Quiet Days

Yesterday and today were quiet, relaxing days.  This morning Philip had to take the car into town for yet another check-up and this afternoon he visited Helen's school to have a look at their technology department and FACT (Fabrication and Construction Trade) Training Centre- an initiative aimed at providing students (including indigenous students) with an opportunity to learn skills and trades which will help them find employment after leaving school. 
The children and I, meanwhile, stayed at home, caught up with a bit of schoolwork and spent a large part of the time in the Nijhuis's pool (Helens landlords- they have said they are happy for us to use the pool but we have been hesitant to invade their privacy too much.)  Arthur refused to wear any swimming vest and is gaining confidence in the water, which is great but means I had to be watching him the whole time as the pool is out of his depth!

This little frog is a superb swimmer and doesn't seem affected by the salt water in the pool.

When Helen came home from work she suggested that we should go to East Point, where there are barbeque facilities and a a playground beside a man-made lake.  It was a pleasant evening.  I love this weather!  Not everone agrees-  many find the humidity uncomfortable- but I really enjoy it.  After a swim and a barbeque we went to a cafe called "The Cool Spot" for dessert and coffee.

The car has continued to have some small problems.  The hose connected to the fuel pump has been coming loose repeatedly since we had it installed in Alice Springs.  Today the mechanic consulted a hose specialist.  They have concluded that the wrong type of hose was used, which softens when immersed in petrol.  They will replace it tomorrow.  Hopefully that will solve the problem!  The next stretch of our trip takes us through some remote areas with long distances between fuel stops. It would be comforting to know that we can rely on our petrol pump working, so Philip wants to stay in Darwin for a few more days in case there are any further issues.  Besides which, he hasn't visited the aviation museum yet...