I should be saying Wow! look at us now! And while we think that, the camera (and probably me operating it) let us down so don't have many good photos to put on here.
But I can say, we drove to Yarrawonga on 18 December, through a little rain on the way, knowing they'd received a good dose of rain in the preceding days. Can't tell you how delighted we were to see the gutter crossover had been inserted and gravel spread from the road to the hangar roller-door. The ground consists of red soil which quickly turns to red mud after rain, so although the driveway was a little soft, we were able to drive straight into the hangar. Downpipes had also been connected to the stormwater outlet, so from now on we shouldn't have quite as much water on the ground.
And inside, the best! The toilet was in and operational. The septic tanks had been installed and also mains water connected, and not only a toilet but outside two water taps.
We also had power, so after several leads were laid out we have a fully functioning hangar.
Of course we had to try out the enormous hangar door, and yes, while it does take about 1.5 minutes to open, and the noise is incredible, once up it opens onto a marvellous outlook. The door still has to be adjusted to include counterweights, which we're told should improve the performance.
A delivery of timber arrived the next day as scheduled from Van Steensel's at Officer, and they also delivered Stan's saw benches. As we hadn't received any glass sliding doors from Cobram Windows, Stan decided to use timber flooring sheets to block up the door openings to make the building secure. He then started laying out timber for the frame of the caretakers residence.
We were delighted when Darren from Cobram Windows arrived with one of our glass sliding doors, and that should be working in the next few days. A lot of businesses take the opportunity to close for several weeks over Christmas/New Year so we know the other doors won't arrive for several weeks, but it's so good to receive one.
It was reasonably cool prior to Christmas, but no doubt the heat will be intense during the next few weeks.
Our trike is now in its new home in our very own hangar and looks marvellous. We did push the trike out and both thoroughly enjoyed flying a few circuits each one evening on sunset. Magic!

Next step is insertion of the septic tanks and connection of water supply. (Not sure if enough time left for all that to be completed prior to Christmas).
The rear roller door has to be adjusted as it’s a bit reluctant to do what it’s supposed to do - go up and down.
It’s a nuisance that Christmas will get in the way, but no doubt time will fly (even if we don’t) and before we know it I’ll be back at work.
Whenever we turn around we seem to have another form to fill in and another fee to pay. No doubt it’s the same for everyone building a residence, but hopefully we’re closing in on it all now.
We even have keys to our very own rubbish bin, so soon we’ll be classed as locals.

Wow! It’s finally happened.
Ted came to put on the main hangar door.
The result seems to be terrific, but we’ve only seen it during construction as we had to reluctantly return to our real world at Pakenham prior to completion.
You can see by the photos it sure looks impressive, and we’ve been assured it’s now fully operational - but slow. The speed should be adjusted and improved in the new year.
And yes, it does keep the wind out, with no gaps for dust, or creepy crawlies (yet to be proven).
We intend spending time at the hangar over the Christmas holidays and between building work we might actually get in a few hours of flying time.

Well a lot has happened in the last few weeks.
Firstly Stan and electrician Alan Campbell together with Glen Saunders on his excavator spent a day organising the wiring and meter box in readiness for electrical company to connect power. The estate has underground power so it’s not just a matter of stringing in wires from power poles.
They wired it with several power points, but cannot go much further at present until the residence is constructed. (The power was connected on Monday 8 December, so next time we go back we’ll ‘see the light’).
Stan spent several days staying at Burke’s Hotel in Yarrawonga’s main shopping area which has been extremely convenient, as they supply breakfast and of course have a bistro.