsical ornaments. This week a few beauties came my way. These two little cherubs on marble bases plus the larger work of entwined cherubs on a base.

The other success was a small but pretty one – a berry spoon and sifter to support the produce from the berry bed.

A Short Break from the Convent

Published on August 23, 2013 by conventandchapel1 Comment

I’m about to spend the longest time away from the Convent since owning it. A weekend or two away may not seem long but I’m usually there every three to four days and now I’ll be away for 10 -14 days (or more) whilst the floors are being done. I’ll hardly be welcome whilst the floors are being polished and sanded. Nor will Roxy and Tango. And I’ve been warned that the smell is more than unpleasant.

My neighbours and the tradies have promised to look after everything and will water but it’s hard to explain that I really wanted to see the Manchurian Pears flower for the first time, the scruffy Prunus, that I’ve pruned and fed and loved, flower and those Freesias that I’ve watched for months are just so close…

Anyway, the Convent is progressing very quickly now and this also means I’ll soon be up there permanently. It’s a big change and one a rare decision which has been all mine and for me. The enormity hit me when I was driving back from Mudgee over the weekend and thinking how beautiful and truly rural the countryside was, when I realised it wasn’t just a country drive – it was now where I would be living and these were my neighbours. This is probably a good time to digest the quantum of change.

The next few weeks will be full on – I finish up handing over my job at the office, I clean up my Sydney home, get some jobs done to get it on the market, check out some auctions for furniture and fittings, buy some of the plants that are harder to get in the country (eg the “Saint” roses from Swaynes) and get ready to start carting movable items to the Convent.

The Sydney home has been great for the girls and me and provided a lovely welcoming place for us all when we needed it. It has also seen many friends through the doors and I will be sad to see it go, however it will also mean an new start and many more opportunities going forward. I’m already booked into soft cheese-making classes and have promised the local craft group I’ll be a regular. It’s just a very big change in so many ways after a long corporate career in the city and suburban family life to going it alone in an ambitious move to rural central Australia – well except for a whole community, friends and family and, of course, Roxy and Tango who have been with me every step of the way.