Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:04:40 -0700 (PDT)
From: Rubber Rider <rubber_rider07@yahoo.ca>
Subject: Farming Pt 5

Part 5 Farming -- the end of a good holiday.

John and I departed Tara Station heading for home; we had our flasks and a
sandwich which we eat on the way. I was a beautiful day with a tail wind
and as a result we were home in five & half hours we refueled the plane and
then got our gear off. By this time our stand in manager Gavin showed up
with the Ute and that made it easy to get all our gear back home. He wanted
to know where we had been so we told him what we had seen. Well tomorrow
must go into town and get our supplies re-stocked, Gavin said before that I
must let Nancy the housekeeper know there will two extra for dinner tonight
that is assuming you will eat with us. Thanks that would be nice, but first
John & I need to get things sorted out at home have a good shower and scrub
up plus we both need to get our hair cut and that is something we do on our
back veranda.

Gavin said that was one thing he forgot to bring was his haircutting
equipment, so Gavin what sort of haircut do you like 0000 cut or closer.
Well it is up to you we can help you out providing you come to our place
and prepared to lie out in the nude and we can certainly help you out.
Absolutely no problem at all guys, good we have a flat of beer somewhere in
our stuff so we have the antidote for loss of hair, hey John that dark
green esky should have the beer. John & Roger do there hair cutting first
or I should say shaving, by this time Gavin showered and is balls to the
breeze. We could see he was getting turned on especially when we did each
other privates.

Once completed said your next Gavin, in his case we had to use the electric
clippers to get rid of the bulk of the hair, his comment was you might as
well get rid of the excess hair around my nuts. Once Gavin had also been
shaved clean John said come on Gavin we will take a rinse off under the
hose here. We had an attachment that made the hose into a shower head.
While we rinsing off John grabbed his brother hugged his and gave him a big
kiss; suddenly it became a three-way session with Gavin saying how nice it
was to meet two open guys who love each other. Turning the rinse water off,
we three sat there drying off and swigging another beer.

Gavin looks at his watch and says we had better go for Dinner as it will be
served in about 15 minutes. Gavin takes the Ute and his dirty clothes back
to his room, Roger and I get some dress shorts out for this evening and a
suitable shirt and head off over to the big house.

When we get there Nancy is just setting things up and laughs by saying you
got young Gavin well shaved I see and it was well over due in my opinion.
So guys how was your trip and from what I have been hearing you have made
quiet a name for yourselves. Really good Nancy really enjoyed our trip in
the red center and did a number of day tours saw a lot, unbelievable
scenery if you have never been there try to do it some day.

Must go back to the kitchen for a few minutes as dinner is almost ready.
Come and get it guys and we were served excellent steaks with mushroom,
fried onions baked potato with butter and chives all with a pepper sauce.

Nancy always seems to excel with her meals that she put on the table; this
was followed with fresh strawberries and cream.


I give Gavin a call and say, some friends of our have invited us both for
breakfast in town, we will fly in have a hopefully a good visit and return
about lunch time or shortly afterwards, however we would appreciate if you
were to meet us on our return with a Ute so we can get our supplies
transferred to the house, no problem just give me a call on the radio just
prior to landing. Good night Gavin see you tomorrow.

Well we got up about 5:45 am decided to dress in our Hi-Vis gear, sock and
boots. We soon got to town where Jim meets us at the landing strip. Jim has
a big grin on his face, so I asked what is so funny -- he said you two
you really hit home hard especially the way you are dressed coming to
town. Let us go and have breakfast and want to hear all about my other two
operations and what your thoughts are on they way they operate.

Well firstly a common factor no planning ahead no maintenance person, the
crew were very friendly at Clara Station we got stuck there for a couple of
days due to weather conditions and water got into the fuel on one there
tractors being used for ploughing. We were with Keith in the office when
the call came in about the problem. Keith comment was bugger as will not
get anyone in here for two or three day due to flooding. Roger said if you
don't mind I'm willing to have a look at the problem how ever I need some
coveralls and tools. Keith said I'll take you out there. Keith got the
problem resolved and showed the Aboriginal operator on how to prevent this
problem. I then made sure this member of the crew understood, the next
thing was he was shaking my hand and then suddenly grabbed me and gave me a
big hug. I was surprised as everyone else there who saw what happened.

At Tara Station, there school is like the others using the internet
however, they have a wide-angle web camera mounted high up so the teacher
can see what is going on in the classroom via the video link. When we
visited the school wearing our Hi-Vis shirts the teacher saw us enter the
classroom, well Tara station camera signal went out to all the schools from
Alice Springs School of the Air. We are going to contact the School of the
Air and with any luck, get a video copy of went on that morning because you
will find it very interesting and what was actually said.

You two certainly had an interesting trip, now a question to both of you;
what recommendation do you have to improve our operation. Firstly, you need
to do what we did by creating a flow chart and mark in the chart the
equipment required the two stations badly need to have the appropriate
maintenance man who is also qualified to do welding.

So how would you go about getting this info to both manager and assistant
manager now this is up to you but I believe we need to get everyone
together at a suitable location for up to three days. We also think it
would be a good idea to setup video conferencing.

Thanks for your information, I think I will come out to your station
to-morrow to talk to Gavin and hear his comments but say nothing when you
return after your shopping spree.

We get our shopping done and load the plane, I stay with the plane and
Roger goes to collect Jim so that he has his Ute back we took off and were
back home within 25 minutes. Gavin meets us as arranged and we get our
supplies unloaded and then transferred to our home.

Gavin asks can we all sit down sometime tomorrow together please as I would
like to ask you both some questions as I am very interested on what you
have done here and also the relationship you have succeed in gaining
between all crews. Sure thing Gavin no problem and we wish to know of any
problems you have had while we have been away. Gavin says I will leave you
now to get sorted out and we will talk tomorrow.

John said firstly what do you want for dinner tonight; well I'm not hungry
so what about a good pizza and I know we have some in the freezer after
which we can sit a watch TV for a change and have a quiet evening for a
change.

Firstly we need to get our supplies stowed away after which a good shower,
sit outside to dry off then we can deal with the pizza and I would like to
see the TV News to see what is going on in the world.

Roger asks have we any of that white wine, there should be some in the frig
great, so I assume you would enjoy a glass -- now that's the best idea
I've heard to-day. John in the mean time has fired up his laptop to see
what private mail he has, John has received a letter from Ian who he meet
in agricultural college saying that he has been invited to look at a job in
Australia as assistant farm manager. Now I understand you have been there
for several years and would like to know about working conditions. Thanks
for your time -- Ian.

Hey Roger come and look at this letter I have just received, Roger reads it
and says that is interesting; I wonder who is doing the recruiting I'll
find out discreetly.

I reply to the letter and said sorry for the delay in replying but have
been away on holiday. From my point of view I have a two bedroom home all
on the station and we also have 10 families with there kids who school
right hear, for the single guys we have two bunkhouses all single rooms and
they have there own cookhouse. Let me put it this way I love this place and
no real cold weather in the winter a low temperature would be -3oC but the
day time can be nice and sunny and warm, like Canada November in the wet
month and we can get very heavy rains so your raingear is a must. As a
matter of interest what recruiting company are you using? And where are you
working right now, I look forward to hearing from you in the next little
while. -- Bye John.

Nothing much on the TV News, Rogers getting the pizza into the oven and I
pour us another glass of wine. Roger says that letter is interesting you
got from this Ian, well I have replied and I asked where was he working
right now and what recruiting company was he using so we will see what
happens.

We have a great peaceful evening and hit the bed about 9:00 pm and take a
night cap with us in the form of a brandy, while sitting up in bed with our
night cap Roger says who would have thought we would have moved to
Australia, we both have pilots licenses and have a great crew working for
us mainly due to Ken.

You know we should contact Ken next time we go into town and see how he is
doing -- dammed good idea must find out his Daughters phone number. We
have now slipped down the bed and are hugging each other and John says I'm
so happy that we are working together and I think it is sort of funny
because when were at the old homestead you made the comment you never know
you could be back doing farm maintenance sort of funny when you think about
it..

Next thing we knew was the alarm was going off so the normal routine a good
piss and quick wash pull a pair of shorts on and we go about getting our
breakfast of bacon, eggs and fried tomato plus toast and jam all washed
down with several mugs of tea. We had just got everything washed up and
generally tidy up when the phone rings. Good morning Gavin speaking and he
tells us that Jim is coming out to see him about midday and will be staying
at least one night so could we meet up in the office in about 30 minutes in
the office to start our discussions -- no problem see you there, thanks a
lot.

John we had better get dressed Gavin wants to meet in 30 minutes in the
office OK. Hi-Vis shirts coming up, and he told me Jim was going to be here
about midday and would be staying at least one night.

Well we all meet up and get into some good discussion, one question that
Gavin asked was I see everyone here wear Hi-Vis shirts, how did that come
about. Well it was started by Ken before he retired and my comment is it is
a matter of safety because folks get seen much better especially if it has
become very dusty, and the same thing go in very dusty weather safety
glasses are worn as they will keep 95% of the dirt away from your eyes.

With regards to the kids wearing the same thing it gets them used this type
of shirt and will continue once they are actually working. Hum very
interesting says Gavin and I notice you both wear the same type of shirts,
well lets face it Gavin as far as we are concerned we are all working here
and by practicing what we are preaching we must do the same, the days of
when the manager dressed pretty smartly and kept himself sort of aloft of
the working man are long gone. I will tell you something else visit the
work sites and it does not matter where it might be, always have your swag
with you as sometimes you spend the night with crew sleeping out.

Out of working hours everyone gets talking and you learn a lot of the
problems they run up against and in some cases it is easy to remove that
problem you also earn respect from the crew. Gavin says you actually have
sleep out with the crew as I said yes and recommend it; my problem would be
my manager would frown on such a move.

Suddenly we hear Jim voice, hi guys and I said we were just about to leave
as we have something to check on lets go to the schoolhouse and will leave
you and Gavin to get on with your meeting. John & Roger I'll give you a
call later but please come to dinner over at the big house this evening as
I would like to hear all about your holiday; sure thing thanks Jim see you
later.

Well we went to the school house but could not see any form of web camera
high up. We must talk to our internet techs and may be we will have to ask
the school of the air, after leaving the school we run into some of our
crew and we like to talk with them to find out how they have been making
about. While we are talking John's phone goes and its Jim asking where we
are and could we both come over to the office sure be there in about 20
minutes -- thanks.

We get to the office and Jim tells us he is very impressed at what he has
seen here and would like to see it implemented at the other stations, the
other thing that surprised him was when you on some occasion you have used
your swags and slept out with crew. Gavin has also realized that a
maintenance man who also can do good quality welding so in other words we
need to spend some money to save money. Gavin I think I have got it right
please correct me if I have made mistakes. Gavin says no I think you
covered the basic thoughts however I would like to know how long did it
take to get the flow chart drawn up it took about 3 months and involved a
lot of meeting with different members of the crew.

Phew was a lot of work but I sure like it, John comment was no two stations
will be the same but it all depends on what that station is handling. But
when drawing up a flow chart get all the crew involved that two thing it
gains your respect with the crew and you will pick up many tips.

Thanks guys says Gavin, Jim breaks in and says I see the time is now 4:00pm
and I suggest we all go and get cleaned up and I will see you all at 5:00pm
over the big house. We depart for home and I fire up my laptop and check my
private mail.

There was a letter from Ian, his first words were the recruitment folk put
a Jim Fielder in contact with me, and we have had a lot of discussion
resulting in the offer to fly me out to look at one of the stations with
the view of becoming an assistant manager. Have you heard of this man and
any idea what sort of employer is he is? So roughly, where is your station
located?

You said you have just got back from a vacation where did you go. Well
enough from me at present thanks for your prompt reply Ian.

Hey Roger look at this letter, the rest of the mail was un-important, Roger
reads this letter and then says best be careful on how you answer it. I
think will see what happens this evening before answering -- smart
thought brother.

We got a shower and clean up and head out to the big house to meet up with
Jim, he see us coming and calls out come guys and have drink with me Gavin
is not with us just yet. So what is your pleasure a G&T please great coming
up. So how was your bus-mans holiday very good and interesting. We really
enjoyed the red center; we were amazed how green Alice Springs is. We took
a number of day tours several involved an over night stay but well worth
it. Jim have you ever been to Alice Springs and area around there, no I
have not, well you should and I think it will be an eye opener for you.

Gavin has just joined us, Gavin what will be your pleasure a nice beer
would be great thank you coming up. Nancy the housekeeper comes in and says
dinner will be ready within 10 minutes, thanks Nancy. Gavin drinks some of
his beer and John & Rogers is topped and they make there way to the dining
room as Nancy is bringing the food in all the guys take the places at the
table. Dinner that night was general chit chat we finished up with a liquor
to round the meal off nicely... Nancy had done a great roast beef,
Yorkshire pudding, roast spuds and greens etc.

Well after dinner we got up to, leave and Jim said thanks for coming and
quietly says see guys later so with that we walk home. It was a great
evening clear sky and no wind at all but still light. We get home and asked
Roger would you like another drink, well that would go down nicely. I
poured a couple of scotches and added plenty of ice. Here you are Roger my
love thank Mate and do not forget it no one can be better than you and we
give, each other a good kiss.

Hey guys may I interrupt oh hi Jim sure come and join us please, I assume
you would like a scotch on ice that will sure go down nice. Now I have
question for you two discuss on your own. Now you have visited all my
operations and no doubt have seen how they operate. Joe at Tara station has
given me notice that he wants to retire early so I am thinking that this
would be an ideal place to for you two to take over. At the same time you
already have meet a number of the crew, the job provides you with another
two bedroom home a little bit bigger that this one. So suggest you talk
this over to-night and let me know in the morning please. Question Jim who
do you plan to cover our vacancy. Jim smiles and says John you may know an
Ian who was at college at the same time you were, well it is my idea to
bring him out here to look things over and bring him as assistant manager
and promote Gavin to manager. Your thoughts guys, ah that is very
interesting as out of the blue I got a email from Ian how I like working in
Australia I was very non descript in my reply as we asked him what
recruiting company he was had been using and he said he was put in contact
with a Jim Fielder. If you wish you can read the Email between us in fact
let me fire up my laptop and you can read what has been said -- TX I
would appreciate that says Jim after he has read he emails he says thank
John you were very discrete and I appreciate that.

Please keep it that way and let see what he thinks when he gets here. We
ask does Gavin know of your idea's Jim say yes and is looking forward to
meeting Ian. Is Ian single or married, very much single says Jim I have
meet him already and the arrangements are for him to get three weeks
holiday and he is coming over to Sydney spend two nights there and we fly
out here in the same way you came.

Now during his first week here I would like you John to go and see Joe at
Tara and spend a week with him seeing how he operates and to meet more of
his crew; but you Roger to stay here to assess him on his maintenance
ability's. This way he does not see your brother to start with and in his
emails there is no reference to this effect that you have a brother.

John is laughing sort of cat and mouse you have got that right says Jim.

After Jim left John & Roger discussed the idea of taking over Tara and
decided lets do it, then Roger is laughing by saying it will be very
interesting to see the reaction on Ian face when he see you for the first
time since college.

I replied to Ian by saying we are located in New South Wales close to the
border of Queensland. So Ian where are you working and what sort of jobs
have you had since graduating. When you know your dates for coming out to
look around please email me as hopefully we can meet up somewhere. Remember
it will be summer time here so only light weight clothing is required
everyone basically wear shorts and a suitable cotton shirt. Look forward to
hearing from you -- John

Well Ian visited and I had already departed to visit Joe at Tara, Joe had
been primed by Jim ahead of time of my visit and the reason for it but to
keep it to himself. I had an interesting time at Tara and found out that
Joe did not have an assistant however he sure like the idea of an assistant
who also looked after the maintenance in the way you and your brother
operate. John how come Jim wanted you out of the way for a few days, I
start to laugh it turns out that Ian he has visiting was at agricultural
college at the same time I was and we graduated together -- good grief
what a small world.

Well Joe I'm going to head back first thing tomorrow morning and I'll let
you know how things go. Next morning I am in the air with a good tail wind
doing the flight in five hours. About 10 minutes before coming in to land I
called Roger to come and pick me up from the landing strip -- the answer
was sure thing I am in the area right now with a guest from Canada --
thanks.

Well I land and refuel the plane and then move it over to its normal
parking spot, I'm wearing my Hi-Vis coveralls which I use as flying suit
and I walk over to the Ute.