2001 Ford Stationwagon for 99c

Although I'm not what you'd call a car enthusiast, I have owned cars that hold strong memories.

A white 1962 VW Beetle with red upholstery was my first car. It gave me a means of escape from my home in Melbourne to a life of delicious independence as a primary school teacher in country Victoria. I loved that car! As I drove I'd sing along to the current hits played on the radio; free as a bird.

When Doug and I married, we sold both our cars and bought a 1958 VW Combi Van, in which we lived and travelled for one year, all the way around Australia.

Many cars, trucks and motorcycles have filled in the intervening years, but most have come and gone without much interest on my part.

During our first five years of living in outback Queensland, a 2001 white Ford Station wagon was our means of exploring the area in and around Mitchell. With room to take passengers, we were able to take friends and neighbours to monthly garden days and many other local events. It was a comfortable car that always ran well. It is a car linked with good memories.

Consequently, when the 2012 February 3rd flood of the Maranoa River hit Mitchell, and our station wagon suffered flood damage, I felt that this was yet another thing we needed to pass over to somebody else.

Maybe this car is destined to be used for parts; however, I'd like to think there was the potential for someone with mechanical skills to recondition the car and then go on to use it with pleasure. Time will tell.

Here are the details:

2001 white Ford Falcon station wagon
Was running perfectly prior to the flood
No body rust and good panels
Tow-bar
Cargo carrier
New tail light lens and a new water pump go with the car
On Ebay now for 10 days, starting at $.99
This is a no reserve auction!!

Here's the link to ebay. Copy and paste it into your browser.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290674160553

I'm back after floods and surgery!

A week has passed since my last blog; a week in which I've been numbed by an anaesthetic and abdominal surgery. Today I feel myself surfacing out of the fog, back to the reality of the devastating flood of the Maranoa River, in Mitchell, where our home went chest deep in water and stinking mud.

The shock, drama and suffering experienced by the whole community hit me hard. Now, two weeks on, my mind has moved forwards to planning the future. There is no doubt whatsoever that we want to return to Mitchell and rebuild.

Our friends and neighbours in Mitchell have demonstrated, yet again, the value of an outback community where people care for one another, help in times of need and come together in strength when times are hard.

So far our insurance company is doing the right thing. Consequently we feel confident about planning to build a small home on another block (that wasn't flooded) and on stilts -- just to be sure! Of course, this won't happen overnight so we'll have at least one year of living in a caravan, on site. And since our caravan was a write-off, we'll need to purchase another.

Lots of plans and ideas are being tossed around. We are moving forward.

Meanwhile my wound is healing well. I have to admit, however, that I'm still feeling a bit low, delicate and frustrated that I haven't the energy (because of pain and nausea) to do much at all.

Only today have I looked at the photos that Doug took of the flood. I'll include some of these over the next few days. In the photos you can see the two levels of the flood water that inundated our home. The first went knee deep throughout the house; the second 'wave' went chest deep. The RACQ and the army helped in the clean-up. I cringe when I think of how tidy and clean I left the house in November and how it looks today.

Several friends said to Doug, "I'm just glad Robin's not here to see her lovely home looking and smelling like this."

Doug said the house looked like it had been trashed.

To everyone who sent me good wishes for a speedy recovery, I thank you. It's meant a lot to know that friends are thinking of me. I truly felt your thoughts, especially on the day of my surgery.

Mitchell flood recovery, Doug home and hospital

It's a strange feeling to have the flood crisis coming to a temporary pause, while at the same time feeling a build-up of apprehension regarding my operation tomorrow. There hasn't been enough time to practice calmness: to prepare my mind. For six weeks following my hernia operation there will be physical things I can't do, therefore I've tried to get everything up-to-date or done ahead of time. Most of the things on my list are ticked off.

Doug arrives home this afternoon, with my St Francis manuscript safely in his hand luggage. After my operation I'll continue work on this book. Not in his 20s any more, Doug is exhausted, and although I've tried to think of and do everything I can to make his home-coming relaxing, there will be things he has to do before leaving for Melbourne tomorrow.

Our two German shepherds are booked into a kennel for the next few days, and our friend and neighbour Jeanette will care for Katie at home. I must remember to get the dog's vaccination certificates, ready to present at the kennel.

A positive attitude to life is always a good thing; however, flood water, mud, stink, mosquitoes, sand flies, damage to personal property and stress are the reality in many parts of Queensland and New South Wales. People are hurting, and badly. This is a fact. It's okay to feel a sense of loss; to grieve for the damage done to personal possessions -- as well as to community assets.

Many tears are being shed; there are long sleepless nights; tempers are running ragged. Yet, in spite of everything, these people of outback Australia are a resilient lot who help one another in times of need, and never miss an opportunity to laugh, smile -- and give a hug.

We are grateful that we're insured and have another house in which to live. Most people in Mitchell have only one flood-affected home -- we realise we are incredibly fortunate.

Due to my operation, I won't be writing my blog for about one week. When I return, my blog will include lots of photos taken in Mitchell -- and more stories to share with you.

Meanwhile, take care of one another and keep smiling -- but also know that it's okay to feel your loss.

PS
Today's photos show the Maranoa River in all its innocence and beauty.

Frog calls have been so loud that you could hear them booming over the telephone. They are calmer now. People are finding frogs in all sorts of unusual places.

Ebay Ford no reserve, tradespeople shortage: Mitchell Qld

Doug's workshop and shed complex was almost shoulder high in flood water, consequently damage has been substantial. The RACQ (Royal Automobile Club of Queensland) team pressure cleaned Doug's metal lathe but disappointingly (what a word!) the lathe doesn't work. Maybe Doug will be able to get it going, in time. Our friend and neighbour Richard has spent several days helping Doug organise and clean his vehicles, caravan and workshop tools. Thank you Richard for your invaluable help, cheerful attitude and expertise. What wonderful friends we have in Mitchell!

Our white 2001 AU Ford Falcon station wagon has been pressure cleaned and will go on Ebay in about one week. This car always ran well and has no rust; but flood water went halfway up the doors. Richard will organise its sale as a seven-day auction, starting at $.99. There will be no reserve.

A 1950 BSA motorcycle that Doug had worked on all year and was ready to reassemble was covered in 6 inches of stinking mud. This is now cleaned, as well as a couple of other motorcycles Doug's worked on -- also some of his special tools. Unfortunately his power tools appear wrecked.

A shortage of tradespeople and the immensity of the damage to Mitchell -- as well as to many other towns in Queensland and New South Wales -- will make the rebuilding of Mitchell a slow process. It's estimated that to do a rebuild of a home gutted of its internal lining will take up to one year. In the meantime, where will these people live?

Builders, plumbers and electricians -- many of these highly skilled tradespeople are currently working in the mining industry.

Stretched to breaking point, volunteers and emergency crews are combating stress, sand flies, mosquitoes and exhaustion. At least 30 per cent of houses in Mitchell are still unliveable.

But back to the situation in which Doug finds himself. Both refrigerators have been high-pressure water cleaned. One is making noises as if it may work, the other seems 'dead'. This morning is Doug's last day in Mitchell for some time, so he's busy finalising things in the house and sheds.

Bob and Heather will drive Doug to Roma, from where he'll catch a plane to Brisbane, then another plane to Melbourne. He'll spend the night with friends in Melbourne, and then catch a bus back to Phillip Island tomorrow morning. It will be wonderful to see him again!

PS
Today's photos were taken prior to the flood. They include Doug's 1940 Plymouth, and the Mitchell road bridge that crosses the mighty Maranoa River. I'm left wondering whether any of the murals painted on the pylons will have survived the flood.

I've also included 2 photos of the bush orchids that Heather and Bob gave us five years ago. They survived!

Insurance, RACQ and the army: Mitchell Qld

The insurance assessor has been and gone and seemed reasonable. It'll take a few months for them to reach a decision. Meanwhile we wait, hope and add yet more things to our storage unit. It's amazing the various odds and ends Doug is finding, and ultimately every little thing helps.

While Heather and Bob were helping Doug pack up clothes, books and paintings, Heather took photos, which she e-mailed to me today -- 11 in total. I'll add them to my blog when I find out how to do it! The photos gave me extra insight into the extent of the damage.

With the insurance assessment complete, the RACQ Emergency Disaster team moved in. The house was stripped of all damaged items then, using high-pressure water they cleaned and then disinfected the whole house.

The carpets, vinyl flooring and loose tiles were pulled up, and then the army (a team of 10 men) carried out all the heavy items such as rolls of wet carpet, wet mattresses and beds. They loaded them onto a truck and then took the load to the tip.

The RACQ team also used their tilt-tray truck to load Doug's 1940 Plymouth, and then took it to Athol's. Athol is an old car enthusiast and a good friend. He's offered to check the car to help minimise damage.

Our front brick fence -- which was pushed over by the force of the water -- was cleaned up by Bully Harrison, who knocked over the remains of the fence using his bobcat and then took all the bricks and cement to the tip.

There are many organisations and individuals who have helped us over the past week. Our sincere thanks go to you all for your generosity. Likewise, I've received countless phone calls, e-mails and Facebook messages from all over Australia and the world offering sympathy and support. It's a huge comfort to know we are not alone and that people are thinking of us. Thank you!

Two times every day, a truck drives around Mitchell 'fogging' out a cloud of chemicals in order to kill mosquitoes and sand flies. This is a public health strategy and although I'm against the widespread use of chemicals, I know that in a flood situation in a hot climate, it's essential -- in terms of avoiding the outbreak of diseases such as Ross River fever and Dengue fever etc.

Angi told me that when her chooks smell the truck coming, they run the other way, in a big hurry.

PS
Today is our 45th Wedding Anniversary. After all those years we are fortunate to still have each other, and to be in reasonably good health.

Doug is my husband, lover and very best friend. Although we're apart today, in thought, we celebrate 45 years of marriage.

Apologies for the photo being on its side. I don't know how to fix it.

Volunteers and the army descend on Mitchell Qld

Teams of volunteers (as well as the army) have descended on Mitchell. Yesterday a fire brigade team from 'away' arrived in a big fire truck, and using their high-pressure hoses cleaned our chairs, tables and office furniture, and then cleaned the cement under the bull-nosed verandah. After the fire brigade had visited, a firm of solar experts stopped to check our metre box which had suffered some damage. After 10 minutes or so they fixed the problem. So now our solar panels will be working and building up credit. And all with a smile!

Insurance assessors are in Mitchell and will visit today. Fortunately our house and contents are insured, but not enough to cover everything. We'll have a gap to fill. Time will tell what we decide we can do and afford. Both of us want to come back to Mitchell. That is certain.

Aside from people's houses (over 80 per cent have been badly damaged), businesses, public buildings, roads and the bridge have also suffered bad damage.

Prior to the flood, our view looked over a bitumen road to the river, which was hidden from sight by a dense corridor of vegetation. Most of this has been swept away. All that's left are a few of the larger doolans and river red gums.

Yesterday Rod and Doug pulled our caravan out as the shed and began cleaning it. Water went up to the beds. The caravan will never be roadworthy again and is so damaged it can't even be used as somewhere for us to stay while we sort out our affairs in Mitchell. This is a big disappointment, as Doug built the caravan.

Phil and Donna, who own and run the Mitchell Post Office, have been generous in giving Doug bed a sleep in and meals to sustain him -- along with advice, support and their excellent sense of humour.

Angie gave Doug her car to use while he's in Mitchell, and has provided meals, advice and support as well. Rod's assistance with the caravan was appreciated too.

Here on Phillip Island, I feel grateful that I'm living in a safe, clean environment, yet I feel incredibly frustrated that I'm not in Mitchell helping Doug in flood-damaged Mitchell. Also, I'd like to be able to offer support and assistance to other people in need. I have to accept, however, that for health reasons I can't be in Mitchell at this point in time.

It's amazing the things that have survived. The smallest of our lemon scented gums was bent over double with the force of the water and debris. Today it unfolded itself and Doug says it looks great. While other trees have died, our three lemon scented gums (that we grew from seed) look to have benefited.

Finally, an update about John and his horse Honey. When the Maranoa River burst its banks and began to threaten the town of Mitchell, John was told to evacuate. He said, "If Honey can't go, I'm not going either. I don't care what happens I'm not leaving Honey and that's final."

So John spent the night sitting on the back steps of his house with Honey alongside while the water rose rapidly right up to the top step. Apparently Honey couldn't climb up the steps and into the safety of the house because she's a very old horse. John is in his 80s. I'm touched by this story, knowing that John would risk his life for Honey. Thankfully both man and horse are safe.

PS
I've included another photo of Honey and John; and also one of Doug, Rob and Charlie sitting on our front fence prior to the flood. The river went right over this fence and knocked it over.

Pets, clothes and 'stuff': Mitchell floods

When evacuation orders are given (in case of flood or fire), people's pet animals are the reason why some people refuse to leave.

Regular readers of my blog will remember John the horse whisperer and his horse Honey. John, now in his 80s, decided to stay in his home, with Honey safely indoors. Fortunately the flood waters missed coming inside by less than 1 inch.

One of our other neighbours returned to their home to find waist deep water, but their caged birds safe, and their cats high and dry but calling urgently from the top of trees and the roof.

There are many other stories of dogs, cats and birds in evacuation centres. Many of these stories are touching.

Nearly all my clothes were either wet, smelly or stained so my wonderful friend Heather offered to pack up my wardrobe and take everything home to her place to wash, dry and fold ready for storage. What an angel!

Until now I hadn't realised how personal and intimate clothes are to me, and what a comfort it is to know that a close friend has taken on the responsibility of them. Knowing Heather's generosity and quiet efficient manner, I feel humble and extremely grateful.

While Heather packed all my clothes and personal things, Doug and Heather's husband Bob packed all our paintings, books and anything else able to be saved. Everything able to be saved was loaded onto Bob's truck and taken to a storage unit in the Mitchell's industrial estate.

Out on the verandah, Doug and Bob hosed down tables and chairs, metal bookshelves and office furniture.

PS
Today's photos were taken prior to the flood.

You can see Katie's favourite place to sit in the sun, overlooking the Maranoa River. Water went over her bed, and also over the front fence, which was knocked over.

John and his horse Honey remain a Mitchell identity.

The photo of our kitchen shows the benches which went under water. Both refrigerators were knocked over.