The One Fingered Wave

One Fingered Wave

You know you are officially ‘in the bush’ when you see people giving you the one fingered wave. I don’t mean the one fingered wave that people give you when they don’t like you either. I’m referring to the happy one. The one people don’t even realising they are doing until it’s too late.

For me there is a clear line on where this happens. As I drive west of Goondiwindi I notice that everyone is doing it. It’s right there on the steering wheel, waiting for company. With the approach of another vehicle the first finger (and occasionally the second one too) lift themselves off the steering wheel and give a gentle shake in acknowledgement.

It’s a funny thing, but something that is really unique to rural and remote areas. I don’t think I had ever really seen anything like it until I took my first foray out into the wilds of western Queensland.

The one fingered wave is the precursor to the fully fledged one hand tip. The hand tip is the more personal (“Hey I actually know you” or am “from around here too”) wave. It’s far more common in truck drivers and people who work on farms.

The one fingered wave isn’t something you automatically pick up if you are a newcomer to rural areas (like myself). I had to teach myself to do it. Initially it was a bit of a joke. I used to do it just to see if the other person would return the gesture, and I always felt a sense of relief and joy when it was reciprocated. After some time it became a reflex activity. Now I even struggle with stopping doing it once I leave Goondiwindi.

I’ve often wondered why people in the city don’t do this one fingered wave, and to some extent I believe they actually do, only not as often, and only at certain times – like when someone lets you merge in heavy traffic (and even then it’s only to the car behind you). Perhaps it’s also because when you are in the country there is a good chance that the person you are waving at will be someone you already know. That doesn’t happen in the city; it will almost certainly be a stranger. Sometimes I will wave at people by accident when I am visiting the big smoke and I am instantly embarrassed about it. They will know I am not from around ‘those parts’, even if my dusty, muddy four wheel drive wasn’t enough of a giveaway.

The one fingered wave is something I have come to really love about living out west. To me it represents familiarity and country courtesy. The one fingered wave is ‘home’ and there is a certain amount of comfort I feel when I am back in areas where it is commonplace.

Do you use the one fingered wave? Let me know on social media!

You can find me on facebook: The Farmer’s Wife and Instagram: @jessthefarmerswife and Twitter: @jessfarmerswife

Country Adventure an Eye Opener for Boarders

A Country Adventure

 

Recently we had a group of students from a Brisbane Boarding School come to visit. Every year my mother (who is Head of Boarding) brings a group out to give them something of a country adventure. They stay in our shearer’s quarters, which are comfortable, but certainly not 5-star.

Some of the girls live on properties themselves, and appreciate the visit to somebody else’s place. For them it is a comparative experience.

“Our place hasn’t had rain for four years, so your place looks greener.”

“Our shearing quarters are a bit different to yours.”

“We have wheat at our place.”

Some of the girls are city girls who have never visited the country and are keen to see what it is all about. They’ve heard snippets from their friends and are eager to see it for themselves.

And some of the girls are international students who are about to have their minds blown. The size, the landscape (flat and desolate), the animals, the heat, the flies…

“Are you having fun Sarah?”

“I think so.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s amazing! But there are so many flies…”

And then finally, “This is so much fun! I’ve never seen anything like it!”

This year the girls were able to visit a farm that was harvesting wheat. They were able to go on a ride on a Header, and learn all about wheat production. At our place I showed them through the shearing shed. I explained how it all happens and what it looks, sounds and smells like when the shearers are in full swing. We talked about shearers, and contractors and Merino sheep. Most girls began to understand the process of something they didn’t even know existed until their visit out here.

We also took them to Lightning Ridge, an opal mining town only a few hours drive from home. They learned about opal mining, met some interesting characters and even saw the water park (an amazing place to visit in the summer that was entirely funded by the people of Lightning Ridge themselves).

They saw the small school that my own children attend, and it is only after the first day or so that you can see the pieces all fitting together in their minds. There is a whole world out there that is completely different to the ones they may come from. They are frightened, intrigued and ultimately mesmerised by the country, including the most hardened of students.

 

Even without an internet connection, air conditioning and unlimited access to water, they ALL still managed to have an incredible experience. It is a combination of the people, the animals, the knowledge and the landscapes that make this such a memorable trip for these girls. It’s such a wonderful opportunity, and I’m both excited and proud to be a part of the experience.

Hickory Hill Home

I get a stack of emails from people who want me to advertise their products, so it's always lovely when I hear from someone who has a product that I already adore.

(Sadly this is not a blog about how lovely bedding and linen and pajamas make my kids better little people.)

I'd seen Hickory Hill Home advertise on Facebook and had popped over to check out their gear prior to being contacted. What I DID know, was that they had some AMAZING gear. Cute homeware and clothing. Cute cute cute!!

Gorgeous bedding in classic colours.

And again! Simple, stylish and elegant.

Totally in love with these summer pajamas!

Cashmere beanies, booties and cable knit jumpers!

What I didn't know is that the two women behind Hickory Hill Home are country girls come city girls! Their classical, timeless designs appeal to a range of tastes. They also stock high quality bed linen and accessories which are both durable and affordable.

I often have people ask about the gear my children wear, and I only endorse products I truly adore myself.

And here are my little cherubs in their new pajamas. If you want to grab a set for yourself, they are currently on sale over at Hickory Hill Home. Go to SALE items, and they are currently only $29.95 while stocks last!

 

If only they were this cheery during the witching hour every night!

I'd like to say that these amazing pajamas make my kids happier at night, and sleep easier etc. but that would be false advertising...

Normally I'm just about ready to strap them to their bed and bribe them to stop talking and just go to sleep. Here, butter wouldn't melt!

They are still little monsters between 5-7pm. But they love to pose for the camera... maybe I should think about doing this with them every night?...

My muscle man! Arm freshly out of a sling after breaking his collar bone!

Hickory Hill Home stock a range of goods for varying budgets.

If you would like to register for their newsletter (go to their homepage at www.hickoryhillhome.com.au) you can go into the draw to win a $150 voucher to spend on ANYTHING you want in their store! Sounds great and I am totally devastated that I can't enter!

To be eligible to enter the $150 voucher giveaway, all you need to do is:

1. Head over to Hickory Hill Home and go to the homepage, where you will need to register for their newsletter.

2. Leave a message here (in the comments) to let me know that you have registered. You will need to leave your real name in my comments as well (so we can cross reference registrations). *

* If you can't leave a message here, pop over to my facebook page and send me a message to let me know!

That's it! In two weeks I will contact the randomly selected winner to pass on the $150 voucher! EASY!

Good luck! (And seriously - those winter pajamas are AMAZING! Just saying...)

Judges decision is final, no correspondence will be entered into. Competition closes Thursday 22nd August, at 8pm EST. Competition open only to Australian residents.