Memories from Rachael, 36
Everyday
the click of the light switch and warm glow of light marks
the end of the workday and eases us into evening and rest,
a beacon to insects from far and wide, a single light in the
blackness. We always seem to have the welcome mat out to them.
Our
little cottage was a boundary rider's home in a previous life.
When we came back to my husband's family property to live
in 2003, the cottage was moved closer to the main homestead
and end of the power line, becoming a blank canvas for the
electrician who had cables like tentacles poking through holes
in the ceiling, running down the walls, bringing electricity
into our lives.
This
was a costly undertaking for our family at a financially difficult
time. While a priority, so too was buying in fodder and supplements
to feed stock during a period of drought. We also had power
connected to the shearing shed for the first time. Lights,
fans and music for shearers to improve working conditions
for them.
Similarly,
times were hard when power was first connected here. It was
a huge investment at the time, but worked out to be a wonderful
lifestyle and business decision. It wasn't just the expense
in getting the poles erected and the house wired. The gradual
purchase of electrical appliances was ongoing and started
with a fridge, freezer, a toaster and kettle. My husband has
strong memories of the constant drone of the generator prior
to the connection of power and of amazing silence afterwards.
It must have been a really exciting time for everyone.
It is easy to become
complacent and take for granted the difference that electricity
makes to life. The last people to live in this cottage, many
years ago, relied on carbide lights, kerosene fridges and
their own imaginations to keep themselves entertained; truly
a life based on the barest of necessities. How easy our lives
have become with washing machines and microwave ovens. If
only the walls could talk here – I am sure there would be
some tales to tell and maybe some tall stories from days gone
by. Thinking about advances like electricity makes me appreciate
the heritage of the early pioneers to the region and underpins
the culture of the people who choose to live here, even today.
One
of the things that I appreciate most about electricity, living
where we do, is the change it brings to communication. Nothing
can replace face-to-face chatter, however, to be able to type
away and send a message into cyberspace at any hour of the
day or night, catching up with family and friends all over
the world is fantastic. I am also able to telework from home
for my part time job, liberated from needing to spend time
travelling to and from town and staying in town overnight.
Our home computer makes off-farm employment a possibility.
This
year electricity has brought another change to our lives.
We had air conditioning installed. I still forget to turn
it on most of the time but really do appreciate being able
to get to sleep on hot nights and the pleasure of getting
into a bed without hot sheets. I wonder what the last occupants
of this cottage would make of air conditioning or any of the
other mod cons we are lucky enough to have.
I'm
curious about what the world has in store for our little boy.
At 19 months his life has been touched so much already by
electricity. What will it be like in 19 years or 90 years?
Electricity
also plays an important role in the closing ceremony of our
day.
Time
to send those bugs on their way.
Lights
out.
Click.
Goodnight!
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