housesitting part 1

i'd been aware of this lark via friends, etc
circumstances now dictate that this a viable option
low (no) cost accomodation, flexibility, adaptability
have registered on a web-site specific to housesitting
i.e. pay some dollars, advertise, browse, respond, engage, etc
and in passing mention to a few friends that this has happened
which in this case led to a phone-call - you serious about this?
...because i have some friends about to head off around australia
concerned about leaving their house and i mentioned you, etc, etc
a dinner was organised at the house in question to meet the people
conversation soon turned to - the neighbours are great
come and go as you like, make yourself at home, etc
i.e. no formal do you want the gig? - or - am i suitable?
nothing to sign, no money to change hands - just a set of keys
and so i find myself in official house-sitting job number 1
what a beauty - a house in the central coast hinterland
close to a train station on the main sydney/newcastle line
20 minutes walk along a dark, winding road uphill
to a house perched on a hill surrounded by gardens and bush
a swimming pool, citrus trees, herb garden, solitude
lawns the size of paddocks but a ride-on mower on site
ye olde house (12o years) lovingly restored and extended
large kitchen, rooms to get lost in, privacy, internet (ahem)
and owners now on the other side of this continent
rising at sun-up to do the tai-chi in the back yard
the best way to soak up the many and various bird sounds
while coffee brews on the large and old electric range
then pack the essentials for the commute to the city
a book, the mp3 player, laptop and off down the road
20 minutes downhill to the local train station
and a guaranteed seat (so-far) into the city
do the honours there during the working day
and all the time looking forward to the return journey
back to this oasis of a house i have been charged with
oh what a pleasure - housesitting
weekend 1 coming up
hope i don't get bored
but there are books to read
and lawns that need to be mowed
provisions to be replenished somehow
and a musical outing in sydney
so far...so good